Time for a break

We wandered into Watford on Thursday and did a bit of shopping, nothing exciting, my usual round of the charity shops found me a skirt and a pair of brand new jeans. Our visit to Maplin resulted in the purchase of a solar powered torch, down to half price so not a bad buy. Apart from that we didn't do a lot, Friday was washing day which always takes an age with my little twin tub. If I win the lottery I'm having a boat with enough space and power to have an automatic!

We went for lunch at Bob and Babs on Saturday, I think Ray chose Saturday so he could watch the QPR match on the tele. We had a good catch up on the chat and a nice lunch, Bob kindly gave us a lift back to Rousebarn bridge so we didn't have as far to walk back.  I tried out my solar torch on the way back along the towpath, definitely easier than our wind-up one.

Today we did the trip down to Batchworth moorings, we have had one eye on the weather for a few days. so far there hasn't been any sign of ice but the forecast isn't very good. At least we are now within walking distance of everything we need if the freeze does come. It isn't forecast to be a long spell of cold weather anyway. Compared to the past few days there seemed to be quite a few boats on the move, most were just heading for the waterpoints to fill up in case they got frozen in but there were a couple who were actually travelling.

We will be on the stretch between here and Bull's Bridge until mid March as the various lock closures mean that Batchworth is the furthest north services that we can reach until then.

Today's journey 3.8 miles and 4 locks

This year we have travelled 28.7 miles, 55 locks and 2 swing bridges

In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks,  55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2107.2 miles, 1815 locks, 111 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 71 tunnels