Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 28

Saturday 25^th October to Wednesday 29^th October

 Sunday 26^th October

 The trip from Hilmorton to Braunston yesterday morning, took us almost hours, which is a bit much over a six mile journey. However, since we had to stop at the Midland Chandlery and then dispose of rubbish and top up with water, it works out just about right.

 After leaving the water point to look for a mooring spot, we came to the bridge over the entrance to the local marina. The far side of the bridge wall was draped with a blue canvas; presumably due to damage or work being carried out. In front of that was a notice, which advised boaters to ‘drift past the canvas’.

 Floating besides the canvas and out into the middle of the canal, were several huge balloon type thingys, similar to those in that old TV programme, The Prisoner, only not as big. I’m assuming these balloons should have been tethered to the edge of the canvas, but, who knows? Later in the day at least one of those balloons floated past where we were moored. Strange!

 We’ll be staying here for today and, just for a change, we’ll pay a visit to the biggest pub here, which I think is The Millhouse. Tomorrow morning we have six locks to do before we go through Braunston Tunnel, after which we’ll go on to the Leicester Arm of the GUC.

 Now, when we left Crick in April, and after going up Watford Locks, we had hoped to moor up opposite Welton Hythe Marina but, as luck would have it, much of the towpath had been used to dump dredging material, which doesn’t make for safe mooring. So, in that situation we had to move along to the junction. Hopefully we’ll find a spot there again this time but, if not then we’ll have to continue on and find somewhere else.

 Watch this space!!

 Monday 27^th October

 The Millhouse is now The Boathouse and is a very popular Sunday venue, judging by the amount of people queueing up for food when we arrived there. Since we have never used this pub in the eight years we’ve been passing through Braunston, we have no idea when the name was changed. Be that as it may, it’s a pretty good place to bring family and friends for a meal and chat.

 That canvas by the bridge into the marina, seems to be covering a serious fault in the in the structure of the bridge. All around that part of the bridge has been boarded up and the water is constantly being pumped out and into the canal beyond it. There’s also a CRT barge across the entrance, preventing boaters from entering. It’s just as well there’s another entrance for the resident boaters, else they wouldn’t be able to come and go while the repairs are being made. Even so, the marina must be losing business, because the diesel pump is just beyond that entrance and can’t be reached from the other one.

 Now, about this blog. We’ll be back at Crick within the next few days, at which time I will sign this one off. However, since you have now had to tolerate my ramblings for the past eight years, I’m wondering if it’s necessary to continue with it.

 Although this blog was intended for family and friends, it is open to the public and I do have a few followers. The question is, would my family and friends, and my few followers actually miss it if it wasn’t there?

 I suppose I could open a Twitter account and ‘tweet’ items of interest as we go along, but would that be adequate or even wanted? The phrase, ‘horns of a dilemma’, comes to mind. Hmmmm! Decisions, decisions…..

 Tuesday 28^th October

 We had intended to go through Braunston Tunnel yesterday morning, and then go on to the junction with the Leicester Arm, but the six locks here took almost two hours, so we decided to spend the rest of Monday at the top of the locks.

 This morning we’ll leave at our usual time of 8 am, pass through the tunnel and, with a bit of luck and calm weather, pass through the seven Watford locks and on to Crick. That same bit of luck could see us at our moorings before midday and then, tomorrow morning I’ll finish this blog and post it.

Wednesday 29^th October

 Well, after 3 ½ hours, seven locks and two tunnels, we arrived back at Crick Marina yesterday at 11.30. What’s more, we had a glorious morning in which to do it.

 So, that’s the end of our 2014 cruise and we now look forward to winter, brrrr!

 Finally, in case you are curious about such things, we totalled 262 hours of cruising; passed through 312 locks and travelled 534 miles during our seven month sojourn. For what it’s worth, we bought 838.92 litres of diesel at a cost of £785, which equates to about £0.68p per mile.

 Kind regards to all who have been keeping up with the Chamberlains this past eight years.

 Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend and try to stay out of trouble during the winter months.

 We now have the pleasure of looking for another dog.

 Dave and Sheila.