12th October 2015. Waltham Abbey to Broxbourne and we lose our washing.

We started late, spending the morning on general chores and Robin took Scooby for a long awaited bike ride. Jo did the laundry and hung it out, pegging it onto an airer on the front of the boat. We eventually set off in sunshine and soon left any hustle behind as we went through the Lee Valley Park. There were even  long stretches where we could see no moored boats at all!

However, on one corner there was a little settlement of boats and Robin recognised one resident as one of his best and most frequent customers in Hoddesdon custody. Now we know we are home.
Just as we were heading for Aqueduct lock, our airer and it's washing blew overboard and sank without trace. Despite sterling efforts with the boathook we were only able to salvage Jo's Levi's. Clearly, the airer should have been tied on now Autumn winds have arrived. Another lesson learned in an educational week. We continued on to Broxbourne, counting the cost in tops and underwear, and moored by the Crown pub. It was a lovely evening and Robin got down to some fishing, so all was not lost. Tomorrow we will turn onto the River Stort and head for Sawbridgeworth and Bishops Stortford, where some shopping (clothes and a new airer) may be in order.

Harold waiting at Cheshunt lock, before the ill-fated airer fell overboard.