Autumn Sunshine

Glorious, warm, autumn sunshine accompanies us as we make our way along the Grand Union Canal from Wigrams Turn, up the Baunston Locks, down the Buckby Locks and through to Gayton Junction. With cool mornings and evenings sleeping is no problem and during the first few days of our travels we feel rested and renewed.

Leaving Braunston

We paired up with Roger and Liz (from Twickenham!) and their friends, on nb Mameduke, to ascend the Braunston Locks. So with plenty of crew this was an enjoyable climb. They decided to stop for lunch at Norton Junction but having had a nibbles type of lunch on route we had made the decision to continue down the Buckby flight before stopping for the day.

A shared ownership boat had just finished taking on water and joined us for the decent. On board were the owners, an older grey haired couple, much like us, their two sons with their partners, their 18 month old grandaughter, and two beagles. Quite a boat full! However, it did mean there was plenty of muscle to work our way through the heavy locks on this flight. Jenny took advantage and did as little as possible! It was a jolly, sociable afternoon.

A busy Buckby flight

We now find ourselves, once again sitting in beautiful early evening sunshine, enjoying a gin and tonic at the top of the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union, ready to make our decent of the 17 Locks which will take us down to Northampton and then on to the River Nene (pronounced 'Nen' in these parts).

Cheers!

Narrowboats approaching on the Grand Union