Monday 14th
January 2019
After a leisurely start to the day we left the moorings at 10:30.
Going over old ground we quickly came to Hillmorton Locks which were passed
through in just over 30 minutes. All three locks were in our favour which makes
for a quick passage. Having said that, today was a much longer day than we have
become used to.
The new road follows alongside the canal culminating in a huge
embankment where the road joins the A428. There has been a lot of progress made
here even since we were last here at the beginning of December.
Passing beyond the M45 the canal takes a number of tight bends that we
have to take slowly being so long and the bridge holes are narrow and some have
tricky approach angles. Then suddenly the canal becomes straight and the bridge
holes much wider. It is a strange contrast.
Then from about 2 miles away Brauston church spire comes into view. We
have spent so much time in Braunston and the people so friendly, we almost feel
as though we are coming home. The canal through Braunston is very narrow with a
few tight bends at this end of the village, with so many moored boats it has to
be done slowly and can be tricky if another boat is met. The place can be a
nightmare in the summer months.
We called into Midland Chandlers for another stove top fan, they are
so good, more floor tiles to sit the coal bags on, and a new pole/plank holder for
the roof as one snapped when it was being drilled to fit shackles to.
Unfortunately, the type they stock is different so we will have to try to track
down the type we have fitted.
We then moved on to the water point and were then lucky enough to get
moored beside the marina again.
We visited the local shop and butcher where everybody recognised us,
but then found the Wheatsheaf shut so instead adjourned to the Old Plough.
Peter is in hospital and of course, there is no internet or phone
signal here so we will be leaving tomorrow. A quick visit to a place we like.
There was no cloud cover and, with the canal sitting in a frost prone
hollow, the boat became cold as soon as the dark started to fall.
Weather: a colder day although clear. There were ominous looking
clouds to the north all day.
Day Total: 3 locks; 8 miles; 0 Tunnels; 0 Swing Bridges; 0 Boat Lift;
engine running hours 3.6
Overall Total: 327 locks; 686 miles; 31 tunnels; 6 Swing Bridges; 2
Boat Lifts; engine running hours 424.7
Comments
Post a Comment