Day 20 - Thursday January 4th - Stoke Bruerne to Soulbury 22 miles 1 furlong, 10 locks, 9 hours Weather - Fine initially, scattered light showers later
Set off from my mooring above the top lock at 7.05am, straight into the top lock which I had already prepared. Left the flight at 10.05am, somewhat later than anticipated after bumping into a friend at the bottom lock and chatting with him for 45 minutes. Cruised through the open countryside to Cosgrove lock, which was full. As I was approaching it somebody opened the gates for me, which was rather useful. He stayed and closed the offside gate when I was in, asking if I would leave the gates open when I left as he was about to bring his boat through. How can one fail to respond to a request like that ;-) Across the aqueduct and then the grind around Milton Keynes. Not my favourite stretch, although the bit between New Bradwell and Great Linford isn't too bad. Had to smile at the name on a wide beam moored in MK, made me think of Dave Hearnden - "Moose Drool". Passed Thorn and Persephone moored just before Peartree marina. Through Fenny Stratford lock by 3.25pm, then on to Stoke Hammond before mooring at the bottom of the Soulbury locks at 4.50pm. Went to the Three Locks in the evening at about 7.30pm only to be told they'd already stopped doing food. Didn't look overly inspiring anyway, only three other customers and not a great choice of beer. Abandoned that and went back to the boat to eat and drink. Terry Streeter NB Arun - Soulbury
