That's it then!!!!!!!!

All that food and drink and it is over in a flash back to normal now. Paul and I don't do gifts but he got me a bag of coal so I would have something to open Christmas morning ……………. 

It has been a very quiet time although quite a few people arrived here at the marina to spend Christmas and the only way we knew this was by the amount of cars that appeared in the car park. Time to start planning 2013, think we have an idea of what we will be doing.

Bathroom is still to be tiled but a test area has been done to see how easy the tiles came off, the first one was a bit of a pig but the next one was a breeze. I now have a Midland Chandlers carrier bag duct taped over the missing bits. D day for the total tile removal will be around the 6th of January, why then? well, I have seconded to babysit at Jacks on the 4th so wont be coming back till the 5th and as I am chief “clearer upper” the job cant be started with out me. Just thought, it maybe the 8th as we have a breakfast get together to sort out.

Just wish this weather would improve, the dogs get plastered every time they go out and today it is very windy bring on the snow I say. We have got a bit boat crazy so caught the bus into town this morning to have a look round the sales we came back with a new frying pan and a small Pyrex bowl big spenders we certainly aren't.

One thing I have been doing while here is jigsaw puzzles Angela gave me a nice jigsaw folder where you can keep all the bits and then put it away, well the puzzle I choose had lots of trees and flowers probably not the best choice for a beginner, anyway this thing has taken me nearly two months to do and it is only a 500 piece one. I have to be in the mood and find that if I sit for hours looking at the picture I get no where then the next time I get it out I find all the pieces I couldn't find last time. Well yesterday with two thirds of it done I was determined to finish it Paul helped as well and guess what there were two bits missing I was gutted we had been looking for those for ages so back in the box it went with a note about the missing bits.  But………as I was tidying up I found one piece under a cushion and one bit under the table Paul suggested we get it out and do it again with all the pieces …now you know why I needed a new frying pan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year everyone

We’ve been busy busy busy.

On Friday Paul and I went into Rugby for a trip out more than anything. I did a silly thing taking him into Asda to look at some nice jumpers, well in my eyes they were nice. We came out of the shop with a tele for the bedroom……..A 12v tele with cd/dvd player and Freeview installed as well at a bargain price. But no jumpers. I was told this was my Christmas present, well, as I didn't want a new TV I bought myself a pair of boots instead. Saturday saw me on the train to London for the day to meet up with Jess for lunch as I wont be seeing her again before the 25th had a nice time with her and when I got back to the boat the TV had been installed just have to get rid of the old one now. (12v Phillips TV and Freeview box going at a good price…)

Sunday Angela and John invited us on board for mulled wine and mince pies along with Bob  and Brian a very pleasant few hours were spent and the mince pies were out of this world thanks Angela and John for your hospitality.

Today we were in Rugby yet again, this time to meet up with Betty and Graham who are moored the wrong side of the breach but had hired a car to visit family and wanted to see us and Ann and Keith for a Christmas lunch. It was nice to catch up with Betty and Graham as it has been quite a few months since we parted company and during that time they decided that now was the time to return to a house so their boat is up for sale. I hope that Tranquility sells quickly for them.

Paul and I would like to take this opportunity to wish every one a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2013.

Christmas get together.

Today with it being the 12th of the 12th 2012 8 of us got together for our pre Christmas bash. The 8 consisted of Del and Al nb Derwent6, John and Ang nb Ellen, Ann and Keith nb Oakfield and us. We all met up at the Red Lion in Crick for a really lovely lunch. The pub had laid a table for us with crackers  so it didn't take long for us to get into the Christmas spirit and as it it had been Keith and Pauls birthdays on Sunday we had extra cause for celebration. As is usual for me the camera was left behind but no doubt there will be pictures on Derwent 6s and Oakfields blogs. The time flew by and it was only the bell ringing for last orders that made us don our coats and wander out into the cold Ann, Keith, Del and Al to catch the bus and Angela John and us to wander back to the marina.

Once we were back the boys went on board for another beer while Angela and I took the 3 dogs for a nice walk. The perfect end to a smashing day thank you every one for making it such a magic time, here's to our New Year breakfast get together “Bring it on”

Ouch!!!!!

Being quite organised in as much as the Tesco delivery is booked for the week before Christmas I thought I would book the County Connect bus again for a trip into Daventry today. Email came back as before but this time we had to walk up to the PO in the village. I booked the bus for 10am and the time we were given for departure was 9.20, the bus was waiting for us when we got there at 9.15. Bus passes went on the machine and the grumpy driver said “cant use them before 9.30” now the time was 9.20 and much as we tried to keep him chatting till 9.30 he wasn't having any of it. At this point I must say it wasn't the nice driver from last time. So Paul gets out his wallet as the driver said £4.90 Paul gave him a fiver and he remarked “that's each” as you can imagine Paul at this point was ready to get off the bus and wait for the 96 to Rugby but as we wanted a particular shop in Daventry we were stuffed. As this bus is one you order we weren't aware that the 9.30 rule applied so next time I shall book the bus for 11 o'clock to be on the safe side. Now we don't  mind paying our way but £4.90 for a 10 minute bus ride seems a bit on the steep side to me.

As we had plenty of time to look around we finally got into a shop called Pigeonhole which is at the end of the high street near to Home base, this is full of antiques vintage and retro collectables in all there are over 80 different people that use this large place that is known as Moot Hall. There was so many things that I liked but we came away with only a few bits, a nice copper coffee pot, three brass table bells (that I collect) and believe it or not three brass flying ducks. So it looks like a big can of Brasso is called for.

Over the past three weeks Paul has been busy working on the panel as modifications to the slip rings had to be carried out. Mark 1 were not suitable and under engineered, they consisted of brass strip bent in such a way to accommodate tension where they  made contact with the copper tube this was unsuccessful as the brass strip wouldn't hold tension to make a good and safe joint. Mark 2: from the safety aspect a small copper shoe was soldered  to the contact end this would allow more pressure to be applied to the copper tube and not allow slip off however this again was unsuccessful as the swivelling of the panels caused the brass strip to bend and get out of shape. After a lot of thinking Paul went into overdrive and was convinced that he would have to resort to hard wiring and forget the 360 degree turning circle until he had an “eureka” moment was able to come up with a new plan.Mark 3: last week that moment came and he decided to re-engineer the slippers to accommodate a sprung loaded rolling wheel these were constructed using brass curtain rail, 3” brass hinges, 4 £1 coins and 4 2p coins (no expense spared…….) the wheels were made up by using 2 x 2p pieces (had to be  old because the new ones have a different metal content) as the outer guide and two £1 coins as the inner shoe, these were all soldered together and there was a lot of filing to get a touch fit onto the copper rings the 2 3” hinges were cut to shape and used to make up a   bogie  to carry the wheel and the spring to load the tension, the brass curtain rod is self explanatory in the photo. Apart from making an adjustment to the fixing holes of the frame where the cables  connect all went well and we now have 360 deg turn so far so good.

Only the outer plastic guard to install.

Covers done…

We did catch our Connect bus to Daventry and quite an experience it was too. Not being up to speed with which roads go where other than the Stagecoach bus routes we were a bit perturbed when the little bus headed off towards Northampton. There was one lady on the bus when we got on and on our jaunt out into the country we stopped outside a nice little house and the next passenger got on, the bus driver then offered us all a sweet and it was onto the next pick up which was heaven only knows where. The driver then asked us passengers which way we would like to go certainly a novel idea. We got to Daventry (eventually) the journey had taken 40 minutes. As we had arranged to meet Ann and Keith we asked the driver if we could return an hour later than we had booked this was sorted and we had a extra hour to get shopping and have breakfast in Weatherspoons. The return journey took 15 minutes but I shall make sure we use this service again as it is so convenient.

Yesterday we had a jaunt to Rugby the bus was late and for the whole journey the driver had a problem in as much as the horn was constantly honking it was so loud you couldn't have a conversation, the driver took it upon himself to deviate from his normal route and didn't stop at any further bus stops until we got into town.

The covers are done took a lot of measuring and checking of sizes ( you know the old adage measure twice cut once well the material was measured into an inch of its life). I got into the swing of using the machine again although there was a bit of a hic-up when the tension went up the swanee but all three are done and one is in place.

Paul has to put more fixing on but he ran out of pot rivets hence the trip to Rugby.

We are quite proud of our selves only problem Paul has is fixing the other two as they are water side and with this ice and cold at the moment I think they may have to wait a couple of days before they are put in place as long as they keep the draught out I will be happy.

A few boats here in the marina have Christmas light adorning them one of the nicest is nb Ellen so Paul being Paul made sure we bought lights while in Rugby so we can have a display as well

I think next week will see the starting of the bathroom tiling  if Paul can motivate himself………….

Last night saw us in the Red Lion with Angela John and Rodney  a very nice evening ensued and the food as usual was lovely. The walk back to the marina was very brisk as it was freezing………

Oh dear……..

I went down to Kent for the weekend and came back with a lovely cough and cold. Something I could really do without, Paul wasn't the happiest of bunnies either as he hadn't seen a soul all the time I was away so was feeling decidedly lonely, for once he was glad to see me back.

Tuesday Angela and John came over for a cuppa and I make a cake thought it was about time so I pushed the boat out and bought cream to go in it was rather good even if I say so myself.

Weather here today has been atrocious in fact the water in the marina has come up so far that the dogs have about a foot step to get onto the pontoon where as before the boat was level with it, there are quite a few boats on the kilt and there has been a lot of slackening off of ropes to ensure that there is no damage done in fact Paul has just come back on board after sorting out a few boats due to the water rising yet again . Tomorrow it would appear that we are in for more rain so who knows the pontoons may be flooded.

Paul has been keeping himself busy and a new box has been made for the starter battery he has also sanded down the side bulk heads in the lounge ready for a fresh coat of varnish, this has come about as a few redundant holes have been filled due to a different size radiator being installed 2 years ago, as you can see he doesn't rush these jobs.

Next job is the making of covers for the side hatch doors, material has been bought and the fixings, so on Saturday the sewing machine will be unearthed from under the dinette dusted off and put to good use (that is if I can remember how to use it).

I found out from a local lady that there is a County Connect bus that runs through here to Daventry, you have to register with the bus company then you book on line, ordering the bus like you would a taxi. So I booked the bus for Friday so we could go and do a spot of shopping and have a change of scenery. The email I received confirming my booking said that as we lived more than 500 metres from our requested pick up point the bus would pick us up from outside the marina how convenient is that and it will drop us off there too so hardly any walking to be done which suits Paul no end. I have got into the swing of having my shopping delivered here once by Mr Tesco and once with Mr Sainsbury so easy and no humping of heavy stuff.

Look at these.

 

Well the washing machine arrived and was installed no damage to either the boat or the machine. Delivery men had never been to a boat before and probably hope they never have to again. It has taken a while to catch up with the washing but at last it is all done. 

One of Pauls friends emailed some photos from way way back in the 80’s so far back that Paul has HAIR. It certainly bought back happy memories for Paul and a lump to his throat as this was the best sailing days he ever had.

This is Fly of Halstow a replica Medway Bawley which Paul crewed on many occasion even going over to Calais on numerous “booze” runs. Constructed of Ferro cement, Ray who owned Fly and was an expert on this type of construction was involved in a consortium and with others built 5 hulls which were then fitted out by their respective owners. They were 40ft plus LWL with a bowsprit of about 18ft. The canvas design and rigging was slightly altered from the originals to gain more speed. Fly took part in many of the area’s barge matches more so Medway barge matches also the local LHYC club racing which included round the island (Sheppey) round the towers (Whitstable) and many more made up as they went along.

Can you spot Paul? He was known as the bow man and he was also the only press gang volunteer to go up the mast if need be, the old fella in the foreground is Ray the owner of Fly, the guy in blue by the mast is Pauls friend Les. This was taken after a Medway race at anchor at the top of Stangate Creek waiting for the tide to enable the boats to return to their mooring. The boat breasted up is one of the other Bawleys.

 

Just look at Pauls hair…….

Apart from the anchor winch on the bows everything was done by hand and sailing skills really came into their own it makes you wonder how a man and boy coped all those years ago when these were used for fishing, as you can see there are ropes and rigging all over. It was Ray who taught Paul all he knew about rigging these types of boats, in fact some years later Fly’s mast had to be replaced and Paul along with Ray and John was involved in cutting a new mast and replacement of some of the rigging.

This was taken by a magazine photographer during one of the races, this is Fly under full sail. Paul recalls this incident as if it was yesterday, the skipper instructed the crew to get the “Flying Angel” up and through lack of practise they got into an awful mess. The “Flying Angel” is the largest sail on the boat and runs from the top of the topmast to the end of the bowsprit, for what ever reason the ropes got caught in the sheaves and could not be released from the bows of the boat, so guess what idiot had to crawl out on the “whiskers” to the end of the  bow sprit to release the jam?  Hence he got wet feet and by the time everything was freed the opportunity had gone as the wind for this sail wouldn't have given them any headway. So apart from getting wet feet the whole exercise was a waste of time. Needless to say the skipper then ordered the crew to put up the Spinnaker he was lucky not to go over the side. (do you remember that day Les?)

What happy memories……..

Would you believe it!!!!!!

The weather here has been awful in fact on Sunday with all the rain the water level here in the marina rose so much that Paul had to loosen off the ropes and the boat next to us had a definite list.

I decided to do a spot of cooking with it being Sunday, menu went something like Shepherds pie for our evening meal with apple pie to follow. So you have to imagine this, I am making pastry for the pies the mince is in the dish waiting for the potato topping. There is Paul at my shoulder twittering away saying “ my mum didn't make a pie like that, have you put cloves in it are you going to crimp the edges,” well I was getting really stressed out so I said “ why don't you mash the potatoes?” he proceed to pick up the slotted spoon I use in the wok as the masher, “not that” so he then picks up another slotted spoon “not that either” I had to physically put the masher into his hand. “my mum put butter and milk in her mashed potato” “WELL GIVE ME A CHANCE I HAVENT GOT TO THE FRIDGE YET”. By this time the individual apple pies were made and ready for the oven. The mashing was going quite well although there was as much potato on the surface as there was in the saucepan, eventually with a bit more tuition the shepherds pie was ready, it didn't look that appealing as there was more gravy on the top of the potatoes than under but still I suppose he had helped a little bit. Every available work surface was covered in pots pans and potato will I let him do it again well…….. next time he can do the whole thing from scratch and the washing up.

Today the difference in the weather was amazing okay we had frost on the top of the boat but the sun was out. The box was given its first coat of paint and my Tesco delivery arrived on time. I only made one faux pa and that was ordering Cherry Coke to go with Pauls rum not the best combination but it didn't taste too bad. I know next time to double check the order before I submit it…

We had a nice surprise as well when Del and Al rang us as they were in the area so they came to see us which was nice, we have arranged to meet up for a Christmas meal at the Red Lion some time in December.

Oh yes forgot to mention I have bought Paul a NEW comfort cardi and new slippers, suffice to say the comfort cardi is in the wardrobe never to see the light of day but he is wearing the slippers suppose I should be grateful for that as the smell from his old ones was unbearable.

I am off to the docs in the morning Paul has to sort out the engine room to enable him to get the old machine off glad I wont be around to hear the swearing. 

Getting there.

Well we are settling down to life in the marina. Monday we got the roof scrubbed off and one side washed down. Taking advantage of the hook up the washing machine was put to good use that is until it packed up, Paul heard some funny noises looked in the engine room and thought the machine was on fire  luckily it wasn't smoke it was steam, it had managed a rinse and spin so the clothes weren't dripping wet. Paul went back to the project and  started to cut the plastic strip  that is to go on the edges of the box all was going well until one cut strip slipped out of his hands into the water, with no chance of retrieving it.

Tuesday I had to go to Rugby so popped into the Co-Op to price up machines found a nice slimline one on offer with £75 off bargain. While I was out Paul had the old machine to bits to see if it was repairable, the steam was coming from inside the drum where as the  main drum bearings had collapsed and the inner drum was rubbing on the plastic outer drum obviously apart from carrying out a repair to replace the bearing there was probably extensive damage to the outer drum so we decided to go for a new machine.Well it is 7 years old so not done us bad. Good job the machine is in the engine room so easy to get at and work on.

So today it was back into Rugby to buy the machine sort out the delivery then it was on to Homebase to get another piece of plastic stripping and some edging to go onto my NEW shelving in one of the kitchen cupboards so as you can see Paul has been a busy bee and the “list” is getting shorter. (for now)

Over this coming weekend we have to get the old machine out of the engine room and onto the back of the boat. This will test the size of the doors which Paul had made large enough should we ever need to get the washing machine off.

Next thing to do is get a Tesco delivery sorted out which should be fun as I have never done it before.

It’s done.

 

Well almost, just a lick of paint to finish the “project”

You are probably aware that we have solar panels this is the original construction of the array.

This never gave any problems but Paul decided that he could improve it, so this is what we have now.

Not a top box but…….

A larger array than we had,  the   lid of the top box swivels to get directional  to the sun. You can see the shadow gauge on the right hand side this enables the panels to be aligned to the correct angle to the sun any time of the year, this is done with the use of two aluminium extendable broom handles. Instead of being hard wired , the panels will be able to travel 360 degrees as he has installed slip rings to carry the current.

And you can put stuff in the box. Which will make our existing box redundant.

I must admit that the construction of this did cause a few head aches mainly because it was done on the tow path.

bottom half

lid.

The roundel in the middle carries the weight of the panels this is done by a fixed metal swivel and three caster wheels, on reflection this should have been a larger diameter.

I cant tell you how many times this was lifted on and off the roof to get the shaping correct I had arms like Popeye  by the end of it. So we now have 3x85 watt panels. A new controller was purchased to carry the extra load.  Paul has had a few sleepless nights over this as things weren't going according to plan during the build although all looked okay during the design stage, however with a few small mods and a bit of tweaking I am sure eventually he will get it right,  don't think there are any more “projects” on the horizon he needs to give his brain a rest.

So if any one is looking for a 50watt monocrystaline panel and a 20amp regulator get in touch.

Settled.

We left Norton Junction on Thursday negotiating the Watford Locks with the help of Al who talked me through the process.

Del leading the way.

As we approached the Crick tunnel 2 boats were coming out which was handy or so we thought. As we got further into the tunnel the visibility disappeared and it was like travelling in a real pea-souper the two boats had filled the tunnel with wood smoke from their chimneys and it made the journey decidedly slow. Luckily for us we never met anything but it was Del’s mis fortune to meet the two boats mid tunnel so he got the full force of the smoke.

Light at the end of the tunnel……….

We managed to moor up opposite Crick marina and although it said these were designated winter moorings there were only two boats on the whole stretch.

Thursday evening Del Al and us went to The Red Lion for a very nice meal. Friday saw Paul and I travelling on various busses to Daventry to get the final few bits for “the project” pictures will be here tomorrow (I hope).

We made the decision to go into a marina for this winter and that is the reason we are here along with the fact we have to do all the tiling in the bathroom and that isn't the easiest of jobs to do on the tow path, plus there are a few other things that have been on the back burner. So it was over to Crick to get all the paper work sorted before we went in, we also wanted to see where we were actually to be which turned out to be 2 boats width away from John and Ang nb Ellen so we popped to see them for half an hour before we returned to the boat. It wasn't long before there was a face at the window.

I think Masie was looking for her mate Crystal who was fast asleep and oblivious to anything.

So…Sunday morning it was into the marina there was a slight breeze but luckily it didn't hamper the manoeuvring, as we use the back of the boat as our main entry (because it is easier with the dogs) Paul had to reverse onto the pontoon, luckily John saw us and came out to give a hand. Once we were settled I realised just how close Ellen was.

As we are now on hook up Paul fitted a galvonic isolator just to be on the safe side.

So everyone as we wont be travelling so much this blog will be quiet for lengthy periods.  I expect we will venture out if the weather stays good and the jobs allow so I will write as and when.

Norton jct.

We had just finished on the water point yesterday morning when Del and Al can through so we timed that just right. The journey up the locks worked a dream as they were all in our favour so Al and I took it in turns to open the gates of the next lock so the boys could just go straight in.

Bottom lock

Here come the boys!!!

My locking partner.

The men were like 2 old women on the back of the boats if you could have heard the pair of them going on and on and on still it was a laugh. We didn't meet anything in the tunnel which suited me just fine as I am not a tunnel lover. Once through the tunnel we saw Reg and Sandra on nb Moonshadow so a quick chat as we went past.

How quiet is that….

At the junction we found a nice mooring spot which will do us for a couple of days.

Phew…

Well,    the project is nearly finished as I say, nearly so no pictures as yet. There have been a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of swearing and the odd “ I wish I had never started this” but it will be okay in the end. I have never known Paul to start something and it not turn out how he planned, okay there may be a few minor tweaks but it all turns out okay. He was so preoccupied with this job that poor old Eric never got Skyped this weekend. Sorry about that Eric he will get in touch during the week.

I have been to Daventry a few times on the bus wanted to make sure that we were all stocked up for our journey into the unknown.

Les and Jac passed by on Saturday so about half an hour was spent catching up with them both. Must say the weather has been grim all this fog and drizzle. Here on these church moorings as we call them it has been pretty full most evenings with plenty of boats going by in both directions. Tomorrow we are meeting up with Del and Al for the journey up through the locks and the tunnel, I don't mind the locks but I hate tunnels we will let Del go in front then we can pootle along behind. Wont be long now and the winter stoppages will be upon us.  This year has certainly whizzed by.

Braunston.

We made the short hop to Braunston from Onley Monday morning finding a mooring opposite the church in front of nb William.

Paul has spent the past few days rushing hither and thither buying……all that stuff….. The boat now resembles a builders yard.

Tuesday afternoon just after we had been topped up with coal and diesel by Mark on Callister there was a shout of “I recognise that backside” and it was Del and Al , Paul was on the roof stacking the coal at the time,  as we had been in touch with Ann and Keith and arranged to meet up in Rugby Wednesday Del and Al said they would join us too.

So Wednesday saw us all in Wetherspoons being quite rowdy, it was lovely to meet up with every one again and I think it wont be the only time we get together for a meal as it would appear that we are all going to be in roughly the same vicinity over the winter. Thank you guys for a lovely few hours. When we got off the bus in Braunston who should be waiting at the bus stop but Les nb Valerie so more catching up was done.

Paul has been busy “thinking” and planning this project of his it has certainly kept him in quiet mode which isn't a bad thing.

We have arranged to travel with Del and Al next week as we are both going up the locks and through the tunnel and being together will make the locks easier, will be nice to be that side again it has been a few years.

Onley.

We have been moored here at Onley for the past few days and cant believe how quiet it is at the moment there is us and a boat that has no one on it, cant remember a time when this popular mooring has been so empty. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of boat traffic but it just passes by perhaps its us who knows!!!!!!

Night before last Paul was reclining on the dinette ( and no I wasn't feeding him grapes) on the computer, I was watching the TV, I remarked to Paul that there was a strange smell emitting from his slippers and it was a really whiffy smell, with that the carbon monoxide alarm went off (it is situated behind my chair). Once Paul had reset the alarm and removed his feet from the proximity of it, all was quiet again. We have come to the conclusion that it must be time to replace the slippers but no doubt they will go up the same route as “the comfort cardi”.

While here I did a quick nip to Tesco in Daventry and it was quick I can tell you, out on the 9.40 bus and back on the same bus going to Rugby all of 20 minutes in Tesco. I have shot myself in the foot though as Pauls comment was “why don't you always shop that quickly”? Well, I did stick to my list and only needed the basics, no alcohol or chocolate just bread and milk bit boring really.

Paul has been on the phone a lot, he has another project in mind and he is being really secretive about it. I have no idea what it is and that is probably a good thing. All I do know is that when we get to Braunston we have to go here and there to pick bits up. It would appear that his tax rebate is now to be spent on…. stuff…. he has also been on the internet gleaning information on what…. I hate to think, probably best for me to stay in the dark. No doubt it will be some technical gismo so watch this space as I expect there will be photos. Do you get the impression that he is bored and has too much time on his hands!

Nicely refreshed….

I have been away, had a nice weekend with Jess and family in Kent, left Paul at the golf course where for the majority of the time ours was the only boat there which I find very strange as it is normally a very popular spot.

We left this morning stopping for water, going up the locks was fun, at least both sides are open now. At the bottom lock as Paul was leaving the water point I went up to set the lock, there was a hire boat in the other lock and they had been there for quite a while, I noticed that there was water still coming from the bottom paddles, so checked as they appeared to be down but they weren't all the way down so the pound was rapidly emptying so sorted that little problem out then a volunteer locky came on duty and helped them. I walked up to next lock catching up with the hire boat who was attempting to land his crew so I whistled them and opened the gates, of course they then had the problem of the crew getting off from inside the lock (at this point I will say the couple were our age) once ashore the lady then started to open the bottom paddles Paul shouted and explained the top ones needed opening. The lady said they had had no instruction at all on locking in fact no instruction at all you could see she was getting really stressed out buy the whole business so shame on you Ashby boats for not giving enough instruction. Again the locky appeared and he talked them through the top lock we by this time had made a hasty exit.

We did pass this wide beam which we found strange as you don't normally see them this far down.

They must have winded by bridge 74 there didn't appear to be any one on board.

Approaching bridge 79 was this sign,

Then this one,

On the bridge was this,

on the other side,

So, some of  the repairs are being done by volunteers and a good job they were doing to.

Coming up to bridge 80 again repairs were taking place, there was a boat waiting and tug Herbert with Andy at the helm came through he shouted that there was a boat behind him. The boat that was waiting went under the bridge and a chap in a high viz jacket and hard hat was waving at us so we carried on, that was a big mistake as a hire boat was squeezing past the boat in front of us so it was into reverse to let the hire boat through. I jumped off ran up to make sure there was nothing coming which there was so I asked the people to wait for us to come through, as he approached the bridge Paul was spitting feathers and shouted to the guys on the bridge “why did you wave me through” silence was the reply. So the moral of this tale is as you approach either bridge 79 or 80 on the North Oxford be aware the canal has a bit of a width restriction by both of them and make sure nothing is coming in the opposite direction.

So we are settled again, we have heard from Betty and Graham who are  hoping to be part of a flotilla travelling on the Manchester Ship canal to divert past the breach at Preston Brook. They don't know how long they have to wait before C&RT arrange this  and it is going to cost them over a £100 for the privilege.

Found a wide bit!!!!!!

Well we moved on Monday having a quiet cruise in the sunshine

Lovely morning sun.

How peaceful is that.

Newbold tunnel.

Of course we couldn't pass through Rugby without stopping to get shopping and visiting Homebase. I managed a quick trip to Next and I also went in T K Max how anyone finds any clothes in that store amazes me. I went up stairs and managed to find myself a nice cast iron skillet have been looking for one for ages, this one is just the right size to accommodate two nice steaks…………

Once the shopping was done we moved again and we are now moored up on a nice wide bit of canal where hopefully we wont receive any more battle scars.

Had a text from our friends Betty and Graham and they are caught the wrong side of the canal breach on the Trent and Mersey so it looks like we wont be having our usual get together with them for Christmas not that we know where we are going to be, if our discussions are anything to go by it will be the other side of the Braunston tunnel haven't been that way for ages.

Hmmmm

Yes we are still around but as we are going back over old ground what do you write about? We are moored up at the popular spot with the rats you know where I mean, not that we have seen any rats I did see a squashed badger on the road but is the only wild life to date.

Now I am not one to moan about stuff I leave that to you know who but over the past couple of days I have been a little livid to say the least, do you want to know about the endless times we have been hit by people speeding by and who couldn't even bother to apologise probably not, or the hire boat with about 10 pirates all with the requisite bottle of lager in hand that smashed head on with a little 30 footer, probably not but there you go where has the go slow past moored boats and the courtesy gone obviously out of the window. Oh yes for the last two nights boats have been going by in the pitch dark  one with the steerer wearing a head torch which really lit his way, thought your insurance was invalid it you travelled after dark.  As I say its not like me to moan but suffice to say we will be moving tomorrow to a nice WIDE bit of canal if we can find one, if we do I am sure some one will managed to scrape some more paint off, better get a couple of gallons in to retouch the scratches.

On a lighter note the sun has been shining which makes a change its October tomorrow just where has this year gone….

We’re in winter mode!

And its only September……

The double glazing is back up the winter clothes are in the wardrobe and the fire has been alight every evening for the past week.

Yesterday we braved the awful weather to go into Bedworth and get the rest of the shopping. Only problem was the bus didn't turn up, luckily there was another bus 5 minutes later going to the big Tesco at the Ricoh so we caught that. Boy did it rain at least it bought the canal up a few inches. There wasn't many people braving the wind and the rain, think they were all like us tucked up in the warm.

Today it was back to Bedworth to go to the market hopefully to get Paul some work trousers. At least the bus turned up this morning and result we got the trousers. On the stall there was a nice Asian guy and a youngster of about 20. Paul asked the question “how much” £18 was the reply, “can you do two pairs for £35”  “no” now this is only 50p off a pair. The youngster was at this point getting a bit gobby so I said to Paul just buy one pair which he did handing over a £20 note, the stall holder got out a £2 coin for his change which the young bloke took and had the cheek to say “I’ll toss you for it”  “leave it out says Paul I offered you a deal on two pairs which you refused” by this time the stall holder had had a light bulb moment and realised that he had lost the sale of another pair of trousers. “Give us my change” says Paul and to his amazement the young bloke gave him the coin and said “just f*** off” how charming is that. We left the market and had a wander and found Bedworth to be a very depressed place I think the only thing going for it is the large Tesco and a decent sized Aldi.

The wind has been horrendous today but so far it has stayed dry although it is a tad nippy. If the wind drops tomorrow we will move.

Hawkesbury.

Today here at Hawkesbury it is WET and tomorrows forecast looks pretty bad so we may have to stay here longer than anticipated. Friday saw us being topped up with fuel both diesel and coal from Callister at least their diesel was a decent price. So we are set up for a while.

Yesterday I needed to go shopping I had checked my bus timetable and the bus to Bedworth was due around 10 so off we set, yes Paul came too, got to the bus stop and they had changed not only the times of the buses but the number as well so here we were in plenty of time for the number 60 bus due at 10.04 and the timetable on the bus stop tells us that the 778 was due at 10.23 Pauls face was a picture so I sent him back to the boat and went off on my own.

We have met up with a few old faces while here and there has been plenty of boats passing by and you can tell we are close to the Oxford canal as the hire boats with their “pirates” have been whizzing through at a rate of knots although on their return journey today they all look decidedly damp.

Paul is busy watching the Grand Prix so that gives me some time to catch up with a few jobs, summer clothes need to be put away and winter ones retrieved from under the bed, Paul doesn't have this problem he wears the same stuff what ever the weather and that blooming “comfort cardi” is still going strong.  It must be the one thing that never shrunk when I washed it, one day I will come across another one and will be able to replace it after all it only has a hole in one elbow and the nice fluffy lining is very patchy but I cant bring myself to separate a man and his “comfort cardi” 

Brrrrrrr

We left the mooring in Atherstone this morning, it took a bit of a while to get going as we were sat on the bottom  the water level was really low about 9inches down on the norm. It was absolutely freezing I even put a scarf on. Only saw about three boats coming in the opposite direction. We had to stop at Springhaven and on the wharf was nb Libertybelle we haven't seen Angela and Trevor to talk to for a couple of years so it was nice to catch up. Paul popped into the shop to ask the price of their diesel and was told £1.01 per litre “that's expensive” says Paul “I wont be buying any”. We did get 2 bags of coal though and Kevin did what he had to and then we were on our way again.

Only managed to travel for about 10 minutes when the heavens opened and the wind got up so we pulled over, moored up and lit the fire. Its nice and cosy now.

Caxton went by and Paul (not mine) remarked that he was freezing or words to that effect, Elaine was on the tow path walking the dog to keep warm I think.

As the evening has progressed the wind has dropped so Paul is going to attempt to catch some fish.

That was unexpected.

As you know we renewed our licence recently, well a few days after Paul got a text which in itself is unusual as he hardly ever gives his number to any one as he cant remember it. The text was from CaRT to tell us that everything was ok with our license  application and the disk would be despatched in the next 5 days. We never got these texts when BW were running the show so why start now?

We did the Atherstone flight in one hit with me walking the whole lot. We noticed on the way up that a couple of the pounds had been cleared out, as we were approaching the top lock we were warned that the contractors were dredging the side pound and there was a 30 minute wait. When we finally got into the lock this was what we saw.

Now the contractors are putting the silt into a work barge then taking it to the old coal wharf where it is transferred to big skips. Now these skips have been filled so much that the sides are bowing outwards apparently said skips are going to stand for two weeks to allow the water to drain out. There isn't any way that these skips are going to be lifted up off of the ground drained of water or not. But as you can see this side pound is in dire need of dredging I expect every side pound on the cut is in a similar state.

While we were at the mooring near Streathay I took some pictures of the light aircraft coming in to land on the airstrip opposite.

Looks like it is on the bridge.

Safely down.

These ladies didn't bat an eyelid as we went past.

Shall we shan’t we?

Today it was a case of shall we, shan’t we move as the forecast was for high winds, in fact Paul got up in the night to lay the solar panels down. We decided to go for it and although the wind was gusty it wasn't to bad a trip.

After saying popular spots were quiet Fazley was heaving, we had to wait for the services to be free. Once moored up I popped into the office to renew the license. I had checked on the internet for the price so was prepared when the nice lady told me how much to write the cheque for.

Once on the move again it was decision time on where to moor, we plumped for one of our favourite spots by bridge 50. The gardeners had been through on their sit on mowers and actually cut right up to the armco which makes a change.

We had thought number one son would be visiting this weekend but he cant make it so we can have a nice peaceful time doing what weekends are for , absolutely nothing.

Sutton Road Bridge.

On Sunday a  boat pulled in front of us and then there was a knock on the side of the boat. A very nice couple were standing there and they said “we read your blog our names are Jackie and Stein from nb Ducks to Water”. We had a lovely long chat  was lovely to meet you both and no doubt we will catch up again sometime.

Sods law that the day we decided to move the weather was damp and overcast with that horrible fine drizzle that seems to get you wetter than proper rain drops. But the sun came out then it rained then sun still I suppose we should be grateful that the weather stayed so good for the Olympics and Paralympics how lucky was that.

We have been so surprised at every popular mooring we have passed through there have been SPACES, Hopwas was empty and here at Sutton Road Bridge we are one of only 3 boats. Today we saw a very rare sight, a CaRT banks man checking licenses Paul tried to engage him in conversation but he wasn't very forth coming, I suppose he has such a large area to cover he doesn't have time to stop and chat to all and sundry.

The cupboards are full now next stop is Fazley for the services and get our license paid.

Don't you just hate it when…….

Water is in the kettle, tbags in the teapot, cups at the ready and you find that the milk has gone off. Of course I hadn't replaced the UHT milk that I keep as a stand by so there was nothing for it but to walk to Whittington to get more milk. I checked with the Nicholson's and it is only just over a mile along the tow path. After asking our neighbours if they wanted anything I set off with my rucksack, a bottle of water and my earphones in so I could listen to my MP3 player while I walked along. As I was leaving Paul said “ get us a bottle of rum while you are there” I don't think so somehow.

It really didn't take too long to get to bridge 80 where I found nb Relaine moored up quick chat to Reg and it was up to the CO-OP milk, bread and newspapers purchased (no rum) it was back to the boat. I enjoyed my walk wouldn't want to do it in the wet mind, but at least we can have a cup of tea now.

Some of the brasses have been polished today which isn't before time but I knew if I nagged enough they would get done. That would explain why when I got back from my 3 mile round trip Paul was dozing in the chair.

What can I say?

I took the dogs for a walk yesterday afternoon and our route took us behind “an outstanding marina opening here soon” by Streethay. Now when we came past last year it was a hive of activity and on our way up it was still busy with the opening and what looked like a toilet block well under way. Now, nothing there is no plant, no people and it looks like it has been abandoned so is this yet another white elephant that has gone bust I wonder.  I did manage to find plenty of blackberries to go with my one cooking apple so its pie for pud tonight.

Although it has turned out warm in the afternoons the evenings have been decidedly nippy, and in the mornings the windows are streaming with condensation, so it looks like the double glazing will be back in before long.

Our logs have been cut up and Paul has a bit of a clear out so plenty of rubbish to get rid of at Fazley. It has quietened down considerably with only about 4 boat going past today still not long till Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another lovely day….

Yesterday afternoon we met up with Angela and John to take the dogs out for a nice walk. At this point I will say it was a lovely walk and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We crossed the first two stiles with no problem the openings were big enough for our two to get through, the third one was a bit of a challenge. It took Saffie an age to get to the other side. There was no way that Crystal could get her body through the gap so John and Paul had to lift her (all 7and a quarter stone) over it, took some doing I can tell you but we were soon on our way through a field of bamboo which must have been about 8ft high, it reminded me of a horror movie. Total mileage walked according to Johns GPRS was 3.45 miles our dogs were shattered, so was Paul.

They stayed like this for the rest of the evening only getting up for their  tea and their last walk of the night.

In the evening we all went up to the pub to watch the Morris dancers, well Angela and I watched Paul and John had lengthy discussions on this and that.

Think at this point Paul had given up the will to live!!!!!!!

At least the dancers had a nice evening to perform.

By the time we got back to the boat it was freezing.

How was your head this morning Angela???????????

We left Fradley around 10 as we knew we had to stop at Streathay for a gas bottle, when we got there the day boat was on the dock being pumped out and about 10 people were waiting to get on board so we pulled over to the opposite bank and waited and waited and waited 35 minutes later we got back on board and left, the gas bottle can wait. You would have thought they would have prepared the boat in good time for their customers arrival but hey ho its their loss.