Buttons.

 

                          

Our old button fender was disintegrating after nearly four years of rubbing it’s nose against the gate whilst in the locks. We went into Tradline in Braunston to buy a new one but the chap who made them was off work with a bad back. Anyway we encountered nb Panda Julienne and bought one at a very reasonable price from him. We also bought some small tyre fenders from nb Tranquility as we found they were much better than the ‘dead rat type’ side fenders we used to use! We like to support the narrow-boat traders whenever we can, as they provide a very useful service while continuously cruising the canal system.

Braunston 2.

We slipped into an available space on the 48hr moorings opposite The Boathouse pub. Very convenient as we were meeting up with our four boating friends for an evening meal together on Saturday. Most of their menu was BOGOF, or Two for One, so to dine cheaply you really need a partner. Of course we all had to indulge in the luxury of having puddings too. From our vantage point opposite on the canal the place seemed to be packed out and busy all weekend.

Some boats have been here a bit longer than the specified time limit though I think! 

                      

As I walked by the little floating cafe Gongoozlers Rest very early, the delightful smell of fried bacon made me feel hungry. It seemed to be packed with customers enjoying having their breakfast cooked for them!

I spotted another nice little tug on my way up to the boat shop to acquire one more of their organic loaves before we left..

Tractors.

These two little work horses can usually be seen busying themselves in Braunston.

Braunston.

 

Before leaving Norton Junction we filled with water having done loads of washing. At Watford there are water taps at the top and bottom of the locks. and three through Braunston, which is a luxury! We headed the little convoy of three boats though the tunnel and then down the six locks.

With boats on their way up and our friends coming up to help us we made it down in good time to moor next to them at the footbridge on the 48hr moorings. The locks were closed for the day on the 25th for adjustments to be made to lock 3. So, there was a rush of boats going up the evening before, and many more coming down the morning afterwards!

My favourite old tugboat “Vesta” was basking in the sun.

 

Now we are back to the usual English weather of blue skies turning dark with showers, hail and winds every ten minutes! Also the Squirrel has had to be re-lit in the chilly evenings. We can run the central heating, but it is not so homely as a solid fuel stove we find.

The Hartley's narrow-boat was appropriately named “More Jam” with the Boathouse in the background. The six of us met up for an evening meal there before we parted company on our summer cruising. It has been lovely to spend time in good company once again discussing various boating topics, families and world affairs!

Woolley lawnmowers.

I don’t knowif they were meant to be there, or had escaped from the field next door. Anyway, these sheep were doing a grand job of trimming the lawn at the junction cottage.