Wilton Marina

Thursday 25 September 2014 – Wilton Marina, Grand Union Canal

A non-seasonal start to the day, the clouds were just like snowstorm clouds and it felt so cold after the fine weather we have had that at one stage I seriously thought of digging out winter gloves.  It was still cold when I reached Braunston where I stopped to go to the fender shop for some rope side fenders and to ask about their adjustable fixing bracket.  Unfortunately the bracket is no longer made so I will have to keep looking.  As I was cold I went to the ‘Gongoozlers’ Rest’ café boat for some hot food.

The meal obviously worked as blue skies started to appear as I went up the Braunston locks in company, there were boats coming down at each of the locks which made it easier.  At the top I continued through the Braunston tunnel and then started on the Buckby locks on my own.  There were no boats moving on the flight and all the locks were only half full (possibly due to leaks in either the top or bottom gates).  I had forgotten how heavy the wide gates were – some I almost couldn’t move, but eventually I got here and have moored for the night