Watford Gap is reckoned to be the place where the north of England meets the south, so we're now southerners! Crick Tunnel came first, a massive 1528 yards in which we met two boats coming the other way, a new experience this trip. The tunnel is only just wide enough for two boats to pass. The technique is to slow right down and keep well in to the right hand side, brushing the wooden buffer along the tunnel wall if necessary. In practice, it's very difficult to see where the other boat is, with only their tunnel light (and internal lights if they are turned on) illuminating the gloom. Added to that, the darkness is extremely disorientating for the steerer.
The forbidding entrance to Crick Tunnel, with sheep in the field above
A boat going in just after we exited
Relaxing on our mooring just south of the tunnel - a lovely spot with a view of a field of sheep and swallows flying over the water
Tomorrow Monday we'll be heading for the Watford staircase locks - a flight of seven - taking us to Norton Junction and the Grand Union Main Line towards Northampton.
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