Stoke Bruerne Gala

When I tried to fill up the water tank yesterday, I realised that we must have left the hosepipe attachment on the tap at the top of the Buckby locks the other day.  So this morning I drove into Milton Keynes to get a replacement.  They're only £1.59 in Wickes, so I got a spare; it's not the first time we've left one of these behind, and it probably won't be the last either.  While I was there I got a new cable for the satellite dish, which refused to work yesterday (and not only because it kept getting blown over).  One end of the old cable was quite rusty, and the new one seems to have done the trick.

From MK I drove straight up to Stoke Bruerne, where the gala weekend is getting underway.  I parked near the bottom of the flight, and immediately saw White Heather going up the locks.

At the top, things were just getting started, with people setting up stalls and the cheese, fudge, and candy floos boats preparing to start trading.  I walked up the tunnel entrance, then on the way back had a chat to Alan and Cath who were polishing the brasses on Sickle.  Alan has also seen the side shaft in Blisworth Tunnel, so it's not just my imagination.  There are lots of working boats to see, but it must be a bit daunting for the hire boaters coming through.  I imagine that most of the boats here will move on to Braunston for the rally in a couple of week's time.

I wandered back down the locks and came back to Briar Rose.  I filled the water tank using the new attachment, and cleaned out the Squirrel stove again.  I need to have a sleep this afternoon as I start night shifts tonight, then I'll be packing up before heading off to work.