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.

What plan has changed?

Circumstances, opportunities or position sometimes influence which way we go.  It has been many years since we had a chance to head further north with company.  A mad dash to Chester with Sue n Vic has presented itself.  The last time was back in 2002 when we were with Terry & Myra and their boat Butty Lark.  In those early years of our travels we covered a lot of canal ground each year.  Our southern commitment can wait.  Chester is one of our ancient cities created back in Roman times and still has a complete defensive wall round it.

While at Market Drayton I am trying to get my back redressed at the local medical centre but they are unable to take bookings because their computer is being upgraded!  Thankfully after a few days the nurse got to see me.  All was well and there was no real need to have it checked so often.  Then we had lunch in a pub with our friends and walked round the town.  We went to visit John & Sue who have a house by the canal with a mooring and boat outside their front door.  It was way back in 1995 that we got to know them when we both had boats in Newbury on the Kennet & Avon canal.

This is Josh and Ben the Ginger bread men made in Market Drayton.

Too and fro

While at Gnosall Ann got the bus & train back to Southampton to see the grand children over a long weekend which happened to be a half term holiday.  There was plenty of food in the fridge and I managed to do some cooking.  So I looked after myself and Molly and took her for walks twice a day while Ann was away.  Sue n Vic arrived and invited me to join them on board No Problem for their, now famous, Sunday roast.  Lovely.
Having seen the nurse again we have about a week to move away and back.  “Yes, Ann did come back to me !”  We followed No Problem up to Norbury where we all visited the local for a drink and chat.  Our friends had arranged to go home while their boat was being ‘blacked’ so we took them and dogs back to Gnosall to catch the bus. In order to turn our boat round we needed to head down to Wheaton Aston.  While there Ann took the bus and train to visit the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show at Birmingham for the day.  Once again I had time on my own so after walking the dog of course, I set about updating information and publishing Chapter 13 of ‘Life With A Narrowboat’ on our web site www.moore2life.co.uk. Next day we took on water, turned and progressed back towards Gnosall.  We found Geof and Mags on Seyella at Little Onn so we stopped there.  They kindly invited us in for a drink and a chat.  After a quick lunch we started our annual spring clean.  Starting at the back we filled a black bag with stuff not used or wanted during the previous year.  Only got half way through when we flaked out and had a cup of tea.  “The bag was full anyway!” We keep on heading north with our friends but also have a commitment down south at Braunston to have our own boat blacked.  With ice forming and lasting so long this winter the boat needs that treatment every year now.  Soon we will have to turn round.  Hopefully family and friends from the south coast will then come up and visit us.

Pictures of places

I have been collecting pictures of places near the waterways and have now added them to our website at www.moore2life.co.uk  

Walk abouts

We were moored at Little Onn bridge where the road headed north to Church Eaton.  It was a bright sunny morning which encouraged us out.  Ann had worked out the route across the fields on the Geo Map which we managed to follow.  As expected the fields were quite muddy and the route was not well marked so we returned down the road.
After lunch we made our way to Gnosall Heath while it rained.  The little town of Gnosall is actually a mile away from the canal and this is where the Post Office, shops and medical centre are to be found.  Another walk got us to the medical centre so I could ‘sign in’.  I am obliged to see a nurse for a fresh dressing on my back about every 4 or 5 days.  It has been quite a challenge trying to keep moving the boat and finding medical centres on the way.

 

 

No Problem, ice

After a restless night we both got up late for breakfast and later watched Country File as we do most Sundays.  Then set off up the lock at Gailey, took on water and used the facilities.  After that it was not long before we turned a corner to see the two dogs, Lucy n Meg, on the tow path and Molly went mad with excitement.  There in front was of course was No Problem and no sooner tied up than we were invited on board for tea and a chat.
Next day we took off heading south through ice which was broken up by No Problem in front.  Arrived at Autherly Junction to find it blocked by all those hire boats.  Someone was attempting to move the boats to make just enough room to get by.  At least 4 boats moved through the lock while we were there, such is the number of boats on the move. We left Sue n Vic and continued on our way to Brewood now heading north on the Shropshire Union Canal.  An appointment to see a nurse had been made for the morning.  We walked to the Medical Centre to sign on then looked round the shops.

We wanted to leave !

We did spend an afternoon searching for a few of those ‘Geo Caches’.  Found two of them easily then collected clues for the third but ran out of time.  Apparently J R R Tolkien once lived here in Great Haywood.

We got up early next day.  After breakfast Bruce on Sanity came round the corner to the water point.  We agreed to swop places later.  Then Anglo Welsh started moving boats about with a huge crane so now the canal is blocked.  We had time for a drink while taking on water and waiting for the navigation to open. Finally got away by late morning and covered 13 lock miles to stop just short of Penkridge during a sunny but cold day. 

Woke up to find ice had formed over night.  Some determination is required to continue on our travels for we need the services of a vet for the cat and a medical centre for me. We were just getting ready to move when, would you believe it, a hire boat came by breaking up the ice.  So we followed them all the way to Penkridge.

It was there that we took Tara, our 15 year old cat, to see a vet one more time.  Tara had been suffering for some time from an overactive thyroid and had gone blind as well.  The vet agreed ‘to do the kindest thing’. We could not stay in Penkridge after that so continued on our travels and stopped at Gailey.  Several other boats were on the move so we found the ice all broken up.

Winter wonderland

We moved out to Tixel wide on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.  It proved to be quite exposed and cold with that easterly wind.  So the next day we moved on up one lock to Milford.  Tim of Staffordshire Canopies came round to fit a number of brass items.  Drilling and tapping many holes for the stainless screws.  Now we have hooks to hold the back doors open, eyes to hang fenders and folding steps to get on the roof.  After that good mornings work we moved round the corner to gain shelter from the trees.

The expected snow grey clouds were fast approaching on that easterly wind.  But not much snow fell on us here, seems most of it went up the Thames valley.  Next day was sunny but the snow was hard and crunchy. 

We have of course hung out the bird feeders on the hedge and it was not long before we saw them gathering.  A tree stump served as a bird table on which we put bread and seed.  A robin arrived then black birds, various tits, chafinchs and a ’jenny’ wren. 

 

We have now returned to Great Haywood to stock up again.  More diesel from the marina and a walk to the shops.