Historic Boats and lunch with Friends

We were collected by car this morning as we loitered at the nearest bridge to where Yarwood is moored.  The What a Lark crew, David and Lisa, turned up in their car to pick us up and transport us to Braunston for the Historic Narrowboat Rally.  David and Lisa had never been to the rally and were keen correct this omission and had also arranged to meet our 'stalkers' and their 'boat sharers', aka David and Amanda.   I had booked a table at The Admiral Nelson for lunch so once the cars were parked off we went to view the boats and watch the parade.  Today fortunately the weather was much better than yesterday with sunshine rather than heavy rain showers which are always going to put a damper, excuse pun, on any outside activities.

 Nutfield and Raymond reversing on to their mooring

 

With Raymond moored up we were given the opportunity of a tour of the boat with and explanation of how a family lived on board and operated the boat, all very interesting.  I found a handsome brass lamp (tunnel lamp) that we subsequently bought for Yarwood and now awaits Joe time and ministrations to get it fitted.

 A pair leaving and heading up the flight as we arrived at the Admiral Nelson for our lunch

 A busy and popular canalside pub/restaurant

 There's always one!  Lunch in the Admiral

L-R David C, David L, Lisa C, Joe and Amanda L

 

It gets worse...but it amused everyone else

 Watching boats, Amanda, Lisa and David

 And coming down the locks are a pair, Kangaroo and Australia, that are actually working

 Loaded with bags of granite chips and rafted together

 Scumbled cabin tops and polished brass gleaming

How lovely is that?