Full Circle

We are back in Braunston, our last time here was in mid June, since then we have been down to Oxford, spent a fantastic month on the Thames, going end to end, then we tackled the Grand Union, with it's double locks and continuous moorers, along the way we have learnt a lot, met some great folk, seen a selection of fantastic traditional narrow boats.....and managed not to buy one !

We are now a little stuck, do we go back up the Oxford canal or try our luck on the Leicester arm of the G.U. ? We certainly need to put some TLC  Micky Jay's way, we haven't stopped moving all year, and there is a bit of wear and tear ( as we see it ) or major restoration works ( as the boatyards see it ) at least that's how it sounds if you read the quotes !!

We had a relaxing evening at Norton Junction, and to make Ali happy, we started the day with .....another tunnel, she loves tunnels ! not. This one is special, opened in 1796, after lots of problems, firstly quick sands! and a slight misdirection has left it with a S bend, having now gone through it, we can say, we have seen straighter cork screws! Still it was fun, well Baz thought so, seems he is on his own on this.

Another day another dark forbidding hole awaits us

Possible last look at the morning sun !

The pin prick of light is from the other end, it's actually 2042 yards away, still nice to know it.s there

Shot from under a bridge, we are just leaving the lock on a glorious sunny morning

We have been watching the miles come down since London, finally we are here

Tonight's Mooring

Braunston church clearly shows where to find the village

A trip over the bridge, across the fields, takes us to the pub that did the worst meal we have had, we won't be popping in this time. 

We feel very lucky with our mooring this time round in Braunston - the spot we coveted when we were last here was vacant! No over hanging trees, there are lovely open views and hopefully some peace and quiet.

There is only one slight concern - will Richard the engineer be able to park his van and do our engine service here on Friday ?  Hoping so because a few days in this mooring would be most welcome - we'll see.

Once again the temperature in the boat is 28 C - we are making the most of it because friday is forecast wet and cold......time for a visit to Midland Chandlers in Braunston, we have a fire brick that needs replacing. 

Bye for now,

Baz and Ali.