We are moored up at Brentford.
No one has got back to us about going out onto the Thames, so we can't get out tonight.
Will give a shout when we're out ... you should hear it!
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Friday, 27 August 2010
Almost in London
So sorry to have been so lax. We have been on the move since leaving Cropredy. We made our way back up the Oxford and onto the Grand Union. Several people suggested that this was the best way of doing the Thames but after we turned around we had people telling us we should have done it the other way. We'll try it the other way next time and let you know.
I've taken lots of photographs and made lots of notes but the locks on the Grand Union are big and heavy and I have now done more than 70 of them down the last few days. Every muscle is screaming and I'm way too tired to get onto the computer and write. The internet connection hasn't been great and - to make things much worse - the letter B has packed up on my best keyboard and I am having to use a straight one at the moment, which I am finding very hard indeed - once you get used to the curved one it's almost impossible to go back to a normal one.
Anyway - I just want you to know that we are now only a couple of days away from getting onto The Thames. Sadly we will not be going via the Houses of Parliament as we were too late to book to go through with other boats and I do not yet have my VHF license ... but maybe next year.
It's still exciting to have come this far and I'm looking forward to going through the Royal Botanical Gardens just for starters.
I'll catch up soon - sooner if I can find a PC World and buy a new keyboard!!
I've taken lots of photographs and made lots of notes but the locks on the Grand Union are big and heavy and I have now done more than 70 of them down the last few days. Every muscle is screaming and I'm way too tired to get onto the computer and write. The internet connection hasn't been great and - to make things much worse - the letter B has packed up on my best keyboard and I am having to use a straight one at the moment, which I am finding very hard indeed - once you get used to the curved one it's almost impossible to go back to a normal one.
Anyway - I just want you to know that we are now only a couple of days away from getting onto The Thames. Sadly we will not be going via the Houses of Parliament as we were too late to book to go through with other boats and I do not yet have my VHF license ... but maybe next year.
It's still exciting to have come this far and I'm looking forward to going through the Royal Botanical Gardens just for starters.
I'll catch up soon - sooner if I can find a PC World and buy a new keyboard!!
Saturday, 21 August 2010
I'm working on it!
I am writing - it's just hard to get a good connection that will hold while the photos go in.
This is a bit more - I'll come back and finish it ... and put in the photos ... just as soon as I can.
19th July - continued from previous entry.
Once through the main locks we headed for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. We just wanted to go to Tixal Wide to moor up for the night. Rumour has it that when the canal was in the planning stages, the ‘Lord of the Manor’ granted permission for the canal to go through his land – on condition that it would widen out in front of his residence, thus providing him with a better view. His wish was granted and, although the manor is long gone, the canal and its ‘wide’ have survived and it has become a popular place to moor for the night.
We turned into the canal and almost immediately we saw water lilies in great abundance, there were mayflies dancing across the surface water and the evening sun cast its soft golden light over the perfect scene. There were many boats; people sat drinking wine, reading books or just shooting the breeze. We passed a man who was fishing just as he pulled a sizeable crayfish up on the end of his line. It was an evening for feeling good about things. Sadly we were not able to moor up, there simply wasn’t room, so Tony turned a slow arc in the ‘wide’ and we headed out again. It was a shame – but at least we had made the effort and we also took a little of the atmosphere with us. We had to go through one lock before we found a place to moor and then we put a couple of chairs out onto the tow-path and had a beer; it had been a very pleasant day.
Tuesday 20th July
Tony’s knee, which had been aching yesterday, was swollen and painful. We found the nearest chemist and I went to get some advice from the chemist. They recommended a cold compress, painkillers and resting the leg. We stopped for a little while, wrapped a pack of frozen peas in a towel (where would we be without frozen peas in these situations?) and put them on his knee as he waited for the painkillers to do their work. He could hardly stand up – let alone steer the boat so I got my first long stint on the tiller. I do enjoy steering the boat, but I still panic in tight situations.
I had to ask him for help a few times, once when we went through a very narrow channel, and a couple of times when people were coming at me as I was passing moored boats (I’m terrified of hitting someone else’s boat) ... but for the most part it was OK. I did take a bridge too wide at one point and hit the bank with the back end. Harvey, thinking we were stopping, simply jumped off. Luckily I was able to coax him back on before the boat came too far away from the bank – otherwise I’m not sure what I would have done.
We eventually stopped for the night near Streethay wharf ... smack opposite a small airfield. I was just making a cup of tea when a small plane suddenly started to taxi into position, and then took off over the top of us. I took a bit of film to prove it – but I’m not sure how to get it on here .... I’m working on it.
No other photos today – I had too many other things to think about.
Wed 21st July
Tony’s knee much better – must have been the peas!
This turned out to be a steady day with lots of locks. Progress was slow because the traffic was quite heavy in both directions. The sun was riding high in a cloudless sky; it was hot and by about 1pm we were worn out, so we stopped for a couple of hours to let it cool down a little. When we set off again it seemed that everything was back in sinc as boats were coming out of the locks just as we were ready to go in. We were through in no time, but it took a while to find a nice place to moor up for the night. The middle of nowhere is always a favourite spot and we did eventually find a little haven. It was only 9:30 when I took Harvey out for a final stroll – I think he thought we’d gone mad but sore and weary bodies need sleep, stupid to resist really.
Thur 22nd of July
An 8:30 start... late!
We were not in a rush so I spent a bit of time cleaning up the boat. Harvey is losing hair as fast as I can sweep it up and it’s easy to get very untidy on a boat when you’re on the move. I walked back down the towpath to get the number of a chap who makes chimneys and we got set off around noon. We got as far as Nuneaton when a chap, coming too fast through a bridge, pushed us into the side. We stopped for half an hour and I went to the post office to post a few cards off.
Set off again in search of somewhere nice to stop for the night before we go into Coventry tomorrow. On the other side of Nuneaton three kids, with nothing better to do, decided to try and urinate on Tony from a footbridge. Luckily Tony had worked out what they were up to and got himself under the hatch in time. Not a pleasant experience, and it’s hard to understand this kind of mentality, but no real harm was done. It did unsettle me though and, even though we moored up well away from any houses, for the first time I didn’t feel totally safe. Harvey seemed to pick up on it and he growled at anything that moved for the rest of the evening.
Actually Harvey is starting to get quite protective about the boat – he doesn’t like it to be out of sight if we’re walking along the towpath and if Tony and I are doing something outside the boat, like mooring up, he always sits close to the stern and lets us know if someone is coming. It has surprised me because he’s as new to all this as I am.
Friday 23rd July
Today we went into Coventry basin, almost in the centre of Coventry. We passed through the industrial area to get in and I found it depressing. The local council had made a real effort to clean up the towpath, there were statues and lovely wrought iron work everywhere, but everything was covered in graffiti; except the swans and you had to wonder how they had managed to stay white in such an environment.
We needed to do some shopping and noticed from the map that there was a Tesco on the way. It was signposted from the towpath so we moored up and I left Tony with the boat, and Harvey, and set off to go shopping. I passed a small estate which was surrounded by a high metal fence with security locked gates, and of course security cameras everywhere. It almost looked like a prison, but it was designed to keep the potential ‘inmates’ out. I didn’t hang around; I got back as soon as I could to find some rather dubious looking characters loitering on the tow-path. Tony said they had been walking back and forth so we were glad to untie and get out of there. Finally we came into the basin itself and there stood a huge statue of James Brindley doomed to forever study the huge ledger on the table before him.
As soon as we were in close enough, Harvey jumped off the boat and ran over to James, giving him ‘What for’ barking and growling. It’s a shame I wasn’t fast enough to find the camera and film him as it certainly had me laughing.
The basin itself was really well maintained and interesting. We wandered around for a while, looking at the buildings and reading all the various bits of information dotted around the place. There were only about 5 boats moored up and I wondered what it must have been like when it was in full swing.
Not far from the basin was the Transport Museum, housing the land-speed record breakers Thrust 1 and 2, and all other types of vehicles back to the penny-farthing. Ice cream vans, buses, motorbikes, Jags, Rollers, the first Fords ... it was really quite an education, and quite frightening that some of the cars now classed as museum pieces have gone past in my lifetime. I was just starting to feel old when we spotted a photo of the minis in ‘The Italian Job’. I had no idea that part of the mini chase scene had been shot in the Coventry sewers ....but I didn’t feel so bad about my ignorance as it seems that ‘Not a lot of people know that’.
I’m a bit worried about Harvey who is off his food. He left his breakfast, totally shunned all dried food and would only eat a little bit of the tinned stuff. I know he needs to lose a little weight – but this is not a good way of doing it.
The internet was working quite well so I used the evening to catch up on a few emails. To say we were so close to the centre it was surprisingly quiet.
Sat 24th July
We got up early and went back to the Transport Museum as Tony wanted to have a photo taken with ‘Thrust 2’. This time we went on the simulator, it was too late yesterday, to see the film taken from inside the vehicle as it broke the land-speed record. I thought it was great and my knees were well wobbly afterwards! We walked down for another look at the beast that still holds that record. Tony stepped into the ring briefly to get this photo. A smile would have been nice – but hey – here’s the proof that he was there.
A bit of shopping and it was time to set off. We meandered our way back and, having now done the whole of the Coventry canal, we headed for the Oxford canal. We’re slowing down now that we are so close to Cropredy – we don’t want to get there too early, but we did need to get somewhere near before we started to take it easy.
Sun 25th July to 28th
We spent the next three days moving towards Braunston – very slowly.
We bumped into some friends from Skipton but they had to moor up a little further down the canal so I took Harvey for a walk and popped down for a natter and a cup of tea – that’s when they told me about some new books that show you what’s around the canal – shops, vets, docs, etc. etc. I think they are called Canal Mate .. I’ll be looking them up as I’m sure it’s a good idea to get them. Finding Docs and Vets is easy enough when you have internet but shops are a different ball game, I’m sure they must be very useful.
We had an evening meal at the Barley Mow in Brinklow - that was really nice, they were helpful and friendly, the food was good, the beer well kept and they were not expensive either; a perfect place to take a breather.
Harvey still wasn’t eating (although he didn’t refuse his Sunday pig’s ear) so we located a vet in Rugby and I took him for a check up. He suffered the indignity of a thermometer up his bottom with reasonably good grace and it turned out that he did have a temperature. He has been drinking canal water when he gets the chance (I’ve tried to stop him but he’s sneaky) and it seems that there are lots of bugs in the water at the moment and so he was given a course of antibiotics and the vet said to put him on chicken and rice for a couple of days. His ears perked up at that, chicken is his favourite so here’s one dog that will enjoy being poorly. One last kiss for the vet (from Harvey not me) and off we went £50 poorer! Back at the boat we decided to move along a little before stopping for the night and in our haste to move I left one of my favourite cups on the bank ... grrr.
Wed 28th July
We came through Hillmorton locks – they are ‘double’ in that there are two single locks side by side. It was nice that they were still all in use as it meant for a quicker passage through – exactly what they were meant for in the first place of course. The only problem was that there was not much space for the windlass and at one point mine spat back and hit my hand – big bruise, big bottom lip – but I didn’t cry!
Finally we pulled into Braunston but couldn’t get onto the water point before turning onto the Oxford. Our cassettes were both in need of a clean and it meant a considerable walk to sort that one out..... must buy another cassette.
The dongle internet was so slow it was untrue and Tony wanted to bid on something on Ebay so, having been told that they had free Wifi, we went across to the pub. Tony sat outside with the laptop and Harvey as I went in to get the drinks. He had given me £10, I got a pint and a half of the local ale and came back with £4.20 change. Tony’s face was a picture ... “How much?”. It perhaps wouldn’t have been so bad but it was all in vain, I couldn’t get onto the Wifi anyway, the battery on the laptop was running low and then it started to rain so we had to go back to the boat anyway.
That’s when we spotted the other boat – the one that towed the butty ‘The Star’ that we had seen earlier..
I’ll slot the story in as soon as I can get Tony to dictate it.
We decided to stay here another day as I needed to get to the post office and we needed a few provisions.
Thur 29th July
I walked into the village with Harvey. It is an old village and has a very pretty church, a windmill, and some lovely features on some of the old cottages. I got everything we needed and then I walked back via the chandlers. I was delighted to find a small ‘Tippy’ for the ashes from the fire. I struggled last year without one as the one from the cottage was way too big to keep on the boat. This one fits neatly behind the stove and will be invaluable. I also noticed that they sold paint. I have decided to paint the bottom part of the boat black instead of green – it’s easier to maintain and looks better too. I didn’t buy any as I wasn’t sure exactly what to get – or how much – I needed some advice first.
The weather has been really good to us and we have been able to sit out on the chairs – this evening was no exception and so we sat shooting the breeze. Harvey, much improved sat at our feet. I was having trouble getting the tablets down him no matter how much I ground them down, so I knew he was on the mend.
Fri 30th July
Up – not too early and I wanted to go and get the paint before we set off. Harvey had had his walk and breakfast, oil and water had been checked and so we were ready for off, I was just about to go over to the Chandler’s on my own when Tony piped up
“I’d better come with you or you’ll come back with a cabbage!”
It’s great to know he has so much confidence in me!!
We got the paint and set off. Made our way through Napton locks but didn’t realise we’d finished them so Harvey and I walked miles looking for the next one before realising we were wasting our time. We found a nice spot to moor up ... and that was it for the day.
Saturday 31st of July to the 15th of August
The Oxford canal was dug to follow the contours of the land. That later changed and some parts were shortened but today’s journey still took us around lots of impossible bends through about 4 miles of system back to a point 1000 yards or so from where we set off. Not that we minded or anything, it just seemed strange when the canal were built for working boats. We then passed through a narrow channel that was once a tunnel, not an easy bit. We stopped at Fenny Marina for diesel and a couple of other bits and pieces and on through the lock into Cropredy. Two weeks to go and the place is already full of boats. We went on through and found a place to moor up – but then realised that we were too close to a wasps nest – not good! We moved on a little further and manage to get the very last mooring on the metal shutters. It’s a nice spot, but quite a way from the water point, a problem to be solved as our water tank will not last 2 weeks ... no way. The loo also needs emptying and of course we have to get rid of any rubbish too .... all these facilities are in the same spot. We’ll solve it.
Once moored up I called Neil and Caroline as they live in Twyford, which is not so far away. To my surprise and delight they said they would come over in a couple of hours so we went out for a meal which was more than we had expected to do. What a lovely way to start our stay in Cropredy, especially as they brought us some beer – and we spent time sitting on the towpath playing guitars and having fun before we went out to eat.
Day one over, we had two weeks to wait and I thought it would drag – but it went really fast!
We had to walk to the water point each day to fill up our water containers as we daren’t move the boat in case someone came along and took the mooring. That process took the best part of an hour. We got most of our provisions at the local Spar shop and I made good use of the post office to catch up with ‘no computer’ people I haven’t been in touch with for a while Actually I’m glad that some have held out – writing letters by hand is therapeutic.
A couple of days in, we met the chap with the boat in front of ours. He lives in Banbury and takes refuge on his boat as often as he can. He remembered Tony because Tony did some work on a friend’s boat in Cropredy a couple of years ago. His name is Chris and it would be hard to find anyone kinder. He offered to take us to Tesco and he also helped with our water situation by bringing us some huge containers, already full of water.
Neil and Caroline very kindly offered to accept post for me so I was able to get a trolley, a new cassette for the loo, some books, a water pump and, most important of all, a whirly gig (no cuddly toy I’m afraid). I managed to find a small airer on Amazon so it should easily attach to the swan’s neck (tiller) and I will be able to dry my washing outside ... heaven. Neil and Caroline called back to see us a couple of times and also took us to Tesco. People are so kind!
I had a walk into Banbury one day – that was nice – I don’t often get the chance to get into town shops so it was good to replace the rucksack that gave up the ghost and get a few other bits and pieces.
A boat pulled in behind us and we met Ian, another nice person; where do they all come from?? We moved our boat up a little so that he could get the front part of his boat on the shuttering. He wasn’t staying, just leaving his boat in situ so that he and his two lovely kids could come back for the festival.
Other visitors were Pam and Colin from Brook St (my home for 10 years before I bought the boat); they were going past and so decided to call in – I really do appreciate it when people do that. It was lovely to see them too and catch up on the news from ‘back home’.
Mark and Dominic came for dinner one evening and I just about managed to rescue the Lasagne from certain death.
Tony saw a generator advertised in the shop window at the Spar shop so I bought it – I’m sure it will come in more than handy. A few days before the festival Tony woke up with a really bad back; he had an accident a few years ago and so, every now and then, it gives him hell. Luckily it cleared up the day before the festival started – that was a relief.
A week before the festival things started to arrive in the fields, toilets and showers for the campers and, in the main field, a massive stage, lights, the sound tower, road surfaces, fences; it just kept on arriving! It was fascinating to watch; and quite an education too.
Suddenly it was Thursday the 12th, the field opposite the boat filled up with tents in the space of 40 minutes. Talk about well organised!
At around 2 pm we ventured into the village. I don’t know what the locals think as their quiet village is transformed. Rivers of people flow down the streets, in and out of the pubs, and on to the festival ground, but everyone is good-natured and there is no trouble – great huh?
After two weeks of really nice weather it started to rain. It seemed so unfair, but it seems that ‘festival goers’ are immune to it now, so up went the brollies and spirits stayed high. The music began to play and it was a great festival.
This is a bit more - I'll come back and finish it ... and put in the photos ... just as soon as I can.
19th July - continued from previous entry.
Once through the main locks we headed for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. We just wanted to go to Tixal Wide to moor up for the night. Rumour has it that when the canal was in the planning stages, the ‘Lord of the Manor’ granted permission for the canal to go through his land – on condition that it would widen out in front of his residence, thus providing him with a better view. His wish was granted and, although the manor is long gone, the canal and its ‘wide’ have survived and it has become a popular place to moor for the night.
We turned into the canal and almost immediately we saw water lilies in great abundance, there were mayflies dancing across the surface water and the evening sun cast its soft golden light over the perfect scene. There were many boats; people sat drinking wine, reading books or just shooting the breeze. We passed a man who was fishing just as he pulled a sizeable crayfish up on the end of his line. It was an evening for feeling good about things. Sadly we were not able to moor up, there simply wasn’t room, so Tony turned a slow arc in the ‘wide’ and we headed out again. It was a shame – but at least we had made the effort and we also took a little of the atmosphere with us. We had to go through one lock before we found a place to moor and then we put a couple of chairs out onto the tow-path and had a beer; it had been a very pleasant day.
Tuesday 20th July
Tony’s knee, which had been aching yesterday, was swollen and painful. We found the nearest chemist and I went to get some advice from the chemist. They recommended a cold compress, painkillers and resting the leg. We stopped for a little while, wrapped a pack of frozen peas in a towel (where would we be without frozen peas in these situations?) and put them on his knee as he waited for the painkillers to do their work. He could hardly stand up – let alone steer the boat so I got my first long stint on the tiller. I do enjoy steering the boat, but I still panic in tight situations.
I had to ask him for help a few times, once when we went through a very narrow channel, and a couple of times when people were coming at me as I was passing moored boats (I’m terrified of hitting someone else’s boat) ... but for the most part it was OK. I did take a bridge too wide at one point and hit the bank with the back end. Harvey, thinking we were stopping, simply jumped off. Luckily I was able to coax him back on before the boat came too far away from the bank – otherwise I’m not sure what I would have done.
We eventually stopped for the night near Streethay wharf ... smack opposite a small airfield. I was just making a cup of tea when a small plane suddenly started to taxi into position, and then took off over the top of us. I took a bit of film to prove it – but I’m not sure how to get it on here .... I’m working on it.
No other photos today – I had too many other things to think about.
Wed 21st July
Tony’s knee much better – must have been the peas!
This turned out to be a steady day with lots of locks. Progress was slow because the traffic was quite heavy in both directions. The sun was riding high in a cloudless sky; it was hot and by about 1pm we were worn out, so we stopped for a couple of hours to let it cool down a little. When we set off again it seemed that everything was back in sinc as boats were coming out of the locks just as we were ready to go in. We were through in no time, but it took a while to find a nice place to moor up for the night. The middle of nowhere is always a favourite spot and we did eventually find a little haven. It was only 9:30 when I took Harvey out for a final stroll – I think he thought we’d gone mad but sore and weary bodies need sleep, stupid to resist really.
Thur 22nd of July
An 8:30 start... late!
We were not in a rush so I spent a bit of time cleaning up the boat. Harvey is losing hair as fast as I can sweep it up and it’s easy to get very untidy on a boat when you’re on the move. I walked back down the towpath to get the number of a chap who makes chimneys and we got set off around noon. We got as far as Nuneaton when a chap, coming too fast through a bridge, pushed us into the side. We stopped for half an hour and I went to the post office to post a few cards off.
Set off again in search of somewhere nice to stop for the night before we go into Coventry tomorrow. On the other side of Nuneaton three kids, with nothing better to do, decided to try and urinate on Tony from a footbridge. Luckily Tony had worked out what they were up to and got himself under the hatch in time. Not a pleasant experience, and it’s hard to understand this kind of mentality, but no real harm was done. It did unsettle me though and, even though we moored up well away from any houses, for the first time I didn’t feel totally safe. Harvey seemed to pick up on it and he growled at anything that moved for the rest of the evening.
Actually Harvey is starting to get quite protective about the boat – he doesn’t like it to be out of sight if we’re walking along the towpath and if Tony and I are doing something outside the boat, like mooring up, he always sits close to the stern and lets us know if someone is coming. It has surprised me because he’s as new to all this as I am.
Friday 23rd July
Today we went into Coventry basin, almost in the centre of Coventry. We passed through the industrial area to get in and I found it depressing. The local council had made a real effort to clean up the towpath, there were statues and lovely wrought iron work everywhere, but everything was covered in graffiti; except the swans and you had to wonder how they had managed to stay white in such an environment.
We needed to do some shopping and noticed from the map that there was a Tesco on the way. It was signposted from the towpath so we moored up and I left Tony with the boat, and Harvey, and set off to go shopping. I passed a small estate which was surrounded by a high metal fence with security locked gates, and of course security cameras everywhere. It almost looked like a prison, but it was designed to keep the potential ‘inmates’ out. I didn’t hang around; I got back as soon as I could to find some rather dubious looking characters loitering on the tow-path. Tony said they had been walking back and forth so we were glad to untie and get out of there. Finally we came into the basin itself and there stood a huge statue of James Brindley doomed to forever study the huge ledger on the table before him.
As soon as we were in close enough, Harvey jumped off the boat and ran over to James, giving him ‘What for’ barking and growling. It’s a shame I wasn’t fast enough to find the camera and film him as it certainly had me laughing.
The basin itself was really well maintained and interesting. We wandered around for a while, looking at the buildings and reading all the various bits of information dotted around the place. There were only about 5 boats moored up and I wondered what it must have been like when it was in full swing.
Not far from the basin was the Transport Museum, housing the land-speed record breakers Thrust 1 and 2, and all other types of vehicles back to the penny-farthing. Ice cream vans, buses, motorbikes, Jags, Rollers, the first Fords ... it was really quite an education, and quite frightening that some of the cars now classed as museum pieces have gone past in my lifetime. I was just starting to feel old when we spotted a photo of the minis in ‘The Italian Job’. I had no idea that part of the mini chase scene had been shot in the Coventry sewers ....but I didn’t feel so bad about my ignorance as it seems that ‘Not a lot of people know that’.
I’m a bit worried about Harvey who is off his food. He left his breakfast, totally shunned all dried food and would only eat a little bit of the tinned stuff. I know he needs to lose a little weight – but this is not a good way of doing it.
The internet was working quite well so I used the evening to catch up on a few emails. To say we were so close to the centre it was surprisingly quiet.
Sat 24th July
We got up early and went back to the Transport Museum as Tony wanted to have a photo taken with ‘Thrust 2’. This time we went on the simulator, it was too late yesterday, to see the film taken from inside the vehicle as it broke the land-speed record. I thought it was great and my knees were well wobbly afterwards! We walked down for another look at the beast that still holds that record. Tony stepped into the ring briefly to get this photo. A smile would have been nice – but hey – here’s the proof that he was there.
A bit of shopping and it was time to set off. We meandered our way back and, having now done the whole of the Coventry canal, we headed for the Oxford canal. We’re slowing down now that we are so close to Cropredy – we don’t want to get there too early, but we did need to get somewhere near before we started to take it easy.
Sun 25th July to 28th
We spent the next three days moving towards Braunston – very slowly.
We bumped into some friends from Skipton but they had to moor up a little further down the canal so I took Harvey for a walk and popped down for a natter and a cup of tea – that’s when they told me about some new books that show you what’s around the canal – shops, vets, docs, etc. etc. I think they are called Canal Mate .. I’ll be looking them up as I’m sure it’s a good idea to get them. Finding Docs and Vets is easy enough when you have internet but shops are a different ball game, I’m sure they must be very useful.
We had an evening meal at the Barley Mow in Brinklow - that was really nice, they were helpful and friendly, the food was good, the beer well kept and they were not expensive either; a perfect place to take a breather.
Harvey still wasn’t eating (although he didn’t refuse his Sunday pig’s ear) so we located a vet in Rugby and I took him for a check up. He suffered the indignity of a thermometer up his bottom with reasonably good grace and it turned out that he did have a temperature. He has been drinking canal water when he gets the chance (I’ve tried to stop him but he’s sneaky) and it seems that there are lots of bugs in the water at the moment and so he was given a course of antibiotics and the vet said to put him on chicken and rice for a couple of days. His ears perked up at that, chicken is his favourite so here’s one dog that will enjoy being poorly. One last kiss for the vet (from Harvey not me) and off we went £50 poorer! Back at the boat we decided to move along a little before stopping for the night and in our haste to move I left one of my favourite cups on the bank ... grrr.
Wed 28th July
We came through Hillmorton locks – they are ‘double’ in that there are two single locks side by side. It was nice that they were still all in use as it meant for a quicker passage through – exactly what they were meant for in the first place of course. The only problem was that there was not much space for the windlass and at one point mine spat back and hit my hand – big bruise, big bottom lip – but I didn’t cry!
Finally we pulled into Braunston but couldn’t get onto the water point before turning onto the Oxford. Our cassettes were both in need of a clean and it meant a considerable walk to sort that one out..... must buy another cassette.
The dongle internet was so slow it was untrue and Tony wanted to bid on something on Ebay so, having been told that they had free Wifi, we went across to the pub. Tony sat outside with the laptop and Harvey as I went in to get the drinks. He had given me £10, I got a pint and a half of the local ale and came back with £4.20 change. Tony’s face was a picture ... “How much?”. It perhaps wouldn’t have been so bad but it was all in vain, I couldn’t get onto the Wifi anyway, the battery on the laptop was running low and then it started to rain so we had to go back to the boat anyway.
That’s when we spotted the other boat – the one that towed the butty ‘The Star’ that we had seen earlier..
I’ll slot the story in as soon as I can get Tony to dictate it.
We decided to stay here another day as I needed to get to the post office and we needed a few provisions.
Thur 29th July
I walked into the village with Harvey. It is an old village and has a very pretty church, a windmill, and some lovely features on some of the old cottages. I got everything we needed and then I walked back via the chandlers. I was delighted to find a small ‘Tippy’ for the ashes from the fire. I struggled last year without one as the one from the cottage was way too big to keep on the boat. This one fits neatly behind the stove and will be invaluable. I also noticed that they sold paint. I have decided to paint the bottom part of the boat black instead of green – it’s easier to maintain and looks better too. I didn’t buy any as I wasn’t sure exactly what to get – or how much – I needed some advice first.
The weather has been really good to us and we have been able to sit out on the chairs – this evening was no exception and so we sat shooting the breeze. Harvey, much improved sat at our feet. I was having trouble getting the tablets down him no matter how much I ground them down, so I knew he was on the mend.
Fri 30th July
Up – not too early and I wanted to go and get the paint before we set off. Harvey had had his walk and breakfast, oil and water had been checked and so we were ready for off, I was just about to go over to the Chandler’s on my own when Tony piped up
“I’d better come with you or you’ll come back with a cabbage!”
It’s great to know he has so much confidence in me!!
We got the paint and set off. Made our way through Napton locks but didn’t realise we’d finished them so Harvey and I walked miles looking for the next one before realising we were wasting our time. We found a nice spot to moor up ... and that was it for the day.
Saturday 31st of July to the 15th of August
The Oxford canal was dug to follow the contours of the land. That later changed and some parts were shortened but today’s journey still took us around lots of impossible bends through about 4 miles of system back to a point 1000 yards or so from where we set off. Not that we minded or anything, it just seemed strange when the canal were built for working boats. We then passed through a narrow channel that was once a tunnel, not an easy bit. We stopped at Fenny Marina for diesel and a couple of other bits and pieces and on through the lock into Cropredy. Two weeks to go and the place is already full of boats. We went on through and found a place to moor up – but then realised that we were too close to a wasps nest – not good! We moved on a little further and manage to get the very last mooring on the metal shutters. It’s a nice spot, but quite a way from the water point, a problem to be solved as our water tank will not last 2 weeks ... no way. The loo also needs emptying and of course we have to get rid of any rubbish too .... all these facilities are in the same spot. We’ll solve it.
Once moored up I called Neil and Caroline as they live in Twyford, which is not so far away. To my surprise and delight they said they would come over in a couple of hours so we went out for a meal which was more than we had expected to do. What a lovely way to start our stay in Cropredy, especially as they brought us some beer – and we spent time sitting on the towpath playing guitars and having fun before we went out to eat.
Day one over, we had two weeks to wait and I thought it would drag – but it went really fast!
We had to walk to the water point each day to fill up our water containers as we daren’t move the boat in case someone came along and took the mooring. That process took the best part of an hour. We got most of our provisions at the local Spar shop and I made good use of the post office to catch up with ‘no computer’ people I haven’t been in touch with for a while Actually I’m glad that some have held out – writing letters by hand is therapeutic.
A couple of days in, we met the chap with the boat in front of ours. He lives in Banbury and takes refuge on his boat as often as he can. He remembered Tony because Tony did some work on a friend’s boat in Cropredy a couple of years ago. His name is Chris and it would be hard to find anyone kinder. He offered to take us to Tesco and he also helped with our water situation by bringing us some huge containers, already full of water.
Neil and Caroline very kindly offered to accept post for me so I was able to get a trolley, a new cassette for the loo, some books, a water pump and, most important of all, a whirly gig (no cuddly toy I’m afraid). I managed to find a small airer on Amazon so it should easily attach to the swan’s neck (tiller) and I will be able to dry my washing outside ... heaven. Neil and Caroline called back to see us a couple of times and also took us to Tesco. People are so kind!
I had a walk into Banbury one day – that was nice – I don’t often get the chance to get into town shops so it was good to replace the rucksack that gave up the ghost and get a few other bits and pieces.
A boat pulled in behind us and we met Ian, another nice person; where do they all come from?? We moved our boat up a little so that he could get the front part of his boat on the shuttering. He wasn’t staying, just leaving his boat in situ so that he and his two lovely kids could come back for the festival.
Other visitors were Pam and Colin from Brook St (my home for 10 years before I bought the boat); they were going past and so decided to call in – I really do appreciate it when people do that. It was lovely to see them too and catch up on the news from ‘back home’.
Mark and Dominic came for dinner one evening and I just about managed to rescue the Lasagne from certain death.
Tony saw a generator advertised in the shop window at the Spar shop so I bought it – I’m sure it will come in more than handy. A few days before the festival Tony woke up with a really bad back; he had an accident a few years ago and so, every now and then, it gives him hell. Luckily it cleared up the day before the festival started – that was a relief.
A week before the festival things started to arrive in the fields, toilets and showers for the campers and, in the main field, a massive stage, lights, the sound tower, road surfaces, fences; it just kept on arriving! It was fascinating to watch; and quite an education too.
Suddenly it was Thursday the 12th, the field opposite the boat filled up with tents in the space of 40 minutes. Talk about well organised!
At around 2 pm we ventured into the village. I don’t know what the locals think as their quiet village is transformed. Rivers of people flow down the streets, in and out of the pubs, and on to the festival ground, but everyone is good-natured and there is no trouble – great huh?
After two weeks of really nice weather it started to rain. It seemed so unfair, but it seems that ‘festival goers’ are immune to it now, so up went the brollies and spirits stayed high. The music began to play and it was a great festival.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
We have been in Cropredy for a whole week – but I haven’t been able to bring the Blog up to date as the internet connection with Vodafone was really slow; mostly stop. I bought myself a new pay as you go dongle from the 3 network and it was brilliant ... until Windows 7 downloaded an update of some description – then it died on the lap top. ... says ‘No network’. It works great on the main computer, which is still XP, but the main computer is too thirsty on electricity so I can only use it briefly each day. ..... the joys of boating!! If anyone has any bright ideas – I’m listening.
Anyway – I’m hoping that I’ll be able to do this another way – so here goes.
Back in New Mills, a whole lifetime ago, that’s 4 weeks ago, it seemed like everything was going really slow, then suddenly we were preparing to be off.
Tony’s boat had been sandblasted and the first coat of primer was on.
We had sanded it all down and Tony had started to paint it, but it was obviously going to be too long a job and so Keith (who has already made a nice job of painting one boat at the marina) agreed to get it as far as a holding coat so that we could set off. Tony will do the rest when we get back.
Left Wet blasted, dry blasted the following day.
It had already had its 2nd coat of primer by the 15th of July – so we decided to set off on e the 16th. I was all ready by then, I’d done all the washing and ironing, making the most of the fact that I was still plugged in to the national grid as regards electricity, the boat was clean, Harvey was shampooed and brushed, I had even cleaned the windows (you know how I love doing that!).
Tony moved himself on board and we went to bed early expecting an early start, but it wasn’t to be. The wind got up in the night and so we spent a good deal of time sorting out the tarp over the boat – the last thing we needed was for it to blow away!! By the time we had finished it was still too windy to set off. Strong winds are a nightmare on the canal – they can have you pinned to the bank and unable to move – so there is little point in casting off in the first place! but at least we were prepared.
SAT the 17th of July
By 7am the next morning, the wind had died down and the sun was shining so we had a last cuppa with Sheila and Norman, cast off and headed for the winding hole to turn around. We went back past the marina a few minutes later and waved goodbye to Colin and anyone else who was around ... see you in three months or so .....at least that’s the plan.
Did I mention that I have also bought another little boat? A 24ft Springer, which I will have to sort out when I get back – so there’s plenty to do this winter. I didn’t take any pictures of her as she really does need quite a bit of TLC before she starts to look pretty again! More about that later...
We were off, boating, sailing, whatever you want to call it – we were gone and I was moving again – I’m always happy when I’m on the move. There must be some gypsy blood in me somewhere!
First stop Bollington – but we passed the beautiful Clarence Mill on the way. It’s such a shame to see so many derelict mills – and so nice when one has been restored and used again. This is a wonderful example of how it can be done.
We stopped in Bollington for diesel and chatted to ‘Old Joe’ as he filled us up. Joe wasn’t around last time we came through – we were served by Martin that time – with his ready smile and wicked Irish humour. They make a good team! I popped into Bollington to get a few supplies, found the Spar shop, gathered up milk, eggs and a couple of other bits and took them to the counter. I know only one person in this area, Rosemary, a Magna Carta fan from many moons ago, so imagine my surprise when I put my basket on the counter and there was Rosemary, large as life. I don’t know who was most surprised. We had a brief chat and I had to go, maybe I’ll get to call in again on the way back.
It was a lovely day, it drizzled a little now and then but nothing to worry us. Harvey was as happy as a sand-boy, standing on the back deck watching the world go by. Tony spotted a Kingfisher, I think I must have been making tea at the time. Tony was chatting and pointing things out all the time.
We passed what Tony thinks was the first ‘Hovis’ mill ... sadly it no longer said Hovis on it anywhere. We also passed quite a few of these...
This is a snake bridge – designed so that when the tow path changed sides, the horse pulling the boat could also change sides without having to be untied. Notice the shape inside the bridge too – the sides were curved to make sure the horses could pass through easily. All these things I would never have really noticed.
On we went until we got to the bottom of Bosley locks. That was enough for one day so we pulled in and had dinner. Not a bad day at all. We had made good time and were certainly ready for a good night’s kip.
SUN 18th July
Up at 6:30am – I know you find it hard to believe, and sometimes I do wonder how I’ve managed to change so much. It certainly confuses Harvey who opens one eye and then quickly closes it again, hoping that I haven’t noticed and won’t take him for a walk just yet. Then he realises that the bed must be vacant and makes his way to the front of the boat in the hope of grabbing a few luxury zeds. Sometimes he’s lucky but on this morning the bed was already made and he was chucked onto the towpath for a short walk before we got under way.
We knew we would be going through Harecastle tunnel today. It’s 1.75 miles (2.8 Km) long, one of the longest in Britain, so I thought it would be a good idea to test the headlamp. It didn’t work. I couldn’t believe it! Further investigation led us to the fact that it had been turned off on the control panel, but I have no idea how or why as I only ever turn off the water pump ... but anyway, the problem was solved.
We stopped at Heritage boat yard where we filled up with diesel and I bought a spare headlamp – I need one for the new boat anyway so it seems a good idea to have a spare on board. Harvey and I had a walk before the stop lock at Hall Green and then we made our way onto the Trent and Mersey.
Harvey hates locks – and he also hates tunnels. This one takes a good 45 minutes to get through and we arrived in time to go straight in – that was lucky. I had set up the CD player and intended to keep Harvey in the cabin with music playing but he was having none of it ... he wanted to be with us on the back. In the end Tony very kindly steered us safely all the way through, whilst the boat behind us banged into the side several times.
I sat down on the back deck with Harvey’s left ear pressed up against me and my hands over his right ear. That helped but he hated every minute of it. By the time we got out he was panting like mad and his heart rate was way too high.
About a mile further on Tony spotted a lake and suggested we stop and let Harvey have a swim. That did the trick – a good swim and he forgot all about the nasty tunnel.
Harvey relaxing after his swim
We were thinking of stopping by then – but decided to go on a little further to the junction with the Caldon as they had facilities there and we could water up and empty the rubbish and the loo ... it’s always a good feeling when that’s done.
We were, by that time, in the area known as ‘The Potteries’ ... where all your finest Wedgewood comes from. We passed many kilns – some were used for burning the bone and flint used to make ‘fine bone china’ – this picture is of one of the large kilns which will have been used for actually firing the china. I still hate seeing the broken frames of these old buildings. It’s progress I guess, and there will be many who hated the very sight of these places, but still it seems a shame that they should be allowed to crumble away like this.
All the way down we were spotting damsel flies. I was surprised at the size of them as I have only really seen them this big out in the Middle East. I have much to learn.
Finally we stopped at the junction and moored up at the top of the locks. Tony went for a shower – it’s great when you find a BW one as you can have a proper shower – don’t have to turn it off when you wash and turn it back on to rinse – it’s a real luxury to just be able to stand under it – small pleasures! I took Harvey for a stroll; we had something to eat and then turned in.
MON 19th July
I got up at 6:30 and went for my shower ... only to find that someone was in there already ... yah boo hiss, had a shower on the boat instead. Went and set the locks and off we went.
It was all fairly uneventful until we got to Stone ... then we found ourselves in a queue for the locks. It’s no good being in a rush on the canals – you just have to go with the flow and so we did one lock an hour and drank an awful lot of tea. It was all very friendly – except for one chap who seemed to be the most miserable chap on the planet for the day. I felt sorry for his poor wife who was catching all the flack.... I wasn’t sorry to see the back of him that’s for sure! Locks are hard work and so it’s best to tackle them with a cheerful attitude ... a long face can make the whole process seem to take forever; poor woman, I hope he was just having an off day.
If you ever wondered how much a lock gate might weigh – wonder no more, this little beauty is 2000Kg, but of course wood ‘floats’ in water so these are not half as bad as the iron gates that you come across from time to time.
At the side of one of the locks is The Star Inn. There were several pints lined up on the lock gate and there were several lads a little ‘left of centre’ having fun with the boaters. Behind them, spotted a little too late, was a beer garden where people were enjoying pints of falling over water and fine pub cuisine. Harvey had clocked this long before I did so, when I turned around to make sure he was OK, he was nowhere in sight. There was a lot of laughter and people were pointing under the table, that’s when I spotted the little monkey, hoovering up anything he could find as fast as possible – so much for having him on a diet! I dragged him out, but the damage was done, and I was the wicked witch for not letting him play ... can’t win!
Just before the last lock Tony spotted a butty (a boat with no engine, meant to be towed) .... This one was called 'The Star'.
There's quite a story behind this but I'll tell you more later as we have also now seen the boat that towed it.
Once through the main locks we headed for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. We just wanted to go to Tixal Wide to moor up for the night
TBC
Anyway – I’m hoping that I’ll be able to do this another way – so here goes.
Back in New Mills, a whole lifetime ago, that’s 4 weeks ago, it seemed like everything was going really slow, then suddenly we were preparing to be off.
Tony’s boat had been sandblasted and the first coat of primer was on.
We had sanded it all down and Tony had started to paint it, but it was obviously going to be too long a job and so Keith (who has already made a nice job of painting one boat at the marina) agreed to get it as far as a holding coat so that we could set off. Tony will do the rest when we get back.
Left Wet blasted, dry blasted the following day.
Right First coat of primer is on
It had already had its 2nd coat of primer by the 15th of July – so we decided to set off on e the 16th. I was all ready by then, I’d done all the washing and ironing, making the most of the fact that I was still plugged in to the national grid as regards electricity, the boat was clean, Harvey was shampooed and brushed, I had even cleaned the windows (you know how I love doing that!).
Tony moved himself on board and we went to bed early expecting an early start, but it wasn’t to be. The wind got up in the night and so we spent a good deal of time sorting out the tarp over the boat – the last thing we needed was for it to blow away!! By the time we had finished it was still too windy to set off. Strong winds are a nightmare on the canal – they can have you pinned to the bank and unable to move – so there is little point in casting off in the first place! but at least we were prepared.
SAT the 17th of July
By 7am the next morning, the wind had died down and the sun was shining so we had a last cuppa with Sheila and Norman, cast off and headed for the winding hole to turn around. We went back past the marina a few minutes later and waved goodbye to Colin and anyone else who was around ... see you in three months or so .....at least that’s the plan.
Did I mention that I have also bought another little boat? A 24ft Springer, which I will have to sort out when I get back – so there’s plenty to do this winter. I didn’t take any pictures of her as she really does need quite a bit of TLC before she starts to look pretty again! More about that later...
We were off, boating, sailing, whatever you want to call it – we were gone and I was moving again – I’m always happy when I’m on the move. There must be some gypsy blood in me somewhere!
First stop Bollington – but we passed the beautiful Clarence Mill on the way. It’s such a shame to see so many derelict mills – and so nice when one has been restored and used again. This is a wonderful example of how it can be done.
We stopped in Bollington for diesel and chatted to ‘Old Joe’ as he filled us up. Joe wasn’t around last time we came through – we were served by Martin that time – with his ready smile and wicked Irish humour. They make a good team! I popped into Bollington to get a few supplies, found the Spar shop, gathered up milk, eggs and a couple of other bits and took them to the counter. I know only one person in this area, Rosemary, a Magna Carta fan from many moons ago, so imagine my surprise when I put my basket on the counter and there was Rosemary, large as life. I don’t know who was most surprised. We had a brief chat and I had to go, maybe I’ll get to call in again on the way back.
It was a lovely day, it drizzled a little now and then but nothing to worry us. Harvey was as happy as a sand-boy, standing on the back deck watching the world go by. Tony spotted a Kingfisher, I think I must have been making tea at the time. Tony was chatting and pointing things out all the time.
We passed what Tony thinks was the first ‘Hovis’ mill ... sadly it no longer said Hovis on it anywhere. We also passed quite a few of these...
This is a snake bridge – designed so that when the tow path changed sides, the horse pulling the boat could also change sides without having to be untied. Notice the shape inside the bridge too – the sides were curved to make sure the horses could pass through easily. All these things I would never have really noticed.
On we went until we got to the bottom of Bosley locks. That was enough for one day so we pulled in and had dinner. Not a bad day at all. We had made good time and were certainly ready for a good night’s kip.
SUN 18th July
Up at 6:30am – I know you find it hard to believe, and sometimes I do wonder how I’ve managed to change so much. It certainly confuses Harvey who opens one eye and then quickly closes it again, hoping that I haven’t noticed and won’t take him for a walk just yet. Then he realises that the bed must be vacant and makes his way to the front of the boat in the hope of grabbing a few luxury zeds. Sometimes he’s lucky but on this morning the bed was already made and he was chucked onto the towpath for a short walk before we got under way.
We knew we would be going through Harecastle tunnel today. It’s 1.75 miles (2.8 Km) long, one of the longest in Britain, so I thought it would be a good idea to test the headlamp. It didn’t work. I couldn’t believe it! Further investigation led us to the fact that it had been turned off on the control panel, but I have no idea how or why as I only ever turn off the water pump ... but anyway, the problem was solved.
We stopped at Heritage boat yard where we filled up with diesel and I bought a spare headlamp – I need one for the new boat anyway so it seems a good idea to have a spare on board. Harvey and I had a walk before the stop lock at Hall Green and then we made our way onto the Trent and Mersey.
Harvey hates locks – and he also hates tunnels. This one takes a good 45 minutes to get through and we arrived in time to go straight in – that was lucky. I had set up the CD player and intended to keep Harvey in the cabin with music playing but he was having none of it ... he wanted to be with us on the back. In the end Tony very kindly steered us safely all the way through, whilst the boat behind us banged into the side several times.
Looking behind - there's not much to see except the lights of the following boat
I sat down on the back deck with Harvey’s left ear pressed up against me and my hands over his right ear. That helped but he hated every minute of it. By the time we got out he was panting like mad and his heart rate was way too high.About a mile further on Tony spotted a lake and suggested we stop and let Harvey have a swim. That did the trick – a good swim and he forgot all about the nasty tunnel.
Harvey relaxing after his swim
We were thinking of stopping by then – but decided to go on a little further to the junction with the Caldon as they had facilities there and we could water up and empty the rubbish and the loo ... it’s always a good feeling when that’s done.
We were, by that time, in the area known as ‘The Potteries’ ... where all your finest Wedgewood comes from. We passed many kilns – some were used for burning the bone and flint used to make ‘fine bone china’ – this picture is of one of the large kilns which will have been used for actually firing the china. I still hate seeing the broken frames of these old buildings. It’s progress I guess, and there will be many who hated the very sight of these places, but still it seems a shame that they should be allowed to crumble away like this.
All the way down we were spotting damsel flies. I was surprised at the size of them as I have only really seen them this big out in the Middle East. I have much to learn.
Finally we stopped at the junction and moored up at the top of the locks. Tony went for a shower – it’s great when you find a BW one as you can have a proper shower – don’t have to turn it off when you wash and turn it back on to rinse – it’s a real luxury to just be able to stand under it – small pleasures! I took Harvey for a stroll; we had something to eat and then turned in.
MON 19th July
I got up at 6:30 and went for my shower ... only to find that someone was in there already ... yah boo hiss, had a shower on the boat instead. Went and set the locks and off we went.
It was all fairly uneventful until we got to Stone ... then we found ourselves in a queue for the locks. It’s no good being in a rush on the canals – you just have to go with the flow and so we did one lock an hour and drank an awful lot of tea. It was all very friendly – except for one chap who seemed to be the most miserable chap on the planet for the day. I felt sorry for his poor wife who was catching all the flack.... I wasn’t sorry to see the back of him that’s for sure! Locks are hard work and so it’s best to tackle them with a cheerful attitude ... a long face can make the whole process seem to take forever; poor woman, I hope he was just having an off day.
If you ever wondered how much a lock gate might weigh – wonder no more, this little beauty is 2000Kg, but of course wood ‘floats’ in water so these are not half as bad as the iron gates that you come across from time to time.
At the side of one of the locks is The Star Inn. There were several pints lined up on the lock gate and there were several lads a little ‘left of centre’ having fun with the boaters. Behind them, spotted a little too late, was a beer garden where people were enjoying pints of falling over water and fine pub cuisine. Harvey had clocked this long before I did so, when I turned around to make sure he was OK, he was nowhere in sight. There was a lot of laughter and people were pointing under the table, that’s when I spotted the little monkey, hoovering up anything he could find as fast as possible – so much for having him on a diet! I dragged him out, but the damage was done, and I was the wicked witch for not letting him play ... can’t win!
Just before the last lock Tony spotted a butty (a boat with no engine, meant to be towed) .... This one was called 'The Star'.
There's quite a story behind this but I'll tell you more later as we have also now seen the boat that towed it.
Once through the main locks we headed for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. We just wanted to go to Tixal Wide to moor up for the night
TBC
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