A mostly sunny day

Today has been breezy but mostly sunny, so after dumping the rubbish and topping up the water tank we continued our journey towards Leeds.

We had a bit of help at the bottom lock at Audlem from one of the BW volunteer rangers, I suppose that should be a CART (Canal and River Trust) volunteer ranger now that they have become a charitable trust and changed the name. At least so far they don't seem to be spending a fortune desperately changing the name on everything! The only problem with the assistance was that I got chatting and forgot to buy my red onions from the farm shop, it will have to wait until Middlewich now as I don't feel like stopping just for onions.

It was another uneventful day of travel, the gusting winds gave us a few problems particularly at the Nantwich Viaduct where our attempt to reverse in order to allow an oncoming boat passage first resulted in us being diagonally across the canal. The approaching boat attempted the same manoeuvre with the same result so there we both were at either end of the viaduct on a diagonal. The other boater realised we were towing, which makes life a bit more difficult and managed to straighten up on the offside and waved us through.

We continued to make slow but steady progress due to the inevitable moored boats and made the turn onto the Middlewich Branch about 3.30. We found a quiet spot to moor before we reached Cholmondeston Lock and I prepared dinner while Ray cut some wood. Nimue ventured outside for the first time since having her kittens and managed to fall in but she was very sensible and didn't try to go back to them until she was dry.

Tomorrow is another day when we might or might not travel, the weather forecast isn't promising.

Today's journey 10.7 miles and 5 locks

So far this year we have travelled 262.9 miles, 165 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1464.6 miles, 1251 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels

It definitely wasn't us this time!!

If you look at my blog of 14th January 2011 you will read my report of a canal closure due to a land slip, which we missed by a matter of minutes, this time we missed it by a few days, in virtually the same place.
Unfortunately for the occupants of a hire boat who were facing the prospect of 22 locks and 18 miles (at least 10 hours cruising and about 12 by my reckoning) between yesterday afternoon and 9am on Monday I didn't pick up the report until after they were gone. If I had known I could have told them the most they would be able to do was the locks and about 6 miles. Hopefully they will have avoided the worst of the weather today. I assume the boatyard will collect them from wherever they have to moor.

There are lots of reports of fallen trees closing various bits of the canal system today but none that affect us in the immediate future. Hopefully the one that has closed part of the Trent and Mersey will be cleared by the time we get there.

We moved a short distance yesterday, just down through some of the Audlem Locks to moor opposite the Shroppie Fly. Our journey down the locks was relatively easy as there was enough boat movement for us to meet boats at most locks but not so much that it delayed us. We indulged in fish and chips from the chippy last night, an extravagance for us. At the moment we have the 5 day moorings to ourselves. Today's weather was horrible so we got some washing done, we might move on tomorrow or we might stay for a couple of days, haven't decided yet.

Yesterday's journey 1.5 miles and 10 locks

So far this year we have travelled 252.2 miles, 160 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1453.9 miles, 1246 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels

Minus one, plus three!

We probably had a more eventful time on the two days we were moored going nowhere than we usually have when cruising. Our reason for not cruising was the beautiful weather! Which brings me to my minus one.

I am sure most people have had the same high winds and rain that we have been experiencing. On Wednesday we awoke to the sound of our satellite dish rattling on the roof in the wind. We have to detach it from its bracket when cruising but it remains attached by the cable. So Ray said "I'll take that down to stop it annoying us".  After a first cup of coffee, he got dressed and was going to rescue it. Just before he put his shoes on all went quiet. He went out to find the cable with no satellite dish attached. Of course the wind had not been kind enough to blow it onto the bank. So somewhere in the canal at Market Drayton is a satellite dish! That's our minus one!

Some family and friends know that Nimue, our stripey tabby was pregnant. Yesterday she gave birth to three gorgeous kittens, two just like her and the third a black with white markings like her half brother and sister. Mother and babies all doing well, I don't think Nimue has stopped purring since she gave birth to them. So if anyone knows anyone who would like a kitten they should be available towards the end of June, when we will probably be around the Yorkshire/Lancashire borders somewhere. So this is our plus three!

After all the excitement of the past couple of days it was time to make a bit of progress so we ignored the rain and continued our journey. We can stand getting wet for a while so we moved on from Market Drayton towards Audlem. Three hours was enough but that got us through Adderley Locks and the first two of the Audlem Flight. We are moored near the damson tree that provided us with the fruit for last year's jam.

Today's journey 4.7 miles and 7 locks

So far this year we have travelled 250.7 miles, 150 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1452.4 miles, 1236 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels

Another good day!

After our planned trip to the shops, which was only partly successful due to the fact that the butchers appear to no longer do their own pies, (or maybe I was remembering wrong) we continued our journey northwards. I'm not sure how they manage it but the general store in Gnosall has cakes and biscuits at about half the price of the major supermarkets. Additional treats were Cadburys Cream Eggs at 6 for £1 and a couple of cream doughnuts. Naughty but nice!

Below is the view looking backwards from last night's mooring. The deep cutting beyond it was meant to be part of the tunnel when the canal was built but there were dangerous faults in the rock so it was opened out into a cutting making a planned 690 yard tunnel into an 81 yard one!


Cowley Tunnel, all 81 yards of it.

 

The reasonable weather continued today so we got about 6 hours cruising done, that will help to make up for the fact that tomorrow and Thursday will probably see no progress at all.

This stretch of the Shroppie is always slow going due to the number of moored boats and the narrowness of some of the cuttings. As with all canals you get an occasional reminder of why the canals were built, like this wharf at Knighton.

When we reached Tyrley Locks there was another boat going down ahead of us which meant every lock was against us but they were very kindly starting to refill the locks as they left them which meant they were half full at least by the time we got there. Five locks in 55 minutes, not bad going when following another boat.

We have moored at Market Drayton with high winds and torrential rain forecast, time to light the fire and batten down the hatches.

Today's journey 14 miles and 5 locks

So far this year we have travelled 246 miles, 143 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels



In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1447.7 miles, 1229 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels

Stop here for pies and cakes

Today we had a target of Wheaton Aston and beyond. Wheaton Aston is our (and everybody elses) stopping point for cheap diesel on the Shropshire Union, 8p per litre cheaper than we were paying to the fuel boat on the southern Grand Union and 15p per litre cheaper than we paid to the fuel boat on the Coventry. When you consider that if we run our tank low and have our two jerry cans empty we put about 150 litres in it makes a lot of difference. After making Turners £120 richer and us £120 poorer we were in the happy position of having a full fuel tank, we also have a full water tank, no rubbish, empty loo and two spare gas bottles. The only thing we might need is some wood and coal if it doesn't warm up soon.

We carried on cruising as by some miracle it was actually dry today, tomorrow doesn't look too bad either but then Wednesday and Thursday look horrible. The Shropshire Union is much quieter at this time of year, we would have had no problems mooring anywhere we wanted, not something you can do in the summer. We moored for the night at Gnosall, a place which has at least two things to recommend it, a shop which sells cheap, good cakes and a butchers which sells nice pies so it is a trip to the shops tomorrow before we leave.


Today's journey 12.8 miles, 1 lock and tunnel.

So far this year we have travelled 232 miles, 138 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1433.7 miles, 1224 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels

On the Shropshire Union

 We waited until about 10.30 hoping the weather would make up it's mind what it was going to do, then decided to make a move. Things didn't go to badly at first, we got through the first two locks and were just working the third when a heavy shower struck. that passed and I was only a bit damp. I was walking between locks as they are only about a quarter of a mile apart. I had nearly reached the fourth lock at Gailey and the heavens dumped a torrent of water on us. By the time we were through we were both drenched even though we were both in waterproof coats and hats.

Once we were through Gailey Lock we stopped on the waterpoint to fill up. I am toying with the idea of a collecting vessel, waterbutt style, on the roof with a pipe to the watertank. The way the rain was coming down it would probably have filled the tank faster. We did linger a bit longer than necessary then as the rain eased off we headed for Autherley Junction and the Shropshire Union.

About half of our journey was in sunshine and half in a downpour, at least we got to the junction and through the stoplock dry and then moored up.

Today's journey 8.9 miles and 5 locks


So far this year we have travelled 219.2 miles, 137 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1420.9 miles, 1223 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

A little bit of shopping, a little bit of travel and a lot of rain.

When we got up this morning we headed off to the market. I'm normally very heavy on shoes but I got a pair of trainers from Penkridge eighteen months ago and they are still going strong so we wanted to get Ray a pair. Inflation has reached Penkridge and the same style as I bought then for £10 are now £12.99 but still a good buy. I treated myself to a new purse as the zip on my old one was dodgy and tended to throw my change everywhere. Apart from that it was just the normal groceries plus a treat for lunch from Jaspers, a bakery I recommend to anyone passing this way.

We got back to Morgana in time to listen to the Arsenal v Chelsea match then it was time to continue our journey. Raincoats and hats were the order of the day as the showery weather continued, I had hoped to reach Gailey but after three locks I was soaked and cold so we moored for the night.

Today's journey 2.4 miles and 3 locks

So far this year we have travelled 210.3 miles, 132 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1412 miles, 1218 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

Penkridge

Today's 'on trend' look is the '2012 drowned rat', this has spread from Leeds (thank you Margaret) to Penkridge. I am sure others are sporting this trendy look in other parts of the country.

The drought (what drought?) has continued today with almost continuous rainfall, only the intensity varied. We waited until about eleven before starting out in the hope that the weather would improve before giving up and resigning ourselves to getting wet.

When we got to the first lock we decided a lot of other people must have had similar thoughts as there were two boats ahead of us. By the time we were in the lock and ascending there were a further three boats behind us and two waiting to descend. Apart from that we experience no delays and moored up at Penkridge before three.

Tomorrow will be a day off from travelling as we are planning to go to the market on Saturday.

Today's journey 7.1 miles and 4 locks

So far this year we have travelled 207.9 miles, 129 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1409.6 miles, 1215 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

Drought, what drought?

On Monday I read that 17 more counties were officially in drought conditions and that the Environment Agency believe the drought could last until Christmas, since then it has hardly stopped raining! Does the weather have a guilty conscience or it it just trying to prove that government agencies can't get anything right?

Normally our cats are very well behaved when we are travelling, they get shut in, we start the engine, they realise we are about to move and settle down. Today Lance realised that Ray had omitted to put the bolt on the front door and he has a knack of managing to open the doors if the bolt isn't on. We were about two foot out from the bank as all three of them leapt ashore! A short delay ensued as we pulled back into the bank and I enticed Gwyn and Nim back within grabbing distance with some cat treats but Lance had other ideas. After he had lured Ray into a game of  'chase me round a hollybush' he eventually consented to come back to the boat.

We had worked out that we were about nine hours from Penkridge with three days to get there so decided a bit of progress each day was the best idea as the prospect for a good cruising day look bleak.

Today was nothing like as windy as yesterday but the rain has been with us virtually all day, varying between a fine drizzle and quite heavy. It has stopped a few times but not for long.

We are now on the Staffs and Worcester Canal not far from Stafford.

Today's journey 4.4 miles and 3 locks

So far this year we have travelled 200.8 miles, 125 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1402.5 miles, 1211 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

If I ruled the world

If I ruled the world the rain would fall between sunset and sunrise, the wind would never blow at more 8 mph during daylight and other boaters would always know which side of the canal they are supposed to be on.

Admittedly it probably wasn't entirely their fault that they were on the wrong side just as we came through a bridge with blind bend after it. It might just have had something to do with the wind. If they had been on the right side of the canal it wouldn't have been a problem but we came through the bridge to be confronted with a boat on our side of the canal. Much full throttle reverse ensued and we managed to avoid a head on collison. The problem then was that we were now blown hard against the bank by the wind and it was great fun getting underway again.

We managed to stay mostly dry, reaching the Wolseley Arms just after three, not bad as we didn't set off until nearly noon because of the wind. The sun actually shone for a while after we moored and we went for a stroll. On the way back the sky got blacker and we had only been on board about ten minutes and there was an almighty hailstorm. It's stopped for a while then started again. At least I'm inside and it is bound to stop before tomorrow morning.

Today's journey 9.1 miles

So far this year we have travelled 196.4 miles, 122 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1398.1 miles, 1208 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

On to the Trent and Mersey

We had a bit of luck this morning before we went shopping, a fuel boat came past which saved us the necessity of a visit to a boatyard. We topped up with enough fuel to get to Wheaton Aston (where we know the diesel is cheap) and replaced a gas bottle that ran out last week.

Even though we started out late after shopping we thought we would easily make it onto the Trent and Mersey today. However only about an hour after leaving Tamworth some rubbish fouled our prop, causing the engine to stall. Once we had cleared the prop we had to wait for the engine to cool down before we could continue. For some reason our trusty BMC 1.5 doesn't like starting warm. This delay meant we revised our plans to reach Fradley Junction. That plan didn't work because by the time we got to Fradley it was getting late and the moorings at the junction were all taken so we went round onto the Trent and Mersey anyway.

The banks on the Trent and Mersey are not very mooring friendly so we carried on through three locks before we found a good spot. So we moored fairly late for us, but it was still daylight.

We are taking a slightly odd route from here to Middlewich, the obvious thing to do would to stay on the Trent and Mersey but that means going through Harecastle Tunnel which in turn means taking everything off our roof because it is so low. Instead we are going via the Staffs and Worcester and the Shropshire Union which has the added bonus of letting me visit Penkridge Market and maybe seeing Barry and Alex. It will take us a little longer going that way round but not a lot.

Today's journey 10.9 miles, 3 locks and 1 swing bridge

So far this year we have travelled 187.3 miles, 122 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1389 miles, 1208 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

Tamworth

We are making the most of the relatively fine weather as the forecast from Tuesday for the rest of the week doesn't look very promising. We are hoping to get to Penkridge for Friday night so we can go to the market on Saturday. It's about fourteen hours cruising time from where we are tonight at Tamworth which would be no problem apart from the weather forecast. We aren't fair weather boaters but prefer to avoid getting soaked if we can. I'm sure we can manage to find three decent hours per day on average.

There was no sign of our interesting neighbours this morning so we headed off down the remaining six locks of Atherstone flight, it being Sunday there were lots of boats on the move so it was a case of  "one up one down" at each lock but luckily no queues.

Then it was just under three hours lock free cruising to Glascote Locks, through those and then half an hour onward, past the junction with the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal to our overnight mooring just west of Tamworth.

From here we can walk to the supermarket for the weekly shop and also visit B&Q for a couple of bits, then we will carry on heading northwards towards Fradley and the junction with the Trent and Mersey.

Today's journey 10.5 miles and 8 locks

So far this year we have travelled 176.4 miles, 119 locks, 4 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1378.1 miles, 1205 locks, 60 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

Nosy neighbours

Today went even better than planned, we completed our on the Ashby Canal, couldn't resist this photo.

You've got to love the sign! Not only was this swan nesting halfway along stretch of long term moorings, she was less than 40 feet from a JCB digger which was digging out what appeared to be a new marina! 

Once we were on the Coventry we made good progress, I was reminded why I don't like Nuneaton, there is so much rubbish in the canal, some of it might just be careless littering which has blown into the canal but some must have been deliberately dumped in the canal. It is a pity really because a lot of the owners of canalside properties obviously take a great pride in their gardens and their outlook is spoilt by the rubbish.

We reached Atherstone by early afternoon and decided to go down the first five locks before mooring up.

Now living on a narrowboat you get used to people having a nose as they walk past and then being very embarassed when they realise someone is on board. Today's nosy neighbours were completely oblivious to that fact. Imagine my surprise when I looked up from my coffee to see a peacock peering through the window , not a very common sight on the towpath. That, however, was not the last visitor to Morgana. As usual we had allowed the cats out when we moored and they had gone to make friends with a young goat in the field next to the boat, no problem. When the cats came back the goat followed as far as the fence, then about five minutes later I heard a knock on the boat, you've guessed it, it was the goat. Then he actually climbed onto the boat! Ray went out the back to coax the goat back onto the bank but before he could the goat had hopped back off. A passerby told us the goat is always boarding boats!

No photos of the neighbours unfortunately!

Today's journey 12.4 miles and 5 locks

So far this year we have travelled 165.9 miles, 111 locks, 4 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1367.6 miles, 1197 locks, 60 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

Another grey day

April days are beginning to all look the same, overcast, threatening rain but not doing anything useful. At least if it is going to be cold and miserable it could have the decency to chuck some water into the canal.

Keen readers of the blog may have noticed I got Shackerstone and Snarestone mixed up yesterday, but I've corrected it now.

We carried on our journey back to the Coventry but ended up about four miles short of the junction when we decide we were going to stop. I would like to visit the Ashby again when the sun is shining, I haven't felt like going exploring away from the boat at all, by the time we moor I just want to light the fire and stay warm.

I did get a nice photo of where the old motte and bailey castle at Shackerstone used to be, just a nice round mound in a field now.

The weather put us off the idea of visiting the Bosworth Battlefield so that is something for another trip.

We might make it as far as Atherstone tomorrow with the prospect of 11 locks on Sunday.

Today's journey 15.5 miles

So far this year we have travelled 153.5 miles, 106 locks, 4 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1355.2 miles, 1192 locks, 60 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

To the end and coming back.

Today's journey took us to the end of the Ashby Canal, originally the end was eight miles further on at Moira but apart from a detached stretch at Moira those eight miles are now in the realms of canals where restoration is planned. Whether I will manage to cruise any of them in my lifetime is debatable. At the moment the canal ends with a swing bridge and a short stretch of moorings belonging to the Ashby Canal Association.

Just as we were heading along a stretch that is very exposed the wind got up and we could see that it was raining in the distance. We stopped on the moorings just before the Snarestone Tunnel for an hour or so to let the worst of the weather pass us by before we went through the tunnel to the end of the navigable canal. We then had to turn round and head back through the tunnel, it's only 250 yards long but it actually passes underneath the village of Snarestone .

We are now heading back towards the junction with the Coventry Canal, we probably won't reach the junction tomorrow, it all depends on the weather, what time we get up and whether we stop to visit anywhere enroute.

Today's journey 11.2 miles and 2 tunnels (well the same one twice!)


So far this year we have travelled 138 miles, 106 locks, 4 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1339.7 miles, 1192 locks, 60 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels

Ashby Canal

We spent today gently cruising up the Ashby, we had thought about visiting the Battle of Bosworth site but just as we got near it started raining so we cancelled that plan. We may visit on the way back, that is one advantage of canals that don't go anywhere, you have to turn round and come back so anything you miss going one way you can catch on the way back.

The Ashby is a pretty canal, almost river-like, it was built meandering along the 300ft contour of the hills, this avoids needing locks, aqueducts and tunnels(except one short one) but does mean that it takes a rather twisty route. The scenery is still a little bleak as many of the trees are still bare after the winter but the fields are green with this years crops, unfortunately for me in places they are yellow with oilseed rape in flower which won't do my hayfever any good.

We had some quite heavy rain late this afternoon and this evening which can only be good but I don't suppose it will make much impact on water levels in the reservoirs, we need weeks of rain for that.

Today's journey 14 miles

So far this year we have travelled 126.8 miles, 106 locks, 4 swing bridges and 3 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1328.5 miles, 1192 locks, 60 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 43 tunnels

Merry meet and merry part

We left Rugby this morning heading for the Coventry Canal on through the Newbold Tunnel, which actually has lights.

There we were happily cruising in the rather weak sunshine, brains pretty much in neutral when we came round a bit of a bend approaching All Oaks Wood and there was Almyne, owned by Chris who sold us Merlin. A frantic bit of reversing so we could  get into the bank and Ray went and gave a knock while I held the boat.

Much barking from D'fer and he and Chris soon emerged, we had a quick catch up chat, he's not sure where he's heading this year but at the moment we are heading in opposite directions. After that we carried on our way through Hawkesbury Junction onto the Coventry Canal. We have decided that as we are making such good time we are going to do a little detour up the Ashby Canal, just there and back again to see how far it is. We haven't visited the Ashby before so it will be new territory.

The weather was kind to us today and the forecast is for good mornings with a little bit of rain in the afternoons. We moored for the night about half a mile before the junction with the Ashby and will go exploring tomorrow. Just as we reached the moorings we saw our first brood of ducklings this year. You can't see very well but there are twelve ducklings.

Today's journey 14.2 miles, 1 lock, 1 swing bridge 1 tunnel


So far this year we have travelled 112.8 miles, 106 locks, 4 swing bridges and 3 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1314.5 miles, 1192 locks, 60 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 43 tunnels

Getting wet, again !

It's always the same on a bank holiday, you go out for the day and you encounter road works. I have decided that rain is the canal equivilent of re-surfacing so of course it is happening today. Got up this morning - raining, worked our way through Hillmorton Locks - raining, cruised down to Rugby - raining, walked to Tesco -raining, came back out of Tesco back to boat - raining. The trouble is it isn't decent rain, it's mostly that horrible drizzly stuff which gets you wet but doesn't really do much for the water levels.

By the time we had unpacked the shopping and were dry for the first time since setting off neither of us felt much like getting wet again so we lit the fire and stayed put. We have been making good progress and have ot further than I thought we would so far so a short day isn't a problem. These damp days make my bones ache so I will hope for better days to come but the weather forecast isn't promising.

Today's journey 3.2 miles and 3 locks



So far this year we have travelled 98.6 miles, 105 locks, 3 swing bridges and 2 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1300.3 miles, 1191 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 42 tunnels

The answer for easier cruising

I today found the answer to an easier life while cruising on the canals, find a boat full of  scouts, cubs and beavers and travel with them.

We met up with a party of youngsters with their leaders aboard 'Grebe' out of Willow Wren at Rugby at the top of Braunston locks. they happily did virtually all the work of winding paddles and opening gates all the way down the flight leaving me with virtually nothing to do. Once again my thanks to them all!

As I am sure some of you will have noticed Google Latitude is being very silly, for some reason it keeps sending me back to Hemel Hempstead, I've tried reloading it but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I'm sure it will sort itself out eventually, if not I'll have to try an alternative.

We had quite a good day today, largely thanks to the help through the locks. Once we were on the Oxford Canal after Braunston turn the amount of traffic was incredible, probably because of the bank holiday weekend. Luckily there are only three locks on the 23ish miles of the Oxford between Braunston and Hawkesbury Junction so even with a lot of traffic we shouldn't experience too many holdups.

As I had a Sunday roast planned we stopped fairly early, just before Hillmorton locks. the plan for tomorrow is to stop at Rugby for some shopping then probably carry on a bit further afterwards.

Today's journey 9.2 miles, 6 locks and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 95.4 miles, 102 locks, 3 swing bridges and 2 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1297.1 miles, 1188 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 42 tunnels 

Why does it it rain at locks?

When we are cruising it only needs one of us to endure there weather except at locks. On a nice day it's great to sit on the back enjoying the sun but when it is cold or wet one of us will take the tiller while the other stays warm and supplies the coffee, then we will swop for a while. So why on a day of intermittent rain did it have to chuck it down as we came up the seven locks at Buckby?

We tried to be good and share the locks but after a long wait with the bottom lock in our favour some boats were ready to come down so we took the lock up. We went up four locks solo then another solo boat ahead waited for us to join them and we shared the last three locks. At the top lock we had a wait for the lockeeper to let us out of the flight as he had already secured it so no-one else could enter.

As there was no possibilty of us going down Braunston Locks today due to the time and I didn't feel up to a load more locks anyway even if it had been possible.

Another grey and overcast day so no interesting photos, but there is more blossom and green every day so whenwe get some sunshine I should be able to get some nice photos.

Today's journey 8.4 miles and 7 locks

So far this year we have travelled 86.2 miles, 96 locks, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1287.9 miles, 1182 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 41 tunnels   

Another chilly day

We had a fairly uninteresting day today. Lots of boats on the move, especially holiday boats out of Gayton Marina heading back at the end of their holiday.

We moved up to the bottom of Stoke Bruerne Locks by about half past ten and were the sixth boat in the queue. We paired up Slavonion Grebe out of Gayton for the seven locks. As we were crossing with boats coming down at most locks it was an easy passage up the flight. There may be a water shortage but it is being well managed as the water level in the pounds was better than I have seen it previously. We parted company with them at the top lock as they were stopping to visit the Waterways Museum, worth a visit if you are in the area but we have visited it previously.

We carried on through the Blisworth Tunnel, a lot less drips than on many previous occasions and surprisingly we only met two oncoming boats. We then encountered our only bit of excitement for the day as a boat decided to pull out of Gayton Junction in front of us, frantic reversing so as not to hit him meant the wind caught us leaving us diagonally across the canal with another boat coming up behind us! All good fun!

We are now at Bugbrooke about two hours from Buckby Flight, another one with time restriction but unless we drastically oversleep we should clear that tomorrow. I just need a couple of bits from the chandlery at Whilton Marina before we go up.

Today's journey 10.4 miles, 7 locks and 1 tunnel


So far this year we have travelled 77.8 miles, 89 locks, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1279.5 miles, 1175 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 41 tunnels    

It's a bit chilly

I should be grateful that we have escaped the worst of the weather, we had wind and rain yesterday so stayed inside, got the washing done and the new lights are up in the engine room. At least we didn't get snow like Tim did in Leeds or hailstones like Gordon did in Willesden.

Today we headed through (or is that round) Milton Keynes ready to tackle Stoke Breurne Locks and Blisworth Tunnel tomorrow. It was definitely cold, probably about ten degrees colder than this time last week. At least there is only one lock between Milton Keynes and Stoke Breurne so we could take it in turns to take the tiller while the other one had a warm up inside. I did a very impressive bit of holding Morgana dead still in mid stream while waiting for an oncoming boat to come through a bridge. Not bad considering it was a bit windy.

It was a very grey day and I was glad to moor up near Grafton Regis, we have less than an hour to go to reach Stoke Breurne and the locks aren't open until ten anyway. Beef stew followed by sponge pudding and custard seems about right for today, so I better get that on the go.

Today's journey 11.2 miles and 1 lock


So far this year we have travelled 67.4 miles, 82 locks and 3 swing bridges

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1269.1 miles, 1168 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels   

Rain at last!

In spite of an early night last night we made a late start this morning.

Trips to IKEA are never quick as we always have to have a wander round just in case there is something we can use on Morgana. Didn't find anything interesting but we did get the lights we wanted. After that we went next door to Asda for some vegetables then it was back to the boat.

It was getting colder by the time we left our mooring and although it was only a short cruise by the time we reached our chosen mooring near Willen Lake I was very cold. Just as we were mooring up the heavens opened and it bucketed down. The forecast for tomorrow is terrible so we plan to stay here, do some washing, fix the new lights and have a day off from cruising.

We have made better progress than I anticipated so a day off is not a problem, we should still reach Leeds in about seven weeks.

Today's journey 3.5 miles, 1 lock and 1 swing bridge.


So far this year we have travelled 56.2 miles, 81 locks and 3 swing bridges

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1257.9 miles, 1167 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels   

Another warm day

I'm still hearing stories of the cold to come from weather forecasters but today was another pleasantly warm day.

We stopped at Leighton Buzzard for a bit of shopping and I bought some pansies to plant in my containers but I may leave it until after the frost and snow which is forecast before I plant them out. We carried on our journey northwards in the company of a holiday boat on it's way back to Bugbrooke. I'm sure that even in our first days we both handled the boat better than they did. We were both very patient and wished them well when we parted company. Another uneventful day, we moored for the night at Fenny Stratford with the intention of going to IKEA tomorrow to buy a set of LED lights for the engine room.

Today's journey 9.6 miles and 5 locks


So far this year we have travelled 52.7 miles, 80 locks and 2 swing bridges

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1253.4 miles, 1166 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels  

This wasn't forecast !!

My normally reliable weather forecast was wrong today, a bit chilly and sunny intervals was actually warm and unbroken sunshine. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining.

We took advantage of the weather to continue our journey as far as Leighton Buzzard, from here onwards, at least for a while we have more miles than locks which makes for easier travelling.

There were surprisingly few boats on the move considering it is Sunday and the start of the holidays. We weren't the only ones enjoying the sunshine, this heron at Seabrook Locks seemed more interested in enjoying the sun than fishing.

A pretty uneventful day, tomorrow is the empty rubbish/fill water tank/do a bit of shopping day. If we make an early start we might get all that done and still reach Milton Keynes.

Today's journey 4.2 miles and 9 locks


So far this year we have travelled 43.1 miles, 75 locks and 2 swing bridges

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1244.8 miles, 1161 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels