BOATS AND CANALS

It has been really windy today so we have stayed put in Braunston. I visited Braunston Marina to discuss some mods to Dotterel. We also visited the community cafe and were served by an ex aircraft carrier Captain.

Cheers Graham

We have had a wet trip up to Dunchurch pools marina where we turned and back to Calcutt. Our guest, Sue, and her dog have left us to head home. Niece and I will follow tomorrow. Happy snaps will be posted.

Cheers Graham

Happy snaps

The moon over the reservoir at night



Dotterel (the one on the left) from the hill to Braunston Church



The fourth member of our crew.



Under way



Braunston Church from the boat at night.



Sunset



The Grand Union at night



Home now but planning!

Cheers Graham

Some great shots Graham, looks like you have had an enjoyable cruise.

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Maurice

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We are on the boat for a few nights. I will be winterizing her. I wandered over to Marina to get the car from the charge point and couldn't resist the night time shot across all the water. The phone was set on night mode so enhances the shot.



Cheers Graham

Great shot, but looks a bit bleak

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Maurice

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It was nice to get back in a warm boat.

Cheers Graham

Yesterday we visited two boat yards to discuss changes to the central heating on Dotterel. One of them employs a friend which always helps and they will be visiting the boat on the 22nd.

We did discuss what needs doing with Calcutt but they no longer employ the right expertise to carry out this sort of work.

In the meantime here are some happy snaps.

The approaching winter adds a certain beauty to the canal.



Who can resist sunsets.



We went out in the evening to take night time shots. This was my favourite.



Cheers Graham

I am up at the boat again. I am seeing the guys from Stowe Hill boatyard tomorrow. Jo is at home as she is still testing positive for COVID. I am negative despite sharing the house with her!

Tomorrow we are discussing diesel heating and mains power.

It was too a foul drive here and the charger at Banbury decided to reject both my credit cards. Arrived with the red low battery warning. It still had about 40 miles in it really. Now charging at Calcutt until 10pm - it is a bit slow here.

I will spend the afternoon painting things.

The canal level is high and the reservoir full.

Cheers Graham

We have a plan. The diesel heater will go on the right side of the engine bay, plumbing wise we will use 22 mm pipes into the calorifier and then into the airing cupboard where the existing junctions are. The old alde will be disconnected from the plumbing there and from the gas in the gas locker. We are going to fit a large inverter in the cupboard at the back of the boat but be will not run mains through the boat as this is too difficult. We can use the existing built in extension cable to get the power to the front cabin.

Cheers Graham

Instead of talking about it, get on with it.

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Maurice

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Ever since we arrived at Calcutt in 2006 the Duck Pond has been empty. It was originally built in the drain from the old weighing dock by the top lock. The dock was replaced in the 1930s as a weighing dock by the narrow top lock. For some time the old weighing dock was used as a dry dock but in the end that stopped to and the dock was dammed and the water supply to the pond cut off. However, the old sluice and stop planks leak and this has caused problems in the old lock cottage and Calcutt's car park so they have dug up the drain and the leak now feeds the duck pond. It is very pretty.


Cheers Graham

I have to agree, it is quite idyillic and restful looking.

_________________
Maurice

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Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

My niece, Jo and I are settled in the boat for the night. Tomorrow, we will go to the junction to turn, head back to the wharf for diesel them head off towards Stowe Hill wharf. We are due there Friday morning.

Cheers Graham

We had an early start. Dawn.



I checked the diesel and we have plenty for the trip so we didn't bother going down the lock to the wharf.

We have had the canal pretty much to ourselves. We saw 3 moving boats in our journey from Calcutt to the other side of Braunston Tunnel. Moored for the night now.

We took a stroll in the rain to have a look at the tunnel mouth.



Cheers Graham