Back to Braunston

So here we are back in Braunston after our unscheduled extra day by Welton Haven whilst the rain poured down. No leaks in the boat, I’m pleased to report - it’s good to have that first really serious test of all the seals and joints, and that surely was a test.

Another pleasant thing to record is that I had a courteous and comprehensive response from a Mr Owen, Principal Waterway Engineer, South East Waterway, about Bridge 4 on the Harborough Arm:

"Foxton Swing Bridge was one of the projects that was included in our submission for major works for 2010/11 for refurbishment and replacement of the bearing, however the project was differed in view our British Waterways reduced major works budget.

The Waterway have however continued to progress the scheme and working with our colleagues in our Bridge Section have specified the required works, unfortunately we cannot however replace the bearing without removing the bridge which increases costs again making this a major works project. I am however pleased to advise you that following a revised submission from the Waterway the project has been accepted and is being developed for works in the late summer.

In the interim I have spoken to Leicestershire County Council regard the closure of Swing Bridge Street but they have advised that an 8 week notice period is required in order to effect the road closure. We are progressing this and are monitoring the bridge in the interim, the problem is that as movement occurs when cars cross the bridge depending on the vehicle direct the bridge can either be extremely stiff or very easy to operate.

We are however closely monitoring the situation and should the situation deteriorate will have to consider other options in order to ensure the safe use of the structure."

Not the best English in the world, perhaps, but the guy is the engineer, and I’d rather have a response from the horse’s mouth, slightly clumsily expressed, than something over-digested by the PR department.

We had an early start this morning, but even so, found a lot of traffic coming the other way. Having got through Braunston Tunnel only meeting one boat, and that in a straight bit, last time, this time it was three boats, and every one of them on a bend.

We ambled down the flight in steadily improving weather conditions, and found a mooring between the refurbished Ladder bridge and Butchers Bridge without trouble.

A quick trip to the Bottom Lock chandlery before lunch, and a visit to Midland Chandlers afterwards provided me with the necessary bits to fix up a hanging rail in the engine room, and stowage for the fuel tank dipstick under the gunwale on the starboard side.

It’s one of the ways in which we can start to feel it’s our boat, putting in those little bits and bobs here and there, a process which will probably last as long as we own the boat.

Investigation of the stern tube showed that it was much improved, but a little slack again. I’ve nipped it up, and will continue to check it from time to time. It’s important, of course, not to over-tighten it, but feeling the gland as soon as we stopped showed that it was cold to the touch; the danger sign is if you can’t keep your hand on it.

Tomorrow, we make a greatly daring trip to Rugby by bus, in search of a MiFi modem.