Surprise!

We had been led to believe that the excellent weather was to continue in the same vein for a few days at least, so were very surprised to wake up to a foggy day at 7 o'clock this morning! The mist changed to a dull greyness and it was quite cold out on the aft deck. We set off at 0840 and by 9 o'clock we had started on the Braunston Locks- six double locks, with very tough gates. Fortunately we met a couple on a working boat, so were able to save water, which is even more important than usual at the moment, with restrictions likely to come about before too long. We also teamed up with the same boat for the Buckby Flight of seven locks - again, very tough gates and some of the paddles weren't easy to get going either!
We tied up at Whilton Marina at 1pm. We had been told when we were at the lock that a new cafe was open there so went across to see if we could get a sandwich. However, the cafe was due to open tomorrow actually; they were just finishing off getting everything ready. The lady told us that her husband grows all his own vegetables and they keep chickens, so are going to use mostly home-grown food. The cafe is part of the chandlery building at Whilton Marina. Fortunately the small chandlery near the lock had a few newspapers for sale... The usual type of chandlery crammed with everything you need for the boat, plus a few more things you need anyway, like milk, biscuits and chocolate!
(We had a home-made sdandwich on TQ).
We set off about quarter to three, by which time the sun kept trying to get out, but not always succeeding and it was still rather cold. At four o'clock we moored in a quiet place at Weedon Bec, not too far from a pub, funnily enough. We had a little rest and warm-up then after a quick reconnoitre of the area and in spite of aching joints managed the three minute walk to the Heart of England pub near the bridge 24. We enjoyed a delicious meal there