Going through Birmingham

At the end of the Stratford we turned right onto the Worcester and Birmingham canal.  This was a bit wider, lined with factories instead of trees and quite shallow in places.  A railway follows the canal all the way into Birmingham.  A mile further on we stopped at Bournville.

The ‘secure’ visitor mooring on the off side provide space for 2 boats and was already occupied.  So we were obliged to moor outside the security fence.  That night we felt quite vulnerable as youths gathered nearby at 2 am, talking loudly with the ‘f’ word in every sentence.

Even the train station is painted purple, for it is here that Cadburys chocolate is made.

We walked into Bournville in the morning to see some of the huge new factories and original buildings from the 1900’s.  All the fences and street lamps were painted purple.  We had the feeling that something was about to happen in the streets.  The evening news reported that the new owners are to keep the Bournville production going.  Good news indeed.

Back on the boat we set off for Birmingham and beyond.  We are not city people and regard them as ‘concrete jungles’ even though in reality there is more brick, steel and glass than concrete.

We took the direct route along the main line and were happy to find trees and grass once through the centre.

After 12 flat miles we arrived at Factory locks which climb up to the Wolverhampton level.

A short evening stroll then move the boat

It was sunny and calm so we took a stroll to get fish n chips at Hockley Heath.

We were soon sitting on a street bench watching the traffic while consuming the food from its paper wrapping.  Our plan is to move on through Birmingham but we wait for the political conference to finish.  The police are searching passing boats with dogs.
We set off on Thursday after using the facilities at the boat yard.  Ten miles of the northern Stratford canal seemed to take an age to Kings Norton.  Most of the canal is lined with trees on both sides and the prop kept getting clogged with the falling autumn leaves.

We had been told that we were heading into ‘bandit country’ so we did not stop on the way except with another boat at the water point.  Then we saw policemen patrolling the tow path!  After passing through the short Brandwood tunnel we found the curious guillotine lock which is now permanently open.

It was a ‘stop lock’ where private canal companies would charge working boaters for moving cargo.  Just like a road toll.

Family concerns

We have been off the boat while some changes are made to our galley.  We got a lift to Leamington Spa station and a train south.  Mother has moved to a Nursing Home and we have been helping her settle in.  Some furniture, pictures, TV and clothes transported from the house to the home.  We are much happier now knowing that she is being well looked after by the caring staff.
Now it is a case of facing up to ‘house clearance’ without loosing too much family stuff.  Luckily my brother is able to help with this endeavour.  The house has been valued and some furniture sorted for sale.  Various visits from other family members have been arranged so stuff will be redistributed.  The more we look the more we see and the task seems endless at this time.  It is unlikely that we will ever stop over at that family home again so now we stay with our grand children and their parents.  A very different lifestyle to that we are used to on the boat.
It was Josh’s birthday during our stay and we watched as he opened presents.  Our youngest grandson Ben had not been feeling well and was taken to hospital so we had a few late nights of anxiety.  Having stayed an extra day we were happy to return to the boat knowing that there was nothing seriously wrong.

 Our favourite boat fitter has done it again for us.  A separate hob and high level oven has been installed, replacing that cooker for sale.  The main gain is much better access to the oven and what was a corner cupboard.

A voyage of discovery

But first.  Oh dear another breach, a loss of water on the Mon and Brec in Wales.  Only a few years ago it was closed for the same reason and repaired at great cost.  So many boats and holidaymakers are disrupted in their travels.  The government have slashed support for the waterways again.  BW’s men in suits are being blamed for paying themselves loads of money.  It seems that they do not deserve so much for losing money on property which may well be sold off now.
We moved up to Kingswood Junction where the Grand Union ‘kisses’ the Stratford.  We are obliged to wait here as the footbridge is being protected by steel barriers.

The brick built bridge has suffered some severe damage by boats turning into the link.  The work men watched as a boat slowly bounced off the barrier.  “Still not enough” one said as the barrier moved!
It was worth exploring the junction with its lock cottages and a triangle of waterways.

Several locks on the Stratford bring that canal up to and above the Grand Union level as it heads northwest to Birmingham.  When we were there the Elsan facility was being unblocked.  I remember seeing it blocked seven years ago!  “Oh why can’t BW fix the cause rather than the symptom.”  The flushing water supply was just a trickle.
The local maps led us astray when we tried to find shops in Lapworth.  We found they had moved down the road past the railway.  At least the Post Office still exists in the wine shop but the other little shop did not have much more than bread n milk.  If you are coming up this way on the Grand Union there is a much better shop and Post Office above the northern end of Shrewley tunnel.
We started late to go up the 15 narrow locks of the Lapworth flight on the Stratford canal.  Mostly thickly lined with trees and having short pounds between the locks.  A few boats were coming down and at one pound on a bend it was tricky manoeuvring past the other boat.

It remained tree lined at the top and we began to wonder if we would be able to ‘see’ the sky sat.  However a gap was found albeit with the boat sitting on the mud.  Four more locks were tackled next day.

Rediscovery after 7 years

The last time we were on the Western Grand Union we were going east from Kingswood Junction.  Now we head west from Napton Junction.  It was there that we met Rose and Ray on Maddy Rose.  We shared tea and sandwiches over two days then went our separate ways, setting off down the Calcutt and Stockton flights.  We were joined by Misty Lady to go down all those double locks.

The skippers and crews were working well together as a team.  There were several boats coming up leaving the locks for us to go down.  It was sunny while we moved that morning but when we stopped at Long Itchington it rained.  Despite the wetness we walked to the village shop for provisions.  On our return to the boat we lit the fire to dry out.  August is a wet month.
Next day we set off and did another 9 locks with Misty Lady.  It was a damp grey day as we travelled down towards Leamington Spa and found a mooring just past bridge 33 in open countryside and bid farewell to our travelling companions.

It was sunny and warm as we continued our journey through the Spa town the next day.  We noted on the way that the concrete tow path prevented the use of pins for mooring.  There were however several bollards to tie to on the offside by Tesco where we stopped to shop.  Eventually spent the night by Budbrooke Junction and saw Ernie on 10 Bob Note pass us by.
We were not far from the start of the climb up the Hatton flight of 21 locks and were joined by another boat.  Double width locks need two boats to make the going easy and it does save the water.  It was at least dry n warm when we started off at 10.

3 hours later we had reached the top, an average of 10 minutes a lock!  It would have been good to find visitor moorings at the top.  There were plenty of car parks and gongooslers but the moorings were for permit holders.  We were obliged to move on just when we needed a rest.  Eventually found deep water and a low hedge so that we could ‘see’ the satellite signal.  Then it rained.

Procedures and actions

There are good intentions but actions may be less than intended.  What am I waffling about?  BW have been busy down in Banbury fixing up firm edges.  At the ‘Tramway’ it is finished.  Boaters are there already but BW had spread fresh earth about and put grass seed down without rolling it flat!  Now we have got deep foot prints and muddy boots.  Just when the grass is sprouting along come the cutters and squashed it all flat!

BW working!
I have got back from looking after mum again and trying to resolve care issues.  It is quite a stressful and emotional time for both mum and me.  It had become more difficult to care for mum even with people coming in each day.  Thankfully Hampshire Adult Services are on the case and have found a Residential Care home for mum.  My brother is on hand to help and has taken mum to see the place which has a room available.
We passed Paul Balmer on Waterway Routes on our way to the water point.  Just as we queued for the lock down came Mortimer Bones in her grey boat.  A few days later we had reached the summit pound, got diesel at Fenny and stopped short of Marston Doles.  We do not normally move on a Sunday and wonder why we did.  We simply lost count of so many boats heading south.  We took on water slowly just before heading down the locks towards Napton.  Boats coming up the locks and following behind all seemed to want water!  Even hire boaters just setting off from Wigrams Marina had already run out of water.  We have stopped after the second lock down after being told of an event at Napton and loads of boats trying to get up the locks.

One more problem

We got past Aynho, across the river Cherwell which joins the canal, entered Nell Bridge Lock and stayed there for a while!  The bottom gate would not shut properly and the lock would not fill.  So much water was gushing past that gate.  We shut all the paddles and slowly descended.  An attempt to flush out the obstruction was made before Ann went round to the British Waterways yard which just happened to be nearby.  By now many boats had joined a queue at both ends of the lock.

Two men turned up with a very long handled rake and after several attempts managed to dislodge the obstruction.  It was probably a loose brick below the gate.  We were then able to carry on to Banbury.  After the weekend at least ten boats were assembling below Banbury lock, waiting to get through the lock or use the facilities.  It is now the busy season and it was sad to see so many plastic bottles floating alongside the boats in the canal.

A bit out of touch and a few problems

We moved on down to Lower Heyford and found that there was absolutely no phone signal here.  Just 3 miles north we had a very strong and fast connection through Orange and T Mobile.  Here we got a space, TV and radio so not all bad.  Then Del and Al on Derwent 6 went by going north waving their arms and taking pictures!  We had intended to catch a train back to Banbury but they are infrequent and we did not see one stop.  We would need to be sure to get back the same day.  Apparently the driver would stop if you were on the station at the right time so we were told later.
Found some expensive bread n milk, oil and filter at the boat yard.  Oxford Narrowboats were very busy on their turn round day with lots of boats waiting for families to take them away for their holiday on the waterways.  They are looking for an engineer so just hope that they all get back later with no problems.

We walked into the village but it was very exclusive and quiet.  “I wonder where they get their bread n milk from.”  No shop or Post Office here, just a pub.
It was a noisy night with that railway just over the hedge so we turned round next day and got water before heading north.  A boat called No Problem arrived just as we had finished.  They had met Sue n Vic on the Kennet and Avon canal.  Two No Problem’s on the same canal!  Pity that there are really so many problems on that canal with many boaters reporting that the canal is ‘falling apart’ with lack of maintenance and consequently lack of water due to leakage.  Lack of rain does not help either.  The latest problem is the actual closure of the Leeds and Liverpool canal due to lack of water we are told.

Through and south of Banbury

We passed through Banbury and after getting water progressed to the Tramway moorings.  These are much improved with a hard edge, more popular now with more boats and still a 14 day mooring which is good for shopping at the local supermarket.  We plan to stay a bit longer than usual here.  In the past we hired cars to go home and now we get on a train because they are safer and less stressful.  The station is only 10 minutes walk from here and an hourly service gets us south.
My dear 91 year old mother had spent 3 weeks in a care home and quote:-“..did not like it one bit.”  While Ann stayed on the boat with Molly I went off on the train and with my brother’s help got mum back in her own house.  We arranged for care help to call every day.  I stayed several days trying to rearrange mums way of life for a better future.
Back together on the boat we moved slowly south.  There is a small holding by Nell Bridge lock where we found Bob n Jane on Hobo.  We have known them since our early days on the Kennet and Avon canal.  The little farm has pigs, sheep and hens.  They sell free range sausages, eggs, pork chops, legs of lamb etc so is well worth a visit.  They also sell pots of the Buffalow Ice cream from Napton!

Another day we drifted on down to Aynho and beyond.  It was at Aynho that we found a boat called ‘Bones’ and met Mortimer who writes for our boating magazine Canal Boat.  We swapped places at the water point as she continued her journey north.
When other commitments require more attention our activity on the canals and internet are affected.  It is nice to know that there are people, friends and 'followers' out there that we have got to know through this blog and also some that we just meet on the cut.  Phones, emails and blogging are all means of communicating equally well but there is nothing quite like real people when you see them.

On the move

It must be a year ago since we have been down the Oxford heading for Banbury.  We went up all the locks at Napton with many boats coming down and helping us with open gates.  It is a testament to the over 200 year old system design that it still works despite a certain lack of maintenance.  At least one lock gate had a broken balance beam and several locks had displaced cill beams.  Despite the recent lack of rain there is enough water at the summit to get through to Clayton.  We had stopped at the top for one night before going down the other side.  Then it rained!

I have been sorting loads of pictures of historic boats.  Many were taken at Braunston this year and last during the boat gatherings.  Thanks to the Historic Narrowboat Owners Club and their list which helped me sort our pictures.  The pictures can now be seen on our website moore2life.co.uk  .

Improvements and two runs

The old Perspex windows in the front cratch had gone cloudy over the years.  Much better now that Dave Bassett has replaced it with clear toughened glass.

Ann has gone ‘home’ to run for life round Southampton Common.  She walked the 5 km in 55 minutes with a crowd of likeminded people and collected money for charity.  (Why 5km in this country?)
The other run was by seven Star Class historic boats from London to Atherstone.  They removed 100 tons of gravel which had been dumped in Paddington basin in order to support the canal edge while a new building was constructed.  The gravel and all building material came in by lorry through London.  The building then cut off access by road so the boats were used.  It was an exercise to prove that it is still possible to move cargo by boat thus greatly reducing the ‘carbon foot print’.  The loaded boats are at least 3 feet deep in the water and often ran aground in the un dredged waterway.  They had left London on Monday and passed through Braunston on Saturday.

Fourty 4 years and counting

We got to the top of Hillmorton locks and walked down to find Gypsy Rover and saw Derek n Dot who offered a cool drink at the end of a hot day.  We had a good long chat about their future.  When we returned to our boat we found Reg and Elane on Relane.  It was our anniversary next day and they offered to look after Molly while we had lunch at the Bistro.

Getting away from Braunston

We were soon back in the water and heading for the marina.  A bus ride all the way to Banbury and a train to Winchester / Southampton to see family was our first get away.  Quite a lot was achieved and several days later we were back on board.  Ann popped up to the shops while I filled the water tank and emptied our travel bags.  Ann has almost completely recovered from those strained muscles and thanks all those who contacted her.
Braunston Historic Boat Gathering was gaining pace and we were lucky to get out before events really got going.  As we left the marina another boat arrived to fill the space.  All moorings in and north of Braunston were occupied by boats nearly to Willoughby where we stopped at a shady spot for the weekend.

A full boat called Roach passing by our mooring
I find it quite sad to read the ‘stoppage’ reports.  The Caen Hill lock flight is still closed due to a ‘boat strike’ which destroyed a lock gate.  Canals do need more Respect and Support from boaters, public and government.  The summer months bring out all sorts to enjoy the waterways but they seem to lack respect for the system and other boaters for that matter.  Some are just petty criminals when the ‘tow path telegraph’ report items missing off boat roofs.

Blacking at Braunston

Once a year we arrange to have the boat pulled out of the water at Braunston Boats Ltd.  “You know, the yard at the bottom lock.”  This is an opportunity to inspect the bits normally below the water line.  While being pulled up the slope on a trolley the stern dips down in the water.  As a precaution the exhaust pipe from the engine and diesel heater have a bung inserted to prevent water getting in.

We are about a month later this year and a lot of weed had grown on the sides.  It is good food for ducks and swans that had been waking us up in the morning with their pecking.
By the end of the day the sides had been pressure washed and the first coat of black pitch had been applied.  It had been quite cold in the mornings and we were in the habit of switching on the radiators.  But we forgot the bung and the boiler turned itself off automatically.  Thankfully we were able to restart it a few minutes later after taking the bung out.  All was well after clouds of white smoke had blown out!

New anodes were welded on this time after 5 years.  Then a second coat of blacking was applied.

Recovery

After several days over the weekend of worry, pain and loss of sleep we managed to get Ann to see a Chiropractor.  Several options had been considered but the best one was to go to Banbury where we had been before.  A phone call secured an appointment the same day and we got on the bus from Braunston.  It was a long bumpy trip taking well over the hour exploring the countryside on the way!  By the time we had walked up to the Cross and beyond we had had enough of it and resolved to get a taxi back.
Marc remembered us when we met again and soon got to work with his healing hands.  Apparently several muscles linking shoulder with backbone and ribs had gone into spasm.  Half an hour later Ann was relieved of pain, only a dull ache remained.  Now it is a case of more rest and ice pack treatment to complete the recovery.  The taxi got us back to the boat comfortably in less than an hour so it was worth all that expense.

Visitors and flowers

It was breakfast in bed for Ann after a bad night.  A cold ‘chiropractic’ pad helps to reduce the pain of a torn muscle.

Way back when we started boating at Newbury Phil and Deborah kept their boat in the same marina.  They have two weeks off work, managed to get all the way to Braunston and are now on their way back.  Good to see them both again when they stopped for tea and a chat.

Summer has returned again and our ‘garden’ of flowers is looking good on the roof.  The weekenders are out and about again and more often than not two boats are passing our mooring in either direction quite frequently.  Every now and then we have a sort out of boat contents.  In the navy it was called ‘Captains rounds’.  If we have not used it for a year it must be disposed of.  An attempt to sell some of it at the Crick show was not very successful so it will be in the bin soon where boaters can take their pick.

Time to paint

I have time to put a few more coats to put on those well deck lockers and sort out some of their contents.  “Now where did I put that thing.”  Then we moved to Calcutt just for a change of view but as the phone and internet signal was unreliable we moved again next day.  Then we popped in to Wigrams marina for diesel as we knew they allow us to declare our use for travelling.  Diesel for moving the boat has extra tax so we are required to work out what percentage to claim.  Then the supplier has to work out how much to charge!  It is just too much trouble for some like Braunston Marina who force you to pay the higher rate.

The bloke who filled our tank recognised the name of our boat and told us that More To Life was for sale here.  That was our previous boat so we just had to get the key and have a look inside.  It was really sad to see her in such a state.  Unloved and empty for a year apparently.
Ann has been polishing the outside of our boat but now she is suffering from a repetitive strain injury so I have taken Molly for a walk and cooked dinner.

Americans ‘over here’

Not a planned meeting, it just happened.  We had moved south of Braunston when Sue rang.  They were not far away so we moved on after doing some painting.  First stop was to see Bob and Jane on Hobo.  They are normally in the marina and had popped out for the weekend.  The table and chairs were out on the tow path when we found No Problem.  One more coat of paint before a cup of tea out in the sunshine.
Our blog readers from America had come over again and have hired a narrowboat.  Did they just happen to see us and stop, or was it pre arranged?  We had no idea they were here.  It was the first time for quite a while that we had seen Sue n Vic, yet here we are again all together meeting blog readers!  I was in the galley washing up.  “Yes I do most times”.  I heard my name being called from a passing boat.  “Is that Chas?”  Ken Averil, Mary Lou and family stopped by to say hi.  Good to see you guys.  It seems that canal blog writers have influenced them to come over and experience our country way of life.  May they enjoy their discovery of the Oxford Canal.  It was Ken who has read our book ‘Life With a Narrow Boat’ and encouraged me to continue writing.

Next day Sue n Vic were on their way again but not before our first ‘well deck’ tea party.

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?