Back on the road again, leaving our mooring at Whilton
Our intention was to get to Stoke Bruerne for Thursday morning, in order that the shop gets it's permitted 4 days mooring at this busy (seldom these days) visitor attraction.
Wide beam country again!
Look closely to see a mannequin dressed as an old guy. Made us jump!
Beautiful gardens along this part of the canal
We made good progress, passing through Weedon and on towards Bugbrooke.
Quiet campsite after Weedon
This road bridge is at a bit of a dodgy angle, but thankfully there was nothing coming the other way...this time!
Heyford Fields Marina
Approaching Gayton Junction
Breasting the boats side by side, we slowly navigated the straight approach to Gayton Junction where the facilities block is situated. It is easier for us to breast up when it is still a bit windy before attempting a manoeuvre like this as there is always a boat coming from one direction or another!
Leaving Blisworth ~ with the old flour mill (now luxury flats) in the centre of the picture.
We spent the night moored behind the Cheeseboat and caught up with Geraldine and Michael therein. Setting off behind them in the morning, we all were hoping to avoid oncoming traffic in the Blisworth Tunnel just after the village.
Approaching the tunnel entrance ~ 3076 yards being the third longest navigable tunnel in the UK
Of course we met oncoming traffic! The first was fine, but the second had a tunnel lamp which could have been seen from space and kept turning it off and on as we got nearer to him!
Safely out of the tunnel unscathed but a bit wet ~ as is the norm!
As the guy navigated past us, I heard Richard ask him if he was afraid of the dark because of the brightness of his dazzle!
A couple we have met before with their collection of ex racing greyhounds ~ one being Reilly's double! ~ a blue snowflake
We breasted the boats up again, winded (turned around) to face the tunnel and reversed back into an available mooring in the village of Stoke Bruerne ready for the weekend. The Cheeseboat had already done the same, saving dropping down 2 locks, winding and coming back up again.
Cabin stool on display in my shop
The shop has been open since mooring up and we will return through the tunnel Sunday evening. The crowds have not been here at Stoke Bruerne ~ a complete disappointment and worry for the future. Perhaps, we wondered, the carpark is £3, putting people off?
View towards the carpark and museum ~ recently taken over by the Canal and River Trust. Also Bob from All Things Spanish (the ice cream boat behind us) is supervising Richard 'brasso-ing'!
We had a lovely evening at the Navigation pub for my birthday and Geraldine's 80th (!) from the Cheeseboat on the Friday. Joining us was our eldest Martin, who had taken 4 hours to do a 1hour trip from Oxford due to accidents! Also, our good friends Sam and John drove up from Northants Marina (John is the manager) and joined us. A great night!
All set up in the sun ~ all we need now are customers!
Yesterday, we saw some footfall, but it is nothing like a couple of years ago here. A huge anticlimax. CRT have been told that the signs saying '£25 for additional staying over the allowed48hours' is frightening boaters from mooring up. Perhaps they will see the damage being done to the land based businesses and museum and have a rethink! Such an optimist am I.....
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