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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Today's journey 3.8 miles and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 362.3 miles, 312 locks, 34 lift bridges and 13 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1093 miles, 959 locks, 55 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 38 tunnels

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

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

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

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-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

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

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

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