I have Dan with me today and tomorrow. He joined the boat yesterday afternoon. He first came on the boat approximately 22 years ago with his wife and children when Pat and I took them from Limehouse to Paddington. The children are all grown up now and Dan retired recently. He settled in to the locking routine very quickly, so we made excellent progress arriving at Bulbourne prcisely at pub opening time. I visited the Grand Junction Arms several years ago when it was a traditional old, rather run down place. It has since had a makeover and has developed its garden with multiple tables and a really attractive covered garden bar with decent dining options covered by welcoming staff. It was crowded. Dan and I enjoyed a couple of pints and a simple lunch. Perfect. Then we re-joined the boat and tackled the 7 descending Marsworth locks. There were no welcoming volunteer lock-keepers, the grass is uncut and the whole flight just looked rather neglected. However, Dan had the routine off from the word go and in 2 hours from the pub we had reached the bottom. Dan is a star and deserves congratulation. It has been very hot with very little breeze and full sun, so a nap is called for. I expect we will retire to the Red Lion later for something to eat (and maybe a drink even). 
Comments