Easter Cruise

We are currently on an Easter Cruise to the Ashby Canal, although judging by the Yellow Weather Warning for snow issued for Northamptonshire, I think the weather hasn't yet realised that its holiday time.

Taking on water at Norton Junction

On Tuesday Albert was examined for its Boat Safety Certificate by Roger Alsop. This is the fourth time Roger has carried out an inspection so he knows his way around our boat. Albert passed OK.

We picked up Albert from High House Wharf on Wednesday morning in fine but cold weather but then conditions went downhill rapidly. By the time we reached Weedon it was cold and wet with heavy showers and very soon, despite lots of layers, I was soaked. This continued all the way to Welton where we stopped for a pump-out, fuel and lunch in the Lockside Cafe. I had an excellent variation on their mini-breakfast - the variation being black pudding. I particularly liked the bubble and squeak.

Mini-breakfast

We went up the Buckby Locks with a another crew and progressed reasonably well but the weather didn't really improve much so we gave up for the day just below the Top Lock - a little earlier than anticipated but we had some "work" to do - putting back curtains, and fixing some small fittings that were removed during the painting.

"New" curtain between the engine room and back-cabin

(Modified from a curtain bought on eBay)

We then just had to visit the New Inn. It continues to impress us with its food and beer. The sign referring to the tragic story of Matilda and the Buckby Can is still there.

The story of Matilda and the Buckby Can

 Today started with temperatures just around freezing with clear skies but by 9:30 we had the first of the rain showers that just got heavier as the day progressed.

Braunston Tunnel

(Clear right through)

The trip through Braunston tunnel, with only one boat coming through in the other direction, was easy. As we entered the tunnel Maggie asked if any boats were coming through the other way - as I responded "not yet" a boat appeared at the far end. We went down the Braunston flight with a single-handed boater and then moored up a Midland Chandlers for some "bits".

The trip to Hillmorton was quiet but the rain just poured down and showers appeared to come from every direction - crazy. We passed a couple of boats that we are familiar with. The first was the boat of fellow blogger who now goes under the name of The Museum of Thin Objects, we met them at Cropredy some years ago. The second was another Albert that we have passed many times - we got a cheery wave as we passed by.

Ex-BCN boat Eileen

Another Albert at Barby

Tomorrow we head towards Rugby, Coventry and the Ashby Canal.