Moving on down the Oxford canal

We got down Somerton deep lock and stopped by a large field. It is a well-known place to see Barn Owls in the evening. We watched two of them, as they were looking for rodents in the tall grass. The sporting events had us watching the Grand Prix at Silverstone in which Webber came first and Lewis eighth. Right after that there was the Tennis at Wimbledon. Our first British player, Murray, was in the final for many years. Sadly he lost to Federa. We were lucky to see the whole match because a rainstorm took away the satellite signal. The alternative terrestrial digital signal was quickly found and we saw the finish.
 

The next day Dusty the supply boat stopped to fill our diesel tank before we moved on. At least it was dry but the towpath was in a sorry state. Being muddy and overgrown. Many bridges are so low that we have now lowered our Bimini. Below Allen’s lock the river Cherwell is higher than the canal as it is well in flood. We stopped above Dashwood lock for the afternoon hoping to find some walks. But the fields were full of cows.

Is this an Orchid?

So we moved on again after breakfast next day to Kirtlington Quarry. Here we found Ian and Allison with their boat and butty together with Sonya on Zodiac.

We then walked up to the village to discover that we were a day late to see the Olympic Torch pass through.

We've been away

An invitation to a family gathering that cannot be missed. There were several anniversaries and birthdays to celebrate at a community hall to accommodate every body. It was an opportunity to meet all of them in one place. We went by car to take some items away from the boat that were no longer needed or had been replaced. We had printed our own tickets to get back by train. Enterprise let us leave the car down south. “Oh how they all rush about!” The time spent with the family was almost like a holiday when we did completely different things.

The train taking us back to Banbury was packed and there is never enough space for all that luggage! Even the disabled space was filled and was cleared when the inspector came, only to be filled again at the next station! So many people standing that the refreshment trolley could not get through. Moving people about during the Olympics is going to be difficult.

We are getting back to a boating routine by moving, yes moving, up to turn round and returning through Banbury. While getting Gas at Sovereign I mentioned our diesel problems with water and the bug. They asked if we had let our tank get too low. “No, I got 80 litres here last time”. They also recommend using Marine 16 to kill the bug and have it for sale. We carried on down to the Tramway moorings where Tesco delivered goodies next day. We had run our stocks down before leaving so there was a lot to put away this time.

The river Cherwell is in the green here at this time

We moved on down the cut stopping first by that farm and then on past Aynho. Enjoying a sunny day before the forecasted deluge. Setting up the TV to watch the tennis in the afternoons.

Thanks to all who helped

Del n Al walked up a mile or so, George n Carol arrived on Rock n Roll and so did Geoff & Margaret on Seyella. The engineer had also arrived with refurbished injectors. Soon the engine started and purred like a happy kitten. The cloud above my head evaporated. Del noticed that no smoke issued from the exhaust and tick over was smooth. Many thanks to John the engineer at Tooley’s who was also pleased that the pump had not suffered. “I can tell you that I was also much relieved.” Del and Geoff helped move the boat to get water.

Carol invited us all for a celebration on Rock n Roll. No less than four sets of Bloggers on board.

Then we all helped each other getting under the lift bridge and down the lock. A sunny late afternoon activity when suddenly several boats were on the move up and down.

Count your blessings

It is nearly two weeks since our engine problems started. Each day I wake to a nightmare. Putting the experience down on paper and in the blog helps me come to terms with the situation. We are in the right place (1) now and most days have been warm n sunny (2). Two weekends have got in the way of progress so we wait with mains power to keep the other systems going (3).

Flowers on the roof are cheering and colourful (4) 

Hindsight is a wonderful concept, ‘if only’ and ‘what if’ is pointless to consider. The road to discovery will be a maze of wrong turnings. What went wrong and why are questions that get answered in time. It was definitely a fuel problem. Air getting in? Heaters? Water? Diesel bug? It has been reported that all the injectors were damaged by water. Whatever it was the engine never actually stopped, just ran rough and smoked. While waiting for the injectors to come back we wonder what else may have gone wrong.

It looks like the public is being told about BW/Trust. A hat is about to be passed round asking for money from us all!

Tank treatment

We are lucky to be in Banbury where Tooly’s Boat Yard offers a tank cleaning service. The kit has two large filters with water traps and a pre filter which catches the large bits that come out of the tank. The first thing done was to stir up the diesel in the tank using a copper pipe blowing air into the diesel while moving the pipe all over the bottom of the tank for about 5 minutes.

Then two pipes, one metal that picks up from the bottom, the other plastic that returns the cleaned fuel.

This picture shows the water bubbles in the diesel.  Taken by Matt Armitage of Tooly's.

The metal pipe had a site glass so you can see what is coming out. During the first 5 to 10 minutes a lot of black flaky stuff came out together with the diesel and water.

The pumping was stopped and the dirty diesel drained out of the water traps. The process continued for an hour and water was drained off several times.

The diesel with water in it is a murky brown colour.

Unfortunately the engine was still unhappy by running lumpy and smoking, even with the cleaned fuel. The injectors have now been removed to be cleaned.

Diesel bug treatment

Ian and Alison are here have had their boat ‘Truro’ and butty ‘Draco’ blacked in the Historic Toolie’s Boat Yard.


Ian and a friend kindly pulled our boat all the way back to the yard so we could have a landline. Our engine and heater cannot be used but thankfully the diesel fire can. We need it to keep warm while it is so cool outside still. With the mains electric and our immersion heater we do have hot water.



Being stuck across the entrance of the dry dock and under that walkway to the museum is a bit depressing and the TV is only just getting BBC from Oxford! 72 hours is a long time to endure the lack of freedom but at least the town and park gets us out.

I suppose there is no doubt where the bug and water came from and I have told the supplier where I last got diesel. Any user of diesel, red or white, is going to suffer from water and bug contamination. The problem has got worse since the introduction of ‘bio’ and low sulfur diesel fuel. The ‘Canal Boat’ magazine for June just happens to have a report by River Canal Rescue on the diesel bug that is worth a read.



The owner at Toolie’s has pioneered a system of pump and filters that can clean out diesel tanks. He has also advised me that our use of ‘Fuel Set’ is not so effective since the introduction of ‘bio’ fuels.



The small bottle has the bug killer and the large bottle is now recommended to keep the diesel fuel clean. It is ‘Marine 16’ Diesel fuel maintenance that contains ‘MAR 71’. It cleans all marine diesel and stops Diesel Bug.

Back in Banbury with diesel bug!

About a week ago the engine was difficult to start, ran lumpy and smoked. We moved up the lock after getting water and found a space near Toolies. They were not open till Noon when we asked for an engineer. He came late afternoon and checked the heater plugs which were OK. We will have to wait till Monday before he could check out the diesel supply.

So we find ourselves in a situation we do not like, a loss of freedom. Need to chill out in Banbury. We went for a walk round the park where there are signs of activity. A fair was arriving, as it is to be the Banbury Show on Sunday. Crowds of people turned up walked round and back out. At least it was a warm sunny day for the summer event. We had a look and saw that the arena was setup for a dog show to happen soon. After walking round the stalls we were told that the next event was not the dogs. Then it got cloudy and cold so we decided to leave. On the way out we saw Del n All on Derwent 6 and had a quick chat before returning to the boat.

John the engineer arrived late in the morning. The water trap was full of water and brown gunge. The diesel filter was also contaminated. It is the dreaded diesel bug. The system was last checked back in October and was OK then. Our last top up was at Sovereign in Banbury a week ago. Anti bug treatment has been put in the tank and now we wait 72 hours for that to kill the bugs. The ‘fuel set’ that we use regularly does not kill the bugs. Now that we cannot use the engine we have been offered a landline for power. Later we will get the tank cleaned out and the diesel ‘polished’.

What a Wonderful Weekend

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee event. The whole nation is cheered up with jubilation and celebration. We remember the ‘Silver’ when our road was decorated. Tables and chairs came out and we got to know our neighbours.

What a marvelous sight it was to see all the boats on the Thames.

Apparently it rained on the Coronation day but that was soon forgotten.

So many people turned out to celebrate despite the weather and they put their heart and souls into their performances. That alone will be remembered.

Are we, as a nation, so in love with our Queen because she is? We have such distrust of changing politics that we look to the Queen for stability. 

                                          Our thanks to Carol for the pictures.

While at Banbury

Got water at Cropredy, moved on to Banbury and got diesel then stopped in the middle of town. After a snack lunch we set off to the shops. Our ‘to do list’ included eye & ear tests, getting finance advice and a visit to the chiropractor. Spec Savers did the eyes and ears for nothing, a good service there then. “Just need reading glasses now.” The bank offered a current account with interest and other cash back offer ‘carrots’. Keep an eye on your investments because after about a year they may not be paying as much interest as you started with! ISA’s are all very well so long as they remain better than other accounts. Then on to the Chiro who checked us both, causing our joints to click as they were realigned. Ann had got a bit out of shape when falling in the water.

The day got hot again and we almost wilted when we got back to the boat. The public seems to lack respect here and one boater had his generator going all-day and evening! By 8.30 pm we had had enough and moved on down the lock to get away. Our intended mooring was full so we stopped short just before bridge 168 near Morrisons. Industry both sides and trees for shade are preferable to that public. But the birds in the tree above us are leaving their marks on the boat!

Now that we are this far south we tried to get a signal from the south. BBC Oxford was found but several channels were missing! The trees prevent our use of the sky that at least has all the channels when you get a signal. We have moved away from Banbury and now get all the channels from Oxford!

Other things missing are several pictures on our website. “I know why and am very busy trying to find them.” There are hundreds of them and I have found many typing errors in the code! The problem only shows up when going on line, which is how you do it after all. When I test the html pages locally on the computer all is fine! Seems that upper / lower case file names are the problem. Thanks to Sue on No Problem who warned me about that problem some time ago. Just need the time to sort it!

OK tis a feeble attempt but we do celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. 

Oh boy, hot, hot, hot

We moved slowly to Fenny Compton before it got hot. The Wharf Inn has a tap outside so we took on water. Then we noticed a Launderette. The Inn also has a small shop inside which sells milk, bread and other items useful for boaters and the campsite. Much of our winter kit, clothes and bedding, have now been washed, dried and packed away. “We do of course have our own washing machine but the big commercial unit took it all in one go for £6.”

The five locks at Claydon are open between 10 and 5 each day. We got there to join a queue of two going down. Several boats were on the way up, which made for an easy trip. There are a further three to get down to Cropredy but with no other boats it took longer. Four hours travelling is enough for us so we settled for the first set of ‘visitor moorings’. “Not ideal with a soft edge and rocks below!” BW issued a ‘Customer Service Standards’ document a few years back but as yet have not been able to achieve it. Perhaps C & R T will refer to it for guidance. It is unreasonable to assign a visitor mooring where a boat cannot stop without problems.

After relaxing over a late lunch we were able to move on to better mooring when a few boats had moved away.

We walked down to the local Spar shop for provisions. We are sad to report that the Post Office at Cropredy has closed. The next is at Banbury.

Napton locks

Next stop for us is near the bottom lock at Napton. During the afternoon we walked up the hill past a few locks. One top gate had been left open and because the bottom gate was leaking the pound level was very low. When we shut the gate the lock emptied quickly! The shop near the bottom lock is worth a look. They sell canal ware, provisions, books, cards, stamps, sausages from the local butcher and even Calor Gas! Apparently the Folly Inn does food now and is so good you may need to book a table.

As we approached the bottom lock a volunteer was opening it. So I just carried on in after Ann had jumped off. The volunteer told me that the pumps were already pushing water back up to the top. He also mentioned that he read this blog. There was a boat going up in front and several behind us heading up.

 Just as many boats coming down made for an easy trip with locks being ready for us to enter. The restrictions are less severe now with only the top two locks at Marston Doles being locked at night.

“When you get to the top you see a TV transmitter mast in the distance.” The canal twists and turns so much that you loose sight of the mast that is near the moorings we are heading for. Although the water level is normal it is still quite shallow and slow going. “Keep to the middle or you may get stuck on the bends.” There are some protest signs against the High Speed Rail Link that may pass over the canal near bridge 128. That is near the mast and the moorings.

Back in the water

It was after the weekend that the boat got pushed back down the slope. It is on top of two four wheeled trollies one at each end that run on rails. Once on the move the boat entered the water stern first, going in quite deep till buoyancy lifted it off. Then we got on, started the engine and moved away to a mooring. We stayed a while in Braunston waiting for post and doing some shopping.

The number 10 Stagecoach takes us to Daventry every hour but it does not follow the old Geoffrey Amos route. When returning to Braunston get off at the Marina or Church because it goes on to Barby heading for Rugby. It does not pass by the Boathouse!

While we stayed in Braunston I monitored the output from that solar panel fitted by ‘Solarafloat’. Over a period of four days not moving the average output was just over 4 amps. The maximum in sunshine was 8.7 amps. During those four days we had one sunny day. We did not run the engine on that sunny day. For the other 3 cloudy days the engine was run for just over an hour. It is certainly capable of keeping the fridge and radio going most of the day. The only problem is the lack of hot water when not running the engine! 

Other pieces of roof furniture is this ‘Parosol’ base from Argos, just the thing to hang the aerials on and our flower boxes made by a friend at Market Drayton.

Oh my was that a struggle getting this new 'improved' blog editor to do what I want!!

Getting a blacking

 We finally got to Braunston after a Tesco delivery at Willoughby. Quite a bit of room for more boats and we found a space near Butchers bridge. Several boats are going up and down the locks. Next day we moved on to Braunston Boats at the bottom lock and waited. A boat is still on the slipway but is not yet ready to go back in the water. Recent rain delayed progress with the painting. We have made preparations by putting loose and breakable items safely on the floor.

While we wait Mike Allen came to check our boat over for its third Boat Safety Examination. After many visual checks and a thorough test of the gas system we were given a pass.

The boat got pulled out a day later than planned and was immediately pressure washed in the morning. A very thorough clean which took at least an hour. Justin recommended that we have it painted with International ‘Intertuf’ which is compatible but a bit thicker than the standard bitumen blacking. Thankfully the sun came out to dry the boat off so painting started in the afternoon.

I looked at the colour bands at the back and realized they needed a make over. Encouraged by sunshine I donned my work clothes, gathered tools and set about scraping loose paint and rust off. Then it rained. “Don’t know if I am happy or sad now!” The sun came out the next day so I managed to get the first coat of colour paint on. The next day after a light rubbing down the second coat went on. “Now I am happy.” Justin applied the second coat of blacking.

Over the weekend while the boat stayed out of the water we sampled the local public houses. Much has changed over the years and the Mill House became the Boathouse under new management. While The Old Plough kept its name it had recently changed hands. We had often enjoyed the family atmosphere at the Plough and found the Mill House too crowded.

We went to the Boathouse on Saturday with our friends Terry n Myra and really enjoyed a good variety of food with the offer of two meals for one! In reality we ended up paying a normal amount for each meal! On our way out we had a chat with Bob n Jane who were also eating there. I have to say that when we went to the Plough on Sunday we were disappointed with the food and the place has become quite run down. We sat out side with our friends Dave n Lyn and Molly under the table among the long grass.

Progress

It is almost unbelievable that we have moved over 80 lock miles in 5 days passing many of our usual stops. After Fradley our stops were at Alvercote, Atherstone, Hawkesbury, Hillmorton and Willoughby. As you can imagine we are wacked and resting a while. The weather was variable but we pushed on regardless. Ann took the helm for a while most days.

The flight of locks at Atherstone were climbed in the dry with only the last three locks being ‘taken’ by no less than three boats coming down. “Send the lock takers back to Coventry!” A local lock keeper is no longer in attendance to control the use of those locks.

As we approached the locks at Hillmorton a boat came out and promptly turned round in front of us. The temporary lock keeper just let the boater go back up! There are twin locks here but one is shut to save water. “No comment”. One of the middle pounds was very low because apparently a boater had left a paddle up! There was no keeper at the top lock to control boats going down. Boats were still passing through ‘after hours’.

We consumed our ‘mucky duck’ eggs while on the journey.

On a mission

I got back to Ann, Molly and the boat at the end of April. On my journey back by train I saw that the river Cherwell was in flood all over the fields. Once at Great Haywood we saw that the river Trent was also well up and flowing fast. So nature balances out to provide our average water supply. As a Nation we do not seem to save enough of it when it comes in a rush. Modern houses do not have hot or cold water tanks these days. Running the hot tap takes time before the water gets hot! On the boat we have to carry all our water in a tank usually at the front. Another tank near the back contains water heated by the engine, which provides almost instant hot water at the tap.

We had previously arranged to get to Braunston for boat blacking in plenty of time. But because I was obliged to take a week off it is now just doable with some long trips. George n Carol on Rock n Roll has joined us and also needed to get a move on. The first moving day was wet but we achieved twice our average distance by getting to Fradley. We all dried out and had dinner at the Mucky Duck.

George n Carol had planned to get down on the river Nene but now it is closed to navigation due to flood conditions. With no need to rush about they have decided not to continue their journey south. There are many reports on the boater’s blogs about the difficult conditions on the rivers at this time. The Environment Agency is advising boaters to stay put for at least a week. We left Rock n Roll behind to continue our journey south. After two long days we have got to Atherstone.

Somewhere different

I have moved down south to stay a while in Gosport with my brother.  Ann is looking after herself, Molly and the boat.



















This is a Victorian Post box outside Gosport Station.  Queen Victoria passed this way when travelling to the Isle of Wight.  I first saw it in the 1960's.

 














Went across Portsmouth Harbour on the Gosport Ferry to see the Victory.
















The Spinnaker Tower as seen from Gun Wharf in Portsmouth.

A lot of military land has been opened up to the public since I haunted this part of the world!

It all happened at Great Haywood

We moved on all the way to Tixall Wide in sunshine then it rained!  We found a space amongst the boats and stayed the night while the wind blew.  We had appointments with the Hygienist and Dentist so went in to find a mooring OK.  My Doctor wants me to get a blood test but the surgery won’t do it without seeing him so I make plans to go ‘home’.

A large Union flag was flying above a boat called Plum.  Dave and his wife sell and fit Solar panels from the boat.  “Solar Afloat” can be found at www . solarafloat . co . uk.  They provide a range of regulators and make and fit their own mounting kits.  We were impressed with a demonstration on Plum.  Our two panels are just about working but really need replacing after 6 years of use.  I have convinced myself that they are good for the batteries when the sun shines.  The new panels are more efficient and cheaper these days and can supply more than just a ‘trickle charge’.  Unfortunately it has rained most days so the framework cannot yet be screwed and glued to the roof.

It was while we were getting water and diesel when Ann fell in the canal!  She had the rope in hand and wrapped round a bollard when it slipped off.  The boat was still moving and pulled her in.  I ran to the front to help her out but could not do it.  We both shouted for help.  Two men came from somewhere to pull her out and secured the boat as it was drifting away in the breeze!  Ann got on the boat, handed me the wet phone and went in for a hot shower.  I put the kettle on for a warming cup of tea.  I quickly took the phone apart to dry off.  Back off, battery and sim card out and all available apertures open.  The camera lens was misty so not much hope for survival after drowning.

One of the men was from the boat yard and proceeded to fill our diesel tank at 89p/l allowing a declaration of 0% because we planned to stay a while.  Ann has recovered well after that hot shower and a full set of dry clothes.  She rinsed out her mouth before drinking the tea.  She has a few bruises.  We are now back out at Tixall Wide.

We will be going into Stafford to sort the phone out and for Chas to catch the train on Monday.

We have moved on

Ann came back to me on the boat. I planned to provide the dinner after we both went shopping for supplies. On the way back we spotted our friends on Day Dreamer from Market Drayton. They were getting their diesel tank filled and on their way back home. Continuing back to our boat we passed Jandai. Sorry we did not make contact but time was against us and we were hungry. It is one of those times when things do not work out.

In the morning we cut off all the roots and moved the boat backwards through the lock to get water. Then it was full steam ahead to move down the Shroppie, turn left at the end and finally stop after five hours. It was while we were on our way when we got a message from Vanessa back at Wheaton Aston wondering where we were! “Just bad timing again!”

Our first journey together again was mainly in sunshine but ended at Moat House Bridge on the Staff. n Worc. The clouds had gathered, the air turned cold and it had started to rain. We stayed there a day while it continued to rain all day. Time to catch up with news from home, deal with a mountain of post and place an order with Tesco.

We continued to Gaily next day to receive the delivery. The location triggered memories of our long stay here when we had been stuck in ice with Rock n Roll and Seyella. These were the same two boats with Carol, George, Margaret and Geoff who we had spent this winter with.

Next move was to Penkridge where we celebrated Ann’s birthday.

Breakfast in bed while opening all those cards.

Then it was off to The Boat for lunch.

Easter week

I have been walking round a field with Molly getting her to run after sticks. I think about what my web site should look like. Then I have to learn how to tell the computer how to display what I want. The idea came in a flash but changing the code will take a while. Is it a sort of translation of intelligence? After it had rained on another day I was out again when some bloke told me to get off the field. The field is for livestock and I should have Molly on a lead and keep to the path.

It was wet and windy on Wednesday so we did not go out till late afternoon. Needless to say we walked to the next bridge along the towpath. No cyclists, fishermen or farmers to spoil the walk. The boat is hanging on to the ropes sheltered partly by a tall hedge. I had to wash the side after the storm because it was covered in green stuff off the hedge. The trees were loosing twigs and branches. Some trees elsewhere were being blown across the canal.

The Holy Day approaches and the queues at the lock grow to two or three. All unknown to me and no friendly faces! Such a shame that the weather changed so they all have to wrap up to explore the waterways.

Latest news is that the waterways have nearly been privatized to become the ‘Canal and River Trust’ with charitable status. So lets all look forward to seeing green shoots of prosperity after we have celebrated Easter.

Bits and pieces

We took the bus to Stafford to collect the train tickets.

It was wonderful to walk through the park from the station to the shops. The gardens were so colourful.

The local pond has almost dried up here in the field where I go walkabout with Molly. Seems that the rivers are getting low as well. Thankfully, at the moment, the Shropshire Union canal is full.

Where ever you are make sure that the lock below you is shut with all the paddles closed. I keep notes in my diary when it rains. On average it has rained on 2 or 3 days each month since 2010. So perhaps we are using more water now? During that brief hot spell in March the temperature in the front cratch went from freezing to boiling in one day! A huge range that made the boat groan and creek as it cooled down in the evening.

Much time and effort is being spent updating and reformatting our web site. I have done most of the navigable Rivers and included the Weaver.

Don’t panic for fuel over Easter holy days. Celebrate the new life that spring brings us with an egg for breakfast.