New territory

Yesterday we strolled into Whitchurch to top up our supplies, there is a butcher there who sells a really good white pudding. Unfortunately my cheap coffee supply at Lidl was closed for refurbishment, we still have a couple of jars so we aren't going to suffer caffeine withdrawal.

We are now travelling previously unexplored (by us) canal. We waited until after the hirers would have returned to base at Viking Afloat before we set off, we didn't want to get caught up with any "racing to get back on time" boats. Like most the days so far the weather looked as if it could do anything so we decided we would go as far as the weather let us without getting wet. As it turned out we could still be cruising now, we had a few black clouds, but no rain. A pleasant day's cruising, if a little chill considering it is June.

A lazy day drifting beside green fields and wooded banks, very calm and peaceful. No locks, just a few lift bridges so an easy day. We eventually moored beside Blake Mere, just short of Ellesmere. A very nice spot, overlooking the lake, the only disadvantage is that there are lots of trees which means not a lot of light on my solar panels. The lack of locks meant I had time to finish the cabin lace I have been working on for the engine room porthole. So I now have a brand new, pristine curtain on the window.

My new cabin lace curtain

Monday is washing day so we will stay here tomorrow, besides that it is rather a nice back garden!

Today's journey 11.2 miles and 5 lift bridges.

So far this year we have travelled 153.1 miles, 113 locks and 20 lift bridges

Since Ray retired we have travelled 891.5 miles, 758 locks, 55 swing bridges, 24 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Stoke Bruerne to Northampton

We decided at about 11.00 that we didn't believe the forecast, which was for rain again. The sun was shining, so we set off.

A short hop and we were in the Blisworth Tunnel. For the benefit of non-boaters, tunnels are not dry, the water that pours down the ventilation shafts makes the average power-shower look like a feeble trickle. The sun was still shining when we emerged from the north end of the tunnel so after turning onto the Northampton Arm it was a quick stop at Gayton Marina to buy an EA key for the Nene locks and off down the Rothersthorpe Flight. A quick calculation, sixteen locks and about four miles, we should be able to moor at Cotton End about six. The best laid plans of mice and men, doomed to failure!

The Northampton Arm is a little used waterway, the reeds have been cut back and so the canal is littered with reed cuttings. These tend to clog our raw water filter and so the engine threatens to overheat. The only solution is to stop and clear the filter. This wouldn't have mattered if the day hadn't clouded over and by Lock 5  it started to rain. While we were in Lock 8, the engine temperature was rising so it was a stop to clear the filter and the heavens opened! After a short delay we carried on, the rain eased off and all was well, except that the ground was so slippery that I couldn't manage to get a good enough footing to be able to raise the lift bridge below Lock 10 so Ray had to come and rescue me. The rain was on and off through the remaining three locks of the flight, so feeling cold,wet and muddy I suggested we stop for the night at the first available spot.

Wishful thinking! The Nicholsons Guide mentions excellent moorings at Cotton End Wharf, what it doesn't mention is that there is nowhere sensible to moor before you get there! So we carried on, down through two more locks, through a lot more floating reed cuttings and the engine temperature started to rise, and the sky turned black, and the heavens opened and the rain came down so heavily it was like thick fog. We had no choice, we had to stop! We couldn't even see the bank clearly! My hero, Ray, steered for the bank and took a leap of faith, cleared the two foot fringe of reeds and landed safely rope in hand. He managed to get us safely moored. By this time we were both absolutely soaked.

I am at last feeling warm and dry, two hours after mooring. Oh, the joys of narrowboating!

Today's journey 6.6 miles, 15 locks, 1 lift bridge and a tunnel.
So far we have travelled 57.1 miles, 81 locks, 3 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 1 tunnel.

Lazy day,but some photos at last.

My posh glass handbasin

My bath, with very expensive mosaic tile detail and very cheap shelves!

My over-bed cupboards, which need finishing, but look good!

A very lazy day today, we only cruised until lunchtime.

When we stopped in Berkhamsted we went in search of a branch of the Halifax so I could pay a cheque in. We found the Halifax but also found a craft shop. Those who know me will know this was bad news for my bank balance! We went back to the boat and had lunch, then I went spending in the craft shop while Ray sorted out the wiring to the tunnel light and hooter.

Depending on what the weather does tomorrow we might try and get through the Marsworth Flight.

Today's journey 2.8 miles, 9 locks, 1 swing bridge
So far we have travelled 11.2 miles, 27 locks and 1 swing bridge

Today is the first day of the rest of our life!

At last, we are on our way!

Rather a late start,it being my birthday but after a nice breakfast and Ray going off to buy me flowers we eventually pulled pins and headed north. At least we had saved a bit of time by fueling up when Archimedes and Ara came past yesterday

It was a glorious day for the start of our trip, very uneventful which was nice. After lunch at "The Grove" (well, moored by their golf course!)we carried on to just south of Kings Langley by which time it was starting to get a bit cool.

I'm now going to cook a very indulgent dinner and enjoy a nice bottle of wine.

Today's journey 3.8 miles, 9 locks

The final week is here!

Only a week now and we will be pulling pins and be off on our "grand tour". I might find time to put the photos of the inside of the boat on here at last once we are cruising.

So far this week is fairly hectic, trying to get as much done on the inside as possible. We now have our cupboard over the bed in place at long last and the new carpet tiles are down in the lounge. Ray is still working on the trunking for the wiring and gas pipes. The painting, inside and out will have to wait. We still have to get up to Peterborough to leave the car with Mandy until the autumn.

However, I don't feel like I'm living in a floating building site anymore as Ray has just gone to the tip with most of the redundant construction materials, except for wood which will go on the stove.

Destiny Sold!

With a year to go until Ray retires Morgana is about halfway to being fitted out the way we want. Destiny is now sold so we are back to being a one boat partnership.
At the moment we are on winter moorings at Batchworth working hard to get as much as possible of the internal construction work done before we move from here at the end of March.