Scott and Family Visit.

Saturday 21st May, 2016 east of Braunston
Father swan came knocking impatiently at the window for his breakfast!

So, after feeding him and his family the last of our duck food, we set off to the Gongoozler's Rest for our own breakfast. The last Gongoozler's superb breakfasts this trip!

This afternoon, we are expecting M's "second son", Scott, and his family, to come for a visit and a short cruise. This will be the third time that they have come to find us when we've been in Braunston. M spotted them from the bridge as they walked from the car park.

We welcomed them with tea and cake!

Young Lachlan took the tiller as we set off up the flight of six locks above Braunston. He really needs a box to stand on to see where he is going - but he still did admirably!

We shared the six wide locks with nb "Bear Necessities" - very topical at the moment, with the recent remake of the film.

As we had a pair of narrowboats in front of us and another pair behind us in the locks, we were not short of hands to help with the locks; however, Amelia and Lachlan were keen to help with the bottom gate on the first lock while Scott looked on.

One jolly gentleman from one of the boats behind us was sporting a very nautical Admiral's hat (with parrot). He's from Australia and he comes here every year to holiday on the canals - complete with appropriate headgear!

Meanwhile Amelia and Lachlan finished opening the top gate of the first lock.

Then they turned their attention to winding the paddles on the third lock by the Admiral Nelson pub.

Time for a chat while the lock fills. We were all in waterproofs, as it was cool and showery.

Lachlan decided to ride on MM between the locks.

But then got off and was determined to open the lock gate unaided. A Herculean effort - well done! Especially since these gates are particularly heavy...

When we reached the top of the locks, we moored up MM and walked back to Braunston marina with them.

On the way, R explained to them the way that the grooves in the iron strips, protecting the corners of the bridge, had been cut by the horses' tow ropes over hundreds of years in the days before narrow boats had motors.

Finally, we said farewell in the car park at Braunston marina. It's always lovely to see them and sad when they go.

Guy was particularly downcast to see them leave!

Today: 1 mile, 6 locks and 2.5 hours.
Trip: 82 miles, 42 locks and 68.4 hours.