Braunston and Buckby

Today's canals - Oxford, Grand Union

We awoke to rain but by the time we set off it was dry and, despite the forecast, remained so apart from lunch time.

Braunston Church

We were a little later setting off as yet again we were having problems with our electricity. The voltage had dropped below the level needed for the heater to start up so there was no hot water!

Braunston Junction

It was a short run to Braunston Junction where we stopped both to use the disposal facilities and also so that Christine could visit Midland Chandlers. We had planned to do so in order to pick up a couple of spares parts for the Thetford cassettes but we left our box file at home with the details in it. As these were back ups for parts fitted earlier in the year, it was not essential - we can, in any event, as last time obtain them via the internet over the winter.

So, whilst Mike was attending to the elsan, Christine went in search of a gas match - our other one was not working very well. Not satisfied, she returned with an ash carrying can and a bag of coal, helpfully delivered by one of the staff from the shop.

With continuing worry about the batteries, we opted to call at the boatyard just below Braunston locks - we have been to their chandlery before but have not had to use them for repairs, although we have heard good reports. As luck would have it, Tim their electrical engineer was on site - normally only over the weekends! Despite looking for any other possible cause he eventually came to the conclusion, as had we, that the batteries were on their way out. Whilst we accept that they have a finite life, we really would like to know why they seem to last much less than expected.

Anyway, we asked Tim to fit them and he also noticed that the fan belt was beginning to fray. Fortunately we had a spare on board after the last one went. Alas, despite having dozens of different sizes, not ours so he fitted the one we had leaving us to find a replacement later. (Alas, as often happens, we forgot to take any photos whilst this work was in action - we even forgot to take one of the boatyard!)

By now the rain had arrived and we stayed put for a while whilst we had our lunch. It was surprising just how many boats were on the move at the moment. A couple of towing pairs (the towed boat in each case was a small cruiser) and all four looked less than elegant, shall we say. The staff at the boatyard wondered if CRT had been on an enforcement action in the area.

Above Braunston Bottom Lock

Crooked Cottage

Going up the six locks, we met a boat coming the other way - or two at the second - in all but one. The house at the second lock is justifiably called The Crooked Cottage.

Admiral Nelson

The Admiral Nelson was looking rather quiet today - nobody fancied a drink at the tables by the lock!

Blue sky and sunshine returned for a little while although it was reasonably warm all day.

Braunston Top Lock

At the top lock, a couple of young lads were being taught how to operate locks by their grand parents! Dad was steering . . .

Braunston Tunnel - North Portal

After the locks comes the tunnel. The trees above the portal were beginning to turn, blending well with the colours of the brickwork. We seemed to take longer than usual getting through but this is probably because of the quantity of floating leaves that drift into the tunnel. Certainly, after coming out and clearing the prop, we surged ahead at twice the speed!

End of the tunnel - surreal

Inside the tunnel, it was exceptionally full of fumes - at the far end it looked as if there was a mist coming out!

South Portal

Steam Boat Swallow

Shortly afterwards, on the length before the next junction we passed Steam Boat Swallow - quite an unusual sight - and sound.

The colours of the bricks on this bridge seemed to match the season.

Norton Junction

Buckby Top Lock

We were now much later than planned so, after Norton Junction, instead of mooring below the Buckby flight we decided to go down just one lock to the long pound where there are visitor moorings. The New Inn at the top lock has re-opened.

5.6 miles - 7 locks