HEMEL ONTO BERKO

Spotted these Snowdrops at a lock in Berkhampstead. In recent weeks have seen so many bulbs pushing through the soil but i suppose it`s not surprising the mild winter we are having. Also the rainfall has not been that great so wouln`t mind guessing there might be some water shortages on parts of the system in the coming summer.

At Winkwell just on the edge of Hemel these 2 work boats came past and i filled my diesel tank and purchased 3 bags of coal. The coal will probably be the last for this winter as i burn a lot of logs and only use coal to keep the fire going overnight.
This pair, a motor & butty, the butty is un-powered and towed behind the motorised boat, are operated by Peter and his usual winter route is Leighton Buzzard down as far as Black Jacks lock. His number is 07984 900613 case any boaters out there need it. Diesel 49p.
The sad thing about stopping at Winkwell was i had my first experience of the yob culture in my water world. Some nice Bas.... person run a key down one side of the boat and deep enough not to be removed with polish or T Cut. But it won`t put me off, the good times through the last year more than compensate for this one act.

This is what is known locally as the "Magic Roundabout"or " Mickymouse Roundabout". It`s located near the town centre of Hemel Hempstead and consists of 6 mini-roundabouts around one large circle of grass. So as you drive into this maze you can turn either left or right un-like a normal roundabout that you navigate in a clockwise direction. Having lived not to far from here i have over the years used it many times and as long as you keep your wits about you it isn`t to bad.