Ray woke up this morning with a headache so we had a bit of a late start. Keri and Dan left early but they had shopping to do so we expected to catch up with them. When we did get moving we had a fairly easy journey but the canal was busy.
It was a rather windy day which always makes life interesting but apart from a close encounter at Barbridge Junction all went well, even that wasn't a panic situation.
We spotted Keri and Dan's boat moored at Nantwich and as we were crossing the aqueduct we saw them walking back from town. They spotted us too and there was much waving and calling!
We had decided we wanted to reach Coole Pilate which gives us a longish but manageable day to reach Market Drayton tomorrow. We were beginning to think that Keri and Dan had decided to stop at Nantwich but they arrived eventually. They had been delayed because George, their Gordon Setter had to go to the vet. He has an abscess under a tooth, poor thing.
Earlyish start tomorrow with lots of locks.
Today's journey 15.3 miles and 4 locks
This year we have travelled 264.9 miles, 247 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3216 miles, 2776 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Monday 22 June 2015
Sunday 21 June 2015
Onward to the next venue
We had a good time meeting old friends and making new ones at Middlewich. Although we didn't really get away from the boat much during the festival we could listen to the music from the outdoor stages at the two pubs either side of us. We also went to the boaters supper on Friday night and had a tasty but rather expensive curry, long on taste but short on quantity.
As far as trading was concerned we had a good weekend but not as good as I hoped with the number of people about. I suppose most had come to listen to the music rather than spend money. I did sell my huge rainbow blanket which boosted the coffers and I have a possible commission to do some cabin lace for a boat.
We decided we didn't want to get caught in the inevitable long queues for the locks tomorrow so left once we had packed up. We got through the first five locks on our way to Market Drayton and moored at about 9.30 just as it was starting to rain. Keri and Dan did the same as us and got caught by the rain mooring up about twenty minutes later. Supper was a hasty burger and beans.
Today's journey 2.1 miles and 5 locks
This year we have travelled 249.6 miles, 243 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3200.7 miles, 2772 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
As far as trading was concerned we had a good weekend but not as good as I hoped with the number of people about. I suppose most had come to listen to the music rather than spend money. I did sell my huge rainbow blanket which boosted the coffers and I have a possible commission to do some cabin lace for a boat.
We decided we didn't want to get caught in the inevitable long queues for the locks tomorrow so left once we had packed up. We got through the first five locks on our way to Market Drayton and moored at about 9.30 just as it was starting to rain. Keri and Dan did the same as us and got caught by the rain mooring up about twenty minutes later. Supper was a hasty burger and beans.
Today's journey 2.1 miles and 5 locks
This year we have travelled 249.6 miles, 243 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3200.7 miles, 2772 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Tuesday 16 June 2015
Middlewich
We had a relatively easy journey to Middlewich today. Not too many boats on the move so we didn't encounter any lock queues until Wardle Lock at the junction with the Trent and Mersey where we were the fourth boat going down with about six waiting to come up.
We had to go past our mooring spot and down through Big Lock to wind so we were facing the right way for our trading set up and for our getaway after the festival. We found we were moored next to Dave and Gillie who we hadn't seen for nearly a year so that was good.
Our other neighbour hadn't arrived so that made it easy to breast Merlin up and get ourselves settled into our mooring spot and had a good natter and a cuppa.
There wasn't the same friendly greeting from organisers as we usually get at RCTA markets but one of the organisers had to drop out because of problems with his boat so that probably affected things.
Looking forward to a good weekend trading.
Today's journey 9.7 miles and 9 locks
This year we have travelled 247.5 miles, 238 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3198.6 miles, 2767 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
We had to go past our mooring spot and down through Big Lock to wind so we were facing the right way for our trading set up and for our getaway after the festival. We found we were moored next to Dave and Gillie who we hadn't seen for nearly a year so that was good.
Our other neighbour hadn't arrived so that made it easy to breast Merlin up and get ourselves settled into our mooring spot and had a good natter and a cuppa.
There wasn't the same friendly greeting from organisers as we usually get at RCTA markets but one of the organisers had to drop out because of problems with his boat so that probably affected things.
Looking forward to a good weekend trading.
Today's journey 9.7 miles and 9 locks
This year we have travelled 247.5 miles, 238 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3198.6 miles, 2767 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Monday 15 June 2015
Almost there
The weather has been really kind today, nice and warm without being too hot, very little wind and no rain.
We set off about nine o'clock with the intention of getting at least as far as Hack Green, in fact we got much further than that.
The locks at Audlem were relatively quite, virtually every one was against us but we still made good progress. We paused briefly by the Shroppie Fly for a quick dash to the Co-Op and then it was onward ever onward. At the bottom of Audlem flight we saw NB Dutiful Duck who is also on their way to Middlewich. When we got to Hack Green we decided the weather was so nice we would carry on until about five o'clock. There was still very little traffic and we managed to cruise past Nantwich and onto the Middlewich Branch, then it was just one more lock and moor for the night.
We are in a peaceful spot, a couple of other boats in sight, the very occaisional train and lots of hedgerow for the cats to investigate. All being well we should be moored up in Middlewich tomorrow night.
Today's journey 13.6 miles and 18 locks
This year we have travelled 237.8 miles, 229 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3188.9 miles, 2758 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
We set off about nine o'clock with the intention of getting at least as far as Hack Green, in fact we got much further than that.
The locks at Audlem were relatively quite, virtually every one was against us but we still made good progress. We paused briefly by the Shroppie Fly for a quick dash to the Co-Op and then it was onward ever onward. At the bottom of Audlem flight we saw NB Dutiful Duck who is also on their way to Middlewich. When we got to Hack Green we decided the weather was so nice we would carry on until about five o'clock. There was still very little traffic and we managed to cruise past Nantwich and onto the Middlewich Branch, then it was just one more lock and moor for the night.
We are in a peaceful spot, a couple of other boats in sight, the very occaisional train and lots of hedgerow for the cats to investigate. All being well we should be moored up in Middlewich tomorrow night.
Today's journey 13.6 miles and 18 locks
This year we have travelled 237.8 miles, 229 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3188.9 miles, 2758 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Sunday 14 June 2015
One of those days!
An early start this morning after a day off yesterday because of the weather. By the time we got to Woodeaves Cutting we were in a queue of three boats so I was expecting to be delayed going down Tyrley Locks however it started to rain and they both decided to take a break, the one boat already there was filling their water tank and there was a boat already heading down, so we were next.
I gave an impromptu lesson in locking to the crew of a hire boat, and we were on our way. I shouldn't have been so pleased. At lock 2 we had the lock turned against us because the boat coming up had said they would reset it for a solo boater behind them. At the next lock the exiting boat closed the gate in our face because they didn't see us coming and at the next the crew thought the lock was filling slowly, they had left a paddle on the tail up slightly! Apart from that we had a good road, treated ourselves to ginger cake from the farm shop at the top of Adderley Locks and moored up in time to watch the football.
Today's journey 11.4 miles and 10 locks
This year we have travelled 224.2 miles, 211 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3175.3 miles, 2740 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
I gave an impromptu lesson in locking to the crew of a hire boat, and we were on our way. I shouldn't have been so pleased. At lock 2 we had the lock turned against us because the boat coming up had said they would reset it for a solo boater behind them. At the next lock the exiting boat closed the gate in our face because they didn't see us coming and at the next the crew thought the lock was filling slowly, they had left a paddle on the tail up slightly! Apart from that we had a good road, treated ourselves to ginger cake from the farm shop at the top of Adderley Locks and moored up in time to watch the football.
Today's journey 11.4 miles and 10 locks
This year we have travelled 224.2 miles, 211 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3175.3 miles, 2740 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Friday 12 June 2015
What a day!!!
Today has been a very long day, not without incident and some measure of frustration.
We intended to start early this morning but our cooling system had different ideas. Ray checked the filter and cleaned it and we were on our way. In less than an hour the temperature was climbing so we pulled over and Ray had the delight of clearing the weed filter and the inlet pipe, we then had to
wait for the engine to cool before setting off again.
As we prepared to leave the boater moored behind us was also readying his boat so we told him to go first as we are slower that average because of towing Merlin. We soon realised we had met the alter ego of the Chaos Fairy (see 10th April). Let me introduce the Calamity Elf. Firstly one of his cats decided the bank was better than the boat, pause to catch the cat, then he tried to pull away without untying his rear rope, whilst untying it his dog decided to try and join him and fell in. Pause to retrieve dog! By this time his boat was diagonally across the canal with the prow nearly touching the far bank. In the course of some hasty manoeuvres he contrived to nearly hit Morgana and run aground on the near side. Ray went to help him away from the bank. By this time I was wishing we had gone first.
We followed him to Wheaton Aston Lock, watching his progress from side to side of the canal, every time he turned his head to look at anything he turned the tiller also. We were far enough behind that we didn't see the full manoeuvre of his arrival at the lock but when we arrived the prow of his boat was virtually touching the lock gate, a little awkward as there was a boat in the lock wanting to exit it! A quick reverse run him aground on the far bank. His dog was running loose on the nearside bank. I decided that the most useful thing I could do was the make sure the dog didn't end up in the canal for a second time by trying to get back to his boat.
The boater called to the boat exiting the lock to ask if he would try and pull him off the bank. The usual way of doing this is to throw a rope to the other boat and then tow the stuck boat off. for some bizarre reason he decide to try and jump from his boat across to the other boat. He ended up in the canal! The other boater had to cut his engine to make sure he caught neither the submerged boater or the rope with his prop. A very wet boater clambered out of the canal, threw the rope and his boat was freed from the bank.
Ray and I assisted him down the lock before descending ourselves and passing him whilst he filled his water tank. We fuelled up at Turners and cruised for the rest of the day without incident, mooring at Shebdon aqueduct for the night.
Today's journey 19 miles, 1 lock and 1 tunnel
This year we have travelled 212.8 miles, 201 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3164.9 miles, 2730 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
We intended to start early this morning but our cooling system had different ideas. Ray checked the filter and cleaned it and we were on our way. In less than an hour the temperature was climbing so we pulled over and Ray had the delight of clearing the weed filter and the inlet pipe, we then had to
wait for the engine to cool before setting off again.
As we prepared to leave the boater moored behind us was also readying his boat so we told him to go first as we are slower that average because of towing Merlin. We soon realised we had met the alter ego of the Chaos Fairy (see 10th April). Let me introduce the Calamity Elf. Firstly one of his cats decided the bank was better than the boat, pause to catch the cat, then he tried to pull away without untying his rear rope, whilst untying it his dog decided to try and join him and fell in. Pause to retrieve dog! By this time his boat was diagonally across the canal with the prow nearly touching the far bank. In the course of some hasty manoeuvres he contrived to nearly hit Morgana and run aground on the near side. Ray went to help him away from the bank. By this time I was wishing we had gone first.
We followed him to Wheaton Aston Lock, watching his progress from side to side of the canal, every time he turned his head to look at anything he turned the tiller also. We were far enough behind that we didn't see the full manoeuvre of his arrival at the lock but when we arrived the prow of his boat was virtually touching the lock gate, a little awkward as there was a boat in the lock wanting to exit it! A quick reverse run him aground on the far bank. His dog was running loose on the nearside bank. I decided that the most useful thing I could do was the make sure the dog didn't end up in the canal for a second time by trying to get back to his boat.
The boater called to the boat exiting the lock to ask if he would try and pull him off the bank. The usual way of doing this is to throw a rope to the other boat and then tow the stuck boat off. for some bizarre reason he decide to try and jump from his boat across to the other boat. He ended up in the canal! The other boater had to cut his engine to make sure he caught neither the submerged boater or the rope with his prop. A very wet boater clambered out of the canal, threw the rope and his boat was freed from the bank.
Ray and I assisted him down the lock before descending ourselves and passing him whilst he filled his water tank. We fuelled up at Turners and cruised for the rest of the day without incident, mooring at Shebdon aqueduct for the night.
Today's journey 19 miles, 1 lock and 1 tunnel
This year we have travelled 212.8 miles, 201 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 tunnels
In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3164.9 miles, 2730 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Thursday 11 June 2015
Autherley Junction
Yesterday we made our way down the Wolverhampton 21, the broken paddle on the tailgate of the top lock still isn't fixed. It seems as if it has been broken forever but that's a bit of an exaggeration. We had a good journey down with no delays, a few boats coming up so that meant locks in our favour, nothing round the prop, didn't even have to clean the weed filter. I harvested some plantain on the way down to make a tincture for the winter, it is a good expectorant so that's one thing ready for the cold season. Most of the elderflower is still not quite ready, I'm all prepared to make champagne, cordial and an experimental elderflower and lime vodka, just need the elderflowers.
I did have an exciting moment when I made the turn at Autherley Junction, the wind was blowing straight down the cut and although I took this into consideration and turned slightly early once I was broadside to the wind I was in danger of being carried past the junction. I stuck Morgana's nose into the bridge hole and ended up turning into the Shroppie from virtually the opposite direction! Oh well, I made the turn that's what counts.
We indulgently treated ourselves to ice creams from the boatyard and then moored for lunch. We could have travelled much further if Ray hadn't had a hospital appointment today. I think the warmer weather suits me, my joints aren't giving me as much pain as they were. I even managed the walk to the shops after all those locks.
Ray is at the hospital at the moment and it will probably be too late when he gets back to think of moving today so tomorrow it will be full steam ahead towards Middlewich.
Yesterday's journey 2.6 miles and 22 locks
This year we have traveled 193.8 miles, 200 locks, 3 swing bridges and 7 tunnels
In 2014 we traveled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we traveled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 3145.9 miles, 2729 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 132 tunnels
I did have an exciting moment when I made the turn at Autherley Junction, the wind was blowing straight down the cut and although I took this into consideration and turned slightly early once I was broadside to the wind I was in danger of being carried past the junction. I stuck Morgana's nose into the bridge hole and ended up turning into the Shroppie from virtually the opposite direction! Oh well, I made the turn that's what counts.
We indulgently treated ourselves to ice creams from the boatyard and then moored for lunch. We could have travelled much further if Ray hadn't had a hospital appointment today. I think the warmer weather suits me, my joints aren't giving me as much pain as they were. I even managed the walk to the shops after all those locks.
Ray is at the hospital at the moment and it will probably be too late when he gets back to think of moving today so tomorrow it will be full steam ahead towards Middlewich.
Yesterday's journey 2.6 miles and 22 locks
This year we have traveled 193.8 miles, 200 locks, 3 swing bridges and 7 tunnels
In 2014 we traveled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we traveled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 3145.9 miles, 2729 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 132 tunnels
Tuesday 9 June 2015
Wolverhampton, again!
Definite feeling of deja vu today. For the second time this year we are on our way to Middlewich and for the second time we are moored at Wolverhampton ready to tackle the '21' tomorrow.
We didn't have the most auspicious start, a link on our rear fender chain snapped as we were leaving the moorings Apart from that we had a good journey. The Walsall Canal was surprisingly busy today, we met one boat coming down the locks and there were two following us up. Even Factory Locks were virtually rubbish free.
My thoughts are turning to foraging, the elderflower is coming into bloom and so it is nearly time for elderflower champagne, elderflower cordial and even elderflower and lime vodka.
I was fairly busy en route, apart from working the locks I made bread and rhubarb and ginger compote. I also worked on some beading and crochet, so a productive day!
Today's journey 9.7 miles, 11 locks and 2 tunnels
This year we have traveled 191.2 miles, 178 locks, 3 swing bridges and 7 tunnels
In 2014 we traveled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we traveled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 3143.3 miles, 2707 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 132 tunnels
We didn't have the most auspicious start, a link on our rear fender chain snapped as we were leaving the moorings Apart from that we had a good journey. The Walsall Canal was surprisingly busy today, we met one boat coming down the locks and there were two following us up. Even Factory Locks were virtually rubbish free.
My thoughts are turning to foraging, the elderflower is coming into bloom and so it is nearly time for elderflower champagne, elderflower cordial and even elderflower and lime vodka.
I was fairly busy en route, apart from working the locks I made bread and rhubarb and ginger compote. I also worked on some beading and crochet, so a productive day!
Today's journey 9.7 miles, 11 locks and 2 tunnels
This year we have traveled 191.2 miles, 178 locks, 3 swing bridges and 7 tunnels
In 2014 we traveled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we traveled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 3143.3 miles, 2707 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 132 tunnels
Thursday 4 June 2015
Back Home
As usual I've been too busy to let you know where we are and what we have been doing. How did we ever find time to go to work?
Last Thursday was a very pleasant day for travelling so we continued our journey along the Coventry Canal to Fazeley Junction where we saw NB Sparks, unmistakable with all the plants on the roof. We stopped for a chat then carried on, turning onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and up through the locks at Curdworth. It got rather windy later in the day but I managed not to make too much of a hash of negotiating the locks.The weather on Friday was atrocious so we took a day off from cruising but I stayed busy making things to sell later in the year.
Saturday was a little chilly and breezy to to start but we made good time through Minworth locks and the onto the Tame Valley Canal and up through Perry Barr Locks. The vast quantity of blossom floating in the canal managed to block our water filter on the cooling system but apart from that it was an uneventful journey. We reached home with much debate as to whether it was possible to turn into the moorings approaching from the Tame Valley Canal and proved that it wasn't! Ray got Morgana and Merlin wedged between the far bank and the bridge! We had to detach Merlin ti order to make the turn. We managed to get home in time to watch the Cup Final so I was happy, and even happier when Arsenal won.
Since we have been back it has been all go. The weeds had taken over the garden, although I did have three or four parsley trees as well. Now the weeds are mostly gone, I have dried a lot of parsley and mint, I plan to dry some lemon balm too. The plants from the roof of the boat have been re-potted or planted in the garden. We have demolished a cupboard which was in self destruct mode and intend to replace it with a bench seat with storage underneath. This is a prelude to (probably) turning our lounge into a bed sitting room and our bedroom into a workroom. This will give me a workspace and us both a warmer bedroom in winter. It might not happen of course.
I have also taken advantage of being of fixed abode temporarily to get some wool and beads delivered. More things to be made!
Since my last post we have traveled 14.2 miles, 16 locks and 1 tunnel
This year we have traveled 181.5 miles, 167 locks, 3 swing bridges and 5 tunnels
In 2014 we traveled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we traveled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 3133.6 miles, 2696 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 130 tunnels
Last Thursday was a very pleasant day for travelling so we continued our journey along the Coventry Canal to Fazeley Junction where we saw NB Sparks, unmistakable with all the plants on the roof. We stopped for a chat then carried on, turning onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and up through the locks at Curdworth. It got rather windy later in the day but I managed not to make too much of a hash of negotiating the locks.The weather on Friday was atrocious so we took a day off from cruising but I stayed busy making things to sell later in the year.
Saturday was a little chilly and breezy to to start but we made good time through Minworth locks and the onto the Tame Valley Canal and up through Perry Barr Locks. The vast quantity of blossom floating in the canal managed to block our water filter on the cooling system but apart from that it was an uneventful journey. We reached home with much debate as to whether it was possible to turn into the moorings approaching from the Tame Valley Canal and proved that it wasn't! Ray got Morgana and Merlin wedged between the far bank and the bridge! We had to detach Merlin ti order to make the turn. We managed to get home in time to watch the Cup Final so I was happy, and even happier when Arsenal won.
Since we have been back it has been all go. The weeds had taken over the garden, although I did have three or four parsley trees as well. Now the weeds are mostly gone, I have dried a lot of parsley and mint, I plan to dry some lemon balm too. The plants from the roof of the boat have been re-potted or planted in the garden. We have demolished a cupboard which was in self destruct mode and intend to replace it with a bench seat with storage underneath. This is a prelude to (probably) turning our lounge into a bed sitting room and our bedroom into a workroom. This will give me a workspace and us both a warmer bedroom in winter. It might not happen of course.
I have also taken advantage of being of fixed abode temporarily to get some wool and beads delivered. More things to be made!
Since my last post we have traveled 14.2 miles, 16 locks and 1 tunnel
This year we have traveled 181.5 miles, 167 locks, 3 swing bridges and 5 tunnels
In 2014 we traveled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels
In 2013 we traveled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 3133.6 miles, 2696 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 130 tunnels
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