We set out from Braunston just before 1pm, having had a good breakfast at the Gongoozler's rest, a narrowboat moored near the mouth of Braunston Marina. It is a dear little restaurant with six tables. Gongoozler is the word for people who watch boats and the Gongoozler's rest is better then most places for boat viewing! As we were merrily working through our fayre, who should walk by but Brian, last seen with Jill, helping us through our first travels of Napton Flight on our way to Hillmorton just over two years ago now. They used to have Otter, but now are the proud owners/keepers of Hermoine, moored up in Braunston on her way to home mooring on the Worcester and Birmingham canal. We finished up, went to meet them and had a great renewal of friendship.
After we left, we walked to Braunston bottom lock shop to order a new chimney for one of our oil lamps, then walked to Midland Chandlery for more lamp oil and a few more brass curtain rails. Out of the Chandlery, we spotted Hermoine, watering up for her journey and moored just opposite Bella. Fun for us, Hermoine was finished in time to take us on board and drop us on Bella. So the two of them met!
We're now moored two hours south on the Oxford Canal just at the Bridge pub and restaurant west of Napton. We meet friends Dom and Helen there for another Birthday dinner for Pete. The picture is Bella pointing the way to the food and drink.
