In Romajech, we were off through medieval farmland showing ancient furrows from times when the forests were cleared for agriculture. Into a very busy Braunston, which was readying itself for the Historic Narrowboat Rally at the weekend. There were already so many boats that they were three abreast in places. Some lovely craft, but we couldn't face all the brass cleaning and tinkering with the old diesel engines. Through Braunston flight in the afternoon with another narrowboat with three young people aboard. Locks are much easier when the youngsters do most of the work.
Blue Adeline had decided to take it easier and came through later on: we agreed to catch up in a couple of days to let Jan and Denis go at their own pace. It was bright sunshine, so we decided to go for the tunnel which was very dank, with small stalactites dangling all the way through. Only 2042 yards long and not too full of natural charm, but it did have ventilation shafts, which subsequent tunnels did not!
Only met two oncoming boats: an odd sensation as it is difficult to judge their proximity and speed. Moored just outside the tunnel in a delightful leafy glade, having been given advice on where to eat and shop by a chatty passer-by. His advice proved good.
In Blue Adeline we moored in Braunston hoping to go to the shop and chandlery, but with the Historic Narrowboat weekend approaching there were boats of all shapes, sizes and historic importance moored up two and three abreast and it was very congested. Decided to go through the six locks and moor above them before the tunnel, so picked our way carefully, having to wait several times to let other boats come through. Glad conditions were good, as it's always worrying when there are so many boats around - good steering practice!
Fortunately, the locks themselves were quiet and we were by ourselves in the first two then with a 60 footer in the last four. The lock gates are particularly heavy and it took all our effort to open a couple of them, but by the top lock we'd got into the swing. Our companion boaters helped by being relaxed and good natured.
Tired but happy, we went for a slap-up dinner at the Admiral Nelson pub by the lock flight - hats off to the chef, excellent food in a pleasant setting. An interesting sideshow was a classic motorbike
photoshoot.
Braunston Tunnel is 2042 yards long, with an S-bend due to a mistake when meeting in the middle! It was our first ever tunnel and we were fortunate to find a widebeam owner going through at 8am the following morning who suggested we follow him, to avoid meeting boats coming the other way. We checked the headlight and got our 1m candle power torch (!) and waterproofs ready the night before, ready to set off.
In Blue Adeline we moored in Braunston hoping to go to the shop and chandlery, but with the Historic Narrowboat weekend approaching there were boats of all shapes, sizes and historic importance moored up two and three abreast and it was very congested. Decided to go through the six locks and moor above them before the tunnel, so picked our way carefully, having to wait several times to let other boats come through. Glad conditions were good, as it's always worrying when there are so many boats around - good steering practice!
Fortunately, the locks themselves were quiet and we were by ourselves in the first two then with a 60 footer in the last four. The lock gates are particularly heavy and it took all our effort to open a couple of them, but by the top lock we'd got into the swing. Our companion boaters helped by being relaxed and good natured.
Tired but happy, we went for a slap-up dinner at the Admiral Nelson pub by the lock flight - hats off to the chef, excellent food in a pleasant setting. An interesting sideshow was a classic motorbike
photoshoot.
Braunston Tunnel is 2042 yards long, with an S-bend due to a mistake when meeting in the middle! It was our first ever tunnel and we were fortunate to find a widebeam owner going through at 8am the following morning who suggested we follow him, to avoid meeting boats coming the other way. We checked the headlight and got our 1m candle power torch (!) and waterproofs ready the night before, ready to set off.
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