Hawkesbury Junction

On Sunday after we had moored at Hawkesbury Junction we set about doing a couple of jobs when we heard the sound of a band playing, upon further investigation we found that a band were playing at the Greyhound Pub which is a really lovely old pub selling really good beer so a good afternoon was had by me and Sharon.

Monday the 5^th we woke to a dull morning after a night of heavy rain. I love to hear the rain pitter pattering on the roof it sounds quite musical. We untied and moved to the water point to top up the water tank. Then it was round to the stop lock at Hawkesbury junction which has a 6 ince drop/rise on it. We then cruised on up to Ansty and found a very pleasant mooring for the evening. Just after we moored up the heavens opened and it poured down for the rest of the afternoon.

Tuesday the 6^th we set off and it was not long before we were joined by the sun. A nice cruise along to Stretton Stop and as we needed a new gas bottle we stopped and along with the bottle of gas we got 2 bags of coal as well. It’s a really lovely canal the Oxford canal and here are some lovely places to moor. We are moored just after bridge 34 lovely.

Wednesday 7^th we had lovely sun all day and cruised along nice and steadily enjoying the October weather. We passed a few boats moving and a cheerful hello was exchanged by both crews. We decided to stop at Rugby as we need supplies and there is a massive Tesco very close to the Canal. We were lucky and sneaked on to the last remaining mooring and made our way to Tesco nearly 2 hours later we returned laden down with provisions so we know have fully stocked cupboards again for a while. We set off mid-afternoon and moored at the bottom of Hillmorton Locks. When I went for a walk I got chatting to a very nice couple and it turns out they are from Woodbridge in Suffolk which is the next town from where we live (Ipswich) It’s a small old world at times.

Thursday 8^th we set off in lovely sunshine and after a very slow water fill up we were through the 3 locks very quickly. It's been a really wonderful day to cruise today and we have seen some really lovely sights along the way. We are now moored at Braunston as we have a busy weekend ahead of us. We are having a drink with Robin & marion off Many Meetings, Saturday Mike and his son-in-law are coming over to fit our captain's perch for us. Sunday we are really looking forward to as our dear friends Phil and Louise are coming up for the day and a meal in the evening. We are also catching up with Chris and Peter who live in Braunston and have a really nice mooring at the bottom of there garden so a busy weekend can't wait.

Time Travelled Monday 2 Hrs Distance 3 Miles 1 Lock
Time Travelled Tuesday 2 Hrs Distance 4 Miles 0 Locks

Time Travelled Wednesday 2.5 Hrs Distance 6 Miles 0 Locks

Time Travelled Thursday 3 Hrs Distance 7 Miles 3 Locks

Total Distance Travelled 911. Miles 

207 Locks (Broad ) 405 single locks and 18 tunnel's, 10 Massive Lock

Total Tunnel length 10957 yards   
Total Time 479 hours  

We Are Loving It so Much