D Day!!! Leaving Roydon Marina after mooring throughout the winter (bad gales). The on-board family (Pete, Susan and Mazey) have been very busy since we last chatted. Susan has had carpal tunnel surgery and Mazey has now recovered from her Mast Cell tumour. Pete has been supporting both of them during this stressful time. There have also been many family and friend jaunts during this time too. I have had extended trips along the beautiful River Lea and Stort in the summer. The family have been away for quite a lot of the time, leaving me alone amongst my other Roydon Marina narrowboat mates.
Now though I am excited to get going.... it is a pretend escape as I know that the family have commitments which mean we cannot travel yet on our new adventure to the Kennet and Avon until 30th April. In the interim though we will be cruising the River Lea and Stort again.... No hardship as so pretty.
There was a lot of discussion from 'the family' about which direction to take once through Roydon Marina Lock. In the end, it was agreed that Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve nr. Ware would be a great location. A couple of points to mention about this journey: many large evil looking logs had to be circumnavigated... Stanstead lock is still vicious... resulting in many items on the inside of me being violently thrown onto the floor (books, candles, drawers, fire extinquisher). This lock needs to be respected and dealt with slowly!!!
Susan mentions that all electrical appliances such as the toaster and kettle are no longer to be used and need to be put away. She mentions about 'how long' it takes for the gas kettle to boil.... Also, internal lights get switched off early and water is used sparingly..... Susan says "It's the joy of boating".... Susan also says "This cruising takes a while to get used to again. Especially after being so busy". She is finding it difficult to slow down and stop... Pete is fine..
CR&T are working on the towpath at Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve. We find a space to moor. Mooring pins cannot be used here as there is a large underground gas pipe along the towpath. Signs warn people not to use pins.
Pete puts away his winter clothes and gets out his summer shorts!!!! Susan tells him that it's a bit premature..... He also checks my weed hatch and finds many small snails and bugs nestling inside..... yuk!!
Lots of mating going on in the river..... looks a bit frightening as if the female will drown.
Back at Roydon Mill from 5th April to 10 April.... Susan and Pete do a few interior repairs and Pete washes me down. Mazey gets groomed too.
15 April: we head off again. This time in the direction of Bishop's Stortford. We stay overnight in Hunsdon Mead, above the lock. Susan and Pete spend hours photographing the Orange Tipped butterflies that are settling near me.
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| Hunsdon Mead Mooring - above lock |
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| View Above Hunsdon Mead Lock |
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| Emerging - Orange Tipped Butterfly |
16 April: Hunsdon Mead to Sawbridgeworth. On the way, after filling me up with water, my prop gets tangled with a duvet wrapped in a plastic black bag at Harlow Lock. My engine cuts out in the middle of the river. Thankfully, a family help pull me back to the bank so that I can get detangled, using their canoe to drag my rope to the towpath. Pete and Wayne help cut it away from my prop - it takes a long time. Meanwhile, Susan and Pete chat to the lovely family and then show them around... We head off with lots of 'Thank yous".
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| Exiting Harlow Lock |
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| My weed hatch |
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| Rescued duvet |
We continue our journey and end up mooring in Sawbridgeworth. Although a lovely spot, this mooring requires agile crew members to climb up onto the embankment. Sadly, as Mazey is let out for her last night-time walk, she misjudges the distance, as it is very dark and she ends up falling in.... Pete rescues her. Susan insists that we move to other safer moorings in the morning. Mazey was very shaken (so was Susan) and she starts to shiver violently... Pete gets the fire going and they all sit up till late trying to warm her up. She lays in bed next to Susan all night and has lots of cuddles. After several hours she stops shivering and falls asleep. Poor puppy!!!
Total 5 miles and 6 locks
19 April - Easter Saturday: Cruise to Tednambury Lock then turn around to head back to Hunsdon Mead. All quiet on the river and towpaths today.
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| Hallingbury Mill |
20 April - Easter Sunday: Move a short distance today to below the lock and closer to Roydon Lock. This stretch of river has become very busy since last year!!! Hard to find a space to moor here now. Late last night and this morning, I get a thorough plankton clean-up by the obliging local water fowl. Susan says it sounds like a pneumatic drill inside "peck, peck, peck" in fast bursts.
Total 1 mile and 1 lock
21 April - Easter Monday: It is warmer outside today and chilly on the inside according to my family. Susan and Pete head off for a family 'Egg Hunt' in Waltham Abbey. Mazey and I have a rest today.
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| The Bartley Egg-hunt |
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| Roydon Lock - raining again! |
23 April to 24 April: Susan on a spa-break with her sister. Roslin Beach Hotel nr. Southend. Mazey, Pete and I chill out for a few days in Roydon Mill.
Once Susan back on the boat in the evening, I get moved to Roydon Marina. Getting ready now for the big adventure. Lots of shopping, cleaning and sorting out to be done before we finally leave the marina. The car goes to their friends' home in Upminster where it will stay until we return from our next adventure.
Total 1 mile and 1 lock
