Leaving by stealth mode

Really???? We leave now???? But it's only 5.30am Ian,...really??!! Okay, we had planned to get away early but more like 6.30am not 5.30! Waking before 5 didn't help so what was the point of lying in bed, we may just as well get up, have a cup of tea and go.

So using stealth mode we untied and pushed away from the bank before starting the engine.  The insulation in FS's engine bay is quite substantial because Ian fitted marine soundproofing sheets when we had the dogs. They would not be moved from the engine cover once we got underway. To save their ears from the constant drone, soundproofing was a necessity. This doesn't help the fisherman though. Because of how quiet she runs when we come across fisherman the frantic look of horror as we draw level is enough to cause them to reel in the line quick as a flash, it always makes me smile. Sorry guys (and gals) but a look to the left and right ever so often would stop that panic.

That early in the morning, the sun was very low on the horizon and the glare was something else. Thank goodness for polaroid glasses!

We entered the bottom lock of the flight by 5.50am and by 6.55am they were all done and dusted. All but one of the six locks had been with us. Lock 4 had so much water peeing in through the top gate that no wonder that lock was full.

Braunston tunnel came into view. Not a favourite of ours as its hardly the nice and straight passage through one would expect. The other end can be seen but beware, many a kink to catch the unaware and as Ian would say "it's as straight as a dog's hind leg"! In our past travels through this tunnel sod's law would always be that another boat would be met at one of these 'kinks' but not today. Paid to set off early after all!

 Norton Junction where the Leicester section of the GU meets the mainline.

Norton Junction

Leicester section

 After three and a half hours we called it a day. Time 9am! We moored by Anchor cottage having descended the first lock of the Buckby flight.

The shop had opened only last week and we rather fancied a smaller planter done in our colours. With the Covid restrictions, plus Tricia not wanting to risk going to the wholesalers, there was none in stock so this will have to wait for another day. We did, however, replace our tea, coffee and sugar containers. The ceramic tea container had seen better days having been repaired by Ian many a year ago when it slipped out of my hand and fell into pieces once it hit the galley floor.

Not to much in the way of boat traffic today but we have seen more hire boats. In fact, we shared the top lock of the Buckby flight with a Culcutt boat.

And todays position

Not seen any wildlife to take photos off today so I have looked through my archives to find these instead.

.