Bishop's Stortford to Hunsdon Mill

Tuesday 8th August

I took Dex back to the vet in the morning. He has an infection, probably picked up swimming. So antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and eye drops were needed! He seemed a lot better today however.
We finally set off from Bishop's Stortford about midday.

 Through the first lock without any problems. My turn to steer! 

  More willows to try and avoid!

 Gorgeous looking apples on this tree near the lock. Could just reach out and pick one!

 Going down in the locks you have to take more care as there is a concrete ledge called a cill which is not visible until the water level drops. If the back of the boat were to get stuck on this, the front would end up tilting down into the water and it would eventually flood the boat and sink it. We have heard quite a few stories where this has happened.

 There is a white marker showing the edge of the cill so you know to keep your boat in front of this.

Soon after we passed near Thorley Wash Nature Reserve. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorley_Wash_nature_reserve

 There was a beautifully carved wooden owl. 

 

It was good to see this really helpful sign at the next lock. Nothing like keeping boaters updated! We have seen several like this on our journey!

Soon we were passing back through Sawbridgeworth. 

 I had to wait as there were 2 boats coming up in the lock. 

 I really liked these unusual looking trees which I had missed on our way to Bishop's Stortford. Actually it's amazing how much you see in the opposite direction, you spot things you had completely missed before.

We decided to moor back at Hunsdon Mill as it was getting late. We were just a few yards away from where we moored previously. There is a nice footbridge nearby and I took Dex for a walk whilst John cooked dinner.