We left Norton Junction early on Wednesday morning, drifting onto the water point above the locks to perform the ritual of ablutions....
Our aim for Wednesday was to get to Blisworth, a few miles and around 5 hours cruising away (not including the locks at Buckby), and moor to enable Thursday to be completely free. I don't get much opportunity to paint when we begin moving between festivals and locations and I know I am up against it, getting commissions completed and stock replenished in time!
Bottom lock before the storm clouds gathered again and time for breakfast in Whilton Cafe. This is a ceremonial observance for us every time we pass the flight!
Fully fuelled, we set off again, but the weather was getting colder and more threatening
Not a great deal of alteration to the container boat from last year. Perhaps the changes are all internal
The scary manikin with his dog still makes me jump when we pass under this bridge!
Beautiful barge we have not seen before along this stretch
Lovely countryside
The other side of Weedon village, we past these lazy animals
Camping North face of the Eiger today! It was bitter!
We pass through Gayton Junction with only a mile or so to Blisworth. The hail had come down for a good proportin of the previous stretch, so we were looking forward to mooring and getting warm again.
View down towards Northampton. This takes you down 17 single locks and onto the River Nene.
We overnighted on the bend outside Blisworth village and had a day of painting and odd jobs, before passing through Blisworth tunnel (nearly 2 miles long!) on the Friday morning.
Because our gift shop opens on the starboard side, we went down 2 locks to turn and return to Stoke Bruerne visitor moorings and find a space to trade for the weekend.
Eventually, a space became free, so we retraced our steps once we had winded (turned the boats) and moored up.
We will be here in Stoke Bruerne for this Bank Holiday weekend returning for the next before embarking on our journey towards London....
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