Families altogether again!

Tuesday 29th July to Sunday 3rd August 2014

We started off slowly on Tuesday, the main thing was to finalise the preparation of the boat for the impending arrival, which meant a last tidying up (although there wasn't much on that front); washing to be done - and with the lovely weather continuing it was dry very quickly.
After that it was just a bit of relaxation and a quick pack of things that we would need whilst we were away.
Everything accomplished OK.

The plan that had been worked out for Wednesday morning simply involved walking up the High Street to the Enterprise place to pick up the car and we would be away.

Lovely to hear from Roly and Bev as we were on our way - we wanted to catch up with them on the way down and since they were at Crick, it was well and truly on the way - cannot get any easier than that.
We met up with them opposite the marina, sat and had a cuppa as well, whilst we caught up with what they had been up to - and in all that time we forgot to take a picture.
But they had certainly been working hard on their tans - it must have been all of the cruising that they have been doing up and back between Norton Junction and Leicester.

Next on the list of things to do was to drop in at Kings Langley and pick up a couple of filters for Gordon and Dot - again it was literally on the way - just a slight detour and all done. We did however manage to get a snap of that and send them a photo to confirm that we had the correct items for them.

Eventually we made it to Watford - to Maggie and Paddy's - to see how they both were - they are doing very well indeed; Paddy is fully recovered from his operation last year for cancer and a follow up one earlier this year - he has high praise for the staff and surgeons at Watford General.
There was, of course, a mountain of mail for us as it was a while since we had last been there - longer than we initially thought.

Finally we said goodbye - we will be back in December for certain - it was time for Diane's medical appointment.
We really do make sure that we get value with having the car.
Very pleased to say that everything is heading in the right direction for her - needing less and less tablets - I will be even more pleased when it is down even further.

Not quite finally, but we did make it to our lodgings for the night - the Premier Inn at Welwyn Garden City - but only a rapid stop as we had a most important rendezvous at Harlow - there were a couple of filters to drop off and the two girls to catch upon their chitchat directly and face-to-face; and of course, Gordon and I had important and secret man-stuff to discuss.
The Beefeater at Harlow was the nominated point; pretty busy it was too, with none of the tables inside available and a limited menu for outside.
Diane thought that she would see if she could flutter the eyelashes a bit - she returned to announce that they had found a table for us.
 

Always smiling is that Gordon!

The meal was very good; the service was in agreement with the food and we were all happily satisfied by the end of it all.
By the way, the filters were correct as well.
As there was a 35-40 minute trip back, we left as late as we dared, knowing that it was way past our usual bedtime and the car was likely to turn back into a pumpkin; besides that we needed to be away on the earlier side in the morning.

Everyday at St.Albans hospital, they take samples for about 350 blood tests, and from where I was - in the waiting chairs, and not actually required to give anything - they do a great job - Diane was 27th in-line and we were out within 25 minutes.

Our priority now was a 13:40 flight landing at Heathrow; we didn't want to faff around in the interim. What to do?
Check the National Trust app - Osterly House, a lovely house and gardens to look at in Hounslow - just a 20 minute trip away from the airport - so off we went.
As it wasn't open until 11am (the house) we stopped off for a bit of late breakfast/early lunch - timed perfectly to fit in with the 30 minute free parking and then the 100m drive to the main gate of the NT property.

Such attention to timing this morning - some would almost say military precision.

Parking pass shown (so no parking fee); NT cards available (so free entry); we did opt for the audio tour player and headphones.
The property is very well presented and we do love looking around these properties to see the lifestyle that was enjoyed by the well-to-do and also some of the conditions of the below-stairs staff - as well as the layout and decor of the house.
 

Osterly House

the stables - supposedly visited by Queen Elizabeth I

The eating room

The Long Room (not the one at Lord's)

The Drawing Room

Main guest bedroom

The Yellow Room - I wonder how they come up with these names

The main gentleman's bedroom

the lady's room

It appears that whilst the usual level of class inequalities existed, the owners / residents of Osterly were slightly better than a lot of others.
 

Main Kitchen

The Pastry Room

Manager's office

We did see all of the house; had time for an early afternoon tea, before heading back to Heathrow to meet my aunt - Brenda - who was coming all the way from Australia to see and stay with us. It was good to see her arrive safely and well.
 

Those planes come in awfully low

So good was the timing that we were only waiting a bare 20 minutes when she appeared with travelling companions, Anne and Julie, who were due to lecture at  Oxford, but would be staying in central London.

There she is...

So goodbyes to Anne and Julie; we headed back to the car and then the homeward journey - via the M25 / M40 / M42 / M6.

As is not that unusual, we had been having a spell of very fine weather, and whilst I am not saying anything, the weather after 13:40 on that Thursday was less fine than before - the driving rain appeared about 90 minutes after we left and the traffic holdups were not far behind - eventually we arrived back in Northwich, a little more tired all around.
 

Here comes is the rain

Sleep for us all was relatively easy that night and it was an all night solid sleep.

Morning arrived and after breakfast it was time to return the car; a last supermarket shop; washing and fill the water tank before we untied and headed back down the Weaver, heading for a relaxing lunch at The Leigh Arms, after which it would hopefully be a trip up the Anderton Lift and back onto the dear old Trent and Mersey.

Saltersford Lock

She has to earn her dinner - making Brenda work at steering

and now being the tourist

Again all went to plan - although we did cut it fine to make sure that we had a trip up the boatlift - 17:00 being the time for us and also the last one for the day.
 

Anderton Boat Lift

Raining again - safety under the umbrellas

Looking down at The Weaver

A further 90 minutes cruising, by which time we were ready to moor up and settle down for the night - it had got coolish enough to warrant this as well.
Going through Barnton Tunnel we noticed that our tunnel light was not working - Diane in her ingenious style, went out front with a lantern that we had - this was enough to light the way with ease.
A quick check before the next tunnel didn't "enlighten" the situation, but as Diane was preparing for another lantern exercise for Saltersford Tunnel, the main light decided to work again - mmm, that looks like a loose connection somewhere.

Another good night's sleep, but rain had started coming down - that was not in our plan - we were in the need to get to Lymm for a lovely Sunday lunch with Elaine and Paul (as well as Bombo and Sammie).
In the rain we headed off; through the Dutton Stop Lock (this would be Brenda's only chance to do a lock manually and she did well) and then for the tunnel - 2 boats in front of us; we made the cutoff point; and the light wouldn't work again - Diane was out front again - this time for over 1100m.

A relatively brief stop at Midland Chandlers for a couple of things - including some more bilge paint, this time it will be for the gas locker.
After that it was a short trip down the Runcorn Arm for water and elsan duties, then we winded the boat - the canal was wide enough - back onto the Bridgewater proper and we made it to Lymm in time to find a space available - just one - courtesy of a wide beam which we had passed a little earlier as it was preparing to wind - and just before a boat arrived from the other direction - Perfect!
 

Would you trust her?

Sunday arrived and we had some sunshine and a rather strong and cool wind, but all-in-all a better day than we had on the previous two days - maybe it was just coincidental with Brenda's arrival.
Amazingly she has had virtually no jet lag - sleeping well overnight and not waking up too early.
Having tried her hand at steering on a couple of occasions already - and doing very well; thriving on the views from the back of the boat; and tentatively sampling a couple of the local ales - the colder lagers are more to her Australian taste anyway, but we believe that she is enjoying the experience so far.
As the weather was quite good, we thought a walk around the Lymm dam would help to stretch a few muscles for the three of us and build up a bit of an appetite for lunch.
 

Carvings in the area around the dam at Lymm

Lymm Church

It was ever so good to see Paul and Elaine and to catch up on their adventures in Europe with the motorhome - they are both looking very well indeed and good news is glad at anytime.
The dogs - Bombo and Sammie - were lively of course - as they are - Sammie was ever ready with the tongue that licks.
Lunch at the Spread Eagle was relaxing; the food was good; just a very nice relaxing time where the time seemed to just disappear.

our favourite - The Spread Eagle

Two familiar characters

the gang together

Poor Bombo - in the stocks 

watch where those hands are going, you two!

Before long we were saying goodbye again - and looking forward to the next time.

As for the rest of the day/evening - it was only a narrow thing but we didn't fall asleep in the chairs, but for sure it will be another solid one tonight.


26 Miles, 3 Locks, 3 Tunnels

Totals: 2727 Miles, 2046 Locks, 94 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 151 Swing Bridges

Tomorrow is another (rest) day!

Wednesday 23rd July to Monday 28th July 2014

We had been told by a number of people that the moorings at Vale Royal were terrific and when we passed them on Tuesday they looked extremely inviting; so that was where we would head to.

There was the little matter of winding, but being on a river meant that it really wasn't much of a problem - plenty of width and the depth was OK as well, so we simply left the front rope tied and swung around - presto, we were facing back down the river.

Our destination was to be the much praised Vale Royal moorings which we had seen and passed the previous day.
There had been just the one boat moored there the day before and as we approached we could see a clear length and we had the full selection of spots to moor up - the final decision was based on best TV signal which unfortunately did not include ITV4, so it was to be le Tour on live streaming again.
 

We wandered back for a closer look at Vale Royal Lock....

...the by-wash - through an old single lock...

...an old stone from a long gone building -
oh, and Diane upon it

posing on the swing bridge over the lock

The moorings are on the eastern side of the river and with a clear view west we had the full sun on both days that we stayed - the amps were certainly flowing freely into the batteries.
A full hot sun and we attempted to alleviate some of the impact with poistioning of umbrellas to give at least some shade and by-and-large we were reasonably successful.
 

mooing at Vale Royal - extremely sunny....

....misty in the morning...

....sunny again in the afternoon

a bit of relief as we walked

Time to move on and so down the two locks that we had come through earlier and through to Northwich - moorings were available but we were more concerned with water and elsan as well as clearing the rubbish, before moving further along - our aim was to moor up at Barnton Cut.

approaching Saltersford Lock

Luckily there were still a number of places available but we chose the northern end - again without any ITV4 luck at all, but we still saw the race.
Later on we sat outside and chatted with Kathleen and Michael (nb Kerry Rose), whom we had met briefly at Vale Royal. They are a lovely couple and we realised that their children are just few years younger than us, but that did not stop boaters talking about what we do best - well second best - there was no discussion of batteries and toilets.

With it being Saturday - and Stage 20 - we moved along a bit -intending to, moor up at Acton Bridge and remain for Sunday lunch at The Leigh Arms - it had been very good so far with moorings, but here we met the changer - all full and boats breasted up all the way along - except against the cruiser - don't think that they would appreciate nearly 18 tonnes against them (on the outside), so we headed for Dutton Locks and we were in luck - totally free.
Diane's thoughts were that the reason may have something to do with there not being a pub near there.
We pulled behind the MV Concordia look-alike; success with the TV; we only had a mile to walk for the Sunday lunch and it would be cooler on Sunday than Saturday - a chance to rest easier yet again.
 

Guess which one is moored correctly...

...not the old wreck in the background, oh and some
slimmer bird in the foreground

A nice bit of rain on Saturday evening as well as wind change overnight meant that it was  certainly a welcome relief for us on Sunday morning - cool enough to get stuck into some jobs - having primed the runners for the hatch late on Saturday, they were ready for the finish coat, as were the seats at the back - all freshened up and looking much much better.
Diane removed the front cratch cover - the residue of mooring under trees at Winsford is the resin that lingers behind, so a damn good scrubbing was necessary and that certainly did the trick.
We had already managed to shift the gear taken out of the engine bay back into there except for a few things that sat low on the floor - those too now found their way back and meant that we had regained the space both inside the front cabin and also in the cratch.
Ferndale was looking a lot better and we felt a bit happier with it all as we need to get these things done before our guest arrives.
But it was time for a stroll back to Acton Bridge and the cooler wind made it enjoyable, as did meeting up again with Kathleen and Mike who managed to find a spot at the Acton Bridge moorings - so we all decided to have lunch together.

We had been there once before, 2 years ago and found the food most enjoyable, so it was pleasing to be treated to a similar standard again.
As boaters do we chatted about all sorts of things but as always there is a time to part and we left them to journey back through Saltersford Lock that afternoon and we most likely would meet again around Northwich the following day.
 

morning light across the still water

Dutton Lock

almost a perfect view from Ferndale towards Dutton Lock

Monday is fasting day on Ferndale so we were able to leave without any complications like breakfast and too many dishes - but there was a nice leisurely cruise back to the lock and after a bit of a wait for another boat we were through - as the lockie pointed out it would be a shame to waste a half million gallons of water by not waiting for the other boat - we were in no rush.

Continuing on we found quite a number of boats heading towards us - all looking good for Northwich moorings, but upon our arrival, there was not one to be had at all.
We contacted Kevin at the marina and asked if we could come in a day early - no problems and just after that we reversed into the nominated spot.
The marina is quite nice and we will be here for a few days, but a problem after we had moored up appeared.
When we turned the battery charger on, it tripped out all of the circuits for the marina - that it affected the whole place was a concern - it should only trip out on the bollard to which we are connected - after a number of attempts we will have to leave it off for this visit and get it checked out - if we cannot find a problem with the charger then we will need to not carry through with the winter visit to Northwich.
We are fine with the panels charging the batteries and the landline providing power for the inverter, but in winter the batteries would surely not survive on the solar panels.
Nothing to be done for now with that, but we walked through the town and on a bit more to the B&Q to pickup some things that we needed for the boat - it is just a mile away so the walk did us good.
Diane also managed to get some shopping in at Peacocks which was right next to the B&Q.
The section around the top of the bath is resealed; the bathroom door closes better and stays closed better; new locks for the steel cable to secure the solar panels - more things to cross off the list.

Finally, this evening we settled down after some long showers to clean off the grime of the last two days - not having to run the engine means no hot water and neither of us relished a cold shower, but we feel a bit cleaner and a bit tired and ready for a bit of taking it easy for tomorrow.

18 Miles, 4 Locks

Totals: 2701 Miles, 2043 Locks, 91 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 151 Swing Bridges

Along the Weaver

Sunday 20th July to Tuesday 22nd July 2014

Off we headed, not long after 9am, with nb Two Jays in front - our intentions to head towards Anderton - us to go down onto the Weaver; Jim and Joan most probably to have a good look around and join us on Ferndale going down on the boatlift.

This part of the Trent and Mersey, as it winds it's way around Northwich and through the salt works would not be the enticement for someone planning a cruising holiday - it is more a section to be endured; but even saying that is a bit unkind - there are many areas on the system that can be lumped together under the general heading of parts to go through in order to get to somewhere else.

The Two Jays in the distance as we pass around Northwich

Still once through the countryside opens up again and suddenly, Anderton is upon us - we both take advantage of the services mooring to take on water and us to use the Elsan.

We cruised up further to the 24 hour moorings just near to the boatlift and we all head along the towpath to see this wonder of the system.

Downstairs to the booking office - a slot is available in an hour's time - great and we take that one - no charge. Sufficient time to have a cup of coffee before moving the boat up and have the safety talk.
After that it was pretty much time to head in - the gongoozlers were out in force, so not the time to make a mess of entering the holding pound - smoothly through the bridge hole - no touching of the sides, then into the trough before finally entering the caisson to held down.

entering the Anderton caisson

I could tell the both Joan and Jim were looking forward to it - plenty of attention being paid to everything going on around and watching all of the little things that go on.

Joan had a smile as big as Anderton lift

the passengers

There was a bit of a jerky start to the descent, which settled down and the river below was slowly coming up to meet us.
Without any delay the gates rose and we made our way out onto the Weaver, turning left and heading down for a mile or so before returning and mooring up and had a cuppa before we parted ways and waved Joan and Jim goodbye.

about to exit

au revoir

We headed back towards Northwich and moored up opposite the new marina that has appeared since we were last down here. A large Waitrose has also appeared behind the marina and there is plenty of building going on - a complete renaissance in Northwich - a town trying hard to shake off the appearance and reputation of it's past.

moored up in Northwich

As it was Sunday we didn't expect much to be open as we headed out a bit after 5pm - and we were right.
We stopped at 'spoons for something to eat and then walked around the town - to parts of it that we hadn't seen before.
By the end we found about 10 pubs, 6 supermarkets, signs to the station (easy walking distance), an Enterprise car rental site; markets; a bus interchange station and really all of the things that you would be looking for in a place to moor for a bit over winter.

mmm, a plan appears to be hatching as we walked.

By Monday morning we had thought about it again; we needed to check out the marina for prices - that was fine; elsan; showers available and diesel can be delivered by Renaissance Canal Traders.
It will be dependant on the conditions but we might very well come down onto the Weaver for a month or so in January - we haven't found a reason not to - and everything is virtually a 5-10 minute walk from the marina.

Monday was also the rest day for le Tour, so that meant I could get another coat done in the engine bay, which was done - so nearly all done and then everything that has been stored in all sorts of places inside, will find themselves relocated back to below decks with the engine and we will be able to move again.

We still wanted to explore a bit more of the Weaver and so headed off towards Winsford on Tuesday. First of all, it was a call to the lockie to let him know that we would be heading his way and ask when would it be a suitable time - that done we were able to untie and head off virtually straight away; a short delay, but a chance to chat about what to expect further along.

the lock in the distance and just able to squeeze below the bridge

Through Hunt's Lock and then onto Vale Royal Lock - the intervening river section was truly delightful to cruise along.

About to enter Hunt's Lock

the wide open space on the river...

...and the sun as well

Above the second lock were the Vale Royal moorings, where we will head back to.
After that, the industrial side of the river was found and continued almost to Winsford -  there was nothing wrong or unpleasant about the works - just not as pleasant to view as we had seen earlier.

The not so pretty side...

...and the not so ugly side

The moorings at Winsford are outside The Red Lion and can accommodate 2 boats only - we arrived to find them empty - we spent the night as the only boat there.

outside The Red Lion

Winsford itself is another small town suffering and perhaps not seeing a way out; there is a long trek up the hill to the shopping precinct - not a lot to grab me to go back there, but it was adequate - an Aldi and an ASDA to the west and a Morrisons to the east.

We think that the one night will do us and we will head back in the morning!


14 Miles, 2 Locks

Totals: 2683 Miles, 2039 Locks, 91 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 151 Swing Bridges