Leaving Braunston towards Norton Junction

Thursday, 16 October 2008 19:20

A quick trip to a certain chandlers - as usual they only had 50% of what we required! The walk was good though as the sun was shining and with the autumn colours Braunston Junction was looking lovely.


Once back at Epiphany we set off - all of 250 yards under the bridge to the Elsan! Two boats were moored there so we had to have our stern almost back under the bridge whilst John did a quick empty and rinse! No room to access the water taps of course!

So then on another 50 yards to wait, and wait for the water tap. We filled up at last and ate lunch at the same time.

Finally we were on our way amongst a number of other boats too! Bridge number 1 has a split personality - one Grand Union number and the other?


Had to snap this boat - we wonder if it is "your Debdale", Adam?

Once again we had to wait, for two boats to go up Braunston Bottom lock ahead of us. It is difficult to moor temporarily here due to the abundance of boats around Braunston Boats wharf and a hire boat company.

We went up the flight with a boat that had just been purchased and was out for a trial run. Her new owner had a crew on board. One was an experienced boater, but the others did not have a clue, so I kindly and gently educated them! Particularly about which paddles to open first and how quickly to open them - averting potential disaster on the "maiden voyage"! There are ground paddles and fierce top gate paddles on the first three locks!


We got well ahead of them before the tunnel - we did not fancy being too close as there were a couple of outers of cider cans on the roof, their contents being rapidly consumed by all! Including "Dad" sitting in the bows who kept encouraging me with "you're doing well there gal"! Very well - as I probably did most of the work

This stretch is quite nostalgic as we have done it a number of times. The tunnel is the first long one for the boat though! 2042 yards and wet!


We passed another boat just before the slight bend or realignment in the tunnel and I spotted some bats on the roof near the end.


Once out at the east end there is a bit of a wooded cutting. Then the canal opens out with hills either side. We found a nice spot to moor in the sunshine just before Bridge 7.


Our friends from the locks passed us - still with cans in hand! A few more boats passed either way and then as the evening drew in things became lovely and quiet!

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