10th April 2017. We almost get to Braunston.

13 locks and 7 miles. We were straight into the Stockton locks when we set off. The wind was distinctly chilly and the sky was grey; a great contrast to yesterday!

Heading up the Stockton Flight

 Half way up there was this beautiful lock-side covered in primroses;

We were the only boat going up, although we met two pairs coming down. The locks were not too deep, although the gates were heavy. We were up the flight of 10 in an easy two hours despite just using one side and several waits for boats coming down. After a short stop for tea and a Scooby walk, we set off again.

We met a boat at the bottom of the 3 Calcutt locks and went up with them. They were going to Braunston too.

Then it was just a short cruse to Napton junction, where the Oxford canal goes off to the right. We went left and Robin saw a group of six swallows; the first of the summer. Perhaps they were helped on their way here by the warm southerly winds we had at the weekend. This area is very rural with pretty gently rolling countryside and lots of sheep, and course at this time of year, lambs too.

After the junction we found ourselves in a long line of boats all going to Braunston and decided to pull over in a quiet spot and let them get on with fighting for moorings in the village. This mother duck has had an early brood of ducklings, they cant be more than a day old. Lets hope the weather stays warm enough for them!

Tomorrow it's Braunston lock flight and tunnel and a short hop to Norton junction.