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

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

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

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

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

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

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