Oct 14-16 from Weedon on Grand Union north to Braunston to North Oxford and Coventry Canal at Hopwas

Monday 16 October near Mount 'Jud', Nuneaton to the 'Tame Otter' at Hopwas

Strange almost Tuscan blue skies; a dim, peach coloured sun, due to sand picked up by hurricane winds; twilight at midday, rather like an eclipse; strong winds: All portents of an interesting day!

Hartshill CRT yard

The sun came out fully after lunch and the strong wind blew us to Hopwas, where we found free wifi by mooring outside the 'Tame Otter'.

Willow tree crashed onto Annie during gale while we were in the pub!

the tree after pruning by John with his bow saw

contacting CRT at dusk

Sunday 15 October Hillmorton to Sutton Stop and the Coventry Canal near Nuneaton

Eclectic mix of stuff at Charity Wharf Bedworth

even Stig was there!

Marston Junction with Ashby Canal

Cruiser leaving Ashby Canal

Boot Wharf

Saturday 14 October Weedon to Long Buckby, Braunston and the North Oxford at Hillmorton

We set off soon after dawn, ghosting through Weedon. There was still an old "Weed"hireboat at the moorings, remnant of the Weedon hire firm. Leaving Weedon, we were both shocked to find massive earthworks where a new bridge is being built over the canal.

Dawn looking towards the Narrowboat Inn, Weedon

Weedon moorings

new bridge near Weedon

the Powells on NB Iris came up Long Buckby locks with us

leaving Long Buckby Top Lock

passing Norton Junction on the way to Braunston Tunnel

We passed the wiggles in Braunston tunnel without meeting a boat, but then met five! Thankfully, all passed us slowly, without incident. We went down Braunston locks with anoither boat, then stopped to visit Phill Abbott at Annie's home, Wharf Narrowboats. John had a shock when he couldn't get out of gear, so had to switch the engine off. The clip securing the outer gear cable sleeve had broken! Phill kindly supplied a steel staple which John fitted. John bought other parts including a stove chimney coolie hat.

Braunston Marina

Gongoozlers Rest café and Stop House, Braunston

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Dunchurch Pools marina being built

the new Dunchurch Pools Marina with its lovely cast iron bridge

Liana and Annie passing the Old Turn, Braunston, with its two bridges. Left to Oxford.

As the day was still pleasant, we carried on past our old moorings at Barby to moor outside the Hungry Horse Old Oak Inn, just before Hillmorton.