Back in the leafy green

Trip Start Apr 03, 2011

Trip End Sep 12, 2011

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Flag of United Kingdom Waltham Abbey, England, United Kingdom
Thursday, April 7, 2011

Left the marshes after breakfast and headed north. The Lee navigation is much wider than I remember. I suppose it is river in lots of places, joined with a few bits of canal here and there. The locks are still double ones and some of the gates are really heavy - not that I shifted any but just watching Bryan struggle occasionally gave the game away. He had some relief as some locks were paired, a manual with an electric alternative. We used an electric lock twice and manual once where we had the choice. The last electric one we used at Stonebridge wouldn't let us out. We found a helpful man who said he knew where the reset button was but that didn't work then the cavalry arrived in the shape of a BW man who went into his little office, pushed a few buttons and released us. We stopped after that to fill up with water and have showers at the facilities block. We were advised not to fill with water while using the shower as the water came from the same source and wouldn't flow very well

Drying the washing boating style

. So we took his advice and Bryan went off to have a shower, advising me to use our one on board afterwards as it was better. Then we filled with water - it took ages, so I prepared lunch and we ate it and still the tank wasn't full so we gave up and moved on. Arrived in Waltham Abbey just before 5. 9 miles and 7 locks. A quick trip to the shop to get milk while Bryan watered the flower boxes then I went off looking for the picnic area where the Gault family en mass had a fantastic picnic 5 years ago (Mel was hung over at the time so didn't remember much about it). Was upset to find that it has disappeared. Some of it is now overgrown and the rest of it has vanished into part of some sort of arena for the Olympic games!!! How dare they?
Friday 8th April
Had a busy morning doing a bit of spring cleaning and washing. Hung the washing out to dry in the sunshine then John and Simone arrived from Islington and we all went out and had a lovely lunch in town. Popped into Waltham Abbey church and noted the very ornate ceiling - with signs of the zodiac all over it. Not what you would expect to find in a church. Had a stroll up the high street which is pedestrianised then went back to Charis for a drink. The men had a snooze and Simone and I went for a stroll and took Maisie for a swim in the river. More refreshment and we waved J and S off home. The plan for tomorrow is that I will go visit the wool shop first thing in the morning as I have a new project in mind then we will top up the batteries on Charis then I will go spend some time with Mel at home leaving Bryan and Maisie to do their own thing for a few hours.
Saturday 9th April
I walked into Waltham Cross this morning and caught the bus to Bush Hill Park and spent the day with Mel and Alex helping them to convert their store room/office into a nursery. Alex did stirling stiff with an allen key putting together furniture and Mel and I spent most of the time sorting "stuff". I practically filled an almost empty recycling bin with empty boxes etc. Still, we achieved a lot and Alex and Mel drove me home and Alex went back home to put together the cot/bed. Bryan had a quiet day with Maisie, topping up batteries and doing other odd jobs and preparing a delicious meal for us for when I got home. Church in the morning, though don't know where yet, then possibly move further on towards Hertford.

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