Gayton Junction

We don't usually moor here for the night but we are on our way down the River Nene on an early autumn trip. The weather was dreadful when we woke this morning at home and our duvet was a bit too heavy, so we didn't finally leave Yardley Gobion until 12:00. However, when we got to Stoke Bruerne Locks we found ourselves with help from a pair of volunteer CRT lock keepers. We went up the flight very efficiently. The weather had been fine but going up the locks we found ourselves on the fringes of a line of squally showers.

Stoke Bruerne Top Lock under dark skies

The trip through the tunnel was good with just two boats coming the other way and both able to steer effectively so no bumps.

In bright sunshine we cruised through Blisworth and turned down the Northampton Arm. Tonight we are opposite Gayton Marina where, back in 1996 we had our first permanent mooring.

Gayton Marina on the Northampton Arm

An evening meal of chilli with a very large homegrown Bramley Apple (612g) and blackberries from the hedgerow outside our window went down a treat. Tomorrow the 17 locks down to Northampton.

Mega Bramley Apple with Blackberries - scrumptious