Saturday 7 May 2016

Another lovely day and lots of boats are out on the canal, although fewer hire boats this morning as Saturday is handover day.

We cruised for an hour to the junction at Braunston where the Oxford Canal meets the Grand Union. 

We called into Midland Chandlers for a few bits then carried on our way where the canal splits again – we have taken the Oxford Canal branch, another first for us.  Another hour and we reached the Hillmorton Locks – these are three double locks one going each way, although unfortunately one way was closed due to a problem with one of the middle locks so all boats going up and down had to use one side.

We stopped in Rugby for a quick dash round Tesco for supplies – surreal moment – we are walking the isles and coming towards me is a girl I worked with in the City 10 years ago!  Small world.

As we walked back to the boat we had a short sharp shower – just enough to get wet!  We then carried on to Newbold on Avon where we are meeting mum and dad and Carolyn and Gary tomorrow.  Not quite the lovely countryside we have been used to but we needed a shop and a pub to meet in tomorrow.

Leaving Lower Shuckburgh

Diddy narrowboat.

That sinking feeling.

Arriving at Braunston Junction - joining a bit of the Grand Union that we did last year.

Another busy little spot.

The church at Braunston.

The cow jumped over the bridge1

Wait for me mum.

Christmas tree farm.

Is that Thomas the Tank Engine hiding over there?

Under the railway bridges at Hillmorton 

Shame the left hand locks are closed - we haven't been through a double flight like this before.

Looks like Alfie from the River Lee has also stopped at Tesco!

Over the aqueduct 

And our resting place for tonight - Newbold on Avon.