Rain, what rain?

I realised earlier today that we are probably having less rain at the moment than most of the folk back home. We've seen reports of flooding and rail cancellations but, so far, we have had only one day when we didn't go anywhere.

We set off this morning on the way to Braunston and, after clearing Braunston tunnel, teamed up with the crew of Hedwig the Third. Now we crossed paths with these folk in the New Inn last night over supper. I say 'crossed paths' loosely because they were at the next table to us, chatting to other boaters at a further table. We, as usual, found out quite a lot about them just by earwigging the conversation. Anyway, very nice people who definitely knew about how to work locks and boats.

Not much of a view but here we are alongside in one of the locks.

Here we are passing the entrance to Braunston Marina. After this we turned left towards the Oxford Canal and have stopped for the night near Wolfhampcote in the middle of nowhere but with stunning views.

Might not get to see much of the view as it has started to rain - at last.

Not bad at all since the forecast was for rain most of the day.

Tree stops play

We spent yesterday, Monday, at Weedon Bec because of the rain. Luckily there were shops nearby for the odd supplies that we needed. Also luckily, there was Granny's Cafe, and what better than ham, egg and chips for lunch?

So, this morning, after all butter croissants for breakfast, we set off - full speed ahead - well, for two minutes only!

Why the stoppage?

Only a tree down across the canal!

Several boaters were standing around mulling over the problem, but we were told that a volunteer, qualified in chainsaw usage, was on his way.

Lo and behold, chainsaw expert getting his kit ready.

Here he is on the front of a working boat hacking his way through the foliage.

Surprisingly, it didn't take long for us to get underway again.

We managed to team up with a hireboat party from Sweden to work through the Buckby locks together. These were the first locks they had come to, so were glad of our help. Mind you, I think Brigid was better pleased with the help of the various crew members who were only too pleased to open and close the gates.

We were enthusiastic like that once but now, well, we've been there, done that and got the T-shirt. Now we're retired and prefer sharing our knowledge with others.

Benefactors, that's what we are!

Moored for the night just below Buckby top lock, our usual mooring place, and now looking forward to supper at the New Inn.

Rain stops play

Woke up at 6:30 and the weather was fine. Had a leisurely breakfast and the weather was fine. Did the washing up and the...

Well, you get the picture.

10:30 and it starts to rain!

Looks like a day off today.

The trouble is that on the one hand we need the rain to top up the reservoirs but on the other hand, we want to be moving without getting soaked.

Why can't it only rain at night?

We are sailing, we are sailing

Wow, we've set off at last and we're on our way. A slight delay at the start because just as we were backing out on to the canal, another boat was trying to come in whilst a second one was reversing along the way we wanted to go and yet another was just trying to have a jolly day out.

Gave me a chance to practice a 3 point turn in the marina and then potter out forwards for a change. Funnily enough I think I prefer going out backwards.

Clouds threatening but, thankfully, no rain today.

At least the captain looks happy to be on the move.

For those of you who haven't seen it, we've had the galley refitted.

It makes such a difference to the boat.

Well, that's all for now - sun's still shining although it doesn't look too good for tomorrow. Ah well, that's boating for you.

Saturday, swans & satellites

A belated post for yesterday.

Woke up to rain, rain and more rain, but cheered up when looking out the front we saw this bedraggled but proud family.

Got a little awkward later on when I wanted to empty the loo as dad didn't want to let me past. Had to wait for them to move away before rushing along the jetty.

Not so intimidating was the family of ducks that took their place later.

As for satellites, well I took the risk of buying a dish for the holiday. Well, it's girt big and I was wondering if I'd made a mistake. I spent the afternoon putting it all together and, joy of joys, we were able to watch the Trooping of the Colour, and in HD. I also saved quite a few pennies by doing it all myself, the only trouble is, finding somewhere to store it.

I don't think Brigid will mind where I store it as long as she can watch Wimbledon when it comes on.

Must admit that it looks like Cape Canaveral when it's all set up and working. Yippee.

Towcester for lunch

I said before that we would be going shopping, so we popped into Towcester for supplies.

Had to stop somewhere for lunch and, for all our foodie fans, at last, a picture that says it all.

My choice was called 'bellringer'.

And what a good choice it was. Mind you, there's also a bowl of chips somewhere out of sight - should have taken a picture of that as well.

Going nowhere fast!

Well, here we are again, getting ready for another jaunt on Polgara. But, for today we're going nowhere fast - firstly we've got to sort out the boat - how long are we going for?

Only 3 months - looking more like 3 years!

Secondly, we've got to stock up with food.

And, thirdly, it's raining!

I know, not a very good excuse, but good enough for me!

But, it is good to just sit down and listen to the tennis and know that we haven't got to cut the grass or clean the house - but we have got to sort out the boat!

Maybe tomorrow.