Napton locks

The weather forecast for today shows it as being cloudy with a temperature of 20°C. Oh well, can't have wall to wall sun every day can you? Or, can you! 

We set off for the bottom lock, the first of nine raising boats 49ft overall. 

There were two volunteers on duty and they did all the work for us. Regrettably, they didn't come with us to do the remaining eight! 

Part way up we saw the Water Buffalo. I know, I always comment on them but it always reminds me of a strange request. 

When I was working at the Pleshey Retreat House a lady phoned up and asked if, for her breakfast, we could get some bull's milk. Needless to say we were a bit stumped over this request and suggested she bring her own. It seems she wanted buffalo milk and just got the wrong name. We were all joking in the kitchen as to who should go and try to milk a bull. 

Here we are at the top lock at Marston Doles. We were working the locks quite quickly and it only took us nearly two hours to get through. The route planner suggests that it would normally take 2½ hours. 

About two miles further on we stopped for a late lunch. 

The neighbours are a bit noisy!

Even got a wigwam in the field opposite. 

We are fairly close to Priors Hardwick if anyone wants to look it up on a map. 

What a lovely pastoral scene. Lunch, boat, canal, wigwam, green fields and blue sky. Oh, forgot to say, sunshine all day and not overcast at all. 

We're going to stay here for the night and, as it's Saturday, steak for supper. Yippee!