Grand Union Canal Holiday
4-7 June 2004
The same eight bellringers who last year
took a boat from Linslade to
Aylesbury, this year started at Blisworth (near Northampton) on the Grand
Union Canal, and our long weekend took us north to Crick, on the Leicester line
of the Grand Union.
On Saturday afternoon, Mary sees our boat NB Savernake Tunnel into the
bottom of the Watford locks
Lucy watches the gates close
The lock-keeper winds down the ground paddle as Merry and Sheila open the gate
The sign shows that we are on the Leicester line of the Grand Union (formerly
Grand Junction) Canal
Savernake Tunnel glides across the pound to the second lock
Jane watches progress as Helen, Alan and Sheila prepare to close the gates
After the second lock is this staircase of four locks, with their unusual side
pounds
Savernake Tunnel negotiates the right turn from the second lock into the
staircase
We moored for the night at Crick, and had a very good meal at the Red Lion. Here
we look back through Bridge 11 to Crick Tunnel
Our mooring spot for the night
Lucy and Helen wait to close the gates as Savernake Tunnel waits in the
top lock for the staircase to be readied.
Lucy taking a turn at the tiller
Bridge holes were a frequent point for dropping off and picking up the crew when
they wanted to have a walk
Crew ashore as we near the end of the Leicester line
The junction bridge, and site of a very badly sited water point, which can only
be used by boats going south, unless you block the bridge hole
A bright and cheerful bridge
Descending the Buckby flight of locks
Our boat leaves the penultimate lock of the flight, Alan coming via the road
while the others come underneath
Lucy steers Savernake Tunnel into the bottom lock of the Buckby flight
Alan winds up the paddle as the final descent begins
Nearly there!
Bye bye locks
Still, it is a beautiful afternoon, so plenty to be cheerful about
More towpath walkers waiting to be picked up
A hawk is an unusual sight on top of a narrowboat
Banbury Lane Bridge is a delightful setting
Watch out - boat coming!
Safely through, but attention at the stern remains on that other boat, and the
those at the bow are dragged through a tree
Our mooring on Sunday night is just north of Blisworth
Another very enjoyable holiday - preliminary plans are already
being developed for next year.
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