Grand Union Canal:Bridge 99

Another misty morning. Our target today would probably have been Napton, however there is a stoppage at Lock 2 in the Braunston Flight for today. There were a couple of opposite directions on the Stoke Bruerne Flight which we started at 7:30 and the top lock was thronged with boats wanting to start down. Once the mist cleared it started to brighten up and on the other side of the tunnel we had sunshine. Just the long cruise then to the bottom of Buckby. No holdups here and very little traffic on the lock flight. There were no signs indicating any problems at Braunston suggesting that we should moor up and wait, so we carried on. Very few boats about. Exiting from Braunston Tunnel our hearts sank as we saw the end of the queue only about 100 yards from the tunnel exit. Nothing for it but to moor up and investigate, but whilst attempting to get to the bank in the shallow water a lock keeper appeared who said carry on. The locks are open and most of the people ahead are in the pub. So we went ahead straight into the top lock, joining nb Morpheus. So virtually no delay for us. Morpheus had been waiting since 8:30 this morning. Expecting a rally this week end, there were no mooring possibilities in Braunston, but we prefer to continue on past the puddle banks to a good bit of piling and a low hedge to get good TV reception from Sutton Coldfield and some wind for the wind-generator. Pat has had a casserole on the go in the slow cooker since this morning. Smells good!! Had to open another bottle of Il Papavero.