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 Update

I just knew even entering the canalware shop by lock 8 would be a mistake, as I would be bound to see something I wanted, and so it was. Yesterday during our walk with four legs down the Buckby Lock flight, I was drawn in and purchased a brass oil lamp we had seen the previous day. I even knew where on the boat it was going to be installed. We arranged to collect it on the way back from our walk, once we had visited the garden centre at the bottom of the flight. Back at the boat armed with a bradawl and a screwdriver, the lamp was fixed in our back cabin.

Brass Oil Lamp

Today as planned we wandered off to the New Inn P.H. to reacquaint ourselves with their roast dinners. We were not disappointed. The afternoon will be spent relaxing, in readiness for the ascent of Watford Locks tomorrow morning. We expect to continue past our winter mooring at Yelvertoft, and end up somewhere near bridge 28, as we are not quite ready to stop cruising just yet.

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 

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

Norton Junction

Our mooring by bridge 9 on the Leicester Line was visually pleasant, but did suffer a little from the low drone of the nearby M1 motorway. We were only about a ten minute cruise to the top of Watford Locks.

       

       

Even before we got up we heard three boats pass us heading for the flight, so we did not rush, enjoying breakfast before setting off. On arrival at the locks the three boats were still there, waiting, so we were number four in the queue. Checking in with the volunteer lock keeper, he informed us he was letting six boats up before we could descend. We were in for a wait, and our place in the queue had us directly beneath the damp and gloomy motorway bridge. Our total time down the flight of seven locks, including the waiting period, was about two hours. We continued on, passing Watford Gap services and arrived at our usual spot about 100 yards prior to the junction with the Grand Union Canal. It was quite busy, but we found a spot to shoehorn ourselves into, then it was off to the New Inn for a Sunday roast.

Totals 3 Miles 7 Locks

Running total 168 Miles 119 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

Yelvertoft

We departed Norton Junction at about 9.30 this morning heading towards the Watford lock flight. As we approached it became apparent there was a queue, and we were number three. There was also one more boat in the flight going up, and three more on their way down which we would need to wait for. Still, at least it was warm and sunny. About an hour later we were on our way up. The flight was manned by volunteers, who helped with our progression through the central staircase section. We had been close to the M1 for a while, but once through the top lock, we passed beneath the motorway and soon left the noise behind us. Although we'd had a bit of a wait, it is nothing like the wait people will have in a couple of weeks time, when all the Crick Boat Show traffic is on the move. It is one of the reasons we have returned to the summit level a tad early. Then it was Crick tunnel, wet as usual, but not as bad as it has been previously. Passing Crick Marina we were soon on familiar water, rounding Cracks Hill and Yelvertoft. We passed our winter home, noting our usual berth is currently empty, and then stopped for water by bridge 19. Whilst waiting we had a bite to eat, then it was on again, about half a mile to our intended mooring spot. 

       

                                                          Mooring by bridge 20.

We don't have any hard and fast plans now until the Crick Boat Show, so will spend a few days here and there on the summit level, before returning to Yelvertoft Marina.

Totals 7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel

Running total 101 Miles 68 Locks 5 Tunnels

On the move/Norton Junction

Today, we finally disconnected the electrical umbilical cord, and made a break for the marina exit. We had blue sky and sunshine for our first journey of the year, although it was still a little chilly. Crick Tunnel was wetter than ever, and as we travelled through we caught up with a boat ahead, that appeared to be travelling exceptionally slowly. As we exited the tunnel this boat pulled over allowing us to pass. It turned out that it was a crew under instruction, and they were performing drills as they went along. On arrival at Watford locks we were ushered straight in by the lock keeper, then had an uneventful descent down the flight. At the bottom we carried on and picked up a mooring at our usual spot, on the straight just prior to Norton Junction. We quickly secured the boat, then it was round the corner to the New Inn at Long Buckby for lunch. Our intention is to remain here one night only, as we have an appointment at Calcutt Boats on Monday.

       

             Norton Junction, where the Leicester branch of the GU and Grand Union Canal meet.

Totals 7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel

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

Norbury Junction

Slipping away from our mooring at Market Drayton by 8 we soon arrived at the Tyrley Locks. This flight also consists of five locks, and as yesterday, all were in our favour. As can be seen from the photo below, the lock gates at this flight leak like a sieve. You would think the paddles were raised already with the amount of water flooding through the top gate.

       

The bottom of this flight is located within a wooded cutting, but as we ascended we emerged into bright sunshine. We have to keep an eye on the furry crew member. He has realised that if the hoop of his lead is simply placed over the small bollards he can with a bit of jiggery-pokery lift his lead off himself.

       

Having arrived at the top of the flight we now only have one more lock to navigate on the Shroppie. We met a couple of boats as we passed through Woodseaves Cutting so rather than rub sides with them we stopped at a wider section allowing them to pass. When about half way through the cutting we passed the location of a recently fallen beech tree. Reports were that a couple of weeks ago, chaos ensued as the cutting was blocked with dozens of boats stuck for a couple of days at the busiest time of the year. Little of the wood remained so we suspect a few liveaboard boaters have stocked up with fuel for the winter. Our next obstacle was a fishing competition, consisting of 75 fishermen spread out along a mile and a half of the canal. Boats coming the other way informed us they were very grumpy, but we acknowledged each of them as we passed and found them ok. It was like receiving a royal salute, as fishing poles were raised in turn to allow our passage. On arrival at Norbury Junction we were lucky to find a spot prior to the bridge and service yard. Our journey had taken five hours and it was now lunchtime. The Junction Inn was serving a Sunday roast and also had a decent selection of vegetarian options for the crew. We plan to fill with diesel at Norbury Wharf at 59p a litre. It is a penny a litre dearer than Wheaton Aston but the fuel filler is on the correct side here. Tomorrow we are aiming for Brewood.

Totals 11 Miles 5 Locks

Running total 425 Miles 213 Locks 17 Tunnels

Norton Junction

We have stayed at Norton Junction during the Easter weekend. On Saturday some baking was undertaken by the crew. The end result were very tasty cup cakes topped off with an Easter egg.

       

We also took a walk along the G.U. Main Line descending the Buckby flight of locks. Just beyond the top lock is a canal side shop selling canal wares. Inside the shop are a large selection of old oil lamps and a few old fashioned klaxons. I would like to change my modern electric horn for one of these, but they are not cheap, so it will have to wait a while. Anyway, in support of canal retailers we purchased a flower box, painted with traditional roses.

     

On Sunday, as planned we lunched at the New Inn. The food was excellent but unfortunately this pub is not dog friendly, so Oscar had to remain at home on the boat.

Today we woke to clear skies and bright sunshine. Having purchased a flower box we now needed some flowers to put in it. There is a garden centre at the bottom of the Buckby flight, a round trip of four miles. We set off with a rucksack which was duly loaded on the return journey, with a selection of flowers and a bag of potting compost. The end result now compliments the roof of the boat.

      

During our walk along the towpath we were enjoying the fresh air when, suddenly we began to smell strong farmyard smells. Oscars nose was twitching and on looking over the top of the hedgerow we could see why.

      

A family of pigs were wallowing in the mud enjoying the sun. This section of the country is also unique in that 2000 years of transport history, can be found running parallel within a hundred yards of each other. First, the A5 Watling Street, a Roman road. Second, the Grand Union Canal followed, closely by the Railway. This is finally topped off by the M1 motorway.

      

The above is the railway crossing the canal. The A5 runs parallel to the left and the M1 is to the right. Tomorrow we plan to move off to just the other side of Braunston. We have six locks and a tunnel to navigate, so hopefully we will get underway around 8 am.

  

Chester Bound

We stayed a day longer in the marina than we had planned, due to the high winds that had been forecast. It turned out to be a good decision. We had our winter neighbours round for a farewell curry on Wednesday evening, and then Thursday morning we set off for Norton Junction. The day was as forecast, overcast but with very little wind. We passed Crick Marina where the annual boat show is held. We won't be going this year, as we are moving further northwards. It wouldn't be the same for us either as this year there will be large hole where Hudson Boatbuilders usually had their boats. Beyond the marina was Crick Tunnel. A boat was just exiting, and I could see through to the far end that it was clear. What I could not see was that it was dripping, virtually all the way through. Obviously last time we passed it was at the end of the summer and so was fairly dry, this time the end of winter and I got a soaking. The crew I should add were inside the boat, so remained nice and dry. Emerging from the tunnel we were surprised to see the sun had come out. This had not been forecast and the day just got better. Shortly after the tunnel is Watford Locks. This is a staircase locks, so we checked in with the duty lock keeper and were instructed to pass through the first lock, then hold whilst boats coming up passed us. There were four to wait for. This seems to be a pattern for us as we were also held at Foxton in this way. Still it was an opportunity for a cuppa and a toasted hot cross bun.

                                      

                                             Held in the winding hole below the top lock.

Once through the locks it was not much further to Norton Junction. We passed the Watford Gap Services, and began to move further away from the M1 and all the noise that it brings. We passed numerous fields now full of lambs and as we turned the corner towards the junction with the Grand Union Canal Main Line, we saw a long line of moored boats. Fortunately there was one gap and it was just big enough.

        

                                      Moored in a line of boats at Norton Junction 

Later during our afternoon walk we saw even more boats moored up beyond the junction so it looks like we found our spot just in time. It was always going to be busy here over the Easter weekend and a large number of boats have passed us heading towards the locks. Some of these have been the old historic boats on their way to Foxton for an Easter weekend event. The museum there has been refurbished and is due for a grand reopening. We will stay here till Monday at least with Sunday lunch at the New Inn, Buckby already booked.

       

                                                    An Easter Lamb. Happy Easter.

Totals 7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel

Yelvertoft

We set off this morning at 7.45 am. You could tell the weather was going to be good as the sky was crystal clear blue and mist appeared to be rising from the canal.

                                                The start of a glorious day.

We approached the Watford flight of locks and were first in the queue for going up. After checking in with the lock keeper we waited until the two boats descending the flight had finished. Then it was our turn. Each lock had two set of colour coded paddles, red and white. You open the red ones first then the white which balances the water in the side ponds, so the lockie told us.

                                  Entry point to the first lock of the Watford flight.

                                  Waiting for boats in the staircase to exit.

                   Halfway up the red paddles being opened with lockie looking on.

                                             Top of the flight looking back.

Having ascended the locks it was not long before we entered Crick tunnel. We were nearly through thinking we had got away without a drenching and then it happened near the northern end of the tunnel. Oscar had sat just inside the boat rather than in 'his spot' but he seemed ok with it. Once clear of the tunnel we passed the marina famous for the annual boat show and pressed on towards Yelvertoft.

We needed a pump out and also took the opportunity to refuel. We had used 56 litres of diesel on our journey from Tamworth. After re acquainting ourselves with the staff at Yelvertoft marina we continued heading north on what is going to be our home water for the winter. It is very tranquil a little overgrown and shallow in a lot of places.

                                 View from side hatch of night time mooring.

We are planning to stay put for a few days maybe only moving for a refill of water when needed.

Totals 10 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel

Norton Junction (day two)

We stayed put today for our day of rest. It started by us laying in till 10 am. After breakfast we decided to walk to Whilton Marina as they have a chandlers there. The walk took us down the Grand Union mainline passing the 7 locks of the Buckby flight. At the marina we found the chandlers well stocked. On the counter by the till was a large bucket of hose connectors with a note saying 'carry a spare'. Clearly I am not the only one to misplace this thing, so I bought two. I have also decided to try and limit my visits to chandlers in general as they are like toy shops for grown ups, and I always seem to spend more than I intended before entering. After brief refreshments of an ice lolly each we returned towards Long Buckby. At the top of the flight is the pub we visited yesterday, so a return visit today for lunch seemed a good idea. The day had warmed up so on return to the boat the afternoon was spent lazing about in the sun.

Tomorrow we plan to set off early to tackle the staircase locks at the Watford flight, which happen to be very close to Watford Gap services on the M1, and Crick tunnel, which I believe leaks so raincoats at the ready.

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