Hillmorton...not the same anymore but we do see a well known boat.

We finally succumbed! Last night the stove was lit! Only burnt wood but wow was I toasty and warm, made me realise what I had been missing. Diesel heating is okay but nothing beats a good roaring fire.

Today we had a locking buddy. Lovely couple Peter and Rosalin on A Frayed Knot. Met them this morning around 9.30am and did the Buckby top lock. We arranged to stay together and do the Braunston flight so heading for Braunston tunnel had high hopes of a quick passage through, as well as down the locks. Not to be though, as before the tunnel entrance another two boats appeared in front. Became very apparent that the narrowboat was towing the cruiser. With us as last boat in the convoy we didnt get to see the fun and games that Peter and Rosalin saw. No engine on the cruiser meant no steerage so it was swinging from side to side. What with a boat having entered the tunnel at the other end it was certainly interesting. So it was very slow going, almost in tickover until we had got past the oncoming boat then the pace was picked up a bit. Exiting the tunnel the cruiser was then released and brought to the side to moor. Apparently he had had his engine nicked, hence the tow. Anyway, fully expecting to lose our locking partners to the other narrowboat, I was very glad when told another boat was waiting for a locking buddy below the first lock. In the end we did travel down the whole flight with Peter and Rosalin although the hoped for quick passage didn't materialise. Having been led astray by the the boater waiting below the lock, informing us a boat was ascending the locks, we sat and waited for said boat to arrive. Having waited a good 10 minutes with no sign we turned the lock round. Thankfully not in front of the ascending boat who finally turned up as we exited that lock. So all in all it took around 90 minutes to do the 6 locks but the company was brilliant, a laugh a minute.

Braunsten was nearly empty. Sure sign boaters were heading to home moorings. Passing the junction Ian pointed out concrete slippage by the bridge. Was it like that last year? Don't remember if it was but I'm sure I will be put right if it was. The ducks must be heavy round these parts.

Then something else that we noticed on our way to Hillmorton. Where has the radio masts gone???? Only one remains and now we've lost our landmark. Always knew we were nearing our destination when they came into view. Going to miss them for sure. But we did notice a boat moored before the bridge in Hillmorton. It was No Problem with Sue and Vic. Sue offered to make us a cup of tea after we had moored so pins were put in post haste and we high tailed it to their lovely warm boat. I got to have my dog fix with their lovely collies Penny and Meg and then it was down to business, toilet talk!!! Narrowboaters just love talking toilets but thankfully that wasn't the sum of our conversation. Sue gave me a tip on what app to get for when I go off walking by myself. It's called open maps and hopefully once installed I wont get myself lost. Anyway what a great hour spent in their company and as we are all heading in the same direction, our paths will hopefully cross again soon.

Now for another 'what is it' Looks like a female Manderine but colouring seems wrong.

And this seen at Barby marina.

Now now boys.....No fighting it's not spring yet