08-19 Marsworth on the Grand Union

Wednesday 19th August:  Once Bridie had done a quick shop for milk and rolls in Whilstone Community Shop we set off up the 8 locks to the top of the arm.  Quite sunny for this part of the trip and we turn left onto the Grand Union after the staircase immediately stopping for water on the left.
Got rather splashed with wet cement dust down the side of the boat as they were cleaning windows and balconies on the new houses. Once topped up we moved on past a line of boats on the moorings that were empty last week. Had a fight to drop Bridie off at the next bridge hole to dispose of rubbish with a moored boat and fishing match in the way, as well as wind starting to prove to be a problem.  Went down the next two locks (38-37) and decided to moor just below as weather was deteriorating.  Rain arrived about 4pm and it was only 16 degrees inside the boat so we lit a fire to keep warm.  Note smoke from chimney!  Not sure what the air vent on hillside to left of picture is ?