Jo's Birthday

 This morning we had a walk up through the village of Welford. Then we had Jo's birthday lunch in the Wharf Inn. 🎂

The footbridge over the river Avon and onto the Pocket Park

The road bridge over the river Avon

One of the ponds in the Pocket park

Same pond from the other side

Same pond from further up the path

Bridge No.33 to Welford

 Another pleasant morning, still chilly though, but less windy. We temporarily moored above Welford lock, whilst we walked down to see Les about our dry docking. He can get us in a day earlier, so we moved down close to the dry dock ready to go in, and closer to the Wharf Inn. 🍻

5 miles 1 lock in 2hrs. what3words /// slack.arrive.visitors 😊

Welford junction and onto the Welford Arm

Approaching Welford lock

Temporarily moored above Welford lock

Now moored nearer the dry dock

Keith

Bridge No.3 to Bridge No.33

 Pleasant day, if still chilly, but the wind picked up again making it hard work, so we stopped early again because of the wind but also we didn't want to chance getting to Welford junction, our intended destination, to find no mooring space. Now moored after bridge No.33 south of South Kilworth.

11¼ miles 7 locks 1 tunnel in 4hrs 45mins. what3words /// dream.sharpened.party 😊

1st lock at Watford locks

2nd lock

1st of the staircase locks

All the gates in the staircase were leaking a bit, gave the front of the boat a good wash though

Leaving Watford top lock

M1 bridge above Watford locks

Entering Crick tunnel

Crack's Hill beacon

A14 bridge

Now moored past bridge No.33 south of South Kilworth

Keith

Braunston to Bridge No.3 Leicester Line

 It started off warm, even took my donkey jacket off before we started. Things went downhill from then. Stopped at the elsan and water tap, emptied our cassette, but gave up on filling up with water, I can pee faster than that! Got to the 2nd tap by the stop house, filled up with water, then Jo dropped the filler cap in!! Moored up just past the marina entrance, and walked back to Midland Chandlers and bought 2 replacements. Whilst mooring there Jo's back went in sympathy with mine which started badly this morning. Warm weather disappeared and the donkey jacket reappeared. Now moored before bridge No.3 of the Leicester line of the Grand Union.

5¼ miles 6 locks 1 tunnel in 5hrs 10mins. what3words /// polished.denser.contoured 😁

Approaching Braunston bottom lock

Lock 2 and the crooked cottage which isn't crooked any more since it was straightened!

The Admiral Nelson by lock 3

The Admiral Nelson, I know it is, it says so on the wall

Braunston top lock

Lots of birds nests

Leaving Braunston top lock

Entering Braunston tunnel

The toll house at Norton junction, you try taking a photo whilst steering round this junction!

Bridge No.1 and the start of the Leicester line

Now moored before bridge No.3 on the Leicester line of the Grand Union.

Keith

Braunston Village

 This morning Jo and I went to Midland Chandlers to get some more bits, then we took a walk up into Braunston. The church was open and we had never been in before so we looked inside. We bought some bits from the Braunston Butcher, then went to the Community Café, to see Jenni Burton, she wasn't there, but turned up and we surprised her. We had a good old natter over tea and teacakes. We were even entertained with some live banjo music.

All Saints church

Inside All Saints church

Inside All Saints church

Inside All Saints church

Inside All Saints church

Inside All Saints church

Inside All Saints church

The old windmill is trying to hide

View up the High St

The Braunston Butcher

The Community Café

Keith

Barby Wood Bridge to Braunston

 A dull day today and still chilly. Just a short run into Braunston where we will spend the weekend. Now moored up opposite The Boathouse, bought 3 tins of paint at Midland Chandlers, spent a lot of money at Tradline on new strings to hold down the sheeting on the hold, and had lunch in The Boathouse with Brian Jarrett.

4¼ miles no locks in 1hr 30mins. what3words ///skins.compose.fists 😁

First glimpse of Braunston church way off in the distance

A bit closer, now you can see Braunston church clearer

Braunston turn

Now moored opposite The Boathouse, Braunston

Keith