Calcutt Marina

After spending a pleasant Saturday by bridge 100 it was time to move again. Today there seemed to be an increase in boat traffic, all heading towards Braunston. Just over an hour after setting off we arrived at Wigrams Turn where we rejoined the Grand Union Canal heading towards Birmingham. As we were entering the top lock another boat came into view in the distance, so we waited. It is far easier with two boats in these wide locks, and it saves water. There are three locks in the flight at Calcutt and the entrance to the marina is adjacent to the bottom lock. As we turned left into the marina and headed for our berth by the slipway, we spotted a very well known narrowboat 'James' moored against the 'dump barge'. The owner runs a web site, living on a narrowboat, and operates taster days for people who want to try boating. We moored up and went to report in at the office. Later, the engineers who are going to refit our diesel boiler came to the boat to discuss what needed to be done. The good news is the work may only take a day and a half, rather than the three days originally quoted. Tomorrow, we move temporarily onto one of Calcutts hire boats, 'Wild Hemlock 1', whilst our boat goes into the shed.

       

             Our spot against the slipway with famous nb.James and the dump barge in distance.

Totals 4 Miles 3 Locks

Running total 17 Miles 16 Locks 2 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