To Braunston

Saturday 14 July

Waiting only for the shop to open to get a paper, we set off from Weedon to Whilton, a short chug. At the foot of the locks we settled down to wait for a partner if one should appear – always a good bet at this flight on a summer Saturday. In due course, a little boat called Argon turned up. She looked like a Springer, but apparently was one of only four built at about the same time as the original cheap and cheerful narrowboat, and to similar specifications.

The guy on board was single handing, and proceeded to let us do all the work. As it was Sheila’s day to lock, this was a bit hard on her – I did what I could to share the burden, which was a good deal more than Argon’s steerer did. In the course of the 7 lock flight he got through two cups of tea and several biscuits, but I don’t recall him drawing a single paddle, and he only pushed one gate when I positively asked him to.

We got to the top just after twelve and tied on the water point to fill with water, run the washing machine and eat lunch. Having completed two out of three (the washing machine hadn’t finished), we pulled forward onto a vacant visitor mooring for the afternoon.

On the way up the flight the lockie had stopped to give a hand with one lock, as he was helping a carrying pair, Nuneaton and Brighton, come down. He’d cheered Sheila up no end by saying that the weather forecast was for one to two inches of rain tomorrow, so when we were settled I checked the Met Office website. This gave the information that for the East Midlands there was a 40% chance of disruptive thunder showers, with the possibility of 25 mm (i.e. 1”) of rain in places, with a chance of as much as 50 mm (2”) in isolated spots.

It never fails to amaze me the way weather forecasts get distorted by TV or newspaper reporting, and then further distorted by Chinese whispers. People then complain that the forecasters always get it wrong, when in fact they haven’t been paying attention in the first place. In fact the weather has continued to be just as it has been for some time – occasional heavy showers, with warm sunny intervals the rest of the time.

We washed the starboard side of the boat, and Sheila did some crochet whilst I polished brass. I ran out of steam before doing the Houdini, so Sheila took over for that, and then we relaxed in the sun, conscious of a good days work done. An early night was slightly spoilt by the boat tied behind us, who chose to start running his engine at 10.15. Nonetheless, we managed to fall asleep before he stopped it.

Sunday 15 July

We got up early, and set off at eight. There was no sign of life on the boat behind, Thomas David of Kate Boats, and we did succumb to a naughty hope that we’d woken them up. We were into Braunston Tunnel at 8.40 and out just after 9. We met a pair of other Kate Boats (full of hen party according to the signs on the sides) just at the far end, and some Alvechurch hire boats coming up the locks as we worked down on our own. The University vac has started and it shows. All were very pleasant and cheerful, I’m happy to say – it’s good to see younger people discovering the joys of boating.

We went straight though to the Elsan Point that’s marked as suitable for self pump out, and did just that. Then we went on to a mooring nearer the Turn, and spent the afternoon watching loads of traffic pass in both directions.

At the end of the evening, we were sat having a final glass of wine before thinking of bed when there came a knocking at the door. This proved to be Hurricane Bob, a fellow wrgie, on his bike. It seems he’s bought a boat, and was in process of juggling car and boat positions as part of his holiday. We had a good natter before he leapt back on his steed and rode off down the towpath in the direction of Coventry.