Our mooring at Saltisford
We left bright and early, stopping for a pump-out at Saltisford and fuel at Kate Narrowboats. At Cape Locks we passed another Albert moored up by the pub. In contrast with recent weather it was dull for most of the day.
Another Albert
The section from Leamington, from the Fusilier pub to Radford Bottom Lock, was very sluggish again. Just before Radford we were caught up by a following boat who accused us of going too slowly! I did point out that I thought it was the lack of dredging and that we had the same problem going in the other direction. Certainly another deep-draughted boat passing us in the other direction had similar problems.
Bascote Locks with threatening dark clouds
Great little boat
We moored overnight at the Blue Lias. This time because of the weather it was relatively quiet and all diners were inside. There was a wedding party in the events area which appeared to slow down the food service in the bar.
Warwickshire Fly Boat Company
The next morning we joined up with NB Kate Elizabeth (from Kate Boats at Warwick) and went up the Stockton flight very efficiently. It was their crews first experience of entering locks side-by-side. The weather improved as we got to Calcutt where were had complicated locking. The back-pumping system was playing up (the electric motors were drawing too much current and were in danger of overheating) so the lock keeper was ensuring that all boats shared locks. In our case we met a boat at the first lock who stopped for diesel at the first pound but then joined another boat who just left their mooring in the first pound.
Stockton Flight
Steam Tug Adamant
Tug Ruislip
Calcutt Locks
We managed a stop at Flecknoe for lunch and made Braunston by late afternoon in somewhat brighter weather. We also managed to moor up close to the pub - The Boathouse formerly the Millhouse formerly the .... etc. As usual we enjoyed a 2 for 1 meal.
The mobile reception (from 02) was even worse than normal. We must get a SIM from another provider just for Braunston!
