Leamington Spa to Long Buckby Wharf

16 July - Leamington to Itchington

Up at 7 30 and engine running, (need to do washing later) and on the move by 8 30.
Locks ahead and after a water stop we started to climb for a change, we have been descending for a few days. A change of crew today we swapped and Vicki drove the boat, these wide locks are good while you get your eye set and all went smoothly.

 Boscote Locks 

At 3pm a pub called the 2 Boats came into view and a beer was mentioned, just one and on thru one more lock ,   YEAH RIGHT .

 Superb parking if I do say so myself

Boat moored for the night and back on board at 5.30.

10 LOCKS, 2 Aqueducts, 6 miles - 2 loads of washing

17 July - Itchington Bridge 25 to Little Braunston

Up and on the move at 9am in o/cast and showery conditions but they soon passed, up the 10 locks at Stockton, using our new method, (you drive honey, no you drive honey)

All went well and on to Napton Junction where we pulled into the Marina for Diesel and a pump out - for those who don't know, that's when we unload the pooh. The best pump yet 10/10 and on our way.

 Look Clara a boat called Pooh Sticks

A long slow run into Braunston with few mooring spots saw us do 2 more locks to Little Braunston and grab a spot just short of The Admiral Nelson pub and had a couple of pints. Dinner on boat and a quiet night.

 Interesting sights along the way

 Braunston Turn

 Unfortunately very crowded so we had to go through 2 more locks

14 LOCKS - 10 miles, Pump out and Diesel

18 July - Little Braunston to Long Buckby Wharf

Up at 7.30 and Pete typed blog. When I got up I went to check to see who was coming up the lock behind us - these are double locks and pays to go up in pairs. Sure enough a single boat was on its way up and we quickly joined them for the next set of locks. A great bunch of guys, out on a mission to deliver a boat to Weedon for some repairs and reminiscing their miss spent youths.

We followed them through Braunston Tunnel (opened in 1796, really long 2042 yards. Construction was hindered by quicksands and a mistake in direction whilst building has given it a slight S bend)

Tunnel is two ways, if you have a widebeam you have to book it.

After the tunnel on to Buckby Flight. At Long Buckby the pub was just opening so we all stopped at The New Inn for lunch - Pete and I both had burgers very interesting - a bun with meat and salad on side with chips, very tasty but only 7/10.Sort of build your own burger.
The guys all moved on after lunch, so we said goodbye to them after organising with Jim to do a service on Musn Grumble on Monday at Oakcraft Narrowboats. It was a great morning with very entertaining company. early stop for us and Pete now listening to Cricket.

5 LOCKS - 4 miles - 1 Tunnel (Braunston) and duvet covers washed