Another farewell.

We were off and running before 1000 heading to the last two Stoke Bruerne locks. It had been raining earlier but was shaping up to be another nice day. We were going to share the locks and tunnel and stop at the other end, at Blisworth for tea and cake before going our separate ways. All went well and we only met one boat coming the opposite way in the tunnel and we were through in a little over 30 mins. At Blisowrth everybody and his dog seemed to be moored there. At Tunnel Boats yard there was a long boat moored athwart the cut that may have been waiting to enter the dry dock or similar. This left a gap that a narrow boat could get through. That would have been fine but a boat tried to pull out right in front of all this and then there was another moored just past the restriction that meant it was almost impossible to bend round them both. But we both managed it and after a passing most of the moorings just squeezed on before Bridge 49.

Stoke Bruerne Top Lock with the canal cottages and Canal Museum. David about to do his thing with beams.

'Waka Huia' approaching the southern portal of the Blisworth Tunnel. Note they had donned their coats in readiness for a cold and wet experience. It wasn't really either.

The tea and cakes cleared away and we are about to make our seasons farewells. Even Macy looks a little subdued.

We are on our way and looking forward to seeing Marilyn and David somewhere next year.

We hadn't been going long when we had a text that they had changed their mind and they were going to come up the Buckby Flight with us. They passed us as we took fuel at Bridge 32 Supplies. 78p domestic as we took on 165 ltrs of diesel. We then were playing catch up and literally met up with them out side Whilton Marina at the foot of the seven locks.

It was lovely and warm out of the chilly wind and the winding canal was beautiful too.

Marilyn wanted to tie the bows of the boats together as an extra to our moving into the locks together. It worked well until I needed to jump off to close the top gate after we left and my boat carried on. It was a good job I had the middle rope and that my legs are quite long!

Using these methods and with crossing with a couple of boats coming down we made good time up the locks. I was tempted to moor before the top lock as there was plenty of room but decided it would give Helen a lay in If I could get straight off for Braunston Tunnel in the morning. Above the lock the moorings were full but I tagged on the end under the bridge at the junction heading for the tunnel. Marilyn and David turned right and had a night in Weltonfields Marina. Luckily they were up for the short cold and dark walk to our boat so we could repay the compliment and feed them for the exertions in getting us speedily to Norton Junction. A curry and crumble was enjoyed, but not too much wine flowed as all were tired after a couple of long days. This time it has been a fond farewell for the season, unless we see them again that is, as we are heading off early to Calcutt to get the Hurricane serviced and they will be stopping in Braunston later. Safe Journey home both and see you next year.

Sun was just setting as we made fast on our mooring. This is a good view to wake up to in the morning.