Back at Braunston

Thursday 8th October, 2015 in Braunston Marina
We have had some peerless early mornings on this trip and today was another one. A clear blue sky and a slight mist on the water.

Our breakfast was supervised by the cows on the other side of the canal. "Were we drinking whole milk?" they wondered.  The answer is "yes" - none of that skimmed rubbish!

We set off after breakfast for the very short run to Braunston; it was a lovely moment seeing the spire of Braunston church in the distance.

"Sheep may safely graze" (with apologies to J.S. Bach). This is a big flock.

Braunston is renowned for the junction between the North Oxford, South Oxford and Grand Union canals, spanned by two classic "Oxford Canal" style cast iron bridges.

We turned into Braunston Marina, where we have booked a mooring for two nights with a power hook-up. "Tail End Charlie" (below) is the boat belonging to our friend Angela, and it is currently for sale in the marina.

We made our way to one of our favourite cafés, the "Gongoozler's Rest", a well-known narrowboat café permanently moored here.

We were touched that the owner, Avril, remembered us and MM from when we were here two years ago. Sitting at the next table (on the left in the picture) was Jenny, the original owner of the café. She first opened the café on the Chesterfield Canal - when the narrowboat was only 25ft long. It was so successful that she added an extra 15ft to the boat and then later another 5ft with an engine - so the boat is now 45ft long! Our second breakfast was excellent, as ever.

Later, we walked up into the village and were saddened to find that another of our favourite tea rooms, the "Cake Slice" in Braunston village, was no more. However, it was heartening to see that it has been taken over by a group of local volunteers as a community project, which seemed to be well frequented.

Walking back to MM via the local locks above Braunston, we were astonished to see this small bat clinging on to a barn wall, apparently fast asleep.

As it was a sunny afternoon, an ice cream from the well-known canal shop was a must. The current owner told us that he has been in residence for 19 years. The shop is a veritable Aladdin's cave of memorabilia, canal ware and provisions - including freshly baked bread.

Tonight and tomorrow night, we will stay in the marina so that we will have power and water and will not have to run the engine to top up the batteries.

Today: 2 miles, 0 locks and 3.9 hours.
Trip: 437 miles, 320 locks and 330.5 hours.