Friday 16th

Red skies at night do work.

A chilly but sunny start to the day. Still in shorts but on with the windproof woolly sailing jacket and doors closed at the back of the boat so that we benefit from the hot air given off by the engine. 

Once again, a leisurely start to the day as we pottered along to Braunston Tunnel. Not my most favourite of tunnels but, today, not all that bad. We only had to pass one other boat and that was in a straight bit. 

We hung around at the top lock but decided to set off alone when another boat wanted to come up. 

Most of the time we had help from boats coming the other way. Towards the bottom we did share with another boat. They had been sharing the locks behind us but their buddy had a large crew and were happy to go it alone.

Moored just outside Braunston Marina.

This is where we had the work done on the water tank the other year. 

Looking back up the canal towards the locks.

Went for a walk (up to the pub for lunch) and saw Willow, the boat of an Australian friend, which is now being sold.

It's the green one right in the centre. Hilary, we'll miss seeing you on the canals in Willow but we hope to stay in touch. 

Visited my favourite shop, Midland Chandlers, and picked up one or two bits and bobs for the boat. Back to Polgara for a mince and spaghetti supper and an episode of Professor T. Followed by lights out and zzzzz. 

Thursday 15th

Yesterday evening there was a generator chugging along for a long, long time. Now, the rule with narrowboats is that you don't run engines or generators between 8pm and 8am, so we weren't too worried, surely, come 8pm, silence will reign. But no, it went on all night.

In the morning we found out why.

A pipe pumping water from the field behind the hedge opposite. My guess is that they are expanding the marina and need to keep the site dry while the work goes ahead.

We moved up to the bottom lock and waited there in the hopes that a locking buddy would come along. And, like a No.7 bus, three came along together. The first was a fibreglass boat whose owner didn't want to share the locks with a steel narrowboat. However, he was happy enough for the boat behind to come through with us.

This was a family who had hired the same boat last year and knew what they were doing. We fairly flew along the flight. That is after we had got through the very first lock. Because of a very short pound between the first two locks, every time water was let down from the lock above, it overflowed the top gates of the bottom lock making it impossible to open the bottom gates. Water was flowing into the lock faster than it could be let out at the bottom. Boats trying to get out of the lock to let us go in were struck there until the water had subsided. Still, we got there in the end.

The captain got fed up with me and decided to walk.

She wasn't too unhappy as we'd bought her new gloves for working the locks.

We moored for the night just past Norton Junction and, once again, a red sky at night.

You can't beat it, can you.

Wednesday 14th

Earlier this year we gave away our satellite dish and Freesat and dismantled the TV setup entirely. So far, we are getting all the programmes we want via the computer and at a time suited to us. It's amazing how fast the internet has moved forward over the time we've been boating. It's been quite moving seeing all the people filing past the Queen's coffin in Westminster Hall.

Anyway, set off again heading through Weedon.

This is a lovely house at Weedon Wharf. The only problem with it is that the railway runs about 50yds away from the back door. 

Just after passing through Weedon, more new houses springing up.

They weren't there the last time we came through.

And there's even more coming just around the corner.

We seem to pass this boat somewhere on our journey each year. The picture is of a pirate lass holding an oar. Obviously a filthy one. 

Near Dodford, Batman and Robin are now in Victorian costume. They change costumes quite frequently.

Just below Buckby Locks is a row of bushes and trees that we saw being planted some years ago.

They've certainly grown. 

Stopped for the night before the locks to build up the captain's strength and in the hope of meeting up with a boating buddy in the morning. Supper of corn on the cob followed by pan fried salmon on orzo and a mixture of peas, beans and broccoli. 

Sweet dreams. 

Tuesday 13th

We're off!

Much of the morning was spent tidying away all the bits and bobs, leaving stuff in the car, which we'll probably find we really want on the boat, topping up on water, sorting out the loo, and everything else necessary to get out on the water. Alright smarty pants, technically we are already on the water but, well, you know what I mean - or you should do. 

Just after lunch we set off at last.

Nice shiny brass work and the friendly chugging of our engine as we sail past Heyford Fields Marina.

Quite a few boats out on the cut, so, down to idle speed as we pass by. It's annoying the number of folk who slow down a bit, not realising that even at a slow pace they still make moored boats drag backwards and forwards. Strangely enough, it's mainly seasoned boaters who are the worst offenders. Most hireboaters are very aware of their speed.

We moored for the night just before Stowehill and what a sunset. Bodes well for Wednesday, after all, red sky at night, and all that.

Sweet dreams.

Monday 12th September

Well, we came up to the boat on Friday, a day later than expected because we wanted to be at home for the prayers for the Queen and tolling the bell at midday. On Saturday we drove up to Sheffield for my Great Nephew David's wedding to Isobel.

It was a fantastic day and we stayed overnight with my neice, her family with my brother and his sister-in-law - let's just say it was a lot of family all together in one place. After that, Sunday, in case you've lost track of the days, we had lunch with Harvey & Helen, Brigid's family and, after all that, back to Polgara. 

Monday

Shattered after the activities of the weekend.

Nothing packed away.

Boxes all over the place.

Bags yet to be unpacked.

Too tired to worry about all that, so, off to Towcester for lunch first at The Olive Tree.

It really was exceptional.

After that we staggered round Aldi to stock up the larder. Then back to the boat, a bit of television and bed. Still recovering!

A new era

As we prepare for six weeks away on Polgara, we take a moment to recall all that has happened in the past few weeks and to remember and celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.



A short break

Have come back up to the boat for a few days. We arrived Easter Monday afternoon and, today, we pottered down to Gayton Junction, spun the boat round and moored for the afternoon about half a mile north of Gayton village. 

Spent the afternoon reading, chatting to passers by and cleaning some brass work.

Another lovely evening.