Napton, Braunston and Weeden Bec

Today, we ventured from Braunston to Weeden Bec.  It rained heavily in the night again but is a bright and breezy sunny morning.

Susan and Mazey prepare the 6 locks in Braunston heading towards the tunnel.  Again, Susan wades through the water on the towpath as Mazey splashes through it.

Braunston Marina entrance

Norton Junction

Once the tunnel has been negotiated they begin the Buckby flight of seven locks but the 'big' bottom gates are so heavy Pete and Susan swap over.  Even Pete comments on how heavy they are.......

Buckby Flight of locks

One reason to make sure all windows are locked....  leaky locks.......

3 miles later we all arrive safely in Weeden Bec.

Total Achievement Miles = 8, Locks = 13



Wednesday, 17 October 2012

We've been busy and moved from Napton to Braunston.

Morning view from boat

Windmill from canal

Lovely blue skies in the morning.  Mazey and Susan set off and wadded through canal water at times where the bank had been breached....  Whilst walking they nearly collide with a lady running with her three springer spaniels who are attached to her waist belt.  Susan has to pick up Mazey to make room for them to pass on the narrow waterlogged towpath.  Susan has met this lady before at the Tardebigge locks - miles away.  Susan asks her how far she is running today.  She stops and says "13 miles".  She then tells Susan that she does on average 80 miles a week.  WOW!!!!  Susan skulks off walking gingerly with Mazey and reflects that today she'll be lucky if she walks 5 miles.....

Once on the Grand Union the towpath widens although very muddy in places not nearly as bad as on the Oxford canal.  Susan meets two fisherman.  One says to her "Alright me duck" she replies "Yes, thank you.  Is that your skull placed on the top of the rushes"?  He replies "Yep".  At which point Susan walks very quickly past them...... and is thankful it's not dark.......

Braunston Junction - Right or left????

We manage to moor up outside "The Boathouse" pub and restaurant where they do 2 for 1 meal offers. After shopping in the various chandlers, this is where Susan and Pete spend the afternoon.  It rains heavily.......

Achievement 7 Miles 0 Locks.