Black Jack’s Lock, Harefield to Kings Langley Wides.

Travelled 10.24 miles, worked 16 locks in a time of 7 hours 5 minutes.

We left our mooring at 9.30 am on a bright and sunny Easter Morning. There was a little ice on the canal and frost on the grass, so a perfect day for having a long cruising day. For us this was the start of the trip north in earnest. We need to get to Braunston first to get our fridge/freezer fixed and then it is onward north, so long days are expected.
At Copper Mill Lock we paired up with NB Bodica and her owner Andrew, he very kindly waited for us.

We left Copper Mill behind with Andrew following, he got held by by a widebeam across the canal, but caught us up at the next lock.

Spring seemed to have sprung, Coots were nesting and the Drakes were trying to drown the Mallards. How quickly it has come around again.

Below Stokers Lock saw this stunning parrot in the window of a boat, the bird was chatting away whilst bouncing up and down in the window.

I also spotted a Lion in hiding.
Rickmansworth was heaving with boats as usual, we had no plans to stop as there was nothing open, even the Tesco car park was empty.

We said “Cheerio” to Andrew at Lock Mead Lock and I thanked him for his company. I ducked down into the back cabin to start cooked some spicy chicken for dinner, which was then put into the stove to simmer away for the afternoon.

We met and passed Pisces at Common Moor lock.

We passed Les and Jaqueline on NB Valerie above Cassio Wharf Lock.

I do so love Cassiobury Park.
Lunch was eaten on the run and coffee and biscuits were dished up to keep the energy levels up because by the time we reached Home Park Lock, I was beginning to flag a bit.

Before mooring up on the Kings Langley Lock wides, we passed Stein and Jacquie on NB Like Ducks 2 Water.

We had both done our bit for the day and so mooring up at 4.35 pm was a long enough day, especially for me working the 16 double locks. I have a feeling I may well sleep well tonight. Before closing the boat up to the world, Paddy got a much needed brush, he has been moulting such a lot this past couple of weeks that his hair has been falling out in clumps. Once brushed I put the hair in the hedge for the birds to use for nesting. Such a wonderful day and so many lovely things seen. Cormorants, Red Kite, Kingfisher etc, there is no better way to spend Easter Day. We did see others on the move as well.