Spring is sprung

What a glorious day! A good start to the day with eggs & bacon, tea and toast and then, off we went. The first lock of the day, Top Lock No7, and we were helped through by people who were also coming up the lock behind us. 

At Norton Junction we turned left and followed The Grand Union toward Braunston Tunnel. The tunnel was opened in 1796, is 2042 yards long and because of quicksands and a mistake in direction whilst building, it has a slight S bend. I must admit, not one of my favourite tunnels. 

Still, we got through OK and here we are approaching Braunston Top Lock. 

We were accompanied through the flight by a singlehander who was glad of our help. 

Look at the date on this lock. Looking back on our time in New Zealand, most of their historical buildings date from around the same period. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. While one country was developing the canals were revolutionising transport in England. 

Lock No3 and The Admiral Nelson pub. No time to stop today - shame, it's a very good pub. 

Just exited Bottom Lock and passing the old pump house. 

No moorings free in the middle but we did manage to pull in right opposite The Boathouse. Well, it would have been rude not to try it out. 

And look what we had for lunch. 

Ham, egg & chips. After that, a slow walk around the village. 

Braunston church and, behind it ... 

The old windmill, now a private home. 

We were then quietly snoozing away the afternoon when who should come past? 

Daphne & Rob Rose. Unfortunately they couldn't stop as they had to push on but we managed a brief chat with their boat breasted up alongside ours. 

7 o'clock and we're still sitting outside - two nights running!