Stoke Bruerne

We found ourselves off a little earlier than usual, at nine o'clock but a short time later we had passed Norton Junction and arrived at the top of the Buckby Flight. We were greeted by the lock keeper who informed us that we would have to wait up to an hour for a second boat arrived as this flight was operating the same restriction as Braunston.

Norton Junction

However, it was only about half an hour, leaving us on the same schedule if we had left at our normal time! A pleasant shared ownership boat accompanied us down the flight - at least they had son and girl friend to help.

Buckby Top Lock

On the other hand, the rain turned very nasty and we all quickly became very soaked! Nevertheless we all pressed on as we needed to get through the locks.

Long Bucky Lock 9

From here is is a long stretch - passing Stowe Hill where we moored a couple of times last year. We looked to call at Weedon but the visitor moorings (which are 14 day ones) were all occupied and the only item we really had on our list was a newspaper.

Our estimated progress indicated that we could get through Stoke Bruerne locks (which did not have a time limit on operation) is we pressed on. Mooring just above Stoke Bruerne is a bit limited and then there is the tunnel.

As a result we had lunch 'on the run' but did stop at Gayton Junction to use the services. On again and by now the rain had stopped and we began to dry out. The afternoon was not especially sunny or warm but at least it was dry.

Turnover Bridge 47 near Gayton

Normally, Christine declines every opportunity to steer through tunnels and duly called upon Mike as we approached Blisworth Tunnel. However, as we passed the half way mark and already managed to pass an on-coming boat without difficulty, Christine decided that she could after all manage it and took over. She even had to cope with another on-coming boat! (He had previously assumed I wouldn't! - C)

Blisworth Tunnel North Portal

Blisworth Tunnel South Portal

As it was rather chilly, Mike set about setting up the new chimney - removing the Witches Hat from the old chimney and fitting it to the new double skinned one we bought at Teddesley. Christine also got Mike to put up four little hooks for drying wet coats.

When we arrived at Stoke Bruerne there was a very strong cross wind and another boat waiting to go - it came from the opposite side water point but this meant that Christine had no option but allow the wind to take us over to the spot which he had just vacated.

Stoke Bruerne Top Lock

When the preceding boats had finished and the lock re-filled the other boat (which had already found it difficult to hold station in the wind) entered the lock leaving Mike with a rather difficult manoeuvre. Although he managed it without hitting either a bank, lock or boat, an onlooker complained that in the process water had splashed over his shoes! Tough!

Stoke Bruerne Lock 18

There were three people on the accompanying boat (another Elton Moss boat as with this morning - Shared Ownership?) so we made good progress. We dropped down the rest off the flight with little incident and then moored as soon as we could find a spot with the possibility of a TV signal. After mooring Mike discovered that the bank had some rather sharp wild rose thorns so he cut them back, scratching his hands in the process! At least the tv worked!



18.7 miles - 14 locks