Sept 29th moored at Cropredy on Oxford canal
107 miles, 42 locks and 1 (short) tunnel from Aston Marina
Saturday 29th Sept - Cropredy
Staying put waiting for David and Harriet to visit today. Took opportunity to do a bit more cleaning of front
and rear decks on a lovely sunny morning. Went out for an explore of Cropredy with D&H when they arrived and had dinner at the Brasenose Arms this evening (excellent)!
Friday 28th Sept - Cropredy
Pleasant day again today but we had a slow start and then only went through Broadmoor lock passed the site of another new marina being built and moored just before Cropredy lock. Had a couple of expeditions out this afternoon first for a walk through the village to the Spar and later after I repolished the port side of PO (towpath changed sides yesterday) took the dogs and sampled the beer (Hooky) and wine (Merlot) at the Brasenose Arms.
Thursday 27th Sept - Broadmoor lock, Claydon
A nice days cruise today with another 7 locks passed through. When we got to Varneys lock then the heavens opened and we quickly decided to moor below the lock and give up for today (had intended to get to Cropredy but no rush.
Wednesday 26th Sept - Ladder Bridge, Wormleighton
Stayed put today. Walked with dogs back to bridge 28 and crossed field paths managing to arrive at bridge 32 to return along towpath. Picked some blackberries to have with our breakfast.
Tuesday 25th Sept - Ladder Bridge, Wormleighton
Managed the Napton lock flight (9 locks) in the dry today although it was fairly cool and quite breezy. Headed on along the winding Oxford canal for a favoured mooring site near Wormleighton. See all the STOP-HS2 posters and added my name to the petition once we had moored adding a comment....
"Moored in a beautiful peaceful stretch of the Oxford canal and can not believe any sane person would despoil this countryside so that they can get from Birmingham to London a few minutes quicker. Get a life and spend what little we have on more beneficial projects!"
Monday 24th Sept - Napton
Weather pretty dismal today so stayed put and watched the rain which bucketed down until about 3pm. Managed a walk into Napton with the dogs for a quick shopping trip (milk and newspaper anyway). Then walked up the hill to take a look at the church. Didn't go on to the windmill as the lane looked muddy and it looked like more rain.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Sept 24th moored at Napton on Oxford canal
93 miles, 25 locks and 1 (short) tunnel from Aston Marina
Monday 24th - Napton
Well it has been raining pretty much non stop since we moored up yesterday and we have been rocked gently by the wind. Not enthuastic about doing nine locks in present conditions so trying to keep fire in and read books. Not that many boats moving so guess the only ones that are have targets and destinations planned and are ignoring the wet.
Sunday 23th Sept
Weather is changing today, after several fine days it is very grey this morning with a breeze picking up during the morning. Set off quite early (before 10am) and watered up just beyond bridge 90. Also purchased another bag of coal from Midland Chandlers. Then right hand down at the junction and off down the Oxford, plenty of boats on the move - even a wide beam to dodge this morning. Gradually the few spots of rain turned into real wet stuff as we approached the junction at Wigrams turn. By the time we reached the winding hole before the Napton lock flight it was really pouring and with nine locks ahead we chickened out and moored up about 1pm. luckily we had managed to keep the fire in overnight and throughout this mornings cruise so the boat was reasonably warm to get dried out. Also Bridie had done two wash loads in the machine this morning so the boat has the air of a chinese laundry about as we prepare for lunch!
Saturday 22nd Sept - Braunston
Applied a top coat in engine bay but it isn't a good cover over primer and will need more work. Also painted water channel round engine bay that the floor cover rests on and rear step. Must have been a wedding at the church today as the bells were rung again this morning. Managed a couple of trips into Braunston today, first to replenish beer supplies and general shopping at the butchers and Bargain Booze, then for a nother dog walk down to the locks.
Friday 21st Sept - Braunston
Working on bilges (!) today trying to get rid of some of the dried up gunge and rub down before applying a zinc oxide primer at port side of engine bay.
Thursday 20th Sept - Braunston
Moved on this morning for a short hours cruise for the three miles into Braunston. Moored on the 14day moorings below Braunston church and between bridges 89 and 90. Another fine day and we went into Braunston to the Chandlers and for a bit of shopping and for a general wander round the boatyard without the dogs. Later we did another circuit with the dogs through the village and down to the locks. Listened to the bell ringers practising this evening as we had our meal.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Sept 19th moored near Onley and Barby on Oxford canal
83 miles, 25 locks and 1 (short) tunnel from Aston Marina
Wednesday 19th Sept
Stayed put today. Bright and sunny at times but cool breeze and plenty of cloud about. Walked dogs along
towpath and tried to walk a little of the railway trackbed but only managed a short stretch used for farm access. Sat out in the sun for a while but cloud turned it a bit on the cool side and Bridie decided to get her jigsaw out.
Tuesday 18th Sept
Another bright sunny morning so onwards towards Braunston. Watered up below Hillmorton locks and then climbed the short hill of three locks. Although double locks here, only one in use for all three pairs and evidence that CRT are actively working on them. As we left top lock we had a brief but heavy squally shower and a boat travelling in the opposite direction unfurled his umbrella as we passed and it immediately blew inside out. Soon cleared and was pleasant cruising once more. The straight and wide sections of the Oxford are perfectly ok it is the bends, narrows and moorings where problems potentially occur. Very enjoyable countryside although the West Coast Main Line is often close. Bridges 79 and 80 being repaired
and we decided to moor when we saw near perfect moooring stretch just beyond bridge 80. (Olney prison is just across the fields from here and the track bed of the Great Central railway runs close by). Once moored decided to polish the starboad side of the boat and managed this in the dry. Chap moored behind put an undercoat on one side of his boat at the same time. He was lucky it didn't rain although it did later in the evening.
Monday 17th Sept
Sunny start to the day so set off for short cruise into Rugby for a Tesco shopping trip and lunch by bridge 58. Then on another short cruise as far as Clifton Bridge 66 and moored by golf course. Took dogs a walk trying to pick up 'The Great Central Way' but turned back when path went through field of cows by the Avon. Eventually found that the path under the canal near where it crosses the Avon is a better bet. We will try that next time.
83 miles, 25 locks and 1 (short) tunnel from Aston Marina
Wednesday 19th Sept
Stayed put today. Bright and sunny at times but cool breeze and plenty of cloud about. Walked dogs along
towpath and tried to walk a little of the railway trackbed but only managed a short stretch used for farm access. Sat out in the sun for a while but cloud turned it a bit on the cool side and Bridie decided to get her jigsaw out.
Tuesday 18th Sept
Another bright sunny morning so onwards towards Braunston. Watered up below Hillmorton locks and then climbed the short hill of three locks. Although double locks here, only one in use for all three pairs and evidence that CRT are actively working on them. As we left top lock we had a brief but heavy squally shower and a boat travelling in the opposite direction unfurled his umbrella as we passed and it immediately blew inside out. Soon cleared and was pleasant cruising once more. The straight and wide sections of the Oxford are perfectly ok it is the bends, narrows and moorings where problems potentially occur. Very enjoyable countryside although the West Coast Main Line is often close. Bridges 79 and 80 being repaired
and we decided to moor when we saw near perfect moooring stretch just beyond bridge 80. (Olney prison is just across the fields from here and the track bed of the Great Central railway runs close by). Once moored decided to polish the starboad side of the boat and managed this in the dry. Chap moored behind put an undercoat on one side of his boat at the same time. He was lucky it didn't rain although it did later in the evening.
Monday 17th Sept
Sunny start to the day so set off for short cruise into Rugby for a Tesco shopping trip and lunch by bridge 58. Then on another short cruise as far as Clifton Bridge 66 and moored by golf course. Took dogs a walk trying to pick up 'The Great Central Way' but turned back when path went through field of cows by the Avon. Eventually found that the path under the canal near where it crosses the Avon is a better bet. We will try that next time.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sept 16th moored in Newbold on Avon on Oxford canal
75 miles and 22 locks from Aston Marina
Sunday 16th Sept
Up bright and early and off by ten! Started a bit grey but brightened up later. Soon aware that we were following other boats but no chance of catching up with the width so restricted, passing oncoming boats and moored ones was a slow process with the constant possibility of ending up in the reeds on the towpath side or trees on the offside. Only went as far as Newbold and moored about 1pm on the 14day moorings and again the width is so restricted two boats passing us in opposing directions is nigh on impossible. Went round the quarry walk with the dogs. this afternoon and Bridie went off to find local shop. This evening we had a shower or two but apart from getting dogs wet when out for last exercise it didn't bother us - best time to rain overnight.
Saturday 15th Sept
Another brighter day today and we went back to take a look at the Priory ruins
and Cathedral sites
before paying the Herbert Galleries a visit.
Found plenty of interest and we each filled in a voting slip for a painting exhibition. Back to the boat about 1pm we immediately made ready and set off but stopping almost immediately to water up.
Back five miles along the Coventry arm to Hawkesbury Junction where we turned right through Sutton Stop onto the Oxford canal. First few miles are a bit too close to the M6 to want to stop and moor up so we went as far as Ansty and with some difficulty found somewhere to moor without being half a mile from the towpath. How there can be so much difference between Coventry and Oxford canals is beyond me. I know they belonged to different companies and where built with different standards but they have both been under BW's care for the same length of time. Its as if BW had given up caring for the Oxford and haven't cut the trees or vegetation back for ages. I think the CRT directors should be made to hand over their cars and we should tow them on the back of a narrow boat round the system. When they get them back scratched and dented then they might understand what a crap job they do. Paying out money to have poems written, protecting the water voles, bashing Himalayan balsam, looking after the cyclists interests before boaters. What about putting a NAVIGABLE canal system first?
Friday 14th Sept
Not so warm today with a cool wind and we spent the day playing the holiday visitor in Coventry. Went to the Transport Museum this morning and walked our feet off seeing all the cycles, motor bikes and cars. Also saw Thrust2 and Thrust SSC with a brief go on the simulator seeing what it looked like from the 'cockpit' breaking the sound barrier. After lunch back on the boat we had another wander round the city, found we were too late to visit the Herbert Galleries and went for a quick Sainsburies shop instead.
75 miles and 22 locks from Aston Marina
Sunday 16th Sept
Up bright and early and off by ten! Started a bit grey but brightened up later. Soon aware that we were following other boats but no chance of catching up with the width so restricted, passing oncoming boats and moored ones was a slow process with the constant possibility of ending up in the reeds on the towpath side or trees on the offside. Only went as far as Newbold and moored about 1pm on the 14day moorings and again the width is so restricted two boats passing us in opposing directions is nigh on impossible. Went round the quarry walk with the dogs. this afternoon and Bridie went off to find local shop. This evening we had a shower or two but apart from getting dogs wet when out for last exercise it didn't bother us - best time to rain overnight.
Saturday 15th Sept
Another brighter day today and we went back to take a look at the Priory ruins
Friday 14th Sept
Not so warm today with a cool wind and we spent the day playing the holiday visitor in Coventry. Went to the Transport Museum this morning and walked our feet off seeing all the cycles, motor bikes and cars. Also saw Thrust2 and Thrust SSC with a brief go on the simulator seeing what it looked like from the 'cockpit' breaking the sound barrier. After lunch back on the boat we had another wander round the city, found we were too late to visit the Herbert Galleries and went for a quick Sainsburies shop instead.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Sept 13th moored in Coventry basin on Coventry canal
59 miles and 21 locks from Aston Marina
Thursday 13th Sept
Pleasant morning and we set off heading south through Hartshill reasonably early. The old maintenance yard is now empty with 'To Let' signs up.
As far as I can see it is yet another indication that CRT (nee BW) has no intention of maintaining the canal system in the way it used to be maintained with local people, local knowledge, local boats and equipment. From the historic point of view it is like the National Trust disposing of their stately homes and keeping the gardens, no intention of preserving the history or reason for the site. In reality it seems that maintenance of the navigable canal system is the last thing on their minds. Maintenance boats (the few that are left) are rarely seen in use and mostly seem to be abandoned full of litter and weeds.
On through and round Nuneaton, we were going to stop and explore the Griff arm with the dogs but a suitable mooring spot was somewhat lacking and two boats appeared just at the crucial moment so we pressed on pausing at Hawkesbury Junction to water up, empty loo and dispose of rubbish. Moved on along the Coventry canal arm and after another two hour cruise into the Coventry Basin. On the way we passed the Terrace of houses with weavers galleries (Cash's One Hundred).
by a statue of Brindley...
and outside the Coventry Telegraph offices.
Once moored up and we went for a walk with the dogs and after false start found Barrs Hill school where Bridie and her sister went to school. No longer same buildings (although it looks as if some old buidings were retained).
and no longer all girls. After returning to put dogs back on board we went for an explore of the city centre and to the cathedrals both old....
and new....
Here is a view of the glass front of the new cathedral reflecting the walls of the old and the second photo homes in on our reflection taking the photo!.
One spot we also went to find was the Registry office where Bridie and I were wed back in 1974.
There was someone dossing down for the night in the porch so we had a little difficulty getting the shot we wanted! After this we were feeling rather hungry and found that Thursday night was curry night in the Flying Standard (Wetherspoons black and white timbered pub seen here in background beyond Lady Godiva)...
where we had a very reasonably priced meal (drink included with my curry).
Wednesday 12th Sept
Bit of a grey start to the day and we chilled out. Took the dogs for a walk down the towpath to Hartshill yard and up the lane from bridge 31 into Hartshill. Had a couple of excursions onto sections of the Quarrymans walk by old quarries and through woodland by the old castle walls. Managed to get back to the boat without getting wet but it started to rain before we had finished lunch. The afternoon was fairly miserable weather wise and we stayed on board.
Tuesday 10th Sept
Plenty of boats moving this morning, especially as we unmoored ready to set off. We were following at least
two boats towards Bradley Green services where we watered up without much of a wait. Then on to the
Atherstone lock flight (eleven locks ahead of us today) had three boats ahead of us at the bottom lock. The
owner of 'Brown Trout' in front was single handing and informed us he had been in a road accident recently and was hobbling on a swollen ankle. When his turn to enter lock 11 came Bridie was on hand to assist and that is how it was until lock 6 when we stopped for lunch. Each lock we went through Bridie help him through as well although he generally had got into the lock before she was ready to assist. All would have been Ok but she got fed up with his miserable outlook on life, boating (which he only does to please his wife), his accident and his involvement in the Buckingham canal preservation scene. And there was no thank you for the help either! The weather improved as we climbed the flight although it was rather blustery. We stopped for lunch on hearing that there were delays at the second lock where they were clearing out a side pond and using the lock to fill the work boat with the mud. I used the time to finish polishing the port side. By the time we got to the top of the flight they had almost finished work for the day and were tidying up and we went straight through. We cruised on through Atherstone stopping for the night just after bridge 34.
59 miles and 21 locks from Aston Marina
Thursday 13th Sept
Pleasant morning and we set off heading south through Hartshill reasonably early. The old maintenance yard is now empty with 'To Let' signs up.
As far as I can see it is yet another indication that CRT (nee BW) has no intention of maintaining the canal system in the way it used to be maintained with local people, local knowledge, local boats and equipment. From the historic point of view it is like the National Trust disposing of their stately homes and keeping the gardens, no intention of preserving the history or reason for the site. In reality it seems that maintenance of the navigable canal system is the last thing on their minds. Maintenance boats (the few that are left) are rarely seen in use and mostly seem to be abandoned full of litter and weeds.On through and round Nuneaton, we were going to stop and explore the Griff arm with the dogs but a suitable mooring spot was somewhat lacking and two boats appeared just at the crucial moment so we pressed on pausing at Hawkesbury Junction to water up, empty loo and dispose of rubbish. Moved on along the Coventry canal arm and after another two hour cruise into the Coventry Basin. On the way we passed the Terrace of houses with weavers galleries (Cash's One Hundred).
Only three boats moored up so plenty of room and we moored in the arm nearest the city centre next to the warehouse.
Here is a view of the glass front of the new cathedral reflecting the walls of the old and the second photo homes in on our reflection taking the photo!.
Wednesday 12th Sept
Bit of a grey start to the day and we chilled out. Took the dogs for a walk down the towpath to Hartshill yard and up the lane from bridge 31 into Hartshill. Had a couple of excursions onto sections of the Quarrymans walk by old quarries and through woodland by the old castle walls. Managed to get back to the boat without getting wet but it started to rain before we had finished lunch. The afternoon was fairly miserable weather wise and we stayed on board.
Tuesday 10th Sept
Plenty of boats moving this morning, especially as we unmoored ready to set off. We were following at least
two boats towards Bradley Green services where we watered up without much of a wait. Then on to the
Atherstone lock flight (eleven locks ahead of us today) had three boats ahead of us at the bottom lock. The
owner of 'Brown Trout' in front was single handing and informed us he had been in a road accident recently and was hobbling on a swollen ankle. When his turn to enter lock 11 came Bridie was on hand to assist and that is how it was until lock 6 when we stopped for lunch. Each lock we went through Bridie help him through as well although he generally had got into the lock before she was ready to assist. All would have been Ok but she got fed up with his miserable outlook on life, boating (which he only does to please his wife), his accident and his involvement in the Buckingham canal preservation scene. And there was no thank you for the help either! The weather improved as we climbed the flight although it was rather blustery. We stopped for lunch on hearing that there were delays at the second lock where they were clearing out a side pond and using the lock to fill the work boat with the mud. I used the time to finish polishing the port side. By the time we got to the top of the flight they had almost finished work for the day and were tidying up and we went straight through. We cruised on through Atherstone stopping for the night just after bridge 34.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sept 10th moored near Grendon on Coventry Canal
38.5 miles and 10 locks from Aston Marina
Monday 10th Sept
Well the warm dry spell looks to be over the started grey with a threat of rain which took a while to actually
start. After several light showers it got heavier about lunch time. The afternoon dried up but there was a
blustery wind and continuing threat of rain. We moved off about 10:30 and only cruised about a mile into
Polesworth before stopping for a short explore and Co-op shopping trip. Polesworth has a few plus points
the Abbey Gatehouse being the major one but it is let down by all the 1960's buildings with flat roofs and the
boarded up windows (even on the old school which is a historic gem). Once back on board moved off again but only as far as Grendon or just short of. Decided weather not conducive to an enjoyable climb up Atherstone flight of locks. But then it might not be all week reading the paper, high winds and storms are forecast again. I camped here in my school days with Robert Johnston to do some trainspotting and seem to remember our church vicar (Rev Houghton) moved here in the 60's. Later this afternoon we walked the dogs up the towpath past Grendon dry dock to the services at Bradley Green. Walked along the lane towards Sheepy Magna and Sheepy Parva (B5000) as far as the lane to Grendon Church. It wasn't worth the effort of braving the oncoming traffic as the church was all locked up - even the main gate. Sign of the times, beware there is a thief about, trouble is we are made to feel unwelcome even daring to visit. Returned via Grendon Road towards Polesworth as far as the dry dock and back along the towpath.
Managed all this without getting wet which was a relief. Especially as the heavens opened not long after we got back.
Sunday 9th Sept
Set off from Hopwas just after 10. The local farmer here is rather anti social, not only having a very load
bird scarer going off at regular intervals (sends Mac in a lather hurtling back to the boat) but he has also
built a competitor for the great wall of China with his straw bales across two fields, even partially
castellated! I'll bet his neighbours really love him!
Had a very pleasant cruise through Fazeley and into Tamworth in bright sunshine. It was as warm a day as any this summer. Just had a brief stop at BW regional offices before the Junction to empty the loo and dispose of our rubbish. No problems or waiting to go up the two locks at Glascote and decide to carry on for a while with the weather so nice (had originally considered mooring to visit Tamworth). Eventually moored just beyond Alvecote Bridge over which a traction engine passed, just after we passed underneath and we were too late to get camera out. Took dogs a walk along towpath and round Alvecote pools and then after a cup of tea sitting out on the towpath I got the port side of boat washed down and half polished.
Saturday 8th Sept - To Hopwas on the Coventry Canal
We didn't really think ahead too far (it being Saturday and sunny) but set off for Fradley Jctn about 10:00. Another beautiful sunny day and three boats passed going in same direction as we unmoored the boat. When we finally arrived at Woodend lock we had to hover mid channel as boats seemed to be everywhere. We were about six boats down in the queue and there wasn't room for more than two boats to get on the lock landing at a time. So the morning slipped by and it was well after 1:30 when we finally got through the third lock and turned right onto the Coventry canal. After negotiating the swing bridge and waiting for a boat to exit the water point I got into difficulty trying to get my stern off the canal bottom on the wrong side. Didn't help that some bright spark was moored up having lunch on the water point although he did come to help with the rope! Once we had watered up (and without delay) we moved on, we had lunch on the move!
Cruised on, past Streethay, Huddlesford and Whittington eventually mooring at Hopwas just beyond the Tame Otter public house where we met Lynne, Audrey and Barry some years ago. After a brief dog walk we repaired to the Red Lion to sit and enjoy our refreshment by the side of the canal. Early evening and a boat and the butty Ilford
appeared and moored in front of us with the butty behind us.
38.5 miles and 10 locks from Aston Marina
Monday 10th Sept
Well the warm dry spell looks to be over the started grey with a threat of rain which took a while to actually
start. After several light showers it got heavier about lunch time. The afternoon dried up but there was a
blustery wind and continuing threat of rain. We moved off about 10:30 and only cruised about a mile into
Polesworth before stopping for a short explore and Co-op shopping trip. Polesworth has a few plus points
the Abbey Gatehouse being the major one but it is let down by all the 1960's buildings with flat roofs and the
boarded up windows (even on the old school which is a historic gem). Once back on board moved off again but only as far as Grendon or just short of. Decided weather not conducive to an enjoyable climb up Atherstone flight of locks. But then it might not be all week reading the paper, high winds and storms are forecast again. I camped here in my school days with Robert Johnston to do some trainspotting and seem to remember our church vicar (Rev Houghton) moved here in the 60's. Later this afternoon we walked the dogs up the towpath past Grendon dry dock to the services at Bradley Green. Walked along the lane towards Sheepy Magna and Sheepy Parva (B5000) as far as the lane to Grendon Church. It wasn't worth the effort of braving the oncoming traffic as the church was all locked up - even the main gate. Sign of the times, beware there is a thief about, trouble is we are made to feel unwelcome even daring to visit. Returned via Grendon Road towards Polesworth as far as the dry dock and back along the towpath.
Sunday 9th Sept
Set off from Hopwas just after 10. The local farmer here is rather anti social, not only having a very load
bird scarer going off at regular intervals (sends Mac in a lather hurtling back to the boat) but he has also
built a competitor for the great wall of China with his straw bales across two fields, even partially
castellated! I'll bet his neighbours really love him!
Had a very pleasant cruise through Fazeley and into Tamworth in bright sunshine. It was as warm a day as any this summer. Just had a brief stop at BW regional offices before the Junction to empty the loo and dispose of our rubbish. No problems or waiting to go up the two locks at Glascote and decide to carry on for a while with the weather so nice (had originally considered mooring to visit Tamworth). Eventually moored just beyond Alvecote Bridge over which a traction engine passed, just after we passed underneath and we were too late to get camera out. Took dogs a walk along towpath and round Alvecote pools and then after a cup of tea sitting out on the towpath I got the port side of boat washed down and half polished.
Saturday 8th Sept - To Hopwas on the Coventry Canal
We didn't really think ahead too far (it being Saturday and sunny) but set off for Fradley Jctn about 10:00. Another beautiful sunny day and three boats passed going in same direction as we unmoored the boat. When we finally arrived at Woodend lock we had to hover mid channel as boats seemed to be everywhere. We were about six boats down in the queue and there wasn't room for more than two boats to get on the lock landing at a time. So the morning slipped by and it was well after 1:30 when we finally got through the third lock and turned right onto the Coventry canal. After negotiating the swing bridge and waiting for a boat to exit the water point I got into difficulty trying to get my stern off the canal bottom on the wrong side. Didn't help that some bright spark was moored up having lunch on the water point although he did come to help with the rope! Once we had watered up (and without delay) we moved on, we had lunch on the move!
Cruised on, past Streethay, Huddlesford and Whittington eventually mooring at Hopwas just beyond the Tame Otter public house where we met Lynne, Audrey and Barry some years ago. After a brief dog walk we repaired to the Red Lion to sit and enjoy our refreshment by the side of the canal. Early evening and a boat and the butty Ilford
Sept 7th moored near King's Bromley on Trent & Mersey canal
18 miles, 5 locks from Aston Marina
Friday 7th Sept
Woke this morning (after waking up at 5:45 when the Webasto fired up - it should have been 7:45 but someone programmed it wrong!) to a glorious blue sky and the only white to be seen was the moon. Made a leisurly start and set off about 10:30 for Colwich lock. Again had to queue although only four boats ahead of us. Too many folks stay with their boats and do not rush forward to help (not even when it's their turn in some cases!)
really quite warm as we progressed through Wolseley and into Rugeley. We moored just before bridge 66 and headed off to Morrisons for a quick shop for provisions and beers. Back to the boat and pressed on with lunch as we headed towards Armitage, passed through Handsacre and the winding hole we turned at in July and headed on towards King's Bromley. We moored about half way between bridges 56 and 55 in a section we had noted when we were here walking the dogs from Handsacre. Spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sunshine on the towpath watching a steady procession of boats go by.
Thursday 6th Sept
Made ready to depart after breakfast stopping at the bridge for services and to fuel up with just short of eighty litres of diesel. Exited marina about 10:30 and enjoyed a pleasant cruise to Great Hayward (8+ miles and 4 locks south). Very sunny and just a slight breeze making it ideal cruising weather. Quite a few boats on the move and when we passed the Junction with the Staffs & Worcester canal and rounded the bend we had to join a short queue of boats for the lock. It took just over half an hour and involved us in hovering and hanging onto moored boats before we finally reached the lock landing and went through the lock. We moored up as planned with the River Trent and Shugborough Estate on our starboard side. After a late lunch and a snooze we took the dogs for a walk over the Trent into the Shugborough estate.
Wednesday 5th Sept
Spent the morning on the marina with a short shopping expedition in the farm shop and paid outstanding mooring fee etc. After a light lunch on board we took the dogs a walk along the towpath into Stone where we visited the Chandlery and purchased some LED light bulbs to try out on the boat. Returning along the towpath we stopped at the Star Inn for refreshent by the side of the lock. Took about thirty minutes from the marina into Stone. Would have been much quicker in the car but nowhere near as enjoyable as walking in the sunshine. Went to the marina Bistro for an evening meal tonight.
Tuesday 4th Sept
After four weeks trying to get garden sorted gave up and drove down the M6 to Aston by Stone in dry and generally sunny conditions. Unpacked the car and loaded the boat before taking the dogs for a walk along the towpath towards Sandon. Had a meal on board and enjoyed the sunset. Great to be back!
18 miles, 5 locks from Aston Marina
Friday 7th Sept
Woke this morning (after waking up at 5:45 when the Webasto fired up - it should have been 7:45 but someone programmed it wrong!) to a glorious blue sky and the only white to be seen was the moon. Made a leisurly start and set off about 10:30 for Colwich lock. Again had to queue although only four boats ahead of us. Too many folks stay with their boats and do not rush forward to help (not even when it's their turn in some cases!)
really quite warm as we progressed through Wolseley and into Rugeley. We moored just before bridge 66 and headed off to Morrisons for a quick shop for provisions and beers. Back to the boat and pressed on with lunch as we headed towards Armitage, passed through Handsacre and the winding hole we turned at in July and headed on towards King's Bromley. We moored about half way between bridges 56 and 55 in a section we had noted when we were here walking the dogs from Handsacre. Spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sunshine on the towpath watching a steady procession of boats go by.
Thursday 6th Sept
Made ready to depart after breakfast stopping at the bridge for services and to fuel up with just short of eighty litres of diesel. Exited marina about 10:30 and enjoyed a pleasant cruise to Great Hayward (8+ miles and 4 locks south). Very sunny and just a slight breeze making it ideal cruising weather. Quite a few boats on the move and when we passed the Junction with the Staffs & Worcester canal and rounded the bend we had to join a short queue of boats for the lock. It took just over half an hour and involved us in hovering and hanging onto moored boats before we finally reached the lock landing and went through the lock. We moored up as planned with the River Trent and Shugborough Estate on our starboard side. After a late lunch and a snooze we took the dogs for a walk over the Trent into the Shugborough estate.
Wednesday 5th Sept
Spent the morning on the marina with a short shopping expedition in the farm shop and paid outstanding mooring fee etc. After a light lunch on board we took the dogs a walk along the towpath into Stone where we visited the Chandlery and purchased some LED light bulbs to try out on the boat. Returning along the towpath we stopped at the Star Inn for refreshent by the side of the lock. Took about thirty minutes from the marina into Stone. Would have been much quicker in the car but nowhere near as enjoyable as walking in the sunshine. Went to the marina Bistro for an evening meal tonight.
Tuesday 4th Sept
After four weeks trying to get garden sorted gave up and drove down the M6 to Aston by Stone in dry and generally sunny conditions. Unpacked the car and loaded the boat before taking the dogs for a walk along the towpath towards Sandon. Had a meal on board and enjoyed the sunset. Great to be back!
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