Monday 28th October - Just before Dunchurch Pools Marina to Bridge 88
Just short cruises over the next few days. We are on the stretch leading into Braunston and just taking our time.
There were a lot of sheep in the fields, all of varying shades of brown and cream. They reminded me of the Herdwick Sheep in the Lake District, but I’m not sure the head is the same.
The land here is made out of the ancient ridge and furrow system, the distinctive pattern becomes discernible on land that underwent ploughing during the Middle Ages but has since remained untouched by subsequent ploughing activities. A fascinating thought.
Dave walked up from the next bridge and across the field into Braunston coming out on the footpath beside the church. Looking back you can clearly see the line of the canal with the boats moored along it.
An iconic view of the double bridges at Braunston Junction, left onto the North Oxford Canal where we are moored and right into Braunston and the Grand Union Canal.
Back at our mooring and you can see Braunston Church spire directly over our boat, there are two tiny moorings with piling just outside Braunston and this is the first time we have been lucky enough to get one.
Sunset over the fields with the cows looking directly at the camera, possibly sensing Toby’s presence behind the hedgerows.
3 miles, 0 locks 1 hr
Tuesday 29th October - Bridge 88 to Bridge 103
Sunrise on the opposite side of the canal, obscured slightly by the low cloud. We left our mooring and headed slowly into Braunston.
We are using the entrance to Braunston Marina as a winding hole, turning the boat round so we can get to the water point, buy cake at Gongoozlers Rest and visit the Fender and Rope Shop.
Unfortunately the Gongoozler’s Rest was closed, so no cake there today. However, we did fill the water bottles and I went to the rope shop. Our bow line had begun to unravel, so I took it in to have the end rebound and just so happened to find new 1 metre bow fenders to protect the front of the boat.
We moored up just in front of Bridge 103, near the Green Sheds, usually this part of the canal is full but today we are the only boat. There has been a steady stream of traffic going past in both directions, many hire boats as this is the half term holiday, lets hope the weather is set fair for them.
I found a field edge, which would have been a wild flower patch, with some surviving sunflowers, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if we enjoyed them over the next few days.
3 miles, 0 locks, 2 hrs 24 mins
Wednesday 30th October - Bridge 103 to Ventnor Marina
We left our mooring and headed towards the Calcutt Locks and ultimately our home Marina.
We passed a lot of work being done to the towpath where it has virtually been washed away. There are two new areas with piling which will increase the amount of suitable mooring on this stretch of the canal. These guys were moored under the bridge in order to reload with materials, but it did make passing them quite tight, they were impressed with the skill of the driver - well done Dave!
We arrived at Calcutt Locks and there was a boat ahead of us going down the locks. We were really pleased to see that they waited for us so we could do locks 2 & 3 together. They are also moored at Ventnor Marina but in the other basin. Here we are passing one other boat going up the locks.
Sharing the locks together, the boat is only 41ft long, makes ours look huge! After turning into the Marina we moored forwards onto our pontoon, so that the exhaust for the Webasto is not on the wooden pontoon side.
Thursday 31st October - Ventnor Marina
Today we are cleaning and tidying the boat before leaving her for the winter. Dave went and bought some provisions and I cleaned and tidied the stern area. Dave washed one side of the boat and we worked together to polish it as soon as it was dry.
Friday 1st November - Ventnor Marina
A visit to Daventry to get birthday presents for my Mum and Sister as we are visiting them tomorrow. Once back on the boat, Dave touched up the blacking on the rubbing strip and above and I varnished side hatch door and wooden seats on the back of the boat.
Saturday 2nd November - Visiting Bedford
A drizzly drive to Bedford, an hour visiting my Mum in her care home and then lunch with my sister who has just celebrated a significant birthday!
Sunday 3rd November - Ventnor Marina
More sorting and cleaning, all the windows done now, last few bits to put through the wash, Dave booked the car in at Kwikfit for a new tyre, and going through the cupboards. How is it you end up with three of one thing and none of something else?
We shall be finally closing the boat up and leaving on Wednesday, after Bonfire Night as it is so very peaceful here and Toby doesn’t seem to be aware of any fireworks.
Many thanks for reading and accompanying us on our adventures, our next cruise will be March 2025, so until then - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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