A meeting

It was exceptionally windy last night, and when we looked out this morning the canal had waves on it.  We were expecting a visitor, so had a pretty relaxed start to the day.  We weren't exactly sure how our visitor was arriving, but at about 9.45 we heard a boat going into reverse as it came past, and sure enough it was Jubilee with John, Jan, and Ali on board; they knew where we were moored, but never having seen Briar Rose in the metal before nearly failed to recognise her!

They moored up behind, we went for a look on board Jubilee, then John and Jan came for the tour of BR.  We spent a while chatting about boats, the BBC, and other things.

We set off at about 11.20, by which time the wind had dropped quite a bit.  On our way through Milton Keynes and Great Linford there were just a couple of exposed spots where the wind caught the boat.  Just before New Bradwell, the promised rain started;  at Wolverton, it absolutely lashed it down and I considered stopping.  But I was already wet by then, so we carried out to our planned mooring, just after the Wolverton Aqueduct.

We had lunch, and I dried out.  In the afternoon, we finished the series of Last Tango in Halifax; I understand it's been recommissioned, so the second series will be worth looking out for.  By late afternoon, the wind had dropped completely, and there was even a lovely sunset.  In the gathering gloom, just a few minutes ago, Jubilee arrived, and has moored in front of us.

7 miles, 0 locks.  (15.5 miles, 1 lock)