09-01 Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union

Tuesday 1st September:  Woke this morning to rain absolutely hammering down although it cleared by 9am and we then had reasonably sunny morning.  We made ready for off and had a reasonable cruise to Stoke Bruerne although the clouds were steadily building up.  Stopped at Kingfisher boatyard and topped up fuel (92 litres).  As we set off nb Ethel came out of the marina and followed us to Stoke locks.  We both made use of the services at the bottom of the flight

and then set off to climb the seven locks into Stoke Bruerne together and then we both moored in the narrows before Blisworth tunnel.  Bridie and I took the dogs for a walk initially into the woods where the horse tramway used to run above the tunnel

and then back as far as the Navigation below the top lock and went in for a late lunch just as the heavens opened again.  Afterwards we had a brief stroll to the church and then down Bakers lane back towards the Museum

and then a dash to the boat as the rain started again.  This evening we ventured out to The Boat

and sat outside with the dogs having a sandwich and pint/glass of wine as it got dark.