Uxbridge

 Today's Canal - Grand Union

We were a little later leaving than the past few days - mainly because Mike failed to complete yesterday's blog after the evening meal!

When we did leave it was still largely dry but very grey and the wind was gradually building.

Not far and we passed the derelict building at the former Springwell Chalk Pits. For a long time, the end of the steelwork has been decorated by a very large cuddly toy but it has gradually weathered and looks very sad. Recently, more intrepid climbers have added a new bear to the other end of the building. The building is not on the early OS maps but an aerial photo from 1949 does show it.

We said yesterday that a standard orange lifeboat no longer qualifies for an Unusual Boat - too many of them! - but this one has crept in. An unusual conversion, assuming that the surrounding structure is permanent and that it is eventually released from the floating dry dock!

Many of the wide beam boats we have seen in the last couple of days do appear to be on their second or third - or more - owner - which prompted the question about what happens when they come to the end of their usable life. This one appears to be heading to the scrap breakers. But who knows? Perhaps it will become someone's project boat!

Wood Hall & Hereward are a long established canal based contractor, particularly well known for towing and other support facilities. They used to have quite a few boats at a base near Springwell but the site now looks very quiet. They also own the branch of the River Colne that used to be called Sewerage Farm Marina but now seems to be home almost entirely to old working boats and barges.

The attractive tea room at Black Jack's Lock is gradually getting back into business - there were a few customers today, despite the off-putting weather.

On the long straight section through Harefield we saw the crossing point for HS2. Although we could hear some rather noisy equipment, very little could be seen over the high defensive panels. Tight security around the site perimeter was very obvious.

To one side of the main crossing site, a new electricity distribution pylon was under construction. One side of the cables on the existing pylon have been removed.

Denham Deep justifies its name. It was empty so first had to be filled. Emptying again took a while as only one bottom gate paddle was operational.

Just below the lock is a small boat repair business. Its more well known facility is the floating dry dock.

The storm was gradually arriving and by the time we neared Uxbridge a very heavy and protracted shower arrived. We were uncertain about finding a mooring close to the town centre so pulled in just before a ling line of moored boats above the lock. It was time for lunch and a chance to dry out.

Later, Andrew walked into the town centre - it is fair to say that he was not overly impressed! However he did suss out the moorings and certainly we will stay put for tonight, moving down to the visitor moorings (most of which are occupied) below the lock tomorrow. We plan to meet up with Ellie as soon as she can catch an underground train from East London. We will then see how the rest of the day pans out but we need to be placed to be at Thames Lock for 7.15 am on Sunday!

We have also booked for the Basingstoke Canal - entry on Tuesday morning. We have still work out the detailed timings to get there in time!

5.5 Miles - 5 Locks