Waltham Town lock to Stonebridge

4th June 2014

It's raining!!!  Both Susan and Pete seem a bit fed-up with that and put on their wet weather gear.  Mazey has her waterproof coat on too.

Pete says that Springfield Marina are fully booked so no space for us to stay there tonight.  We will have to stop at Stonebridge.

After Waltham Town lock most of the locks from here to Tottenham are either partial or fully automatic.  Don't forget your british waterways key to operate them.  Whilst Pete fills me up with water, Susan heads off to McDonalds and comes back with two large cappuccinos.

Susan sees more Coots along the river.  One family have nested at the stern of a boat.  Susan says that this boat does not appear to have been moved in a long time.

Coot family nesting at the stern of a boat

At Rammey Lock, Susan and Pete help 2 motorboats into the lock.  One of the gentleman was Irish, 84 years of age and had lots of chat.  Susan was so amazed, he only looked like 64.  They were off to watch England play a friendly football match tonight and planned to moor up in Cheshunt.  They were both looking forward to a few pints.  Two of the paddles were not in operation.  Susan commented that these have been out of action for nearly 1.5 years.........

Enfield lock is approached by passing a row of old terrace cottages.  The towpath is littered with many meadow flowers and poppies.  Both Susan and Pete feel that the paddles are now getting harder to wind-up.  Susan tells Pete that her hand is hurting.

Terraced cottages at Enfield

Enfield Lock

A fisherman at Ponders Lock tries to block my access to the lock, until Pete tells him that his wife and dog cannot get off the other side due to uncut vegetation.  He reluctantly moves his very long fishing pole out of my path.  This is a double-lock.  One is automated and the key is hard to turn.  I am happy to go through the automated one.  Susan manages the control panel successfully despite not having her reading glasses with her.

Ponders Lock

Automated Panel

Pickett's lock is manual.  There is a Bounty Ransom Box here by the lock-side bungalow.  It states there is a ransom for using the lock.  Susan and Pete knew this from last time they came through here but have forgotten to get the Bounty bars......  no-one is around so we escape without a penalty....  Lots of large pylons can be seen now which Susan says ruins the pretty countryside.

Pickett's Lock Access

Bounty bar ransom notice for using the lock

We moor up in Stonebridge by 2:00 pm in torrential rain!!  Susan cooks Pete a smelly chilly and finishes off the ironing.  I am resting now for the night as I know that tomorrow is going to be a very long day to London, Paddington.

Total 6.5 miles and 5 locks