Tuesday we set off from Gayton Junction and look, not a cloud in the sky. Surprisingly we had no problems with mooring overnight, the junction was almost empty.
Not so with some of our favourite mooring places.
They are even breasted up in places. And you can't say that the sun has brought them out as they've obviously been moored there overnight.
Still, the sun's shining and look who's steering.
The captain's in charge, time for me to go below and make a cuppa. Also had to dig out the woolly gloves again, that wind's really chilly.
Passing our marina - waved at the car - it looks quite safe.
Sun's out, ensign's out.
Anyone interested in a canal camping holiday? Who you gonna call? Inland Navigators!
Further along the canal and we keep a lookout for Harold and Hilda (my name for them). Every time we pass they are dressed up in a different outfit.
Not sure who they are this time round but the folk living there must have fun coming up with new ideas.
And now we are literally a stone's throw from the M1. Wouldn't want to be stuck here overnight.
And now, on our right the M1.
And on our left, the railway. And the other side of the railway the A5 Roman road, Watling Street.
No stopping here either, it was straight into the locks and up the flight to Buckby top lock.
I must have one of those - front of the boat - coming through - boom!
Managed to find space in our usual place just below the top lock.
Right opposite the field of sheep.
And what better way to end the day than a barbecue with Malcolm and Ann.
We even had a bottle of Crouch Valley Rosé to celebrate the occasion.
A perfect end to a perfect day.
Wednesday and we cast off to go through the top lock and then on to Braunston.
I know I keep saying 'each time we come past' but it's true, each time we come past these new estates seem to be getting closer and closer to the canal. There, I've said it.
Shiver me timbers! The entrance to Hades. Not quite but Braunston Tunnel is not top of my favourites because it has a kink in the middle. OK if noone's coming the other way but we lost a navigation light once when passing near the kink. Any other boats around at this point and I stop until they squeeze past - it's the safest way.
Coming down the locks after the tunnel (all lights intact) we passed Narrowboat Escapes on a training session. It seems that I was doing the right thing through the locks so, another course I don't need to go on.
Now what's going on here? Well we are coming along the canal and, all in good time, a boater was turning into the marina entrance. Unfortunately for him, another boater was coming out of the marina and he had right of way. Now remember that unlike cars, boats don't have brakes! Neither do they have steering wheels at the front. So for a couple of minutes or so it's a case of all stop and then a slow waltz around each other. Friendly waves all round, nothing dented but pride.
We tied up just before Braunston Marina and, coincidentally, just before lunch. A short walk to the pub seemed to be just the proper thing so that we could show Malcolm and Ann all the historic sites.
We visited the church.
Saw the old windmill.
Went to our favourite butchers and did a bit of stocking up of the larder.
After that a cup of tea together and then farewell to Malcolm and Ann as they set off towards Napton and we prepare to go on towards Coventry tomorrow.
Which means that we sat down, had another cuppa and a piece of Ann's cake that she left for us. Which reminded me that I haven't put up any pictures of food so far.
Well, here you are.
Sorry, too late, I ate it. Thanks Ann, too good to waste time taking photos!
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