Chris and Mary take charge

Moved boat up to junction - nice and sunny now! Enjoyed a lovely weekend here - amazingly on two walks to Tixall did not meet any boaters I knew but did gain some info on Fettlers Wharf Marina on Rufford Canal. Also met few around me - including a lady I knew from Devizes whilst sitting on the junction wall eating ices from the Ice Cream boat - it is such a small world when boating!

On Tuesday Chris and Mary arrived to take the boat through Stone and up to Caldon Canal whilst I drove their car to sort out my house prior to selling. Decided I would rather a house near some of the grandchildren, rather than none of them!

I rejoined the boat on Wednesday eve - now at Milton. We had a lovely trip up Caldon and Leek (poor C&M had done the worst bit at the bottom, facing stone throwing children hiding from the now present BW staff). Alas not enough time to do more than brief exploring although had a lovely day in Leek - despite TIC saying there was nothing to see!

Made our way to moor nr Cheddleston station - very entertaining, then another night at Consall Forge after turning at Froghall - such a shame so few boats can get through tunnel and enjoy the lovely moorings in basin. Moored last night just before Milton and made a 7.30 start next day to get to Etruria before the troublesome kids get out of bed!

Moored overnight at Heritage Narrowboats Marina at Kent Green. In am I hired car, we collected C&M's from Caldon and we then set off in opp. directions - me to help Lesley and Phil move house with baby Louise - a very busy time!!

Moving on to Alrewas then Great Heywood

Went on through the now in use flood lock to the Derwent Crossing, flow rather fast, and soon entered Derwent Mouth Lock. Here lent lockies my Seasearcher magnet (they already had 2 in use) so that they could retrieve a piece of lock mechanism without closing the canal!

Moored 2 days in Shardlow, miserable rain, and had an unsuccessful gear box oil change - seems from the local expert and RCR my gearbox has had it and needs replacing - thank you PRM, this is my second new one in 3 years, or will be if it can be obtained!

Moved on to Willington where I was joined by daughter Lesley, husband Phil and 3 1/2 month Louise - her first trip on the boat. We went on in frequent showers to spend the night at Branston Water Park. In the afternoon Phil walked to get bus to retrieve car - got a real soaking in heavy rain. The next day we continued in lovely weather to Alrewas - where they left me in pm to wait for next crew!

On Wednesday 5 August I was joined by Les and Kathy (former boaters from All Seasons who I had first met on Thames in 07 and then on Great Ouse in 08. That afternoon we travelled to Fradley, then the next day after stocking up in Rugeley to Wolseley Bridge - where we were actually able to have a BBQ with Alrewas sausages - 3 types! After visiting Wolseley Centre - Wildlife Trust garden, we set off for Great Haywood. We had a lovely meal in Clifford Arms before Les and Kath set off home.

Computers! - great when they are working

Back to the blog at last! On 26th July I intended to download all my photos from our Lincoln trip - but the computer froze on start up repeatedly and still not fixed (now using son-in-law's computer till fixed). Couldn't write blog either which is why I have 'disappeared' since 13 July.

Trip was fine, although difficult to moor at Cromwell Lock - unless we used a hoist to get the dog off. Luckily we were able to moor alongside a 1 1/2 beam and use steps to get up middle height wall. The low pontoons were occupied by high 'yoghurt pots' (isn't that much better than 'plastic' or 'bobby' boats!)

To be brief, we loved the Fossdyke and Witham, very quiet and lots of places to explore. Lincoln was wonderful - especially the moorings opposite the market and outside Waterside Shopping Centre. So handy for climbing up to cathedral and castle - which we did so many times. We all did tours of the castle and cathedral - and Mary even got to ring bells on practice night. Could have spent even longer there. Son Steve joined us at Lincoln and we travelled on to Boston. The old pontoons are a bit strange but the view of the Stump was great and we had a fantastic sunset the evening our neighbour left. Even managed a BBQ!

Had a look at St Botolph's Church (I didn't know the Stump was the tower until I got there!), Maud Foster's Windmill - privately owned and do marvellous lunches and afternoons teas. After Steve left we went to the Black Sluice lock. Very new and so was the cafe - but it was closed, a window broken and unfurnished - why?!

Now it is time to return to canals before Chris and Mary have to go home, so sadly no time to explore more drains. On the way back up the Witham we stopped at Woodhall Spa (as recommended by Iain and Alison on nb Nobby) and found a delightful 50's type resort town. The museum in the tin cottage was very interesting but Kinema in the Woods was showing a film so closed to us and the spa building was sadly neglected - but hopefully to be restored in the future.

We returned to the High Street and had tea outside a cafe served by an elderly lady in Victorian clothing. Ebony was given a bowl of water and another with biscuits. We sat reading the cafe's historic books of the town. Got the bus back to boat! So many other villages we would have liked to explore more fully but running out of time.

The journey back up the Trent was marred by the heavy rain we had to endure most days. Chris and Mary left at Nottingham - after helping me get in food for next crew, meeting them an hour later when son Graham, Becky with Edward, Tom and baby Charlie. We had a look round Nottingham - the castle was very disappointing for entertaining children. Next day we travelled to Sawley, spending another night before the family set off on Monday pm.

Fast(ish) Waters and Sawley Cut

Had intended to spend a couple of days at Kegworth but after 4 hours of rain and a violent thunderstorm that wouldn't go away it was necessary to stay longer. Ebony was terrified of the noise and flashes and spent the time sitting and sliding off my lap or curled round my feet. Now every drop of rain and she fears the worst.

This resulted in the water level in Kegworth lock cut rising quite a bit although the flood lock was never shut - woke in the early hours to see water gushing past - guess they were letting a lot down over night.

It was nice to have company - Chris and Sue on Innisfree also stayed to sit out the weather - and we did a lot of socialising as well as exploring the area. I was lucky to be let in the museum, despite being shut, and although it didn't have anything about the river there was plenty about the village and the local sock industry! They even supplied royalty!

On Wednesday we all set off, saying goodbye at Ratcliffe lock. We were passed by a flotilla of lovely small steam launches. Redhill flood lock was open and traffic light green so I continued towards Thrumpton weir - it is really weird that you can't SEE the weir but can feel the pull of the water. By now I realised that the Trent was flowing pretty fast and soon I could see the water gushing over Trent Lock gates. Shall I moor here? Will I have difficulty mooring in the flast flow? Decided to go uphill to Sawley as planned. That was the loneliest mile I have done - no I don't think I will use the facilities to the right of the lock! Soon tied on the high lock moorings and then in the lock. Phew!

A first time hirer came up behind me as I left the lock - Newark had told them no problems on the Trent (they had been held up for 2? days at Pillings Flood Lock) and were now pretty disgusted to see the flow of the Trent and that the boards showed yellow at Sawley.

Now I have to wait until Monday when Chris and Mary join me to go to Lincoln and Boston. On Friday I took the bus into Nottingham. After a good look round, lunch in a nice cafe and a trip to the Castle - no dogs allowed but I was allowed to use their loos - there were none mentioned on the tourist signs in town. Then walked down the waterfront - couldn't resist seeing who was moored up as you never know who you might miss - and there was Sue (from Innisfree) about to work Castle Lock. Went back to have a cup of tea with them before I caught the bus back to Sawley.

Also saw the steam launches again - they confirmed that the had been on the Great Ouse last summer (which is where I had seen them before) and also on the Thames that year too.

Well I am now looking forward to our visit to the Fossdyke. Have been to Keadby twice before but this is a first for us all.

Travelling with Friends

After a week in Devon - including Lauren's 4th birthday party, a walk in hot sun, then in shade by the river at Castle Drogo, a reminiscent trip to childhood holidays' farm in Lyme Regis - I drove to Suffolk to spend 5 days with Chris and Mary. Their village was holding its first open gardens weekend and I was roped in to help with teas. A lovely time was had, weather perfect, gardens superb and £3000 was raised. Stayed on to celebrate my birthday - started with home-grown boiled eggs with home-made bread in the garden, then a fix of gardening before lunch in the shade. A lovely day culminating with a walk along the River Deben and fish meal watching boats - perfect!

Returned to boat to find plants watered and thriving so I made a donation to the club - lovely mooring too. Next morning I went the short distance to Zouch Cut to moor for a couple of days. There I met Chris and Sue on Innisfree (first met in Devizes 2007, then again at Crick Show this year). After Friday's morning of rain, levels hadn't risen much, so on Saturday morning we travelled together to Kegworth Shallow Lock to moor for the weekend. Having passed plenty of moorings at Devil's Elbow we all wished we had stopped there too for a country chill out. Oh well next time!

To Normanton on Soar and East Devon!

After a trip back to Sileby Mill with brother in law John, his daughter and family, they helped me on through Mountsorrel lock and I continued on to moor below Pillings Lock. Rain forecast so I spent 2 nights here. On Monday I cycled into Loughborough, explored the shops and met Charley and Dolores on nb Felonious Mongoose outside the Albion pub - they said the moorings were fine. The rain didn't come to much after all and on Tuesday I went to moor behind Charley and Dolores. Now a chance to do a bit of sightseeing - I had never actually stopped in Loughborough before. On Wednesday, having found out by towpath telegraph that Bishop Meadow lock was closed all day for maintenance, I went with Charley and Dolores to the Bell Foundry (the oldest in the world) where we enjoyed a tour of the foundry and museum. Very interesting - full of information and lightened by lots of funnies. We were shown a set of 13 bells almost complete and destined for St Mary's Church in Cambridge (my bellringing crew, Chris and Mary, will inform me if these details are incorrect!) Bells used to be delivered by canal and river - but I didn't offer to take this extremely large order, even though I wouldn't object to another trip to Cambridge.

On Thursday morning I set off - in winds stronger than I usually travel in - but I had an appointment to keep. After Bishop Meadow lock I was back on the River Soar and soon approaching the lovely village of Normanton on Soar. As I approached Soar Boating Club moorings I couldn't see further round the bend so made the decision to turn beside the visitor moorings - which were in use. Much to one of the occupants surprise I did a good turn, aided by the strong wind, and came almost gently beside his boat. I had booked to leave the boat here and had been warned that I would probably have to breast up - the other boater hadn't been told this! Any way he was very friendly and helped me moor up beside both him and the boat behind!

That lunchtime I explored the village - really lovely and peaceful with some beautiful large houses. Unfortunately not very many passing boaters get to see the village as the only moorings are outside the nice looking pub or the boat club, or unless you walk down from Zouch.

On Saturday set off to Devon for granddaughter Lauren's 4th birthday and a week's holiday with her family. I was luckily provided with an upgrade on the hire car as the driver delivering took 45 minutes to find me despite giving him an accurate postcode - the boat club was not easily seen so I had been standing by the road all that time!

On through Leicester

After Chris and Mary left I collected a hire car to drive to Kent to spend 10 days with son Graham and family, including 2 birthdays. Tom was 2 and his mum was a bit older!

I returned to boat on Monday - all was well. Glad I took a risk and left it at Kilby Bridge - took the precaution of mooring opposite BW staff live aboard! Chris arrived at 8.15 am next morning and I saw nb Woodlander at water point - they would like to travel with us. 8.30 set off on a fine day, bit windy but dry, and had a good journey to Leicester. Woodlander stopped at Castle Gardens and we moored opposite for an hour to have lunch. The moorings were full but no boaters about so we set off to complete the journey through Leicester.

North Lock was pretty grim and the area was full of rubbish. 8 years ago we moored at Limehouse Lock (by Abbey Gardens, opp BW yard) to visit Tesco but somehow it looked even worse this time and I was glad we didn't need to shop. Next was Belgrave Lock and from then on the journey was much more pleasant. Few boats moored at Birstall - and it was a nice area to stop but Chris was looking forward to the Steak Night at the Hope and Anchor so we pressed on. Glad we did because it was most enjoyable - and came with free wine too!

Chris left the next morning and I went with him on the bus to Leicester where I spent 4 hours seeing the sights, including a look at the Castle Gardens moorings - yes I can see why they are not secure (as advertised by BW) - I am sure even I could get over the fences! How about some of those razor points on top!

Next morning I went to L R Harris boatyard - where I had the gearbox oil pumped out and refilled - I am paying the price for not having it done regularly (no boatyard has even suggested it when I had services) and have found that I have no neutral gear - difficult to stop! They were very pleasant and also train RCR staff which is comforting to know. I went on to moor for the rest of the day above Junction Lock.

Friday I pressed on - tempted to moor at the lovely Sileby Mill but continued to Mountsorrel as my brother in law, daughter and family are visiting from west of Leicester on Sunday. Now can spend a few days exploring the area and catching up with some of these jobs -including touching up the paint after the trip boat at Syston had sped repeatedly past and scraped me on the awful angle iron edging - despite using BIG fenders. Why do trip boats always have to go to fast - do they like to shorten the passengers journey?

Crick Show, Welford, Market Harborough and northwards

Well Crick Show was a weatherwise success this year - only 1 shower and we hardly noticed as we were enjoying lunch and the entertainment at the time. Very dissappointed that no Cornish pasty van this year - apparently they had arrived and left - not sure why. Actually looked over a few boats - the first time for 5 years! Nantwich CC (they built my last boat) had a very unusual design - including a sliding roof. Who said no side view from armchair but good for spotting bird poo? Managed to spend a fair bit too - it is not difficult!

Chris and Mary joined me for the show and we had our first BBQ, a few good evenings with fellow moorers, as well as meeting up with 'old' friends at the show.

We left Tuesday morning to much changed weather - back to fleeces and windproofs. Explored Welford for the first time and early Wednesday went down the lovely Foxton flight - Mary enjoyed it so much she wanted to do it again - she should have done it 12 years ago with Peter and I when we set off in hot sun and shorts - we had a thunderstorm as we descended and got a good soaking! But I know what she means, it is delightful. The wind got up again as we went down to Market Harborough where we had a lovely meal in the pub at the entrance to the basin.

Thursday we set off in lovely sunshine to travel the locks to Kilby Bridge, where Chris and Mary jumped ship on Friday morning.

Crack's Hill - ready for the Show!

Made a quicker than planned return to Braunston, cruising when the wind was not too bad. After 2 trips into Daventry (I to shop and have hair cut, Ebony to vet - diagnosed with colitis - poor thing), I kept a watch on weather forecasts. Wind better and little rain on Wednesday so decided to leave Braunston again then. At first lock was joined by hire boat with 8 retired guide leaders. They were all keen to work the locks and kindly suggested I stay on to steer. 5 of them had been boating many times - but we still had 'fun' getting 2 boats into the locks!

Having made good progress I decided to make the most of the dry but cold weather. Stopped for quick lunch at Weltonfield then set off as a boat passed me - only to find another boat coming round the bend - oh dear I am going to be unpopular - luckily it was Roy and Celia on Strange Magic and we continued on to Watford locks. Dear Roy helped me up, while the lockie helped Celia. They now heading for base at Crick but we will meet up next week. I stopped for the night before the tunnel just after Bridge 9 - so peaceful - OK slight sound of motorway, but lovely setting!

Next morning I went through the tunnel and topped up water etc.

Went on to moor at Crack's Hill where I have moored for the show on 2 previous occasions. Found that Iain on Bees Nees had already arrived and I moored behind him on the good moorings between footbridge and winding hole. Iain attends every year, only giving up running the little show trip boat 3 years ago when I last saw him.

On Saturday 16 Tom and Christine on Lottie arrived in the fierce wind. We had met and become great friends while we were on the Great Ouse last year. It is so nice to meet up with people you haven't seen for a while. Unfortunately the canal needs a good dredging and we were unable to get their boat behind me - 4' out is not ideal. Sad because I moored exactly there 3 years ago, with many others, and planks were not even needed. Luckily a boat soon left from the other side of the winding hole and they were able to moor near me - as planned!

What with the stretch between the marina and bridge 13 cordoned off because of water voles, boating visitors to the show are going to have a big problem this year - previously we have been able to moor all the way to bridge 15. I am sure all those coming by car will be well catered for! During the show weekend very many people walk all the way up to Crack's Hill just to see all the boats - let's hope there are enough for them to see!

Tomorrow Gerry and Sandy on Stanley are due to arrive - hope they have waders!

Lower Heyford reached, now returning for Crick Show

After climbing Napton locks on a lovely day in April I went on to moor at Br 124 at Priors Hardwick. Sadly access to bridle path blocked by farmer so I had to walk to Br 125 to get to the village - but well worth the visit as it is lovely - the pub/restaurant looked good too.

Next day I went on to the lovely moorings after the ladder bridge below Wormleighton - with a lovely view of Napton. Soon after I was joined by boating friends Peter and I met in 2001 - Roy and Celia on Strange Magic. What happened to the day? - we chatted from coffee and cake time (thanks Celia), missed lunch and on to 9pm when we all decided we were starving. It is so nice to catch up with friends you haven't seen for a few years.

Next day Roy and Celia moved on and I walked into Wormleighton - what a lovely manorial village this is - well worth the long circular walk.

Now I was to cruise slowly on, stopping frequently to visit many villages as I went. I have made this trip many times before, but never slowly and exploring. Each way spending some money in Banbury!

Eventually, on Wednesday 29 April, I got to Lower Heyford, my pre-Crick goal. Decided to turn in the winding hole, south of the village. Mistake - as I winded, lost forward/backward motion and had to pole to bank. Had very slight power so limped back to Lower Heyford and rang RCR. They sent an engineer within 1/2 hour - from Oxfordshire Narrowboats - just the other side of the bridge! He changed throttle cable, then thought it was the lever, no it wasn't.

It wasn't until Saturday that the problem was resolved. Was it broken throttle cable or lever? In desperation I re-called RCR and they sent another engineer who said it was a WORN lever. Anyway he didn't have a replacement, so repaired it enough for me to have replaced later.

At least I was able to get down to Oxford by train on the Friday, as planned. It is handy having a dog who seems to enjoy public transport! Had a great day doing the Red Bus tour, lots of exploring (shame you cannot take dogs into colleges), plus a visit to Osney moorings (no-one here I know!) and then walked to Folly Bridge to sit by the lovely River Thames for an hour or so.

So on Sunday 3 May I set off northwards. Now it is cooler and breezy. I will be making the return journey faster as I have done all my exploring.

On Thursday it was pretty windy as I left Cropredy so decided to make it to Claydon Top Lock - 8 locks for me is quite a lot! Got to mooring in time for lunch - to find Karel and Susie on mv Daniel who I had seen on a few occasions since 2003, but never had a chance to chat - we made up for lost time!

Am now sitting out the very strong winds - watching boats struggle and bump past me - grateful that I am moored up. But the sun is shining and I can catch up on a few of those jobs.....

Grandchildren, Easter and Gone Cruising

Just as winter mooring ends, two more grandchildren are due to be born. On Monday 30 March I took Kanbedun Again into Braunston Marina as planned - just 3 hours after Charlie was born - 6 days early. A lovely little brother for Edward and Thomas. I was able to visit Kent for a couple of days to have some cuddles with my lovely boys before dashing to Lancashire to be with my daughter and be a co-birthing partner with her husband. Louise was born about 36 hours later at 4.28 am on 5th April - her due date. This is my 7th grandchild - and they are all under 4 1/2! I stayed till mum and baby came home, and was then invited to stay on for Easter - I had made no plans as I needed to be flexible/available - and of course I was delighted to be able to stay longer.

On Bank Holiday Monday I returned to the boat, visiting boating friends in Rochdale on the way south. Tuesday I stocked up with groceries and returned the hire car - thank you Enterprise for getting me a car at such short notice! Wednesday pm service (really wish I had the confidence to do it myself) with Justin at Wharf Narrowboats before returning to my ex-winter mooring spot for ex-boating friends to visit.

On Saturday 18 April I started my summer cruise - at last! Went to Napton where I spent a couple of days in glorious weather and met up with new boaters on The Answer who I had met during the winter.

Escaped

On 15 March decided to escape from my winter mooring. Actually to have a trip towards Napton whilst doing 2 wash loads. Inevitably got carried away and couldn't resist stopping the night at Fox's Gate, such a lovely spot and where you are likely to have the chance to chat with other boaters.

Returned to winter mooring the next day before Chris and Mary joined me for a few days. Very exciting, Mary's choir were singing at Coventry Cathedral so Chris and I sat in the congregation. The last time Mary and I were at a service here was a Palm Sunday service in either 1967 or 8 when we went with a youth club outing - only to have the huge angel fall off the roof during the service - we turned round and saw the whole glass back wall bowing in and out. Thought it was going to come down on us! Apparently, we have just found out, the builders forgot to put the pin in holding the angel in place! It was replaced by helicopter, as seen on the news at the time, but has now been replaced by a glass fibre replica.

In a couple of days time, as the winter mooring ends, Kanbedun Again will be going into Braunston Marina for 2/3 weeks to enable me to visit two new grandchildren due April 5th (in Lancashire) and 7th (in Kent). Well they are going to keep me busy for a while! After these exciting events I will be off cruising at last - Banbury then return for Crick Show - the first time for 2 years.

Sunday 15 February 2009

Back on board for a week now after a 10 day visit to family in Kent and Sussex. This turned into 12 days as I got held up by 6" snow in Kent - this gave me the opportunity to go tobogganing with 2 of my grandchildren on lovely Southborough Common. Heard on the radio after that a number of casualities at A&E were middle aged people who had sledging accidents!

I then went to Suffolk for a further 5 days with boating friends/crew Chris and Mary and with them attended their late local Burns Night (I had been to one in Kent too!) plus accompanying them bellringing as usual. As I returned to boat it was snowing heavily and the line of 10 boats I walked past to mine were covered thickly - a lovely sight.

This week spending a lot of time with family history research which I started 10 years ago, now aided by my new laptop and mobile broadband - so much faster than via my phone!

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