Well, it is actually two months and one week but who is counting?
We have been fairly busy, had a few emergencies, met up with some good friends and generally had a good time.
We travelled to Kings Norton for their festival weekend and were moored between Sandra on Golden Boyz and Barry and the other Sandra on the Home Brew Boat. Like many weekends the weather wasn't entirely kind but we had a good time with a visit from the Hobbins clan and some fairly good trading. After that we took a trip to Fazeley to meet up with Kit and Mike which was lovely then we turned round and headed back to Digbeth for the Summer Market. This was the first time there had been trading boats there, it wasn't particularly good for sales but very enjoyable socially.
Once that weekend was over we headed back to our moorings. We have a slight leak on Merlin, it is well above the waterline but the wash from Morgana's prop was causing a bit of a problem so we decided leaving Merlin behind was the best idea. We took a short trip to Bentley Bridge for the weekend and then it was back to the moorings again. This time we lifted the engine to try and trace a fairly serious oil leak. It transpired be have a problem with our crankshaft which will need an engine rebuild or a new ( reconditioned) engine. At the moment Morgana is still cruising and we have our fingers crossed.
We decided to venture out to Merry Hill and Stourport Markets, both of which were very successful and are now back at Merry Hill on our way to Tipton Canalfest. We also enjoyed another visit from the Hobbins clan.
Since my last post we have travelled 121.4 miles, 181 locks and 12 tunnels
This year we have travelled 437.4 miles, 479 locks, 3 swing bridges and 23 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 3388.5 miles, 3008 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 148 tunnels
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Birmingham, first time this year
We made our way to Norbury on Friday afternoon and ended up moored right at the end of the visitor moorings but managed to edge our way back to a better spot to trade as other people moved during the afternoon and early Saturday morning. There weren't many people about but we sold a few things and Ray learnt how to make Turk's Head knots.
On Sunday we travelled to Wheaton Aston ready to fill up with diesel and make our way to the junction on Monday. which is what we did after queueing for over half an hour to get to the diesel pump. It seemed virtually everyone who had spent the night at Wheaton Aston had done it so they could fill up when Turner's opened.
I did a bit of shopping and collected my parcel from the post office on Monday afternoon then we got up really early (for us) on Tuesday and headed up the 21 and onto the BCN. We had originally planned to go back to the moorings but Ryders Green Locks were closed due to a broken lock beam so we went straight into Birmingham.
Our journey up the 21 was a record for us, 2 hours and 50 minutes from bottom to top, then the long haul into Birmingham where we spent today. we will head for Kings Norton tomorrow.
Since my last post we have travelled 34.1 miles, 26 locks and 3 tunnels
This year we have travelled 316 miles, 298 locks, 3 swing bridges and 11 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 3267.1 miles, 2827 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 136 tunnels
On Sunday we travelled to Wheaton Aston ready to fill up with diesel and make our way to the junction on Monday. which is what we did after queueing for over half an hour to get to the diesel pump. It seemed virtually everyone who had spent the night at Wheaton Aston had done it so they could fill up when Turner's opened.
I did a bit of shopping and collected my parcel from the post office on Monday afternoon then we got up really early (for us) on Tuesday and headed up the 21 and onto the BCN. We had originally planned to go back to the moorings but Ryders Green Locks were closed due to a broken lock beam so we went straight into Birmingham.
Our journey up the 21 was a record for us, 2 hours and 50 minutes from bottom to top, then the long haul into Birmingham where we spent today. we will head for Kings Norton tomorrow.
Since my last post we have travelled 34.1 miles, 26 locks and 3 tunnels
This year we have travelled 316 miles, 298 locks, 3 swing bridges and 11 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 3267.1 miles, 2827 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 136 tunnels
Thursday, 2 July 2015
A long weekend and heading onwards
As usual I haven't kept up to date with what we have been doing.
Last Tuesday we made a relatively early start and headed for Audlem. By the time we had watered up and emptied the loo Keri and Dan had almost caught up with us, just one boat between us. However we got a far better road than they did and reached Market Drayton long before they did. It took us four and a half hours from the bottom of Audlem locks to Market Drayton, it took them that long just to do Audlem. we had a bit of help on Adderley locks as my friend Sharron was following us up and her son helped close up the locks behind us. Pausing only to buy a couple of pork pies and some scones at the top lock we headed into Market Drayton.
We spent a full week in Market Drayton, trading at the weekend, chatting to friends and generally relaxing. The only fly in the ointment was the ATM eating Ray's bank card, according to his bank there was no reason for it, but they can only post a replacement card to his home address, so everything has to go through my account for now.
On Tuesday we made our way to Knighton, then onwards to the Anchor on Wednesday where we caught up with Golden Boyz and The Penmaker's Boat. tomorrow we will head for Norbury for the weekend.
Since my last post we have travelled 17 miles and 25 locks
This year we have travelled 281.9 miles, 272 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 3233 miles, 2801 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Last Tuesday we made a relatively early start and headed for Audlem. By the time we had watered up and emptied the loo Keri and Dan had almost caught up with us, just one boat between us. However we got a far better road than they did and reached Market Drayton long before they did. It took us four and a half hours from the bottom of Audlem locks to Market Drayton, it took them that long just to do Audlem. we had a bit of help on Adderley locks as my friend Sharron was following us up and her son helped close up the locks behind us. Pausing only to buy a couple of pork pies and some scones at the top lock we headed into Market Drayton.
We spent a full week in Market Drayton, trading at the weekend, chatting to friends and generally relaxing. The only fly in the ointment was the ATM eating Ray's bank card, according to his bank there was no reason for it, but they can only post a replacement card to his home address, so everything has to go through my account for now.
On Tuesday we made our way to Knighton, then onwards to the Anchor on Wednesday where we caught up with Golden Boyz and The Penmaker's Boat. tomorrow we will head for Norbury for the weekend.
Since my last post we have travelled 17 miles and 25 locks
This year we have travelled 281.9 miles, 272 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 3233 miles, 2801 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels
Monday, 22 June 2015
A late start
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
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
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
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