Summer what summer!!!

I am  beginning to get a bit fed up with getting wet every time we leave a mooring.

This morning when Paul came back from walking the dogs he said there was a work boat (Towcester) and butty moored up behind us  and they were getting ready to leave. So we put a bit of a spurt on and just as we were going to let the ropes go they came round the corner. “Oh bugger” I said, but the crew from the work boat asked us if we would like to go first and then he went and set the lock for us which was most kind. They were making Fradley today (how far?) and Braunston by Thursday. (they have just past us taking nearly 2 hours to catch us up hate to think what time they will get to Fradley)

We have had a nice weekend at Penkridge Paul managed to catch quite a few fish one of which was this one.

Not huge I grant you but a nice Chubb all the same. He also caught a dace but he couldn't manage to get the camera to flash (my fault of course) so no evidence to prove it.

As is usual for Paul when some one moors by us and they have an old engine he has to look and chat. There was one such boat at Penkridge and plenty of talking ensued, the guy was of the same opinion as us that there isn't the courtesy around like there used to be and a vast majority of boaters seem to be in a tearing hurry. But as he left he thanked Paul for the chat saying that not many take the time to make the acquaintance of their neighbours, that made Pauls day some one had been pleased to talk to him!!!!!

Our journey today although it was WET was uneventful, as we came up to Deptmore lock the chap off the boat waiting for the lock came up and introduced himself as he follows our blog was nice to meet you Mr and Mrs Cherokee. As we approached bridge 98 at Radford Bank we had to pull over as yet again we had something round the prop, as there is a distinct lack of water we keep bumping bottom and dragging up all the rubbish, this time it was weed, twigs and some broken down rope. While Paul had his arm down the weed hatch I nipped through the bridge to see if there was room for us and there was, so we are now back to where we were on the 12th July.

Oh yes I did make my pie,

enough for at least 6 people but as our 4 friends are “up North” Paul and I will just have to eat it all ourselves, just how piggy is that?

Been to the market.

Here we are at Penkridge on the 5 day moorings by the pub (funny how we seem to end up moored by a pub!!!!) The journey yesterday was damp to say the least, I certainly didn't envy the motorists on the M6 as they thundered past Otherton lock, one minute they were whizzing along then everything stacked up and they were crawling certainly don't miss that part of our old life.

Really felt for my daughter and her family as they were supposed to fly out to New York this morning but with hurricane Irene bearing down and a state of emergency declared she has been able to re-book. Text received from her about an hour ago and she was on the London Eye, not much difference.

This morning we went to the market, Paul has bought himself a new mop and broom so no excuse now for dirty roof and gunnels. We also got some Autoglym polish bargain at £10 last lot we bought was £16. Penkridge is a nice place not huge in fact quite small but everything that you need is there.

Of course it is F1 and MOTOGP this weekend so I don't think much will be done but with the grotty weather the painting will have to be put on hold anyway.  No excuse for me not to do something though there is no way I am going to sit and watch motor sport. Think I’ll make an apple pie. 

Winter draws on!!!!!!!

This morning when we left Brewood the sun was out, by the time we had got under bridge 13 (all of 5mins cruising) we had donned fleeces to cover the body warmers, it was blooming chilly like an autumn morning if it carries on like this I will have to hunt out the hats and gloves. Had an uneventful journey to Autherly junction although the canal was very shallow in places. Once onto the Staffs and Worcester we made better headway until that is we got to bridge 67 where it is very narrow. A boat coming through told us there was another boat behind him, we were expecting the boat to appear about 5 minutes later but no, it was nearly 15, by this time a queue had formed behind us. Needless to say we had run aground during the wait so had to give the engine a bit of welly to get us going again.

As we got in to the narrow we had a nb Ellen moment and seemed to be going backwards and it didn't matter how much throttle we used we couldn't pick up speed so we had to crawl along with the frustration showing on the boats behind us. Paul just assumed it was shallow so we went along just above tick over and every one behind us had to put up with it. Once out in the open we let the boats pass us as by now Paul had changed his mind and was of the opinion that there was something round the prop. Into the side we went and with me holding the boat on the centre rope it was into the depths of the weed hatch. A few minutes later Paul appeared with a “Roy Cropper” shopping bag that  had been tangled round the prop, no wonder we weren't making any head way. After this we sailed along  at tick over and actually moved water.

So now we are moored at Coven near the Fox and Anchor pub, the sun is shining and we have been able to shed both the fleeces and the body warmers we have even got the chairs out.

Brewood again.

Due to a rubbish internet signal I haven't been able to write anything for a couple of days, so here goes.

We left Market Drayton on Monday needing water etc. As we came under the bridge there was a guy pulling in to the sanitary point so I asked him if he could pull backwards to allow us in, “of course he said” then proceeded to come forward which left us about 2ft 6 to get a 70ft boat into. I just threw my arms up and as our boat came under the bridge I got on and told Paul we would use the facilities at Tyrley locks. Of course when we got to the top of the locks there was a queue waiting to come down so no chance of filling up with water but while the lock was filling Paul was able to nip off with the cassette and the rubbish. We knew we would be able to get water at Norbury so moored up at The Anchor for Monday night. Thought we might go for a pint but when we got there pub wasn't open and there was no times visible okay it was only 6pm so we sat in the garden until 6.30 and gave it up as a bad job and returned to the boat. Apparently 7pm is the magical hour at least we will know for next time.

Tuesday saw us on our way to Norbury. Going through Grub Street Cutting I saw this,

 

and this

must have been a bit of a tight squeeze getting them there.

We also passed under this bridge

which apparently carries a stream and a footpath. Can’t confirm this as I didn't have time to nip off the boat to investigate. At least we were lucky at Norbury as a boat was just leaving the water point as we came under the bridge. As we left we past nb Bendegidig so that's another blogger we have met.

We made it to Gnosall and were able to slot onto the end mooring near the Navigation pub.

We had planned to take a leisurely cruise back to Rugby aiming to be there towards the end of September when Pauls brother and sister in law are coming over from Australia and my eldest is hoping to visit, but due to a family funeral we now have to put a bit of a spurt on then I can get a train from Stafford to attend the funeral. So this morning we left at 8.30 then we could get to Brewood by lunch time (don't travel in the afternoons) stopping at Wheaton Aston for fuel which today was 70.9p, cheaper than when we bought it on the way down. There were 4 boats in front of us at the lock one of which was nb Dreckley “I read your blog” says the lady. It is so nice to chat to people who enjoy reading about our travels and on this trip we have met quite a few.  We managed to get here around 12.30.

This is how Crystal spent the entire journey.

This boating lark is so hard.

We have had a result re “The Roses” Tim Hobbs contacted us and hopefully we will be displaying said roses in the not to distant future.

Wrong choice yet again!!!!

Can you explain to me that when 4 people go out for a meal it is always Paul who gets the duff one? We decided that we would go out last night as Cath and Bruce wanted to make a move this morning. We wandered over to the Talbot around 6pm and were the only ones in the restaurant, choices were made and they do a deal on certain meals 2 for £9 which just happened to be the ones we picked. After about 20 minutes our food arrived 1 chicken pie chips and peas, 1 plaice chips and peas, 1 lasagne and salad and 1 madras curry.

I am sure you can guess which one Paul had yes, the curry, it was funny there was no curry smell at all and Paul said it was like eating beef, onions and gravy they obviously forgot the curry powder and spices so I am afraid he left most of his. Paul was already to make a complaint but I have to stop him doing these things because he can take it too far, funny though because the waiter didn't query why he had left his meal.The rest of us really enjoyed our meals we all even had ice cream for afters. I was expecting a couple of scoops but it came out in a small knickerbocker glory glass full to the top with delicious vanilla ice cream well worth the £3.60 per glass. One saving grace was the beer, they served a dark mild which is Pauls favourite.

Today we have a bit of a dilemma since the polish was last out over the past few days this has reared its ugly head.

Originally this was a mobile phone Ariel and as before instructions were given for the hole to be welded, however filler was used. Since the metal work has expanded and contracted and the filler hasn't this is the result. Himself cant make a proper repair of this so he is thinking along the lines of fitting another mobile phone Ariel as you can see the rust has already started so it will have to be done toute sweet. Another pack of lies!!!!!!! Will it ever end. We never did get a warranty I wonder why!!!!!!!! must be the slap dash workmanship.

Cupboards are full!

Opposite us there are a few residential boats with a sign that says “ I have just bought a new T set and would like to keep it in one piece so please pass slowly”. Well, the hire boat that took a layer of paint off the side of our boat obviously missed that sign, and as usual there was no apology just a blank look as if to say “ I was told this is a contact sport what are you griping about”. Sure he would object if we scratched his car.

It is funny, we were under the assumption that hire boaters got a reasonable amount of tuition before they were allowed out on their own, but it would seem this isn't the case. The first hire boat we spoke to at Audlem had been given the keys shown which way to turn the tiller to steer and that was it, all of 10 minutes to grasp what to do with a steel boat. The other couple we spoke to on a boat from a different company said they were taken through 2 locks  had a detailed run through of everything and weren't allowed on their own until the company were satisfied they were confident. Wonder which family had a pleasant holiday without being shouted at for going too fast or too close.

Yesterday we met  Yvonne nb Fizzical Attraction she had let us know they were moored near us so on our way to the shops we gave them a knock to introduce our selves.

I am now sporting a new hair cut managed to get that done should last me a couple of months. On the way back from town I had to get Paul a 6ft length of drainpipe looked a right plonker walking back to the boat with my swish hairstyle and a drainpipe on my shoulder best you don't ask what the pipe was for. I will update you if this modification works!!!!!!

Glad to say that Paul has managed to get the scratches painted out, I expect once we have done a few more locks they will all be back but for the moment that side looks as good as new.

We are trying to find a company that does either vinyl or stencil “Roses” for the side hatch doors, now we have rung at least 3 companies spoken to them and emailed pictures and sizes and they are all enthusiastic on the phone promise to ring back but do they of course they don't. I am assuming they have so much work they don't want a small order for 4 pairs of roses but if this is the case why don't they tell us. We are beginning to loose faith looks like the doors will just have to stay varnished.

Have been hop scotching nb Andromeda for a while, they are moored near by so we have been able to have a good natter with Bruce and Cath, hopefully we are all going to the pub for a meal maybe Sunday as lunch in The Talbot is only £3.95.

To day I am knackered!

I don't know why I am so tired today after all we have only done 11 locks but it has taken us 3 hours. When we first left Audlem there was a queue for lock 13, while waiting we got chatting (like you do) and it transpired that the family that had spent the night moored up behind us had been struck down with a nasty stomach bug. Then a lady on a hire boat had managed to fall off the back of the boat while trying to moor up yesterday and it was sheer luck that her legs weren't caught up with the prop. Needless to say they were taking the rest of their journey quite slowly.

We had done a few locks with a BW chap running up and down helping the single hander's and generally making sure that the flow of boats was going ok with no stealing of water etc. then at lock 8 I was waiting for a boat to come in looked at the name and then said to the lady “ are you the No Direction that reads our blog?” and yes it was. So it was lovely to meet up with you Ray and Jayne (are you sure you didn't find my £1) even though it was only fleetingly. After this lock every thing worked out fine with one up one down. As by this time it was gone 12 I took the executive decision that we would be mooring up between lock 3 and 2 and luckily we were able to pop on the end of the 48hr moorings.

As we sat outside eating our lunch the little BW man was still running between locks no wonder he was so slim.

No more moving for us today I have had a nice shower smell a lot sweeter and am looking forward to a nice glass of wine in a bit, Paul is fishing which is a bit risky given the amount of traffic here. Added bonus, the sun is shining.

Happy birthday boat!

A year ago today Piston Broke went into the yard for its “stretch.” We only have a few more things to put right perhaps this time next year we can say “thank goodness that’s over”.

We arrived here at Audlem yesterday morning and managed to get moored between locks 14 and 15. We had promised ourselves a meal out and had been told that the Lord Combermere was good so we popped in there for a lunch time pint perused the menu and although the food sounded lovely it was a bit pricey and there wasn't anything that jumped up and grabbed us so we ended up in the Shroppie Fly around 5.30 and had a very nice meal that was reasonable and there was just the right amount on the plate. With the weather being sunshine and showers the touch up paint had to be put on hold although Paul has done a test piece to get the colour of the paint right. Hopefully we can get the scratches painted out at the weekend.

As usual  it has been busy here so it looks like an early start is on the cards for the morning.

Bye bye Ellen!

This morning John and Angela left to continue on their way to Nantwich, lucky for them they were going that way as there was a constant stream of boats going towards Audlem, it was probably manic at the locks there.

We have spent a nice couple of days with them and last night we were determined to have a BBQ what ever the weather. For once we had luck on our side and although it was cloudy it stayed dry. So plenty was eaten and drunk and we finally retired to our boats around 10pm when we finally gave in to the cold. We also had another longish walk in the afternoon where the men accompanied us and yet again the dogs had a good time.

A couple of jobs have been completed,  as I write this I am waiting for Paul to return after checking on the fishing match up the way, he has his engine room to hoover, there is no way that I am going to tackle that job I have enough to contend with with the dogs hairs in the rest of the boat. No, he can get stuck into that job. I have just looked out of the boat and I can seeing him chatting away to some poor fellow up the way, shall I go and rescue the man, no I will enjoy the peace and quiet for a few more minutes.

Dodging the showers.

Before I start I would like to mention an avid follower of our blog an ex narrow boater who lives in Hungary. Tomorrow, David is marrying Celia so Paul and I would like to wish them all the best for their future together.

So here we are, today Paul decided to tackle the back hatch cover so in between showers and after he had sorted out the two step ups on the port side, we struggled getting the hatch off and into the stern canopy where it was under cover and Paul could start to varnish the wood. Now do you think this is going to be a straight forward job nah, nothing to do with paint work on this boat is straight forward.

Once the hatch cover was upside down one could see that the hatch was not fitted with care and attention  as there were chips in the paintwork which needless to say are now rusty. The following pictures show the extent of damage done whilst being fitted.

 

So, Paul says can you spot the deliberate mistake. it obviously was a case of “what the eye doesn't see the wallet doesn't grieve over”. Can any of you spot what is missing. Answers on a postcard please.

While Paul was ensconced on the back who should turn up but nb Ellen, now we weren't expecting them until tomorrow so the engine never got its polish but I am sure John wasn't worried about that. It is lovely to see them both again and Angela had the kettle on in a flash and in no time we were drinking coffee and catching up. Luckily John was able to help Paul get the hatch back in place while I was getting lunch. In the afternoon Angela and I took all four dogs for a walk across the fields, on our way we passed nb Hadar who are also moored here, was able to introduce ourselves and have a bit of a chat with them before heading off on our trek. Tomorrow we are going to go further afield hopefully we will have more luck reading the map as both Angela and I got a bit confused. What do they say about women and map reading well I must admit today it was true.

Yet another wet day.

We have spent two days in Nantwich moored opposite the marina. For the life of me I couldn't remember what Nantwich was like although we had been there 2 years ago. As soon as we started to walk along the road it all come flooding back to me and I realised what a lovely town it is. There are so many independent shops of all kinds down little streets. There is no Argos or M & S but enough stores to keep you interested and your shopping bags full. Morrison's is handy to the centre. You can even catch a bus back to the canal if the 15 minute walk with the shopping proves too much (Paul was tempted, I told him he needed the exercise). We liked the town so much we went there two days running, I find it very strange that where ever we go Paul seems drawn to a little hardware store that is full of (to him) interesting things, he found one in Nantwich and came away with yet more brass screws and some paint, we have more brass screws than he will ever use but we have to have them “just in case”.

We managed our journey this morning without getting wet, we worked it just right at Hack Green locks with a queue to come down at the top lock. We are now back at Coole Pilate waiting for nb Ellen to join us for a catch up and a bevy or two. 

Back at bridge 96!

We had an earlyish start this morning leaving the mooring at 9 just after a short sharp shower. So there I was in my wetties determined not to be caught out again. Betty and I had 4 locks and the double staircase to do today and I must say that it was a lot easier than when we came down. The wind was very gusty so we had a few hairy moments. At Beeston Iron lock Graham went in first and Paul tied up but when it was our turn to go in the lock the boat was stuck on the bottom so it took about 5 mins to get off the lock mooring. Once again when we got to the staircase we couldn't get on the lock mooring as the Anglo Welsh day boat was on it so we had to double up with a hire boat and Graham had to hang back under the railway bridge as he couldn't get any closer to the locks. Two boats were coming down but the wait was a bit better than the hour and a half on the way to Chester.

We arranged to moor up by bridge 104 so we could have our last coffee together and say our goodbyes. Paul had to get down the weed hatch as there was something round the prop, a polythene bag as it turned out. We set off again after an hour, again having difficulty getting away. At the Calvely services a boat pulled out in front of us so we were away behind Tranquillity but managed to wave goodbye as they went under the road bridge.

Yet again we had to pull over as we seemed to be going no where but there wasn't anything in the weed hatch so we just had to live with the slow speed until we got to our current mooring. Paul has had a good look around and cant explain why we were going so slowly lets hope the problem has cured itself.

Tomorrow we are going the 2 miles to Nantwich and hopefully we will be able to moor up. Going down it was chock a block.

We have really enjoyed our time with Betty and Graham its nice to travel with friends. They are now on their way to Anderton and onto the Weaver hopefully we will catch up with them again in the winter.

Our view today is…….

We really haven't come far today, as usual what we planned to do never happened. We chugged along at a very slow speed got just below Wharton lock pulled over to let a boat pass us and Betty and Graham assumed we were mooring up. Betty jumped off with the rope I was on the tow path with my windlass so windlass was put down and we both moored up. We have done a couple of hours and as we don't usually travel on a Saturday this was enough for us.

So this is the view for the rest of the weekend.

The ruins of Beeston castle in all its glory cant get a much better view than this.

Paul has been busy with the polish which you don't see very often but he has made a good job of it, only problem is it has highlighted yet more lash ups. The brass steps when they were put back on the boat like everything else have just been screwed back in place with no sealant, so once again there is rust appearing on the paintwork where the water has got behind.

So once again Paul is having to re-do stuff and I must admit that all this all beginning to get to us. It would appear that everything that has been screwed to the boat has to come off to see whether it has been sealed or not and in 99% of the cases it hasn't.

I just had to take the dogs for a walk to calm myself down and of course the heavens opened and I got soaked. We now have the smell of damp dog permeating through the boat, lovely, nearly as nice as Chanel No 5.

Have just realised why it rained Graham actually got the polish out for only the second time in 4 years think Paul shamed into it, but now he has only one half of a side done. Lets hope it is fine tomorrow so he can finish.

Above Tarvin lock.

To say we got wet today would be an understatement. Paul turned the boat round while Betty and Graham went for a pump out, I then set the staircase lock getting wetter and wetter. At least with Betty and I doing the lock it was a lot easier and we made good progress. We decided not to go too far as Lucy is being picked up tomorrow and we plan to be back on the mooring we were on last weekend as it is convenient for Lucy’s dad. This means we will have to travel on Saturday which is something we haven't done for a good few months.

Once we were moored above Tarvin lock we got dried off had lunch then Betty and I caught the bus into Chester. We then walked back along the road.

We were all sat on the tow path, the men fishing Betty Lucy and I playing “I Spy” (seemed a good idea at the time) when this massive bow wave appeared in the distance and a boat was approaching us at high speed. He had obviously lost his water skier at the last lock. As he was passing our boat he was asked quite politely to slow down and go into tick over as this is a considerate thing to do while passing moored boats. This was greeted with mutterings from the steerer and the index finger thrown high into the air , this resulted in some awkward questions from Lucy. Paul presumed that the mutterings were of the abusive nature this was like a red rag to a bull so he ran onto the boat and got the camera and ran down the tow path towards the lock.Photographs were then taken of the boat and the guy was taken by surprise at what Paul was doing, he told him that it was “name and shame week” this was greeted with yet more abuse. Himself is getting used to abusive people and believe me he can well give it back. So you  fishermen out there if you see this boat coming get your tackle in quick. (I don't want any rude comments on that statement either).

As I sit here writing this the same boat has been down the locks and turned round and has just gone past at a very slow speed so something has sunk in.

It has turned out to be a lovely evening with clear blue skies let hope our journey tomorrow stays dry as the engine room is like a Chinese laundry at the moment.

Today we walked the wall.

I have really enjoyed my stay here in the basin, the weather has been kind to us except for an hour yesterday when it absolutely chucked it down, it didn't make it any cooler though. The pub opposite has been busy with everyone sitting outside but it hasn't been noisy just voices in the background.

The basin with moorings on both sides and it is wide enough to wind.

Two friends moored together.

Chester is a lovely city with plenty of history and beautiful buildings.

This morning the 5 of us walked the length of the wall.

Passing lots of interesting places.

The racecourse.

The river Dee.

Roman remains

There are lots of steps.

The famous city clock

The cathedral looked lovely.

The intrepid trio who chatted all the way round.

This is Lucy who has been my little shadow, think it is the dogs that are the attraction not me personally.

It was certainly hard work getting into the city with the locks being big  and deep plus the two staircases but I would recommend a visit to this lovely place.

On our way down here a few people told us “there is another boat with the same name moored in the basin” Well here it is.

Not quite the same spelling as ours though.

We shant be going to Ellesmere Port as we want to travel back up with Betty and Graham as far as the junction with the Middlewich where we will part company. It will make the locks easier with two of us sharing.

Chester Basin.

We were up and gone by 8.15 this morning I even set the alarm on my phone so we didn't lay in. Filled up with water at Christleton bridge then onto Christleton lock. Had to fill it and then I could not open the gate (no breakfast so no strength). Paul had to tie up and come and help me. Then a lady walking her dog had to help me open the  bottom gate. After this I wasn't looking forward to the rest of these big double locks. Had a text from Betty to say there was space in the basin and to let them know when we hit Tesco bridge so Graham could help me with the staircase. The rest of the locks weren't too bad we did meet a boat coming up as we were leaving Tarvin lock so I was able to get to the next one and get the gate open. We had hoped to empty the toilet at the sanitary point by Chemistry lock but it had been closed down due to vandalism.

We picked Graham up at bridge 123E and made our way to the triple staircase. Just missed going down with someone as they were already in the lock with it half empty. I was really glad of Grahams help especially when the heavens opened and we got decidedly wet.

As we came into the basin there was a nice big space behind nb Chance, we aren't stalking you guys honestly.  So here we are settled for a few days. We have had a walk to Wickes and found another big Tesco which is roughly the same distance from town as the one at bridge 123E.

Paul and Graham have nipped to the pub opposite (now there's a surprise) so Betty Lucy and I took the dogs for a walk. Lucy is really taken with the dogs which is good as she will be seeing a lot of them over the next week.