Busy day

Yesterday as planned we went out for the day. Paul came with us to get away from the boat for a bit. It was a good job we were with Paul and Heather as they are old hands as catching buses round London. First of all we caught a bus outside Sainsburies towards Nottinghill my Paul had to pay £2. We got to Nottinghill no market, Heather suggested my Paul buy a 12 hour bus pass which gives you unlimited travel all for £3.50 so as we decided to carry on to Trafalgar Square he was saving money already. Once at Trafalgar Square we went into St Martins in the Fields as I have never been in that church, we all tagged on to the end of a guided group only to be told in no uncertain terms that the ladies in the group had paid for the privilege of the guide, in other words "bugger off". Paul and Heather were booking tickets for a recital in the church so once that was done off we went on our jaunt. We walked along the South Bank our destination Borough Market (my Paul is not a great walker but completed the distance without a moan) we had a wander round there our noses being tempted by the variety of food stalls, we were amazed at the number of people there. We stopped for fish and chips 1 portion between 2 as it cost £7.95 (Paul and Heather shared one as well so it isn't just us) we then decided to make our way back to the boat. There was a very large police presence around a church near the market, as we went over the bridge ozzie Paul asked a copper on duty what was going on, we then found out that the Church was Southwark Cathedral and the police were there as it was the memorial service for Daminolar Taylor and on watching the TV in the evening there was a lot of big wigs there Gordon Brown, David Cameron etc so it was no wonder half of the met were there.
We finally caught a bus near Cannon St station that went to Paddington so once there ozzie Paul took us into the basin to show us what the moorings were like my Paul's first reaction was "we wont get TV here". The basin isn't that good for the dogs but there are a couple of moorings opposite the BW boat on a small green area which would be okay. I think we will only go in there if family are coming up. Saying that it will probably be easier for us to get a bus and meet them in town. We then got on a bendy bus back to Kensal and as we got onto the canal the rain started so we timed that just right. Must say we were both absolutely knackered by the time we got on board.

Forgot to mention that on our way here on Wednesday we passed NB Epiphany and I found their blog which made interesting reading.

Don't need to say what Paul is doing at the moment just think rifle fire and a lot of swearing and you will understand.

Kensal

Here we are at last moored up opposite the cemetery with quite a few other boats. Heather and Paul are a couple of boats up the line. The journey here was peaceful to say the least, we topped up with water so we are okay for a while. On the way here we couldn't believe what we saw there was a guy spraying the weeds on the tow path and another guy following him with a sign saying" spraying in progress" what a waste of money why couldn't the chap have a sign attached to his spraying machine saying spraying in progress. Maybe they change over every mile or so to alleviate the boredom.

Caught up with Heather and Paul and tomorrow I am going out with them to Nottinghill market. On the 4th December the lights are being turned on on the tree in Trafalgar Square so that is a date for the diary. We will probably stay here for the 14 days then go to Paddington for 7 then come back here during this time we can do the museums etc. Paul has never been to the National Maritime museum and I'm sure he will enjoy it. Heather tells me that buses run from Sainsbury's right into the centre of London so lets hope Paul's bus pass turns up soon.

It is nice and quiet here and good for the dogs, must say that the canal on this arm is full of rubbish and I have never seen so many empty beer cans on the tow path you could make a fortune if you collected them all for recycling.

While we were in Tesco's at Bulls Bridge we bought a couple of rechargable walkie talkies only £24 we already had 2 oringially battery but Paul adapted them to 12v so they were plugged in all the time we were on the move. At least with these new ones I can call Paul from the lock or tow path.

Looking forward to a bit of time just doing nothing not too sure whether Paul will be able to hack too many days doing nothing he likes to be on the move at least we may be able to get the "to do " list a bit shorter.

Hayes

We left Uxbridge this morning, was supposed to go yesterday but there was snow falling and it was bitter cold so we just stayed put for yet another day. It was a lovely quiet cruise not another boat in sight. Only had two locks and thats it now for a while. We are thinking of going up the Lee and Stort navigations will have to check my stoppages list dont want to be caught out again. Stopped at Tesco at Bulls Bridge wont tell you how much I spent but I wont need to shop for a while. We are moored up opposite Yeading FC and besides the shouting from there all we can hear is police sirens and a police helicopter over head cant wait to find a peaceful spot or is that just wishful thinking on my behalf.
Luckily we have found a nice supply of wood Paul got the chainsaw out and it is all nicely stowed on the roof. Need to get water tomorrow but the tap is only a couple of miles up the way then it is on to Kensal hopefully to catch up with Heather and Paul on nb Roxanne. Spoke with Jess at the weekend and she said she will bring Emily up to London and we can meet up.
Have wrapped all my presents up have never been so organised I'm bound to have forgotten something.
Paul is well into his game on the Playstation and has managed to complete a couple more levels and the controller is still intact!!!!!!!!

He's got another one!!!!!!

We arrived here at Uxbridge on Thursday did a total of 1.3 hours and one lock to get here. We needed to stop as Jess had a lot of mail to send up, one piece was rather important Paul's application for a bus pass.



As we were approaching Uxbridge a guy walking his dog passed comment on the boat name and the fact that we come from Lower Halsow in Kent. It transpired that he came from Gillingham which is near Halstow we told him we were going to moor up below the lock and he said that it was better to stay where we were as below the lock is only 24 hours. So we pulled over and moored up in front of his boat called Sense of Freedom. He then told us how to get to the town and where the nearest pub was.



After we had sorted the dogs out we wandered to the town centre to get the address of the post office. Uxbridge town centre has a lot of shops and 2 shopping malls so Paul informed me that he was going to chain me to the boat so I couldnt go off and spend any money. But of course we just had to have a look round and that is when Paul found a game shop that sold Playstation controllers secondhand and he actually bought one for the princely sum of £10. He explained to the guy in the shop what had happened to the last two and was informed that they dont make these controllers any more so if this one gets broken he will only be able to get another one from another shop that does seconhand controllers. I cant believe he will be able to play without loosing his temper we will see. But when he gets uptight with the game I keep hearing him saythrough gritted teeth "don't break the controller" so far so good. In the evening we decided to pop to the pub The Swan and Bottle for a swift half and to see what the menu was like. We met up with our neighbours Terry and Maggie so Paul and Terry spent about two hours comparing notes about Gillingham seems they both knew the same people and went to the same places in their misspent youth. Maggie and I were totally bored with their conversation so chatted about normal things like us girls do.



Friday I escaped the chains and went to the town to get a hair cut and have a leisurely look around. Oh joy I now only have a couple of more presents to get. Might pop out again Sunday!!! In the evening we decided to go to the pub for a meal on the reccomendation of Terry and Maggie as the pub is a Chef and Brewer the menu is quite varied but Friday's and Saturday's they do a special of 2 courses for £10 and us being tight wads went for this option. I settled for fish and chips with crumble to follow and Paul decided on a burger with treacle sponge to follow. The waitress asked Paul if he wanted cheese on his burger to which he replied no he doesnt like cooked cheese. Needless to say when the burger turned up it had cheese on it so Paul mentioned it to the waitress and give her her due she did say she would get him another burger but he said no that was okay. On consulting the menu the extra cheese was going to cost £1.75 which of course Paul declined to have and Paul said I bet you they charge us for it. You can imagine his reaction when the bill came with an extra 70p for the cheese. Total with drinks was £25.64 Paul only had £40 so off he went to pay and he was ages (I by this time had put on my coat and was waiting by the door). It appeared that the guy on the till was querying with the waitress why the cheese was 70p and not £1.75 in theory she should have said that shouldnt be charged for but she didn't. Normally Paul would leave a one or two pound tip but on this occasion all they got was a slice of cheese. All the way back to the boat he dripped about having to pay 70p for cheese that he didnt want. I think in future the only place I will take him to eat is a greasy spoon as he doesnt find fault with them. Is it any wonder his first wife left him !!!!!!!!



Today we got the post as the Post Office is in WH Smiths you can imagine what the queue was like but it was there so now I have an application form to fill out for a bus pass. And I had a letter to say I have qualified for a winter fuel allowance yipeeeeeeeeeee we can get some more coal now. Or may be a few bottles of booze that is classed as winter fuel isnt it????????

The Horse and Barge

We did spend the weekend at Kings Langley and it was a nice spot, we walked to the village where there is a Spar, butcher, baker,(no candle stick maker) a couple of hairdressers and a few other nice shops there is also a couple of doctors and a dentist. So considering the high street isnt that large there is a good selection of shops.

Since leaving Kings Langley we have done 18 locks and had two overnight stops. We had to call in at Tesco as Paul had run out of credit on his phone he couldnt believe it when I was back within 10 mins but I had forgotten the bread so had to go back again and I only bought the loaf!!!

We had to get diesel so called in at Bridgewater Basin on the way to Tesco here you can declare whatever you like (we did have to give an address so we are now on their system) we declared 60/40 this time. Their diesel price was 63p a litre + duty +vat so we paid £91.85 for just over a 100 ltrs. We have also been lucky enough to come across some more wood to suppliment the coal, chain saw came in handy to cut the wood into decent sizes. At the moment we are moored up by the Horse and Barge which is by lock 86. Think we will spend the weekend at Uxbridge Jess has post which needs to be sent to us and I need a hair cut. Spoke with a BW guy at the lock and he tells me the best place to moor is below Uxbridge Lock but to beware of the mooring warden as he loves sticking tickets on boats that over stay their welcome. It would appear we are in for a cold snap this weekend so will be nice to be cosy on the boat.

It was nice to be able to travel in the sunshine to day makes all the difference.

What a day

Yesterday Paul did the trip to March. Enterprise were very good rang and gave us a time of pick up, so Paul went off around 10am. I went to the town to have a good look round all on my own. I managed to get the majority of my Christmas presents only a few more and then I'm done. Needless to say when I surfaced from the shops it was raining good job the canal is near the centre so I didnt get too damp on the way back to the boat. I spent the rest of my day walking the dogs in the rain, doing a few bits and pieces then I had the luxuary of reading my book with
radio on before Paul returned around 4pm.

This morning the sun was shining so we planned our day aiming to get to Aspley and Sainsburys then continue until we had had enough. Oh how the best laid plans and all that. We got to lock 65 (only one after our mooring) and try as I may the lock just would not fill up. There was more water coming out of the gate than there was going in. We emptied the lock to see if there was something jamming the gate but couldnt see anything, so we made a call to BW to report the problem the supervisor said he would get someone to us asap. So we turned the engine off expecting a long wait. Paul went back to the lock armed with the pole and found a large chunk of concrete holding the gate open so after a bit of jiggling (is there such a word) Paul was able to move it enough to allow the gate to close. Lock filled we were on our way again just as we left the lock I met the BW guy coming along the tow path with a weed fork. I couldnt believe it only about half an hour after our call the man was there is that efficient or what. We got to the water point and nb Route 66 was there so we managed to squeeze in to get rid of rubbish and empty toilet while waiting to fill up. Had a nice chat with them then we topped up and once again were on our way. Through the lock and onto the mooring at Sainsbury's by now it was 12.15 I did my shopping (not a good move being Friday) Paul nipped to Hombase and bought a new trolley a bargain at £15 (goodness only knows where we are going to put it good job it folds flat) then it was on again. Time 2pm normally we are moored up by now but we did 2 more locks and are now at Kings Langley will probably stay here the weekend as it seems a good spot.

That didnt last long

Yesterday we left Berkhamsted around 10 carrying on towards Hemel the weather was being kind to us just a bit blowy but at least it was dry. After 9 locks and the swing bridge at Winkwell where I had to stop the traffice to open the bridge I was getting tired and Paul was getting cold so we moored up between locks 61 and 62 railway was close by but we are getting used to that now. There were about 4 boats there but I think we were the only ones there just for the evening.

While I was on the lap top Paul decided to give the Play Station a whirl. All I could hear was the sound of gun fire (from the game) and a lot of swearing (from Paul) of course it is the games fault that nothing goes the way Paul wants it too. Then all of a sudden the swearing got really out of control and the controller got thrown on the floor and ended up in bits. So that is the end of that I refuse to buy him yet another controller so the Playstation is to be put in moth balls yet again. Will he never learn.

Today the morning was crisp and dry on consulting the Nicholsons Hemel is only 3 locks away so looks as if it is going to be a short day for us. Paul has to hire a car and go to March to pick up a clock that we left in the repaires there. We rang Enterprise and they are going to pick him up from B&Q car park here and take him to their offices in StAlbans. Trip should only take a few hours so I can explore Hemel while he is away. We managed to find a pet food place near by so dogs have rations for the next month or so.
As we will be here till Friday we will need to stop at Sainsbury's on the way also will need water etc. Must email Heather and Paul and tell them we dont expect to catch them until Paddington we do like to moor up for the weekend just to break the time up and to get a bit of exploring done and to give the dogs a good run. We need some more wood so can go foraging.

yet more rain

Friday night we all wandered to The Cowroast Inn for a pint a something to eat. The meals there in the evening is Thai which we didn't know but we ate and the food was nice and tasty and not expensive problem was we were looking forward to some typical pub grub but hey who cares there are a lot more pubs for us to try.

When we woke Saturday it was blowing and pouring with rain so we all decided to stay put. Ozzie Paul had noticed a bus stop near the pub so we all got our wetties on and made for the bus stop and Berkhampsted, 3 of us had bus passes and my Paul didn't so he had to pay. (since found out he can have one as he is over 60 I thought he had to be 65). Journey took about 10 mins the town is very varied with some nice gifty shops. We got what we needed and made our way back to the boat. As by this time the sun was shining Paul and Heather decided to carry on to Berkhamsted as they were meeting family for Sunday lunch in Watford and they could catch the train from there. We stayed put and I'm glad we did as around 3pm the wind got up and yet again the heavens opened.
Sunday was different again blue sky no wind so we pulled the pins and made our way to Berkhamsted to hopefully catch up with the Ozzies. Journey quiet just us in every lock by the time we hit Berhamsted the wind was getting up. We managed to moor up in front of Roxanne, a fisherman passed comment on the amount of diesel in the canal implying it was us Paul soon put him right. Only problem was there was so much dog **** on the towpath that I spent a while clearing it up as we didn't want it in the boat. I went for a wander found a nice garden centre by Waitrose that had a lovely gift shop so I have started the Christmas shopping!!!!!.
This morning saw Paul and Heather who are carrying on to Watford, not only have we seen the weather forecast (not good) but Paul has to go to the docs to get some more pills so we have to find the surgery, (according to my First Mate Guide its only a short walk), so we will catch up with them again no doubt. As we set off for the surgery the heavens opened and to top it all the surgery wasn't where the Guide said it was. We asked for directions and a nice elderly gentleman walked us to the docs. Needless to say we had to make an appointment but were able to get one for the afternoon but it meant another trip out in the rain for Paul.
They have forecast gale force winds but at the moment it is still calm. If the weather is okay tomorrow we are heading for Hemel Hempsted, there are so many locks on this bit we are just taking each day as it comes.

At Last

Yippee we are free of the lock pound and have continued our journey. It has been a lovely day nice sunshine and clear blue sky. The locks 33 to 37 are quite spaced so Heather rode her bike to set the lock while Paul and I closed the gates of the lock we were leaving this system worked really well. Once we had got to Marsworth the remaining 7 locks were close together so we were able to walk them, half way down the flight we met a couple on a wide beam first one I have seen actually moving so that meant the locks we set in our favour and as the lady on the wide beam was unable to do the locks her partner had left all the gates open so it made it easy for us. (once through the locks we shut the gates). We then had a slow cruise to Cowroast where we are now moored up for the night. Its only 3pm but we have been on the go since 9 this morning. Tomorrow its Berkhampstead for a visit to Waitrose and may be a wander then on again to find a nice mooring for Saturday night may be we will get to Hemel Hempstead and I can have a bit of retail therapy. Paul and Heather are meeting friends for lunch on Sunday so we will part company and then meet up again Monday to carry on down the G.U. It is nice having company for a change.

Nice Walk to Ivinghoe

Yesterday yet another boat came up through the lock so now there are 4 boats in the pound, 1 has a problem and awaiting repair yesterdays boat is a trip boat (why didn't he know the lock was shut) so the people just decamped and walked to wherever.

Today Heather and Paul asked if we wanted to go for a walk well my Paul doesn't do walking just for the sake of it so it was just me and them. We set off around 1pm Paul wanted to go to the windmill in Ivinghoe as the day was still overcast it was a pleasant day for walking we had to leave the towpath and walk the road for a way which was a bit scary as there was no path. The village when we got there was like turning back time very sleepy with lovely old houses we passed a water mill which is only open to the public in the summer and opposite was a small farm shop where Heather bought eggs and bread. We came across a lovely restaurant just by looking at the cars parked outside you knew that the prices would be a bit steep. On consulting the menu they weren't just steep, calves liver and onions was £39.50 sirloin steak £50 yes the place looked lovely and I'm sure the food was out of this world but I couldn't ever justify spending that sort of money on a meal out. (Sunday lunch was £39.50). We carried on walking to the windmill which was situated in the middle of a field, open to the public on Sundays. The surrounding view was spectacular the walk was well worth it, all in all we were out for 2 hours which broke the day up and gave me a bit of exercise.
Looks like the lock is finished the workmen have packed up and gone the boards have been taken out and the lock is full up. The gates need to be painted but will that be done at a later date? I assume so. The workman have moved on to lock 37 that was having brickwork repairs so tomorrow we are going to leave this pound and hope that by the time we get to 37 it will be finished and operational.
My Paul has a touch of man flu so while I was out walking he has set up his playstation so it looks like I will be watching my programmes in the bedroom as once he starts with the playstation that's it, trouble is he has been known to throw the controller in a fit of temper and we don't have the space for him to chuck a wobbly my nic naks are too precious to be in the firing line so he is going to have to control himself.

Silly Billies

Yet again a grey day but no wind thank heaven so it doesn't feel so cold. We left around 9.45 and had a sedate cruise through Grove lock and Church lock. Just as we were leaving Slapton Lock Heather and Paul pulled up to come up the lock. Paul pulled onto the water point and I started to empty the lock for them. We filled up while Heather cycled onto the next lock to set it for us. We were then able to share the next two locks with them once lock 32 had filled and we had opened the gates Heather sent me on ahead to set the next lock (just a short walk) when I got there there were a lot of BW men around so all innocent like I asked one of them if they wanted us to wait in the pound "don't come through the lock"he says "too late says I". "Well you will have a bit of a wait this lock is part of the stoppage programme and we wont be finished till the 7th"OH DEAR. I have a stoppages list and I had been very organised had written in pencil the stoppages for the GU on the relevant pages of my Nicholsons and there it was clearly for all to see so how come I had missed it. Stupid springs to mind along with a few other choice words. At least we aren't on our own and we have water and food it's good for the dogs and the icing on the cake no train line, no road and no shops, down side NO PUB.
Well we wanted a quiet mooring and we couldn't get any quieter than this. Heather and Paul had hoped to go down the Aylesbury arm before heading for Paddington (they have a trip to Paris booked ) it looks as if they may have to knock that idea on the head.
Lock 37 is shut as well during this week so hopefully all the works will be completed on time and we will be able to carry on our way on the 8th at the latest. By this time the food situation will be getting a bit on the desperate side thank heavens for UHT milk, tins of soup and my small freezer. Luckily we have plenty of dog food don't think they would take to kindly to being on short rations.
So I suppose the moral of this story is make sure I read the stoppages for the route we are taking at least a day in advance to make sure it is safe to set off. I'm sure we aren't the only ones who have made this mistake I'm just grateful this stoppage is for a week and not a month!!! We would be reversing back to where we came from otherwise.

on wards and upwards

We moored up for the weekend near bridge 97 at Fenny Stratford. Was a lovely mooring with a huge park for walking the dogs we wandered to Fenny but it is a bit short on shops etc. Tere is a M & S food outlet at the garage but we didnt need provisions. The weather was a bit grey but who cares. Left Fenny this morning got to Stoke Hammond lock which was against us so after I had emptied it and Paul was in situ just as we were about to leave the lock a boat arrived behind us bad timing on their behalf so we arranged to go slowly so they could catch up with us and share the remaining 4 locks before Leighton Buzzard. They were a lovely couple Australians called Paul and Heather in nb Roxanne an ex Black Prince hire boat. They like us are continuous cruisers on their way to London (like us) where they are going to spend the winter. We moored outside Tesco at L.B. Paul popped into Homebase while I went into Tesco for milk!!!! Heather was off to the launderette so they stayed on the 14 day mooring while we carried on. We are now moored opposite the school and again its lovely and quiet but very cold the fire is taking an age to warm us up must make sure we light the thing before we set off in the morning. Who knows Heather and Paul may catch us up. Have had a few discussions as to how this diesel thing is going to work. We had a leaflet from Yardley wharf and apparently you can declare the split how you like as long as you keep a log and your fuel receipts. So I now make sure that the steaming hours and domestic hours are logged separately so we can work out our ratio. Obviously you will be working in arrears, Paul knows the fuel consumption for steaming, heating etc so is now working out a formula to make it easier for me. How kind of him.