Here we are at Braunston, about 7 1/2 miles from Hillmorton which is on the outskirts of Rugby. Hillmorton Locks are doubles, ie 2 single locks side by side. This was presumably to speed things up when the canals were used for freight and prevent boat jams! We spent some time showing some Viking Afloat hirers how to use the lock as we went through (I don’t think they get a lot of instruction when they pick up boats for holidays). Then we were off to Braunston, where we left the Oxford Canal and turned on to The Grand Union Canal (main line).
As it is usually very busy here, especially at the weekend, we leapt into the first mooring we saw. Much to George’s disgust this was MILES from the pub and the trip there included a high bridge with steps like a ladder at both ends! We did, in fact, have some difficulty getting him there! We subsequently moved nearer to the pub, in preparation for getting him there tomorrow, having decided to stay here until Monday. But then Ken received news that his Uncle has died, so we are going to get back to Thurmaston asap because he will need go to London for the funeral, which will probably be towards the end of next week.
On a lighter note, during this evening’s fishing session, when Ken got his line in a tangle, he decided he was in a ‘Braunston Pickle’ (groan!).
So tomorrow we will travel through Braunston Tunnel (2042yds) and on to Norton Junction where we join The Grand Union Canal (Leicester Section).
Cheers B.
