We meet a film star on our way from Grove to Marsworth

5.27 miles, 4hrs 35mins, locks 10

We were glad to be in a comparatively sheltered place last night - it was a bit blowy! We woke to rain which began to ease off towards 12 noon so we got going!

A few locks ahead of us today as we want to go down towards Aylesbury tomorrow on the arm. Church lock  has a small 14th century chapel beside it - services are no longer held there unfortunately.

Church Lock
  Church Lock
John was doing the locks today so I had the easy job of trying not to bash the boat Slow and surely, that's me!

Above Slapton there was a fishing boat moored. The chap on board said it was built in the 1930s and asked us if we wanted to buy it - ha ha!

Fishing boat

The Whipsnade White Lion Camera 12 on Dunstable Downs can be seen from the Horton area, cut in 1935 it is over 480 foot long. The grey day did not do it justice - nor my photographic skills.

After Horton lock we paired up with a hire boat for the next few locks. Following another boat up, I walked on to help them only to guess that the man on the boat had something to do with Save Our Waterways (SOW) - he had a fleece with the logo on! John though he knew who it was as yes he was subsequently proved right! (more later)

Who should we meet exiting Ivanhoe top lock (33) but a film star. Banstead - Camera 12 was used in the film The Bargee (1964 and starring Harry H Corbett and written by Galton and Simpson of Steptoe and Son fame). Now proudly owned by a nice young couple they were on their way to Braunston for some repairs.

We disturbed one or two fishermen today - fishing too near locks and one just after the swing bridge. Unfortunately if they are too close to theses structures it makes things difficult when being dropped, waiting for locks and picking up too.

 Our companions moored up after lock 36 and the swing bridge. we carried on the next two locks and were rewarded with some sunshine - just to cheer us as we moored above lock 38 behind the "SOW" boat!

Lock 36 Marsworth Locks

John disappeared to chat to them and yes, it was David who had given him a lift to a SOW meeting a while ago. They had a natter about pertinent things - John is no longer involved with SOW, just a member.

So now it is roast turkey leg and veggies, followed by apple crunch and then a glass of something to end the day.

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