We are on our way to explore Northern Waters, the first
stage being a trip down the River Trent. Getting to the Trent needs some
thought because of the closure of the Leicester Arm. We are going via the North
Oxford, Coventry and Trent & Mersey rather than the more direct route via
Leicester; or at least that is the plan.
We left Yardley Gobion on Sunday after spending Saturday
night on board Albert in the marina; the idea being we could work out what we
left at home and then get it! In the end we did have to return home on Sunday
morning to get a favourite fleece. When we got underway on Sunday morning,
after purchasing a new gas bottle, the weather was fine but fresh. We went up
the first few locks of the Stoke Bruerne flight with a large family group but when
we caught up with a single boat ahead and changed partners. As we got towards
the top of the flight we were approached by a canoeist who asked about
following us through Blisworth Tunnel. When I pointed out that it was not
allowed, we offered him a “lift”. He put the kayak on the roof at the Top Lock
and enjoyed the experience riding in cabin. He then realised it was two-way
working and just how close boats pass in the tunnel. I think he also realised that
prohibiting canoes was reasonable. The canoeist was on his way to Market
Harborough and was camping out at night. He reckoned that he made around 6 mph
so he overtook us. After he had overtaken us he had to walk a section occupied
by “Tyson” a viscous swan – he was warned by passing joggers. We finally moored
up at Flore Wharf and saw him pass us again.
Canoeist Hitchhiker overtaking us at Bugbrooke
Monday saw us getting up early to try and beat the lock
opening restrictions on the Buckby and Braunston flights. We got to Whilton
behind another boat, hoping to pair up, but discovered another boat already in
the bottom lock so we had to go up alone. It wasn’t easy, it never is on this
flight, but in lock 10 we got stuck. An underwater obstruction under one of the
gates meant they couldn’t be closed tight. No amount of flushing water and
pulling and shoving would make them seal! We were on the point of calling out
BW when two crews arrived and lo and behold the obstruction finally moved and
we could seal the lock and continue. We made Braunston Top Lock 45 minutes
before closure and moored up for the night Braunston. It was quiet.
On Tuesday we visited Midland Chandlers at Braunston and bought some new
leisure (domestic) batteries. At Hillmorton only single locks were in use
because of the water restrictions. We finally moored up at Rugby and used the
opportunity to visit Tesco’s. Not a bad place to moor on a wet day but no TV
reception.
NB Callisto passing just north of Braunston
Wednesday, today, found us boating in steady rain. Passed
our friends the Westlakes who were going south on NB Morpheus near to Stretton
Stop. Bob W and I only managed a few words in the wind driven rain. Stopped for lunch at Ansty and Maggie got really wet as she helped moor up. Later in
the afternoon it finally became dry (only just).
Wet day at Sutton Stop (Hawksbury Junction)
Despite the indifferent weather (to use a phrase), we are
enjoying our spring boating and looking forward to exploring new waters.
