Voyages of Gabriel: Norton Junction to Long Itchington

Tue 9^th May Norton Junction to Flecknoe

We set off early to get through the tunnel and down the locks to Braunston before rain arrived. As we passed Willowbrook we said farewell to Tim and Hilary, who are heading for Aylesbury.

We met a widebeam before we reached the tunnel entrance, so we weren’t held up. Once again, we used torches in the tunnel as our headlight was not working. Thankfully there were no oncoming boats. At the top of the locks, we waited for forty minutes for a boat to share with, saying we would leave anyway at 0930 if there was no other boat. Just as we were preparing to leave, Sienna came into view with two pleasant and experienced hire boaters on board. It was a pleasure to share the locks with them.

We paused in Braunston to purchase new fenders, and to visit the butchers and the shop.

We emptied a cassette, and were cruising past the Boathouse pub, admiring the coronation decorations on the pair of working boats opposite. A distinctive voice rang out. It was Rodney from Byfleet Boat Club. Another friend, Mick Wilson, who was our boat fitter, was also with him. Mick's boat Cranley was moored a bit further along. After a short chat, we proceeded through Braunston Turn in the direction of Napton.

We had a pleasant meandering cruise through the countryside, stopping eventually near bridge 102, a place with lovely views and piling. We timed it well, because we had thunder and heavy rain a little later.

Passing Willowbrook

Farewell to Tim Hilary and Mollie

A green approach to Braunston Tunnel

Braunston Tunnel Eastern portal

Nearly through

Emerging

Sharing Braunston Locks with Sienna

Going together

Volunteers on the bottom lock

Moored by the marina

The old Oxford Canal in the marina

The Stop House, where tolls were collected

Work boats decked out for the coronation

Rodney

Cranley

Turnover bridge

Moored with a view

Heavy rain

6 locks, 6 miles, 1 tunnel. Dep 0755, arr Braunston top lock 0850. Dep 0930 arr Braunston 1055. Dep 1220, arr Br 102 1330.

Wed 10^th May Flecknoe to Long Itchington

It was foggy this morning, and we couldn’t see the lovely view towards Flecknoe. Several boats went past heading for Braunston, and we set off soon after in the other direction.

We passed a place where the feudal system landscape was much in evidence, before we turned right at Wigrams Turn, or Napton Junction. We noticed five boats who had wind generators going.

Calcutt Locks followed, and boats were coming up as we approached. We took on some diesel at the boatyard, and also a gas refill.

We had a short pause for a bacon bap, our first food of the day. We are on a timed diet, meaning that we generally only eat between 1200 and 1800.

Stockton Locks were deserted and all against us. We used one side only, as the locks are quick to fill and empty.

There were two low bridges, so we had to lower our hood.

At Lock 13 two boats were coming up, so at last we had a lock that was set in our favour. We then spotted Kairos and Dizzy Duck moored up just before the Two Boats pub. Simon was most helpful in identifying the fault with our tunnel light – a new bulb required. He came on board Gabriel for a cuppa and a chat. Chris and Sally were away.

Later we went for a meal in the pub, which was OK.

James walked to the Co-op and slipped and fell on the muddy path. Dirty trousers. Thankfully it happened on the way there, instead of on the way back with eggs. He took the longer route by road on the way back.

Foggy morning

Medieval fields

Napton Junction

Wind generators

Calcutt Locks

Adamant, built in 1896

Stockton Locks

Buttercups in profusion

Sunshine and showers

Moored at the Two Boats pub

Muddy footpath

Unusual blue plaque

Timbered house in Long Itchington where Elizabeth I stayed

Wildlife today included a good view of a lesser whitethroat in the bushes opposite the boat. Our first sight of swifts, a pheasant, and some hurrying ducklings were later highlights.