Grafton Regis

Set off this morning in the misty drizzle!!  After filling-me up with water, we said goodbye to Stoke Bruerne and had the honour of a swan flypast to Susan's excitement!!!!!  Amazing 'Whooping" vibration..... as they went overhead.

It took ages to get through the Stoke (7) locks due to excess water which made it almost impossible to open the gates due to water pressure.  Pete and the lock-keeper were very busy releasing water down the locks and then sorting them out.  Susan cruised alone for the first 3 locks and then was joined by another boat from Rugby on their way to Milton Keynes to fill-up with fuel.

Bottom Lock - Stock locks

Our new mooring is near a village known as Grafton Regis.  Lots of sheep in the field where we have moored for the night.  In the field next to us there must have been about 100 sheep filing past.  Some of the poor sheep were limping.  Susan cuddled Mazey as they looked through the window to watch the sheep go past.  Susan also saw her first 3 rams ever.  They had harnesses on and they were bigger than the other sheep.....

View from mooring at Grafton Regis

Pete decided that, as we are in the middle of nowhere, he would be able to use his chainsaw to cut up the spare wood on the top of the boat.  Poor Pete - it took him ages to get it going and then it kept cutting out!!!  Susan kept laughing and then went out to help.  Eventually, job done and lots of wood now the right size for the stove.

Time for a chill-out and rest.

Total achievement: 7 Locks, 2.5 miles