Thursday, December 03, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Cruise map and rudder mended
Well its raining (again), glad we arrived home when we did, talking to others at the Marina it seems we were lucky with the weather.
The rudder came out without much trouble and has been straightened and shipped back in its hole - three man job to lift and guide it back in to place, all done whilst leaning over the stern. Very exciting.
Today I've changed the bearing it runs in, and started to repaint the 'swan neck' or steering arm, too hot believe it or not when I was there, but now chucking it down!
For those of you with Google Earth access, this file shows where we went. If it tries to run a tour do not be alarmed, the dates are wrong at the start and I've failed to correct them for some reason, we really started mid May not April.
2009 Cruise
The rudder came out without much trouble and has been straightened and shipped back in its hole - three man job to lift and guide it back in to place, all done whilst leaning over the stern. Very exciting.
Today I've changed the bearing it runs in, and started to repaint the 'swan neck' or steering arm, too hot believe it or not when I was there, but now chucking it down!
For those of you with Google Earth access, this file shows where we went. If it tries to run a tour do not be alarmed, the dates are wrong at the start and I've failed to correct them for some reason, we really started mid May not April.
2009 Cruise
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week 8
Total mileage 337, locks 251, Engine hours 229, actual travelling time 190 hours.
16:50 12/07/2009 5.16 miless 7 locks
Home sweet home! Well Crick Marina anyway. Unusually Watford flight didn't really have a queue, so we only had to wait for a couple coming down before we were in the flight and up, up and away. No one in the tunnel, and before we knew where we were we sailed in to our home mooring. If the rain holds off its the 'last' holiday BBQ tonight and then sort ourselves out for going home tomorrow.
16:28 11/07/2009 4.22 miles 6 locks
Took Bella shopping early this morning and came back with a paper and freshly baked croissants for breakfast - dog waking up early has some advantages! Set off before 9 to join the queue for Braunston lock flight, the first double locks we have seen for weeks. Plenty of traffic so we had a fast run through, the forecast was poor, and we had a little drizzle but nothing serious, through the tunnel in 20 minutes, the BW 'average' time, I don't know how you can do it faster if there is any traffic coming the other way. Reached the junction and turned on to home water for the first time in 8 weeks - moored up before the heavy rain and settled in for the day, getting our strenght up for the home run up Watford flight tomorrow.
16:48 10/07/2009
A rest day, walked Bella, shopped, food and Chandlery. Found the blue paint at last which matches the original Enigma colour, so I will be able to do some touching up at last when we get back to base. We are moving off tomorrow as the angle is deemed walkable on (just).
16:48 10/07/2009
Decided to move on today - single handed! The sitting around is partially because the crew injured their ankle on the rotten Oxford canal towpath and has taken to its bed!
Anyway plenty of people boat single handed - just not me. Luckily no wind or rain, so the 3 locks at Hillmorton should be a doddle. Plenty of boats coming the other way, so didn't have to empty a single lock, just fill VERY gently, as the boat was washing around all by itself.
All went well and so we cruised on to Braunston. Found a good mooring despite it being quite busy, we craftily arrived after lunch, so those only stopping for a lunch break were moving off.
16:48 8/07/2009
Another day of rest!
13:38 07/07/2009 day of rest.
Sat around reading and avoiding the torrential rain, as I write this we are having a load thunderstorm, Bella is not impressed, it keeps waking her up!
13:33 06/07/2009 10.6 miles 0 locks
Gentle cruise from Ansty through the North Oxford canal, mainly wide and straight, with large bridges. The only busy bit being around Rose Narrowboats at Stretton. Always busy there as it is a working boatyard, hire boat centre and shop. Saw Mick and Crystal ex lock keeps from Foxton, Crystal works part time turning round the hire fleet, they seemed in good spirits.
Moored up at our usual spot by the Rugby golf club, this year you can watch the golf as the hedge has been trimmed and laid.
17:47 05/07/2009 11.3 miles 1 lock (stop)
So off on the final homeward run, down through Nuneaton, saying goodbye to Chris and Helen as they turned up the Ashby and continued on around Bedworth to Hawkesbury Junction, took on water and hairpinned around to go through the stop lock and on to the Oxford Canal. Arrived at Ansty expecting it to be full, BW in their wisdom made some of the mooring permanent permit only some years ago, and there never were many! However we were in luck and the last mooring was free - even better the hire boat behind had been to the pub for lunch and soon moved off, so we backed down to get away from the bridge.
16:50 12/07/2009 5.16 miless 7 locks
Home sweet home! Well Crick Marina anyway. Unusually Watford flight didn't really have a queue, so we only had to wait for a couple coming down before we were in the flight and up, up and away. No one in the tunnel, and before we knew where we were we sailed in to our home mooring. If the rain holds off its the 'last' holiday BBQ tonight and then sort ourselves out for going home tomorrow.
16:28 11/07/2009 4.22 miles 6 locks
Took Bella shopping early this morning and came back with a paper and freshly baked croissants for breakfast - dog waking up early has some advantages! Set off before 9 to join the queue for Braunston lock flight, the first double locks we have seen for weeks. Plenty of traffic so we had a fast run through, the forecast was poor, and we had a little drizzle but nothing serious, through the tunnel in 20 minutes, the BW 'average' time, I don't know how you can do it faster if there is any traffic coming the other way. Reached the junction and turned on to home water for the first time in 8 weeks - moored up before the heavy rain and settled in for the day, getting our strenght up for the home run up Watford flight tomorrow.
16:48 10/07/2009
A rest day, walked Bella, shopped, food and Chandlery. Found the blue paint at last which matches the original Enigma colour, so I will be able to do some touching up at last when we get back to base. We are moving off tomorrow as the angle is deemed walkable on (just).
16:48 10/07/2009
Decided to move on today - single handed! The sitting around is partially because the crew injured their ankle on the rotten Oxford canal towpath and has taken to its bed!
Anyway plenty of people boat single handed - just not me. Luckily no wind or rain, so the 3 locks at Hillmorton should be a doddle. Plenty of boats coming the other way, so didn't have to empty a single lock, just fill VERY gently, as the boat was washing around all by itself.
All went well and so we cruised on to Braunston. Found a good mooring despite it being quite busy, we craftily arrived after lunch, so those only stopping for a lunch break were moving off.
16:48 8/07/2009
Another day of rest!
13:38 07/07/2009 day of rest.
Sat around reading and avoiding the torrential rain, as I write this we are having a load thunderstorm, Bella is not impressed, it keeps waking her up!
13:33 06/07/2009 10.6 miles 0 locks
Gentle cruise from Ansty through the North Oxford canal, mainly wide and straight, with large bridges. The only busy bit being around Rose Narrowboats at Stretton. Always busy there as it is a working boatyard, hire boat centre and shop. Saw Mick and Crystal ex lock keeps from Foxton, Crystal works part time turning round the hire fleet, they seemed in good spirits.
Moored up at our usual spot by the Rugby golf club, this year you can watch the golf as the hedge has been trimmed and laid.
17:47 05/07/2009 11.3 miles 1 lock (stop)
So off on the final homeward run, down through Nuneaton, saying goodbye to Chris and Helen as they turned up the Ashby and continued on around Bedworth to Hawkesbury Junction, took on water and hairpinned around to go through the stop lock and on to the Oxford Canal. Arrived at Ansty expecting it to be full, BW in their wisdom made some of the mooring permanent permit only some years ago, and there never were many! However we were in luck and the last mooring was free - even better the hire boat behind had been to the pub for lunch and soon moved off, so we backed down to get away from the bridge.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Week 7 297 miles 234 locks
14:15 04/07/2009 2.08 miles 0 locks
Very late start today as we are only going round the corner to the Anchor Pub for a farewell meal tonight. We have been travelling together since 17th May. Whistler continues tomorrow up the Ashby Canal, as we continue on down the Coventry to Hawkesbury Junction and the Oxford Canal. Bella is much improved today, but doen't think much of her 'pasta' diet. Hopefully we can put her back on normal food in a day or two. Should be home in under a week from here.
17:47 03/07/2009 4.14 miles 11 locks 1 vet visit!
Well what a day. Started at 6.50, to beat the rush to the Atherstone lock flight, shouldn't have bothered, no other traffic. Part way up we discovered why, the heavens opened and did we get wet, not much shelter in the middle of the flight. The crew have added a proper waterproof to her Birthday present list. The current one left her as a prize entry in a 'wet t shirt' contest! Not a happy bunny. We cleared the locks and stopped off to take Bella to the vet, dodgy tummy, very dodgy. So £50 lighter in pocket we were soon on the way, starve her for a day, antibiotics for a week, and Kaolin. Hope it works. The sun is out now and Murray is trying to lose the tennis! Lost!
20:48 02/07/2009 11.4 miles 2 locks
Early start (7am) in an attempt to avoid the threatened heat. Many other boaters had the same idea so it was not quiet and peaceful like it can be sometimes early in the morning. Interesting canal, one end is the Coventry, whilst the middle section today is the Birmingham and Fazeley - all in the building history, this bit has named rather than number bridges. The teo locks at Glascote were no problem - it is here that the canal winds across the middle of Tamworth in a big northerley loop, coming out the other side to turn south again through Polesworth, where we are now, within easy reach of the Atherton lock flight tomorrow.
20:19 01/07/2009 9.55 miles 3 locks
A VERY hot day today -mad dogs and boaters go out in the midday sun! Made good progress despite the slightly bent rudder. Quite calm through Fradley Junction, sometimes this can be very busy, but today there were even spaces at the water point. Eventually saw Chris walking back towards us, they had run imoveably aground whilst trying to moor, and their engine would not re-start! We towed them off and both moored up safely, and waited for RCR again, they know Chris's boat quite well by now. Water in the diesel apparently disturbed when they ran aground. Soon cured. Listened to Murray win, and Laura lose.
17:10 30/06/2009 10.8 miles 2 locks.
Had a sitting around day, obligatory for Tixall Wide, walked Bella, watched tennis etc.
Today we started on the familiar homewood treck along the Trent Valley. Shopped at Rugeley and found moorings outside Kings Bromley.
Not quite the end of the story however, as we were sitting peacefully relaxing when a large shout came from Chris behind us as a boat scraped his side, the next thing we knew was a huge bang and we were rammed. Looks like a small dent and a bent rudder, non fatal. We shouted at the boat to stop, which thet reluctantly did, and took the hire boat company's number. The boat cleared off quickly.
This could run and run.....
20:11 28/06/2009 5.83 miles 2 locks
Late start as we didn't have far to go, only two locks and a long windy, wooded bend around Stafford. Saw the home of RCR (canal AA). We also saw a pair of Cormorants and a Reed Bunting, so the wildlife count improved. Tixall is still without much wild life having not yet recovered from a mink invasion a few years ago. Some large function going on at Shugborough, we can hear the 'music', so we may stay put tomorrow to lets the crowds get through the first few locks away from us.
Very late start today as we are only going round the corner to the Anchor Pub for a farewell meal tonight. We have been travelling together since 17th May. Whistler continues tomorrow up the Ashby Canal, as we continue on down the Coventry to Hawkesbury Junction and the Oxford Canal. Bella is much improved today, but doen't think much of her 'pasta' diet. Hopefully we can put her back on normal food in a day or two. Should be home in under a week from here.
17:47 03/07/2009 4.14 miles 11 locks 1 vet visit!
Well what a day. Started at 6.50, to beat the rush to the Atherstone lock flight, shouldn't have bothered, no other traffic. Part way up we discovered why, the heavens opened and did we get wet, not much shelter in the middle of the flight. The crew have added a proper waterproof to her Birthday present list. The current one left her as a prize entry in a 'wet t shirt' contest! Not a happy bunny. We cleared the locks and stopped off to take Bella to the vet, dodgy tummy, very dodgy. So £50 lighter in pocket we were soon on the way, starve her for a day, antibiotics for a week, and Kaolin. Hope it works. The sun is out now and Murray is trying to lose the tennis! Lost!
20:48 02/07/2009 11.4 miles 2 locks
Early start (7am) in an attempt to avoid the threatened heat. Many other boaters had the same idea so it was not quiet and peaceful like it can be sometimes early in the morning. Interesting canal, one end is the Coventry, whilst the middle section today is the Birmingham and Fazeley - all in the building history, this bit has named rather than number bridges. The teo locks at Glascote were no problem - it is here that the canal winds across the middle of Tamworth in a big northerley loop, coming out the other side to turn south again through Polesworth, where we are now, within easy reach of the Atherton lock flight tomorrow.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
20:19 01/07/2009 9.55 miles 3 locks
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
A VERY hot day today -mad dogs and boaters go out in the midday sun! Made good progress despite the slightly bent rudder. Quite calm through Fradley Junction, sometimes this can be very busy, but today there were even spaces at the water point. Eventually saw Chris walking back towards us, they had run imoveably aground whilst trying to moor, and their engine would not re-start! We towed them off and both moored up safely, and waited for RCR again, they know Chris's boat quite well by now. Water in the diesel apparently disturbed when they ran aground. Soon cured. Listened to Murray win, and Laura lose.
17:10 30/06/2009 10.8 miles 2 locks.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
Had a sitting around day, obligatory for Tixall Wide, walked Bella, watched tennis etc.
Today we started on the familiar homewood treck along the Trent Valley. Shopped at Rugeley and found moorings outside Kings Bromley.
Not quite the end of the story however, as we were sitting peacefully relaxing when a large shout came from Chris behind us as a boat scraped his side, the next thing we knew was a huge bang and we were rammed. Looks like a small dent and a bent rudder, non fatal. We shouted at the boat to stop, which thet reluctantly did, and took the hire boat company's number. The boat cleared off quickly.
This could run and run.....
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
20:11 28/06/2009 5.83 miles 2 locks
Late start as we didn't have far to go, only two locks and a long windy, wooded bend around Stafford. Saw the home of RCR (canal AA). We also saw a pair of Cormorants and a Reed Bunting, so the wildlife count improved. Tixall is still without much wild life having not yet recovered from a mink invasion a few years ago. Some large function going on at Shugborough, we can hear the 'music', so we may stay put tomorrow to lets the crowds get through the first few locks away from us.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Week 6 253 miles 215 locks
17:32 27/06/2009 8.17 miles 10 locks
Good cruising day, spaced out locks which feel easier than when they are all together - Penkridge locks fills so slowly that I had time to nip to the paper shop, and it still wasn't full when I returned!
And after yesterdays rain it somehow feels 'fresher', less humid. Not much sun today but miles more canal with hair raising bends, one of which the gps said was 303 degrees. It felt like a complete circle.
16:42 26/06/2009 6.3 miles 1 lock
And weren't we lucky today, forecasts of thunderstorms at any moment, but they missed us until we had moored for the day - now it really is raining we a vengeance - knocks out the tennis too! The trip is interesting with only one 'stop' lock (between different canals so they didn't steal each other's water), round the corner and on to the Staffs and Worcs canal, and then a very narrow cutting in which you hope to meet no one, we did but luckily right at the far end, so he reversed back. Then miles of winding canal, some bends right angles, one or two feel about 270 degrees.
15:22 25/06/2009 10.2 miles 1 lock
Cool cloudy start, but the sun gradually came through the clouds and warmed things up. We set off for Wheaton Aston for cheap diesel, 49.3p/litre (plus tax for propulsion use), but having a generator and diesel heating you can claim for those, so not all of it is taxed!
Then down through one of the manner cuttings on this canal, not too gloomy today, but on a dark winters day they must be quite dam and cold. On through Brewood (pronounced Brood) for water and the only lock today, reached the mooring just after 1.30. While digging on the bank Bella managed her second dip in the canal!
19:08 24/06/2009 9.95 miles 0 locks
Sun, Sun glorious Sun! Blue skies all day, just what we needed for a good cruise, no locks and only a narrow shallow cutting to slow things down. Services at Norbury Junction after a long wait and then on to Gnosall Heath, rather busy there but we found moorings OK. Went for a shop and a quick pint and then a BBQ. Jay (dog from Whistler) had picked up a tick, but the village vet was close so they quickly removed it, and sold little plastic tools to remove the one. Apparently you have to rotate them so all the legs face the same way and then they come out cleanly.
16:32 23/06/2009 8.37 miles 12 locks
Glutons for punishment, we did another great batch of locks today. Out of the Audlem moorings at 9 and through the last two locks and then on to the 5 at Addeley, fairly fast water again, but no disasters. On to Market Drayton and a quick rubbish and dog stop, Whistler was just round the corner at this point. On up to the next 5 locks at Tyrley. These are set in a deep rocky cutting with little room to spare, so little in fact that as we approached the bottom lock we saw two boats stuck! The boat coming out was wedged against the rock face by the boat about to come in, both of them caught by the strong flow of water. We kept back well out of the way until they had sorted themselves out. Four more locks after this, not quite as fierce but two boats 'pinched ' locks from us instead of waiting which slowed us up. By the time we reached the mooring Whistler had been settled in for more than an hour.
17:10 22/06/2009 4.93 miles 13 locks.
From Hack Green to Audlem, lots of dead straight (boring) canal and then a large flight of locks. We stopped at the bottom for water, and then in the town for shopping, more excellent meat from the butcher (open on a Monday!) fresh veg from a 'deli'. The locks are quite easy, just a lot of them and at one locks the boat was hit by the 'bywash or overflow and tried to turn sideways in the canal, not being wide enough it jambed. I went back to help, and with full power and help with a rope from the bank we eventually got control back. Exciting at the time! Most of these locks are the same, the spare water from the pound above rushes down a shoot and pours in just below the lock to hit the boat on one side as it is attempting to
negotiate the narrow lock entrance.
17:42 21/06/2009 4.7 miles 2 locks
Still no sun, but it didn't really rain either, so no complaints. Saw our first Kingfisher having travelled all this way. It was being chased by a Moorhen, that is when you wish for a fast camera (or any camera that is ready!). We saw a second one later. Travelled down through Nantwich, the scene of our towing in reverse last week - month - one loses touch with time out here. Very peaceful on a Sunday morning.
We ended up mooring at Hack Green, the site of a 'Secret Nuclear Bunker', not ver secret now as it is open to visitors and full of frightening things about the Cold War era and what might happen if we were attacked. Very interesting though and well worth a visit.
17:39 20/06/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Day of rest - walked up the locks at Hurleston a couple of times with Bella, poor weather. We watched the tennis finals from Eastbourne, and read a book or two. Let's hope the weather is more cheerful tomorrow.
Good cruising day, spaced out locks which feel easier than when they are all together - Penkridge locks fills so slowly that I had time to nip to the paper shop, and it still wasn't full when I returned!
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
And after yesterdays rain it somehow feels 'fresher', less humid. Not much sun today but miles more canal with hair raising bends, one of which the gps said was 303 degrees. It felt like a complete circle.
16:42 26/06/2009 6.3 miles 1 lock
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
And weren't we lucky today, forecasts of thunderstorms at any moment, but they missed us until we had moored for the day - now it really is raining we a vengeance - knocks out the tennis too! The trip is interesting with only one 'stop' lock (between different canals so they didn't steal each other's water), round the corner and on to the Staffs and Worcs canal, and then a very narrow cutting in which you hope to meet no one, we did but luckily right at the far end, so he reversed back. Then miles of winding canal, some bends right angles, one or two feel about 270 degrees.
15:22 25/06/2009 10.2 miles 1 lock
Cool cloudy start, but the sun gradually came through the clouds and warmed things up. We set off for Wheaton Aston for cheap diesel, 49.3p/litre (plus tax for propulsion use), but having a generator and diesel heating you can claim for those, so not all of it is taxed!
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
Then down through one of the manner cuttings on this canal, not too gloomy today, but on a dark winters day they must be quite dam and cold. On through Brewood (pronounced Brood) for water and the only lock today, reached the mooring just after 1.30. While digging on the bank Bella managed her second dip in the canal!
19:08 24/06/2009 9.95 miles 0 locks
Sun, Sun glorious Sun! Blue skies all day, just what we needed for a good cruise, no locks and only a narrow shallow cutting to slow things down. Services at Norbury Junction after a long wait and then on to Gnosall Heath, rather busy there but we found moorings OK. Went for a shop and a quick pint and then a BBQ. Jay (dog from Whistler) had picked up a tick, but the village vet was close so they quickly removed it, and sold little plastic tools to remove the one. Apparently you have to rotate them so all the legs face the same way and then they come out cleanly.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
16:32 23/06/2009 8.37 miles 12 locks
Glutons for punishment, we did another great batch of locks today. Out of the Audlem moorings at 9 and through the last two locks and then on to the 5 at Addeley, fairly fast water again, but no disasters. On to Market Drayton and a quick rubbish and dog stop, Whistler was just round the corner at this point. On up to the next 5 locks at Tyrley. These are set in a deep rocky cutting with little room to spare, so little in fact that as we approached the bottom lock we saw two boats stuck! The boat coming out was wedged against the rock face by the boat about to come in, both of them caught by the strong flow of water. We kept back well out of the way until they had sorted themselves out. Four more locks after this, not quite as fierce but two boats 'pinched ' locks from us instead of waiting which slowed us up. By the time we reached the mooring Whistler had been settled in for more than an hour.
17:10 22/06/2009 4.93 miles 13 locks.
From Hack Green to Audlem, lots of dead straight (boring) canal and then a large flight of locks. We stopped at the bottom for water, and then in the town for shopping, more excellent meat from the butcher (open on a Monday!) fresh veg from a 'deli'. The locks are quite easy, just a lot of them and at one locks the boat was hit by the 'bywash or overflow and tried to turn sideways in the canal, not being wide enough it jambed. I went back to help, and with full power and help with a rope from the bank we eventually got control back. Exciting at the time! Most of these locks are the same, the spare water from the pound above rushes down a shoot and pours in just below the lock to hit the boat on one side as it is attempting to
negotiate the narrow lock entrance.
17:42 21/06/2009 4.7 miles 2 locks
Still no sun, but it didn't really rain either, so no complaints. Saw our first Kingfisher having travelled all this way. It was being chased by a Moorhen, that is when you wish for a fast camera (or any camera that is ready!). We saw a second one later. Travelled down through Nantwich, the scene of our towing in reverse last week - month - one loses touch with time out here. Very peaceful on a Sunday morning.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
17:39 20/06/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Day of rest - walked up the locks at Hurleston a couple of times with Bella, poor weather. We watched the tennis finals from Eastbourne, and read a book or two. Let's hope the weather is more cheerful tomorrow.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Week 5 200 miles 175 locks in total
17:27 19/06/2009 8.86 miles 2 locks
Well what a windy day! Felt as if we would be blown away at times, certainly not safe to wear a cap. We made good progress despite the weather, only two locks. Stopped at Venetian marina between locks to change a gas bottle, they suggested that a slightly larger bottle would fit, and with some lateral thinking, they were right, so now I can buy gas at a better rate. Took on water at Barbridge junction and joined the main Shroppie Canal again, mooring at Hurleston junction by the Llangollen. We may stay here for a day especially if it is still as windy.
16:12 18/06/2009 4.93 miles 6 locks
Weather better today - off to Middlewich, good run, busy canal, lots of boats headed for the folk festival. Arrived at the big double lock, nearly first in the queue. The single locks beyond that had lots of boats waiting, but that meant helpers all around. Middlewich itself was chaos as usual, hire boats tied up 2 or three deep blocking the canal. Chris ahead of me managed to set the lock right on the junction for me, so we sailed around the worst bit in no time at all. No moorings available for shopping, eventually stopped on a mud bank and Mary went off. I bought diesel off a travelling barge and discussed the state of the world. Despite rumours the 'tax man' is looking at the red diesel sales and checking up, a number of itinerant suppliers like our one have given up due to the paper work. Moored above 'Winsford Top Flash', part of the Weaver Navigation.
15:16 17/06/2009 8.01 miles 0 locks
Back to our mooring at bridge 176, it would have been a lovely return trip through pleasant countryside, including a 'wide' and wildlife, but it rained. We have been lucky up to now, but today was the weather's revenge. We ploughed on through rain so hard I could hardly see, the combination of steamed up glasses and falling rain limited visibility, luckily there was not much traffic, sensible people staying moored, but we had to move off the 24hr moorings. The rained stopped just before 3 so Bella has been out and the Sat dish is up, for how long I don't know, I suspect the wind will move it before long.
17:58 16/06/2009 7.96 miles 0 locks
Good fast trip to Anderton, through wide winding canal. Busy at Anderton, we booked to go down in a couple of hours, but then crew mutinied and we changed plans. Chris and I went for a boat trip along the Weaver and up the lift, the ladies sat and rested!
19:13 15/06/2009 8.71 miles 6 locks.
Off to see if Middlwich is busy, it wasn't bad before the junction with the Trent and Mersey, apart from a small accident with a Black Price hireboat that didn't seem to notice I was already going through a 'narrow' when he tried to do the same! I reversed rapidly and mainly avoided him - he made no comment!
Once through the lock at the junction it was very congested as there are two hire boat fleets based here, and boats collecting for a folk festival next weekend. The promised thunderstorm didn't reach us so we ploughed on to find a mooring about two hours away from the Anderton lift, our target tomorrow.
19:12 14/06/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Day off, weather good, plenty of sun. Canal traffic busy, as it was the weekend and just outside a marina. We planned to sit it out until Monday when it might be less busy.
19:58 13/06/2009 2.5 miles (!!) 2 locks
Slow day - busy weekend on the Middlewich Branch, the wrong time to move - queued for 1.5 hours to get through each lock, went for services aqnd found their tank was full, so moved on the the new Marina At Church Minshull, we moored outside here last year and were woken by the sound of diggers at 7.30 in the morning. This year they are open and full, with a waiting list. Had to wait behind a hire boat, and then found they had the slowest(smallest) pump, but never mind, friendly staff. Whistler had gone on ahead to find the best 'grass'. We found them a bit later exactly where we moored last year. Nice site complete with picnic table. BBQ in the evening and toasted marsh mallows.
Well what a windy day! Felt as if we would be blown away at times, certainly not safe to wear a cap. We made good progress despite the weather, only two locks. Stopped at Venetian marina between locks to change a gas bottle, they suggested that a slightly larger bottle would fit, and with some lateral thinking, they were right, so now I can buy gas at a better rate. Took on water at Barbridge junction and joined the main Shroppie Canal again, mooring at Hurleston junction by the Llangollen. We may stay here for a day especially if it is still as windy.
16:12 18/06/2009 4.93 miles 6 locks
Weather better today - off to Middlewich, good run, busy canal, lots of boats headed for the folk festival. Arrived at the big double lock, nearly first in the queue. The single locks beyond that had lots of boats waiting, but that meant helpers all around. Middlewich itself was chaos as usual, hire boats tied up 2 or three deep blocking the canal. Chris ahead of me managed to set the lock right on the junction for me, so we sailed around the worst bit in no time at all. No moorings available for shopping, eventually stopped on a mud bank and Mary went off. I bought diesel off a travelling barge and discussed the state of the world. Despite rumours the 'tax man' is looking at the red diesel sales and checking up, a number of itinerant suppliers like our one have given up due to the paper work. Moored above 'Winsford Top Flash', part of the Weaver Navigation.
15:16 17/06/2009 8.01 miles 0 locks
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
Back to our mooring at bridge 176, it would have been a lovely return trip through pleasant countryside, including a 'wide' and wildlife, but it rained. We have been lucky up to now, but today was the weather's revenge. We ploughed on through rain so hard I could hardly see, the combination of steamed up glasses and falling rain limited visibility, luckily there was not much traffic, sensible people staying moored, but we had to move off the 24hr moorings. The rained stopped just before 3 so Bella has been out and the Sat dish is up, for how long I don't know, I suspect the wind will move it before long.
17:58 16/06/2009 7.96 miles 0 locks
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| From 2009 Cruise |
Good fast trip to Anderton, through wide winding canal. Busy at Anderton, we booked to go down in a couple of hours, but then crew mutinied and we changed plans. Chris and I went for a boat trip along the Weaver and up the lift, the ladies sat and rested!
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| From 2009 Cruise |
19:13 15/06/2009 8.71 miles 6 locks.
Off to see if Middlwich is busy, it wasn't bad before the junction with the Trent and Mersey, apart from a small accident with a Black Price hireboat that didn't seem to notice I was already going through a 'narrow' when he tried to do the same! I reversed rapidly and mainly avoided him - he made no comment!
Once through the lock at the junction it was very congested as there are two hire boat fleets based here, and boats collecting for a folk festival next weekend. The promised thunderstorm didn't reach us so we ploughed on to find a mooring about two hours away from the Anderton lift, our target tomorrow.
19:12 14/06/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Day off, weather good, plenty of sun. Canal traffic busy, as it was the weekend and just outside a marina. We planned to sit it out until Monday when it might be less busy.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
19:58 13/06/2009 2.5 miles (!!) 2 locks
Slow day - busy weekend on the Middlewich Branch, the wrong time to move - queued for 1.5 hours to get through each lock, went for services aqnd found their tank was full, so moved on the the new Marina At Church Minshull, we moored outside here last year and were woken by the sound of diggers at 7.30 in the morning. This year they are open and full, with a waiting list. Had to wait behind a hire boat, and then found they had the slowest(smallest) pump, but never mind, friendly staff. Whistler had gone on ahead to find the best 'grass'. We found them a bit later exactly where we moored last year. Nice site complete with picnic table. BBQ in the evening and toasted marsh mallows.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
Friday, June 12, 2009
Week 4
17:45 12/06/2009 6.73 miles 6 locks (inc 3 lock staircase)
And so the gang set off through beautiful countryside and glorious weather! Today was what boating was all about. Two crews to work the wide locks, people coming out the lock or waiting to come in so only half the gate opening/shutting. The staircase was interesting due to the Angry Welsh (Anglo) hire base at the bottom taking up all the space, moored two deep, and two boats coming out to meet us. But all went well, and up we went. We are now moored on the Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch just round the corner from Barbridge junction. Services tomorrow and on to Middlewich for a shop. Again I hear you say! But remember we need fresh food and have a small fridge and even smaller freezer box in it.
19:59 11/06/2009 14.02 miles 8 locks
What a day - the rain had stopped after at least six hours of it yesterday, and we set off for Chester and the staircase lock, travelling with the same hire boat we came down with. Slight chaos at the locks, they stopped for water which delayed us entering the locks, the boat at the top wanted to come down, and 'new what he was doing'.
This involved leaving a paddle open and putting far too much water in to the locks, sorted in the end and off we went.
To Tesco's again! Then to the locks where a young lad offered to help, he was local and had just finished exams. So he helped right through the locks and we gave him a lift close to home. If all youth were like him. We ploughed on making up for lost time earlier in the week and taking advantage
of the lovely sunshine. Arrived at our chosen mooring to find Whistler there before us, having sailed this far and turned around. So the gang are all together again ready for the cruise to continue as planned.
17:54 10/06/2009 8.88 miles 0 locks
Off down to Ellesmere Port boat museum today, lousy forecast so kitted out with best wet weather gear, no rain at all! Very flat country, looks like a flood plain, excellent views of refineries and other industrial works. Had rocks thrown at us at one point but only one hit.
The museum was very interesting, a huge site with plenty of building and things to see.
It rained whilst we were having coffee, but the journey back was dry, although since then we have had a thunder storm and lots of rain, too much for the sat. dish, so no tennis.
17:28 09/06/2009 7.69 miles 8 locks inc 3 lock staircase
Off to Chester, a very historic place, the walk around the walls is much recommended - we declined the exercise! Shopped again instead. Fascinating mixtures of old, rebuilt and brand new buildings. The staircase locks under the city wall is something to behold, immediately followed by a right angle bend. Luckily we teamed up with a large hire boat with crew to spare, almost the only traffic along this stretch, must find out when they are going back!
Bella met cows close up today, she was not impressed, tail between legs and a quiet 'woof' as we left them. Where has the summer gone? No rain, but distinctly chilly today.
17:56 08/06/2009 6.07 miles 0 locks
Sat around in the morning enjoying a dry day and views over the fields to Beeston Castle (ruin).
Curlews in the field at night and apparently a Barn Owl, seen by our neighbours. There are nest boxes for them on the top of poles all along the canal. Then a pleasant run in near sunshine (can you have near sunshine?) along a gently winding canal section. Now moored outside Waverton just outside Chester, so it is an early start tomorrow and off to Chester and Tesco's.
16:51 07/06/2009 3.63 miles 6 locks.
Good start in bright sky - almost saw the sun! Double locks again, Luckily there was quite a bit of traffic so easy to share the locks, which always makes life easier. Lovely canal with rolling hills and woods. One of the locks was a unique 'cast iron' one (photo on the way back when it is not raining). Although a double, a BW warning says not to use it as such as 'due to the construction' two boats may get stuck!!
We are now moored at Wharton's Lock below Beeston Castle, an an impressive looking crag.
17:39 06/06/2009 3.21 miles 0 locks
Frustrating day spent in the rain, we moved slowly up past Hurlestone junction and the Llangollen to Barbridge junction and the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie we will be taking later. Nothing much to see as it was so wet and miserable, we soon gave up and moored.
Whistler is still without an alternator so we will be going on without them tomorrow.
And so the gang set off through beautiful countryside and glorious weather! Today was what boating was all about. Two crews to work the wide locks, people coming out the lock or waiting to come in so only half the gate opening/shutting. The staircase was interesting due to the Angry Welsh (Anglo) hire base at the bottom taking up all the space, moored two deep, and two boats coming out to meet us. But all went well, and up we went. We are now moored on the Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch just round the corner from Barbridge junction. Services tomorrow and on to Middlewich for a shop. Again I hear you say! But remember we need fresh food and have a small fridge and even smaller freezer box in it.
19:59 11/06/2009 14.02 miles 8 locks
What a day - the rain had stopped after at least six hours of it yesterday, and we set off for Chester and the staircase lock, travelling with the same hire boat we came down with. Slight chaos at the locks, they stopped for water which delayed us entering the locks, the boat at the top wanted to come down, and 'new what he was doing'.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
This involved leaving a paddle open and putting far too much water in to the locks, sorted in the end and off we went.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
To Tesco's again! Then to the locks where a young lad offered to help, he was local and had just finished exams. So he helped right through the locks and we gave him a lift close to home. If all youth were like him. We ploughed on making up for lost time earlier in the week and taking advantage
of the lovely sunshine. Arrived at our chosen mooring to find Whistler there before us, having sailed this far and turned around. So the gang are all together again ready for the cruise to continue as planned.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
17:54 10/06/2009 8.88 miles 0 locks
Off down to Ellesmere Port boat museum today, lousy forecast so kitted out with best wet weather gear, no rain at all! Very flat country, looks like a flood plain, excellent views of refineries and other industrial works. Had rocks thrown at us at one point but only one hit.
The museum was very interesting, a huge site with plenty of building and things to see.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
It rained whilst we were having coffee, but the journey back was dry, although since then we have had a thunder storm and lots of rain, too much for the sat. dish, so no tennis.
17:28 09/06/2009 7.69 miles 8 locks inc 3 lock staircase
Off to Chester, a very historic place, the walk around the walls is much recommended - we declined the exercise! Shopped again instead. Fascinating mixtures of old, rebuilt and brand new buildings. The staircase locks under the city wall is something to behold, immediately followed by a right angle bend. Luckily we teamed up with a large hire boat with crew to spare, almost the only traffic along this stretch, must find out when they are going back!
Bella met cows close up today, she was not impressed, tail between legs and a quiet 'woof' as we left them. Where has the summer gone? No rain, but distinctly chilly today.
17:56 08/06/2009 6.07 miles 0 locks
Sat around in the morning enjoying a dry day and views over the fields to Beeston Castle (ruin).
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| From 2009 Cruise |
Curlews in the field at night and apparently a Barn Owl, seen by our neighbours. There are nest boxes for them on the top of poles all along the canal. Then a pleasant run in near sunshine (can you have near sunshine?) along a gently winding canal section. Now moored outside Waverton just outside Chester, so it is an early start tomorrow and off to Chester and Tesco's.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
16:51 07/06/2009 3.63 miles 6 locks.
Good start in bright sky - almost saw the sun! Double locks again, Luckily there was quite a bit of traffic so easy to share the locks, which always makes life easier. Lovely canal with rolling hills and woods. One of the locks was a unique 'cast iron' one (photo on the way back when it is not raining). Although a double, a BW warning says not to use it as such as 'due to the construction' two boats may get stuck!!
We are now moored at Wharton's Lock below Beeston Castle, an an impressive looking crag.
17:39 06/06/2009 3.21 miles 0 locks
Frustrating day spent in the rain, we moved slowly up past Hurlestone junction and the Llangollen to Barbridge junction and the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie we will be taking later. Nothing much to see as it was so wet and miserable, we soon gave up and moored.
Whistler is still without an alternator so we will be going on without them tomorrow.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Week 3
16:26 05/06/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Sitting around day - windows cleaned, rust painted, more washing done. Plenty of sitting in the sun. Grey sky now, so we have retreated inside to watch tennis.
20:55 04/06/2009 6.18 miles 2 locks
Lashed the two boats nose to tail and set of at 8.45, three miles and 2 locks to Nantwich basin where and engineer awaited us. At the locks we let a boat overtake as we tied back together and he kindly carried on in front warning those coming the other way that a towed boat was following. This made negotiating bridge holes and blind corners much easier. So apart from a napton hire boat that panicked and ended up broadside on to us all went well. Once at the arm we had to work backwards round a hairpin bend and reverse a few hundred yards - interesting.
We left Whistler there and carried on to find a mooring. The good news is that not ALL the wiring is burnt out, the bad news was a new alternator is required, possibly tomorrow or saturday. We will wait here a day and see. We can walk up the Llangollen for exercise.
19:59 03/06/2009 3.11 miles 13 locks
Another interesting day!
The plan was to tackle the locks to Audlem shops, stock up, especially from the best butcher this side of Long Buckby. All of that went fine. We moved off through the rest of the locks and on to find a mooring. On the way found the answer to last years huge cluster of ducks around a bridge, today a woman was there feeding them with bags - and bags - of bread.
Anyway we moored and Chris did his daily check to ensure the alternator was not falling off again - this time it was much more serious, the wiring loom had melted! No signs of fire no smell but clearly a melted loom. This does not bode well for our combined journey. Luckily we are within 3 miles and two locks of Nantwich boatyard, so the plan is either under his own steam (fire?) or being towed Chris willmove his boat there, and await their verdict.
But as some compensation, the sun came out this evening and we all had a great BBQ with meat from the butcher.
14:10 02/06/2009 8.51 miles 12 locks.
'Saved by the Fire Brigade'!
Early start to get through Woodseaves cutting and up to the locks at Tyrley before the rush, the cutting is one of those minimal jobs, cut out as little rock as possible, and hope two boats don't meet. We had a clear run, although the temperature was cold compared to out in the sunshine. No problem with the lock, so on past Market Drayton to Adderley locks. Another 5 done and only two more before stopping for the day. Then came the problem, Chris and Helen on Whistler were ahead of us and sailed through fine. When we came to open the bottom gate of the first lock it stuck, try again same result, ask for help from strong young man in boat behind, same result. He called up more of his crew and eventually four hefty, as it turned out firemen, shifted it. Thanks Dudley fire service!
An evening visitor!
18:16 01/06/2009 7.41 miles 0 locks
I forgot about the swarm of bees yesterday - there Bella and I were minding our own business when this loud buzzing started, and the sky went dark! Slight exageration, but a very visible swarm flew low over our heads, so load other boats heard the noise.
Chris and Helen joined us again this morning and we cruised on up the Shroppie, through wooded sections, cuttings in the rock, and our first sight of the Welsh hills.
The boat looked so dusty this afternoon that I washed one side, the other will have to wait until the tow path changes sides.
19:15 31/05/2009 4.1 miles 0 locks
6am dog walk, unfortunately before the paper shop opens on a Sunday. Another very hot day, we headed of for services at Norbury Junction to find it extremely busy, all the half term holiday makers must be returning - we had to wait for 1.5 hours. We once again left Chris and Helen waiting for an engineer, as the bolts had fallen out of the alternator! They are now repaired and setting off to join us tomorrow. Watching the tennis from Paris now.
17:25 30/05/2009 10.5 miles 1 lock
Busy day, in glorious sun. A reminder of what it was like for us all those years ago when we first met a lock! In front of us was a family on a 'Napton boat' - where we used to hire, wondering what to do at the lock. Soon sorted, and on they went. We all stopped for water, we needed gallons as the washing machine has been in constant use. Then on to the 'cheap' garage selling 'red' diesel 121 litres for £70.7 According to the spreadsheet that works out at 1.72 litres/hour. This garage is incredibly popular, due to low prices, and hence very busy, boats were queued up all over the place.
We are now moored at Gnosall Heath, washing hung out in the sun.
Sitting around day - windows cleaned, rust painted, more washing done. Plenty of sitting in the sun. Grey sky now, so we have retreated inside to watch tennis.
20:55 04/06/2009 6.18 miles 2 locks
Lashed the two boats nose to tail and set of at 8.45, three miles and 2 locks to Nantwich basin where and engineer awaited us. At the locks we let a boat overtake as we tied back together and he kindly carried on in front warning those coming the other way that a towed boat was following. This made negotiating bridge holes and blind corners much easier. So apart from a napton hire boat that panicked and ended up broadside on to us all went well. Once at the arm we had to work backwards round a hairpin bend and reverse a few hundred yards - interesting.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
We left Whistler there and carried on to find a mooring. The good news is that not ALL the wiring is burnt out, the bad news was a new alternator is required, possibly tomorrow or saturday. We will wait here a day and see. We can walk up the Llangollen for exercise.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
19:59 03/06/2009 3.11 miles 13 locks
Another interesting day!
The plan was to tackle the locks to Audlem shops, stock up, especially from the best butcher this side of Long Buckby. All of that went fine. We moved off through the rest of the locks and on to find a mooring. On the way found the answer to last years huge cluster of ducks around a bridge, today a woman was there feeding them with bags - and bags - of bread.
Anyway we moored and Chris did his daily check to ensure the alternator was not falling off again - this time it was much more serious, the wiring loom had melted! No signs of fire no smell but clearly a melted loom. This does not bode well for our combined journey. Luckily we are within 3 miles and two locks of Nantwich boatyard, so the plan is either under his own steam (fire?) or being towed Chris willmove his boat there, and await their verdict.
But as some compensation, the sun came out this evening and we all had a great BBQ with meat from the butcher.
14:10 02/06/2009 8.51 miles 12 locks.
'Saved by the Fire Brigade'!
Early start to get through Woodseaves cutting and up to the locks at Tyrley before the rush, the cutting is one of those minimal jobs, cut out as little rock as possible, and hope two boats don't meet. We had a clear run, although the temperature was cold compared to out in the sunshine. No problem with the lock, so on past Market Drayton to Adderley locks. Another 5 done and only two more before stopping for the day. Then came the problem, Chris and Helen on Whistler were ahead of us and sailed through fine. When we came to open the bottom gate of the first lock it stuck, try again same result, ask for help from strong young man in boat behind, same result. He called up more of his crew and eventually four hefty, as it turned out firemen, shifted it. Thanks Dudley fire service!
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
An evening visitor!
18:16 01/06/2009 7.41 miles 0 locks
I forgot about the swarm of bees yesterday - there Bella and I were minding our own business when this loud buzzing started, and the sky went dark! Slight exageration, but a very visible swarm flew low over our heads, so load other boats heard the noise.
Chris and Helen joined us again this morning and we cruised on up the Shroppie, through wooded sections, cuttings in the rock, and our first sight of the Welsh hills.
The boat looked so dusty this afternoon that I washed one side, the other will have to wait until the tow path changes sides.
19:15 31/05/2009 4.1 miles 0 locks
6am dog walk, unfortunately before the paper shop opens on a Sunday. Another very hot day, we headed of for services at Norbury Junction to find it extremely busy, all the half term holiday makers must be returning - we had to wait for 1.5 hours. We once again left Chris and Helen waiting for an engineer, as the bolts had fallen out of the alternator! They are now repaired and setting off to join us tomorrow. Watching the tennis from Paris now.
17:25 30/05/2009 10.5 miles 1 lock
Busy day, in glorious sun. A reminder of what it was like for us all those years ago when we first met a lock! In front of us was a family on a 'Napton boat' - where we used to hire, wondering what to do at the lock. Soon sorted, and on they went. We all stopped for water, we needed gallons as the washing machine has been in constant use. Then on to the 'cheap' garage selling 'red' diesel 121 litres for £70.7 According to the spreadsheet that works out at 1.72 litres/hour. This garage is incredibly popular, due to low prices, and hence very busy, boats were queued up all over the place.
We are now moored at Gnosall Heath, washing hung out in the sun.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Week 2
12:59 29/05/2009 Rest day.
Sitting in the sun doing nothing, except the occasional bit of housework and dog walking.
12:51 28/05/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Shopping in Morrisons and a wondeful shop selling car, household and pet things. So stocked up with spares to mend the headlight, dog chews and a plunger to clear the sink - back to normal life.
We then cruised up the short run to our chosen rest stop for a days R & R. A very nice mooring on the Shropshire Union Canal.
Started work on the headlight mending, which involved moving the horn to the stern and making a short cable for it. Luckily I first cut out a crimped connector in the bow to replace with one I bought, to find that was the fault. So a new crimped connector and all was well.
We had a nice BBQ and taking Bella for a walk later discovered our friends John and Mo from Crick two boats behind us, so we all chatted for a couple of hours.
17:21 27/05/2009 22 locks 8.56 miles.
Early start as we had to tackle the (in)famous Wolverhampton 21, 2 hours to get there from the Museum, and four hours hard slog down the locks. Luckily, although there are a lot of them, they all work well. So after nearly 7 hours we reached Autherly Junction at the start of the Shropshire Union canal.
So far we have travelled for 69 miles, and tackled 103 locks.
17:15 26/05/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Spent today exploring the Black Country Museum. Well worth a visit if you have not been, make sure you are there at opening time (10am), as you really need a whole day, especially if you want to spend time in the replica 'pub' from 1920! We didn't of course - well not for more than a couple of pints to test the local bitter.
The site is covered in buildings which have been imported from around the area and faithfully rebuilt, if they were leaning when taken down they still lean now. And include things like a Hardware shop, chemist, Baker, Nail & Chain maker, Coal Mine (replica) sweet shop, fish and chips shop, and school.
Wonderful.
18:20 25/05/2009 9.3 miles 3 locks.
Fairly peaceful night considering where we were moored - Bank holiday revellers were kind to us.
Out of Gas Street and up the Birmingham main line canal, almost like driving up a Roman road it is so straight, we made excellent progress, a bit weedy but nothing bad, so we soon reached the three locks that let turn down to The Blck Country Museum. Mooring was full so we breasted up with Whistler and settled out in our chairs on the bank making plans for tomorrow. A day off from cruising to visit the museum site.
Not as much sun as yesterday, but not the promised thunderstorms.
18:12 24/05/2009 10.1 miles 0 locks.
Late start, due to crew sleeping in!
An interesting cruise past Birmingham suburbs, Solihull, Bourneville, and Edgbaston. We had an emergency stop after this as Chris and Helen had an alternator fall off the engine. We all stopped and discussed the problem and called out RCR - the canal AA. We left them there and went off to find moorings at Gas Street Basin.
Fascinating place, Jazz bands playing, sun shining and all the latest fashions on display. Eventually C & H caught up with us and we sat on ourboat looking the young people at play whilst eating take out Chicken and Chips - with the occasional glass (bottle) of wine to help.
Sitting in the sun doing nothing, except the occasional bit of housework and dog walking.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
12:51 28/05/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Shopping in Morrisons and a wondeful shop selling car, household and pet things. So stocked up with spares to mend the headlight, dog chews and a plunger to clear the sink - back to normal life.
We then cruised up the short run to our chosen rest stop for a days R & R. A very nice mooring on the Shropshire Union Canal.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
Started work on the headlight mending, which involved moving the horn to the stern and making a short cable for it. Luckily I first cut out a crimped connector in the bow to replace with one I bought, to find that was the fault. So a new crimped connector and all was well.
We had a nice BBQ and taking Bella for a walk later discovered our friends John and Mo from Crick two boats behind us, so we all chatted for a couple of hours.
17:21 27/05/2009 22 locks 8.56 miles.
Early start as we had to tackle the (in)famous Wolverhampton 21, 2 hours to get there from the Museum, and four hours hard slog down the locks. Luckily, although there are a lot of them, they all work well. So after nearly 7 hours we reached Autherly Junction at the start of the Shropshire Union canal.
So far we have travelled for 69 miles, and tackled 103 locks.
17:15 26/05/2009 0 miles 0 locks
Spent today exploring the Black Country Museum. Well worth a visit if you have not been, make sure you are there at opening time (10am), as you really need a whole day, especially if you want to spend time in the replica 'pub' from 1920! We didn't of course - well not for more than a couple of pints to test the local bitter.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
The site is covered in buildings which have been imported from around the area and faithfully rebuilt, if they were leaning when taken down they still lean now. And include things like a Hardware shop, chemist, Baker, Nail & Chain maker, Coal Mine (replica) sweet shop, fish and chips shop, and school.
 |
| From 2009 Cruise |
18:20 25/05/2009 9.3 miles 3 locks.
Fairly peaceful night considering where we were moored - Bank holiday revellers were kind to us.
Out of Gas Street and up the Birmingham main line canal, almost like driving up a Roman road it is so straight, we made excellent progress, a bit weedy but nothing bad, so we soon reached the three locks that let turn down to The Blck Country Museum. Mooring was full so we breasted up with Whistler and settled out in our chairs on the bank making plans for tomorrow. A day off from cruising to visit the museum site.
Not as much sun as yesterday, but not the promised thunderstorms.
18:12 24/05/2009 10.1 miles 0 locks.
Late start, due to crew sleeping in!
An interesting cruise past Birmingham suburbs, Solihull, Bourneville, and Edgbaston. We had an emergency stop after this as Chris and Helen had an alternator fall off the engine. We all stopped and discussed the problem and called out RCR - the canal AA. We left them there and went off to find moorings at Gas Street Basin.
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| From |
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The first week.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
13:45 23/05/2009 5.02 miles 0 locks !!!
Short easy day - and Bella slept until 6.30, a record. We all shopped in Hockley Heath, I'm told the butcher's was excellent, the BBQ tonight will prove it. We cruised gently through a long winding wooded portion of the canal, seeing little traffic, and only one heron. Once clear of the woods we moored before habitation started, it is really built up from now on with the outskirts of Birmingham rapidly approaching. Well nothing rapidly approaches on the canal. Tommorrow we head off for Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham.
15:47 22/05/2009 4.82 miles 19 locks !!
Wow what a day! And it all started with Bella waking us up at 4am, then throwing things she found around at 5.30. Including my camera, which survived apart from a few toothmarks.
So we set off at 8.30 and headed up to Kingswood Junction where the Grand Union and Stratford canals meet. Basically two canals a few yards apart with a short link section between them. After that the locks started in ernest, and carried on for a total of 19, all narrow, so no helping each other out.
By the end we were bell and truly worn out.
Moored in Hockley Heath now working out whether to do 15 miles to Gas Street Basin tomorrow,or just five. I'll let you know.
16:33 21/05/2009 4.42 miles 17 locks !
So we could not put it off any longer - we had to tackle the rest of Hatton. With the ladies steering and Chris and I winding lock handles endlessly we made it to the top. Lucky with both the weather and the locks, most of them were sitting empty just waiting for us.
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| From |
As seems usual now, the weather deteriorated as we came to moor, and we ended up wet again. This afternoon has been quite good with long patches of warm sun. Washing done and dried, all well with world.
16:54 20/05/2009 5.84 miles 6 locks
The next stretch is very bult up, through Royal Leamington Spa, ideal for a shopping trip, beside local shops we spotted Somerfield,Lidl and eventually stopped at a large Tesco. Lunch in hand we set off to skirt around Warwick and tackle the bottom few locks of the Hatton flight, so fewer to do tomorrow! We managed a nice sit in the sun, beer in hand before the inevitable afternoon storm came and sent us hurrying for shelter.
14:23 19/05/2009 4.58 miles 10 locks
Excellent trip through the next 10 locks - the cook and bottle washer has now mastered wide locks, so I have been relegated to paddle winder! Easy(ish) paddles though, we were even helped through one lock by a member of the grass cutting crew, taking a break from strimming his way from Hatton to Napton and back every three weeks.
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| From 2009 Cruise |
The rain (hail) came just as we moored, but the sun is out now so we may get a few outside jobs done this afternoon.
13:48 18/05/2009 7.9 miles 13 locks
Good fast trip to Wigrams Turn, very windy, but OK if you could keep up speed, nasty when slowing for moored craft.
Straight down Calcutt locks, so pleased with ourselves we decided to do the next 10! Still windy but dry, in fact the sun kept coming out. Decided to do the last two when we were stopped by a BW emergency repair of a lock gate but not for long, pity, as we had just got through the first and in to the second when the heavens opened. Rain so hard you couldn't see. Moored blind, and found there was aPub a few yards away so we are treeting ourselves tonight.
20:07 17/05/2009 6.14 miles 6 locks
Weather not too bad so off early from Norton Junction towards Braunston. BW are doing a lot of work along this stretch of canal rebuilding the bank.
About time too as in all the years we have known it the towpath along here has been in a really bad state with very limited mooring.
The tunnel was fine apart from just before the end when we met a ancient piece of 'tupperware' with no light, thank goodness for my hand lamp which made it easy to investigate the suspicious shadow between me and the tunnel exit.
We noticed that the landslip is the same as ever, half blocking the tunnel exit.
We joined the queue for the locks and were about to set off when the heavens opened, and continued to rain on us down most of the flight.
After a quick pit stop we continued on through Braunston and on south to bridge 100 to be welcomed - in the rain- by our cruising friends Chris and Helen. It was nice to sit down for a cup of tea and a chat.
The weather has bucked up tonight with a bit of blue sky, but the forcast isn't too promising.
20:16 16/05/2009 2.18 miles 7 locks
Off from Crick mid morning leaving the boat show preparations behind us, we hope they hav better weather this year - last year they were nearly blown away.
Watford lock held us up for a couple of hours as we missed the end of a 'convoy' down, and so had to wait for the queue coming up. It then all went quite, and we were the only boat moving.
We moored as usual just above Norton junction.
Friday, May 15, 2009
2009 Cruise
Thursday 15th May
And so it is about to happen. Tomorrow we set off on the long cruise.
Itinerary includes Black Country Museum, Elsemere Port, Anderton Boat lift and possibly the River Weaver.
Hopefully the rain will stop one day! The forecast for this week is a bit bleak - but never mind we can sit out the storms and move on when it clears up.
The newest crew member is looking forward to her trip.
And so it is about to happen. Tomorrow we set off on the long cruise.
Itinerary includes Black Country Museum, Elsemere Port, Anderton Boat lift and possibly the River Weaver.
Hopefully the rain will stop one day! The forecast for this week is a bit bleak - but never mind we can sit out the storms and move on when it clears up.
The newest crew member is looking forward to her trip.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Valletta day 12
The Feast of St Paul takes over entirely today - it is a public holiday, most shops are shut, the bells ring, and Bands play. We wandered around and watch the young men from the Pauli Society (looks like an excuse for a good drink the rest of the year) move various banners around and their big fan shaped device which blocks off a whole road. Some time tonight St Paul on his horse - we have no idea where the horse comes in to it - he looks more like St George than anything else - will be winched back down from his pedestal and carried by a dozen fit men on their shoulders around the streets, and back to the Church. The Bands are a cross between the Salvation Army and a dance band. They blow for a bit walk a bit, drink a bit and mill around, then it is all repeated again!
The photos include the Mid day gun, and the boy with the huge piece of chocolate cake, he was sweet. We also have video of the canon being fired and some of the other which were also fired in a salute to the Patron Saint. The Phonebox and Red letter box make you think of home, they are all over the town.
***************** The last photos are of he fireworks for the end of the Feast Day and night time views over Valletta from our hotel roof ************
We've just been sent some Crick marina photos - thanks graham - looks like the boats were nearly covered right up.
The photos include the Mid day gun, and the boy with the huge piece of chocolate cake, he was sweet. We also have video of the canon being fired and some of the other which were also fired in a salute to the Patron Saint. The Phonebox and Red letter box make you think of home, they are all over the town.
***************** The last photos are of he fireworks for the end of the Feast Day and night time views over Valletta from our hotel roof ************
We've just been sent some Crick marina photos - thanks graham - looks like the boats were nearly covered right up.
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| From Drop Box |
Monday, February 09, 2009
Valletta day 11
Big day out to an underground temple!
We booked a few days ago to visit the Temple at Hal-Saflieni known as the Hypogeum. This is a World Heritage site and much protected, so much so that only groups of 10 are allowed in at once, and only 60-80 a day.
First of all we had the bus adventure first, carefully looking up and finding a no. 11 which was listed as going there. Waited at the bus terminus for ages, no no. 11, seems to have vanished and been replaced by a 115. Anyway the driver said he knew where to drop us off, wrong temple, never mind ask a lot of people and a quick walk got us to the door with seconds to spare - you are not allowed in late!
We saw the obligatory film, and then eased our way through an audio tour down three levels underground. Slightly strange, everything that might have been there had been cleaned out, so now only the underground caverns are left, which are very impressive, but needed a few artifacts - and bones to bring them to life.
Cameras were confiscated before the start, so no photos, but it was well work a visit.
We went out to see the fireworks over the grand harbour tonight, but no sign of them. Large firecrackers around 6.30 and again just now (10 local) but all we found was yet another brass band outside the church of St Paul.
And tomorrow is the actual feast day when it goes on all day.
I hear more fireworks now! But I'm not going out to see.
We booked a few days ago to visit the Temple at Hal-Saflieni known as the Hypogeum. This is a World Heritage site and much protected, so much so that only groups of 10 are allowed in at once, and only 60-80 a day.
First of all we had the bus adventure first, carefully looking up and finding a no. 11 which was listed as going there. Waited at the bus terminus for ages, no no. 11, seems to have vanished and been replaced by a 115. Anyway the driver said he knew where to drop us off, wrong temple, never mind ask a lot of people and a quick walk got us to the door with seconds to spare - you are not allowed in late!
We saw the obligatory film, and then eased our way through an audio tour down three levels underground. Slightly strange, everything that might have been there had been cleaned out, so now only the underground caverns are left, which are very impressive, but needed a few artifacts - and bones to bring them to life.
Cameras were confiscated before the start, so no photos, but it was well work a visit.
We went out to see the fireworks over the grand harbour tonight, but no sign of them. Large firecrackers around 6.30 and again just now (10 local) but all we found was yet another brass band outside the church of St Paul.
And tomorrow is the actual feast day when it goes on all day.
I hear more fireworks now! But I'm not going out to see.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Valletta day 10
Sunday and the very first rain shower - we were still in bed at the time so no problem.
We visited the local (really, just a few hundred yards from the hotel) Scottish/Methodist Church for their 10.30 service, and were amused in the announcements to hear an appeal for help with moving furniture and cleaning the manse. Just what our church had been up to before we left home. They are due a new minister on Feb 20th, so are fairly excited, being the only church of their type on the island can make them feel isolated, especially with the staunch catholic nature of the community.
Over lunch in an open air restaurant we were regaled with a detailed report of the football from last night - apparently Valletta were nearly robbed of the match, but came through in the penalties 4-1.
The statues lining the streets are still wrapped up, apart from the one I photoed which is resting on two huge sawing horse type devices in the street. We assume it is heading somewhere, but has not yet arrived!
Tomorrow we are going to the Hypogeum in Ħal-Saflieni,is a subterranean structure excavated c. 2500 B.C., probably our last major outing.
We visited the local (really, just a few hundred yards from the hotel) Scottish/Methodist Church for their 10.30 service, and were amused in the announcements to hear an appeal for help with moving furniture and cleaning the manse. Just what our church had been up to before we left home. They are due a new minister on Feb 20th, so are fairly excited, being the only church of their type on the island can make them feel isolated, especially with the staunch catholic nature of the community.
Over lunch in an open air restaurant we were regaled with a detailed report of the football from last night - apparently Valletta were nearly robbed of the match, but came through in the penalties 4-1.
The statues lining the streets are still wrapped up, apart from the one I photoed which is resting on two huge sawing horse type devices in the street. We assume it is heading somewhere, but has not yet arrived!
Tomorrow we are going to the Hypogeum in Ħal-Saflieni,is a subterranean structure excavated c. 2500 B.C., probably our last major outing.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Valletta day 9
Saturday and still snowing at home we hear. Slow morning buying the local Malta Times and reading it whilst sat in the sun. Then the wind got up and we retreated to look around the Grand Masters Palace. Once the official and private residence of the Grand Order of St John. The palace is now the president's office and seat of the Maltese Parliament, but the State RFooms are open to the public. You go up the 'back stairs' and past the Opposition Whips Office to get in!
The Armoury is also on the tour and has a vast collection of Knights armour and weapons.
In the evening we went and saw some of the Band procession for the start of the Feast of St Paul. It looked to be going on all night. Crowd control (or lack of crowd) was complication as far as the police were concerned by a local football match between deadly rivals - every so often a crown surged out of a bar cheering and then quickly returned to watch again.
I can see why now I've just found the score.
Valletta 2 Floriana 2 - Valletta through on penalties
League leaders Hibs were eliminated from the FA Trophy this evening and Valletta just managed to scrape through on penalities.
The Armoury is also on the tour and has a vast collection of Knights armour and weapons.
In the evening we went and saw some of the Band procession for the start of the Feast of St Paul. It looked to be going on all night. Crowd control (or lack of crowd) was complication as far as the police were concerned by a local football match between deadly rivals - every so often a crown surged out of a bar cheering and then quickly returned to watch again.
I can see why now I've just found the score.
Valletta 2 Floriana 2 - Valletta through on penalties
League leaders Hibs were eliminated from the FA Trophy this evening and Valletta just managed to scrape through on penalities.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Valletta day 8 update
Having a frustrating time with the software that I use to add the GPS position data to the photos. The original software which worked last year now pretends to work, edits the files and leaves them of zero length!
One replacement works but is crude to say the least, and the last one I've found tonight is really good, and can even add position information, but this depends on a web server apparently being used by a very large number of Apple iPhone users, and so its very busy. Anyway I hope that by tonight all the photos will have correct position info and show in the right place on a Google Map. Fingers crossed.
Watching Sky News and seeing the snow at the moment, which I was at home to play in it -.
One replacement works but is crude to say the least, and the last one I've found tonight is really good, and can even add position information, but this depends on a web server apparently being used by a very large number of Apple iPhone users, and so its very busy. Anyway I hope that by tonight all the photos will have correct position info and show in the right place on a Google Map. Fingers crossed.
Watching Sky News and seeing the snow at the moment, which I was at home to play in it -.
Valletta day 8
Interesting day - another exciting bus ride. This time to Siggiewi, apparently British troops used to call it 'Siggy Wiggy'. The home of a large, now disused quarry. It houses a museum and exposition of the history of Sandstone mining. Strange rushed affair with the all too common headphones and MP3 player, taking you from place to place full tilt. The best idea was to turn the player off between each talk so one could take it in, in peace! Very quiet town/village, the centre of which consisted of the obligatory Catholic church and socialist club, with a seat so you could wait for the bus. The locals were very friendly, and have all been watching Sky news and seeing the snow in England. They have never seen snow here, or at least not for at least 50 years, although they do have very heavy hail occasionally.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Valletta day 7
A glorious sunny day - forecast was cloud/rain! But we had a clear blue sky and sun all day. It was a 'day off' day today, we just wandered the town and ended up back in our favourite spot overlooking the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens. Just a few pictures, the front of the hotel and the little cafe in the gardens.
The excitement is building up here for the St Paul's Feast celebrations this weekend, plinths all over the place and lights in preparation for the parades that take place - we are looking forward to the fireworks over the Grand Harbour on Monday and various parades of Bands.
The excitement is building up here for the St Paul's Feast celebrations this weekend, plinths all over the place and lights in preparation for the parades that take place - we are looking forward to the fireworks over the Grand Harbour on Monday and various parades of Bands.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Valletta day 6
Well here we are half way through the holiday and yet to take a bus! So today we went to the bus terminus - a large roundabout surrounded by bus stands and found a bus to Mdina. The buses all seem to be single deckers cast off from early britsh fleets of around the 50s. The bus we took went down the main road towards Mdina, and then diverted around Rabat and the surrounded villages before returning to Mdina. Traversing some alarming bumpy and narrow side roads on the way. I'll try to put a link here to a Google earth path to show what I mean (it will have to wait till I return to the UK, this laptop hasn't got the required software).
And so we explored 'The Historic Citadel of Mdina'. Another Cathedral - 'co' to Valletta, this one the Cathedral of St Paul. Had a snack lunch sat up on the bastions overlooking the surrounding countryside - which showed why Mdina was built were it was. The highest point around.
The final photos are back in Valletta, we were drinking coffee trying to make out what the thing on the wall was when this cute little girl started to look all around with the reveresed binoculars.
And so we explored 'The Historic Citadel of Mdina'. Another Cathedral - 'co' to Valletta, this one the Cathedral of St Paul. Had a snack lunch sat up on the bastions overlooking the surrounding countryside - which showed why Mdina was built were it was. The highest point around.
The final photos are back in Valletta, we were drinking coffee trying to make out what the thing on the wall was when this cute little girl started to look all around with the reveresed binoculars.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Valletta day 5
A more peaceful day.
Across to the other side of Valletta - in fact just a few yards right from the Hotel to Hastings Gardens. Quiet overlooking Sliema and its bays, high rise flats and harbours.
We then walked all the way around the tip of Valletta and back to Upper Barracka Gardens in time for the 12 o'clock gun. After a peaceful sit in the sun we moved in to the centre of town for pizza and refreshments, and to watch the locals about their business.
Across to the other side of Valletta - in fact just a few yards right from the Hotel to Hastings Gardens. Quiet overlooking Sliema and its bays, high rise flats and harbours.
We then walked all the way around the tip of Valletta and back to Upper Barracka Gardens in time for the 12 o'clock gun. After a peaceful sit in the sun we moved in to the centre of town for pizza and refreshments, and to watch the locals about their business.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Valletta day 4
So this was the Historic Sites Visit day - we a vengeance!
We signed up for trips to 'The saluting Battery' at Valletta, which is just below the gardens we had already found. Interesting, and we were there to witness at first hand the firing of the noon day gun.
Then on the minibus to the malta at War museum, here we watched a film of Malta GC (george vross) for the ingnorant amongst you and then were conducted around the tunnels all dug out by hand in the very early days of the war as shelters, mainly by women as the men were away at war.
Finally on to Fort Rinella with the only surviving 100 ton gun. This was one of a very few made in the late 1800 and as for all of them was never actually fired in anger!
All the sites are supported by volunteers, and staffed by young men pretending to be soldiers - they did a good job.
A very interesting day, but we are now brain damaged - too much information.
Swordfish promised for our evening meal.
We signed up for trips to 'The saluting Battery' at Valletta, which is just below the gardens we had already found. Interesting, and we were there to witness at first hand the firing of the noon day gun.
Then on the minibus to the malta at War museum, here we watched a film of Malta GC (george vross) for the ingnorant amongst you and then were conducted around the tunnels all dug out by hand in the very early days of the war as shelters, mainly by women as the men were away at war.
Finally on to Fort Rinella with the only surviving 100 ton gun. This was one of a very few made in the late 1800 and as for all of them was never actually fired in anger!
All the sites are supported by volunteers, and staffed by young men pretending to be soldiers - they did a good job.
A very interesting day, but we are now brain damaged - too much information.
Swordfish promised for our evening meal.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Valletta day 3
Today was a bit less hectic, visited the Sunday market. Interesting, some local produce and also a couple of 'car boot' type stalls which looked as if they were leftovers from WW11. Included containers of broken Chandeliers and Army style telephones. We retuned to the gardens for Coffee and a sit in the sun, we had to retreat after a while as a gale come up and threatened to blow us all away.
We found a nice square further in the town and ate a light lunch whilst being entertained by the local menfolk preparing a pedestal for the 'Statue of St Paul', this next week being his ship wreck celebrations.
We found a nice square further in the town and ate a light lunch whilst being entertained by the local menfolk preparing a pedestal for the 'Statue of St Paul', this next week being his ship wreck celebrations.
Valletta day 2
Started the day with a fire alarm! Got dressed grabbed valuables rushed to fire exit (front door) only to be met with the night portrt saying 'no problem' something in the bar had overheated, it was all smoke and no flames, so we could go back to bed. Good job too as not many people had taken notice in the first place!
After that we walked down a very hilly road where the pavement was a series of stone steps, very tiring and someone complained it hurt her ankles.
We went to 'The Malta Experience' and watched a film about the history of Malta, basically a tiny rock in the middle of the trade routes which over the course of 3000 years everyone wanted, and got, apart from the Germans who failed.
Walked around a bit and found the Upper Barracca Gardens" ? A great place to sit and watch across the harbour. Plenty of sun and coffee and drinks on hand - what more could we ask?
Spent the evening in the Hotel Bar....
After that we walked down a very hilly road where the pavement was a series of stone steps, very tiring and someone complained it hurt her ankles.
We went to 'The Malta Experience' and watched a film about the history of Malta, basically a tiny rock in the middle of the trade routes which over the course of 3000 years everyone wanted, and got, apart from the Germans who failed.
Walked around a bit and found the Upper Barracca Gardens" ? A great place to sit and watch across the harbour. Plenty of sun and coffee and drinks on hand - what more could we ask?
Spent the evening in the Hotel Bar....
Friday, January 30, 2009
Malta 2009
Well here we are on our next big adventure!
No Enigma this time just AirMalta and a hectic taxi at 11pm.
Hotel Osborne appears just up our street, quiet and unfussy.
Today, friday, we went for a stroll around the fascinating streets and vistied the Co-Cathedral.
More later.
No Enigma this time just AirMalta and a hectic taxi at 11pm.
Hotel Osborne appears just up our street, quiet and unfussy.
Today, friday, we went for a stroll around the fascinating streets and vistied the Co-Cathedral.
More later.
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