Oct 29th moored at Aston Marina on the Trent & Mersey canal
255 miles, 94 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Monday 29th
A brighter start to the day today although it did rain overnight. We took dogs for last walk to Aston Lock and finished packing and tidying up before heading north. Cruise over for this year !
Sunday 28th - Aston Marina
Getting milder but wetter today. However didn't stop us packing, loading the car, and tidying the boat. Last meal on board tonight.
Saturday 27th - Aston Marina
A dry day today, but very cold with a frost when we woke this morning, also a day to remember as we drove down the M6/M5/M40 to Alvechurch for the official launch of nb Tuptonia. My sister Lynne has been involved in raising funds to build and replace the existing nb Tuptonia for the last ten years - see http://www.tuptonia.org.uk/. This is the day the new boat is to be officially launched.
We met up with family and friends at this launch and stayed on for a meal at The Weighbridge www.the-weighbridge.co.uk/
Friday 26th - Aston Marina
Bit windy overnight and rather cold, it had calmed down this morning and could see blue sky and sunshine but it was still rather cool. After breakfast combine and tractors arrived in field opposite to harvest crop and kicked up rather a lot of dust so we decided to move as soon as we were ready. Only about two miles to the marina and once we had turned to face the right way we enjoyed our last bit of cruising. At the entrance to the marina nb Invincible appeared to be trying to turn left into the marina and failed. He then reversed and stopped opposite the entrance until we gesticulated that we wanted to turn right. His second attempt was more successful but he had to use bowthrusters! I turned right into the entrance and followed only to find he wastotally blocking our path through the bridge hole to our mooring and the landing for diesel. I thought he was reversing onto a pontoon but it transpires he wanted diesel as well. By now the wind had pushed us against a pontoon and we scraped past him onto the diesel landing point. We were served first and moved onto our mooring, had coffee, took dogs a walk and went over to the office before Invicible had sorted themselves out. (I have painted over the scrapes already!)
Booked a table in the Bistro for tonight and took the dogs a walk across the marina to Aston Lock this afternoon but there is a decided chill in the air and it feels rather wintery with some menacing black clouds
about.
Thursday 25th - Sandon
Another dry day. Still rather grey and a bit colder but managed to finish the starboard side as planned. Bridie was busy sorting out cupboards, books, DVD's etc as well as preparing a lovely dinner for our last
night out on the system.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Oct 24th moored at Sandon on the Trent & Mersey canal
253 miles, 94 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Wednesday 24th - Sandon
Again not a very exciting day but mild enough and not too windy. Had a few light showers but managed to top coat the gunwhales, waistband and rubbing streaks on port side by about 3pm. At this point I moved the boat three boat lengths to the winding hole, turned and returned to same mooring and moored facing the lock. I had cut the grass along the length of Prairie Oyster to avoid it getting on my paint and it would have been silly to move along canal and then not find suitable mooring between here and the marina. Now managed to prep and undercoat front starboard side before light and another shower stopped play. While I have been doing this Bridie has also been busy preparing and starting packing ready for our return homeward bound next week.
Tuesday 23rd - Sandon
Bit of a misty grey day with slight showers. However managed to complete prepping and undercoating the port side before 1pm. Sue and Tony arrived a little after 1:15pm and we all went to the Hollybush Inn at Salt for lunch/dinner. Only about a mile down the lane from here but it is a bit narrow so we were glad of the lift in the car. Meals enjoyed by all and the Hollybush voted a success by Sue & Tony (it must be good!) Came back to the boat for coffee and to take the dogs (all 4) a walk up the towpath and then after feeding the dogs went off in the car to Stoke to the New Vic Theatre to see an Alan Ayckbourn play "Surprises" - see http://surprises.alanayckbourn.net/S_Reviews.htm Again much enjoyed by all so a great day out and something different for us.
Monday 22nd Oct - Sandon
Still raining this morning so I had a wet dog walk before breakfast down the National Trust path on the offside of canal below railway embankment. It was still very misty at normal set off time so we had another cup of coffee and waited until 11:30 before we ventured forth up the lock. The rain had eased by this time but it was still pretty grey. It never totally cleared but was pleasantly mild with no wind and we managed the four locks without getting wet (a bonus). We moored as planned just above Sandon Lock, in place to meet up with Bridies sister Sue for lunch tomorrow.
The last mile post we past before the lock said 49 miles to Preston Brook - not that we could get there on the T&M at present. My present screen saver on my laptop is a picture of the footpath up to bridge 211 (taken this summer) which we believe is where the T&M has breached. For the last 7 years this has been a favourite mooring spot of ours although we won't be passing for a while given our plans to keep the boat at Aston.
Sunday 21st Oct - Great Haywood
Overnight our sleep was disturbed by railway workers with chain saws (?). Stayed put again today it was a
lovely sunny warm day once the mist burnt off this morning. Prepped and undercoated front port side rubbing streaks today. Then went for a walk this afternoon with the dogs back to Little Hayward, just to investigate -2 pubs and a general store - but access lane very narrow under railway. Lovely evening until it startedraining late (after 9).
253 miles, 94 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Wednesday 24th - Sandon
Again not a very exciting day but mild enough and not too windy. Had a few light showers but managed to top coat the gunwhales, waistband and rubbing streaks on port side by about 3pm. At this point I moved the boat three boat lengths to the winding hole, turned and returned to same mooring and moored facing the lock. I had cut the grass along the length of Prairie Oyster to avoid it getting on my paint and it would have been silly to move along canal and then not find suitable mooring between here and the marina. Now managed to prep and undercoat front starboard side before light and another shower stopped play. While I have been doing this Bridie has also been busy preparing and starting packing ready for our return homeward bound next week.
Tuesday 23rd - Sandon
Bit of a misty grey day with slight showers. However managed to complete prepping and undercoating the port side before 1pm. Sue and Tony arrived a little after 1:15pm and we all went to the Hollybush Inn at Salt for lunch/dinner. Only about a mile down the lane from here but it is a bit narrow so we were glad of the lift in the car. Meals enjoyed by all and the Hollybush voted a success by Sue & Tony (it must be good!) Came back to the boat for coffee and to take the dogs (all 4) a walk up the towpath and then after feeding the dogs went off in the car to Stoke to the New Vic Theatre to see an Alan Ayckbourn play "Surprises" - see http://surprises.alanayckbourn.net/S_Reviews.htm Again much enjoyed by all so a great day out and something different for us.
Monday 22nd Oct - Sandon
Still raining this morning so I had a wet dog walk before breakfast down the National Trust path on the offside of canal below railway embankment. It was still very misty at normal set off time so we had another cup of coffee and waited until 11:30 before we ventured forth up the lock. The rain had eased by this time but it was still pretty grey. It never totally cleared but was pleasantly mild with no wind and we managed the four locks without getting wet (a bonus). We moored as planned just above Sandon Lock, in place to meet up with Bridies sister Sue for lunch tomorrow.
The last mile post we past before the lock said 49 miles to Preston Brook - not that we could get there on the T&M at present. My present screen saver on my laptop is a picture of the footpath up to bridge 211 (taken this summer) which we believe is where the T&M has breached. For the last 7 years this has been a favourite mooring spot of ours although we won't be passing for a while given our plans to keep the boat at Aston.
Sunday 21st Oct - Great Haywood
Overnight our sleep was disturbed by railway workers with chain saws (?). Stayed put again today it was a
lovely sunny warm day once the mist burnt off this morning. Prepped and undercoated front port side rubbing streaks today. Then went for a walk this afternoon with the dogs back to Little Hayward, just to investigate -2 pubs and a general store - but access lane very narrow under railway. Lovely evening until it startedraining late (after 9).
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Oct 20th moored by Shugborough Hall on the Trent & Mersey canal
247 miles, 90 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Saturday 20th Oct - Great Haywood
Stayed put today and visited Shugborough again. This time we went to the servants quarters, museum and farm estate and also walked through the arboretum as well as having lunch in the Ladies Walk restaurant. Today was a much better day, slowly drying out, with plenty of blue sky and sunshine although a little misty first thing and again in the evening. We have saw a hot air balloon (bearing the Audi logo and details) take off from the estate with a large basket full of passengers.
Friday 19th Oct - Great Haywood
Today was very misty and it never really improved, briefly brightened late afternoon but generally a very damp day. We moved on through Armitage and Rugely nine miles to Great Haywood with just the one lock at Colwich. The West coast main line has a junction here and the main line for Stafford bears to the left of the Shugborough estate with the line to Stoke keeping to the side of the canal through Great Haywood. When we were here in the 'summer' (I use the word loosely) and there were lots of specials using this line for the Olympics and it was very busy but it is now back how we remember it with only about four trains an hour.
Surprise, surprise there was only one other boat moored on our favourite mooring spot (over twenty moored here last time we were here). Three more did tie up later in the afternoon.
Thursday 18th Oct - near Handsacre bridge 56
Set off about 10:15 after another wet night slowed before first bridge to get picture of a class 70 slowly
trundling out of Burton-on-Trent. On past Streethay Wharf and alongside the noisy A38 (Ryknield Street) and then back into the rural peace to enjoy the sunshine and colour of the trees. Autumn is starting to make its presence felt but as yet trees are mainly very green, recent winds have certainly torn a lot of leaves and the canal has plenty of them floating about ready to catch on the prop. Reverse thrust needed more often these days. Soon at Fradley Junction and moored to take on more water. I like to keep the tanks full, never sure if there isn't going to be a delay somewhere unexpectedly. Turned left at the junction and then up through the three locks without any problems or delay. Not like the delays we suffered on the way out, but then it was a Saturday. As we left Kings Bromley the sky was filling with cloud and the sun was no longer with us. and at
bridge 56 the heavens opened and we decided it was time for a late lunch and moored up. That was it for today more showers this afternoon and evening although we did manage a short circuit of Handsacre with the dogs to get some more milk. Quite peaceful here apart from the regular roar of the West Coast main line which is only a field or two away. Difficult to get away from it as canal and railway follow the same course pretty consistently.
Wednesday 17th Oct - near Streethay
We left Grendon in sunshine about 10:15 after another wet night and cruised through Polesworth. Not many boats on the move but we passed two hotel boats near Pooley Hall. As we approached Tamworth we stopped by bridge 67 for Bridie to go for provisions at the shops in Amington. Although fairly calm so far the wind got up a bit as we descended the Glascote locks after watering up above the first of the two locks. Had thought we might tie up at Hopwas but the farmer still had his bird scarer banging away and Mac took fright - what lucky residents of Hopwas they are - we moved on. The moorings at Huddlesford were busy and didn't appeal - those before the railway bridge suffered a terrible pong from a local farm, there was space (!) and those after the bridge were full. On another bridge hole away from the Trent valley main line and moored by the new marina just before Streethay - looks like they have run out of money - no equipment about and only half completed but very deep? Once moored we did not have to wait long for rain to arrive. The towpaths are pretty wrecked and very dependant on what they are made from as to how muddy they are and it is getting deppressingly difficult to take the dogs for a decent walk without ending up covered in mud.
247 miles, 90 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Saturday 20th Oct - Great Haywood
Stayed put today and visited Shugborough again. This time we went to the servants quarters, museum and farm estate and also walked through the arboretum as well as having lunch in the Ladies Walk restaurant. Today was a much better day, slowly drying out, with plenty of blue sky and sunshine although a little misty first thing and again in the evening. We have saw a hot air balloon (bearing the Audi logo and details) take off from the estate with a large basket full of passengers.
Friday 19th Oct - Great Haywood
Today was very misty and it never really improved, briefly brightened late afternoon but generally a very damp day. We moved on through Armitage and Rugely nine miles to Great Haywood with just the one lock at Colwich. The West coast main line has a junction here and the main line for Stafford bears to the left of the Shugborough estate with the line to Stoke keeping to the side of the canal through Great Haywood. When we were here in the 'summer' (I use the word loosely) and there were lots of specials using this line for the Olympics and it was very busy but it is now back how we remember it with only about four trains an hour.
Surprise, surprise there was only one other boat moored on our favourite mooring spot (over twenty moored here last time we were here). Three more did tie up later in the afternoon.
Thursday 18th Oct - near Handsacre bridge 56
Set off about 10:15 after another wet night slowed before first bridge to get picture of a class 70 slowly
trundling out of Burton-on-Trent. On past Streethay Wharf and alongside the noisy A38 (Ryknield Street) and then back into the rural peace to enjoy the sunshine and colour of the trees. Autumn is starting to make its presence felt but as yet trees are mainly very green, recent winds have certainly torn a lot of leaves and the canal has plenty of them floating about ready to catch on the prop. Reverse thrust needed more often these days. Soon at Fradley Junction and moored to take on more water. I like to keep the tanks full, never sure if there isn't going to be a delay somewhere unexpectedly. Turned left at the junction and then up through the three locks without any problems or delay. Not like the delays we suffered on the way out, but then it was a Saturday. As we left Kings Bromley the sky was filling with cloud and the sun was no longer with us. and at
bridge 56 the heavens opened and we decided it was time for a late lunch and moored up. That was it for today more showers this afternoon and evening although we did manage a short circuit of Handsacre with the dogs to get some more milk. Quite peaceful here apart from the regular roar of the West Coast main line which is only a field or two away. Difficult to get away from it as canal and railway follow the same course pretty consistently.
Wednesday 17th Oct - near Streethay
We left Grendon in sunshine about 10:15 after another wet night and cruised through Polesworth. Not many boats on the move but we passed two hotel boats near Pooley Hall. As we approached Tamworth we stopped by bridge 67 for Bridie to go for provisions at the shops in Amington. Although fairly calm so far the wind got up a bit as we descended the Glascote locks after watering up above the first of the two locks. Had thought we might tie up at Hopwas but the farmer still had his bird scarer banging away and Mac took fright - what lucky residents of Hopwas they are - we moved on. The moorings at Huddlesford were busy and didn't appeal - those before the railway bridge suffered a terrible pong from a local farm, there was space (!) and those after the bridge were full. On another bridge hole away from the Trent valley main line and moored by the new marina just before Streethay - looks like they have run out of money - no equipment about and only half completed but very deep? Once moored we did not have to wait long for rain to arrive. The towpaths are pretty wrecked and very dependant on what they are made from as to how muddy they are and it is getting deppressingly difficult to take the dogs for a decent walk without ending up covered in mud.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Oct 16th moored near Grendon on the Coventry canal
216 miles, 84 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Tuesday 16th Oct - near Grendon
Gale blew up during the night and we rocked rather a lot - had to go out and loosen ropes to stop creaking and tighten the cratch covers to reduce flapping noises in the wind. decided we would stay put for the day despite bright sunshine, as it was still blowing a gale and there were waves on the Pleasant day doing very little just chilling out.
Monday 15th Oct - near Grendon
Left Hartshill about 10am and headed for Atherstone in sunshine but with a cool breeze. Moored up near the top of the lock flight and went for a Co-op shop in Atherstone. Had a sandwich for lunch and then made use of the services at the top lock before descending the flight of eleven locks. Bridie was busy setting up the locks as usual.
The weather was slowly deteriorating and we had some light showers as we reached the bottom locks. Not many boats on the move today. Once through the flight we headed for same mooring near Grendon that we last used on Sept 10th. Both quite worn after working through the locks.
Sunday 14th Oct - near Hartshill
Yesterdays rain froze on the boat overnight and we woke to a sharp frost, even had to break the ice to get into the coal box on the roof this morning. Set off in sunshine but no warmth in it to start with. Headed down last four miles of the Ashby canal to Marston Jctn
where we joined the Coventry canal turning right for Nuneaton and on through to Hartshill where we watered up at the old maintenance depot
now looking sadly neglected. Then on through next couple of bridges to moor up near the bend by bridge 34 as we did back in September.
Saturday 13th Oct - Hinkley
Had a busy morning moving just four miles to Hinkley. Called in at the Ashby Boat Centre just after 10am for 91 litres of fuel, a gas bottle and bag of coal. Then moved a short distance to bridge 23 for Bridie to visit the farm shop again. Not an especially bright day but we stayed dry while moving. Unable to moor by the Trinity marina and Pub we moved on through bridge 17 and moored just before next bend. My sister and cousins arrived shortly after mooring up. Lunched on board and then set off for a walk along the Coventry Road into town. Road works in evidence and traffic much reduced so not a too unpleasant walk but after a wander up Castle Street shops rain clouds appeared. We took shelter in the new bandstand listening to the piped music and watched the clouds pass by. Thinking we had missed the worst we set off only for it to hail on us and had to shelter again this time under some scaffolding. Then back down the Coventry Road getting soaked in the process. Back on the boat we did our best to dry out before tackling the sodden towpath back to the pub at the marina for an evening meal and to meet up with Jo.
216 miles, 84 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Tuesday 16th Oct - near Grendon
Gale blew up during the night and we rocked rather a lot - had to go out and loosen ropes to stop creaking and tighten the cratch covers to reduce flapping noises in the wind. decided we would stay put for the day despite bright sunshine, as it was still blowing a gale and there were waves on the Pleasant day doing very little just chilling out.
Monday 15th Oct - near Grendon
Left Hartshill about 10am and headed for Atherstone in sunshine but with a cool breeze. Moored up near the top of the lock flight and went for a Co-op shop in Atherstone. Had a sandwich for lunch and then made use of the services at the top lock before descending the flight of eleven locks. Bridie was busy setting up the locks as usual.
Sunday 14th Oct - near Hartshill
Yesterdays rain froze on the boat overnight and we woke to a sharp frost, even had to break the ice to get into the coal box on the roof this morning. Set off in sunshine but no warmth in it to start with. Headed down last four miles of the Ashby canal to Marston Jctn
Saturday 13th Oct - Hinkley
Had a busy morning moving just four miles to Hinkley. Called in at the Ashby Boat Centre just after 10am for 91 litres of fuel, a gas bottle and bag of coal. Then moved a short distance to bridge 23 for Bridie to visit the farm shop again. Not an especially bright day but we stayed dry while moving. Unable to moor by the Trinity marina and Pub we moved on through bridge 17 and moored just before next bend. My sister and cousins arrived shortly after mooring up. Lunched on board and then set off for a walk along the Coventry Road into town. Road works in evidence and traffic much reduced so not a too unpleasant walk but after a wander up Castle Street shops rain clouds appeared. We took shelter in the new bandstand listening to the piped music and watched the clouds pass by. Thinking we had missed the worst we set off only for it to hail on us and had to shelter again this time under some scaffolding. Then back down the Coventry Road getting soaked in the process. Back on the boat we did our best to dry out before tackling the sodden towpath back to the pub at the marina for an evening meal and to meet up with Jo.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Oct 12th moored at Stoke Golding on the Ashby canal
196 miles, 73 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Friday 12th Oct - Stoke Golding
Day started rather bright and sunny with a cool breeze and we decided to move the boat forward onto the water point before breakfast as it was vacant and then moved forward onto the 24hr mooring in front of the cafe car park. After breakfast wed decided to redo last nights walk to be able to see the views in rather better conditions and take some photo's
although we came back through Ambion Woods rather than down the muddy towpath.
Then a short hop today down two miles to Stoke Golding. This time we moored on the 48hr mooring by the layby on the lane to Dadlington. Went for a circuit to visit local shop and post office and the back via the Ashby boating Centre and towpath. About 5pm we walked round to John and Sue's new house for dinner.
Rather taken with the property which has excellent views (including canal) and put in an offer which wasn't accepted!
Thursday 11th Oct - Sutton Cheney
Moved on today six miles down the Ashby to the offside 48hr mooring on the decking at Sutton Cheney. It was a rather grey day although it appeared to be brightening as we watered up at Bosworth Wharf. However shortly after we moored the heavens opened and we spent the afternoon watching the rain come down. It did stop about 5pm and we went for a circuit through Ambion Woods to Bosworth field down to Shenton Station
and along the railway track bed to the canal and back down a rather muddy towpath.
Wednesday 10th Oct - Congerstone
We got up rather later this morning it is so lovely and peaceful here and it was nearly 10am before first boat movements started. The cormorant was back fishing around and under the boat this morning.
I
took our rubbish to the bins
and noted that the Ashby Canal Association
portacabin was open and returned with Bridie to purchase a few items in
aid of their funds including a canal picture. We moved off just after
the hire boat "Sutton" turned and returned southwards without stopping.
Not long after passing through the tunnel
we caught up with it going rather slowly
and were soon caught up ourselves by another boat. Before Shakerstone we both found enough room to pass and he reckoned he was unable to exceed 2.6 mph according to his GPS. We had been following on tickover and having to coast at times!
We moored up at Shackerstone and went to visit the Battlefield railway station and Victorian Refreshment rooms for lunch.
Went in on the access track to the Railway Station house but returned using the railways road exit, which uses the Ashby & Nuneaton Joint railway track bed. We were lucky someone arriving by car opened the gates as we were locked in. Circuited the village and returned to PO, quickly moving on to Congerstone near bridge 49 for the night. Took dogs for a another curcuit this time to see Congerstone. Not much to see though there is a pub, but it wasn't open. Very quiet and not much traffic for a change.
196 miles, 73 locks, 2 short tunnels (twice each) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Friday 12th Oct - Stoke Golding
Day started rather bright and sunny with a cool breeze and we decided to move the boat forward onto the water point before breakfast as it was vacant and then moved forward onto the 24hr mooring in front of the cafe car park. After breakfast wed decided to redo last nights walk to be able to see the views in rather better conditions and take some photo's
Thursday 11th Oct - Sutton Cheney
Moved on today six miles down the Ashby to the offside 48hr mooring on the decking at Sutton Cheney. It was a rather grey day although it appeared to be brightening as we watered up at Bosworth Wharf. However shortly after we moored the heavens opened and we spent the afternoon watching the rain come down. It did stop about 5pm and we went for a circuit through Ambion Woods to Bosworth field down to Shenton Station
Wednesday 10th Oct - Congerstone
We got up rather later this morning it is so lovely and peaceful here and it was nearly 10am before first boat movements started. The cormorant was back fishing around and under the boat this morning.
We moored up at Shackerstone and went to visit the Battlefield railway station and Victorian Refreshment rooms for lunch.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Oct 9th moored at the end of navigation on the Ashby canal
183 miles, 73 locks, 2 (short) tunnels (1 twice) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Tuesday 9th Oct - Snarestone
This morning we again had a touch of mist but it was soon a glorious sunny day and remained so all day. Bridied offered a cooked breakfast as an option (not our usual way of starting the day) and it didn't delay us as we were off before 10:30 again. Certainly kept us going as we never stopped for lunch, only watering up at Sutton Cheney, and just enjoyed the great cruising weather and glorious Leicestershire countryside. We did notice a smell of gas today as we were cruising along, investigation proved it was coming from the gas locker so I turned the gas off for a while. Then when we came to brew up and turned it back on the gas bottle actually ran out so I guess that was why it was smelling? Certainly once we switched over to the new bottle it was ok.
We eventually arrived at Snarestone about 4pm, passed through the 250yd tunnel and turned in the final winding hole to moor facing bridge 61. As we passed between bridges 60 and 61 a cormorant was showing off diving by the stern of the boat and reappearing at the front, repeating several times between the two bridges. Each time his progress was just visible by a small trail of bubbles rising to the surface and Bridie tried hard to get a picture but he never stayed still on the surface for long enough. Once moored up we took a walk (again had to leave Mac as there was shooting near by) to see recent progress at the terminus with a short new section of the canal now open and signs of work going on ahead (but too muddy to explore without serious footwear).
Monday 8th Oct - Stoke Golding
Again a misty start to the day but this time it did not burn off and as we set off it was rather grey. Steady
progress towards Hinkley not far behind a workboat that passed as we were preparing to set off. He pulled over just before Hinkley Wharf and we passed him. We stopped at Trinity marina to get some milk and it started to rain while we were moored up. Never actually came to much but it kept spitting until we got to Stoke Golding and moored just before bridge 25. Got in touch with friends John and Sue, newly resident in Stoke Golding, and Bridie visited the farm shop at the bridge and prepared dinner. They arrived about 7pm after work and we had a pleasant evening catching up with their news.
Sunday 7th October - Burton Hastings
Stayed put today the weather was glorious (cannot remember a day in June the could compare). It was a little misty to start with but that soon burnt off and it was warm enough to sit out without a shirt on. Almost no wind either and stayed like it all day. We went for a walk with Mabel this afternoon (left Mac because he gets so distressed if there is any gun fire and it was so warm). Took a look at the church and went down a green lane back over the canal and across fields in a circuit which Mabel really enjoyed. She was hurtling through the long grasses and racing back to us enjoying being off the lead for a change.
183 miles, 73 locks, 2 (short) tunnels (1 twice) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Tuesday 9th Oct - Snarestone
This morning we again had a touch of mist but it was soon a glorious sunny day and remained so all day. Bridied offered a cooked breakfast as an option (not our usual way of starting the day) and it didn't delay us as we were off before 10:30 again. Certainly kept us going as we never stopped for lunch, only watering up at Sutton Cheney, and just enjoyed the great cruising weather and glorious Leicestershire countryside. We did notice a smell of gas today as we were cruising along, investigation proved it was coming from the gas locker so I turned the gas off for a while. Then when we came to brew up and turned it back on the gas bottle actually ran out so I guess that was why it was smelling? Certainly once we switched over to the new bottle it was ok.
We eventually arrived at Snarestone about 4pm, passed through the 250yd tunnel and turned in the final winding hole to moor facing bridge 61. As we passed between bridges 60 and 61 a cormorant was showing off diving by the stern of the boat and reappearing at the front, repeating several times between the two bridges. Each time his progress was just visible by a small trail of bubbles rising to the surface and Bridie tried hard to get a picture but he never stayed still on the surface for long enough. Once moored up we took a walk (again had to leave Mac as there was shooting near by) to see recent progress at the terminus with a short new section of the canal now open and signs of work going on ahead (but too muddy to explore without serious footwear).
Monday 8th Oct - Stoke Golding
Again a misty start to the day but this time it did not burn off and as we set off it was rather grey. Steady
progress towards Hinkley not far behind a workboat that passed as we were preparing to set off. He pulled over just before Hinkley Wharf and we passed him. We stopped at Trinity marina to get some milk and it started to rain while we were moored up. Never actually came to much but it kept spitting until we got to Stoke Golding and moored just before bridge 25. Got in touch with friends John and Sue, newly resident in Stoke Golding, and Bridie visited the farm shop at the bridge and prepared dinner. They arrived about 7pm after work and we had a pleasant evening catching up with their news.
Sunday 7th October - Burton Hastings
Stayed put today the weather was glorious (cannot remember a day in June the could compare). It was a little misty to start with but that soon burnt off and it was warm enough to sit out without a shirt on. Almost no wind either and stayed like it all day. We went for a walk with Mabel this afternoon (left Mac because he gets so distressed if there is any gun fire and it was so warm). Took a look at the church and went down a green lane back over the canal and across fields in a circuit which Mabel really enjoyed. She was hurtling through the long grasses and racing back to us enjoying being off the lead for a change.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Oct 6th moored near Burton Hastings on Ashby canal
164 miles, 73 locks, 1 short tunnel (twice) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Saturday 6th Oct - Burton Hastings
Beautiful sunny day today after the heavy overnight rain. Set off for final length of North Oxford canal this
morning arriving at Sutton Stop Hawkesbury Junction about 1pm. A first this morning, just before bridge 5 we came across a farmer using the towpath to move his sheep back to a trailer waiting at bridge 6. I felt a bit sorry for his sheep, I am sure their field wasn't as muddy as the towpath!
Looking at the photo's rather wonder if C&RT shouldn't consider using sheep for towpath maintenance?
Watered up and used services by the Stop lock before going through the lock and turning right at the junction, and mooring up for lunch at first available spot. We walked back to the Greyhound and sat outside enjoying the sunshine with the dogs while we had lunch and liquid refreshment! Only a couple of boats passed during the time we were sat at the juntion and one boat turned to go back to Coventry. Then replete, we went back to the boat to cruise the short stretch of Coventry canal to Marston Junction where we turned right onto the Ashby. Still a lovely evening as we found a mooring about two miles down the canal just short of Burton Hastings. Watched a kingfisher fishing as we moored up for the night.
It was very noticeable once we had left the Oxford and reached the Coventry canal how much better maintained the towpaths are.
Friday 5th Oct - Brinklow
Up and away by about 10am. A rather depressing grey day but the overnight rain has stopped and we are dry. Just a short cruise into Rugby and stop by bridge 58 for a Tesco shop. Then resumed trip as far as Brinklow where we stopped for a late lunch and decided to stay. Attempted a walk into Brinklow with the dogs. But first the towpath was a quagmire by bridge 34 with overhanging branches making it difficult to progress without slipping in the mud then Mac had one of his panic attacks because someone was shooting nearby (plus the traffic was fairly horrendous), so we retreated! Rained heavily again this evening and overnight.
164 miles, 73 locks, 1 short tunnel (twice) and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Saturday 6th Oct - Burton Hastings
Beautiful sunny day today after the heavy overnight rain. Set off for final length of North Oxford canal this
morning arriving at Sutton Stop Hawkesbury Junction about 1pm. A first this morning, just before bridge 5 we came across a farmer using the towpath to move his sheep back to a trailer waiting at bridge 6. I felt a bit sorry for his sheep, I am sure their field wasn't as muddy as the towpath!
Looking at the photo's rather wonder if C&RT shouldn't consider using sheep for towpath maintenance?
Watered up and used services by the Stop lock before going through the lock and turning right at the junction, and mooring up for lunch at first available spot. We walked back to the Greyhound and sat outside enjoying the sunshine with the dogs while we had lunch and liquid refreshment! Only a couple of boats passed during the time we were sat at the juntion and one boat turned to go back to Coventry. Then replete, we went back to the boat to cruise the short stretch of Coventry canal to Marston Junction where we turned right onto the Ashby. Still a lovely evening as we found a mooring about two miles down the canal just short of Burton Hastings. Watched a kingfisher fishing as we moored up for the night.
It was very noticeable once we had left the Oxford and reached the Coventry canal how much better maintained the towpaths are.
Friday 5th Oct - Brinklow
Up and away by about 10am. A rather depressing grey day but the overnight rain has stopped and we are dry. Just a short cruise into Rugby and stop by bridge 58 for a Tesco shop. Then resumed trip as far as Brinklow where we stopped for a late lunch and decided to stay. Attempted a walk into Brinklow with the dogs. But first the towpath was a quagmire by bridge 34 with overhanging branches making it difficult to progress without slipping in the mud then Mac had one of his panic attacks because someone was shooting nearby (plus the traffic was fairly horrendous), so we retreated! Rained heavily again this evening and overnight.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Oct 4th moored at Clifton Bridge 68 on North Oxford canal
146 miles, 72 locks, 1 (short) tunnel and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Thursday 4th Oct - near Clifton Cruisers
Another dry day although a bit cool and damp to start with. Managed to get through the lock, water up, dispose of rubbish, empty loo and Bridie went to village store, but still underway by 10:30. Progressed round Napton Hill (still never visted the windmill) and on to Napton Junction without seeing any boats moving but then as we headed towards Braunston traffic got heavier and we had passed about 10 boats, including a widebeam hotel boat on a blind bend, before we got to Braunston Junction.
Here I manage to scrape against a moored boat after managing to avoid boat moored opposite on the water point at an angle. All very narrow, on a bend and at tick over speed but embarrasing none the less!
We carried on with day warming and mostly sunny although plenty of cloud about. Eventually down the three
lock pairs at Hillmorton. All locks now in use (the ones on the north side were out of action and being worked on when we passed this way a few days ago).
Finally moored up about 4pm before Rugby and other side of bridge 68 to where we moored on the way out.
Wednesday 3rd Oct - Napton
Lynne left us this morning heading homewards and we made a reasonable start up last two locks and along the summit pound. It was a great cruising day with lots of sunshine. Cloud slowly built up and it was a little breezy at times. Moored just after bridge 30 again but only for an hour to have lunch and collect some black berries. Then onwards to Marston Doles. Slightly slower progess as a boat passed us as we were getting ready to depart and we found that even on tickover we kept catching up. We left them to go ahead at top lock while we topped up water then aware of black clouds looming we started down the locks. Looked like we were going to get really wet for a while but we were right on the edge of the cloud and it passed without us getting drowned. Made steady progress down the flight only passing 1 boat on the way, in fact we have hardly seen much traffic at all today. Made a mistake at last lock but one and left paddle up behind us (getting tired) so decided to moor up just before Folly Pie pub above the last lock. Better view from here anyway.
146 miles, 72 locks, 1 (short) tunnel and 2 lift bridges from Aston Marina
Thursday 4th Oct - near Clifton Cruisers
Another dry day although a bit cool and damp to start with. Managed to get through the lock, water up, dispose of rubbish, empty loo and Bridie went to village store, but still underway by 10:30. Progressed round Napton Hill (still never visted the windmill) and on to Napton Junction without seeing any boats moving but then as we headed towards Braunston traffic got heavier and we had passed about 10 boats, including a widebeam hotel boat on a blind bend, before we got to Braunston Junction.
Here I manage to scrape against a moored boat after managing to avoid boat moored opposite on the water point at an angle. All very narrow, on a bend and at tick over speed but embarrasing none the less!
We carried on with day warming and mostly sunny although plenty of cloud about. Eventually down the three
lock pairs at Hillmorton. All locks now in use (the ones on the north side were out of action and being worked on when we passed this way a few days ago).
Finally moored up about 4pm before Rugby and other side of bridge 68 to where we moored on the way out.
Wednesday 3rd Oct - Napton
Lynne left us this morning heading homewards and we made a reasonable start up last two locks and along the summit pound. It was a great cruising day with lots of sunshine. Cloud slowly built up and it was a little breezy at times. Moored just after bridge 30 again but only for an hour to have lunch and collect some black berries. Then onwards to Marston Doles. Slightly slower progess as a boat passed us as we were getting ready to depart and we found that even on tickover we kept catching up. We left them to go ahead at top lock while we topped up water then aware of black clouds looming we started down the locks. Looked like we were going to get really wet for a while but we were right on the edge of the cloud and it passed without us getting drowned. Made steady progress down the flight only passing 1 boat on the way, in fact we have hardly seen much traffic at all today. Made a mistake at last lock but one and left paddle up behind us (getting tired) so decided to moor up just before Folly Pie pub above the last lock. Better view from here anyway.
Oct 1st moored at Banbury on Oxford canal
113 miles, 48 locks, 1 (short) tunnel and 2 lift bridges (same one twice!) from Aston Marina
Monday 1st Oct - Banbury - Castle Quay
Went on a shopping trip round Castle Quay and the Town Centre this morning and also visited the Museum near to Tooleys boat yard. This afternoon moved the boat through the lift bridge and lock in the town centre. Stopped by the bus station to top up water and cruised the short distance to the winding hole at Calthorpe. By this time it was raining rather heavily. Met a boat coming in opposite direction and almost missed winding hole obscured by trees.
Turned and returned via lock and lift bridge into the town centre this time mooring between road bridge and
Castle Quay footbridge. Went out this evening and had a drink and meal at the Reine Deer Inn, oldest pub in Banbury. Excellent atmosphere and meal. Afterwards we were shown the Globe room where Cromwell is reputed to have had meetings with his officers.
Sunday 30th Sept - Banbury
Moved down Cropredy lock this morning and picked up my sister Lynne by the Spa shop then moved onto the services to fill up the water etc. Had a reasonably pleasant cruise into Banbury and moored just before Castle Quay by the park. Took the dogs for a walk round Banbury, being Sunday afternoon every thing was rather quiet. Returned to the boat via the park and River Cherwell and had evening meal on board.
Lynne had brought the LED lights with her that we ordered from Bedazzled on the web. Spent some time installing these nd we now have kitchen, bathroom and dining/lounge area all with LED lighting. Amazingly they are brighter than what we had and should use a lot less power so we anticipate being able to be less frugal with our lighting.
113 miles, 48 locks, 1 (short) tunnel and 2 lift bridges (same one twice!) from Aston Marina
Monday 1st Oct - Banbury - Castle Quay
Went on a shopping trip round Castle Quay and the Town Centre this morning and also visited the Museum near to Tooleys boat yard. This afternoon moved the boat through the lift bridge and lock in the town centre. Stopped by the bus station to top up water and cruised the short distance to the winding hole at Calthorpe. By this time it was raining rather heavily. Met a boat coming in opposite direction and almost missed winding hole obscured by trees.
Turned and returned via lock and lift bridge into the town centre this time mooring between road bridge and
Castle Quay footbridge. Went out this evening and had a drink and meal at the Reine Deer Inn, oldest pub in Banbury. Excellent atmosphere and meal. Afterwards we were shown the Globe room where Cromwell is reputed to have had meetings with his officers.
Sunday 30th Sept - Banbury
Moved down Cropredy lock this morning and picked up my sister Lynne by the Spa shop then moved onto the services to fill up the water etc. Had a reasonably pleasant cruise into Banbury and moored just before Castle Quay by the park. Took the dogs for a walk round Banbury, being Sunday afternoon every thing was rather quiet. Returned to the boat via the park and River Cherwell and had evening meal on board.
Lynne had brought the LED lights with her that we ordered from Bedazzled on the web. Spent some time installing these nd we now have kitchen, bathroom and dining/lounge area all with LED lighting. Amazingly they are brighter than what we had and should use a lot less power so we anticipate being able to be less frugal with our lighting.
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