Monday 20th September to Sunday 26th September
14 Miles, 1 Tunnel, 1 Swing Bridge– for this week
Totals: 248 Miles, 289 Locks, 8 Tunnels, 7 Swing Bridges
When you look back on any week that was, it will generally show that there have been particularly bright spots that you recall the picture and the scenery of the time – two of this weeks very bright spots were
Monday – around Bridge 16 I came across Waterway Routes filming as they travelled north – a quick shout and a few words from Paul and it was all over – we will catch up one day.
Tuesday – I was just about finished working for the morning when Del and Al on Derwent 6 went passed – I have been following their blog from day 1, and as they were mooing up just a couple of boat lengths up this was a chance to meet them and have a bit of a chat – which is what I did.
We did have a bit of a chat about a few things – they were just stopping for replenishments before heading further north, but like Waterway Routes we will catch up again.
Still on Tuesday the weather was extremely good – very warm and sunny
There has been no movement for the remainder of the week as on Saturday I have my engine maintenance course, so the action plan was more work indoors on the laptop and some work outside on the boat – Friday was not a particularly great day – in fact rain on and off and very windy as well as being on the colder side, but I needed to get one side the gunnels sanded in preparation for painting sometime next week – so an hour of effort and a job completed.
It is nice to know that there are people reading this blog; I had an email from my little “obnoxious” friend – I know it was him by the language – I am sure that he knows the Queen’s English, I am just not sure that he knows much of the actual language (apart from some words which cannot be repeated). I could not say all of what he had to say regarding what he would do to me if I knocked on the window again and advised for him to slow down – seems that his view is this “the canal is much deeper (in the middle) so (that) boats (can)..pass you quicker”. I feel sorry for him – he will someday find out for himself about the ettiquette that should be followed.
I didn’t much care for being called “old” either.
I can’t say that I would really care if I ever saw you again – at least there would be one less boat speeding past, but I do thank you for the time taken to read the blog.
You know, I have heard it said that “you should never argue with idiots – sometimes people can’t tell the difference” – so I won’t.
I need to make a correction to last week update – I indicated that the lock at Hawkesbury Junction was 300cm – I was a little too eager on the keyboard – it should only be 30cm.
A further note about something that I forgot to say last week – I have been amazed at the number of boats that are travelling at night – when it is completely dark outside – I saw a few boats doing this on various days on the Ashby and now again this week there has been 1 or 2 moving at 10 or 11 at night – pitch black – their lights are on and they are moving slowly, so they haven’t been annoying to anyone, but just not sure why they need to – one theory put to me last week was to evade BW inspecting licences.
Saturday was to be a relatively big day in the week – firstly there was the AFL Grand Final to “watch” – this was restricted to watching it on the net and then only to see the scores changing – in the end it was a draw and with no extra time we will be back there again next Saturday morning at 5:30.
After a small break it was off to the Diesel Engine course at Willow Wren Training – just a 20 minute walk away along the towpath. It was an excellent day and I now feel much more confident about tackling the servicing side for the engine. Steve was excellent and a really nice guy as well with plenty of experience. The other attendees were very friendly and I think we all got along very well. I would recommend this course to anyone who is thinking of doing their own servicing but need a bit of knowledge on how to do it properly.
Sunday was a rather bit more relaxed – a bit of work and some relaxing – the highlight being the weekly phone call from Diane in the morning – this is something that I do look forward to – so only another 7 days until the next one.
Took the boat down a mile and winded and back again – now heading the right way for the get away next week some time.
And the finale to this week is that there has been a great deal of boat traffic throughout the week, all of whom knew the correct speed to pass by moored boats - even all of the hirers - well done to them all !
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Monday, 20 September 2010
Slowing down and less exertion
Monday 13th September to Sunday 19th September
26 Miles, 6 Locks – for this week
Totals: 236 Miles 289 Locks, 7Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
This was a somewhat lazy week in terms of travel and the travel that I did do was also of a non-exertion state.
I was very impressed with the High street – a good range of shops (excluding a decent coffee shop) and there were a great many people out and about – found a locksmith and had a spare key cut for the front doors as well as a replacement watchband – the other had almost broken through.
Tuesday came along and the first thing I noticed was that we had a decided list to starboard (away from the towpath) – mmmmm that wasn’t good – a quick look outside and the water level was down in the pound – quickly dressing and down to the lock – no paddles left up and all seemed OK; boats were coming down so I assumed that everything would resolve itself. Set off at 9:30 and made it to the first lock and the lock-keeper made an appearance – there would be a delay whilst water was let down to completely stabilise all of the pounds.
Only an hour delay, but where I might have lost an hour waiting, I made up in time and energy. You see, whilst hardly anyone gathered at the bottom locks – only 2 boats waiting to come up, there apparently was a fair sized queue to come down, so naturally everyone was dead keen to get the process moving as quickly as possible and be on their way – magic for a single-handed boater – there were plenty of people willing to work the gates and paddles – I didn’t have to do a thing, but of course there were gracious and grateful thank-yous all along the way – when I reached the top there was still a queue of 7 more boats waiting to come down.
A casual cruise down to Nuneaton as I had arranged to catch up with Les ad Pauline, which I did and very pleased to see them both again – didn’t get back to the boat until after 8pm, but a very nice afternoon/evening.
As I was very much ahead of the schedule that I had mentally penned out I decided to make a bit of a detour and head up the Ashby for a couple of days – which turned out to be 4 nights – moored up for 2 days by Bridge 16 where I was quite happy and then decided to cruise 2 miles up to wind and had every intention of continuing back to the Coventry, but became waylaid along the way by mooring up outside Trinity Marina – although the sign said ₤5 per night I was prepared to pay – a nice outlook. Started chatting with Mac from Painted Lady –“no, don’t worry about the sign – they never come along to collect it” – 2 more nights and no outlay, and right outside the pub – just the spot to have a pint and read the paper at lunchtime (oh and something to eat with all of that as well).
For the first time since I have been on the boat, Friday night was so cold that I needed to put the heater on – ended up being about 4C overnight and such a crisp Saturday morning.
Sunday was finally the day to move and cruised down to Hawkesbury Junction – I had never been through here before, but with boats moored on both sides and just enough for two boats to squeeze through the middle; a narrow section just before the junction; a 180o turn and then a lock; boats coming down through the lock and immediately winding to go back through – what a nightmare – but very organised and friendly as well.
Through the lock – about a 300cm rise; moored up just down from the lock around the bend; then it was back to The Greyhound for a Sunday roast lunch and a couple of pints of Theakston Mild (very nice indeed), but the pub was pretty well packed as well.
26 Miles, 6 Locks – for this week
Totals: 236 Miles 289 Locks, 7Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
This was a somewhat lazy week in terms of travel and the travel that I did do was also of a non-exertion state.
As I mentioned last week the TV and internet signals were both good at Atherstone so I stayed put on Monday and got stuck into work. I did however take a wander around – firstly along the towpath down (or should that be up) to Lock 1 – the numbering was going down but the locks were going up – nevertheless I found Bridge 41 and walked along the road into the town centre – not far at all.
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| A new entry in the lovliest lock competition - Bridge 43 / Lock 5 at Atherstone |
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| Atherstone High Street |
Only an hour delay, but where I might have lost an hour waiting, I made up in time and energy. You see, whilst hardly anyone gathered at the bottom locks – only 2 boats waiting to come up, there apparently was a fair sized queue to come down, so naturally everyone was dead keen to get the process moving as quickly as possible and be on their way – magic for a single-handed boater – there were plenty of people willing to work the gates and paddles – I didn’t have to do a thing, but of course there were gracious and grateful thank-yous all along the way – when I reached the top there was still a queue of 7 more boats waiting to come down.
A casual cruise down to Nuneaton as I had arranged to catch up with Les ad Pauline, which I did and very pleased to see them both again – didn’t get back to the boat until after 8pm, but a very nice afternoon/evening.
As I was very much ahead of the schedule that I had mentally penned out I decided to make a bit of a detour and head up the Ashby for a couple of days – which turned out to be 4 nights – moored up for 2 days by Bridge 16 where I was quite happy and then decided to cruise 2 miles up to wind and had every intention of continuing back to the Coventry, but became waylaid along the way by mooring up outside Trinity Marina – although the sign said ₤5 per night I was prepared to pay – a nice outlook. Started chatting with Mac from Painted Lady –“no, don’t worry about the sign – they never come along to collect it” – 2 more nights and no outlay, and right outside the pub – just the spot to have a pint and read the paper at lunchtime (oh and something to eat with all of that as well).
For the first time since I have been on the boat, Friday night was so cold that I needed to put the heater on – ended up being about 4C overnight and such a crisp Saturday morning.
Sunday was finally the day to move and cruised down to Hawkesbury Junction – I had never been through here before, but with boats moored on both sides and just enough for two boats to squeeze through the middle; a narrow section just before the junction; a 180o turn and then a lock; boats coming down through the lock and immediately winding to go back through – what a nightmare – but very organised and friendly as well.
Through the lock – about a 300cm rise; moored up just down from the lock around the bend; then it was back to The Greyhound for a Sunday roast lunch and a couple of pints of Theakston Mild (very nice indeed), but the pub was pretty well packed as well.
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| The Greyhound - excellent Sunday roast |
It has been a very much lazy week – not too much in the exertion stakes, plenty of help on locks and plenty of relaxing in pubs (oops shouldn’t have said that – she who must be obeyed will be reading this – sorry dear, it was purely research)
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| Hawkesbury Junction - not so busy here, but a nightmare on Sunday |
Sunday, 12 September 2010
All things back to normal - but now moving much slower
Monday 6th September to Sunday 12th September
24 Miles, 46 Locks, 2 Tunnels – for this week
Totals: 210 Miles 283 Locks, 7Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
This has been a week of direct contrast to the previous two weeks – back online and able to work has relieved my state of mind – it is very apt to say that I was very concerned about the computer – but all is well again.
I spent an additional two days in the centre of Birmingham – I have thoroughly enjoyed the centre of the city as a place to spend an extended stay; I was also pleased not to see any BW people of wardens suggesting that I move or pay the 5 pounds a night – better in my pocket than elsewhere.
There is no way to extricate yourself from Birmingham without plenty of locks involved and the Farmers Hill flight starts immediately and then followed the Ashton flight – a total of 24 in all and I was happy to have some help going down; what I wasn’t happy about was the three forced stops to clear the propeller of rubbish.
I will however say that it appeared more to do with the amount of rain that we had during my stay and hence the run-off from streets and elsewhere going straight into the canals than necessarily the direct contribution from passers-by.
I (we) will be visiting the city centre again and we will encourage others to go there – it is a wonderful city with such a full variety of people and experiences.
It was however also good to be back out into the country again as the contrast is so wide. Not to mention some of those country smells that Diane would not really (and does not) appreciate.
Travelling this week was not so hectic as it had previously been and for the remainder of this month and also next it will continue to be the same.
Friday was a funny sort of day – it threatened to bucket down but didn’t; threatened to get very cold but didn’t. It was pump-out day and diesel fill day as well and I can highly recommend Fazeley Mill Marina – 66 p/l and self-declare made it much better – the tricky bit was getting in there and winding – like a “long-time” boater I need a bit more practice, but I got there.
Moored up at Polesworth that evening and stayed for Saturday – this is a lovely village – two pubs; good butcher and a Spar as well. Next time through there I want to spend a bit more time to see through it in detail.
Moved further down the Coventry and have moored up at Atherstone and had a very nice Sunday roast at the Kings Head – near Lock 5.
I think I will stay one more day here as the signals for both TV and internet are very good.
24 Miles, 46 Locks, 2 Tunnels – for this week
Totals: 210 Miles 283 Locks, 7Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
This has been a week of direct contrast to the previous two weeks – back online and able to work has relieved my state of mind – it is very apt to say that I was very concerned about the computer – but all is well again.
I spent an additional two days in the centre of Birmingham – I have thoroughly enjoyed the centre of the city as a place to spend an extended stay; I was also pleased not to see any BW people of wardens suggesting that I move or pay the 5 pounds a night – better in my pocket than elsewhere.
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| Farmers Hill Locks |
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| Looking down into Gas Street basin |
I will however say that it appeared more to do with the amount of rain that we had during my stay and hence the run-off from streets and elsewhere going straight into the canals than necessarily the direct contribution from passers-by.
I (we) will be visiting the city centre again and we will encourage others to go there – it is a wonderful city with such a full variety of people and experiences.
It was however also good to be back out into the country again as the contrast is so wide. Not to mention some of those country smells that Diane would not really (and does not) appreciate.
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| Farm fields near Curdworth |
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| Bridge 54 at Polesworth |
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| View from the window |
Moored up at Polesworth that evening and stayed for Saturday – this is a lovely village – two pubs; good butcher and a Spar as well. Next time through there I want to spend a bit more time to see through it in detail.
Moved further down the Coventry and have moored up at Atherstone and had a very nice Sunday roast at the Kings Head – near Lock 5.
I think I will stay one more day here as the signals for both TV and internet are very good.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Did I say a week for a decision - how about a fortnight of forced and optionals
Monday 23rd August to Sunday 5th September
73 Miles, 97 Locks, 3 Tunnels – for this fortnight
Totals: 186 Miles 237 Locks, 5 Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
This has been quite a week – well actually two weeks and really the second part of it I could have very much done without.
This became a bit of a week for decisions – the time was coming near when I needed to make some sort of finality to where I was going to moor the boat in November.
When I had the pump out at MK Marina I asked Richard there if he could do any better on a quote for a winter mooring but based on a more specific time frame rather than just saying 6 months; then on Monday I did the same with Great Haywood – both came back with much better prices but not to say that their originals were out of whack – I just defined my actual time criteria better.
I need also to go to Birmingham to see Debbie, James, Katherine and Rachel and this needs to be sooner than later.
But first another day of work on Monday – did I ever pick the right day not to move – it absolutely bucketed down for most of the day – intermittent rain-free periods but the rest was not fit to be outdoors.
Moored opposite Campbell Park, it is a remarkable area – we will be back here to explore this delightful town more – no-one should ever say that they just want to get through Milton Keynes – stop and look around and you will stay some more.
Having made my decision to go to Birmingham and be there on or about 3rd Sept, I needed to move and put some miles (and locks behind me – so I headed for Stoke Bruerne. It was such windy day and a colder rather than cool wind. Nevertheless with most of the journey being lock free it was only a matter of keeping the tiller pointed the right way – until I got to the locks just before mooring up – I made my way to the lock to prepare it and I spotted another boat in the pound above going the same way and I know that he saw me, but did he wait to share the locks, save some water and make life a little easier – not on your Nellie – he doesn’t want to cross my path in the very near future.
Still moored up relatively safe and sound – just very annoyed.
Setting off the following morning again in the company of Pauline and Les we made good time heading up through the remaining two locks and then through the tunnel; at the other end L and P had had problems again with their filter and needed to stop at the boatyard whilst I moored up to replenish supplies; they were still busy with it when I returned and said they would catch me which they eventually did as I was taking on fuel at Fred Tarry’s.
Next day and we travelled together to go through the Buckby flight of locks and then another tunnel; trouble was at the other end there was an hour wait for the first lock; the time seemed to go relatively quickly and we worked our way through the Braunston locks.
After this it was time to say our goodbyes – as they say parting is such sweet sorrow. L and P decided that they would moor up in order to see friends at Braunston, and I would continue on – along the Grand Union, but just before the turn some yahoo was shouting away at me abusing me for chastising him two weeks earlier for going too fast – he must be able to hold a grudge, but if he was going too fast then he deserved it – his boat name summed him up “Cream Cracker” – ah good luck to him in his quest to be obnoxious.
I eventually settled down above the Calcutt locks after a reasonably lengthy day – I was into the swing of doing some work that night when aghast, the computer froze up and wouldn’t do anything – no amount of persuasion would get it to budge; so I eventually forced it to close down and then tried to restart – absolutely no luck whatsoever. No computer means no work – mmm.
I spent Saturday travelling down Calcutt and then down the Stockton flight trying to figure what to do about my new predicament. Luckily for me I have such a clever daughter Samantha (Sam) (well our daughter) who suggested getting to Birmingham and PC World; so Sunday was a day out of the ordinary – up early and a “quick” 3 and ½ hour journey into Warwick to moor up, get to the station; train into Birmingham; taxi to Highgate – yes they can fix it – but can’t take it off my hands until Tuesday; luckily Diane’s cousin Debbie lived about 5 minutes away and yes, she would take it in for me; not only that but she gave me dinner as well - it was a very good day in the end with James (Debbie's husband) their two girls Katherine and Rachel and James sister Jenny and partner Viv.
After all of that it was a matter of deciding what to do – well a week off work was going to happen, so I have been on holidays this week. I got myself into Birmingham on the boat by Wednesday evening – through all of the locks – 25 in all – single handed – the last half dozen with the lady from the boat behind closing the top gates – some respite.
A note of a pleasant 30 minutes - whilst descending Camp Hill locks, I went up to a guy sitting on one of the seats and asked if he would mind closing one of the bottom gates for me (double bottom gates for a single lock) - we had a pleasant chat about a lot of things (no other boats around for the whole day) - yes he had been to Australia, but not to Melbourne; he had been on sponsored tours as a guest speaker and entertainer; he was a poet of some reknown - turns out that he was none other than Jim MacCool (a name that seemed familiar to me - more after I had got around to googling it) - ah I hear it now - "I would like to thank an Aussie boater for my latest poem - Ode to a Lock" --- royalties will be gratefully accepted.
A lovely man and just shows who you can meet along the way
I knew from the last visit, what a lovely place Birmingham is – and have completely confirmed it all over – moored just opposite the NIA, there has been no problem at all; the area is lovely and clean and tidy – a real pleasure to be here – there is not a nicer place for an enforced holiday when you would rather be working - Birmingham has embraced the canals and rejuvenated the city in conjunction with the waterways.
Anyway the end of the week arrives; the computer makes a late entry on Saturday afternoon and finally all up and running again by Sunday midnight - the grey hairs have grown in numbers this week.
Sometimes decisions are forced upon us that lead to reflect on where we start from – what started as a week about where I would moor the boat over winter, became so much more and something more to think about for the future.
The winter mooring is all sorted; the computer is back to almost normal; the sun did come up every morning; and the worry of what could be done has passed.
PS: photos to be placed shortly.
73 Miles, 97 Locks, 3 Tunnels – for this fortnight
Totals: 186 Miles 237 Locks, 5 Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
This has been quite a week – well actually two weeks and really the second part of it I could have very much done without.
This became a bit of a week for decisions – the time was coming near when I needed to make some sort of finality to where I was going to moor the boat in November.
When I had the pump out at MK Marina I asked Richard there if he could do any better on a quote for a winter mooring but based on a more specific time frame rather than just saying 6 months; then on Monday I did the same with Great Haywood – both came back with much better prices but not to say that their originals were out of whack – I just defined my actual time criteria better.
I need also to go to Birmingham to see Debbie, James, Katherine and Rachel and this needs to be sooner than later.
But first another day of work on Monday – did I ever pick the right day not to move – it absolutely bucketed down for most of the day – intermittent rain-free periods but the rest was not fit to be outdoors.
Moored opposite Campbell Park, it is a remarkable area – we will be back here to explore this delightful town more – no-one should ever say that they just want to get through Milton Keynes – stop and look around and you will stay some more.
Having made my decision to go to Birmingham and be there on or about 3rd Sept, I needed to move and put some miles (and locks behind me – so I headed for Stoke Bruerne. It was such windy day and a colder rather than cool wind. Nevertheless with most of the journey being lock free it was only a matter of keeping the tiller pointed the right way – until I got to the locks just before mooring up – I made my way to the lock to prepare it and I spotted another boat in the pound above going the same way and I know that he saw me, but did he wait to share the locks, save some water and make life a little easier – not on your Nellie – he doesn’t want to cross my path in the very near future.
Still moored up relatively safe and sound – just very annoyed.
Setting off the following morning again in the company of Pauline and Les we made good time heading up through the remaining two locks and then through the tunnel; at the other end L and P had had problems again with their filter and needed to stop at the boatyard whilst I moored up to replenish supplies; they were still busy with it when I returned and said they would catch me which they eventually did as I was taking on fuel at Fred Tarry’s.
Next day and we travelled together to go through the Buckby flight of locks and then another tunnel; trouble was at the other end there was an hour wait for the first lock; the time seemed to go relatively quickly and we worked our way through the Braunston locks.
After this it was time to say our goodbyes – as they say parting is such sweet sorrow. L and P decided that they would moor up in order to see friends at Braunston, and I would continue on – along the Grand Union, but just before the turn some yahoo was shouting away at me abusing me for chastising him two weeks earlier for going too fast – he must be able to hold a grudge, but if he was going too fast then he deserved it – his boat name summed him up “Cream Cracker” – ah good luck to him in his quest to be obnoxious.
I eventually settled down above the Calcutt locks after a reasonably lengthy day – I was into the swing of doing some work that night when aghast, the computer froze up and wouldn’t do anything – no amount of persuasion would get it to budge; so I eventually forced it to close down and then tried to restart – absolutely no luck whatsoever. No computer means no work – mmm.
I spent Saturday travelling down Calcutt and then down the Stockton flight trying to figure what to do about my new predicament. Luckily for me I have such a clever daughter Samantha (Sam) (well our daughter) who suggested getting to Birmingham and PC World; so Sunday was a day out of the ordinary – up early and a “quick” 3 and ½ hour journey into Warwick to moor up, get to the station; train into Birmingham; taxi to Highgate – yes they can fix it – but can’t take it off my hands until Tuesday; luckily Diane’s cousin Debbie lived about 5 minutes away and yes, she would take it in for me; not only that but she gave me dinner as well - it was a very good day in the end with James (Debbie's husband) their two girls Katherine and Rachel and James sister Jenny and partner Viv.
After all of that it was a matter of deciding what to do – well a week off work was going to happen, so I have been on holidays this week. I got myself into Birmingham on the boat by Wednesday evening – through all of the locks – 25 in all – single handed – the last half dozen with the lady from the boat behind closing the top gates – some respite.
A note of a pleasant 30 minutes - whilst descending Camp Hill locks, I went up to a guy sitting on one of the seats and asked if he would mind closing one of the bottom gates for me (double bottom gates for a single lock) - we had a pleasant chat about a lot of things (no other boats around for the whole day) - yes he had been to Australia, but not to Melbourne; he had been on sponsored tours as a guest speaker and entertainer; he was a poet of some reknown - turns out that he was none other than Jim MacCool (a name that seemed familiar to me - more after I had got around to googling it) - ah I hear it now - "I would like to thank an Aussie boater for my latest poem - Ode to a Lock" --- royalties will be gratefully accepted.
A lovely man and just shows who you can meet along the way
I knew from the last visit, what a lovely place Birmingham is – and have completely confirmed it all over – moored just opposite the NIA, there has been no problem at all; the area is lovely and clean and tidy – a real pleasure to be here – there is not a nicer place for an enforced holiday when you would rather be working - Birmingham has embraced the canals and rejuvenated the city in conjunction with the waterways.
Anyway the end of the week arrives; the computer makes a late entry on Saturday afternoon and finally all up and running again by Sunday midnight - the grey hairs have grown in numbers this week.
Sometimes decisions are forced upon us that lead to reflect on where we start from – what started as a week about where I would moor the boat over winter, became so much more and something more to think about for the future.
The winter mooring is all sorted; the computer is back to almost normal; the sun did come up every morning; and the worry of what could be done has passed.
PS: photos to be placed shortly.
Monday, 23 August 2010
A week of discovery - new friends and an older past
Monday 16th August to Sunday 22nd August
30 Miles, 42 Locks, 3 Swing Bridges – for this week
Totals: 113 Miles 140 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
As I slowly head north I will at some stage need to decide whether I head to Birmingham on the Grand Union, with a continuation of double locks or will I head up the Oxford (North) – I need to go to Great Haywood and then back to Rugby by the 25th Septmeber.
A decision for later.
On Monday I was indeed fortunate to have the company of Peter and Bill again on nb Thingvellir (which is Icelandic and refers to the place of the Parliament of Iceland) – we ventured as far as Berkhamstead, where we all decided to call it a day
Tuesday was a non-movement day
and got some work out of the way
and then decided to do some
Berkhamstead really is a very pretty place and has faced her best sides to the canal, further walking and I came across Berkhamstead Castle.
Friday was another day when it was more important to get some work done and not to move, but the offset was to have lunch (and a beer) at the Grove Lock pub – nice and relaxed.
Saturday, and back on the move just for a short way to begin with and moored up at Linslade for a Tesco’s expedition and back away to moor up after the Soulbury locks.
Sunday morning and rain down upon the roof just after 6am – not the time to get up yet – just a few more minutes of listening.
A very pleasant early morning cruise through to Milton Keynes Marina for a pump out and then an hour wait for the water point back outside and as I remembered the water pressure is way way down so it is another hour before the tank is full and then off but only for a mile or so to more up after bridge 81B just in front of nb Nibby who have already spent a full day here and are off tomorrow – such a very nice spot – I think I might spend some time here myself.
30 Miles, 42 Locks, 3 Swing Bridges – for this week
Totals: 113 Miles 140 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 6 Swing Bridges
As I slowly head north I will at some stage need to decide whether I head to Birmingham on the Grand Union, with a continuation of double locks or will I head up the Oxford (North) – I need to go to Great Haywood and then back to Rugby by the 25th Septmeber.
A decision for later.
On Monday I was indeed fortunate to have the company of Peter and Bill again on nb Thingvellir (which is Icelandic and refers to the place of the Parliament of Iceland) – we ventured as far as Berkhamstead, where we all decided to call it a day
and got some work out of the way
and then decided to do some
exploring of Berkhamstead – first it
was to return to find a totem pole –
which was carved by members of
the Kwakiutl tribe in recognition of
the years that trade took place
between this area and Canada.
Berkhamstead really is a very pretty place and has faced her best sides to the canal, further walking and I came across Berkhamstead Castle.
By Wednesday it was time to move again and I was in the immediate company of Pauline and Les from nb Nibby (and of course I couldn’t forget Libby the pup).
A truly delightful couple and such a nice and wonderful time doing locks, sitting and talking and enjoying a meal together over the 2 days whilst we travelled through to Grove Lock. We will catch up again after they return home – they had been out since April and were on their way home to Nuneaton after their journey had taken them all of the way down to Bristol.
Friday was another day when it was more important to get some work done and not to move, but the offset was to have lunch (and a beer) at the Grove Lock pub – nice and relaxed.
Saturday, and back on the move just for a short way to begin with and moored up at Linslade for a Tesco’s expedition and back away to moor up after the Soulbury locks.
Sunday morning and rain down upon the roof just after 6am – not the time to get up yet – just a few more minutes of listening.
A very pleasant early morning cruise through to Milton Keynes Marina for a pump out and then an hour wait for the water point back outside and as I remembered the water pressure is way way down so it is another hour before the tank is full and then off but only for a mile or so to more up after bridge 81B just in front of nb Nibby who have already spent a full day here and are off tomorrow – such a very nice spot – I think I might spend some time here myself.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Whiled a little while in Watford and then whiled away
Monday 9th August to Sunday 15th August
5 Miles, 15 Locks – for this week
Totals: 83 Miles 98 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 3 Swing Bridges
The clear intention of this week was to not move anywhere at all – I wanted to spend the week down in Watford and be able to start and hopefully finish a number of tasks that I had down on my To Do List.
I also wanted to get as much work (that’s paying work) done as I could, as there is a great amount that I have started and which is much longer term stuff – hopefully this week I can finish some and make a great dent in the remainder.
That is the intention – I will have to wait and see how they end up.
Tuesday was an extremely fruitful day in my quest for this week – I have finished turning the bed around – now have a 190cm x 137cm bed (for the imperial minded that is 6’3” x 4’6”) – it is a little bit tighter fit around but suits my height much better – so that is now done.
The weather was fantastic for ducks – it really did rain all day – didn’t stop boats moving and moving faster than they should – in a hurry to get to where they are going without ANY consideration for moored boats.
Workwise it was a pleasing day – plenty did get done.
Although I am not the seasoned liveaboard just yet and haven’t travelled all of the waterways yet – I am going to be surprised if there is a lovelier lock setting than this one in Cassiobury Park – Lock 77 and Bridge 167 – I think it will take some beating.
Weatherwise, if you were someone looking forward to enjoying some sunshine in this English summer then this week would have been sadly disappointing for you – essential outdoor wear was the wet-weather gear and umbrella.
As it was this is perfect weather for me and the ducks – love the rain and there has been a lot of it.
Maggie and Paddy came over on Thursday to give the boat a lookover
Paddy thought that he might be able to catch dinner – fishing from the back of the boat – he caught a fairly small bream, but by the time I managed to get the camera and position it for his attempt to kiss it, the fish had decided this was enough and jumped out and back into the water. But did get an after-the-fish-got-away photo
Well Saturday arrived and I felt that it was time to move northwards – so set off late morning and travelled only a relatively short distance but will be trying very hard to keep to short travel days. The rain continued in heavy bursts and I was fortunate only to get caught in one, but the coat was drenched through but I was not.
Very nice weather for Sunday’s short cruise to end on the northern end of Hemel Hempstead; met a lovely German family over here for 2 weeks of cruising – the two boys were keen to look after the locks and in the interests of appeasing others – I let them. Another pair of boaters Peter and Bill accompanied for the earlier locks – Bill, according to Peter was around the 80 mark – he certainly looked mighty good for those years and able to handle the work of the locks with just a little help – after all they are all double locks.
In looking back on the week that was, plenty of work was achieved, some work on the boat (the rest will get done sometime), a relaxing time overall – yes I would say starting intentions achieved.
5 Miles, 15 Locks – for this week
Totals: 83 Miles 98 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 3 Swing Bridges
The clear intention of this week was to not move anywhere at all – I wanted to spend the week down in Watford and be able to start and hopefully finish a number of tasks that I had down on my To Do List.
I also wanted to get as much work (that’s paying work) done as I could, as there is a great amount that I have started and which is much longer term stuff – hopefully this week I can finish some and make a great dent in the remainder.
That is the intention – I will have to wait and see how they end up.
Tuesday was an extremely fruitful day in my quest for this week – I have finished turning the bed around – now have a 190cm x 137cm bed (for the imperial minded that is 6’3” x 4’6”) – it is a little bit tighter fit around but suits my height much better – so that is now done.
The weather was fantastic for ducks – it really did rain all day – didn’t stop boats moving and moving faster than they should – in a hurry to get to where they are going without ANY consideration for moored boats.
Workwise it was a pleasing day – plenty did get done.
Although I am not the seasoned liveaboard just yet and haven’t travelled all of the waterways yet – I am going to be surprised if there is a lovelier lock setting than this one in Cassiobury Park – Lock 77 and Bridge 167 – I think it will take some beating.
Weatherwise, if you were someone looking forward to enjoying some sunshine in this English summer then this week would have been sadly disappointing for you – essential outdoor wear was the wet-weather gear and umbrella.
As it was this is perfect weather for me and the ducks – love the rain and there has been a lot of it.
Maggie and Paddy came over on Thursday to give the boat a lookover
Paddy thought that he might be able to catch dinner – fishing from the back of the boat – he caught a fairly small bream, but by the time I managed to get the camera and position it for his attempt to kiss it, the fish had decided this was enough and jumped out and back into the water. But did get an after-the-fish-got-away photo
Well Saturday arrived and I felt that it was time to move northwards – so set off late morning and travelled only a relatively short distance but will be trying very hard to keep to short travel days. The rain continued in heavy bursts and I was fortunate only to get caught in one, but the coat was drenched through but I was not.
 |
| One of the many bursts of rain |
Very nice weather for Sunday’s short cruise to end on the northern end of Hemel Hempstead; met a lovely German family over here for 2 weeks of cruising – the two boys were keen to look after the locks and in the interests of appeasing others – I let them. Another pair of boaters Peter and Bill accompanied for the earlier locks – Bill, according to Peter was around the 80 mark – he certainly looked mighty good for those years and able to handle the work of the locks with just a little help – after all they are all double locks.
In looking back on the week that was, plenty of work was achieved, some work on the boat (the rest will get done sometime), a relaxing time overall – yes I would say starting intentions achieved.
 |
| one for Diane to remember what i look like |
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Made it to Watford
Monday 2nd August to Sunday 8th August
This week - 27 Miles, 57 Locks, and 2 swing bridges
Totals: 78 Miles 83 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 3 Swing Bridges
Anyone planning on going through the Soulbury Three Locks (locks 24-26) should do so before finishing cruising for the day as apparently these are notorious for leaking overnight as I found first thing on Monday – the pound above Lock 24 was virtually dry – an hour later I was through thanks to the lockie who arrived just after I had opened the two locks above to let water down.
After stopping at Leighton Buzzard on the 2 hr moorings alongside Tesco I was then to find mooring up difficult as the pounds from lock 29 through to Lock 22 were all low and the water depth was extremely low, but thanks to a crew from a day boat I managed to get through to moor above Bridge 123
a view from the mooring point above Bridge 123
Gee, I really enjoyed the Marsworth Locks – even though they were all done solo no help at all – got into a quick and steady rhythm and through them in next to no time – well less than 2 hours and then moored in a lovely cutting just down from Tring station – no train noises for me
I was quite impressed with Berkhamstead - moored by the park and near the Waitrose store – not much else that I saw really.
Berkhamstead - the park is on the left and Waitrose on the right
Why is it that there are idiots out there that are allowed to get anywhere near a boat – on two occasions I had boats moored on the bollards set aside for the locks, so it was impossible to get close to the locks – 1 of them I missed, but the second got a right royal earful of what I thought about him (no four letter words at all) – he left skulking – it was bad enough going through these locks without help but to have people moor up and leave no room at all – there that’s my whinge done.
Almost forgot – I was impressed with the ease of the Winkwell swing bridge – easy to operate and clear instructions – I found no problems with the way it was managed by a lady from a boat coming the other way.
Mother and baby - dad wasn't far away
A very timely reminder about the problems with older boaters, when I moored up at Abbots Langley – a boater was trying to moor up behind me, but the boat was getting away from him in the slight wind – trouble was his arthritis prevented him from gripping the centre line as well as he wanted – together and with help from his friend on the boat in front, we managed to position the boat next to the towpath and he moored up for lunch – when I looked later they were gone – not a question of age, but the greater likelihood of conditions such as this and the problems facing us all in time.
Relaxed final part of the trip to Watford – took on water and then moored up opposite Cassiobury Park. An unremarkable trip but very very pleasant . Weather has been overscast and raining and to top it off sunny as well.
Off to the hardware shop for some bit and pieces I will need for the bed conversion and also to Harlequin for other things including a phone top-up.
Phil and Wendy along with Megan, Georgina and Jessica visited this afternoon to have a look over the boat; so we moved about 300 metres to where the phone reception was infinitely better.
The undoubted highlight of the afternoon occurred after they had left – that’s right ManU beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield – so had to email Phil (a Chelsea supporter) about it – strange that I haven’t had a reply yet.
This week - 27 Miles, 57 Locks, and 2 swing bridges
Totals: 78 Miles 83 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 3 Swing Bridges
Anyone planning on going through the Soulbury Three Locks (locks 24-26) should do so before finishing cruising for the day as apparently these are notorious for leaking overnight as I found first thing on Monday – the pound above Lock 24 was virtually dry – an hour later I was through thanks to the lockie who arrived just after I had opened the two locks above to let water down.
After stopping at Leighton Buzzard on the 2 hr moorings alongside Tesco I was then to find mooring up difficult as the pounds from lock 29 through to Lock 22 were all low and the water depth was extremely low, but thanks to a crew from a day boat I managed to get through to moor above Bridge 123
a view from the mooring point above Bridge 123
Gee, I really enjoyed the Marsworth Locks – even though they were all done solo no help at all – got into a quick and steady rhythm and through them in next to no time – well less than 2 hours and then moored in a lovely cutting just down from Tring station – no train noises for me
I was quite impressed with Berkhamstead - moored by the park and near the Waitrose store – not much else that I saw really.
Berkhamstead - the park is on the left and Waitrose on the right
Why is it that there are idiots out there that are allowed to get anywhere near a boat – on two occasions I had boats moored on the bollards set aside for the locks, so it was impossible to get close to the locks – 1 of them I missed, but the second got a right royal earful of what I thought about him (no four letter words at all) – he left skulking – it was bad enough going through these locks without help but to have people moor up and leave no room at all – there that’s my whinge done.
Almost forgot – I was impressed with the ease of the Winkwell swing bridge – easy to operate and clear instructions – I found no problems with the way it was managed by a lady from a boat coming the other way.
Mother and baby - dad wasn't far away
A very timely reminder about the problems with older boaters, when I moored up at Abbots Langley – a boater was trying to moor up behind me, but the boat was getting away from him in the slight wind – trouble was his arthritis prevented him from gripping the centre line as well as he wanted – together and with help from his friend on the boat in front, we managed to position the boat next to the towpath and he moored up for lunch – when I looked later they were gone – not a question of age, but the greater likelihood of conditions such as this and the problems facing us all in time.
Relaxed final part of the trip to Watford – took on water and then moored up opposite Cassiobury Park. An unremarkable trip but very very pleasant . Weather has been overscast and raining and to top it off sunny as well.
Off to the hardware shop for some bit and pieces I will need for the bed conversion and also to Harlequin for other things including a phone top-up.
Phil and Wendy along with Megan, Georgina and Jessica visited this afternoon to have a look over the boat; so we moved about 300 metres to where the phone reception was infinitely better.
The undoubted highlight of the afternoon occurred after they had left – that’s right ManU beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield – so had to email Phil (a Chelsea supporter) about it – strange that I haven’t had a reply yet.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Thursday 29th July
12 miles, 13 locks, 1 tunnel
A much longer day than planned, but glad I did.
Went through the Braunston and Buckby flights today and had tremendous help through both – I neglected to get any details on the Braunston flight but there were 5 people on lock duty, so no problems at all and a lovely couple with the boat .
Then at the Buckby flight I was with nb Tamora – a husband and wife who again were really great – we would have been a bit quicker than the 2+ hours if it wasn’t for every lock having another pair coming up after the pair in front eventually got through – but hey, it isn’t a race and there was no-one hurt in the making of this passage.
Through Weedon, where I would like to stop – maybe on the way back and to a nice and hopefully quiet spot just beyond Bridge 29 – the combination of road and rail ruled many other moorings immediately out.
Just after I had moored up I was noticed by Elizabeth and John from nb Helen Louise who enquired about the Aussie flag and it not being present – they are good friends of Dot and Derek Canvin, from whom I had purchased Gypsy Rover - so we had a chat for almost an hour.
This reminds me I have neglected to mention the website for Dot and Derek – it is nb Gypsy Rover - please visit as they are wonderful people and have a great story of their past travels and those still to come.
Friday 30th July
8 miles, 2 locks, 1 tunnel
Shorter day – away reasonably early – had to pick up some gas and top up with diesel – did so at Fred Tarry at Bridge 32 and they allowed self-declare.
Relatively uneventful, apart from the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside.
Through the Blisworth tunnel which was much wetter than the Braunston tunnel yesterday.
Then down to Stoke Bruerne and the lockie helped me through the first lock with a fair number of people out and about to have a look – fortunately no mishaps. Lock 15 (the 2nd lock) was a completely solo affair – my first on my own – glad to say that I would feel that even the experts would give it a thumbs up. Was pleased that a couple of passer-bys kindly agreed to close the single gate that was open and then moored up in the pound and was back to the Navigation for lunch.
Saturday 31st July
3 miles and 5 locks
Just a short trip today – down the five locks from the pound below Stoke Bruerne – the first two solo and the last three with nb Pharion and then they pulled in for water and I carried onto just after Bridge 61 down from Yardley Wharf.
A really pleasant day – went for a walk up into the village – I found the off-licence / store and got a few things that I needed, but I couldn’t find the pub – so back to the boat and some more exploring of what was in each of the little storage cubby holes.
Some investigation of the bed and how it can be moved around
Sunday 1st August
17 miles, 3 locks and 1 swing bridge
Left earlyish this morning to get some of the distance to make it to Watford by next Sunday. I thought with only a few locks along the way it would be possible to travel a few more miles.
I knew that I would need water but the water point that I was first able to get to at Bridge 88 was terribly slow – took an hour to fill the tank – admittedly the joy of having a large water tank (a tick in one of the boxes) which meant that washing would not be a problem becomes a downside at a slow water point – can’t have everything.
Plenty of moored boats and numerous fishing matches meant more slow going , but I have achieved the distance that I needed.
12 miles, 13 locks, 1 tunnel
A much longer day than planned, but glad I did.
Went through the Braunston and Buckby flights today and had tremendous help through both – I neglected to get any details on the Braunston flight but there were 5 people on lock duty, so no problems at all and a lovely couple with the boat .
Then at the Buckby flight I was with nb Tamora – a husband and wife who again were really great – we would have been a bit quicker than the 2+ hours if it wasn’t for every lock having another pair coming up after the pair in front eventually got through – but hey, it isn’t a race and there was no-one hurt in the making of this passage.
Through Weedon, where I would like to stop – maybe on the way back and to a nice and hopefully quiet spot just beyond Bridge 29 – the combination of road and rail ruled many other moorings immediately out.
Just after I had moored up I was noticed by Elizabeth and John from nb Helen Louise who enquired about the Aussie flag and it not being present – they are good friends of Dot and Derek Canvin, from whom I had purchased Gypsy Rover - so we had a chat for almost an hour.
This reminds me I have neglected to mention the website for Dot and Derek – it is nb Gypsy Rover - please visit as they are wonderful people and have a great story of their past travels and those still to come.
Friday 30th July
8 miles, 2 locks, 1 tunnel
Shorter day – away reasonably early – had to pick up some gas and top up with diesel – did so at Fred Tarry at Bridge 32 and they allowed self-declare.
Relatively uneventful, apart from the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside.
Through the Blisworth tunnel which was much wetter than the Braunston tunnel yesterday.
Then down to Stoke Bruerne and the lockie helped me through the first lock with a fair number of people out and about to have a look – fortunately no mishaps. Lock 15 (the 2nd lock) was a completely solo affair – my first on my own – glad to say that I would feel that even the experts would give it a thumbs up. Was pleased that a couple of passer-bys kindly agreed to close the single gate that was open and then moored up in the pound and was back to the Navigation for lunch.
Saturday 31st July
3 miles and 5 locks
Just a short trip today – down the five locks from the pound below Stoke Bruerne – the first two solo and the last three with nb Pharion and then they pulled in for water and I carried onto just after Bridge 61 down from Yardley Wharf.
A really pleasant day – went for a walk up into the village – I found the off-licence / store and got a few things that I needed, but I couldn’t find the pub – so back to the boat and some more exploring of what was in each of the little storage cubby holes.
Some investigation of the bed and how it can be moved around
Sunday 1st August
17 miles, 3 locks and 1 swing bridge
Left earlyish this morning to get some of the distance to make it to Watford by next Sunday. I thought with only a few locks along the way it would be possible to travel a few more miles.
I knew that I would need water but the water point that I was first able to get to at Bridge 88 was terribly slow – took an hour to fill the tank – admittedly the joy of having a large water tank (a tick in one of the boxes) which meant that washing would not be a problem becomes a downside at a slow water point – can’t have everything.
Plenty of moored boats and numerous fishing matches meant more slow going , but I have achieved the distance that I needed.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Tuesday 27th July 2010
3 miles, no locks
A rather coolish sort of day – I needed to fill the water tank – although it wasn’t low it is better to keep it topped, so off I went down to the winding hole just north of Clifton Cruisers, winded and then back up to the water point – had trouble trying to sort out the connections, but eventually got there. By my estimates it would take a good 220-240 litres, so it took a little while. All filled, it was off to the winding hole further up – except that I used the small arm to Willow Wren boats as I didn’t see the hole further on – got grief from Paul on Piston Broke (only joking around). Moored up again.
Off in the afternoon to see Lynne and Paul – the boat has become a work in progress as Paul prepares for the lengthening. He had struck his index finger hard enough to open a nasty gash and was in need of some attention from Lynne. Nice cup of tea and then back to the boat.
Wednesday 28th July 2010
8 miles, 3 locks (I am not going to total these until there is at least a reasonable amount to tell about)
D-Day – the return of Andrew the boat examiner – all passed AOK , so we are no ready to go. Didn’t waste any time about it either – Andrew was gone and so was I.
It was a transformation really to be free of the static mooring and actually moving with an intent to go somewhere else.
Got through Hillmorton locks with help from some other boaters – didn’t catch all of the details, but very helpful indeed – taking pity on a lone boater.
I was heading along just south of Bridge 78 when I spotted someone I knew – coming the other way on MuchGigglin was Tone and Julie with whom we had shared the Hatton flight two years ago.
We stopped and had a good chat about everything. I think that they were surprised to see that we had a boat so soon as we had told them 2012, so it was a very good chance to explain why.
Carried on to moor just before bridge 88 in a nice quiet rural location (aren’t they all?)
3 miles, no locks
A rather coolish sort of day – I needed to fill the water tank – although it wasn’t low it is better to keep it topped, so off I went down to the winding hole just north of Clifton Cruisers, winded and then back up to the water point – had trouble trying to sort out the connections, but eventually got there. By my estimates it would take a good 220-240 litres, so it took a little while. All filled, it was off to the winding hole further up – except that I used the small arm to Willow Wren boats as I didn’t see the hole further on – got grief from Paul on Piston Broke (only joking around). Moored up again.
Off in the afternoon to see Lynne and Paul – the boat has become a work in progress as Paul prepares for the lengthening. He had struck his index finger hard enough to open a nasty gash and was in need of some attention from Lynne. Nice cup of tea and then back to the boat.
Wednesday 28th July 2010
8 miles, 3 locks (I am not going to total these until there is at least a reasonable amount to tell about)
D-Day – the return of Andrew the boat examiner – all passed AOK , so we are no ready to go. Didn’t waste any time about it either – Andrew was gone and so was I.
It was a transformation really to be free of the static mooring and actually moving with an intent to go somewhere else.
Got through Hillmorton locks with help from some other boaters – didn’t catch all of the details, but very helpful indeed – taking pity on a lone boater.
I was heading along just south of Bridge 78 when I spotted someone I knew – coming the other way on MuchGigglin was Tone and Julie with whom we had shared the Hatton flight two years ago.
We stopped and had a good chat about everything. I think that they were surprised to see that we had a boat so soon as we had told them 2012, so it was a very good chance to explain why.
Carried on to moor just before bridge 88 in a nice quiet rural location (aren’t they all?)
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Monday 26th July 2010
Awoke this morning to find that there had been a misty rain overnight and was in fact still the same.
More work today; a walk into Rugby to post some letters and pick up a few bits as well as a top-up for the phone to continue my contact with the world at large.
Sunday 25th July 2010
I will be here until at least Wednesday – waiting for the boat examiner, Andrew Phasey to return to do the final check and sign off for the Safety Certificate.
I have confirmed with Andrew that he will be here at 9:30 on Wednesday – it is not expected to take long – an hour at most.
I am glad that I asked Derek to do this as talking to Andrew during his initial check allowed me to find out what he is looking for and most importantly why.
I will move back over on Wednesday morning to allow Andrew that same easy access from the carpark.
The day has been spent working and not much else.
Saturday 24th July 2010
No movement today.
After an interrupted night’s sleep – it is always difficult getting used to a different bed – I start a new life.
One more trip to Tesco’s to complete the list and I am done – time to get down to some work to help pay the bills.
Dot and Derek are due some time this morning – it is fairly open – they will call if they anticipate being any later then 12.
There are some more questions to ask of both when they finally do arrive.
Derek finished packing the car with the final load and whilst that happens, Lynne and Paul from nb Piston Broke appear after shopping, so it is inside for coffee and a bit of a chat.
After Dot and Derek have left I move the boat to the opposite side of the canal where it is 14 day moorings.
Friday 23rd July 2010
Today is the day that I finally take over the boat – not something that has only been in waiting since the sale was agreed, but something that has been about 6 years in full planning.
It is not a day during which I wish to rush Dot and Derek off the boat as this has been their life for just under 4 years and there will be a little sadness on their part.
I finally call them at 2:30pm to see how everything is going – they are not far from Brownsover after completing their first trip to move their worldly possessions to their new location in March (Cambs.), so we can start the movement aboard.
After packing the car with a second load (a smaller third load will be necessary, but that can wait until tomorrow), Lynne and Paul from nb Piston Broke wander down to farewell them ad wish them all the best.
At not much after 4pm, I can finally start to settle in and unpack the suitcase and carry bag which are, at the moment, the extent of my belongings.
I undertake 2 separate trips to Tesco’s to begin stocking up on provisiosn, and luckily on the second trip find a trolley which doesn’t automatically lock 15 meters from the Tesco’s front door – so I can “easily” move everything back to the boat – it does of course mean a trip back to Tesco’s to return the trolley.
Background – Part 4
So I landed at Heathrow on 22nd June with my task to find a boat.
I needed to get a few things done first – like open a bank account, sort out internet connection, but with that done and the hire car all sorted it was off.
I saw/inspected over 30 boats in about 6 or 7 days – some were absolute rubbish and the descriptions were downright laughable when compared to the end product, whilst others were quite good.
In the end it boiled down to two – of which one was Gypsy Rover – I have to say that before I left Australia it was not my number one pick, but having seen it in person I realised that my concerns were not as severe as at first.
Sure there will be things that we may/will change but these will be done in time – after we have lived with them.
One that will have to be done is the cross-over bed will need to be rotating 90degrees.
At 189cm, I just cannot fit – no problem for the time being – I will sleep diagonally in the bed.
I have to say that meeting and speaking with Dot and Derek showed me things in the boat that I couldn’t see in any others and to top it all they are really nice people.
I could tell that there will be a great deal of sadness at moving from the boat.
The day was set at 23rd July and we made sure that there was no delay in payments to be made for the boat.
Background – Part 3
Now the decision was when do we do all of this – we had to obviously make sure that the kids were going to be OK without us, so we had originally opted for 2012 as the year that we would make the move.
They, however, seemed quite OK with everything that was happening and was going to happen; so we brought forward the move by 12 months to April 2011.
Who can predict anything in this world – with the lasting effects of the GFC and the Australian economy doing so very well, we both agreed that we couldn’t waste an opportunity to strike in the market whilst we had this advantage, so the date was brought forward to June 2010.
Background – Part 2
So having decided that we thought that this might be a life choice that we wished to investigate further we undertook a trip to the UK and to mainland Europe with the intention to hire a boat for an extended period of time – we were able to pick up a boat for a 6-week period from Canal Cruising Co in Stone who were very good.
We meandered through 400 miles and countless lock over that period and I continued to work; Diane found things that she could do whilst I did that; we wandered through new town; cities and villages to us and could not find a problem with what we did.
Next – we had to sell our 2 houses and find a “smaller” place for our two children to be live in whilst we were away and which still had plenty of room for us to live and stay in when needed.
We had allowed ourselves 3 years to achieve all of this, but within 12 months it had all been done.
Awoke this morning to find that there had been a misty rain overnight and was in fact still the same.
More work today; a walk into Rugby to post some letters and pick up a few bits as well as a top-up for the phone to continue my contact with the world at large.
Sunday 25th July 2010
I will be here until at least Wednesday – waiting for the boat examiner, Andrew Phasey to return to do the final check and sign off for the Safety Certificate.
I have confirmed with Andrew that he will be here at 9:30 on Wednesday – it is not expected to take long – an hour at most.
I am glad that I asked Derek to do this as talking to Andrew during his initial check allowed me to find out what he is looking for and most importantly why.
I will move back over on Wednesday morning to allow Andrew that same easy access from the carpark.
The day has been spent working and not much else.
Saturday 24th July 2010
No movement today.
After an interrupted night’s sleep – it is always difficult getting used to a different bed – I start a new life.
One more trip to Tesco’s to complete the list and I am done – time to get down to some work to help pay the bills.
Dot and Derek are due some time this morning – it is fairly open – they will call if they anticipate being any later then 12.
There are some more questions to ask of both when they finally do arrive.
Derek finished packing the car with the final load and whilst that happens, Lynne and Paul from nb Piston Broke appear after shopping, so it is inside for coffee and a bit of a chat.
After Dot and Derek have left I move the boat to the opposite side of the canal where it is 14 day moorings.
Friday 23rd July 2010
Today is the day that I finally take over the boat – not something that has only been in waiting since the sale was agreed, but something that has been about 6 years in full planning.
It is not a day during which I wish to rush Dot and Derek off the boat as this has been their life for just under 4 years and there will be a little sadness on their part.
I finally call them at 2:30pm to see how everything is going – they are not far from Brownsover after completing their first trip to move their worldly possessions to their new location in March (Cambs.), so we can start the movement aboard.
After packing the car with a second load (a smaller third load will be necessary, but that can wait until tomorrow), Lynne and Paul from nb Piston Broke wander down to farewell them ad wish them all the best.
At not much after 4pm, I can finally start to settle in and unpack the suitcase and carry bag which are, at the moment, the extent of my belongings.
I undertake 2 separate trips to Tesco’s to begin stocking up on provisiosn, and luckily on the second trip find a trolley which doesn’t automatically lock 15 meters from the Tesco’s front door – so I can “easily” move everything back to the boat – it does of course mean a trip back to Tesco’s to return the trolley.
Background – Part 4
So I landed at Heathrow on 22nd June with my task to find a boat.
I needed to get a few things done first – like open a bank account, sort out internet connection, but with that done and the hire car all sorted it was off.
I saw/inspected over 30 boats in about 6 or 7 days – some were absolute rubbish and the descriptions were downright laughable when compared to the end product, whilst others were quite good.
In the end it boiled down to two – of which one was Gypsy Rover – I have to say that before I left Australia it was not my number one pick, but having seen it in person I realised that my concerns were not as severe as at first.
Sure there will be things that we may/will change but these will be done in time – after we have lived with them.
One that will have to be done is the cross-over bed will need to be rotating 90degrees.
At 189cm, I just cannot fit – no problem for the time being – I will sleep diagonally in the bed.
I have to say that meeting and speaking with Dot and Derek showed me things in the boat that I couldn’t see in any others and to top it all they are really nice people.
I could tell that there will be a great deal of sadness at moving from the boat.
The day was set at 23rd July and we made sure that there was no delay in payments to be made for the boat.
Background – Part 3
Now the decision was when do we do all of this – we had to obviously make sure that the kids were going to be OK without us, so we had originally opted for 2012 as the year that we would make the move.
They, however, seemed quite OK with everything that was happening and was going to happen; so we brought forward the move by 12 months to April 2011.
Who can predict anything in this world – with the lasting effects of the GFC and the Australian economy doing so very well, we both agreed that we couldn’t waste an opportunity to strike in the market whilst we had this advantage, so the date was brought forward to June 2010.
Background – Part 2
So having decided that we thought that this might be a life choice that we wished to investigate further we undertook a trip to the UK and to mainland Europe with the intention to hire a boat for an extended period of time – we were able to pick up a boat for a 6-week period from Canal Cruising Co in Stone who were very good.
We meandered through 400 miles and countless lock over that period and I continued to work; Diane found things that she could do whilst I did that; we wandered through new town; cities and villages to us and could not find a problem with what we did.
Next – we had to sell our 2 houses and find a “smaller” place for our two children to be live in whilst we were away and which still had plenty of room for us to live and stay in when needed.
We had allowed ourselves 3 years to achieve all of this, but within 12 months it had all been done.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Background
We first gave thought to people living aboard narrowboats full time back in December 2000 and it was to stay with me for another 2 1/2 years before it occurred that this might be a lifestyle that would encompass many of the things that we would want to do.
A change of pace; a chance to travel further afield than just shorter holidays of 4 weeks; a chance to see the side of English life that underlined the English psyche; and to see more of a very beautiful country.
Over the years, changes in lifestyle, changes in my work, changes in what we looked at doing were governed by an overall end goal of what we are about to embark upon.
What has now grown is something that initially looked at a two year project to something that we are sure will be much longer than that timeframe and will widen to include more subjects and places.
We are looking forward to the adventure of our lifetime - how far we go, we will find out in time.
Diane will join me in about 12 months time and I will continue to work full time.
A change of pace; a chance to travel further afield than just shorter holidays of 4 weeks; a chance to see the side of English life that underlined the English psyche; and to see more of a very beautiful country.
Over the years, changes in lifestyle, changes in my work, changes in what we looked at doing were governed by an overall end goal of what we are about to embark upon.
What has now grown is something that initially looked at a two year project to something that we are sure will be much longer than that timeframe and will widen to include more subjects and places.
We are looking forward to the adventure of our lifetime - how far we go, we will find out in time.
Diane will join me in about 12 months time and I will continue to work full time.
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