We have arrived at Great Linford. Milton Keynes. Exiting traffic at Linslade Lock gave us a quick locking, but further on at Three Locks Pat needed to fill all of them. We adopted our usual plan for her to go ahead, open a gate for me, then walk round and secure the opposite gate which will always open due to the piston effect of the boat entering the lock. I close my gate and then we both walk forward to open our respective bottom paddles. The boat has been secured to a rear bollard to stop it running forward. Pat then goes on to prep the next lock while I switch the rope to a centre bollard to stop it running back onto the cill. When the lock is ready, the opposite paddle is closed and one gate opened and its paddle dropped ready for me to rope the boat out. If you get the timing right you can close the gate as the boat moves slowly by under its inertia, then walk down the steps and step aboard.
The adjacent pub looks a real mess still. 
The "garden" is just a mass of tall weeds, the buildings need a coat of paint and the inside is basic to say the least. Last time we were here, we had one pint and made a quick exit. Seems such a shame for this prime location. 
In contrast, Stoke Hammod Lock is beautifully maintained with cut grass and flowers. I noticed that this lock garden is sponsored by Wyvern Shipping - good for them. Could not other locks be similarly sponsored?
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