We had another ambitious target today, one more mile! We’d identified a spot in Kings Langley that’s next to a playing field, which we thought would be right up Macc’s street. Everywhere is so busy with moored boats round here though that we wondered if we’d get a space — and because many of the boats appear to have been stationary for a while, it’s not as though gaps open up mid morning like they do in other areas. Anyway we set off about 9 as usual, with the two Nash Mills Locks to do just around the corner. Between them is a big development of flats and houses which were under construction when we came down here in 2011 and were still not finished in 2014.
Amazingly, when we reached Kings Langley there was a long space to moor in, so we took one end and left room for another boat behind. We’re opposite houses who’ve made varying efforts with their gardens; some are lovely, others have done nothing. Adrian walked along to the railway station to try to print some tickets for his brother (but couldn’t). After lunch we took Macc to the playing field where we had a great time. He found a big stick and ran huge circles while carrying it. Later I took a walk to have a look at Kings Langley High Street, which has a decent collection of shops including a butcher, a couple of bakers, and a couple of convenience stores.
As I’d headed over the footbridge, I’d seen the Jules Fuels boats coming up the lock, so Adrian flagged them down to top up our tank. We needed less than 50 litres, but we’d rather have it fuller than emptier and it’s nice to use the boats. The price was £1.41, which is pretty good at the moment, especially as the boats are often a little bit dearer.
I also went for a look at the Ovaltine Building. Only the facade remains, it’s all new flats behind.
1 mile, 2 locks. (78 miles, 98 locks)