Enigma cruising on

Bulletin

2011-06-15T17:07:00.000+01:00

Well here we are 10 days or so on from our last message to the world.

Mary has been making good progress since we arrived here, in pain when trying to do anything for the first week. We had the Doctor out and he examined her and said nothing broken 'just keep taking the tablets and let nature take its course.' Meanwhile exercising to keep the muscles from wasting!
Just today (wed) Mary got dressed for the first time, and sat up in chair, so we now feel the end is in sight, we may even get off the boat and back to Buckby before many days are over.

Meanwhile, when not tending the sick I've been getting on with lots of boating jobs. The picture shows my bow thruster tube and motor, waiting for the engineer to give it a bit of TLC. Its given me the chance to de rust and paint the bilge all around it, with some very smelly (and probably toxic paint).

Some of my neighbours here have lots of bird feeders, and throughout the day they are full of Tits of various sorts, and the odd crow or to trying their luck.

We are very lucky having such good friends here and at home, so we have had no shortage of help and company. Thanks to you all.

Trip to Stratford - week four

2011-06-05T20:02:00.001+01:00

16:23 28/05/2011 4.75 miles 10 locks
Found a locking partner whilst walking the dog, a dutch couple exploring our canals (not enough in Holland) with an english couple, so plenty of crew. As it turned out, the start of the bank holiday has brought out the boats and there was plenty of traffic, some being silly and not waiting to share locks, but that is their problem, it takes them more time.A good, but windy trip down to Long Itchington, rain threatened some of the time, but mainly held off.
In the afternoon I studied the map and set off with the dog to find the village shop, which I failed to find last time. Easy once you know the trick, up the old railway cycletrack, and down the lane for a mile, their set in the old village is a modern one stop co-op. Who gave planning permission for that I cannot imagine.

16:29 29/05/2011 day of rest.
We all went to the co-op to collect the paper and explored a bit more of the village, a lot of the houses are name 'old xyz'. As in village shop, post office etc. We did find a working hairdresser!
Very windy today, glad we are moored up, a bit worried watching the canl level here, it is definitely short of water, down by at least 4 inches.

16:24 30/05/2011 3.11 miles 10 locks
Rain, rain glorious rain, just right for a spot of locking!! It hasn't really stopped for long all day, except perversely the twice I've walked Bella. Pity about the last day of the Crick Show, never mind they had two goodish days. We gave up trying to keep dry through the locks and just carried on, steamed
up glasses or not. Crossing the lock gates when it is so wet is not good, slippery and can be dangerous, we had teamed up with another boat and took it in turns to do the nasty bits, apart from that there was a suprising amount of traffic coming the other way which is helpful. We are now sat listening to the rain on the roof, with the Central heating on.

16:14 05/06/2011 11 locks 3 miles and home (but not all in one day)

Sorry no updates recently. Unfortunately one of the crew had an accident in the night falling backwards in to the shower cubicle and injuring her back/arm/leg whatever. Now confined to bed. I did a few of the locks by myself and reached Braunston, when I called in reinforcements and Alison came to the rescue. So Braunston locks were no problem. We stopped for the night at Norton Junction as we usually do, and were within two boats of getting a tree on our roof!
The wind brought a large tree down on to the cratch (front cover) of a very posh boat. The owners were away at the time, a nasty shock when the got back. BW were called out, two men arrived (but with no tools). Went away to fetch a 'saw'. We inocently though 'chain saw', oh no, more like a large hacksaw. But it did the job of cutting away foliage, when it become apparent that the boat had been very lucky, the tree was suspended over them, and with a bit of trimming, it was reversed out from under the tree.

We are now settled in the Marina and working out our next steps, possibly staying here till Mary can walk........

Total distance travelled around 90 miles with 180 locks.

Trip to Stratford - Week 3

2011-05-27T20:16:00.001+01:00

15:32 21/05/2011 3 miles 1 lock
Getting organised now, went and collected the paper I ordered last night! I'll get it delivered next. Only a short journey today so we sat and read the paper ran the washing machine and generally had a lazy start, eventually moving off following two hire boats. Acroos the long aquaduct again, crew hiding inside as usual. The only lock on this section held us all up with something stuck behind the lock gate, a BW man appeared with a long rake like tool and hooked something out, promptly vanishing again. Pity he didn't stop as the gate stuck for the next boat as well, luckily he had a long pole of his own and raked around in the mirk for a bit clearing the gate. Moored at Wooten Wawen, just below the next aquaduct watching tennis.

17:18 22/05/2011 1 mile 0 locks
Gales today, so we moved up to just below the next flight of locks but put off going up them till tomorrow. No point in fighting the wind, it may be calmer tomorrow! But looking at the forecast I'm not too sure.

20:48 23/05/2011 1.9 miles 8 locks
Well today was suppossed to be calmer, but we battled on through gale force winds - luckily we were the only foolish boat going out way, so boats coming down the locks had set all the locks for us which made the journey much easier. Moored safely at Lowsonford, then the heavens opened, the Sky dish blew away and we hunkered down! By late afternoon all was peace and light and now we have a clear blue sky and no wind.

18:56 24/05/2011 4.32 miles 9 locks
Weather much improved today, so we set off for the next 9 locks (disputed number this, some maps show 10). Going up the locks with no one in front of us meant many of them were empty and waiting, or only needed a little water let out. Then a boat got in front of us, it must have been moored between locks overnight, but traffic started coming down at about the same time, so all was well. Soon we were at the Junction of the GU and Stratford, so it was round the hairpin to change our journey from mainly North, to South-East. Interesting watching a hire boat negotiate the tight bend, straight in to the bank! Nice sunny evening now although no warm enough to sit out. I wonder how Crick Boat show preparations survived the high winds.

17:27 25/05/2011 4.81 miles 21 locks
Didn't we do well today, moved from our mooring to just above the Hatton flight to wait for company down the wide locks to find a boat already there, the crew had gone to the Cafe for breakfast, turned out to be 3 men, deserted by their wives who refused to go boating any more! So we fairly sailed down the 21 locks soon working out a good routine with someone going on ahead to set the next lock, we met no boats coming the other way, and were sat at our mooring below the bottom lock for a good 2 hours before anyone else came down. Hazy sun all day just right for boating, we celebrated with a bacon and egg lunch.

19:59 26/05/2011 1.12 miles 2 locks
Short spin in the showers, round the top of Royal Leamington Spa, not very inspiring, the only mooring appear to be in the more industrial areas, the rest is narrow tow paths with concrete edges. We returned to the mooring we found on the way out, river below us and farm above.

20:05 27/05/2011 day of rest.
A day of rest, but we did the laundry, hoovered and did the house cleaning, quite a pleasant spot to moor for a day, Bella cannot relax on the towpath however as it is plaqued with fast moving (but polite) cyclists.

Trip to Stratford - Week 2

2011-05-20T19:32:00.000+01:00

12:02 15/05/2011 Day of rest!!

19:58 16/05/2011 4.29 miles 9 (narrow) locks

Left our nice mooring early for a brisk run up to Kingswood Junction, where the Grand Union meets the Stratford on Avon Canal, interesting junction, blind turn(s) around a hairpin to leave the GU going North and get across to the Strattford going south, lucky it was quiet and not windy. The boat is wearing out on us however, the bow-thruster has failed which makes some operations more difficult, and the fridge refuses to light on the gas, so is running of the batteries, which flats them! The narrow locks are quite light to operate, but are showing signs of age, with some of the lock winding gear very worn.

20:31 17/05/2011 4.37 miles 8 locks

Down through a lock with a really nasty offset bridge, designed to remove boat chimneys, luckily I saw it coming and removed ours! Took on water and plugged on through the Warwickshire countryside, taking in another 7 locks, we got it down to a good routine by the end, unfortunately we were following another boat so right until the last couple we had to fill the locks before we could go in. Never mind the weather stayed fine although windy and warm. We passed overf a fascinating cast iron aquaduct, and then at Wootton Warwen, called in at the marina for a pump-out, on the aquaduct he said, and unbelievably the do the deed whilst you are moored on another one way aquaduct, thus stopping all canal traffic.

16:01 18/05/2011 3 miles 1 lock

Really in to Shakespeare Country now, after a gentle cruise through only one lock we are moored at Wilmcote the (alleged) home of the Bard's mother. We spent an interesting hour or so looking Mary Arden's hose/farm and took oodles of photos. We stopped for lunch, and were amused by a class of primary aged children in period costumes, on an 'educational' day out. We walked home (well back to our mobile base) in the first real rain of this trip. Nearly forgot the best view of the day, another Aquaduct! Or actually 2, one very short but the other Bearley a good 200 feet long, with a good drop down to the road and path beneath.

20:08 19/05/2011 4.13 miles 13 locks

Said Goodbye to Wilmcote and Shakespeare's Mother, and off down the 12 locks to Stratford. More traffic than we have seen for all the time we have been out. Some of these locks are really hard work with very worn lock gear. However after 3.5 hours we reached the outskirts of Stratford and filled the diesel tank before winding (turning round) before the bottom locks. No where to moor and rather industrial so we went back up a lock to where it is more peaceful and we could sit out and enjoy the sun on the canalside. Shopping tomorrow.

17:07 20/05/2011 1.29 miles 11 locks

Peaceful mooring is a relative term - nearly under the A46 cannot said to be quite, although it did seem to calm down late at night. A kind Fairy (thanks Carol) took us shopping to Tesco's, so the larder is full again. We then tackled the 11 locks up to Wilmcote, not a single boat came the other way, so every
lock was full and had to be emptied before we could fill it up again with us in it. What I don't understand is why some lock paddles wind up and down we no real effort whilst others (same design) require brute force. And where has all the traffic gone? No boat has come by (possible 1) since we moored 2 hours ago. Just purchased a clever windlass, with 4 holes all in a line which allows you to use it as a 'short' handle required by some locks, or a 'long' handle when leverage is required. Full report later.

Trip to Stratford - week one

2011-05-15T11:15:00.002+01:00

09:36 09/05/2011 Norton Junction 3.57 miles 7 locks
Left Crick two days ago! Weather not looking too bright, so we moored above Watford locks, away from the motorway and spent our first night out being serenaded by sheep - aren't they noisy things! Luckily they seem to be quiet in the morning so we had a lazy start to the day before tackling the Watford flight.Moored in our usual spot at Norton, and celebrated by having a BBQ, the first boating BBQ of the season.
We should be off to Braunston today, but the crew are sleeping still.

17:18 10/05/2011 Flecknoe 3.28 miles 0 locks

Stocked up the larder and found some new elastic straps to hold the cratch cover in place, after 8 years they were sagging a bit - like parts of us. We had a leisurely cruise through flat farming land, Rape giving way to cows and sheep after a while. One load of clothes washed and dried as we ambled along. The canal here follws the 330 foot contour, and so wanders around quite a lot, luckily there is not much traffic so no suprises around the bends.

19:10 11/05/2011 Long Itchington 6.77 miles 13 Locks
Overcast morning as we cruised up to Napton Junction, turning right to follow the Grand Union north west. Arived at the first three locks, typical of our luck, a wide canal with double locks, but no one else around, so we went through by ourselves, then on to the bottom of the Stockton flight, 8 in short space and then 2 more around the corner. Learning from past mustakes we moored up, polished the brass and had lunch, two hours later another boat turned up, and we sailed through the 8 locks in record time (1 hour).

19:33 12/05/2011 Royal Leamington Spa 4.75 miles 10 locks
Bascote locks dropped us down to just over 210 feet from the 330 feet of a few days ago, heavy work some of these locks, but we teamed up with a hire boat of enthusiastic Germans, who appreciated our 'organised ways'. Luckily that meant they didn't notice who did most of the work!Sat in the glorious sunshine now outside RLS, we aim to traverse that gentle tomorrow whilst I open prezzies (wishful thinking) and look for a Supermarket to restock on essentials. River Leam is meandering away below us, not muck wildlife around here, although the birds all seem to think we want waking up with the first rays of light.

19:24 13/05/2011 Bottom of Hatton Locks 5.39 miles 32 locks
(Tesco's, Water and Hoovering)Well what a day, my birthday for a start, and secreted prezzies were un earthed, thanks to all concerned. Bella helped unwrap them, she does so like a good parcel. We then went in to 'clean the boat mode' after a week out, washing maching going, vacuuming - not concurrently the power drain is too high and a big red light starts to flash. Cruised off to find a supermarket after that and replenished the larder (cellar). Then took on water and went up through the next two locks. Now esconced below the Hatton 21 flight, luckily with a boat behind us to go up with in the morning.

18:39 14/05/2011 Bridge 61/2 after Shrewley tunnel 5.06 miles 21 locks (Hatton flight)
Well what a day, perfect blue sky to start the day when I walked Bella, up and ready to go by 7.30. Cruising partners from the night before had a long lie in instead. Eventually another boat we had travelled with a few days earlier arrived and off we set (Hatton is not to be tackled by single boats). We soon go a rythmn sorted out and fairly flew up the locks, top to bottom including a tea( coffee, dog walking) break in 3.5 hours, pretty good going. We cruised on for a mile or so and found a nice open mooring to spend the rest of the day. We may stay here tomorrow.

Summer 2011

2011-05-04T17:14:00.002+01:00

Bags are being packed, t-shirts at the ready, it's time for the off!
This year we hope travel (slowly) to Stratford on Avon, if it starts to pour in a week or so you know we are part way through the Hatton flight.

And in case you ever wondered, this is what Enigma looks like out of the water. The big hole is the tube of the bow thruster.

Week 8 and home

2010-07-29T15:34:00.001+01:00

Total of 302 miles 141 locks

14:40 26/07/2010 3.57 miles 7 locks

And so to home! In the rain, not serious but made Watford locks more interesting!

Only a couple of boats in front of us in the queue, so we soon made it to the top and off through the tunnel back to our mooring. It seems strange to be back here at Crick after all this time away, still it will be nice to go home and see the state of the garden.

(later) Bushes all growing out of control despite the work of alison to cut them back, and we now have cows just over the fence, much to Bella's excitement.

17:23 25/07/2010 5.24 miles 6 locks

Sunday morning madness had set in and by the time we reached the Braunston flight there was a big queue, so we floated around for our turn, eventually locking through with a boatload of young families ( 6 adult 5 children) out for a long weekend, they had been told to 'see the tunnel', which of course involves doing all the locks twice, before returning the boat tomorrow. Now moored at Norton junction ready for the last run home tomorrow through Watford locks.

17:18 24/07/2010 7.23 miles 3 locks

Strange lack of wildlife around here, plenty of cows however! Proper herds all of one type unlike the ratbag collection we have in Buckby. Enough traffic at Hilmorton to make the locks easy, including a young mum who raced everywhere on her bike and insisted on helping us through the locks. We found a pleasant mooring outside Braunston and watched hireboats wizzing by.

19:34 23/07/2010 10.5 miles

Very slow run down to Rugby, a queue of 5 or 6 boats behind a Rose day boat, it eventually moored at Newbold - on the water point and went to the pub! Still it was a great relief to get out from behind them. They reapeared late afternoon having found the throttle thundering back towards Rose to return the boat before the end of the day. We shopped in Tesco and moved on to the golf course to moor for the night. The weather gradually improved with the sun coming out late afternoon.

16:51 22/07/2010 12.6 miles 1 lock

Today's cruise is through Nuneaton outskirts, not very inspiring, but suprisingly clean in the canal, I only counted one bike, and a water tank that had fallen off an allotment! Bedworth is even less inspiring eventually going past the large waterside rubbish dump (sorry it pretends to be a working boatyard), a huge school and finally a golf course, before we hairpin round at Hawksbury junction off the Coventry canal on to the North Oxford. As we pssed through the stop lock the heavens opened and we had steady rain for a short time with thunder in the background. It soon stopped however and we were able to moor in Ansty in the dry. Very tame Moorhen here it keeps trying to come inside the boat.

16:52 21/07/2010 4.61 miles 11 locks

Glorious day, mainly sunny with a bit of wind, headed off for Atherstone flight, and within the space of one lock saw Chris and Helen walking down the other way - what a difference having them around makes. Even so the locks fill extremely slowly, and at the beginning there was little traffic in the opposite direction, so it took around four hours. We rewarded ourselves with chips from the 'chippy'. We are now sitting near the BW Hartshill yard in the evening sun, drink in hand. What a hard life.

18:56 20/07/2010 10.9 miles 2 locks

Well don't speak too soon but we had an excellent days cruising, weather forecast horrible, we had warm air, sun and no rain! And talk about lucky, Glascote locks which had huge queues coming this way went we went down them, had no traffic at all, so we quickly zipped through ( quickly is not quite the word here they are the slowest locks to fill I think I've ever met). Not much wildlife around here, its strange how some parts of the canal have ducks, geese, kingfishers and moorens in abundance, whilst others hardly any. Tommorrow we pray for a fine day as Atherstone locks are hard work in the wet (or dry)!

20:19 19/07/2010 8.91 miles 3 locks

First away from our moorings in nice sunny weather, but we were in for a shock, the bottom Fradley Junction lock had a queue, 5 or 6 boats long. By the time we got through what felt like hours later there were even more boats in the queue. No idea why, but probably not helped by no boats coming the other way - very strange. We took on water at the junction and then got stuck behind two boats competing to see how slow they could go! We do not go fast, but having to drop in to neutral to avoid catching them up is a bit much.

Week 7

2010-07-18T17:41:00.005+01:00

17:23 17/07/2010
rest and recreation day in Tixall Wide.

17:26 16/07/2010 9 miles 7 locks
Good run in somewhat blustery conditions, water level way down in some of the pounds, which slows  progress. BW are doing a good job with 'spot dredging' through bridge holes and lock entrances, the crew
we saw when coming the other way at Tixall, have now advanced about two locks, but there is evidence of
their work all along the canal. They were distracted this morning helping to remove fallen Willow trees,  the winds last night brought a few down. Part of the route goes through Acton Trussell, it looks and  expensive place to live, with new canalside houses with extensive smart gardens.

20:03 15/07/2010 4.48 miles 5 locks
Easy run down through Gailey. Looked bad at first, three boats at the locks in front of us. Luckily two  were taking on water and one was coming up. So all of a sudden we were first in the queue and away  through the locks. A couple more Kingfishers were spotted on the way, but nothing else of note. Moored  before the first of the Penkridge locks and met Jan for a pleasant lunch. Our mooring is opposite a  Moorhen nest, and we have spent a lot of time watching the male (?) bringing nesting materials, yellow  leaves, and only yellow, as well as various bits of green reeds. A Heron has fished next to that, and a  male swan has fought off Mallard chicks who might endanger his baby!

17:27 14/07/2010 9.17 miles 1 (stop) lock
Made a good start as the weather forecast was foul, making good progress down the last of the straight  and narrow 'Shroppie', we will miss it when we turn the corner at Autherley Junction. Shopped at  Morrison's as usual and quickly turned out in to the Staff and Worcs Canal. More bends in the first two  miles than in the whole of the Shroppie!!. We decided to continue until the weather broke, but lunch  intervened and we moored just past Calf Heath Marina. It was damp on and off, but never really wet. We  have had sunshine since then, but now can hear thunder in the distance, so will batten down the hatches.

17:22 13/07/2010 10.1 miles 1 lock
Last day with 'crew', but only one lock. Wheaton Aston was remarkably quiet, even the garage had no  customers. They have done a good job making a tidy landing stage, so filling up will be easier in  future. At the moment Norbury Junction are the same price, so no need to fill. We reached Brewood in  good time and were able to get Alison on to a 2pm Taxi, she was home via train to Birmingham by shortly  after 4pm. Worth remembering for the future. We moved on out of Brewood to Lower Pendeford farm moorings for the night, eeing two or three Kingfishers as we went, so the cold winter did not kill them all off.

16:20 12/07/2010 9.66 miles 0 locks
Woke up to rain, and it continued all day, so the 'man on the rudder' was left out in the rain whilst  the crew hid inside, very wise of them. A few other hardy souls out but mainly quiet with no excitement.  Services were taken at Norbury Junction as on the way out, a very pleasant and helpful staff. We soon  reached Gnosall No-sull) and moored near a Pub for the night, and they serve food on Mondays so we  might be going out for a meal. Alison leaves us tomorrow, we will miss having crew.

16:15 11/07/2010 8.63 miles 12 locks
Water looked a little low today, was that good, or bad? As it turned out good because the fierce by
washes around the locks, first at Adderley and especially at Tyrley were almost entirely noticeable by
not being there! It made the locks a much more pleasant experience. So much of this canal is on
embankments or in cuttings as it is almost the only stretch of canal which did not follow the contour
lines but plowed straight to its target.

Week 6

2010-07-14T19:47:00.002+01:00

20:41 10/07/2010 3.95 miles 13 locks
Long flog to Audlem and back up the 13 locks, the ladies managed to shop whilst I was taking on water and chatting to Dave from Greensleeves. Very hot but overcast and muggy all day. Ended with a BBQ.

20:39 9/07/2010 2 miles 4 locks
Excellent quick trip down the Hack Green locks turn around and back up the locks with the gates all set for us by a following boat. Visited The 'Secret Nuclear Bunker', a possible seat of government in case of nuclear attack.

19:58 08/07/2010 3.2 miles 13 locks
Had a BW boat moored above us last night, guess what, in the morning they were broadside on across the canal, apparently not trying to turn just 'lost it'. 'We do know what we are doing they We were soon down the rest of the flight in to the Audlem moorings to set off shopping. Great place to shop Audlem, one of most things, and it is nice to see shops that were empty last year now with occupants. We were soon on our way again and through the last of the locks. We moored on a Shropshire Union Canal Soc. mooring before Hack Green. Mixed weather, no real rain, but not much sun.

16:05 07/07/2010 8.55 miles 12 locks
Early start from Goldstone Wharf hoping to beat the rush through Woodseaves cutting. We succeeded in this not meeting a single boat. The locks at Tyrley had just the right amount of traffic, one boat in each lock going each way, so we had a fast and uneventful passage despite the fierce bywashes. We soon passed Market Drayton and were soon in the 5 locks at Adderley, all without rain. The weather deteriorated then and as we came out of the last lock the rain really started, however we moved on down to the top 2 locks at Audlem, seeing 2 Kingfishers as we went. We are now safely moored with the rain having stopped and the sun trying to come out. What a difference having extra 'crew' makes to operating all those locks.

17:39 06/07/2010 9.99 miles
Quick run in the sun up to Norbury Junction for the usual services and then on through the cutting, which starts with the interesting double arch with inset telegraph pole. Not much traffic and a nice stretch of canal. We started to list the birds seen so far, Herons, Crows, Kingfisher (1), Cormorant, Buzzard (see photo last week), Baby owl being harassed by Magpies, he was sitting tight on a pole. Swans, Ducks, Geese. Not doing too bad so far.The final stretch of the canal starts to give views over to Wales, not to be visited this year. Moored opposite the pub and tried for a phone signal, but rubbish, that's canal travel for you. Tomorrow we head through Woodseaves cutting (narrow) and then through 12 locks, so I suspect an early start and a good breakfast is called for.

20:06 05/07/2010 8.2 miles 1 lock
Moved on from Bridge 7 to Brewood to await the arrival of Alison, worked well, taxi delivered her just before 1, and we were soon underway again, heading through very straight canals towards Norbury. As usual on this canal there are miles of on-line moorings, why don't they build marinas here rather than up the Leicester Section? Found a good mooring in Gnosall ready for the run through Norbury.

Week 5

2010-07-04T20:56:00.004+01:00

20:20 04/07/2010 5.91 miles 1 lock
Early(ish) start to get around Autherley Junction and on to Morrisons before finding a mooring for the night. An interesting stretch of canal, with a short very narrow section where the canal builders could only cut a narrow cutting through hard rock, luckily we met no one. The junction was clear so we navigated the hairpin bend and entered the stop lock. Having searched in the grass for rings we eventually moored to go shopping. Stocked up again we moved off a couple a bridges to moor to meet Alison on Monday. Unfortunately the wind was howling and the guide books suggestion of one foot out from the bank was more like three. Bella refused to walk the plank, so after a conference we decided to move on, and arrange for Alison to catch us up by taxi.

14:47 03/07/2010 4.95 miles 1 lock
Good start to the day, Gailey lock was left for us to go through, otherwise its a difficult lock, with the entry under the A5 and invisible in the dark. Then the water point was empty and the rubbish bins clean and tidy. Viking Afloat opposite were busy turning boats around, typical Saturday morning activity for a hire fleet. After leaving Gailey the canal winds in an alarming fashion through the middle of a chemical works past Calf Heath marina and on to Slade Heath for the night.

19:44 02/07/2010 2.2 miles 4 locks We met up with friends from Crick (Evenlode) in the morning so exchanged news, they have had a very exciting journey, including crossing the Mersey! Then we walked around Penkridge before setting off to Gailey.A very pleasant country run, apart from the motorway coming and going beside the canal.

19:37 01/07/2010 4.68 miles 6 locks
Well we cannot sit around all the time so we set sail for Penkridge, 6 locks and plenty of country views, but also of course the M6 motorway in the distance! Stopped at Midland Swindlers (Chandlers) for essential spares as the shower pump was on its last legs! Luckily they had a service kit at a very reasonable price, so I was all prepared for a night of hard work in Penkridge. Our friend Jan lives here and luckily was in, so we went to the pub for lunch and took advantage of her kind offer for a major shop using her car! The evening was spent inside a cupboard mending the shower pump, it certainly sounds a lot more healthy now.

19:36 30/06/2010 Sat around for a day enjoying doing nothing.

19:12 29/06/2010 6.6 miles 1 lock.
On the move again having spent a week enjoying Tixall Wide, we turned around and went for water and gas at the Junction, before heading once again up Tixall Wide and on the the first lock. This was made more interesting by a BW Dredger in the lock mouth, luckily we arrived before he attempted to dredge the lock otherwise we would have been held up for some time. We were soon away and cruised around Baswich, Weeping Cross to our mooring at Wildwood, just before the next lock.

Week 4

2010-06-30T17:50:00.002+01:00

19:09 28/06/2010 End of week of R & R !

Glorious week - watching the tennis, meeting friends. Alan and Dorothy on their way back to Crick on Dorothy May, and John and Mo on Josephine II. They entertained us to a great meal on Saturday night. Bella watched hot air balloons, and we enjoyed the sunsets.

Week 3

2010-06-30T17:26:00.002+01:00

19:45 23/06/2010 day of R & R

19:38 22/06/2010 11 miles 2 locks
Prompt start in the sun, with a good run up through Handsacre and Armitage (all your bathroom china made here) and on to Rugeley to shop, via 4 young men paddling surf boards 'for charity', they don't appear to know how heavy a narrowboat is! Stocked up at Morrison's for the next few days, bizarely the moorings were empty at lunchtime, still lots of working boats moving south for the Braunston show. The move south explains the emptiness of Tixall, normally this has a small cluster of working boats, but today none. There is one small sunk boat, apparently the owner 'was taken away by the police' !

20:27 21/06/2010 8.88 miles 3 locks and a swing bridge.
Glorious day - but very busy boats everywhere which made the first half of the day very slow and frustrating. Mad Dogs, Englishmen, and Boaters go out in the Midday Sun ! Said goodbye to Chris and Helen as they turned around to return to their mooring up the Ashby, sorry to see them go. Fradley Junction was busy but with some moorings apart from the water point which was two deep. Probably CanalTime boats moored for the day. Not much traffic around the corner, just enough to help us through the tree locks and we headed on up to Kings Bromley and a lovely mooring under the trees, a cold beer was very welcome.

19:53 20/06/2010 11 miles 2 locks
Bright start to the day although it took a while to warm up, the canal winds around Tamworth, to Glascote locks where there was a short queue (4 boats), lucky for us we were not coming the other way as by the time we reached the bottom of the locks there were at least 12 boats waiting to come up, some of them might still be there now! We watered at Fazeley Junction (for Birmingham), we carried on north to Hopwas and found a Chris sunning himself at a nice country mooring. Tomorrow Chris and Helen turn back for home,so we ended the day with a joint BBQ.

17:54 19/06/2010 5 miles 11 locks (Atherstone)
Well back to locks with a vengeance today, the 11 at Atherstone, at least it didn't rain this year. The guide book describes them as extremely attractive and varied. That is, varied in the time they take to fill, slow or very slow!Around three hours top to bottom about par for the flight, the sun never appeared and the wind cooled us down, we moored in another favorite site away from the trains before Polesworth. Too cold for a BBQ, although the sun has now appeared to warm the evening up.

Week 1

2010-06-12T14:33:00.002+01:00

19:13 11/06/2010 6.64 miles 1 (tiny) stop lock
Jim the Engineer phoned to say he had the new heater, so we sat and waited and very promptly he arrived, fitting was fast as it was a' drop in' replacement, then we played with the diagnostic software for ages testing out all its functions! I think Jim likes the idea of an ex IT man looking over his shoulder. Eventually much poorer we were on our way up towards Hawkesbury Junction and the Coventry Canal. Soon we turned in to the Ashby and looked for a mooring, a glorious sunny afternoon and evening.

16:17 10/06/2010 10.7 miles
Prompt start in the dry to move on up to the shops at Rugby. Saw an old friend 'Crystal' now working for a new boat yard having left 'Rose narrowboats'. Stocked up from Tesco as usual and moved off again, mooring and canal were remarkably quiet. Pleasant if cold run up through cuttings and across the countryside to Rose boats and on to Ansty, it got colder and more windy as the day wore on, so I was in fleece and waterproof by the time we arrived at our moorings opposite the pub.

18:50 09/06/2010 8.53 miles 3 locks
Watered at Braunston and then up the North Oxford and through Hilmorton Locks - just the right amount of traffic to ever lock was in use and then ready for us - bliss. Slight panic later as I noticed the heater coolant was rapidly vanishing, the coolant was being heated from the calorifier and expanding through the clamps put on to stop us losing it whilst the heating was missing, a gallon of coolant ended in the bilge. Moored in our usual place by the golf club.

16:17 8/06/2010
Found an Engineer to look at the water heater, after valiant efforts on his part (thanks JIMM) it still failed, needed spares would cost nearly as much as a new unit! So we ordered a new unit and will have it fitted en route to the Ashby

19:26 07/06/2010 2.24 miles 6 locks
Started out just before 10 and arrived in Braunston a bare 2 hours and a bit later, tremendous run, straight through the tunnel , well not straight Braunston is known for its kinks.No smog so we could see right through. Only three boats coming the other way so an easy passage. Just moored above the locks and made coffee when more boats arrived so we quickly teemed up and shot down the locks to Braunston. All in all a record run.

19:24 06/06/2010 Day of rest! Already! Watched Mens tennis final in the afternoon.

19:22 05/06/2010 3.57 miles 7 locks
Left Crick Marina via the services, cruising at last after waiting for family member to leave hospital.Easy trip in the sun to Watford locks, and only a short wait before zipping down them and on to Norton junction.Moored as usual at the beginning of the restricted 48hr moorings, the first place the sat tv works! Watched the ladies tennis from Paris.Entertained by a thunderstorm in the evening, Bella was not quite sure what to make of it.

Bella-from-8-weeks-to-9-months

2009-12-03T16:01:00.002Z

Cruise map and rudder mended

2009-08-06T15:41:00.003+01:00

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

View a photo slideshow of the cruise

2009-07-16T21:48:00.006+01:00

Week 8

2009-07-12T16:54:00.003+01:00

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.

Week 7 297 miles 234 locks

2009-07-04T15:14:00.001+01:00

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.

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.

Week 6 253 miles 215 locks

2009-06-27T17:38:00.004+01:00

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!

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

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.

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.

Week 5 200 miles 175 locks in total

2009-06-20T10:43:00.003+01:00

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

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

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!

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.

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.

From 2009 Cruise

Week 4

2009-06-12T19:11:00.014+01:00

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Week 3

2009-06-05T17:37:00.009+01:00

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.

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.

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.

Week 2

2009-05-29T21:07:00.007+01:00

12:59 29/05/2009 Rest day.
Sitting in the sun doing nothing, except the occasional bit of housework and dog walking.

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

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.

From

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.

The first week.

2009-05-24T08:32:00.007+01:00

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.

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.

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.

2009 Cruise

2009-05-15T17:47:00.002+01:00

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.

Valletta day 12

2009-02-10T15:43:00.005Z

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.

From Drop Box

Valletta day 11

2009-02-09T20:53:00.002Z

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.

Valletta day 10

2009-02-08T14:06:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 9

2009-02-07T21:39:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 8 update

2009-02-06T19:42:00.002Z

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 -.

Valletta day 8

2009-02-06T14:45:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 7

2009-02-05T15:13:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 6

2009-02-04T15:54:00.001Z

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.

Valletta day 5

2009-02-03T13:23:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 4

2009-02-02T17:08:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 3

2009-02-01T19:23:00.003Z

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.

Valletta day 2

2009-02-01T19:08:00.005Z

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....

Malta 2009

2009-01-30T15:48:00.004Z

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.

Complete edited Google Earth route

2008-09-20T21:28:00.005+01:00

Full Google Route
This link should give those of you with access to Google Earth (sorry old Mac users) our complete journey including the shopping trips (!) and train ride to the Horse Shoe Falls at Llangollen.
And here are all the photos.

Route logging

2008-07-05T20:04:00.003+01:00

Last Google Earth -28juneto5july.kml

As you will have noticed we have been logging our daily route and publishing it as a Google Earth file.
This has been done with the aid of a small box of electronics called a GPS bug (eBAY).
Then this data has been processed using LOCR to put the lat/long info in to the header of the photos - it is missing on some of them, I had trouble uploading photos at the beginning of the journey, and lost the info whilst editing.
The 'bug' can be set to turn on and off by vibration, or only work above a certain speed. Wonderful for use in a car but turned out not to be useful on a boat! So in the end I set it to record data every 30 seconds and just started it before we left in the mornings, and tried to remember to stop it when we finished for the day,
The only problem we encountered was after a tunnel you need to allow time to re-acquire the satellites or the logging stops.

I can give more details to anyone who wants it.

Final stretch

2008-07-05T20:03:00.002+01:00

18:26 05/07/2008 5.19 miles 7 locks
very wet start to the day so didn't hurry. Then made a dry run up to the Watford flight, we were second in the queue to go up with 5 coming down. This took about an hour as nothing can hurry progress through the locks. Eventually we cleared the locks and headed for the Crick tunnel (wet as usual) and our home mooring. Just got back in time to beat the rain.
Sitting quietly in the marina now gathering our strength for all the packing and tidying up required.
Water here does not need to be boiled!

Possible water problems

2008-07-05T20:03:00.001+01:00

19:54 03/07/2008 8.3 miles 3 locks (Hillmorton)
Easy passage through the locks, thanks to boats coming the other way, then the long straight through Barby and on towards Braunston. Hit by a tremendous heavy rain storm, with as usual nowhere to moor, so plugged on. Eventually it stopped and we were in Braunston looking for mooring by 1.30. We were going for water but of course we are now in the region on Anglian Water affected by the 'bug' so decided not to take any on board as we have enough and as the notices on the taps say ' there are no current recommendations for flushing and cleaning boats tank to remove the contaminated water' I wonder what is happening back home in Long Buckby? We will soon find out as we will probably be home by Sunday.

Seeing old friends at Rose

2008-07-05T20:02:00.002+01:00

17:06 02/07/2008 10.7 miles
Ansty to Rugby, stopping as usual to top up the larder at Tesco. Unevenful journey through pleasant country. Usual busy scene at Rose narrowboats, we managed a brief word with Mick (and Crystal) on Ruffian, and later saw Phil from the Marina on his way up there for lunch. Moored as usual by the golf course, not quite nice enough for a BBQ

Greenfield site developments

2008-07-05T20:02:00.001+01:00

17:43 01/07/2008 12.6 miles 1 (small) lock
Left our pleasant mooring for the journey through Nuneaton and Bedworth, we were interested to see on the way up the redevelopment being done on what was an old quarry, and took the opportunity coming back to ask a worker there what was happening, he said housing eventually, but having filled the hole they have to wait a couple of years to let it settle before building.
Hawkesbury was busy, it is always a tight turn off the Coventry through the stop lock, this time complicated by a large trip boat out of the Coventry basin moored outside the pub.

Assisted passage through Atherton locks

2008-07-05T20:01:00.001+01:00

15:48 30/06/2008 5.1 miles 11 locks
Lovely clear blue sky greeted us this morning, a good start to the locks. Arrived at the bottom lock at 10 to find Chris and Helen waiting to assist us through, they had kindly volunteered to drive from their nearby home to help.
Quite a bit a traffic up and down which always helps, and more water than when we went the other way many weeks ago.
By 12.30 we were out the other end of the locks and wishing saying thanks to our assistants. A short cruise later we moored in the countryside, able to sit and enjoy the sunshine (and the tennis).

Expensive diesel (Crick is only 85p)

2008-07-05T20:00:00.000+01:00

20:03 29/06/2008 17.3 miles 2 locks 7.5 hours
Early start for the long journey down to Atherstone locks. Mixed weather mainly dry and cloudy. Used Streethay services for the first time, Diesel now up to 95p a litre - just wait till November when the tax regime changes.
Watered at Fazeley Junction, and continued on through torrential rain to moor below Polesworth within easy reach of the locks at Atherstone tomorrow. Pleasant weather resumed with a nice sunny evening.

Shopping again and on to Fradley Junction

2008-07-05T19:59:00.000+01:00

19:59 28/06/2008 14.2 miles 5 locks
Said goodbye to Tixall Wide at 9 and returned to the mainline, hoped for services at Haywood junction, but it was hireboat changeover time so we carried on.
Pleasant weather, a smal amount of traffic at the next 3 locks to keep us company.
Shopped at Morrisons in Rugeley, this should see us through to the end (bet we stop at Tescos in Rugby)
Kings Bromley Marina was closed for services so we carried on again, reaching Fradley Junction late afternoon,

to find little boat traffic but no moorings close to the junction. We knew of a mooring outside the busy area however and were soon settled in watching tennis again.

Tixall and a day of rest

2008-06-27T20:10:00.001+01:00

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.

Rain and Stone locks

2008-06-27T20:08:00.001+01:00

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!

The Tunnel and Stoke Potteries

2008-06-27T20:06:00.001+01:00

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

Up to Harecastle

2008-06-27T20:04:00.000+01:00

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.

Latest Google Earth route

2008-06-22T10:26:00.001+01:00

Latest Google Earth route -

Weather delays

2008-06-22T10:24:00.000+01:00

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.

Fish and Chips

2008-06-22T10:23:00.000+01:00

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.

Forced to move on

2008-06-22T10:22:00.000+01:00

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.

And out

2008-06-22T10:21:00.000+01:00

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.

Nearly out of llangollen

2008-06-22T10:19:00.000+01:00

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.

Latest Google Earth route

2008-06-15T21:45:00.002+01:00

Latest Google Route

A rest day!

2008-06-15T21:13:00.001+01:00

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!

Traffic jams

2008-06-15T21:12:00.001+01:00

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).

A long day

2008-06-15T21:11:00.001+01:00

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.

2008-06-15T20:59:00.002+01:00

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.

Llangollen trains

2008-06-11T21:12:00.001+01:00

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.

The Aquaducts!

2008-06-11T20:56:00.002+01:00

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.

The next week (or so!)

2008-06-07T20:19:00.004+01:00

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.

Windy day

2008-05-26T19:44:00.000+01:00

26/05/2008 Mon
Moved up to the junction early in the morning and turned left up the Trent and Mersey, short queue at each lock, but that meant there were plenty of people around to help. Very windy but it stayed dry. We headed for a decent edge to moor, but were persuaded to move up a bit when a man already there pointed out the tree under which we were about to moor was in danger of being blown over.

Rain glorious rain

2008-05-26T19:43:00.000+01:00

25/05/2008 Sun
17.6 miles in the worst weather so far - horrid cold wet day. Up to Fradley junction. Very busy, lots of weekend boaters on their way home. Will the person who said we need some rain yesterday please put their hand up now.

11 killer locks

2008-05-26T19:42:00.003+01:00

24/05/2008 Sat
Atherstone 11 locks, busy and lack of water - BW were manfully trying to sort it out by stopping traffic and opening all the lock paddles to let more water in to the dry section, pity that left us on the bottom. Much relief to get that lot finished eventually mooring short of Polesworth - saw a monument or Obelisk in a field which a 'local' think was a memorial to local miners killed in the war. I have seen it before and failed to look it up on our return.

Google comes to the rescue - ignore the above!!

The Monument, Polesworth. An obelisk built by Sir George Chetwynd to mark the site of the Chapel of Hoo. 1950s. The ancient village of Hoo has one recognisable feature that is still standing in North Warwickshire today. The Hoo obelisk is believed to be half a mile away from the original settlement. It was moved about 1840 when the railway track needed to be widened.

Coventry Canal

2008-05-26T19:42:00.001+01:00

23/05/2008 Fri
Up to Hawkesbury Junction leaving the Oxford for the Coventry Canal - turned north away from Coventry, through all kinds of industrial country Bedworth, Nuneaton and on to moor north of Hartshill to get our strength up for tomorrow.

Ansty

2008-05-26T19:41:00.001+01:00

22/05/2008 Thurs
Shopping in Rugby Tescos, and then a 11 mile 'hop' to moor at Ansty - previously a run down canal village. But now with some very expensive housing and renovations being done on other derelict properties. Still no shops.

Nice cruising weather.

2008-05-26T19:40:00.002+01:00

19:46 20/05/2008 Tues
Shopped in Braunston (excellent Butchers) in the sunshine and took on water - gentle cruise up the Oxford Canal to Hillmorton locks and stayed just above the locks sitting in the sun.

19:48 21/05/2008 Wed
On through the locks, to a quiet mooring.
Saw cow with VERY peculiar bent horns - hope it wasn't painful!

A day of rest and Braunston

2008-05-26T19:39:00.002+01:00

19:45 18/05/2008 Sun
Spent the day here.

19:45 19/05/2008 Mon
Joined the main Grand Union at Norton Junction and moved on through Braunston tunnel - met a man with no headlight - (a boat)!
Had pleasant company down the locks.
Weather much improved.

Summer (Spring) 2008

2008-05-26T19:36:00.001+01:00

19:43 17/05/2008 Saturday - Kitchen finished yesterday (nearly) and so we set off from Crick down the Grand Union(leicester arm) - got wet - waited over an hour at Watford locks.

Moored short of Norton Junction.
But at least we have got started!

Birthday Outing

2008-05-16T13:16:00.007+01:00

For my Birthday treat we went to Salcey Forest just south of Northampton - excellent Cafe and interesting Forest walks, including a long ramp which eventually winds up above the height of the trees.
If you have access to Google Earth try this link:
Salcey Forest pictures
Salcey Forest route

engraving

2008-04-23T16:59:00.001+01:00

engraving
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell

We thought it was about time this saw the light off day having sat around in boxes and cupboards for 50 years! So it is off to Tring to the 'Watch hospital" to see if it can be repared.

Market Place

2007-01-02T18:06:00.000Z

town hall
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Market street contains many a long covered market ending in this impressive building.

Charleston's Whale

2007-01-02T18:03:00.000Z

Charleston's Whale
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The 28 million-year-old whale skeleton now on display at The Charleston Museum is a first of its kind to be exhibited anywhere in the world — and that’s no fish story.

Oligocene-era whale remains collected anywhere else in the world have been too incomplete to attempt a full skeletal mount, says Albert Sanders, the museum’s natural science curator since 1968.

one of many bridges

2007-01-02T18:00:00.000Z

one of many bridges
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Down town Charleston has lots of water around it and spectacular bridges back to the mainland.

away from the main streets

2007-01-02T17:58:00.000Z

away from the main streets
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The houses can quickly deteriorate if left for any length of time, and apparently the area is too expensive to live in for many people. Note the angle of the bacony to the house, this is quite common, the houses are often affected by earthquakes and are pulled back upright by ties through them.

Building Inspectors nightmare

2007-01-02T17:55:00.000Z

Building Inspectors nightmare
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Imagine a UK building Inspector passing any of this - or much of the house construction. Gas, Power and Cable all appear to hang from the outside into the street, and many house are built of what looks to be very flimsy wood.

balconies

2007-01-02T17:53:00.000Z

balconies
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Not all the houses are built sideways on - this is facing out to the street and river with balconies around two sides so it is still possible to sit in the shade.

recycling

2007-01-02T17:51:00.000Z

recycling
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

A lot of the old roads are made with large cobbles, they have an interesting history, when this was part of the Empire and English ships were tied up here every day they came across 'in ballast' and emptied out here to take back whatever was required back home. This ballast was seen as a useful resource by the locals who rescued it and paved the roads! We tried to tax them on it however!

protection from slaves climbing in

2007-01-02T17:48:00.000Z

protection from slaves climbing in
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The same house shows a good example of the rotating spikes installed not in deter modern day thieves but to keep out rampaging slaves in the days when they were revolting against their enslavement.

Typical house facing sideways

2007-01-02T17:46:00.000Z

Typical house facing sideways
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

I've not mentioned this before but many of the house here are built 'side on', with the front of the house facing sideways. This is a good example, not the large balconies to sit and catch the breezes, if its 70 in December how hot can it be in July? What looks like a front door is more like a sie gate opening on the the lower balcony or yard.

Tiffany

2007-01-02T17:43:00.000Z

Tiffany
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

And of course you could always have Tiffany glazed windows around the door.
Note they are now protected by bullet proof glass - not because of 'drive by shootings' but hurricanes.

Undecided

2007-01-02T17:39:00.000Z

Undecided
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

And so you are children of rich parents who promise you a house as a wedding present, but you just cannot decide on a style......
So split the house and build one half rounded and the other square !

Charleston man made out of hats

2007-01-02T17:37:00.000Z

Charleston man made out of hats
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

I just love the Charleston Hat Man. You see him painted on the side of a building on the corner of Broad Street and maybe State or Church Street? At any rate, he's the little fellow made out of hats and he's so cute and clever. (from the web)

our transport

2007-01-02T17:34:00.000Z

our transport
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The city has so many of these transporting visitors that they pay a 'tax' to the city whole legislate where they can go by handing them a 'route card' before they set out. There is also a municipal 'equine' cleaning van which goes around disinfecting the streets!

Our guide was good, although listening to CSI:New York for a few months helped as that was her home town.

Church

2007-01-02T17:28:00.000Z

Church
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The main Downtown area has a large number of municipal buildings from the past 200 years, we took a guided tour on a horse drawn carriage which gave us a good look at some of them. Look at the sky and remember this was late december - temperatures in the high 60s.

Charleston - narrow house

2007-01-02T17:22:00.000Z

Charleston - narrow house
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Our last visit was to Charleston, full of historic houses, museums and sights.
There are two extremes of houses from the 1800's, narrow like this one which has been left surrounded by modern roads and buildings.

USA Christmas

2007-01-02T17:19:00.000Z

USA Christmas
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The locals make less of Christmas than we do, mind you we met a lady in Wal-Mart stocking up with '24 hundred' lights in the sale ready for next year.

We had a very good traditional English Christmas, entertaining a friend of Alison's for dinner. It was pleasant to have a few less frantic days.

Cape Fear River Walk

2007-01-02T17:17:00.000Z

Fear Valley River Walk
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Alison thought we ought to walk off our Christmas dinner (English with all the trimmings), so we went off to explore the local walk. Unlike a walk through the woods at home this was on a well made path complete with seats, drinking fountains and loos!
We also visited and were made very welcome by the family of the girl Alison lived with last year.

Local guide pointing out steep hill

2007-01-02T17:13:00.000Z

Local guide pointing out steep hill
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

And so we left Philadelphia after seeing such a lot of America's history - including the house where the first 'Stars and Stripes' was created.
Back on to the I95 (motorway) for an 8 hour drive back to Alison's home in Fayetteville.
We started early to avoid the Christmas traffic but by our standards of holiday traffic the roads were empty. We had an easy trip, helped by a large car, automatic gearbox and cruise control !
Luckily we bought the Christmas dinner the day before as by the time we got back the shops were shut.

HMV tower NJ2

2006-12-25T21:54:00.000Z

HMV tower NJ2
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Much of the dockside in NJ and Philadelphia is derelict,including this building with the tower boasting a stained glass window showing the HMV dog and phonogram.

NJ Waterfront looking back at Philadelphia

2006-12-25T21:52:00.000Z

NJ Waterfront looking back at Philadelphia
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

And then we crossed to New Jersey and the wonderful Aquarium, this is the view looking back to Philadelphia, our hotel is probably by my left shoulder.

Phili_shipbuilders

2006-12-25T21:51:00.000Z

Phili_shipbuilders
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The maritime museum also has and active ship repair section, used to repair and rebuild historic craft, it is possible to stand on a vistitors gallery and watch real craftsman at work.

liberty bell

2006-12-25T21:49:00.000Z

liberty bell
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

And of course a lot of American history was formed here, so a great deal is made of the constitution and the 'Libert y Bell'. A shame that is was made in England and then cracked.

not_our_hotel

2006-12-25T21:48:00.000Z

not_our_hotel
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

The waterfront had an excellent maritime museum with the history of shipping around Philadelphia. There are also a couple of historic ships, we thought the narrowboaters amongst you would like this bathroom.

typical transport

2006-12-25T21:45:00.000Z

typical transport
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

We didn't actually use one of these, but on our last day here (saturday) they had all come out on the streets looking for the xmas shoppers to take a ride.

street of narrow houses

2006-12-25T21:44:00.000Z

stree of narrow houses
Originally uploaded by richard.bignell.

Many of the original house of this historic place were built around 1800 and as houses were taxed by width, they are built narrow and tall, imagine this street 200 hundred years ago, with coaches down the middle., today it is just wide enough for one car (american) between the posts.