Wendover

A canal branches off here heading for Wendover several miles away. This Easter it is to be officially opened to boats and walkers. Ann & Sue spent a whole day walking to the village of Wendover and back along the canal. A pumping station at Tring pumps up 4 million gallons of water from Wiltstone reservoir to keep the summit level full of water. Two large lakes were created to store water and are now a nature reserve.

Bulbourne

From Berkhamsted the canal climes up the Chiltern Hills to the summit level at Cowroast through 6 locks. Before a pump was installed there were long lines of working boats waiting to cross over due to lack of water. Three miles north west gets to Bulbourne in company with a Roman road and a railway. Robert Stevenson had built the railway cutting back in 1834. I may have seen some remains of the broad gauge track covered in grass. Found a space near the 19^th century workshops where BW make lock gates.

As seen in Waterways World !

Thanks to Jim.Shead for spreading the word of boaters blogs. His regular feature 'clicking.on.canals' includes many other sites of interest. 

Water Loss

It had to happen one day. Most locks on this canal are left open as boaters leave them. It then only takes one paddle to be left slightly open or a 'yob' to lift it and overnight water escapes.

We first noticed a problem when the TV picture went off. The aerial had turned round as the boat started to lean over. It was dark, about nine, when it happened. Things got worse. Cupboards opened and the contents started falling out. The water level had gone down a foot. That is a lot of water in a mile between locks. By the time we had loosened off the ropes the boat was almost grounded. It was hard work trying to push the boats off.

A man rushed by from another boat heading for the lock half a mile away. He returned and reported that 3 paddles were up. He had managed to drop two but without a 'windie' he could not drop the third due to the water pressure. So Ann & Sue went off in the dark with a torch and a 'windie'. Water had been flooding over the edge below the lock and the pumping station was working flat out.

By now the boats were starting to shift as the water level came back up. We moored along side No Problem and S n V put a plank out to keep away from the edge.

Ovaltine

I wonder if any of you know where it was made. We passed the old egg farm and factory at Kings Langley after going under the M25. The factory was being demolished so we don’t even know now. Perhaps the roar of traffic stopped the hens laying! One of the original 'Ovaltine' narrow boats is being kept in excellent condition at Rickmansworth.

Moving north on the Grand Union

Snow

We have managed to get up as far as Watford on sunny but cold days. Passing many miles of residential boats at Uxbridge and Rickmansworth. Got some diesel at the local boat yard and stopped for the night. Woke in the morning to find snow laying its white carpet and ice had formed a flat hard surface on the canal. Our friends T & M wisely cancelled their planned visit by car.

Post and Tesco

As the ice started to melt we pushed on up through the next lock crackling through the thin ice on the way. Ann & Sue went off to collect the post at the local P.O. but we had it sent to another further away! Ann returned to help us through the next lock as we were expecting another delivery from Tesco.com. Sue returned later with the post and a box of flowers. Then the Tesco van arrived just as it started to rain! We all rushed about packing it all into both boats.

Cassiobury Park

Then moved up to the park through more ice and went for a walk through the trees. Quite pleasant in the late sunshine as the days are noticeably getting longer. Stayed two nights here but then woke to more ice and could not move till midday. On the way we saw this rather inadequate facility at one of the locks!

London Zoo

We set off on our return journey, but first to the zoo. Turn into the Regents canal from Little Venice and cruise past more pretty house boats and narrow boats. A deep cutting then goes through the short Maida Hill tunnel. Past the grand houses of St. Johns Wood and suddenly we see the Snowdon Aviary. The birds inside were less grand than the structure. The zoo gardens along the bank of the canal look very drab and in need of a makeover. Not many animals to be seen. Turned at Primrose Hill to see it all again. The canal is cut quite deep and we did not see any of Regents Park.

Paddington Basin

Left the green mooring and travelled east into the middle of London. 11 miles and no locks. The concrete jungle growing as we progressed. The first few miles were quite rural but then passed old and new industry. At Little Venice the canal opens up into a wide space where the Regents canal continues east from Little Venice to Limehouse on the Thames. There are many house boats, trip boats, narrow boats and floating restaurants at Little Venice and nowhere to stop. Bright shiny and clean in the winter sunshine.

We turned right, down to the newly opened Paddington Basin where we were told of good safe moorings. Found ourselves surrounded by tall steel and glass buildings and the wind seemed to concentrate and rocks the boat. The wooden pontoons provided a secure mooring but there is no grass for Molly! Several trees though, grown in pots below the surface.

At night all the lights came on and the foot bridges were illuminated under foot. The pontoons had lights shining up from below. If only we could have plugged into just one of them. 60 Watts is all we need for the lights and TV!

Paddington Arm

Left Cowley after taking on water and using the facilities. A skip was used to dispose of much unwanted material created during the re-fitting of two boats. A morning trip on a cold bright day got us to Bulls Bridge Junction. Passing many residential boats, floating sheds and caravans on the way. An industrial landscape with rubbish strewn all over the place. Had to stop once to clear the prop of a plastic bag.

After shopping at the surprisingly large Tesco Extra we turned left into the Paddington Arm. This canal goes east across London north of the Thames. It is quite rural and after an hour we decide to stop. It was a bit shallow on the tow path side and a passing boater told us it was better on the other side. Another boat was there and the green field proved to be an exciting place for Molly. There was much screeching in the trees and Ann saw at least six large green birds. They may have been small parrots.

Parting company

Sue & Vic have guests on board and have turned north for a few days while we continue south. Found moorings at Cowley before the bridge and lock. The lock is the last one we will see all the way into London and Paddington. Cowley is in the London borough of Hillingdon and we have seen some red London buses already when we walked to the shops. We talked to a couple on a boat called 'Troy'. They have just come out of London and suggested we may find more space down the Paddington Arm.

Creating & building

Both M2L and NP are undergoing some internal improvements. Tools and wood clutter up the space during the day and some time is spent clearing up before relaxing in the evening. We now have a Dinette. A bench seat and table which can convert to a 4 ft. bed. Just waiting for the foam seating.

Much more has been achieved in No Problem. Sue and Vic have transformed their galley with new work tops. And a washing machine is to go in the bathroom!

Molly the dog has taken such a keen interest in the proceedings I think she is my apprentice!

Annual Easter race (1999)

Easter came early this year at the start of April and we were back on our boats again. Departed on Friday morning. Both boats going east this time. We were joined by a third boat when we got to Monkey Marsh Lock. The lock is large enough for us all. Stopped later at Midgham. The Easter canoe race sets off from Devizes heading all the way to Westminster on the Thames. The first canoe with two on board were about to pass us. We watched as they got out to carry the canoe past the lock.

Next day we cooked porridge on the fire which Ann had fed with coal earlier. As we ate it more canoes passed by. Our cat is enjoying the view from the window. Apart from seeing the canoes go by she watched a pair of ducks being fed with bread. Then Ann took Tara out for a walk with harness and lead. ‘An unusual sight’ as many passing walkers have said. It’s Sunday and there are many boats out and about.

We continue our journey east to Woolhampton Lock and swing bridge. Here you are advised to open the bridge before leaving the lock. The river once again joining the canal and at this time of year it takes your boat along with it. Both our boats bumped the bridge on the way past. Fast reverse to stop and pick up crew after they shut the bridge. Arrived at Aldermaston and turned below Padworth Lock. Then back up to moor at Reading Marine Wharf. Quite a lot of people walking by and looking in at us.

Easter Monday gives us a long weekend on our boats. We find time to chat with Bob and Jane on Hobo who keep their boat there. Terry & Myra join us on Nomad as they leave their boat at the yard for some work to be done on it. With all four back on board it was like before. Two crew and two skippers? We agreed to take turns between locks! Lunch stop half way, then back to Ham Manor Basin and home.

Aylesbury Arm

We travelled down through the 16 locks on the 6 mile arm off the Grand Union Canal. The locks are all narrow so we went either in front or behind No Problem. The lock keeper had opened the paddles to let extra water through because the first pound was a bit low.  The TESCO mooring provides a useful stop before the end but old boats and buildings did not encourage us to stay over night. Took 2 days to get to the bottom and were lucky to find space for our two boats. It was safe and secure among other boats in the basin. Thanks to The Aylesbury Canal Society who welcome visitors. All the water we used goes into a river so is a 'loss' to the Grand Union. When the arm was opened it halved the price of coal in Aylesbury back in 1814.

Rushing south on the Grand Union

Various locks are being worked on and will be closed so we are trying to get through before they shut. Doing between 3 and 15 lock miles every day for 7 days to get from Aylesbury to Hemel Hempstead. One or two days were bitterly cold so we did not get far. Other days were bright n shiny so were able to make up distance lost. Last Sunday was one of those bright clear days as we made our way up the Marsworth flight of 7 locks. Lots of people out enjoying the sun and seeing our boats through the locks. The canal is deep and clear up on the summit pound going past the old Bulbourne Workshops where BW used to make lock gates.

Many summit pounds have tunnels to go through but this one has a deep cutting. Tree lined and sheltered from the wind. 3 ½ miles to the next lock at Cowroast. Or Cow Rest. Where cattle pens were provided for drovers resting their herds between the Midlands and London, long before the canal was built.

Next day headed down 7 locks into Berkhamsted where we stopped for lunch by the park. Another 10 locks in two days got us to Chaulden on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead. Progress slowed waiting for ice to clear.

Boat Show

Apologies to our readers for not 'Blogging' till now.  A lot of water has gone under the bridge as they say since we left the boat before Christmas.  Here is an account of one thing we did once back on the cut.

We got past Ivinghoe and stopped near the bridge. A taxi was called to take us to Cheddington Station. The train took us to Euston where we went underground to Islington. Then another train to Excel, the new exhibition hall.. Took just 2 hours to get there. Sue had the route worked out using ‘Qjump’ on the Internet. Got there at 11 and stayed till 5. Saw Chris on the ‘Moody’ boat display. The Inland Waterway display was popular because a canal side pub had been built there.

Waterside Pub at London Boat Show

By all means go to see boat in a ‘clinical’ situation, all bright & cheerful but not moving. While admiring the fit out think of the real environment you will be in. That big boat will be going up and down on the waves and leaning over in the wind. Most canal boats seem to stay in expensive marinas for 6 months. When out and about you learn to respect the old canal system. You may have to share moorings with less than smart boats. Think about jumping back on with muddy boots. You may even fall in the canal a few times! My advice to anyone looking to buy a boat is to hire one first to get a feel for boating in the real world.

The canal is not deep enough for this !

Leighton Buzzard

Just north of this town we found a very good pub right by the canal. British Waterways rated it highly in 1996 so we just had to check it out! Stuffed ourselves with a grand meal one evening at the Globe Inn. Moved on to the town and passed the TESCO (yes that shop again) with its own 2 hour moorings. Round the corner under the bridge to use the facilities while Sue & Ann went to the first class Launderette in Linslade. Our post has not arrived yet so we decide to move on down to Grove Lock where we were told of a new turning point. Returned the next day to find the Tesco moorings almost full of boats. Sue n Vic found a space after removing a shopping trolley from the canal. We backed up under the bridge and stuck our pins in round the corner. Had to wait for yet another day for our post. Busy now that it is close to Christmas. After all we did post 40 cards ourselves.

 

Milton Keynes

We were all very impressed with the canal going round this town. Clean and tidy with good tow paths and cycle ways. All lined with an avenue of trees. We stopped near Willen Lakes and walked round them. They were created to prevent flooding. When MK was built the planners realised that covering vast areas of land with concrete would cause flooding of the river. So the flood water goes into the lakes first then is slowly released into the river. On our walk on a mild day early this month we found a bird hide. There are two lakes. This one is for the wild life and we saw many varieties of birds from ducks to waders. The other lake is used for water sports.

Henley 1997

The first Inland Waterways Association boat gathering on the Thames.

It was a treat to travel through Henley on the river in our Nomad of Erehwon. All those posh boats being out numbered by narrow boats of all types with colourful paint work and decorations. The riverside between Henley Bridge and the next lock down stream was occupied by narrow boats 3 or 4 abreast over a distance of two miles. Found our spot. We are the third boat out from shore. Just happen to be alongside boats we knew from Little Bedwyn on the Kennet & Avon canal. We are about 10 minutes walk from the show ground and we go there to get our wrist strap identity tags. This gives us free access to the show. We had paid £25 for the mooring which included access and lots of local information.

Friday is boaters day so off we go to look round. Lots of stalls with things to buy and trade tents with information about things to go in boats. We are looking at detail for our new boat. What engine? What fridge? What shell. We get a look through some of the boats on show.

Then after a bite to eat we watched pleasure craft all lit up travelling up and down the Thames that evening. They had come to see the most unusual sight of narrow boats on the royal river. The big advantage of being moored on the outside is that we get a grand view of the river and the passing boats.

The next morning we set about putting our flags up. Most boats had already decked themselves over with flags and balloons. Walking along the tow path we saw the pretty sight, all the decorated boats so colourful. Many boats going by to look and lots of public walking on the tow path.

The Lavender boat comes by each day ringing a bell and calling 'Bring out your dead'. Porta - Poti emptying time. All done by volunteers and we gave them a big thank you for their services.

We listened to 'Keepers Lock', a group singing traditional songs and stories about the canals. In the evening many boats travelled up and down decorated with lights. It was a wonderful show that night on the Thames. A bag piper was playing music all evening on one of the boats not far away. What an effort every body puts in to make a memorable night.

It rained next morning so we listened to the local radio broadcasting live from the show ground. They report that 4000 people are living in this temporary village of boats.

Christmas Pudding

A TESCO delivery was made at the arranged time and place, having placed the order with them on the net the previous day. Stock for the next few weeks.  Including, this time, ingredients for a Christmas pudding.  The exotic stuff includes mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple, carrot, luxury mixed fruit, nuts, orange & lemon rind and some strong beer!  All mixed together with a wish and left over night.  Then put into two basins to be 'steamed' on our diesel fire all day.  For many years Ann's Christmas puddings have been a tradition in our family.  On the day it would have a twig of holly stuck in the top and hot burning brandy poured over it.  Then served with brandy butter.  Many years ago a silver sixpence may be found in your serving!

The Caen Hill Flight, 1996

We had to book passage several weeks earlier as there is not enough water to keep the flight permanently open. The Caen Hill flight starts at lock 44 and ends at lock 29. That is 16 locks, but the controlled decent and ascent is between Lock 50 at the top to lock 22 at the bottom. Which is a total of 29 locks which we have to do without stopping.

We got up and had breakfast early. It is cloudy but not raining on the day we go down the flight for the first time. Pairing up with Rakes Progress at the top gate of Lock 50. The BW man arrived at 9 and checked our boats for size and let the first two in. Then it was our turn. The crew do the hard work opening the paddles and gates of the locks. At least 10 boats are going down today.

Breasting up with the much larger Rakes Progress was not a good idea. Nomad simply had no control relying on skillful aiming by Shirley. Most of the time it was perfect with only an inch of clearance both sides!

By 11 o'clock we were half way down and met the first pair of boats coming up. Here we separated and the boats coming up went between us. Managed to make coffee on the way. You may think that it would take all day, especially if you could see all those locks at the same time. But with all the willing help we get to the bottom by 1:30 p.m. Once at the bottom we had time to rest and watched the other boats arriving behind us. The new pumping station is built but still waiting for the electric pumps. The pumps will push the water back up to the top. Then more boats will be able to go up and down without having to book the passage next year.