A little irony

Lucy is getting better and needs to be collected from the vet at Peterborough. A bus from Thrapston is quickest. It is raining and the river is rising but 'needs must' and we prepare to move down. Just then a boat passes and takes the lock! We only see one boat a day, normally! Got into the lock eventually and raised the guillotine. The river is so high that we have to remove items off the roof to get out. The river seems calm enough but the boats are moving fast down stream. Slipping sideways round the bends and past a few bridges. One is a bit narrow and we just made it, with a glancing blow. Got round to the left off the main stream into a safe Visitor Mooring by Thrapston Bridge. The girls rush off to catch the bus. Then we see the notice. Strong stream, do not move! Elsewhere in the country several counties are issuing drought restrictions due to lack of rain!

Lucy has been returned to her boat and family and is recovering quietly.

We are back

Yes, been away, five days off the boat. Got back to a great welcome on board No Problem with food n wine after our journey. We went to look after our two grand children while their parents were on holiday. Several days of rain has caused the river to rise and flow fast. Our two boats are safe in the approach to the lock with the river passing round behind over a weir and bypassing the lock. While we were away the Environment Agency lock keepers came to advise Sue n Vic not to move the boats. We were happy to stay a while to recover from our trip! A Tesco order placed on the net duly arrived a few days later. Just got to be careful with the use of our water and diesel while we wait. Several boats have made it going up river.

LUCY

Sadly our friends lovely dog Lucy has been taken to the vet in Peterborough for an operation. She had hurt her leg badly while on a walk and we are all missing her.

Sorry, no pictures

My pictures are stored on another 'server'. Unfortunately it crashed and lost them.  There was no back up.  I will have to upload them at some point. 'Normal service will resume as soon as possible'.

Thrapston history

On the west wall of the 13^th century St. James' church is a tablet depicting the crest of Sir John Washington (Stars and Stripes). He was a former lord of the manor of Thrapston and died in 1668 and was the ancestor of the more famous George Washington. The family crest formed the basis for the flag of the United States of America a century later. When we arrived here we walked to the church but there was no tablet outside and sadly the church was locked so could not get inside to see.

District of Columbia flag.  Is this similar to the family Crest?

It is here at Thrapston that the pronunciation of the river changes. From it's source it is 'NEN'. Then from here to it's outfall it is the 'NENE'.

Little Irchester

We left our mooring early with a long trip planned. Heading first to Little Irchester to shop at Tesco. This time a real place full of people pushing trolleys just like we were. The river passes through parkland with rows of trees for the public to enjoy.

Then through more locks to Rushden & Diamonds Football Ground where facilities are available. Chris on Moore To Life stayed here on the visitor moorings but we continued on to moor before Upper Ringstead Lock. Five locks and ten miles done in five hours today. Stayed here for the weekend against a grassy bank to climb out on. A lake nearby is full of fish and many fishermen are camping out.

To Great Deddington

Vic walked on to 'set up the lock' at Cogenhoe. He called on the walky talky "Lock in use". So M2L and NP were allowed to drift with the wind towards the bank. EA have a crew painting the bollards and their boat, with engine problems, is being pushed into the lock. Some time later we were able to enter the lock and filled our tanks with water. EA had installed a stand pipe close to the lock.

Continued on down stream through open countryside following the river along its bending route. After two miles and through Whiston Lock we passed through White Mills Lock with help from the EA crew. They had arrived from Cogenhoe and kindly opened the lock as we approached. Now most of these Guillotine locks have electric motors to raise and lower them. But the next at Earls Barton is one that is not. A large wheel is turned by hand. "Tis hard work and takes time". Another mile and another lock and we found a grassy bank to stay a few days.

Next day we all walked up to the very pretty village of Great Deddington and yes there is still a Post Office but it has moved next door. A small shop will be handy for bread n milk when we need them. Then on back down the hill and across the river to the Summerleys Nature Reserve. Originally old gravel pits. The Nene Way is a foot path partly using an old railway route following the river. Vic and I returned to the boats while the girls continued their longer walk. It was another of those fine sunny hot days with temperatures in the high 20's.

Error !!

These pictures were for the previous post.

No Problem leaving Weston Favell Lock

This much water before it rained!

 

On the Nene

Cobblers

Northamptun and Southamptun existed in the 11^th. Century and 'Hamptun' means homestead. The towns were linked by an old route way. In 1213 the footwear industry made a pair of boots for King John then a hundred years later boots were made for Cromwell's army. Another 150 years passed and they made more boots for the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars.

The local football team are known as 'the cobblers' !

Moving east

Moved about 3 miles and through 3 locks on Sunday after morning rain and watching F1 racing. A sunny afternoon trip to Cogenhoe. Moored against a grass bank and put the plank out at the bow. The fields are common ground so we wont be charged for staying unlike on the Thames! Seen the boat called Moore To Life here but nobody is aboard. Yes, that is our previous boat.

A few days of rain is causing the river to run a bit faster over the locks. Seems normal on the river to allow the river to flow through the locks. The top gates are left shut and the bottom guillotine gate is raised. Our ropes are deliberately long and loose to allow the boat to rise and fall with the water level. But often the boat settles on the mud!

A different environment

Well we have got down the Rotherthorp flight of 13 locks and a further 4 to the River Nene. Our grateful thanks to John and Paul who read our blogs and came a long way to help both boats down in about 5 hours.

Stopped to shop at Morrisons at moorings in Northampton before continuing on through a further 3 locks to find moorings at Western Favell. A total of 20 locks but only 6 miles. The sun shone all day which helped make the trip a 'picnic'.

The river is very wide here in the flood plane. There are huge lakes created to prevent flooding. Have already seen some different wildlife. Brent Geese, Grebe, Tern, Sandpipers and a Heron. As well as the usual ducks and swans. The swans are nesting at this time as many other birds are. The locks are neat and tidy having been freshly painted for the season.

The Grand Union and the canal system seem a world away already. That is a major road in comparison to this country lane. The lack of boat movement is very noticeable.

River and Water

We are heading for the river Nene soon. Just waiting till after the Bank holiday weekend as a boat gathering in Northampton are coming back up. Lack of rainfall this winter will ensure a quiet calm river flow, but will it be a cause for concern if there is not enough of it? Will be travelling with Sue n Vic on No Problem who toured East Anglia last year. It will be back in 'discovery' mode for us. Got a 'Gold Licence' which allows us to navigate the rivers controlled by the Environment Agency.

Moore 2 Life web pages

I have added pictures to the Book.  Each Chapter / Album covers a year of our life on the canals between 1995 and 2005. There is a link to the site here.  www.moore2life.co.uk 

Small refit

Headed back in to Braunston on Tuesday and backed into the Marina to D B Boat fitters.

They were ready to start building the cabin cupboard and by the end of the day much of it was in place. Next day we were up early so that work could continue. The trim and door got fitted and the whole thing was varnished. It was made to look the same as the other woodwork and looks great.

Getting out the back of our boat had always been difficult with just a box to step out on. So D B were also asked to make some steps. These were made and fitted by Friday morning. Another excellent production.

Three in a row

The 'undesirables'

Got water and turned at Stoke Bruerne with a foot to spare. The local trip boat is about the same length as ours so reckoned ours should be ok. Back through the tunnel behind 'No Problem', but not too close. We slowed down as two boats passed us in the dark. Then realised that we were getting closer to 'No Problem'. Apparently the boat in front of them had actually stopped! "Not the best thing to do in a dark tunnel when boats are following behind"!

Having got through the tunnel we stopped just passed Blisworth. Sue found her long lost walking stick which had been thrown over the hedge. A couple of 'rubbish boats' were nearby and the occupants had walked passed and looked in. They then lit a bonfire on the towpath, sat round it and started playing loud music. One of the advantages of living on a boat is that if we don’t like our neighbours we can move. So we did, just a mile further on, at 8 in the evening as the sun was going down.

Nether Heyford

Got here and turned the next day. Moored near the footpath to the village. We all walked across the fields of kale to find a shop and butcher. They were so friendly we were soon on first name terms. Lovely fresh meat as well.

Returned to the boat and set about constructing a new chimney. Had got some galvanised steel earlier and Vic helped by drilling holes and using his pop rivet gun. In order to encourage the short chimney to draw it needs to be kept warm outside. A longer one would hit the low bridges! So we made two tubes one inside the other. The outer one would keep the inner tube warm.

Getting busy on Maundy Thursday so we both went down the Northampton Arm for a few quiet days.

Return to Braunston

Left our friends Sue n Vic after celebrating Ann's birthday the previous evening and stopped at Brockhall. Later that day Roy n Rose on 'Maddy Rose' stopped for the night. We have known them for many years as 'passing' boaters. Never before have we travelled together but now we agree to go over the hill to Braunston. We moved on Easter Sunday after eating a boiled egg and hot cross bun for breakfast. The previous day we saw over 50 boats on the move. Today most locks had two boats in on our way up. We were in a convoy of 5 boats approaching the tunnel and passed 6 going through! So at one point there were 11 boats inside the blackness going ever so slowly. Seemed an age getting through, then down the locks to Braunston with even more boats coming up. Got water in Braunston before heading down towards Napton and stopping at Nethercote. A full 22 lock miles done in 6 hours.

Sunshine spring

What a difference the sunshine makes. The daffodils are out at last, seen in groups along the tow path. The birds are singing in the mornings. Spring has sprung! Trees are about to turn green and our pansies are coming out in colour. Easter is a celebration of new life which 'spring' brings.

We are enjoying the sunshine after a night of rain at Stoke Bruerne in Northants. A typical canal village built mostly of Blisworth stone with warehouses and cottages along the wharf. There is a church but no shops or Post Office now. Took 30 minutes to pass through the 3057 yard tunnel to get there on the Grand Union Canal. It is the longest tunnel open to navigation in Britain. The 'public' are out and about this weekend. The Museum and trip boats here being the main attractions.

Meeting Friends

We moved out of Braunston and went down the Grand Union to Shuckborough. Terry & Myra on 'Juno' came through the tunnel and met us there. Next day they left heading for Banbury where they plan to meet their family. Then met up again with Sue n Vic on 'No Problem' after they had visited Calcutt. It is very noticeable that this length of canal is busy with boats going by almost every 10 minutes.

Shuckborough

We all walked through this small settlement and up the hill to Shuckborough Manor. The Manor Farm is still in operation. A large pile of oak trees is waiting to be cut up into logs.  Then we saw them. A heard of Deer. Lying down in a group in a field in front of the manor house. As we approached they stood up but did not run off. We stayed well back to observe and take pictures.

A trip for mum

Banbury pickup

A few days later we were in Banbury to collect mum from the bus station. Tesco came first while we were down by the wood yard. Once the supplies were packed away we moved on to the 'facilities' to get fresh water etc. Then mum arrived on the National Express coach. Once on board we moved up through the lock which Vic had kindly emptied and opened for us. Both boats came up and went on to get diesel at 'Sovereign', still only 49p a litre. Stayed the night past the motorway bridge near the Tesco shop.

Cropredy

Four locks and four miles easily done during a bright sunny day. Surprisingly quickly as we were on our own for a while. Mum posted some cards and looked into the church. The unusual thing to see was the swinging clock pendulum. The river Cherwell was not at all in flood as expected after those earlier days of rain. The rest of the day was spent watching a family video.

Over the top

Another fine sunny day saw us climb up to the summit through the eight locks to Claydon Top. Following several boats and seeing some come down. Mum helped by shutting some of the gates. Stopped at the top, put out the bird feeders and watched various birds arrive to eat. During the course of the next two days we travelled the 21 miles and 9 locks down to Napton. But it was very cold with that chilly east wind. Glad to be down in the shelter of the hill. Had a meal in the 'Folly Pie' pub with its warming wood fire. Eventually got to Braunston by the weekend driving past many old tatty boats on the way in. We went to Banbury with mum on the bus so she could return home on the coach. An enjoyable trip through the countryside on a sunny dry day.

Wind, rain and river

Since that lovely sunny weekend it has rained every day. As we climb back up the canal we see that the river Cherwell is filling up fast. Just north of Aynho the river joins and passes through the canal between two locks. Our concern is that we may not get under the low Nell Bridge if the river is too high. But before that we had to get up Somerton deep lock. It is in a very exposed location and the wind blew our boats away from the towpath before we could secure them properly. It was a real struggle pulling the boats back to the edge against that wind.

Above the lock was no easier as Vic lifted a bridge for us to go under. Sue followed but the wind took the boat to the wrong side when stopping to pick him up. We stopped further on and walked back to help. They had actually got their dog Lucie to take a rope across the canal so that Vic could pull the boat back to the towpath side. Three other boats got stuck there during the afternoon.

The old quarry

The old quarry at Kirtlington is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a safe place to run around and explore. The stone and clay was made into cement on site and transported away by narrowboat on the Oxford canal. The site is littered with small rocks some of which contain shell fossils while some dinosaur bones have been found here.

Chris, Tracy, Josh and Ben arrived and stayed a night with us while Sue n Vic also entertained their guests. On Sunday we were joined by Kiera and Niamh and enjoyed a sunny day running around and climbing rocks. Some of the small rocks had been arranged to form faces and a maze on the ground, adding interest for the children.

Ice n low bridges

Arrangements are being made for family to visit us somewhere below Lower Heyford. Access to the canal is limited along this end of the canal. However there is a bridle way making it possible at Kirtlington. Left Aynho on a bright sunny but cold day after a few boats had passed breaking up the ice. Arrived at the deep Somerton lock and while waiting for No Problem to go down we watched all the ice moving towards the lock as it filled up. Crunching up in the moving water and flowing noisily down the byway. When both boats had got down the 12 feet two other boats were approaching to go up.

The bridges are all very low and narrow so we were obliged to remove our chimney and as a precaution, let the fire out as it does not burn well without a chimney. S n V had lowered their canopy to avoid damaging it. We passed down through 5 locks and travelled 9 miles before stopping just short of our intended meeting point as it had got much colder. Got inside, relit the fire and set up the sat dish.

By next morning the ice had reformed its hard flat surface but then a boat came crunching by. We were then able to move on to our mooring at the old Cement Wharf at Kirtlington. I walked up to the village to post the news letters while the girls went off for one of their long walks round this quiet countryside.

Heading south

We are travelling south on the Oxford Canal and have arrived at Banbury. On the way we stopped at Napton, Claydon and Cropredy. Slow n easy just waiting for the locks to open back at Braunston. BW are installing 'back pumps' which will pump the water up 36 feet to the top of the flight of 6 locks. Should be open again by the middle of March when we plan to go east this year.

The 9 locks between Napton and Marston Doles got us up to the summit. These were the first flight of locks seen since before Christmas last year. We tackled them together with No Problem helping each other with the paddles and gates. Next day we continued on and on past Fenny Compton and down the Claydon set of 5 locks and stopped near the bottom lock. Both boats moored on a good edge where a gap in the trees enabled our satellite reception. On the way we noticed that an old wreck of a wooden converted 'butty' called 'African Queen' had sunk. Then we moved down to Cropredy. With the lack of rain this winter the river Cherwell was very low. Remembering that back in December 2002 it was flooding over the road and into the fields. While Sue n Vic entertained their visitors I spent the time making a wooden base for our satellite dish and solar panel during four lovely warm sunny days.

After that we moved on into Banbury. It was a Saturday and the centre was full of boats and shoppers. While the girls went off to the shops the guys stayed on guard. It is a sad fact that some members of the public will show a lack of respect. Later in the week we noticed that the centre was empty of boats. The winter moorings and residential boaters had been moved out. Apparently the shoppers complained about their washing and smelly smoking fires. We stayed down by the wood yard just out of town near Morrisons.