At last we get underway after Storm Hannah kept us in the marina longer than expected and, we also had an unexpected invitation to a roast lamb lunch from our great 'old' friends, Jan and Tony, who are now living 15 minutes from Fenny Marina.
It is so good to be back cruising and signs of spring are all along the way with the hedgerows turning green and little clusters of blossom appearing on the bushes, cowslips are abundant, frolicking lambs fill the fields and the little bird in the photo below welcomed us to our first night mooring at Napton.
We head onto the Grand Union tomorrow .
Tuesday 30th April
We awake to a beautiful, sunny morning but very cold so head off onto the Grand Union with our winter layers on. Yesterday the water was very busy with boats but today they all seem to have disappeared. Despite waiting for a short while at Calcutt Locks for some company to share the double locks we ventured down these three locks on our own, no problem but the heavy gates and hydraulic winding and the huge all amount of water used much nicer and more water friendly when shared with another boat and and her crew. However, we took the decision to stop for an early lunch at the top of the Stockton Locks , a flight of eight, and to wait for someone to join us. After more than an hour and the canal seeming deserted we started down the flight.
On the Stockton Lock flight
We got to the bottom lock and stopped to take on water. We seemed to have used a lot in just 2 days! ( Note to self: be more frugal with water usage!). Just as we were full a lady appeared round the corner from the bottom lock carrying a windlass. Another boat!! We had 2 more locks to do before our mooring for the night, at the Two Boats, so it was good to share those. Should we have hung around at Stockton top lock for another half hour or so we would have had company all the way?
More signs of spring today with our first sighting of cygnets and also a little family of ducklings.
