Wednesday 18th October 2018



We had a slow start today so as to try and time it so that we arrived in the centre of Braunston when boats who had been moored overnight had left, but boats had not yet moored for the day. Moorings at Braunston are at an absolute premium.

I went to the canal shop at the top of locks for some fresh bread that we had warm, with jam and butter. We left the mooring at 10:30 after saying goodbye to the people on the Challenger boat “Verity” whose heating had broken down.

We only did two locks and about ½ mile. The locks were reasonably easy and there were lock-keepers at both to help, but the canal was very busy. It is Braunston after all. On the way down two huge military planes flew incredibly low over the village, banking then disappearing behind the houses.

We reversed into the marina to fill up with fuel and water. This is just the third time we have taken fuel. 100 litres @ £1.19 per litre.

After fuelling we left the marina and turned back towards Norton Junction again, we intend to visit Stoke Bruene when we leave. Two boats down was a hire boat who had just moored up, but were only staying an hour, so we double breasted with them and, once they left, we moored alongside the bank. A prime spot for Braunston.

We visited A&J Covers in the marina to have covers made for the side doors as extra insulation for the winter. They are fully booked up with work, so we are booked in for the 26th November so have to return to Braunston for that date.

We walked up into the village to stock up on supplies. We have got very low. We visited the village butcher who we had been hearing a lot about. His meat and pies made the mouth water.

Returning to the boat, we spoke to a couple off the boat “Falcon”, Percy and June. They are both boat people. Percy actually worked on cargo carrying boats right up until freight carrying ceased in the early 1970’s. A fascinating couple to speak to. June makes lace window decorations and also paints roses and castles. We liked the idea of having something on our boat made by boat people, so she is making some lace for our front cratch and decorating our stove flue cover.

June would not take any money but did take a small deposit. She reckons, and quite rightly, there are more good and trustworthy people in the world, than bad. We have to pick the lace and flue cover up in Coventry in about a months’ time.

We had pork chops for dinner from the Braunston butcher. Beautiful, amongst the best chops we have had.



Weather: another lovely day.



Day Total: 2 locks; 0 miles; 0 Tunnel; 0 Swing Bridge; 0 Boat Lift; engine running hours 1.6

Overall Total: 280 locks; 469 miles; 19 tunnels; 2 Swing Bridge; 2 Boat Lifts; engine running hours 290.2




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