A quick catch up only. We remain at Braunston. Yesterday whilst Ali was picked up and taken shopping by Jane, I stayed on the boat doing a few catch up jobs, The weather was truly awful, with very strong winds, and sleety heavy showers. It was freezing!
As there is a launderette in the marina at Braunston, I took a load. We are conserving our water on the boat and it was easier to do it there rather than on the boat and then have to move to fill with water. It is really busy here and moorings are at a premium. Whilst the wash was on, I popped into A.J. Canopies and collected our Wendy house. Brilliant service as they even said the modification was free! Left a tip for a drink. Dropped this off at the boat and then went back to dry the washing. Must say, the dryers are carp, so when I got back had to put ours on to finish off.
The wind by midday was horrendous and you would think it was autumn with the temperatures and the leaves coming off the trees, which covered the boat roof! I then did a little hoovering. Was I not a good boy?
Today was our trip to Crick boat show. Bus from Braunston to Hillmorton, then change to another for Crick. Took us about 40 mins which was not bad. We wandered around the show, buying a few bits and pieces. The main attraction is viewing the new boats and as we have our own, we do not bother. Especially as now each boat has a booking system.
We did meet Paul and Elaine from N.B. Caxton ( Manley Ferry) and had a short catch up. As they too are heading south this year, no doubt our paths will cross again at some time. Look forward to it.
Arrived home by mid afternoon. It has been a lovely day weather wise, what a contrast to yesterday. So we set about clearing the debris from the roof and rear deck. Now all spic and span.
Dave and Angie ( N.B. Lady Esther ) have made really good progress and we will meet up tomorrow. Then we will start for the Thames in earnest. Cannot wait,,,,
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Braunston.
The forecast today seemed to indicate that the morning blue skies would deteriorate to heavy possibly thundery showers in the afternoon. Being wimps, we decided to get an early start and try our best to beat them.
We were away just after 8 am. It was sunny, but with a cold wind. We negotiated the junction and headed for the tunnel. I must admit, we were again suprised by how quiet it was. Entering Braunston tunnel we could make out one boat some distance ahead of us, with nothing coming towards us at all. The passage through was a doddle and only as we got to within 100 yds of the exit did another boat appear.
As we reached the top lock we saw another boat just entering and so we were able to join them and then went down the flight together. The pound below the Nelson was a little low for some reason, but caused us no problems although the working boat Hadar did become a little grounded.
Below the bottom lock, we topped up with fuel, then moved to the water and elsan point just prior to bridge 91. After this there are some 14 day moorings and after a little wait, we managed to bag a slot. Sorted...
We managed a walk around the marina and popped to bottom lock chandelry to collect some pre ordered paint. We then called into http://www.ajcanopies.co.uk/ . They are lovely people and made some modifications to our pram hood ( aka Wendy House ) during the winter . We needed a little velcro sewing on. It will be ready tomorrow, how is that for service.
So back to the boat and as forecast, the heavens have opened. Think we may have the fire on tonight!
Miles 4 1/2, Locks 6, Braunston Tunnel 2042 yds
We were away just after 8 am. It was sunny, but with a cold wind. We negotiated the junction and headed for the tunnel. I must admit, we were again suprised by how quiet it was. Entering Braunston tunnel we could make out one boat some distance ahead of us, with nothing coming towards us at all. The passage through was a doddle and only as we got to within 100 yds of the exit did another boat appear.
As we reached the top lock we saw another boat just entering and so we were able to join them and then went down the flight together. The pound below the Nelson was a little low for some reason, but caused us no problems although the working boat Hadar did become a little grounded.
Below the bottom lock, we topped up with fuel, then moved to the water and elsan point just prior to bridge 91. After this there are some 14 day moorings and after a little wait, we managed to bag a slot. Sorted...
We managed a walk around the marina and popped to bottom lock chandelry to collect some pre ordered paint. We then called into http://www.ajcanopies.co.uk/ . They are lovely people and made some modifications to our pram hood ( aka Wendy House ) during the winter . We needed a little velcro sewing on. It will be ready tomorrow, how is that for service.
So back to the boat and as forecast, the heavens have opened. Think we may have the fire on tonight!
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| Cold, windy, but how can you not enjoy this? |
 |
| Entrance to Braunston tunnel |
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| nearing the end, and another boat coming in |
 |
| Exit |
This afternoon President and Kildare came past, lots of steam under the bridge
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| Tonights mooring |
Miles 4 1/2, Locks 6, Braunston Tunnel 2042 yds
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
A slow pace.
We are maintaining a slow pace in order to time our meet with Dave and Angie, NB. Lady Esther later this weekend. This is no hardship, as we actually really like this area, despite the intrusion of the M1.
After passing Crick yesterday and seeing the preparations for the show, we have decided to go to the opening day on Saturday. This poses a slight problem. We have no means of transport and mooring anywhere near Crick will be a nightmare. We have found that it is possible to travel by bus from Braunston and I think this is what we will do. This is despite a very kind offer from a fellow member of the Canal world forum to give us a lift. ( Thank you "Tree", but it is too much of a diversion for you.)
So, the plan will be to have a few days in Braunston, get some little jobs out of the way and visit the show. With this in mind, we left our mooring this morning and made the short journey to the top of Watford Locks. There was no one ahead of us and two boats coming up, so Ali signed in with the Lockie and we had but a short wait before we began our descent. Just enough time to empty the Elsan in fact.
A quick passage was made and we made our way in quite a strong wind towards Norton junction. It remained dry all day. In order not to overstay on the visitor moorings in Braunston, we have stopped for the day on the visitor moorings at the junction. We will make our way in tomorrow, through the tunnel and down the locks and hope that by arriving late morning, there will be some space freed up. The rationale being that all boats are heading for the show! We shall see....
Miles 2
Locks 7
After passing Crick yesterday and seeing the preparations for the show, we have decided to go to the opening day on Saturday. This poses a slight problem. We have no means of transport and mooring anywhere near Crick will be a nightmare. We have found that it is possible to travel by bus from Braunston and I think this is what we will do. This is despite a very kind offer from a fellow member of the Canal world forum to give us a lift. ( Thank you "Tree", but it is too much of a diversion for you.)
So, the plan will be to have a few days in Braunston, get some little jobs out of the way and visit the show. With this in mind, we left our mooring this morning and made the short journey to the top of Watford Locks. There was no one ahead of us and two boats coming up, so Ali signed in with the Lockie and we had but a short wait before we began our descent. Just enough time to empty the Elsan in fact.
A quick passage was made and we made our way in quite a strong wind towards Norton junction. It remained dry all day. In order not to overstay on the visitor moorings in Braunston, we have stopped for the day on the visitor moorings at the junction. We will make our way in tomorrow, through the tunnel and down the locks and hope that by arriving late morning, there will be some space freed up. The rationale being that all boats are heading for the show! We shall see....
Miles 2
Locks 7
The start..
Fearless baby bunny..
A slight leak in the gates..
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