Two lock flights done...just!

 14th Oct

 It was an hour run to get to Braunston this morning, no need to set off too early as the locks wouldn't open until 10 am. We timed it just right, arrived at Braunston bottom lock just after 10, two boats were already on their way up. Quite rightly, the volunteer lockie asked if we would wait to see if another boat joined us. We didn't have long to wait.

First sighting of Braunston church

Oxford canal continues to the right. Grand Union to the left.

Bottom Lock.

 

 5 locks to do, which took an hour. Most of the locks had volunteers, which helped immensely. 

 

Several pounds were low, and I was advised not to stray from the middle.

Our locking buddy moored, he decided not to go through the tunnel today. For us, fingers were crossed no boats would be met along the 1.17miles, but as we entered Braunston tunnel, a headlight was seen in the distance. This tunnel is notorious for its bendy bit, often called by old time boaters 'bendy bird'. 

The phrase "Braunston tunnel bendy bird" refers to the famous "bendy" (curved) canal tunnel on the Grand Union near Braunston, Northamptonshire. The "bendy bird" part likely refers to a common nickname or inside joke among canal boaters, as there is no official "bendy bird" associated with the tunnel.

 Guaranteed to meet another boat at the most awkward moment, it did indeed happen to me. We crept past each other, with the only scraping noise heard as both boats made contact with the tunnel walls.

 

With the time coming up to midday, we felt sure we would get through the Buckby flight. After all, the deadline was 2 pm. As we came through Norton junction, two boats had just ascended. I pulled onto the landing and Ian went off to see the volunteers. When he returned, he said we were lucky. Apparently this flight is shut from 1 pm and as there was still 5 minutes to go, they allowed us through but said we would be the last to descend that day. 

Top lock

 

This gate is being replaced during the winter stoppages. It can't be used at the moment.

It took about 90 minutes to reach the bottom lock, not bad considering there were 7 locks in the flight.

Bottom lock

 

 A mooring was found and while I was sorting the stern rope, Ian happened to go into the lounge area. What greeted him was a broken bottle and my red wine making a river from the bow to the galley bulkhead! Blast....only bought the bottle yesterday! I know what happened. Coming through the bridge hole at Norton junction, I turned too soon. A boat had turned up and was waiting to come through the bridge, I tried to be quick and cut the corner, which consequently made FS hit that concrete hard. The jolt must have been sufficient to send that bottle flying! And then, to add insult to injury, I went into the bathroom and discovered water all over the floor. It must have been the water peeing across the side of FS from the lock. The hopper window was open and in it poured, 

I took this thinking what a good boat wash it made, Not so happy about it now.

 A good excuse, I suppose, to wash all the floors. I was leaving that task until we reached MK.