The Watford Staircase.
Beginning of the Leicester Section at Norton Junction.
Again a bit late, as the signal was very poor yesterday evening. We set off at 0815 and arrived at Br.58 just before 11 o'clock. We moored there as we needed to stock up on a few items, after our trip up the lovely, quiet Ashby canal with its dearth of shops! It was sweltering again as we made our way to Tesco- and also when we were going through the Hillmorton Locks later. We moored for the night near Br.87, (the idyllic spot again), and sat out for an hour enjoying the beautiful evening.
Today we left the mooring at 0810. Took a photo of the beautiful spot but it doesn't do it justice because the bright sun threw shadows over the canal. Filled up water at Braunston, then went into the Marina to do a Pump Out. Shortly afterwards we arrived at the locks and were delayed quite a while because there were a few boats waiting. Also, as TQ and Downeaster were preparing to go to the first lock, we discovered that the boat in the lock was not moving- the lady from the boat having decided to visit the canal shop and hold up proceedings. When she eventually returned, her husband finished his coffee before the lock procedure was continued.
Downeaster and TQ went through the six locks together, which made it easier- and we had a good chat along the way of course!
Tied up after the sixth lock, to have lunch, then made our trip through the long Braunston Tunnel. We reached Norton Junction about 2pm and into the Leicester Section of the Grand Union. Stopped after Bridge 6 and made a quick visit to Watford Gap Services, having read about this possibility in 'Pearson's. Managed to get a newspaper at the garage shop!
Arrived at Watford Locks about four o'clock, in a little rain. A few boats waiting at each side, so it took a while before we got in the first lock. I had received a message from the lockkeeper to say we could go through the first two locks but then had to wait to do the staircase locks. The lockkeeper there organises all the movements of the boats to make sure everything is done correctly! (A good idea!) It was six o'clock when we left the last lock, after a long wait in the second pound.
About twenty minutes later we decided to call it a day and tied up along the towpath. Good decision as it rained more heavily after that. The sheep in the field opposite all suddenly went running- literally- for cover under the trees.
Idyllic Spot
Newbold Tunnel againj!
Today we left the mooring at 0810. Took a photo of the beautiful spot but it doesn't do it justice because the bright sun threw shadows over the canal. Filled up water at Braunston, then went into the Marina to do a Pump Out. Shortly afterwards we arrived at the locks and were delayed quite a while because there were a few boats waiting. Also, as TQ and Downeaster were preparing to go to the first lock, we discovered that the boat in the lock was not moving- the lady from the boat having decided to visit the canal shop and hold up proceedings. When she eventually returned, her husband finished his coffee before the lock procedure was continued.
Downeaster and TQ went through the six locks together, which made it easier- and we had a good chat along the way of course!
Tied up after the sixth lock, to have lunch, then made our trip through the long Braunston Tunnel. We reached Norton Junction about 2pm and into the Leicester Section of the Grand Union. Stopped after Bridge 6 and made a quick visit to Watford Gap Services, having read about this possibility in 'Pearson's. Managed to get a newspaper at the garage shop!
Arrived at Watford Locks about four o'clock, in a little rain. A few boats waiting at each side, so it took a while before we got in the first lock. I had received a message from the lockkeeper to say we could go through the first two locks but then had to wait to do the staircase locks. The lockkeeper there organises all the movements of the boats to make sure everything is done correctly! (A good idea!) It was six o'clock when we left the last lock, after a long wait in the second pound.
About twenty minutes later we decided to call it a day and tied up along the towpath. Good decision as it rained more heavily after that. The sheep in the field opposite all suddenly went running- literally- for cover under the trees.
Idyllic Spot
Newbold Tunnel againj!
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