She who must be obeyed returns!

Friday 10^th February to Friday 17^th February 2017

I had a very important engagement on for Friday morning and certainly could not afford to be late – simply to make it to Birmingham Airport to pick up my lovely wife – nothing could be easier – could it?

In my defence, just let me say that when I arrived she had only just come through from Border Control and Customs – the plane arriving 30 minutes earlier than scheduled – but all appeared forgiven (and the bruising has now subsided to a dull yellow).

Naturally Diane was a bit tired after coming all the way through from Brisbane in the 23 hours – but with some sleep on the first leg of 14 hours – she had managed about 5 hours, being able to stretch out in her unoccupied row.

She was remarkably awake and lucid – more so than usual – but we had a busy weekend planned, with a trip to Manchester; a two-night stopover; a visit to Old Trafford and catching up with "Mad-Eye" Paul Macey.

 

A frosty and cold sight to wake up to - it had snowed during
the night, but we were snug and warm inside the hotel

There certainly was snow on them thar hills

Macclesfield behind us and the snow had melted away to leave a bit of slush around

Even the local constabulary got into the swing of things -
there's Paul between two nags

just part of the action on the field

and some after match celebration - at least Paul was happy

It was just so great to see Paul again - it didn't matter about anything else

It really was a super weekend and we had a great day on Saturday – well at least Paul and I did – with Man United beating Watford 2-0 (we didn’t say too much in the car on the trip back for fear that we would have each got a good clip around the ears from the lone Watford supporter in the back seat – Diane – but she was a good sport about it all).

Follow that match up with a lovely meal out at Paul’s favourite Thai restaurant in Macclesfield and it was a great day.

Paul’s main visit back to the UK started out as a desire to see a game at Old Trafford, but it was tinged with sadness to begin with – his mother was in hospital and would not have too many more days left (as it transpired she passed away on the following Thursday morning).

We had met Margaret on a number of occasions whilst we were moored in Bollington a couple of years ago and got to know her reasonably well and understand how determined and strong willed she was – a trait that Paul had with the women in his life – and now she is no longer with us.

It has not been a good start to the year.

Sunday came and this meant the trip back down to Rugby where we had left the boat – we didn’t meet up with Paul – he was already on the road to see his mum – but we took the opportunity with having a car to pop in to meet up with Dot and Gordon at Aston Marina where they were moored up for a couple of months.

An obligatory trip to The Echange in Stone and a couple of drinks (sitting at the old table in the window – our favourite) before back to their boat for a wonderful meal and just simply enjoying the company of two very good and lovely friends.

 

Back in their favourite seats The Exchange

There never seems to be enough time and so it was again – we needed to get back in time to run the engine and charge the batteries on the boat before the 8pm curfew – which we made.

Monday and Tuesday were occupied with mundane things like Diane unpacking and putting stuff away; shopping to more fully replenish the pantry and fridge; sorting out a few things in town before the inevitable cruising would begin.

We said our goodbyes to Carolyn and Gary (nb Inca) who had kept an eye on the boat and again compared our cruising schedules for the year to see where we could catch up again (and there are times and places in there).

Finally we untied on Wednesday morning and started heading south, making it as far as Braunston for the day, where we moored up – took a walk up into the village for Diane to visit the butcher; Thursday we continued on our travels, turning right at the junction, filling with diesel along the way and negotiating the Calcutt Locks and moored up outside Ventnor Marina – we had never moored here before – such a lovely, nice and quiet place – would like to do it again; finally Friday and we were off again, this time down the Stockton locks before settling for a mooring below the end of the flight.

Back cruising again - it was still quite chilly out

She hasn't lost it - still able to control the boat as usual

Just a lovely shot of the sun over Braunston, the church
on the right and the tree reflected in the canal

Some years ago we were in the village for their annual beer festival, which I think no longer happens, and wandered around taking in the sights – it has been a while and took us a little time to sort out where everything was but it was a lovely day anyway with the sun shining just to wander and enjoy.

It sadly is just another village to us without the hustle and bustle of a festival and something for the locals but we enjoyed the walk and the drink at the pub before retiring back to the boat.

Our intentions are to head into Birmingham, so we will be heading that way – how long it will take us we cannot be sure; how long we will stay there we cannot be sure; where we will head to afterwards is something we do know.

Our cruising schedule for this year will be the tidal Trent taking in the canals and waterways that run off from it; we will be heading further northwards to York and then west over the Pennines (somewhere) to do the Ribble Link (and the Lancaster Canal) before a last trip into Liverpool docks – after all of that we are not exactly sure, but we do intend to be somewhere around Stone for Xmas.

19 miles, 16 Locks

YTD:  60 miles (97 km), 21 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 2 Swing Bridges

Total: 4692 Miles (7551 km), 3172 Locks, 126 Tunnels, 66 Lift Bridges, 174 Swing Bridges

As you get older….

Friday 11^th December to Monday 14^th December 2015

This weekend had long been set aside for a great chance to catch up with everyone in Stone; a chance to have a Xmas drink ( or maybe 15 Xmas drinks) as well as lunch with so many people that we have spent the last few winter’s with and whose company we have enjoyed and always will continue to enjoy.

There must be special thanks to the organisational skills which Sue is so well endowed well qualified – once a thought is suggested it literally comes together in a matter of hours.

Diane arranged the accommodation and I arranged the car hire; Phil looked after the boat for us – much appreciated.

We headed off at 7am on Friday morning (having picked the car the previous day) and headed northwards – all of the traffic heading the other way – in towards London.

We would usually take the M6 Toll road but instead veered past that and as expected there was little to no traffic – the roadworks that have plagued the M1 and M6 for so long appear to almost be at an end.

Stafford came into view and we popped into a café for a coffee before we met Andy and Sue and also their daughter Nikita (whom we hadn’t met before) for lunch at a favourite Chinese restaurant.

Afterwards we checked into the hotel and by then it was time for early doors at The Royal Exchange in Stone – it was lovely to see Michelle and Laurence behind the bar again – and nice to be remembered.

 

Just like old times again 

Jim and the very angelic Joan

Richard and Sharon

Andy telling Dot dirty jokes - again

wouldn't trust this bunch together

Obviously something very important being discussed here - for the life of
me I have no idea what it was

Butter wouldn't melt in their mouths - would it?
What is most surprising is that none have a drink in front of them!!

We didn’t stay too late, but later than we would have in the past, but it was such a great afternoon/night.

Diane made sure that she grabbed a chips and gravy on the way back – part of the reminiscing of past exploits.

Saturday was the big day; Sue had organised lunch for everybody and we only had to turn up – payment had been made; meals already ordered; so simply find a seat and a drink.

 

Table 1 - all the girls apart from two invaders - Malcolm and Gordon - must
have been told where they had to sit

All guys but Sharon snuck in there at the back - obviously the naughty boys table

....and then there were these two whacky ones - Diane and Bev

It was not a matter of being about the food, but that was very good of course, it was always primarily about the company and despite not seeing most of them for most of the year, it was, as it always should be, just like we saw them only the day before.

It did resemble a bit like an Australian BBQ – almost all of the women were on one table and the blokes on the other.

We had a couple of new ones to the whole group and so please to meet Malcolm and Marguerite from nb Old Codger – didn’t get a chance to chat a lot but glad to meet you both.

All too soon it was over and we were saying our goodbyes – it really is a great group of friends to have and to be a such a part of.

Naturally, we knew it would not / could not just with the lunch and six of us headed back to The Royal Exchange for a drink or two.

We reminded ourselves that we were without an integral couple to our group as Paul and Elaine are away in Spain at the moment – and in likelihood will be enjoying the sun for quite a bit longer – they are never ever far from our hearts.

 

We wanted Paul and Elaine to be part of it all - so a picture
on the iPad was the best that we could set up quickly

Hardy souls - continuing the tradition at the Titanic

It wasn’t too long a stay on out part at the pub – it gets harder to keep up as you get older (maybe I should work on phrasing that differently), so we headed back.

It is a group that is hard to keep away from each other and when someone mentioned breakfast for the Sunday morning, we managed to attract 10 starters for that.

Breakfast the next morning - we must be getting old - not a hangover amongst the
lot of us

Andy took advantage of Diane's kind sharing nature -
luckily for him she didn't have a fork in her hand - else
it would have been in back of his hand

One thing is for certain there is a deep affection for each other that distance does not decrease and we always look forward to next we get together, but for now it was time for us, at least, to head back south and back to our boat whilst others were snug inside theirs.

The trip back was the usual M6 traffic - not moving -
and we had the rain as well

Something else I have to say, is that we noticed the difference in temperature between London and Stone – from overnight temperatures of 10-11C down to 2-3C and similarly during the day.

On Monday the car was returned, the boat was all OK – well done Phil – everything was fine – but we did spend a bit longer in bed not wanting to wake up.

As I mentioned above, it does get a bit harder to keep up as you get older (nah, I couldn't see the value in changing it).

More Goobyes, more football, an anniversary

Wednesday 18th March to Thursday 19th March 2015

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

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

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

Until later in the year for you teo

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

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

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

the marina always looks good bathed in sunshine...

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

...as does this one

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

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

Crazy people at the lock - Sue and Andy

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

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

...this one?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Mornings and almost Midday breakfast

Sunday 15th March to Tuesday 17th March 2015

We had wanted to moor further down when we arrived on Saturday, but as I had indicated, Diane was keen on the chip butty and to lock down to The Star would have necessitated doing cassettes and filling with water - so we didn't.

Sunday morning, however, was a different matter and we were off early; did our thing at the services and then through the third and final lock and moored up - all within an hour.

Job done!
 

Time for coffee before Hobbit breakfast ...

...and then a change of hat

It had to be early because Diane had arranged with Dot and Sharon to have a 'Spoons breakfast - at somewhere around 10am or just after. At this time of the day you are starting to think about lunch not breakfast.

Anyway, there were 7 of us - Roly wouldn't miss a chance to have a bit to eat.

It very rarely happens at all - ever - taking Diane out for something to eat, that she can pick out something off the menu immediately and settle for that.

Well, this wasn't one of those rare times.

The usual "ooh that looks nice; what are you having; mmm!! that also looks nice; I might change my mind; ahh this is also good" and that is all before she sees what goes past on the plates being served.

After all of that we had a fairly quiet day - sat down to see France trounce the Italians - the weather didn't look too good and we thought of poor Sue and Andy watching from the stand.

Monday, up early again and back to work day and really a bit boring - managed to find out a lot more about the impending application for my Indefinite Leave to Remain - just another 5 or 6 documents needed.

Tuesday - HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY - and after a reasonably early start, we caught up with Sue and Andy at Costa for a late morning coffee.

Later on there was a gathering of the clan at The Royal Exchange - this will definitely be the last farewell/goodbye/auf wiedersehen/p__s o_f  for this year.

We hope.
Maybe.
Yes, definitely.

Well at least until the next next one.
 

What a gang?

We were all very glad to see Carol and to see her looking so well. It has been a hard year for her but she is bouncing back - Barry is such a big loss.

Unfortunately, Elaine and Paul couldn't make it - rumour was that they had both been arrested for dealing in dodgy motorhomes and insurance scams, but that was just a rumour that I started - their car was in being re-sprung.

Just what is Sue up to ?

We will be off on Wednesday (as in tomorrow); heading south.

1 miles, 3 locks
YTD: 122 Miles, 51 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 2 Lift Bridges, 6 Swing Bridges
Totals: 3016 Miles, 2172 Locks, 100 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 157 Swing Bridges

Chip Butty, Rugby, Beer and Cider Festival and trying to get Diane drunk

Saturday 14th March 2015

One of the great joys about writing this blog, at least for me, is that I do describe events and occurrences in a slightly different tone to the way that others might see them.
Nothing that I write is incorrect, but the use of certain words can create different mental images which convey a slightly different message - usually in a cheeky way; so the feedback that I get from Diane is usually that what I have said didn't happen - I gently point out what was said, happened, went on.
It's very much like answering a question in an off-centre way.

Also, she doesn't get to read it until I post it - so no censorship.

This then means that she can never be sure what I have written about and how I have phrased it - it can drive her a bit crazy wondering what I might have said - one of life's little joys without anything lasting.

Today we undertook the cruise from Stoke down to Stone - a trip which we usually split into two parts with an overnight in Barlaston.

The outside of the revamped Plume of Feathers (with Neil Morrissey)

Another sign that spring has arrived - the first we have seen this year

This time we wanted to meet up with the gang before they headed off to watch the 6-nations at a local brewery (ticket-only affair).

Heading off before 7:30, we were through the Stoke locks before 8:30 and enjoying the lovely early morning start.

It felt good to have a decent depth of water below the base plate and the engine certainly was grateful - as much as we love the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals, there was a bit too much close-to-the-bottom stuff.
We literally purred along with the engine just lovely and quiet, and in no time at all (well actually it was a 4 hour trip) and we were moored up opposite Roger Fuller's yard.
Howard was doing his usual Saturday ride down to Stone and reached us just as we finished the last of the locks - well done Howard, to hide behind the trees until we had finished.
He came aboard for a cuppa and cake and a chat before heading back.

By this time it was time to walk up to The Royal Exchnge and see the gang.

There also seemed to be another "Diane-plan" afoot with all of this - seems that the pub does a Saturday lunch-time menu with chip butties amongst the offered fayre and Diane was keen on that. Gotta love a masterplan.

Anyway there they all were and we just blended back into the mould of the seats and the pub.
After this we knew that they were heading to Lymestone Brewery for a Beer/Cider Festival and a large screen for the rugby - they insisted on dragging Diane along and she went without any protest - wearing her Welsh top with pride and the knowledge that Roly was there with his; Dot, of course, was supporting the Irish.
 

Looks like they were all up for it.

Welsh pride on display

Diane, Richard and Sharon

There's that wife of mine with a slight look of inebriation in her eyes

As for me, I was off for a peaceful afternoon of work and a little peek at the game.

A tap on the boat about 4pm from Phil (nb Valentine) taking Freddy for a walk and we had a bit of a chat for a while before he continued on his way home - we will probably catch upon Tuesday night.

I am never worried about Diane when she is out with friends and she does enjoy her sport and now coupled with a cider or two, she would be fine.

Around 5:30 she appeared in the window and a few minutes after that she was inside warming up and there was not very much slurring of her words but she had sampled enough that she wouldn't want or need any more - no problems.

As she normally does with these things where she go off without me, she will give me a full recitation of the events and happenings - one of these seems to be that Roly offered to get her a refill of her glass with a new drink to sample; there was some type of mix up and instead of cider it was an ale at 7.5% - she noticed it was different straight away but carried on drinking it, in fact she quite enjoyed it as well.
After that she jokingly was blaming Roly for trying to get her drunk - something that we both know would never be the case but there is always some fun to be had under those circumstances.

So with a Welsh victory over the Irish; a good afternoon of work completed; and slightly merry wife there was no reason to be downbeat at all and every reason to be happy with everything.

On top of all that Burnley delivered a shock win over Manchester City - a very good Saturday

8 miles, 10 locks
YTD: 121 Miles, 48 Locks, 2 Tunnels, 2 Lift Bridges, 6 Swing Bridges

Totals: 3015 Miles, 2169 Locks, 100 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 157 Swing Bridges

Reverse-ability

Saturday 3rd January to Sunday 4th January 2015

It was time for us to head off from Stone, we have a tunnel date of 9th January - the last before the closure of Harecastle for a month.

But first we needed to pop in and say goodbye to Lynn and Phil and to drop off the redundant pump-out kit and to enjoy a cuppa. We have known them for quite a while now and it is a bit sad that with us leaving the Stone area for quite a while that we may not see them anytime soon. There is a certainly pleasure in teasing Phil (whose roots are firmly in Dorset) about coming from Shropshire - when he gets his North Dorset accent going, he is as easily not understandable as if he really was from Shropshire.
But they are very lovely and offered to lock us through the Meaford flight - thanks very much for everything and we miss you already.

With cruising now back to the usual 3 hours per day (exceptional circumstances excluded) we moored up at Wedgwood for the night - we knew it was going to be a cold one and it was showing that even as the sun was setting.

Next morning we were not disappointed in the predictions - a thickish fog was well visible (and nothing else); there was a thin layer of weak ice on the canal - Diane was calling it "cat-ice" - but as I hadn't heard of this expression before I took her word for it.
In any event it was not thick enough to be of any concern to us.

Diane headed off to Trentham lock, and even though we had our walkie-talkies, there was a lot of crackling and I couldn't make out what she was saying - it may of course been my "deaf old git" moment, but I am blaming her mumbling.

Through the first lock without any argument about who was at fault - she declined to walk to the next lock - only 3-4 miles - she certainly would have got her daily steps in with that.

As we passed the Britannia Stadium two things happened - firstly we passed Que Sera Sera which apparently was open for business, and we didn't stop - so Diane missed out on oatcakes and then secondly we spotted our dear friend, Howard Smith (nb Compass Rose) out on his bicycle heading to Stone and back.
So a brief chat and he was off, planning to meet us again once we were moored and he had returned.

The lock flight approached and Diane once again was off to do the locks - she was taking pity on me today as I had wrenched my left elbow - it seemed a bit out of character for her but appreciated.

We had decided (read as I went along with what she wanted done) that we would moor up around the corner at Etruria Junction - fill with water and spend a couple of days here. With there being perfectly still conditions I decided that I would try reversing down the 100 metres or so, instead of faffing around with winding.
I was very pleased with the outcome - it was way quicker than what we have usually done; it made the turn onto the Caldon after the top lock so much easier; and no winding in the hole, which has usually been a pain.
There was only one other boat here, but we were perfectly placed for the walk into town for the evening's entertainment.

Just as we were almost ready to sit down for lunch, Howard reappeared; declined to join us; but we did have a bit of a longer chat than earlier on, and we are now looking forward to a meal with he and Janet (the long-suffering better half).

The exertions of the week seemed to finally catch up and the nurse in Diane ordered me to bed for along overdue "nanna-nap" - I cannot criticise her for her decision. I was refreshed and ready to go out.

We headed up into Stoke to Victoria Hall, picked up the tickets for "One Night With Queen" - to be enjoyed with Sharon, Dot, Richard and Gordon - alas Sue and Andy had fled to Australia and a warmer outlook.
It was a tribute band but still a very enjoyable night -  we were able to convey some of the night to Sue and Andy and hope that they are over whatever they have picked up during the journey.

A drink after and then it was time to call it a night - some of us had to work the following day - don't we Dot?

The walk back to the boat was all downhill fortunately; the chippy by this time of night was closed - unfortunately in Diane's mind.

We have enjoyed Stoke for many visits now and have always felt safe - the walk back reinforced this feeling as well. We will be here for a few more days - there is shopping to be done - the milk stocks are getting low.

10 miles, 12 locks (includes Diane's travels on 2/1/15)
YTD: 10 Miles, 12 Locks
Totals: 2904 Miles, 2133 Locks, 98 Tunnels, 34 Lift Bridges, 151 Swing Bridges