Off to Cosgrove

Today we are setting off on what, for this holiday, will be a long cruise. We are aiming to cover 6 miles together with 7 locks which should take between 3 1/2 to 4 hours. A good chance to charge up the batteries.

Here we are passing Blissworth Tunnel Boats before entering the tunnel itself.

And here we are at the far end having followed a fairly slow boat and passing another boat in the middle.

And this is Stoke Bruerne, always a hive of industry with plenty of boats and the usual trip boat. As we were about to come out of the tunnel I saw a headlamp coming into the entrance and thought 'Oh no, not another boat to pass.' Luckily it was only the trip boat putting its nose into the entrance and then backing out again.

Through the first lock being watched by plenty of gongoozlers.

Most of the locks in this flight had side pounds which would store half the water in the lock, in the same way as at Watford and Foxton. Although still there, the side pounds were not deemed necessary many years ago.

As we were entering the 4th lock we noticed people working the lock we had just come through. We waited for them to come through and continued down the rest of the flight in the company of Hobbit.

It was lucky for us in two ways. Firstly there was a brother and sister crew who were happy to open and close gates and, secondly, Brigid was free to walk to the next lock and get it ready for us. Overall this saved us a lot of time. Added to that, the skipper, their mother, was happy for us to move from lock to lock in tandem. If done correctly, you don't have to faff about getting one boat into the lock and then manoeuvring the second in alongside. You both come in together. 

Looking back at the bottom lock and saying goodbye to Hobbit as they stop to take on water.

I love this sign. Instead of the usual 'Slow down past moored boats' you are asked to slow down for elderly ducks crossing.

On past Thrupp Wharf, where the strong cross wind played havoc with a smaller boat trying to turn round, and then past the Taveners Boat Club.

A bit of camera shake but I just had to get a snap of Mr Heron. So often they fly off as soon as you get near.

And, at last, we've made it, we are at Cosgrove. Now settled in for an evening of Strictly and our usual Saturday night steak supper.