Fenny Compton to Braunston

Its going to be a long one today – and the weather doesn’t look too exciting – grey, windy with some expected showers.

According to the maps..  its an expected 7.5 hours today.  Were hoping to get to Braunston, moor up in the only spot we know that has a signal, and stay there over the week, weekend and into next week – but we will see – if there is no signal.. we cant stay as I still have work to do and that’s not possible if I cant dial into the office!

Yesterday – there were no boats moving at all.. it was a really nice day..   today it’s looking like it will be much of the same – the weather is currently behaving, and the wind is keeping the smoke from the chimney out of my face as with this long a day, the washers running and the fires on to dry it all out as quickly as possible..  Its 3 hours to the first set of locks..  so that’s all me – everyone else is busy cleaning and sorting the boat!

Marston Doles Locks (2) and Napton Locks (7) all done.   There were 2 boats moving the other way – so crossing part way through the lock flight at Napton was useful – as the locks we needed were full already.. and the locks they needed were empty for them – so good all round. Certainly speeds things up having the locks set for you! 🙂

Once through Napton flight – no more locks for today..  and its another straight 3 hours of travelling to get to Braunston.

Just after the locks – Napton Hill – as seen from the Canal (and no – that sky has not been photoshopped.. 🙂 )

On past Napton Narrowboats base – not many moving today, or being got ready – so fairly clear to get through without issues (this time!) – and no..  just above our chimney – the boats are not that wiggly at the bow – that’s the heat haze coming from the chimney as the fires still going!

Through Napton Junction..  were going straight across today..   turning left here would take us to Royal Leamington Spa and Birmingham – possibly on the way back from the Erewash..  turning right would take us into Wigrams Turn Marina..

Only one boat to follow from now – last time through there were quite a few trying to get to where they were going – clear today through 😉

And on into Braunston.

A quick reverse once out of Braunston junction to get to the water point – which was running so slow.. we gave up with it. Forwards to a spot and as expected.. no signal – so we will have to see, in the meantime..  pie and a pint at the Boathouse me thinks..

 

** UPDATE **

The boat was re-located TWICE on the Monday to try to get a signal – as the O2 reception here is rubbish (3G, 1bar) – so the router fitted to the boat is off as its no good for us here, and the work Vodaphone is on H+ !!

We started opposite the BoatHouse – moved back to the junction when a space became free – signal not improved..   so turn around and reverse to the Pub – to see if I can bounce off the pub’s WiFi – yes and no – not that stable and the VPN kept dropping out..   But..  The MiFi on 3 however – is getting a 4G signal when outside the BoatHouse..  so this is where were staying (with the permission of the landlady of course)

And that’s why we have multiple data suppliers – usually, if one has a crap signal, one of the others will be there to be used..   So for now – were all hammering the poor little MiFi (which occasionally complains about the number of devices connected to it!)