Hawkesbury Junction

Well, we made a good choice weather wise departing the Marina this week, on our seven month cruise. Monday 16/4. we visited the service pontoon for a pump out, and to fill the diesel tank to the brim. We said our goodbyes in the office, and to a furry friend who visits the bird feeder at the end of our pontoon.

A healthy looking rat

We turned left from the Marina and headed towards Crick. Our transit of Crick tunnel was unopposed, but we got a thorough soaking from the leaky roof all the way. Once beyond Crick tunnel, the countryside comprises of open fields, which are slowly filling with new lambs. On arrival at the top of the Watford flight of locks, we were pleasantly surprised to find no queues, and were able to commence our descent immediately. The first mate, (the furry one) stayed on board with me, whilst the second mate performed their lock duties. Once at the bottom of the flight, we cruised the final couple of miles to Norton Junction, and found a mooring in our usual spot. The next day, Tuesday 17/4. a gale was blowing. We decided not to move as it would have been decidedly unpleasant, and we did not fancy buffeting around in the six wide locks we would have to navigate. Four legs was taken for a walk, beyond the New Inn and on down the Buckby flight. This took us past the canalware shop, which has often relieved me of so many of my hard earned pounds. It did it again today. Wednesday 18/4. we set off after breakfast turning right at Norton Junction, and joining the main Grand Union canal. Today was the beginning of the reported heatwave. After cruising a couple of miles, we reached the entrance to Braunston tunnel just as a boat was emerging. We were informed there was nothing following which is always nice to hear, especially until after we have navigated the kink in the tunnel. Our transit remained unopposed, and significantly dryer than Crick. No sooner do you exit the western portal you arrive at the top of Braunston locks. Unfortunately there was nobody waiting to share the locks with. Descending always seems easier than ascending, especially when the locks are in your favour, as was the case for us. Beyond the bottom lock we had a short stretch to navigate before arriving in Braunston, and we found the landing outside the Boathouse Pub empty. It was clearly fate, so we pulled in and stopped for lunch. Following refreshments we resumed our cruise, and at Braunston Turn, we took the right hand fork joining the Oxford Canal heading north. We passed our usual spot about a mile out of Braunston, and found someone occupying it. Luckily we didn't want it. We passed the newish Marina at Onley which is rapidly filling with boats, and then navigated the Barby straight passing beneath the M45. We found the spot we were aiming for vacant, and secured the boat. It was by now very hot.

Cruising beyond Braunston

  Thursday 19/4. was going to be another warm day. Setting off for Hillmorton locks about a mile ahead, we chuckled to ourselves about how it had taken four days to get here by boat, but only takes 10 minutes in the car from Yelvertoft Marina. Hillmorton locks was busy, but as the locks are in pairs, we were not held up. At the bottom of the flight we stopped for water. The tap here is well known as slow filling, but this suited our purposes today. About 40 minutes later, we were once again underway. Passing through Rugby, and navigating Newbold tunnel, we carried on towards our planned stopping point at All Oak Wood. Friday 20/4. started misty but soon the sun was up. Today we had a short hop to Hawkesbury Junction, with no locks, and only the small swing bridge by Rose Narrowboats to navigate. On arrival we found the mooring relatively empty, and so picked our spot. Once the boat was secured we took lunch at the Greyhound Pub, overlooking the junction.

Mooring at Hawkesbury Junction

Today Saturday 21/4. we took four legs for a walk along the Coventry Canal heading towards Nuneaton. This is the way we will be heading on Monday, as we aim for the Ashby Canal.

• Totals Monday 16/4.      7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel
• Totals Wednesday 18/4. 9 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel 
• Totals Thursday 19/4.    8 Miles 3 Locks 1 Tunnel 
• Totals Friday 20/4.        8 Miles
• Running totals              56 Miles 18 Locks 3 Tunnels 

Norton Junction

After a pleasant night just outside Braunston, this morning we woke to bright strong sunshine, and a crystal clear blue sky. The temperature reading on the cabin thermostat read 10 degrees, so still a degree or two above a morning frost, but you could feel the nip in the air. We set off around 9.30am, and soon we reached the water point by the 'gongoozerlers rest' cafe. Needing a top up we pulled in, and began filling the water tank. This also gave us time to see if any other boats would turn up, so we would have a locking partner for the ascent of the Braunston lock flight. No such luck, we would have to proceed alone. However all was not lost, as we began ascending, we were fortunate to meet boats descending at all six locks. On arrival at the top lock, we were even assisted by the grass cutting team. Next was Braunston Tunnel, all 2042 yards of it. As we entered, we could see the telltale light of a tunnel lamp ahead, indicating at least one opposing boat. Fortunately we passed in the middle of the tunnel, and not near the southern end, where there is an 's' shaped kink, caused by a directional mistake made during construction. We cruised for a further two miles, before reaching Norton Junction where the Leicester Arm branches off to the left, and away from the Grand Union main line. We made the left turn towards our usual mooring spot, and found it jammed solid with boats. Lady Luck smiled on us again, as we spotted a boat just preparing to depart. We had timed it to perfection. We secured the boat and had lunch on board, then took four legs for a walk. Heading off down the Buckby flight, we popped into the canalware shop by Lock 8, to see what new items had been stocked since our last visit. Rather like a chandlers, this shop could easily tempt you into emptying your wallet. In fact, currently for sale is a water can which possibly dates to the late 1800s, and the art work on it is amazing. I would love to own it just for its history, now, how to justify the expense.

• Totals 6 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel 
• Running total 231 Miles 51 Locks 11 Tunnels 

Braunston

Last nights forecast of high wind and heavy rain, proved to be a bit of a damp squib. Apparently it happened, but I slept right through it. After breakfast we got underway and were soon passing Barby Moorings, a Marina which seems to be still unfinished, many years after it was started. Once we had navigated the Barby Straight, we identified a couple of alternative mooring spots for future reference, that would meet our criteria. Next to pass was the brand new Marina at Dunchurch Pools. This Marina looks vast, and now has a good few boats in it, despite being unfinished. I suspect very favourable introductory rates have been offered, to encourage boat owners to move in. The entrance which was closed when we passed by earlier in the year, is now open, and the bridge almost complete.

   

Dunchurch Pools Marina

It was not much further to our intended mooring spot, a favourite of ours located just outside the village of Braunston. The first clue you are getting close, is when the unique spire of Braunston church comes into view.

   

Braunston Church Spire

Passing under bridge 87, we rounded a final bend towards our mooring and it was empty. This allowed us to choose our spot, lining up the side hatch with a convenient hole in the hedgerow, granting us views over open countryside. The field opposite contained a herd of brown cows, that appeared interested in our arrival. 

  

Mooring Spot

  

The gathering herd

After securing the boat we walked into Braunston, a distance of about one mile and had lunch in the Boathouse P.H. The crew then popped up to the convenience store in the village, whilst I paid a visit to Midland Chandlers. My wallet stayed firmly in my pocket, this must be a first in a chandlery. Early evening, the view from the side hatch through the hole in the hedge paid dividends. We were treated to a stunning sunset.

Sunset at Braunston

Tomorrow we have a flight of wide locks to navigate and a fairly long tunnel. We could quite easily stay put but we have an appointment with a roast dinner on Sunday at the New Inn, Long Buckby.

• Totals 4 Miles
• Running total 225 Miles 45 Locks 10 Tunnels 

Willoughby

Today would be a long day by our standards. It was again misty, with a bit off a chill in the air, but this would be favourable for the crew, who had two lock flights consisting of, the seven narrow locks at Watford, and the six wide locks at Braunston to work. On arrival at the top of the Watford staircase we met the on duty lock keeper. He had seen us coming, and was already preparing the lock for us. He wasn't the most talkative soul, in fact I think he only said two words during our transit of the flight. He did however make up for his lack of chatiness, by working us down the entire flight. This is a first at this flight, and as such our descent only took about 30 minutes. We then headed towards Norton Junction and the Grand Union Canal mainline. Turning right at the junction, we headed towards Braunston and the tunnel. As we were approaching the tunnel entrance, two boats pulled away in front of us. You could almost see them rushing to untie their ropes as we approached. The reason is, the flight of locks ahead, would now all be set against us, rather than them. Our transit through the tunnel was uneventful, with only a single boat opposing, and then we arrived at the top of Braunston locks. So now, not only did we have two boats ahead of us, but it was also apparent they were both single handed. This was going to be painfully slow. It was however nearly lunchtime, and the Admiral Nelson PH is located by lock three. Decision made, we tied up and walked off down the flight for lunch.

After lunch we returned to the boat, and as luck would have it three boats we making their way up the flight. This meant three locks were ready for us as we approached them. Once through the bottom lock we chugged along on tickover, passing numerous moored boats, and as we approached The Boathouse PH we saw the crew of nb Castallan. We slowed for the briefest of chats, then it was onwards passing Braunston Turn and the Oxford Canal heading off towards Napton. Just a mile outside Braunston, adjacent to the village of Willoughby, is a lovely rural spot and this is where we stopped.

The views above are from the side hatch, however as I write this the sky has turned black, and the sound of rolling thunder can be heard in the distance. We are not sure yet whether to stay put here for a day, or push on to Brinklow and All Oak Wood tomorrow.

• Totals 8 Miles 13 Locks 1 Tunnel
• Running total 37 Miles 15 Locks 2 Tunnels

Yelvertoft Marina

Having departed Glascote Basin, we put on a bit of a spurt to get back to Yelvertoft before the arrival of some bad weather. We ended up doing in four days what we would normally do in fourteen. On Wednesday 12/10, we set off early to fill with water at the foot of the Atherstone flight. The flight consists of eleven single locks, and today luck was on our side. At each of the first five locks we met a boat coming down so the lock was set for us. The next three locks, we had a little assistance from the volunteers, and then again at the top lock. Soon we were passing through Nuneaton. This town has a bad reputation for rubbish in the canal. We passed through earlier in the year and we were pleasantly surprised, it seemed as if the town had cleaned up its act. Not so, it was once again squalid. We passed the junction with the Ashby Canal, we are planning on doing this next year, following the Hudson boat owners gathering at Glascote in July. We turned left at Hawkesbury Junction in front of the Greyhound P.H. and picked up a mooring just beyond the stop lock. We were now on the Oxford Canal. Following our epic day, it was justifiable to reward ourselves with an evening meal in the pub.

Thursday 13/10, we travelled 18 miles to the outskirts of Braunston. The weather was a bit warmer, the wind coming from the south rather than the east. This change whilst welcome, was also the reason why we wanted to get home before Sunday, when some heavy rain was due. We saw very few boats moving today, and just after navigating the relatively short Newbold Tunnel we stopped for lunch. The afternoon session took us through the three locks at Hillmorton, then passed the new Marina under construction at Dunchurch. By the time we arrived on the outskirts of Braunston we were both ready for a rest. No pub this time as we had stopped in the middle of the countryside.

Mooring outside Braunston.

 

Friday 14/10, we made our way towards Braunston. At the junction we joined the Grand Union Canal heading towards six wide locks. Just as we were entering the bottom lock another boat arrived, which would make the ascent of the flight much easier. We navigated Braunston Tunnel without meeting any oncoming boats, and then it was a short cruise to Norton Junction. Here we turned left onto the Leicester section of the Grand Union. We moored in our usual spot, and after securing the boat walked the short distance to the New Inn for lunch. We also booked in for our Sunday roast.

Saturday 15/10, the final leg of our journey. On arrival the foot of Watford staircase locks we were second in the queue. Shortly after our arrival, the single boat descending emerged from the bottom lock, and we were on our way. Once on the summit level of the Leicester line we navigated through Crick Tunnel, receiving a good drenching on the way through. As Cracks Hill came into view, the crew took four legs off the boat and walked him over the top, whilst I took the boat the long way round. They were waiting a good ten minutes for me to arrive at the other side of the hill. Back on the boat, we turned into the Marina and onto the service dock for a pump out and diesel. Now safely secured on our berth we have a few trips home over the next few weeks. Any further cruising will be restricted to the summit level and subject to the weather.

• Totals Wednesday  12/10. 14 Miles 12 Locks
•           Thursday      13/10. 18 Miles 1 Tunnel 
•           Friday           14/10.  7 Miles  6 Locks  1 Tunnel 
•           Saturday.      15/10.  7 Miles  7 Locks  1 Tunnel 

 

• Running total  424 Miles 241 Locks 17 Tunnels

 

 

 

 

 

Braunston

We departed our mooring after breakfast and turned right at Norton Junction onto the Grand Union. As we approached Braunston tunnel we were closing in on a boat ahead. It was a Wyvern Shipping hire boat from their base in Leighton Buzzard, and the hirers were on a two week cruise to Banbury and back. With our locking partners short work was made of the six double locks, and two hours after setting off, we were mooring by the 'Gongoozerlers Rest' to fill up with water. We made a decision to stop in Braunston for lunch, opting to use the facilities of the Boathouse P.H. as a reward for our hard work. After lunch we set off again, aiming for our intended mooring spot about half a mile outside Braunston. We passed the junction at Braunston Turn, this time bearing right onto the North Oxford Canal heading towards Rugby. We will stay here a day or two as it is nice rural spot, and subject to the weather we will get to work on polishing our brass.

       

Our seclusion at this spot did not last long as we were soon joined by not one, but four more boats over the course of the next few hours.

Totals 6 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel

Running total  174 Miles 125 Locks 11 Tunnels

Watford and a Spitfire flight

As the title says we are moored near Watford, as in the the village of Watford, and not the sprawling mass just north of London. Anyway, it has been a while since the last post so a bit of a catch up is required. As planned we left Napton on a return journey for Yelvertoft, stopping briefly in a number of previously visited locations. We did however break the journey from bridge 100 on the Oxford Canal to Norton Junction, by stopping for a night halfway up the Braunston flight in the Admiral Nelson P.H. pound. Of course being so close a visit had to be made.

       

Sunday lunch on Fathers Day was enjoyed at the New Inn, Long Buckby, before heading off up Watford Locks and transiting Crick tunnel the following day. We stopped just beyond bridge 20 on the Leicester Line G.U. a usual spot for us, close to Yelvertoft Marina. On Thursday 23/6 we headed off towards the unofficial winding hole a mile ahead by bridge 24. It is very much silted up now and we only just made the turn. Had we been unsuccessful the next winding hole would have added three hours to our journey.

                                    

                                           Oscar sunning himself on the grassy towpath.

Once in the marina we had a few boat type chores to do over the next couple of days, before heading off for the weekend to visit family.

Now for the best bit. On Tuesday 28/6 it was our Pearl Wedding Anniversary. We set off from our hotel close to Brands Hatch heading for Biggin Hill airfield. The former RAF station was one of the main airfields defending London during the war and is now privately operated. We travelled the perimeter road to a hanger at the far end of the airfield which is filled with a selection of aircraft from both the RAF and Luftwaffe. After checking in we attended a safety briefing, which basically amounted to, these are the risks, as if they were going to stop me, then it was off to be kitted out with flight suit and gloves.

The next thirty minutes words can't really describe so I will let the photos do it.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

The Spitfire in question is MJ627. Built at Castle Bromwich in 1943, she entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. MJ627s first operational sortie was from an advanced landing ground in Belgium. After only two days of service MJ627 destroyed a Messerschmitt Me 109 over Arnhem being flown by Pilot Officer Sidney Bregman.

The aircraft commander for my flight was Don Sigournay, a former Royal Navy pilot who flew Sea Harriers. Being the first flight of the day, on start up the engine stalled, belching smoke from its twelve exhaust ports. Second time round, no such problem. We taxied towards the runway and then waited whilst the Rolls Royce Merlin engine warmed to operating temperature. As we moved onto the runway final readings of the gauges were made before the throttle was opened and in no time at all we were airborne. The Spitfire begins to fly at about 85 knots. Climbing away from Biggin Hill we made a quick turn left, taking us away from the controlled airspace of Gatwick airport. On reaching our cruising altitude the engine was throttled back, and wings levelled as we flew south east over the Kent countryside. What occurred next I had not been expecting. I had thought I was going to be simply a passenger, up there for a ride. Now I was being offered the controls. At the instruction of Don I now flew the Spitfire, banking left and right over Kent with London in the distance. For the next 15 minutes I was in seventh heaven. The initial emotional feelings of being in such an iconic aircraft now gave way to sheer fun. All to soon control was back with Don, however there was to be one final treat. The Spitfire was put into a shallow dive allowing the airspeed to increase. As we pulled out of the dive you could feel the G force pressing you back into the seat. Then the aircraft rolled to the left, performing a victory roll. Well you simply can't fly in a Spitfire and not do that, can you. We then headed back to Biggin Hill for a perfect landing.

Today we departed Yelvertoft Marina on our main summer cruise. We have no plan as such other than attending Glascote Basin towards the end of July for a Hudson boat owners gathering at the new Norton Canes base. We passed through Crick tunnel then took a mooring just north of the locks.

       

       

Totals 13/6 to 23/6  20 Miles 21 Locks 2 Tunnels

Totals today 4 Miles 1 Tunnel

Running totals 165 Miles 112 Locks 10 Tunnels

Napton on the Hill

Weekly update. Following our short stay at Yelvertoft Marina to attend the Crick Boat Show, on Sunday 5/6 we departed in fine weather heading for Norton Junction. We waved to the crew of nb Adagio who were also due to be leaving, and turned left at the exit heading towards Crick. As we approached Crick Marina we saw most of the boats that had been moored on the, pay for towpath moorings, were now gone. Then it was on into Crick Tunnel for an unopposed transit. It was also unusually dry ish. We were soon at the top of the Watford Lock flight. There was a boat waiting, but soon after checking in with the lockeeper we were on our way down the staircase. Half way down, we again saw the crew of nb Adagio checking in. Later we found out they had a three hour wait, boy are we glad we got up slightly earlier than they did. Rounding the final bend towards Norton Junction and the Grand Union Canal it is always a lottery if the mooring spot will be empty or full. We were lucky. We had also arrived at lunchtime, so a quick call to the New Inn just round the corner secured a Sunday roast reservation.

Monday 6/6, we were away early aiming for the area of Flecknoe on the South Oxford Canal. The weather was glorious as we turned right at the junction heading for Braunston.

       

                                                 Heading towards Braunston Tunnel.

       

                                               Viewing back towards Norton Junction.

The previous day this stretch of canal had been really busy, we were expecting the same again. We were wrong. We had no boats with us in Braunston tunnel, and also none to share the six wide locks we now had to descend. The cottage by the top lock is for sale if you have a spare half a million, it's not one of the best we have seen, but does include 3 acres of land. Onwards down the flight we began to meet oncoming traffic, which meant the locks were in our favour as we arrived at them. Once through the bottom lock it was onto the junction where we turned left onto the Oxford Canal. About a mile and a half later we arrived at our intended spot taking a position just prior to bridge 100. The main mooring area beyond the bridge was very busy, but stopping where we did gave us the illusion of being on our own.

       

       

                                                 Bridge 100 mooring spot on the Oxford Canal.

Our plan was to stay here a few days until our appointment at Calcutt Boats on Thursday. On Tuesday 7/6 we walked back into Braunston for lunch at the Boathouse, and on the way back we managed with a great deal of resolve, to avoid visiting the chandlers. Wednesday 8/6 we set to work with one of our Crick show purchases, 'Brass Mate'. For the past year the brass on our boat has had a lovely bronze look to it. Both our neighbours at Yelvertoft polish theirs, so now we too can join in the fun and games. We completed one side, and it is now so shiney you need sunglasses just to look at it. Thursday 9/6 we wanted to be at Calcutt for when they opened, so at a very early 7am we were underway. An hour later we turned right at Wigrams Turn, rejoining the Grand Union Canal, and then travelled the short distance to Calcutt locks. Descending one lock we then reversed onto the wharf and checked in at the office. Our hurricane diesel heater was still not functioning correctly in that the exhaust was at times giving off very strong fumes. The engineer dismantled the inner workings paying particular attention to the compressor, as the unit had been running at low pressure thereby causing an incomplete burn of the diesel. He soon found the problem, a small hairline crack in the unit that has probably been present since new. For this reason Calcutts did not charge me for a replacement despite being outside the warranty period, which I thought was decent. By noon we were on our way again heading for Napton on the Hill and a favourite mooring spot by bridge 116. We had six locks of the Napton flight to ascend but the flight is manned by lock volunteers, so sometimes you get some assistance, usually only at the bottom of the flight. Our chosen spot was free so we moored up planning to stay over the weekend. 

       

                                             Mooring on the Napton flight by bridge 116.

During Friday and Saturday we visited the pub and the village shop to support both. Today, Sunday 12/6 we had booked in for lunch at the Folly Inn. Mid morning we received a phone call from the pub cancelling the booking due to a power cut that had affected the whole village. To say we were devastated at the prospect of missing out on a roast dinner was an understatement. Luckily, 10 minutes later lunch was back on as the power had been restored. The pub however in that short time had lost quite a few bookings. The food as usual was excellent. Our plan is to head back slowly towards Norton Junction aiming to be there by next weekend.

Totals  Sunday 5/6.     7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel

           Monday 6/6.    6 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel

           Thursday 9/6.  8 Miles 8 Locks 

Running totals 141 Miles 91 Locks 7 Tunnels

Long Buckby

After spending a day in the wilds near bridge 100 on the South Oxford canal, it was time to move on. Now we have a functioning diesel heater we have allowed the squirrel solid fuel stove go out for the first time since November. At some stage I have the dirty job of cleaning the flue, but not today. Half an hour after setting off we turn right at the junction in Braunston, and headed slowly towards the locks. Initially we planned to go up one lock, then the crew was going to visit the village shops for supplies. However whilst waiting at the lock, we were joined by nb. Bluebird from Cropredy, and the prospect of help up the flight was too much for the crew to ignore. ( No visit to the butchers, means no steak or mince for me). Through Braunston tunnel we encountered four oncoming boats, but none in the area of the kink so our passage was uneventful. At Norton Junction instead of turning left for home, we continued on towards the Buckby flight of locks. This is new water for the boat, and the crew. We stopped above the top lock for water, then descended one lock and took up a mooring close to some splendid willow trees. We are also located slap bang between the A5 on one side, and the M1 and West Coast Mainline on the other. Fortunately they are just far enough away as not to be a problem. Friday, being the day for fish and chips, may mean a visit to the New Inn later for tea. While there we may as well book in for Sunday lunch also.

       

                                             Our mooring at Long Buckby.

We are time limited at this mooring to 48 hours, so first thing Monday we will be off. It's just as well as fifty yards ahead of the boat is a canalware shop with lots of expensive goodies for sale.

Totals 6 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel

Running total 27 Miles 26 Locks 3 Tunnels

Flecknoe

This morning the alarm had been set for a very early 8 am. The sky was cloudy, and the forecast warm weather had yet to arrive. After breakfast, we moved off towards the junction and turned right onto the main Grand Union Canal. We passed a few moored boats whose occupants were still stirring as we headed towards the 2042 yard Braunston Tunnel. On the approach we could see a boat ahead of us entering the tunnel, and hoped these would be our partners down the six wide locks in Braunston. We negotiated the famous, or infamous kink in the tunnel without incident, and continued on without meeting any oncoming traffic. On arrival at the locks we teamed up with the crew of nb Lilly May for the descent of the lock flight. The owners had only bought the boat a couple days ago, and were on their way to the chandlers of some supplies. I was able to give them some good news that today, was freaky friday at the swindlers, and therefore everything was on 20% discount. We carried on to the junction and turned left onto the Oxford Canal. The wind by now was starting to pick up, but our intended mooring spot near bridge 100 was just over a mile away. Now, for the first time since November the boat is moored to the starboard side. If the warm weather forecast for tomorrow is correct, I will give it a wash. The plan is to stay put till Sunday, then we will travel the final leg to Calcutt Boats for our Monday appointment.

     

                                                 Bridge 100 on the south Oxford Canal.

Totals 6 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel

Running total 13 Miles 13 Locks 2 Tunnels

Norton Junction

This morning we departed our spot at 0815 hrs, and three quarters of an hour later we arrived at the water point in Braunston, by the Gongoozerlers Rest ( a cafe boat ). We filled with water and dumped some rubbish, before obtaining a couple of slices of toast and marmalade whilst waiting. We were soon joined on the water point by Nb Inca, whose blog can be found in our blog list. They were going the same way, so we now had a locking partner for the six wide locks we had to do today. We had seen Inca before on the Shroppie, but this was the first time for a chat. I was pleased to hear they are happy with the zinc coating they had done, as we are on our way to Debdale for the same process. Once through the locks, we were soon in the 2042 yard long Braunston tunnel. We met two oncoming boats, but passed both without contact. Back into the daylight it was a mile and a half to Norton Junction where we said farewell to Inca, we turned left onto the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal. We found our usual spot vacant, so quickly secured the boat before nipping down to the New Inn to book our Sunday roast. It was lunchtime so we enjoyed their hospitality. Now back on our winter waters, we plan to stay here till Monday, when we will set off up the Watford staircase locks aiming for Yelvertoft.

Totals 6 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel

Running total 610 Miles 300 Locks 20 Tunnels

Napton on the Hill

Since our last post a week has passed, and it feels as if we have been quite busy. On Friday 28/8 we set off for the canal junction in Braunston. We turned right beneath the ironwork bridges remaining on the Oxford Canal.

       

The stretch of the canal between Braunston Junction and Wigrams Turn is shared by the Grand Union Canal and the Oxford Canal. This stretch of water is new to our boat, but we have passed this way before. A few years ago, we hired a Willow Wren boat for a week during the winter, before making the decision to live onboard full time. On this trip we were accompanied by our chestnut coloured labradoodle Dylan, who is sadly no longer with us.

       

                                                           Dylan keeping an eye on things.

We carried on to Wigrams Turn where the Grand Union Canal separates from the Oxford and heads off towards Birmingham. We popped into the marina for services before rejoining the canal heading towards Napton on the Hill. At the second winding hole just prior to the start of the locks, we winded and retraced our route back to Bridge 110, before mooring up. We were then within striking distance of Calcutt Boats for our Tuesday appointment. On Sunday we had a roast dinner at the Bridge Inn. This was closed when we came here in the hire boat so it was good to see that it has reopened and it will definitely get a return visit as the roast was excellent.

Monday 31/8 another year passes. I was 52. My present, although I am yet to receive it is a hand operated brass klaxon. I was also treated to a homemade chocolate birthday cake. We did not have any candles so a long stove lighting match had to suffice.

       

Tuesday 1/9 we set off the short distance to Calcutt Boats. This required turning onto the Grand Union Canal at Wigrams Turn. We had agreed to moor just above the locks whilst they conducted their inspection of our diesel heater. We want it repositioned in the engine room to make servicing easier. The engineer had a look and then it was into the office for the quote. Despite it only being a bit of plumbing work the job was estimated at up to 3 days and the fee was eye watering. The biggest problem however was that the boat would need to go into the workshop, and therefore we could not remain onboard whilst the work is carried out. This means the job will not happen this year. The heater requires a service every 1000 hours of use. In a year we have used it for 115 hours, so I may just leave it for the eight years until its first service is due!!! Departing Calcutt we returned to Wigrams Turn and set off back towards Braunston. 

       

                                                                   Wigrams Turn.

       

                                                     Oxford to the right, London to the left.

We moored in a nice rural spot near the village of Flecknoe with good views across the countryside. On Wednesday we stayed put, going for a circular walk during the day around Flecknoe. We were logged by the CRT in the morning, not sure where we were last logged but possibly not since Fradley. On Thursday 3/9 our day involved shopping. We took the boat into Braunston about a mile and a half, and winded by the marina. The smells coming from the cafe boat, the 'gongoozerlers rest' were as appetising as ever. We moored up close to the pub and next to another boat named 'Milly M'. This is Maffi's boat, and it was good to finally meet him having read his blog for a couple of years. Once secured, we went in search of some wrap round fenders at Tradlines in the marina. After much measuring to ensure a good fit, these have now been ordered and will be ready on our way back in a couple of weeks. We had lunch in the pub, then popped up into Braunston village for some supplies in the grocery. We also nipped into the butchers. Back at the boat we set off again, intending to return to the area of Flecknoe. Both the two legged, and the four legged crew decided to walk whilst I navigated the boat back to our spot.

Having allowed some time for the work at Calcutts to be done, now that it is not being, we find ourselves a couple of weeks ahead of where we need to be. So, we have reviewed our travels, and have decided to go and explore Cropredy on the Oxford Canal, and a few other villages on the way. So today we set off after breakfast, for Napton on the Hill. As we got close to the locks we passed by the windmill sitting on top of the hill.

       

We decided to fill with water at the base of the locks, and whilst doing so we were joined by nb Brindley, another Hudson boat we have not met before. We had a good old chat whilst waiting and even had time to visit 'Arkwright's Stores'. All though we did not need anything we made a few purchases as we like to support these valuables canal side stores.

       

We climbed four of the locks in the flight, before calling it a day. Now in a good spot with great views and close to 'The Folly' for refreshments. We will stay put till Monday and as usual Sunday lunch is already booked.

       

                                                                        The Folly

       

       

                                                Our mooring spot between locks 11 and 12.

Friday 28/8 totals 8 Miles

Tuesday 1/9 totals 6 Miles

Thursday 3/9 totals 3 Miles

Friday 4/9 totals 5 Miles 4 Locks

Running totals 548 Miles 253 Locks 19 Tunnels

Braunston

We only had a relatively short journey planned today so we stopped at the water point at the base of Hillmorton Locks, even though we knew from experience it was a slow filling tap. This gave us time to have breakfast and get rid of rubbish, whilst we waited. At 9.30 we set off up the locks, several boats had already passed us and gone through, so none were set in our favour. The pounds between the locks are renowned for being low, and we usually scrap the bottom in places but not today. There was even water flowing over the top of the bottom lock gates. Once at the top of the flight we passed the site of the former Rugby Radio Station. This used to be a familiar sight especially to travellers on the M1 and M6, with fields full of radio masts. These have now virtually all gone, and the site is going to be used for housing. In a couple of years the area around Hillmorton Locks will be completely different. We then entered the Barby Straight, a section of canal arrow straight for about a mile and a half. We passed the villages of Barby and Willoughby, then arrived at our mooring spot just a mile from the village of Braunston.

       

       

       

       

  

       

                                                         Just a few pictures of our mooring spot.

This is a nice rural spot and normally we would stay here maybe a day or two. However as this coming weekend is a bank holiday we want to be settled nearer to Napton and Calcutt Boats before the weekend boaters pour out of the nearby marinas. The other benefit of being near Napton is we will be close to a delightful pub we know, The Folly Inn. After securing the boat we walked into Braunston for lunch at The Boat House, followed by a visit to the swindlers, also known as Midland Chandlers. We went in just to have a look, and I was hoping not to spend anything. I failed.

Totals 6 Miles 3 Locks

Running total 526 Miles 249 Locks 19 Tunnels

Norton Junction

In Yesterday's post I forgot to mention that at the point we entered Braunston we left the Oxford canal and joined the Grand Union Canal. This is a wide canal and means that all the locks will now be double locks with heavy gates and paddles. 

I was also minding my own business with a side hatch open and nearly lost my left ear to this........

We left our mooring at 7 am and used the water point by the gongoozlers rest. For those not in the know this is a floating cafe next to Braunston marina. A gongoozler is someone who likes to watch activity on the canals.

It was here that we found that someone ( me ) had lost/misplaced our hose connector. The lady at the gongoozlers rest was kind enough to lend us hers so we bought some local honey in exchange. We arrived at the bottom lock of the Braunston flight at 8 am and there was another boat just about to start so we doubled up with them. This not only saves water but also shares the workload. It turned out the other boat was also a Hudson.

We carried on up the flight knowing that up ahead was Braunston tunnel. This tunnel is two way traffic for narrowboats and is 2042 yards long so well over a mile. It took us about 30 minutes to get through and we passed 3 other boats on the way.

The Francis light worked well in the tunnel and we even switched on the port and starboard navigation lights to check they were working. Once out of the tunnel it was only a short hop to our mooring location at Norton Junction. This is where the Leicester arm of the Grand Union Canal leaves the mainline which goes onto London.

       

                   Left turn for Leicester and Market Harborough straight on for London

This afternoon we took Oscar for a walk to a boatyard to try and obtain a hose connector but no luck. So we found The New Inn P.H. at Long Buckby and had a drink instead. Now back on board for a relaxing evening. Sky dish aligned and curry for tea. Tomorrow we stay put as we don't want to over do it and on Monday we have a lock staircase to deal with but that is another story.

Totals 4 Miles 6 Locks 1 Tunnel