"Rain before 7, fine before 10". We moved on, past lots more dead and collapsed trees - all of them willow, it would seem. Many were in danger of falling across the river. Or rather, boats are in danger of them falling across. The river was very winding, and narrow, Oxford-like. It was a Saturday, and there were canoeists, walkers, cyclists, joggers and anglers in large numbers. As yesterday, we met no boats.
On our approach to Harlow, coming around a bend, Grace and I were astonished to see a huge hoarding promoting sexoutdoors.co.uk. It wouldn't have been a bad idea, had it not been so flipping cold! It was only as we completed the bend that the whole of the advert fully revealed itself.
www.essexoutdoors.co.uk
The locks are fascinating. There is no standard configuration. The only thing they all have in common is the 13 foot width. Everything else is variable. Locking crews should always carry a windlass and the BW key on this river. And bear in mind that it is the accepted norm to leave both gates open as you leave through them.
We'd had it in mind to overnight at Hallingbury Marina, again to enjoy the benefits of 230v electricity, but our 2003 edition of Nicholson is no longer correct in saying that they offer overnight moorings, so we moved on to Sawbridgeworth Lock, and tied up there for the night.
After lunch, we walked into the town to buy food, and strolled around, sightseeing. Nicholson says that this is "an attractive town". It may have been in 2003. These are the highlights!
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