Happy Times with Family

On arriving at Stone did a good stock up of food, few items from Stone Boatbuilding chandlery and collected the car from Great Haywood farm shop (buses via Stafford, again). Daughter Lesley (baby due Sep), husband Phil and granddau Louise (2) arrived from Lancashire in time for an early lunch and watched a heavy rain shower (forgetting we had put the pushchair on roof - oops). Soon setting off for the locks, with Louise having a nap indoors. Weather stayed overcast but dry and we soon worked the 3 Stone locks, followed by the 4 Meaford. Moored Barlaston for the night.

Sunday 11 June: Ebony woke for wee at 6am - lovely sunshine! By 8.30 it was raining and still at 9.50 when we set off. After Trentham lock (won't visit Estate!) it was pouring: Phil steered, Lesley amused Louise and I got the evening meal ready. Moored for lunch nr Stoke City football stadium then set off again, still pouring and now I was steering while Lou was readied for her nap. Lesley worked the 5 locks to Etruria in absolutely pouring rain and we were all dripping when, with Phil, we moored outside Etruria museum.

Monday: We deserved bacon and egg breakfast after yesterday and then set off to walk into town for. Back to boat for late coffee and early lunch before Lou's nap. Then went to winding hole - where soon found we had no forward propulsion, only backwards and the wind was blowing us back round all the time. 'You have lost your prop' said some clever clogs boater. With the help of poles, Phil and I took the boat to where we started. On going down weedhatch I removed vast quantities of plastic and rope from prop. Quick test - now have forward motion. 50 minutes after setting off , we left Etruria and went Westport Lake. Lou awake, had cuppa then 3 set off to find swings while I prepared tea for oven. Found them at a lovely children's play area, hidden by trees, at the S end of lake.

Tuesday: 9.45 set off expecting a wait at the tunnel (a number of boats had passed us so assumed we had missed the slot) - well we can fill water tank. We were waved on through the tunnel - quick removal of bike, plant pots etc and we were soon on our way - took only 40 mins this time. Went on thru first lock and stopped to sit in lovely hot sun for coffee. After lunch Linda and Phil took the train back to Stone for cars, leaving 1 at Rode Heath and mine dumped in a layby at Kidsgrove. Set off at 4 to go thru 2 locks, took on water (now urgent) and moored below next lock. Phil helped a chap (who had just caught his prop on cill, but corrected problem) down thru next lock

Wednesday: Phil steered, Lesley set off to get lock ready and I followed with Louise pushing her dolls pushchair - slow progress but we did manage to get ahead of the boat and walk down 2 locks, then the next 4 as well. Moored in time for lunch at Rode Heath. After lunch we lazed while Lou napped, some also dozed! Hoped for BBQ but rain threatening from 4pm so went to Broughton Arms for early tea - Louise eating almost all of a child's portion of chicken and veg!

Thursday: Started overcast but improving. Drove to Kidsgrove, collected my car and all drove back to Trentham Estate. Visited Monkey Forest - where we saw lots of monkeys sitting, sunbathing!, grooming, up trees and in grassy areas, while waiting for the keepers to finish their talks and give them snacks - very entertaining. Had lunch in the Banana Cafe, Lou had play on climbing frames and then, after collecting Eb from car, walked down the mile-long lake of the Estate in lovely sunshine. Walked past Garden Centre, round the Italian Gardens then Phil and Lou had a play in another children's area while Lesley and I puzzled the new beech Sound Maze. It really is a lovely place to visit and a chance for little ones to escape from boating.

Friday: Moved 1 car to tonight's stop. Had just under 2 miles and 4 locks to Hassall Green (before tomorrow's longer day). After lunch Lesley and Louise had naps while Phil and I went back for his car. Took one to Wheelock and re-parked mine in the very recently closed Romping Donkey and chatted to an agent selling the pub. After 4 useless tenants, it is now to be sold for £250k with another 250k needing to be spent on it. Just hope it sells soon, it is looking very sad now. Nappers still asleep but on waking went for ice-creams at Lock 57 and watched boats in lock - for a change!

Saturday: Rain overnight but dry at 8am. Saw couple on next door boat, db Arkolme - last seen when we travelled backwards together down top lock of Ribble Link. Their friends fitted out and painted my boat (when it was called Honeymoon) so it was good to see them and pass on the news that it is to be repainted this year (sides now looking very tired, althought I do touch up any scratches and scrapes when necessary). Set off early today at 9.15 to do the last 10 locks to Wheelock - with Louise again walking many locks in the lovely sunny day. Pm went back for Phil's car then went to Wheelock Hall - Plants, Farm Shop (incl lots of fresh veg, bread and cakes, frozen goods), Gifts, Cafe, Children's Farm and fantastic play area - a fantastic place to visit and only 20min walk up hill, s of canal - suggested they advertise at wharf. In the evening went for a good early meal at the wharfside Italian restaurant.

Sunday: Lots of packing done, then we drove to Sandbach for a wander round town and Father's Day lunch in the Black Bear pub on Market Square. Sad goodbyes after a lovely week. My elderly neighbours had engine problems so I waited until RCR later sorted them out - multiple air locks in fuel line. Gave Eb a walk - thought 'this weather is good and sunny and I don't want to be stuck under tree for evening, plus no TV'! Took on water (etc!) and set off at 5.15 - don't usually cruise after 5.

Half hour later got to a nice mooring, used before, in open countryside. Engine out of gear, threw off back rope across towpath, jumped off with centre rope, got front rope off, then, oh no, engine cut out - rear rope wrapped round prop! Prop must have been still turning. Now this could be serious, may have to cut rope off. Tied centre and front rope, donned very old clothes and went down weedhatch. Rope stuck fast. Persisted then found, after a good tug to release, I could unwrap the rope - slowly, round and round - took half hour. Nearly free and it came up with a jerk - hit my head under tiller (should have removed) and jerked forward, hitting my eyebrow on rear seat (yes, really did happen!) - now have large swelling! Rope soon free. Am now soaked. Tied boat, had shower and then quick tea. It is a lovely sunny evening! (Found I had black eye in morning!)

Monday 20 June: Hot and sunny but lots rain due pm so I set off at 7.50 (early for me!) to cruise to Middlewich. Took on diesel at Kings Lock then worked the first lock, meeting another boat on corner - one of the 6 all-male crew then helped me down the next 2 locks - how nice! Quick shop at Tesco, lunch and then thru Big Lock with another boat before mooring after Br 176, still time to get washing dry in the lovely sunshine. It didn't rain!

Tuesday - rain forecast for pm so set off with more washing on and went just 2 miles to moor at the first big lovely 'lagoon'. Now will have a few days to chill, watch the wildlife on lake and catch up with jobs, in and out - heavy rain showers forecast for Wed and Thur. In pm caught sight of a couple of cows on towpath coming towards boat - only it turned out to be half a herd! Helped neighbour herd them back thru gap and rang BW, then farmer turned up. Quite a mess, muddy holes and otherwise, on towpath. On Monday am due to go down Anderton Lift - whoopee, at last!

Star Lock at Stone

Arrived Tixall Wide on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, 31 May, to find a good spot at this wonderful but popular mooring. Wednesday had a cloudy start but soon became hot and sunny, lasting until the evening. Local TV said the Midlands had the driest and warmest spring for 101 years. Thursday was hot and sunny all day and evening so got plenty of outside jobs done.

On Friday, still hot and sunny, walked to Milford to retrieve car, drove to Shugborough Estate - the first time ever to visit by car, usually walk over Essex Bridge from the canal. Looked at the restored walled garden - it is fascinating to see the progress over the years and I look forward to seeing the restored greenhouses in future. Walked across the field to the mansion, tied Ebony under, and in the shade of a, large bush and went into the house. I specifially wanted to see the Earl's new photographic exhibition and the extra rooms now opened, following his death a couple of years ago. Had a very nice quiche salad in the courtyard - sun umbrellas much needed today. Walked back to the car, drove to the Farm shop by the canal and then walked slowly back to the Wide. Ebony seeming to wilt now - she often does when we get a lot of sun.

Saturday was still hot so made sure Ebony stayed in the shade but she was eating too much grass and refused her tea, she was worse on Sunday. Monday afternoon I took on water at the junction and then set off to moor at Ingestre, where Ebony slept for 2 hours in the shade. Will go to Weston in the morning and find the vet if she is no better. The threat worked for the next day she was much better and beginning to eat! Moved on to Weston anyway - a first visit and what a surprise! Walked up road to the shop and then turned down Old Road and found an enormous green (not seen such a big one since I was on the Great Ouse, what village was that??) and on the corner was a very good looking pub - The Woolpack.

Rain forecast for late afternoon so set off after early lunch, only to be hit by a few heavy showers, plus a nasty hailstorm - when I sheltered under a bridge, with 2 cyclists, near the lovely village of Burston (well worth a walk up footpath). Continued on (weather improved and now sunny) and moored above Aston Lock. In evening walked into the settlement around Aston Hall (didn't use footpath beside so not seen) - but I did see 2 churches, old school house and a number of other rather large houses all very close together. Will explore more another time!

Thursday set off 8.20 (early for me!) to get to Stone, where just above Star Lock I found 2 small boats setting off and I was very lucky to have a prime mooring. Today I had a surprise visit from Graham and Kath (nb Stougham Hall) who had walked down from their mooring further up the locks. (Hope they don't get too wet at their ritual Friday BBQ!) On Saturday daughter and family arrive for a week when we can go to Stoke and beyond.

Time for a Tixall Fix!

Sunday 8 May: After Chris and Mary joined me, we had 2 days in the Llangollen mooring basin. Rain due Mon pm so decided to walk to Horseshoe Falls in am and get train back. As soon as we left the canal to walk up to Valle Crucis Abbey the rain started and we got soaked, especially Mary when the bridge over the river was most dog unfriendly (Ebony had already been lifted over one stile) and Mary decided to walk through the shallow river with her – wet feet. Rain eased for a while at the Abbey but returned soon after to last until after a coffee at the farm/caravan site cafe. We then walked to Llantysilio church in sunshine! After the Falls we crossed the river to wait for the train up to Carrog, to return to Llangollen after a cup of tea and cake.

On Tuesday we were joined by Margaret and Alan for the lovely aqueducts and tunnels journey back to Poacher's Pocket where we enjoyed a good evening meal.

Wednesday we continued to Frankton Junction for lunch and then to Tetchill and whilst car shuffling we visited Llanymynech Heritage Centre. Chris and Mary left for home next morning and I had 2 days of saying goodbye to my former neighbours and lovely friends in the village.

Saturday I went to moor at Colemere for lunch, a walk round mere, then set off. Winds really got up then and had a real struggle to moor just before Bettisfield where there is a lovely view.

Sunday moored in Prees Arm after topping up diesel. Had walk up unnavigable arm, until the footpath unusable (thank you Wem Parish Walk!)

Monday to Wednesday in Whitchurch Arm (where I had my first winter mooring in 2005/6) – for shopping and be collected (thanks again Dave) to return to Tetchill and get my car.

Thursday: to Wrenbury for lunch and on to Ravensmoor for night – lovely walk up track towards village. No sign of the dog-walking boating ladies who usually chat to me when moored here.

Friday 19 May set off in slight wind to go to Swanley Marina to meet boat painters (repaint booked for Autumn this year). Soon wind built up to very strong gusts (don't usually travel in winds like this) and had great trouble mooring outside marina – at one point standing (leaning) holding centre rope with boat parallel, 3 feet out and no ring/bollard for centre rope! Eventually got boat in (lots of noisy bowthrusting involved). Made my number with marina office – why didn't you hoot for help - “because the horn switch was 30' away from me!” Walked up to paint shed for chat and paid deposit.

Continued on to moor at Nantwich embankment – knowing that the wind would blow me onto mooring! Hurleston not too bad and lots of crab-like cruising to Nantwich! Saturday went back by bus to Whitchurch to get car (travelling with friendly couple from nb Maple doing same).

Stayed an extra day due to the still strong winds. Better on Tuesday so set off doing Hack Green and then Audlem locks. Here I struck lucky as 2 ladies on the boat behind me were free due to an energetic crew member trying to do all the work so they VERY kindly offered to help me up locks! Thanks to them I made good progress and, after lunch below Adderley locks ,I set off again for Market Drayton.

I had decided to keep the car with me to help with visits from son soon, and daughter in June (when she will then take it home!). So Wednesday morning I got the 8.30 bus to Shrewsbury, then train to Nantwich for car. Drove to Market D, large shop, drove to boat, loaded food, had lunch then drove to Penkridge where I was allowed to leave the car at the Heling Dene council offices (as they have no wedding at weekend!) Got bus to Stafford Station – here, according to Traveline web site, I was supposed to get bus in 25 mins (1 per day) to Market Drayton. Couldn't find correct bus stop, station had no info so rang Mary who checked Transport Direct. There was a middle bus to get me to Gaol Square – help! First Asian taxi driver – allergic to dogs, 4^th taxi – still no dogs. Directed to non-Asian taxi who would take me. Can't drop me in Gaol Square so had to run through shopping precinct and directed down side street. First bus stop not the one – then saw the bus coming – I ran towards it and stopped it in road – much to driver's amusement but who understood my predicament! Phew!!!! Relaxed on journey to MD!

Thursday went on to Norbury Junction for the night – helped up Tyrley locks in the rain by a dog walking, occasional boater who was keen to get a boating-fix – aren't people lovely!

Friday 27 May went to Wheaton Aston, filled up diesel and then moored near Sanny Station (and track) so convenient for son Graham and two of his young children (Edward 6 and Tom almost 4). They arrived about 8.30pm after an horrendous Bank Holiday journey from Kent – boys soon tucked up in bed!

Saturday started cool but dry and Ed and Tom happy to help with lock. Soon after heavy rain started and Graham offered to waterproof up and steer while I played with boys inside. We stopped for lunch at Pendeford Bridge just as the rain stopped. After lunch we set off for Autherley junction (“call this a lock?”) and then up through my dreaded narrow to moor in sun just past Cross Green. After tea etc had a lovely evening playing Monopoly with Edward (Tom exhausted and in bed!)

Sunday (I am amazed how few boats are about for a bank holiday weekend) we went to moor at Gailey and walked up A5 to roundabout and a road house pub. Food OK (roast excellent) but in the garden at rear was a HUGE play area for the boys – they loved it! Continued on through locks to moor opposite Otherton Marina.

Monday 30 May set off in pouring rain to moor above Penkridge Lock (told pound below was short of water). Drove back to collect car, had lunch and at 1pm my lovely crew (thank you boys, I had a fantastic time with you) set off home – this time a 4 hour easy journey. At 3.30 rain stopped and I walked dog back up lock – only to be told by boaters that Longford Lock was leaking badly and BW would close it next day. I belted back to boat and set off after them. They very kindly helped me through Penk. Lock so as to keep together. The next pound was extremely low and we were pleased that 2 boats passed us – who would let more water down! As my boat went into lock and gates closed, the boat immediately started lowering – gosh did it leak! I thanked the lovely, helpful boaters and set off, deciding to continue to Acton Trussell where I could get a bus back to Penkridge the next day.

This I did, taking the car on to Milford (on the Green) and returning by 2 buses, via a shopping spree (yippee) in Stafford. Made quick sandwich and set off for Tixall – my most favourite mooring (a “Tixall Fix”) where I can chill out (and do jobs) for a few days before I go on to collect my next crew.

I don't usually travel every day but this year was planned round visitors (and weather) and in future I will ditch the car earlier too (but it will be useful, I keep telling myself)!