Waltham Abbey to Victoria Park, London

Friday 11th August.

We set off early as we knew it would be a long day. We also had to fill up with water and get pumped out along the way. I started off steering but as there were a lot of locks we would share the work.

 I liked the trellis on this boat!

Soon we were passing back through Enfield. I saw that the boat called clean sweep still hadn't managed a clear up!

 Back through Enfield Lock

 This was the stretch of river that I had to previously walk along to fetch the key that John left at the lock! I was glad he was walking it today and I was cruising along.

 The scenery was getting ever more Industrial as we got nearer to London.

Soon I was approaching the lock at Ponders End. No leaving the key behind today!

It's amazing how many different boats you see in all sorts of shapes, sizes and decor!

 Loved the name of this boat!

 And this one - the cockney sparrow! 

We carried on through Alfie's lock. 

On through Tottenham. 

We got pumped out and filled up with water at the Lea Valley Marina. 

Then on our way again for the final stretch to Victoria Park. 

 It looked like everyone had finished work early on a Friday afternoon as the pubs were packed!

 We could see the Olympic park in the distance. 

 I was a bit worried about this dog on the side of this boat but happy to report that she didn't fall in!

 My turn to do the last few locks. We were able to share with the boat that had the greyhound.

 I think this is my all time favourite boat name! 

 Check out the heads!! 

After this we spent 3 hours going up and down the Hertford and Regent's canals looking for a mooring space. It was totally packed, they were moored 2 deep everywhere. We were starting to give up hope and we were both getting tired and irritable. It was really quite stressful as we didn't fancy the thought of having to return to the river Lea to moor as that would have taken another hour back through 3 locks. Then we got lucky as a boat moved off and we were able to squeeze in! Yippee! Finally moored about 7pm. 

We were so tired it was all we could do to walk Dex and get something to eat. But we had arrived! We would be staying in Victoria Park for the next few days, catching up with family and friends.