Grand Canal Cruise: Captain's Log

Last but one day, we had full boatman's breakfast before we set out as no rush today. It was a nice special day as we would be passing through our home villages of Bugbrooke, where I live and Nether Heyford, 1,5 miles away, where we both grew up, also lots of visitors from the families.

Before all that we had to negotiate the 2,850m Blisworth Tunnel, that however was fine, we passed one boat on the 30 minute journey through, with no problems. We came out the other side in Blisworth, I was looking out for Marilyn's cousins boat Tanglefoot, which we came across moored in a nice wooded secluded spot, We said hello, I had a tour of Tanglefoot and we filled up with water, then continued on the journey.

By now a lovely blue sky, so great weather again, just one full day's rain, and a bit another day, on the whole trip, we could not have had got better in October, even have a tan.

We headed in to Bugbrooke Wharf and moored up. Sarah, Glyn's daughters Sophie and Trudi, and his mum then joined the boat, for the two mile trip to the Narrow Boat pub in Heyford, Much frivolity and fun was had by all, it is wierd seeing your own village from the canal, it's almost like you have never seen it before, there were also some of the best views of the trip, so an excellent two miles.

Everyone departed at the Narrow Boat except for Glyn and I, with taxiing services provided by Marilyn's brother Geoff (thanks Geoff) We then travelled on towards our evening destination at Bucky Wharf and dinner at the New Inn. As we passed through Weedon, we met Marilyn's sister Ruth and Jim walking to meet us, Jim came on board, to travel with us for the remainder of the day to Buckby Wharf.

We met up with another boat and went through the seven locks together, thus greatly speeding up the transit, with three people working the locks. We were able to moor up a hundred metres or so from the pub. Ruth then arrived and we had a great meal, with great service in the pub. Steak, ale and mushroom pie for me, steak and kidney pudding for Jim and Glyn, Scampi for Ruth, we all drank Old Hooky. the most popular beer on the cruise. With that Jim and Ruth departed and that was our lot for the day.