Day 122 - back to busy Braunston on our penultimate day.

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5 locks, 467 in total.







The cut has been busier than Piccadilly Circus today so the 'plonker alert' risk level was raised. I didn't enjoy Braunston Tunnel today – it may be only a mile long but don't forget the kinks in it and I met 5 boats coming the other way. I saw the bow light of the first boat as soon as I entered the tunnel but it is impossible to judge the distance until just before you meet. Then it was one boat after another, the plonker award going to a French helmsman who was wearing a powerful torch on his head; it must have ruined his night sight but imagine what it did for the rest of us as he darted from side to side on his boat, looked down to make engine adjustments, turned to face whoever he was talking to – and yes, I did say something as our paths crossed!







The five locks were easy as we managed to pair up. Sadly all canal etiquette was abandoned by several boaters when they 'jumped' the locks; if a lock is not set your way as you approach then it is good manners to see if anybody is coming the opposite way who can make use of it and so save water. It also avoids the situation of too many boats between any 2 locks. It also makes sense, if you see the traffic building up ahead of you, to stay in the lock until there's space – you're not holding anyone up behind you as they can't go anywhere either. But we still all smile at each other and say hallo, usually!







There were high jinks this afternoon. Four men on a working boat, very loud and surprisingly incompetent, they repeatedly tried to tie a fibre-glass cruiser alongside their barge and then navigate into the Braunston Bottom Lock. Twenty minutes later they made it, with 4 boats now in the pound ahead unable to moor and another 2 boats in the next lock waiting. One of the workboat crew walked past and apologised to a group of us, saying that the helm had had a bit too much shandy – judging by the way his breath knocked us back, the helm wasn't the only one! We had already moored for the day so I went back to Dunlin in order to fend off any boats as necessary. In fairness, apart from one sortie into the bushes, the 2 boats made the next lock without hitting anyone although this had more to do with the skill of the other boaters. I'd like to say that the work boat helm was a funny drunk but I think 'belligerent' is more apt.







We're due into Braunston Marina tomorrow so John travelled home this afternoon, returning tomorrow with his car plus items from Dunlin that we didn't wish to carry around with us all summer. The weather is forecast to be very wet and very windy as we empty and clean the boat – I suppose it was too much to hope that this could be accomplished in the dry but it will make a sad time even more miserable. Dunlin's engine will be serviced on Monday, photos taken for the brokerage, and we will head home with as much as possible in the car. I'll drive back 2 days later and collect the remainder, shedding a few tears no doubt.







Tomorrow's blog will be the last – thank you all for your interest.

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Photos

Braunston - Jetty Field
This is now Pocket Park - a small park that has many different areas. The main field shows evidence of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation and is grassland with several wide cut paths and a lime avenue leading down to the canal. There's a spinney where native trees are being planted to replace the old ornamental ones as they die. The birds, bugs and bees area is closed to visitors; alongside this are the allotments. The garden area has paths, a stream, boggy area, flower beds and bird and bat boxes. It's amazing what can be fitted into a relatively small area.

The Victorian Pumping Station
I didn't see the date on the chimney first time around - 1897

In the window of the best canal shop ever!
We bought a picture here and the artist signed it with a dedication.

And just when you think you've seen it all.....
....along comes a bagpiper. Hattie freaked out, needless to say.

Comments

[June]

I will miss your blogs
Hi I have been following your blog even since Salli Ransome gave me the link in July. We had a narrow boat for many years and we have visited most of the places you have seen. We used to moor at Wolverhampton Boat Club on the Shroppie. You passed it but did not stop preferring Brewood instead. Good luck with your next venture and I hope your boat sells quickly as if not you may be off again. Congratulations on all your wonderful photos

[Dunlin]

You're very kind - pleased you enjoyed it so much.

[sgs]

dunlin
It has been a real pleasure to hear about your cruise, thank you so much for sharing it with us. I will really miss reading about your antics and taking in the scenery via your photos. Well done, - have thought about publishing it and perhaps selling at the canal shops? At the moment today is still glorious here despite the forecast, I hope it is the same there for you on this significant day. Will be thinking of you. All the best - Sarah.