Heavy locking

Setting off at half seven this morning got us to the foot of Braunston locks at eight. The Bottom Lock shop was open, but didn't yet have bread. We hung on to see if a locking partner would turn up and were rewarded with the appearance of Wegonen Dunnit crewed by Karen and Steven. They've been living on board since October last and were making their first long trip in their new boat, taking her to Crick to be the MCC/Stenson show boat there.

We soon fell into a steady routine and fairly flew up the locks. A couple of boats were just approaching the top as we rose in  the last one, so good timing all round.  Whilst Sheila steered through the tunnel, I got on with domestic chores below. I started a washload running and mixed up a bread kit, sun dried tomato and parmesan, which seemed like a good choice for lunchtime rolls.

Once they were rising in a warmed oven, I did the washing up.

By now we were approaching Norton Junction; Sheila made a neat job of the turn and I popped the rolls in to bake. They were done just as we reached the bottom of Watford. Here too we had good luck with our timing as boats were just starting to work up and the volunteer locky told us to join on behind.

After another good trip up the flight, we've tied in our usual pre Crick spot just beyond Bridge 8. The sheet is drying on the whirligig, we've had a chat with Susan at Braidbar about final arrangements for the show and Sheila is finishing off some below-mushroom drip catchers she's making for fellow Braidbar owner Martin.

Tomorrow, through Crick tunnel, fill up with water and find our mooring for the next few days.

Expect blogs when you see them for that time – the data signals are pretty iffy around the marina.