Original post 23/06/08
Day 17
Late start today as we only planned to go as far as the Globe. Hadn't topped up the fuel tank since Reading and knowing how hard we had been forced to punch the flow of the Thames I was keen to top up again and see what we had used.
Milton Keynes marina was the first services so we turned in and approached the fuel landing. It all seemed very quiet. I had managed to get far enough into the marina to make getting out awkward when a chap called out from a boat that they were shut on mondays. Pooh!
Never mind, managed to turn without hitting anything and we set off towards Willowbridge.
At Fenny Stratford lock, Nora kept asking....."whats the point of it?" well, its a lock, and it has a swing bridge across it, and, well, what is the point of it?
We took on 69 litres of the red stuff at Willowbridge at I think 86ppl. We shared the first two of the Soulbury three with a boat who were going to wind above the 2nd lock and as we were coming up the third, a chap waiting to come down mentioned he had almost bought Lady Elgar a couple of years ago. It turns out he is a forum member and we chatted for a short while about his Harbourgh boat...one of my favourite hulls they are, So Globetrotter a pleasure to meet you sir. Hope you manage to find out more info on the old girl.
Our destination finally approached and I was hoping that we wern't too late to get a mooring as ive never been here before when it hasnt been packed with boats. Imagine my surprise when, We came under the bridge and not another boat in sight, we had a choice of the whole length. yes folks, MY CAMERA NEVER LIES.
A short afternoon siesta and showered and dressed saw us plonked at our table in the Globe. Food as always was absolutly fantastic. There are no words to add. The Ale was good too.
We think so far The Admiral Nelson and The Globe have been the best eating spots, The Boat at Stoke B was also excellent but was very arty and a totally different type of eating house. The Wharf?.....well, just go along for amusment value really, not for culinary delight.
Nora did hear one bloke at the Globe tonight ordering a bar meal moaning....He was telling the barman that it was a right rip off selling the same weight Sirloin Steak as the same weight Rump Steak for £2 dearer......well you dont have to order it!...nobber.
Long day tomorrow...hope to get to the Wendover arm for a Barbie.....nighty night
2 comments:
What a beautiful place to moor up, and how lovely the LE looks. I sometimes think I should give up the struggle to keep living in Holland where I still don't speak the language all that well and come back to the UK and buy a narrowboat.
Your trip also sounds much like the boaters good pub food guide...nice to know for the future holidays I dream of taking ;-)
How long is the LE. Isn't it quite difficult to turn in around in these small basins?
Hey val.
Take my advice and stay in Clog land.....we have the boat safety scheme and British Waterways licence and outrageousmooring prices you could ever imagine in europe.....having said that, the waterways are lovely.
My neighbour HERBIE got in into revueing pubs and grub ....he does a yearly Herbie good grub and beer virtual guide
Lady Elgar is 60 foot and will only turn in full length winding holes......full length being 72 foot.....Fancy a swap?
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