Travelling with Maddy Rose

We moved off early and stopped at the Linford water point just as another boat was moving off. Enough room for one boat at a time here and the water supply was slow. Ann had time to nip off to the local shop for milk and bread. By the time the tank was full Maddy Rose and others were gathering in the queue. It proved difficult to get away due to the wind and passing all those boats! Next stop was at Campbell Park where luckily both our boats found a space.

Milton Keynes is a unique town in that it was designed and built from start to finish rather than developed and expanded like most of our towns and cities. Set out on a grid pattern with separate roads cycle ways and paths. Campbell Park occupies a large square between the canal and the shopping centre. There is a large duck pond which is kept filled with water runoff from the town. On the other side of the canal are the two Willen Lakes where the flood water is pumped back into the river Ousel. It was a sunny hot day when we walked round those lakes taking a picnic lunch with us.

When we returned Maddy Rose had left so we set off to catch them up eventually at Leighton Buzzard. Then we moved on to Marsworth. We had found many more good moorings since we came this way in 2005. Several new marinas are being dug out along the way but the linear moorings don’t seem to get shorter! Many of the boats are for residential use and the local councils are threatening them with charging rates even if in a marina.

Breaking news is that the Shropshire Union canal is closed at Shebdon Embankment being dewatered between Bridges 44 and 48 to stop a leak. Tyrley Locks, Adderly Locks and Audlem Locks are closed until a water supply can be restored.

A train town and lakes

During a sunny day we made our way across the Great Ouse aqueduct and stopped at Wolverton for the shops.

Much has changed round here with new apartment blocks and visitor moorings but not a place to stay overnight. Wolverton’s claim to fame was as a railway town and is celebrated by a white wall with a black picture of a train.

Some time ago it was restored but now, sadly, it has been obliterated by graffiti. Such is the lack of respect shown by some locals. (Picture taken in 2005)

Both M2L and Maddy Rose moored by Linford Lakes and we set up the table and chairs on the wide cut grass tow path. By the end of the day there were many more boaters here to enjoy the sunshine.

Ann & I with Molly set off next day on a 2 hour walk round the lakes passing the remains of St. Peters Church following the public foot paths as shown on our geo map. Sometimes proving hard to follow due to fenced off fields of crops and wet muddy paths.

We crossed the Great Ouse River, the same that our friends Sue n Vic are travelling on downstream of Bedford where it is navigable. The lakes here were inaccessible being a wild fowl centre with private signs at every turn towards them. We did see Egrets, Cormorants, Turns and Kestrals at a distance. Having got round the lakes we returned along the canal tow path.

Return to our boat home

Gayton Marina had been good to us by offering a temporary mooring for an un specified time. Our grand lady has recovered and is coping with life again. We had got the ball rolling on getting help at home and improving the household. We also travelled about locally visiting many of our friends and relations. Navigation on the roads is so much more than on the waterways with all those junctions, roundabouts, signs and controlling lights. Then there are all the cars and lorries moving so fast. Finding our way around only made easier because we were on familiar ground. Brod offered to take us back to the marina which took just over 2 hours.

After such a long spell of inactivity our two and a half year old batteries needed some TLC. The solar panels had kept them charged up but the capacity seemed reduced. After topping up some cells with water and charging for a couple of hours we hope they will recover.

We topped up our water tank and loaded food from the Tesco delivery before moving on to Blisworth. It was there that we came across Rose and Ray on Maddy Rose.

Next day we travelled together through the tunnel, past Stoke Bruerne and down the locks. We stopped about a mile further on in sunshine and put out the deck chairs. As we sat there enjoying a chat over a cup of tea and a sandwich it started raining. Then it got dark so we went in the boat just before a thunder storm.

A grand old lady

We are in another way of life for now looking after a grand old lady for a while. At the age of 90 she is from a different way of life having lived through the second world war with my father away on those big grey ships serving in the Navy. My parents raised 3 boys during the early years of peace time which they had fought for. They then spent many happy years together touring the countryside and the world.

Mum is on her own now with a cleaner, gardener and food coming to the door to help. We have been attempting to clear out much unwanted stuff. After a week it does not seem to have made much difference ! Some improvements to the house and its facilities are being considered.

We now have grand children of our own and they can enjoy the privilege to have a great grandmother to visit. While away from our own way of life on the boat we are able to keep tracks of waterway life by reading those boater blogs.

Blog visits

We only moved back to Bugbrooke to collect the post and purchase milk n bread at the shop. It was a pleasant walk across the fields and through their Millennium Garden. We just sat for a while to enjoy the peace and quiet by the stream. Molly had found a plastic bottle to crunch and have thrown to fetch. Sadly plastic items are not hard to find in the countryside and the bottle got put in the bin when Molly had finished with it.

Just as we left we spotted Windsong at Bugbrooke! Rog n Pip stopped by next day for a chat and we admired their smart new boat. Then Rock n Roll passed by. Later we walked past a few bridges looking for Geo Cache’s and came across Rock n Roll. George n Carol invited us in for a drink. It is a wonderful social atmosphere on the waterways. We had got to know them by following their adventures on their Blogs. We have also got to know some boaters over the years just by seeing them regularly.
We are now making plans to leave the boat for personal family reasons so please excuse us for not blogging for a while.

Parting of friends

Sue n Vic are going down to the river Nene but this year we are not. We need to return ‘home’ for family reasons. We helped by lock wheeling down to the M1 bridge, all 12 done in about an hour and a half.

Setting off at 8:30 we found most locks full with the top gates left wide open, a lazy boater this time making it easy for us. In past years a serious shortage of water down the flight has required BW to now lock some paddles. The top lock single useable paddle was found later to be left up with the gate open. So we took it upon ourselves to close them.

Moving with friends

We knew they were heading for Braunston and beyond so we were there to greet them. Molly got all excited again and ran off to see her friends Lucy & Meg.

After shopping we moved up the flight together with No Problem.

Going through that bent tunnel is always an event. This time it was passing 5 boats with various odd configurations of lighting. Boats should have one shining up on the roof to show the way and not to blind on coming boaters. One had two at the front shining either side while another had one at each end! “Made it difficult to judge if it was two or just one boat.” At least one boat bounced off the corner of a bend forcing us to stop to avoid a collision in the darkness. The tow path between the tunnel and Norton Junction is much improved but proved to be shallow for some boats to moor.

We stopped at the junction and got the BBQ out to cook beefburgers and sausages and enjoyed the meal inside No Problem with Sue n Vic and a bottle of wine. Then we went to the New Inn to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary, enjoying the company of Sue n Vic outside in the evening coolness.

Historic boats

We walked down the canal towards Braunston to watch many boats manoeuvring at the ‘turn’.

An official count indicated that at least 80 or more historic boats had assembled at Braunston for the weekend. There were also a few other boaters trying to get through because I suppose BW cannot actually close the navigation.

Down by the ‘Stop House’ where the canal narrows, the overhanging shrubbery threatened to scratch the freshly painted boats.

It proved to be so shallow that Nutfield got stuck on the mud while towing Raymond. Some boats passed by while the majority just waited.

Then we saw the one and only steam powered boat President as she backed into the marina with Kildare, the butty, alongside. Some of the historic boats had several generations of boating families on board. Original and current owners keeping their pride and joy in very good working condition.

Braunston preview

We walked round Braunston Marina to watch the historic boats arrive and assemble while the white and black paint dried on the bridges and buildings.

The boats are looking at their best again having been freshly painted and brass polished.

The grass has been cut as tents and displays are erected.

Friends and family

Carol and George on Rock n Roll were nearby and Ann met them on the tow path with their dog called Molly. I was inside making a chicken sauce and waved through the window. 

Then Mo and Vanessa stopped by on their way north. Good to chat about their adventures on the Kennet & Avon canal. They had got all the way to Bristol and even passed under the Clifton suspension bridge! “A special trip down the channel and back while the tide was up.”
Braunston is once again packed with boats and we have moved out going south just past the Puddle Banks. On our way out we saw a crane in the marina pulling an old boat out of the water. “It cracked on the way out.” The boat was called Lucy and had occupied space with another just outside Braunston. Both were old wooden working boats in serious decay. The other boat had been taken away for restoration.

Ann’s brother Pete and his wife Deanna arrived to see us on the boat. We took them down to Flecknoe Farm and had our Sunday roast. But before lunch we were obliged to move on past a few more boats because a swarm of bees came a bit close. The day is the longest of the year starting off more like October with dull grey skies but by the afternoon it was hot n sunny. Our guests went off with Ann for a walk while I volunteered to wash up. “Yes I do know how.” When they came back we returned to Braunston and said good bye to our guests.
We were lucky to find a space by the turn having passed many spaces for half boats! Next day we placed an order with Tesco for more food to be delivered at Willoughby. Off we went in glorious sunshine to the turn at Tarry’s bridge 74 and back, like going somewhere but getting nowhere.

Braunston boats are gathering

Braunston boat weekend is Saturday 27 th. and Sunday 28 th. June.  We have walked through the site and seen notices proclaiming that the visitor moorings near the marina will be suspended between 20 th June and 4 th July, a full 15 days in all.  Already some well restored and freshly painted workboats have arrived. 

We saw Hadar pass through heading south on the Oxford while Saltair, Betelgeuice and Warbler are already here. 

We have found that the Elsan facility near bridge 91 is blocked.  In fact some silly boater has now made it overflow and it smells.  A BW person happened to be passing and I asked when it would be fixed.  “Not my department” he said and walked on by.  The local BW office is now only open on a Friday so no doubt complaints will come flooding in.  Almost every available space is occupied and boats are still arriving this weekend so we decided to move out for a few days having filled our water tank.

Going over the summit pound

We are heading north now over the summit stopping by that mast near Griffins Bridge.  Next day the sun shine helped to make for a leisurely cruise across and down the Napton flight.  Almost every pound had two boats coming up, it was so busy.  It was still only one boat at a time in each lock so ‘taking’ a lock from boats coming down did not save them any time.  The back pumps must have been working hard because despite the amount of traffic there was plenty of water to get those boats up while we came down.
We stopped for a while before Nimrod Bridge and our friends Terry and Myra came to visit by car having seen Mike and Jo on Sarah Kate at Banbury.  Mo and Vanessa on Balmaha were there as well and they are all heading this way.

 

Welcome to the new look

Been sorting out the links to blogs we follow and now have a list of followers!  Many of you have ‘lost’ a Ten Bob Note !  I wonder how we can find it again ?  Where was Ernie last seen ?  If anybody finds him let him know we miss him.

Ride a cock horse

To Banbury Cross.......  

The Hobby Horses are gathering round that cross and the flowers are blooming around them. 

 

That fine lady on her white horse is looking on wondering what is going on.  Perhaps she remembers that it happens every year.  

Prince Albert can see the horses but Queen Victoria cannot.  They must all make sure that the hobby horses don’t run away across the road.

 

A weekend

On Friday we moved south away from Banbury for a while.  Only a few miles and locks to the turn at Nell Bridge where we discovered an enterprising farmer has created moorings.  There is power and water with room for some four or more boats.  Free range eggs and pork sausages are also available.  The river below the next lock often floods so while waiting, boaters may well take advantage of these moorings.

Knowing that the next day was going to be wet we got back to Kings Sutton in sunshine.  Then the rains did come with a vengeance.  How miserable it is to have a whole day and night of rain, especially after so much sunshine.  Our radiators were on to take away the morning chill and later the fire was lit to dry off the washing. Have to confess to eating our Sunday roast on lap trays while watching the F1 racing.  After the race the sun came out as the cloud moved away and we went off for a walk with molly along the towpath.  Down past Kings Sutton lock and a few lift bridges and back was good going on the overgrown path.  Molly enjoyed running up and down the path and swimming in the canal.

Turn round

There never was a bus from Cropredy to Banbury so we had to take the boat back there.  Only once we had seen a bus come over the bridge by the shop.  We had asked in the shop where the bus stop was but they failed to say that the bus no longer comes into the village now!  

It was a case of backing up through one lock rather than going forward through 3 and back.  Passersby looked on and wondered what was going on.  We turned at the water point by backing in with Ann pulling the bow round and then we were off back to Banbury. 

We knew that there was a tax office there to sort out some misunderstandings.  All clear now.  It has come as a shock to realise that we are now all paying 20% tax on our earnings, 20% on our savings interest and 15% on what we spend !  We can have ‘free’ bus rides and ‘free’ medicals but what a cost.  “Not really free are they”. 

15% of our boat licence goes direct to the government so BW only get 85% of it.  Why can’t they have all of it directly.  It could make a difference to the upkeep of the canals.  If only we could claim allowances for improvements to our boat..... 

“Boy is it hot”.  Got the white sheets hanging out of the windows to reduce the radiation and a fan to give us a breeze.

Off the boat

Sorry it has been a while since the last posting.  We are only just getting back to our normal routine if there was one. 

Mum was 90 years old in May and plans were made to celebrate with a family gathering.  We hired a car from Enterprise at Banbury who collect and deliver.  As expected it was quite a culture shock getting in a car and travelling on those crowded roads.  Navigating out of town took some concentration.  We headed down south and stayed with our grand children and their parents.

Many family members and friends gathered at an excellent venue which was just right for mum and her guests.  An afternoon tea party with food laid out in the old kitchen.  Thankfully it was a lovely warm sunny day so we could all eat and drink a toast in the courtyard.  

Tracy had made a cake using a very special recipe for mum. 

During our visit we had parked the car to go shopping.  If you think 24 hours is too short to moor a boat in one place just think about 30 minutes free for parking a car to go shopping. A few minutes late and we were obliged to pay a hefty fine! 

Chris had to work over the weekend but we were able to see him at Swanwick on the river Hamble where the marina was open to the public. 

‘Princess Boats’ were on show and Chris was able to show us round the huge motor boats.  The one we looked over was available if we wanted it.  They even provided a generous BBQ meal for us all. 

We returned with our grandson on his own for the first time to stay a few days.  We walked up to see the fine lady on a horse by the cross.  Josh was able to walk round the statute and read all the words of the famous nursery rhyme.  We then returned to the boat and moved up through Banbury heading for Cropredy.  Josh’s parents came up to stay overnight.  During a glorious sunny day we just sat out and enjoyed their company.

A new cabinet

Are we just copying or following a trend?  The old TV box had always been stuck in a corner because it was quite bulky.  Now that technology has produced thin TV’s we have noticed that many boat owners are putting them on one side.

We have taken delivery of a cabinet from Dave Bassett who is our adopted cabinet maker for many additions and improvements.  The previous additions were those galley cupboards.  Much discussion about what we want and what he can do before he goes away and makes it all in his workshop after making templates.  It amazes us that the unit is delivered and just gets screwed into place. A few days varnishing make it look so much better.  We use that water based varnish because the result is much lighter than using oil based varnish first.  Two coats are enough then the top surfaces got the oil based varnish for a light hard finish.  We then filled up the cupboards with our books, CD’s, DVD’s and folders.  Some reorganisation of power sockets and signal cables then enabled the installation of the TV and DVD player. With our two easy chairs now on one side and the new cabinet on the other there is more room to pass and is easier to watch TV.  The corner cupboard surface is now being used for various ornaments and picture frames.

 

Claydon locks

When the sun shines and your boat is in the middle of nowhere it is good for the soul to get out and enjoy the fresh air.  It helps to get back to reality and put things in proper perspective.  Listening to the Sky Larks and watching the baby ducklings.  We had decided to move, even on a Sunday, to get to Cropredy but only got as far as Claydon. 

 The 10 mile summit pound is very shallow in many places and several boats, including ours, had problems getting round those sharp bends without running aground!  It got better past Fenny Compton where we were surprised to find the chandlery open and were able to get our diesel at the declared rate which worked out at 78p/l.  We stopped just in time to watch the F1 racing from Spain, another British win.  It may be a bit bad for the planet but it is at least a peaceful sport among many countries.

At Claydon there are 8 locks in a couple of miles that get down to Cropredy.  We set off in the morning with one boat in front and as we went down several were following.  Most crew members helped with the locking and with the sunshine it was an enjoyable morning’s activity.  Luckily several were coming up as well so we moved down into full locks. We then stopped on a new length of mooring just before the new 24 hour stretch in front of the houses. 

After lunch we walked round the village and discovered that the Post Office has closed.  Thankfully the Bridge Store will soon operate a P. O. service.  

Cropredy is a lovely village with well kept gardens and thatched cottages.

Boating can be a challenge

Perhaps it has been that last episode with a boat yard that has demoralised us.  It is just the apparent lack of skill and care that has got to us.  We simply have to learn our own skills, realise our ability and know our limitations.  Geof from Seyella helped me sort out the engine controls which were stiff and in need of adjustment as we were going too fast at ‘tick over’.  There is nothing worse than a broken cable.  When we started off way back in 2000 our boat builder went bust but we had the mental strength then to overcome the problems and saw our new way of life blossom.  It is a wonderful way of life we have on the waterways with so many boaters that we have got to know and love.  We cannot yet contemplate living on shore and relying on a car to get there and back.  Our home goes with us and has taken us to far more places than we could ever manage by car. 

We have just moved the boat from Napton up the 9 locks and along the long and winding section at the summit.

Keep an eye on that TV mast first seen at Marston Doles for it will appear to move about on the horizon until you actually pass it when approaching Fenny Compton.  Passing boats often ran aground on the bends as the shallow waters made the going very slow.

B W water taps

In Braunston there is a new ‘improved’ type of water facility.  

The improvement is the addition two taps either side of the change over lever.  The original design relied on the operation of the lever to get water out of either the screw on terminal or the push on terminal.  When the lever was upright no water came out.  The new facility provides two screw on terminals in the form of taps.  The user requiring a screw on terminal now has a choice of two.  It is in fact possible to attach two screw on water pipes.  In order to get the water to flow you now need to open the tap that your pipe is attached to and operate the lever towards that tap.  Unfortunately the other user will have to wait until your tank is full as the water can only flow one way or the other even when both taps are open!

Tidy up

We are out of the yard after 10 days with a larger hatch.  The woodwork finally finished to our near satisfaction.  “Enough said”.  Having gone down one lock we set about getting everything back in place.  It was necessary to lift the engine boards and clean out the bilge for that is where much debris had fallen to.  Then varnish all new wood work to protect it from the rain.  Little jobs were created due to lack of detail attention like sweeping up the metal swarf after drilling that last hole and another list grows...... 

Our friends Terry and Myra rang to invite us to Rugby for a meal.  “Boy, don’t we just need to get off that boat.”  It was a real tonic to catch the bus into town and meet them by the clock tower.  Crowds were gathering and traffic stopped.  The army were back in England from Iraq and marched through the town with the crowd clapping in appreciation.  We had done some shopping, said goodbye to our friends after lunch and returned to the boat.  There was meg running up to greet us from Seyella.  We spent the rest of the afternoon sat out with Geof and Mag chatting about recent events over a cup of tea.

Making good?

It is difficult to know how much ‘requirement’ information you need to give in order to get what you want.  The boat yard staff should offer information about what they can ‘achieve’.  It seems that ‘requirement’ and ‘achievement’ often turns out to be different.  “Oh yes we can do that for you” is reassuring at the start.  Once work has started you are obliged to stay until ‘requirement’ and ‘achievement’ is acceptable.  A boat yard can be a busy place and a quote for 5 days does not mean that you leave after that time.  Boats are being moved in and out and they are also operating a hire fleet of about 6 boats.  We must not lose sight of what we are able to do.  Travelling about exploring and discovering the waterways is what we enjoy.

Hillmorton hatch

We moved down to Hillmorton to have our sliding hatch enlarged.  “Well replaced really.”  Our previous boat was a ‘semi trad’ which had a back deck with sides making it more open for crew and guests.  This boat is a ‘Trad’ which only has room for the skipper at the back.  The hatch was a bit small and difficult to get in and out. The replacement procedure was a bit more than we had imagined and the boat yard seems to have taken on more than they could chew!  The wooden roof lining and one side including engine controls were all removed.  Otherwise it may have been set alight when the access was cut to the larger size.  It was quite upsetting to see it all ripped out.  They say it had to get worse before it could get better.  

‘Metal Man’ arrived to do the cutting and construction.  He was from a boat called Arc Angel so at least we are using boating business.  By the end of his first day he had the new runners welded on, the hole enlarged and the new hatch from Reeves boat builders had arrived.  He used a grinding wheel to cut out the metal and even that generated enough heat to burn the foam insulation.  We had to abandon ship in case the arsenic fumes generated got into the boat.  Once finished we were happy with the outcome.  

The hatch is much easier to move and we can stand upright when getting out.

Braunston Gatherings

Moore 2 Life is back in the water having been blacked. While out of the water our friends took us to The Plough for lunch and to Daventry for our Dentist appointment. Terry and Myra then went off to return the hire car and get back to their boat at Crick. While walking round along the towpath and up to the village it is amazing how many people we met. For many of us boaters it seems that Braunston is a magnet and starting off point for the summer months. At least that is how it is for us. We have seen Derwent 6, Rock n Roll, Fair Fa, Hobo and many others. Braunston is full of boats either visiting or passing through.  There is still a good mixture of permanent, long and short term moorings available if you can find a space!
Our Grand children and their parents came up to visit us for the weekend. This time we agreed to go up the locks and through the tunnel. A good opportunity to rub off some of that paint! It was quite an event for the young boys who had their life jackets on and learnt a bit about operating the locks.

They even enjoyed the 20 minute ride through the tunnel even while two other boats passed us. We turned left at Norton Junction on to the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union canal and went a few miles to turn and moor up for the night. Next day we travelled back past the new towpath works and through the tunnel again. Then down through the locks accompanied by another boat after waiting in the queue at the top for a while. We were able to stop for lunch just past the Lord Nelson and watched the Grand Prix racing from China. After that we had just enough time to go down two more locks and arrive at the water point before our young family returned home.

Easter

We only moved another 3 miles while it was dry on Good Friday after breakfast with hot cross buns.  It was everso busy with loads of boats on the move.  The towpath between Braunston and Flecknoe is much improved in places.  More hard edges to moor up to and despite the number of boats out and about there is plenty of space to stop.  The shallow canal has turned a muddy brown. 

Sunny Easter Monday was another busy day for us and boats.  We rubbed down and painted the other lower side.  The boats are going by in both directions two by two.  

We saw Derwent 6 go by.  We have been tracking their movements by reading their Blog.  They caught us sitting down enjoying the sunshine in between paint brushes having a midday snack!  “See you later in Braunston”.  The sun continued to shine and the paint dried and hardened while we recovered from all that effort.  Then we saw Marie Jessie go by, another Blogger.

Is there a conspiracy going on in Formula One racing?  The final result of each race so far has depended on the decisions of a committee in Paris.  What you see is not what you get.  Have there been too many rule changes for the teams to cope with?

Been waiting for Gosty Hill to arrive and fill our tank with diesel at 61p a litre.  Alison and Ian’s last run till next winter because they plan some time off after all their hard work.  We hope to see them again later in the year.  By the end of the day we had got into Braunston ready to be dragged out of the water to have the lower sides cleaned, inspected and blacked.

Spring watch

The field opposite is full of sheep and lambs, all with their heads down eating breakfast in the morning.  Later the lambs were seen gathering together away from their mothers.  Like they were going to school and getting to know each other in the playground, pushing, shoving and exploring the field.

At one time they were all down at the edge of the canal getting a drink.  “Oh, don’t fall in please.”  Mothers and babies have numbers painted on their woolly coats so they know who belongs to who!  After their adventures in late afternoon all the lambs were running around bleating and looking for their mums.  If they went to the wrong mum they were pushed away.  Eventually they all settled down for the night together again as families.

Once the paint had dried and hardened we got itchy feet after two days so we moved on.  Braunston is full right out to bridge 89.  We got water at the turn and stopped at Wolfhamcote because it rained.

Sunday roast at Hillmorton

We had got to Hillmorton locks on the Saturday, went up one lock and waited for Tesco to arrive with our goodies.  After the delivery we went up to the top in convoy with several other boats with lots of willing help.  The famous BISTRO was open and we booked a table for Sunday Lunch.  Always a good meal cooked by the family like being at home.
While the visitor moorings at the top were nearly full we noticed that the Permit Holder moorings were empty.  A BW sign there was inviting applications for moorings.  Perhaps they are asking too much for a mooring with no facilities, a case for BW to make them all moorings for visitors.  There is plenty to see and do watching and helping at the locks. 

The Oxford canal tow path looks like it has been trimmed.  The hedges have been cut back and layered in places.  Ann and Molly have been able to walk most of the way.  We were surprised to see that the moorings between Barby and Willoughby were virtually deserted considering it was a week before Easter. 

We stopped just short of Braunston and got on with rubbing down and painting the boat black below the gunwales.  The other side will have to wait till the tow path changes over or we turn round.  Then wait for another dry sunny day by which time we would have recovered enough to get active again!

While we were moored up several boats passed by.  Richard and Sarah on Scarweather stopped and chatted over a cup of tea on board M 2 L.  Good to catch up with their news since seeing them last year on the rivers of East Anglia.  Then Rock n Roll passed us followed by Clarence who informed us that they read this blog.

U turn at Hawkesbury

Messed that one up and landed on the rocks in the corner!  Ann had to pull the bow round otherwise the boat would have gone into the pub!  Done the business at the facility and went through the lock.  While Ann & Molly walked on I took M2L slowly passed all those boats at the junction and stopped past bridge 4.  Somewhere we were spotted by Pete from Pickles 2.  Sorry to have missed you but we did not see your boat. 

A fast 3G connection on our T Mobile modem enabled us to place an order with Tesco.  It is strange that sometimes the connection can be slow but may just be busy with all the kids off on their holidays.  Next day we did 14 miles, no less, and got all the way to Clifton, passing those willow trees at Brownsover. 

 Last year they were severely cut back so were pleased to see them getting green again.

Relaxing in the sunshine

We took on water at Bradley Green but found that the Elsan facility was blocked.  We just moved up 2 locks to get the engine warm for an oil change at 4,250 hours, that much done since we got the boat in 2004.  Then we went off to the shops in Atherstone.  A busy town on the old Roman road called Watling Street with a good range of shops and Tuesday market.
While moving up through the locks a boater coming down told us that Gypsy Rover was at Hartshill.  The towpath telegraph working well because when we got there, Dot & Derek were expecting us.  With time to spare we all enjoyed a day off relaxing in the sunshine sitting out on the towpath.  

It is amazing what a difference it makes with the sun shining on the view making the colours stronger.  Thankfully those grey winter months are now past. On the move towards Nuneaton we also saw that settee seen by D & D.  It had managed to drift all the way to Hartshill.  Then we were obliged to pass 2 miles of utter rubbish all the way through that town of Nuneaton.  

Would you believe it there was yet another settee floating in the water together with all that scum, plastic bottles and bags.  We have been travelling all the way from Chester and never saw so much rubbish scattered all over the place. 

At last we turned off the Coventry and on to the Oxford canal.  

Heading south for a blacking

Not our fault, not Sue’s either.  Some *!*!* clever !*!*! mucking about on a computer.  Why do they have to be so disruptive?  Warning: perhaps we need to avoid too many clever tricks like following other website / blogs automatically.  When one gets infected it affects the followers.  I understand that Sue’s ‘No Problem’ blog has been moved to http://nbnoproblem.blogspot.com.

Unfortunately when I go there I still get the warning.

Norbury Junction is far behind us now.  We have been moving every day except Sundays and are now on the Coventry canal.  Most mornings were sunny so we got going early but usually found the days contained cold winds and showers.  Shopping at towns or walking in the woods took up part of the day.  There are some good walks through the woods and round the ponds at Pooley Fields Nature Reserve, once a coal mining area which has collapsed causing the ponds to form.

Polesworth is one place we keep coming back to over the years so we see many changes.  The sports pavilion is unused and boarded up now.  Broken glass scattered over the grass where young children may go heading for the swings.  What is left of the recycling bins is just melted plastic after being set alight.  The mooring are quiet enough opposite the unused tennis courts.  We have never had any problems staying overnight but today we move on stopping just short of the Atherstone flight of locks.

'Following' problem

Sue's Blog site has a Google warning about malware as we have found out by trying to read her No Problem blog.

I was a 'Follower' which means that in my Blogger Dash Board there was a live link to her blog which instantly through up the warning preventing me from creating and posting.  I bypassed the warning and selected to stop following No Problem so I can post this. 

I have discovered that many other blogsites get the warning as well.  This may mean that they are either 'Followers', or have links that automatically go to the 'No Problem' website / blog.  If you own one of those affected bloggs may I suggest that you try to remove the link .

Let us hope that Sue can remove the malware so we can all enjoy reading her blog again.

Parting of friends

From Norton Junction on the Shropshire Union canal we continue our journey alone. Sue n Vic are taking a break from boating while their boat undergoes renovation. There is more to life for them at this time. A sense of purpose for us is to plan trips and meet friends and family during the summer months. The sun burnt off the early mist and boaters moved their boats in the morning sunshine. Spring is on its way.
As we continued on our way it seemed that every other bridge had a boat coming through. One occasion required a quick reaction to engage reverse. In doing so the prop picked up some rope and rag which had been thrown into the canal. The prop had no effect and the boat continued to drift forward. Thankfully the other boat had stopped in the bridge hole. Somehow we got our boat to the tow path and struggled to clear the prop.

We stopped at a bridge in order to check up on one of Sue’s Geo cache boxes. There before us was Valerie and Les called out a greeting. He had put the kettle on and stopped chopping up wood so we went on board for a chat. Thanks for that Les. 

It had taken us 10 days of moving to get from Ellesmere Port at the northern end to Autherley Junction at the southern end of the Shroppie. One of these days we will turn right onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.
We have been that way once but this time we turn left again going through the narrow rock cutting, round bends and under many low bridges. We were forced to lower our back cover many times before finally removing it all together. Several local hire boat companies are getting their fleets ready for the Easter rush, the first major holiday of the year. Gaily was choc a block and as we crawled through a gap we passed Epiphany with John and Fiona on board. After a chat in the lock we continued to Penkridge.

Retracing our steps

The canal north of Chester proved to be shallow in places and we found some of the visitor moorings were difficult to get into but it was quiet and peaceful.  We had managed to place an order with Tesco to be delivered at Waverton.  

An ideal mooring with a car park was just by the bridge. 

After the delivery we moved on to Beeston.  Next day we had the 6 locks up to Bunbury to negotiate.  All wide enough for two narrow boats but remember that iron lock built in soft sand with the warning – ‘One at a time please’.  

Anglo Welsh have a lot of boats just below the staircase locks at Bunbury.  Wide beam boats just would not get past.  We got our diesel here for 66p a litre, this time needing over half a tank full. No boats were coming down so it was a matter getting up through the two joined locks so long as our paddle operators followed the rules.  Boats go in the bottom lock with the top lock full.  Then with the gates and paddles shut behind the top lock is emptied into the bottom one bringing the boats half way up.  Move the boats forward and shut the huge middle gates behind.  Then open the paddles to raise the boats to the top.  Simple !  You just have to see it to fully understand what is going on. 

Got on past Barbridge Junction where the canal branches off to Middlewich.  It was of course the Romans who discovered salt between Northwich and Middlewich.  We stopped near the Llangollen Junction to meet Geof and Mags on Seyella.  Thanks for the tea Mag. 

Then we were off past the other salt town of Nantwich and up the locks at Hack Green stopping at Moss Hall below Audlem.  The Audlem flight has 15 locks in 3 miles and with No Problem going up in front it was all done in 3 hours while the sun shone.  Some help was appreciated when the lock in front was emptied on our way up. 

With the current financial situation British Waterways are creating a back log of essential maintenance.  One day we may have to make a choice.  Which side of Braunston tunnel do you want to be?  The two year old land slip can only get worse by filling in and blocking the navigation.  NABO are asking for reports of missing facilities.  Canalside development tends to forget boaters needs.

Cheshire Cat

Been moving every day this month of March and had not realised that Audlem is in Cheshire. It was only when we saw the cat on a pub sign near Chester that we knew it. 

Both boats Moore 2 Life and No Problem arrived at Ellesmere Port and after one of those super Sunday roasts on board No Problem we explored the Boat Museum. Much has changed since 2002 when we were here last. Many old boats, engines and workshops are still here. The Boat Museum Society realised back in the 1970’s that canal use was changing and they were concerned that the old working craft of the inland waterways would be lost. Some are kept here in full working order. They need not worry because there are many old working boat Societies looking after them all over the waterway system. 

While looking round we saw a huge ship moving on the Manchester Ship Canal.
It is not possible to go any further north from Ellesmere Port unless you get permission to go down on to the Manchester Ship Canal. So we have turned round to head south. A long five hour cruise has got us past Chester, the Cheshire Cat pub and eight locks. The first of which are those three huge staircase locks which are approached from under a railway bridge. An impressive set having been carved out of solid rock below the high Roman wall of Chester. 

Pushing north west

We have got past the Llangollen canal junction on the left, and the Middlewich branch on the right.  Looking towards the west we can see the Welsh mountains.  For some reason the locks are now wide and two narrowboats can go in together.  At Bunbury the two locks are joined together in a staircase.  We went in together with No Problem.  Normally it is two down and out before two can go up but this time one boat had entered the bottom lock.  

Instructions now required to do the ‘Bunbury Shuffle’.  We go down while the single boat comes up.  Three boats passing each other in a lock only wide enough for two!  

We stopped by Beeston Castle.  I joined Ann n Sue and walked up to the hill and returned while the girls and dogs continued to the top on a sunny afternoon.
Then it was off again next day to get to Chester.  Passing slowly past miles of boats seems to take ages.  I don’t suppose any of them will move into that new marina at Tattenhall.  Five locks in two miles take the canal down to the City walls where we stop.  

After a quick refreshing cup of tea we did the walk round the Chester Wall.  Built by the Romans and still existing after King Charles the first was defeated by Cromwell’s army.