From blacking: Day 1

I drove up to Weedon yesterday after an early shift, stopping at Brent Cross Tesco on the way for some shopping, and arriving at about 6.15.  Steve at Grand Union Narrowboats had kindly moved the boat over to the towpath side before he went home.  It was dark by the time I arrived, so I couldn’t really see much of what had been done.  I soon had the hot water on, the fire alight, and a pizza in the oven.

This morning I was up in good time and could have a look at the blacking, the repainted top plank, and the new raddle red on the gunwale tops.  It all looks very smart.  Steve has also fixed the broken hinge on the bow locker lid.

I took the car down to our marina — the traffic was terrible on the A5 so Google took me cross country to the A508, and even that was very slow approaching our turning, and that’s a mile from the A5 roundabout which causes the delays.  I got an Uber back to Weedon, then had a chat across the canal to Steve before setting off.  I’d only been going about 20 minutes when I stopped at Rugby Boats for diesel.  They were preparing to get some boats out of the water, so I had to stop alongside one of them.  I set off again into the rather murky morning, although it was also very still.

The boat seemed to be moving particularly well today; maybe the new blacking means it cuts through the water better.  I saw no moving boats until Bugbrooke, when a boat set off from the pub moorings in front of me.  Then boats started coming the other way too. The old farm building by Banbury Lane Bridge is having lots of work done on it.  It’s not just the scaffolding, where you can see through the doors and windows, there’s major work inside and in the farmyard beyond.

I kept catching up with the boat in front, so I decided I’d stop for a few minutes for lunch.  I was hoping for a space at Gayton Junction where there are rings but it was completely full.  I should have just stopped opposite, on the empty long term moorings like we did on the way up.  I eventually stopped after bridge 49 at Blisworth, and put the kettle on and made some lunch.  I was only there for maybe ten minutes as I ate lunch on the move; I was pretty sure I’d catch up with the boat ahead before the locks anyway.  In the tunnel, I could see the boat ahead of me and I was about 5/6ths of the was through before I saw them get to the other end.  I did the tunnel in 24 minutes.

The boat ahead was at the lock landing as I arrived.  It was a share boat with three people on board; the lady was showing some American tourists how the lock worked, and then got them to help open and close the gates.

I’d planned to stop in the long pound after the top two locks, but the other boat said they were going all the way down so I thought it would be daft not to keep going with them.

We made good progress even though all the locks were against us.  Even the really slow draining one didn’t seem to bad.  I moored at the bottom of the locks; the was only one other boat here, and even that has now left.  The owner came back from work and I thought he was just going to run his engine, but in fact he set off.  There were also only a handful of boats above the locks, and only a couple in the long pound.  As the towpath is on the side that’s away from the pontoon in the marina, I washed that half of the roof, to get the workshop grime off, and also did the windows.

12 miles, 7 locks.

September Cruise: Day 1

Second post of the day, to separate out the main September cruise from the fiddling about of the past few days! Adrian got back from London at about 3.45 and we set off within a few seconds of him stepping on board; had I been at work we would have been starting tomorrow, so it was nice to get a head going sooner.

It was very blustery, but at least the breeze was in the right direction to help with the turn towards Stoke Bruerne.  The skies were also very grey, but at least it wasn’t cold or raining — and it’s always good to be out anyway.

We continued to the moorings at the bottom lock, where there was plenty of room, albeit under a tree.  The shepherd’s pie I made earlier will soon be going in the oven.

5 miles, 0 locks.

Wending to Wales: Day 34

Another great evening with Catherine and Nigel last night.  It turned out quite a lot had happened since we last saw them on the August bank holiday weekend, so we got all the latest news and a little bit of wine was drunk.  This morning, there was mist hanging in the valley beyond the towpath hedge as the sun came up.

As we didn’t have a very ambitious day planned and it was our final Saturday of the trip, we treated ourselves to a cooked breakfast.  Even so, we were still away before 8.30, on a very pleasant morning.

These are very familiar miles, as we plodded through Nether Heyford and Bugbrooke.  But it was almost an hour and a half before we passed a boat going the other way.  Gayton Junction and Blisworth ticked by.  I spotted a couple of boat names, one of which I have no idea about, the other just made me chuckle.

In the tunnel in which we passed one boat.  At the locks, the top one just needed topping up before we could go down.

The flight took the usual hour and a half, helped by meeting quite a few boats coming up.  At the bottom we thought we might as well top up with water, and we had lunch while the tank filled.  Then we moved along to the moorings just round the corner, taking the first available space.

This afternoon we walked back up to the village to see Kathryn, and also bumped into Steve Furniss from Grand Union Narrowboats at Weedon, who comes down to give his hire boaters lock training.  We all had an ice cream from The Boat.  On the way back we called on Free Spirit, and were provided with tea, biscuits, and plenty of excellent company by Irene and Ian.

We haven’t actually seen them since we made it up to the Great Northern Basin in 2016, so there was plenty to talk about, although of course blogging keeps us all in touch.

11 miles, 7 locks.  (380 miles, 314 locks)

March visit: Day 2

I slept really well, and had a very relaxed start to the day.  I had a quick shower — emptying the tray with a bucket and sponge.  When you’ve done it like that you realise how efficient shower pumps really are!  The day had started brighter than I was expecting, but it soon came on to drizzle and then properly rain.  I spent the morning cleaning things, tackling six months of neglect, and going to a couple of work Zoom meetings.  I had a quick lunch, then set off about 1pm, when it had dried up.  I did just the couple of miles along to Stoke Bruerne, where I turned in the river arm and moored up at the start of the moorings.  There are only a couple of other boats here.  The towpath hedge has been drastically cut back — I reckon it’s been reduced by about three quarters.  It means there’s much more of a view from the boat on the towpath side, and the moorings are much brighter.

Once moored, I needed to go for a walk to get my steps for the day, so walked up the locks and through the village to the tunnel.  I could hear a boat coming, which turned out to be a Braunston hire boat.

On the way back I knocked on Kathryn’s door and had a quick chat.  I managed to get back to the boat before it started raining again.  This afternoon I have been arranging the boat’s BSS exam.  The past couple of times it’s been done while in for blacking, but the pandemic has meant things are now out of sync.  Also, the examiner who’s done it in the past is now not travelling, you have to go to him, so I’ve booked someone else to come out next month.

Adrian isn’t coming up today, but might tomorrow.

2 miles, 0 locks.  (5 miles, 0 locks)

Autumn Cruise: Day 1

I really like the mooring by Stantonbury Bridge.  I heard an owl hooting last night.  This morning was quite chilly, so I had porridge for breakfast, then went out for a long walk.  I started off through Stanton Low park, where there are the ruins of a church.

I crossed the park and came up on the towpath near the Black Horse moorings, and continued along to the former railway bridge which we’ve been under many times but never over.  It’s now a walking and cycle path, and I was surprised how non-overgrown it was up there.

I walked through the edge of the newish housing development and out into the other half of Stanton Low park, taking in a visit to Asda, to get a few things that there’s now room for in the fridge.  By this time the sun had come out and I wished I hadn’t worn a jacket but had taken a hat.  Back at the boat is started a chilli for dinner, then had a chat with the owner of Ascot and Beverley (who’s no longer trading as a fuel boat), and then set off about 12.15.  I plodded along these familiar waters, which are pretty full of boats these days.  I did like the name of one particular widebeam though.

At Cosgrove lock, I’d spotted a Wyvern boat ahead of me and hoped they might wait.  But a boat came down the lock and they went straight in.  By the time I got there they were almost ready to leave.  I turned the lock, and as I did so noticed another boat coming along, so I went in, pushed over to the other side and waited for them.  As we were getting ready to leave, a boat was coming to go down, which made things easier.

I pulled into our marina — making use of the fact that a double space next to us was unoccupied — and tied up just with the centre line.  I got the hosepipe out and started filling the tank, and took some rubbish up to the bins, at which point I saw Adrian’s car pulling up to the gates.  Once he was on board with his stuff, and the tank was full, we set off again — we’d been in the marina about 20 minutes.

With our holiday now properly started, we’ve come along to the moorings below Stoke Bruerne locks, where it’s quite busy.  It’s odd, because places en route which are normally full of boats have been almost empty.

10 miles, 1 lock.  (17 miles, 2 locks)

To Crick: Day 1

I was at work this morning and came up to the boat after my shift.  As I drove through Milton Keynes, it hammered down with rain and hailstones; so I was a bit surprised that it hadn’t rained at all at the marina.  I was also a bit surprised when I got to the boat, because I’d completely forgotten that we’d moored nose in last time!  I set off at 4pm, finding it much more difficult to get out backwards than forwards as normal.  It was pleasantly warm and occasionally sunny, and the odd black clouds didn’t bring any rain.  I met about four boats, three-quarters of them at bridges.

I was relieved to find lots of space at Stoke Bruerne bottom lock, and picked a spot at the lock end of the moorings — slightly to the dismay of a widebeam on the water point I think, because they winded and reversed along to moor, so I’d given them a little further to go.

Adrian could have been working today and tomorrow but now isn’t, so he’ll be here by car shortly.  He’ll help me up the locks tomorrow morning, then will have to kill a few hours before meeting me again at Buckby Locks, and then heading off to Heathrow.

5 miles, 0 locks.

Flaming June?: Day 1

I worked a night shift last night, so Adrian dropped me at the station to go to work, and carried on up to the boat.  This morning, by the time my train had got to Wolverton, he’d already done a shop at Tesco.  Back at the boat, we topped up the water and decided to set off; it was raining, but steadily rather than heavily, and the forecast suggested it wouldn’t get any better but would be worse this afternoon.

I was almost certain there would be few other boats on the move in these conditions, but just after I had completed the turn out of the marina towards Stoke Bruerne, a boat came through the bridge behind.  He got closer and closer each time I slowed for moored boats, so I waved him last and he was soon long gone.

In a field just after Kingfisher Marina there were some lapwings.  I noticed them because of their looping flight; on the ground they are quite difficult to spot, but when you do they are very identifiable because of the curl on the top of their heads.  We passed some kids in canoes and I asked them if they were doing it voluntarily or had been forced.  They’d been forced, for their Duke of Edinburgh Award.  We moored at the bottom of the locks.

We had an early lunch, then Adrian had a video call to do so I put all my wet weather gear back on and went for a walk, both to keep out of the way and to complete my steps target for the day.  I walked up to the tunnel and back.  On the return, a workboat moored on the offside had come adrift and was across the canal.

The lady from the house alongside, who I assume is the owner, had been alerted, and a CRT man had arrived to lend a hand.  Back at the boat we’ve been doing not much, while the rain has got heavier and heavier.

5 miles, 0 locks.

Repatriation: Day 9

It appears that the mooring on the bollards at Buckby bottom lock has less noise from the M1 than further along where we normally stop.  Or maybe the wind was just in the other direction.  Anyway we had a quiet night, apart from the noise of the rain, which was quite heavy at times.  By this morning though it was dry and brightening up.  We were in no rush to leave, as we wanted a top up of diesel at Rugby Boats, and their website said they didn’t open until 10 — so I set off at 8.40.  Sure enough, we arrived just after 10, and had to wait for a few moments while another boat paid.  The diesel price was good today, at 69.9 basic per litre.  By the time we set off again, the sun was properly out.

At Heyford Fields we passed a Buckingham Canal Society crane being pushed by a tug.  There had been an early morning closure of Blisworth tunnel today to let it through.  It was followed by a procession of three boats — the lead one said he’d been behind it since Blisworth.  He wasn’t impressed.

Past Bugbrooke there was what would normally have seemed like a long fishing match — but it was nothing compared with last Sunday on the Shroppie.  There were lots of boats moored before Blisworth but only one in the village itself.  The tunnel was very foggy, and we were more than two thirds of the way through before I could see the far end.  We passed two boats inside.  The Stoke Bruerne end was buzzing with people, including to kayakers and a paddle boarder.  The towpaths were busy, and among a couple of trading boats was an off licence.  There were two boats ahead of us to go down the locks, so while we waited, Adrian went to find Kathryn, and we had a quick catch up.  It was also good to see Mike and Stuart on the trip boat, Charlie, and all the Covid precautions they are taking.

We went down the top two locks on our own, and had boats coming up at each.  One of the boats going down ahead had moored in the long pound, so we teamed up with the other one for the remaining five locks.

We moored at the bottom at about 3.30.  A bit later, Adrian’s former colleague Thelma and her partner Martyn dropped by, and we had Prosecco and crisps on the towpath in the sunshine.  As I opened the bottle, the cork flew out the side hatch, and certainly gave the local ducks something to think about.

15 miles, 7 locks.  (148 miles, 83 locks)

New Year’s Cruise: Day 2

Short journey to the bottom of Stoke Bruerne locks this morning, before winding and mooring at the visitor moorings. After a quick lunch I walked up the locks to meet the NB Rowington crew, and to help them down the locks. We moored up around 3pm, and then onto Rowington for tea and chocolates.

I’ve come back to Briar Rose for a couple of hours, before heading back to join Catherine and family on Rowington for dinner and an evening of games, and a few drinks I’m sure, before seeing in the New Year.  Adam finishes work just after 10pm today, and will hopefully make it to the boats in time to see in the New Year with us.

Happy New Year!

3 miles, 0 locks.  (5 miles, 0 locks)

New Year Cruise: Days 0 and 1

Adrian came up to the boat yesterday, got the fire going and did some shopping.  I was working a night shift, and got the train up this morning.  After breakfast, we set off at 9am, on a chilly but pretty still day.  We saw a couple of kingfishers along the way towards Stoke Bruerne, and one even sat still long enough for a photo.

At the bottom of Stoke Bruerne Locks, we turned in the arm and reversed onto the service point.  Topping up the water tank took very little time at all as it appeared it was already pretty full, but we also did a full empty of the loo; as it had been left for three months, everything was well composted down.

We moved to the moorings, tied up, and had lunch.  We then had a phone call we’d been expecting from my cousin Catherine, to say they had just come through the tunnel on Rowington.  We got ready and walked up the flight to help them down.  By the time we got to the second lock from the top they were just arriving there.  Two boats were already going down, but one was stopping, so the other said he’d wait for us at the next lock.

With plenty of crew, we flew down the flight, as each lock could be set ahead.  Our locking partner, an actor called Matt, proved to be great company.

At the penultimate lock there’s a lot of machinery so a stoppage must be coming up.  I must check the list to see what they’re doing.  At the bottom, we’d hoped to moor Rowington as a neighbour to Briar Rose, but other boats had arrived in the meantime, so we’re a boat apart.  We went on board for tea, and will be back later this evening.  Adrian has cooked a main course and Catherine is doing dessert. Having been up all day following a night shift, I’m not sure whether I’ll last until midnight.

Happy New Year!

5 miles, 0 locks.

August weekend: Day 1

I was up early this morning as I’ve been on nights and went to bed very early last night.  I loaded the car and set off for the boat, arriving just after 9am.  Having unloaded the car, I started the first stage of the repainting of the handrails — rubbing them down and applying rust treatment.  Almost as soon as I started the rubbing down, it began to rain.  I wasn’t too bothered; it was fairly light and I was using wet and dry anyway, so water was a plus.  I managed to get the whole of one handrail rubbed down before it started raining really heavily.  A bit later I made use of the rain to help wash all the red paint dust off the cabin side.

Having been driven inside by the rain I found other jobs to do, and had lunch.  I needed to go into Milton Keynes to pick up Adrian at the station (he’s been in Cardiff for a couple of days, and was arriving via Birmingham).  Shortly before I was due to set off, not only had the rain stopped but the sun had come out.  I took the opportunity to put some Fertan on the handrail to tackle the rust.  Adrian’s train was delayed, so by the time we got back to the marina the Fertan had begun to work.  It had dries to a shiny finish, and all the little rust spots were turning black.  I’d forgotten to take a before photo, so I took one of the other side instead.  The difference is clear.

We set off straight away, turning left out of the marina towards Stoke Bruerne.  The farmers have been making the most of the recent dry weather to harvest, and the fields were full of bales of straw.  There were some big black clouds around though.

After less that half an hour I could see it raining up ahead.  As the Fertan instructions say that if it dries too much it should be dampened after a couple of hours, I wasn’t too worried.  However, for a while the rain was absolutely torrential — and I could see the Fertan being washed off.  It meant that after we moored up we had to wash it off the cabin side.  The rain didn’t last long, and even during the heaviest downpour there was always blue sky visible in at least one direction; we were just a bit unlucky to be underneath it. Soon the sun was out again, and as we approached the locks there was a very bright rainbow.

We carried on to the bottom of the locks at Stoke Bruerne.  The moorings were moderately busy, but we got a space at the end, closest to the locks.  We had chilli for dinner, which I’d made yesterday and brought with me.

5 miles, 0 locks.

North West Passage: Day 36

We woke to a nice sunny morning. Before we set off there was a comotion outside on the water. About seven adolescent cygnets were running along the water trying unsuccessfully to take off. Their parents seemed to be showing them what to do. A bit later the adults seemed to be chasing off a third.

We set off about 9am along this very familiar route home. We waved at Del and Al on Derwent6 as we went by. It was sunny enough for shadows, but the breeze had a cold edge to it.

We did a touch and go at Gayton Junction so Adrian could get off with a bag of rubbish and recycling. When we got to Blisworth we moored up in the village to wait for visitors to arrive. Adrian made lunch while we waited, then at about 1pm, Catherine, Nigel, Grace, and Matthew arrived for their trip through the tunnel and down the locks. We set off after lunch and saw no other boats apart from the trip boat, Charlie, in the tunnel. As we got to the top of the locks an Alvechurch hire boat with a big crew of enthusiatic children also set off, so we went down together.

It was an efficient decent, and at the bottom we moored up for tea and some of Catherine's lovely lemon cake. By the time they were leaving there were spots of rain, so we decided to stay where we were.

11 miles, 7 locks. (406 miles, 294 locks)

Christmas Cruise: Day 2

It was exceptionally windy overnight and this morning -- the forecast was gusts of over 40mph. The tall buildings at Wolverton make things worse, and we were being rocked about quite a lot. Consequently, we delayed our departure until things had quietened down a bit. I wasn't idle in the mean time, though, making a dozen mince pies (with pastry I made last night) and a couple of jars of cranberry sauce.

We finally set off at 10.30; it was still quite blustery, and as soon as Adrian let the rope go at the bow, the boat headed off to the far side of the canal. We winded at New Bradwell. The wind was from behind us, so I made an early turn into the winding hole and the back end shot round like nobody's business. I then had to use quite a bit of power to get the nose to turn back into the wind.

Shortly after we'd turned there was a brief torrential downpour. We carried on back towards Cosgrove, wondering how far we'd go. We decided to go up the lock, and as we did so we could see breaks appearing in the clouds. As we knew we'd have to run the engine a bit longer to charge the batteries, we decided to carry on with our original plan -- to go along to the bottom of the locks at Stoke Bruerne. In just a few minutes, there was blue sky and sunshine although it was still quite chilly and breezy. We had lunch of soup and toast on the move.

We moored up at the bottom of the locks, then in the afternoon walked up to the village to see Kathryn, who arrived home yesterday nearly eight weeks after tripping over and breaking her hip. We took her some mince pies and a jar of cranberry, and spent an hour or so hearing about her operation and treatment.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a lot calmer, so we'll head back the other way.

9 miles, 1 lock. (12 miles, 2 locks)

 

Going West: Day 26

Another beautiful start to the day, particularly the view from the galley window. We set off at 8.30, to make the short journey to Rugby Boats for diesel, and where we were meeting my second cousin Catherine and family. We spent a great morning plodding along the lock free pound, catching up. It was great hearing about their recent trip on their shared boat round the Four Counties Ring, and plenty of other news. We stopped at Blisworth for pasta cooked by Adrian, and cake cooked by Catherine.

In Blisworth Tunnel we passed three or four boats going the other way, and Grace and Matthew could be heard singing 'There's light at the end of the tunnel' -- particularly loudly when they could see people at the Stoke Bruerne end peering round the entrance.

We shared the locks with a boat called Kelly Louise, which had just been bought from Wilton Marina. It looked suspiciously like the one which used to be owned by a couple, Peter and Margaret, and which was loaned to Tom and Jan while they waited for Waiouru to be built. This post has a photo (at the end) for comparison.

Anyway, thanks to the crew working hard, we made good time down the hill.

We moored up at the bottom of the locks and said goodbye to our visitors. We then walked up to Stoke Bruerne, as we'd spotted Cleddau moored there. We introduced ourselves to Ken, then a little later Sue returned; we had a great chat, which ended up with us having bubbles on board Cleddau, and staying until gone 7pm. On the way back we knocked on Kathryn's door and dragged her to The Navigation for a drink. It was dark by the time we walked back down the locks to the boat.

13 miles, 7 locks. (335 miles, 269 locks)

June weekend - Day 1

We came up to the boat last night.  I was working until late, so Adrian came up to London on the train, then we drove to the marina, arriving about 11.30.

This morning before we set off, I topped up the batteries and we filled the water tank.  We were ready to leave at around 9.15, and made the turn out of the marina towards Stoke Bruerne, which is having its family canal festival this weekend.  It was warmish, but not hot like it has been, and bright, but not sunny.  It took the usual hour and a half to get to the bottom lock, where I winded in the arm and we moored up.  Yet again, we had our pick of the moorings so opted to stay at the end closest the locks.

Adrian was finishing some work, so it was just before lunchtime that we set off to walk up to the village.  Halfway up the locks, Ryan Dimmock was winding Southern Cross and its butty, and returning up the locks.

In the village there were old boats, a craft tent, beer tent, a cheese boat, and an ice cream boat.  We met Kathryn, chatted to Steve Parkin from the Albert blog, and had some lunch.  There were radio controlled boats, including a one-twelfth scale life boat, and Morris dancers.  It's been a day of sunny spells and sudden heavy showers which leaves everyone dashing for the nearest tent.

Today's big local news was that Stoke Bruerne resident David Blagrove has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's birthday honours, for services to the restoration of the waterways.  There was a short congratulations ceremony by Richard Parry, the chief exec of the Canal and River Trust.

We've come back to the boat for a while, but we'll be wandering back up this evening as there's food available later.

The mobile broadband seems really weak here today, so I'll try an upload with small photos, and replace them later.

5 miles, 0 locks.

Pre-Crick -- Day 1

We both got up at 4 o'clock this morning.  The car was already packed, and we set off about 40 minutes later, bound for London.  I was dropped off at work, ready for my shift to start at 6.30.  Adrian carried on up to the boat, where he's been working remotely.  When my shift was over I got the train to Wolverton, Adrian collected me, and we were back at the marina soon after 4.

Within a few minutes, we were setting off.  Not far out of the marina, the local swan family came past.  Two cygnets were on the mother's back, and a third then forced its way on board.

My aim was the moorings below Stoke Bruerne bottom lock.  There's always a bit of apprehension when arriving in late afternoon, in case all the moorings are full.  As we turned the final corner, my heart sank as I spotted a boat moored in the rough off the end of the moorings.  Then the moorings themselves came into sight -- and were completely empty.  We picked a spot and moored up at just before 6pm; a little while later a Wyvern hire boat arrived and moored behind.

5 miles, 0 locks.

Easter Cruise - Day 5

I had a lovely evening catching up with Alison and Nigel, and meeting Alison's dad, over drinks and dinner.  I walked up to the top lock and joined them on-board for a couple of glasses and wine and nibbles, and we then moved onto The Navigation for dinner.

This morning we woke to another sunny start, and a partially frozen canal.  I gave Adam his birthday present - an unpainted Buckby style watercan.  He had said sometime ago that he wanted one, and seemed very pleased with it. He is planning to paint it in Briar Rose's new colour scheme - I'm sure pictures will be posted once it's complete.

After breakfast we wandered up to the top lock to help our friends, Alison and Nigel on NB Old Peculier, down the locks.  We had a very good run down - most of the locks were in our favour, and we buddied up with a hire boat crew who had not done locks before, and seemed pleased with the help and advice.

























Adam had to leave us before the bottom lock to head to work today.  Once we were through the bottom lock we stopped for coffee and Easter treats, before Alison and Nigel continued on their way.

0 miles, 0 locks. (31 miles, 4 locks)

Easter Cruise - Day 4

As planned we did go to The Galleon for dinner last night.  The pub itself was nice, and our starter was good, but the main course was really nothing special.  We skipped desert at the pub as we had a the left overs of the previous nights Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding to finish.  As birthday dinners go it was a bit disappointing, but still nice that neither of us had to cook.

And in case anyone is wondering it is Adam's birthday on Easter Sunday.

The canal had frozen over again last night, but it was a gloriously sunny start to the day.  We set off about 9am, ice breaking up to Cosgrove lock.  We waited for a boat coming down the lock, and left the lock gate open as there was another boat approaching.

Adam was working in London today, and needed to collect his car from the marina, so we stopped opposite the marina and parted company for the rest of the day.

I then carried on to Stoke Bruerne, where I am now moored by the bottom lock for the next couple of days.  Most of the journey was sunny with scattered snow showers.  Ideal Easter boating weather. I winded before the lock, topped up the water tank, and then moored up for the day.  A quick bite to eat for lunch, followed by doing a couple of chores this afternoon.

This afternoon has been wonderfully sunny, and really quite pleasant in the sun shine.  Having said that it's just been snowing as I write this, so my hopes of some sunnier weather have been dashed.

I am due to meet ex-fellow owners of NB Debdale this evening - Nigel and Alison.  They are due to arrive above Stoke Bruerne this afternoon, and I'll be helping them down the locks on Sunday morning.  It will be great to catch up - plenty of boating tales to be shared I am sure.

6.5 miles, 1 lock. (31 miles, 4 locks)

Repaint cruise - day 4

Another day when it looked promising first thing, then came on the rain.  We left our overnight mooring just before 9, carried straight on at Gayton Junction, and moored in Blisworth for a quick walk up the hill to the shop for a few supplies.

Setting off again, it was straight into Blisworth tunnel, which was warmer and drier inside than out.

About a third of the way through the tunnel we caught up with a boat in front.  Even our tickover was too fast, so I kept having to knock us out of gear to avoid getting too close.  We usually get through it just under half an hour; today it took 45 minutes.  However, going so slowly meant I was able to get a decent photo of the side shaft, so that's a minor ambition achieved!

We ended up sharing the locks with the slow boat, which turned out to be an ex-OwnerShips boat with a man and his mum on board.  At the top lock, two boat were coming up, one of them being Reckless, (The Boat that Guy Built).  Adrian asked the owner if he'd still got the steam powered shower on board; he said everyone asks that, and no he hasn't.  In fact, most the Guy installations have gone!

We made rapid progress: locks were in our favour towards the top of the flight, then we started meeting boats coming up: Taverners Boat Club, which was moorings just across the cut from Thrupp Wharf Marina, are having their annual dinner tonight at Stoke Bruerne.

At the bottom of the locks, we were surprised to find the moorings completely empty.  A couple of other boats have arrived since, but it's still very quiet here.

This afternoon, my second cousin, Catherine, along with her husband, Nigel, and her children, Grace and Matthew, came to visit as they live quite close.  We reckon we haven't seen each other for about 35 years, so it was good to at least make a start on catching up.  Grace and Matthew, who'd already had quite an exciting day learning about blacksmithing at the forge by the southern entrance to the tunnel, were very taken with Briar Rose, and we've promised them that next time we'll go for a trip.

5 miles, 7 locks.  (34 miles, 14 locks)