Monday 20th June to Sunday 3rd July 2011
46 Miles, 48 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 2 Swing Bridges– for this fortnight
Totals: 623 Miles, 578 Locks, 19 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 11 Swing Bridges
I have been a bit slack this fortnight and Vivienne will not be happy at all with me
She has now left me - Diane has returned home to Australia.
No, she hasn't had enough of me just yet; this was pre-planned - there are things that she needs to finalise back there and then she will be back
After our long haul into Birmingham we spent a few days moored outside the NIA – some will say that we had overstayed the allowed time – but I will say that whilst it says 48hr moorings it also says that 5 pounds will be charged for each extra day – so not limited to 48 hours – that is only the free period, and as no-one came around to charge us the fee, then all I can say is that is their problem.
We did put our time to use – doing the 3 canal loops remaining off the New Main Line – all were very clean and no problems encountered.
On the minus side we had two incidents whilst moored – the first was a young guy hovering around the boat and then decided he wanted to see what was on the top of the boat and stepped up onto the gunnel – I had my eye on him, but Diane yelled out to me to check him out – I was on my way already – ready to take the hockey stick and ask him what he was doing – but on her voice he beat a hasty retreat.
The second was a group of touristy types wanting to have photographs taken of each other, but not respectful enough to understand that stepping onto the back of the boat without asking if it was OK first was likely to get people a bit upset about their impudence – explained to them that it was similar to me trespassing on their property and that they needed to ask first – not sure they really understood the cranky old b____r.
We made our way out of Birmingham via the Farmers Hill Locks and then the Ashton Locks to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and moored up at Minworth Greaves.
That simply is one of the problems going into Birmingham – it takes such a long time in and also going out with so many locks and miles to go, but the centre is very much worth all of the effort.
The pull of the Dog and Doublet was irresistible and further encouragement from she who must be obeyed did not get any resistance from me that we should moor up after just 2 hours.
We made our way to the junction but not before we pulled in for a pump out and for fuel at the Fazeley Mill Marina – just too darn friendly they are there. We asked about shopping there and were told about the retail park up along the road from Bridge 76 (heading north) – with Sainsbury, M&S, Homebase, ASDA and Halfords we were set, but it is a bit of a walk from the canal – but well worth the exercise.
That same day, we thought we would move away from the junction a bit, but the shallow edges meant that we didn’t moor up until we were at Hopwas – the neighbourhood looked a bit dodgy with Piston Broke (Lynne and Paul) as well as Tranquility (Betty and Graham), but we thought that we should be friendly to the locals – went to the Tame Otter for a meal with all of them – a very good night and good food.
Saturday was a day out as we ventured into Lichfield on the bus – just about 25 minutes and we were in the centre of town – we have been to Lichfield a few times before and we very much like the town – no exception this time.
We had planned to move onto Fradley Junction a day earlier, so it was on Sunday that we were off early as SHE wanted her Sunday roast and The Swan was a suitable place to get that – turned out to be a bargain – very good servings of roast and veges, and then there was dessert and coffee/tea included – all for 9 pounds.
With the countdown for Diane’s return to Australia well and truly into single digits she wanted very much to have a final run of locks and so we headed off early up to Alrewas and back to Fradley – 3 ½ miles and 10 locks on a very hot morning, but we had needed to wind somewhere so it all worked out pretty well.
All that was left to do now was to head back to Hopwas where we had arranged to be picked up for the car hire on the Wednesday – so we managed to get another shopping trip in – with the aid of the car we could get a fair bit more than usual.
You can never be sure about travel times on the roads, or at least we find it difficult to guesstimate them, so in our usual routine we headed off for the trip to Manchester Airport fairly early, but in the end we managed to not have to waste too much time at the other end; before we knew it, it was time for Diane to go through passport control and within an instant she was away.
She got home OK and whilst a bit sleepy for the first day, she seems to be back to normal (almost).
In the meantime I stayed at Hopwas for the weekend – the start of le Tour and coverage on ITV4 had to be worked in with a bit of work and some work on the boat as well a visit to the Tame Otter (again), but it will be 3 more weeks of le Tour and hopefully we can get Cadel Evans onto the top step in Paris.
Saturday late afternoon, a tap at the window and it was Elsie (and Ben) from nb Bendigedig to have a chat – Eric strolled up from the boat shortly after; Sue and Richard from nb Indigo Dream came by a little later, so we all had a good bit of a chat about the usual sorts of things that are spoken of.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Weeding our way into Birmingham
Monday 13th June to Sunday 19th June 2011
52 Miles, 48 Locks, 2 Tunnels– for this week
Totals: 577 Miles, 530 Locks, 17 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 9 Swing Bridges
This week has been a rather satisfying one for us; we have managed to find a marina which meets our needs for a winter mooring; we have made our way into Birmingham; we have sorted out our TV aerial problems; we have experienced 2 new canals.
We left Barlaston on Monday and made our way down to Stone, a town that holds such good memories for us – this is where we commenced our boating experience; mooring above the locks enabled us to have quiet mooring and reasonable TV reception as well as good internet.
A shopping expedition to restock the pantry and a general walk around – checked that Stone station was handling trains again – our last visit 3 years ago saw them out of the loop a bit as work was taking place at the station with the tracks – but good news, the train links ran to Crewe in one direction and London the other way.
On Tuesday it was on down through the 5 locks to Aston Marina where we pulled in onto the visitor moorings; we had a good long chat to the people there; a good walk and look around; spoke to moorers; saw the farm shop, the pub/restaurant; visited the local off-site pub and spent a night there to get a better feel for the place – in the morning we paid our deposit for a winter mooring – this gives us the requirements that we were looking for in a mooring.
Wednesday was back out onto the canal and down to Great Haywood Junction where we turned onto the Staffs and Worcestershire Canal for the first time, mooring at Tixal Wide. A chance to have a bit of a walk around – it is just so peaceful and quiet here – we will be back to spend some more time and walk around a lot more I the future.
Onward to Penkridge and the going was very hard indeed – the canal was pretty shallow in places and any deviation from the centre meant a meeting of boat bottom with the canal bottom – 2 or 3 times we managed to get stuck. Diane also did a fair amount of steering this day, allowing me a chance to do the locks – none of the groundings were during her reign at the tiller.
We had decided that Penkridge would be a suitable place to stop which allowed some respite from the noisy M6 without the need to travel too far.
It was at Lock 39 (Longford Lock) that we pulled up waiting for one boat to go up and then one to come down that we came across Elsie and Eric (and Ben) on NB Bendigedig and had the usual short hellos as we briefly crossed – we will catch up with them sometime.
It is one of the disappointing aspects of this canal north of Autherley Junction – there is so much co-habitation with motorways and busier A roads that inject their level of noise into the peaceful quiet of the canal.
The journey from Penkridge was very enjoyable and the canal had more depth and width – so none of the trials that we had earlier experienced. We had wanted to moor up before reaching the narrows but didn’t find anything suitable, so we ventured through there – only encountering two boats but with the passing placing suitable sited we had no problems at all. Eventually we moored up just past Autherley Junction and as has been our lot recently, the heavens opened up just as we had made it inside - so no chance of walking a half mile back to the pub.
Saturday was the day for us – the Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks and then the long cruise into Birmingham. We have done this flight before (back in 2008) so we had no problems with it – we just knew it would be a long day – longer than we thought.
The locks we great; the paddlegear was easy to use; some of the top gates were heavy to move; the water was crystal clear – you could see the bottom and the fish swimming around; no rubbish around but there was a bit of floating weed along the flight.
We were up the flight in just over 3 hours and had a bit of a break at the top as we took on water and had some morning tea – the facilities are quite good and the showers were hot and refreshing.
Then it was into the troublesome area – two boaters we passed on our journey up had told us about the level of weed after the locks – more than we have seen before and we lost count of the number of times that the shift into reverse was made to clear the prop - there was a need to stop to clear it, and it was the weed fouling things up.
We had decided to try the old line into Birmingham on the Wolverhampton level as we had previously been on the New Main Line and found it quite boring; glad that we did.
After the turn to stay on this level we ummed and aaahed about mooring at the Black Country Museum, but decided to press on as we had planned to catch up with James and the girls at Birmingham.
In hindsight it might well have been better to have stopped.
The journey through the outskirts of Wolverhampton leading into Birmingham on this waterway was indeed very nice; the weed was no where near as bad as earlier – in fact, after Coseley Tunnel the weed dramatically reduced.
The waterway was through a residential area so a bit more to look at and cruising beneath the motorway was opportune as it occurred just as the rain started.
We did not encounter any rubbish until just after the three locks at Sandwell and then it was not an issue.
This will be our preferred course into Birmingham from the west next time – a mile longer but well worth it.
Finally 10 hours after we had set off we were able to moor up just outside the NIA and rest some weary bones.
We had agreed to meet up with James and the girls in Victoria Square at the International Food Fair, but a change in circumstances for them meant that it was not possible – still we enjoyed the food, the music and the cider and beer, but we were very tired and 9 o’clock found us very much fast asleep.
Sunday was a much better day weatherwise and we felt more invigorated; so it was off into the city – why don’t the shops open before 11 on a Sunday and why aren’t the markets open at all.
We managed to find the tourist information and we found Maplins we were able to get a few cables and connections that we needed to install the new omnidirectional digital TV aerial that we had purchased at Midland Chandlery (Penkridge) a few days back.
In just a couple of hours we had installed the aerial on a new pole onto the side of the boat and the digital enhancer box which was able to split the signal between TV and radio and presto – excellent digital TV signal without any pixellation and excellent radio – we had achieved; and we are very happy about it.
52 Miles, 48 Locks, 2 Tunnels– for this week
Totals: 577 Miles, 530 Locks, 17 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 9 Swing Bridges
This week has been a rather satisfying one for us; we have managed to find a marina which meets our needs for a winter mooring; we have made our way into Birmingham; we have sorted out our TV aerial problems; we have experienced 2 new canals.
We left Barlaston on Monday and made our way down to Stone, a town that holds such good memories for us – this is where we commenced our boating experience; mooring above the locks enabled us to have quiet mooring and reasonable TV reception as well as good internet.
A shopping expedition to restock the pantry and a general walk around – checked that Stone station was handling trains again – our last visit 3 years ago saw them out of the loop a bit as work was taking place at the station with the tracks – but good news, the train links ran to Crewe in one direction and London the other way.
On Tuesday it was on down through the 5 locks to Aston Marina where we pulled in onto the visitor moorings; we had a good long chat to the people there; a good walk and look around; spoke to moorers; saw the farm shop, the pub/restaurant; visited the local off-site pub and spent a night there to get a better feel for the place – in the morning we paid our deposit for a winter mooring – this gives us the requirements that we were looking for in a mooring.
Wednesday was back out onto the canal and down to Great Haywood Junction where we turned onto the Staffs and Worcestershire Canal for the first time, mooring at Tixal Wide. A chance to have a bit of a walk around – it is just so peaceful and quiet here – we will be back to spend some more time and walk around a lot more I the future.
Onward to Penkridge and the going was very hard indeed – the canal was pretty shallow in places and any deviation from the centre meant a meeting of boat bottom with the canal bottom – 2 or 3 times we managed to get stuck. Diane also did a fair amount of steering this day, allowing me a chance to do the locks – none of the groundings were during her reign at the tiller.
We had decided that Penkridge would be a suitable place to stop which allowed some respite from the noisy M6 without the need to travel too far.
It was at Lock 39 (Longford Lock) that we pulled up waiting for one boat to go up and then one to come down that we came across Elsie and Eric (and Ben) on NB Bendigedig and had the usual short hellos as we briefly crossed – we will catch up with them sometime.
It is one of the disappointing aspects of this canal north of Autherley Junction – there is so much co-habitation with motorways and busier A roads that inject their level of noise into the peaceful quiet of the canal.
The journey from Penkridge was very enjoyable and the canal had more depth and width – so none of the trials that we had earlier experienced. We had wanted to moor up before reaching the narrows but didn’t find anything suitable, so we ventured through there – only encountering two boats but with the passing placing suitable sited we had no problems at all. Eventually we moored up just past Autherley Junction and as has been our lot recently, the heavens opened up just as we had made it inside - so no chance of walking a half mile back to the pub.
Saturday was the day for us – the Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks and then the long cruise into Birmingham. We have done this flight before (back in 2008) so we had no problems with it – we just knew it would be a long day – longer than we thought.
The locks we great; the paddlegear was easy to use; some of the top gates were heavy to move; the water was crystal clear – you could see the bottom and the fish swimming around; no rubbish around but there was a bit of floating weed along the flight.
We were up the flight in just over 3 hours and had a bit of a break at the top as we took on water and had some morning tea – the facilities are quite good and the showers were hot and refreshing.
Then it was into the troublesome area – two boaters we passed on our journey up had told us about the level of weed after the locks – more than we have seen before and we lost count of the number of times that the shift into reverse was made to clear the prop - there was a need to stop to clear it, and it was the weed fouling things up.
We had decided to try the old line into Birmingham on the Wolverhampton level as we had previously been on the New Main Line and found it quite boring; glad that we did.
After the turn to stay on this level we ummed and aaahed about mooring at the Black Country Museum, but decided to press on as we had planned to catch up with James and the girls at Birmingham.
In hindsight it might well have been better to have stopped.
The journey through the outskirts of Wolverhampton leading into Birmingham on this waterway was indeed very nice; the weed was no where near as bad as earlier – in fact, after Coseley Tunnel the weed dramatically reduced.
The waterway was through a residential area so a bit more to look at and cruising beneath the motorway was opportune as it occurred just as the rain started.
We did not encounter any rubbish until just after the three locks at Sandwell and then it was not an issue.
This will be our preferred course into Birmingham from the west next time – a mile longer but well worth it.
Finally 10 hours after we had set off we were able to moor up just outside the NIA and rest some weary bones.
We had agreed to meet up with James and the girls in Victoria Square at the International Food Fair, but a change in circumstances for them meant that it was not possible – still we enjoyed the food, the music and the cider and beer, but we were very tired and 9 o’clock found us very much fast asleep.
Sunday was a much better day weatherwise and we felt more invigorated; so it was off into the city – why don’t the shops open before 11 on a Sunday and why aren’t the markets open at all.
We managed to find the tourist information and we found Maplins we were able to get a few cables and connections that we needed to install the new omnidirectional digital TV aerial that we had purchased at Midland Chandlery (Penkridge) a few days back.
In just a couple of hours we had installed the aerial on a new pole onto the side of the boat and the digital enhancer box which was able to split the signal between TV and radio and presto – excellent digital TV signal without any pixellation and excellent radio – we had achieved; and we are very happy about it.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Single Handed Boaters - The Good, the Bad and the downright Ugly
Monday 6th June to Sunday 12th June 2011
32 Miles, 40 Locks, 1 Tunnel – for this week
Total: 525 Miles, 482 Locks, 15 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 9 Swing Bridges
The weather this week had a huge effect on our travelling this week with two days when we were drenched just prior to mooring up, another where we decided not to move due to rain – sounds more like the lack of play at Wimbledon or Lord’s and reasons why.
But far and above that there were the contrasts between very good behaviour and exceedingly selfish behaviour by single handed boaters.
This is not us having a ‘go’ at single handed boaters – having done this for 4 months last year I know an awful lot about the trials and tribulations of this – it isn’t easy but if you have made the decision to go it alone (for whatever reason) then you accept the challenges and responsibilities for making sure that you do the right thing all of the time (not just when it suits you) – nothing different to there being 2 or 3 or more of you on a boat.
Being on the canals is a privilege not a right and you need to be prepared to work with and help others and to think of other users all of the time.
Travelling through the Cheshire locks is a hard task at the best of times, but setting out from Wheelock we immediately came across a lock which could not fill completely from a pound which was well down on its normal level.
Diane had to walk up the locks for a fair way to let water down in order for us to move out and along. This all took time and we saw it initially as one of those things that goes with lower rainfall – until she found that the lockgate paddles had not been put down completely by an earlier boat and further we were told that it was a single handed boater not closing them
You can accept that it is possible to accidentally leave one paddle not down, particularly if they are stiff and you think that is it down fully – but not at 3 or 4 locks in succession.
Gradually we made our way up the locks followed by two other boats – we reached the M6 as the heavens opened; drenched and tired, there were two single handers in the locks – both coming down at the same time – that’s OK.
One ready to leave the lock, gates open, decided to take his time, knowing that we are there waiting to come up – I was helping him to get through – so the boat is bobbing around in the pound – in the windy pound – waiting and waiting. He then leaves to wait under the bridge out of the rain – the same rain that continued to drench us – but having left the ratchets open on all of the paddle gear – an accident waiting to happen – too lazy by a long way.
The other boater just leaves the lock only bother to close one gate – didn’t even attempt to worry about the other – too lazy by a long way.
Sure it means a bit of extra effort to close it – or he even could have asked if I would close it for him – too lazy by a long way.
A complete lack of empathy for others – “I’m alright, b_____r you" attitude.
The following day we saw the better side of single handed boating – an older man struggled through a set of paired locks as we were coming up; a hire boat in the other; he pulled the boat over to the bollards to moor up to let the other boat through as he was concerned about slowing them down – this is the type of attitude that anyone would want to see – the other boat appreciated the gestured and acknowledged the same.
That’s enough about that for now.
When you pass along a long stretch and catch up with and work through the locks with others you, of course, ask each other where are you heading. I have been surprised by the number who didn’t fancy the idea of going through Stoke at all.
We have been through Stoke 4 times together and I have a further trip to count on my own and only the first one caused us to be concerned and not by anything other than the level of rubbish in the canal – and that was 3 years ago.
This time, as with my previous time, the canal through Stoke would have to be the cleanest that I have seen when going through a large town – in fact cleaner than in most places anywhere that we have been – the amount of effort put in by the people in Stoke to create a user-friendly setting has been tremendous. We have moored up in Stoke over 6 separate nights and had no problems at all – something reflected by others that we have spoken to; so please do not think ill of Stoke, but instead enjoy the environment and enjoy the town.
For now we are sitting quite cosily in Barlaston, after enjoying a very nice Sunday roast at the Plume of Feathers hotel; sitting listening to the rain on the roof and thinking how much better off we are than those on the boats that are cruising past.
32 Miles, 40 Locks, 1 Tunnel – for this week
Total: 525 Miles, 482 Locks, 15 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 9 Swing Bridges
The weather this week had a huge effect on our travelling this week with two days when we were drenched just prior to mooring up, another where we decided not to move due to rain – sounds more like the lack of play at Wimbledon or Lord’s and reasons why.
But far and above that there were the contrasts between very good behaviour and exceedingly selfish behaviour by single handed boaters.
This is not us having a ‘go’ at single handed boaters – having done this for 4 months last year I know an awful lot about the trials and tribulations of this – it isn’t easy but if you have made the decision to go it alone (for whatever reason) then you accept the challenges and responsibilities for making sure that you do the right thing all of the time (not just when it suits you) – nothing different to there being 2 or 3 or more of you on a boat.
Being on the canals is a privilege not a right and you need to be prepared to work with and help others and to think of other users all of the time.
Travelling through the Cheshire locks is a hard task at the best of times, but setting out from Wheelock we immediately came across a lock which could not fill completely from a pound which was well down on its normal level.
Diane had to walk up the locks for a fair way to let water down in order for us to move out and along. This all took time and we saw it initially as one of those things that goes with lower rainfall – until she found that the lockgate paddles had not been put down completely by an earlier boat and further we were told that it was a single handed boater not closing them
You can accept that it is possible to accidentally leave one paddle not down, particularly if they are stiff and you think that is it down fully – but not at 3 or 4 locks in succession.
Gradually we made our way up the locks followed by two other boats – we reached the M6 as the heavens opened; drenched and tired, there were two single handers in the locks – both coming down at the same time – that’s OK.
One ready to leave the lock, gates open, decided to take his time, knowing that we are there waiting to come up – I was helping him to get through – so the boat is bobbing around in the pound – in the windy pound – waiting and waiting. He then leaves to wait under the bridge out of the rain – the same rain that continued to drench us – but having left the ratchets open on all of the paddle gear – an accident waiting to happen – too lazy by a long way.
The other boater just leaves the lock only bother to close one gate – didn’t even attempt to worry about the other – too lazy by a long way.
Sure it means a bit of extra effort to close it – or he even could have asked if I would close it for him – too lazy by a long way.
A complete lack of empathy for others – “I’m alright, b_____r you" attitude.
The following day we saw the better side of single handed boating – an older man struggled through a set of paired locks as we were coming up; a hire boat in the other; he pulled the boat over to the bollards to moor up to let the other boat through as he was concerned about slowing them down – this is the type of attitude that anyone would want to see – the other boat appreciated the gestured and acknowledged the same.
That’s enough about that for now.
When you pass along a long stretch and catch up with and work through the locks with others you, of course, ask each other where are you heading. I have been surprised by the number who didn’t fancy the idea of going through Stoke at all.
We have been through Stoke 4 times together and I have a further trip to count on my own and only the first one caused us to be concerned and not by anything other than the level of rubbish in the canal – and that was 3 years ago.
This time, as with my previous time, the canal through Stoke would have to be the cleanest that I have seen when going through a large town – in fact cleaner than in most places anywhere that we have been – the amount of effort put in by the people in Stoke to create a user-friendly setting has been tremendous. We have moored up in Stoke over 6 separate nights and had no problems at all – something reflected by others that we have spoken to; so please do not think ill of Stoke, but instead enjoy the environment and enjoy the town.
For now we are sitting quite cosily in Barlaston, after enjoying a very nice Sunday roast at the Plume of Feathers hotel; sitting listening to the rain on the roof and thinking how much better off we are than those on the boats that are cruising past.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Travelling and Tragedy
Monday 23rd May to Sunday 5th June 2011
40 Miles, 28 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 8 Lift Bridges – for this fortnight
Totals: 493 Miles, 442 Locks, 14 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
We finished our time on the Montgomery by returning via a revisit to the Queen’s Head and mooring overnight there and in the now disused western arm.
This really is such a beautiful canal and when further sections are opened it will become more of a mecca. We shall return for another visit – just on these 7 miles alone – peaceful, pleasant and perfect.
We had a need to return back to the Llangollen which involved our intention to visit the Crick boat show.
This involved mooring outside the arm to Ellesmere, catching a bus to Shrewsbury and then picking up the hire car from Enterprise.
We were able to offload a case at the Tourist Information point in the bus station for a pound – they looked after it and we were a fair bit lighter.
Armed with a map we did what we usually do – take the walking map tour of the new town where we have found ourselves.
This tour was of the “shuts” of Shrewsbury – shut being a local word for the pedestrian alleyways that were around that ran between streets – it reminded us somewhat of Lyon (France) where they have covered alleyways that provided access to the behind the streets apartment blocks.
Whilst those of Shrewsbury were not in the same league it was fascinating to see some of the areas that could quite easily have been missed.
We are not sure of the standing of a town like Shrewsbury in the mind of most people in England, but if anyone is in the area, please do visit it is so lovely.
The good people at Enterprise duly picked us up at nominated time and place and within a very short time we were on our way – to Rugby.
All went well until we were about a mile from the Junction 1 on the M6 when we came to a sudden halt (no movement of the traffic) – we had been warned just seconds before on the overhead advisement sign that there was congestion on J1.
Slowly we crept forward; all traffic on the other side of the road had been stopped – we knew there was an accident of some type – emergency vehicles using the hard shoulder whizzing past.
Eventually we saw why – an accident involving a small car and a van – helicopter on the road – we had no idea of knowing the seriousness of the injuries, but the ‘copter suggested it was – we hope that those involved are all OK.
Onto Rugby and the Travelodge near the station – seemed well and fine, but – 2 adults sharing a room – one towel, we were lucky as it turned out – same thing for the 2nd day – but they couldn’t get us another towel – they had run out – a breakfast voucher – all OK – but you need to present it to get your cereal bowl and plate (a bit demeaning in this day and age) – 2nd morning they ran out of orange juice, milk for the coffee machine and butter satchets as well.
Overall we were two of the lucky ones – apparently they had overbooked and 4 unlucky people were destined not to be able to even get to their rooms as they didn’t have one.
I don’t think the small saving that we made compared to the Premier Inn where we have stayed before will entice us back here again.
Crick show was very good even if there was a bit of late morning drizzle – all fined up and was quite enjoyable in the afternoon – we saw all of the things that we needed to see – marinas (for winter moorings), window people about double-glazed windows, paint people about wood finishes, bedding people about mattresses and spoke to Wilsons about covers – yes they are still in business, no there is no problems with the company – they have simply merged three companies into two (or was it one).
All our questions have been answered.
We were off early the next morning to Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk to Maggie and Paddy – had a really good day with them even though Paddy was getting over some food poisoning; stayed the night with them and then off about 10am.
On the way back we visited Overwater Marina (near Audlem), as we had spoken to them at the show so thought we should see it I person – we were very impressed with the overall layout; proximity to Audlem and the village itself; what was available on site – this is now top of our list for this winter.
Back to the boat – all OK – moved her into the arm on the following morning and returned the car back to Shrewsbury, via a short visit to Whitchurch.
We moved off the following morning going past Whixall Moss (where we moored again); ventured down the Prees arm (on foot); Grindley Brook (moored).
We had decided to move early from Grindley Brook to avoid the rush and congestion that we saw the previous day at the staircase – so away by 7am in foggy conditions – down and through all 6 locks by 8am.
I was walking between the Willey Moor lock and Quoisely Lock when the guy from the boat in front was walking back – “better slow down and moor up – we have contacted the police – there is a body in the water”
Not a pleasant sight – drifting with the current of the water from Llangollen – a man in his late 50’/early 60’s.
The police arrived after a little delay – they used the boat in front to help retrieve the body and get him onto the back.
Further waiting for them to find a tarpaulin to cover the body; the paramedics to confirm death and then SOCO to photograph and finally for undertakers to arrive.
After a wait of about 3 hours they said that we could carry on – they were still waiting for the undertakers – they had been aware of the need of some boaters to get boats back and the need for others to be underway, but they needed to be respectful of the person who had died and we could not disagree.
They had procedures to follow and had kept us as informed as much as they could – they had given an estimate of about how long it would take and give or take 5 minutes it was correct.
His sister had been at the scene to identify the body.
It transpired that the man concerned had had a traffic accident just over the next bridge – the car was still there – and in all probability had staggered dazed down the towpath in search of help and into the canal.
A sad and tragic way for a life to end.
We each have a limited number of days and we need to make the most of each and enjoy life to the full as we just do not know when it will be taken away from us.
40 Miles, 28 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 8 Lift Bridges – for this fortnight
Totals: 493 Miles, 442 Locks, 14 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
We finished our time on the Montgomery by returning via a revisit to the Queen’s Head and mooring overnight there and in the now disused western arm.
This really is such a beautiful canal and when further sections are opened it will become more of a mecca. We shall return for another visit – just on these 7 miles alone – peaceful, pleasant and perfect.
We had a need to return back to the Llangollen which involved our intention to visit the Crick boat show.
This involved mooring outside the arm to Ellesmere, catching a bus to Shrewsbury and then picking up the hire car from Enterprise.
We were able to offload a case at the Tourist Information point in the bus station for a pound – they looked after it and we were a fair bit lighter.
Armed with a map we did what we usually do – take the walking map tour of the new town where we have found ourselves.
This tour was of the “shuts” of Shrewsbury – shut being a local word for the pedestrian alleyways that were around that ran between streets – it reminded us somewhat of Lyon (France) where they have covered alleyways that provided access to the behind the streets apartment blocks.
Whilst those of Shrewsbury were not in the same league it was fascinating to see some of the areas that could quite easily have been missed.
We are not sure of the standing of a town like Shrewsbury in the mind of most people in England, but if anyone is in the area, please do visit it is so lovely.
The good people at Enterprise duly picked us up at nominated time and place and within a very short time we were on our way – to Rugby.
All went well until we were about a mile from the Junction 1 on the M6 when we came to a sudden halt (no movement of the traffic) – we had been warned just seconds before on the overhead advisement sign that there was congestion on J1.
Slowly we crept forward; all traffic on the other side of the road had been stopped – we knew there was an accident of some type – emergency vehicles using the hard shoulder whizzing past.
Eventually we saw why – an accident involving a small car and a van – helicopter on the road – we had no idea of knowing the seriousness of the injuries, but the ‘copter suggested it was – we hope that those involved are all OK.
Onto Rugby and the Travelodge near the station – seemed well and fine, but – 2 adults sharing a room – one towel, we were lucky as it turned out – same thing for the 2nd day – but they couldn’t get us another towel – they had run out – a breakfast voucher – all OK – but you need to present it to get your cereal bowl and plate (a bit demeaning in this day and age) – 2nd morning they ran out of orange juice, milk for the coffee machine and butter satchets as well.
Overall we were two of the lucky ones – apparently they had overbooked and 4 unlucky people were destined not to be able to even get to their rooms as they didn’t have one.
I don’t think the small saving that we made compared to the Premier Inn where we have stayed before will entice us back here again.
Crick show was very good even if there was a bit of late morning drizzle – all fined up and was quite enjoyable in the afternoon – we saw all of the things that we needed to see – marinas (for winter moorings), window people about double-glazed windows, paint people about wood finishes, bedding people about mattresses and spoke to Wilsons about covers – yes they are still in business, no there is no problems with the company – they have simply merged three companies into two (or was it one).
All our questions have been answered.
We were off early the next morning to Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk to Maggie and Paddy – had a really good day with them even though Paddy was getting over some food poisoning; stayed the night with them and then off about 10am.
On the way back we visited Overwater Marina (near Audlem), as we had spoken to them at the show so thought we should see it I person – we were very impressed with the overall layout; proximity to Audlem and the village itself; what was available on site – this is now top of our list for this winter.
Back to the boat – all OK – moved her into the arm on the following morning and returned the car back to Shrewsbury, via a short visit to Whitchurch.
We moved off the following morning going past Whixall Moss (where we moored again); ventured down the Prees arm (on foot); Grindley Brook (moored).
We had decided to move early from Grindley Brook to avoid the rush and congestion that we saw the previous day at the staircase – so away by 7am in foggy conditions – down and through all 6 locks by 8am.
I was walking between the Willey Moor lock and Quoisely Lock when the guy from the boat in front was walking back – “better slow down and moor up – we have contacted the police – there is a body in the water”
Not a pleasant sight – drifting with the current of the water from Llangollen – a man in his late 50’/early 60’s.
The police arrived after a little delay – they used the boat in front to help retrieve the body and get him onto the back.
Further waiting for them to find a tarpaulin to cover the body; the paramedics to confirm death and then SOCO to photograph and finally for undertakers to arrive.
After a wait of about 3 hours they said that we could carry on – they were still waiting for the undertakers – they had been aware of the need of some boaters to get boats back and the need for others to be underway, but they needed to be respectful of the person who had died and we could not disagree.
They had procedures to follow and had kept us as informed as much as they could – they had given an estimate of about how long it would take and give or take 5 minutes it was correct.
His sister had been at the scene to identify the body.
It transpired that the man concerned had had a traffic accident just over the next bridge – the car was still there – and in all probability had staggered dazed down the towpath in search of help and into the canal.
A sad and tragic way for a life to end.
We each have a limited number of days and we need to make the most of each and enjoy life to the full as we just do not know when it will be taken away from us.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
The view from the Aqueduct is decidedly better than from the doghouse
Monday 16th May to Sunday 22nd May 2011
29 Miles, 10 Locks, 2 Tunnel, 2 Lift Bridges – for this week
Totals: 453 Miles, 414 Locks, 13 Tunnels, 10 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
We continued our journey from very early Monday morning – we needed to moor up early next to Chirk railway station in order to catch the train to Wrexhem to pick up the laptop.
Once we have a plan of what we need to achieve, we generally achieve it – with time to spare. I must say there is an inner feeling of being pleased with ones lot in life when we are waiting for the train knowing that we do not have to catch it to get to work – time is our own.
Into Wrexham once again; a bit of a chance to have a look around – it is quite a pretty place; visited through the markets – both outdoor and the indoor ones (3 in total).
Picked the laptop up (no charge), but forked out for the new printer/scanner and a new TV (the old one has decided not to let the DVD player do its thing). Not a heavy load to get back to Chirk. Enough time to cruise on up to the Froncysyllte Aqueduct (not the famous one).
Tuesday was do-it day – we were determined to complete the journey up to Llangollen – the current against you; narrow canal; shallow canal – there were any number of times that we thought we were actually going backwards – no headway being made at all.
Eventually we got to the marina and (self congratulatory time) I managed to reverse the boat into the mooring perfectly – 2 minutes to tie up.
Llangollen is such a pretty town but quickly you gain the knowledge that it is very much a tourist town also – the souvenirs; tourist train rides; canal rides; lovely walks – but very glad that we had made the journey to the end.
Reversing back from the short arm to wind and face the Pontcysyllte we were caught by the wind coming straight over it and couldn’t get around for love nor money – eventually Diane jumped off the front and we were able to pull her around.
Waited a few minutes for the trough to clear and we were then off on the return journey over the famous structure – Diane at the tiller – standing on the port side is much less exposed to the drop on the other side – but she did well overcoming the feeling of being so close to the edge.
As with the travelling over it two days earlier the views are magnificent and it really is a marvellous piece of engineering skill and implementation (over 200 years old).
We had decided earlier in the trip that on the return leg we would head down the Montgomery for a look – I was apprehensive as I was not sure of the phone signal for work.
Down on Friday morning, so if there was a problem we could just spend the weekend there – shouldn’t have worried – almost perfect signal everywhere.
Went as far as Queen’s Head – pub was nice and large portions on Friday.
Then down to Maesbury Marsh as Sunday lunch had been highly recommended by Chris the lockkeeper at Frankton – it was nice, but we thought that we have had better value for money – didn’t stop us from enjoying the quality.
We had arrived down here on Saturday and went for a walk to see how the canal restorations were proceeding – very well indeed – a lot of hard work has been put in.
There is a wonderful little café about 200 metres down from Bridge 79 on the towpath side where the hot chocolate is the best we have tasted and the scones are to die for – need to be quick as that is how they go – Canal Centre.
After a week off work to enjoy the sights it was back to work in the morning.
29 Miles, 10 Locks, 2 Tunnel, 2 Lift Bridges – for this week
Totals: 453 Miles, 414 Locks, 13 Tunnels, 10 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
We continued our journey from very early Monday morning – we needed to moor up early next to Chirk railway station in order to catch the train to Wrexhem to pick up the laptop.
 |
| Diane can find a chocolate factory anywhere |
Once we have a plan of what we need to achieve, we generally achieve it – with time to spare. I must say there is an inner feeling of being pleased with ones lot in life when we are waiting for the train knowing that we do not have to catch it to get to work – time is our own.
Into Wrexham once again; a bit of a chance to have a look around – it is quite a pretty place; visited through the markets – both outdoor and the indoor ones (3 in total).
Picked the laptop up (no charge), but forked out for the new printer/scanner and a new TV (the old one has decided not to let the DVD player do its thing). Not a heavy load to get back to Chirk. Enough time to cruise on up to the Froncysyllte Aqueduct (not the famous one).
Tuesday was do-it day – we were determined to complete the journey up to Llangollen – the current against you; narrow canal; shallow canal – there were any number of times that we thought we were actually going backwards – no headway being made at all.
 |
| Back home again |
Eventually we got to the marina and (self congratulatory time) I managed to reverse the boat into the mooring perfectly – 2 minutes to tie up.
 |
| Concentration plus - reversing into the space behind at the right of the picture |
Llangollen is such a pretty town but quickly you gain the knowledge that it is very much a tourist town also – the souvenirs; tourist train rides; canal rides; lovely walks – but very glad that we had made the journey to the end.
 |
| Horseshoe Falls - worth the walk to see the beauty of the area |
We met a lovely couple on nb Longships – Helen and Michael, as well as their daughter Felicity – and sat outside on each day with them chatting as you do when you meet new people. On the second day a fellow wandering past asked me if I was off Gypsy Rover and commented that I couldn’t be getting much of a TV picture – I agreed, none at all – rotate the antenna by 90 degrees to fix it – the polarity from the transmitter on the hill (I could see the thing) was 90 degrees off. Fixed it – thanks Chris (off nb Go Fadalach).
48 hours was our lot there and we set off on Thursday – early as usual – feeling good that the "tide" would be going our way – through the narrows easily and onto Trevor for diesel (87p and self-declare) – we had only used 70 litres in 3 weeks – very happy with that.Reversing back from the short arm to wind and face the Pontcysyllte we were caught by the wind coming straight over it and couldn’t get around for love nor money – eventually Diane jumped off the front and we were able to pull her around.
Waited a few minutes for the trough to clear and we were then off on the return journey over the famous structure – Diane at the tiller – standing on the port side is much less exposed to the drop on the other side – but she did well overcoming the feeling of being so close to the edge.
 |
| Just to prove that she has all of the skills - that is a 120' drop on the left |
As with the travelling over it two days earlier the views are magnificent and it really is a marvellous piece of engineering skill and implementation (over 200 years old).
We had decided earlier in the trip that on the return leg we would head down the Montgomery for a look – I was apprehensive as I was not sure of the phone signal for work.
Down on Friday morning, so if there was a problem we could just spend the weekend there – shouldn’t have worried – almost perfect signal everywhere.
Went as far as Queen’s Head – pub was nice and large portions on Friday.
Then down to Maesbury Marsh as Sunday lunch had been highly recommended by Chris the lockkeeper at Frankton – it was nice, but we thought that we have had better value for money – didn’t stop us from enjoying the quality.
 |
| Making their home on a new section of watered canal a good hiss returned to them was enough to allow us to walk past |
 |
| the next section nearing completion - so much work done - so much more still to do |
 |
| a new bridge hole almost ready for rewatering |
There is a wonderful little café about 200 metres down from Bridge 79 on the towpath side where the hot chocolate is the best we have tasted and the scones are to die for – need to be quick as that is how they go – Canal Centre.
 |
| A very engaging Welsh fisherman |
 |
| There really are decent sized fish in there |
Watched the end of the Spanish Grand Prix – Webber 4th – disappointing after promising so much with pole); then watched Final Score (BBC1) for the final round in the Premier League – 14 changes of position on the table for the bottom teams trying to avoid relegation – all in 90 minutes – it was exciting stuff.
Match-of-the-Day to see all of the goals and of course to see United presented with the silverware (again) – sad that Chelsea had to sack Ancelotti – that really is the pits.
We did see one funny bit of information that came over twitter (on Monday), that I have to include here.
Our lovely son, Mitchell, adores his sister, Sam, so much and wanted to avoid her feeling bad, that he very kindly waited 4 days before he told her that the bread that she had made a sandwich with, was the same bread that our dog, Banjo, was seen nibbling on – he has found a way to jump up onto the kitchen counter.
My guess is that the doghouse is pretty full at the moment.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Creoso i Cymru
Land of our my Fathers my Mother-in-Law
Monday 9th May to Sunday 15th May 2011
29 Miles, 12 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 7 Lift Bridges – for this week
Totals: 424 Miles, 404 Locks, 11 Tunnels, 8 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
All in all we were glad to moor at the top, dry off and settle down – and a good signal – Diane and her back had come through a trying day.
Tuesday was a gentle cruising day and by lunch we decided that we had had enough and moored up at Whixall Moss – the weather came down immediately afterwards but we were content with our morning.
Diane’s scone making is definitely of a high standard and we delighted in the very nice afternoon tea, snug inside with our feet up.
Later in the afternoon we availed ourselves of the lovely area with a walk around – along the trails that had been set out to show the raised bogs of the region – apparently the third largest of such in England – it was an extremely enjoyable walk.
Next it was off to Ellesmere, but we were desperate for a pumpout – serious leg crossing was involved; reached the marina and emptied the tank and then around into the town arm and a very good mooring near the Tesco.
It also happened to be someone’s birthday and she has decided that the birthday count will commence a backward trajectory, so now we are counting down in years and she has just celebrated her 7th birthday (that would of course be the case if we counted in dog years).
A very lovely dinner at The Black Lion in Ellesmere, recommended to us by our new neighbour Owen aboard Guilt Free Indulgence.
It was apparent that this was a week of ups and owns – Thursday saw a serious glitch with her laptop again and we decided that we should go into Wrexham to the TechGuys and see about getting it back to operating condition again.
We found the bus timetables which involved a trip bigger than Burke and Wills crossing Australia from south to north – 2 buses, confusion with tickets and about 2 hours to travel probably 15 miles in total original distance to Wrexham.
We then needed an interpreter to help us get anywhere – all of the signs had some crazy language where someone had forgotten to buy a vowel, but with help from some kindly people we found the Techguys, who could help us; lunch next door at Frankie and Benny’s and back to the shop only to reach the conclusion that it probably needed to be completely wiped and start fully again – so we left the laptop there.
Now a trip back to the boat, this time the navigator suggested going by train and picking up a bus at Gobowen – sure said I – arriving at the station to get the tickets – there was that same language problem again and this time it was increased because the announcements were in “dalek” or “klingon” – certainly wasn’t recognisable. At least the lady doing the tickets spoke English and understood my predicament – I say mine as the apparent language was the mother tongue of “she who must be obeyed” even if she can now only count to ten in it.
I was pleased however to see that Wrexham had anticipated our arrival and were flying flags everywhere that included a picture of my mother-in-law on a lovely white and green background.
We had gone past the local University – I am sure that it was straight out of the Harry Potter novels – at least the name looked familiar.
Back to the boat and a chance of a bit of a rest.
Monday 9th May to Sunday 15th May 2011
29 Miles, 12 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 7 Lift Bridges – for this week
Totals: 424 Miles, 404 Locks, 11 Tunnels, 8 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
The week didn’t start in the best way with Diane waking up on Monday morning with some terrible back pain – nothing new to her but debilitating – but as she has done usually she took her wonder drug pain killer and felt remarkably better – she needed to be as we had planned to get as far as Grindley Brook but moor below the locks.
Everything was fine until we hit Povey’s Lock and we were hit with a downpour which all but soaked us; we carried on to where we had planned but alas no signal for the phone – only course of action was to get through the 6 locks at Grindley Brook. A bit of a wait for the staircase but we were in and as soon as we were, we were hit with another storm – this time including hail; the temperature plummeted and the wind came up.
Tuesday was a gentle cruising day and by lunch we decided that we had had enough and moored up at Whixall Moss – the weather came down immediately afterwards but we were content with our morning.
Diane’s scone making is definitely of a high standard and we delighted in the very nice afternoon tea, snug inside with our feet up.
Later in the afternoon we availed ourselves of the lovely area with a walk around – along the trails that had been set out to show the raised bogs of the region – apparently the third largest of such in England – it was an extremely enjoyable walk.
 |
| A woman on a mission - to pumpout or not (what are you talking about, of course we need it) |
It also happened to be someone’s birthday and she has decided that the birthday count will commence a backward trajectory, so now we are counting down in years and she has just celebrated her 7th birthday (that would of course be the case if we counted in dog years).
A very lovely dinner at The Black Lion in Ellesmere, recommended to us by our new neighbour Owen aboard Guilt Free Indulgence.
It was apparent that this was a week of ups and owns – Thursday saw a serious glitch with her laptop again and we decided that we should go into Wrexham to the TechGuys and see about getting it back to operating condition again.
We found the bus timetables which involved a trip bigger than Burke and Wills crossing Australia from south to north – 2 buses, confusion with tickets and about 2 hours to travel probably 15 miles in total original distance to Wrexham.
We then needed an interpreter to help us get anywhere – all of the signs had some crazy language where someone had forgotten to buy a vowel, but with help from some kindly people we found the Techguys, who could help us; lunch next door at Frankie and Benny’s and back to the shop only to reach the conclusion that it probably needed to be completely wiped and start fully again – so we left the laptop there.
Now a trip back to the boat, this time the navigator suggested going by train and picking up a bus at Gobowen – sure said I – arriving at the station to get the tickets – there was that same language problem again and this time it was increased because the announcements were in “dalek” or “klingon” – certainly wasn’t recognisable. At least the lady doing the tickets spoke English and understood my predicament – I say mine as the apparent language was the mother tongue of “she who must be obeyed” even if she can now only count to ten in it.
I was pleased however to see that Wrexham had anticipated our arrival and were flying flags everywhere that included a picture of my mother-in-law on a lovely white and green background.
We had gone past the local University – I am sure that it was straight out of the Harry Potter novels – at least the name looked familiar.
 |
| Translate roughly to Griffindor University - Harry Potter et al |
We continued to explore Ellesmere then away we had to after using the services at the junction – we cruised a bit and then moored up around lunchtime and set the antenna to allow us time to ready ourselves for the big match – Stoke let us down by failing to score and letting Citeh win the match, but we reconciled ourselves with the knowledge the Rooney’s 73rd minute penalty allowed United to reach 19 league titles.
 |
| The very beautiful "The Mere" (got to admire them - they have a way with naming things) |
Sunday, was our day to move again through a couple of locks, helping two hire boats and explain to the crews how the locks work and what they need to do – I cannot understand how hire companies can afford to not do this themselves – they leave a boat worth thousands of pounds in the hands of inexperienced crew and wonder why there are problems.
 |
| New neighbours - everywhere surrounded by cows |
But we made it to Chirk and assessed the best way to travel to Wrexham for tomorrow including a walk over the aqueduct before settling into the Poacher’s Pocket for a very enjoyable Sunday lunch.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
We are the CHAMPIONS (almost)
Monday 2nd May to Sunday 8th May 2011
Popped over to the chandlery to pick up a few bits and pieces as they become needed along the way, and also to see if there was a TV repair shop in town.
Whilst I was busy working a couple stopped on the towpath outside the boat – the towpath is a pebbelcrete path – no signs of any dirt/mud with grass on either side – a real pleasure to see. Anyway, the gentleman spoke through the window after he had recognised the boat and asked if we were the Aussies with the blog.
Dashing outside, we met Heather and Roger – a couple of Aussies from just a few miles from us in Melbourne – well a good 50-60kms at Warrandyte. They have a part share in a boat over here – Celtic Kiwi – and are here for the same time each year.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance and look forward to seeing you both again.
We repeated the shopping trip the following day – this time to Morrisons.
I have to say that Nantwich is a very pretty town – a lovely town square and church.
Our TV guy arrived at the appointed time – he had severe doubts about my change of career to a TV service person – I think that I managed to get the power plugs into the correct sockets but not much else.
Anyway within a few minutes he had everything working just a treat and explained to us how to set it up properly – we now have the opinion that with all of the digital/freeview channels and given that we don’t want to watch a great deal of TV that we can just make do with this and not have to worry about satellite.
He could have struggled a bit – but he just made it look too damn easy – the male ego took another battering.
Not long after he had left we then set off for a day trip to Manchester – this being 4th May. Off to the bus stop for the No 84 into Crewe, friendly bus driver dropped us off as close to the train station as he could – short kilometre walk to the station; then only a few minutes wait for the train into Manchester Piccadilly – out into Manchetser to do some shopping and off to Old Trafford and with over 74500 others we were there to see United win it 4-1 over Schalke 04 (6-1 on aggregate) and into the Champions League final.
We reversed the travelling and got back to the boat at about 1am – a very long day.
16 Miles, 9 Locks, 1 Lift Bridge – for this week
Totals: 395 Miles, 392 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 1 Lift Bridge, 9 Swing Bridges
We had imagined a quiet week this past week, even though we had some plans, but in essence revolved around spending a bit of time in Nantwich, a day in Manchester and the start of the Llangollen canal.
Well that was the plan, and it started off very well with the cruise from Calvely to Nantwich; found a lovely mooring on the embankment within a very short walk of the services and around a bit from the boat yard.
 |
| on the approach to Nantwich lookout for the wooden horse - made from old lock gates |
Popped over to the chandlery to pick up a few bits and pieces as they become needed along the way, and also to see if there was a TV repair shop in town.
We had had some problems getting the TV working – not just properly – but at all. It seems that when I was doing a wee bit of tidying up behind it to sort out the cords and clean up a bit, I must have forgotten exactly how these cords all connected back together between all of the bits of kit that we had – oh, as well as this we also had found out that someone fancied our satellite dish and nicked off with it – this was before we had arrived back.
So with the address of the TV shop (Nantwich TV Centre – Welsh Row) we walked off into town – about a kilometre in all but it was not all that hard – found the shop, spoke with the guy and arranged a time for him to come out. We continued on into town found an Aldi and completed the first half of the list that she had – couldn’t complete the second part as we would not have been able to get it all back – even with the trolley.
Whilst I was busy working a couple stopped on the towpath outside the boat – the towpath is a pebbelcrete path – no signs of any dirt/mud with grass on either side – a real pleasure to see. Anyway, the gentleman spoke through the window after he had recognised the boat and asked if we were the Aussies with the blog.
Dashing outside, we met Heather and Roger – a couple of Aussies from just a few miles from us in Melbourne – well a good 50-60kms at Warrandyte. They have a part share in a boat over here – Celtic Kiwi – and are here for the same time each year.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance and look forward to seeing you both again.
We repeated the shopping trip the following day – this time to Morrisons.
I have to say that Nantwich is a very pretty town – a lovely town square and church.
 |
| as pretty a town square as you are ever likely to see |
 |
| the church in the square, dating from the 13th C - the lampost is early 20th |
Our TV guy arrived at the appointed time – he had severe doubts about my change of career to a TV service person – I think that I managed to get the power plugs into the correct sockets but not much else.
Anyway within a few minutes he had everything working just a treat and explained to us how to set it up properly – we now have the opinion that with all of the digital/freeview channels and given that we don’t want to watch a great deal of TV that we can just make do with this and not have to worry about satellite.
He could have struggled a bit – but he just made it look too damn easy – the male ego took another battering.
Not long after he had left we then set off for a day trip to Manchester – this being 4th May. Off to the bus stop for the No 84 into Crewe, friendly bus driver dropped us off as close to the train station as he could – short kilometre walk to the station; then only a few minutes wait for the train into Manchester Piccadilly – out into Manchetser to do some shopping and off to Old Trafford and with over 74500 others we were there to see United win it 4-1 over Schalke 04 (6-1 on aggregate) and into the Champions League final.
We reversed the travelling and got back to the boat at about 1am – a very long day.
 |
| Thumper on the lookout for that extra ticket - he eventually gets in via Diane's handbag |
 |
| ....and the teams come out - this was the closest it was all night |
Friday came and we were off from the moorings and heading towards Wales – firstly through the Hurlstone Locks (fenders up please) – the Lockie told us it was a very quiet morning – we were the fourth boat through for the whole morning – we cruised up and moored overnight at Ravensmoor – a walk through the fields only to find the pub was not open (12 to 3pm and 6:30 to 11pm) – 5pm would not do it !
On Saturday we cruised a bit further along to moor at Wenbury – complete with two pubs – both open all day; a small co-op/post office – stocked well enough.
We visited both pubs to decide on the which one we would patronise for Sunday lunch – The Cotton Arms won out as did we with a very full lunch – well cooked and overflowing on the plates; fire crackling in the background made for a very pleasant lunchtime – Diane made use of the wifi to chat to her sister Vivienne back in Sydney.
Rain came and went over the weekend in varying degrees of volume and the temperatures which had been quite warm a week ago have dissipated to low teens.
Lastly we “listened” to the United v Chelsea game on Sunday afternoon – again United came out winners – the perfect end to a very busy / very quiet week; had to watch Match of the Day on BBC2 to catch up on the match itself – the Champions have triumphed again – just 3 matches to go – Blackburn, Blackpool and Barcelona.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Boat Fitness and Hindsight
Monday 25th April to Sunday 1st May 2011
6 Miles, 6 Locks – for this week
Totals: 379 Miles, 383 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
The painting exercise is finished for a bit longer – both sides have had a coat of primer and two coats of colour from the blacking up to the gunnels and I must say it looks infinitely better than before.
But is does raise the question of Boat Fitness and how just a few months of living the easier life ashore can have such a detrimental effect on the body and make one so lacking in any fitness.
We are slowly re-acclimatising to the more physical parts of life aboard, not with any disinclination to wish to do so – it is just we would love to be able to do so without all of the soreness and pain that goes with it – the back and the knees are making the transition a little bit more grudgingly than the remainder of the body.
We also changed the back button for a larger one that ensured that there was clearance behind the rudder – this added to our aches and pains as we took a considerably longer time to remove and refit the buttons – Boat Fitness into question again.
Diane’s laptop decided that it didn’t want to play ball anymore and packed it in on Monday, so that meant a trip into Chester on Tuesday to see what was the problem and hopefully be able to have it repaired and back before we decided to depart the marina on Saturday.
We are very pleased to say that the good staff at PC World (in Curry’s in Chester) we not only able to identify the problem quickly but we had the troublesome miss back in our possession that very afternoon – so a very appreciative couple we were on the bus back to the boat.
The only thing that we have had a problem with and it is more unique to us than most is that without a vehicle it is very limiting on what you can do – there is adequate transport into Chester via the bus and even into Tattenhall (by bus) but if you want to just walk to the pub (nearest is in Tattenhall) then you do take your life into your own hands walking on the road with the hedge-rows close to the road.
We tried our hand at using the public footpaths (rights-of-way) with mixed success – on the first occasion we successfully negotiated our way back to the towpath and thence back to the boat; but our second occasion was less than stunning.
Thinking that we could remove the road problem from the equation, Diane suggested (of course, I am blaming the management) that we try the footpath (marked by the walking man in the small square on the signpost) – through the fields we walked/trudged in the directions as given by the arrows, until we ran out of arrows – too far to walk back – we moved onward – how hard could it be to find the path – the pair of sheep didn’t bat an eyelid at our presence, but the herd of cows (and some bulls) seemed to resent our presence to the point that we very hurriedly backtracked to safer ground away from the rapidly approaching livestock.
Onward we went and found a wayout – very secretively and slowly we moved through some gates and over a fence which were part of the dairy and certainly not a public thoroughfare – and beyond this our reward was a road – never so happy to see a narrow road as this.
The navigator has resigned her commission and any thoughts on her part about veering away from the road are quickly dismissed and then ignored.
As one is prone to do with a computer, we update the things with the programs that are recommended to us by the “nice” people at Windows – this was the case with mine and duly updated to IE9 – what a hopeless thing to do – opened Internet Explorer and had to remove the update – a situation made comical by “her indoors” explaining to me that she had read on someone else’s blog that we should not up date to IE9 – horses bolting and gates that should be closed came quickly to mind - hindsight - such a wonderful afterthought.
After all of this we finally set our course on Saturday and farewelled our berth and moved out onto the cut – wind in our hair, sun in our eyes and looking forward to a bit of cruising and doing some locks – 6 miles and 6 locks in total.
6 Miles, 6 Locks – for this week
Totals: 379 Miles, 383 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
The painting exercise is finished for a bit longer – both sides have had a coat of primer and two coats of colour from the blacking up to the gunnels and I must say it looks infinitely better than before.
But is does raise the question of Boat Fitness and how just a few months of living the easier life ashore can have such a detrimental effect on the body and make one so lacking in any fitness.
We are slowly re-acclimatising to the more physical parts of life aboard, not with any disinclination to wish to do so – it is just we would love to be able to do so without all of the soreness and pain that goes with it – the back and the knees are making the transition a little bit more grudgingly than the remainder of the body.
We also changed the back button for a larger one that ensured that there was clearance behind the rudder – this added to our aches and pains as we took a considerably longer time to remove and refit the buttons – Boat Fitness into question again.
Diane’s laptop decided that it didn’t want to play ball anymore and packed it in on Monday, so that meant a trip into Chester on Tuesday to see what was the problem and hopefully be able to have it repaired and back before we decided to depart the marina on Saturday.
We are very pleased to say that the good staff at PC World (in Curry’s in Chester) we not only able to identify the problem quickly but we had the troublesome miss back in our possession that very afternoon – so a very appreciative couple we were on the bus back to the boat.
We did put the time waiting for the laptop to good use – exploring Chester further and Diane found and purchased another narrowboat – not nearly in the same price bracket as the first one, but of endearing value to us – this will be shipped back to Australia.
 |
| a narrowboat teapot that we found in Chester |
We have found Tattenhall Marina to be very good – the facilities are excellent and kept to a very high standard; the staff are very obliging and friendly in the process; we can recommend the Chester Marine workshop to anyone needing help – Mark and Lorraine have helped us immensely.
The only thing that we have had a problem with and it is more unique to us than most is that without a vehicle it is very limiting on what you can do – there is adequate transport into Chester via the bus and even into Tattenhall (by bus) but if you want to just walk to the pub (nearest is in Tattenhall) then you do take your life into your own hands walking on the road with the hedge-rows close to the road.
We tried our hand at using the public footpaths (rights-of-way) with mixed success – on the first occasion we successfully negotiated our way back to the towpath and thence back to the boat; but our second occasion was less than stunning.
Thinking that we could remove the road problem from the equation, Diane suggested (of course, I am blaming the management) that we try the footpath (marked by the walking man in the small square on the signpost) – through the fields we walked/trudged in the directions as given by the arrows, until we ran out of arrows – too far to walk back – we moved onward – how hard could it be to find the path – the pair of sheep didn’t bat an eyelid at our presence, but the herd of cows (and some bulls) seemed to resent our presence to the point that we very hurriedly backtracked to safer ground away from the rapidly approaching livestock.
Onward we went and found a wayout – very secretively and slowly we moved through some gates and over a fence which were part of the dairy and certainly not a public thoroughfare – and beyond this our reward was a road – never so happy to see a narrow road as this.
The navigator has resigned her commission and any thoughts on her part about veering away from the road are quickly dismissed and then ignored.
 |
| Introducing Thumper - a mascot from our daughter Samantha |
After all of this we finally set our course on Saturday and farewelled our berth and moved out onto the cut – wind in our hair, sun in our eyes and looking forward to a bit of cruising and doing some locks – 6 miles and 6 locks in total.
 |
| Julie at the Davenport Arms with a cheeky Thumper |
We had promised ourselves a lunch out for Sunday which we duly kept at The Tallemache Arms in Alphraham - excellent 3-course meal - I think that we only needed 2 courses, but each was very enjoyable.
After this we walked down to the Davenport Arms at Calvely for the football and a cleansing ale or three (unfortunately Man United lost) .
Did I mention about Boat Fitness?
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
I have returned - with the missus
Monday 18th April to Sunday 24th April 2011
15 Miles, 10 Locks – for this week
Totals: 373 Miles, 377 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
We are back on the boat.
After a slightly longer than planned for return trip to Melbourne for Xmas and to complete the things that needed to be done before our full departure, we have this week returned to the boat to begin the next chapter of our lives.
Diane was very pleased to see the boat for the first time and happy with it – a great load off my mind, having been ensconced with the responsibility of selection and purchase.
We flew into Manchester and after an overnight stay in Chester – a city that we both love very much, it was just a short taxi ride to Tattenhall Marina and reopening the doors.
The winterising went very well – no damp, dank smells or leaks – in fact it smelled remarkably fresh; so just had to fill the water tank, close the taps and turn the pump on – a few spurts and we had the water flowing; checked the engine – started first time – the battery charger had done its thing and the batteries are fully charged from the word go.
Thursday saw us venturing out for a short trip down into Chester, with our now obligatory stop at The Cheshire Cat for lunch (the food as usual was very good), through the 5 locks (gee are they ever hard - nothing has changed with these) and moored up just before Bridge 123C.
Diane took the boat through the first two locks to get the hang of it all again and did exceptionally well - I was glad to be able to take care of the lock without worrying about the boat as well.
We had noticed a number of ex-working boats going through and then found out that there was a rally down in the basin – we declined the opportunity to go down to see them. We needed to do some serious pantry shopping and then move back to the Marina – which was all accomplished on Friday – sharing the load through the locks with Claire and Tim on nb Theddingworth.
Diane decided that the boat needed a little reorganisation in the manner in which things were stored – a task which I was pleased to leave to her.
Rob (on nb Hour Time) moored next to us and was in the process of doing some preparations for painting his boat which he had picked up just last December; such a good job he was doing of it that I was shamed into starting the same necessary work on our boat – so one side was sanded back and primed – now ready for top-coating, before that other side gets done.
Thankfully we have some public holidays to get this done.
In amongst all of this there was some time for me to get some paying work done; both of us to walk to and from Tattenhall village and also for a couple of other walks – all-in-all a bit of a busy week
15 Miles, 10 Locks – for this week
Totals: 373 Miles, 377 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
We are back on the boat.
After a slightly longer than planned for return trip to Melbourne for Xmas and to complete the things that needed to be done before our full departure, we have this week returned to the boat to begin the next chapter of our lives.
Diane was very pleased to see the boat for the first time and happy with it – a great load off my mind, having been ensconced with the responsibility of selection and purchase.
We flew into Manchester and after an overnight stay in Chester – a city that we both love very much, it was just a short taxi ride to Tattenhall Marina and reopening the doors.
The winterising went very well – no damp, dank smells or leaks – in fact it smelled remarkably fresh; so just had to fill the water tank, close the taps and turn the pump on – a few spurts and we had the water flowing; checked the engine – started first time – the battery charger had done its thing and the batteries are fully charged from the word go.
Thursday saw us venturing out for a short trip down into Chester, with our now obligatory stop at The Cheshire Cat for lunch (the food as usual was very good), through the 5 locks (gee are they ever hard - nothing has changed with these) and moored up just before Bridge 123C.
Diane took the boat through the first two locks to get the hang of it all again and did exceptionally well - I was glad to be able to take care of the lock without worrying about the boat as well.
We had noticed a number of ex-working boats going through and then found out that there was a rally down in the basin – we declined the opportunity to go down to see them. We needed to do some serious pantry shopping and then move back to the Marina – which was all accomplished on Friday – sharing the load through the locks with Claire and Tim on nb Theddingworth.
Diane decided that the boat needed a little reorganisation in the manner in which things were stored – a task which I was pleased to leave to her.
Rob (on nb Hour Time) moored next to us and was in the process of doing some preparations for painting his boat which he had picked up just last December; such a good job he was doing of it that I was shamed into starting the same necessary work on our boat – so one side was sanded back and primed – now ready for top-coating, before that other side gets done.
Thankfully we have some public holidays to get this done.
In amongst all of this there was some time for me to get some paying work done; both of us to walk to and from Tattenhall village and also for a couple of other walks – all-in-all a bit of a busy week
Sunday, 7 November 2010
SCOOP - Bumper Ice Cream Harvest Predicted
Monday 1st November to Sunday 7th November
7 Miles, 6 Locks – for this week
Totals: 358 Miles, 367 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
This week has been another week of mixed bag weather, but much more consistent – invariably the morning to very early afternoon have been brilliant sunshine (cold air) and then about 2:30 to 3:00 the clouds come over and the breeze comes up and then it is inside and close up.
Nothing like a bit of predictability.
Life as a single-handed boater is not the easiest existence in the world sometimes and this was made absolutely no easier when trying to negotiate through Beeston Iron Lock – there is no ladder down to or out of the lock and a footbridge below the bottom gates further enhance the troubles of getting the boat out of the lock - but it was negotiated.
The end of the cruising came as well when I moved onto moorings in preparation for the winter and for preparation of the boat for winter – at Tattenhall Marina.
Having not previously been in a marina I have nothing to compare this one too, apart from my expectations – I have to say that I am very pleased with everything that I have seen and experienced so far – there are no complaints and only praise for the people who are here.
There are a few bits and pieces which will need to be taken care of and Mark the workshop owner has been to see what for and everything is booked in for it to start in a week’s time.
The days have been punctuated by visits into Tattenhall village and also into Chester. The village is only 1.5 miles away but not necessarily the safest distance to traverse by foot – there are no tracks for walking so it is with fingers-crossed (as well as other body parts) that the journey is undertaken – I opted for the bus. It is well worth the visit – 3 restaurants – take your pick – Indian, Thai and Chinese – as well as well stocked supermarket, a local butcher, PO, 2 pubs, good coffee shop and a lot more. I can recommend The Sportsmans Arms pub for good food and beer.
The Chester trip was vital for my sanity – any good Australian overseas will ensure that their stock of Vegemite is never allowed to run out – for 3 weeks I have been having withdrawals and finally was able to restock after a visit to Tesco’s in Chester – and it was on special – you little beauty.
Whilst on good things Australian – the UN Development Program this week announced that Australia was No 2 in the world of top countries in which to live, with our trans-Tasman cousins, New Zealand at 3; who were we behind? – Norway.
Quite rightly Australia is looking to limit EU country migrations, insisting that there are already too many Fish and Chip shops and Pizza places - but with Norway at the top we also won't be looking for any whale kebab houses to appear any time soon.
Went out walking today (Sunday) and came across a rather unique farm – The Ice Cream Farm – just a kilometre down the way – I was assured that they are expecting their best harvest for years – maybe bettering last years efforts and I have pictures to prove it to. So many paddocks and so many different flavours – some with chunky bits as well.
Apparently harvesting is best fom the end of January to mid February whilst there is still a lots of snow about - just as the cones become visible.
Life can become a bit crazy sometimes - but there comes a time to just chill out.
7 Miles, 6 Locks – for this week
Totals: 358 Miles, 367 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
This week has been another week of mixed bag weather, but much more consistent – invariably the morning to very early afternoon have been brilliant sunshine (cold air) and then about 2:30 to 3:00 the clouds come over and the breeze comes up and then it is inside and close up.
Nothing like a bit of predictability.
 |
| Beeston Castle in majestical splendour |
Life as a single-handed boater is not the easiest existence in the world sometimes and this was made absolutely no easier when trying to negotiate through Beeston Iron Lock – there is no ladder down to or out of the lock and a footbridge below the bottom gates further enhance the troubles of getting the boat out of the lock - but it was negotiated.
The end of the cruising came as well when I moved onto moorings in preparation for the winter and for preparation of the boat for winter – at Tattenhall Marina.
 |
| Sunrise at Tattenhall |
Having not previously been in a marina I have nothing to compare this one too, apart from my expectations – I have to say that I am very pleased with everything that I have seen and experienced so far – there are no complaints and only praise for the people who are here.
 |
| The Marina |
There are a few bits and pieces which will need to be taken care of and Mark the workshop owner has been to see what for and everything is booked in for it to start in a week’s time.
The days have been punctuated by visits into Tattenhall village and also into Chester. The village is only 1.5 miles away but not necessarily the safest distance to traverse by foot – there are no tracks for walking so it is with fingers-crossed (as well as other body parts) that the journey is undertaken – I opted for the bus. It is well worth the visit – 3 restaurants – take your pick – Indian, Thai and Chinese – as well as well stocked supermarket, a local butcher, PO, 2 pubs, good coffee shop and a lot more. I can recommend The Sportsmans Arms pub for good food and beer.
The Chester trip was vital for my sanity – any good Australian overseas will ensure that their stock of Vegemite is never allowed to run out – for 3 weeks I have been having withdrawals and finally was able to restock after a visit to Tesco’s in Chester – and it was on special – you little beauty.
Whilst on good things Australian – the UN Development Program this week announced that Australia was No 2 in the world of top countries in which to live, with our trans-Tasman cousins, New Zealand at 3; who were we behind? – Norway.
Quite rightly Australia is looking to limit EU country migrations, insisting that there are already too many Fish and Chip shops and Pizza places - but with Norway at the top we also won't be looking for any whale kebab houses to appear any time soon.
Went out walking today (Sunday) and came across a rather unique farm – The Ice Cream Farm – just a kilometre down the way – I was assured that they are expecting their best harvest for years – maybe bettering last years efforts and I have pictures to prove it to. So many paddocks and so many different flavours – some with chunky bits as well.
 |
| The Ice Cream Farm |
Apparently harvesting is best fom the end of January to mid February whilst there is still a lots of snow about - just as the cones become visible.
 |
| the Honeycrunch field |
Life can become a bit crazy sometimes - but there comes a time to just chill out.
Monday, 1 November 2010
Things of sun, wind, celaphods and pubs
Monday 25th October to Sunday 31th October
11 Miles, 3 Locks – for this week
Totals: 351 Miles, 361 Locks, 10 Tunnels, 9 Swing Bridges
I have spoken to a number of other boaters this week and without exception the consensus has been that the weather this week has been most unpredictable – not in the sense that the conditions have been terrible, but in the fact that the weather on any particular day has born no resemblance to the day before or the day after,
Invariably it has been sunny bright conditions one day followed or preceded by blustery winds and/or rain. Marvellous one day, miserable the next.
 |
| Sunset over Middlewich |
 |
| the beautiful Cheshire plains |
I have to say that the last of these gave me further opportunity for more pub research – it has meant that the next time we visit here we have to spend at least two days so that we can visit both pubs.
My copy of Nicholsons only comments on one of them – under the name of The Goldmine Bar and Grill (at Bridge 104) which has been reopened under the new name of The Davenport Arms – good food and beer and I managed to take in the whole of the Blackburn v Chelsea game.
A bit further up the road (a nice one kilometre walk), and iconed but not named in the guide book is The Tollemarche Arms – again good food and beer – I did find myself drawn back to here for the Sunday roast – an excellent meal.
 |
| Mist rising |
 |
| What a difference a day makes |
I guess I also need to acknowledge what I would believe to be either the direct or at least indirect efforts of the Shropshire Canal Society – there are vastly more areas where the grass has been kept down, but more importantly where mooring rings have been placed to make it easier and more reliable to moor up and not have mooring pins move about in soft ground that we currently have in most places.
Sunday brought summer time to an end – officially, that is, as I am sure that summer actually ended some time in September, but the resultant early sunset (dark now by 5:30) are equally compensated by an earlier sunrise.
As an early riser, it makes no difference to me whether the clocks are set 1 hour or 2 hours ahead of GMT, but I guess it makes a difference to those who enjoy sleeping in.
The funniest comment that I heard this week was from a woman packing her things from boat to car at the Calveley BW water point when she said “I go home when the clocks go back as the nights are longer” – I know what she meant by this but in thinking about it in the strict sense of what was said – the nights are no longer really that the night before (I know they get progressively longer) – it reminds me of the statement we hear in Australia from Queenslanders who are against Daylight Saving – “more daylight in the evening will fade the curtains quicker” and from country people – “the cows will give less milk”.
Really this is a case of mind over matter – even the news on the radio this morning suggested that the changing of the clocks affected people so badly that some take up to a week to recover from the change – PLEASE give me strength.
That was my rant for this week.
One last comment “Vive le celaphod” – with the passing this week of one “Paul the octopus” and the extra-ordinary predicting powers, we must now reflect on the powers or lack thereof of Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes (nicknamed “the octopus) – if only his hearing had told him that the ref had not blown his whistle. Go ManU.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)