To Marsworth

Boat now blacked. Met Deana from NB Nile, moored temporarily just beyond Cowroast. Filled water tank and sorted loo etc and then David cruised to Bulborne. I took car to Marsworth and then walked up to Bulborne to the top lock. On the way I met some people on NB Wirral Wanderer. Didn't recognise them so stopped to ask if the old guy still owned the boat. They told me he had died a couple of weeks ago. They were his daughter and her family who were sorting things out. Another boater has adopted his lovely cat. I expressed by sadness at hearing the news. I never knew his name but saw him often down at Berkhamsted last year and on this stretch more recently. RIP old guy. He was a real character, usually to be found on his stern reading and having a smoke. Now know his name was Tom Barry.

Walked on up to top lock and then steered whilst David did the locking. Moored up almost opposite Wirral Wanderer.

Seem to now have a problem with electrics. Batteries dodgy and alternator not working efficiently. Ah well, more expense. One thing after another. That's boating. Thank heavens for guys like Ed Boden, marine engineer, who are so available and so helpful.