The narrow boat is narrow – but it is 65 feet long!

The entrance to the Blisworth Tunnel. In the olden days at this point the horses were unhooked from the barge and led overland to the other end of the tunnel. The workmen then laid on their backs and pushed their feet against the roof of the tunnel to “walk” their way to the other end. This also just one hour after you take possession of the boat and have a one hour lesson.

Roughly in the middle of the tunnel – the light is not a train coming at us, although we did have to pass another boat 200 metres from the end.

Mal is pleased as punch at the completion of his first major test as Captain – getting us through the tunnel!

The gates of the locks which have to be pushed open and closed to raise or lower the water.

Mal and the Audoin Gull are in the first lock, waiting for the level of the water to drop.

So this is what you have to do. Push that HEAVY wooden beam 90º to open or close it. If you try and there is even  one inch of water more on one side or the other, no luck. The surface of the water has to be absolutely equal.

Terry navigates her first lock. You have to get the boat to just the right position in the lock. They are 70 feet long, which doesn’t leave much room at either end.

A look of the view we had many, many times – water and narrowboats.

We say many swans, cygnets and coot like birds. The “coots” would walk up the mooring ropes to get on the deck of the boat.

This was the first aqueduct we passed over. On our way back, Terry tried her damnedest to run us over the edge. Thankfully it was a little too high.

The second aqueduct – over the highway.

Blisworth – one of about 6 villages we passed through.

After all the pastoral settings, it was a little disconcerting to pass through Wolverton.

We don’t know if anyone actually used this swing. All of the shower and sink water was emptied into the canal – but not the waste water. A good memory of days gone by, I suppose.

There are a lot of bridges over the canal. On some you can see where the ropes of the tow horses have worn deep into the brick corners.

Just another beautiful scene.

It isn’t all work. If you aren’t opening or closing the locks, you do a lot of this. Geoff is taking this too casually, however. You really need to concentrate or the boat will veer one way or another. Mal doesn’t seem too worried though and Terry and Karen are off walking the tow path.

The inveterate trio at the “Sublime India Cuisine Restaurant” at Stoke Breurne. Terry maintains it is the best Indian food she has ever had.

Terry had the minted lamb chops, Karen and Mal had the pie and Geoff enjoyed the faggots!

Hmmm. Faggots and mash. (Ed. note: When in an English pub, don’t turn to the assembled patrons and ask “What are faggots?”)

The Barley Mow Pub. I had fabulous fresh duck.

One of the three times Mal had fish and chips.

The pubs up and down the canal are all advertising Christmas and to book now. Apparently all the suppliers want to know how many turkeys, hams, roasts etc. will be needed.

Final meal on the canal at The Walnut Tree pub – a variation on a theme – Mashed potatoes, bacon, onion rings, fried cabbage and liver!

At the Walnut Tree on Thursday night there was a wedding. Always need a photo of the bride.

The Blisworth Church

The timeline of the church.

Gracey’s Epitaph

Self explanatory – and oh so polite.

In the horse tunnel Geoff cracked his head open. Luckily it was after dinner so he didn’t feel anything.

There are many weak bridges in Northamptonshire

The English are fine mad. They fine or jail big time if you don’t catch and release, if you fly tip (Ed. note: putting the garbage in the wrong place) and apparently if you don’t close this gate.

Mal and Karen get us underway on the last morning.

Still having a wonderful time.

Her foot is fairly close to a 60º angle.