BOATS AND CANALS

Moored at Weedon, it is quite busy here with many boats moored in front of us. We are on a high embankment and you have to walk down and under the canal to the shops.

We had lunch at the Lockgate cafe at Whilton Marina. There's was a butty for sale (the boat kind not the food) which I quite liked.



This is our mooring. The trains are quite noisy.



Cheers Graham

We are back just east of Braunston Tunnel. A bit further east than on the way out. This is the view.



We had lunch at the Heart of the Shires centre. It has lots of posh shops and an antique centre. The cafe is quite posh so we all had pudding for lunch with the kids dressed in their pyjamas. It is delightful to be a Grandparent.

We shared the locks with a couple who had a tug styled boat. He could talk for England.

We need to get back to Calcutt tomorrow so that our beloved daughter can clean up her kids before the family holiday on Saturday.

Cheers Graham

Some more great shots.

_________________
Maurice

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Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

great pics as always graham...looks as tho' you have had some nice weather as well

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.... my memory,s not what it used to be.
also my memory,s not what it used to be.

............................mike.

The weather was good until the 4th lock in Braunston flight. The heavens opened and we got soaked. It cleared briefly so that we could visit the relaunched community coffee shop in the village. Great cakes. The rain resumed for the first couple of miles out from Braunston.

I passed 5 boats in Braunston tunnel and then we shared the locks with a very nice guy called Ian who was single handed. We were following a weird widebeam. I'll post some photos of that when I get home.

We have dropped the kids off with their Mum and are back at Calcutt. The boat feels empty.

Cheers Graham

Happy snap time.

Why moor two wide beams opposite each other on a corner?



This boat has obviously been sunk at some point. The inside is still a mess.





I have a habit of sitting on the edge of the semi trad back deck but left rudder gets a little hard.



How did they get this old barge up there?



The joys of being a Granddad - squashed.



The kids are getting big enough to help now.



This boat is moored on the Puddle Banks at Braunston. It does have a pump running so hopefully will stay afloat.



Which is more than can be said for this one about a mile nearer Napton.



Cheers Graham

Mutiny on the Bounty oops Dotterel, it's great to see the youngsters enjoying and appreciating the canals. Just keep them pictures 'acoming'.

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Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

After the last trip we dismantled the cratch as the boat is to be painted and also because the boat is too tall for the Caldon Canal so I intend to rebuild it so that everything can come apart with nuts and bolts.

Today we covered the soft furnishing with dust sheets, put everything away in cupboards, took the curtains down and handed the keys to the painter.

They will take photos as the repaint progresses so I'll post them here. Finish date is around 11 th September.

Cheers Graham

Painting is underway. Have a look at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.736265253166534.1073741853.473299846129744&type=3

Cheers Graham

Looking good.

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Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

There are another 7 pics now, the windows have come out and it looks like some have gone back in and the boat is being primed.

Graham

Great pics and info

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Laurie Booth
http://www.pamelasalem.net

Agreed

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Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

More pics now on the other side and back deck. Under the seats at the back had a fair amount of rust https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.736265253166534.1073741853.473299846129744&type=3

Cheers Graham

We went to see the boat today,

1) All the windows have been takes out, de-rusted and put back in with stainless steel screws,
2) The hull has been taken back to bare metal and is in primer.
3) The Back deck is in primer
4) The front deck is still being sanded
5) all brass fittings have been removed so that the paint can be sorted under them.
6) We have a bit of a snag with some rust on one of the back doors so our neighbour is welding it.
7) We decided to put the ballast back in the engine bay to leave the decks clear.

It should move to undercoat in the coming week.

Cheers Graham