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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Friday 24 February 2012

Will the locks be opened on time?

Ian had another bus ride today to bring the car here to Blisworth. This gave me a good opportunity to give the floors a good wash without him traipsing across the wet floor and leaving footprints. I opened the front doors to aid the drying process and  noticed a boat coming under the bridge from the direction of the tunnel. This got me all excited because I hoped that meant Stoke Bruerne locks were open. Then I noticed behind the boat, two men standing on what  looked like some sort of staging. When it drew level I saw two very large trap doors in the flooring. Could this be some sort of tank?

The structure was being towed by Nb Joli Meander and as it drew level I asked him if he had come up the flight. I was very disappointed when he informed me he had only come from Blisworth boatyard. If the flight isn't open then we may as well stay where we are. Unless of course, when Ian returns from fetching the car, we could drive round to see if any moorings are available. Stoke Bruerne is a lovely place to stay and the two pubs and Restaurant  is an extra bonus.

Update:-

There are no moorings to be had the other side of the tunnel and work was still going on at the bottom of Stoke Bruerne flight. Ian stopped to ask the contractor when he thought the flight would be open but as usual  he was given an evasive answer. "Could be later to day, mate, or could be tomorrow". Oh well. So  be it. We stay where we are then. The moorings here are beginning to fill up with boats expecting the flight to be open. I feel like a Jack in the Box every time a boat comes past, letting them know the state of play.

Further update- 4pm

Its a good job I saved this post as draft because Nb Grace, she arrived earlier and moored in front of us,  has found out by BW that the work has been completed and the locks have now opened. They decided to leave but not before knocking on other boaters doors to see if they wanted to come down the flight with them. All said no they would wait. We also have decided to stay a while longer. It makes sense to let the boat traffic clear and maybe move on Sunday, with the hope of finding a mooring near the pub.

Its now 5pm and Nb Little Miss has just gone past. First boat through heading toward Braunston.

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