Time to move on from Braunston – the cats are in without issue (hurray!) and its a long day planned – we have a few locks to get done, and it’s going to be a hot one! – but that will change, and I would like to get closer to a shop that’s within a few minutes walk for when the bad weather arrives.
First things first – water. Were going to be running at least 2 loads today, and we will need a full tank – so its to the water point by the floating cafe at the entrance to Braunston Marina.
We didn’t fill the tank totally, as we were starting to cause a queue.. with 2 other boats arriving after we got here – so just enough to last us for now, and we can stop at the next water point near to Norton Junction. Once were sorted for water.. its into Braunston Marina for some Diesel (as its pay day!) – and an eye watering £150 later.. the tanks are full and so are the Jerry cans (as we put that in the tank last week – as it needed refreshing anyway)
We pulled out of the marina, just as someone was pulling in – so good timing as only one boat can fit on the berth at the same time!
As we got to the first lock, there was a boat just going in – which is timely as these are double width locks, so 2 narrow boats can share a lock. After some introductions, we are sharing locks with Debbie aboard Europa. She would have been single handing, so it’s beneficial for both of us to share these, Dawson and Celeste can get on with paddles and gates – which means Debbie doesn’t need to climb up and down ladders and do the gates etc on her own – and I’m not the only boat in a double wide lock, bouncing around from side to side whilst they fill!
And that’s how it proceeded through the 6 locks. Dawson and Celeste got the lock ready & opened the gates, Debbie went in first, go settled on one side of the lock, I followed in – gates closed, lock filled (or emptied) – gates opened, Debbie out first followed by me.. Kids walked to the next one..
There are a few very interesting things along this stretch… ranging from a Romany gypsy caravan (occupied)..
To a rather strange narrowboat..
Well – were 6 locks down and Braunston tunnel to go. Whilst in the last lock we agreed and as Debbie was unsure of her tunnel light, that I would go through the tunnel first – just incase it doesn’t work correctly, and there is a boat coming the other way!
So exiting the last lock, we noticed that RCR (River Canal Rescue) emergency support vehicles were here.. and when the gates opened – we saw why.. I’m not sure how it sank.. but its only the ropes stopping it going further under water.. and RCR are here to get it re-floated. A bad end to the week for someone 🙁
With Celeste parked on the roof of the boat, we pulled past Europa and into the tunnel.. and yea, no light seen from Europa – the nav lights are nice and bright.. but no tunnel light.
After getting safely through, Europa pulled in but we continued on – as we need to get to the water point – and the dog is still there.. guarding the house on the corner..
And onto the water point – time to finish filling the tank. We got a wash done on route, so we can replace that water also! 🙂
It’s a hot one today – and it took a while to get the tank topped off, all the plants watered and it was nice getting a hose pipe of water over your head – yea.. don’t care that my shorts and t-shirt got soaked! 🙂
Debbie also walked up.. After a quick tomato/cabbage plant swap – Debbie was asked if she wanted to join us down the 7 locks of Buckby flight. She agreed to come along – as of course.. today or tomorrow – getting these out the way whilst there is a lock crew to help is a sensible choice! – Especially on a day like today..
So were off again – 7 locks to go.. but – pit stop.. After the first lock (#7) – time to stop for an ice-cream before the next lock!
And.. someone doesn’t like me taking photos! 😀
And.. the water level in this pound is about 2 feet lower than it should be.. stick to the middle.. hope CC and Daw get the lock open soon… the level is only going to get lower as they fill the lock from the already low pound..
And through the last lock.. and if you have a canal side cottage.. with barn doors.. why not use them! 🙂
Once out, I need to collect Celeste and Dawson from opposite Whilton Marina (2 years ago.. this is where Anna got the “witch” flag from that has flown on the stern of the boat since!) and as there are no more locks today, Debbie has gone ahead – and we can close up and follow on behind once everyone is back onboard.
The canal runs along side the M1 here – even though you cant see it from the motorway – certainly not at 70!
Well – Debbie found her spot for tonight – we however need to keep going into Weedon – there is a Tesco Extra near the canal, and were going to hunker down for a few days during the bad weather – so this is where we say goodbye for now! 🙂
Soon after, found a nice open spot, not much tree coverage so if we do get some sun over the next few days, there wont be any tree’s in the way! – For now.. time to settle down for a few days… once these four stop rowing with the other local cats of course!
