Hilmorton

What a lovely morning to leave Braunston on our way to Hilmorton. Just as we were preparing to leave, Tug Herbert pulled in opposite. We had had a quick chat in a lock when we were on the way down so was nice to be able to have a proper conversation. Needless to say Paul was out with the camera, is this another boat that is on his wish list? It would appear so. It is nice to know you find our blog amusing Andy and I hope we see you again.

As we left the sanitary station after topping up with water the lady on nb Best o mates informed us that she also read our blog, (2 in one day) if you are reading this one let us know your blogsite address so we can follow your travels. The journey was at a nice leisurely pace and the sun was quite warm so much so that Paul took off his scarf, steady on now Paul. We met about 6 boats heading towards Braunston we aren't used to that much traffic was a bit of a shock to our system.

Once we were under this bridge just after Blue Haven Marine we knew we were near to Hilmorton. We normally moor before bridge 72 as the Tv reception seems better and we are opposite a mobile phone mast so internet connection is brilliant.

Yesterday while I was at the supermarket in Braunston I gave in to temptation and bought one of their scrummy cakes it was quite a dilemma knowing which one to choose, settled for a lemon sponge and it is absolutely deeeeeeeelious. While making a cup of tea to go with said cake Paul set to putting the rope back on the life ring he had just painted, not a good move as the paint although feeling dry obviously wasn't and the nice white rope now has a hint of red in places. The other ring will now sit for a week to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again. Who's a silly billy then Paul.
Trip to boat yard is in order as Paul needs oil and filters. Must also confirm with them blacking date and that the guy is doing the BSC as it falls on Easter weekend. I have to do a reccy to find bus stop in Hilmorton to go to Rugby to the bank.

For those of you that are interested, Paul has been monitoring the efficiency of the solar panel over last few weeks since the weather has improved although we have had dull and bright days on an average of engine hours our static running time has been cut by one and a half hours a day.

This is our mooring for the next few days wonder how many more will turn up.

Just had a thought, there is another Grand Prix this weekend oh no lets hope its not an early one.

Spring at last?

Today is a lovely day, even got to walk the dogs with a body warmer on makes a change from body warmer and fleece. Paul has painted our life buoys before putting new ropes on them just getting things smart for the summer. I had a mad half hour and cleaned the windows on the tow path side, I don't go in for balancing on the gunnel's to do the canal side.

Lots of people on the move, no one on the puddlebanks again and a couple of winter moorers have moved from opposite the pub. Have seen quite a few hire boats too, lets hope this nice weather stays with us for a while.

Making a move up to Hilmorton tomorrow will probably stop somewhere on the way might as well stretch the journey out. Hopefully the internet connection will be better and I wont have to sit in the cratch to use my laptop.

Busy bee's

Due to awful internet connection it has taken me until today to get on line I applogise in advance for length of this blog.

For the past few days we have been quite busy running hither and thither. On Thursday we met up with Pam and Dave the previous owners of our boat. Having a big breakfast on board the Gongoozlers Rest. Pam and Dave are having a new boat built so were on one of their visits to check its progress so we took the opportunity to catch up.

Thursday afternoon we paid a visit to the chandlery by the bottom lock to buy another cassette (cant have too many!!!)

Friday it was 20% off day at Midland Chandlers so first thing we called in there as Paul had seen some wall lights that he thought I would like and he had spied the perfect solution to our TV ariel pole problem. The original pole was too short to gain good reception, it retracted through the roof into the airing cupboard. To gain more height Paul extended the pole. This meant the pole had to be dismantled and laid on the roof while cruising. As Paul couldn't get an aluminum one he used a steel pole which has consequently rusted. So while in Midland Chandlers Paul had noticed a telescopic washing brush in aluminum which extended to 2 mtrs it was also the right size tube, so with out any thought to the expense forked out £11 for the brush. We also bought the wall light to replace the spots in the lounge area.

With regards to the pole within half an hour Paul had cut the ends off fitted the ariel and hey presto the whole thing now retracts back into the airing cupboard with the ariel sitting neatly on the deck while cruising. Whereas we had to dismantle the ariel before we now have one less cable connection and the reception is far better. Next job was to change the lights in the lounge which was, in Paul's words a half hour job. "I don't think so" As the new lights had to be switched from the existing switches these had to be removed from the wood paneling and new supply wires installed, however.......... the wiring to the switches was in such a state that they had to be re-wired as they were hazardous. The air was blue I can tell you, as it seems that every time there has been a job that involved the electrics Paul has found mega problems resulting in renewing or replacing wires or connections (wont mention the consumer box will leave that for another time). Paul has decided that at some point all the light switches will have to be replaced as they are not fit for purpose. These switches are designed to fit on electrical panels and not for domestic use. 3 hours later and Voila!! Much better don't you think and so much more light and the price £16.40 each, what a bargain.

Next job was to catch the bus into Daventry as I had ordered online for Paul a new fishing rod from Argos, I also needed a new hairdryer as mine kept blowing the electric so Paul cut the plug off so I couldn't use it (how kind). We got to town only to find Argos was closed due to a system failure, oh bugger that meant returning Saturday, remember I had lost my bus pass and these trips were costing me money.

Saturday morning Paul got up at 5am yes that's right 5am so he could watch the GP qualifying, now, I don't mind him getting up at some ungodly hour but when he doesn't turn off the alarm on his phone and it keeps going off I find that a bit of a bind. I went down that boat at a rate of knots there he was sitting with headphones on oblivious to the noise his phone was making. While I was there I demanded he sort out the clunking fender which he was supposed to move 10days ago and hadn't, that job done I returned to bed and Paul got back to the Tele oh joy no clunking fender and no squeaky TV ariel I finally got up at 8.15. Our next trip to Daventry proved a bit more successful as both rod and hairdryer were bought and we had breakfast in Wetherspoons so pleasant morning all round.

Granny Buttons moved off and while I was walking the dogs I came across Ernie on Ten Bob Note was nice to put a face to the blog, nice to meet you Ernie and Carol hope we catch up again soon.

It is now Sunday and yes Paul rose at 6.30 to watch the GP what a result eh good old Jenson!!!!

Finally this is the boat that Paul wants next, well not this actual one but a new one built to the same design now whether he will actually realise that dream or not is open to debate but who knows it could be a possibility.

Windy or what!!!!!!

As we arent moving much at the moment our routine is pretty mundane. Once again the wind has got up and it is cold and wet. Paul must get out and move a couple of fenders which were clunking on the side of the boat all night, yes my side of the boat so while he was snoring I was listening to the wind and the fenders. I struggled up to the village this morning while Paul did a battery check and now as there isnt a film on he has wandered over to Midland Chandlers just to have a look, just wonder what he will come back with. Saying that they have a 20% off day on Friday so I hope he is only looking!!!!!!
A few boats have braved the elements today, yesterday there was no one moored on the 48 hr spots and there is no one on the puddlebanks today, still not long till Easter then it will all change.

Back again

Tuesday morning and its nice to wake up on the boat again. Had a lovely weekend with the family, the Indian takeaway Saturday night was delicious no complaints there. With Sunday being Mothers Day it was nice to see what Emily and Tom had bought Jess and she was treated to breakfast in bed. For my treat I was taken to Leeds Castle considering I have lived in Kent for all these years it is somewhere I have never been. It is nice because once you have bought your ticket you can reuse it as many times as you like in a year. As the day was sunny there were lots of people there, I had a lovely time. As it was a bit of a squeeze in the car Jon choose to ride his Vespa scooter to the castle. It was his 40th present to himself reliving his mis-spent youth. On the way to Leeds Castle he struggled to keep up with us but on the way back he left before us needless to say it didn't take long for us to catch him. I keep telling to get himself a proper bike but I don't think Jess would agree to that.

Just look at that blue sky.

Visit to the docs went okay, yet again BP was high compared to my home readings so its back again in a month. I will conquer this white coat syndrome thingy.

Today we walked up to the village so I could post the letter to the council, we had to call into the chandlers and Tradline fenders, although it is bright the wind has a distinctive nip. Last evening the canal resembled the sea with waves coming down so fast even the ducks were struggling. Thank heaven its a bit calmer today.

kent

I am writing this from Jess's in Kent.Not a good start to the weekend as I lost my bus pass goodness only knows where I put it probably on the fire with the rubbish. So I had to pay!!!!!!! Knowing I was going to Kent I knew I could go into the council offices to get a replacement. What a saga that turned out to be, as Paul and I had omitted to go on the electoral roll ( a complete oversight on our behalf) they had taken my details off of the system and told me we weren't entitled to bus passes. I was getting a little frustrated at this point as we have lived in the area for over 30 years any way to cut a long story short I have a form to fill in return and then I will get a replacement pass at a cost of course. Jamie was with me in the offices and his comment was, for the length of time I was there if I had been an illegal immigrant I would have been rehoused. Hopefully it is all sorted.
I went out with my friend Angelique for a nice meal. (well that was the plan). What started out as a very pleasant evening ended up in a complete disaster. The Mexican restaurant was fully booked and they couldn't seat us until 9.30 which was a bit late for us, so plane B was to go to a Chinese that Ange knew. When we walked though the door there wasn't another soul in there how spooky was that! It was one of those Buffet places eat all you like for a set fee. Was a bit off putting to see members of staff stirring up the meagre morsels that lay in the bottom of the containers. You know what its like when you have this strange feeling you may have made a very bad error of judgement. But being intrepid diners we stuck with it and found some of the food was edible, they actually bought out fresh crispy duck which is our favourite so was eaten pretty darn quickly. Ange was very brave and went up for a 3rd plate but first mouthful and whole lot was left, she went up to complain as the choices were abysmal the food had been standing probably since lunch time and I had an awful feeling I was going to be ill sometime in the not too distant future. I'm sure you know what I am going to say, no reduction in the bill just a load of excuses, we should have complained earlier, they were willing to cook us fresh stuff but no they wouldn't cook it and let us take it away. So bill was paid in full no tip no goodbyes and luckily no upset stomach. we laughed about it all the way home.
Tonight I am having an Indian take away with the kids lets hope that this will be a better, certainly cant be any worse.
Other than that little mishap I am having a good time. Paul, I hope is missing me loads.

Sunny sunny sunny!!!!

Oh what a lovely day, after a very foggy start. Just the day to catch up with bits and pieces. Paul has fixed our new solar lights to the top box he has also made a box for the bow thruster battery and generally ponced about. I have cleaned a couple of cupboards out finding stuff poked in out of reach places which I have never missed or used so are now in the bin. The dogs have had a decent walk and I am going to wander up to the shop by the top lock to have a look at his second hand books. I have a few to take up with me that I bought last year so they can be sold again all in a good cause.

Must get my trolley dolly sorted for my trip to Kent, have already arranged to see our best friends and Jess is inviting Jamie over Saturday evening and we are going to have a take away so I am in for a nice family time. Whats Paul going to do? Well I think a spot of painting is on the cards and he also wants to make a slight modification to the toilet which he thought was best done while I was out of the way (what is he implying?) Think the boat is going to get a good wash down and a polish so Paul is going to be busy while I am out enjoying myself.

Braunston

We got here yesterday after a nice journey through the tunnel (yes you did hear that correctly) we didn't meet anything coming the other way so it was a very pleasant experience for me. Being with John and Wendy made the locks easy as Once the two boats were in a lock I would go on to set the next one or sometimes two. Was sad to see the pub closed but it looked as though it is being refurbished.

We both managed to get onto the 48 hour moorings and needless to say the internet reception was non existent so that is why I have had to miss a day. As we need to be here for at least 14 days we had a wander up the towpath to the 14 dayers opposite the Millhouse on our way we passed nb Balmaha and it was nice to have a chat with another set of bloggers. Just before the turn there was enough space for at least 3 boats so we decided that Wednesday morning we would move up here.
Paul rang Hilmorton and booked the boat in to have its bottom blacked and arranged to get her BSC done at the same time, they could have done the boat on Monday but that was a little too soon for us. We go in Easter weekend. I have my appointment for the doctors Monday so I will be off to Kent Friday at least I will be able to spend Mothers day with my kids.

This morning Paul had me walking the tow path at the ungodly hour of 8.15am to check there were still moorings opposite the pub with walkie talkie in hand off I trotted like the good wife that I am. Every 5 mins I was getting "can you hear me okay" to which he got a curt YES. At least we now know that these contraptions have quite a long range. Anyway I digress, spaces were still there so a quick 10 4 for a copy and Paul was on his way. So now we are settled for a while TV works and if I sit in the cratch the laptop works. John and Wendy passed around 9.30 on their way up to Napton and then Birmingham, more frantic waving as they went by, can keep in touch with them by email, hope to meet up with them in Birmingham.
Beccy the sign writer knocked this morning to say hello. We now have to make a trip into Daventry to get a few bits and pieces so the bus passes will get an airing. No doubt Paul will want to call into Weatherspoons for a cheap pint of IPA.
Oh yes forgot to mention the boat moored behind us is Granny Buttons, we went about 15 months without every meeting him and now our paths seem to be crossing every few days.

What a lovely day!!

We left Weedon in the company of nb Kwenda Kulala crewed by John and Wendy. Our plan was to share the locks up to no 6 then moor up. We had a good system going but were very fortunate as there were boats coming down at every lock except for no6. So today we have seen plenty of people on the move and a few hire boats, one of which had about 6 lads in their 20's on it. One of these had had a slight mishap with his windlass and was nursing a suspected broken jaw and a broken tooth ouch!!!!!!!!!

Having been told that were quite a few BW boats by the top lock we decided to moor up just after going through Lock 6 and that is where we are now. Unfortunately the canal shop is shut on Mondays and I really fancied an ice cream.

John and Wendy invited us aboard for a cup of coffee once we were settled and it was nice to be shown round their boat, first reverse layout boat I have been on. They will be coming to us for "Tiffin" around 4.30.

It is such a lovely day and there are plenty of people walking the tow path, Paul got out a chair to take a few rays and is now having a fish. For once my washing is drying in sunshine and is not draped round the boat. Tomorrow it is the last of these locks then onto the tunnel and the Braunston 6, then moor up on the puddlebanks while John and Wendy make their way on towards Birmingham.

Speeding boaters!!!

Hi this is Paul in charge of the keyboard now.Moan of the week.

I am a little bit miffed or should I say thoroughly p****d off that during our stay here we have been bounced around on the mooring by inconsiderate private boaters going miles too fast past moored boats. I have logged all the boat names going North and will be visiting the nearest army surplus store to buy a quantity of limpet mines. I know it is the start of the season but you would think they would remember the courtesy and etiquette that they may have put into practise last year (of course they may not)

End of moan........

Better post this quick before Lynne deletes it

New Friends.

When I went onto the blog yesterday I got a bit excited (steady on Lynne) we had actually got a comment on Fridays write up. Now we don't often get a comment so this was a new occurrence. the comment was from Alan and Francis nb Lazy Days letting me know that Buckby was now open and as they were coming our way they would look out for us. As the time went on and we didn't see them we assumed they must have passed when we were walking the dogs. Well blow me if about 10 mins later they appeared so there was a bit of frantic waving and I thought well that's it. I quickly went on to Alan's blog and left a comment saying it was good to see them in passing and hopefully we could catch up with them some time in the future.

About an hour later there was a knock on the boat and it was Alan and Francis. Within 5 mins Paul and Alan were in the engine bay and Francis and I found out we had a very similar taste in reading matter. As Alan and Francis had booked into the Narrowboat for a meal they very kindly asked us if we would like to join them silly question really but we readily agreed. Paul had to talk nicely to his wallet as it isn't used to being opened two nights on the trot.

We got to the pub first and all the staff were dressed in their PJ's and dressing gowns, for comic relief we presumed. The one guy behind the bar in shirt and tie was a bit lacking in the normal social skills we were standing at the bar and he said"yes" we gave our order and the next three words were " four pound eighty" gone are the good old days when you were greeted with a smile and "good evening what would you like to drink and would there be anything else sir" and a "please and a Thank you" it seems to me that these people have the attitude they are doing you a favour just for serving you no wonder there are 19 public houses closing a week for what ever reason. Perhaps he had a strop because he wasn't in his PJ's. We found a seat and with 5 mins Alan and Francis arrived in slow motion Paul made his way to the bar bought them their drinks, we were given the menus and after ordering our food were shown to our table by a waitress. The food when it arrived was very nice and the waiting staff very pleasant and attentive, it was a bit disconcerting to be served by a 6ft tall lad in a pair of paisley pyjamas and trainers. But we had a very pleasant evening getting to know one another, we then retired to nb Lazy Days for a quick cup of coffee before returning along the tow path to our boat. As we left Alan and Francis we arranged to go for a Sunday lunch pint in the Plume of Feathers (are we becoming wino's).

Sunday morning Paul spent about 3 hours chatting to the guy called John on the boat in front of us goodness only know what the conversation was about but I kept hearing snippets like, solar panel ....amps.......batteries........charge the engine, so I knew they wouldn't miss any input in the conversation from me, I noticed John's wife kept a low profile as well. Around 11.30 Alan and Francis came along and we headed for the Plume, just like Friday night the place was very busy with a completely different atmosphere to the Narrowboat which is a more upmarket place with different kind of clientele. We enjoyed a couple of drinks and a bite to eat, Paul spending most of the time winding the landlady up, however it was taken all in good jest on her behalf. Paul hasn't been banned so he didn't upset her too much.
During the short time spent with Alan and Francis we have had lots of laughs, light banter, discussing various topics and generally finding out about one another. It is a shame we are going in opposite directions, but no doubt we will catch up with them somewhere. I hope we will remain friends.

Suns Out

View of Weedon church from our mooring.

View from the ground, this is a lovely old church in a well kept spot.



We took the dogs for a walk this morning, left the boat took the road under the canal then back up onto the tow path opposite the boat. The wind was a bit on the chilly side but at least the sun was out. Granny Buttons went past (again) Andy was on his way to meet up with RCR as his alternator had packed up. Hope they can fix it for you Andy.
We walked up to the main road then through the High Street. Dogs aren't that used to traffic but behaved themselves. While we were out we had a call from our friends in Spain with the good news that they had finally sold their house there. It has been on the market on and off for around 3 years and they were desperate to come back to England well now they can and we know how it feels to sell your house there when it has been on the market for a while. We look forward to seeing them again.
Last night we did go to The Plume of Feathers for a curry and very nice it was too. Obviously not the same as eating in an Indian restaurant but good all the same. there was a choice of curries with either rice or chips and you got a poppadom with chutney and a nann bread plus a drink all for a tenner for 2. Paul splashed the cash and had another pint. Paul didnt moan once in fact he thanked the landlady for a nice pint of IPA is he going soft in his old age!!! The atmosphere in the pub was good and later in the evening there was to be a singer. Apparently they have entertainment most Fridays. This is a lovely old village with lots of beautiful old houses. There is also a quilting and patchwork shop close to the Plume of Feathers.

Weedon

Well we made it and are currently moored up on the offside moorings by the church. On our way here we saw some friends we met while at our old marina. they have a winter mooring at Stowe Hill. They sold their original boat and now are the proud owners of nb Victory. Was nice to be able to stop and have a chat. On our way here I espied this tree now is it my imagination or does it look like a mobile phone mast?

As yet haven't had an email from BW to say the Buckby flight is open but we will stay here till Monday, who know the stoppage may overrun.

I popped into the village for a wander. I had checked with my First Mate guide to see if there was a doctors here and there is. According to the guide it is only open mornings and 2 evenings but when I found it it is open all day and I was able to make an appointment for Paul for later in the afternoon. I had to get milk and bread plus top the phones up so the One Stop shop was my next port of call. Managed to get a few bits and top up the phones before heading back to the boat.

Paul saw the doc, was the only patient in the waiting room and was in and out in 5 mins with a prescription for 3 months supply of pills, pharmacy is in the surgery so that didn't take long. We then checked out the pubs (like you do) The Plume of Feather has a curry night on a Friday 2 meals + drinks for a tenner so guess where we are going tonight. Of course I just happened to forget to take out food for tea from the freezer, convenient or what. I will get Paul to part with some of his money. Will let you know how we get on.

Bridge 44

Left the pound around 9.45 I had walked the short distance to set the lock and as the lock was filling another boat was coming down lock 14 so that made things a bit easier, had a chat to the lady off nb South Downs and it transpired their home mooring was Kingfisher Marina at Yardley where nb Shannen stays and this couple came from Kent also, small world eh!
We approached the Blisworth Tunnel with me full of trepidation (ok I know I'm a woose) at least we could see there was nothing in the tunnel so I was able to relax just concentrated on keeping the high beam light on the tunnel wall so Paul could judge things, as we were on our own we were able to weave round the torrents of water coming from the ventilation vents, dogs weren't impressed mind when they got soaked so they went below and my nice clean carpet now has a paw mark pattern. We were about 2/3rds of the way through when we saw a boat enter the tunnel, in fact we could hear his engine, a nice donky donk engine that Paul would love. We passed one another at a decent speed and didn't even touch each other or the tunnel walls, so perhaps I am getting worked up over nothing. Then another boat came in through this one was a trip boat don't know if he had any passengers chap shouted hello as he went by. When we emerged the sun was shining.
A wide beam and a narrow boat came out of Blisworth Marina heading in the same direction as us. The chap on the narrowboat kept waving us through but Paul kept declining, it appeared that the wide beam although having plenty of revs on the engine was virtually at a stand still so when we were waved through again Paul went for it, as we overtook the narrowboat the chap told us that they were delivering the wide beam and it wouldn't go any quicker, it looked a lovely boat but I don't think I would like to take one out. May be we will get one when we aren't able to travel just have a home mooring and stay put, I really cant see us ever living in a house again so that would be an option for our old age.
We eventually moored up just before bridge 44, we stayed here in October when on our way down, there are few boats here, probably like us just killing time.

Stoke Bruene

Well we made it, we are moored up in the pound between locks 15 and 16 at Stoke Bruene. Had a lovely journey no wind and sunshine. Had to stop at Yardley marina for a gas bottle and more elsan. Caught up with nb Shannen who were just going into their home mooring there, before heading back to Sittingbourne. While at the marina enquired about boat blacking prices, and the dock is booked solid until June so will have to give them a miss as we need to get it done asap. Looks like it will be Hilmorton for the job. (if we can get in there of course must ring them)
We are going to tackle the tunnel tomorrow and then probably make for Weedon stay there until after the weekend, that will give everyone time to get going again after the stoppage at Buckby. Then we are on the last leg before Braunston.

Was it worth it?

Woke this morning to a nice bright day with just a light breeze so we decided to bite the bullet and go on a bit further. By the time we had got the canopy down, the tv ariel down, the panel down and the chimney off it had turned a bit grey. Still that wasn't a problem we are used to getting wet as long as the wind stayed light we didn't mind. Off we set and within 15 mins it was lashing it down and blowing a hooley (is that how you spell it?). So an executive decision was made and we pulled over and moored up AGAIN only travelled for 20 mins. So canopy went back up, ariel went up, panel up and chimney on. Does this sound like we are light weights!!!!! Believe me there were white caps on the canal and we don't do white caps. Have only seen one boat today so far so perhaps there are others like us who don't like the wind.
Tomorrow we will move on, maybe just for 30mins but we will be moving, honest!!!!!!!

Bit breezy

Don't know what it was like last night where you were but here is was pretty darn windy. In fact I would go so far as to say it was near gale force. Early evening Granny Buttons went past, Andy stopped for a very quick chat before continuing on his way.
Today we still have the strong winds and we have had torrential rain and brilliant sunshine. About half a dozen boats have gone southwards and those going north have come down the canal crab like to compensate for the wind, we have had a few near misses where the helmsman hasn't allowed for the gusty winds. We will stay put until the weather has calmed down. Paul's paintwork is now dry and hopefully with the warmth under the canopy it will harden off nicely before we have to stand on it. At the moment the dogs are having to get off the boat via the cratch, no hardship but I have to make sure their feet are dried off properly before they come into the lounge, especially as I shampooed the carpet yesterday. As promised I have done tiddley squat today except for walk the dogs. Jess rang me so I was able to catch up with her. Give me another hour and the dogs will have to be walked again, and by the sound of it the wind has really got up so it should be fun on the tow path. Who knows what we will be doing tomorrow!!!!! Will have to check the forecast.

Loads of boats

Forgot to mention that the canal here has been a bit like a motorway today, obviously the sun has bought them out. Saw the two hire boats from Gayton heading back that way and then a Wyvern hire boat has gone up this morning some boats have gone up winded and then made their way back from whence they came. One boat in particular went up first thing with a crew of about 6, they have just come back down and now have most of our paint on their boat. Why is it when there is the full width of the canal do they have to scrape along the side of our boat. They did apologise, blaming the wind, but surely when we are the only boat in view they could have made some attempt to steer clear. Obviously I'm wrong (okay I very rarely steer but I know if I was a bit unsure I would hand the tiller back to Paul). Perhaps the pile of beer cans blocked their view.
Oh what a grumpy person I am.

Busy day

Friday we left the mooring and had a nice morning travelling looking for our weekend spot in the country. Finally found a really nice place just before bridge 62, no boats, no trains, no pubs and definitely no shops just perfect.

Once we were settled I took the dogs for a decent walk and nb Shannen happened to be coming along. We had seen them in the summer at Braunston and spent time chatting then as they come from Sittingbourne in Kent which is where my daughter lives. So I was able to catch up with them again, they were just going back to their marina at Yardley before popping up to Birmingham in the car. I now know their plans for the summer so hopefully we will see them again.

Today has been such a busy day for both of us Paul has painted the stern deck taking advantage of the nice breeze and sunshine to dry it off. When I took Paul a coffee he said to me "what are you doing" what am I doing? I had cleaned the fire out washing the tiles in the hearth, washed the nets (by hand I might add) which I put on the airer on the tow path. I then shampooed the carpet in the lounge, changed the beds, cleaned the mirrors and the windows. Was that enough? I think he thought I had been spending my time on my laptop, how wrong was he. So now its time for R & R . Paul has his war film on and I am catching up with my blog and my emails. Tomorrow I think I will do absolutely nothing.

Wildlife

I popped up the back of the boat to see how Paul was getting on as he was dangling his rod again, only to find him fast asleep, at the time it was quite warm under the canopy and he had dropped off. Needless to say he hasn't caught anything but while watching his float he spied a movement on the opposite bank and it turned out to be a weasel. He watched it for quite sometime and it then it returned to its hideyhole with a mouse. Taking it to a small hole in the bank I think its a bit early for it to have young. Then blow me if a barn owl started circling landing in the field. To cap it all I took the dogs out and when I came out of the woods Saffie just stopped and was staring across the canal there was a vixen staring back at us, she then trotted off. I know none of these things are rare but to see them all in such a short space of time was amazing.
Paul did try to take some photos of the weasel but because I have such a crap camera (his words) they aren't good enough to down load. Now, said camera is a bog standard point and go digital camera with a very limited zoom. Not ideal for wildlife studies but okay if you want to just snap things so it is perfect for me (photos on this blog prove this) so now himself wants to get a "decent" camera which has a zoom lens. Don't know when this will materialise but don't hold your breath.
Have just had a short sharp shower and now the sun is out yet again but the temperature has dropped.
Have surpassed myself writing on this blog twice in one day it wont happen often I can assure you. (Was that a sigh of relief I heard?)

Bridge 75

This is the mooring we left this morning by bridge 98 Water Eaton (not Fenny Stratford). We stayed here another day as one of Paul's friends (yes he does have some) works at Bletchley and had emailed us to find out where we were, is that a coincidence or what. Any way Colin arranged to call on us last night after he had finished work. So with a bit of time on our hands we wandered to the co-op to get a paper and we intended to call in the post office to renew Paul's fishing license but as with a lot of post offices it was no longer there, the shop is now a wine merchants. In the afternoon we took the dogs for a nice long walk in Waterhall park, than back along the tow path was a lovely day and we all enjoyed the exercise. Colin came around 6.45 and stayed till 10, there was plenty of reminiscing going on as they both worked together for a number of years. Paul was pleased that Colin had seen the boat as he is rather proud of her.

Although the wind was a bit sharp this morning it was a nice journey with only one lock to do so an easy day for me. We had to stop at one point for Paul to put his arm in the weed hatch to untangle a black sack from the prop, other than that every thing was fine. We finally moored up above bridge 75, nice spot and the sun is shining couldn't ask for a nicer place.

We actually saw a couple of hire boats today from Gayton they said they were making the most of the canal before it got too busy. Just like us I suppose. Not sure how long we are going to stay here we will just have to wait and see.

Fenny Stratford

We left the mooring at about 8.30am which for us is still the middle of the night. Paul wanted to get to Fenny Stratford before the weather closed in. After yesterdays lovely sunshine today was very grey as the song say "what a difference a day makes"

This is Solbury top lock, there were a couple of BW guys doing maintenance work so we passed the time of day with them.

As you can see the clouds were getting thicker and there was a definite breeze. Mind you these three locks are quite high up.

By the time we got to the bottom lock the sky looked threatening. The Three Locks pub is being refurbished, by the amount of workmen on site I would say it is being gutted. As this is one of the few pubs we haven't been in I cant comment on what it was like inside before the refurbishment started.

We continued on, going through one more lock, stopped at Willowbridge Marina for diesel and coal ( forgot the gas bottle!!!) diesel was 59p and I think they are keeping that price for the whole of March. The coal cost nearly as much as the diesel. We are now moored up just past bridge 98. By the time we got here it was very windy and the TV ariel blew off the roof. Paul did a quick rush up the gunnel to retrieve it shouting at me to take the helm, this I did not realising Paul had knocked the boat out of gear so as I was heading straight for a boat moored on the offside I couldn't understand why I had no steerage, expecting a load of abuse from himself I did my own bit of shouting, Paul was back in control in no time slamming the boat in reverse saying as he did so "you had no steerage because I knocked it out of gear" well, why didn't you tell me that while I was in panic mode I wondered to myself.

As I write this it is raining so the dogs will have to wait a bit to be taken out. It is nice here as Willowbridge park is next to the canal and is a lovely walk for the dogs. Looking in the First Mates guide there is a PO near by and Paul needs to renew his rod license so if we stay here tomorrow we will go for a wander. Couple of boats have gone past this afternoon they are obviously more hardy than us.

Leighton Buzzard

This was Slapton Lock this morning all set ready for Paul to go in. Just look at that blue sky you would think it was the middle of summer. Good job you cant see us all wrapped up in scarves and gloves.
Had a nice journey making the most of the sunshine, only 3 locks to Leighton Buzzard where yet again I availed myself of Tesco. Needed to get a couple of sacks of dog food while we were close to the canal. It is okay carrying our stuff in rucksacks but a 17kg sack of dog food is a bit of a struggle, saying that we do have a nice trolley so I don't really know what I am going on about.
We are now moored up below Leighton Lock with Tom from Wirral Wanderer and quite a few others. Understand there is a pub close by so no doubt we will investigate that later. Think we are in for a spot of rain and wind tomorrow so depending how strong the wind is will determine how long we stay here. Tom has very kindly offered to run Paul to Cowroast to get some coal. As I write this Paul is fishing again, he is a bit put out as the TV reception here is awful no digital at all and no BBC1 or channel 5 on terrestial. Paul was convinced it was the freeview box but every boater he has spoken too have said they cant get digital either so it looks like the box has been saved from a watery grave for today at least.

Worth the wait!

Well here is the fish that Paul spent all yesterday chasing. He just couldn't resist another day at this fishing lark and his patience paid off this morning when he landed this carp.

What have I been doing, just the washing, Oh and I made a trifle.

Can't believe it is March already, spring is just around the corner. Although weather forecast is for another cold snap we must get some coal as we are down to our last 2 bags. There has been a bit of movement of boats past us today seen 3 or 4 must be the mild spell made people move.