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Thursday 11 April 2013

Stalking the stalkers

Tuesday night having escaped the R. Nene we spent the night at Gayton at the top of the Northampton arm, wisely our travelling companion Steph on Nb Witchboy had moored further along on the Grand Union where she undoubtedly enjoyed a nights sleep....
 Himself had wanted fuel so we moored beside the A43
I spent the night playing Scrabble on the DS and reading and Knitting and making tea - note to self, DO NOT MOOR here again.

Wednesday morning at an extremely early hour we moved across to the fuel pumps at the marina watered and emptied cassettes and rubbish and awaited the opening of the facilities.  When they opened an extremely pleasant and helpful gentleman explained that his fuel was too low in his tanks to risk filling us up so we went, so to speak.

Gayton Marina awaiting fuel...
 
Yarwood turning on to the Grand Union from the Northampton Arm
 
I came across Nb. Witchboy again as I walked the towpath with the dogs and asked Steph about a another fuel supplier further along the canal she had mentioned which allowed self declaration.  We soon came across the supplier at Tarry's coal yard and filled the genny tank and three cans at 90p per litre. 
 
Refueling at Tarry's
 
Yarwood approaching the start of the Bucky flight of locks
 
I had taken the bicycle off of the boat and headed off with the dogs to prepare the locks that would take us up to Norton Junction - I might add that the dogs didn't do too much lock preparation!
A boat had been ahead of us and we were hopeful that we had someone to share the locks with but just as we approached the first lock at Whilton another boat pulled out (clever bugger) and left us as Nobby-no-mates.
It looked like we were alone but just as I closed the gates on Whilton lock another bow appeared in the distance...we waited. 
However, sadly the journey up the flight with this 'companion' was not a good experience as the MAN of the group turned out to be an ARSE with a giant chip on his shoulder but there you go, it takes all sorts as they say.
 
We moored below the last lock and had an earlyish night and I caught so much needed Zeds before Floyd woke me at 5am explaining, persistently, that he was just starved, no REALLY starved!
 
Moored Wednesday at Buckby
 
This morning early we pulled pins and headed off towards Braunston where we had a date with our favourite stalkers, Amanda and David.
 
Top lock Buckby
 
The boys and I walked from Buckby to the Braunston tunnel extrance
 
Moored above the top lock at Braunston
 
We arrived at 8.30, moored up in front to Jo and Keith on Nb Hadar and put the kettle on.  Jo and Keith joined us for a cuppa and a chat and three hours later, chat over, we wandered into Braunston for breakfast/lunch on the Gongoozlers Rest, a cafĂ© on a narrowboat.  That breakfast hit the spot I can tell you!
Replete, we went looking for blog readers/stalkers Amanda and David and their friends, new boat owners, Lisa and David who have had built 'What a lark', a fine Fernwood 70 footer.  And what a beautiful boat that have, just lovely. 
 
Stalker, Amanda
 
This bunch of riff-raff left to right are;  Joe,  Stalker David L, David and Lisa, the unsuspecting and generous owners of What a Lark and Stalker Amanda

 
We cruised UP the Braunston locks in What a Lark and parted company as they headed off through the tunnel towards Norton Junction and Joe and I returned to Yarwood.

9 comments:

  1. You saved a few bob filling at Fred Tarry's coal yard, him and Stow Hill are the cheapest in the area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will edit my posting as it seems I got the name wrong
      Lesley

      Delete
  2. Nothing worse than a chip on your arse, be careful where you sit. Oh hang on have I got confused here...
    Abby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Evidently so...
      The chap in question wasn't my arse,he was safely on the boat, but someone else's little ray of sunshine with an attitude problem. I just carried on locking and ignored him, but six locks in silence is tedious..
      X Lesley

      Delete
  3. What a Lark was Fernwood's show boat at Crick last year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Adam
      It is justifiably a 'show boat' and perfect for David and Lisa's requirements. It is always interesting to see inside other boats, old or new, but you would know that more than most..
      X Lesley

      Delete
  4. So lovely to catch up with you both. You've made us famous. We have just been recognised by Paul on Piston Broke who said he was reading all about us on your blog!! Happy cruising on the CANALS!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ditto, ditto , ditto! It was lovely to see you all, lovely to see the wonderful What a Lark and we look forward to the next time we meet up again.
    XX Lesley and Himself

    ReplyDelete
  6. I couldn't believe how annoying the noise from the A34 was - I also vowed not to moor there again, yet I live within striking distance of Gatwick airport!!

    Sue, nb Indigo Dream

    ReplyDelete

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