Tree Down at Nash Mills

We awoke to a cold dark windy morning and still raining.   By the time we had finished breakfast and dressed in full cold/wet weather gear the sun was making a show, but the wind was bitter.  At Nash Mills we were met by the local BW lengthsman who advised us that a tree was down and blocking the canal.   There is a line of willows on the offside above Nash Mills top lock that have long been partly obstructing the canal.  They are the responsibility of the council, so the Council has been informed we are told, but also the BW contractors in case the Council are not quick enough.  The boat in the picture suffered some damage to the hatch and side.   It could have been worse.  Finally, at around 1 pm, the contractors had winched the tree far enough out for us to pass.  Two opposite direction boats were also waiting.   We pressed on, most gates being against us and finally reached Berkhamsted at about 5:30.  The day had been marked by repeated heavy snow/hail showers and was getting colder.