Always trust the Navigator (maybe)!

Wednesday 14^th November to Friday 16^th November 2012

 Wishing to see much more of the south-west of Wales we headed off on Wednesday to explore the northern area of this region, but the navigator was busy giving instructions and directions that took us through some very narrow country lanes – all the time assuring me that this was indeed the main road and that there was just a slight detour along the way.

Picture of a Chocoholic - maybe a good name for a book

Slight Detour !!  I don’t think so – there was something about needing to support local business, which I agree with entirely – but in this case is was the support of Pemberton’s Chocolate Shop/Factory – the sweet tooth strikes again.

Back on the road after a short (well longish break for chocolate) we made our way back to the proper main roads and onwards to Cardigan.

The bridge at Cardigan over the river

Further down from the bridge and boats moored in mid-river

Not too difficult to find the main shopping area – travel over the bridge and below the castle and up the hill (one-way street) – found the parking area and the indoor market.

Morning tea at one of the cafes – food and drinks were lovely.

But we still had more to move on to and see so we were off again – this time towards Aberystwyth (that’s about the right spelling – I think!!).

This is a university town and it could easily be seen as such.

The local museum is always worth a visit as it shows so much about life in that area and how the town developed.

The seaside was very lovely indeed – reminded us a bit of Blackpool and also Llandudno – except the sand / grit was charcoal in colour – someone had forgotten the yellow paint.

Her first "pole-dancing" lesson and practice session

A longer view of the foreshore area

The remains of the castle on the headland, where the war memorial was also located was a focal point for many students; other locals and tourists alike – some extremely lovely views of the bay and the harbour inlet.

Part of the remains of the castle at Aberystwyth



View to the northern healand - a cable tram operates to the top
in the warmer months

Every evening thousands of starlings arrive from all points to
participate in a huge fly past

We were a bit late heading back and a quick stop at Tesco’s (Carmarthen) on the way back for a few things, but we were back in time for “she” to be able to see It Takes 2.

With the weather reports indicating that Thursday was going to a better day than Friday we decided that it would be perfect for a trip to St.David’s.

There were no detours past cheese factories, chocolate shops or boiled sweet outlets and we enjoyed the lovely weather along the way – so lovely in fact that we both questioned exactly where we were – was this really Wales in November – should have brought the suntan lotion.

One of the locals looking down on Aberarth - note the sunshine

Visit to the cathedral – such a magnificent structure and with a long long history in this location – a dedication to the patron saint of Wales.

St.David's Cathedral

Surprisingly it was set down in the valley rather than the usual place at the top of the hill, where you see most churches.

down in the vale rather than  a higher vantage point

 A bit more travel – this time to the beach area at Whitesands – to give it a more official “title” – the surf beach. It is fair to say that the king of the waves titles at Bondi Beach and Bell’s Beach are both safe.

"Huge" waves but not one surfer - did they not know what
they were missing out on

It was still however a very sunny day and sitting down in the sun for lunch was such a pleasant experience – rather than sheltering from rain and wind – walking along the wide and sandy beach was an unusual experience for this time of the year.

An idyllic location

Sun, sand , "surf", hills, walking trails - it is all here...

Diane had her little dip in the water – I guess it would have been more special if she had actually taken boots and socks off.

...even the bathing beauty

Friday was very much a stay in and do very little day as the morning mist moved in and only got more dense as the day went on – it is our last day here so consequently it was also laundry day.

Plenty of reading and relaxing – holiday almost over and tomorrow we will be driving back to Stone to pick up the boat.

Happy Birthday Becs

Wednesday 14th November 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA

Its the birthday of the first born daughter, so have a good day and we are looking forward to seeing you at Christmas time.

Cannot say how old you are, but it is over 21.

Hope the weather is good in Auckland.

love from both of us.

Laughing at Laugharne

Monday 12^th November to Tuesday 13^th November 2012

Holidays are for rest and relaxation and we have encompassed this for a couple of days now.

Looking out over the estuary - this a view from our lodge (virtually)

Monday we did a little more than just a little bit – managing to not use the car and confine our movement to a bit of walking and visiting some very close attractions.

In a town / village the size of Laugharne it would be expected that there should be not a lot to see and I guess you would be correct – save for the fact that Laugharne is the place that one of Wales’ famous children came one day on the bus and didn’t leave – that would be Dylan Thomas.

Just down the hill from where we are actually staying is both his home and the small hut where he worked – both overlooking the estuary – it is understandable how the view could inspire the great works.

The hut

The hut is not open and indeed it started life as a garage before being commandeered for his writing; the house, however, is open and for a nominal charge you can see around inside and read more about this most famous poet of his time.

It is interesting to note that although Thomas was Welsh he did not write in Welsh.

In an effort to be able to photograph both house and hut together – bearing in mind that the hut is some metres above the house on the hillside, Diane suggested that I move a bit further out onto the “rocks” that were exposed by the outgoing tide – softest rocks I have ever seen – the result was mud almost up to my ankles and some sniggering from the safety of the concrete path.

The house (bottom) and the hut (top) - where Dylan Thomas
 lived and worked

Mud - less than glorious mud

Fortuantely the tide will wash away the evidence of the silliness

With a bit of cleaning up in a clean water pool beside the path, shoes were again presentable (but the sniggering remained) and we were off to lunch – The Fish ‘n’ Chip café was the order of the day (can’t remember the exact name) – one serve of cod and another of faggots – both are highly recommended.

The inner side of the castle - not open at this time
of the year but we could see past the locked gates

The old Town Hall

All of this excitement was followed by a leisurely afternoon of reading and a DVD or two.

We did go out for short walk down to the swimming pool – the water temperature being around 25-30C – satisfactory for a bit of a dip and we followed this up with a spa, which was considerably hotter and then a plunge back in the pool to be completely refreshed.

A brief look see in the bar area and Diane found a person there accessing the internet with the free WiFi and instantly started chatting – he was here at present sans-wife and we all chatted for a short while – he introduced himself simply as John – and reminded us of the trivia night that evening – now we certainly love a good pub quiz – John suggested that we form a team for the night – we were on.

With the promise of free soup and bread upon the purchase of a drink over the bar we were also fed for the evening and without much delay we were ready for the questions.

As we have limited knowledge of a great many things British, save for historical and geographical information – certainly no idea about any soaps or past Briatich sporting achievements -  we are usually at a bit of a disadvantage.

As luck would have it, between the three of us we were able to fashion an answer for each question and at the end of it we had a winning score by a margin of just 1 point.

There were some lucky guesses and no use of google at all and of course the majority of the answers were from our large pool of combined knowledge (i.e. lesser guesses).

A formidable team - John is on the right

These are the answers - won't show the questions
- we don't need to show those that we didn't know

Cash prizes as well – all to be used in the bar/restaurant – we will be eating well for at least 1 day.

We all had a very good night indeed.

Tuesday morning arrived and we had a night of intermittent sleep – for the second night in a row we were woken by the sounds of what could be best described as cows outside the window – I did say best described.

The day was truly a lazy one – neither of us venturing outside – most of the day was simply taken up with reading – what a lazy life this is – and for the sake of two children (wherever they currently are) I have managed to finish a full book in 2 days – about to move onto another.

We were able to trace the menace to a seal around the window not being as airtight as it should – the maintenance person arrived and with caulking gun in-hand dispensed some of the sealant both inside and out. Here’s hoping for a better night.

We're all going on a winter holiday!!!

Thursday 8^th November to Sunday 11^th November 2012

No travel this week

We changed the throttle control and rudder for four wheels and a steering wheel.

Off to Watford at a little after 8:15am – into Stafford to pick up some floor tiles for the kitchen and the bathroom for the upcoming renovations.

All I can say I that it is so much better being on the boat and only having to travel from the bedroom to the dinette – all of 6-7 feet – to get to work; I could not put up with the traffic and the wasted time moving nowhere – but what the heck, I’m on holiday.

A little bit of motorway and a little bit of A5 seemed quite OK and we stopped off at St.Albans for lunch and a bit of a look around Verulamium – we had been here in 2000 with the kds, but it was a bitter Boxing Day then so this one was much better. The museum was great and informative – even the school kids “around” the place were pretty well behaved.

It had been a long enough day and we were pleased to arrive at the Premier Inn and be able to relax and do nothing.

We caught up with Maggie and Paddy the next morning and made arrangements to go out for dinner later that day; also sorted through a modicum of mail that had arrived for us – not much of any note – save for the medical stuff.

The Clocktower at St.Albans

We had decided to return to St.Albans for a longer look around but we seemed to spend a bit longer than originally planned looking around the cathedral – dating back to 1077 and with incredible architecture and ornamental carvings as well as the stained glass – this ranks up with a few others that we have seen – as I have said before, viewing the churches gives a master class in the history of the area and in this case almost 1000 years of it.

St Albans Abbey

This is the original gateway to the Abbey complex - still in
very good condition after over 600 years

Only downside was the café – not only lost our order but by the time it arrived Diane’s was correct and mine not – lost all desire for food because of it and despite the  waiver of the bill I declined any food.

Dinner was considerably better than lunch and as well as Maggie and Paddy we also had Jessica there – she is such a delight and so very very bright.

In complete reversal of what I would normal do, Saturday morning arrived and even come 8am I was still in bed – just so relaxed and comfortable about not having anything to have to do.

Driving to Wales we broke the trip at Chippenham for lunch and a bit of a look around – especially the markets.

When parking, we waited patiently for the space was cleared by its occupant and then able to move away to allow us in, when another car thought they might try and pinch it – toot of the horn and they vacated it pretty quick smart – saved me having to advise them that they would be wise not to leave the car unattended.

The butter market at Chippenham

One of the favourite taunts that I have at Diane’s expense is the usual description of the weather in Wales – I have to say that there are so many that back this up (beit they are all English) – the approach on the M4 to the border (via the bridge) showed sunshine in abundance, so much that her alongside needed to shield her eyes from it.

The M4 bridge over the Severn Estuary - called
The Second Severn Crossing - notice those ominous
clouds in the near distance

Alas however, approaching the Cardiff turnoff (so a little way into the country) the heavens opened up and I could only just smile smugly – anything more and it would have been a left cross from the passenger side.

It may not be Kansas but if it is raining it must be Wales

The travel time was a good 4 hours plus, but we made it relatively fresh (thanks to the stop).

The resort was quite well set out with individual lodges set upon a hillside and overlooking the water, and other views which are quite spectacular.

Our lodge has all that we need for a week away from it all.

Laugharne Castle

the small bridge over the stream just in front
of the castle

We spent Sunday doing a little bit of touring but not before a shopping trip back into Carmarthen to pick up some things that we would need over the next few days, but we made use of the journey to check out a few things along the way.

We wanted to head down to Tenby to see a National Trust building which was owned by a Tudor Merchant. With our newly received NT cards we wanted to take full advantage of them - these visits are giving us a better understanding of the local history and also an understanding of the manner in which Britain developed.

The Western Gate (now known as the Five Arches) to the town
of Tenby

Tneby and the older part of the town

The Tudor Merchants House

Tenby was a walled town on the seaside and part of the wall remains as well as many other buildings including the one we were visiting.

Tenby is a seaport but much better when the tide is in

Church at Tenby

Fishing boat on its way out from the harbour at Milford Haven

Milford Haven harbour

All sorts of preparation

Thursday 25^th October to Wednesday 7^th November 2012
3 Miles, 5 Locks for this fortnight
Totals: 1429 Miles, 1155 Locks, 46 Tunnels, 24 Lift Bridges, 96 Swing Bridges

It never seems to take any time whatsoever between the ending of one event and the start of the next one.

In retail terms that amounts to easter eggs appearing on the shelves on Boxing Day – I just think that 27^th October is way too early to start seeing Hot Cross Buns – seen in Heron Foods in Stone.

For heavens sake – we haven’t finished with the feasts of Halloween and Xmas yet – let there be time to finish those first without such a substantial overlap.

For anyone who hasn’t yet seen the new James Bond movie Skyfall, then rest assured I am not going to let any of it out of the bag here – suffice to say that, yes we have seen it; it is different to any other of the movies; there is a surprise at the end; and it hasn’t put me off the London Underground.

The most interesting part of the movie experience was the ticket purchase – as is normal Diane takes care of this – we always go on a Tuesday (some would say tight-a**e Tuesday), but it is cheaper – anyway, the tickets for this Tuesday were cheaper than normal and not seen on the displayed prices – not going to look a gift-horse etc etc; I did suggest to Diane that maybe the young girl (should I say very young girl) behind the counter may have thought that my lovely wife also qualified for an aged-discount and didn’t think she needed to produce any proof of such.

I ducked just at the right time to avoid the whack that I probably deserved for suggesting it.

These cold and frosty mornings are certainly quite wondrous as the sun comes up in a clear blue sky and then glistens off the ice on the roofs of the boats before finally removing all trace of the overnight deposits. In itself the sun is so very warm and it remains so in the open air – just so long as there is no breeze, because when that comes up the cold air just seems to rip right through.

We must enjoy this whilst it remains because we are sure that it won’t be that long before it is all gone.

 Spotted something very weird and strange whilst we were walking along the towpath in Stone - the Canal Cruising Company had all of their boats out their boat yard - this is in the last week of October - business sounds like it is very good - admittedly the weather has been a bit on the better than not so good side this time of the year.

Look! No boats - at the end of October - worthy of the photo

Lyn and Phil, whom we know from our summer adventures to and from Liverpool this year and who live here in Stone, very graciously invited us both to Sunday dinner. Very eager to enjoy their company we accepted and had such a great time – and the food was lovely as well. On top of that they picked us up and dropped us back to the boat. I think we can include this in our must-do-again list.

They are very dear people.

We are still umming and ahhing about the kitchen and where to source the everything – the quote from the local suppliers was way way out of the ballpark – double the price of others – sorry but no business their way.

We think we have the right package at B&Q so now just a matter of ordering the worktop (which we have done) and picking up all of the base units, doors, drawers, handles, hinges, end caps, end panels etc etc etc (oh a packet of screws – I am sure we will need that).

We will take care of the pick up when we return from our week away to south Wales, whilst the boat is out of the water being blacked, engine and Mykuni being serviced with Tina and Rob Paramore here in Stone – Banjo is off to the kennels for the time.

The short cruise up to Stone through the 5 locks was just the thing to clear out the need for a little bit of a cruise – just took our time; sharing the lock duties and just a few miles in total by the time we headed on a bit further to wind just before the Meaford locks.

Very glad that Diane steers and handles the boat so well – I think she is the better at handling it all and that leaves me to just look after the locks – unless there are lots of moored boats as there is between locks 28 and 29 (at Stone)

Very luckily (although we know it was planning) we managed to moor up just as a few spots of rain appeared and we were quite happy inside watching it rain outside.

Off to Wetherspoons for her Tuesday steak dayout and to the chandlery for some stove parts – the burner plates that arrived were the wrong size so hopefully this can be rectified. 

Wednesday arrived and passed like clockwork – move the boat into position; the sling was put into place and the boat gently lifted out of the water and placed onto the sleepers without incident. (Although it is always a bit of a nervous time as you see your home up in the air.)

Slings in place and starting to lift...



up she goes and almost in place.

after the water cleaning - not looking too bad at all

no blistering and the anodes will last another two years

a little work to be doe on the rudder - packing required in the
cup holding the rudder to stop some of the vibration

after the first coat - the botom looks pretty good - so
does the model at the top

The car was duly picked up and Banjo was dropped off at the kennels.

The job done – we spent the night on the boat and off and away on Thursday morning.

Final Cruising

Monday 8^th October to Wednesday 24^th October 2012

21 Miles, 8 Locks for this fortnight

Totals: 1426 Miles, 1150 Locks, 46 Tunnels, 24 Lift Bridges, 96 Swing Bridges

We have settled back into the life of the marina quite well – water (on tap), power (on demand) and generally everything quite settled.

There were still the mundane things to take care of – fill up the diesel tank and pumpout the waste tank – not very exciting stuff but very necessary; it was whilst we were in the midst of doing this that Paul (nb Caxton) was chatting to us across the water – plans were made for the arrival later on in the morning of Mick and Elly (nb Parisien Star).

Coffees and cake on the deck and we all had a great time hearing about all of the things that we had gone through but which were awaiting Mick and Elly as they were about to head out from Minshull Church Marina on their voyage of discovery.

We especially had some fun at their expense (sorry guys) about some prospective new neighbours that they would have in their choice of marina – we must have given them a good enough going over that they had barely made it out of the gate when they decided that they wanted some more of the same for this winter – they have ditched the other marina for Aston – looking forward to you both coming in after your 6 weeks of travel.

Not looking too bad at the moment - the polishing has brought
the finish up to a much glossier look

We did however have some things to keep us going and in particular the renovation of the kitchen was always going to occupy a fair degree of our time. A visit to Stafford and we had sorted out the layout of the new kitchen and would be able to use ready-made cupboards and units; also happy with bench top, sink and other extras – all of this in a few hours – so we were on our way.

Whilst life in a marina for some time can be thought of as a bit on the boring side, it does in fact happen to be the reverse –  the conversations with others become longer; the number of people that we see constantly increases and the number of cups of coffee consumed is ever increasing.

Alway something different - a lone hot air balloon

We have started to walk with Andy and Jean (nb Josephine) – Wednesdays only – the need to keep active during this time of the year is important so that the weight does not reappear; so we will walk and talk some more.

We were also able to welcome back (not into the marina, but back to Stone) Lyn and Phil (nb Valentine) with whom we had shared some time in June and early July before, during and after the time in Liverpool. Very pleased to say that Phil is a picture of full health and fully recovered – they had completed the Four Counties (after a side order of Llangollen) – so it was lunch in Stone with both.

The short cruise with them into Stone had Diane longing for just one more short trip out; and as she is able to do, I complied with her wishes.

First a short cruise into Stone to see another kitchen place and this time we have exactly what we wanted as well as being able to quickly adjust the appearance in the future.

Then was a longer cruise down to Tixall Wide. This is the ideal place for the preparation, priming and painting of the gunnels – so the expectation is complete all of this in three days – at least 3 fine days and the weather report says that the next few days should provide us with that.

The trip down from Stone was relatively uneventful save for the sighting of my first Kingfisher – alas no photos of it unfortunately, but it was quite a sight.

We had been a bit unsure as to whether we would try to make it all of the way or moor up before there, but very glad that we went to whole way as the weather on Sunday was, after some early fog, bright and very sunny.

Perfect day at Tixall Wide

A well earned break after more polishing

We managed to sand, prime and apply one topcoat on each side (gunnels only) and Diane managed to polish both sides.

Shugborough Hall beckoned for us and so we were able to use our newly acquired National Trust membership and do a complete tour of the property – the lifestyle of a bygone era. Even though it was late in the season everything was open, but as we found out it was the last week before closing down for the winter break.

the front of Shugborough Hall

and the manicured gardens at the rear

Autumn is well and truly here

The return trip to Aston was again uneventful, but we did break the trip at Weston and then finished off the following morning – in the wind – would we try to reverse into the mooring – one half of the crew wasn’t too keen on it but she who must be obeyed suggested that we try it once and if not then we could go in forwards. Have to say that we managed it quite successfully with a fair crosswind and a bit of help from Andy who was there to take the stern rope.

Back safely and moored up – good to go out for some cruising but also good to be back.

Coming Home

Monday 24^th September to Sunday 7^th October 2012

25 Miles, 16 Locks for this fortnight

Totals: 1405 Miles, 1142 Locks, 46 Tunnels, 24 Lift Bridges, 96 Swing Bridges

The weather turned a bit for the worse on Monday and we didn’t venture far from the inside of the boat – our combined need was to be here ready for Stella’s mum to arrive by train on Monday afternoon – mission accomplished.

Our plan was to then move on Tuesday down through thr stop lock and back onto the Trent & Mersey and through the Harecastle tunnel.

Someone didn’t tell the weather people that we were moving and it started off poorly – which was the highlight of the trip.

We had gone no further than a few hundred metres when there was some strange noises from the engine compartment, followed by some spluttering followed by the engine almost stopping and then coming back to life – this cycle between life and dying went on for a bit as we needed to get about 500 meters further along to be able to moor up and change the fuel filter – we were lucky enough to know what the problem was most likely to be.

However not lucky enough to know where the spare filter was – so it was a matter of trying to clean out the old one – all to no avail – then a eureka moment as I remembered where I had stored it. New one installed and the engine was as good as “new”.

Boat was working fine again; we were off and happy to be moving again – pity that the rain was still persisting.

This was all still new territory for nb Isobel and crew – the Hall Green stop lock looked like it was going to be a problem with the top gates leaking as abadly as though a paddle had been left open until a River Trust person literally kicked it back into place.

As we reached the tunnel, the sun, which had been having a sleep in decided to show its face – just as we were about to go underground through Harecastle.

After the Standedge tunnel any other is now going to be anti-climatic – and so it was here – plenty of room on each side and only 35 minutes.

True to form as we emerged the sun deserted us and the rain re-appeared – time to fill with water and then head down to Westport Lake to moor up.

Mike, Stella and her mum Anne were off the next morning by about 9am as they wanted to see a few places before Anne was off home on Friday, so we saw them off. As for us we wanted to do a bit of shopping and see a few things in Stoke before we left, so it was a short trip down to Festival Park, where we have moored many times before and always felt very safe.

During the short trip from the lake to the park we were able to get a pumpout and a fill with diesel and after our time was up at the park we watered up before heading down the locks, then past Brittania Stadium and on to Wedgewood.

No matter what time we come through Stoke heading south or through Stone heading north Diane is always able to manage to have us moored up at Barlaston for the Sunday roast – one of her favourites – and of course it was no different this time.

We had in the process of moving from Stoke to Barlaston changed our minds about going up the Caldon – two reasons – firstly the weather reports were not great for the week and secondly the Stone Food and Beer Festival was happening on the following weekend.

After Barlaston, it was moorings at Stone above the top lock where we were able to go over and see Tina Paramore and arranged dates for the boat to be blackened as well as getting the Mykuni serviced and a full engine service carried out.

We moved down 3 locks and caught up with Mike and Stella again before the Festival and then it was another couple of locks and we were back home in Aston Marina – it really did feel like coming home – we had been feeling like we were home as soon as we emerged from the Harecastle tunnel (so well do we know the canal from there to Stone).

After getting everything squared away, including perfect reversing back into the mooring point (self-congratulatory pats on the back), Diane had the washing machine in action and hose out filling the water tank; electricity cord plugged in – she was in her element.

The Festival was the next point of attention and we had a great time there and at the Farmers Market in the High Street.

Plenty of beer and food to sample – we were there until closing time at 8pm – it is well worthy of a visit – but you will have to wait until next year.

As seems to be the case increasingly, there is always someone ready to do something which endangers the safety of others and then wants to tell you how good they were.

We were sitting down on Saturday night, Diane in the lounge and I was at the dinette, when we heard a boat outside – it was about 8:15pm – engines suddenly revving quite hard – Diane peers out the front and there in almost complete darkness is the rear end of a boat just feet away from us trying ever so hard to be moving forwards but inching closer backwards towards us – fortunately they missed us, but the manner in which it was completed was entirely luck rather than any good management on their part.

Having had the need to travel in the dark just a few weeks ago when we were going up the Marple flight, we know how careful you need to be and how slowly you need to proceed – we didn’t have other boats to negotiate around, nor did we have a vast expanse of the dark marina (without any end of pontoon lighting) to visualise our location – which is almost impossible. So why oh why would anyone proceed at any speed under those circumstances and when confronted later think that I should be thankful that it was only an almost hit case (instead of actual) and that I should not have any concerns – as well as that it was a trading boat – restaurant/pub boat.

Anyone mooring near or simply being near (travelling or not) the boat Sir Tomas Brocklebank (no link provided - I am not going to advertise his business), do not assume that he cares about you – his actions last Saturday night and his subsequent explanations leave me shaking my head in amazement at the irresponsibility that was shown.

Most insurance companies will void your policy if you cause an accident whilst travelling in the dark, so who would have paid if we were hit – the trip boat or the marina or both – they would have both been involved in the legal arguments.

Needless to say that when the marina office is open I shall be talking to them about it;  they must have an understanding to allow the boat to be in the marina at all.

For the next few months the blog will be updated every fortnight