Her rear end refused to budge.

 FS is just too heavy in the stern (I blame all Ian's tools in his man cupboard at the back) and today we made her even heavier. Her draught of 2ft 6" means we scrap bottom fairly frequently and have even been known to create a wash at under 3 mph! Tickover stops that problem which, and anyone who knows my pet hates will know, has to be endured.  Her weight was most noticeable on the Stoke Bruerne Flight.

The bottom lock was empty which must have been through leakage as a boat passed us last night. Sure enough, the second and third locks both had top gates open but I'm sure this was due to the wind and not to inconsiderate boaters. 

 It was at the fourth lock we spied a familiar boat. In a way I feel sorry for the couple that now owns it as they must be utterly fed up with everyone saying "That used to be Doug and James boat". Yes, it was the hospitality boat Chance (Doug and James were famous for their welcome and always managed to produced food and drink whenever anyone turned up) and she now resides in Northhampton. The couple were off to London for a visit.

As I entered the vacated lock, it was then Ian mentioned the lack of water between the 4th and 5th lock. The pound must have been down by a good three foot and drawing a lock full of water out of it didn't help matters. Keeping to the middle was imperative and luckily, having met Chance, the lock was ready. But this didn't stop me from bottoming out as I tried to enter the lock. FS's rear end nestled onto the cill and refused to budge.

 Cracking the top paddle slightly produced enough water to lift FS's bottom without flushing me out and for Ian to close the gate behind me.

Stuck!

 The long pound was also low and had 'Winter Mooring' signs along part of the length.  I'm not sure mooring between two locks would be a good idea especially if the water levels couldn't be maintained. Judging by this boat an uncomfortable day would be spent until the levels were corrected.

 Top lock filled and exited and then the Blisworth Tunnel to do. I have mentioned my eerie encounter many a time but for those new visitors joining the Jamieson's on our travels you can find out all about it HERE And another post to find the side shaft HERE

Top lock Stoke Bruerne Flight

Heading towards the tunnel

Blisworth Tunnel entrance

 Ian took the helm giving me a chance to try the new camera in low light situations. Pleasantly surprised that the photos came out okay. This is a two-way tunnel and at the new part, we met a boat.

Top L, Old part. Top R, Side shaft. Bottom L New part and bottom R, Air vent

 And as for making FS heavier, I mentioned yesterday that coal was needed and Jules fuel boat was unable to stop. Ian found a boatyard selling coal and diesel, Bridge 32, at Nether Heyford Bridge. 25kg bags of smokeless coal at £10.70 a bag and diesel at 84p a litre. 10 bags of coal was purchased and 40 litres of diesel bought which should see us back to Langley Mill end of November.

A half mile further on and we stopped at Nether Heyford. Glorious sunset tonight so hopefully a good day tomorrow.

On the journey,

Someone's safe pulled out of the canal. The back had been removed.

This is what happens when saplings are allowed to grow.

And this is what should be done (seen at Stoke Bruerne)

And seen on route,