Crick Weather – now an official term

Saturday 2^nd June to Tuesday 5^th June
No water travel this week

A new meteorological term has entered our dictionary – Crick Weather – the phenomena associated with the Bank Holiday at end of May/beginning of June and geographically around the Crick area.

After a week of almost glorious sunshine the weather very quickly gathered cloudy and cooler/colder conditions – almost overnight. The reason for all of this – the fast approaching long weekend and the Crick Boatshow.

We had a fairly long list of items that we had been building for a couple of months now – things that we wanted to find out about for the boat and guessed that we would have a better than average chance of being able to satisfy by another visit to Crick – so decision made – we were off there again.

On the two previous times we had been, we succeeded in coming out wetter than drier, but we had a plan – careful consultation with the weather planner (Diane’s android phone) showed that Saturday was going to be better than Sunday – previous visits had been Sundays.

As it turned out this was a decision of some genius – Saturday was a day that could be spent outside for most of the time and Sunday was absolutely miserable.

Almost all of the items were crossed of the list and we had a wallet full of credit card receipts to prove it.

Sunday was a flood – we went to the movies and generally made sure that we were somewhere inside – cold and wet and cold again.

Monday, of course was glorious and we met up with Mike and Stella from Isobel at Polesworth CarBoot Market – bought a couple more things – spare room to fill in the hire car was Diane’s excuse.

We went back to Isobel with Mike and Stella, but moored up behind them were Betty and Graham on Tranquility  - a knock on the side and Betty appeared, followed by Graham – we chatted for a while and bought some tyre fenders for the boat – you can never have enough can you?

On the way back to the boat, which we had left at Burscough, we pick up Banjo from the kennels – he had had a good time there and was surprisingly very clean despite all of the rain that everyone had had.

Part of the war memorial at Southport -
so wonderfully built

Tuesday came and we took advantage of having a car and headed off to explore around the area – ending up at Southport where we spent some time looking around, but our time to head off was approaching and we started to ready ourselves for the trip into Liverpool

The Olympic Flame and We’ve been Grassed Up

Monday 28^th May 2012 to Friday 1^st June 2012

14 Miles, 2 Locks, 5 Swing Bridges for this week

Totals:  1148 Miles,  917 Locks, 32 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 26 Swing Bridges

 We needed to wait until Monday where we had moored over the weekend so that we could take Banjo back to see the Vet – he improved a great deal and the vet was satisfied with his progress – so we now have enough tablets for about 4 weeks and an appointment to come back in about 6 weeks time.

 After a glorious weekend it was now time to move on just a little bit further on and we carried on through Apperley Bridge and onto Parbold – we have been advised that though there we quite a number of moorings it might be a bit difficult to get one – we were lucky to find one after the turn and before the bridge.

The deep lock at Lock 91

Parbold is a really lovely village as we found during a fairly lengthy walk around – visiting Our Lady and All Saints Church – a massive church for a village/town of this size.

a magnificent structure in the middle of Parbold

A couple of days in Parbold and as usual it is just so easy to meet up with other boaters and so we meet up with nb Enterprise (sorry guys we didn’t get your names) who are heading to Liverpool.

It was very very quiet where we moored up – not a sound was heard all night and considering we were in the centre of the area it was very pleasing.

We did find out that where we were planning to head to – Burscough Bridge – was to be involved in a very significant event on the Friday – in just a couple of days time.

So we moved on and did battle with the swing bridges – at least Diane did the battle I just steered through.

In defence of the realm

We had noticed that there did not seem to be many places to get the necessities of life aboard sorted out – in particular any pump-out stations – two of those that had been marked down were no longer in existence – the most extraordinary of these being the one which had been located in the middle of Burscough Bridge.

There had been a total redevelopment of this area with shops, chandlery and cafes which looks incredible and a lovely area had been created – only problem is that despite ordering the pumpout equipment, BW management forgot to tell the builders and include the requirement in the plans, so consequently it wasn’t built - thank you very much from the top of our grey tank.

As is always the case, local knowledge from other boaters meant that we knew exactly where the next place to visit would be; in addition there were some very helpful BW staff on the ground to advise as well.

Speaking of whom they were also able to help out with a reluctant swing bridge – it didn’t want to open but was quite happy to sound the bells and flash the light but not to move.

The boat club next to the Red Lion Caravan Park provided the pumpout and we could once again uncross our legs.

Back to moor up at Burscough and we were up early on Friday morning to head up to the town to be there at 8am – the roads were being closed off in anticipation of the journey of the Olympic Flame down the main street on its way to Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.

It all started with a couple of people standing behind one
another and pretty soon they were queueing down both sides
of the road in fine British fashion



Even the Beatles were there

This guy was way too fit - fancy running up the hill - it was gone
almost before we saw it

Further to the work done by BW – early in the morning we had three staff rapidly making their way along towpath – two with larger mowers cutting the grass on either side of the towpath and a third with a smaller one cleaning and tidying the area close to each boat – trouble being that without any clear direction of the cut grass, most of it ended up on the side of the boat – talk about being grassed up.

It would have saved a repaint if we wanted green - but the towpath
looked a lot better

  But they did a great job and with no complaints from me – "she" might have something else to say as she was the designated cleaner of the mess.

From Emergency to Cremation

Monday 21^st May to Sunday 27^th May 2012

44 Miles, 7 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 1 Swing Bridge for this week

Totals:  1134 Miles,  915 Locks, 32 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 21 Swing Bridges

Our continuing journey north was now accompanied by warm sunshine – the first obstacles were the Dutton Stop Lock and the Preston Brook Tunnel, after that it was simply pure cruising.

Once again Banjo has amazed us with the desperation to get to Diane – off the boat he was despatched when we reached the lock for a natural break, but with the lock gate opened and the boat entering the lock (Diane steering) he decided that he wanted to get to her before the boat was fully in the lock – so onto the lock gate platform he stepped and front paws on the top of the gate was eagerly looking to be able to clamber aboard.

Not looking at what exactly was happening I commenced to closed the gate and amidst the confusion he decided to make a back flip with pike to the ground (degree of difficulty 4.5) and miserably failed – into the canal but managed to get himself out this time – miserable drowned water rat of a dog.

Clear of the tunnel we presumed that we might be able to top up the diesel at Claymore navigations – alas an air blockage in the diesel pump and lines meant that they were not able to complete the task.

Not to worry at all, we continued cruising onto Lymm in the pleasant sunshine and with a light cooling breeze – we moored up on the offside (moorings available on each side). Lymm is one of our favourite small towns and we had a short and brief reacquaintance – just like being home again.

We had decided that we would stay here for a couple of days – 48 hour moorings available – fine weather and a chance to slow down again.

On the second day we were once again in the company of nb Valentine and drinks on board that evening were both very enjoyable and much later than we had planned – but a very good night was had by all.

Off-again the following day and only a short trip was planned to Dunham Town with a water stop on the way – all achieved with no fuss at all.

We planned a walk to the Axe and Cleaver for a drink and who did we find again but Lyn and Phil (nb Valentine) – I think they may be stalking us – but the 6 of us (2 dogs included) headed off in the afternoon and had a very nice time in the garden setting of the pub in the back area.

The next morning we were off again – this time with the intention of getting past Waters Meeting and after a brief stop at The Trafford Centre (hopefully) head off further.

Well we got through the junction at Waters Meeting and moored up at The Trafford Centre in very good time – two nice men conducting a towpath survey kindly kept an eye on the boat whilst “she who must be obeyed” dragged me to the shopping centre on the pretence of lunch.

I have to say the place is massive – but very Americanised – everything way too big – I cannot see that there is enough foot traffic through the centre to allow for all of the shops to be profitable – anyway lunch was duly provided by “she” and we left after another top-up for the mobile and a raid on the M&S free chocolate give-away.

We were pleased to see upon our return another familiar face – John from nb Triskaideka – chatting away to the two towpath survey men – he was waiting for Ali to return; so a bit of a chat together and then he invoked the time-honoured means of ensuring return of whom you are waiting – he put the kettle on – sure enough as soon as it was done, Ali appeared – I do believe that John’s wallet is considerably lighter as a result of letting Ali out of his sight.

The Manchester Ship canal from the aqueduct

The Barton Swing Aqueduct

We travelled a bit further up the canal to Worsley where we decided to settle for the evening – very pleasant – but like all unfamiliar places we weren’t quite sure. There was really no need to be concerned – no problems at all and very peaceful.

Night cruising is the thing around here and of course one musn't
be without a convenient lighthouse to help guide you away from danger

In the morning we took a walk around the canal and the town centre to get a feel or it all – after all this was the birthplace of the canal system – all thanks to the Duke of Bridgewater and the coal that was almost readily available.

One of the most photographed buildings at Worsley - but it
doesn't date from Tudor times - just the 1800's

Diane liked the colours of the underside of this bridge -
the colours of the steerer remain just grey

Whilst we were walking we continued to notice that Banjo was not his normal self – he had been having trouble walking and moving for a couple of days now – we had decided that we needed to find a vet for him – there were a couple around Worsley but a bit too far to get him there. We found a vet in Wigan and being that they were open on Saturday mornings as well we knew that we had to get there for him – it was going to be one of those very long days – mostly cruising but a few locks at the end.

The patient - now feeling considerably better and happier

The minehead of the disused colliery

The old mill at Leigh

Locks like these we had not seen before – these were in fact Diane’s first experience taking the boat into and controlling it in double locks – so naturally with being on your own and the movement there was a bit of concern – something which I did not pick up on at first.

One of the flashes on our way into Wigan - now a very popular
water sports and recreation area

We turned at the junction onto the Leeds and Liverpool proper and after another three locks we were just about at the place to walk to see the Vet – she left with Banjo leaving me to resume my experiences as a single-hander through yet another very tough lock – 30 minutes for one lock – this is going to have to be a team effort for the rest of them.

We love the fact that someone has taken the time to measure these
distances for cyclists - but I cannot remember the conversion from
bike minutes to boat hours

The little fellow is now on the improve – he has imitated his mistress – a slipped disc in his back – an anti-inflammatory needle and a course of anti-inflammatory tablets now being undertaken – but at least he has movement and no pain and certainly far happier – we just need to carry him on and off the boat – yes your majesty!!

The junction of the Leigh branch with the main Leeds and
Liverpool canal - we swung around to the left from here

A couple of non-cruising days now at Crooke and a revisit to the vet on Monday are the order of the day.

All this time we have been having extremely wonderful weather.

We had our first BBQ adventure since being on the boat – a bit of a difference to the fully gas-controlled one back home, so the first cooking it was a bit burnt (almost cremated) but later efforts met with management approval.

Plans for the next week or so are now advanced – our booking to go into Liverpool is now less than two weeks away, so very much looking forward to that.

River Wonderland

Saturday 12^th May to Sunday 20^th  May 2012
55 Miles, 51 Locks, 3 Tunnels – for these 9 days

Totals:  1090 Miles,  908 Locks, 31 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 20 Swing Bridges

We finally left our home for the last 6 months – not just the marina but the town of Stone – slowly at first just making it to first Barlaston and then to Stoke in the first two days – no new territory here – we had been here already this year and must have done the trip a half dozen times before.

We did however moor around in the arm off to the Caldon Canal just near to the services and outside the Etruria Museum – which sadly we have to report appears to be very much closed – due to lack of funding form the council. The same council who thought nothing of spending a vast amount of money on a new carpark for councillors and council officers – the same amount which would have funded the museum for a few years to come.

They have their own thinking in the way of their priorities.

After filling the water tank and a self pumpout we continued northwards, through the Stoke area, past Westport Lake and into the Harecastle Tunnel – our 6^th trip through there; finally getting through 12 of the locks making up the Cheshire flight to moor up at Rode Heath.

We caught up with Lyn and Phil on nb Valentine who were friends of Joyce and Ray on nb Jemma from Aston Marina – they too were heading into Liverpool so we are looking forward to being able to have a drink with them and chat a bit – as you do.

Mother Duck went quack, quack quack
and there were 12 ducklings to round up

We have now come to the best arrangement – sharing the duties of locking and steerage – the management of course decides which I shall do and which she does – it amazes me that it seems to be the locks furthest apart that fall into my basket to set whilst the closest come down in her favour.

She explains it as simply pure coincidence.

The following day – now the Tuesday – we planned on completing the flight to Wheelock – again sharing the locks.

In the time honoured tradition of “paper, scissors, rock’ – I started on the locking and at the second hurdle there was a message over the walkie-talkie to come back to help her – in the process of mooring the boat at the bollards she had whipped the rope and hit both the thumb and forefinger on her hand, pulling back the nail – “I can’t do the locks, I have a serious nail injury” – so it was the sit down job for her and the other 14 locks for me.

After tying up at Wheelock the skies opened up -
rain, wind and hail

Seems the injury had recovered sufficiently just as we exited Lock 66 and moored up at Wheelock – mmmmm!! A miraculous recovery me thinks – didn’t interfere with her fish and chips

The journey continued the following day – a bit cold and windy – through into Middlewich where we moored just up from Kings Lock.

Taking an after dinner walk we bumped into Ali and John off nb Triskaideka – they were waiting around for the engineer to appear for their 750hr service on the engine.

We chatted for a while then agreed that we would meet up further along the way – we are both pretty much heading up along the Trent and then onto the Bridgewater and towards Liverpool.

Down through the three Middlewich locks with their tight turns should have been a bit quicker (no rushing in this) but being held up by other boats leads to interesting conversations as we had with one single hander who we later caught up with and shared the Big Lock with – he was moving on ahead and us slowly after.

We had decided that we would take up a mooring at Brambles Cutting if there was one available – Eureka, on our own – a pleasant area cared for by the Broken Cross Boat Club.

at Brambles Cutting - very relaxing

he finally sat still for the photo - he still won't smile though

With such a nice and relaxed area all to ourselves it was necessary to get a few jobs out of the way – like checking on the engine – do you really have to do this every month? – all was OK; batteries still doing wonderfully well – and then onto repainting the back right panel which on the last attempt had suffered from the metal temperature being stone cold and freezing before drying the paint.

All well this time – so it was time to apply the remaining transfers with the boat name and home town – she was now completed for a bit longer.

Alas, the following morning, Friday, we were joined by another boat – nothing wrong with that, but the news was that we were to be joined by other members of the boat club for their regular clean-up of the area and BBQ prompted us to leave and head a couple of miles further on and moor opposite one of the flashes – just before the wind really blew up and the rains appeared.

We had been debating for some time about doing the Ribble link and the management was a bit concerned about doing a river so we had decided that we might venture down onto the Weaver and kill another bird by also doing the Anderton Lift – expecting that we might be lucky to get an available spot we called in and the lovely Kath was ever so helpful and explained so much to us about the river and what to see that we were sold over again.

entering the holding area and then onto the aquaduct

moving into the caisson ready to go down

smiling at the moment - but before we start the descent

one is smiling - the other concerned about taking the photo

the view as we descend onto the Weaver

It is a true feat of engineering and the trip down was further enhanced by the both Richard and Dave the two guys rostered on that day – had a great time talking with them both through the trip down.

We headed left out of the lift toward Northwich town centre where we moored up to have a look through; “she” felt not too comfortable, for no particular reason so we headed back in the other direction and moored up at the mooring bollards in Barnton Cutting.

Sunday was a brilliant morning – cool air and sun – down through Saltisford Lock – the lockkeeper was equally friendly and helpful about places to go – on a bit further past Acton Bridge (bridge) – the bridge at Acton Bridge – winded and back to claim the last mooring ready for a walk and then lunch at the Leigh Arms – can highly recommend it too.

the locks on the Weaver are massive - according to the lockie
they can fit 24 narrowboats into them

It is difficult to go too far around without being noticed or messages to be passed on and so it was upon our return through Saltisford Lock – the lockie had had discussions with John and Ali on nb Triskaideka and had informed them of our progress down that morning and similarly with Lyn and Phil on nb Valentine – we had missed both, but later as we found out – Lyn and Phil were sitting just around a corner from us in the pub for lunch.

Over lunch we chatted about going back up the lift and continuing our journey north – and so we did. The return on the lift was equally as good as the one down – Richard and Dave were again there – their roles reversed to the previous day – but great guys to talk to.

Going back up the lift we met the other caisson going down
with the trip boat

We exited, winded and cruised another couple of miles north before mooring up with excellent views over the valley, and of the railway viaduct.

thanks to Dave for the picture of us both on the return journey

The River Weaver is now on our agenda for next year – two weeks down here will be firmly pencilled into the 2013 diary – this is just a truly wonderful experience and very peaceful and quiet.

Happy Birthday to Diane

Friday 11th May 2012



A very special day today – the anniversary of the birth of my lovely wife.

It would be very wrong of me to say just how long ago that took place, suffice to say that when she says it is her 21st, she is just a little bit out in that calculation.

It was last century; our oldest child is now almost 27.

She has had many many cards and presents - half the suitcase returning with me from Australia seemed to be for her birthday

Anyway she has had a great day and started planning for the next one.

Not that Right – The Other Right

Tuesday 1^st May to Thursday 10^th May 2012

Leaving work aside – as one should always do – we have had a very busy time of late. The main attention, from which a few other things developed was yet another trip to Old Trafford; the last home game of the season and one we had been anticipating that the title would have been decided in our favour – very sadly that was not to be the case – but there is still one more game remaining and winning it at Sunderland this weekend will still be a great achievement.

Anyway, one thing led to another and the long weekend started on Friday and ended at the close of Monday night.

We had a getaway night from our bank for opening accounts with them some time ago and decided that we would use this as the start.

Car hire made on Thursday; dog off to the kennels on Friday we headed northwards – up the M6 and the turnoff onto the M55 – yes heading for Blackpool but certainly not staying there.

We had not been there in 12 years – last time was with the kids and the town certainly has changed dramatically – very much for the better.

There has been a lot of money invested in modernising the frontage to the sea as well as new trams and a feeling of the recreation of a wonderful place to visit – the businesses have invested in renovating tired and rundown building facades and made them into almost something you would expect to see in a theme park.

There is still the overhead wiring to contend with -
for anyone driving a mobile crane.

We would definitely visit there again and not wait another 12 years to do so.

The iconic view from the central pier -
tower and sand in the background

Our intended destination for the night was in the town a little south of Blackpool – Lytham St Anne’s – we had a one night booking at a B&B there.
Driving into the town was eye-opening – the buildings and atmosphere was one of a very affluent seaside town and the shopping precinct was of the same manner – more that just the usual coffee shops/cafes, banks, charity shops etc – there was a vibrancy to the area which has been sadly lacking in our other travels.
Here is a place that knows what it wants and knows how to do it – creating an environment within which you would feel at home and be able to leave the home and go out and certainly enjoy yourself.

The accommodation was up to the standard that we had expected and we had a very enjoyable stay the The Lindum. I do have to stay that we did bring down the average age of the guests on this particular night but it was a very nice place to stay.

The following morning (Saturday) we spent a bit of time shopping in the centre of town and then we were away.
We decided that we would make our way down to Manchester without utilising the motorways at all.
It led us through Preston where we visited the marina to gather directions to the sea lock for the Ribble Link – sadly we were not in the presence of anyone knowledgeable in that particular waterway – “I just work here” was the common reply. Not to be deterred we purchased knowledge in the form of a map of the area and headed off in search of the lock.
We found the canal and walked the path alongside a few of the locks but regrettably we ran out of path before we ran out of locks – but it did give us a good look at the lower parts of the canal. Here’s hoping that we can finally get the notification of the right of passage to here – it’s a bit like “the cheques in the mail” waiting for the BW confirmation.
Alas, we needed to leave and it was onwards via another A road and several more B roads in search of something as elusive as the northwest passage – a motorwayless route into Manchester.
With trusty navigator by my side (she has been telling where to go for years now) we headed south by south-east – past the canal at Burscough Bridge and then over a toll bridge – yes correct spelling – there was no ugly troll under the bridge – there was however a toll booth on the other side where the princely sum of 12p was the charge for our trip over the top – we were lucky – if you were going the other way it was 25p – so without waiting for the change of the 20p coin we proceeded further.
True to form we found the correct roads and made our way to the Mercure Inn at Altrincham. Our rooms was quite resplendent – the only problem being it was on the lower level – read as almost basement-like – and the free wifi was non-existent as well as any phone signal – that aside we settled in and it was a spacious room.
Another good nights sleep was greeted with a very hearty breakfast.

We had a latish checkout and decided that we would park the car close to the light-rail line at Old Trafford and use the time allowed by the late kick-off to see a bit more of Manchester city.

We have an area where we always park – safe and within a short walk of the ground as well as the light-rail stop, but we were approaching from a different direction to usual – the very clear instruction from the left hand front seat was “turn right at the next intersection” – indicator turned on – car directed to the right-hand turn lane – the next words were – “where are you going?”; answer “right hand turn as you said”; “not that right, the other right”; no other right hand turn in sight – “do you mean left?”; “yes turn left – the other right”

Directions and dimensions – “your honour, I rest my case”.

We made the left hand turn and found the location for the car to be left; short walk to the tram stop and into Manchester.

Prince Albert in the background - my princess in the foreground

We managed to find some lanes, roads and alleyways that we hadn’t visited before – a brief stop at Albert Square and a visit to the Manchester Art Gallery before a very nice lunch at The Bank.
Back on the tram and off to the match – another win to Man United, 2-0 over Swansea, but the earlier match was a 2-0 win to Citeh over Newcastle – no change in overall standings.

The holy Trinity looking out over the masses

A final home farewell after a 2-0 win over Swansea

Headed back to the boat for the night, before we were off again to Long Itchington  for the last day of the Beer Festival – 6 pubs all serving a huge variety of real ales – we were to catch up with Mike and Stella (nb Isobel) – Mike had, however, headed south with his brother-in-law to do some work down there and pick up tools he needed for the boat – missed him by 10 minutes; but we had an enjoyable day with Stella – visiting 5 of the pubs – the visit to the Buck and Bell included a group of Morris men doing their jingling and jangling and altogether having a good and entertaining time – the scene has been set for return visit for the festival next year, but get there sooner.

We were told of a little Indian Restaurant in Marton – The Essence of India – if you book 24 hours in advance they will come and pick you up and return you after your meal – we decided to give them a try on the way home – we were not disappointed and will be back here again (next year).

Picked up a rather dirty dog on Tuesday; returned the car; normal services had been restored, except for the fact that we were due to leave the marina this week for the summer cruising – we are off to Liverpool docks, then to Leeds and down through Standedge Tunnel to Marple Junction, Macclesfield Canal and back to the marina in October.

mmm- maybe our next project !!!

So it was on Thursday morning we finished water tank filling; diesel tank filling,  grey tank emptying and we are now off for the cruising to begin – not a very long first day – barely over a mile and just the one lock to complete – but we are off – no right turns to negotiate or worry if it is the right or should it have been the other right – just straight ahead.

Home is never far away

Monday 9^th April to Monday 30^th April 2012

To the great relief of Diane I have made it back to the UK, touching down on Monday 30^th and being greeted at Birmingham airport by a very happy “she who must be obeyed”.

It was a total of 6 weeks away and it has been a lovely time to catch up with everyone back in Australia.

Following on from Easter I was off to Bundaberg to see Mum and Dad (Diane’s parents) and I was very pleased to be able to report that they were both very much more active than I had seen them for quite a while – both walking well without any problems and in general very much more healthy.

What's an agricultural show without cows and bulls - oops not these three

They were eager to have a good time and to see a few friends as well and we were on the move on most days – down to the club for a show and friends and coffee as well as out to the Agricultural show and then down to the foreshore and the beach.

Looking forward to the next visit already – whenever that may be.

Mum and Dad - both fit and very well

We spent a very good 4 days together before it was time to leave and head to Sydney to see the favourite sister-in-law Vivienne – a quick pickup from the airport and we were then heading into Sydney proper for a delicious Yum Cha luncheon – Vivienne’s favourite.

As with the rest of the time I had been back there were precious few times to sit and relax – caught up with Doreen (aunt), Kyle and Leigh (a new grandfather).

Leigh - the new grandfather

Both Viv and I spent a happy/sad 3 and ½ hours visiting our friend Phil in hospital – he has been diagnosed with cancer and is showing the signs of this horrendous disease – I say a happy/sad time as he did not shy away from what was happening and we discussed a lot about how he was facing all of this and then almost straight after we were laughing out loud with some very amusing stories and jokes – it was a time that made you realise the precious time that we have available and that we should make the most of it whilst we have a chance.

A customer visit on the Monday and then the flight back to Melbourne (Sam was there to pick me up – she is a good girl) and another week at work – 3 days off was the extent of the time away from work.

The football season was back on again – AFL – Australian Rules – and for Mitch the first game of the season. A rather warmish day; Brenda was down from Mortlake and we enjoyed a good day, a good game and a good win – by 73 points.

More work the following week which was a broken week – Anzac Day (25^th) breaking the week neatly in half – this is the most respected of days in the Australian calendar; when we remember the lives and sacrifice of generations of Australians during war – a day that the spirit of Australia is celebrated to its full.

Mitch celebrated his birthday on the Friday – a very old 23 years of age – time is flying by for him –he responded by celebrating over 4 days with different friends and managed to fit another game of football into all of that.

Sam and I were able to take him off to lunch on Sunday before I finally flew out and back to the boss and the boat. She thought that she was fooling me that I had to make my own way back, but she just cannot hide what she is doing.

More good news that came through was that Elly and Mick have finally agreed to a price for their house, so it will just be a matter of a few months for the completion of the sale and they will finally be able to realise their dream and join the rest of us cruising the canals. Looking forward to you guys getting here.

They were the weeks that were and we can now ready ourselves for just a little bit of cruising, but there is a few days of adventure for next weekend to get through before we leave the moorings behind.

What a difference in temperature.

Monday 26^th March to Sunday 8^th April 2012


There has been quite a difference in the day time temperatures between here and Stone – Diane is telling me about how cold it is there - and of course I would rather the cold than the high 20’s we have been having here in Melbourne.

The vast majority of the time in this fortnight has been taken up with work – there are so many things that I need to get finalised before I can head back but very pleased to say that these are almost completed – a full re-installation of the program software has taken place and just arranging all of the backup files to be stored; further documentation of the changes in European legislation have been copied and some instruction on these has been completed; finishing off some new procedures to be implemented; and a general in-person nagging of people on matters that only seem to be taken care of by that personal approach.

In between all of this there was time for a pleasant Saturday watching Mitch in the first of the practice games in readiness for the new football season – they were well and truly beaten on the scoreboard by a team about 6 divisions above them but they played fairly well considering everything. I managed to get a bit of goal umpiring in as well.

I have been able to visit Elly and Mick (nb Narrowboat Dreaming) and spend an enjoyable day in their company – they are ready to head off once they find a buyer for their house; the new house looks very good and just a few things to be done before it is all ready. We are both waiting and wishing for them to be cruising the canals and enjoying the lifestyle.

Elly and Mick - waiting mode

Easter has arrived and it would not be the same without the Sunday morning hunting for eggs – I am not talking about little kids here but two big ones – 26 and 22 – they enjoyed it just as much as I did hiding the eggs – after all were found it was off down to Puckle Street for a pleasant Sunday morning brunch and some more laughs at all manner of things.

they just go a bit silly during the hunt

Eggs - show me the eggs

Hunting completed - until next year

In amongst all of this is the fact that we cannot all be together this year and I am really missing Diane and Banjo and whilst not wanting time to go too fast, I so dearly want to be with both of them as well.

This week it is a bit of a chance for some rest as I take some leave and off to Bundaberg to visit the in-laws – Dorothy and Terry – and then to Sydney to see Vivienne (her birthday is on the 9^th and she will be ?? years old ).

Bound for Oz

Tuesday 20^th March to Sunday 25^th March 2012
No boat travel this week

Banjo was following everyone around with a familiar nervous look in his eye – the sight of suitcases coming out and being packed has the only connotation for him – we are leaving and its off to the kennels for him.

And so it was on that Tuesday morning – well the packing at least was finalised and I had everything that I needed to take with me back to Australia.

Diane had booked a taxi for 1:30 and we would have a nice leisurely lunch at Wetherspoons before it was up to the station and our goodbyes – she back to the boat, me to Manchester and a flight home.

Change at Stoke and then Manchester Piccadilly and arrived at the airport a bit later than my customary 5 hours early – the virtues of on-line check-in the night before cannot be stressed enough – the avoidance of a long queue to drop-off bags is the outcome.

Through the usual passport controls and procedures with passengers readying to fly out – and it was a relatively short wait for boarding and then a 40-minute wait for departure as a family decided to arrive late and disrupt people in their attempts to find space for a ridiculous amount of carry-on luggage.

Finally back in Melbourne after 22 hours in transit including a 2 and ½ hour stop in Dubai – time enough for a shower and change of clothes – gotta love a nice hot shower between flights.

Cleared customs in near-record time – I was out in under 30 minutes after touch down in Terra Australis – and Sam was there dutifully waiting for me (her favourite Dad) – she was there straight after her night shift had finished.

One of the joys of living not too far from the airport is the short drive back there after the flight and so it was that we were home in les than an hour after landing.

Both of the children are well – Sam and Mitch – and they have been pretty good at looking after the place.

No matter how many times you fly, you never know how the flight will affect you until you have landed and been back for a few hours – after initially feeling fine I realised that I was tired when I kept reading the same thing over and over again without really understanding it.

Coming home is then about catching up with everyone – neighbours, friends and relatives – and it is just the same again.

A day at work on Friday helped – I needed to get back into the routine and actually going into work defined the start and end of the day better than another day at home trying to work.

So now the weekend arrives and I am off to Mortlake (western Victoria) to visit my favourite aunt – Brenda.

In between all of this there has been catching up with emails as well; a doctors visit; starting on the list of things that Diane wants me bring back for her.

The Curse of the Dragon on St Patricks Day

Monday 12^th March to Monday 19^th March 2012
2 Miles, 2 Locks  – for the week

Totals:  1034 Miles,  856 Locks, 28 Tunnels, 18 Lift Bridges, 20 Swing Bridges

The focus of the week for a few of us was the imminent finishing of seats onto the backdeck.

In addition to ourselves, Andy and Jean (nb Josephine) were waiting for Jon to get back to us to be able to have these installed. They were also in a position that they wanted to get some cruising done before they needed to be back to sort out things outside the boating arena.

We needed to get them done as my return to Australia was looming large on the horizon and this would be the last weekend before my flight.

As with any plans there were last minutes glitches – we had assumed, very much incorrectly, that we would be able to get this work done within the marina itself, but this was not to be as the necessary insurance information was not available from Jon – next plan was to take all three boats up to Stone and do the work from the towpath.

So on the Friday there was a mini-exodus of craft to the 5 day moorings below the bottom lock.

As this might be the last time that we were altogether – Janet and Howard (nb Compass Rose) were moving marinas – we booked in for a meal at The Star – also joining us were Stella and Mike (nb Isobel).

And a mighty enjoyable night it was.

Jon was very early arriving the following morning – Saturday – and after we unloaded his gear, we set up for the first installation. We were to work off the 240V from the boats (engines on and creating enough to run the welder)

All was going quite well until there was a sudden loss of all electrics from the inverter on our boat – half the job for our seats was done.

Fortunately, the local scouts group were in their hall, with the band practising – they agreed to give us access to the power for a donation to their group.

Power back on and because of the positioning of the boats, Jon got to work on Josephine.

In the meantime, we needed to find the source of the problem on our boat – all we had was 12V power.

I removed the inverter to see if there was anything there that might show the cause, but nothing could be found.

We have been continually amazed at the willingness of others to help and now we were again fortunate to have an electrician on the boat moored behind us – my memory tells me his name was Clim and I cannot remember the name of the boat.

Anyway, he could overhear our problems and offered his help – there apparently should be a flat fuse between the batteries and the inverter and this may the problem.

Removing seat covers and other things he eventually located the fuse and as usual it was placed in the least accessible location – he was however able to confirm from the meter that it was dead – all we needed to do was replace it.

We were thinking and hoping that the most difficult part would be hoping that the chandlery would have a replacement, but removing it proved to be more fun than a pair of thumb screws.

One of the battery leads needed to be removed – at least disconnected from the batteries to make it safe, but working left-handed down a small space and not being able to see what you were doing revived memories of working on the engine of my Morris mini too many years ago to count.

Clim was right in one thing – by doing it myself it meant that I learnt more and would know for next time.

Fuse removed and there was no visible sign that there was anything wrong with it – just the confirmation from the prongs on the meter that it was not letting anything through.

A 10 minute walk to the chandlery and the reply “Oh we sold the last one of those yesterday” was the next part of the day that had turned from good to worse and then back to good and now was heading back into the red again.

“We don’t have a 250A fuse but there is a 300A one – if you want that one” – back to better again; “We have more coming in on Tuesday”; knowing that we only needed to get back to the marina and the landline power and we were not expecting to put a high load on the inverter, I replaced the 250A fuse with a 300A one.

Resinatalled the fuse; reconnected the power leads; reconnected the inverter and bolted it back into place – throw the switch – Yes – 240V power again.

Just as well, because “she-who-must-be-obeyed” was expecting to be able to watch her Welsh dragons defeat the French and win the Grand Slam.

By this stage all of the work on Josephine was practically finished and Andy and Jean were preparing to leave us and start there delayed cruising – which made space for us to move down and finish the job on Ferndale.

Everton v Sunderland was on the telly as well as the highlight of the Melbourne Grand Prix practice and the Scotland v Italy match -  Jon was an Everton supporter, Stella liked the Grand Prix and Diane just likes sport, so we set the TV up outside the boat, chairs just on the towpath; table with drinks and doughnuts as well as crisps and there were the two girls sitting, chatting, drinking, snacking and discussing the state of play of each sport with passers-by; flicking back the Everton game whenever Jon had a short break.

The up-and-down-and-up-again day was most definitely at a peak again – this was turning out to be a good day again – so much so that the girls had reconfirmed our plans for the evening – a few drinks at The Swan to celebrate St Patricks Day – Andy and Jean were coming down from the marina as well.

It wasn’t that long before the Wales game kickoff that Ferndale was completed and we moved her out of the way so that Compass Rose could started and completed.

We had been rather lucky with the weather – rain had been forecast – as Compass Rose was being finished the weather forecast became reality.

But we did get all of the boats finished; I got a coat of primer onto the steel; we got Jon reloaded back into his vehicle; the scouts were great and the donation duly made; four of us made it back onto Ferndale and Mike took great delight in trying to interrupt Diane’s view of the TV as Wales completed the Grand Slam.

From my point of view, best of all was the knowledge gained about the boat and the electrics – which would stand us in good stead for the following day.

With all of the drama during the day, a night at the pub was certainly to be enjoyed and we had a few there before the day finally caught up with us and we returned back for a good night’s sleep.

The following day we needed to get back to the marina for a pumpout and a diesel top up before I headed out; Diane also decided to get a load of washing done on the move.

We were also like excited schoolkids and wanted to tryout the new seats – they were wonderful and very comfortable, if not a bit cold on the bottom.

The new seats - primer and undercoat so far

Half-way back to the marina, Diane went to check on the washing only to come back with the advice that it had stopped and there was no power to it or from the inverter – oh bother, what was it now.

Once we were safely back, pumped out, refuelled, and moored up -magnificent reversing in very windy conditions (well a slight wind anyway) – we reattached the landline – no power.

Relief in one sense as I knew it wasn’t the bigger fuse that I had put in, and it wasn’t the inverter; it wasn’t the landline cable as the battery charger was working.

We called the electrician that comes to the marina, but being a Sunday we expected to at least to have to wait until the Monday – he happened to be in the area and was there in 10 minutes – result was that he felt there was a loose wire somewhere, but couldn’t fix it then, he would be back at 8:30 in the morning.

8:30 Monday morning and Clive was there; he spent a good half hour checking all of the electrical connections on the board and without knowing the culprit we had full power back again – it appeared to be just one of those things – there were some wires that were a little loose and just coincidental.

Of course the West Wing reference “Post hoc, ergo propter hoc” immediately came to mind

We had returned and despite everything else we had survived the weekend.