We have been visiting with Barry and Alex, who now have Pharoah dogs as well as their Chinese Cresteds and Pugs, so we have been mugged by dogs instead of cats for a couple of days.
While we were here on the mooring we met a couple from Redhill on the River Soar. John builds boats and we had a look at his which was on it's maiden voyage. Very nice, all fitted out in oak, all I need is a big lottery win!
I walked down to George's yesterday and bought 'Pork with Wholegrain Mustard' and 'Welsh Dragon' sausages with some potatoes, leeks and red onions. George's Pork & Poultry are at the Whitchurch Boat Rally this weekend but will be trading at lock 15 at Audlem as well.
Today it was time to move on, we only went as far as the moorings between locks 2 and 3, which is where we collected all our damsons last year. A bit too late for any this year, there are a few but not enough to be worth the effort of collecting them. Tomorrow we won't be moving as there are high winds forecast then we will head for Market Drayton on Saturday.
Today's journey 1.5 miles and 10 locks
So far this year we have travelled 611.1 miles, 499 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1812.8 miles 1585 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Audlem
Our journey to Audlem was fairly easy.There was quite a queue to come down Hack Green Locks but only one boat ahead of us going up. This meant that I had very little work to do as there were lots of other people on the paddles and gates. I had a nice chat at the bottom lock and recommended the Llangollen as the nicest direction to head in to someone who was out on his first trip. After that it was a very easy cruise up to Audlem,
I had another nice chat at George's, the "shop" at the bottom lock and the lady there helped us through the lock. I'll walk back down later in the week to get some supplies as I don't really need anything at the moment.
Two more locks saw us onto the five day mooring opposite The Shroppie Fly where we will stay for a few days to give us a chance to visit Barry and Alex. As it was still early I went across to Audlem Mill and bought some crafty bits, including a gauge for cutting fabric for rag rugs, I should be able to cut stuff up a lot quicker and more evenly now.
Today's journey 5.1 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 609.6 miles, 489 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1811.3 miles 1575 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
I had another nice chat at George's, the "shop" at the bottom lock and the lady there helped us through the lock. I'll walk back down later in the week to get some supplies as I don't really need anything at the moment.
Two more locks saw us onto the five day mooring opposite The Shroppie Fly where we will stay for a few days to give us a chance to visit Barry and Alex. As it was still early I went across to Audlem Mill and bought some crafty bits, including a gauge for cutting fabric for rag rugs, I should be able to cut stuff up a lot quicker and more evenly now.
Today's journey 5.1 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 609.6 miles, 489 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1811.3 miles 1575 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Feels almost like home!
Today we travelled until we reached Nantwich, just beyond actually. We spent so much time around this area last year, we know it so well. After having shopped in Chester on Wednesday and knowing I can shop in Audlem there was no reason to go into Nantwich. We did see a couple of people who remembered us as we passed through.
My brother had suggested that I might like to visit Beeston Castle while I was moored near there and it was only about half a mile from last night's mooring spot so would have been an easy walk. Apart from the uphill climb that is! Although I can walk for miles on the flat, hills and I don't go to well together. I didn't think my dodgy knee would be up to it.
At Beeston Iron Lock we met up with another boat who waited for us at Beeston Stone Lock and then we shared locks up through Bunbury. We parted company at Calverley where we stopped for the services, they were heading up the Llangollen. It was so nice to meet someone who wasn't in a rush.
We did another boat that wasn't rushing, a day boat out of Nantwich Marina. Once you reach Barbridge the journey is fairly slow anyway because of the moored boats but they managed to acquire a convoy of five boats including us behind them. I didn't mind too much but it was very slow going.
We made the most of the lovely weather, it's all supposed to change again next week, if you can trust the forecast. We will probably take a few days off when we reach Audlem and visit Barry and Alex.
Today's journey 9.9 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 604.5 miles, 484 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1806.2 miles 1570 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
My brother had suggested that I might like to visit Beeston Castle while I was moored near there and it was only about half a mile from last night's mooring spot so would have been an easy walk. Apart from the uphill climb that is! Although I can walk for miles on the flat, hills and I don't go to well together. I didn't think my dodgy knee would be up to it.
At Beeston Iron Lock we met up with another boat who waited for us at Beeston Stone Lock and then we shared locks up through Bunbury. We parted company at Calverley where we stopped for the services, they were heading up the Llangollen. It was so nice to meet someone who wasn't in a rush.
We did another boat that wasn't rushing, a day boat out of Nantwich Marina. Once you reach Barbridge the journey is fairly slow anyway because of the moored boats but they managed to acquire a convoy of five boats including us behind them. I didn't mind too much but it was very slow going.
We made the most of the lovely weather, it's all supposed to change again next week, if you can trust the forecast. We will probably take a few days off when we reach Audlem and visit Barry and Alex.
Today's journey 9.9 miles and 5 locks
So far this year we have travelled 604.5 miles, 484 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1806.2 miles 1570 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Friday, 7 September 2012
Heading back, again
We spent yesterday in Chester, the 'park and ride' is only about ten minutes walk from where we were moored. We didn't go walking round the walls this time but did visit the cathedral. Although Chester Cathedral isn't as ornate as some, there is some very ornate carving in the quire, and a very impressive organ. Some very nice mosaics on the north side of the nave too.
I managed to find two green men amongst the ceiling bosses in the cloister, we pagans get everywhere! Not like Tewkesbury where there are loads, I think it's over fifty carved by the masons there.
So far this year we have travelled 594.6 miles, 479 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1840.4 miles 1565 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
 |
| Carving depicting the crucifixion above the entrance to the quire |
 |
| Very impressive organ |
I managed to find two green men amongst the ceiling bosses in the cloister, we pagans get everywhere! Not like Tewkesbury where there are loads, I think it's over fifty carved by the masons there.
Apart from visiting the cathedral we just had a wander, did a little bit of non-food shopping the hopped on the 'park ad ride' back to the boat.
As it was a lovely evening we decided to turn the boat ad head back out of town so the cats could have a bit of freedom.
This morning we made our way back almost to Beeston to a spot where the towpath is wide enough to put the clothes airer out, then spent the afternoon getting some washing done. We counted the moored boats at Gold Nook on the way back, we made it space for 141, 129 of which were occupied!
It's another warm evening, 60F at nine tonight.
Yesterday and today's journeys 7.7 miles and 1 lock
So far this year we have travelled 594.6 miles, 479 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1840.4 miles 1565 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Chester
We had a fairly long day by our standards today. We left Hurleston mid morning and reached the outskirts of Chester late afternoon. Compared to our normal three hourish days that was a lot.
We stopped twice en route, once at Barbridge to post Mikey's birthday card, the again at Calverley to top up our water tank.
The canals are really quiet now the school holidays are over, there were twelve Anglo Welsh hire boats moored two abreast at their base below the locks at Bunbury and we only saw about six boats on the move all day. It's a good thing there isn't a water shortage as we had a boat ahead of us who obviously didn't want to share locks and twice went through a lock although we were in sight. Oh well, it takes all sorts!
Apart from the inevitable slow trek past the over a mile of moored boats at Gold Nook there were no other delays.
After a cuppa we did the usual trip to Sainsburys and plan a trip into Chester tomorrow. The cats aren't happy because the canal is right beside the A41 here so they have to stay in.
Today's journey 14.6 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 586.9 miles, 478 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1832.7 miles 1564 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
We stopped twice en route, once at Barbridge to post Mikey's birthday card, the again at Calverley to top up our water tank.
The canals are really quiet now the school holidays are over, there were twelve Anglo Welsh hire boats moored two abreast at their base below the locks at Bunbury and we only saw about six boats on the move all day. It's a good thing there isn't a water shortage as we had a boat ahead of us who obviously didn't want to share locks and twice went through a lock although we were in sight. Oh well, it takes all sorts!
Apart from the inevitable slow trek past the over a mile of moored boats at Gold Nook there were no other delays.
After a cuppa we did the usual trip to Sainsburys and plan a trip into Chester tomorrow. The cats aren't happy because the canal is right beside the A41 here so they have to stay in.
Today's journey 14.6 miles and 6 locks
So far this year we have travelled 586.9 miles, 478 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1832.7 miles 1564 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Back on the Shroppie
We waited a while this morning in the hope that the wind would ease off a bit but when it reached half ten without any real sign of improvement we decided to move anyway. Luckily there weren't too many moored boats so we were able to keep our speed up which made for easier handling in the wind.
There were quite a lot of boats on the move, most heading in the opposite direction to us for the Ellesmere Canal Festival at the weekend. It made life a lot easier at the locks as there was always at least one extra pair of hands.
We stopped briefly at Burland intending to get a loaf of bread from the shop and hopefully post Mikey's birthday card. We failed on both counts as the shop was closed and no sign of a postbox.. I managed to find an 'online postbox locator' so I know where I can post the card tomorrow.
We have moored for the night at the bottom of Hurleston locks and will carry on our journey to Chester tomorrow. We probably won't go all the way into Chester, there is a 'park and ride' not far from the canal on the outskirts so we will probably moor near there and take the bus in. It will save us a lot of locks and from past experience Chester moorings can be a bit congested.
Today's journey 8.3 miles, 9 locks and 2 lift bridges
So far this year we have travelled 572.3 miles, 472 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1818.1 miles 1558 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
There were quite a lot of boats on the move, most heading in the opposite direction to us for the Ellesmere Canal Festival at the weekend. It made life a lot easier at the locks as there was always at least one extra pair of hands.
We stopped briefly at Burland intending to get a loaf of bread from the shop and hopefully post Mikey's birthday card. We failed on both counts as the shop was closed and no sign of a postbox.. I managed to find an 'online postbox locator' so I know where I can post the card tomorrow.
We have moored for the night at the bottom of Hurleston locks and will carry on our journey to Chester tomorrow. We probably won't go all the way into Chester, there is a 'park and ride' not far from the canal on the outskirts so we will probably moor near there and take the bus in. It will save us a lot of locks and from past experience Chester moorings can be a bit congested.
Today's journey 8.3 miles, 9 locks and 2 lift bridges
So far this year we have travelled 572.3 miles, 472 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1818.1 miles 1558 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Monday, 3 September 2012
Farewell to Kathy & Co
This morning it was time to bid Kathy & Co farewell until next year. They were heading back to Ellesmere for the start of the school term on Wednesday and we have headed in the opposite direction down through Grindley Brook and onwards towards Hurleston where we will rejoin the Shroppie and head for Chester.
We got about halfway to Hurleston today, in time if not miles, we had the usual delay at Grindley Brook to top up the fuel tank. It has been really noticeable today how few hire boats there are about, a fair number of privately owned boats though. The lockie at Grindley Brook reckoned that Wrenbury haven't got a single boat out on hire this week! Bad news for them and also for us as they will no doubt be moored two abreast on the approach to the lift bridge there.
The weather today has been glorious and I'm sat here with the doors open both ends of the boat and it is still really warm.I would sit outside but find it hard to adjust the brightness computer screen to a level where I can see it comfortably in sunlight!
Today's journey 5.1 miles, 10 locks and 1 lift bridge
So far this year we have travelled 564 miles, 463 locks, 49 swing bridges, 21 lift bridges and 24 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 1809.8 miles 1549 locks, 105 swing bridges, 59 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
We got about halfway to Hurleston today, in time if not miles, we had the usual delay at Grindley Brook to top up the fuel tank. It has been really noticeable today how few hire boats there are about, a fair number of privately owned boats though. The lockie at Grindley Brook reckoned that Wrenbury haven't got a single boat out on hire this week! Bad news for them and also for us as they will no doubt be moored two abreast on the approach to the lift bridge there.
The weather today has been glorious and I'm sat here with the doors open both ends of the boat and it is still really warm.I would sit outside but find it hard to adjust the brightness computer screen to a level where I can see it comfortably in sunlight!
Today's journey 5.1 miles, 10 locks and 1 lift bridge
So far this year we have travelled 564 miles, 463 locks, 49 swing bridges, 21 lift bridges and 24 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 1809.8 miles 1549 locks, 105 swing bridges, 59 lift bridges and 64 tunnels
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)