Tuesday 15 September 2015

After 2 months silence!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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



Wednesday 27 May 2015

A very successful Market

After our overnight stop at Branston Water Park we had a very short journey to the most convenient shopping stop.

When I was almost halfway between Morgana and Morrisons the heavens opened, hailstones and a wind straight out of the Arctic. Once I had got my shopping I decided we would stay where we were and move to Shobnall Fields on Wednesday, which is what we did.

We had a very successful market, although there didn't seem to be a huge number of people about those that came were willing to spend their money. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, visitors and traders alike. The Hobbins clan visited again which was very nice.

Yesterday we went shopping in Burton upon Trent and then I hopped on a bus to Lichfield and spent lots of money at Spellbound Beads so I can make lots more jewelry for our next market at Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival.

Today we began our journey back to Ocker Hill, we made good progress, the weather was mostly pleasant, although a bit windy. We reached Streethay for our overnight stop and will continue to Fazeley or maybe beyond tomorrow

Since my last post we have traveled 15.9 miles, 13 locks and 1 swing bridge

This year we have traveled  167.3 miles, 151 locks, 3 swing bridges and 4 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 3119.4 miles, 2680 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels


Monday 18 May 2015

Branston Water Park

We put off moving until lunchtime today. We were waiting for the rain to stop.  All went well to start with, the sun was trying to shine and it was quite warm. When we reached the fourth lock that all changed, the heavens opened and threw hail at us. Lots of hail, sharp painful hail, it wasn't fun!

As the weather forecast for tomorrow is worse than today we decided to carry on cruising, as quickly as it started the hail ceased. We continued through the river section from Alrewas to Wychnor and onwards until we reached Branston Water Park. By that time most of the decent moorings were occupied and we decided that we would stop rather than risk having to moor against an unstable bank.

It wasn't one of the most enjoyable cruises we have done but we are now warm and fed so life is good.

Today's journey was 7.5 miles and 8 locks

This year we have traveled  151.4 miles, 138 locks, 2 swing bridges and 4 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 3103.5 miles, 2667 locks, 122 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels

Friday 15 May 2015

Fradley Junction

After much consideration we decided not to trade at Fazeley Mill. Although the weather forecast for the weekend isn't too bad the early part of next week is forecast to be wet so we decided to make as much progress as possible before then. 

After I had collected one parcel from the post office we moved a short distance to be within walking distance of Argos to collect my second parcel. We then spent a couple of days doing bits of work around the boat before stocking up on groceries and heading back to the Trent and Mersey.

We had hoped to moor before making the turn on to the T&M but the visitor moorings were fully occupied so we have moored for the night just below the first lock at Fradley. We did spot a boat that belongs to a former travelling companion but nobody was home.

We will probably move on tomorrow as the moorings are right beside a road which means we have to keep the cats in.

Since my last post we have traveled 11 miles, 1 lock and 1 swing bridge

This year we have traveled  143.9 miles, 130 locks, 2 swing bridges and 4 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 3096 miles, 2659 locks, 122 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels

Sunday 10 May 2015

After the Market

Yet again I haven't updated things. After our night moored by the Tame Otter we continued our journey to Alvecote where we spent a week, trading for four days over the bank holiday weekend. It was nice to meet up with some friends we haven't seen since last year and catch up on what they have been doing. A few of us entered the pub quiz while we were there and our team won! We also had a nice visit from the Hobbins clan.

We left there on Thursday morning and made the short journey to Fazeley. On Friday I took a trip into Tamworth with my friend Jen, didn't spend too much money but had a good time. I'm waiting for a couple of parcels to be delivered which should arrive tomorrow, after that we may hang around here as there is a craft fair at the mill next to the canal on the 17th or we may start making our way slowly to Burton on Trent. A lot will depend on the weather forecast.

Since my last post we have traveled 9.3 miles and 4 locks

This year we have traveled  132.9 miles, 129 locks, 1 swing bridge and 4 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 3085 miles, 2658 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels

Tuesday 28 April 2015

At the Tame Otter

Today has been a hard and bad tempered day. I have been virtually out of commission because I've hurt my back, being in pain does not improve my temper. Ray has been having a 'bad day' as he puts it. This involves constant misjudgments which are never his fault. any suggestion from me that we stop, that I give him a break or anything else is met with 'I'm fine'. When he trashed our chimney by going through a bridge too close to the offside I lost my temper. Oh dear.

Anyway we are safely moored at the Tame Otter, if I wasn't aching, tired and skint I would suggest a pub dinner. Cheese on toast would do me but as I have defrosted some fish I better cook it!

We don't have far to go tomorrow which is good because there is rain forecast

Today we traveled 15.7 miles, 3 locks and 1 swing bridge

This year we have traveled  123.6 miles, 125 locks, 1 swing bridge and 4 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 3075.7 miles, 2654 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels

Monday 27 April 2015

On our way to Alvecote

We had a reasonably successful weekend at Stone. The weather could have been kinder but we had a good time, made some new friends and met up with some old ones.

We only have a few days to reach Alvecote for the bank holiday weekend market but we have made a good start. We dropped down through the our Stone locks last night before going to the Star for farewell drinks with Kit and Mike who we won't see again until late September. The less said about the Star the better, it was the pub with no beer!!

Today we continued our journey to Rugeley, stopping on the way to get rid of our rubbish, top up our watertank, fill up with diesel and buy a gas cylinder. Add a stock up shop to that and my wallet is rather light! There are five of us following the same route so we keep being passed by and then passing each other.

Last night and today we traveled 15.1 miles and 10 locks

This year we have traveled  107.9 miles, 122 locks and 4 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 3060 miles, 2651 locks, 120 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels

Friday 24 April 2015

Stone Floating Market

Oops, I've been very lazy. Actually it has been partly down to computer problems but I really should have posted sooner.

After a weekend at Rode Heath, we traveled up through the rest of the Cheshire Locks, through the Harecastle tunnel and then down through the Stoke and Meaford locks to Stone. Now I don't like tunnels but Ray was having a bad day so I was on the tiller for most of the tunnel and it's a long one. The journey only took us four easy days so we moored before reaching Stone and enjoyed the unseasonal sunshine. It gave us a chance to get some jobs done. We also walked into Stone to put up posters for the market.

Today was our first day of trading, it was very quiet but we expect that on Friday. We did have a reporter from Radio Stoke Breakfast Show come and do a live piece about the market so that was good publicity and the weather forecast for the weekend looks better than it did earlier in the week.

Since my last post we have traveled 17.1 miles, 22 locks and 1 tunnel

This year we have traveled  92.8 miles, 112 locks and 4 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 3044.9 miles, 2641 locks, 120 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 129 tunnels