Lingering in Braunston then off to Rugby.

A couple of days in Braunston gave us the opportunity to catch up with a few more jobs on Serafina, it's a handy place, having two chandlers. We also need to linger a little so we can take delivery of our new dinette cushions. The unpredictable weather has made it a little difficult to get on with things.

The weather is a little average to say the least! Each day has been starting off quite cool and we have been getting showers most days as well. I have had to work in-between the showers, ready to pack things up at a moments notice. For two Aussies who haven't seen a winter for three years we are beginning to feel the cold, the diesel heater has been getting a work out this year!

The previous owner of Serafina had done most of the sound proofing of the engine bay but for some reason hadn't finished the job off. I had the carpenter block off some obvious large holes at the start of the cruising season but it still needed sound proofing panel attached to the bottom of several of the deck boards. I started this job in Braunston and managed to complete it today in Rugby.

We are still traveling on new waters for us as we headed off to Rugby. Earlier in the season we came down to Braunston then headed back towards Oxford. We picked a good day to head off to Rugby, Wednesday was probably the pick of the days to travel. I must admit, when we got to Hillmorton locks it was nice to get back into narrow locks, no more wide beams coming at you and wanting to stay in the centre of the canal.

As we got close to Rugby several of the bridges were decorated with murals, we snapped a couple as we passed under the bridges.

Today Rachael and I took off for a stroll along the towpath, hoping to take a circular route back to the boat. We crossed this aqueduct then took the stairs down to the road passing underneath. I took a photo of this quite smart construction.

The walking came to an abrupt halt when Rachael spied this retail park receiving a significant upgrade only fifteen minutes from the boat, just across from the Tesco marked on our Canal Companion. Many of the shops were already open despite the builders carrying on with final touch-ups.

From the retail Park Rachael and I headed off into Rugby City Centre, a twenty minute walk for us. I spied this mural as we arrived at the city centre.

After some more shopping, lunchtime and a Wetherspoon's Pub collided. Some more shopping after lunch and back to the boat. It wasn't too long before I got a call from Glen from Elite Furnishings, a Crick Show regular, saying he was five minutes away. He was delivering new cushions for the dinette; nice job!