Leighton Buzzard to Marsworth

28 July - Day 4 of our plot to London

Up at 6.30 breakfast and a Skype conversation with Clara. Vicki went off to post postcards and do another bit of shopping and rubbish disposal etc.

Flag was flying nicely this morning in wind

At 8.30 we moved off with our lock buddies on Dorinda, not every lock in our favour but we worked our way through 9 before stopping for lunch just past bridge 126 at Pitstone.

Pete still spotting treasures

 Only one small incident in the mornings run, while moving up to a lock Mary on the tiller of Dorinda was hit by a sudden gust of wind  [narrowboats are very susceptible to crosswinds being shallow draft and flat bottomed] Mary ended up across the canal and Rodger had to jump on and save the day.
As he walked past me when all was well I asked him how she was [she needs a whiskey he said].
I thought I can do that and as she stopped beside me in the lock I handed her a small one, I have made a friend for life.

 This was where Mary lost Dorinda in trees

 More treasures

After lunch we moved on thru 2 more  locks to Marsworth and retired to the Red Lion for a drink which nearly turned to tears as it didn't open until 5pm and it was only 4.30 so a quick wander around All Saints with some locals was a good way to waste half an hour.

Last 2 locks had a boat at top just starting descent so we allowed them to come 

through first so not to waste water. Ponds were very low.

 Entering Marsworth Village, first mention in records is 975

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsworth

 All Saints Church, Marsworth - 15th Century

http://www.cmmbells.org.uk/Marsworth/History.html

 The Red Lion - didn't open until 5pm - 17th century freehouse

http://www.redlionmarsworth.co.uk/

 View for night in Marsworth, another sad view, 

Clouds disappearing what will the weather be tomorrow

Dinner on board more locks tomorrow.

TOTAL - 9 miles, 11 locks and 1 swing bridge and 1 load washing and waterfill