I today found the answer to an easier life while cruising on the canals, find a boat full of scouts, cubs and beavers and travel with them.
We met up with a party of youngsters with their leaders aboard 'Grebe' out of Willow Wren at Rugby at the top of Braunston locks. they happily did virtually all the work of winding paddles and opening gates all the way down the flight leaving me with virtually nothing to do. Once again my thanks to them all!
As I am sure some of you will have noticed Google Latitude is being very silly, for some reason it keeps sending me back to Hemel Hempstead, I've tried reloading it but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I'm sure it will sort itself out eventually, if not I'll have to try an alternative.
We had quite a good day today, largely thanks to the help through the locks. Once we were on the Oxford Canal after Braunston turn the amount of traffic was incredible, probably because of the bank holiday weekend. Luckily there are only three locks on the 23ish miles of the Oxford between Braunston and Hawkesbury Junction so even with a lot of traffic we shouldn't experience too many holdups.
As I had a Sunday roast planned we stopped fairly early, just before Hillmorton locks. the plan for tomorrow is to stop at Rugby for some shopping then probably carry on a bit further afterwards.
Today's journey 9.2 miles, 6 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 95.4 miles, 102 locks, 3 swing bridges and 2 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1297.1 miles, 1188 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 42 tunnels
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Why does it it rain at locks?
When we are cruising it only needs one of us to endure there weather except at locks. On a nice day it's great to sit on the back enjoying the sun but when it is cold or wet one of us will take the tiller while the other stays warm and supplies the coffee, then we will swop for a while. So why on a day of intermittent rain did it have to chuck it down as we came up the seven locks at Buckby?
We tried to be good and share the locks but after a long wait with the bottom lock in our favour some boats were ready to come down so we took the lock up. We went up four locks solo then another solo boat ahead waited for us to join them and we shared the last three locks. At the top lock we had a wait for the lockeeper to let us out of the flight as he had already secured it so no-one else could enter.
As there was no possibilty of us going down Braunston Locks today due to the time and I didn't feel up to a load more locks anyway even if it had been possible.
Another grey and overcast day so no interesting photos, but there is more blossom and green every day so whenwe get some sunshine I should be able to get some nice photos.
Today's journey 8.4 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 86.2 miles, 96 locks, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1287.9 miles, 1182 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 41 tunnels
We tried to be good and share the locks but after a long wait with the bottom lock in our favour some boats were ready to come down so we took the lock up. We went up four locks solo then another solo boat ahead waited for us to join them and we shared the last three locks. At the top lock we had a wait for the lockeeper to let us out of the flight as he had already secured it so no-one else could enter.
As there was no possibilty of us going down Braunston Locks today due to the time and I didn't feel up to a load more locks anyway even if it had been possible.
Another grey and overcast day so no interesting photos, but there is more blossom and green every day so whenwe get some sunshine I should be able to get some nice photos.
Today's journey 8.4 miles and 7 locks
So far this year we have travelled 86.2 miles, 96 locks, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1287.9 miles, 1182 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 41 tunnels
Friday, 6 April 2012
Another chilly day
We had a fairly uninteresting day today. Lots of boats on the move, especially holiday boats out of Gayton Marina heading back at the end of their holiday.
We moved up to the bottom of Stoke Bruerne Locks by about half past ten and were the sixth boat in the queue. We paired up Slavonion Grebe out of Gayton for the seven locks. As we were crossing with boats coming down at most locks it was an easy passage up the flight. There may be a water shortage but it is being well managed as the water level in the pounds was better than I have seen it previously. We parted company with them at the top lock as they were stopping to visit the Waterways Museum, worth a visit if you are in the area but we have visited it previously.
We carried on through the Blisworth Tunnel, a lot less drips than on many previous occasions and surprisingly we only met two oncoming boats. We then encountered our only bit of excitement for the day as a boat decided to pull out of Gayton Junction in front of us, frantic reversing so as not to hit him meant the wind caught us leaving us diagonally across the canal with another boat coming up behind us! All good fun!
We are now at Bugbrooke about two hours from Buckby Flight, another one with time restriction but unless we drastically oversleep we should clear that tomorrow. I just need a couple of bits from the chandlery at Whilton Marina before we go up.
Today's journey 10.4 miles, 7 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 77.8 miles, 89 locks, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1279.5 miles, 1175 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 41 tunnels
We moved up to the bottom of Stoke Bruerne Locks by about half past ten and were the sixth boat in the queue. We paired up Slavonion Grebe out of Gayton for the seven locks. As we were crossing with boats coming down at most locks it was an easy passage up the flight. There may be a water shortage but it is being well managed as the water level in the pounds was better than I have seen it previously. We parted company with them at the top lock as they were stopping to visit the Waterways Museum, worth a visit if you are in the area but we have visited it previously.
We carried on through the Blisworth Tunnel, a lot less drips than on many previous occasions and surprisingly we only met two oncoming boats. We then encountered our only bit of excitement for the day as a boat decided to pull out of Gayton Junction in front of us, frantic reversing so as not to hit him meant the wind caught us leaving us diagonally across the canal with another boat coming up behind us! All good fun!
We are now at Bugbrooke about two hours from Buckby Flight, another one with time restriction but unless we drastically oversleep we should clear that tomorrow. I just need a couple of bits from the chandlery at Whilton Marina before we go up.
Today's journey 10.4 miles, 7 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 77.8 miles, 89 locks, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1279.5 miles, 1175 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 41 tunnels
Thursday, 5 April 2012
It's a bit chilly
I should be grateful that we have escaped the worst of the weather, we had wind and rain yesterday so stayed inside, got the washing done and the new lights are up in the engine room. At least we didn't get snow like Tim did in Leeds or hailstones like Gordon did in Willesden.
Today we headed through (or is that round) Milton Keynes ready to tackle Stoke Breurne Locks and Blisworth Tunnel tomorrow. It was definitely cold, probably about ten degrees colder than this time last week. At least there is only one lock between Milton Keynes and Stoke Breurne so we could take it in turns to take the tiller while the other one had a warm up inside. I did a very impressive bit of holding Morgana dead still in mid stream while waiting for an oncoming boat to come through a bridge. Not bad considering it was a bit windy.
It was a very grey day and I was glad to moor up near Grafton Regis, we have less than an hour to go to reach Stoke Breurne and the locks aren't open until ten anyway. Beef stew followed by sponge pudding and custard seems about right for today, so I better get that on the go.
Today's journey 11.2 miles and 1 lock
So far this year we have travelled 67.4 miles, 82 locks and 3 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1269.1 miles, 1168 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Today we headed through (or is that round) Milton Keynes ready to tackle Stoke Breurne Locks and Blisworth Tunnel tomorrow. It was definitely cold, probably about ten degrees colder than this time last week. At least there is only one lock between Milton Keynes and Stoke Breurne so we could take it in turns to take the tiller while the other one had a warm up inside. I did a very impressive bit of holding Morgana dead still in mid stream while waiting for an oncoming boat to come through a bridge. Not bad considering it was a bit windy.
It was a very grey day and I was glad to moor up near Grafton Regis, we have less than an hour to go to reach Stoke Breurne and the locks aren't open until ten anyway. Beef stew followed by sponge pudding and custard seems about right for today, so I better get that on the go.
Today's journey 11.2 miles and 1 lock
So far this year we have travelled 67.4 miles, 82 locks and 3 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1269.1 miles, 1168 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Rain at last!
In spite of an early night last night we made a late start this morning.
Trips to IKEA are never quick as we always have to have a wander round just in case there is something we can use on Morgana. Didn't find anything interesting but we did get the lights we wanted. After that we went next door to Asda for some vegetables then it was back to the boat.
It was getting colder by the time we left our mooring and although it was only a short cruise by the time we reached our chosen mooring near Willen Lake I was very cold. Just as we were mooring up the heavens opened and it bucketed down. The forecast for tomorrow is terrible so we plan to stay here, do some washing, fix the new lights and have a day off from cruising.
We have made better progress than I anticipated so a day off is not a problem, we should still reach Leeds in about seven weeks.
Today's journey 3.5 miles, 1 lock and 1 swing bridge.
So far this year we have travelled 56.2 miles, 81 locks and 3 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1257.9 miles, 1167 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Trips to IKEA are never quick as we always have to have a wander round just in case there is something we can use on Morgana. Didn't find anything interesting but we did get the lights we wanted. After that we went next door to Asda for some vegetables then it was back to the boat.
It was getting colder by the time we left our mooring and although it was only a short cruise by the time we reached our chosen mooring near Willen Lake I was very cold. Just as we were mooring up the heavens opened and it bucketed down. The forecast for tomorrow is terrible so we plan to stay here, do some washing, fix the new lights and have a day off from cruising.
We have made better progress than I anticipated so a day off is not a problem, we should still reach Leeds in about seven weeks.
Today's journey 3.5 miles, 1 lock and 1 swing bridge.
So far this year we have travelled 56.2 miles, 81 locks and 3 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1257.9 miles, 1167 locks, 59 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Monday, 2 April 2012
Another warm day
I'm still hearing stories of the cold to come from weather forecasters but today was another pleasantly warm day.
We stopped at Leighton Buzzard for a bit of shopping and I bought some pansies to plant in my containers but I may leave it until after the frost and snow which is forecast before I plant them out. We carried on our journey northwards in the company of a holiday boat on it's way back to Bugbrooke. I'm sure that even in our first days we both handled the boat better than they did. We were both very patient and wished them well when we parted company. Another uneventful day, we moored for the night at Fenny Stratford with the intention of going to IKEA tomorrow to buy a set of LED lights for the engine room.
Today's journey 9.6 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 52.7 miles, 80 locks and 2 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1253.4 miles, 1166 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We stopped at Leighton Buzzard for a bit of shopping and I bought some pansies to plant in my containers but I may leave it until after the frost and snow which is forecast before I plant them out. We carried on our journey northwards in the company of a holiday boat on it's way back to Bugbrooke. I'm sure that even in our first days we both handled the boat better than they did. We were both very patient and wished them well when we parted company. Another uneventful day, we moored for the night at Fenny Stratford with the intention of going to IKEA tomorrow to buy a set of LED lights for the engine room.
Today's journey 9.6 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 52.7 miles, 80 locks and 2 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1253.4 miles, 1166 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
Sunday, 1 April 2012
This wasn't forecast !!
My normally reliable weather forecast was wrong today, a bit chilly and sunny intervals was actually warm and unbroken sunshine. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining.
We took advantage of the weather to continue our journey as far as Leighton Buzzard, from here onwards, at least for a while we have more miles than locks which makes for easier travelling.
There were surprisingly few boats on the move considering it is Sunday and the start of the holidays. We weren't the only ones enjoying the sunshine, this heron at Seabrook Locks seemed more interested in enjoying the sun than fishing.
A pretty uneventful day, tomorrow is the empty rubbish/fill water tank/do a bit of shopping day. If we make an early start we might get all that done and still reach Milton Keynes.
Today's journey 4.2 miles and 9 locks
So far this year we have travelled 43.1 miles, 75 locks and 2 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1244.8 miles, 1161 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
We took advantage of the weather to continue our journey as far as Leighton Buzzard, from here onwards, at least for a while we have more miles than locks which makes for easier travelling.
There were surprisingly few boats on the move considering it is Sunday and the start of the holidays. We weren't the only ones enjoying the sunshine, this heron at Seabrook Locks seemed more interested in enjoying the sun than fishing.
A pretty uneventful day, tomorrow is the empty rubbish/fill water tank/do a bit of shopping day. If we make an early start we might get all that done and still reach Milton Keynes.
Today's journey 4.2 miles and 9 locks
So far this year we have travelled 43.1 miles, 75 locks and 2 swing bridges
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels.
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1244.8 miles, 1161 locks, 58 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 40 tunnels
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