07-30 Above Denham Lock on the Grand Union

Wednesday 29th July: A bit brighter morning after a very quiet night on the Slough Arm with minimal noise from Heathrow or local railway line.  Have circumnavigated Heathrow over last few weeks back to our mooring in Reading and we have either been aware of aircraft taking off, landing or preparing for take off (possibly the worst noise as the ground tends to shake as well) ever since!
Had a clean up in bilges and and tightened stern gland  this morning before we set off back down the Arm.  Turned left off the branch having only seen two other boats moving while we were on the branch. Up to Cowley lock and used the services then through Uxbridge and its lock and on to Denham Deep lock (all eleven feet of it) and moored just above the lock close to the Country park.
Went out with the dogs after having lunch heading for the country park.  Bridie dived into lockside cafe for a couple of ice creams to eat on a sunny afternoon.  Within five minutes a black cloud arrived and it started to pour with rain luckily the visitor centre wasn't far and we were able to shelter from the worst.  After the clouds cleared we worked our way back to the towpath and an old crossover bridge and crossed the canal to walk by the lakes formed from old gravel workings.

Thursday 30th July: Happy Birthday Mel! Bridie said she didn't sleep too well because of the traffic noise (the M40 is only about half a mile away here) but otherwise it was a quiet mooring spot and she took the dogs on their before-breakfast walk this morning. It was nice and sunny so we decided to stay and explore some more later. But halfway through breakfast someone turned the lights out and we were running round shutting cratches and windows as it started raining again!  However it did clear up and we set off with the dogs for a walk through the country park to Denham village, listening to the church bells as we walked.  Eventually walking past the church

and into the village. After a general wander round we made our way to The Falcon

which had a quiet and pleasant garden area for lunch and refreshment!  Rather a protracted visit as I had to take my pie back which had not been heated at all (part frozen!) However very apologetic and replacement was excellent.  Then walked on down "The Pyghtle" to Denham station and watched a couple of local Chiltern Rail trains pass through.  Rather weird layout as station up in the air and platform 1 down to Birmingham has been rebuilt facing opposite side of trains to original platform.  Also original subway no longer accessible from Platform 1 and a bridge has been provided between 1 & 2.  Only infrequent trains stop here so we made our way back to PO passed the golf course and down the towpath.