 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Brentford Gauging Lock No 100 to Bulls Bridge Junction arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 5.38 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.09 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 579 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,381.75 miles and 657 locks, averaging 3.52 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the first two locks with Celandine and through the Hanwell flight with Thomas the Rymer. Stopped for 35 minutes at Norwood top lock. Stopped for 10 minutes at Tesco's.
From Bulls Bridge Junction to Cumberland Basin arriving at 5:50 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 14.63 miles and No locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 583 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,396.38 miles and 657 locks, averaging 3.52 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for 25 minutes at Willowtree Marina to get some gas (£16.45) and to take some photos. No moorings available at Little Venice so we came on to the moorings past Cumberland Basin where we got the last place. A mostly sunny day.
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From Cumberland Basin to Junction with River Lee arriving at 1:25 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 6.38 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.93 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 587 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,402.75 miles and 668 locks, averaging 3.52 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through all the locks by ourselves. Turned onto the Lee but did not stop.
From Junction with River Lee to Waltham Town Lock No 11 arriving at 6:15 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 50 minutes. 11.13 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 592 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,413.88 miles and 675 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Lee. Had lunch on the move. A lot of rubbish in the water. Moored above the lock. A mostly cloudy day.
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From Waltham Town Lock No 11 to Waltham Common Lock No 10 arriving at 9:40 am. The time taken was 45 minutes. 1.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 593 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,414.88 miles and 676 locks, averaging 3.52 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored by the road into Cheshunt and went in to do some shopping including some at Tesco's Metro. Got a taxi back and had lunch.
From Waltham Common Lock No 10 to Stanstead Lock No 4 arriving at 5:45 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 8.00 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.74 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 596 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,422.88 miles and 683 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 25 minutes for water below Fieldes Lock. Wanted a pumpout above Stanstead Lock but they close at 5pm so we went on to moor further up the river. Lots of Coots with young about this year, not only on the Lee but on many other waterways. A mostly cloudy day with some sunny periods.
From Stanstead Lock No 4 to Hertford Town Mill Bridge arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 4.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.23 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 598 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,427.63 miles and 686 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
At 8.40 we turned the boat and went back down to Stanstead Lock to get a pumpout when they openned at nine. Had the pumpout (£10) bought some blue and some mooring stakes and had a long chat before turning again and repassing our overnight mooring spot at ten o'clock. There was only one paddle working at Hertford Lock. We tiurned at the top of the river and stopped on the visitor moorings. A warm sunny day.
From Hertford Town Mill Bridge to River Stort Junction arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 7.13 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 600 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,434.75 miles and 690 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 20 minutes for water at Hertford. Saw a kingfisher between Hertford and Ware. Stopped 20 minutes for diesel (£32.74 for 112.9 litres) before Stanstead Lock. Moored for lunch at the junction.
From River Stort Junction to Broxborne Bridge arriving at 2:35 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 2.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 602 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,436.88 miles and 693 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just below Carthagena Lock but after 10 minutes we found we were moored in front of the entrance to a wasps nest so we moved on and moored just before the pub and Lee Valley Boat Centre. A sunny morning but more cloud in the afternoon.
From Broxborne Bridge to Cheshunt Lock No 9 arriving at 10:55 am. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 2.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 603 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,439.38 miles and 695 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went into Cheshunt to see if we could find a nice place for lunch but we couldn't. Went shopping at Tesco Metro.
From Cheshunt Lock No 9 to Waltham Common Lock No 10 arriving at 2:55 pm. The time taken was 40 minutes. 1.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 604 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,440.38 miles and 696 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down to moor before Waltham Town Lock. A day of sunshine and cloud with showers in the afternoon.
From Waltham Common Lock No 10 to Springhill High Bridge arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 9.13 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 608 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,449.50 miles and 703 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw two kingfishers one just below Enfield Lock and the other at Edmonton. Called in at the Lea Valley Marina for 10 minutes to see if they had a mooring for tonight. They found us a mooring for £10.58. After lunch did the 7928 hour service including changing the air, oil and fuel filters. A dry day of sunshine and cloud.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Springhill High Bridge to Junction with River Lee arriving at 8:15 am. The time taken was 40 minutes. 3.00 miles and No locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 608 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,452.50 miles and 703 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Made an early start down the Rver Lee and turned onto the Hertford Union. Did not stop.
From Junction with River Lee to Bulls Bridge Junction arriving at 5:25 pm. The time taken was 8 hours 15 minutes. 21.00 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 617 hours total cruising time, 1,473.50 miles and 714 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had lunch on the move once we were through all the locks. Stopped for 30 minutes at Piggery Bridge while I cleared the prop and bought a couple of things in Sainsbury's. Stopped 25 minutes for water at Black Horse Bridge. Moored at Tesco's. A dry day with sunshine and cloud.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Bulls Bridge Junction to Oxford road Bridge (A40) arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 6.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.40 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 619 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,480.00 miles and 716 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Mountbatten and Jellicoe going down towards Brentford before we set off this morning. Stopped 20 minutes at the Packet Boat Marina and 50 minutes at the Uxbridge Boat Centre. Moored for lunch between Uxbridge Lock and the A40 Bridge.
From Oxford road Bridge (A40) to Troy Junction arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 3.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.26 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 621 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,483.25 miles and 719 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for 55 minutes at Harefield Marina. met Aloysios II coming down through Widewater Lock. Moored before the junction. A day of sunshine and cloud.
From Troy Junction to Batchworth Junction arriving at 11:15 am. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 2.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 623 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,486.13 miles and 722 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 30 minutes for water below Copper Mill Lock. Moored at Tesco's for shopping and lunch.
From Batchworth Junction to Iron Bridge Lock No 77 arriving at 4:55 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 3.13 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 625 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,489.25 miles and 726 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A few showers as we came up the locks. Moored in the park above the lock. A mostly cloudy day with some sunshine in the morning.
From Iron Bridge Lock No 77 to Aspley Bottom Lock No 67 arriving at 1:45 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 55 minutes. 5.50 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 629 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,494.75 miles and 737 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored above the Nash Mills locks for lunch.
From Aspley Bottom Lock No 67 to Station Road Bridge No 150 arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 1.25 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 630 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,496.00 miles and 741 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 15 minutes at Sainsbury's at Hemel Hempstead to get some wine and beer. came on to moor above Boxmoor Lock. A mostly cloudy day with some rain this morning.
From Station Road Bridge No 150 to Sewer Lock No 58 arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 2.38 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.40 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 632 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,498.38 miles and 746 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher before Winkwell Bottom Lock. Stopped for 20 minutes for a pumpout (£12) after the Lock. Moored just past bridge 145. A dry and mostly sunny day.
From Sewer Lock No 58 to Northchurch Bottom Lock No 52 arriving at 11:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 2.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 635 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,500.38 miles and 752 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Most of the locks against us this morning with at least one top gate open. Moored near Waitrose and Beryl went shopping before lunch.
From Northchurch Bottom Lock No 52 to New Ground Bridge No 136 arriving at 5:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 2.75 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 637 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,503.13 miles and 759 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had a better run of the locks this afternoon. Stopped for 20 minutes for water above Cowroast Lock. Ivor Batchelor came by on his boats after we moored just past the marina. A sunny day.
From New Ground Bridge No 136 to Marsworth Top Lock No 45 arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 50 minutes. 2.50 miles and No locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 638 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,505.63 miles and 759 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Quite a few boats around this moning on the summit level. Stopped for lunch just past the Bulbourne workshops.
From Marsworth Top Lock No 45 to Marsworth Junction arriving at 3:05 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 0.88 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.97 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 639 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,506.50 miles and 766 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had a good run down the locks, most of them in our favour. A lot of people around making the most of this hot sunny day. Moored just past the junction, before the Red Lion Bridge.
From Marsworth Junction to Slapton Lock No 30 arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 4.38 miles and 9 locks, averaging 4.01 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 643 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,510.88 miles and 775 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the locks by ourselves again. Stopped 25 minutes for water before Slapton Lock. Stopped for lunch after the lock.
From Slapton Lock No 30 to Soulbury Bottom Lock No 24 arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 7.38 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 646 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,518.25 miles and 781 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared Leighton Lock and the Soulbury locks with a Wyvern boat that had just started off. Moored a little way after the bottom lock. A warm sunny day.
From Soulbury Bottom Lock No 24 to Willen Bridge No 81 arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 8.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 649 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,527.00 miles and 783 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared Fenny Stratford Lock with a Wyvern hire boat. Saw Rodney and Wendy Evans as we passed their house. Came down to moor just before bridge 82. Went into Milton Keynes and had lunch at Bella Italia then went shopping to get some clothes for Beryl. A warm sunny day.
From Willen Bridge No 81 to Wolverton Bridge No 71 arriving at 11:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 5.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 651 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,532.00 miles and 783 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After spending a day and a half shopping in Miton Keynes we are on the move again. Moored 20 minutes for water at bridge 78. Saw a kingfisher just before Wolverton. Stopped for shopping at Tesco's and lunch.
From Wolverton Bridge No 71 to Solomon's (or Cosgrove Ornamental) Bridge No 65 arriving at 3:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 2.13 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 652 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,534.13 miles and 784 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Quite a few boats on the move this afternoon including Wyvern and Canaltime boats. A cloudy and cooler day.
From Solomon's (or Cosgrove Ornamental) Bridge No 65 to Grafton Bridge No 57 arriving at 10:45 am. The time taken was 1 hours 20 minutes. 4.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 653 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,538.13 miles and 784 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for 20 minutes at Yardley Gobion. Moored between bridges 58 and 57. A warm sunny day.
From Grafton Bridge No 57 to Blisworth Bridge No 51 arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 3 hours. 5.00 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 656 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,543.13 miles and 791 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared the locks with a boat called Vulcan. Made good time up the flight. Met the man who had been lock keeper at Gargrave and at Marple. He is now retired and lives in this area. Moored for lunch on the village visitor moorings.
From Blisworth Bridge No 51 to Banbury Lane Bridge No 43 arriving at 2:55 pm. The time taken was 50 minutes. 2.63 miles and No locks, averaging 3.15 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 657 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,545.75 miles and 791 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored before bridge 44. A warm sunny day.
From Banbury Lane Bridge No 43 to Stowe Hill Bridge No 26 arriving at 1:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 5.13 miles and No locks, averaging 2.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 659 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,550.88 miles and 791 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Honeysuckle Rose, which we last met in Tarleton. Stopped just past the bridge for 45 minutes for water - a slow tap and another boat filling with us. Had lunch while we waited for the water then went on to moor just past the aqueduct by Weedon Church. Went shopping in the village. Lots of boats out today. A warm sunny day.
From Stowe Hill Bridge No 26 to Whilton Bottom Lock No 13 arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 4.25 miles and No locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 660 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,555.13 miles and 791 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Some rain on the way down to Whilton Marina. Got a pumpout (£7.50 self service). Moored opposite for lunch and stayed for the est of the day as we had some heavy showers.
From Whilton Bottom Lock No 13 to Braunston Junction arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 6.00 miles and 13 locks, averaging 4.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 664 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,561.13 miles and 804 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Buckby Locks with four men on a Canaltime boat. Came down the Braunston Locks by ourselves but a lot of boats were coming up. Moored for lunch by the marina and then went up to the village to collect the post.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Braunston Junction to Hillmorton Top Locks Nos 6 and 7 arriving at 6:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 7.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.23 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 666 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,568.13 miles and 804 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met several boats on the move as we went to Hilmorton. Moored before the locks. A cool and mostly sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Hillmorton Top Locks Nos 6 and 7 to Brownsover Arm (disused) arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 2.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 668 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,571.00 miles and 807 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the Hillmorton Locks - several boats were coming up - and stopped for 30 minutes at the water point at the bottom.Moored at the bridge and went to Tesco's for lunch and shopping.
From Brownsover Arm (disused) to Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 arriving at 3:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 4.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 670 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,575.88 miles and 807 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A good trip down to the visitor moorings before the bridge. A sunny day. Warmer than yesterday.
From Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 to Wyken Arm arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 6.50 miles and No locks, averaging 2.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 672 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,582.38 miles and 807 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher at Brinklow. Moored past the arm at a place where we moored on the first of May this year. A mostly sunny day.
From Wyken Arm to Sutton Stop Lock arriving at 10:40 am. The time taken was 35 minutes. 1.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 672 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,583.88 miles and 808 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 15 minutes for water just beore the stop lock, then went through the lock and turned to join the queue of boats waiting to come through the lock.
At Sutton Stop Lock
Moored just after Sutton Stop to post my letter and have lunch.
From Sutton Stop Lock to Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 arriving at 4:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 8.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 675 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,591.88 miles and 809 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came back down the canal to moor just past the bridge again. A cloudy day with a light shower this afternoon.
From Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 to Brownsover Arm (disused) arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 4.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.93 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 677 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,596.75 miles and 809 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 20 minutes for diesel at T F Yates (125.51 litres at 28p a litre = £35.14). Moored just before the arm and went to Tesco's for lunch and shopping. After lunch I walked into town.
From Brownsover Arm (disused) to Clifton Wharf arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 40 minutes. 1.13 miles and No locks, averaging 1.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 678 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,597.88 miles and 809 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moved on to moor between bridges 66 and 68, next to the golf course. A warmer day with sunshine but increasing cloud in the afternoon.
From Clifton Wharf to Barby Wood Bridge No 78 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 4.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 680 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,602.38 miles and 812 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher before Hillmorton Locks. Stopped for 25 minutes at the bottom of the locks to fill with water. Moored near bridge 80 for lunch.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Barby Wood Bridge No 78 to Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 arriving at 3:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 20 minutes. 5.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 681 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,607.38 miles and 812 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 10 minutes for a pumpout (£5) at Braunston Marina then went on to moor at Braunston Boats. A cloudy morning and a sunny afternoon.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.