Stoke Bruerne

Sunday

From our overnight position we reached Fenny lock with its integral swing bridge in a few minutes. From there it was 45 minutes to the marina, a further 1 hour 10 minutes to Giffard Park and the same to Wolverton. Mooring up against a strong wind blowing up a side canyon within the apartment buildings I was holding the boat back when my feet slipped on the pea gravel and I was nearly pulled into the water. No damage done fortunately. This is an awful development in my opinion and I have possibly ranted about it before, but it has ignored the potential the canal offers and has no character. It always looks deserted. A piazza, some grass or small gardens and a cafe, shop or even pub would have given it more of a community feel.

Tesco was open and busy. Shopping done in an hour and we were off again. Turning Cosgrove Lock round we waited for a following Wyvern boater who made a very impressive entrance to the lock in a very strong cross wind, however getting trapped against the bank by the wind between the lock and the always moored trip boat which I have always thought is in an awkward position.

At the bottom of Stoke Bruerne Pat did a recce and found a single boat going up in the second lock. They kindly waited for us and we dropped out in the long pound to find a mooring. Apart from the wind, which can be troublesome, and the odd sharp shower it has been a warm mostly sunny day, at odds with the gloomy weather forecast. Tomorrow is supposed to be horrendous. I wonder?