Barby on St Swithins Day then to Braunston

On Saturday (drizzle in am but dry pm) decided to continue on after 3 1/2 days at top of Hillmorton.  Not far, as I stopped between bridges 80/81 - a popular long stretch of metal edging by Barby Hill with wide grass verge - and very near the proposed Barby Pools Marina site.  Had a walk up towards Barby from br 81 - but the footpath was flooded by the water coming off the hill.  Stupidly kept going thinking as I got higher up the hill it would ease - it didn't, so got very wet feet.  There were big muddy pools of water round the stiles and it was quite hard going.  Decided not to do the last 10 minute walk along a track into the village, but took the drier bridle path (amazingly not ploughed up by horses) back down to the road then along the canal.  The towpath was extremely narrow in places made worse by overhanging hedges and I nearly fell in when I slipped on wet mud.

Sunday was a lovely hot and sunny day so made the most of it by trimming the rotten end of the too long and heavy plank, scrubbing the dirt off the roof then washing the sides - considered polishing as well - but it looked as if it might rain so had a look at the proposed marina site - by old railway line, tumbledown farm house and old farm sheds - and not too near Onley village and prison.  Today is St Swithin's Day - and it didn't rain - any chance of 40 days of dry - hah!

On Monday I set off for Braunston, mooring at first on 14 day moorings.  Booked into the marina for a long weekend away then visited  Braunston Chandlers - always a huge selection here and lots of interesting bits and pieces - very helpful staff too!  Thanks Diane.

Woke to find the roof covered with pigeon poo from overnight!  Moved boat to opposite Boat House pub and in pm walked up into village.  Whilst letting the dog rest by the bench nr Butchers Bridge I met 2 boaters - Ron from Inkie and I, Sheila from Olivia. Sat there for quite a while chatting!

Today am moving boat into the marina and tomorrow will be hiring a car to go to Lancashire to my youngest grandchild's Thanksgiving and big family weekend.  Looking forward to another gathering - with 3 of my children and spouses, and 6 out of 8 grandchildren!