Day 14: Gayton Junction to Stoke Bruerne

Fully headlighted now and with the worklamp as additional side lighting, we head out of Gayton through Blisworth and to the tunnel entrance beyond. 

The historic Blisworth Mill, once a steam powered corn mill, being sympathetically converted to appartments 

Entering the tunnel, headlamp and side light working well!

The middle section has been reinforced with concrete

From here, we can just see the entrance behind

Inside the tunnel

Nearly out, good to see sunshine!



We moored for a breather before the top lock and went for a coffee in the cafe attached to the Canal Museum which has a fascinating selection of items including a series of old photos of boating people and their families as well as all kinds of exhibits, implements, notices and items of clothing associated with  canal life.  If you weren't born on a boat, you were from 'off the bank' and you weren't allowed to steer.  There was also information about Sister Mary Ward, who was an unofficial nurse, friend and advocate for local community in Stoke Bruerne for many years. She said "People think my boat people are dirty and crude and want to get rid of them, but they are wonderful, proud, wise people".

After that refreshment, we descended the 7 locks and moored a few boats away from Goldfinch, then joined Lee and Gina for a well-earned drink at the Navigation pub. 

Goldfinch at Stoke Bruerne

Catnap moored up for the night




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