Whats 12 hours between friends!!!!!!!

While Paul was fishing last evening nb Oakfield pulled in behind us, not our friends on their Oakfield but another one. It didn't take long before everyone was chatting away. Let me hasten to add I was aboard at the time. After about an hour Paul came below to inform me that there was a stoppage notice on Fradley middle lock from 10 wed morning till Thursday. Now that was a bit of a bummer because we don't normally set off until around 10. So on going to bed alarms on our mobiles were set for 6am. No sooner had we gone to bed than the blooming alarms were ringing well that's what it felt like any way. Off we set about 6.45 one boat had already gone, to me it still felt like the middle of the night but I must admit it was lovely so peaceful with no boat movement (strange I thought). When we got to the offending lock I read the notice and the stoppage was from 10PM till 9am Thursday, so the information was 12 hours adrift. Well that put paid to our plans as we were hoping to moor at Fradley for a few days and everyone there was still asleep. At least the water point was free. I picked a country mooring that I thought would be nice just past Streathay, when we got there it was only 8.45 so we continued in the quiet and the cool deciding now to get to Hopwas. By this time there was a bit more traffic about but we have managed to get on the same mooring we had when we went down. Not saying how long we are staying here for but we plan to catch the bus tomorrow but which way do we go Tamworth or Litchfield decisions decisions its all to much for me.

Woodend Lock

Last night we moored up near bridge 69 yet again, early evening nb Scallywag came by and moored up behind us. We see Rob and Julie when we are in the Braunston area as their home mooring is Wigrams. They very kindly invited us aboard for a drink and it was nice to talk about our families needless to say the  men talked cars as both Paul and Rob have an interest in old vehicles. We got back on board around 11pm which is very late for us and it was around this time that the rain came down. What is it about lying in bed and listening to the pitter patter  on the roof.

This morning we joined the queue heading towards Rugely as luck would have it when we got there we were able to moor up and get shopping, some of which I forgot because Paul was rushing me.

We are now at Woodend Lock got here about 2.30 which was just as well because now there isn't a space to be had.

It is a bit tight here and you cant get right up to the bank in places. Another glorious day, my little legs are still a bit on the pasty side but I am persevering.

Off tomorrow!

We feel as if we have been on our holidays while here at Tixall. Oh yes I can hear you saying “but you are permanently on holiday”. Well, no, when we moor up for a while we normally do stuff you know cleaning, servicing etc. This week we have done tiddly squat. Just sat, relaxed, chatted and  partaken of the occasional alcoholic beverage.

On Friday evening this appeared out of nowhere.

I looked out of the side hatch and there it was, didn't hear a splash so it must have managed to gain height.

Saturday was another glorious day for the show at Shugborough. I had an walk to the village around 10 before it got too hot. Around midday the air show started and I think that we were in the best place to see it. Wasn't quite the Red Arrows but enjoyable all the same. As expected the moorings were full to bursting point. I hardly saw Paul at all what with MOTGP and F1 qualifying during the day then out came the fishing gear about 5 and apart from having his evening meal he sat on the back of the boat till 10.15 pm. He had a really good time catching loads of fish of all different types and weights, one happy husband. I read my book and watched Andy Murray, one happy wife!

This morning we woke at 9.30 Paul fell out of his pit about 9.45 so that was half of the day gone.  It is now 1 o’clock the air show has started again F1 is on the tele  and it is very hot again.

It is strange isn't it how we get used to seeing the wildlife on the canal the herons, grebe, swans with cygnets then along the tow path comes the “townies” with their camera’s round their necks ohhing and ahhing and snapping away. You then look at things in a different light and appreciate what a lovely life we have aboard especially this time of the year.

So we will leave this mooring in the morning and head back the way we have come it will be a slow journey we have 6 weeks to get to Rugby Do you think we will manage it????????

Happy Bunny!!!!!!

While the weather has been so nice I have been doing a lot of reading and a lot of sitting on the tow path. Paul has been doing a lot of fishing and well a lot of fishing. There have been numerous tins of spam and sweet corn opened and slices of bread have been disappearing at an alarming rate from the bread bin. Well all this feeding the fish has been worth it as last night Paul caught this little beauty

Now don't ask me what it is because I don't know but I am sure you fishy people will.

Monday evening this is what the “Wide” looked like

calm and peaceful.

This morning when we walked to the shops (note the WE) we read a poster for Shugborough Hall and it would appear they have a bit of a bash this weekend with various sorts of vehicles of the military and old kind, a concert and an air display. So for once in our lives it would seem we are in the right place at the right time. We should have a good view of the air show and probably catch some of the rock concert if the wind is in the right direction. I expect that the moorings along here will be full for the weekend.

At Tixall Wide.

What a scorcher of a day for travelling. I resisted the temptation to put on a vest top as I knew I would get very burnt and after Paul’s brush with cancer due to the sun we do tend to be quite sensible. 

The scenery along this stretch of the Trent and Mersey is lovely with rolling hills in the distance. As we approached Colwich lock past some very impressive houses there were already 2 boats on the lock landing waiting to go up. There was a boat coming down so that worked out okay. As we moved up three more boats came in behind us. I am afraid I did have a bit of a rant while I was helping a couple with the lock, as I say, there were by this time about 5 boats waiting and was there anyone from this lot helping me perish the thought. As Paul came into the lock he shouted to me just take your time which is precisely what I did do. At Heywood lock a boat came out as we approached. When we got to the  junction all I got from Paul was “are you sure this is the right way it looks wrong to me”. Well, who is the navigator here and have I ever sent him the wrong way, no, of course not “Oh yea of little faith”.

There was a lady on the tow path looking at this heron with its wings hanging out to dry, must admit it did look as if it was injured but when I walked by an hour later it was gone.

So here we are moored up at Tixall Wide and I must admit it is as nice as every one says it is, Paul swung the boat round before mooring up so we are facing the way we came. I don't know how he managed it but with all of this vast expanse of water to turn in he still managed to hit the bank with the nose of the boat. Okay I couldn't have done any better.

 

This is the view from my kitchen window cant have better than that can you?

I wandered back to the PO at Great Haywood to see if they accept post and they do so repeat prescription was sent off and now we have to wait here until it arrives. We have the luxury of shops pubs and the farm shop in the village but I cant see Paul walking to any of them, his wounded knee (think that was in a cowboy film) couldn't stand the 15 minute walk, poor old soldier that he is.

Strange night.

These pictures were taken at 10pm last night. The mist was rising (sure that is a line from a song!) every thing looked really eerie. Paul had nearly caught a fish and I was very disappointed with the England performance.

Today is dry but nippy not been up too much Paul has had his head in and out of the windows shouting at everyone that goes past too fast, it’s the look of amazement on their faces as if to say “who me”. 

Fradley to Bridge 69

We made an early start getting onto the water point before 9am, while the tank was filling Paul did the dirty jobs! Left turn at the junction and joined the queue for the locks. There were quite a few boats behind us as well luckily these locks fill and empty quickly so we were soon on our way.

 

Passed by the Armitage factory, where would we be without this invention.

 

 

 

 

This nice place is a restaurant  on the offside before the very narrow cutting  where the crew have to jump off scurry through the cutting to make sure nothing is coming as it is strictly one way traffic. As we approached there was a boat coming through the lady on the tow path warning us of its arrival. I leapt off and ran along the tow path to make sure nothing was coming and yes that is right I RAN.

This is Spode  House now used for weddings etc.

This is the view as you come towards Rugely and this power station seems to be with you for ages. We did stop in Rugely to allow me to pop into Morrisons and when I came out half hour later it was raining so I got a bit damp on my return to the boat.

 

No sooner was I on board and we were off again passing some very nice back gardens and it didn't take long to be out in the country again. We are now moored up with a few others in site of Bridge 69, we plan to stay here until Monday, at least it has stopped raining. Lets hope that England do us proud tonight.

Job done!

Paul met John this morning and the new cratch pattern has been made. Of course there was plenty of input from Paul and plenty of advise from John, he convinced us to stick with the same material giving us all the pro’s and cons, all we have done is change from green to black. Our current cover was made by Wilson’s, Johns style is slightly different and we have opted for a smaller opening and a separate window section. At one point I heard a splash and John was then on the tow path with a very wet trainer and leg, didn't see exactly what happened but there was a lot of laughing from both of the men.

A very nice tug moored up next to us so Paul just had to have a chat to the couple, this gave John time to get the pattern finished without Paul “helping” in fact he got this section done in double quick time. around 2.30 Paul helped John take his stuff back to the car, and hour or so later Paul returned having had his arm twisted  to call in the pub for a swift half. Still I was able to spend the time relaxing in the sun with my book with the added bonus of a buzzard flying very low over head such a wonderful bird to see at relatively close quarters.

The new canopy was also discussed as there are a few modifications that need to be made. Again John took on board what Paul was saying then added his input as to why some things would or wouldn’t work. Cant do anything about this yet its a bit too early.  This guy is so helpful I can understand why he is so busy.

Fradley

Last night we went to the Tame Otter for a meal and it was very nice. Paul had a salad which is something he has never done before, although he really enjoyed it he ate most of MY chips, I had Huntsman chicken again this was very tasty, we really pushed the boat out and had pudding, one pudding I might add and two spoons, what was it? very fattening and scrummy profiteroles with lots of chocolate sauce and cream. Just how naughty is that.

We are now moored up at Fradley, having had a slow journey. As we left Hopwas it seemed the world and his dog was on the move as well. It is nice to travel a canal after a bit of a break, the light bulb suddenly goes on in your brain when you remember a certain stretch or a nice mooring. Of course when the sun shines it makes it even better.

As we approached the moorings at Fradley we could see that it was busy so at the moment we are tacked on the end on pins with the plank out. Hopefully someone will move off in the morning and we can creep in to a better place.

Scary or what!!!!!!!

No, this isn’t a most wanted picture and you won’t have seen this man on Crime watch. This is Paul trying to stop me taking his picture. Now I hope you have some sympathy with me, but luckily he does smile sometimes and contrary to popular belief he isn't always a “grumpy old man” he can be nice HONEST.

At Hopwas now.

Last night we had planned to spend to day below lock 9 then Paul rang John(Johns Boat Canopies)the guy who is going to make our new cratch and pram hood. The cratch cover can be made any time but the pram hood can only be done once the steel work has been completed. Any way John is at Fradley on Thursday so we are now heading there at a rate of knots to meet up with him.

We left the mooring and yet again as we untied the ropes a boat came round the corner so yet again the final two locks were against us. We stopped at bridge 48 for water etc. then had a pleasant cruise. Above is the garden of Pooley Hall a lovely building dating back to the early 1500’s.

We passed all these Canada geese with their babies there were so many I couldn't count them.

As we approached the road bridge just after Bonehill bridge the contractors were cutting the grass on the tow path, this time on sit on mowers there were two of them one doing the canal side of the tow path the other one cutting the hedge side so the whole tow path was cut in one fell swoop no going up and down then following with a strimmer.

We have had a fairly long day but at least we are half way to Fradley.

Paul is moaning (now there's a surprise) because the TV reception isn't to good here. We are off to the pub for a meal tonight so he wont be watching that much TV any way so what is his problem.

Long old day!

 

This morning we left our weekend mooring after a very pleasant time there. We did discover that if you walk back to bridge 23 then get up onto the road Asda is only a 10 minute walk away probably a 20 minute one way trip. So will make a note of that in my Nicholson's.

It was chilly travelling but at least it wasn't raining, after last nights torrent you would expect the canal level to be right up but it still was down by about 3 inches. Needless to say when we got to the locks at Atherstone every one was against us in fact at one point there were 5 of us waiting to go down. Luckily the first two were Sea Otter boats travelling together and they shared the lock that meant there was one in front and one behind us. Must agree with what is said about these locks “they are slow to fill but quick to empty” At bridge 43 we pulled over to allow me to nip to the Co-op and for Paul to pull an obstruction from the canal, this turned out to be the frame and wheel of a wheelbarrow the wheel is now on our roof the frame is in the hedge.

Once through lock 9 we moored up on a nice stretch of armco. We have spent the night here before but as usual Paul couldn't remember, if you asked him who won the GP in 1972 or some other obscure date he would remember that. He is now in the process of giving himself a hair cut (not that there is much to cut).

It has been a long day, especially for me doing 9 locks and walking to the shop Paul reckons he is more tired than me  I don't think so all he has been doing is standing on the back and oh yes taking the wheel off of a rusty frame poor thing. Think we will make for Alvecote tomorrow.

touch up time!!!!!!

This is the battle scars from our contact with the hire boat. As the tow path is on that side now we can see the damage. So it looks like Paul will have to get the paint out over the weekend.

 

Having left Dot and Derek this morning we are now moored up by bridge 24 the hustle and bustle of Nuneaton is behind us. This is our mooring, nice for the dogs and there is a walk across the fields which look interesting.

 

Washing is on the line, Paul is watching a cowboy film so, back in to the old routine.

Yet another bus ride.

Today Dot but no Derek joined us on our bus ride to the big Tesco and boy is it big. I was very good just bought what was on the list, then we had time for a coffee before catching the bus back. I think we were off the boats for all of 2 hours. In all the times we have stopped at Hawkesbury we have never caught the bus anywhere but it is so handy. If you cross the footbridge past the rubbish etc the bus stop is opposite the footpath. The number 60 goes to Coventry the 778 to the hospital goes into the big Tesco and the 778 to Nuneaton goes to well Nuneaton. The time table is on the bus stop. Wont tell you here the times as they are bound to change them. More torrential rain last night at least now were are floating again have been sat on the bottom for a few days.

Thank you anonymous for you comment but the term contact sport in narrowboating doesnt really mean the same as in a game of rugby does it. The contact side surely means the self inflicted minor damage done to boats during entry and exit to locks and whilst mooring, this does not give the given right to other boaters to accidently or otherwise smack into another boat because of their attitude or their lack of experience. After all you could say the same thing about driving a car on the road, the difference being this is policed whereas on the canals it is not. May be it is about time that Hirefleets took more responsibilty for irresponsible clients. Having said that to date we have not reported any incidents to hire companies. Without mentioning any names last week 2 hire boats travelling together came through the locks at Hillmorton leaving every gate open down the flight. When a fellow boater caught up with them to get the names of the boats he was reluctant to approach them as they were all ratarsed and shouldnt have been in control of 20 ton of boat. The guy was going to inform the hire fleet. We passed the said boats on their way back and they were still drunk and the top of the boat was covered in beer cans. Dont these people realise what the consequenses would be if a life was lost. There are of course a minority of private boaters who have no boating etiquette and show no regard to other canal users although we dont live in a perfect world one has a duty of care to fellow man END OF RANT.

Hawkesbury

Arrived here yesterday at the same time as Dot and Derek nb gypsy Rover. We were saddened to hear that they are selling the boat and returning to New Zealand. Good news is it wont be until the boat is sold.
Weather here is awful so we have only venturd out to walk the dogs. Paul had a run in with the end of the bed when he smashed his knee against the wood work which then felt the full force of his anger with a hefty kick from his right foot. I was a bit put out as the offending bit of wood is the headboard of MY bed and it isnt time to demolish it just yet. Luckily the glue and nails held out so the only damage was to Pauls knee. I did offer him frozen peas for the swelling but he chose to be a martyr and carried on (moaning every 5 minutes) must stress that this is an old war wound sustained when his 500cc Goldstar crashed into a "No Waiting" sign back in 1967, his girlfriend of the moment was pillion, she suffered 2 broken ribs and laddered her stockings, needless to say she split up with him not long after. If the weather brightens up we will move off tomorrow, can't believe how full the moorings are here.

Wet!!!!!!!!!!

There I was yesterday, meat marinating nicely BBQ at the ready spuds in the oven when we had a very loud thunderstorm with lots of rain so that put paid to that idea. Sorry everyone I must confess I had my shorts on!!!

This morning it has been considerably cooler with frequent heavy showers. Plenty of traffic passing though with I am pleased to say no contact. Around 3pm we could hear the “donk” of a Bolinder in the distance, then Kangaroo passed us, these old work boats seem so large when you are sat in the confines of a narrowboat, 5 minutes later Jaguar passed towing Australia, the helmsman of Jaguar looked as if he had been down a coal mine his face was covered in soot, both he and the female steerer of the butty  were getting very wet in yet another short sharp shower. We are here on our own and all being well we will move on tomorrow up to Hawkesbury and onto the Coventry. 

Why us!!!!!

 

WE had been here just a couple of hours, Paul had got his head down for a few hours kip I was on the tow path reading my book when all of a sudden CRASH The Lime Farm day boat had crashed into us now why had this happened I haven't a clue all I do know is Paul leapt out of bed at a speed I have never seen before. The two old guys were very apologetic but yet again the poor paint work has suffered and Saffie was a jibbering wreck in the cratch. Paul was spitting feathers and the language was unprintable.

We settled down again having a nice chat with a boater who had moored up behind us, after a while we retired to our relevant bits of tow path for a well earned drink. In the distance a Roses hire boat was coming along a bit on the fast side with a very attractive bikini clad young lady on the helm. All of a sudden she lost it big time she was screaming, Paul was shouting and then the crash happened more paint off, more apologises and more swearing. Saffie was yet again in the cratch thinking “what the hell is going on here”. She hasn't got on the boat since and as I write this she is on the tow path on her own even her tea hasn't tempted her on board.

Ever since, when we see a hire boat coming Paul is like a cat on a tin roof until they have gone past safely. What will the rest of the weekend bring I ask myself.

Peaceful but not quiet!

This is how peaceful it was travelling along this morning, although just as we got through the Newbold Tunnel we met 10 boats in a line heading towards us, one of whom was nb Muchgigglin who we keep passing in various places. When we see this boat we smile to ourselves as the lady is always reclining in her chair while hubby sits at the wheel in the centre of the boatThis is the cutting where the bank is unstable its a bit scary as you wonder what would happen if the bank gave way.

Here is our mooring for the night and maybe the weekend only problem is the train line is directly opposite and is a bit noisy but we can live with that and the golf course is just across the way.

It certainly has been warm today now do I tempt fate and get my shorts out, they are in the cupboard ready for an airing but the weather forecast is a chance of showers so perhaps I had better leave them in the cupboard.

There’s always one!

Today we left our mooring at Hillmorton with a clear canal around us, we needed to go and turn round, but before doing that we had to steer into the trees opposite to retrieve Pauls fishing line and weight that had ended up in the trees last night (just don't go there). Just as we were pulling away a boat was coming round the corner at a rate of ,Paul  put his hand up to slow him down as we were straddled across the canal, this made no difference to the other boat as he just kept coming at the same speed attempting to barge his way through alongside us on the inside bearing in mind there wasn't really room for another boat Paul quickly used the bow thruster to put a bit more distance between us and the dip stick and he had the CHEEK to turn round and say “hey you have just pushed me into the bank” well you plank if you had waited a few more minutes there would have been plenty of room for you to pass. He went off at a rate of knots probably thinking we were going up the locks and he wanted to be first. When we got to the winding hole below the locks  the dip stick was moored up waiting to go up. Paul shouted over and apologised for pushing him into the bank to which he replied “you should have thought of that earlier” and our reply was “if you had slowed down we wouldn't be having this conversation “ he mumbled “ you people are all the same “ then proceed to take a photo of the boat. This guys attitude had really pee’d Paul off so while winding we used a bit more throttle than usual to create a bit more wash  just to annoy him ( oh we are so childish). I will also add that the guy was older than us, yes that old, so should have had more sense.

At least the rest of the journey passed without any more mishaps and yet again we are at Rugby with a full cupboard and water tank. The sun is shining and we are off on a new adventure.

Back on board

Yesterday I returned to the boat after spending a very nice weekend in Kent. I was able to offer my services baby sitting while Jess and Jon went out, my payment was to be taken to the cinema to see Sex in the City2 and then had a very nice Chinese. I haven't been to the cinema for ages, and I have never watched Sex in the City on the tele but my Jess is totally addicted to the programme and while she was in New York recently went to see where “Carries apartment” was. (is that sad?). Any way I enjoyed the film and spent a very enjoyable evening with Jess.

Once back on board I caught up with all Pauls exciting news catching up with what he had done with his days while I had been away and it would appear that he has done absolutely nothing, now am I surprised, of course not but then again if he is to do things he needs me there to moan at, so he was at a loose end. Only highlight if you can call it that, was on Sunday when he was watching the Grand Prix, he saw a couple of young girls of about 10 years old by the boat and didn't think anything of it, then he saw one of them had the broom off of the roof and the other had one of the directors chairs also off of the roof, so he ran up the back of the boat to shout at them and retrieve our stuff. Needless to say being girls they ran screaming down the tow path after they had thrown the bits in the canal, a passing boat picked up the broom and Paul had to get the boat hook to get the chair. He did walk up to Badsey’s to see if they were up there but of course they weren't. When Paul mentioned this little episode to Dave he said they haven't had any problems like this at Hillmorton for years so lets hope it was a one off.

Looks like we will be on the move soon, have sorted out our accommodation for when the boat goes in, we will be in Rugby which will be handy for shops, the station and Paul getting to Hillmorton (by bike which we have to buy as we sold ours!!!). Just want a change of scenery now.