Farewell to Braunston and a Lovely Family Visit.

Friday 14th June, 2013 - From Braunston to Stockton.
On Friday 4th June, we left MM in Braunston Marina and took the bus to Rugby and then the train to Tackley via Coventry. At Tackley, Richard Needham picked us up and drove us to Enslow Marina, where the car was still parked. Half way there in the train, R realised that he had left the car keys in MM - but luckily M had a spare set. Phew!!
On Thursday 13th June, we took the train back to MM from Reigate through London to Rugby. We arrived quite late as there had been a problem with the Touran and it had to go to Liphook Motors to be fixed - so by the time we picked it up and then travelled up to Rugby, it was too late in the day to take MM out of the marina.
The morning of 14th was breezy but fair. We checked in with the marina office and they very kindly waived the charge for the extra night. So, we went to the Gongoozlers' Rest for breakfast to celebrate! Then up to the village for a "few bits" and dropped in to the little village tea room for a final quick coffee for R and a very rich looking marshmallow hot chocolate for M.
So we said a rather reluctant farewell to lovely Braunston. What a super week we had there! We left the marina after topping up with water and set off down to "Wigram's Turn" where the Oxford and Grand Union canals meet. Progress was a bit slow due to a headwind and rather slow boats in front of us. Nevertheless it was delightful journey through beautiful rural countryside. We moored up next to the junction to wait for our visitors.
Scott, Paula, Amelia and Lachlan arrived just before six.

We set off up the Grand Union almost immediately, anxious to make the most of a sunny evening. The children had no experience at all of narrowboats, yet took to it like complete naturals. They had great fun doing the three locks at Calcutt and learning about the history of the canals.

 

They both had a go on the tiller and were remarkably competent even if Lachlan did have a problem seeing where he was going!

Eventually they decided to operate as a team, which worked very well!

We moored up at the Boat Inn, which came highly recommended by the guide books. Scott jogged back to pick up the car, while we walked up to the pub - only to find it closed and apparently abandoned. So, we had tea and biscuits on MM instead.
It was an absolutely super evening and it was hard to say goodbye. We are, however, hoping to meet up again on our way back in the autumn.
Today: 8 miles, 3 locks and 4.3 hours (plus 12 hours charging batteries around Braunston).
Trip: 108 miles, 63 locks and 85.5 hours.