Leaving Stoke Bruerne, fun in tunnel - not

Friday, 12 December 2008 21:07

We woke in Stoke Bruerne to a very grey day. There was a little ice on the canal and as the morning progressed it began to rain. I hope the weather improves for the Illuminated Boat Parade and carol singing tomorrow evening.

Boats were beginning to amass as we left after lunch, although there was plenty of mooring space towards the tunnel.

Hmm .. Blisworth Tunnel all of 3057 yards long! I do not know why but I have developed a real fear of going through canal tunnels over the last few years. Short ones are OK but I really struggle in longer ones and go below pretty promptly. Today I decided to grit my teeth and face my fear. Oh how brave of me I managed to stay on the stern deck for about three quarters of the tunnel but I could feel my BP going up and up!

When we go through long tunnels we put the internal lights on to help see the tunnel walls, thus aiding the helmsman. This we did today, but just as I chickened out and went below they all went out, apart from the ones in the bedroom. Very strange, had all the bulbs gone at the same time? Was there a problem with the batteries? No, none of these! Our 12 volt system is split into port and starboard and it was only the lights on the starboard that I put on. Hmm, we got through the tunnel, still with headlight!

Outside we took a rope over a bollard and John investigated. We then remembered the bedroom lights are off the port wiring, so they were OK. The starboard 12 volt wiring trip button had popped! It is very small and difficult to see in torch light and just needed pressing in and we were OK again. It is a mystery as to why the switch tripped out - maybe an overload? Anyway I had another lesson in electrics on the boat and a double fright in the tunnel!

We then pootled along and as it was getting near our "afternoon tea" time (3.30 to 4pm for tea and cake on this boat in the winter!) we moored opposite Blisworth Marina, just before Gayton Junction - I refrain from advertising the Boat Brokerage based there, but enough to say that it is a large concern that has a double page spread in the Waterways mags.

I have finally managed to upload pictures to our photo gallery. These are a selection from the last few days:


Cropredy Festival goers will appreciate meaning of the name without my explaining that it is the finale from Fairport Convention at each Festival.

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