Sunday 24 June 2012

The Big One (13-1)

Sunday 24th June 2012.


Well, the overnight rain was spectacular. It was so heavy that drops that fell near our mushroom vents were splashing so hard that the mist created was being carried inside through the vent. The Braunston puddle banks have pretty good towpath and the mud is almost non existent. Compared to some sections of the towpath onto the North Oxford where a pig and a hippo would be able to wallow in comfort.


Poppy the dog decided to have her second dip in the canal for this week. To be followed by Abbey, who managed to trip on the gangplank. However I managed to grab her just before she slipped into the water!

Our visit to the Heritage Boat Show yesterday afternoon meant that we parted with some of our hard earned wonga. However, we still came away with a smile, a long throw aluminium windlass, a complete set of new ropes, some stainless fittings and a few new friends. 


soft rope shackle
One other little item, described as a "soft rope shackle" for fixing the centre line to the boat with. It was a quite ingenious little item.


If you want to have a go at making your own soft rope shackles then click and watch this UTube Link. A second UTube Link.


My best smile of the day was when enquiring about the price of a new chimney for the boat. "How much is that tall chimney at the back?" I enquired, "I dunno, I think its on the house!" was the reply!

Today is a day for all petrol heads to gather round the goggle box with a beer  in hand to enjoy another round of formula one. I wonder if we will get another new winner (8th) again.


In the late afternoon we set off towards The South Oxford. A gentle cruise to Napton Junction where we decided to turn towards Calcutt Lock (1) and headed for the water point. We found a boat moored up on the water point who had no intention to move. However, after a while they reluctantly and with a show of ill will moved onto the visitor moorings.






We then decided to moor up for the evening and watch the England -v- Italy football match.





Daily Total
Miles: 5.5
Locks: 3
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 0.0

Accumulated Totals

Miles: 947.2
Locks: 698
Swing / Lift Bridges: 117
Tunnels: 6
Pump Outs: 10
Engine Hours: 2223.4



Later......



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