When I last wrote in the blog on 28 July I had hoped to keep it going whilst I had visitors - but it didn't work out!
I left Radford Semele and, after Tesco stock up, I met Kathy and Les (ex of All Seasons) walking down to meet me at the Cape locks. We spent the night in Saltisford Arm and next day tackled the Hatton Flight. 2/3 of the way up the 2 boats in front realised they could fit one in front of the other and we were able to join them! Stopped that pm at Rowington - with a lovely view and enjoyed a great circular walk after a cuppa.
Next day we turned onto the Stratford Canal and after 9 heavy locks spent our 2nd night at Lowsonford, opposite the Fleur de Lys pub, where we enjoyed a fantastic meal that evening. Les managed to stop my kitchen window leaking badly - removed rubber and tightened up screws!
Thursday - 8 locks to Wootten Wawen, past some lovely lock cottages and under famous split bridges. We moored just before the bridge, had a good walk in the afternoon and bought a few things at the lovely farm shop. Managed to have a good BBQ that evening - weather perfect!
Kath and Les left next morning to get bus and train back to Warwick - only 3 days but a lot of locks and a great time. I now had to prepare for my next crew in the morning!
Dau Lesley, husband Phil and Louise, 3.5, and Caitlin, 10m, arrived for lunch (supplied by farm shop!). After, Caitlin had a nap and we set off (Phil steering) through the basin, over the road aqueduct and on to the lock. Below found a day boat with great steering problems across the canal so by the time we got to Edstone aqueduct a big black cloud was over us and chucking rain. Phil was handed umbrella which blew inside out, Lesley de-steamed his glasses and I escaped inside with Louise! 2 miles on we reached Wilmcote and moored up by huge muddy puddles. Girls slept well that evening!
Next day we reached Stratford Basin after 16 locks (took it in turn to play with girls) - despite getting stuck in Wilmcote top lock (narrow - should have lifted fenders - no warning sign tho!)
Spent Monday in Stratford - girls enjoyed Butterfly Farm and making huge bubbles in Bancroft Gardens. Had very good lunch at White Swan. Tuesday afternoon went on to R Avon and moored at Luddington where we found a great mooring above lock for BBQ. Wednesday went to W A Cadbury Lock, moored for lunch, then continued on to Bidford Bridge. Vis moorings full so moored o/s The Frog pub. Louise loved the enormous play area on the other side of river. The weather was really warm all day again.
Thursday - after lunch at the pub we returned to the moorings at Luddington - and had another BBQ (little did I know it was to be the last this summer!) Friday am we returned to Stratford to moor on river - with plenty of space for picnics under willow trees (hot and sunny!) and a good play area nearby. Louise made good use of the paths with her scooter. Saturday - hot and sunny again - time to get the chain ferry into town (Lesley, Caitlin and I made an escape) and some shopping while Phil and Louise went to swings again. Lesley and Phil were packed off into town that evening - to have a rare meal together and celebrate their Wedding Anniversary.
Sunday was their last day and said their farewells at 10.30, having retrieved the car from Wootten Wawen Farm Shop earlier. A great time and what mostly wonderful weather! After tidying up I walked to baguette barge and then watched parts of a free open-air production of The Tempest near the church. Had fish and chip supper later (outside shop!) - chatting to Americans who were fascinated about my life on the boat!
Monday 13 Aug - Chris and Mary arrived for a late lunch, then we did huge shop at Waitrose. After dinner on board, enjoyed walking round the basin, gardens and had fun on the human sundial near the lock. Tomorrow we set off to do the Avon ring, plus Droitwich and Stourport! in 3 weeks - so want to get in some cruising hours at first to enable sightseeing later!
Tuesday - worked 17 locks, many with bicycles, to Wilmcote. Chris mostly steering this year as he is waiting for a new hip! Walked round village in evening and had drinks at Mary Arden Inn. Mason's Arms looks much neglected.
Wednesday - early start getting to Wootten Wawen for coffee, walked up hill to PO in steady rain, early lunch then cruised on - at first dry, then torrential rain - difficult/slippery cycling between locks! Sun in Lowsonford so hung up wet gear - as did all the boats! Lovely meal in Fleur de Lys - again!
Thursday - OK to lock 24 - which had a broken beam - had to lift it to move it! Helped by crew from nb Hera in front. After Kingswood Junction continued on to Lapworth flight. In queue got lunch to eat as we worked - but heavens opened and got another soaking (sandwiches kept dry!) Stopped by the time we got to top lock - that's 28 today! Stopped Br 15 n. of Earlswood Yacht Club - and an early night!
Friday - early start, diesel at Lyons (very friendly), continued on to Kings Norton Junction (all quiet!) Lunch en route and stopped at Alvechurch for C's paper, continuing on to Tardebigge. Sang 'She'll be coming on a narrowboat when she comes' - we improvise the words - through all 3 tunnels! Plenty of rain again and through night.
Saturday - Set off in perfect locking weather - white cloud and no wind - worked 13 of the 29 Tarde' locks before meeting a boat. Stopped at bottom for lunch, then Stoke 5 and Astwood 6. Got last mooring in reeds(!) at Hanbury. Went for early meal at Eagle and Sun (fully booked but chef will squeeze us in at 6pm). Soup - watery spicy vegetable. Carvery - lots of well roasted meat (and fish) with odd vegetables! All seemed rather Mediterraneanly spicy, including roast potatoes, mash and pasta! We think the chef was Eastern European! 10 years ago we come here on a Bank Holiday Sunday - and they had run out of food! 41 locks today!
Sunday - Set off down the newly restored Droitwich Canal and 5 locks, past new marina. Great entertainment as we removed more and more from roof to get under M5 bridge! Another lock, then locked onto river and back up through Barge lock to appear in Droitwich's park - so pleasant. Continued on through swing bridges (one exceptionally heavy) to the secure mooring basin. Time to explore pleasant Droitwich. All quiet over night but dissappointing, and very surprised, that there is no lighting on the wobbly pontoons - rather fraught with elderly dog who needs to wee frequently!
Monday 20 Aug - horrendous 1h of rain as we set off. Pleasant countryside, villages and canal although, as expected, rather reedy so very few mooring opportunities. Walked the wrong side between the last 2 locks - through brambles! At 12.30 we turned onto the Severn and headed for Stourport, eating lunch en route - now hot and sunny! After 2 locks we left the river and worked the 4 Stourport narrow canal locks, then on into the 3rd basin to moor by BW office. We had wanted to come to Stourport to see the new basin - but oh no - apparently residents in the new appartments surrounding it voted not to have boats below them - so the newly restored basin with mooring rings, water and electric hook-ups is fenced off and not possible to use - that is disgraceful! Friend of C&M took us for a great English carvery at the Plough Inn nr Bewdley - thanks Hugh!
Tuesday - Set off back down on to the Severn to arrive back at the Droitwich Canal by 12.40. A lovely journey in warm sun, with kingfishers flying past. Wanted to do the Droitwich twice as it is so new to us. Stopped at Salwarpe to look at the attractive village (but no facilities) then on to Droitwich (v quick shop) and beyond, reaching Hanbury Junction at 7.30 (drinking wine en route as we worked the last locks in sunshine!) Turned south and moored just beyond the pub - in shade!
Wednesday - After 4 miles reached Offerton Top Lock and lockwheeled the 8 locks, heavy rain as we continued on to Bilford 4 (now dry). Stopped for lunch after Br 12 as rain fell again. Continued on in dry into Lowesmoor Basin but despite needing water, we refused to pay their diesel price and continued on. Moored just before The Commandery in Worcester. Next day C&M went to a family gathering in Birmingham while Linda had a good explore of the town. All had a good meal at the King's Head nearby.
Friday - after a walk round old Worcester streets and tour of The Commandery, took on water in Diglis Basin and set off at 12.50 through 2 locks onto River Severn again. One more lock then lockless all the way down to Tewkesbury. On way went through Upton on Severn - as usual no moorings free for a narrowboat, so continued on. Turned onto Avon and arrived Tewk. at 5.50 but, once in lock, the keeper said no moorings above, so down lock again to moor beside high tyres below - had to haul the harnessed dog up out of the boat! Which meant Mary had to get up at 6.30am too - and it was pouring.
Saturday - Sun came out for day and we went up lock to find a vacated mooring by bridge. Caught bus to Upton on Severn (at last!) and had a great time - it was a Music Festival weekend so pretty lively. Visited Pepperpot church tower and Heritage Centre. Coffee and cakes by river before getting bus back and after lunch on board walked up High St to see Tewkesbury Abbey. Pouring with rain as we left (lasted to 6.30pm) and no dog-friendly places for tea so hot-footed it back to boat.
Sunday - Lovely and warm day! Walked up High St and explored the many alleys off. The new publican at Berkeley Arms invited us into the alley within the pub - which led to a magnificent barn dating from 1400. After 2 hours of exploring we returned via Tesco to boat, made lunch and set off at 12. This is a beautiful stretch of river - not to be missed! 3 miles on there is no sign of the Tithe Barn - yet from the M5 which crosses here it is right beside the river! Another 11 miles and 3 locks we reached Pershore recreation ground. All the moorings were taken but a nice chap moved his boat closer and we were able to hang off the end. Later we invited nb Black Pearl to moor alongside. At 10pm there was a fantastic firework display (luckily for Eb she is going deaf) from a riverside pub and reflected on the river.
Monday 27 August BH - We walked into Pershore and found it was the final day of the Pershore Plum Festival. All the shops were decorated and most people were wearing purple. There were lots of craft stalls, farmer's market (bought lots - and plums!), 400 or more vintage cars etc. Mary heard bells and managed to get a ring on the Abbey bells - rung from a suspended metal cage above our heads! Walking round town we found huge numbers of Georgian houses and shops - a really wonderful town and even better with the festival. After lunch on board (from the market!) and a few chores, we intended to set off, but the wind was getting up (as forecast) so we stayed put and relaxed - heavy rain and strong wind from 4.30 and through evening.
Tuesday - Eb woke late and we overslept so left at 8.45 and had bacon sarnies en route. More lovely countryside, varying between locks with many gardens reaching down to the river. After 4 hours (11 miles, 3 locks) we moored at Workman Gardens, Evesham, in time for lunch. Moorings OK but there were a few drinkers hanging about most of the day/eve which makes you more alert. It was very pleasant round the town square, Almonry Museum and Abbey Gardens but the High St was dissappointing and with many closed shops (as in so many towns now).
Wed - Rain from 7-9.45. Lazy start at 10.30 - by the time we got to Evesham lock it had started raining again then heavy from 10.30, deluge 2.45-3.45. Sad to see Evesham A-shaped lockhouse ruined by floods in 2007. Reach before George Billington lock very full and fast flowing, pleased to get into long lock cut above. Boaters going down through lock were amazed how fast it was as it had been quite easy above! After lunch there was another deluge so delayed start. After that the sun came out and river was still easy going! Moored on visitor moorings at Bidford on Avon - it was definitely a chilled white wine evening on return from a sunny walk up to the village centre - red for the cooler days!
Thursday - Ebony woke us at 6.30 and we saw river was higher. Even more by 7.30 and by 8.30 we decided not to move as the flow was pretty fast. Got 9.25 bus for 17min journey into Stratford. Got on a Red Tour Bus which gave us a tour of the town then out to Anna Hathaway's Cottage where we got off. The cafe was just a sandwich bar so got the Red Bus back to town and had a very good late lunch in the Black Swan (Mucky Duck) near theatre. Did a bit more exploring before getting bus back to Bidford. Water level had now dropped a bit (it had been quite normal level and calm at Stratford - probably kept that way for the rowing boats etc).
Friday 31 August - went on EA website and saw that the river level had peaked upstream at Warwick and we could see that we were about 6" lower in Bidford. Had quick breakfast and set off through the normally fairly low Bidford bridge (had watched a n/b go through earlier!), flow still a bit fast. OK till we got to our third lock at Welford - a boat was in the lock and 1 gate opening. C&M had got off bow and I was being forced away from the lock mooring by the water swirling behind me, also sucked backwards. Boat in lock stayed put - seemed to be horrified at the flow below and wouldn't come out. I waved them to come out and put on more revs to get nearer the lock, but caught the lock gate before it was opened - they looked stunned as they past me - I was pretty relieved to be in the lock and glad WE were not going 'downhill'! Binton Bridge OK - heard that yesterday a boat had been caught across the bridge holes and had to be pulled off! Pound above Luddington was fast again - for 2 slow miles! Then the next 2 up to Stratford were OK (2 sideways on weirs were pretty fast tho!)
We managed to get last place in the basin - linear, next to trade boats. After a quick Baguette Barge lunch, Mary cycled to get the car and they were soon on their way home after a very energetic and exciting 19 day cruise.
Saturday 1 September - I spent 2 days chilling, cleaning the boat and exploring more. A chap was performing magic tricks in Bancroft Gardens - I seemed to recognise him and asked if he performed there in 2001 and used to wear a straitjacket and pink tutu - it was him - although not supple enough for the jacket anymore! At 4.15am almighty thud on roof and bangs the whole length - looked out - 2 lads nonchalantly walking away - they were free-runners! Pretty scary tho.
Sunday 2 September - did a shop at Sainsbury Local then explored the basin where we had hired our first narrowboat (company since folded) - now smartened up. Saw for sale a replica inspection launch - it's sister, Esperance, is at St Neot's on the River Great Ouse!
Monday 3rd September - time to tear myself away from Stratford and make my way slowly up the Stratford Canal - well the locks are heavy despite being narrow. Nights spent at bottom of Wilmcote locks, Wilmcote (went round Mary Arden's house!), Wootten Wawen (2 days, explored Saxon church), Preston Bagot, Lowsonford (resisted temptation to eat for 3rd time at pub!) then on to moor at Kingswood Junction, on GU - where Ebony fell in the water by our moored boat - lost her balance and just toppled in! Wearing harness lots more now. Also met a couple who had just bought a very old boat for £26k cash - from a chap in Gas Street Basin who they can't get on the phone now - and the engine won't start - didn't ask if they'd had a survey! Just heard on TV that it was the wettest summer for 100 years, the dullest on record - spring was the dryest on record!
Tuesday at Turner's Green, then Wednesday pm to the gloom (ugh) above Hatton Flight. Thursday am Chris and Mary drove from Suffolk and by 10 we had started down the flight - which only took 2.5h! Moored for the night in Salthouse Arm - Mary collected their car (mine was brought here from Birmingham last week by Chris), dropped mine at Calcutt Marina and we collected a superb Chinese tea. Crew left in am and I moved the boat to The Cape (hotel boat due in Arm) and spent the afternoon in Warwick. Saturday to Radford Semele - walked up in pm to look at church (visible from canal) still covered in scaffolding - what a shock - they had an arsonist attack on Palm Sunday 2 years ago and it was gutted - undamaged windows have been removed.
Sunday 16 Sep went on to Cuttle/Long Itchington with a regular hirer and their friends wanting to work all the locks! Lovely and sunny. Monday long walk into Long I. via the railway line - Eb exhausted after looking round lovely village so stopped for excellent posh sandwich at Buck and Bell. Tuesday went up 2 locks for water, then 8 more with Barbara on Cloud Nine. Stopped outside Ventnor Farm Marina. Had new gear cable fitted by chap running TillerCycles on nb Brassfarthing - also has local workshop.
On Thursday I went into Calcutt Marina and left the boat for a long weekend to visit family in Lancashire. Returned to boat on Tuesday and had to wait till Friday for the boat to have service and new tiller bearing fitted - luckily I had asked for a mooring in the newer basin as Ebony will not walk on open metal pontoons! After work done I spent another night on mooring after testing the t. bearing - needed more grease but I had to wait till Saturday pm (every morning is turnaround day) - soon escaped once done and went to Napton Junction for night.
Sunday went to Fox's Gate and had a few days chilling (and jobs!) before going to Braunston. Moored opposite Boathouse pub and spend next few days having car MOT/service, opticians, Eb to vet for regular test, catching up with Nick on working boat Aldgate etc. Sunday night - looking forward to meal and good TV when engine stopped charging - fan belts ok - must be alternator! Monday struggled to find an engineer not on holiday but Braunston Marina tested, and fitted new alt in pm. Tuesday - big Tesco shop and stock up from superb Braunson Butcher. Wednesday returned to Fox's Gate - weather due to be good still and I can spend a few days touching up paint other side and do odd jobs. Will then potter on Oxford and, fingers crossed, go online to get winter mooring.
Well that is about 11 weeks boating crammed into 1 posting - wonder if anyone managed to read to the end! - or indeed if anyone reads it at all!
New Home Mooring
1 week ago
