Thursday 3rd.
We moored up at Whilton near the marina, with the railway on one side and the M1 on the other this was quite a noisy place to spend the night really.

Friday 4th.
It was cold but sunny again when we set off for for Braunston. We managed 11 locks and the tunnel before mooring up at 5pm at Braunston. We managed this by  travelling non stop all the way and having snacks and 'drinks on the hoof' ! As it was getting dark Bottle attached his magnetic light to the side of the boat so that we could see to moor up. We walked down the tow-path to the newly refurbished Mill House, now called the Boat House, for an evening meal. Although the interior was warm and welcoming and they do two meals for the price of one, the food was average. They do however provide high-chairs, and toys and games to occupy children.

Saturday 5th.
Our daughter and grandson came to visit so we went for lunch up at The Old Plough in the village. The staff are friendly, they serve good food and real ales too, so we can recommend this one.

Monday 7th.
Bottle walked along to Midland Chandlers for two bulbs for our navigation lights which had both blown, but they didn't have any in stock. I washed the boat and sorted the laundry to put away. I walked up to Londis for some supplies and into the butchers opposite for eggs and some tasty cheddar cheese.

Tuesday 8th.
While going through one of the locks we had caught the cratch cover and torn a small hole in it. As the makers A J Canopies are now based in Braunston Marina we took it along to their workshop. It was mended within the hour, for a very reasonable cost.
As it was such a beautiful day we cruised along as far as Hillmorten.

Wednesday 9th.
Today is Bottles 60th Birthday, so after breakfast he unwrapped all his presents, two single malts, canal DVD,  book on Gloucester Docks and quite a lot of Toblerone! A new peaked cap as his beloved old Guinness one blew off in the wind and sank in the canal.
Whilst having coffee and thinking of contacting Gosty Hill (Coal boat) an engine was heard looked out the porthole and lo and behold it was them, a quick scamper to the  back of the boat we managed to stop them.
Four bags of Taybrite now safely on-board.

Has anybody an idea as to what this flower trough at Buckby, originally was.

The best photo of a Kingfisher, so far, on the lock gate number nine, also at Buckby