Latest Google Earth route-
15:32 26/06/2008 7.29 miles 3 locks
Left the mooring passing a very posh house with lawns down to the canal side and a man in the distance riding his mower.
And so back to Tixall Wide exactly four weeks since we were last here. As we arrived late lunchtime the moorings were very busy and we just managed to squeeze in.
The evening was spent having a 'goodbye' meal with our friends from the trip Helen and Chris, they leave us in the morning to return to their mooring at Kings Bromley just a short trip away. It has been nice having company for the last few weeks.
We sat out the next day having waved Chris and Helen off. Pub lunch and watched the tennis. The real journey home starts tomorrow.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Rain and Stone locks
17:08 25/06/2008 6.6 miles 9 locks
9.30 start, Mary went to collect milk and papers, by the time she came back it was time for the rain coats as we had a really heavy rainstorm. I battled on, unable to see due to rain on the outside and steam on the inside of my glasses!
Eventually the rain stopped and we tackled the Meaford flight of locks. Some of these were very heavy. We noticed that the broken towpath in one place still (after 4 years) had the orange safety barrier up with no sign of repairs, instead a lot of work had gone in to re-routing the path across the lock and up the other side.
A short cruise later we came to the first of the Stone locks. This is a traditional boat building place and still has boatbuilders in evidence.
After what seemed a long day we found nice moorings just outside Burston village - which boasts a nice village pond with private fishing and a Pub banished to the outskirts.
The sun is shining and all is right with the world!
9.30 start, Mary went to collect milk and papers, by the time she came back it was time for the rain coats as we had a really heavy rainstorm. I battled on, unable to see due to rain on the outside and steam on the inside of my glasses!
Eventually the rain stopped and we tackled the Meaford flight of locks. Some of these were very heavy. We noticed that the broken towpath in one place still (after 4 years) had the orange safety barrier up with no sign of repairs, instead a lot of work had gone in to re-routing the path across the lock and up the other side.
A short cruise later we came to the first of the Stone locks. This is a traditional boat building place and still has boatbuilders in evidence.
After what seemed a long day we found nice moorings just outside Burston village - which boasts a nice village pond with private fishing and a Pub banished to the outskirts.
The sun is shining and all is right with the world!
The Tunnel and Stoke Potteries
17:36 24/06/2008 11.4 miles Harecastle Tunnel 7 locks
7am start (!!!) - through one lock and in to the queue for the tunnel - this was plotted the evening before, as the tunnel opens at 8am and you need to be in the line so the tunnel keeper can count you and tell the other end how many he has, the one with the longest queue gets to send his boats through first. As it turned out only 4 boats were there for our journey south and tree waiting for us to emerge 35 minutes later at the other end.
Whistler leaving Harecastle
a 'challenged' Challenger
After that it was on down through Longport, Middleport and Etruria. This is Stoke on Trent country, and the potteries so there is plenty of Industrial Heritage to see. Bottle Kilns and potteries old and derelict, as well as new and in use.
A lot of work is going on in the Canal area and the whole area has improved tremendously over the years.
Finally through the last lock and past the Wedgewood Factory to moor at Barlaston.
Bottlekilns
Waste China
7am start (!!!) - through one lock and in to the queue for the tunnel - this was plotted the evening before, as the tunnel opens at 8am and you need to be in the line so the tunnel keeper can count you and tell the other end how many he has, the one with the longest queue gets to send his boats through first. As it turned out only 4 boats were there for our journey south and tree waiting for us to emerge 35 minutes later at the other end.
Whistler leaving Harecastlea 'challenged' ChallengerAfter that it was on down through Longport, Middleport and Etruria. This is Stoke on Trent country, and the potteries so there is plenty of Industrial Heritage to see. Bottle Kilns and potteries old and derelict, as well as new and in use.
A lot of work is going on in the Canal area and the whole area has improved tremendously over the years.
Finally through the last lock and past the Wedgewood Factory to moor at Barlaston.
BottlekilnsWaste China
Up to Harecastle
19:24 23/06/2008 3.97 miles 12 locks
Good weather - lots of locks, some working pairs - some being mended and some totally abandoned and filled in.
Arrived in time for a late lunch and a shopping trip to Tesco.
The plan is to make a 7am start tomorrow and up through the next lock to be in the Harecastle Tunnel queue in time for the forst run through in the morning.
Good weather - lots of locks, some working pairs - some being mended and some totally abandoned and filled in.
Arrived in time for a late lunch and a shopping trip to Tesco.
The plan is to make a 7am start tomorrow and up through the next lock to be in the Harecastle Tunnel queue in time for the forst run through in the morning.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Weather delays
22/08/2008 sat out the wind!!
21/06/2008 sat out the rain
14:02 20/06/2008 2.45 miles
Left Wheelock to tackle the first 10 (or so) locks on the way to Harecastle Tunel. Aimed for Hassel Green, a pleasant spot with cheap diesel and a small shop. But it was within loud hearing range of the M6 so we moved on a couple more locks to find a slightly quieter mooring. The weather held and we kept dry although the forecast wasn't too good.
21/06/2008 sat out the rain
14:02 20/06/2008 2.45 miles
Left Wheelock to tackle the first 10 (or so) locks on the way to Harecastle Tunel. Aimed for Hassel Green, a pleasant spot with cheap diesel and a small shop. But it was within loud hearing range of the M6 so we moved on a couple more locks to find a slightly quieter mooring. The weather held and we kept dry although the forecast wasn't too good.
Fish and Chips
19:35 19/06/2008 6.18 miles
Off early(ish) to get out of the Shropshire Union and on to the Trent and Mersey at Kings Lock - mad blind junction with two locks at right angles with a bridge blocking the view and complicated by a water point and Chandlery. That all safely negotiated it was off south through 'industrial' Cheshire including the 'salt mines'.
Moored for the night at Wheelock and had a Fish and Chip supper.
Off early(ish) to get out of the Shropshire Union and on to the Trent and Mersey at Kings Lock - mad blind junction with two locks at right angles with a bridge blocking the view and complicated by a water point and Chandlery. That all safely negotiated it was off south through 'industrial' Cheshire including the 'salt mines'.
Moored for the night at Wheelock and had a Fish and Chip supper.
Forced to move on
15:41 18/06/2008 6.2 miles
We had intended to sit the day out due to the bad weather forcast, but the noise of machinery changed our minds and we set of in threatening weather to head towards Middlewich. In fact it stayed dry and we had a pleasant run. Finding a mooring before the last lock within easy walk of Safeway. (Shopping again). This was the only time we got wet, as coming back laden with bags the heavens opened.
We had intended to sit the day out due to the bad weather forcast, but the noise of machinery changed our minds and we set of in threatening weather to head towards Middlewich. In fact it stayed dry and we had a pleasant run. Finding a mooring before the last lock within easy walk of Safeway. (Shopping again). This was the only time we got wet, as coming back laden with bags the heavens opened.
And out
17/06/2008 5.94 & 2.2 miles 
Reasonable day, set off early to tackle the last run down the Llangollen through a couple of locks and then the final flight of four at Hurleston Junction. Mary had to brave wizzing out of the last lock and joining the main Shropshire Union going north by herself - as the Llangollen locks are not very 'crew friendly' going this way, there is nowhere to get back on the boat! We cruised on up and moored just above a lock to wait to go through and in to the services in the morning. We walked along to have a look and browse the Chandlery, casually asking what time they were open in the morning only to be told that as all the staff were at the Cheshire show, they might not be! Hence the move down through the lock, services and on for a couple of miles to a mooring. Just by a new marina being built, it brought back memories of Crick's extension, with heavy plant working until the light went and off again at 7am in the morning.
Reasonable day, set off early to tackle the last run down the Llangollen through a couple of locks and then the final flight of four at Hurleston Junction. Mary had to brave wizzing out of the last lock and joining the main Shropshire Union going north by herself - as the Llangollen locks are not very 'crew friendly' going this way, there is nowhere to get back on the boat! We cruised on up and moored just above a lock to wait to go through and in to the services in the morning. We walked along to have a look and browse the Chandlery, casually asking what time they were open in the morning only to be told that as all the staff were at the Cheshire show, they might not be! Hence the move down through the lock, services and on for a couple of miles to a mooring. Just by a new marina being built, it brought back memories of Crick's extension, with heavy plant working until the light went and off again at 7am in the morning.
Nearly out of llangollen
6:00 16/06/2008 5.59.miles (liftbridge)
No more sitting around - off to Wrenbury shopping (again) via a manual lift bridge, and then a powered version - the operator gets the feeling of great power as they stop the road traffic and lift the bridge.
On for a few more locks to moor at Baddiley, just before the next set of locks. Weather reasonable but getting a bit cloudy.
No more sitting around - off to Wrenbury shopping (again) via a manual lift bridge, and then a powered version - the operator gets the feeling of great power as they stop the road traffic and lift the bridge.
On for a few more locks to moor at Baddiley, just before the next set of locks. Weather reasonable but getting a bit cloudy.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A rest day!
15/6/2008 day off
Despite it being 'Fathers Day' mother had breakfast brought to her in bed! Then took advantage of the ggod weather to spuce the boat up a bit, a good wash and touched up some paint.
Then sat in the sun with a good book and a glass of wine - this is the life!
Despite it being 'Fathers Day' mother had breakfast brought to her in bed! Then took advantage of the ggod weather to spuce the boat up a bit, a good wash and touched up some paint.
Then sat in the sun with a good book and a glass of wine - this is the life!
Traffic jams
19:58 14/06/2008 8.67 miles
9 locks today - shouldn't have taken long except for 1.5 hours waiting at Grindley Brook, and then a frustrating time throught the next three following an inflatable from a German boating magazine, the crew(one) of which was writing an article about the journey for his mag. and photographed everything, being single handed also slowed him down, despite lots of help.
Eventually moored at a pleasant site (where Charlie jumped into the muddy ditch on the way up).
9 locks today - shouldn't have taken long except for 1.5 hours waiting at Grindley Brook, and then a frustrating time throught the next three following an inflatable from a German boating magazine, the crew(one) of which was writing an article about the journey for his mag. and photographed everything, being single handed also slowed him down, despite lots of help.
Eventually moored at a pleasant site (where Charlie jumped into the muddy ditch on the way up).
A long day
20:39 13/06/2008 15.7 miles
Long flog today including the last of the very shallow and windy bits down to Trevor, round the junction and on up to Whixall past the Montgomery.
Shopped at Ellsmere - strangely empty large choice of mooring.
Ended our cruise outside a 'farm shop' for a BBQ till mid evening.
Long flog today including the last of the very shallow and windy bits down to Trevor, round the junction and on up to Whixall past the Montgomery.
Shopped at Ellsmere - strangely empty large choice of mooring.
Ended our cruise outside a 'farm shop' for a BBQ till mid evening.
20:17 12/06/2008 14.1 miles including walk at Chirk
early(ish) start at llangollen to turn around and creep back through the narrows.
On to the Pontsysyllte Aquaduct and to attempt to see Chirk Castle. Long walk along towpath, up hill to gate and still 2.4 km to go - gave up !
Nice wrought iron gate though.
Through tunnel and over Chirk aquaduct and on to our mooring above the locks at St Martins's Moor.
early(ish) start at llangollen to turn around and creep back through the narrows.
On to the Pontsysyllte Aquaduct and to attempt to see Chirk Castle. Long walk along towpath, up hill to gate and still 2.4 km to go - gave up !
Nice wrought iron gate though.
Through tunnel and over Chirk aquaduct and on to our mooring above the locks at St Martins's Moor.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Llangollen trains
We walked in to Llangollen and took a short train ride. Brought back memories of Eastbourne station many years ago.
Tomorrow we turn round and start the journey home.
Tomorrow we turn round and start the journey home.
The Aquaducts!
And so to Mary's great adventure - steering the boat across Chirk Aquaduct.
She would like to add that she kept her eyes closed all the time - and the Captain had jumped ship at this point in order to take photos.
She would like to add that she kept her eyes closed all the time - and the Captain had jumped ship at this point in order to take photos.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
The next week (or so!)
Latest Google Route
7/06/08 Saturday 7.4 miles
Early start (9.00)
At Grindley Brook up a flight of three closely followed by a staircase of 3, nothing like Watford or Foxton!
Tried for a pumpout at a Viking Afloat - but they were full and couldn't even do their own boats.
Some people never learnt to steer!
Moored by a place called Fenns Wood. Watched the tennis finals at 2pm.
6/06/08 Friday
Sat around !!!
Housework day
Another BBQ
5/06/08 Thursday 5.64 miles
Moored just past Marbury
4/0/08 Wednesday
Through Nantwich without stopping and on the the hairy hairpin bend on the the LLangollen and up the four Hurleston locks.
Llangollen Bridge 13 9.35 miles
Glorious sunny day. BBQ and a lot less wine!
3/06/08 Tuesday 3.18 Miles
Shopped in the new Co-op in Audlem and bought excellent meat at the village butchers. Noted but did not use the Fish and Chip shop.
Cleared the rest of the flight (15 in total) thirteen today
Moored at a very nice mooring site complete with picnic tables and BBQ spaces - had our first on of the trip. Although retired inside to eat as it was not very sunny. Drank a bottle or so and tried to introduce our cruising companions Chris and Helen to Mahjon.
2/06/08 Monday 8.52 miles
Headed off towards Audlem via Tyrley 5 locks.
Moored two locks in to the Audlem flight.
1/06/2008 Sunday
Left the busy Norbury Junction
Goldstone Warf 7.68 miles
31/05/2008 Saturday 10.3 miles
Shopped in Brewood (pronounced BROOD)
Cowley Tunnel and Gnosall Heath
30/05/2008 Friday 13.1 miles
A long days cruise from Gailey that included Autherley juncion just north of Wolverhampton, this is a 'blind' right turn in to a 'stop' lock as the Staffs and Worcs gives way to the Shropsire Union Canal.
29/05/2008 Thursday 11.8 miles
A big loop from Shugborough/Tixall wide via Penkridge to Gailey
Moored in the Gailey Flight
28/05/2008 Wed 1.4 miles
From the Trent and Mersey overlooking the Shugborough estate to the Staff and Worcs at Tixall wide via a pump out at the hireboat base - very helpful as usual.
27/05/2008 Tues 9.75
Weather much improved, plenty of leaves and 'junk' blown down but nothing major thankfully.
Off to another shopping centre Rugeley - Morrisons for food, and Wilkinsons for odds and ends - did you know it was not possible to spend more than £5.99 there - I've always purchased a handfull of bits and pieces and never seem to pay more than that!
Cruised on towards Great Haywood, seeing a Cormorant stretching himself in the top of a tree - no photo as the official photographer had abscented herself.
Stopped below the lock at Haywood with a view across the fields towards the house.
7/06/08 Saturday 7.4 miles
Early start (9.00)
At Grindley Brook up a flight of three closely followed by a staircase of 3, nothing like Watford or Foxton!
Tried for a pumpout at a Viking Afloat - but they were full and couldn't even do their own boats.
Some people never learnt to steer!
Moored by a place called Fenns Wood. Watched the tennis finals at 2pm.
6/06/08 Friday
Sat around !!!
Housework day
Another BBQ
5/06/08 Thursday 5.64 miles
Moored just past Marbury
4/0/08 Wednesday
Through Nantwich without stopping and on the the hairy hairpin bend on the the LLangollen and up the four Hurleston locks.
Llangollen Bridge 13 9.35 miles
Glorious sunny day. BBQ and a lot less wine!
3/06/08 Tuesday 3.18 Miles
Shopped in the new Co-op in Audlem and bought excellent meat at the village butchers. Noted but did not use the Fish and Chip shop.
Cleared the rest of the flight (15 in total) thirteen today
Moored at a very nice mooring site complete with picnic tables and BBQ spaces - had our first on of the trip. Although retired inside to eat as it was not very sunny. Drank a bottle or so and tried to introduce our cruising companions Chris and Helen to Mahjon.
2/06/08 Monday 8.52 miles
Headed off towards Audlem via Tyrley 5 locks.
Moored two locks in to the Audlem flight.
1/06/2008 Sunday
Left the busy Norbury Junction
Goldstone Warf 7.68 miles
31/05/2008 Saturday 10.3 miles
Shopped in Brewood (pronounced BROOD)
Cowley Tunnel and Gnosall Heath
30/05/2008 Friday 13.1 miles
A long days cruise from Gailey that included Autherley juncion just north of Wolverhampton, this is a 'blind' right turn in to a 'stop' lock as the Staffs and Worcs gives way to the Shropsire Union Canal.
29/05/2008 Thursday 11.8 miles
A big loop from Shugborough/Tixall wide via Penkridge to Gailey
Moored in the Gailey Flight
28/05/2008 Wed 1.4 miles
From the Trent and Mersey overlooking the Shugborough estate to the Staff and Worcs at Tixall wide via a pump out at the hireboat base - very helpful as usual.
27/05/2008 Tues 9.75
Weather much improved, plenty of leaves and 'junk' blown down but nothing major thankfully.
Off to another shopping centre Rugeley - Morrisons for food, and Wilkinsons for odds and ends - did you know it was not possible to spend more than £5.99 there - I've always purchased a handfull of bits and pieces and never seem to pay more than that!
Cruised on towards Great Haywood, seeing a Cormorant stretching himself in the top of a tree - no photo as the official photographer had abscented herself.
Stopped below the lock at Haywood with a view across the fields towards the house.
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