21st Century here we come .

We took a stroll around Berkhamstead castle , there wasn't much of it left standing but we can forgive this as it was built in the 13 century.It did have a large ,deep and wet moat. As usual we spent most of this beautifully peaceful walk looking at the amount of fire wood left to rot! ,and shaking our heads.

We have dragged ourselves into the 21 st century, some kicking and screaming from Brian !
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Berkhamsted.

Very nice mooring here. Convenient for shops, brilliant craft shop, which sells wool ( hooray) .

Very interesting house across, possibly an old wharehouse? Never seen so many hanging baskets, looks like the whole house is busting at the seams with plants and flowers.

Tomorrow going to investigate the castle .
Really looking forward to the weekend when we'll get to spend some time with the children and catch up with their lives.
Spent the afternoon trying to drag ourselves into the 21st century , struggling ! , let you know more soon .

Bovingdon

Escaped the M25 magic circle and found a little bit of country side, with a few hills!
Cycled up to Berkhamstead last night to get some lime pickle for our Indian themed pasta dish.(I know sounds weird but watch master chef?)
Brian had a collision with a wasp, which stung him just under his eye!! ,he had to walk around supermarket looking like he had been in a fight. All ok now. Had an early morning walk before opening the shop, came back with a small harvest ,compote I think with icecream, yum yum.

Nearly north of Watford.

At last we're on the move, going to the North !
At Batchworth locks, stopped to fish for windlasses, Brian has sold out and we are down to our last two. He's too busy making Herons to make any,( not complaining though).Even managed to do five locks, moored in Watford at Cassiobury park.
Brian cycling into London tomorrow to deliver a tent to Frances, only 50 miles round trip.
Jane busy crochet bunnies which are addictive and seem to be breeding!

Hip hip hooray a new fridge freezer today.

At last the fridge freezer is onboard, fully plumbed in, and in prime position! Can't wait to get frozen foods , well ice cream really and of course the essential frozen peas.
This means we will be on our way again, new waters at last. It's strange but now we're on the move,
have even ichier feet than before. Off to Cambridge slowly.
Sarah, Neil, Noah and Reece came to visit on their way to Germany. The boys enjoyed steering the boat, it was nice to catch up on family news.So busy forgot to get any photo's.
Brian has sold another one of his beautiful Herons, and has another one on order.
I've been busy hooking baby Wilson's blanket, slippers and hat , really enjoyed making the hat, will do them in lots of different colours, now I've mastered the pattern.
Hopefully more to blog about now we are underway again.

32 Degrees

This weather is amazing, 32 degrees here in Harefield yesterday. Moored above Black Jack 's lock, managed to find a little shade for Brian to work in, he made a wonderful Heron , which is a nice quiet bird not like the peacocks which are living on a little island just across from us, very much heard but can't be seen! Wanted to get a photo but they are hiding in the bushes.
Lots of boats passing on their way to the IWA rally, started going by this morning at 5am!
We are staying here as our new fridge won't arrive until the 2nd of August! Struggling on with ours which is just about keeping things from going off!
Went to the local pub last night which is in a beautiful position looking over a lake with sailing boats, we are looking for some where nice to eat out, for our 25th wedding anniversary, can't believe it, time has flown by.

Hot!! at Rickmansworth

Moored above Stockers lock,  actually near a small hill, first one we've seen for a while.
Spent a couple of days with our friends Martin and Sue on Orinoco. Brian did a job for them he'd quoted for over 2 years ago, they were just about to ring us when we appeared as if by magic.
Moved up to Rickmansworth , hadn't remembered how nice this part of the Grand union was, with lots of connecting streams, pretty bridges and lots of lovely water Lilly's.
Got our " tackle out" ,as our friend Linda likes to say! Sales ok.
Only sad news our fridge has died on the hottest day of the year!!!, Brian has tried his very very best to keep it going but I'm afraid spending lots of money on a new one seems very likely.Better get selling my tackle quick!