We visit the Working Boat Festival

A week before it is officially open! This was probably fortunate for two reasons. Firstly it didn't cost £10 as apparently it will next weekend to park the car there, and secondly, we were able to catch up with Howard, Heather, Adrian and Jill as they cruised through Braunston on their way to the Leicester Arm.

As you can see though, we did come across some classic working boats - but not many.

Blow It had slipped her moorings at 08:00 hours on the Saturday morning; we were still hiding under the duvet at the time, if i remember. Also feeling a little fragile following a good evening with the four of them on board Blow It , the previous night. Our decision to drive down to Braunston was also for the purpose of blowing out the cobwebs and getting off the boat for a while. Mind you we had done that by enjoying a delightful lunch at the Old Smithy on the Friday - and a big thank you to Howard and Heather for sneaking up to the bar and paying while I wasn't looking!!!

Anyhow, we jumped out from the bushes at the western side of Butcher's Bridge, which we had just crossed after parking up on the High Street near the Old Plough - talk about good timing, or probably luck! So we stuck our thumbs out and were picked up in the bridge hole for a free trip through the locks.

I have to say that apart from an occasion last year on Beaurepaire, this is the first time I have travelled up forward in a boat. This is because I am always at the tiller on Gleemaiden; and i must say I really enjoyed it. So peaceful, when all you can hear is the distant throb of the Perkins way back in the stern.

We had intended to go all the way to the tunnel with them, but although the company was great and boating is oh so relaxing when others are doing the paddles and gates etc, the Admiral Nelson won out at Lock 3. So we said our farewells (again) and rejpaired to the bar for a couple of Scrumpy Jacks - and would you believe it? it started to rain, what timing again.