Well deck mods

We went to see Dave Thomas before going up to Crick and asked him to make some well deck lockers.  The well deck is at the front of the boat above the water tank.  The deck is about 5 ft square and we had wooden boxes and a small chest of draws to store paint tins, tools and mooring equipment.  Over the years we accumulated more stuff which really needs sorting out as it is overflowing the containers.  It was never tidy and we could not sit out there.
Although Dave and Barry are strictly metal workers engaged in building a new boat they set to and spent two days on our boat.  They even managed to make the wooden tops for us.

So now we have steel lockers with wooden tops which act as seats and storage.  Most boats have similar facilities.  We elected to do the painting so we could get away before the weekend.

While we were by the wharf we got Tesco to deliver goodies and saw no less than three boats being craned into the water almost over our heads!

Join the queue

Our friends Terry n Myra left in the morning at Crick by hire car.  Now we have to get back our normal routine but feeling lonely at times.
It is inevitable after the show that we all leave in a convoy.  The steam boat President was half an hour in front of us with several other boats besides.  Going through Crick tunnel was a bit scary because of all the mist left behind.  “I could not see in front or behind, it was just blackness.”  Once through the tunnel we joined the queue at the locks.  Three boats came up while the hours ticked by slowly.  We had time to sit and relax with a few sandwiches.  It is raining and we are tucked under the noisy M1 motorway near Watford services.

President on the way down
Once we had got into the first lock it did not take long getting down and all the way to Norton Junction.

The next day we filled up our water tank and moved on down to Braunston in warm sunshine with many other boaters following.

The Crick show

We arrived at our pre booked mooring on Friday while it was bright and sunny. There are many boats already here but not as yet in their correct places. We are quite close to the temporary foot bridge which provides access to the show site. There is no mooring warden to be seen so it was left to the boaters to organise themselves. There are at least our boat names on posts where we should be. We learnt later that British Waterways should have had a warden in charge. A boater’s community soon builds up and we get to know our neighbours. One boater who should have been on the outside of us was in fact in the wrong place further away so we got to our empty space. A different boat is now alongside. It is just as well because the one that should be had a noisy generator running and a naughty old dog, or was that the owner!

Got the flags up
The show opened on Saturday while it rained. We walked over the bridge and showed our tickets and security wrist straps. There was some confusion with the ticket man saying we should enter at the other gate. But when we told him we had a mooring he let us through. Much of the morning was spent exploring the site and finding interesting things to see. A very large Marquee soon filled up with people when it rained. Our ‘free’ show guide listed all the exhibitors but lacked a layout plan for the marquee so it was a case of walking round the whole lot.
Sunday was better with sunshine but windy. I watched Tony Brookes at the RCR tent describing diesel fuel systems. Several engines were there to get hands on. Having cleaned out the fuel filter and bled the system the engine was started. This resulted in clouds of black smoke inside the tent and many spectators retreated!

Meanwhile Ann was watching men making rope fenders and listening to their stories of traditional rope work found on working boats. It seems that the fancy rope work all had a purpose and not just decoration. For instance the ‘dolly’ hanging from the tiller pin is a safety device. When tying up at a mooring your head is below the tiller pin. You would feel the ‘dolly’ before hitting the pin with your head.

A number of old working boats were there including the steam boats President and Laplander.

Sudden summer days

Enjoy it while it lasts, hot n sunny.  We had got to Braunston and stayed a day to organise some work on the boat for later and the girls stocked up with food.  That hot Friday we moved up the wide locks with several boats going up and down, mostly two by two.  We enjoyed the social atmosphere chatting with the owners as we went up with Terry, Myra and Ann working the locks.  One boat was new being delivered to Crick for sale.  Then we spotted many improvements on the approach to the tunnel.

Much dredging and at last a firm dry towpath.
Despite all the boats coming down the locks we did not see a single boat in the tunnel to pass.  There are several bends in this old tunnel built in 1794.  There is a need to move slowly through in order to get safely by the bends, some of which have sharp edges which can do some damage to the boat.  It is of course very dark inside and all you have is a front light to show the way.
A few miles on from the tunnel we turned left onto the Leicester branch of the Grand Union.  Very different with trees either side but shallow soft edges.  We eventually stopped just short of the Watford locks very near to the busy M1 service station.  “I wonder if those travellers know that a quiet waterway is so close.”  We soon got the white sheets hung outside the windows to help keep it cool inside.  What a change from only a week ago.
Got away early, almost before breakfast and approached the lock flight.  Terry went ahead to get permission from the lock keeper to proceed.

The locks are close together and called ‘staircase’, have red and white paddles and so long as you operate red before white you’ll be alright.  White before red and you’re ded.  There were no other boats waiting so we were at the top in less than half an hour.  “Is that a record I ask?”  We then stopped for a few days just short of Crick tunnel and put the sheets out again.
While Terry n Myra went off by bus to Long Buckby we intended to walk to the tunnel and back but had only gone through a bridge and round the bend when we spotted a familiar boat.  There was Del n Al on board Derwent 6, known to us due to the internet and blog writing.  They kindly invited us in for coffee and a chat about our adventures.  Next day they came to us for cool drinks.
When we went through the tunnel it proved to be cool and damp as usual despite the hot weather.  Got water at the other end found a mooring and went shopping in Crick.

Two skippers and crew

A chance to travel up front at the bow when crew 2 are driving.  They have not been on the canals for a while and are spotting the changes.  Pubs have closed, residential buildings have appeared, some moorings have less boats and Nuneaton was a bit cleaner.  The Coventry canal seemed less busy.  Now we are on the Oxford canal and the grass has been cut!  A boat called Relane was seen at Ansty so a quick chat with Reg was possible as we passed slowly by.  The first 10 miles or so seem to take forever as it is less interesting.

We stopped at All Oaks Wood having noticed the super new towpath through there.  “Certainly needed doing because most of it had washed away.”  Our friends were amazed to see the developments at Brownsover near Rugby as we squeezed by.  There are boats moored on both sides here and just enough room to pass another boat.  As we approached the bottle neck several boats came out at the same time.  We got more water at Hillmorton before heading up past the busy Bistro serving tea n cake.  With 4 people on board it is surprising how quickly the water gets used.

Fab four on the Coventry

It was way back in the previous century that the four of us had a fabulous time getting a narrowboat from Bugbrooke to Newbury.  Now Terry, Myra, Chas n Ann are travelling on the Coventry canal.  It is well served by towns and villages for supplies.  Property along the canal has well kept gardens to admire and there are plenty of quiet places to stop with a hard edge and cut grass.  The waterway meanders round the contours of the land and round the edges of towns.

Mooring near Pooley
When we had got to Polesworth we stopped for a while and did some shopping.  Just a walk across the playing fields and the river Anker to get there.  All very clean, tidy and freshly painted the shops were doing quite well.  Warm sunny days have changed to cold grey days and we now at least have an elected Prime Minister.
We continued up the hill to Atherstone with a boat in front and some coming down.  The boat in front stopped short of the top lock having picked up some barbed wire wrapped round the prop.  “What was that doing in the canal?”  Because it was an old boat with no weed hatch, a boat hook was needed to pull the wire off.  The lock keeper came down to help and one man was in the water with cutters.  Mean while we passed and went up to get water.
We spent a few hours walking round the Historic Town Trail with thirty features of interest.  The town is known for its hat making industry in the 1930’s but with the Roman Watling Street passing through it clearly has a longer history dating from Anglo Saxon times.

A new routine

With four people on board boat we adopt a different way of life.  Skipper and crew take turns at the tiller and operate locks as we travel on the canals.  The navigator has worked out where to stop each day and so far we have kept to the schedule with time to spare to stop when it rains.  It was a grey cold wet day on Saturday so that was our first stopping day.  The girls made a roast lunch and the oven heat kept us warm.  Then we got out Ann’s birthday present, a jig saw puzzle, to pass the time together.  When we had done some of that we played a game of Mah Jongg.
The Sunday was a different day.  It was sunny with no wind and we enjoyed travelling the winding Coventry canal.  We had gone through Whittington and seen the well kept gardens and was approaching Hopwas when we recognised a boat coming round a bend.  How convenient to find the visitor moorings clear as we met Mo and Vanessa on Balmaha so both boats were able to stop by School Bridge.

A good meeting of friends and bloggers enjoying a chat and coffee on Balmaha’s deck.  We continued on our way to stop and watch the motor racing from Spain.

Travelling with friends on board

A few days later Ann was back on board.  Our friends Terry n Myra had hired a car and bought Ann with them to stay on board for a while.  It was quite late in the day when they arrived after such a long journey.  Once all the kit was thrown on board we all went off to the Clifford Arms for a welcome drink and meal that evening.

Next day we set off early heading down the locks to Rugeley where we all went to stock up with food for our journey.  Winter almost arrived again as we progressed south so we stopped at Handsacre.

Hanging around

Ann has gone off to see the grand kids Josh n Ben.  A taxi got her to Stafford because the busses were not running on the bank holiday.  Thankfully some trains were.  One warm sunny day was good for varnishing the boat hook pole.  It had been suffering from the long cold winter on the roof.  I got back into the habit of walking out with Molly twice a day.  Jim and Joy on a boat called Losgunna offered to take her one afternoon and she just went with them!  A fella on a boat called Just the Job told me that he read this blog and was pleased with his new AGM batteries, purchased after reading about ours.  He was heading for Penkridge.  Once again I remembered to cook for myself and feed the dog occasionally.

Meeting friends

We wanted to catch up with No Problem before going our separate ways in the summer months.  We got going early and two days later we found them at Wheaton Aston with flags up on St. George’s day.  Sue n Vic invited us on board for one of those famed Sunday roasts and Ann provided the apple crumble.
The Shropshire Union is a bit of a boating motorway heading north south so it was not long before we got to its southern end at Autherly junction near Wolverhampton.  An early morning walk with Ann and Molly found Addersley junction and the Wolverhampton flight of locks heading up to Birmingham.

A government supported scheme is employing young people to cleanup and paint all the locks which are now looking smart and inviting.  We plan to explore the Birmingham Canal Navigations next year.

We moved off heading for Great Haywood and waved goodbye to Sue n Vic as they set off for Stourport.  We managed to get to Penkridge, got our post and went to the market.  Got some plants for our roof boxes and met Rose n Ray from Maddy Rose.  Back on our boat and approaching the lock we were surprised to see Les on Valerie coming up.  He was with family and had also been to the market!
We stopped at Teddesley boat yard where we found Maddy Rose having an engine replaced.  The boat yard owner was being very helpful in trying to sort out major problems with the old engine but finally decided it was terminal.  Both Ray and Rose had been quite stressed about the situation.  It had been a threat to their way of life on board after so many good years.  The new engine was installed and running while we offered tea and sympathy.  Next day we continued on our journey leaving our friends feeling better.

Going up to Market

Once back on the boat and Mr Tesco had delivered the goodies we were off.  The Audlem flight of locks are a pain, testing our resolve at boating which can be a challenge at times.  What with something rattling the prop, muddy edges and rocks at lock landings we found them all.  Then there are those by weirs chucking water across the canal completely destroying the careful aim getting into the lock.  So it was crash bang wallop as the boat went in.  Then there were many boaters coming down two at a time taking locks from those going up.  Really should be one up and one down at each lock and helping each other which is far more enjoyable.  Boaters coming up behind us were helping but getting the same treatment.
We stopped for lunch before tackling the Adderley flight.  On the way up we met Mike Edwards on a boat called Sarah Kate known to our friends Terry n Myra.  Other friends known to us are John n Sue who live in Market Drayton and we went to see them when we got there.

Next day we got water opposite the Betton Mill.  That building and wharf is now empty and unused.  Several boating companies have come and gone but it seems British Waterways wants too much for the lease and annual rent.  So much for British Waterways making money from property.

It was a calm sunny day as we proceeded up the Tyrley locks on our own, most empty and in our favour.  Such a contrast from the previous day.

Ann’s special birthday

We left the boat at Venetian Marina on the Shropshire Union canal near Crewe.  A taxi took us to the station and two trains got us down to Southampton.  We stayed a few days with Chris, Tracy and the boys.  Then it was off to the party where friends and family representing a lifetime all met us at a hotel in the New Forest at Lyndhurst.  Our thanks go to Chris who organised the music and Tracy who baked a tasty cake and did the decorations.  It was great to have our guests in one place so we could chat to them all.  We even managed a few dances with some of them.  Even Sue n Vic were there from No Problem.  So I got to dance with Sue as well!

Sunny warm days

We spent a few days painting bits of boat, patching up the roof with undercoat and red top coat on the hand rail. Even after the second coat it looked patchy but at least it is brighter and glossy.

We moved on to Wrenbury for bread n milk at the store in the village. A boat was following close behind itching to pass but with a lock ahead we would be first! The bottom gates had been left open and paddles up by some lazy boater ahead of us. So it just took us a bit longer to get through, no help from the boater behind as they had stopped for lunch.

Arrived at the automatic lift bridge to discover it was being repaired. A loose key switch we were told. The boat behind caught us up. “When the bridge is fixed we will let you through” I said. Before the bridge was up they were alongside going by first! Then another boater was backing out of the boat yard as I was passing through the bridge. He was on the phone and nearly hit our back end. As it was he went forwards in a rush and his propeller chucked water all over our stern so I had to shout at him. I guess he was trying to take advantage of the bridge being up. Tough, Ann lowered it to let the build up of traffic go over. So yes, attitudes have changed over the years especially during the spring and summer months.

This is a spring mooring on the Llangollen

Busy Easter

We had stopped below Grindley Brook locks during the Easter weekend as many high speed boaters rushed to join the queue at the locks. They do not seem to realise that the large wash they make not only rocks moored boats but also damages the bank and kills the poor little ducklings. “Not that we have seen any yet.” Not really surprising that there have been so many breaches of the bank on this popular canal. So it was three boats up and three down as we watched on the sunny Saturday under the control of two lock keepers.

When we went up on Tuesday we were on our own with the lock keeper thankful for something to do. Once at the top we filled with water, used the facilities and dumped rubbish. Then set off for Whitchurch. Once past the swing bridge it was a sharp turn left so was easier to turn further on and then back down the short canal towards town. There was plenty of space here for us visitors. Plans to extend the canal further into town seem to have been scrapped.

Then it was off to rediscover the shops in town some way up the hill towards the church. We found a good butcher and hardware shops willing to take our money for their goodies.

Back at the boat we saw that the moorings were now full. During the evening there was some disturbance and we discovered that our flag had been removed from the roof. We suspect a couple of boys off the boat behind.

Next day Ann went off through the park to Tesco, thankfully not so far up the hill. I went later after the many visiting boats had left and helped bring the food back. We then moved out and headed back to Grindley Brook stopping at the top for the night. In the morning the lock keepers were well busy as we joined the queue to go down.

This time more boats going down than up and managed to do 12 lock miles in sunshine to stop just short of Wrenbury.

We move again

Now that Ann has returned to me we move on to the Ellesmere Canal for that is what it was known when first built before going on to Llangollen. We got our water at Barbridge Junction after turning left on to the Shropshire Union. Then it was only a few miles to the junction with the Llangollen. The facilities at the top of Hurlseton locks were not available due to major works beefing up the canal edges.

The canal is unique because it transports water from the river Dee in Wales all 45 miles to the reservoir at Hurleston. The flow is quite noticeable especially at the narrow bridge holes where it slows the boat down. The byways at the locks allow the flow to pass when the locks are not in use. By the time we had gone up a few locks dark clouds were threatening so we moored near bridge 12 only 3 miles in, set up the satellite dish and got in before it rained.

The next day was a wash out so we stayed in. Watching TV, reading books and listening to the radio or music on CD’s. It got cold and the rain turned to snow for a while and the wind blew.

What a difference a day makes. We woke to some sunshine and moved on to Wrenbury where we walked across a field past the Church and found the shop and Post Office still going strong. Posted our letters, got bread n milk and returned to the boat. Ever since getting on this canal our internet connection with TMobile was failing us. Only now that we have got nearer to Whitchurch has the signal returned. For those first few days we felt quite out of touch.

The canal is still being enhanced by the Shropshire Union Canal Society for the benefit of all users. This includes the provision of seats and picnic tables as well as rings to tie to at visitor moorings making it one of the most user friendly canals within the inland waterways. Should British Waterways tap into the volunteers of Canal Trusts to help improve the system and provide local knowledge and support?

Home alone

I have been looking after Molly and myself for a week now. The bird feeders have been refilled a few times as the birds seem extra hungry at this time of year! Fat balls, peanuts and seed all going fast. There are 4 to 5 birdies seen at any one time as I sit and watch while reading.

Been getting up early with the sun but what does it matter. The clocks go forwards soon. Moving time does not change the fact that the days are getting longer. It just resets our time to nature’s time.

I have been concentrating on upgrading our website so pages and pictures are changing. Pictures have been added to all the chapters in our book ‘Living on a Narrowboat’. Also some new pictures are to be added to the canal pages.

Molly does not let me forget to take her out for a walk twice a day. Just one way or the other down the towpath to a bridge and back.

Somewhere on the branch

We’ve got the jobs done, new lamps for old. Anyone want some old lamps? A few days got us back to Middlewich this time to get more water and provisions for the next week. Ann is to go home to see the grand children while I look after Molly and myself. A taxi to Crewe and two trains getting Ann down south. Plenty of boats are moving up and down, some fast n some slow. Last Sunday we had a good roast lunch at the Venetian Cafe.

Some repair work is going on at Bridge 11 and I wonder if the same is happening down on the Oxford canal.

Aqueduct Marina

And Molly is trying not to fall in.

I will have plenty to occupy my mind trying to update and improve our web site. Not forgetting to take Molly out and feed our faces.

New lights

We got to Venetian Marina and booked a mooring for the boat in April. Got some diesel and found the other facility some distance from the boat. They do not have a water tap here so we will have to go another mile to Barbridge. The chandlery here had some LED light units on offer. I was assured that they were regulated so would be ok in the boat on the 12 to 14 volt supply. They were MR11 units that directly replaced the halogen lamps as found in some nice switched brass lights. We tried one and found the light similar to our twin florescent units.

Went off to get water at the end and on our return saw this couple sitting on the edge of the canal enjoying the sunshine.

No chance for us to relax for now we have two jobs to get on with! Fit those lights and paint the other side of the boat.

Turn on to the Shropshire Union

Well the Middlewich branch really, but not yet! It was quite tricky being a tight turn under the low Wardle Bridge.

We are on the Wardle Canal first, which is a boat length to the lock, the shortest canal on the system. Up a couple of locks then about four miles to Church Minshull where we found the Visitor Moorings provided by the Canal Trust. They ensure that the grass is cut and the mooring is deep enough. Many of the moorings even have picnic tables and barbeque sites. Only 48 hours to stay but the canal is usually shallow at the edges anywhere else!

Up and down the sloping path,
We walked the Weaver Way,
To find a posting box,
And sent our mail away.

But sadly Church Minshull is not much with narrow busy lanes, the traffic rushing by despite the narrow river bridge. After just one night we moved on past the Aqueduct Marina and up Minshull lock.

We had to pass the next Visitor Moorings because the trees prevented Sky reception. Had to move on and stop on a shallow edge beyond the trees. While there a few days I got around to painting the lower sides of the boat. Just enough to cover up the winter scars!

Planning public transport

Geography is a subject to get to grips with. We need to know where roads, places, bus routes and railways are in relation to canals. Our canal maps concentrate on canals and do not often show what may well be a useful station for bus or train. Get hold of a road map to find that canals and railways are almost invisible! The internet and ‘Travelline’ is very helpful in finding the detail to get from one place to another.

Sometimes just moving the boat to a different location will make a land journey so much easier. Two bus trips, two train journeys and a taxi could change to just one bus and a train to get from a to b. If we need to leave the boat it is best in a marina where it will be safe but not all marinas have temporary short term moorings. Getting away in the winter is even more difficult when boats stay in the marina!

Keeping Britain tidy

Mooring at Whatcroft

Canals do need respect and support.

We have filled no less than six plastic bags with assorted rubbish. It was all strewn over half a mile of the tow path. Glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles and bags so disgusting and untidy we just could not leave it lying there. “Very public spirited of you” said walkers as they passed by. “Well there are plenty of bottles and cans which had contained the spirit!” we said. On the way back to Middlewich we could have filled several more black bags! We knew that there was a recycle centre near bridge 173 on the T n M which is where we got rid of all those bottles and cans.

Salt

We stayed for a long weekend. Seyella was not far away so we spent some time with Geof and Margaret exploring the surrounding countryside.

There are many paths through the Silver Birch woods and down along the river Weaver.

We were almost encouraged to take the boat down on the lift but decided it could wait till later. Salt is an abundant raw material round here first discovered by the Romans. At one time much of the salt was transported up and down the river Weaver and up on to the Trent and Mersey canal. Salt is a molecule made from the two elements sodium and chloride. A few factories are busy processing the stuff here.

Drifting

We are to stay a while drifting about between Anderton, Barbridge and Wixhall with very few locks but plenty of miles to explore. That is on the Trent n Mersey, Shropshire Union and even the Llangollen.

Our grateful thanks to our friends Sue n Vic for travelling with us over that hill. As Sue has said in her blog, we have known them for many years and if it was not for the ice in Banbury some years ago I would not have got on the internet to write this blog or even create our web site.

After Tesco man delivered the goodies we set off in the afternoon and managed to do about 4 miles after going down that big lock.

Heading for Anderton but stopped at Whatcroft where we found Geof n Mags in Seyella. Next day we followed them for 5 miles to Anderton. There we found new facilities so topped up our water tank after using our washing machine on the way. We turned round here by the marina and found our mooring for the weekend with those batteries fully charged again.

We had a refreshing cup of tea on Seyella before setting off to see that boat lift and take a walk round the park land with Ann and Geof in the late afternoon.

The Cheshire locks

Since leaving Harecastle tunnel we have gone down heartbreak hill heading for Middlewich. A total of 31 locks in only 12 miles taking three days to do it. Many of the locks were about 10 feet deep so the hill got us down about 300 feet. So far we have been very lucky to be able to keep going despite this prolonged winter. The days were usually warm dry n sunny when we moved. The water tap at Wheelock was not frozen so we topped up our tank there.

We woke up to another day with ice on the cut and grey skies. It proved hard to get ourselves going on down the hill through more locks to the bottom.
We noticed that another factory has turned to dust, Bisto gravy is no more next to British Salt. We got diesel at Kings Lock chandlery, a well stocked shop worth a look in. They allowed me to make my own declaration and charged 65 pence and £1.10 for a litre. Then we went down 3 more locks to the visitor moorings. Before falling asleep after all that effort we paid a visit to friends on a boat called Seyella. Thanks Geof and Mags for the chat, tea n cake. Then we crashed out after getting fish n chips from the shop not far from the canal.

Next day our good friends Sue n Vic on No Problem followed Seyella heading yet further north while we stayed to do some shopping.

The Tunnel

We walked round Westport Lake early in warm sunshine after an overnight snow fall. We saw pieces of old pottery on the shore line looking like sea shells. There were a few water birds about like ducks, moorhens, coots, tufted ducks, geese, swans and others.

We set off to our appointment with British Waterways to travel through the 2 mile Harecastle Tunnel. It opens at 11:30 but the boat which went earlier was able to pass through.

We then had to wait an hour for two working boats to come through from the other end! The old tunnel had sunk in the middle so much of our roof ‘furniture’ was removed. At one point we had to squat down to avoid hitting our heads. After about 45 minutes we emerged at the other end. It was a bit noisy with the ventilation fans on full blast and it was just pitch-black looking back.

The water at the northern end was red with iron which coated many of the following locks. Some of the locks were doubles so we made good progress with our two boats.

In two days we had got down to Hassal Green, having done 18 locks in over 8 miles. We have earnt our Sunday day of rest.

Cruising north

Our next stop was at Stone. History tells us that it was here that Josiah Wedgewood met James Brindley to plan the creation of a canal to run north south for 46 miles either way. So much of the pottery was being broken on the roads that water transport was considered.

We had not moved long enough to fill those batteries but it felt good to make some progress on a sunny day. It got cold over night and we woke to find ice on the canal but were not trapped by it. Took on water and continued up the hill to stop at Barlaston near the Wedgewood factory. We had done the tour back in 2005 when we last passed this way. Many of the bridges on the way were a bit low so had to keep pulling our cover down to get under them while it snowed. That trip was more substantial having done 7 locks and 3 miles. Many of the locks were deep n heavy to open but at least the batteries were full by the time we stopped.

Next day we continued through Stoke on Trent and its industrial wasteland of the potteries.

This is one that has gone since 2005

Sad to see so many derelict building and old bottle kilns, some of which have been destroyed since we past this way. The bridges were so low on the way through that we even removed the chimney to get under one. We stopped to consume soup made by Vic on No Problem and then picked up a plastic bag round the prop as we moved off. It was extremely cold putting a fore arm in to pull the bag off.

Eventually got to Westport Lake in the afternoon when it snowed. On the way we had passed at least one factory working but believe that even Middleport is under threat of closure.

As we were passing through Prince Charles and Camilla were looking at the Staffordshire Gold Hoard to be seen at the Potteries Museum. Huge crowds and cold conditions put us off having a look ourselves.

We have moved!

Great Haywood had become our comfort zone having stayed in the area for so long. It was a place with everything we needed, water, diesel, walks and bus trips. We had got to know many of the boaters there.

It was warm and sunny when we moved north on the Trent n Mersey canal. There was some ice but it had been broken up by moving boats. We went through 3 locks and travelled 6 miles. The locks have bridges across them which saves having to walk all the way round. While the locks were relatively easy we had done enough by the end of our first journey of the year.

It is all very well having so much power stored in those new batteries. They gave us a whole day of use without having to run the engine. Now we have run out of hot water! While our fire is on there is always a kettle of hot water for use, it is just not on tap. While travelling with No Problem we share Sunday roasts together. In the afternoon we walked out round Burston and realised that it was still light at 5 o’clock. The local community are protesting about a possible wind farm being built in the area. If we do not invest in new power generators there will be a power shortage sooner or later.

It was only a short hop past a new marina at Aston near that lock with a mile post that indicates Shardlow 46 one way and Preston Brook 46 the other. Found moorings either side of bridge 90 and waited for Mr Tesco man to deliver our order. It duly arrived and got put away thankfully before it rained.

Power upgrade

Trevor at Adverc recommended a larger alternator and some Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. This type have a longer cycle life and are low maintenance. I am told that the new spec with 600 Amp Hours of battery capacity and a 110 Amp alternator should meet our needs. Only time will tell as the proof is in the pudding. My old batteries were showing their age after 3 ½ years having lost much of their capacity. One of the reasons given for the 70 Amp alternators failing was that it did not have enough output for the loads put apon it.

AGM battery bank

Adverc delivered the goodies to Great Haven Marine Services and John installed it all. We were so lucky to be able to get in and out of the marina in between periods of ice and snow. Got to a mooring by 4 pm travelling through a blizzard! The batteries were full by then and we did not need to run the engine that evening as was previously usual. The next day after 18 hours of use the batteries were still reading 12.3 Volts after supplying 67 Amp Hours of power.

Ice, snow and friends

While we were at Tixel the ice came and then it snowed. It is just a bit depressing when we lose our freedom to move about, not quite knowing when it will clear again. It is OK for a while so long as our water and diesel tanks have been topped up and we are within walking distance of the shops.

A few days later the ice cleared and No Problem arrived late in the day having come down Tixel lock and breaking some patchy ice on the way. By now we were all running out of supplies so placed an order with Tesco. It had warmed up by then and thankfully we were able to get to Great Haywood Junction in sunshine. We got water and loaded the supplies from Tesco which had arrived as arranged on the magic internet.

I was telling Vic about our problems with rain still getting past our sliding hatch. If the wind is in the ‘right’ direction it blows the rain along the slider and under the hatch. One solution may be to grind a gulley across the side to redirect the water. Vic kindly offered the use of his grinder and I cut the groves. Now waiting for rain and wind to prove the solution but next day all we got was more ice.

Never tempt providence

I should never have said ‘Some welding outside has successfully sealed the leak’! It rained enough next day to prove the statement wrong. Two steps forward and one back. If we were to dwell on the negative aspects of boating we could get depressed, but as it is there are far more positives to keep us motivated. It was all sorted later and we actually moved out with a full tank of diesel.

We had been in Great Haywood Marina since before Christmas so getting out was quite an event. Took on water at the junction and found a space for a few nights. Next day the patrol officer knocked on the boat asking when we are to move. “Only just got here” I said. “But you’ve been here since November according to my records” he said. “I’ve been stuck in ice in the marina since before Christmas” I explained. These patrol officers don’t check when you are not there, but to be fair they did not call while the boats were stuck in ice. There is at least one boat with an overstay notice and most boaters have now moved elsewhere.

Snowdrops in Great Haywood
So we have moved away, out to Tixel Wide moorings where we found a few other boats. On the way the wind kept pushing us onto a shallow edge so it took some effort to keep going. Then we had to find a gap in the trees to see the satellite TV signal.

While eating a late lunch we saw a Kingfisher catching his. ‘Now that made it all worthwhile.’

So far so good

Work has been progressing all week now on our boat. We were so unhappy with the result of last year’s alterations that we resolved to have them out and start again. But first an annoying leak had presented itself coming in from the enlarged sliding hatch. Much of the wood ceiling needed to be replaced. Some welding outside has successfully sealed the leak.

We have always been considering how to improve the ‘engine bay’ with more shelves and space for coats and now the engine controls are better placed. Just the varnishing to be done.

Boater’s community

The ice is looking like soft mud. Various objects are slowly sinking through creating small holes. No boats have been allowed to move about in the marina so it is still solid ice. The wonderful community of boaters on the canal are about to move off in various directions. But not before Ann took the girls for a long walk with other dogs from Matilda Rose and Caxton.
It was some time last month that we booked in for some alterations and remedial work at the marina. Work was due to start on Monday but there is a delay due to the ice. They seem to want to put boats in and out of the water before starting on us. Now 3 men on a boat are now trying to move it but the part broken ice is still at least one inch thick! It is getting quite noisy inside with all the ice banging along the side. Now we see waves on the water again.

Two staying guests

Ann went off to Stafford on the bus and came back with Lucy and Meg. I went to meet them at the canal bridge with Molly. We all walked back through the snow covered ground. Next day it rained in the morning so now we can see the green grass again.

View from our window

The sun is shining, the ice is turning to slush and the temperature has reached 10 degrees centigrade for the first time since the middle of December.

We took the girls out for a walk round Shugborough Park which proved to be very wet and slippery in places.

Winter chores

Our boat is moving again. Not forward or backward but just rocking side to side. The ice has let go. It has been covered by a blanket of snow which has all but gone now leaving strange patterns on the surface. When it was covered in snow it looked like the rest of the land except that it was flat. We have read about people risking their lives by trying to walk across the canal or even throwing sticks on to the ice for their dogs. We can’t help ourselves talking about the conditions, a common enemy perhaps. Those of us that are wrinkly can recall previous cold winters like this one. We would drive around with a spade, an old sack for grip under the wheels, a flask of tea or hot soup and clearing our own paths and pavements.
We have done the hazardous deed and filled the diesel tank from a collection of containers. Had plenty of old cloth and detergent on hand to prevent spillage and a large funnel to guide the liquid into the small tank hole. We have been lucky with that other liquid, water, as our hose pipe is just long enough to reach a nearby unfrozen tap. All the taps on the pontoons have been turned off while the temperature was below zero. Boaters have had the daily chore of fetching heavy gallons of water half way round the marina and down the towpath.
Most days we have walked out to visit other boaters on the frozen ‘cut’. Jo and Lesley from Caxton met us in the Cafe by Great Haywood lock. We all had a good natter about life and future plans before going back to Caxton. Another day we went to Rock n Roll in the marina.
It seems that our alternator has been having a hard time with the washing machine. The boat was built with the washing machine already installed so you would think that the engine power system was designed to cope. Not so apparently. Most boaters have larger engines, higher output alternators or mains generators for their washing machines. We will have to rely entirely on the domestic hot water provided by the engine for our washing. The trick will be to turn down the temperature which turns off the electric heaters after filling with hot water.

Surviving

Many boaters are just keeping warm and safe in their boats during the unusually long spell of wintery weather. The temperature has been as low as minus 20 centigrade in some places and the canals have been frozen for nearly a month. There are many worse off than us with the usual supply boats stuck in the ice like the rest of us but life must go on.

After getting back to our boat we set about getting the systems up and running again. Electric on, radiators on, light fire, water on, gas on, kettle on. While drinking that welcoming cup of tea we kept our coats on because it was colder inside than out! I then walked to the shops in Great Haywood to get milk, bread and some vegetables. Then we placed an order to Tesco for a full stock up delivery later and the van arrived next day direct to boat despite the icy conditions. Porridge most mornings keeps us warm inside during the first few cool hours before the sun comes up.

The bus to and from Stafford is running OK so we met our friends there for lunch in Wetherspoons, the building being a grand old cinema. Walking about town was just as tricky as on the towpath. A boat called Rock n Roll is nearby and we invited George and Carol for a drink on board and we discussed the various challenges set before us.

Chapter 14 of our book ‘Life With a Narrowboat’ is now published and can be found at www.moore2life.co.uk.