Too hot to paint!!!

Today Paul got stuck into the bow painting, having first decided to re-varnish the wooden stern hand rail. Which meant all the canopy had to come off and the dodger. I left him sanding it down while I carried on with my bit of cleaning. After an hour or two I popped up the back to see how things were progressing and I couldn't see the stern deck for half inch of dust. He was a busy little bee though and there was already one coat of varnish on the wood work. Thank heavens it was another lovely day as each coat of varnish dried quickly. In between the five coats of varnish that were applied it was up the sharp end to get that sorted. Gas locker hatch came right off as did the cleats , the angle grinder came out and the rust

was removed once and for all. Needless to say there was no undercoat on the locker hatch much mumbling ensued, now there is red oxide and undercoat on all the bare metal. Paul also put a layer of bird sand either side of the hatch to give us a non slip surface as many a time when it has been wet things have been a bit on the dodgy side. Will look good when it is finished

hopefully tomorrow. As you can see Paul was wearing neither hat nor t shirt rather remiss of him considering the years we spent in Spain where he always wore a hat, having had an operation to remove a skin cancer you would think he would know better. You cant tell these men can you!!!!

Believe it or not even though it must have been the hottest day of the year so far the boat traffic has been relatively quiet, suppose with half term being over the vast majority of hire boats are back in their marinas. I must admit that I love it when we can spend a weekend in such a lovely spot as this, there are no pubs, shops or a main road near by and the tow path traffic is mainly walkers it is so peaceful. Mind you, might change my mind if it was pouring with rain.

Tomorrow the boat must have a good wash down to get rid of the dust from Paul's sanding, if the topcoat is going on the bow I will have to be very careful, will have to work front to back and start before Paul gets his paint brush out. Lets hope the sun is shining again and I may even put my shorts on and a vest top may as well look as if I am on holiday, then again life is one big holiday isn't it!!!!!!

Bridge 85

How do we do it? On the move by 9am only because a few boats on the move early to get to wherever and the banging was getting on our nerves. Stopped by The Shroppie Fly for water so nb Chickadee got to the lock before us, but as there is only 3 more in this flight I don't mind waiting. Our plan is to find a nice quiet mooring away from everything. After we left the bottom lock we pulled over to let Crystal off for a few minutes, she seems a bit better today but isn't happy about getting up the steps onto the cruiser stern so we are finding it easier to get her off at the cratch. Toilet stop complete and we were on our way, such a lovely day I even gave the world its first glimpse of my ankles put a pair of cropped jeans on and a T shirt so even my arms got an airing. Paul surpassed himself and a T shirt emerged from the depths of his wardrobe. Journey was a dream we passed a nice 48hr mooring with rings but decided to go a bit further finally came upon a nice stretch of armco just before bridge 85 could see a couple of boats nearer to the bridge so Paul decided to pull in a little bit away from them, well, every time I leapt ashore with the centre rope we found we kept running aground as it was so shallow, 3 times I did this and I was getting decidedly miffed because everytime I had to get back on, the boat was further away from the side so it was one big leap to get on . Well we are now moored up about 2 boats lengths from the boat in front so much for being on our own. Paul had to go and speak to the guy as he noticed that he was fishing they have been here a few days and apparently it will get busy here tonight. Nantwich is full so its a good job we weren't making for there. Its ideal for touching up the side (again) and hopefully the bow can be done too. I had better clean the windows as it is like looking through a fog.

Any way this is our mooring for the weekend nice eh!

Paul has just woken up after his siesta (feeling 10 times worse) and has now taken the hatch doors off due to the fact they need a good greasing, think this calls for me to get a chair on the tow path and watch an expert at work. Don't you just feel so much better when the sun is shining.

Audlem

Well believe it or not we were actually on the move by 9am, nb Chickadee had gone before us so they must be very early risers. Nice and warm bit overcast but no wind, horrayyyyyy. Down the Adderly locks then it was the Audlem flight and do you know at every lock there was someone coming up oh what joy it was nice not to be running around closing gates after Paul he just sat in the lock until the one coming up started to come out and they crossed in the pound perfect. Had two mishaps the first one being Paul lost all steerage coming into a lock don't ask me what one as I cant remember so a few paint touch ups as he hit the gates going in, It transpired that the rudder had come loose so while in the lock it was out with the tools and a quick tighten up, thank goodness it was nothing worse. Other mishap was that Crystal has injured herself while getting from the bedroom to the back of the boat. We have steps and she usually just jumps up them with no problem but today I think she has strained herself so getting her on and off the boat has been a bit of a nightmare as she is very uncomfortable she even ate her dinner lying down.

Scenery has been lovely just rolling hills green fields with the odd house how can you not enjoy this life style. By the time we had got to lock 11 we had had enough been on the go for over 4 hours so once out of the lock we tied up at the 48hr mooring and we are now banging up against The Shroppie Shelf. Trouble is every time a boat goes through lock 12 the water level changes so when we came back from the canal shop the back of the boat was actually sitting on the shelf so I think another early start will be in order tomorrow to get away from the banging. Had a drink with Kath and John in the Shroppie Fly this afternoon, they are off to Nantwich tomorrow and we are hoping to find a nice quiet spot for the weekend. Must dash as it is the last ever episode of ER and I can't miss that.

Market Drayton

Was a case of shall we shan't we this morning, couldn't make up our minds whether to go or stay. At midday we decided to go, the wind had dropped although it did look like rain. Noticed in one of the books that the cutting ahead could be a bit on the narrow side and its sods law that as soon as we entered the cutting a boat was coming the other way. We pulled over as near to the side as we could to let him past, luckily this was the narrowest spot and the other boats we encountered were able to pass with a few inches to spare. Got to Tyrley locks and the wind got up, boat coming up gave us a bit of advice about the weirs in each pound as they are a bit of a hazard at the moment with all the rain we have had recently. Paul was so busy talking to a guy on a boat waiting that he didn't notice the boat slowly being drawn towards the weir only me shouting at him made him get his concentration back. These locks were very busy with boats coming up only us going down so invariably there were a couple of boats in each pound waiting for us to come out of the lock. At lock 4 we went in and the boat in 5 waiting to come up sat in the lock as the pound has a shelf tow path side so it is best to pass in the middle of the pound and not try to moor up. We were hoping that with the amount of traffic we had passed Market Drayton would be empty but no, we had the last set of rings before bridge 62. Mind you as I write this there are lots of boats behind us on pins obviously a popular spot and they are still arriving at 9pm.
We walked up to the town just for a look round had to go to the bank so that is now sorted. Went to Morrisons for milk and ended up with a rucksack and 2 bags of shopping. Paul tells me he is not coming in another supermarket with me as I tell lies about the amount of shopping I am going to get and he has to carry the heavy stuff (which is usually his beers). Does this man want to eat I ask my self. Don't think there is another waterside supermarket until we get to Whaley Bridge so it looks as if I will have a lot of lonely supermarket visits. We went to The Talbot for a meal and I have never seen so much food on a plate. I had even ordered a small portion and still couldn't eat it all, so no room for a pudding. Our friends who originate from Hyde nr Manchester told us the further North we went the larger the meals and we thought they were joking. Paul can afford to put on a couple of stone I certainly can't. Paul is getting in to the different beers though. I had my normal cider and black and noticed the cider was 6% proof good job I only had a half. Have met up with nb Chickadee here, they originate from Sittingbourne in Kent which is about 5 miles from where we come from, last time we saw them was in Rugby last summer so was nice to catch up again. We are hoping to get to Audlem tomorrow so I think we are planning on a fairly early start as we have a few locks to do. For the past couple of mornings we havent got up until 8.30 so had better set the alarm so we can be on the move by 9ish.

Bridge 55 Goldstone

Our visit to The Anchor Inn was an eye opener to say the least. It is like sitting in someones front room, in fact you are. Beer out of a jug, cider from a flagon very oldie worldie and this is the charm of the pub. There were 8 of us there and the room was full, talk generally was about motor bikes and boats Paul ended up having 3 and a half pints so another disturbed night with numerous trips to the loo will this man ever learn?
Left about 10 this morning in a blustery wind, just our luck to be following a day hire boat from Norbury Junction, to say he was having a problem coping with the wind was an understatement in fact at one point he was going down the canal crab like. Still it gave us something to smile about. We decided to moor at bridge 55 Goldstone just in case we couldn't get in at the bottom of the locks. Needless to say day boat decided to moor up in front of us so we held back while he sorted himself out. He jumped onto the tow path tied up the back of the boat by which time the front was across the canal blocking our way, quick toot and there was panic poor chap was trying to get the front in while the back was tied up in the end he untied the back and just swung the whole thing round, his kids thought it was very funny. Good job there was nothing coming the other way. Still we are settled for the night now, it is still windy but sunny. Storm never materialised last night plenty of rain though. Need to get to Market Drayton for the bank and a bit of shopping, hopefully this will be tomorrow.

bridge 42 Anchor Inn

Left Gnosall this morning and have done the sum total of 2 hours cruising. Okay I know a lot of you think we are light weights but what is the rush we don't have a time schedule.

Passed under this famous bridge on the way and the journey was pleasant and warm. Needed to use the sanitary point at Norbury junction but couldn't get on it as there were so many boats, so next available facilities are at Market Drayton, good job we have two cassettes. Got to bridge 42 and are now moored below it just past The Anchor.

We have been told that we just have to go into this pub as it is like stepping back in time. So tomorrow I will let you know how we got on. Got chatting (like you do) to a couple moored up next to us and the lady very kindly came aboard to point out the best mooring places and those to avoid on our journey up to the Peak Forest and back on the Trent and Mersey. Have arranged to meet them in the pub tonight.

Although it is still warm it has just started to rain and with the promise of storms tonight think we will need to get to the pub early, as it doesn't open till 7 will give us time to eat and get showered. This is a nice spot 48hr with rings will probably only stay tonight then move on up a bit further. We need to be on our own somewhere as Paul has to get the angle grinder out to get stuck into the paintwork on the bow. Have a bit of rust on the gas locker hatch and round the cleats so these need to be sorted soon. More boats have passed us today than over the past 2 weeks about 50/50 hire boats and private. But it is so peaceful here what living on the canal is all about.

Hot hot hot. (at last)

Oh what a lovely day this is what bank holidays should be like. Have had to set the laptop up on the back of the boat as the signal here is rubbish. I have managed to get the brass steps polished, Paul took them off the boat so I could do "a proper job". Cheeky monkey. It goes without saying that Paul is watching the Grand Prix. Had a drunken phone call from number one son on his way home from Wembley yesterday needless to say Gillingham won., so very happy family all round.
Now, will we move on tomorrow or stay here another day, such a big decision to make. Weather forecast for tomorrow evening is thunderstorms so as long as we are moored up somewhere what does it matter where we are. Well not a lot to report so I think it is time to get the chair on the towpath and catch some rays!!!!!!!!

Gnosall

Yesterday we left Brewood in the rain (yet again) not too sure where we would end up but hoping that we would catch up with Pete and Carol. Only one lock to contend with then a stop at the facilities below the lock. Journey although wet was very pleasant not many other craft about, we went over a viaduct and through cuttings where the banks were very steep.

How the navvies excavated these cuttings is beyond me with nothing more than a shovel and a pick axe you have to admire them. No one today would even attempt something of this scale using nothing more than hand tools. We finally decided to moor at Gnosall, it was early afternoon by this time so as is usual for us called it a day as we had found a pleasant mooring. Quick text to Carol and they were just outside Market Drayton so no hope of catching up with them. It is nice here with armco, Paul has put the two wheels out as he wants to paint the side of the boat and they keep the boat just off the armco.

Last night we went to the Navigation by bridge 35 for a meal and very nice it was too, plenty of choice and reasonable. Paul had a curry, I had pasta with salmon, then we shared a sweet, bill came to £27 but this included 2 pints for Paul and a bottle of Strawberry cider for me (this was a pint and delicious). So I can recommend this very friendly pub.

Today at long last the sun has come out and so has the world and his dog, boat traffic has been very brisk but it is bank holiday and half term so its only to be expected. Paul is busy with the painting after having a break to watch GP qualifying. I took a walk and found a nice little village shop that sold fresh bread and cakes. No doubt I will be up there again before we leave. Had a phone call from my eldest son and he is off to Wembley today with my middle lad and about 30 others to cheer on Gillingham in the play offs. Grandson is going too but with his mates so "come on you Gills".

Opposite us are some moored boats and there is a guy busy with the Brasso cleaning his mushrooms etc so looks like that will be a job for me tomorrow can't let this nice weather go to waste and as Paul will be watching the GP I will do some brass cleaning. Have also found a lovely walk for the dogs along a disused railway line which is now a foot path so all in all a very good spot, nice pub, nice village and good walks for the dogs that is what this life is all about.

Moving tomorrow

Well, I have a nice hair cut a snip (pardon the pun) at £18.50 bit dearer then the £6.50 at Hilmorton but worth it.Post also came and that is all filed away. Our friends Pete and Carol arrived here yesterday so a session in The Bridge Inn ensued. I showed some restraint and only had 2 halves of cider and a coke Paul had 4 yes 4 pints of dark mild and had to get up 3 times in the night, serves him right I say. Was lovely to catch up with our friends again.
This morning it was back to the antique shop in the village and we now have a lovely old brass oil lamp which Paul has converted to electric. While in the village we also bought a couple of pots and plants for the roof of the boat.
Carol and Pete moved on this afternoon going just a bit further as Pete hopes to find a decent fishing spot. As we have decided to make a move tomorrow we will probably catch up with them again. I will be sorry to leave this lovely place everyone here is so friendly it is nice to go to a place where the residents actually speak to you and shopkeepers pass the time of day. I am sure we will find some other nice villages on this tranquil canal.

And its still raining!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was a pottering day. We took a gentle stroll to the village to tell the lady in the PO there would be some mail coming, then we found the nice bakers so had to buy fresh rolls and scrummy cakes, didn't need meat so gave the butcher a miss. Looking in the window of a nice repro shop and noticing they only opened on a Thursday started to walk on when a chap opened the shop and said you are welcome to look round which is what we did. So much in there, lots of lovely brass scuttles and a brilliant lamp for the front of the boat about 2ft tall all copper and brass we have seen these for around £200-£300 this was a snip at £150 pity we had bought our new light but then again our boat isn't traditional enough to warrant a lamp like that. Butttttt we also saw a brass oil lamp and a nice brass companion set so it looks like we will be going back there on Thursday. Went to the hairdressers to make an appointment and it was shut. In the evening we went to The Bridge for a meal and were impressed with the quality and price. Have also been told of another nice pub so may investigate that when our friends catch us up.

Last night Paul had an idea that rather than use tyres we would try and obtain some wheelbarrow wheels and tyres. So first thing this morning onto the PC to find out where there were some DIY retail outlets ie B&Q. Checking on line found they didn't stock the wheels but did sell wheelbarrows, however a local told us of a builders merchants in Wolverhampton called Tippers who he was confident they would sell these wheels. In the mean time Paul had rung Wickes B&Q and homebase all to no avail. So on the bus we went, as we got off the bus there was a Build Centre so in we popped, apparently they normally keep them in stock but none at present he did offer to order 2 for us but they wouldn't have been delivered until next week so we had to decline his offer. However he did suggest we try a place round the corner called Carvers. This shop is an Aladdin's cave and they probably carry everything for the builder and DIYer and Paul said if they don't sell it in here it probably isn't manufactured.(take note Eric I never saw a Door Jaw!!!). We asked the question and were pointed in the right direction to the wheelbarrow section where lo and behold there was a selection of about 5 different wheels from solid rubber to pneumatic, pointy tyres or normal. Paul was aghast, he couldn't believe he had found what he wanted, took him 10 minutes to make his mind up as to which ones to have he eventually made a decision and we went to the check out where he had the check to ask for discount because he had bought two and bugger me he got 10% off for his cheek. He did wind the girl up as she made a comment about buying two wheels he retorted with "it was a Spanish wheelbarrow" she said "what difference does that make" he said "its a slightly bigger wheelbarrow it has a wheel at the front and one at the back" she said "I have never seen one of those before", "well you wouldn't because your not in Spain" was the reply. I finally dragged him away as he was getting this poor girl really confused, she couldn't imagine how you can have a back wheel on a wheel barrow and she is probably still trying to work it out.
Next job was to find the bus stop as it was by this time pouring with rain (no umbrella) we went to the bus station but bus no3 doesn't go from there. Silly me for thinking our bus would go from the bus station. Another 10 minute walk in the rain to the correct stop only had to wait a few minutes for ours to turn up. Then once back here it was all hands to the wheelbarrow wheels and they are now in position and doing a grand job NO MORE BUMPING YIPEEEEEEE. What a clever boy Paul is. Oh yes hair appointment 12.30 tomorrow.

Bit damp today.

Late yesterday afternoon the sky became decidedly black and I said to Paul I think it's going to rain. As he was watching some film or another he didn't pay me much attention, not that's anything new. Well within 5 minutes the heavens opened and it really lashed it down. The wind had got up as well. "I think its raining " said Paul. Rain, it was hailing, the canal looked as if it was alive such was the ferocity of the hail stones hitting the water. We were being buffeted against the cill and every time the boat hit the dogs jumped up. A couple of boats went past and the helmsman looked very miserable.

Today started better at least the solar panel had a bit of sun on it. As the boat moored in front of us is up tight to the bank I took the broom off the roof and went to see if we could get closer a few feet further on. People walking past gave me some very strange looks as there I was dipping my broom handle into the water. I found that the cill was only a couple of inches wide at this spot whereas where we had been overnight it was at least a foot wide hence the banging. So we just pulled the pins, left the canopy and ariel up and moved. We are now settled again and at least we don't hit the side with such force when the inconsiderate boaters speed past. So the dogs rest easy. After lunch dogs were worrying to go out so on with fleece and wellies and off I go. Paul was watching MOTOGP at this time so no danger of him taking the dogs out. I was couple of hundred yards from the boat when the heavens opened dogs looked at me as if to say "don't you dare take us back yet" so on we went. By the time I got to the next bridge up I couldn't see a thing through my glasses and I was soaked (fleeces tend not to be waterproof) so back we came, Saffie even managed to break into a run as I think she decided it would be better on board. As there is nothing worse than the smell of damp dog I left them both on the back to dry off after giving them both a good rub down. That has been the pattern of the weather all day heavy downpours then sunshine. Hope the forecasters are right and we are in for a hot summer could do with some sunshine. Must admit it is nice to be in the position where you can stay put if you want too, wouldn't like to be in the position of having to rush to places because you have a time scale.

Brewood

Bit breezy when we left the mooring at Autherly around 10 this morning.We never got up till 8.30 just shows how tired we both were. It was so nice to be back in rural surroundings again. We had been warned there were a few narrow bits and luckily these were marked in the Pearsons guide, we had also been told about the way some of the moorings other than the designated ones bang you up against the underwater rocks and as we were travelling along it was obvious that you had to be careful when mooring up. No just pulling over against the armco. We did pass a 48hr BW mooring with rings, quite a long stretch between bridges 7 & 8.

This was something else we passed suppose we aren't too far from the Highlands!!!!

What do you think of this lovely bridge? Balustrades and all.

We only got rained on a couple of times on our journey which only lasted 2 hours, well it is Saturday and we don't normally travel weekends. We are now moored up just past Countrywide Cruisers between bridges 14 & 15 at Brewood. Nice spot (except for the banging against the rocks) we had a wander to the village to post a letter and see about having post delivered. Then of course we had to sus out one of the local pubs (Swan Hotel) for a swift half. There is a pub right on the canal called The Bridge Inn which no doubt we will call into at sometime during our stay here. Paul is thinking about popping into the local MOT garage to see if he can pick up a couple of old tyres to act as a buffer.Been a few speeders go past. I may even bite the bullet and get a haircut. Paul did offer to do it for me but I only have a half pint pudding basin and that might prove to be a bit drastic.

There are quite a few boats moored in this spot probably because it is out of the cutting and there is a decent TV signal. Motorcycling on the tele tomorrow so I wont feel guilty if I read or play on my laptop. It is also nice for the dogs, good tow path so I may go exploring later if it stops raining.

Oh what a day!!!

After reading Ernie's blog yesterday Paul thought that he had better check the weed hatch before we set off. This is what he found, it was no wonder that when the boat was in reverse nothing was happening.
We left our mooring about 10 this morning in rain so it was full set of wetties. The journey wasn't very picturesque in fact it was a bit grim at times but as we were travelling the old working canal we weren't too disappointed it was the graffiti that marred the view.



Around Deepfields junction we caught up with another boat, that was okay we weren't in any rush. Continuing on our way it was nice to see the old warehouse converted into flats. Old mingling with the new.

We got to the bottom lock and at least it had stopped raining in fact it was getting decidedly warm so one layer came off. Only problem that I could see was the boat in front of us as it was going to mean me filling every lock before Paul could get in and with double gates at one end I worked it out I would be doing an awful lot of walking. By the time we had done 10 locks the sun was shining so another layer came off and yippee we met one boat coming the other way trouble was this meant the locks were now set for the boat in front. On we went now the sky was very grey by the time we got to lock 18 by the racecourse there was thunder and lightening and more rain. One layer went back on now do I look a bit like a garden gnome in this picture?

Good job you cant see my face as I was thoroughly cheesed off by this time good job there was only 2 more locks after this one.






Hallelujah good bye Wolverhampton 21 and yes it was still raining. Right at Aldersley junction and it was nice to be in the country again.

On past Oxley Marine and this lovely little narrowboat. We are now moored up just by Autherly Junction just couldn't go any further today. 6 hours is just too long. Will probably get on the Shroppie tomorrow and then find a nice mooring for the weekend. Today we have had all kinds of weather thrown at us but at least it wasn't windy.

Black Country Museum

Today we had a very pleasant time wandering round the Black Country museum. I am sure lots of you have already been but for those of you who may be passing this way it is well worth a visit.

This old tool shop was right up Paul's street

You can imagine how much fun he had in this old showroom. It had old AJS motorbikes and Sunbeam cars he spent ages chatting to the guys here about engines etc.

This bike was a bit before Paul's time (I think)

And how many of you remember "real" money. This blackboard was in the school room. Every volunteer that we talked too was so knowledgeable about the place and it was a delight to go in the old shops and houses. We had fish and chips cooked in beef dripping that were delicious but have repeated on me every since. We popped into the pub where only mild and bitter were on tap. I had a glass of Dandelion and Burdock, oh how that took me back to the summers I spent at my nans boarding house in Margate when I was a wee lass. Had a chat to a guy on the old work boat Swallow should I say Paul chatted about engines and sailing boats. We were given a few pointers on the best places to stop while on the cut so that will come in handy.

In the afternoon we walked into Tipton which is very run down with 90% of the shops boarded up, should have caught the bus into Dudley. At least it hasn't rained today but it certainly isn't warm. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Extremely wet.

Oh what a wet day. We left Birmingham in a light drizzle, after about half an hour it was light rain that really soaks you to the skin. Managed to get the waterproof trousers on in time so things weren't too bad. Came up the Smethwick locks of course I forgot my water saver key I was most baffled when I tried to empty the lock and the paddle gear wouldn't go up then the little light lit up in my brain "water saver key" back to the boat to get it and hey presto we were on a roll. Must admit it is a bit run down by the bottom lock and we were beginning to think we had made the wrong decision going the Old Line way but once through the first lock it improved. Passed this New pumping station below it on the left hand side runs the New Line. Surprisingly we saw lots of wildlife and was surprised at how many Canada Geese there were with young. At the tunnel we met another boat coming through so hung back to let him have a clear passage.

At Spon Lane Locks you can join the New Line but we bore round to right carrying on on the Old Line. Was rather eerie as along this stretch you are under the M5 for quite a way.

At one point we were approaching a bridge and the Virgin Train went past quick wave to the passengers, not too sure if any waved back as the train was going quite fast.

Here there were 3 forms of transport in close proximity. The motorway, the train line and the canal. That's progress for you.

The journey from Olbury junction to Tipton junction is very straight with lots of bridges we only passed 3 other boats the whole of the way. Sharp left at Tipton and onto the 48hr moorings at the Black Country museum, it is gated here so quite safe. We will have a look round tomorrow just want to get our old bones warm again after the soaking this morning. Paul is in the land of nod, all this fresh air and long days isn't doing him any good. To cap it all no joggers today just a lady on a bike dressed in Lycra who didn't meet with Paul's approval at all.

Birmingham NIA

It is so lovely to wake to the sound of the birds singing. While we lived in Spain that was something we were lacking, the birds there knew it was best to keep their heads down and not twitter too much or else they were shot at or caught in nets irrespective of size. Our Spanish neighbours used to put a net across their land to catch sparrows, these then went in the pot feathers and all. So you can appreciate why we love to hear birdsong once again.

As usual I have deviated from the task in hand relating the tale of our journey here. For all our worries I have to say the journey was quite pleasant no mishaps I'm pleased to say. Went through the Brandwood tunnel too short to even put the light on met two boats coming the other way as we left the tunnel both going at a fair rate of knots. It was extremely windy so I suppose we have to forgive them their speed. When we approached the junction we had to negotiate this guillotine lock, (left open thank goodness) after a couple of attempts at actually getting in the opening which was extremely narrow we got through, didn't loose any fenders just a couple of coats of paint. Then facing us was the junction house which is a handsome building,

Nothing coming so swung right onto the Worcs and Birmingham. Plenty of cyclists and joggers on this part of the towpath. Stopped at Selly Oak quick visit to Sainsburys which is nice and close to the canal although you have to cross a busy road. Of course I thought I would be clever and just take my card with me to pay for the shopping instead of lugging my over full handbag. When I got to the shop I needed a £1 for the trolley, oh bugger that will teach me to be clever. So I had to buy tobacco for Paul and get cash back to enable me to put a £1 in the dam trolley. Once back on the boat we set off on the next bit of the journey. Coming towards us was a couple of young ladies jogging one of whom was very well endowed if you get my drift. Paul's comment was "its a wonder she hasn't taken her eye out" you can see he pays a lot of attention to the comings and goings of the tow path while waiting for me to return from shopping. Sad or what.

Just before The Mailbox we stopped for water and cassette emptying, no rubbish here which was a bit of a pain as we had loads. Swung round to the left, was a bit tight as the wind was on the nose of the boat, behind us a 35footer who had no problem getting round the corner, he stayed behind us until we both pulled in at the NIA. So here we are, dogs are a bit put out as there is no grass, but that's tough they will have to lump it for a couple of nights. We have had a wander and a pint. There are lots of boats here now, we went to the BW office and got some local maps which are always handy to keep. Time to open the wine I think, I feel shattered all this walking and fresh air just isn't good for me.

Slow cruise but not through choice.

Pulled the pins around 10 after deciding we would get as near to Kings Norton Junction as we could and then hit Birmingham tomorrow. Our journey was slow not only because it was breezy but the Stratford canal along here is quite shallow and there seems to be a lot of debris in the water. We had to stop a few times for Paul to check the weed hatch. We had planned to stop by bridge 9 but you know what it s like you say "oh just a bit further". When we got to Shirley drawbridge which is a busy road there was a hire boat coming through, they had to close the bridge to get their key out they then negotiated the narrow passage past Paul. I then had to stop the traffic and open the bridge again, I then couldn't get the key out, think there's a time delay because Paul jumped off the boat and the key came out straight away. TYPICAL. We are now moored up just past bridge 3. I have walked back to the garage on the bridge for a couple of pints of milk and Paul is sat on the back trying to catch something other than a lump of wood or an empty can. There are houses opposite us but nothing on the tow path side.
Tomorrow we will go through the Brandwood Tunnel , then right at the junction. Understand there is a big Sainsbury's by bridge 80 at Selly Oak on the Worcs and Birmingham so will pop in there for basics and on to the NIA. Not too sure whether to go up the Old Line or the New line to get to the Black Country museum, old line seems the more direct route, whichever way we go there are locks to go through. At least the sun is shining.

Still here.

Today is a nice day, Paul has changed the engine oil and the air filter so he has whiled away a couple of hours, he has also re-aligned the headlight. I have run the hoover round and cleaned the windows. Qualifying has been watched so now Paul is finding little jobs to do, cant paint the side of the boat as the tow path is on the wrong side.

While out walking the dogs took this photo, have just found out if you click on the picture you get a enlarged photo derrrrrr stupid or what.

We went over to the Blue Bell pub around 7 for a meal, when we got there the place was heaving. Paul went to the bar to get the drinks in before ordering our food. Eventually after 15mins Paul returned to the table and I could tell that he was not a happy bunny. He said that the bar staff served four other people who came to the bar after him, these were obviously regulars. Paul was going to give it one more person and then we were going to walk out but he was served and therefore we ordered our food(a good bar man should know who has been waiting the longest). I had a spicy Chilli and himself had Chicken curry and chips. Couldn't fault the food there was plenty of it and reasonably priced. Have since found out that there is another pub here a short walk away and a parade of shops a bike ride away, don't think we will be looking either up this time but it is nice to know for future reference.

Easy day tomorrow Sunday's is book reading day after I have done my little bit of ironing. Sure there is other boat stuff we should be doing but hey there is a lot time to get them things sorted.

Quiet day.

Last night we went for a drink at the Blue Bell, and it is a nice busy pub food prices were reasonable so we will try it out over the weekend. As for the Tapas at the Tom of the Wood we never got there, we thought that we would certainly have to eat a lot to get value for money so we gave it a miss.

This morning we walked to bridge 20 to find Wedges the bakery and it was worth the walk. We came away with a nice loaf, rolls, chicken samosas and a nice cream cake each. The deli counter had lots of different cheeses and cold meats, they also sold gluten free sauces and flour. Outside the fruit and veg looked nice and fresh with a good variety. The Prosecution of Felons poster was on the wall of the bakery, liked the fine for murder £10.10.oo and for stealing washing £2.1.00 all this in old money how many of you remember that. Wonder what the fine would be for fraud in today's money if Gordon Brown and all the other MP's are proved to have been fiddling their expenses paid for by the British taxpayer. Maybe the queen should step in send them to the tower where we could put them in the stocks and pelt them with rotten veg. When it comes to a general election who do you vote for as they all seem to be in it to line their own pockets.

Today has been a funny day sunny but certainly not warm as the wind is strong. We have had grey skies and downpours then clear blue skies, only a few boats have gone northwards majority of these boats from Alvechurch.

Here is a picture of Paul heading back to the boat with bag laden with goodies from the bakery. Have you noticed there is only ever pictures of Paul's back view. The front view is toooooooooo scary.

Nice mooring though.

Long day

Pulled the pins at 9.30 and set off in quite a strong breeze. Negotiated Lapworth junction and we were on our way up the Lapworth flight and every single one of those locks was against us. Thank goodness they were all near enough together for me to be able to get Paul in one lock and then go and empty the next one and this routine worked really well. Felt strange to be in Narrow locks again took us 3 hours to do the 19 locks. We are now moored up by bridge 19 and the The Blue Bell Cider house, that's handy as I am a cider drinker, know where I will be tomorrow evening. Also passed a sign for a bakery at bridge 20 so in the morning I will walk back to the bakery for some proper bread and maybe a nice cake. All in all we were on the go for 5.7 hours which is a mega long day for us, to say I am cream crackered would be an under statement and I got Paul working too today, he had to get off the boat at every lock to shut one of the gates behind him. Team work for once. Stopped for diesel at Swallow Cruisers 63p a litre declared 30/70 this time split is going up now we are cruising more.

The mooring here is only 48 hours but we hope we can stretch it for a bit longer, Grand Prix this weekend. There is a line of permit holders opposite us and Paul was given some advice re the run up to Birmingham in as much as once we have gone through the next junction don't stop until we get in to the centre. So that will be another long day but no locks thank heaven.

Had a phone call from our friends Pete and Carol on nb Halcyon Days they are heading for the Llangollen via Rugley so will be approaching it from the opposite direction to us, hopefully we will meet up with them somewhere in the middle haven't seen them since last September.

Had a surprise email today from the people who sold us our old digi box (the one that we threw away) to say that they had had reports that the Thomson box was faulty and all prerecordings would be lost,(tell us about it) there then followed a long list of instructions to reboot the box. We sent them a very nice email back telling them what they could do with their box if they could find it in the land fill site it is now in.

What does Crystal's face tell you:

MUM I WANT OFF THIS BOAT NOW.

Not far today.

Exit to the Shrewley tunnel in distance.

Left last nights mooring around 10 following a couple of old BW work boats. We took it nice and leisurely bit breezy but not too bad. Through the Shrewley tunnel which is just about the right length for me (short) Paul got to use his new head light and quite impressive it was too. In fact a boat approaching the tunnel pulled over and waited for us to come through must have thought with a light that size we must have been a big boat. Dogs objected to getting wet as this tunnel has a lot of seeping water, more like a continuous shower really . Passed a couple of fisherman, so as usual Paul reduced the revs so he could have a quick chat but he never got the chance as a boat coming in the opposite direction couldn't be bothered to slow down and the fisherman had to hang onto their keep nets to prevent them from banging on the canal bank. Made it to bridge 63 Tom of the Woods and are moored on the 24 hour moorings below the bridge, will stay here tonight then on to Lapworth locks in the morning where I will have to contend with another 19 at least they are narrow locks so hopefully the gates and paddles will be a bit easier. We want to hover around so we get into Birmingham Monday or Tuesday, must admit we are getting a bit twitchy about this journey, we have heard so many tales about getting into and out of the centre of Birmingham that we are wondering if we need to wear hard hats to fend off the bricks etc that are thrown. I wish we hadn't been told anything at least we would be able to enjoy the journey without looking up at every bridge wondering if we are going to be a target.

Had a quick sandwich then it was off to the pub to check out the evening menu. Very welcoming place with a nice menu. Tonight however is Tapas evening oh great! we thought, we had 7 years of that but it is all you can eat for £10 and there is plenty of variety so I'm sure we can manage to get our monies worth. While there we caught up with the two fishermen who had had a good mornings fishing despite the speeding boater. Paul had to tell them about his successful Saturdays fishing in the arm (slap my wrist that I hadn't mentioned this before) he had caught 6 carp largest being about 10lb and 2 nice bream (his words not mine how can fish be nice). The two guys then went on to say how many fish there are here so since returning from the pub Paul has been sat on the back of the boat hoping for one of these fish to take his bait, no luck yet. At least I have been able to listen to my Take That CD in peace while writing this. Will report on the Tapas tomorrow if I have the strength to write.

Thank goodness that's over.

We left the arm at 10 this morning knowing that we would probably be on our own. As we pulled the pins the hireboat with 8 Royal Navy personnel on it decided to get pumped out so it was a bit of a squeeze to get back onto the canal. We got to the first lock and no boat coming down and the lock set against us so it would appear that I was going to have a long day ahead of me. Lock was about half empty when the Royal Navy appeared, result or what. With there being 8 of them on the boat it was a doddle. 4 got off the boat to do the paddles and gates so I was able to walk on and set the next lock. After 3 locks we caught up with a boat going up on its own nb Prince Albert so I helped them for a bit until we met 2 boats coming down. It was nice to chat to the young navy people 4 lads and 4 girls ranging in ages from 18 to 30. The trip for them was a team building week, their length of service was between 6months and 13 years they were all writers dealing with pay and admin. We certainly had some laughs on the way up the flight, especially as the higher we went the more windy it became and the crew of Andrew were struggling a bit. Give them their due they managed getting into the locks very well although I shut my eyes everytime the youngest member, a very slightly built young lady leapt from the boat to the steps in the lock and then pulled the boat over to make room for Paul. I had visions of her missing her footing and ending up in the water. When we got to the BW yard I thought we were at the end so when I saw there was 4 more locks to do I wasn't best pleased. We had caught up again with nb Prince Albert so all in all it took us 3 hours to do the flight. The navy were heading for Stratford so we parted company and left them motoring on, we pulled over at the first opportunity and are now moored up just after bridge 55. It is blowing a gale but my intrepid angler is dangling his rod. Will continue our journey tomorrow all being well. I am absolutely shattered, goodness only knows what state I would have been in if we hadn't shared the locks, hopefully I've lost half a stone I can do with it.

Tight wads or what!

Here are the resident geese which patrol the grounds of the arm.


This morning Paul popped to the shop here to get some coal as it was reasonably priced at £6.90 per 20kg so we now have enough coal to last a while. Just watch the weather change now. While he was there he got chatting to Ian (not Paul) who explained the running of the arm as it is a registered charity and relies on donations and the moorers. We had decided to make a donation as we have enjoyed our stay here. Paul wrote a cheque for £20 Ian said "TWENTY QUID" Paul thought that the amount wasn't enough but when Ian showed him the donation receipt book there were amounts of 41p up to the princely sum of £4. Surely people can afford a bit more than 41p for a free nights stay. I bet there are some who after their first free night just go off early so they don't have to give anything. So come on you boaters if you spend a night here give at least a few quid to the trust for the pleasure of being here.


Paul showed Richard on nb Digitalis how to refill his stern gland greaser he also checked out the stern gland and explained to Richard how it worked and how to ease up the packing gland. That's his good deed for the day.

We have done our TWR and I have been to Sainsbury's for milk and bread so we are all set for the off tomorrow. I also bought a nice piece of steak for dinner tonight mmmmm cant wait, also have a fresh pineapple and double cream. Don't think any of this is very healthy but I need to keep my strength up for those locks in the morning.

Easy day

Not a lot happening today a nice easy day. I have cleaned my brasses even took the brass vents off the doors welding a screw driver all on my own with no help or comments from Paul. These vents were pretty disgusting so I had to use a fine wire wool on them but I am pleased to say they have cleaned up nicely. When I put them back on the doors I made sure that all the screw slots were facing the same way as I didn't want any wise cracks from himself. Bell on the front is shiny too won't pass comment on what Paul has been doing but suffice to say it had to do with the TV and MOTOGP. I think its GP next week hopefully not an early starter.
Paul here on the site has told us it is going to rain tomorrow and Tuesday, so it looks like I am going to get wet doing the Hatton locks at least I will stay cool.

Light fitted.

Well here it is the nice reclaimed brass light, it was fitted this afternoon after we came back from Lemington Spa.

We had set off this morning heading for The Shires retail park via Lemington Spa. We needed to go to a Curry's to try and get an attachment for the hoover. Needless to say the bus we caught didn't go there, we should have walked into Warwick to the bus depot and caught a bus from there. Of course I had a tutting in my ear because himself knew we were going the wrong way he didn't actually say "I told you so" but it was written all over his face. Any way what did it matter it hadn't cost us anything. When we got into Lemington a lot of the town was closed off as the Royal Warwickshire Regiment were marching through the town., was nice to see so many people out in support of our troops.

After asking a local we got on the right bus and got to the retail park. Quick pop into Focus for a couple of bolts to fix the light and a new waste trap for the sink. Found Curry's and as usual no attachment and not a lot of help from the staff either never mind though. Waited half an hour for a bus to take us back to Warwick (bus we should have caught on the way out). It was market day in town Paul made a bee line for the mankiest stall there you know the one that sells all the old tools and stuff that you would chuck in a skip. Paul loves these places and as usual ended up buying what to me was a load of rubbish, an old light fitment which had so many dents in it, but according to Paul it had just the right bracket on it to enable him to fit the light to the front of the boat.






And as you can see the old boy has made a good job but I have told him he is responsible for cleaning the damn thing. I have enough brass to clean on the inside.
Tomorrow we are going to have an easy day I am going to clean my brass and if its fine we are going to walk the dogs to the racecourse to give them a good run. There have been a few boats come and go today get busy here but at least its money for a good cause and the people are so helpful you know you will be welcome anytime.

The castle

Have spent a really lovely time at the castle this morning, Paul condescended to come with me as I said I would pay. On route to the castle we called in at the antique/collectible shop and bought headlight, managed to knock them down a bit, and a nice pair of green DM's. I wanted to do this after the castle but Paul insisted we do it before so we then had to lug full rucksack round with us. Still Paul was doing the carrying so I didn't care I was in charge of the camera!!

I was impressed with the castle and Paul did find somethings that interested him like the armour and the wooden panelling, the mill was okay too. I just loved it all. We watched a Bird of Prey display as well, although it was warm there weren't too many people about, so that made it quite pleasant as you could spend time looking and reading about the exhibits. On our way out I insisted we walk up the tower as I wanted to see the view from the top, there was an awful lot of grunting and groaning behind me while we were walking up the narrow steps (Paul was behind) all I could hear was "whose stupid idea was this" still when we got to the top the view was worth it. Now the last time I went to the docs she said the best thing to keep my blood pressure down was plenty of exercise, do you think struggling up 550 steps to the top of a tower constitutes plenty of exercise? Going down was easy, now I know why they had a notice at the entrance to the tower saying if you suffered from a weak heart don't attempt the climb. Was so funny to see the people emerging from the steps at the top most of whom were very red in the face and extremely out of breath made me feel a bit better to think I wasn't the only one who wasn't as fit as they thought they were.

View from the top of the tower

Paul admiring the carvings and the armour.

Eagle Owl

Once out of the castle we found a little cafe and had a coke and a bacon roll just to round the morning off and while sitting in the sun minding our own business a woman in a 106 swerved to miss a taxi that had cut her up smashed into a Jeep pushing it to within a couple of inches of a shop front both vehicles had extensive damage but luckily the woman was unhurt. The taxi was nowhere to be seen now is that a surprise.

It goes without saying that as soon as we got back to the boat the headlight was dismantled, cleaned and put back together and any minute now will be fitted to the front of the boat, to say that Paul is pleased as punch with this purchase is an understatement. I like my DM's too, and the camera behaved itself only had a couple of dodgy pictures, that's because it was me showing it a bit of respect not shouting at it saying what a load of c**p it was.