Grand Union Canal: Lot Mead Lock

We must be mad!  I have an appointment in Watford, so decided to take the boat and make a weekend of it.   We have done this before without too much trouble at this time of the year.  However, first the boat has to be de-winterised which takes a couple of hours, flushing out the water system and filling the tank.  The boat was cold, but at least the batteries were up at 100% thanks, perhaps, to the wind charger which is still operating perfectly in spite of all the terrible weather, gales and all.   Got the stove going and slowly things warmed up.   So it was almost midday before we set off.    The pound was down so the bows were aground and needed pulling off.  Rounding the corner a boat had just left Widewater leaving the gate open, so thaty was easy.   C&RT wwere working on Black Jacks Lock repairing the top gates.         Were we asked to give them 20 minutes and we were on our way.   The next pound/reach is the River Colne which was running well, needing 1800 revs to make decent headway and approaching Coppermill Lock, the expected cross flow by the bridge was much as usual, but the upper sluice was open and this was vicious, turning the boat right across the canal and just missing collision with the left bank.  These gates were open for us as were those at every lock further on.   Stopping at Tesco for shopping as is the custom, the rain started and the wind turned cold.   Rather unpleasant, hence the feeling that we shouldn't really be here.    Batchworth had both gates open and the crosswind, though not fierce, makes the boat change sides in the lock causing rapid change of mind as to which gate to exit.   More strong flows above.   Lot Mead was waiting with both gates open, so the same.   There were four boats moored above, but still space near the railway bridge.   Trains don't bother us, we are railway-persons after all.  Glad to get in out of the cold.  Must be getting soft!