Before we reached the we sawing a waving hand - Ellie - and the family walking down the towpath. Despite their fears, the roads were open but with almost no traffic so they were able to make good time! Adrian and Joanna were going to spend the day shopping in Milton Keynes but it was several locks up the Stockton Flight before they coulkd drag themselves away - to the Blue Lias pub which was recommended by passing boaters! Ellie was quick to take her place at the tiller to take driving lessons from grandad.
Both Ellie and Alice helped with the locks and Ellie especially proved very competent at winding the paddles up and down as well as shifting 3 tonne lock gates! By the time we had passed through the Calcutt Locks Alice was very good at walking across the top of the gates. Just as well as the ice cream shop at the top of the floiught was on the other side of the canal! Unfortunately, the grandparenting task proved too demanding (or the grandparents were too incompetent) to take any photos of these feats!
After turing left at Napton Junction they moored close to Fleckno Bridge to await the return of the parents - and a roast chicken dinner which was gradually prepared during the last cruising period. Ellie undertook the daily engine maintenance tasks.
