Alvercote Pools and Pooley Field

We are now travelling on the Coventry canal. 36 miles from Fradley in the north to Coventry in the south. It is half term and many boats are still 'out and about' this late in the season. So we decided to rush through Tamworth. In the event there was no problems, passing many colourful canalside gardens. Eventually stopping at Pooley Fields past Alvecote marina. Alvecote Pools and Pooley Fields contain many lakes surrounded by trees and laid out with paths to walk round.
Back in the 1960's Alvercote and Pooley collieries were very busy digging out tons of coal every day from below the surface. The only evidence of the mining activity are the pools and lakes caused by subsidence. There is a Heritage Centre built by one of the 'pit heads' by the canal. There are some new moorings near the centre from where you can walk up to it. Worth a visit for it houses a mining museum upstairs.
"The shafts of Alvecote Colliery, which was first mined in 1848, were relatively shallow and beset with problems of water seepage from the river Anker. Mining stopped in 1965 when it became uneconomical to keep pumping the water out." Both Alvecote and Pooley Collieries were built near the canal so that boats could transport the coal to Birmingham.
After our visit we moved up two locks of the Atherstone flight of locks. The resident Lock keeper keeps the bushes and grass cut so it all looks neat and tidy. So we stopped here for the weekend, not normally recommended because the water level goes up and down as boats go through the locks.

Nature is encroaching

The autumn boaters are out and respect is returning to the waterways. Quiet and peaceful with misty mornings and sunny days. It is a weekend and the smart painted boats are venturing out from the marinas. All bright and shiny. I wonder what the owners think when the paint can get scratched on the overhanging trees and bushes and when they run aground as they try to pass a boat.
We have travelled about many canals this year. Our overriding impression is that the canals are becoming restricted by nature. The canals have two sides, that is obvious, but British Waterways only own one side! The result is that nature is reaching out to restrict the width and the ground is falling in to reduce the depth. We have seen many large trees that are leaning over the canal ready to fall in. Just waiting for an excuse to close the navigation. It is surprising how much farm land is has been lost to the canal. When the canal is above the surrounding ground level it is increasingly in danger of breaching. This not only causes an instant closure of navigation but also floods the land and property. Causing discontent among the local community. There must also be discontent amongst the boaters.
The waterways don’t need discontent, they need public and government support to survive.

Computer failing

For some reason my computer is suddenly switching off with no warning. The battery slowly discharges even when plugged into the mains. It will only charge when off or 'hibernating.' It does not run without the battery even on the mains. I dare not do any more creative work in case I cannot save it on CD ROM's.
So I may not be able to do a Blog for a while. Do not take things for granted. You only realise what you had when it is gone. Contact with the world beyond the local area of the boat is possible. Blogers, emails, writing, banking, pictures etc will have to be on hold for a while.

Heading south

The 'Shroppie' is like a motorway being wide and strait but with less traffic than seen on the Llangollen. British Waterways 'stoppages' start in November. The lock at Hawkesbury, down near Coventry, will be closed as the gates are being replaced. So we need to get through before that. We are moving after breakfast, stopping for a rest and a bite to eat at midday, then moving on some more in the afternoons. Ten lock miles a day will be our average trip.
We got Tesco to deliver goodies when we got to Audlem. Once again placing our order on the internet the day before. Then moved on doing a lot of locks to get to Market Drayton. Up 11 at Audlem and another group of 5 at Adderley. That’s our quota for the day but with some help with boats coming down we made good progress.
Met John and Sue at Market Drayton who kindly offered to take us to the shops in their car. All the way across country towards Shrewsbury stopping short at the 'out of town' centre. Back at our friends house I was able to introduce them to our web site and blog on their computer.
Got water and used the facilities at Market Drayton then proceeded up the locks at Tyrley. A cheap paper notice from BW telling us that the facilities at Tyrley and Wheaton Aston were 'out of order'. We do hope that these facilities are not suffering from the lack of maintenance due to shortage of funds.
While proceeding up the 5 locks we were lucky to have 5 boats coming down so that the next lock was ready for us. Stopped for lunch near the old Cadbury's milk works at Knighton before continuing on to Anchor Bridge. On the way we passed Shebdon Embankment. About a mile of raised canal above the surrounding land hidden by trees. BW are in fact spending some money here reinforcing the bank with long steel piling. Two floating pontoons being used to carry all the heavy equipment. Just enough room to get by.

Back to Ellesmere

We all travelled back to Trevor and filled our tanks with diesel while watching the boat traffic coming across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. When it was our turn both boats went one behind the other across the Dee valley. It was when we got to the other side that we parted company with our friends on No Problem. "Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow". But for us it will be next year. We have to get to Ellesmere where, sadly, it was confirmed that Tara is indeed suffering from an overactive thyroid. A bit of an emotional 'double whammy' for us.

Slow and shallow
The mooring spaces filled up during the afternoon. A small community of boaters showing their concern about our cat Tara. She now has to take two pills a day. Crushed up in a delicious jellied chicken which goes down well.
We left the next day following a hire boat which was in no hurry to get back to Whitchurch. So after an hour we stopped for lunch near Wixhall. The canal is very shallow on the bends and edges and every boat that passed put us on a sand bank! Much of the canal banks are badly eroded making the waterway look much wider than it is for clear navigation. It is surprising that the land owners are happy to loose 5 or 10 feet to the canal along its length. Despite the canal's popularity regular maintenance is not happening. There are still many boats on the move in October due to the warm dry days. The lock keepers at Krindly Brook will remain on duty all this month at least.

Among the mountains of Wales

The final 6 or 7 miles of the Llangollen are among the mountains of north Wales. A sharp left turn at Irish Bridge and we travel in a concrete channel along the edge of the Dee valley, but cannot see across because of the abundant trees. Passing the village of Froncysyllte and the lift bridge. A glimpse of the amazing structure can be seen through a gap in the trees but it is still in the distance. The canal turns right to approach the aqueduct along a finger of land. The going slows as the canal gets narrower and the boat is pushing against the flow. Then suddenly the land drops away as the boat enters the iron aqueduct. On the left there is nothing but a thin wall and the view down is above the trees and a football field far below. I prefer to look the other way at the tow path and railings for a feeling of security. Ann walking on across to take a few pictures of the boat and river Dee flowing along its rocky path below. As we approach the Trevor end a boat is coming out from the Llangollen channel crossing in front and waiting for us and No Problem to clear the Aqueduct.

The channel to Llangollen was only built as a narrow but navigable concrete course to fetch water from the river Dee. Originally the Ellesmere canal was intended to continue north to Chester. It is however one of the most scenic and beautiful sections of waterway to be seen anywhere in the UK. Cut into the rocky sides of the Dee valley with grand views of the Ruabon Mountain above and the river below. Ann and Sue walked ahead with a walky talky to check if the way was clear as we waited before the narrow section. Both Moore 2 Life and No Problem then continued slowly round the mountain side once we knew the way was clear.
BW have now built a marina for about 40 boats which was about half full when we arrived. For £10 we could stay for two nights and use an electric land line. So no need to use the engine while we were there. Next day we all walked along to Horseshoe Falls where the river feeds into the canal. Then got the train at Berwyn to Carrog and back to Llangollen. A chance to travel a bit further into Wales.

Back to Ellesmere

We all travelled back to Trevor and filled our tanks with diesel while watching the boat traffic coming across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. When it was our turn both boats went one behind the other across the Dee valley. It was when we got to the other side that we parted company with our friends on No Problem. "Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow". But for us it will be next year. We have to get to Ellesmere where, sadly, it was confirmed that Tara is indeed suffering from an overactive thyroid. A bit of an emotional 'double whammy' for us.

Ellesmere

This is where the Llangollen canal heads into Wales. The Ellesmere and Llangollen canals were operated by Shropshire Union Railways & Canal Company. General carriers to Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, North & South Staffordshire and North Wales. Its building now left derelict.


It was here that we found a vet to check on Tara's health. Our cat had been sick most mornings for a while and a possible cause may be an overactive thyroid gland. A blood test would confirm this.
Meanwhile our friends have moved to Chirk on the boarder of Wales. We set off next day to cover the 12 miles and up two locks. The canal is quite shallow near the edges and we often ran aground when passing boats. Passed two marinas full of boats before travelling along a narrow concrete channel on the approach to Chirk.

At one point we looked across the valley over the tops of houses. Then suddenly turned right to cross the valley which was spectacular with the railway viaduct alongside the canal aqueduct both made entirely of stone.


Then through Chirk tunnel, crossing into Wales and eventually stopped opposite yet another marina having caught up with No Problem.

It seems that the canal is suffering badly from its 'popularity'. There have been major breaches in 2004 and 2006 and it was sad to see several damaged bridges where they have been hit by boats. At one visitor mooring a concrete edge has fallen in.

LLangollen

Our first time here was back in May 2003 when we pent three weeks getting to Llangollen and back which included exploring the Montgomery as well. At the Hurleston locks there were more boats coming down than up so the canal, hopefully, is becoming less crowded now.



The lock keeper told us that 2000 boats have visited this canal so far this year! He is there to help and advise but nobody from the waiting boats came to help. The canal is now a feeder taking water from the river Dee at Llangollen to keep the Hurleston reservoir full. That is over 40 miles of canal and the significant flow is evident at each lock as the water passes through the by weir.

Salt towns

From Market Drayton we dropped down through a group of locks at Adderley and two at the flight down to Audlem where we stopped. Mo and Vanessa on Balmaha came by and stopped for a drink and chat. Last seen back at Braunston they were returning from Bugsworth. Next day we continued on down to Hack Green. It was here that we caught up with No Problem and arranged a Supermarket delivery using the internet.
The stretch of canal between Audlem and Nantwich being mainly through open countryside with undulating hills. The canal staying level on concrete lined embankments flying across the lower levels. The water was quite shallow forcing us to travel in the centre, passing boats made difficult by running aground and being exposed to the wind. No Problem and Moore 2 Life once again travelling together and arriving at Nantwich. The first available space being just past the aqueduct after passing a mile of moored boats. Telford, the Engineer, was forced to build the canal round Dorfold Park, preferring to follow the high ground and join up with the existing Chester Canal. This was not to be and the resulting long curved embankment and iron aqueduct proved difficult and expensive to build.


We all walked the half mile into Nantwich. 'A fine old town, prosperous since Roman times because of its salt springs, which made it the countries main salt mining centre until the 19th century. The town was devastated by fire in 1583 but rebuilt in fine Tudor style'. There are many of these buildings with their chunky black wood structure to be seen, distorted by subsidence but still standing. We enjoyed sitting out in sunshine to drink, eat and admire the view. Northwich, Nantwich and Middlewich are all salt towns in this Cheshire Cat county and have canals passing by them.

Through the cuttings

Filled up with diesel at Norbury Wharf and continued our journey along the Shroppy. Through Grub Street Cutting, past 'the Anchor' and along the Shebdon Embankment. This is how the canal is. Cuttings and embankments with no locks for mile upon mile.

Past Knighton where Cadbury's once produced chocolate and transported it to Bournville by canal. Then through Woodseaves Cutting before stopping at Tyrley Wharf. Woodseaves is very narrow and passing is difficult with so much vegetation leaning out to scratch the paint if it could.

Ahead are 5 locks which bring the canal down to Market Drayton. Down through another sand stone cutting covered with trees which somehow cling to the steep sides, their old roots now exposed. Makes you think about all the hard manual labour required to dig it all out.


Went down with a boat coming up at each lock making it an easy trip for us. Sue n Vic on No Problem followed behind and Ann went back to help. We eventually stopped after filling with water opposite the new 'Challenger' share boat centre.

Market Drayton
Just past Betton Bridge the visitor moorings are opposite a range of new houses with brightly coloured front doors. The owners with their boats by the door! On our own again, Sue n Vic move on to Nantwich as John and Sue came to visit. Ann baked a cake and we chatted over a cup of tea. We have known them since owning a boat back at Newbury many years ago. They have recently got back from a trip on their boat down to London.
We have been able to reserve a mooring back at Culcutt Marina, where we plan to leave the boat for Christmas. Enterprise at Daventry will be able to collect and deliver us with a car.
Very much now enjoying the September sunshine and quieter times on the canal. August definitely the holiday month. Now moved on down more locks at Adderly in open countryside with those black and white cows in green fields. Once out away from the towns there are also fields of corn soaking up the sunshine.

Future government support?

The government now realises that the inland waterways need looking after as an environmental heritage. A Commons Committee of M P's had to call in the National Audit Office to understand the true state of British Waterways finances. The canals are already suffering from lack of investment and maintenance due to DEFRA's lack of interest.
It is clear now that there are many other groups, apart from boaters, that benefit from the waterways. The majority of users are in fact local people walking or jogging along the tow path, fishermen and cyclists a fact not recognised in BW funding. BW cannot achieve 'self sufficiency' by charging boaters, running pubs and marinas. The cost to boaters for moorings and licences would become prohibitive.
It has been suggested that other departments should provide support. The department of Culture should consider free entry to the few Museums that BW struggle to keep open. There may be some benefit in getting the Transport department involved to encourage 'greener' freight movement on the waterways. I wonder which department would help with the cutting back of all the large bushes and trees that are reducing the navigation. Then there is the lack of depth. Originally the canals were 4 feet deep, now only 2 or 3 feet in many places. Mean while the waterways are being used more now by holiday makers and explorers enjoying the countryside than ever before and may it continue.

Keeping warm safely

Burning wood, coal , gas or diesel keeps the boat dry warm and cosy in the cool winter months. But a fire can be unhealthy or downright dangerous. All these carbon fuels produce carbon monoxide if there is not enough air or oxygen getting to the fire. Even cooking can be hazardous.
Sadly there have been several deaths already this year caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Caused variously by unventilated boats with windows shut or fire doors actually open. In one case a burning pan was left on the cooker. One victim was found to have alcohol above the legal limit and was incapable of escaping. It is not the fire or flames that kill, it is the un seen gas carbon monoxide that is the killer. The boats were not fitted with smoke detectors and fire investigators are urging all boaters to fit one. We do have one that can even warn us when the toast is over done!



While at Norton Junction we asked the boat yard to check over our diesel fire now approaching our 4th winter. Mick came and took the unit apart expertly and gave it a thorough de coke. Checked the oil filter and flow control system finding them clean and in good order. When the fire was lit we were reassurance that it was ok.

Poste Restante

We have been caught out recently by the closing of some Post Offices. Should have checked that it was still operating before having our post sent on. Usually I like to get there to check first. Best idea is to ring the post office and ask them to accept your 'Poste Restante' which they will keep till you collect. In this case another Post Office was operating a mile away so the other one was closed. Our post should be returned to sender eventually.
It is possible to search on the internet for Post Office addresses and phone numbers but some sites are not up to date. We have compiled our own list of Post Offices that are near the canals. See our own web site for the list which has just been updated.

Harry Potter

Yes I got the last book written by J K Rowling, 'The Deathly Hallows'. I had read most of the previous stories. It has proved once again to be a book that I had to keep on reading to the end. I felt that I had been possessed by the story - nothing else mattered. A book of fiction, yet I, a factual person, have read it. But I have always been interested in 'Science Fiction', concepts and ideas that in time could affect our daily lives. Think of many inventions around today that may have been conceived in fiction. The laser beam has found many helpful uses since it was discovered. Used in hospitals and night clubs. The 'ray' gun in fictional stories. To me it seems magical that a device can point a beam at an engine and measure its temperature, or a distant object and measure how far away it is. No doubt it can be a weapon of destruction as well. Just like the wand in those magical stories.

Serendipity
It was unplanned. We were in the right place at the right time to see the Mikron Theatre. Made our way north and reached Norbury Junction and were told that the performance was tonight at 'The Anchor' about 2 miles further on. During a cool dry evening we watched the play outside in the pub garden. A story about Thomas Telford, son of a Scottish Shepard who became a Civil Engineer and designed many roads, bridges and canals. It was he who surveyed the very canal we are travelling on! The point was made that he was a well known Engineer and that these days in this country the architects are better known.

A new front canopy

We arranged to meet Tim and Lisa at Worsley Bridge on the Trent and Mersey Canal just north of Rugeley. They are 'Staffordshire Canopies' and came to do a survey. Luckily the sun was shining and it was not too windy. They set about measuring the boat and making patterns using brown paper and sticky tape. It was a work of art with a red marker pen used to draw where the zips and windows are to go. Clouds appeared and started sprinkling the damp stuff. The paper patterns were quickly removed and rolled up. As they rushed off we were told that the canopy will be ready in a couple of weeks.

Tim came to fit it at Gnosall when we had turned on to the Shropshire Union.

Blogers ahead

A number of days later we turned right on the Shropshire Union. This canal is quite different to most in that it does not follow the contours. It digs deep into cuttings then high on embankments. Much of it through open countryside and small villages. It managed to stay level for 8 miles where one lock dropped 7 feet. We had already got a Tesco delivery and eventually found Sue n Vic near Gnosall Heath and stopped. Rugby and the Oxford Canal now a very long way back where we last saw S & V 5 weeks ago. Yes we have been separated for that long!
Vic had got the kettle on and we all had a cup of tea together again. Sue and Ann then went off on a walk with all 4 dogs which included the two belonging to Wendy. They got back just in time before the heavens opened again with more heavy rain. Now feeling cosy inside the boat fully stocked with food and looking forward to a few days in one place for a change.


One boat went by and the owners called out that they read the blog. Then Bendigedig with Elsie and Eric stopped for a chat. We had been looking at their blog and realised that they were not far away. We all enjoyed a long chat on board No Problem over a cup of tea once again made by Vic. We had often wondered how to pronounce Bendigedig. Elsie said it like this - Bendi gedig, in a lovely soft welsh voice. It means well being. There is usually a story behind many boat names.

Rugeley & Cannock Chase

We get here almost every year. Seems ages because we went to East Anglia last year. Turned left on to the Trent & Mersey canal and joined a queue of 6 boats waiting just over an hour to go up the locks. Up past Fradley and Ravenshaw woods, through the 'narrows' of Armitage and eventually stopping at Rugeley. Its claim to fame, apparently, is the Donkey Jacket. Anyway a little town with all you need. Some well kept gardens to be seen on the way through. I sat on a bench with Molly after getting some lovely veg on Sunday. While Ann shopped in the supermarket I watched people and cars pass by. Seems quite affluent here with their expensive foreign cars. We are of course just north of Birmingham, the engineering capital of England, but should I be sad not to see an English car?
After our usual one night stay we continued on past more of those canal side gardens before turning to cross over the river Trent which was calmer than expected. Approached Colwich lock and joined a queue of three boats. Then stopped for lunch surrounded by trees just before Haywood lock.

Not so many boats here as in previous visits in the summer. Up through the 'gongoozled' lock at Great Haywood. People watching your every move and taking pictures of the boat. A popular place with Shugborough Hall and park nearby. "So where are all those boats?".
We turned left off the Trent and Mersey on to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal under the towpath bridge. Wanting to get on a bit we passed by Tixall Wide, through Tixall lock and eventually stopped past Tixall bridge 106. High hedges here to protect us from the expected wind and rain. It was not that bad next day so we moved on a few miles to near Stafford and stopped. It had been raining off and on but turned into that fine stuff that just gets you damp. Nothing like the storm we were expecting.

Moving on to the Coventry canal

As we approached Newbold there was 'Valerie'. Les was enjoying the sunshine with friends as we passed and exchanged greetings. Was not expecting to see him there. We bloggers tend not to disclose our whereabouts on the same day. On through the illuminated tunnel with the pretty coloured lights. Then a seemingly long journey north to stop near Hawkesbury Junction with the tow path still in very poor shape. Within a mile of the Coventry canal we found a mooring with cut grass.
Next day we got water at the junction with the Coventry canal. Of the two water taps one was damaged and unusable and the other was OK but with a permanent pipe attached to supply water to the 'permanent' moorings. Had to turn off their supply in order to get our tank filled. At least the grass was cut along this canal so it made a change to be able to walk some of the ten lock free miles to Atherstone.

August is a busy time for the canal system. Several boats coming up the Atherstone flight of locks were running aground even in the locks because they were all coming up to the same lock and taking the water! The 'system' is self regulating with the water supply determining the speed at which you can go.

Once down those locks you have seven lock free miles to just two locks at Tamworth then twenty two miles to Fradley junction with the Trent & Mersey canal. The tow path still in excellent condition. This canal remains our most favourite of all with plenty of open country side to explore with some towns and villages to travel through. Also enough facilities to keep you comfortable.

Moving on

It was in 2006 that we last ventured north of Rugby. Almost forgotten what the north Oxford canal was like. In fact we hardly recognised it with all that vegetation growing out of it's sides and threatening our paintwork. A product of all that rain and perhaps the fact that previously we passed this way in the spring. The tow paths are just as bad here as on the southern section. No point getting off the boat to walk with Molly. British Waterways and it's contractors would have a hard job themselves getting to it without a boat if only they had the money to get on with it. The occasional walker seen stuck between bridges unable to proceed without the use of a hedge trimmer! Found a space at Brownsover near Rugby with boats moored both sides of the canal.

A new modem
Our system with Orange, an Office Card, was designed to use GPRS or 3G and was becoming unreliable. Their latest magazine not even featuring the system. Sue on 'No Problem' had been using the T-Mobile data card and reported that the connection was good ,fast and reliable. Mike on 'Snecklifter' showed me his T-Mobile USB modem telling me that it was free on a monthly contract. It even worked well in Braunston a known mobile black spot. So that is what we got in Rugby. Could not have been easier. Back at the boat the modem loaded it's software and we were on line with a similar speed to Broadband and almost unlimited data.

Family visit

They arrived on Saturday and left the car in the marina. Our plan is to travel down to Calcutt and back the next day. Just a couple of hours travelling in the afternoon after refreshments. No locks but plenty of boat activity on the way through open countryside. The grand children sitting on the roof up front with parents. All trying to touch the bridges as we passed under. Met boats at almost every one so usually stopped to let them through. The bridge holes are often narrowed by overgrown bushes. Napton Junction is where the southern section of the Oxford canal joins the Grand Union. Referred to as Wigrams Turn now that marina is full of boats. A cross roads where we turned right under the bridge. A short while later we were lucky to find a space near the locks. Josh called them 'water gates'. A hard edge to safely step off on to and a wide cut grass patch to sit out on. A bright hot sunny day encouraging the BBQ use. Chris made beef burgers from minced beef and an egg. Back inside we watched 'Chicken Run' before bath and bed for the boys.

Next day grand parents entertained their grand children to allow parents a moment of peace. Ann and Tracy went off to the shop to get delicious ice creams. Then we set off back stopping short of Braunston to consume the pork casserole which Ann had made earlier. Back past those old boats on the way into Braunston, turning right at the two bridges and slowly on to the water point near the marina. By by family till next time as they packed the car and left, while we refilled our water tank.