Grand Union Canal:Marsworth

We are advised that the locks down from Marsworth to Bushes are locked overnight from 15:30 hrs until 08:30 due to vandalism, so we times our departure to avoid the early morning shutdown.  We had no problems except for a slipping pinion on the top gate offside paddles on lock 52.   It was a lovely sunshine clear blue sky morning.   By the time we got to Marsworth Locks it was clouding over and the wind was increasing making management of the boat difficult in a crosswind.  First the wind blows he boat to one side of the lock, then as it descends it bounces off the downwind side of the lock ad blows the boat back.   Roping the boat out of the lock which I do as a single hander there is a risk that the boat will blow away from the landing before the process of closing the lock gate is complete, thus requiring a formal departure, moor up and return to close the gate, all time wasting.   Anyway Marsworth bottom was reached with out major incident and the visitor moorings just to the right of the road bridge were free.   After lunch we had time for a stroll around the reservoir before the heavens opened.  The wind generator is doing sterling work today.  We tried the Angler’s Retreat for dining this evening, but due to staff illness we were disappointed.   Gemma cooked a lovely spaghetti Bolognese in compensation.  Very glad we decided to stop here in the event.  Tomorrow looks better in the morning.