2017 Summer Holiday Day#9

Bosley bottom lock to Higher Poynton

Last night we watched a moon-rise over the hills from our lovely peaceful mooring at the bottom of Bosley lock flight. This morning we were breakfasted and ready to go at 9:15, into the bottom lock following two other boats up the flight. Unfortunately the first of the two was a single hander so progress up the flight was slow and labourious until we started meeting boats coming down the flight of 12 locks.

Ascending this flight is also more complex due to the top gates not having a walkway across them. I developed a process where I used Jannock’s long boat hook to pull the far side gate closed after the boat had left the lock.

Once out of the locks we made our way through the lift bridges to Macclesfield, unfortunately following a deep draughted trad style boat that had an unusual approach to passing through bridges – he would go into neutral to pass through the bridge, then into reverse once the bridge was cleared before slowly building up speed again. They pulled over to stop at bridge 38 which allowed us to continue on at a normal pace. We also spotted this guy doing some painting on his boat.

We continued on through Bollington, and over the now re-opened aquaduct, to continue on to Higher Poynton where we moored alongside the sportsfield, opposite the ‘wide’. We had been informed that the Poynton fete was on today but moored up at 5pm just as they were packing it all away. During dinner, taken on the foredeck, we watched Kingfishers and a canoeing photographer who was trying to take pictures of them.

We had a meet up with friends who live in Higher Poynton (and are soon to move into a canalside cottage – lovely) and the original plan was to visit the Boars Head for a drink but we ended up in the snug at Jannock. The view was superb as the sun went down. We watched a pair of Kingfishers flitting along looking for supper, there was a Heron fishing and Swifts catching flies. Large fish were coming to the surface.

We met Dave, every pub has a Dave but our Dave was in his inflatable canoe filming the wildlife on the canal. He came alongside for a beer and told us tales of adventure and photography. He did the drone photography for the TV series about the National Trust at Lyme House. He also has a Kingfisher  video on Youtube here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu4NcFK4XdA) Thankyou A & K, we had a lovely evening. We’ll have to save the Boars Head for next visit ;^)

Graham

2017 Summer Holiday Day #8

Harecastle South portal to Bosley locks

As the tunnel keepers at Harecastle start at 8am, and we did not know whether

Northbound or Southbound were going first, it was an early start for us to be ready to enter the tunnel at 8:30am. We were second in a convoy of about 7 boats but were following an old trad boat. The boat following us had two very bright headlights on, I definitely would not want to meet him coming the other way in a two way tunnel.

We were through and out the of the other end by 9:15 and then turned left onto the Macclesfield canal which runs parralel to the Trent & Mersey for a while and then crosses over to head North East. We then ate our breakfasts as we travelled to Hall Green Lock.

We then made our way passed Sherbourne Wharf marina, where we spotted Brian’s old boat Kyle moored up on the outside. Apparently this boat is for sale through Heyford wharf brokerage according to the boat yard man we spoke to. We pressed on to Congleton visitor moorings where we tied up for a shopping trip to town.

We were also looking for a particular pub to try but found a beer festival in town instead so we didn’t go to the original pub as it was too far out of town. We did visit the Beartown Cock and the Prince of Wales, the latter had wonderful internal decoration as well as serving a very good chicken balti pie for lunch – Pie and a Pint = result!

Congleton is a god stop for shopping and pubs. All the ususal stuff to buy and a Morrisons as well. Downhill to the town from bridge 76, left past the imposing town hall and it’s all there.

Once back on Jannock we carried on in lovely sunshine until we found the moorings at the bottom of Bosley lock flight (12 in all). The countryside has become increasing nicer, when England’s this good it’s lovely to stay here with no airports to hassle you.

Graham & Brenda

2017 Summer Holiday Day #7

Park Lane to Harecastle South Portal

We made two stops today, firstly we visited the Potteries Museum and Art gallery (accessed from bridge 8) followed by calling into the Bridgewater Pottery and tearooms on our way back to the boat, then we stopped at the Toby Carvery, Festival Park for our dinner.

Last night we were able to sit out and chat with very lovely people on the towpath – it’s been a while since we last had that pleasure. It was only spoiled by an inconsiderate dog owner. The beautifuly behaved German Shepherd pup with the people we were chatting with took a fancy to graham, the owners of the boat moored in front of Jannock left their dog in their boat whilst they went up the pub. It barked loudly for all the hours whilst they were out except when someone walked past the boat – then it remained quiet. On their return, Graham asked if they knew that their dog barked all the time they were away from the boat, it was obviously distressed. Yes, they knew and seemed not to mind; poor doggie.

We said farewell to the Caldon canal today after pausing for a couple of hours at bridge 8 visitor moorings whilst visiting the museum and pottery. The Bridgewater Pottery tearooms were excellent, the crockery was a delight and nothing matched, the mugs and teapot were a proper size and we could not drink all the tea. And there was cake; it looked home made and was far cheaper that back home! Canalside- almost, and a good lunch stop.

Amongst the many interesting and lovely pieces of pottery at the museum I saw a plate that was decorated in a similar fashion to traditional narrowboat art ‘castles’ pictures. A dead ringer; thing is it was made in 1520 and was Italian, a commission for a wealthy family. There are many theories about the origins of Roses and castles canal art but I’ve never heard 16th Century Italy mentioned.

Then onto Planet lock. The Samosa’s that Graham bought from the shop near here were so good that I had to visit it myself. If you like Indian sweets and snacks, do treat yourself. On the same side as the NHS surgery, look up to the Pharmacy and see the shop on the corner of the road, to the left. That I just pointed and asked for “some of those” did not faze the lady, she told me what things were called – unpronounceable let alone remembered, but tasty.

Down to Bedford St staircase lock where we were caught up, and helped by the Norwegian hirers we’d first met at Consall Forge. It’s their seventh British canal holiday and they are out for 5 weeks. I made the turn round the lint museum all by myself, feeling proud.

Back onto the Trent and Mersey canal to Festival Park marina where we collected Jannock from almost seventeen years ago. We had our evening meal at the Toby Carvery and then moved onto the southern end of Harecastle tunnel where we filled with water and G washed both sides of the boat (with the help of a bit of tricky winding.

Retail Therapy – we met three canal traders, leaving the pub at Milton, on their way to Hanley park for the Carnival celebrations. They were selling Oatcakes – fair enough – hippie accoutrements and fairy paraphenalia and pirate equipment – really? Later we passed a boat selling toasted sandwiches moored alongside Westport lake. Chambers of Commerce, eat your hearts out.

Brenda

2017 Summer Holiday Day#6

Consall Forge to Froghall and back to Park Lane.

Not wanting to lose the Alde chimney we winded before Froghall tunnel, where we met fellow Cutweb members John and Angela on nb Time Out (possibly a micro-GiG as we chatted for a while) and walked to the basin on the other side. A lovely spot for a picnic, now with a tea shop. We viewed the entrance to the Uttoxeter canal, with a single lock joining it to the Caldon and a basin with six pontoons for mooring.

There was a group of kids learning the basics of canoeing, having a lovely time. They all passed through the tunnel. We were told by a pssing cyclist that much of the land in the valley was given to Staffs County Council in 1990 – that would account for school groups and areas given over to walkers and visitors with the Lime furnaces maintained as visitor areas.

We then set off back up the canal towards Cheddleton. On the river section above Consall Forge we met Neil and Linda on nb Earnest heading the other way to us. It turns out that they had plans to visit the Macclesfield canal and, like us, diverted up the caldon whilst the aquaduct repairs occurred.

At Woods lock we found a gent with a windlass helping boats through the lock. He said that he came to that lock to fish just above it, a lovely spot for that. Then a boat came along selling windlasses. He payed £5 for one and now enjoys helping boats through the lock when he’s there fishing. A fisherman at the next lock asked after him and said the the old guy was thinking about getting a bicycle as all he needs to carry is the windlass. Moto – give up fishing and get fit.

Onto Park Lane where we were both glad of the shower block, a nice long cooling shower each.

Stop Press CaRT hope to have the aquaduct open tomorrow (7/7/17) lunchtime if their leak repairs have worked.

Brenda

2017 Summer Holiday Day#5

Mill Farm Hanley – Consall Forge

After a very peaceful overnight we set off at 9:15 to move on to Milton so that Brenda could get some bread and milk from the Co-op (top of hill on the left from bridge 18 Milton Bridge), there is also a butchers and a bakers as well as other shops there so a useful stopping point. We then we moved on to Stockton Brook locks where our Nich’s guide had me fooled. Nich’s shows locks 5, 6 8 and 9 on the map but puts lock 7 in a side window. Therefore I was expecting four locks and had a surprise when we found there were actually five ;^).

Once out of the un-expected lock 9 we had lunch on the move and then stopped at Park Lane service point to fill with water – not a fast tap but the showers seem good, even non boaters were using them.

At Hazelhurst junction we chose to go down the 3 locks and continue on to Cheddleton. We passed the Hollybush without stopping, we’ll call in there on the way back, and then found Cheddleton locks and all the singletons down to Consall Forge were in our favour. Result!

By chance I managed to get a photo of the last steam train of the day as it passed. None running tomorrow and then they have a Rail Ale event this weekend which we will not be here to try. After a thrash down the river Churnett section we arrived at Consall Forge to find all of the moorings taken so reversed back up the river to moor in the rough behind all the other boats.

The evening was spent at the Black Lion where a good meal, acompanied by excellent beers and a cider with Rhubard ( a grown up version of the sweets we enjoyed as children) that Brenda enjoyed were partaken. The Black Lion also gives a 20% discount on the drinks bill to CAMRA members – result! No wonder our second son enjoyed this establishment so much when the Biscuit Pirates visited a few years ago. Whilst we were eating, the chickens came out into the garden – obviously waiting to be fed and so a couple of the local ducks walked across the railway crossing to the pub to join them.

Graham

2017 Summer Holiday Day#4

Bridge 85 Burston to Bridge 14 Hanley

Due to the news that the Macclesfield canal is closed at Bollingdon Aquaduct again - our plans have changed and we are now on the Caldon Canal

We were off at half nine-ish after the early morning rain had stopped, no wind to chill but lots of ominous grey cloud overhead. It om'd until we reached Aston lock and then it rained, just the once, but enough to make Graham put a coat on. I suspect Aston Marina has got a problem with it's drains as there were a bunch of guys busy pumpin poo down by the canal in the corner of their property.

With southbound boats coming on, we passed through Stone, only to have Newcastle Road lock turned on us and just about half a centimeter longer space available on the lock landing due to another boat tied up at the sani-station.

Our plan had been to travel up to Bugsworth basin on the Peak Forest canal but news came along the towpath (literally - G met the CaRT man who had sent the stoppage notice out at 8am as he came out of the office in Stone)that there was a stoppage at Bollingdon until the 8th July but due to the aquaduct slowly subsiding, it may be in-force for longer than that after inspection works. Therefore we decided to do the Caldon canal, a lovely canal, again.

On to Stoke on Trent with the easiest passage we have ever made up these parts. At Stoke Bottom Lock, a boat was just leaving the lock as we arrived, it was nb Lexa with Bernard and Sandy on board, a quick hello in passing and we ascended quickly up to the junction at the top of the flight. Brenda did a very good turn into the Caldon and we waited at Bedford St staircase locks for two boats to descend.
The first, a hire boat with a non-English speaking crew, were about to empty the top lock with the bottom one still full. Graham emptied the bottom lock so that they could descend without flooding the steps. We looked at the CaRT instruction board alongside the top lock and it makes no mention of ensuring the bottom lock is empty before coming down the top lock.

With both boats down we then ascended and went on to Planet lock where graham spotted a shop selling Indian snacks and sweets. Four freshly made Samosas found their way into Jannock's oven to accompany the chicken breast and Veggie curry we are having for dinner tonight. As we passed Hanley Park, a recently felled tree has been carved into models of birds.

At bridge 9 Graham had to hastily remove the lock wheeling bike from Jannock's roof before we trashed it due to the bridge being very low.

Brenda

Summer Holiday 2017 Day#3

Bridge 55 near Handsacre to Bridge 85 Lower Burston Bridge After a relatively peaceful night we set off earlier than the last two days - 9am. As we were approaching the Armitage Shanks factory a dog walker on the towpath was paying a lot of attention to something floating in the canal, it turned out to be a whole lorry wheel and tyre so we pulled over and helped him get it our of the canal onto the bank. He was planning on moving it away but it was too heavy so we left it in the hedge. We continued on to Rugeley where Brenda went shopping whilst I stayed aboard to do a couple of jobs and a bit of polishing. Because the Open Livewriter program is now failing to open on the laptop I decided to carry out a Windoze update to see if that would fix the problem. Five hours later it had finally finished and Livewriter still refused to work.

Unusually for this stretch of the Trent and Mersey we experienced no queues at either Colwich or Heyford locks.

We then stayed on the T&M at Haywood Junction and passed through Hoo Mill lock having to just wait for one boat to descend as we arrived. For the second day running we had a butterfly to photograph - this one landed on Jannock's roof to sunbathe.

At Hixon I noticed some 'naked' air raid shelters in a field beside the canal that had all the soil removed from over them and were now used as animal shelters. Knowing that these usually indicate a location of military importance, but not seeing any other evidence of any buildings or similar in the area, I looked up Hixon on t'interweb thingy and found out about RAF Hixon ( see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Hixon )which was on the other side of the canal. Therefore these shelters had been placed away from the airfield with only a canal bridge as a route for servicemen (& women) needing to use them.

After supper we took a constitutional and went in search of the village of Burston. I say village but it's more of a duckpond than a village. With two seriously smart houses, a couple of newish builds and a flock of cottages it's a gem. It took us a lap of the village pond to find the church but the pub up by the main road, The Greyhound, is easier to find. As well as real ales they also had Ruby Tuesday Cider (with Raspberry juice) which is highly recommended. The food looked good as well but we had eaten on-board. So, a perfect mealtime stop, moor near bridge 85 and walk up the lane and toward 'The Hall'. The village clock is located on the front of the cottages.

2017 Summer Holiday Day#2

Alvecote to Handsacre Last evening we ate at the 'Samuel Barlow' - top marks! fresh cooked food from a menu with 4 out of 15 options being vegetarian. We were too full to try the desserts by G bought a bottle of Punk IPA to have as a treat when we complete the Bosley lock flight on Wednesday or Thursday. If you want to eat there then we recommend booking as it was very busy. We'd breakfasted and left Alvecote by twenty past nine and followed another boat to Glascote locks. They passed down the top lock and we followed them down. As they were leaving the bottom lock they started to turn the lock for us without spotting another boat arriving below to ascend. We passed them between locks and made our way into the bottom lock where G spotted a plaque bearing the words of the Glascote Bard. (see picture) On through Fazely and onto Hopwas where we passed a boat named 'Brenda May' that had unusual sculptures of Swans made from old tyres on the roof. On through the Military Training Area that was christened "Hooty Wol Woods" by the Jannock crew many years ago. The weather was now starting to improve with the clouds being replaced by a bit of sunshine - unfortunately the cold wind remained. As we passed Streethay we spotted nb Kelpie safely tied up on her mooring - her owners will taking their other boat, Gamebird, to the real Kelpies this week. We stopped for water just before the Fradley swingbridge and once full, turned left at the junction and up through the locks. As we waited for the first lock to empty I managed to get this picture of three ex-Black Prince boats all in a line. We followed a 'rivetless' Hudson boat up through the locks before mooring for a night out in the countryside just passed Kings Bromley marina.

2017 Summer Holiday Day#1

Hartshill to Alvecote

We arrived at Jannock Friday evening and sorted out our stuff ready for a 16 day cruise up the Maccy and back as far as we can get.

It was nice and sunny, reinforcing last evening’s red sky at night, up until the point we cast off towards Atherstone. Then the sky filled with dark clouds and the wind picked up so that Brenda had to go down into the boat to put more layers on. Quote of the day “ brrrrr! wot a scorcher.” from a moored baoter tht we passed. The first of July and people were wearing gloves. By 2pm it was T-shirts and shorts.

Atherstone flight was made short work of, there were volunteer lockies on the top four locks and plenty of boats coming up to ease our passage. I only had to turn the bottom lock. The flight is looking well kept with the gardens, locksides and bridges looking lovely, it’s the nicest we’ve ever seen it. At the bottom of the flight we found Tench moored up outside the pub that the Idle Women tour will be performing at tomorrow.

We were told that it was Polesworth carnival today but we decided not to pull over to investigate. As we approached Mill Bridge (53) the band leading the carnival procession passed over the top of it so we stopped stationary in mid-channel in order to watch the whole procession pass. We were waved at and even had sweeties thrown at us from the floats passing over the bridge.

Once the procession had passed, we continued on to moor up opposite the Samuel Barlow at Alvecote. We have a table booked for 7pm to eat and permission to leave our car in the car park for the duration of our holiday. I then extracted the (newly repaired) DiBlasi and returned to Hartshill to fetch the car.

Graham

And into Brinklow Marina

 

Where did April go? With birthdays, Easter and wonderful family get togethers it just flew by!

A short run from Newbold, past Cathiron and into Jannock’s new home. We had to wait for Adrian’s return before being allocated a pontoon to moor on, so sat near the entrance and tidied everyhting up ready for a quick exit.

Just after lunch, Adrian and Eric came over and told us we could moor at the bank end of pontoon 9. We’ve only owned Jannock for 17 years and we’ve travelled many miles in her over that time but today was the first time I had ever tried to get a boat onto a pontoon mooring, between two other boats already moored there, in a strong cross wind.

My first attempt ended with Jannock neatly broadside across the end of 5 pontoons and no amount of engine would move us off. With some hefty shoving by the marina crew I managed to reverse her almost back to the entrance and then try another attempt. Luckily, with the experience of the first attempt fresh in my mind, and a better idea of the wind direction I managed it this time without causing any damage to either pontoons or adjacent moorers.

When we had moored for the night opposite Bugbrooke marina last weekend, I had observed their wind sock and passed comment to Brenda about it. I now fully understand why they have one and what it’s for ;^)

Graham

Sunshine, Church Bells and a Howling Gale

 

We left our peaceful Braunston mooring and passed nb Waiouru and nb Stray Away again on our way towards Hillmorton. It was lovely to hear the bells at Braunston church calling the faithful to service as we made our way, closely followed by a hotel pair, onto a very windy Oxford canal.

We felt sorry for the numerous newbie hirers who were struggling through strong cross winds steering a craft they are not familiar with – crash and panic were the themes for their day. We spotted one crew who moored up at 11am to sit it all out. I was having to steer Jannock crab-like up the exposed sections although she returned to normal once we gained shelter from hedge or cutting.

Quote of the day came from Brenda as we were looking at a warning sign in the window of a live-aboard boat moored near Barby – “I don’t know about the dog, it’s the curtains I’d be more scared of”. The mould and soot would do you much more harm than a bark and a bite!

Hillmorton 3 was interesting; our serving suggestion of “ give it some welly!” wasn’t taken up by a Napton Narrowboats crew, “softly softly catchee monkey” was the preferred option which left them bow to stern across the canal below the top lock – no harm done luckily.

We continued on and moored up at Brownsover, just before the road bridge. Brenda went and did a bit of shopping while I fetched the car from Weedon and took it to Brinklow marina. I then Di Blasi’d back to Jannock and we continued on to moor for the night on the Newbold visitor moorings just after Green’s bridge. The hotel boats were moored there as well so they must have passed us while I was car shuffling.

Graham

Three Cutweb members spotted today.

 

We arrived at Weedon Bec just after 10am and lugged our ‘stuff’ up the steps to the canal where Jannock was still securely tied up waiting. I then parked the car in the village, the lane by the church is a bit of a rat-run so best to put it somewhere quieter. We then untied and set off by 10:45 heading North. As we approached Dodford wharf I spotted nb Ian moored against the field there - I had to take a picture because Ian is the boat that mini-Jannock’s original hull kit was based on.

We had a lunch of bacon sarnies as we approached Buckby bottom lock. Once in the lock, we waited a short while as both the first and second boats following us winded in the marina entrance and set off south again. Luckily the third boat, nb Queen Hatshepsut, came into the lock alongside us and we shared the whole flight with them. They were a nice couple from Devon and we made good time up the locks with only one lock being turned on us by a couple of private boats as we approached the empty lock from below. I was not impressed and told them so.

Up through ‘Bee Bra’ (Buckby Top) lock – named such after Brenda once had a Bee fly down into her bra whilst ascending the lock, much to the amusement of all the peeps sat in the pub garden. Onto the summit where we waved bye-bye to Queen Hatshepsut as they turned onto the Leicester Arm. We passed through Braunston tunnel, passing one boat coming the other way – why is it always at the bendy bit near the northern end?

No-one to share Braunton flight with, but there was a Cutweb member moored above the flight, so having introduced myself we travelled down solo meeting all-sorts coming the other way. At Admiral Nelson lock I found a solitary boat tied up in the lock and a single bottom gate open. No sign of life so I thought the owner had gone in the pub but it turned out that he desperately needed a comfort break and re-appeared from inside the boat shortly after. Once out of the flight, we travelled down to Braunston turn passing two more Cutweb members by the toll house. I turned Jannock round at the junction using all three sides of the triangle and then returned to the sani-station. I then did a pump-out whilst Brenda walked the rubbish down to the skip.

Pump-out complete, we passed nb Waiouru and nb Stray Away again to turn in the marina entrance and then reverse back to the last free mooring before Butchers Bridge to moor for the night.

Another first for Jannock – whilst moored in Braunston we had a visit from a door-to-door salesperson trying to flog dusters and cleaning cloths etc. I sent him packing pointing out that we had everything we needed thankyou. I did point out to him that ‘holiday boaters’ were likely to have everything they needed provided by the boat company and he might get more success trying boats with bags of coal and piles of wood on the roofs  ;^)  We’d seen none along the Braunston stretch during our earlier winding exercise.

Graham

A short run to Weedon Bec

 

First task of the day – Brenda tried the new shower mixer tap that I’d fitted. She reckons that it’s wonderful! Instant hot water, no fighting with a stiff tap that needed a zillion turns and was such a large diameter that her hand could only just grasp it. She now wishes that she’s broken the old one ages ago.

After a peaceful night opposite Bugbrooke marina, we set off in the sunshine and pootled along past Nether Heyford and Stowehill until we moored on the church moorings at Weedon Bec – Jannock’s home until next weekend.

I went and fetched the car whilst Brenda prepared lunch. On my return we ate, washed up and headed home. A short day, I know, but a relatively safe place to leave a boat un-attended.

Graham

Welcome to Gongoozler World

 

Another nice sunny day but oh, that wind is chill. We set off at 11:30 after a late start and passed up through Cosgrove lock before eating lunch on the long slog through Yardley Gobion to Stoke Bruerne bottom lock where we entered and waited  for a partner to join us. The first two boats winded below the lock and returned towards Cosgrove but finally nb Serenity joined us and we made a quick and easy ascent of the flight into Gongoozler land.

The number of people watching times the number of boats manoevering should have equalled dismal mooring skills as we went into the water point outside The Boat Inn. Luckily we got it just right and so in celebration Graham took two glasses into the pub. It took about the same amount of time to fill with water as it did to get a couple of beers. Off we went into a very wet tunnel that rinsed off the paintwork where we had done Duck Poo removal at the waterpoint.

Onward, still in the sunshine, until we moored outside Bugbroke marina where Graham felt the need to wash the otherside of Jannock whilst I prepared Kippers for tea.

So, what’s the story? Whilst we were kippering, three yoofs sauntered by on the tow path. Hoodie was a distance in front of Baggypants and Allinblack and trying hard to look as if he wasn’t with them. General demeanor suggested there were hot dates waiting in a cold pub, lager prices what they are lead to pre-loading of course. A hundred yards or so beyond of us they all got very interested in the hedgeline. Lots of firkling about and brow knitting went on and then they re-grouped as one and legged it back pronto.

Answers on a postcard …….

Brenda

Happy birthday to me ;^)

Just after we left our peaceful overnight mooring we passed nb Frog, the boat we shared all the locks with yesterday, moored up near the Globe Inn ready for the Boaters Market next weekend – talk about prime spot, it obviously pays to get there early.

On the long stretch before the top of Soulbury locks, Brenda spotted her first ducklings for the year. We entered the top lock and descended them on our own with no-one coming up either. Once through the flight it was a short cruise to Stoke Hammond wharf where we moored up for the week.

I then returned to Marsworth on the trusty Di Blasi to fetch the car. On my return to Jannock, we had lunch, washed up and went home.

Graham

Boating after a world record Balloon attempt.

Yesterday, Brenda and I assisted the Ballonatic84 crew to enable them to enter the Cross Channel Ballooning Record attempt. They didn’t have any-one to drive their recovery vehicle across to France to fetch the balloon back so I volunteered at the 11th hour and took Brenda along for the day out. She was not impressed with the 01:15 start as I had said it would be early but hadn’t explained quite how early. There is an excellent video at https://youtu.be/j8xponXjVdw

Back to boating, another weekend and another celebration cake. Happy Birthdays to me, Alice and Matt. All we need now is to be able to celebrate a new Guinness World record attempt yesterday.

If we had seen it last weekend – we’d have thought “April Fool!” – a chap skiing down the towpath on wheeled skis. Looked damned hard work.

We shared all of today’s locks with a short (30’) narrowboat named Frog and at Ivinghoe Top Lock, where we caught up an equally short singleton, we managed three boats in one lock. The steerer on Frog was suffering from a broken toe but we soon set up a routine of using a single gate to exit that make progress good.

We moored for the night between Leighton Lock and the Globe, a nice quiet mooring if you stay near the Eastern end of the sewerage works on the opposite bank. It seems that the West End is the noisy end. Brenda had brought a container of “chicken casserole” out of our freezer at home for dinner tonight. When she opened it she found that it contained Apple, Rhubard and Plum. So, at last we got to try the Army rations we bought at Milton Keynes market several years ago. A chicken curry, a lamb curry and a vegetable biriani. All needed to be warmed in boiling water and then the pouches opened and poured onto the plates. They were really tasty and we washed down with a couple of beers – excellent!

Graham

A long wait!

About one hour of today’s two hour trip was spent tied up above a padlocked Marsworth top lock whilst the bottom pound, where the Aylesbury arm goes off, was rewatered. The CaRT staff believed that both lock 38 and Marsworth No1 lock had their top gates left open all night and junction pound was almost emptied with boats sitting on the bottom. We hope that those boaters we have seen holding onto the ‘tradition’ of leaving the exit gates open when they leave the lock were amongst those inconvenienced today.

Once the padlock was removed, we shared the flight with a crew of hirers who have fallen in love with canal boating in just two days flat – just as well it hasn’t rained at all ;^)

We moored above the bottom lock, just along from ‘Engagement bend’, and left Jannock there for a week. There were plans to restrict mooring at Marsworth but I’ve not seen any new signs indicating the changes yet.

Graham

Happy Birthday to Brenda!

Saturday 1st April 2017

Berkhampstead to Bulbourne

We polished off the cerials left on-board over winter, a soggy breakfast, and were ready to leave at 9:45. The last boat to pass us was a widebeam that had left the top gates open at both Raven’s Lane and Rising Sun locks. Once through our first lock, we joined another single narrowboat waiting for the widebeam to clear Gas 2 lock so we shared with him all the way to Cowroast. The pound above Gas 1 was very low and the widebeam was struggling. I managed to cycle past them and have the next lock open and ready for them when they finally arrived. The steerer was complaining bitterly about the lack of water so I took great delight in pointing out to him that leaving top gates open causes problems like that. He was not impressed!

If you value your children do not put them in an inflatable canoe immediately outside a lock where two narrowboats are coming out, and you are occupying the lock landing area by the water point. Then when you are asked to move said child and canoe please don’t scowl and make a dramatic performance of dragging her 6 foot towards the water point – and then putting a second inflatable canoe where the first had been. Then as our boat starts leaving the lock and comes towards you, please don’t ask f it’s OK for us to wait while you get yourself sorted. And when told that the second boat in the lock will be stopping on the water point, don’t ask “what boat?” It’s the big heavy steel thing bearing down on your child that has no-where else to go. More scowling will not help – narrowboats are big and heavy compared with your little blow up canoes. They also have no brakes and oh, by the way, why aren’t your young children wearing life jackets? Are their lives not worth the price of one?

Once onto the tring summit it was lunch – with Shrimp Banana cake for Brenda’s birthday. Second day of 2017 cruise and we see a brazen kingfisher sat on a branch, bold as brass and didn’t even move. Why did I leave the camera at home! You bet he wouldn’t have hung around had I got it in my hand.

We cruised right up to the Wendover Arm junction looking for a Bulbourne mooring for the night. We know it’s been a short day but we’d got a table booked at the Grand Junction Arms. We turned and then cruised back to the next winding point where we turned again and reversed into a spare 65 foot gap on the piling. That’ll do, just a short walk to the pub. Matt, Alice and Felicity joined us for a celebratory dinner at the GJA and Felicity charmed everyone in the pub. I wish we could all go out to dinner in our jim-jams-a’ la’ Stella McCartney outfit. We had a lovely meal, the menu was varied and interesting, something for all tastes and well cooked.

Having said farewell to our guests, we retired to Jannock and watched the first three episodes of “The Flower of Gloucester”, nothing like a 1960’s kids TV series (and another birthday) to make you feel old.

Brenda & Graham