My last post was fairly optimistic, Ray was working, all was well. All that changed on December 10th when I managed to total my car! Black ice + bend + brick wall !! One of those silly incidents, luckily at low speed so no damage to me. If it had been a more expensive car it might have been worth repairing but £600 of repairs on a car which only cost £400 didn't seem worth paying out. What made it worse was the fact that just we had paid nearly £200 to replace the exhaust. Losing the car has meant that Ray is now not working, but we are still both looking. Being without a car has also made things a bit harder when it comes to visiting family. We had planned to spend Christmas aboard anyway but now visiting Mandy for New Year is off the agenda.
We are moored by Cassiobury Park so have a nice view out of our windows, no houses! We had a quiet but enjoyable day yesterday with lots of good food and drink. Not many presents but being together is what counts.
We haven't travelled much this month. Just pottering around the Watford and Rickmansworth area. I can't believe the contrast in the weather to last year. There were buds on the honeysuckle in the cottage garden by Lot Mead Lock last week.
Since my last post we have travelled 4.6 miles and 7 locks
This year we have travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1192.1 miles, 1093 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Monday, 26 December 2011
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Hanging around
Time to move a little way just to keep BW happy. The rules say 14 days in any one place then you must move to the next parish/village on your journey so as we had been moored at Grove Mill for just over three weeks we thought we should move. Our water tanks were running low anyway!
On Saturday we moved down to Cassiobury Park then yesterday we carried on to Common Moor, our old mooring spot from a couple of years back, pausing only to fill our water tanks at Cassiobridge Lock.
Ray has managed to get some work so we may be a bit better off but that depends on how much work he gets. No luck on the job front for me but I'm a bit restricted as Ray needs the car so anything I do has to be walking distance or public transport.
Nothing much to report, we had a nice Sunday dinner with Bob and Babs a couple of weeks ago, time goes so quickly, I can't believe it less than five weeks to Christmas.
Since my last post we have travelled 2.6 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 456.8 miles, 437 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1187.5 miles, 1086 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
On Saturday we moved down to Cassiobury Park then yesterday we carried on to Common Moor, our old mooring spot from a couple of years back, pausing only to fill our water tanks at Cassiobridge Lock.
Ray has managed to get some work so we may be a bit better off but that depends on how much work he gets. No luck on the job front for me but I'm a bit restricted as Ray needs the car so anything I do has to be walking distance or public transport.
Nothing much to report, we had a nice Sunday dinner with Bob and Babs a couple of weeks ago, time goes so quickly, I can't believe it less than five weeks to Christmas.
Since my last post we have travelled 2.6 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 456.8 miles, 437 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1187.5 miles, 1086 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Friday, 28 October 2011
We're Back!!
After one year, seven months and thirteen days we are back where we started!
Well, not quite actually because we started from Cassiobridge Lock near Croxley and we have stopped at Grove Mill which is four locks and about two miles from there but this is one of our favourite spots so we are stopping here for now.
We had a leisurely cruise down from Kings Langley to here. I nearly stole a lock from a wide-beam, when the lock is against us I always check for incoming boats and if there is a bend I can't see round I watch the water for any sign of movement. The problem was that is was so sunny I couldn't see anything except the glare off of the water. I was just starting to fill the lock when they appear round the bend so I quickly dropped the paddles and let the small amount of water out of the lock. At least it meant I had help opening the top gate which was much appreciated as that particular one is very heavy.
When we had almost reached The Grove we started to wonder if we would get moored as there seem to be more moored boats than we remembered but we got 'our' spot opposite the weir at the mill.
We have already seen some of our old acquaintances, Dave with his terracotta (red oxide primer) coloured boat and Dawn and her sister on Green Howard, also the chap who owns the plot of land next to the mill, it is still for sale so I can still hope for a lottery win!
Today's journey 3.5 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 454.2 miles, 433 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1184.9 miles, 1082 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Well, not quite actually because we started from Cassiobridge Lock near Croxley and we have stopped at Grove Mill which is four locks and about two miles from there but this is one of our favourite spots so we are stopping here for now.
We had a leisurely cruise down from Kings Langley to here. I nearly stole a lock from a wide-beam, when the lock is against us I always check for incoming boats and if there is a bend I can't see round I watch the water for any sign of movement. The problem was that is was so sunny I couldn't see anything except the glare off of the water. I was just starting to fill the lock when they appear round the bend so I quickly dropped the paddles and let the small amount of water out of the lock. At least it meant I had help opening the top gate which was much appreciated as that particular one is very heavy.
When we had almost reached The Grove we started to wonder if we would get moored as there seem to be more moored boats than we remembered but we got 'our' spot opposite the weir at the mill.
We have already seen some of our old acquaintances, Dave with his terracotta (red oxide primer) coloured boat and Dawn and her sister on Green Howard, also the chap who owns the plot of land next to the mill, it is still for sale so I can still hope for a lottery win!
Today's journey 3.5 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 454.2 miles, 433 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1184.9 miles, 1082 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Catch up
I managed to forget to blog our journey from Winkwell down to Boxmoor, It was uneventful apart from the low water level in the pound between Boxmoor Top Lock and Fishery Lock. Some British Waterways work boats that were heading up ran a lot of water through to stop themselves from going aground but the level was still about a foot down. Ray kept Morgana to the middle of the cut so no problem just "interesting".
We have spent the last couple of weeks moored at Boxmoor, Ray managed to get an alternator from the breakers for £15 then paid a local garage a couple of quid to swap the pulley from the old one to the 'new' one as the new pulley was too big. Anyway we are now back to normal as far as power is concerned so no more expensive petrol!
Less than a week now until we collect the car so yesterday it was time to start heading for Watford, as we have tickets booked on the train for next week. We only did the short hop down to the facilities and Sainsbury's at Apsley then today we carried on toward King's Langley. We stopped about a mile before reaching there as the weather was miserable. The forecast for tomorrow is better so we might make it to Grove Mill. We may stop there as we can hop on the bus to Watford Junction from there and it is a nice spot.
Since my last blog we have travelled 3.4 miles, 9 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 450.7 miles, 427 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1181.4 miles, 1076 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels.
We have spent the last couple of weeks moored at Boxmoor, Ray managed to get an alternator from the breakers for £15 then paid a local garage a couple of quid to swap the pulley from the old one to the 'new' one as the new pulley was too big. Anyway we are now back to normal as far as power is concerned so no more expensive petrol!
Less than a week now until we collect the car so yesterday it was time to start heading for Watford, as we have tickets booked on the train for next week. We only did the short hop down to the facilities and Sainsbury's at Apsley then today we carried on toward King's Langley. We stopped about a mile before reaching there as the weather was miserable. The forecast for tomorrow is better so we might make it to Grove Mill. We may stop there as we can hop on the bus to Watford Junction from there and it is a nice spot.
Since my last blog we have travelled 3.4 miles, 9 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 450.7 miles, 427 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1181.4 miles, 1076 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Crazy seasons!
A long time ago when discussing the weather with an American friend whilst living in Maryland I explained that they had seasons, so they knew what weather to expect and in the UK we had weather. I cannot recall any time when this has been more apparent.
Yesterday, whilst enjoying the 'autumnal' sunshine I picked blackberries, saw sloes, hawthorn berries, conkers and the turning leaves. All very appropriate. However, I also saw lots of butterflies, ladybirds, honeysuckle, forget-me-nots and cowslips, I also picked strawberries from my still flowering strawberry plants, hardly right for the season. What makes it more confusing is the weather forecasters dire warnings of snow by the beginning of next month and a winter colder than the last. If that is to be the case we will experience a drastic change in the next eighteen days, and the forecast I look at on line says the temperatures will remain in the mid-to-high teens until at least Saturday!
We continued our progress southwards, uneventfully, to Winkwell where we moored for the night. Tomorrow's journey will probably be our last for a couple of weeks unless we can pick up a cheap alternator at a breakers yard. Paying for diesel to cruise and petrol to provide us with power just gets too expensive. We intend to moor at Boxmoor which gives us reasonable access to shops and the necessary boaters facilities like rubbish disposal without being too much in a built up area. We will probably move down to Watford before the end of the month and then go and collect my car.
Today's journey 2.5 miles and 8 locks
So far this year we have travelled 447.3 miles, 418 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1178 miles, 1067 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Yesterday, whilst enjoying the 'autumnal' sunshine I picked blackberries, saw sloes, hawthorn berries, conkers and the turning leaves. All very appropriate. However, I also saw lots of butterflies, ladybirds, honeysuckle, forget-me-nots and cowslips, I also picked strawberries from my still flowering strawberry plants, hardly right for the season. What makes it more confusing is the weather forecasters dire warnings of snow by the beginning of next month and a winter colder than the last. If that is to be the case we will experience a drastic change in the next eighteen days, and the forecast I look at on line says the temperatures will remain in the mid-to-high teens until at least Saturday!
We continued our progress southwards, uneventfully, to Winkwell where we moored for the night. Tomorrow's journey will probably be our last for a couple of weeks unless we can pick up a cheap alternator at a breakers yard. Paying for diesel to cruise and petrol to provide us with power just gets too expensive. We intend to moor at Boxmoor which gives us reasonable access to shops and the necessary boaters facilities like rubbish disposal without being too much in a built up area. We will probably move down to Watford before the end of the month and then go and collect my car.
Today's journey 2.5 miles and 8 locks
So far this year we have travelled 447.3 miles, 418 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1178 miles, 1067 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Sunday, 9 October 2011
A day of mishaps
We travelled down into Berkhamstead today.
Our first "mishap" is fairly serious, it looks as if our alternator has given up, that means we aren't charging our batteries so no power! We can charge our batteries from our generator but as that is petrol not diesel it gets very expensive. We now not only have the problem of finding a replacement alternator we also have to find the money to pay for it!
Our second "mishap" is a lot less urgent and cheaper to remedy, I managed to lose our "handcuff key" while walking between the locks, less than a fiver and probably not needed until next year as I think it is only the Birmingham and Manchester areas that use them to secure the lock mechanisms against vandals.
Our third "mishap" was merely painful as I managed to bang my knee when I was tying up when we moored leaving me with a nice bruise!
Today's journey 1.6 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 444.8 miles, 410 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1175.5 miles, 1059 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels.
Our first "mishap" is fairly serious, it looks as if our alternator has given up, that means we aren't charging our batteries so no power! We can charge our batteries from our generator but as that is petrol not diesel it gets very expensive. We now not only have the problem of finding a replacement alternator we also have to find the money to pay for it!
Our second "mishap" is a lot less urgent and cheaper to remedy, I managed to lose our "handcuff key" while walking between the locks, less than a fiver and probably not needed until next year as I think it is only the Birmingham and Manchester areas that use them to secure the lock mechanisms against vandals.
Our third "mishap" was merely painful as I managed to bang my knee when I was tying up when we moored leaving me with a nice bruise!
Today's journey 1.6 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 444.8 miles, 410 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1175.5 miles, 1059 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Over the summit
Today we travelled through Marsworth over Tring Summit and started on the long run down to Brentford, although we probably won't go that far just yet. We will definitely stop off in the Watford area for a few weeks and if the weather forecast is right will probably get stuck there until after Christmas. If we are going to have weeks of very sub zero weather it will make any plans to go visiting difficult as we won't be able to leave the kittens in an unheated boat.
Not many people were travelling today and we had the locks to ourselves. We did pass the coal boat in Marsworth, we waited a while for her at the bottom lock but she didn't catch up with us so I guess she had lots of customers. All the live aboard boats now have their roofs full of coal and logs ready for the winter.
We moored for the night near Northchurch ready for the run into Berkhamstead tomorrow. I'm still fighting my cold but beginning to feel a bit better..
Today's journey 6.7 miles and 12 locks
So far this year we have travelled 443.2 miles, 406 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1173.9 miles, 1053 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Not many people were travelling today and we had the locks to ourselves. We did pass the coal boat in Marsworth, we waited a while for her at the bottom lock but she didn't catch up with us so I guess she had lots of customers. All the live aboard boats now have their roofs full of coal and logs ready for the winter.
We moored for the night near Northchurch ready for the run into Berkhamstead tomorrow. I'm still fighting my cold but beginning to feel a bit better..
Today's journey 6.7 miles and 12 locks
So far this year we have travelled 443.2 miles, 406 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1173.9 miles, 1053 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Friday, 7 October 2011
Good progress
Even though I wasn't feeling brilliant we made good progress today.
We were joined by Liz and Steve aboard RiverNile which made the locks easier. Liz and I walked between locks while Ray and Steve cruised. The weather was kind and the rain held off. They were heading for Tring as Liz has to travel into London tomorrow so we parted company before Marsworth Locks.
I had forgotten how many moored boats there are when you get this far south, I suppose a lot of people are mooring up for the winter or only travelling the minimum now. We managed to find a mooring spot just before the first Marsworth Lock.
Today's journey 3.3 miles, 7 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 436.5 miles, 394 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1167.2 miles, 1041 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We were joined by Liz and Steve aboard RiverNile which made the locks easier. Liz and I walked between locks while Ray and Steve cruised. The weather was kind and the rain held off. They were heading for Tring as Liz has to travel into London tomorrow so we parted company before Marsworth Locks.
I had forgotten how many moored boats there are when you get this far south, I suppose a lot of people are mooring up for the winter or only travelling the minimum now. We managed to find a mooring spot just before the first Marsworth Lock.
Today's journey 3.3 miles, 7 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 436.5 miles, 394 locks, 2 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1167.2 miles, 1041 locks, 57 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Plans scuppered!
After a broken night's sleep we decided to brave the wind and move on. I wasn't feeling brilliant, I think Mandy has passed her cold on to me. After a mere two locks I decided I had had enough so we gave up and moored between Grove and Slapton.
We discovered today that our plans had been scuppered. We had planned to go down the Aylesbury Arm as a side trip on our way southwards but found out today that it is closed due to low water.
Today's journey 2.1 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 433.2 miles, 387 locks, 1 swing bridge, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1163.9 miles, 1034 locks, 56 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We discovered today that our plans had been scuppered. We had planned to go down the Aylesbury Arm as a side trip on our way southwards but found out today that it is closed due to low water.
Today's journey 2.1 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 433.2 miles, 387 locks, 1 swing bridge, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1163.9 miles, 1034 locks, 56 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Through Leighton Buzzard
I guess that summer is over now, the temperature has dropped and the wind is blowing a gale. Looking at the weather forecast we have the wind for the next few days so we probably will only travel short distances.
We managed the three locks without too many problems in spite of the wind, then carried on to Leighton Buzzard where we stopped briefly to pick up the things I managed to miss off of Monday's shopping list the carried on to below Grove Lock for the night. High winds and rain forecast for tonight, oh fun!
Today's journey 5.6 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 431.1 miles, 385 locks, 1 swing bridge, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1161.8 miles, 1032 locks, 56 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We managed the three locks without too many problems in spite of the wind, then carried on to Leighton Buzzard where we stopped briefly to pick up the things I managed to miss off of Monday's shopping list the carried on to below Grove Lock for the night. High winds and rain forecast for tonight, oh fun!
Today's journey 5.6 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 431.1 miles, 385 locks, 1 swing bridge, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1161.8 miles, 1032 locks, 56 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Monday, 3 October 2011
Still enjoying the sunshine
On Friday I took a trip into Central Milton Keynes, spent very little money but walked miles.
We carried on enjoying the sunshine over the weekend, visiting Willen Lake on Saturday with the kids. It was very busy there, hardly surprising with the weather. The pub there was unbelievably busy, no doubt they had laid off all their summer staff! We had a lovely day, enjoying a picnic and a stroll around the lakes.
Today moved on so we could go shopping in Fenny Stratford then moved on to below Soulbury Locks for the night. My knees are complaining about the amount of walking I have done over the past few days so I think I will need a lazy day tomorrow.
Today's journey 7.3 miles, 2 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 425.5 miles, 381 locks, 1 swing bridge, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1156.2 miles, 1028 locks, 56 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We carried on enjoying the sunshine over the weekend, visiting Willen Lake on Saturday with the kids. It was very busy there, hardly surprising with the weather. The pub there was unbelievably busy, no doubt they had laid off all their summer staff! We had a lovely day, enjoying a picnic and a stroll around the lakes.
Today moved on so we could go shopping in Fenny Stratford then moved on to below Soulbury Locks for the night. My knees are complaining about the amount of walking I have done over the past few days so I think I will need a lazy day tomorrow.
Today's journey 7.3 miles, 2 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 425.5 miles, 381 locks, 1 swing bridge, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1156.2 miles, 1028 locks, 56 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Thursday, 29 September 2011
More sunshine
Another unseasonably sunny day saw us complete our journey to Milton Keynes where we are meeting Mandy, Tony and the kids on Saturday. The weather forecast is for more of the same so a picnic at Willen Lake sounds like a good idea.
I probably commented on our journey northwards that the canal skirts round the edge of Milton Keynes and is surprisingly rural for much of the journey. We moored near Woolstone as that is the closest point to Willen Lake, about 20 yards from our mooring is one of the possible points where the Bedford and Milton Keynes Canal will join the Grand Union, if it ever gets built! Last I heard construction was to start in 2011 and so far nothing has happened, there are still issues with some parts of the route. It is hoped it will be complete by 2031 but I won't hold my breathe!
We will now have a couple of days moored up and continue our journey on Sunday, but probably only as far as Fenny Stratford so I can stock up a bit at Asda.
Today's journey 9.9 miles and 1 lock
So far this year we have travelled 418.2 miles, 379 locks, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1148.9 miles, 1026 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
I probably commented on our journey northwards that the canal skirts round the edge of Milton Keynes and is surprisingly rural for much of the journey. We moored near Woolstone as that is the closest point to Willen Lake, about 20 yards from our mooring is one of the possible points where the Bedford and Milton Keynes Canal will join the Grand Union, if it ever gets built! Last I heard construction was to start in 2011 and so far nothing has happened, there are still issues with some parts of the route. It is hoped it will be complete by 2031 but I won't hold my breathe!
We will now have a couple of days moored up and continue our journey on Sunday, but probably only as far as Fenny Stratford so I can stock up a bit at Asda.
Today's journey 9.9 miles and 1 lock
So far this year we have travelled 418.2 miles, 379 locks, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1148.9 miles, 1026 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
It's a hard life, but somebody's got to do it
You wake up in the morning, sun streaming though the windows, beautiful green countryside, ducks swimming past, a kestrel hunting in the field opposite, trees along the towpath laden with apples, sloes, rosehips and haws. After a leisurely breakfast you set off with the sunlight sparkling on the water at a sedate three miles per hour (or thereabouts). Hard life isn't it!
We cruised down to Blisworth tunnel in the company of two historic boats and one hire boat from Leighton Buzzard, then followed through at a reasonable pace to Stoke Bruerne, where we paired up with the hire boat to work our way down through the seven Stoke Bruerne Locks. The sunshine had brought the gongoozlers out and the cameras were clicking on the way down through the locks.
Nothing much else to say about the day, just another lazy day in the sunshine. We moored about 4 miles north of the northern edge of Milton Keynes.
Today's journey 8.3 miles, 7 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 408.3 miles, 378 locks, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1139 miles, 1025 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We cruised down to Blisworth tunnel in the company of two historic boats and one hire boat from Leighton Buzzard, then followed through at a reasonable pace to Stoke Bruerne, where we paired up with the hire boat to work our way down through the seven Stoke Bruerne Locks. The sunshine had brought the gongoozlers out and the cameras were clicking on the way down through the locks.
Nothing much else to say about the day, just another lazy day in the sunshine. We moored about 4 miles north of the northern edge of Milton Keynes.
Today's journey 8.3 miles, 7 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 408.3 miles, 378 locks, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1139 miles, 1025 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Ever southwards
The wonderful Indian summer continues, where was this weather in July? I'm not complaining, I can enjoy it as much now as I would have then.
After months of not seeing a 'coal' boat we have seen two in the past four days, The Grand Union seems much better served than most canals. We bought a gas cylinder and a bag of coal before we moved off this morning. The coal seems redundant with temperatures in the mid twenties but as it is nearly October I thought we should start building up our stock. I don't suppose it will be that long before I want a fire that will stay in overnight.
Today was a beautiful day for cruising and we enjoyed a short cruise down to Gayton, stopping about a mile short of the junction with the Virgin trains for company. We enjoyed an afternoon sitting out on the towpath just chilling.
Today's journey 6 miles
This year we have travelled 400 miles, 371 locks, 34 lift bridges and 14 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1130.7 miles, 1018 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 39 tunnels
After months of not seeing a 'coal' boat we have seen two in the past four days, The Grand Union seems much better served than most canals. We bought a gas cylinder and a bag of coal before we moved off this morning. The coal seems redundant with temperatures in the mid twenties but as it is nearly October I thought we should start building up our stock. I don't suppose it will be that long before I want a fire that will stay in overnight.
Today was a beautiful day for cruising and we enjoyed a short cruise down to Gayton, stopping about a mile short of the junction with the Virgin trains for company. We enjoyed an afternoon sitting out on the towpath just chilling.
Today's journey 6 miles
This year we have travelled 400 miles, 371 locks, 34 lift bridges and 14 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1130.7 miles, 1018 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 39 tunnels
Monday, 26 September 2011
Back in familiar territory
Today almost had that "end of holiday" feel to it. After eighteen months of travelling canals that were mostly new territory we reached Brauston and were back on the Grand Union South where we have travelled before, not only on or outgoing journey last year but also on holiday when we were moored at Nottingham, when we brought Destiny down to Watford and when we first acquired Morgana.
The glorious weather continues and we journied up through Braunston Locks, through the tunnel and then continued down through the locks Buckby Locks. We had company for all of the locks, just as well because BW are asking you to wait up to an hour before you go through alone due to water shortages. The levels don't seem to be low but we do as we are told! We moored eventually at Weedon after a tiring day's cruising.
Today's journey 13.1 miles, 13 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 394 miles, 371 locks, 34 lift bridges and 14 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1124.7 miles, 1018 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 39 tunnels
The glorious weather continues and we journied up through Braunston Locks, through the tunnel and then continued down through the locks Buckby Locks. We had company for all of the locks, just as well because BW are asking you to wait up to an hour before you go through alone due to water shortages. The levels don't seem to be low but we do as we are told! We moored eventually at Weedon after a tiring day's cruising.
Today's journey 13.1 miles, 13 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 394 miles, 371 locks, 34 lift bridges and 14 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1124.7 miles, 1018 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 39 tunnels
Friday, 23 September 2011
Enjoying the sunshine
We started out this morning in sunshine!
Up through Calcutt locks, pausing between 1 and 2 to fuel up, at a fairly reasonable price, then onwards to Napton Junction. We had decided to stop before we reach Braunston Junction. We will probably have a couple of days off as it is time for washing and boat cleaning and this is a nice spot. This afternoon we did a bit of reorganising and tidying but the washing can wait until tomorrow.
Ray has been catching up with family by phone, a great rarity!
The weather forecast is good for the next few days so we should get some good cruising in. It looks as if it will be the last week of October before we reach Watford.
Today's journey 3.1 miles and 3 locks
This year we have travelled 380.9 miles, 358 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1111.6 miles, 1005 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
Up through Calcutt locks, pausing between 1 and 2 to fuel up, at a fairly reasonable price, then onwards to Napton Junction. We had decided to stop before we reach Braunston Junction. We will probably have a couple of days off as it is time for washing and boat cleaning and this is a nice spot. This afternoon we did a bit of reorganising and tidying but the washing can wait until tomorrow.
Ray has been catching up with family by phone, a great rarity!
The weather forecast is good for the next few days so we should get some good cruising in. It looks as if it will be the last week of October before we reach Watford.
Today's journey 3.1 miles and 3 locks
This year we have travelled 380.9 miles, 358 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1111.6 miles, 1005 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
Thursday, 22 September 2011
1000 locks
We have now done over 1000 locks since Ray retired, that's a lot of winding of paddle gear and pushing of lock gates!
We moved on to reach Calcutt locks today, as we were leaving our moorings we saw a boat approaching from behind. We would wait for them after the second lock as we were hoping to get diesel from the boatyard there. Unfortunately they no longer sell diesel so we will have to get some from Calcutt's tomorrow morning, While we were at the second lock the boat behind caught up with us, in fact there were two boats, one of which was Phoenix, who we had moored next to in Warwick.
They went past us while we investigated the diesel situation, then we followed them up the Stockton flight. We all thought that there was another boat coming but even though we took the flight slowly to allow them to catch up so we could share the locks we were half way up before they reached the bottom. I guess they must have stopped at the boatyard or for water.
Phoenix and their travelling companion stopped for lunch at the top of Stockton but we carried on to Calcutt where they passed us mid-afternoon. We won't see them again this year as they are heading south on the Oxford Canal while we head for Braunston and then south on the Grand Union.
Today's journey 3.9 miles and 10 locks
So far this year we have travelled 377.8 miles, 355 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1108.5 miles, 1002 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
We moved on to reach Calcutt locks today, as we were leaving our moorings we saw a boat approaching from behind. We would wait for them after the second lock as we were hoping to get diesel from the boatyard there. Unfortunately they no longer sell diesel so we will have to get some from Calcutt's tomorrow morning, While we were at the second lock the boat behind caught up with us, in fact there were two boats, one of which was Phoenix, who we had moored next to in Warwick.
They went past us while we investigated the diesel situation, then we followed them up the Stockton flight. We all thought that there was another boat coming but even though we took the flight slowly to allow them to catch up so we could share the locks we were half way up before they reached the bottom. I guess they must have stopped at the boatyard or for water.
Phoenix and their travelling companion stopped for lunch at the top of Stockton but we carried on to Calcutt where they passed us mid-afternoon. We won't see them again this year as they are heading south on the Oxford Canal while we head for Braunston and then south on the Grand Union.
Today's journey 3.9 miles and 10 locks
So far this year we have travelled 377.8 miles, 355 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1108.5 miles, 1002 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Radford Semele to Long Itchington, almost
After sitting out some wild, wet and windy weather yesterday we woke up this morning to sunshine and so it was time to move on. We need to reach a boatyard in the next couple of days as our diesel is running a bit low.
We travelled through the first three locks of the day, now climbing upwards again, then we stopped to take on water at Fosse Wharf. We seemed to be travelling against the flow of traffic, plenty of boats heading towards Warwick but nothing heading our way. not a bad thing as it meant either the locks were in our favour or there was a boat coming down through the lock so less work for me as they could leave the gate open as they left. We met our first wide-beam, on the move, for over a year.
The rain and wind had brought a lot of leaves and twigs down, and there was a lot of small debris in the canal so, inevitably, our weed filter got blocked. Ray now has clearing it down to a fine art! We completed our journey for the day up through the Bascote and just about half a mile beyond. So not quite at Long Itchington but within easy reach for tomorrow and hopefully getting diesel there.
Today's journey 3.9 miles and 10 locks
So far this year we have travelled 373.9 miles, 345 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1104.6 miles, 992 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
We travelled through the first three locks of the day, now climbing upwards again, then we stopped to take on water at Fosse Wharf. We seemed to be travelling against the flow of traffic, plenty of boats heading towards Warwick but nothing heading our way. not a bad thing as it meant either the locks were in our favour or there was a boat coming down through the lock so less work for me as they could leave the gate open as they left. We met our first wide-beam, on the move, for over a year.
The rain and wind had brought a lot of leaves and twigs down, and there was a lot of small debris in the canal so, inevitably, our weed filter got blocked. Ray now has clearing it down to a fine art! We completed our journey for the day up through the Bascote and just about half a mile beyond. So not quite at Long Itchington but within easy reach for tomorrow and hopefully getting diesel there.
Today's journey 3.9 miles and 10 locks
So far this year we have travelled 373.9 miles, 345 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1104.6 miles, 992 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
Monday, 19 September 2011
Not very far
I didn't bother to post yesterday as we moved less than a mile, just from Saltisford Basin up to the Cape.
Today we didn't put in much cruising time as it was time for a Tesco stock-up. We left our moorings this morning and headed down through the two Cape locks, then moored again just over a mile further on to go to Tesco. We couldn't get on the Tesco moorings as they were full so we had to lug all our shopping over the bridge, but I now shouldn't need anything much until we reach Milton Keynes. I like shopping in 'local' shops but they can be expensive for a 'big' shop.
After that it was on through the rest of Warwick, past Leamington Spa and out into the country near Radford Semele. I would have liked to see what Leamington had to offer but I think the cats would have gone mad if we had moored another night in town. We will have to visit next time we pass this way.
Tomorrow's weather forecast is for rain and more rain so we will probably stay here until Wednesday.
Today's (and yesterday's) journey 5.6 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 370 miles, 335 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1100.7 miles, 982 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
Today we didn't put in much cruising time as it was time for a Tesco stock-up. We left our moorings this morning and headed down through the two Cape locks, then moored again just over a mile further on to go to Tesco. We couldn't get on the Tesco moorings as they were full so we had to lug all our shopping over the bridge, but I now shouldn't need anything much until we reach Milton Keynes. I like shopping in 'local' shops but they can be expensive for a 'big' shop.
After that it was on through the rest of Warwick, past Leamington Spa and out into the country near Radford Semele. I would have liked to see what Leamington had to offer but I think the cats would have gone mad if we had moored another night in town. We will have to visit next time we pass this way.
Tomorrow's weather forecast is for rain and more rain so we will probably stay here until Wednesday.
Today's (and yesterday's) journey 5.6 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 370 miles, 335 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1100.7 miles, 982 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels
Friday, 16 September 2011
Warwick
This morning it was time to tackle the 21 locks down into Warwick. We got ourselves organised and moved down to the lock moorings to wait for another boat to share the locks with. We didn't have to wait long before being joined by Mike and Sue aboard Ta Jo. They moor on the Stratford canal and I remembered seeing their boat because of it's unusual name.
We soon established a pattern, as Sue has a bike she was cycling ahead to prepare the next lock while I let the boats out and closed up. It worked really well. The two boats coming down behind us caught up with us but that wasn't surprising as they had four crew in addition to their steerers. Once the caught up their crew were kindly closing up behind us allow me to walk on, making it quicker for all of us. We then caught up with the two boats that were ahead of us, who were very slow. We made it down the flight it just over three hours, which isn't bad.
We then parted company with Ta Jo as we had decided to moor in Saltisford Basin and they were going on to the Cape about a mile further along the cut. The basin was very crowded and we breasted up next to Phoenix, who we had met yesterday, very carefully as they have a new paint job which is still a little soft two weeks after completion. No exploring today as I feel exhausted!
Tomorrow it will be time to explore Warwick, probably just wandering as I remember the castle is prohibitively expensive. We might move on on Sunday or maybe Monday.
Today's journey 2.1 miles and 21 locks
So far this year we have travelled 364.4 miles, 333 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1095.1 miles, 980 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels.
We soon established a pattern, as Sue has a bike she was cycling ahead to prepare the next lock while I let the boats out and closed up. It worked really well. The two boats coming down behind us caught up with us but that wasn't surprising as they had four crew in addition to their steerers. Once the caught up their crew were kindly closing up behind us allow me to walk on, making it quicker for all of us. We then caught up with the two boats that were ahead of us, who were very slow. We made it down the flight it just over three hours, which isn't bad.
We then parted company with Ta Jo as we had decided to moor in Saltisford Basin and they were going on to the Cape about a mile further along the cut. The basin was very crowded and we breasted up next to Phoenix, who we had met yesterday, very carefully as they have a new paint job which is still a little soft two weeks after completion. No exploring today as I feel exhausted!
Tomorrow it will be time to explore Warwick, probably just wandering as I remember the castle is prohibitively expensive. We might move on on Sunday or maybe Monday.
Today's journey 2.1 miles and 21 locks
So far this year we have travelled 364.4 miles, 333 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1095.1 miles, 980 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Hatton Flight in view
After a day off yesterday to do some much needed maintenance and a bit of craftwork we headed off this morning in sunshine for Hatton. We intended a very lazy day, just travelling to the top of the flight ready to tackle the 21 locks tomorrow. I took a walk to the village shop in Shrewley while Ray took the boat through the tunnel, there is actually a tunnel on part of the horse path too! I stocked up on a few essentials then met Ray at the other end of the tunnel. A cup of coffee later we carried on to the moorings at the top of Hatton flight. After so long on narrow locks it is quite daunting to see the great flight of broad locks ahead of us down the hill.
We took a walk to see what we would be facing, the paddle gear seems to need a lot of turns but also looks fairly easy. We will probably hang around to see if anyone else is heading down tomorrow morning, sharing locks saves water and will also mean less work.
So far this year we have travelled 362.3 miles, 312 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Up the Junction
After an uneventful night, no loud crashes or tidal waves from falling willow trees, we pulled pins and headed for Kingswood Junction and beyond.
Compared to previous days there were a lot of boats on the move, probably because the weather was better. Progress was slow but we made it to Kingswood in reasonable time and then cut through the Lapworth Link to the Grand Union. We have decided to head 'straight' back to Watford as the long range weather forecast doesn't encourage us to plan any lengthy detours. So it is Grand Union all the way with the possibility of a trip down the Aylesbury Arm when we get there.
We moored for the night about a mile beyond the junction, ending up a mere 1.4 miles as the crow flies from where we moored last night. This is because the Stratford and Grand Union Canals run almost parallel to each other at this point.
Today's journey 3 miles and 9 locks
So far this year we have travelled 358.5 miles, 312 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1089.2 miles, 959 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Compared to previous days there were a lot of boats on the move, probably because the weather was better. Progress was slow but we made it to Kingswood in reasonable time and then cut through the Lapworth Link to the Grand Union. We have decided to head 'straight' back to Watford as the long range weather forecast doesn't encourage us to plan any lengthy detours. So it is Grand Union all the way with the possibility of a trip down the Aylesbury Arm when we get there.
We moored for the night about a mile beyond the junction, ending up a mere 1.4 miles as the crow flies from where we moored last night. This is because the Stratford and Grand Union Canals run almost parallel to each other at this point.
Today's journey 3 miles and 9 locks
So far this year we have travelled 358.5 miles, 312 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1089.2 miles, 959 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Monday, 12 September 2011
I wouldn't moor there!
We decided against moving yesterday as the weather was rather miserable but for once the weather forecast for today was right. It said that the wind would ease after lunchtime and it did.
So we made a late start and headed for Lowsonford, only seven locks and within striking distance of the junction for tomorrow. We made reasonable progress, got rid of our rubbish and negotiated the last lock of the day. I could see a nice gap in the moored boats, opposite the pub, looks like a good spot I said. We manouvered into the space, pulled the boat as far forward out of the shadow of the large willow tree on the opposite bank as we could, so our solar panels would get the sunlight and then the landlord of the pub appeared. He pointed upwards at the willow, explaining that it was in danger of falling into the canal after the strong winds, discretion was the better part of valour and we moved a bit further up the bank.
Hopefully we will make it up to the junction tomorrow.
Today's journey 4 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 350.5 miles, 303 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1086.2 miles, 950 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
So we made a late start and headed for Lowsonford, only seven locks and within striking distance of the junction for tomorrow. We made reasonable progress, got rid of our rubbish and negotiated the last lock of the day. I could see a nice gap in the moored boats, opposite the pub, looks like a good spot I said. We manouvered into the space, pulled the boat as far forward out of the shadow of the large willow tree on the opposite bank as we could, so our solar panels would get the sunlight and then the landlord of the pub appeared. He pointed upwards at the willow, explaining that it was in danger of falling into the canal after the strong winds, discretion was the better part of valour and we moved a bit further up the bank.
Hopefully we will make it up to the junction tomorrow.
Today's journey 4 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 350.5 miles, 303 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1086.2 miles, 950 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Back to Wootton Wawen
The promised improvement in the weather failed to materialise so we set off this morning still battling with the wind. The Laughing Cavalier, who was moored behind us, set off at the same time as us, they offered to let us go up the locks first but I was glad we declined. They had a booking for lunch and the gentleman very kindly reset the locks for me before moving on except when we met oncoming boats.
After the eleven locks we did a bit of offside foraging as there were some apple trees and plum trees overhanging the canal. The plums were past their best, several had rotted on the tree but we managed to get a few. I forgot to mention we also got some wild greengages a few days ago which I made into jam. We now have damson jam, bramble jelly, greengage jam, damson vodka, damson gin and damson brandy. Sloe gin and vodka to follow, also apple and blackberry jam and plum jam.
At our last lock of the day we met a party of walkers who were eager to do the lock gates for me, well I wasn't going to complain was I!
We moored up in the same spot where we stopped on the way down to Stratford, luckily before it started raining.
Today's journey 5.4 miles and 12 locks
So far this year we have travelled 346.5 miles, 296 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1082.2 miles, 943 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
After the eleven locks we did a bit of offside foraging as there were some apple trees and plum trees overhanging the canal. The plums were past their best, several had rotted on the tree but we managed to get a few. I forgot to mention we also got some wild greengages a few days ago which I made into jam. We now have damson jam, bramble jelly, greengage jam, damson vodka, damson gin and damson brandy. Sloe gin and vodka to follow, also apple and blackberry jam and plum jam.
At our last lock of the day we met a party of walkers who were eager to do the lock gates for me, well I wasn't going to complain was I!
We moored up in the same spot where we stopped on the way down to Stratford, luckily before it started raining.
Today's journey 5.4 miles and 12 locks
So far this year we have travelled 346.5 miles, 296 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1082.2 miles, 943 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
On the edge
After a couple of days on the 48 hour moorings in the basin at Stratford we did the short hop out to the A46 bridge on the edge of Stratford.
Stratford has gone downhill since last time I visited. It was, inevitably, always touristy but 20 years ago it maintained some historic town charm. In the past it did have some interesting shops and pubs but now you can't move without falling over a souvenir shop or someone offering a walking tour of the town. It's alright if you have lots of money to spend and want to eat out, which we don't. I was happy to abandon the town center and moor at the foot of the eleven Wilmcote locks.
Tomorrow will be washing day, then another day to try and get it dry so it will be Saturday before we move on.
Today's journey 1.6 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 341.1 miles, 284 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1076.8 miles, 931 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Stratford has gone downhill since last time I visited. It was, inevitably, always touristy but 20 years ago it maintained some historic town charm. In the past it did have some interesting shops and pubs but now you can't move without falling over a souvenir shop or someone offering a walking tour of the town. It's alright if you have lots of money to spend and want to eat out, which we don't. I was happy to abandon the town center and moor at the foot of the eleven Wilmcote locks.
Tomorrow will be washing day, then another day to try and get it dry so it will be Saturday before we move on.
Today's journey 1.6 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 341.1 miles, 284 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1076.8 miles, 931 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Monday, 5 September 2011
Stratford-on-Avon
The weather forecast for the next few days is not nice, today is better than most but tomorrow gusts up to 45 mph are forecast, not a day to be cruising!
Based on the above we decided to do the run into Stratford today, lots more locks and not a lot of miles. The wind was making life difficult, the lock gates either blew shut and were impossible to open or blew open and were impossible to close. Twice an oncoming boat 'stole'our lock, the wind caught Morgana at a bridgehole, taking her off course, causing Merlin to swing and hit the bridge breaking one of the towing straps. When we reached the last lock before the basin, I had walked back to close the gate at the previous lock behind Morgana only to hear Ray shout, someone was about to raise the bottom paddle to empty the lock we were about to enter, the wind had closed the gate. What made it worse was the fact that the top paddles were still open so she was in danger of draining the pound! They had brought their boat under the bridge below the lock without checking that they could enter the lock. This meant they had to reverse back out from the bridge so we could go through the lock. All good fun!
When at last we entered the basin, struggling to manoeuvre because of the wind, there was suddenly smoke and an electrical burning smell!! In the short time it took for me to grab the tiller as Ray rushed to find the problem the wind took us and we were blown alongside another boat. The electrical fault was only a switch that had shorted but it was very scary! We then had great fun trying to reach the pontoons to moor, a case of 'if I was going there I wouldn't start from here', but with the aid of a couple of other boaters we eventually got moored.
We are definitely staying here tomorrow!
Today's journey 6.9 miles and 17 locks
So far this year we have travelled 339.5 miles, 279 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1075.2 miles, 926 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Based on the above we decided to do the run into Stratford today, lots more locks and not a lot of miles. The wind was making life difficult, the lock gates either blew shut and were impossible to open or blew open and were impossible to close. Twice an oncoming boat 'stole'our lock, the wind caught Morgana at a bridgehole, taking her off course, causing Merlin to swing and hit the bridge breaking one of the towing straps. When we reached the last lock before the basin, I had walked back to close the gate at the previous lock behind Morgana only to hear Ray shout, someone was about to raise the bottom paddle to empty the lock we were about to enter, the wind had closed the gate. What made it worse was the fact that the top paddles were still open so she was in danger of draining the pound! They had brought their boat under the bridge below the lock without checking that they could enter the lock. This meant they had to reverse back out from the bridge so we could go through the lock. All good fun!
When at last we entered the basin, struggling to manoeuvre because of the wind, there was suddenly smoke and an electrical burning smell!! In the short time it took for me to grab the tiller as Ray rushed to find the problem the wind took us and we were blown alongside another boat. The electrical fault was only a switch that had shorted but it was very scary! We then had great fun trying to reach the pontoons to moor, a case of 'if I was going there I wouldn't start from here', but with the aid of a couple of other boaters we eventually got moored.
We are definitely staying here tomorrow!
Today's journey 6.9 miles and 17 locks
So far this year we have travelled 339.5 miles, 279 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1075.2 miles, 926 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Wootton Wawen and beyond
After our exertions of yesterday we started out a little later today.
We had a slow journey as there were lots of boats on the move and the locks here are slow to fill and empty. It looks as if the blackberries may be worth picking in about a week so we may get some on the way back, there are some elderberries that look about ripe too. I seem to have missed the rowan berries though, maybe next year. I found a few cob nuts, but they aren't ready for harvesting yet either.
We managed to reach Wootton Wawen by about three, paid a visit to the farm shop and craft centre, then moved on about half a mile so we were away from roads so the cats could go out. As we are planning a couple of nights in the basin at Stratford they will probably be stir crazy before next time they have their freedom.
Today's journey 4.5 miles and 9 locks
So far this year we have travelled 332.6 miles, 262 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1068.3 miles, 909 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
We had a slow journey as there were lots of boats on the move and the locks here are slow to fill and empty. It looks as if the blackberries may be worth picking in about a week so we may get some on the way back, there are some elderberries that look about ripe too. I seem to have missed the rowan berries though, maybe next year. I found a few cob nuts, but they aren't ready for harvesting yet either.
We managed to reach Wootton Wawen by about three, paid a visit to the farm shop and craft centre, then moved on about half a mile so we were away from roads so the cats could go out. As we are planning a couple of nights in the basin at Stratford they will probably be stir crazy before next time they have their freedom.
Today's journey 4.5 miles and 9 locks
So far this year we have travelled 332.6 miles, 262 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1068.3 miles, 909 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Saturday, 3 September 2011
27 locks before lunch
OK, it was a late lunch, but still not bad going.
We started out this morning at about nine and I had to pause to take a photo of Morgana (formerly Nanshe) passing Nanshe as we approached Lapworth Top Lock.
After that it was the long haul down the first eighteen locks to Kingswood Junction, a pause for dumping the rubbish and then on again down another nine locks. The Stratford Canal isn't very mooring friendly, I don't expect, or want beautifully mown banks with mooring rings everywhere but foliage less than five feet high so you can actually find the bank would be useful. It is a very tranquil canal though. We eventually moored just short of Lowsonford at about two thirty. I was feeling rather tired even with Ray helping me at many of the locks. I actually abdicated from lock duty at a couple of locks and took the tiller instead.
We are now a couple of days from Stratford-on-Avon where we will spend a few days.
Today's journey 3.2 miles and 27 locks
So far this year we have travelled 328.1 miles, 253 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1063.8 miles, 900 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
We started out this morning at about nine and I had to pause to take a photo of Morgana (formerly Nanshe) passing Nanshe as we approached Lapworth Top Lock.
After that it was the long haul down the first eighteen locks to Kingswood Junction, a pause for dumping the rubbish and then on again down another nine locks. The Stratford Canal isn't very mooring friendly, I don't expect, or want beautifully mown banks with mooring rings everywhere but foliage less than five feet high so you can actually find the bank would be useful. It is a very tranquil canal though. We eventually moored just short of Lowsonford at about two thirty. I was feeling rather tired even with Ray helping me at many of the locks. I actually abdicated from lock duty at a couple of locks and took the tiller instead.
We are now a couple of days from Stratford-on-Avon where we will spend a few days.
Today's journey 3.2 miles and 27 locks
So far this year we have travelled 328.1 miles, 253 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1063.8 miles, 900 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Friday, 2 September 2011
An interesting meeting
We have had a couple of 'cruise-free' days and enjoyed a visit from Mandy, Tony, Mikey and Dani. We went for a picnic, played games in the park then went for a meal at the pub, a good time was had by all! This morning I woke up feeling a bit achy but that isn't that unusual.
We paid a brief visit to the craft centre and then decided to head for the top of the Lapworth Locks. It wasn't very far but we plan to work our way through the locks tomorrow. I did my good deed for the day at the first of the two lift bridges as having lifted the bridge three other boats went through saving them some work. The favour was returned at the second bridge when one of the other boats worked the bridge and we cruised straight through. We moored just short of Lapworth Top Lock and wandered back to chat to the chap on 'Warwick' who sells fenders and other boat bits, I treated us to another mooring hook which I have been intending to buy for ages.
As it was a sunny afternoon we decided to take a walk down part of the flight, just for a stroll to buy an ice cream.
Moored by the top lock was a narrowboat called Nanshe, noteworthy because that was Morgana's name before we renamed her. I didn't think much more of it at the time. When we got back Nimue had managed to get herself into the garden on the offside of the canal so Ray coaxed her back to the lock so she could get back to our side. After a coffee Ray went to pick some sloes we had seen and I went to relax to ease my aches. As I lay on the bed reading there was a knock on the boat. I emerged to be greeted by a pleasant couple who said "You must be Lez". I did a bit of a double take and they explain that they were Clive and Helen,(hope I remembered the names right) the second owners of Morgana, when she was Nanshe, and that Jill Sweeney the third owner had been following our blog and told them we were here.
We had a nice chat, they are the owner's of Nanshe that is moored near the lock and had seen Gwynie in their garden, I think the cats must recognise boat lovers. It is nice to know that Morgana's former owner's still care about her, I have always felt she was a cherished boat and obviously she was (and still is).
Tomorrow it will be time to get to grips with all those locks!
Today's journey 3.9 miles and 2 lift bridges
So far this year we have travelled 324.9 miles, 228 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1060.6 miles, 873 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
We paid a brief visit to the craft centre and then decided to head for the top of the Lapworth Locks. It wasn't very far but we plan to work our way through the locks tomorrow. I did my good deed for the day at the first of the two lift bridges as having lifted the bridge three other boats went through saving them some work. The favour was returned at the second bridge when one of the other boats worked the bridge and we cruised straight through. We moored just short of Lapworth Top Lock and wandered back to chat to the chap on 'Warwick' who sells fenders and other boat bits, I treated us to another mooring hook which I have been intending to buy for ages.
As it was a sunny afternoon we decided to take a walk down part of the flight, just for a stroll to buy an ice cream.
Moored by the top lock was a narrowboat called Nanshe, noteworthy because that was Morgana's name before we renamed her. I didn't think much more of it at the time. When we got back Nimue had managed to get herself into the garden on the offside of the canal so Ray coaxed her back to the lock so she could get back to our side. After a coffee Ray went to pick some sloes we had seen and I went to relax to ease my aches. As I lay on the bed reading there was a knock on the boat. I emerged to be greeted by a pleasant couple who said "You must be Lez". I did a bit of a double take and they explain that they were Clive and Helen,(hope I remembered the names right) the second owners of Morgana, when she was Nanshe, and that Jill Sweeney the third owner had been following our blog and told them we were here.
We had a nice chat, they are the owner's of Nanshe that is moored near the lock and had seen Gwynie in their garden, I think the cats must recognise boat lovers. It is nice to know that Morgana's former owner's still care about her, I have always felt she was a cherished boat and obviously she was (and still is).
Tomorrow it will be time to get to grips with all those locks!
Today's journey 3.9 miles and 2 lift bridges
So far this year we have travelled 324.9 miles, 228 locks, 34 lift bridges and 12 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1060.6 miles, 873 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Just passing through
Today was a lazy day for me, no locks!
This morning we headed through the Netherton tunnel, we have seen very few boats on the Stourbridge and Dudley canals so where did we meet one? Halfway through the Netherton tunnel! It is a nice wide tunnel but it is always nicer to go through tunnels without meeting on coming traffic. Once through the tunnel it was onto the mainline, into Gas Street Basin and onto the Worcester and Birmingham, all of which we did in the opposite direction last summer.
The canalscape around Birmingham is full of contrasts, the remnants of Birmingham's industrial past and the heyday of the canals set against the modern development of central Birmingham.
Just past Bournville at Kings Norton a left turn took us onto the Stratford Canal through the disused guillotine stop lock.
We continued, pausing only to stop the traffic at Shirley Drawbridge, until we reached Earlswood where we are meeting the Hobbins' on Thursday.
Today's journey 21.9 miles, 1 lift bridge and 5 tunnels
So far this year we have travelled 321 miles, 228 locks, 32 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1056.7 miles, 873 locks, 55 swing bridges, 36 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
This morning we headed through the Netherton tunnel, we have seen very few boats on the Stourbridge and Dudley canals so where did we meet one? Halfway through the Netherton tunnel! It is a nice wide tunnel but it is always nicer to go through tunnels without meeting on coming traffic. Once through the tunnel it was onto the mainline, into Gas Street Basin and onto the Worcester and Birmingham, all of which we did in the opposite direction last summer.
The canalscape around Birmingham is full of contrasts, the remnants of Birmingham's industrial past and the heyday of the canals set against the modern development of central Birmingham.
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The junction with the Wednesbury Old Canal Approaching the motorway bridge  The centre of Birmingham looms  The bulk of the ultra modern 'Cube' dwarfs the canal below |
Just past Bournville at Kings Norton a left turn took us onto the Stratford Canal through the disused guillotine stop lock.
We continued, pausing only to stop the traffic at Shirley Drawbridge, until we reached Earlswood where we are meeting the Hobbins' on Thursday.
Today's journey 21.9 miles, 1 lift bridge and 5 tunnels
So far this year we have travelled 321 miles, 228 locks, 32 lift bridges and 12 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1056.7 miles, 873 locks, 55 swing bridges, 36 lift bridges and 37 tunnels
Monday, 29 August 2011
Stourbridge and Dudley
From the canal Stourbridge doesn't look too bad as these photos show.
The next one makes an interesting photo, a canal bridge over a dry canal?
No, look at the scale, it is just a little bridge over the run-off.
I love the attention to detail!
After spending far too much money yesterday, mainly Ray not me for a change, it was an early start to attack the Stourbridge Sixteen and the Delph Nine (which is only eight locks but was once nine).
We had no problems at the first lock (16) but at the next (15) the bottom gates refused to stay shut, luckily a towpath walker volunteered to lean on one for me so that we could get the lock filled. Locks 14 and 13 were fine but the pound between 13 and 12 was about 16 inches below the normal level. Our plan was to stop at the Red House Glass Cone Museum which has it's own moorings but initially it was impossible to get close enough to the side to moor and we ran aground. One of the crew from the boat that was following us up through the locks went ahead and started letting water down as they ran aground in the centre of the channel.
Eventually there was enough water to allow us to moor and them to get through the pound.
After a pleasant couple of hours looking at the history of glass, exploring the workshops and watching the glassblowers in action we had to continue our journey. I could have spent much longer there.
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| Red House Glass Cone |
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| Looking back down the flight to the Cone |
The remainder of the flight was uneventful but hard work. I am sure it was not just my imagination that the lock gates are exceptionally heavy. After all too brief a break The Dudley No. 1 canal and the Delph locks loomed before me but once we had negotiated them I had time to relax. Moorings are few and far between, I didn't fancy mooring by Merry Hill Shopping Centre so we carried on through Blowers Green Lock onto the Dudley No. 2 canal and found a mooring next to a park just before the Netherton tunnel.
So far this year we have travelled 299.1 miles, 228 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1034.8 miles, 873 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Stourbridge, gateway to nowhere
Yesterday we spent our time dodging the worst of the rain and managed to complete our journey to Stourbridge.
The weather, as usual couldn't make up it's mind whether to be fine or not but we stayed mainly dry. The last couple of miles were a little a bit dodgy as a radiator hose split causing us to lose water and so the engine temperature was a bit high. We managed to make it to the moorings in Stourbridge then Ray had to spend this morning searching for a appropriate bit of hose. None of the garage service places had any but a very kind mechanic at Nationwide Tyres said he had some at home which he offered to bring to the boat for us. There are some very nice people around! He dropped it off a little while ago and Ray is now fitting it.
Stourbridge is uninspiring, there are some nice bits of architecture but the overall impression is one of a place that had seen better days. Lots of derelict factories or warehouses and boarded up pubs and shops, and, no, they didn't have a riot here!
Tomorrow is the Bead Fair at the Bonded Warehouse where we will both spend too much money, me on beads and Ray on stuff for his glass bead making. Although after me having had a go at glass bead making while we were at Barry and Alex's place I suppose that is for both of us.
Monday will, hopefully, see us braving our way up the Stourbridge and Dudley flights, 25 locks, ready to run the gauntlet of Birmingham on Tuesday. After that we will be heading for Stratford-on-Avon.
Yesterday's journey 5.4 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 290.9 miles, 203 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1026.6 miles, 848 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels
The weather, as usual couldn't make up it's mind whether to be fine or not but we stayed mainly dry. The last couple of miles were a little a bit dodgy as a radiator hose split causing us to lose water and so the engine temperature was a bit high. We managed to make it to the moorings in Stourbridge then Ray had to spend this morning searching for a appropriate bit of hose. None of the garage service places had any but a very kind mechanic at Nationwide Tyres said he had some at home which he offered to bring to the boat for us. There are some very nice people around! He dropped it off a little while ago and Ray is now fitting it.
Stourbridge is uninspiring, there are some nice bits of architecture but the overall impression is one of a place that had seen better days. Lots of derelict factories or warehouses and boarded up pubs and shops, and, no, they didn't have a riot here!
Tomorrow is the Bead Fair at the Bonded Warehouse where we will both spend too much money, me on beads and Ray on stuff for his glass bead making. Although after me having had a go at glass bead making while we were at Barry and Alex's place I suppose that is for both of us.
Monday will, hopefully, see us braving our way up the Stourbridge and Dudley flights, 25 locks, ready to run the gauntlet of Birmingham on Tuesday. After that we will be heading for Stratford-on-Avon.
Yesterday's journey 5.4 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 290.9 miles, 203 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1026.6 miles, 848 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Thank you brother!!
Yesterday I was feeling very pleased with having reached our 1000 miles. However, my brother has pointed out that this equates to 1.9 miles per day since we started our travels! I'm still pleased with the 1000 miles anyway and we have had breakdowns, being frozen in, me working for nearly four months and most recently a two week break to look after animals. I'm sure he will be happy to know we managed a lot more than 1.9 miles today.
After a night of rain we bid farewell to the Shroppie this morning in sunshine and started heading down the Staffs and Worcester. There was a fair amount of traffic and we did have a few delays at locks, most notably at the Bratch Locks where we had to wait for three boats to come up before we could head down. The weather was kind to us and we had a dry day of cruising eventually mooring below Greensforge Lock for the night, where we found some mirabelle plum trees. Most of the fruit wasn't quite ripe but I managed to gather about three pounds of ripe fruit before the heavens opened.
Today's journey 11.1 miles and 17 locks
So far this year we have travelled 285.8 miles, 197 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1021.2 miles, 842 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels
After a night of rain we bid farewell to the Shroppie this morning in sunshine and started heading down the Staffs and Worcester. There was a fair amount of traffic and we did have a few delays at locks, most notably at the Bratch Locks where we had to wait for three boats to come up before we could head down. The weather was kind to us and we had a dry day of cruising eventually mooring below Greensforge Lock for the night, where we found some mirabelle plum trees. Most of the fruit wasn't quite ripe but I managed to gather about three pounds of ripe fruit before the heavens opened.
Today's journey 11.1 miles and 17 locks
So far this year we have travelled 285.8 miles, 197 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1021.2 miles, 842 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
1000 miles !!!
Today we reached the 1,000 mile mark on our travels, and there is still so much of the canal system for us to visit. We have decided a nice bottle of red will be opened tonight to mark the occasion.
We are still on target to reach Stourbridge for Saturday night, in fact we might reach there on Friday. We have moored at the end of the Shroppie, ready to go down the Staffs and Worcester tomorrow. It is just under a year since last time we headed south on the Staffs and Worcester but this time we will not be travelling the full length but diverting onto the Stourbridge Canal at Stourton.
Today was a fairly easy day for me, only one lock, although I did have to rescue a boat that had come loose from it's moorings, twice! The first time it was it's stern rope that was adrift and it was blocking the canal just above Wheaton Aston Lock, we were waiting to come up the lock so I went and helped pole it back across the canal and retie it's rear line. I should have thought to check the front rope! By the time the boat that was waiting to go down had descended and we had ascended, it was across the canal again, firmly secured by the stern but adrift at the front. A judicious nudge from Morgana and a bit of manoeuvring managed to bring the boat closer into the bank so Ray, assisted by another boater, managed to haul it in and retie the front rope. Apart from that it was an uneventful journey.
Today's journey 14.8 miles, 1 lock and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 274.7miles, 180 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1010.1 miles, 825 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels
We are still on target to reach Stourbridge for Saturday night, in fact we might reach there on Friday. We have moored at the end of the Shroppie, ready to go down the Staffs and Worcester tomorrow. It is just under a year since last time we headed south on the Staffs and Worcester but this time we will not be travelling the full length but diverting onto the Stourbridge Canal at Stourton.
Today was a fairly easy day for me, only one lock, although I did have to rescue a boat that had come loose from it's moorings, twice! The first time it was it's stern rope that was adrift and it was blocking the canal just above Wheaton Aston Lock, we were waiting to come up the lock so I went and helped pole it back across the canal and retie it's rear line. I should have thought to check the front rope! By the time the boat that was waiting to go down had descended and we had ascended, it was across the canal again, firmly secured by the stern but adrift at the front. A judicious nudge from Morgana and a bit of manoeuvring managed to bring the boat closer into the bank so Ray, assisted by another boater, managed to haul it in and retie the front rope. Apart from that it was an uneventful journey.
Today's journey 14.8 miles, 1 lock and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 274.7miles, 180 locks, 31 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1010.1 miles, 825 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 32 tunnels
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
On the move again
We have spent the last couple of weeks looking after some pigs, chickens and dogs plus our cats of course.
Barry and Alex have been away in their caravan and we have been staying at their house. When they came back they were minus four pigs and one chicken. The pigs had been sold so that was OK but the chicken got into the dogs' run and they obviously fancied chicken for dinner, oops! It wasn't a major problem as it wasn't laying and was destined for the chop anyway. I also managed to make another 3lb of damson jam,a bottle of damson gin and a bottle of damson vodka.
While we were there Gwynie managed to give us a scare by staying out all night and not even coming back first thing in the morning, we thought we had lost her but she reappeared late in the afternoon.
In some ways it was nice not to have to worry about how much power we were using or whether we had enough water but I missed being on the boat and was very glad to be back and on the move again today.
We are hoping to make it to Stourbridge for Saturday night, it shouldn't be a problem unless the weather turns very nasty. Today we were travelling familiar territory, back up the Shroppie through Tyrley Locks, past the site of the rockfall, past the Anchor where we were frozen in last winter and on to Norbury Junction. We stopped for a chat with Mal Edwards at the Anchor and also saw Pete's boats but he wasn't around. We moored up for the night between Norbury and Gnosall. Tomorrow it will be on to Wheaton Aston to fill up with diesel and hopefully reaching the junction with the Staffs and Worcester for the night.
Today's journey 12 miles and 5 locks.
So far this year we have travelled 256.9 miles, 179 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 995.3 miles, 824 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels.
Barry and Alex have been away in their caravan and we have been staying at their house. When they came back they were minus four pigs and one chicken. The pigs had been sold so that was OK but the chicken got into the dogs' run and they obviously fancied chicken for dinner, oops! It wasn't a major problem as it wasn't laying and was destined for the chop anyway. I also managed to make another 3lb of damson jam,a bottle of damson gin and a bottle of damson vodka.
While we were there Gwynie managed to give us a scare by staying out all night and not even coming back first thing in the morning, we thought we had lost her but she reappeared late in the afternoon.
In some ways it was nice not to have to worry about how much power we were using or whether we had enough water but I missed being on the boat and was very glad to be back and on the move again today.
We are hoping to make it to Stourbridge for Saturday night, it shouldn't be a problem unless the weather turns very nasty. Today we were travelling familiar territory, back up the Shroppie through Tyrley Locks, past the site of the rockfall, past the Anchor where we were frozen in last winter and on to Norbury Junction. We stopped for a chat with Mal Edwards at the Anchor and also saw Pete's boats but he wasn't around. We moored up for the night between Norbury and Gnosall. Tomorrow it will be on to Wheaton Aston to fill up with diesel and hopefully reaching the junction with the Staffs and Worcester for the night.
Today's journey 12 miles and 5 locks.
So far this year we have travelled 256.9 miles, 179 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 995.3 miles, 824 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Market Drayton
After a delicious breakfast of toast and homemade damson jam we pulled pins and headed for Market Drayton.
As it is only a short journey with no locks we were moored by lunchtime. I took a stroll into town, nothing has changed much since we were last here, the Netto is now Asda and the Barnado's charity shop has closed down but everything else seems much as I remember it from earlier in the year.
We will spend a few days busy doing nothing so no blogging for a while.
Today's journey 2.9 miles
So far this year we have travelled 244.9 miles, 174 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 983.3 miles, 819 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
As it is only a short journey with no locks we were moored by lunchtime. I took a stroll into town, nothing has changed much since we were last here, the Netto is now Asda and the Barnado's charity shop has closed down but everything else seems much as I remember it from earlier in the year.
We will spend a few days busy doing nothing so no blogging for a while.
Today's journey 2.9 miles
So far this year we have travelled 244.9 miles, 174 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 983.3 miles, 819 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Damson Jam
The weather this morning was decidedly unpleasant for cruising so I took the time to make about three pounds of damson jam. I would have made more but I didn't have any more sugar. At the moment I have only tasted it warm, but it tastes delicious!! I'm looking forward to toast and jam for breakfast tomorrow.
Around three this afternoon the weather cheered up and we decided to do the short journey up through the last two Audlem locks and then the five locks at Adderley. It took us nearly an hour to gather up the three cats, they weren't happy that we had decided to cruise so late in the day and wanted carry on catching mice. There was just enough traffic on the canal to mean that I had help at most of the locks from the crew of a boat coming down which speeded things up.
When we reached the top lock at Adderley I couldn't resist buying a couple of slices of cake from the farm shop there, they display their goods beside the lock with an honesty box. I've had cake from them before and it is really tasty.
We decided to moor at Adderley for the night and carry on to Market Drayton tomorrow. We have plans to see Barry and Alex this weekend and Market Drayton is as good a place as any to meet them.
Today's journey 1.6 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 242 miles, 174 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 980.4 miles, 819 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Around three this afternoon the weather cheered up and we decided to do the short journey up through the last two Audlem locks and then the five locks at Adderley. It took us nearly an hour to gather up the three cats, they weren't happy that we had decided to cruise so late in the day and wanted carry on catching mice. There was just enough traffic on the canal to mean that I had help at most of the locks from the crew of a boat coming down which speeded things up.
When we reached the top lock at Adderley I couldn't resist buying a couple of slices of cake from the farm shop there, they display their goods beside the lock with an honesty box. I've had cake from them before and it is really tasty.
We decided to moor at Adderley for the night and carry on to Market Drayton tomorrow. We have plans to see Barry and Alex this weekend and Market Drayton is as good a place as any to meet them.
Today's journey 1.6 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 242 miles, 174 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 980.4 miles, 819 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Lots of locks
We made a relatively early start today, I needed to stop in Audlem for a little bit of shopping, the newsagent there has a good selection of beading magazines. I also needed to (belatedly) post Tim's birthday card, I did ring him to wish him happy birthday and explain that we were about three miles from a post box.
We tackled the first three locks of the Audlem flight, then moored for me to do the bits I needed to do. After a coffee we pressed on and tackled the next ten locks of the flight leaving us just two to do tomorrow.
Where we moored above the lock there are a couple of damson trees, the towpath and bank were littered with damsons, most of those on the towpath were beyond redemption but those that had landed on the grass were perfect. Ray collected about five kilos of them while I was preparing dinner, they will become damson jam, damson gin, damson cheese and damson anything else I can think of!
The next story requires your visualisation skills.
Often when we moor dog owners are concerned that their dogs may chase and injure our cats. we always assure them that our cats can move fast enough to escape their dogs and if not they are capable of defending themselves. We had a wonderful illustration of this tonight.
Picture, if you will, a lively medium sized dog, enthusiastically barking and diving into the hedge where Lance had dissapeared to hunt for mice and voles. Imagine a couple of seconds later a yelp and the sight of the dog dashing back down the towpath to its owners hotly persued by Lance. It really was funny, luckily the dog's owners thought so too!
Today's journey 3.8 miles and 13 locks
So far this year we have travelled 240.4 miles, 167 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 978.8 miles, 812 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
We tackled the first three locks of the Audlem flight, then moored for me to do the bits I needed to do. After a coffee we pressed on and tackled the next ten locks of the flight leaving us just two to do tomorrow.
Where we moored above the lock there are a couple of damson trees, the towpath and bank were littered with damsons, most of those on the towpath were beyond redemption but those that had landed on the grass were perfect. Ray collected about five kilos of them while I was preparing dinner, they will become damson jam, damson gin, damson cheese and damson anything else I can think of!
The next story requires your visualisation skills.
Often when we moor dog owners are concerned that their dogs may chase and injure our cats. we always assure them that our cats can move fast enough to escape their dogs and if not they are capable of defending themselves. We had a wonderful illustration of this tonight.
Picture, if you will, a lively medium sized dog, enthusiastically barking and diving into the hedge where Lance had dissapeared to hunt for mice and voles. Imagine a couple of seconds later a yelp and the sight of the dog dashing back down the towpath to its owners hotly persued by Lance. It really was funny, luckily the dog's owners thought so too!
Today's journey 3.8 miles and 13 locks
So far this year we have travelled 240.4 miles, 167 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 978.8 miles, 812 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Monday, 1 August 2011
Slowly progressing
After making sure we had all the supplies we need for the next week we pulled pins and made our way through Hack Green locks to the moorings at Coole Pilate. The locks were fairly busy but no great delays as most people were travelling in the opposite direction to us.
We have intended to stop here before but have never got round to it. The mooring have a nice wide area of bank with picnic tables and barbecue stands which makes it a popular spot. We chose it because it means we can get the clothes airer out without cluttering the towpath and it is time we did some more washing!
We did our good deed for the day by lending our barbecue to "Debdale", they had a little disposable barbecue but needed more grilling space.
As it was a pleasant evening we dined al fresco, for us it was pasta with goats cheese and walnuts, then we joined the folks off Debdale for some chat and elderflower 'champagne'.
Tomorrow will be a non-cruising day to get the washing done then it will be off to Audlem.
Today's journey 3.1 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 236.6 miles, 154 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 975 miles, 799 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
We have intended to stop here before but have never got round to it. The mooring have a nice wide area of bank with picnic tables and barbecue stands which makes it a popular spot. We chose it because it means we can get the clothes airer out without cluttering the towpath and it is time we did some more washing!
We did our good deed for the day by lending our barbecue to "Debdale", they had a little disposable barbecue but needed more grilling space.
As it was a pleasant evening we dined al fresco, for us it was pasta with goats cheese and walnuts, then we joined the folks off Debdale for some chat and elderflower 'champagne'.
Tomorrow will be a non-cruising day to get the washing done then it will be off to Audlem.
Today's journey 3.1 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 236.6 miles, 154 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 975 miles, 799 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Saturday, 30 July 2011
We have been around here too long!
Today we carried on our journey to Nantwich.
We were just going through the first Hurleston Lock when I saw Chris and D'fer walking up the flight. I don't know if D'fer remembered me or just responds to his name being called because when I called him he came running up, tail wagging. Chris and his mate Rob, who he has been travelling with, helped us down the flight then we made coffee and spent some time catching up on what has been happening for the past 11 months.
We were keen to get to Nantwich as we were nearly out of bread and milk and Chris wanted to get on his way towards Chester so we went our separate ways, who knows when we will meet up again. He is planning to head for the South Oxford for the winter and we are heading for the Grand Union South.
We definitely spent too much time around here, we have been greeted by dog walkers and boaters like old friends. we even got recognised by someone in Morrisons! We didn't see any of my old work colleagues though.
Our plan is to stay here until Monday, then head up to the Coole Pilate moorings.
Today's journey 3.3 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 233.5 miles, 152 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 971.9 miles, 797 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
We were just going through the first Hurleston Lock when I saw Chris and D'fer walking up the flight. I don't know if D'fer remembered me or just responds to his name being called because when I called him he came running up, tail wagging. Chris and his mate Rob, who he has been travelling with, helped us down the flight then we made coffee and spent some time catching up on what has been happening for the past 11 months.
We were keen to get to Nantwich as we were nearly out of bread and milk and Chris wanted to get on his way towards Chester so we went our separate ways, who knows when we will meet up again. He is planning to head for the South Oxford for the winter and we are heading for the Grand Union South.
We definitely spent too much time around here, we have been greeted by dog walkers and boaters like old friends. we even got recognised by someone in Morrisons! We didn't see any of my old work colleagues though.
Our plan is to stay here until Monday, then head up to the Coole Pilate moorings.
Today's journey 3.3 miles and 4 locks
So far this year we have travelled 233.5 miles, 152 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 971.9 miles, 797 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Friday, 29 July 2011
Our last night on the Llangollen
Today we continued our journey towards the junction with the Shroppie at Hurleston.
The day didn't start very well, I had walked down to prepare the lock while Ray untied Morgana, unfortunately he got overtaken by a hire boat while he was doing it so I had prepared the lock for them. I wasn't impressed at having to do the first lock of the day twice!
After that things went fairly smoothly, a bit slow because there were lots of boats on the move but we arrived at Hurleston late afternoon, decided to call it a day and go down through the Hurleston Locks tomorrow morning. Chris, who we travelled with last summer and bought Merlin from, is moored at the bottom of the flight, so it will be time for coffee and a catch up tomorrow morning. He is heading for Chester before turning round and going up the Llangollen.
Today's journey 10.3 miles, 8 locks and 2 lift bridges.
This year we have travelled 230.2 miles, 148 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 968.6 miles, 793 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
The day didn't start very well, I had walked down to prepare the lock while Ray untied Morgana, unfortunately he got overtaken by a hire boat while he was doing it so I had prepared the lock for them. I wasn't impressed at having to do the first lock of the day twice!
After that things went fairly smoothly, a bit slow because there were lots of boats on the move but we arrived at Hurleston late afternoon, decided to call it a day and go down through the Hurleston Locks tomorrow morning. Chris, who we travelled with last summer and bought Merlin from, is moored at the bottom of the flight, so it will be time for coffee and a catch up tomorrow morning. He is heading for Chester before turning round and going up the Llangollen.
Today's journey 10.3 miles, 8 locks and 2 lift bridges.
This year we have travelled 230.2 miles, 148 locks, 31 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 968.6 miles, 793 locks, 55 swing bridges, 35 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Curry, wine and a late night
Yesterday we carried on down through Grindley Brook and onwards reaching Willeymoor Lock in the early afternoon. It took us over three hours to get down through the six locks, mainly due to the queue of boats waiting for passage but we did stop after the fifth lock to get cheap diesel from the Shell garage. It is at least 10p cheaper than any of the boatyards and 30.5p cheaper than the marina at Ellesmere.There is the inconvenience of lugging it back to the boat in cans rather than dispensing straight from the pump but on 80 litres the saving makes it worthwhile.
Once we were at Willeymoor we rang Barry and Alex as they had invited us for a meal. They collected us late afternoon and then it was back to their place for nice evening of beer, curry, wine and a late night chatting and catching up. I went to bed around midnight but Ray didn't make it to bed until about two.
After a lie-in this morning we got back to the boat early afternoon but neither of us felt like doing much so we stayed here and will move on tomorrow.
Yesterday's journey 2.5 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 219.9 miles, 140 locks, 29 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 958.3 miles, 785 locks, 55 swing bridges, 33 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Once we were at Willeymoor we rang Barry and Alex as they had invited us for a meal. They collected us late afternoon and then it was back to their place for nice evening of beer, curry, wine and a late night chatting and catching up. I went to bed around midnight but Ray didn't make it to bed until about two.
After a lie-in this morning we got back to the boat early afternoon but neither of us felt like doing much so we stayed here and will move on tomorrow.
Yesterday's journey 2.5 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 219.9 miles, 140 locks, 29 lift bridges and 6 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 958.3 miles, 785 locks, 55 swing bridges, 33 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Going north to head south
We have spent a pleasant few days moored here at Ellesmere, we actually got our barbecue out for the first time this year. Today it was time to part company with Kathy, although we will, hopefully, see her in between times, we probably won't cruise with her until at least this time next year. Our plans aren't fixed yet but we think we may head for the Kennet and Avon next spring.
After a lovely farewell lunch in the sunshine we headed off down the Llangollen to Whitchurch, heading basically northwards towards the junction with the Shropshire Union at Hurleston Locks. After an uneventful journey we moored opposite the 48 hour moorings at the Whitchurch Arm. Tomorrow we will head towards Grindley Brook and beyond to meet Barry and Alex for dinner.
Today's journey 12.5 miles, 5 lift bridges and 1 tunnel.
So far this year we have travelled 217.4 miles, 133 locks, 29 lift bridges and 6 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 955.8 miles, 778 locks, 55 swing bridges, 33 lift bridges and 31 tunnels.
After a lovely farewell lunch in the sunshine we headed off down the Llangollen to Whitchurch, heading basically northwards towards the junction with the Shropshire Union at Hurleston Locks. After an uneventful journey we moored opposite the 48 hour moorings at the Whitchurch Arm. Tomorrow we will head towards Grindley Brook and beyond to meet Barry and Alex for dinner.
Today's journey 12.5 miles, 5 lift bridges and 1 tunnel.
So far this year we have travelled 217.4 miles, 133 locks, 29 lift bridges and 6 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 955.8 miles, 778 locks, 55 swing bridges, 33 lift bridges and 31 tunnels.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Ellesmere and the rules of the cut!
After a busy day of wood cutting yesterday the roof of the boat is as full as it can be, so is the roof of Destiny. We had intended to move up through the top Aston lock to Queens Head but Gwyn went missing so we stayed where we were. Kathy moved Destiny up and just after she moored up she saw Gwyn on the bank, we think she must have been hunting near the lock, heard Destiny's engine and followed it.
We walked up to the pub to meet Kathy and some friends of hers for a drink, but we left Gwyn on board Destiny for the night and collected her this morning as we cruised past.
There were a lot of boats travelling both ways through Frankton Locks and it was well after two before we were all at the top. I feel sorry for the boats behind us as there were five more to come up after us.
When we eventually left the Montgomery matters were complicated by a boater who obviously hasn't read the Boaters Handbook or thinks the rules don't apply to him. Kathy had great difficulty exiting the Montgomery as Y-Not had moored opposite the junction (a big no, no). she was left without enough room to turn and although she engaged full throtlle in reverse she couldn't avoid hitting him. Understandably he wasn't happy but if he hadn't moored where he shouldn't he would not have got bumped. Her profuse apologies were apparently met with a blank stare. We only just made the turn and we are twenty foot shorter than her. Perhaps there should be the equivelent of the driving theory test for boaters!
After that is was an uneventful journey to Ellesmere where we saw Y-Not again moored at the end of the arm where the boats have to wind. Hope he didn't get bumped again by anyone!
Today's journey 7.3 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 204.9 miles, 133 locks, 24 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 943.3 miles, 778 locks, 55 swing bridges, 28 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
We walked up to the pub to meet Kathy and some friends of hers for a drink, but we left Gwyn on board Destiny for the night and collected her this morning as we cruised past.
There were a lot of boats travelling both ways through Frankton Locks and it was well after two before we were all at the top. I feel sorry for the boats behind us as there were five more to come up after us.
When we eventually left the Montgomery matters were complicated by a boater who obviously hasn't read the Boaters Handbook or thinks the rules don't apply to him. Kathy had great difficulty exiting the Montgomery as Y-Not had moored opposite the junction (a big no, no). she was left without enough room to turn and although she engaged full throtlle in reverse she couldn't avoid hitting him. Understandably he wasn't happy but if he hadn't moored where he shouldn't he would not have got bumped. Her profuse apologies were apparently met with a blank stare. We only just made the turn and we are twenty foot shorter than her. Perhaps there should be the equivelent of the driving theory test for boaters!
After that is was an uneventful journey to Ellesmere where we saw Y-Not again moored at the end of the arm where the boats have to wind. Hope he didn't get bumped again by anyone!
Today's journey 7.3 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 204.9 miles, 133 locks, 24 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 943.3 miles, 778 locks, 55 swing bridges, 28 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
Monday, 18 July 2011
Heading back
Today it was time to head back towards Frankton Locks, I have booked passage for us all on Wednesday so we would have time to collect and cut lots of wood ready for the winter from the pile we saw on the way down.
Before we went anywhere we had to travel down to the winding hole to turn Morgana round then it was time to head back up through two of the three Aston locks to the woodpile! After a leisurely hour's cruise through the flower lined banks we reached our destination.
We spent a couple of hours collecting and cutting wood, tomorrow it will be more of the same then Wednesday will be a journey up through the locks and on to Ellesmere.
Todays journey 2.9 miles, 2 locks and 2 lift bridges
So far this year we have travelled 197.6 miles, 127 locks, 24 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 936 miles, 772 locks, 55 swing bridges, 28 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
Before we went anywhere we had to travel down to the winding hole to turn Morgana round then it was time to head back up through two of the three Aston locks to the woodpile! After a leisurely hour's cruise through the flower lined banks we reached our destination.
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| The swing bridge at the entrance to the disused Rednal basin |
We spent a couple of hours collecting and cutting wood, tomorrow it will be more of the same then Wednesday will be a journey up through the locks and on to Ellesmere.
Todays journey 2.9 miles, 2 locks and 2 lift bridges
So far this year we have travelled 197.6 miles, 127 locks, 24 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 936 miles, 772 locks, 55 swing bridges, 28 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
Sunday, 17 July 2011
What no water?
We have enjoyed a week of relaxing and exploring.
I ended up making bread on Monday as neither the farm shop nor Canal Central sell it, but I always have the makings of bread just in case so it wasn't a problem.
We took the "every two hours" bus service into Oswestry to get some shopping, I'm beginning to think I could walk further on a regular basis as buses are getting ridiculously expensive, £3.20 for a six mile round trip. Ray is definitely going to have to sort out his old codgers bus pass this winter!
Amongst our other exploring we went to St Winifred's Well, where a spring rises underneath a half-timbered cottage, formerly a courthouse now a holiday home. Very calm and peaceful.
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You carry on past a nice new looking lift bridge, as it isn't numbered I suspect it is a new one not a replacement, probably put in to allow a farmer access to the other side of the canal now there is water in the way!
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Shortly after that you reach the point where the water ends in a bed of reeds by a nice new road bridge and arrive at the stretch that is currently being restored.
I ended up making bread on Monday as neither the farm shop nor Canal Central sell it, but I always have the makings of bread just in case so it wasn't a problem.
We took the "every two hours" bus service into Oswestry to get some shopping, I'm beginning to think I could walk further on a regular basis as buses are getting ridiculously expensive, £3.20 for a six mile round trip. Ray is definitely going to have to sort out his old codgers bus pass this winter!
Amongst our other exploring we went to St Winifred's Well, where a spring rises underneath a half-timbered cottage, formerly a courthouse now a holiday home. Very calm and peaceful.
Our major expedition of the week was to walk to Llanmymnech, which is where the Monty is "in water" again. It is a round trip of about eight miles, some of the towpath is good and some of it is fairly heavy going, at least as footpaths go, it is reasonably level.
At bridge 81, where the navigation ends for us, there is a board across the canal under the bridge to stop you going any further. The canal is in water for about another third of a mile.
You carry on past a nice new looking lift bridge, as it isn't numbered I suspect it is a new one not a replacement, probably put in to allow a farmer access to the other side of the canal now there is water in the way!
Shortly after that you reach the point where the water ends in a bed of reeds by a nice new road bridge and arrive at the stretch that is currently being restored.
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The end of the water Part of the section under restoration The section currently being restored is just over a quarter of a mile long and the hope is that it will be rewatered next year. After that the canal bed alternates between being a dry nettle filled ditch and a damp reed filled ditch for the next three miles. It's path is still clearly visible, and most of the bridges appear to be intact but there is a huge amount of work to do before there is any hope of the canal being re-opened. The remains of an old wharf where limestone used to be loaded can still clearly be seen. Eventually we reached the water again just before reaching Llanymynech. |
A bridge across a ditch!
The remains of the old wharf
Water again!
We completed our walk to Llanymynech and the Welsh border where we stopped at the visitor center for a coffee. The England/Wales border runs down the main road there, some of the houses are in England but as soon as people step out of their front doors they are in Wales. In the days when all Welsh pubs were closed on a Sunday there was one pub that had it's front bar in Wales and it's back bar in England so everyone used to drink in the back bar on Sundays!
After our coffee it was time for the four and a bit mile trek home, we arrived back tired but glad we had made the trip.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Not quite the end
We carried on down the Monty to Maesbury Marsh today, not quite the end of the navigable stretch but close to. Kathy and I took a walk to Gronwen Bridge, which is where you have to turn round and come back. We are on a 48 hour mooring at the moment but there are spots to moor between here and the end which are derestricted so we will move a little over the next couple of days.
From Queen's Head to here there are far more spots to moor. we spotted a "chainsaw opportunity", a pile of dead wood beside the towpath, if that is still there on our way back it will get cut up and be on our roofs drying for the winter.
Our plans are flexible for this week, some walking, some washing and hopping on the bus to Oswestry for some shopping. There is an excellent farm shop here so fruit and veg isn't a problem and Canal Central is a cafe which also stocks some groceries but if we are not going to be back at Ellesmere until about Wednesday next week we will need some other bits. Kathy needs to get shoes and stuff for the kids anyway as they are going to a wedding on Saturday.
Today's journey 2.2 miles and 3 locks
So far this year we have travelled 194.7 miles, 125 locks 22 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 933.1 miles, 770 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
From Queen's Head to here there are far more spots to moor. we spotted a "chainsaw opportunity", a pile of dead wood beside the towpath, if that is still there on our way back it will get cut up and be on our roofs drying for the winter.
Our plans are flexible for this week, some walking, some washing and hopping on the bus to Oswestry for some shopping. There is an excellent farm shop here so fruit and veg isn't a problem and Canal Central is a cafe which also stocks some groceries but if we are not going to be back at Ellesmere until about Wednesday next week we will need some other bits. Kathy needs to get shoes and stuff for the kids anyway as they are going to a wedding on Saturday.
Today's journey 2.2 miles and 3 locks
So far this year we have travelled 194.7 miles, 125 locks 22 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 933.1 miles, 770 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
Saturday, 9 July 2011
I love Monty!
My phone call this morning managed to secure us passage through the Frankton Locks onto the Montgomery Canal. Luckily there was a small narrowboat in the queue to go down so we were able to get Scott's little fibreglass cruiser sharing the locks with that so it wasn't too bad.
It is a good job that we have to turn round and come back the same way as my camera battery is flat so I haven't got any pictures yet, this is such a pretty canal. It is so peaceful. BW only let about 8 boats per day through the locks and as it is possible to get all the way to the end in one day a lot of people come down one day, back to the lock flight the next and back up on the third. we intend to spend about ten days down here so we can go exploring the length of canal that is being restored but isn't navigable at the moment.
Much of the canal passes through a nature reserve and there is a huge variety of wild life. I have definitely fallen in love with the Monty.
We moored for the night at Queen's Head, opposite the pub of the same name. The only bad thing about this canal is the lack of mooring spots, but I'm told it is easier to find places further down. On the stretch we went through today the reeds are very thick which would make getting into the bank hard and what we could see of the bank didn't look very stable.
Another day without internet signal but this will appear eventually!
Today's journey 5.3 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 192.5 miles, 122 locks, 22 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 930.9 miles, 767 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 30 tunnels.
It is a good job that we have to turn round and come back the same way as my camera battery is flat so I haven't got any pictures yet, this is such a pretty canal. It is so peaceful. BW only let about 8 boats per day through the locks and as it is possible to get all the way to the end in one day a lot of people come down one day, back to the lock flight the next and back up on the third. we intend to spend about ten days down here so we can go exploring the length of canal that is being restored but isn't navigable at the moment.
Much of the canal passes through a nature reserve and there is a huge variety of wild life. I have definitely fallen in love with the Monty.
We moored for the night at Queen's Head, opposite the pub of the same name. The only bad thing about this canal is the lack of mooring spots, but I'm told it is easier to find places further down. On the stretch we went through today the reeds are very thick which would make getting into the bank hard and what we could see of the bank didn't look very stable.
Another day without internet signal but this will appear eventually!
Today's journey 5.3 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 192.5 miles, 122 locks, 22 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 930.9 miles, 767 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 30 tunnels.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Back to England
Last night Kathy's cat, Molly, gave birth to five kittens. We saw the first three born before we headed off to bed and she had another two overnight.
We headed back into England today, re-tracing our course past Chirk and across the aqueduct. A stop at Chirk Marina for diesel left me soaked to the skin as the glorious summer weather continued (not!) and trying to turn the boat around in the wind to get back out of the marina took three times as long as normal.
Sadly, one of Scott's guinea pigs died today, very sad. It hadn't shown any signs of being ill. We stopped at a pretty spot just before we reached Maestermyn and buried her beside the towpath. We decided to stop here for the night. I'm going to ring BW in the morning to see if we can book to go onto the Montgomery Canal tomorrow lunchtime. It could be fun negotiating the lock flight, only four locks but just three of us to handle the boats and the locks as Scott and Kaia are away for the weekend.
This probably won't appear for a couple of day's as I have no internet signal.
Today's journey 7.5 miles, 2 locks and 2 tunnels
So far this year we have travelled 187.2 miles, 117 locks, 22 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 925.6 miles, 762 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
We headed back into England today, re-tracing our course past Chirk and across the aqueduct. A stop at Chirk Marina for diesel left me soaked to the skin as the glorious summer weather continued (not!) and trying to turn the boat around in the wind to get back out of the marina took three times as long as normal.
Sadly, one of Scott's guinea pigs died today, very sad. It hadn't shown any signs of being ill. We stopped at a pretty spot just before we reached Maestermyn and buried her beside the towpath. We decided to stop here for the night. I'm going to ring BW in the morning to see if we can book to go onto the Montgomery Canal tomorrow lunchtime. It could be fun negotiating the lock flight, only four locks but just three of us to handle the boats and the locks as Scott and Kaia are away for the weekend.
This probably won't appear for a couple of day's as I have no internet signal.
Today's journey 7.5 miles, 2 locks and 2 tunnels
So far this year we have travelled 187.2 miles, 117 locks, 22 lift bridges and 5 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 925.6 miles, 762 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 30 tunnels
Sunday, 3 July 2011
A little bit further
Yesterday we moved from Trevor down to the Whitehouse Tunnel. I think I probably walked further than I cruised as I was dispatched to take photos of the boats going over the aqueduct. Whilst waiting for Ray and Kathy to go across I spotted this boat and awarded the"Idiot of the Week" to the person standing on the gunnel. Standing on a five inch wide ledge, holding on with one hand, the other hand in your pocket with only an approximately eight inch wide metal edge between yourself and a 126 foot drop onto the rocks and the River Dee below you is just plain stupid. Even the most experienced boaters get caught by gusts of wind crossing the aqueduct and it just takes one bump!
Ray and Kathy made their way sensibly across.
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| Ray with Morgana and Merlin |
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| Kathy with Destiny |
We aren't planning on travelling very far this week as Kathy has a busy week with family and friends and the weather forecast is lousy, so it will probably be at least Saturday before we go down onto the Montgomery Canal even though it is less than a day's journey
Yesterday's journey 2 miles and 1 lift bridge
So far this year we have travelled 179.7 miles, 115 locks, 22 lift bridges and 3 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 918.1 miles, 760 locks, 55 swing bridges, 26 lift bridges and 28 tunnels
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