Welford.

We made it to Welford yesterday. It was very busy but we managed to get a two day mooring and then had a hugely enjoyable afternoon with Sue and Ray on NB Fringillidae.

I'm inclined to like Foxton

Today we decided to cruise past the Welford Arm and go to Foxton

Alison took some pictures en-route.







Foxton has two staircases of 5 locks each. This is from the top.



Half way down looking up.



And from the bottom.



We were more interested however in the remains of the inclined plane which ran for the first 10 years of the last century.
The first glimpse was from the car park.



They had huge pulleys to pull the caissons with the bots in.



We walked to the bottom of the plane.



And the climbed it.

Half way up.



And the view from the top.



There is a replica rail to see.



And an old barge as it would have been.



It is clear to see where the ropes and rails would have run.



And the arm to the plane is still in water.



Which provided a lovely view for us.

Crick without the boat show

Today we started our holiday with Dorothy.

We set off from the marina and headed for new water.

We went to Braunston and through the locks.



Then through the tunnel and onto uncharted (for us) Grand Union water.



Then we had to enter the Watford Gap lock flight.



This contains a staircase of 4 locks. We have only done 2 before so 4 was interesting. The front gates as always were huge.



Then we went through our second long tunnel of the day, Crick tunnel at just under a mile. At least this was straight. Braunston tunnel has more dog legs than a pack of hounds.

Safely Home

We have made it to our new Marina and safely moored despite the wind.



The water is surprisingly clear and although this picture doesn't really show it, we can see the tiller clearly.



It's nice to be back, we are happy with our berth, but hopefully off again soon.

Back to Rugby

Yesterday we made it back to Newbold but couldn't find a mooring where we didn't clang against the cill.
Therefore we moved on to Rugby and got a very nice mooring with mooring rings by Tesco. We shall use these again.



The canal was relatively quiet yesterday



And as picturesque as ever.

Sutton Stop

We are back on Magpie II and did have made it to Hawkesbury Junction.



We only have 4 days so will turn round tomorrow and head back to the new marina. Our berth is ready so all I have to do is steer into it.

Last night we moored at Newbold but no photos unfortunately. We still banged on the shelf which I really don't like.

The north Oxford is lovely



But few mooring points and virtually no winding points.

We'll get used to it.

New Marina

Mission accomplished. We have made it to our New Marina on time and will be able to attend the wedding we are invited to tomorrow.

Completion of the marina is getting nearer. CRT gave permission whilst we were there to dig through to the main pool.







From tomorrow boats should be able to moor in their proper moorings.

For now we are moored next to another boat. Here are two zoomed shots followed by the normal one.









Soon we'll be over in the distance.

Braunston

Today on a very windy day we made it to Braunston. We got pushed into a lock entrance by some hirers who did not do as agreed and let me leave the lock first, they came out along side me so I could not steer. Not happy with them.

No pictures of our journey today due to constantly needing to be at the tiller and fight the wind.

However we did walk through Braunston locks to investigate them and the tunnel.



The light at the end of the tunnel is the light of an oncoming boat. Reminds me of a Half Man Half Biscuit song.

The Boat

Today we set off for Long Itchington.

We had to traverse the Avon on an Aquaduct. Strange to think we were on it 3 days ago and if certain groups are successful it will be navigable to here and a boat lift will link it to the canal.





The locks on the Grand Union were all updated in the 1930s to double locks. They are very daunting.



I was very disappointed that the lock moorings are overgrown with nettles and getting stung is not an option, it is unavoidable. Surely this is a real safety hazard and CRT should be doing something about it.



We made it to Long Itchington but all the moorings were taken so we have moored up at The Boat.

I had to check that there was a gluten free meal for Kenny and the pub pooch stole my chair.

Cape of good hope

We have made it to Warwick today and are moored by a superb pub (again) this time the Cape of Good Hope.

Whilst we were cruising today we met the laziest ducks ever.



Then the infamous Hatton Flight of 21 locks.





But we made it.



And we are this far from the pub.