The weather today returned to something much more liker later spring or even early summer.
The view from our overnight mooring next to Wrights Lane Bridge (45) just a few fluffy clouds to complement the otherwise blue sky.
It must be about peak time for the white blossom that is currently dominating the towpath hedges.
Just before the junction is an imposing turnover bridge - the long ramp up to the pass over the bridge itself (rather than going from one side of the canal to the other) is particularly striking
After the short distance to Gayton Junction we had planned to user the services there but there was one boat already moored close by, a boat ahead of us turned and came onto the service landing just before a trip boat came from the other direction wanting to pick up a group of passengers that were milling around at the junction! As a result we decided to give it all a miss!
However, on advice from the electrician we are hoping to see tomorrow regarding our fuel gauge, we did call at the ABC Gayton Marina to top up our diesel tank. We were a bit sheepish as it only needed 22 litres. We were pleasantly surprised also to find that the marina has had quite a bit of improvement since we came by 8 years ago. In fact, their new office and chandlery was only opened last year and still looks very new.
Shortly before we were ready to continue our journey, another boat passed on its way down the locks. They were still preparing the top lock when we arrived some ten minutes after them. With very little traffic coming up, this meant that we had all but the final lock set against us.
As narrow locks the flight was reasonably easy to operate although one or two paddles proved to be the exception. By the time we reached the last four, security locks had been added to the paddles although not all of them remained functional.
Fairly recently some coloured plaques have been added in the ground just above each lock. The pictures are supposed to relate to canalside features and the letters (visitors are supposed to discover) spell out THE NORTHAMPTON ARM which conveniently has the same number of letters as locks in the flight (!7)!
This flight is notorious for often having very shallow pounds but in fact, despite the story from the single hander who arrived at the the top just after we descended with a tale of dire woes, we found that all of the bywashes were running freely and only one pound was noticeably lower than normal. However, in the short pounds we kept the boat waiting in the tail of each lock until the next one was ready and waiting to go straight into. Otherwise there is a risk of running onto silt just out of the main channel.
There are three remaining lift bridges, each spanning just below a lock, but none of them are currently operated - fortunately as we recall them being rather difficult eight years ago.
Actually, one of them is in bits at the moment!
Two willow sculptures decorate a wooded area alongside lock 10 - on the other side is a very mixed wooded area. No wonder we saw so many walkers out enjoying the towpath walk.
Lock 12 is almost under the huge bridge that carries the M1. Either side are lesser structures carrying slip roads - this is an important junction as the area alongside the canal is now one of the larger logistics and warehousing developments in the country.
After finishing the first 13, which are all grouped closely together, we managed to find a place to pull in and moor up for lunch. Quite lucky to find it as it is about the only place after leaving the top lock before reaching the end!
The huge former Express Lifts testing tower dominates the skyline for much of the approach to the town.
The last four locks are much more spaced out. We cruised fairly slowly but without coming to a halt. At least it gave us more time to admire the wonderful scenery - all the better for bright sunshine.
Eventually we arrived at the last lock which joins onto the River Nene.
Above the lock is a winding hole - important for those who have come this far and who do not want to purchase the additional licence to navigate Environmental Agency waters. The hole looks as if it was perhaps once a loading arm for the various industrial sites which are now buried under modern apartment blocks.
Clearly this brightly decorated seat was not here when we last visited.
Emerging onto the river itself the huge Carlsberg factory imposes itself on the view. Obviously not all of its famous product comes from Denmark!
The river passes under the elegant town road bridge.
We moored just before the newer footbridge which gives access to the shopping centre for the people who live in the modern development of Northampton on the southern side. After we had moored, Christine went to test out the theory that Morrisons is only a few minutes walk away fr om the foot bridge - it is! We will need to do a more comprehensive shop tomorrow.
10.0 Miles - 17 Locks
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