Our plans for the weekend got postponed because of the weather forecast which threatened rain for Saturday, then frustratingly it didn't rain until early evening, which wouldn't have mattered.
We stayed at Branston Water Park until Monday morning when we moved the short distance down through Branston Lock and moored just beyond the A38 bridge so we could go and do our weekly shop at Morrisons. I know a few boaters take advantage of Internet shopping for their groceries but apart from a few basics my shopping tends to be made up as I go along depending on what seems the best deals. I suppose there might be a time when I need to do an online order.
Once the shopping was done we carried on through Burton-on-Trent and Dallow Lock, the last of the narrow locks we will encounter for a while, then it was a straight run to Willington. Even at this time of year the 48hr moorings where almost fully occupied so we stopped a little bit beyond them. The cats aren't happy because they aren't allowed out as the railway line is very close to the canal here. Gwynie seems to have recovered from her injury as Tamworth now but she did have us worried for a few days. I don't think they would want to go out today anyway because it is blowing a gale outside, the wind is whipping up the surface of the canal into waves.
Because of the weather we decided to stay here today but we did walk to Midland Chandlers at Mercia Marina to get so undercoat for Morgana and a couple of other bits. Walking there was fine as the wind was behind us but walking back was hard work!
Yesterday's journey 6.6 miles and 2 locks
So far this year we have travelled 721.8 miles, 581 locks, 50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1923.5 miles, 1667 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Grey Day
I don't know about the rest of the UK but here in what I suppose counts as the East Midlands it has been a very grey day. It hasn't rained much just a few very light showers but it has been cold and miserable all day. I don't think my solar panels are making much contribution to my power supply today!
After giving up any hope of even a ray of sunshine we started out a bit before eleven this morning to make our way to Branston Water Park. Our first lock was Bagnell Lock which takes you down to the village of Alrewas. I have fond memories of Alrewas as it marked the end of my first couple of days of single-handed boating nearly six years ago. I was travelling in the opposite direction on that occasion and wanted to get through the river section below Alrewas Lock before a severe storm hit which was predicted to (and did) cause flooding.
We passed through Alrewas Lock and the river section without any repetition of the high winds and strong currents that made my last journey a bit scary! It was an easy journey down through the remaining three locks to reach Branston Water Park. We did have the amusement of overtaking the traffic on the adjacent A38, now that is a bad traffic jam if it is faster by narrowboat! We got a few waves from the truckers as we cruised past.
We may be stopping here for a few days as we may, subject to the weather, be having visitors at the weekend.
Today's journey 6.4 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 715.2 miles, 579 locks, 50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1916.9 miles, 1665 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
After giving up any hope of even a ray of sunshine we started out a bit before eleven this morning to make our way to Branston Water Park. Our first lock was Bagnell Lock which takes you down to the village of Alrewas. I have fond memories of Alrewas as it marked the end of my first couple of days of single-handed boating nearly six years ago. I was travelling in the opposite direction on that occasion and wanted to get through the river section below Alrewas Lock before a severe storm hit which was predicted to (and did) cause flooding.
We passed through Alrewas Lock and the river section without any repetition of the high winds and strong currents that made my last journey a bit scary! It was an easy journey down through the remaining three locks to reach Branston Water Park. We did have the amusement of overtaking the traffic on the adjacent A38, now that is a bad traffic jam if it is faster by narrowboat! We got a few waves from the truckers as we cruised past.
We may be stopping here for a few days as we may, subject to the weather, be having visitors at the weekend.
Today's journey 6.4 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 715.2 miles, 579 locks, 50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1916.9 miles, 1665 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
On the Trent & Mersey
We spent Sunday moored near Tamworth and did a bit of shopping including a couple of new tunnel lights, our old one was a bit feeble. We thought about staying longer as I wanted to go to Spellbound Beads in Lichfield. However, either by accident or cruelty Gwynie was injured on Sunday evening. She was having difficulty moving, her tail was droopy and she was obviously in pain. I suspect she has been injured either lower back or upper tail. Even though she seemed a bit better on Monday morning I didn't want to stay where there might be someone around who would deliberately injure a cat.
We moved the short distance to Hopwas and I was able to get a bus from there to Lichfield on Tuesday morning. While I was out Chris, who we bought Merlin from, came past and had a quick visit with Ray. Gwynie has improved greatly but is still moving awkwardly. At least she doesn't seem in pain any more and she cuddled up to Ray in bed last night, purring like mad.
This morning we pulled pins and headed for Fradley Junction, en route we spotted this very unusual 'haystack'.
I'm not sure whether it is art or just a bored farmer! We also spotted two kingfishers, it isn't very often we see one but two is a rarity.
When we reached Fradley it was fairly moored up as usual so we decided to carry on round the junction onto the Trent & Mersey. We moored after the fourth lock before we reached Alrewas.
Monday and today's journeys 11 miles, 4 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 708.8 miles, 574 locks, 50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1910.5 miles, 1660 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
We moved the short distance to Hopwas and I was able to get a bus from there to Lichfield on Tuesday morning. While I was out Chris, who we bought Merlin from, came past and had a quick visit with Ray. Gwynie has improved greatly but is still moving awkwardly. At least she doesn't seem in pain any more and she cuddled up to Ray in bed last night, purring like mad.
This morning we pulled pins and headed for Fradley Junction, en route we spotted this very unusual 'haystack'.
I'm not sure whether it is art or just a bored farmer! We also spotted two kingfishers, it isn't very often we see one but two is a rarity.
When we reached Fradley it was fairly moored up as usual so we decided to carry on round the junction onto the Trent & Mersey. We moored after the fourth lock before we reached Alrewas.
Monday and today's journeys 11 miles, 4 locks and 1 swing bridge
So far this year we have travelled 708.8 miles, 574 locks, 50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1910.5 miles, 1660 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Tamworth
Today we reached familiar territory again. Our journey took us along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, through Curdworth Tunnel which must be one of the shortest tunnels on the canal system. It might even be the shortest, it is only 57 yards long. After that we made our way down the eleven Curdworth Locks which stretch over two miles of canal. We were following NB Hermione for the first eight, as her owner was a single handed boater I told him to leave the bottom gates and I would close them behind him when I reached the lock to fill it for us. Kindness and courtesy pays off because he very kindly set the ninth lock for us even though he was stopping at the pub for the night.
As I was waiting for the tenth lock to be ready for us a boater from the moorings spotted Morgana's name and came out to say "I'm guessing you must be pagan with that boat name". I had already spotted triple moon symbols in his window so I wasn't surprised. Apparently he is one of the organisers of the Mercian Gathering, a pagan meeting that takes place annually near Nuneaton.
Once we were though the locks it was about four miles to our intended mooring at Tamworth. It was quite a shock to us to suddenly keep meeting other boats, we had over a week with no traffic and now there was loads. It was a bit like going from a country lane onto a motorway! We passed under this unique footbridge near Drayton Manor. The towers have spiral staircases inside!
We then passed this very autumnal looking cottage as we approached the junction, the Virginia creeper was a glorious colour. We have noticed that the trees are beginning to show some hints of orange and gold, with a few leaves drifting down into the cut.
After a close encounter with another boat who's intentions were unclear, but provided much amusement for the boaters moored at the waterpoint, we were back on the Coventry Canal. From there it was just a short distance to our mooring. On our way we saw 'The Little Chimney Company' butty, his stainless steel chimneys look really good, I think he might have a customer when I can afford a new chimney!
Today's journey 8.4 miles, 11 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 697.8 miles, 570 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1899.5 miles, 1656 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
As I was waiting for the tenth lock to be ready for us a boater from the moorings spotted Morgana's name and came out to say "I'm guessing you must be pagan with that boat name". I had already spotted triple moon symbols in his window so I wasn't surprised. Apparently he is one of the organisers of the Mercian Gathering, a pagan meeting that takes place annually near Nuneaton.
Once we were though the locks it was about four miles to our intended mooring at Tamworth. It was quite a shock to us to suddenly keep meeting other boats, we had over a week with no traffic and now there was loads. It was a bit like going from a country lane onto a motorway! We passed under this unique footbridge near Drayton Manor. The towers have spiral staircases inside!
We then passed this very autumnal looking cottage as we approached the junction, the Virginia creeper was a glorious colour. We have noticed that the trees are beginning to show some hints of orange and gold, with a few leaves drifting down into the cut.
After a close encounter with another boat who's intentions were unclear, but provided much amusement for the boaters moored at the waterpoint, we were back on the Coventry Canal. From there it was just a short distance to our mooring. On our way we saw 'The Little Chimney Company' butty, his stainless steel chimneys look really good, I think he might have a customer when I can afford a new chimney!
Today's journey 8.4 miles, 11 locks and 1 tunnel
So far this year we have travelled 697.8 miles, 570 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 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 1899.5 miles, 1656 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels
Friday, 5 October 2012
Escape from the city
Our plan was to make a really early start this morning but our feline alarm clock let us down. Gwynie can normally be relied on to wake us at sparrow fart, she does this by walking across my head then purring loudly whilst nose to nose with Ray. If that fails to elicit a response she starts gently patting Ray's eyelids! This morning Ray woke at 7.30 without a cat in sight.
We indulged in our morning cup of coffee, got dressed and were on our way about an hour later than planned. The first leg of our journey took us down through the nine Rushall Locks to the junction with the Tame Valley Canal. I'm glad I wasn't attempting these locks single handed, on two of the locks the bottom gates swung shut unless you leaned on them. It was enough of a pain having to haul Morgana part way out of the lock with the rope so that we could both be on the lockside keeping the gates open until the boat was preventing them from closing. Single handed you would have had to either tie the gates open or wedge them open! Note to self, only attempt Rushall Locks single handed going up!
As a boater you often hear tales of the local yoofs throwing stuff at boats from bridges but today was the first time I experienced it personally. A group of four brainless teens who should surely have been in school, decided to drop something on me as I passed under a bridge, thankfully they were lousy shots! I flashed them a two fingered salute and headed off down the cut.
Once we joined the Tame Valley Canal we could tell we were in a city environment, lots of rubbish, bottles, cans and even a three seater sofa floating downstream! We soon reached the top of the Tame Valley Locks where we met a CART worker who told us the leak between locks 7 & 8 was fixed and that we should find most of the locks full. Not only were the locks full so were the pounds and in some places the towpath, well I haven't been to the seaside for a paddle this year. We found the Perry Barr Locks very well maintained and made rapid progress. We had been told it was possible to moor overnight between locks 11 & 12 but decided that as it was only mid afternoon we would carry on and get out of the city environs.
 |
| Spaghetti Junction from the canal |
As I knew we would have a long day today I was sensible and prepared a Lamb Tagine yesterday for tonight's dinner and put it in the slow cooker while we were cruising. I'm ready for dinner!
Today's journey 12.5 miles and 25 locks
So far this year we have travelled 689.4 miles, 559 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 26 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 1891.1 miles 1645 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Sunshine!
We sat out yesterday in the wind and the rain, our little weather station was registering gusts over 20mph, but because the sensor is fairly low down it tends to be a bit sheltered. It was still very breezy when we pulled pins this morning but the sun was shining. I've found a possible candidate for the location for the next annual family picnic. Opposite the entrance to the Cannock Extension Canal is a large park, loads of space,comes right down to the canal and has a pub.
We made our way to the services at Brownhills and took advantage of the shower there, topped up our water tank,dumped the rubbish and emptied the loo. I made a quick dash across the road to Tesco for some bread and milk and then we were on our way. We were soon on the Daw End Branch aka the Amazon, the reeds grow so far across the canal that they were brushing both sides of the boat. It was like being in a film, I half expected scantily clad natives to emerge with blow pipes and poison tipped darts! We were soon among the industrial sprawl of Aldridge before heading back out into countryside past Park Lime Pits Country Park.
We reached Longwood Junction where the Daw End Branch joins the Rushall Canal and the arm which used to serve the Hayhead Lime workings and is now moorings for a boat club in mid afternoon. We had hoped to moor below the first two locks of the Rushall locks but on investigation that proved to be impractical so we are moored on the 48hr mooring above the top lock.
We should have been continuing our journey down the Rushall Canal and along the Tame Valley Canal tomorrow but the work that was being done on the Perry Barr Locks has been extended by a day so we will be having another day off tomorrow as there is a distinct lack of moorings after this point.
Today's journey 8.6 miles
So far this year we have travelled 676.9 miles, 534 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 26 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 1878.6 miles 1620 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels
We made our way to the services at Brownhills and took advantage of the shower there, topped up our water tank,dumped the rubbish and emptied the loo. I made a quick dash across the road to Tesco for some bread and milk and then we were on our way. We were soon on the Daw End Branch aka the Amazon, the reeds grow so far across the canal that they were brushing both sides of the boat. It was like being in a film, I half expected scantily clad natives to emerge with blow pipes and poison tipped darts! We were soon among the industrial sprawl of Aldridge before heading back out into countryside past Park Lime Pits Country Park.
We reached Longwood Junction where the Daw End Branch joins the Rushall Canal and the arm which used to serve the Hayhead Lime workings and is now moorings for a boat club in mid afternoon. We had hoped to moor below the first two locks of the Rushall locks but on investigation that proved to be impractical so we are moored on the 48hr mooring above the top lock.
We should have been continuing our journey down the Rushall Canal and along the Tame Valley Canal tomorrow but the work that was being done on the Perry Barr Locks has been extended by a day so we will be having another day off tomorrow as there is a distinct lack of moorings after this point.
Today's journey 8.6 miles
So far this year we have travelled 676.9 miles, 534 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 26 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 1878.6 miles 1620 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels
Monday, 1 October 2012
The Cannock Extension
We had a lazy weekend on the Anglesey Branch, it was such a nice spot to moor.
We thought about moving on yesterday but it was very windy so we stayed put. We were quite surprised when a hire boat came past us yesterday,it is the only moving boat we have seen in four days! I did use the time well and have completed another rag rug.
By doing that we left ourselves a bit short of time to get through Perry Barr locks before they dewater the pound between 7 & 8 for investigation on Tuesday and Wednesday so we have backtracked to take a look at the Cannock Extension. It's only a mile and a half long, in the days before so many of the canals were closed it connected via the Hatherton Canal to the Staffs and Worcester at Hatherton Junction. It is currently being restored by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust,as is the Lichfield Canal which used to stretch between the Anglesey Branch at Ogley Junction and Huddlesford on the Coventry Canal. Both have had some work done on them but there is so much to be done I doubt if I will ever cruise them!
The Cannock Extension is dead straight,as well as linking to the Hatherton Canal it used to serve the Brownhills Colliery and the old colliery basin now provides some private moorings. As it was starting to rain we did an about turn and have moored about halfway along for the night. We were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow.
We now have a couple of days to travel at most 11 miles and 9 locks,so we will see what the weather brings. We haven't decided whether to do both Rushall (the nine locks) and Perry Barr flights on the same day.It's quite a lot of work but from the top of Rushall it is all through built up areas so probably not the best of moorings.
Today's journey 6 miles
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 1870 miles 1620 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels
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| The view at Anglesey Wharf |
We thought about moving on yesterday but it was very windy so we stayed put. We were quite surprised when a hire boat came past us yesterday,it is the only moving boat we have seen in four days! I did use the time well and have completed another rag rug.
 |
| Rag Rug 2, made from curtain material |
By doing that we left ourselves a bit short of time to get through Perry Barr locks before they dewater the pound between 7 & 8 for investigation on Tuesday and Wednesday so we have backtracked to take a look at the Cannock Extension. It's only a mile and a half long, in the days before so many of the canals were closed it connected via the Hatherton Canal to the Staffs and Worcester at Hatherton Junction. It is currently being restored by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust,as is the Lichfield Canal which used to stretch between the Anglesey Branch at Ogley Junction and Huddlesford on the Coventry Canal. Both have had some work done on them but there is so much to be done I doubt if I will ever cruise them!
 |
| Ogley Junction |
The Cannock Extension is dead straight,as well as linking to the Hatherton Canal it used to serve the Brownhills Colliery and the old colliery basin now provides some private moorings. As it was starting to rain we did an about turn and have moored about halfway along for the night. We were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow.
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| Our rainbow |
Today's journey 6 miles
So far this year we have travelled 668.3 miles, 534 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 26 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 1870 miles 1620 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels
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