We made it!

Yes! we have made it to Braunston in good time and past the locks that will be shut for the winter stoppages.

We have also done Blisworth tunnel which we did with Katie, Ryan and Rask and we only had one small bump right at the end – we passed three boats in the tunnel so this was good going. Katie really didn’t like tunnelling!

We had a great time with Katie and Ryan visiting the canal museum at Stoke Bruerne and also the Boat Inn where we had a lovely meal and drinks. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the Boat Inn also did carry out drinks and so we carried on partying until around 2am until Rask decided to escape from the boat and we then spent a good 30 mins trying to get him back on board! He eventually came back covered in cow poo and then needed a shower!

Since then Paul and I have also been through Braunston tunnel. This tunnel is our nemesis, it being the one where we had a big crash a few months back. This time we decided to get up with the sun and get through the tunnel before it got busy. We were rewarded with our early start as we only came across one boat as we were nearing the end. Paul honked the horn and the oncoming boat pulled in and waited for us to exit. Phew!

My new job is going well and having the flexibility on my working hours is great, we can cruise around the weather and internet coverage.

We have also discovered the benefits of Uber Eats and Tesco Whoosh when we are miles from a pub or shop 😂 I have a feeling this may not be a healthy thing though! We are both feeling a bit Covidy so have ordered a nice bottle of red and take away to self medicate with this evening!

We plan to stay here in Braunston until Thursday as we have an Amazon delivery and big Tesco food shop coming tomorrow. Then we will be setting off for Lemington Spa, subject to Paul checking the closures in that area!

Another thing we have learnt is that the clocks going back really does affect our travelling. We got caught out yesterday as we didn’t moor up until around 4.30pm and we had to put the pram covers up and peg out in the dark (use spikes to put in the ground to tie the boat to). Going forwards we really need to stop cruising by 3.30pm.

It’s really lovely seeing the effort that some boaters go to for spooky season and it’s fun spotting the boats taking part.

Love to all

Jo & Paul xxx