Rickmansworth Festival 2016 ~ and return 5 miles, 10 locks

So, you may ask, 'was it worth 179 miles and 119 locks in 2 weeks?

Our pair moored and ready for the weekend. 

Early morning on Saturday, the shop is open and we brace ourselves for bad weather and a low turnout of visitors

The Village Butty next to us prepares for teas, coffees, soup and other refreshments and a place to sit out of the weather in good company

After good sales, considering the low footfall, on the Saturday, Sunday began by basking every boat in sublime sunshine

The tug of war ( a challenge of engine prowess) between some of the more competitive boat owners with running commentary  

More boats arrive 

An element of carnage and confusion as the competing boats and non competing boats give way to each other on this wide section of Frogmore Wharf

More hustle and bustle but everyone seems to be loving the competition.

Afterwards, I had been asked to receive a prize on the bridge for 'Best Dressed Boat' ~ a bottle of Prosecco!

Alice serves at her counter on the Village Butty

People looking at our stall in the butty.

Overall, we would like to thank Chris Bennett (who encouraged us to apply for a trading slot) and everyone involved in organising a fabulous festival.  There were all sorts going on all around the town but mainly in the aquadrome park next to the canal, where performers played and stall holders sold, not forgetting the fairground rides!

This morning, we had a late start to our return journey ~ 11am!!

Leaving Rickmansworth behind for beautiful countryside at Croxley Green

Approaching the tranquil setting of the 2 Cassiobury Park locks 

Locks finished for the day and hopefully a mooring beyond the bridge at Hunton Bridge

Lots of bonkers boaters out there ~ we love your originality!

We managed to get moored up, after doing 10 locks, just in time for the most dramatic hail and thunder storm we had experienced for a long time....