Berthed at Braunston.

It was a quiet night but the boats started passing at just before 0700. I remember the days of hiring when you had to push on to get round the ring or route you were doing to get back to the hire base on time. However we didn't feel the need to set off so early and we got going about 1000. There are sometimes that you do have to go early, or travel late. And any way we weren't going very far so no need to rush.

This Gongoozler seemed intent on our passage but made no comments!

After about an hour we were at the outskirts of Braunston. We wanted to stop just after Bridge 89 as it was out of the way of the melee of the junction but just a quick walk up to the village.

This is our view from the boat with plenty of sun for the panels. We were curious about the cars parking in the field by the church. When we walked up to the village it seems it was the funeral of Mr. Roger Baker. It seem he was one of four brothers that built up a huge business in farming, slaughtering, transport and pet foods. Roger was the eldest son and when his Dad died in 1963 he was the only one old enough to take over the business. In the end the Roger and his brothers, John, Graham and Edwin had a very large business. Roger was in charge of the procurement and ran a 1000 head beef farm. They built a slaughter house in Crick that at the time was the largest in Europe and it processed 2500 beasts a week. We was an international judge of livestock and enjoyed game shooting. The field was eventually covered in expensive vehicles and at the church there was a marquee where those that couldn't get inside the church could listen to the service. He got a very good send off. I asked in the pub about him and they said that he was a lovely man.

We bought some milk and stuff and obviously one of the local butchers pork pies. We then walked to the Admiral Nelson and I had a pint of Merri-Weather, from Merrimen Brewery which is a new brewery that took over from Hoggleys in Litchborough. I must say it wasn't too bad either. We called in to Midland Chandlers to see what there was. It was open until 2000 so we checked out the prices of the things we were interested in and then went back to the boat and checked prices. In the end we went back at about 1800 and just bought the mooring chains we were talking about.

Looking back down from the church towards the canal. 'Holderness' is the red boat.

You can see the ridges in the field that I have talked about before. You can see Helen at the gate middle right. What beautiful scenery there is in this part of the country.

After we got back from our village shop and lunch I set to changing the engine oil and filter. It all went smoothly but I do need to master the art of removing the filter with a plastic bag over it to prevent spills. Other wise it didn't take too long. I did get round to checking the batteries but that will have to be done tomorrow afternoon after the rain has passed as we are staying put tomorrow.

All Saints Church at Braunston with the moon coming for a look.