Tuesday 15th July

Left Fenny Stratford at 8.30 and immediately had to pass through a 1'1" lock. I believe that it is to try to keep the water in the long pound above the lock. There is also a swing bridge in the middle of the lock. An interesting design as there is no road on the other side of the bridge but a passing boater told us that as it had always been kept in the closed position bureaucracy will not allow it to be left open.

We then arrived at the pretty Stoke Hammond lock. It was once doubled to speed up the traffic. The duplicate lock was filled in long ago but its bridge arch remains.

Another boat caught up with us so we did the 3 Soulbury locks together which was useful. This boat had a lovely garden. We don't have a land garden with lots of flowers never mind a one on the boat!

Some artists were making the most of the fine weather.

We reached Linslade at 1pm. We had read that there are very few mooring spaces for visitors. Other spaces are for 2 hours to allow shopping at the adjacent Tesco. Luckily there are 3 spaces before Bridge 114 and we secured the last one. This allows 14 days in a year. We only want one night.

Tuesday is Laundrette day again and we found an excellent one 5mins. walk from the boat. One of our blog readers requested a photo (you know who you are!) so here are two. It was very efficient and clean but you certainly had to watch which bag was yours!

We are moored next to a boat called "Grace" and we have agreed to go up the locks together tomorrow which should make life easier.