Braunston

Yesterday we felt there was a risk of overheating in Braunston tunnel and after stripping down the water pump we discovered that the impeller was damaged, so we decided to walk into Braunston to the chandlery. They didn't have one but said theycould get one by Friday so we took that option. On the way back we were very kindly offered a lift through the tunnel by some people on a hire boat which saved us a long walk. When we reassembled the water pump, still with the dodgy impeller, it was working better, so we decided that this morning we would risk the trip through the tunnel.

Today we got through the tunnel, no problems, and down the six locks into Braunston. Ray decided to get a new TV aerial to replace the one he drowned a couple of weeks back so he spent part of this afternoon fitting that, then we got a call that our impeller had arrived, so it was off to the chandlery to fetch that. We still have a few problems with the engine that need sorting but we may be able to get the work on the cylinder head done by a garage in Rugby rather than waiting to get to a boatyard that can do the work. I'm being treated to fish and chips as a break from cooking tonight.

Fingers crossed, all should be well now, so tomorrow it will be off up the Oxford Canal, through Hillmorton Locks and up to the outskirts of Rugby. If the weather forecast is right Mandy and family intend to join us there on Saturday.

Today's journey 2.5 miles and 6 locks.
So far we have travelled 124.9 miles, 153 locks, 3 swing bridges, 2 lift bridges and 2 tunnels.