Ivinghoe here we come

10 locks / 4^1/₂ miles.

Peter, the coal and diesel man was on time this morning and caught us before we had time for breakfast. We took on another 40 litres which was less than I had anticipated but it’s good to keep the tank topped up.
We eventually pulled the pins and had another windy day to contend with. At the BW yard at Marsworth Junction we stopped to drop off rubbish and had a trial run with our self pump out gear. After some trials and tribulation we think we have now mastered the beast.

Noticed on the side of the canal this morning, don't know any details!
It was well underwater but we don't know for how long.

Our journey today was through farming territory with one particular farm right on the canal side. They still had their cows penned up under cover which of course means mucking out the sheds and a huge dung pile at least 15 feet high. The surrounding paddocks all had water laying on them in places so the farmer was probably keeping the cows inside to stop the paddocks getting all churned up and wrecking the pasture.
As we neared Ivinghoe we passed 4 BW boats and workmen getting organised to close off Ivinghoe locks 32 and 33 on Monday for repairs.
As we passed between the villages of Horton and Slapton we could see the white lion carved in chalk on the Dunstable Downs. This was carved in 1935 and is 480 feet long and on a clear day is visible for miles.
Slapton also has a church that dates back to the 15 century, which weather permitting we will visit tomorrow. We plan to stay here over the week-end as the canal might be busy with boats trying to beat the stoppages or as it is mid term holiday for the schools there may be a few hire boats on the move.

The Carpenters Arms at Slapton a 16 Century thatched pub,
serving quality meals and bookings essential.
Well............ perhaps we shall sample the fare.