Last few days

 I'm sorry that I haven't posted the blog for the last few days but I have been having problems with the mobile version of Blogger. Whenever I post a picture to the blog it inserts it at original size whereas the computer version reduces it to a medium size. This means that everything I post from my phone only shows a fraction of the photo. Sorry about that but I have tried to go back and amend the formats and most of the posts are now at a reasonable size for viewing. Technology!!!***???***!!!

Where were we? Oh yes, Tuesday 7th May

Woke up to overcast cold weather, no fire alight, poor forecast until about 4 pm., so decided to head for the marina, tidy up the boat, use the washing machines and tumble driers, etc. True to forecast it all started cheering up in the afternoon. 

And then, what a contrast, Wednesday morning, clear skies, sun shining, everybody happy, especially the captain. 

As we reversed out of our mooring space we came near a family of geese. The marina certainly has a wide variety of lodgers with swans, ducks and geese being but a few of those we have seen.

It's glorious, on a sunny day, to just sail along through the greenery that's all around you. Mind you, on a wet day it's entirely a different matter. 

They say: 'Cast not a clout till May be out'. Well, the May (or blackthorn) may be out but I'm not casting anything for a day or two - too chilly for that.

We got to the top of Foxton Locks and spun the boat around ready for our return journey. All the moorings were full at the top of the locks but we managed to tuck ourselves in behind these two working boats.

We then did the touristy bit of walking around and having a look at the site of the inclined plane.

When built, there were two massive caissons full of water, one at the top of the incline and the other at the bottom. Boats would enter and then be raised or lowered as appropriate. 

And here's a view at the bottom to show where the boats would have queued, now private moorings.

All of the digging out would have been done by hand and the soil put into trucks, carted up to the top to build up the embankment for the new canal. 

After all that walking, time for lunch at Bridge 61. I never understand why it is that when you take a selfie it gets everything back to front. 

Unfortunately, Bridge 61 is at the bottom of the flight and our boat is at the top. Oh well, off we go. 

Our last night on the cut and we stopped at a quiet place that we found once before. Sat outside in the sunshine reading, a perfect end to a perfect day. 

Thursday - last day for the moment.

What more could you want? Porridge, eggs, bacon and toast and all outside at the front of the boat. 

After breakfast we had a leisurely sail back to the marina, spent about 3 hours tidying everything up, shutting down the gas and water and making sure that we didn't leave too much behind. Anyway, if we do, it will hopefully only be a month until we are back up again. 

Until then, happy sailing.

What a bank holiday

Every boat we pass I make the same comment that this is the first bank holiday for 20 years with sunshine. 

This was Sunday morning first thing.

Sunshine wall to wall. 

At Norton Junction we turned north onto the Leicester branch line of the Grand Union. 

And first in line for Watford locks.

That's what I thought. I hadn't realised that one boat had already been taken up through the first lock. Still, no rush.

Look at the captain - first time in short sleeves this holiday. 

And off we go. Or should I say up we go!

And, in no time at all, we're at the top. 

Just stopped to attend to the toilet and in the distance is the M1 bridge crossing the canal. I took 4 photos trying to catch a vehicle crossing the bridge but missed every time.

We made our way up to Yelvertoft where we passed this smart inspection launch. It's obviously a modern copy but in the old days the owners of the canals would be taken in these glass fronted boats to survey their waterways. 

Stopped in a fairly isolated spot for the night and, guess what, no fire again. Being Sunday roast pork for supper.

Monday 

More sun but scattered showers forecast.

Made our way to Welford, the starting point of our canal adventures some 48/49 years ago. 

We are moored where the hire boats used to be. It still brings back memories, even now.

We took a walk round Welford and went through the 'pocket park'. These information boards were most educational.

And the captain met up with an old friend...

Back to the boat for a pizza from the mobile pizza van. Just as good as last time.

Saturday 4th May

Didn't bother writing up the blog yesterday as it was cold and wet and as soon as we stopped, the fire was lit again. Apart from that it was a good day.

Saturday.

Sun is shining, no need for a fleece or jacket - how? Yesterday freezing, today boiling (comparatively). 

We walked up to the butchers and set off as soon as we got back.

A bit of a wait for the locks, 6 boats ahead of us. But it gave us time to feed and admire the cygnets. 

At last, nearly there at the bottom lock of the Braunston flight. We were fortunate to buddy up with another boat, the only trouble being that there were very few boats coming down but loads wanting to go up. A case of emptying each lock, going in and then filling it up again. Still, a nice sunny day and we're not in a rush. 

At the top lock with the tunnel just around the corner. If you recall, from previous entries, the one with the kink at the far end. Fortunately, today, no boats to pass in the tunnel. 

Wow, this is a first for this holiday, lunch outside on the towpath. We've stopped just short of Norton Junction and will probably stay here for the night. 

It's Saturday so steak and chips this evening. 

In the meantime, let's enjoy the sunshine.

Misty and overcast

Once again a misty start to the day and the low cloud stayed with us all day. I think it's the low pressure but it's quite a depressing day. At least it's not raining. 

Five locks today to get us to the bottom of the flight. 

But, before we go, a look at the Water Buffalo in the field next to the mooring. 

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The captain's at the tiller today while I do all the hard work. (don't tell her I said that!)

You can just see some newly hatched cygnets, five of them in total. Very proud parents. 

A view from the captain's perspective, watching me work the lock. 

Ah, the field we crossed yesterday to get to the village shop.

Nearly done, last but one lock. 

There were 4 volunteers at the bottom lock, all disappearing off to lunch as fast as possible!

We travelled on for about 4 hours until we arrived at Flecknoe. We've always seen signs advertising The Old Olive Bush so we thought we would pay a visit.

And were we glad we did. Good home cooking in a friendly village pub. We needed the 20 minute walk back to the boat after the meal we had. Should sleep well tonight.