Odin meets Cowses and Chickenses

(Boats Chalice & Sickle - posted by Cath)

The Whilton flight was very busy, and there were a lot of boats coming South, so we had to wait a long time to start, although there were only 3 boats ahead of us. Because we had breasted up our two boats again we waved one of the boats behind us ahead to share the lock with the boat ahead of us.  It took us a long time to do the whole flight, but eventually got to the top where we met up with the volunteer lock-keeper again.

David reaches the end of Braunston tunnel.

We headed for Braunston tunnel, one boat following the other again, but just as Alan disappeared into the tunnel with Sickle we realised that Odin hadn't been given the chance to visit the towpath for a while, and it could be a long trip through the tunnel. So we pulled over in Chalice - at which point the boat following us passed us, not a problem, but Alan thought that we were behind him. When we emerged from the tunnel at the other end he was ready, waiting to take a photo - but was somewhat bemused when a different boat appeared.

Breasted up again after the tunnel

We breasted up down the flight again, and Michael took the opportunity to introduce Odin to more animals - sheep, chickens and cattle.

Odin is introduced to cattle

We moored both boats up outside the 'Boathouse' pub, next to a hire crew of young men, that were clearly on a 'booze crew', as they had a whole keg of Carling complete with pressure cylinder on the front deck. They were already fairly well tanked up in the pub. So, as we spent the night moored outside the pub we were grateful that they didn't stay, but set off towards the locks waving windlasses.

While we were eating Peter and Laura came by  on Stanton.


Weedon Embankment to The Boathouse - Braunston
Miles: 9.7 (Each boat), 19.4 (Combined), Locks: 13

Total Miles: 101.3 Locks: 36