Bit of a B that wind!

 Brrr...its getting colder! Logs were put on the fire last night, I felt really chilly even though the boat felt warm. Wood burns hotter and it wasn't long before I was opening the front doors to cool off. This got a reaction from Ian by telling me I was such a fickle women, one minute cold and the next much too hot!

We set of for Wolverton and to Tesco for a shop. It was cold even though the sun shone brightly. The wind was a right B blowing straight down the canal and directly in our faces, maybe I should have worn a scarf and gloves but forgot to get them out when setting off. Plenty of leaves to plough through and again I knocked FS out of gear several times so the gathering clump around the prop could fall off.  

If there is one time of year we love to cruise and that's Autumn. With the leaves changing colour making everything look fresh and vibrant, usually the weather is decent and hardly a boat on the move, it's a joy to be on the water.

 

 

We did meet one boat by a bridge ole. The distinct sound of a what I call a 'phut phut' engine was heard. We got through the bridge and there it was passing some moored boats. Unfortunately a moored widebeam took quite a bit of width from the canal and what with the oncoming boat also towing another, I very nearly hit one of those static boats as we tried to pass. The wind didn't help matters but thank goodness Ian with his quick thinking stepped onto the gunwale and fended off. 

We arrived at Wolverton and dismayed to see most of the moorings taken. In fact the only available space was right on the end, which did have three rings to tie to admittedly, but as is our wont, placed in such a way that our length of boat wasn't able to utilise them properly. We struggled to get FS tied, and anyone knowing the Wolverton moorings will know of the wind tunnel effect one has to put up with even in the slightest breeze. So FS kept insisting on leaving the side and with cold hands gripping a wet rope, I also struggled to keep FS close. Ian was frantically trying to get her secured and one of the biggest problems was her running forward into the boat in front. Consequently ropes attached to fender eyes was the only way to stop that. 

Anyway we managed...eventually.... and Ian got ready to head off to Tesco by himself. That knee of mine was not getting any better, it's mainly the inside part of my leg right by the knee where it hurts the most. It started after trying to dig holes to plant shrubs when we were at our sons place before collecting Toffee. I feel I may have done something to the ligament, but only when we return to Langley Mill and I get to speak to a doctor will it be sorted. In the meantime lots of painkillers and Ibuprofen gel is the answer. Anyway, as Ian stepped out of the boat he happened to check the diesel gauge.  Oh dear, we should have got diesel from Nick yesterday because the reading was rather low! We carry a 20 litre can which, at a push, would see us to Rugby but we hope to meet Jules on her boat at Stoke Bruerne. Last thing we want is to run out of fuel! How embarrassing would that be!

Lunch was had on his return then as soon as ropes were untied, rapidly stepped back on board as the wind took FS away from the side. Not much further to go as Cosgrove was our destination. A slower boat was caught and followed, which in a way was good news with Cosgrove lock coming up. But then with space along the long length of visitor moorings below the lock, we decided that would do for today. 

View crossing the aqueduct

And yes we left a 'git gap' This time of year not many boats on the move and we could always move up if we had too.

And there was plenty of space behind.  We travel with the short chimney so every time we stop Ian replaces it with the tall one.

And wildlife

Goosander