Having seen the weather forecast last night,it was not surprise to wake to rain. However we had been promised all types of weather and it was dry when we set off. Although rain was promised for sometime between 10 and 1, a blue circle stayed overhead as we progressed up to Stoke Bruerne with only a few drops before we had completed the flight. The afternoon was very different!
We had read a news article yesterday about the rise in the quantity of oil seed rape that is being grown by farmers these days. although we have not yet tried it, the oil is supposed to be healthier than olive oil and so is a 'must have' in upmarket shops! At least it means we have quite a lot of bright yellow fields at the moment.
As we passed a long overflow weir just before the Stoke Bruerne flight, dark clouds made their presence felt but it kept dry.
There were three volunteer lock keepers on the flight (probably less than one boat each!). The first two were very pleasant and helpful, knowing when to do things and when to ask whether the boat operator was ready.
As we left the top of the flight for the short run to Blisworth Tunnel rain finally arrived but when we emerged half an hour later at the other end, bright sunshine had returned.
We moored for lunch at Blisworth village so that Mike could walk up the hill to the village Post Office and Stores where he was fortunate to pick up the last copy of the newspaper.
Two grass cutting crew passed as we sat having our lunch.They made no attempt to ease off as the came alongside us (which we have been assured is supposed to be in their contract) with the result that quite a lot of grass stuck to the boat side. At least no stones were thrown against the boat side by the strimmer, as has happened to others.
Just as we prepared to set off again, a fierce storm suddenly arrived which included quite a lot of hail. We waited until it had passed before casting off! Sunshine replaced the storm as quickly as it began.
It was not much further to Gayton Junction where we planned to use the facilities. A boat was already moored there but making ready to leave. We held the boat on the centre line which would have been no problem but for another short but fierce hail shower! After the usual servicing we also used the hosepipe to rinse off the boat side to remove as much of the grass as possible before it dried on. Once dry it is much harder to remove.
Although it was sunny as we passed under the turnover bridge just beyond Gayton Junction, the rest of the afternoon was mainly wet.
At Banbury Lane bridge, a hire boat was taking temporary shelter from the rain!
Some of the sheep in nearby fields are beginning to look quite shaggy. No doubt it will soon be time for a hair cut.
Just after passing the entrance to Heyford Fields marina, with black skies looming, we opted to moor for the night as soon as we could fine a spot with a clear view of the tv satellite. The immediate experience of setting up the dish produced no better output than last time we tried until Mike realised that for some reason the box had set itself to tune to the wrong satellite! But will there be anything worth watching?
Another night with a fire . . .
14.3 Miles - 7 Locks
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