End of year cruise: Day 2

This morning was much more mild and the ice had melted, so we decided we'd head out of the marina. Before we set off, we put some water in the tank (as we had no idea how much was in there) and I checked and topped up the batteries. We left about 10am, turning left towards Stoke Bruerne; it was misty and rather dank, and a bit chilly.

We went at quite a sedate pace to try to ensure the batteries got a decent charge. Even so, it took only a little more than the usual hour and a half to get to the bottom of Stoke Bruerne locks, where we turned around. We'd decided to retrace our steps a bit, and stop out in the middle of nowhere for New Year's Eve. It also means we'll have less to do tomorrow to return to the marina, as the forecast is for heavy rain all day. We carried on through Bridge 57 and stopped at what's usually a very popular spot, with views on both sides of the boat; up on the hill on the offside is Grafton Regis Manor.

There have been a few boats pass during the afternoon, plus a few towpath dog walkers, but otherwise it's been very quiet. We have ham hocks and South African sparkling wine for this evening -- although I have a suspicion that neither us might still be awake by midnight!

Happy New Year!

6 miles, 0 locks.

End of year cruise: Day 1

We slept well, and with nothing particular to do we were in no rush to get up this morning. The marina was frozen, and it was misty and murky too.

As it appeared we wouldn't be leaving the marina today, we arranged to meet up with my second cousin, Catherine. We drove up to her house, then all went to Braunston, for lunch at the Admiral Nelson. We did the same thing exactly two years ago! The only difference was that this time Nigel was at work, so couldn't join us. As usual, the food at the Nelson takes a while to come but is very good when it does.

By the time we got back to Catharine's, Nigel was home -- and we spent the next hour or so looking at the train layout he's building.

All in all, it's been a very enjoyable day. It's a bit warmer now and the ice has melted, so we might escape from the marina tomorrow.

End of year cruise: Day 0

Adrian came up to the boat this morning first thing, from Kent where he'd been seeing family. The jobs for the day included getting the boat warm: there was ice on the inside of the windows.

He also stocked the cupboards with food. It was a pretty cold day, the marina was frozen, and there were no boat movements.

I was at work until 10pm, then drove up from London in thick fog, arriving at 11.30.

Merry Christmas

Tulak on test

The January edition of Canal Boat is out, and contains my review of the Elton Moss widebeam, Tulak.  It has some remarkable technology on board, so is well worth a read.