Things that need to be done.

Sunday 13^th November to Friday 18^th November 2016

Our primary reason for being in Rugby was to be somewhere for rail access; Diane had a doctors appointment in Watford on Wednesday and would travel down the day before to stay with her aunt and uncle and then come back on Wednesday afternoon.

So naturally we had a bit of sitting around and to be perfectly blunt it was just nice to be inside in the warmth – winter is only just around the corner – and it really felt like it.

We did a bit of shopping but mainly it was just relaxing; planning for next year; sorting out things that we would need to do before the end of the month.

Come Tuesday and we walked along to the station; Diane bought her tickets and then she was off; I was on my own, but under instructions – something to do with getting myself off to get a haircut – when I did some figuring,it had been June when I last had it done, so it was no wonder that it was long and scraggy and Diane was nagging me about it.

Anyway, that done, I made my way back to the boat, got some work done and settled down to see the England v Spain match on the TV – it is always that last hectic 10 minutes and this was no exception with Spain pulling off a dramatic draw.

The following afternnon and Diane was back – we had decided to go to the movies and see Inferno with Tom Hanks – and with the Meerkat 2-for-1 offer and senior discount – two of us were in for under £9 – can’t beat that.

We had seen the previous two in the series, but to be honest this was not the best of them; still a good movie and plenty of great locations, but…

Having got the appointment out of the way, we wanted to get up to see Coventry again – we are in the mode that we have to take advantage of our locations (wherever we may be) to see places again, if we can – it will be the last time to get there on the boat.

So with that being a priority we headed northwards – it being a particularly coldish day – luckily I had work to do on route, so Diane was out in the cold, I was inside where it was not so cold (well that would really be warm) – but I did keep her well hydrated with coffee and tea and nourished with lunch as well.

The occasional whistle summoned me outside for her to head inside to visit the head.

This is a lovely canal and we have traversed it many times and the going is neither quick nor slow.

There was one lock to negotiate – at Hawkesbury Junction – just beyond a line of moored boats (as usual) – we spotted nb Oakapple moored just there and I could see Sharon in through one of the portholes and waved to her; also saying hello to Richard who had poked his head out to say the same; unfortunately for us, our priorities were elsewhere and we had to continue our journey.

Bit annoyed to see that we were criticised publicly (on social media) for not stopping there.

We have been into Coventry just once previously and wanted to see it again – we love the basin, even with the hire boats now occupying one of the arms.

We made our way into there and winded before reversing down the northern of the two arms and mooring right at the end – enjoyed that exercise – but as usual, when you do it well there is no-one there to see it.

Our plan is to spend a couple of days here before we head back to Hawkesbury Junction to meet Stella and Dave and no doubt catch up with Richard and Sharon – we have a booking for Sunday lunch at the Greyhound.

After that it is south down the Oxford from whence we have just come.

We have to commend the Canal and River Trust for the new on-line system of being able to book passages along some of the routes that are around – particularly The Ribble Link and the moorings in Liverpool (others include the Standedge Tunnel and Frankton Locks) – we spent about 20 minutes on-line and made bookings for both of these to our satisfaction for next year (2017).

The system is so much easier that the old way of doing it and you have immediate confirmation by email and/or text message – well done CaRT.

If you want to look at it or make a booking then use the following link

http://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Whilst you are there, you may also want to have a look around at all of the other things that they now have on-line, such a change to when we first started just 6 years ago.

17 Miles, 1 Lock, 1 Tunnel, 1 Swing Bridge

YTD:  815 Miles (1312 km) , 448 Locks, 11 Tunnels, 21 Lift Bridges, 4 Swing Bridges

Total: 4610 Miles (7419 km), 3147 Locks, 123 Tunnels, 66 Lift Bridges, 171 Swing Bridges

I been replaced by a device containing batteries

Wednesday 25th March 2015

In signs that winter is still hanging around, there was need to remove ice from the solar panels this morning; a reasonable frost was on the ground; and it was nowhere near warm enough to roam around naked - especially inside the boat.

But despite all of that it was still a very nice morning and as we filled with water and the cassette was emptied, the sun was starting to have an impact.

The captain decided that she would attempt the turn at the junction, whilst I set the lock - if only we had been a bit earlier we would have had it our way, but the other boat at the water point finished sooner and they had the luck - still it was only 30cm for the lock.

Diane went round smoothly and only needed to reverse slightly and she was into the lock and off the Coventry.
There was no transfer of paint from boat to canal-side - ever grateful for that.
 

doing the Hawkesbury Junction - carefully lining up the bridge hole

...under the bridge...

...a little reverse to adjust...

...line up for the lock...

...and straight in...

...crazy woman

As we gently cruised past the moored boats (on both sides), we were welcomed by the chap on nb Willoughby who identified himself as Peter Humphries - he said that he enjoyed reading the blog, so in my eyes he's a top bloke.
Although it's only a share boat, Peter, the only criteria is to enjoy it for the time that you have available to cruise - enjoy and hopefully we will see you around again.
Unfortunately we were too slow to take a photo - will have to strongly chastise the captain later on, when I get her inside.

Today was a purely cruising day after the "massive" lock at the junction, so I decided that I would spend time inside getting some work finished off.

Diane had sorted out all of the things that she thought she would need - anything extra and she just whistles - the obedient slave comes a-running.

Anyway she had about ten pairs of gloves out there, an extra coat, fleecy hat, fruit, water, tea, and to replace the lively conversation that we have together, she opted for the battery (and solar) powered radio - outdone by another battery operated device.

The traitor radio - sure it has knobs and buttons - but don't we all?

She seemed quite happy with her choices - and I disappeared below to work, make the tea and wait to be whistled for to attend to narrow parts lined with boats on both sides and a boat approaching (one area of her education we will need to deal with this year).
  

Under the M6

There are still stretches of very muddy, almost impassable towpath....

....obvious signs that it is slowly being rectified

Still, all-in-all, a long cruising stretch like this restored everything back to a peaceful balance.
 

Later,  the Newbold Tunnel was next to feel the freedom of the girl ..

Through and out successfully - I want to see her do the Standedge Tunnel

We finally moored at Brownsover, and realised that we hadn't had lunch, but needed to check in at the Boots chemist, so we trundled off there, checked in - no prescription received yet, and opted for the easy Frankie and Benny's option for lunch - before we returned via Tesco.

I think I am still needed, if only to carry the shopping back to the boat - let's see a radio do that then!

13 Miles, 1 Locks, 1 tunnel, 1 swing bridge
YTD: 189 Miles, 75 Locks, 4 Tunnels, 2 Lift Bridges, 8 Swing Bridges
Totals: 3083 Miles, 2196 Locks, 102 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 159 Swing Bridges

It's just #@&$kin rubbish !!

Monday 23rd March to Tuesday 24th March 2015

So the morning after a great win from ManU and it was great to be alive - pity that the weather didn't come along for the ride as well - guess there has to be something for Liverpool supporters.

We slept very soundly indeed; it was lovely and quiet - this will be the place to moor in future - but not on a Sunday.

The forecast was for colder conditions for Monday and better for Tuesday as we headed off.

There are more and more boats appearing now and where previously we could go for a day or so without seeing anyone else moving, it is now 10-12 boats a day.
I guess winter is definitely over.

Atherstone locks where ahead of us and Diane wanted a shopping trip in Atherstone itself; we were in luck with the first 6 locks - all in our favour and we moored up after that to go a restock the pantry - just an hour in total and we were off again to finish the remaining 5 locks and after that it was straight cruising.
Interestingly we managed to de-rubbish and empty the cassette whilst going through the last (top) lock - no we didn't just chuck it into the canal.
Diane was organised and had it all ready to pass up and I took care of it at the services point right near the lock, she finished off the paddles and the lock gate - clever girl that wife of mine!

With all of the locks and the shopping, Monday would be a longer cruising day for us than normal and as we decided on a suitable mooring place, we contemplated also where to fill the diesel tanks.
 

she wanted a shot with the old style telegraph pole
in the background

A stop at Springwood Haven for diesel fixed that and Diane casually asked the young guy filling the tanks about drilling another hole in the washing line holder that fits onto the tiller arm - "no problems" he says.

In the end it was a bit longer than we planned and involved a half dozen trips between boat and workshop but we are pleased to say that it is now done - just took a little longer than anticipated, but they are very friendly there and with the diesel at 65.7 ppl we were well pleased.

We eventually moored just through Wood Bridge and had another peaceful night.

Tuesday was just a quick run down to Hawkesbury Junctions which was over almost as quickly as it started.
 

did manage to spot this little fellow

After a day's cruising,what better way to relax than a spot
of time travel

Not perhaps a marketing winner 

We have to agree with Maffi in his blog rubbish-and-filth where he writes about the journey through Nuneaton and the amount of rubbish that is dumped along and in the canal - absolutely disgraceful - there really is no pride by the people who live for the place where they (and their children) live.
 

just some of the cleaner areas...

...just ridiculous...

...perhaps for viewing underwater wildlife programs

But once through there the rest was fine; the sun was out shining again and we were able to moor up quite easily just before the junction.
 

Marston Junction - lovely and quiet - the Ashby off to the left
we went straight through....

...and Diane taking Ferndale through Marston Junction.

A pleasant walk in the afternoon completed the day for us and here we are for a bit of a lazy night.

15 Miles, 11 Locks
YTD: 176 Miles, 74 Locks, 3 Tunnels, 2 Lift Bridges, 7 Swing Bridges
Totals: 3070 Miles, 2195 Locks, 101 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 158 Swing Bridges

More goodbyes - and on to Coventry

Friday 11th April to Wednesday 16th April 2014

One could almost think that summer was just an inch around the corner, such has been the weather lately - the air is still a bit chilly in the morning, but the sun on your back or on your face is such a delightful change to the cold that we are now leaving behind.

The cruising is just so much better.

After leaving Polesworth we ventured down toward Atherstone where we moored up between Locks 5 and 6 - the long pond in Atherstone.

A wander through the town showed up two more pubs that had closed down including The King's Head right on the canal.

The Red Lion - in the Library - you gotta love a pub with a library

A bit of shopping and not a lot else was our lot for here.

We left just at the right time the following morning - all of the locks were in our favour and we just breezed through them and then continued the pleasant cruising through to just after The Anchor Inn and moored up just after Bridge 27.

showing her skills at stepping across the lock - as she has been
doing for quite a while now.

Spring is here

We are very much trying to increase the level of exercise each day and we now try to spend at least an hour a day walking - to that end we found a nearby public footpath which wended it's way through some farmland and around others - around about 5-6km - it is easy to see why people can engross themselves by this pasttime.

across the fields...

...beautiful scenery as well...

...a picturesque bridge on the trail...

...more evidence of spring.

through the canola (rape seed) fields

Yes dear - the pub is near.

We certainly enjoyed this so much that we decided to have a pitstop at The Anchor - I am pretty well certain that Diane, after reading the menu, has decided that we need to stop nearby on one, a couple of mid-week days on the return trip.

Another earlyish start and we "breezed" through Nuneaton - keeping a lookout for the state of the towpath and gladly seeing it free of little (and big) canine calling cards. This has been a curse around the Nuneaton area - so maybe there has been some council activity to clean up the act of all dog owners.

Onward further to Hawkesbury Junction where we stopped for water and to warn away potential moorers in a prime spot - well at least we cleared Dot and Gordon away -they moored further up.

Sunday lunch was the order of day for the four of us - as a final final final goodbye.

An afternoon of games and some drinking and eating followed lunch and when we were all exhausted it seemed appropriate to part ways and everyone was back in their own boats - the end of a fun-filled day and a perfect was to say farewell.

Up early and saying the final goodbyes then D and G were away - one very notable sight was Gordon disappearing below decks consigning Dot to cruising away at the helm -well done Dot (and well done Gordon)!

We had long contemplated finishing the Coventry Canal at - well Coventry, but we usually turned left at Hawkesbury Junction onto the Oxford. This time we went straight ahead and 2 hours later and without any problems we moored up in Coventry basin.

Cash's Hundred Houses

Coventry Canal Basin - moorings are on the right

It seems a little drab, but all-in-all it is pleasant.

After some lunch, we indulged our new activity of walking and seeing some of the city.

The cathedral, the Guild Hall, museum and a few other bits and pieces - not too bad for an afternoon.

the open-air cathedral - preserved as it was, following
the bombing during WWII

The Guild Hall - main hall

part of the tapestry commemorating HenryVI - specially commissioned
for the main hall

The old meeting room

note the slope of the floor (see line of stonework at far end)

The room supposedly in which Mary, Queen of Scots was
imprisoned during her stay in Coventry - the two chairs on the
right are slightly later additions

main hall - note the ceiling

Our second day in Coventry showed us a different side to the city.

After getting a few things done to the boat - namely reblacking the starboard side; affixing the new horn and casting off some rusty chains (yes, Diane has unchained me from the table) - we were off.

Firstly we visited the Transport Museum in the city centre.

The recent history of the city (i.e. the last 100 years) revolves around the motor car and its development and production and here all in one place is a unique walk through time and the transition of the car and the transition of the city.

We also wanted to find the market area and on our way there we found part of the city that was much brighter and seemed more alive - but it still is just a city.

After a bit of a sit down and relaxing cuppa, I headed back to the boat but Diane had a new lease of life and need to get her 10000 steps done - all of which happened for her in Ikea.

As usual she found it hard to resist opening the purse for the credit card, and when she finally returned a few hours later she was pretty tired - there had also been a detour via Spon Street where a number of medieval houses have been relocated.

She was not too tired that the sight of the boat could help but inspire her to wash it - whilst the male crew was left to cater for the hungry skipper outside hovering over a hot soapy sponge.

We sat down to dinner and noticed an influx of mainly men coming along with model remote-controlled boats - the aquatic version of model railway a_____ks.

I did go out to get some photos and chatted with one of them - it is the Coventry Model Boat Club and they bring the boats out every third Tuesday - weather permitting.

They were having fun and not bothering anyone - good luck to them!

Wednesday arrived and Diane had had a burning desire to black the port side; so preparations were made that we would move the boat across to get said blacking done.

But wait, the now washed starboard side still looked a bit tatty - a spot of polishing would do the trick.

Fortunately for me I was excused as I had more other work to do.

Polishing done; boat was moved; skipper started with her blacking; crew disposed of rubbish and completed Elsan duties and commenced wash cycle for the laundry; then we were off - as far as the water point barely 100m away.

Eventually with sun shining brightly and warmly on our backs we got the revs up and headed northwards, only stopping at Bridge 8 to raid Tesco and replenish the already bulging galley.

Finally past Hawkesbury Junction we had had enough by Wen Brook and moored up for the day.

This was until very recently an old run down, closed-down pub.
Someone bought the building and transformed it into a magnificent home.
Just next to Bridge 14



not close enough for a lot of detail,
but our first photograph of a kingfisher

Diane reclined on the new chair outdoors - coffee supplied; I was inside finishing off the day's work.

Finally, to Elaine and Paul (previously nb Caxton), who today cease to be water-based and have now moved back to the land - our love goes to you on your travels; and until we catch up again soon, drive carefully and safely.

27 Miles, 11 Locks

Totals: 2293 Miles, 1682  Locks, 75 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 146 Swing Bridges