Monday 2nd
June
Traffic and
Trains
B9 Norton
Junction to B29 Weedon Bec
5.25 miles,
7 locks
Just round
the bend today were the 7 Buckby and once again many boats were
moving.
At the last
lock we met nb Tagula Blue
They had
been waiting to go onto the Nene with the intention of crossing The Wash from
Wisbech to Boston with the intention of visiting friends in Lincoln. They had given up waiting for the red boards
to come down and are going the other way round – we may meet them on their way
back. The name intrigued me – apparently
it is a race horse (they resorted to the Sporting pages when trying to think of
a name), however the advice is not to put money on him/her (I did not catch the
gender) as it has three legs and you will lose your money!! Good name though and I hope you make it.
Our constant
companions day were the thunder of traffic along the M1
and the roar
of trains on the other side of the cut
An
interesting snippet of conversation was overheard as we passed a moored boat where the owner was busy painting - his comment to the passing boat went as follows ‘I am
painting and you are moving – it has to rain’!
Behind him the local bovine population seem to agree with him
I am glad to
say they were wrong.
There were
retail opportunities today at the Canal Shop, Lock 2 on the Buckby Flight (2
canal plaques – Braunston Locks and Norton Junction, were purchased), the pottery
shop at Whilton (not visited)
The Chandlery at Whilton (Chris had fun!) and
finally the Boatwif and I went into Weedon Bec for supplies and what a charming
village it is with a very good One Stop Shop, Chemist, Greengrocer and Post
Office. It is also a village of 3
hairdressers (they seem to be shut on Mondays!).
St Peters Church
A window with a difference
A charming welcome to the 'Little Piglets Day Nursery'
The views at the top of the steps down are worth popping through the gap even if you don't need to shop
We finally
moved along a short way before mooring for the night with this rather contented neighbour across the cut.
Tuesday 3rd
June
Planes and
Fire
B29 Weedon
Bec to just Blisworth
7.25 miles,
0 locks
No photos of
the planes but two Spitfires and a Dakota were spotted today. Two happy chaps!
No point in
rushing anywhere as we cannot get onto the Nene – we found out late in the day
that the river is open today, but a lot
of rain is expected tomorrow, so we reckon it is likely to shut again. The
journey to Northampton is on hold.
A morning
walk with Monty came across this rather lovely working boat
Some
stunning properties
I hope the party is not for tomorrow or they might need more shelter
Diesel was
purchased at Heyford Wharf Bridge and we then set off for Gayton Junction.
Just a few
miles down the cut Cleddau pulled over.
Why we wondered – were there shops that could not be missed? No – they had a fire! Thankfully nothing too serious, but I am sure
more details can be found on Boatwif's blog.
We set off again to head for Gayton Junction for rubbish and composting
loo disposal and the replenishment of water – I can report a very efficient
elsan and a tap with a good strong flow.
Such different things to concern oneself with than when we are at home.
Who lives here?
and which one is real?
Our mooring for tonight is near Blisworth, near Candle Bridge.
Our nearest neighbour - a canal Cheese Shop
and not just any old cheese!
Which to have - so far none at all. I am not sure how much you get for your 3 for £11!
Boatwif,
Monty and I took ourselves into the village in search of supplies and found yet
another charming village with some wonderful buildings with a predominance of
Northampton Stone and more thatched roofs.
Christmas Cottage - one has to wonder why?
The Smithy
The plan for
tomorrow – coffee on board Tentatrice at 10:30 to review the weather and make
decisions. We may just stay put – we shall
see.
4 comments:
You didn't mention possibly the best retail opportunity on this stretch, the farm shop at the penultimate Buckby lock. Go through the gate on the towpath, and down a little path. It's tiny, but they do fantastic meat -- all the pork and beef is from their own farm, the chicken from one just up the road. A selection of eggs, veg, and other stuff too. We always make a point of popping in there.
We are enjoying your blog as always Jennie! Gorgeous photos and I'm thinking that the first "Who lives here" photo could be a hen house. I've spotted very similar ones while looking for Jenny and Jevon's new pet houses for their new house.
Thanks for that information Adam - I will make a note of it for future journeys along this route.
You could be right Lynn, although it did not look that big. Whoever it belonged to they were safely tucked up inside!
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