07-24 Near Horsenden Hill on Paddington Arm of the Grand Union canal

Thursday 23rd  July:  A fitful nights sleep in anticipation of our trip today exacerbated by a number of boats going through the locks about 5am. Very pleasant morning sunny with little wind.

After walking the dogs talked to crew of nb City Slicker moored in front of us, who was already making ready to leave.  He was also heading for Brentford and he used to moor on the tideway just outside Brentford lock and was advising leaving earlier than the lock keeper suggested, so that he would arrive on slack water for the turn in.  We followed him into the lock at which point four other narrow boats all followed suit.  The lock keeper grumbled a bit at this, but  we notified Thames VTS (Port of London Authority) by phone at 7:10 and we exited onto the tideway about 7:30.  Had a great trip down with minimal breeze and generally warm (for the time of day!) turning into Brentford Thames lock

at about 8:40 when I notified PLA of our arrival. We were the third boat arriving at the lock and had to wait for the first two to clear.  Once into the Grand Union from the Gauging lock it was evident that water levels are low and weed is prevalent. With five of the six narrow boats heading for the flight of ten locks up to Bulls Bridge we paired up and set to, to climb the flight.  Heavy gates and stiff paddles prevailed and it was not plain sailing - a discussion took place as to the merits of returning to the Thames - word came from the lock volunteers that three boats were aground in a pound behind us - we had thought they were low!   At the top of the flight we stopped for services and said our goodbyes then proceeded onwards turning right onto the Paddington arm at Bulls Junction.  Not exactly pleasant country and far too much litter floating about and the bottom too close to the top for comfort! Levels appear to be down by at least six inches. We finally moored up about 4:30pm  almost half way to Paddington with a golf course on our offside.  Weather forecast for tomorrow is wet so we will probably stay here for a second night at least after a nine hour day today.

Friday 24th July: Raining this morning and all day sometimes torrential and able to watch the canal level recover dramatically today.  Stayed where we were not so many cyclists today and the towpath was so wet and puddles so big it looked little different from the canal!  Had a chill out day and the dogs did not get much exercise!