Day 7 - Norton Junction to Crick

Tuesday 9th August

5 miles, 7 locks (Watford)

An hour cruise to Watford locks. Paul got excited as we passed Watford Gap services reminiscing about the time we hired a boat with Linda and Mark and climbed the fence to have a coffee there on his 53rd birthday.

Watford staircase

Got to Watford locks to find that there was over an hour wait to go up as they were bringing three boats down first. While we were waiting using the time to fill up with water a family who we had seen a couple of times before cruised up to the lock gate before reading the sign about booking your passage up with the lock keeper. They pulled in in front of us with no engine running as it kept cutting out. They were not happy with how the lock keepers were working the locks and could not see why they had to wait never mind jumping in front of us.

Side ponds on the staircase

Eventually started the ascent two single locks a staircase of four and a single lock. All very well kept and very enjoyable particularly using the side ponds.











After the locks and another hour or so cruising we hit Crick tunnel only to catch up with the same family who's engine had cut out in the tunnel. We passed them and towed them out.

Moored in Crick wandered into the village for supplies and visited the church which was huge but not very decorative.

Wandered to village again later. Had a drink in the Wheatsheaf and Red Lion finishing at The Moorings before heading back to boat for dinner.