A round trip

I ride out the storm on Monday night with no damage and agree with Matty, who is also single handing, that we will go down the Buckby flight of 7 locks the next day.  He is late getting back from an appointment, so there is not much daylight left by the time we set off.

Matty following along.  If you want any boat work or moving done I cannot recommend anyone more highly - see http://oldfriendscanalservices.weebly.com/

We manage the flight in 1'40" - a very good time, especially as all but two of the locks were "set against us" i.e. we had to fill the locks before we could take the boats in.  By the time we get to the bottom it is nearly dark but Matty says there are no facilities pubs here and persuades me that it is time for my first night cruise.  He kindly leaves his stern doors open so I have a light to follow most of the time.  I am glad I did it as I would now have the confidence to do so on my own but, the next time. it will be in warmer weather - it was the coldest night of the year so far!

You would think they had never seen a canalboat before!

With one of the largest village greens in the country

I stop at the wonderfully named Nether Heyford to visit the butcher and the baker. A very interesting, lovely and friendly village with a history dating back over a millennium - see link

I travel down as far as the junction with the Northampton Arm.  No way am I going any further as it would mean the 3057 yard Blisworth tunnel (plus return) - I do not do tunnels for the fun of it!  I did think of going down to Northampton but the weather has definitely changed and continuing strong winds are forecast.  Tine to head back to the winter moorings.

By Friday, I am back at Buckby and riding out the next gales - unfortunately there will be no glorious Autumn colours this year. I stopped at the bottom of the Buckby flight and had just got my pie out of the oven (from the bakers - delicious) when a boat with a crew of 8 scouts appeared.  Too good an opportunity to miss and I set off munching my pie.  My thanks to them and I did not have to get off the boat the whole way up.!  Still didn't beat Matty and my time though!

And I could not finish without my best shot yet of a grey heron

 25 miles; 14 locks

TOTAL:  856 miles (318 miles broad, 127 miles river, 44 miles tidal); 455 locks (219 broad); 78 moveable bridges