Saturday, September 14, 2013

Busy Braunston and a cracking view.

Again posted late due to lack of signal

Thursday 12th September 2013

The forecast for Wednesday was for rain from early afternoon, so we set off early hoping to make Braunston before it arrived. The canal was very busy with traffic. We passed nb Darley and nb Whitby moored up in Rugby and then had a clear run through Hillmorton where there were friendly volunteer lock keepers on each pair of locks. The clouds started to darken as we approached Braunston and we were surprised to find it so busy in the village. I know it's Braunston, but at 12.30pm we were lucky to find the last spot at the far end of the marina, otherwise we would have had to enter the flight of locks. We stayed put for the rest of the day as the rain came as forecast. We did enjoy a late night wander into the village which lured us and the dogs into The Old Plough for a couple of beers.

Darley & Whitby
Today has been glorious. Early mist greeted us but we set off up the lock flight with nb William about 8am. They are from Derbyshire too and actually live very close to where John works so there was plenty to chat about. They were heading for Whilton Marina where they were putting their boat of 14 years on brokerage as boating was becoming difficult. You couldn't help but feel for them as they clearly wanted to continue. We dread the day when that decision comes for us...hopefully a good way off yet !!
Idyllic setting at Norton Junction
Once through Watford we enjoyed a cruise up through Crick Tunnel before stopping near to Bridge 14 and taking a walk up Cracks Hill. A really worthwhile trek with some fabulous views over the surrounding area. I'm not sure who were more tired when we got back to the boat...us or the dogs.

View from Cracks Hill with BM bottom left
View dominated by wind turbines...I quite like them. 
We stopped off briefly at Yelvertoft and walked into the village hoping to pick up some meat from the butcher, only to find that he has retired...how inconsiderate. We have moored for the night in a lovely spot near to Bridge 21...total peace and quiet. Just how we like it. 

3 comments:

  1. If you're looking for an excellent butcher, try Joseph Morris in South Kilworth village. It's a country mile away from the canal at bridge 36 but is well worth the walk. They sell locally bred free range meat and really tasty bacon.

    Mike
    Nb Duxllandyn

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  2. Thanks Mike. Unfortunately we have passed there now, but strangely enough we bought some his meat in the Post Office / general store in Welford on Friday. They had plenty of his produce and it looks great. Not so far to walk either

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  3. Sorry, this comment could echo yours about the restaurant at Lock 57 -shame you didn't mention it we could have told you etc etc!!!!

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