Braunston

A very much brighter day with sunshine throughout, although it turned quite chilly by mid afternoon. we set off with just a short distance to the first of the two Long Itchington locks.

Itchington Bottom Lock

Another boat was just leaving the lock and they said that they would wait at the next and we paired with them almost to the top.

Lock Gate Cleaning

As we continued through the Stockton Locks we saw a workboat ahead and heard from a crew coming down that gate cleaning was taking place! As the photo shows, the CaRT team were removing weed and mud from the gates - we had to wait perhaps twenty minutes whilst they finished the lock they were on. They then backed their boat out of the lock ready to take it back down the flight. It seems that they have to do five locks a week on the Grand Union and five on the Oxford which is where they were now heading. Next week they will have to bring their boat back up to start on the remainder of this flight! Anyone done time and motion studies?

Stockton Top Lock

At the top of the flight we let the other boat go ahead as we planned to call at Kate Boats just around the corner for fuel. However, when we pulled in we were informed - eventually - that they had no diesel left!

Most boats are more or less conventional is shape but occasionally we see some very different shapes.

A picture of one of the entrances to Ventnor Farm Marina, just to show the bight blue sky!

Calcutt Middle Lock

As a result, by the time we reached Calcutt Locks we had caught them up again and they were waiting in the bottom lock for us.

After the second lock we pulled in to Calcutt Boats base where we were eventually able to fill our fuel tank. In addition we picked up some coal, engine oil and diesel treatment Marine 16.

After completing the locks we moored just before Wigrams Turn to have lunch - no soup today but Christine especially enjoyed finishing off the remainder of the soda bread.

Bridge 108

A Sunny Afternoon

The Stop House, Braunston

The afternoon began with the lock-free stretch up to Braunston where we stopped twice, to empty the elsan and then to fill up with water - the water point is alongside the Stop House, once an important point on the canal network. Meanwhile, Christine walked into the village to pick up a paper and some milk.

Braunston Bottom Lock

We now reached the Braunston locks - six locks to take us up to the summit level. Thanks to a steady stream of boats coming down at appropriate times, we completed the flight in about 45 minutes.



The Crooked Cottage

Alongside the second lock is the Crooked Cottage.

Braunston Tunnel

Shortly after reaching the summit we entered Braunston Tunnel and emerged the other end 21 minutes later. We now spent some time searching for a suitable mooring. We knew from previous attempts that locations where we do not have to use the gangplank - and even hope for a TV signal - are few. After a couple of false attempts we settled for a place just before the next junction (making first use of the mooring chains which we bought in Nantwich) and a film from DVD!

Summit Level - Autumnal Scene

14.5 miles - 19 locks