Cruising in the dark!

Friday 20th March 2015

Our target today was Fradley Junction - it fits the criteria which is essentially 3 hours cruising per day.

It really is starting to feel a lot like spring and as we left, the sun was out shining down on us and it was feeling quite warm.

It was plain cruising for most of today with only one expected lock and we thoroughly enjoyed the easy pace through Rugeley, then on past Spode House and then to Armitage.
 

These cloud generators weren't going to help see the eclipse...

...and it was a bit foggy/misty anyway

Just before Armitage we have the tunnel and this time I went ahead to make sure that the way was clear, leaving it to Diane to take the boat through, which she did perfectly.

Getting clever she is - steering through a  narrow
cutting, approaching a tunnel and still able to
take a "selfie"

Past the Armitage-Shanks foundry and under the railbridge - we were keeping an eye on the time - not that we were in any sort of hurry, because that was simply not on our minds; it was that we were "looking"out for the eclipse.

Diane had read that it would be about 9:30, so at roughly 9:20 we switched the tunnel light on to make sure we could see where we were going in the dark (we really didn't do any such thing at all).

At the allotted time you could sense a change in the degree and intensity of sunlight - we weren't in a position to do much in the way of indirect viewing, and the chatter of the bird life reduced dramatically.
 

We think that this was the partial eclipse - as you can see the
cloud cover obscured any decent chance

Having experienced a full eclipse back in Australia in the 1970's, this was a bit disappointing - back then, it got eerily dark and very quiet indeed - so from that experience I could tell it was happening.

About 10 minutes later everything returned to normal and we continued on our way, catching up to a boat at Wood End Lock, and before Shade House Lock we moored up - job done for the day.

We ventured out for a walk in the afternoon - it was very quiet around the corner on the Coventry Canal; we smiled smugly as one boat winded at the junction whilst another encroached into the junction area wanting to turn into the Coventry - he went too far in so as to cause the winding boat the need to hurry his about turn, and also caused himself problems in getting around.
We could tell from fleeting comments and looks of others around that they also thought him a pratt.
 

looking back up to Middle and Shade House Locks 

A sole boat on the Coventry - never seen it empty like this

One here for Dot and Gordon

Just as we all like it - approaching the lock already set for you

At the nature reserve

The air was for a pleasant change quite warm and the first time in quite a while that I was without my coat.
 

The boat names are what we were looking at - the one in front is Diane and the
one behind is Sam (for Samantha)

Just love this old 1950's van - so well preserved

9 Miles, 1 Locks, 1 Tunnel
YTD: 144 Miles, 59 Locks, 3 Tunnels, 2 Lift Bridges, 6 Swing Bridges

Totals: 3038 Miles, 2180 Locks, 101 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 157 Swing Bridges

More Goobyes, more football, an anniversary

Wednesday 18th March to Thursday 19th March 2015

We finally untied and started our journey south - it's a bit of a strange thing to say since we have been heading this way for a week now, but it has become a fact of life for us and the rest of the gang, that you really are not on your way out for the summer cruising until you cut the ties to the "Mother-Ship" that is this lovely lot of ratbags and scallywags.

Diane went off early to empty the cassette and upon return virtually just picked up the windlass and was off  to set the lock - we were away - but only through the lock and to the water point.

We were just about finished when Roly and Bev wandered along - the same intent on their mind as it was for Diane earlier on. A chance for some more last goodbyes.
 

Until later in the year for you teo

When next we see Bev and Roly's boat Klara, it will be in
a different livery

Down through Aston Lock - I took the chance for a couple of shots of the marina - passing by "poo"-hill there was some sudden movement and jumping out from behind a tree and there were the gang again for definitely the last goodbye.
 

Look at this crazy lot - braving "poo"-hill

the marina always looks good bathed in sunshine...

We have travelled this stretch of the canal so many times over the last 3 years and there was no need for the Nicholsons - it was as if we knew each bridge, tree, sheep and cow.
 

...as does this one

half sitting, half standing so it is 50% chance of rain

To Sandon Lock - it was looking good, someone around the lock - a boat coming up, so I stepped to the towpath to go down and help the boat through. Seems there was no boat - just two very silly people - Sue and Andy had driven down to lend a hand through this lock and surely the very very last goodbye - we really did appreciate this last bit of help.
 

Crazy people at the lock - Sue and Andy

There are a few more boats now moving and at Weston Lock we managed to just make in time with a boat that had come out and another coming up, before the lock was turned.
 

Which side looks best?  This one or....

...this one?

Just a mile or so further on and we moored up at the Ingestre moorings on our own for a quiet coldish night - it had been a quite nice day with plenty of sunshine - still not warm enough to get the chill off the air.

The following morning we headed off about mid-morning and had a brief stop at Great Haywood with a visit to the farmshop and new cafe - both very nice.

Our aim today was to moor up at the Rugeley Aqueduct and head up to The Stag's Leap (a Marston pub) for lunch - Diane especially likes the rotissiere chicken there.

We did arrive a bit after 1pm and came back ready to sit down and relax - but alas there was some work to get done and a little football to watch.

It is now 12 months since we have lost Banjo; whilst we have got used to him not being around us we do not forget about him and there are memories of where he used to be whilst we were cruising and his little ways.
Certainly it is sad without him.
 

Banjo - 23/4/01 to 19/3/14

13 miles, 7 locks
YTD: 135 Miles, 58 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 2 Lift Bridges, 6 Swing Bridges

Totals: 3029 Miles, 2179 Locks, 100 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 157 Swing Bridges

Home with a Home

Thursday 1st January to Friday 2nd January 2015

Fortunately the weather prediction was for a dry day, but more importantly the ice had gone - just a few broken sheets hanging around.

We were up bright and early and had the boat ready to go by 7:30 - still a bit dark; daylight had started, but we needed the tunnel light on to make our way past the boats moored up - fires on but no lights - enjoy your lie in and any New Year's Day hangovers - we were clear headed - and needed to be.

We "hit" the top of the Atherstone Locks at 8:30 and despite every lock being against us (yet again!) we had cleared the 11 locks and the 2 miles that they covered but by 10:15am - teamwork is the key and we were working well together.

After this it was all clear cruising - weather still clear, although very cloudy - and very windy. We were both pleased that it was windy rather than icy.

Good progress was made - through the normally slow Glascote locks, then Fazeley Junction - it was only after here that we found any other boats on the move and then just a couple.
All straight cruising until darkness was descending and we were closing in on Fradley Junction - finally mooring up at 5pm in the dark - 25 miles and 13 locks in 9 1/2 hours. Somehow we managed to make our way to The Swan - the first pint went down well, but then we found out the kitchen was closed - only two days in the year -Xmas and NYD.
Suddenly someone came in to pick up their pizza - lady behind the bar said no food - sorry but already arranged with the landlord - so, pizza oven turned on and we were in luck - neither of fancied cooking the beans and the toast.
And the other 3 pints each went down well also.
There were a few characters in there as well, so the banter was there and we had a good night.

We had discussed our Friday plans and decided that since we had less to go than what we had done on Thursday, we knew that we were definitely in with a chance of getting the boat to Aston.

As daylight appeared we were through the first lock which was the stoppage point for Monday and we were then all OK.
Then two more locks and a smooth 9 miles of cruising to Colwich Lock - past Armitage - a quick look at the loos lined up; past the Rugeley towers - the sun was out and warmed our backs; the wind from yesterday had dropped and we were starting to feel our fingers and toes again.

Up until this point we had managed 20 locks and every one of them had been against us - the remaining 5 locks would see no change in our luck with this.

But the sight of the marina made us feel decidely happy and with the time at just 3:30pm as we pulled we were very pleased with ourselves - a bit less happy with the marina being closed, so could not fill with diesel and the nominated mooring spot was occupied.

We did however moor up; secured the boat; cleaned up and washed the outside (as best we could).
Roly was there to meet us - having only just returned from Wales himself. Could not have see a happier face - and we were really glad to see him - he was there at the start and now the finish.
Gordon went off to drop off his gear and returned with Roly - and guess where we went - that's right - straight to The Royal Exchange.

Diane arrived - she seemed happy to see us and later on Dot appeared - almost like old times again - just a few other missing for the present time - but it was so good to be home and even better to have brought a home for Barry and Carol back with us.

Caio, Arriverderci, Aufweidersehen, Goodbye and Farewell

Sunday 6th April to Wednesday 9th April 2014

The time has come for us to finally say goodbye for now to more of the group - Sunday was the last day that we would see Roly for sometime - he joined us for lunch at The Clifford Arms; sadly Bev was still too ill to come too, but we send our very best and hope that she is well again very soon.

Sweet-tooth Roly

The naughty kids couch - and they were just that - making all
sorts of noises by sliding around on the couch - luckily it was
just the sounds - not the smells as well

We are just simply going to miss Roly so much - he is such as nice guy; willing to help anyone; a person that you love to have a beer with all the time.

Enjoy the summer Roly !

We returned to the boat after a filling lunch - with intentions of a bit of nap - the engine would run for an hour or so to top up the batteries. All started well but then the engine died - by the sound of it there was a fuel problem - no nap !!

Into the overalls and down into the engine bay, spare fuel filter in hand along with tools.

Took the entire fuel system apart (it seemed) - the filter was dirty as was the water separator - finally got it all back together, but it still wouldn't start - damn it!

Superior help was required - only one person to call upon - the guy on the boat in front, which would be Paul (nb Caxton).

Luckily he was awake after his "nanna nap", so overalls slipped on, down the engine hole, listen to the engine turning over - problem found - electrical connection to the fuel pump had come loose - 2 minutes later and it was fixed.

Thanks Paul !

Monday morning and time to wave farewell to Elaine and Paul - headed off at 8am - yes, you read correctly - 8am - they were up even earlier than that.

bye bye Elaine

the pedal to the metal ehh Paul!!

see ya later!

Not sure when we will see you again, but it will not be soon enough - we felt a little sad as you rounded the corner and slowly disappeared from sight.

We headed off just after 9am, just after Dot and Gordon who were filling with water at the junction.

Gordon and Dot heading off

Cruising was lovely until we got to Colwich Lock - the top gate wouldn't close properly and therefore the lock could not empty. Two CaRT guys had only just left as we approached, but after a call, they were back fairly quickly.

A great lump of tree and three bricks later the gate could be closed and we were on our way again.

one of the CaRT guys - please not the three bricks on the lock edge

We really enjoy the peace and open space mooring on the Rugeley aquaduct. About 30 minutes later we were joined by Ewn Ha Cul and later on we journeyed by foot up to The Stag's Leap for dinner - Diane likes the meals here, especially the rotisserie chicken.

Tuesday was a reasonably early start - the girls were off to Tesco, Gordon following on the boat and I finished off a bit of work before I headed off as well.

With perfect timing I passed through Bridge 66 just as "she who must be obeyed" emerged and hopped on without stopping a little further on.

We carried on, with just a short stop for water at Brereton, and then cruised down to Fradley Wood.

the last picture of toilets - but as boaters we will keep talking
about them

A little later we locked D and G through the 2 upper locks at Fradley, they stopped for water just around the corner and we said our goodbyes to them for now - we will catch them on their return from Coventry as we head down that way - their timetable means that they need to travel further and longer than we need to do at present.

One of the surprises that sometimes happens occurred on Wednesday morning as I was returning from the service block - a guy sitting on his motorbike suddenly said "Hello Ray, how are you?"

I do  have a problem recognising people out of original context, but this time I was not able to make the recognition - "No we haven't met - I read the blog" - that was a relief for me.

His name is Paul and was on nb Just the Job - moored just in front of us -we chatted for about 5-10 minutes - very pleasant in the morning sun. Thanks Paul for the chat and causing me some concern about my recognition skills - will keep a look out for you in the future.

We headed off just before 9am with an interest in getting as far as the Ventura Retail Park for a few purchases.

The first ducklings of the season (for us)

Just plain lovely!

There is always someone watching

the stalagmites starting

With only 2 locks to do and those being down straight away, followed by 10 miles of cruising in the warm sunshine, the effort was small, the enjoyment large.

Au revoir to good friends; goodbye to Aston Marina and farewell to winter.

22 Miles, 5 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 1 Swing Bridge

Totals: 2259 Miles, 1669  Locks, 75 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 146 Swing Bridges