A nicely relaxed day, where all just went well.

(Boat Chalice - posted by Cath)

Crossing the modern aqueduct in Milton Keynes

It's been a really glorious day. Odin seems more calm about going boating today. He's not felt the need to rush around, just lie on the back deck, or on his bed in the engine room, and watch the world go by.

Glorfious weather in Stoke Bruerne's "Long Pound"

First thing we checked Sickle, locked her up on her mooring, and set off north in Chalice. Most of the journey is lockless, so we've steered around the east and north of Milton Keynes. The hedges are in full bloom, hawthorn and whitethorn, and the trees are full of birds and birdsong.

Water (and beer!) stop complete at Stoke Bruern's "Boat Inn"

There is a small lock at Cosgrove, then another long section without locks until you get to the Stoke Bruerne flight. Odin got off at the bottom of the flight, full of the joys of life, trotting happily up the locks. Not, luckily, thinking that he is OK to do 'the zoomies', or jump up, just trot along, and stop at the locks to talk to people. 

The sun shone all day - Stoke Bruerne tunnel pond moorings.

We arrived at the top of the flight of 7 locks at 4:30, filled the tank with water, and went to moor up - an early stop for us. Then we went for a walk in the woodland with Odin.

Odin has always been compledtely calm with horses!

Finally, it will be a meal in the Boat pub, and then off for an early night - we've all had a difficult few weeks and could do with a rest.














Fenny Stratford to Stoke Bruerne
Miles: 17.6, Locks: 8

Total Miles: 47.40, Locks: 23