You never know who you will meet.

Wednesday 5 August. 0 miles

A bit of a late get up. Walked into Braunston to see what the Chandler had. Bought a couple of LED's to try and replace the fluorescents in the kitchen. Visited the Church, Butcher and supermarket before walking via the marina back to the boat. NB Lady Esther was moored up with nobody on board. The adjacent boat said they were at the pub so off we go and as we walk in the door Angie leaps from her chair with instant recognition. Spent a couple of hours with her, Dave and his sister before back to the boat for tea. Later on Diana, Rachel Trevor & I wandered back down the towpath to spend another couple of hours with Dave & Angie on Lady Esther.

Thursday 6  August. 9 miles, 13 locks (inc a staircase of 4)

As we got side tracked from leaving yesterday it was an early start and away by eight. The first 6 double locks we did by ourselves and had to empty all locks to set them. An odd bit of drizzle on the way up. Moored up for breakfast and then a boat coming the other way pulls in behind and it is Geoff and Debbie who moor a few berths away at Furness Vale. They are travelling with the boat that lives next door at Furness Vale. After breakfast we head off into the Braunston tunnel with Trevor at the helm. Past a few boats coming the other way. At Norton junction we make the left turn. Pretty tight so Trevor takes a couple of goes at getting round the corner. Next feature of the day is the Watford locks with a staircase of 4. We check in with the lock keeper and there is about an hours delay. The hour is spent having a very enjoyable lunch on the tow path in warm sunny weather. When it is our turn we are first in and quickly rise to the top of the locks. Next lock is 20 odd miles away. Through the Crick tunnel then moor up for the night. Into town for a look around, an Ale at the pub & resupply from the food store. Back on the boat for tea when the couple we came down the Hatton flight with wander past and have a chat. Got some tired crew tonight.