Narrowboat Vagabond

Monday 3 October 2011

2011-10-03T18:24:00.000+01:00

Back at Branston, on Trent and Mersey canal

Since our last blog we have meandered down to Sawley Marina and back. The weather has been so good we have taken our time and enjoyed it!

The River Trent was an absolute millpond, and so we didn't wrestle with dog to try to get the life jacket on him. We moored opposite Sawley marina for 24 hours and enjoyed the entertainment of passing boaters in the hot sun. We took a very pleasant early morning walk alongside the Trent down to the junction where the Erewash Canal joins the river, a path that is adjacent to a golf club nearly all the way. Surprisingly, there are signed footpaths pointing across the greens.

We are now on our way back towards Fradley Junction, in no hurry, and as we had enjoyed Shardlow previously, stopped there again overnight. The Heritage Centre there was unfortunately closed, so didn't get our business, but the Malt Shovel did! Saw the Shardlow croc lurking under a jetty . Honest!

The 74 acre Mercia Marina site at Willington, was worth a stroll around, a most attractive location, created with conservation in mind, and includes a well stocked grocery shop, Midland Chandlers, plus plans for a bistro and 18 luxury lodges. Very courteous management team too. We will definitely give this place consideration for moorings.

Just around the corner from the marina we stopped again at Willington village. Very close to the railway this time unfortunately, so thundering rail stock through the night meant briken sleep, broken again by fighting cats at 6am!

Now we are back at Branston, moored alongside a very neatly mowed towpath. The autumn sun is out again, but very strong breeze, so strong the dogs ears are horizontal!

Wednesday 28 September 2011

2011-09-28T17:57:00.000+01:00

Swarkstone Lock to above Shardlow Lock, Trent and Mersey Canal

Another perfect day. Now we are using double width locks, and these need a lot more muscle, to deal with the heavier paddles and gates. Shame we haven't been able to time things right, and share with another boat.

A lovely trip along to Shardlow, with just a handful of moving boats. More cyclists and dog walkers! In fact, the very flat farmland, the cloudless blue sky, the warm sun, reminded us of boating in France.

We ambled down below Shardlow Lock to The New Inn and tested the Theakston's. Many interesting canal wharf buildings here from the time when Shardlow was a busy inland port. Some of the buildings are now attractive residential pads, but many are sadly dilapidated and about to fall down . Beyond Shardlow are flood gates reminding us that the Trent cause damage to the surrounding areas. Tomorrow we venture out onto the river.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

2011-09-27T18:11:00.000+01:00

Alrewas to above Swarkstone Lock, Trent and Mersey Canal

Much better start to the week, lovely sunshine, and the promise of hot, hot, hot, by the end of the week. We moved onto a short stretch of the river Trent, just above Alrewas, which had a tricky bridge arch to negotiate. Glad the level was low, so no real current this time.

Last evening, we moored in a village named Branston, reputedly where the spicy pickle originated. We walked around the Branston Water park, but kept the dog on a short lead, and away from the water, as there were warnings about blue-green algae, and you could certainly see the bloom on the surface.

We boated through Burton on Trent today, very pleasant in the autumn sunshine, passing the Coors and Marstons breweries. Disappointed there was no evidence in the air of brewing!

Just look at the September skies - a perfect day for boating and we managed to moor along side the village green at Willington, which just happened to be a pub garden too! Very popular place in the sun, including The Sweet Boat, with a vast range of old fashioned sweets in jars, for sale. All that stock to display and then store on board.

Sunday 25 September 2011

2011-09-27T09:20:00.000+01:00

Back in Alrewas, Trent and Mersey Canal

Hello - we are back afloat again having picked up the boat a few days ago. All in order and exactly as we left it - pretty amazing, since we had inadvertently left a complete set of boat keys on the boat roof, that were precisely where we left them!!!!

Since last Tuesday was so abysmal, we decided to use the car and visit the National Memorial Arboretum. This place has been on our list for a while, and although a gloomy damp day, we did not find the place at all depressing. In fact it was a really restful and very pleasantly and thoughtfully laid out area, with many trees and shrubs and very tasteful memorials placed by hundreds of organisations. The white stone walls of the main memorial, is very striking, especially the gap in the wall deliberately positioned so that the sunlight falls through at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, each November. This is a place we will return to I am sure.

We also met our friends Steve and Jill visiting from Brisbane, Aus, and so we went back up the Trent and Mersey to Weston upon Trent, as we recalled The Saracens Head was a good meeting place. This couple made history, when Steve, a crew chef on our hotel boats followed Jill one of our passengers back to Oz, and they got married! A good day.

Sunday 4 September 2011

2011-09-04T17:25:00.000+01:00

Hi folks - we have found a temporary mooring for a couple of weeks, so we are going off air whilst we deal with junk mail and see if the grass needs cutting at home ...............................................be back soon!

Sunday 28 August to Thur 1 September 2011

2011-09-02T17:26:00.000+01:00

From Cross Green, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal to Alrewas, Trent and Mersey Canal

Since our last blog we have returned to Great Hayward Junction, and Shugborough Hall of course, and then moved on down the Trent and Mersey beyond Fradley and on to Alrewas. The lock house at Tixall has a sign over the door measuring the lock distances either way in miles and furlongs.

We have endured some chilly days though there was some hot air over Shugborough Hall on Tuesday evening when a hot air balloon took off but had difficulty in gaining height.

We found a really quiet mooring above Fradley as you can see.

Good job we did, as it was pandemonium down at the junction when we got there today. Boats arriving from 3 directions, a queue for the water point, diesel being dispensed from a floating boat, a lot of entertainment for the customers using the Swan pub canal side. What a pity the cuts have resulted in the BW Information Centre at Fradley being closed.
We did spot this information box made and donated by HMP Featherstone. Is this the sign of things to come?

We are now moored in the charming village of Alrewas. Our guide book referred to a quaint and quirky canal side pub named The Old Boat, but alas this no longer exists, but The Crown proved a good substitute in the warm autumn sun, with most acceptable London Pride.Tomorrow we will investigate just how tricky it might be to visit the National Memorial, Arboretum with dog in tow, and crossing the busy A38..

Saturday 27 August 2011

2011-08-28T18:09:00.000+01:00

From Upper Lock at Bratch to below Gailey Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

We were woken early yesterday by a boat gently passing by at 6.30am, this is not unusual, as many boaters prefer to get moving, and moor up in the early afternoon. We needed to get going by 8.30 , to return to Wightwick so that we would be in good time for the Manor opening at 11am.

Our return was not in vain, and we lucky to be booked in for the 11.30 tour, and what a real treat the house tour was. Our charming lady guide showed us through the stunning Mander mansion, which is crammed with Morris fabrics and wallpapers, many pre Raphaelite paintings, and tiles and ceramics by William de Morgan. Theodore Mander and his wife Flora had a very modern outlook when they commissioned the interior of their home, unfortunately neither lived long enough to enjoy. The great hall/reception room was most impressive with a huge ingle nook fireplace and minstrel gallery, with Morris fabrics lining the walls. Our guide explained that the missing panel of Morris fabrics was due to an infestation of woolly bear insects, and the Trust was having to expend several thousand pounds to treat each panel, by removing and arranging for specialist 'freezing' to deal with the problem. The 90 minute tour came to an end far too soon, and we both agreed it could have gone on longer, it was just fascinating. We would recommend a visit and house tour to all.

So, after lunch, and a swift shopping trip to NISA at Compton, we continued on our way towards Autherley Junction and beyond, to moor again at Cross Green. We have noticed that over the last couple of days, someone has spent a lot of time creating faces on many of the tree stumps and sign posts along the way.

Today, Sunday, we have continued along the Staffs and Worcester canal, passing another Vagabond, also, Caernarvon, the butty of a retired hotel boat AND Nell Gwynn, a boat we borrowed about 25 years ago, based in Skipton, which brought back memories of a dead duck we discovered on the boat roof one morning, - we could only presume had been attacked by a fox.

Friday 26 August 2011

2011-08-26T17:26:00.000+01:00

From Dimmingsdale Lock to The Bratch, Staffs and Worces Canal

A dismal day and we set off in drizzle, which is unusual for us. The lock at Dimmingsdale wreaked from spilt diesel someone had left and the bottom lock gates fitted so badly we need not have raised the paddles to empty the lock.

We passed one or two boats as we approached the Upper Lock at Bratch. No waiting, the lockeeper ushered us in and down we went, no messing. Quite a complicated set of gates and colour coded lock gear to be operated here. We moored at the bottom and walked the dog in the rain around Wombourne Nature Reserve. Saw no one!

Where is everyone, it is August Bank Holiday, probably saw all of 20 boats moving today.

We spotted a sign on the boundary of the cricket field which made interesting reading. See Pic

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August 2011

2011-08-25T17:32:00.001+01:00

Wheaton Aston Shropshire Union Canal, to Autherley Junction, and onto Dimmingsdale Lock, Staffs and Worces Canal

Before leaving Wheaton Aston, we purchased diesel from Turners Garage in the village. They supply red diesel at a very good price, (today it is 70.9p a litre), and in a very cheerful and efficient way. A fuel pipe extends down the canal bank, and many boaters like us go there just for the good fuel deal. Boats start arriving from 7.30 in the morning!

After refuelling we turned round and headed back towards Autherley Junction once again. The boat has spent a fair bit of time up and down this stretch recently, but we turned right onto the Staffs and Worcester, and new water. The initial start today (Thur) was misty, and very cold out of the sun, almost necessitating gloves, which is ridiculous in August! but the trees are turning to peachy red and orange already.

Our plan today was to stop and visit Wightwick Manor and gardens (NT) - the dog dragged us around the gardens, very neat, formal borders, wild orchards, ponds, kitchen and Caribbean herb gardens. Theodore Mander (paints) commissioned the house for his son Geoffrey in 1887. The interior of the house is filled with Wm Morris furnishings, and pre Raphaelite paintings. We look forward to seeing these on our return in a few days.

Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 August 2011

2011-08-23T18:12:00.006+01:00

Gailey Lock Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to Wheaton Aston, Shropshire Union Canal

Fantastic early morning sun, both days, and barometer definitely on the rise! Ddisappointment when we tried to have a pub lunch, unwelcoming staff, cost of beer, and a long wait to give our food order, we returned to the boat and saved our pennies - nay several pounds for another day.

Stayed put for the rest of Tuesday, painting and reading. Tested the heating system, as it is obvious that it will not be long before we shall need it .It worked fine - phew!

This was a nice quiet mooring until the late afternoon, and the lemming instinct took over.

We had expected rain today (Wed), that is according to the professionals, but no, a pleasant warm, and sunny day, everybody happy.

The stop lock as we waited to turn onto the Shropshire Union, was a bottleneck, goodness knows what it is like on a busy turnround day with the adjacent hire boat base in full swing. The insignifitant difference in water levels the lock made, suggests that the gates could be left open.

Spot the Difference!

Sunday 21 August 2011

2011-08-21T20:22:00.000+01:00

From Park Gate Lock, Teddesley, to below Gailey Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

A lovely summers day, and plenty of boats moving. As we approached Penkridge, we spotted a boating acquaintance from a month or so ago, who we recall very bravely changed her engine mountings alongside the towpath! She bravely said the mountings were still bedding in!

We managed to get water in Penkridge, though had to be patient. On to Gailey - the locks are dotted every couple of miles or so, and boats seemed perfectly timed to go up and down, without wasting water or energy. We stopped for lunch and didn't move on - did some boat painting instead!

Saturday 20 August 2011

2011-08-20T17:57:00.000+01:00

From Shugborough Hall, Trent and Mersey Canal to Park Gate Lock, Penkridge, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal

As often happens when you gently pull away from your mooring, a boat in front of you suddenly loosens its ropes and somehow just doesn't see you and moves out in front! Today was one of those days, and as we left the very familiar view of Shugborough Hall and approached the lock below Great Haywood junction, we found 3 boats queueing ahead of us. Amazingly, at least 6 boats came out of nowhere, and patiently lined up behind us, to use the lock. Through the lock, a swift farewell to September Pearl, and a sharp left turn onto the Staffs and Worcestershire canal, aiming to get to Penkridge and the chandlers before closing.

On our way, we passed a, by now, familiar hotel boat, but no passengers. Mystifying, as the boat looks really well looked after.

We made Penkridge in good time, and the chandlers had the filters we needed and also a large dog life jacket. Next project is to persuade the dog to keep it on!

This stretch is not new to us, as we had a hire boat from Gailey some 4 years ago, but do not recall the offside weeds and reeds reducing the navigable path to just wide enough for one boat, in places.

Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August 2011

2011-08-20T17:37:00.002+01:00

From Shugborough Hall to Shugborough Hall, Trent and Mersey Canal

Well, well, well - the forecast was a little different from the reality. Just a few spots of rain, not the deluge we had braced ourselves for. Our mooring alongside the Shugborough estate is so quiet and pleasant, all we have managed to do is go down the canal and turn around, and return. We carefully passed this superbly painted tug- style boat on the way. It looked rather vulnerable to being clouted by less careful boats.

We certainly know the gardens at Shugborough very well now and managed to include a visit to the walled fruit and vegetable garden this time, including Blacksmith's shop. Unfortunately, we were unable to purchase and veg today. We did spot a fallow deer as we made our way along the driveway.

An evening picnic and al fresco film (Dirty Dancing), shown in the estate gardens did not even disturb us - pity that the evening was so chilly for the ticket payers.

Very autumnal feel to the start and end of the day.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

2011-08-17T21:06:00.000+01:00

From Weston on Trent to Great Haywood, Trent and Mersey

Good to be afloat again, and life has definitely resumed some normality as we went to the Saracens Head for lunch, and whilst we were there, received a text from some friends (ex hotelboat guests in fact!) aboard N/b "September Pearl", suggesting we meet in Great Haywood today. So, with a sense of purpose we turned the boat around again, and headed south back down the Trent and Mersey canal. Lots of moving boats in both directions, so a few moments spent at the locks, and we meet up at a rather familiar spot ,just opposite Shugborough Hall. Lovely autumn sunshine, and of course, another pub lunch, this time in the garden of the Clifford Arms, that was also a tad familiar!

We all then set off to find some caves, shown on the canal guide, which we thought to be adjacent to the canal. Alas no - but all was not lost, as we asked some other walkers ( N/b "Forever Young"), if they knew where the caves were. A swift clicking of keys on their mobile phone and the internet revealed the location of the caves between Great and Little Haywood. As we were so close we persevered, and found that the caves were in fact an old sand stone quarry, now very overgrown, that had clearly been substantial workings, from the mid 19th century, providing materials for building bridges. Unlike previous visitors, we did not add to the graffiti on the smooth quarry walls.

A really pleasant August day - we are bracing ourselves for a ghastly wet day tomorrow. How can two days be so different?

Monday 15th August 2011

2011-08-15T15:38:00.010+01:00

Baswich (Staffs & Worcs Canal) to Weston Upon Trent (Trent & Mersey Canal)

We spent a very pleasant evening just below Deptmore Lock last night, with only cows, bats and a quiet but constant drone from the distant M6 keeping us company.

Today we did the final section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal along to Great Haywood Junction. This was a canal of contrasts, from twisty turns and narrow channels through the weeds, to the almost lake like Tixall Wide.

We then turned north onto the Trent & Mersey Canal yet again.

The weather has been very hot today, though accompanied by the odd breeze at inconvenient moments - I sometimes wonder why canal boats are not fitted with sails - the smallest gust can easily shift them several yards sideways!

We've now completed this journey, and are currently moored by a pub at Weston Upon Trent.

It's been a great exploration of the "Four Counties" canals.

9.5 miles and 3 locks today; 140 miles and 95 locks altogether.

Sunday 14th August 2011

2011-08-14T18:53:00.004+01:00

Calf Heath to Baswich (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

Another uneventful day, punctuated by yet another long lunch break at a pub - though this time not totally of our choosing as the kitchen forgot to cook our meals...

The locks seemed to be very slow today, possibly because other people were involved!

We've noticed an amazing number of ducklings on the canals this year - I would have assumed that they would have grown up a bit by this time of year, but evidentially not.

The weather has been very nice today - not 100% blue sky and sunshine, just pleasantly warm and no rain.

The photos show an interesting painted boat and the pub.

8.5 miles, 10 locks today

Saturday 13th August 2011

2011-08-13T16:50:00.007+01:00

Brewood (Shropshire Union Canal) to Calf Heath (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

We've continued south along the last bit of the Shropshire Union Canal to Autherley Junction.

On the way, we passed a bridge that was part of the Chillington Estate - a bit posher than the average canal bridge!

This was a bad day to go anywhere near Autherley Junction, as there is a hire boatyard there which had 8 boats in for swapover, and it was quite difficult to actually get to the stop lock to join the Staffs & Worcs Canal.

But eventually we succeeded, and after an appalling left turn into the Staffs & Worcs Canal, we headed north again.

Very shortly afterwards, there's a section marked 'Very Narrow Cutting' on the map, and indeed it was. Luckily, there was only one boat coming the other way, and we crossed before entering it.

After this section, a beer was needed, and luckily, a few miles on, we found a nice pub by the canalside. A large lunch and several drinks later, we are now moored up for the evening in a quiet spot near Calf Heath.

11.5 Miles, 1 lock (6") today.

Friday 12th August 2011

2011-08-12T13:55:00.004+01:00

Goldstone to Brewood (Shropshire Union Canal)

We are still moving south and east along the canal.

The combination of cuttings and embankments make for interesting views along the way. In many places, we could see The Wrekin in the distance.

Gemma saw a kingfisher this morning.

It was actually warm this morning when the sun shone, which made a nice change. In fact, the weather has been dry all day, unlike the forecast...

The photos show the unusual bridge in Grub Street Cutting, and Cowley Tunnel, which at 81 yards long is more like a long bridge.

We're currently moored up at Brewood (pronounced Brood) - which is an ideal combination; quiet moorings but pubs and shops only a short distance away.

17 miles, 1 lock, 1 little tunnel today.

Thursday 11th August 2011

2011-08-11T19:11:00.005+01:00

Hack Green to Goldstone (Shropshire Union Canal)

We've continued down a very pleasant section of the Shropshire Union Canal, it's been a busy day with three lock flights (Audlem, Adderley and Tyrley).

The weather has been much better today.

The Woodseaves Cutting was spectacular - and to think that it had all been made with manual labour.

We're now moored near to a pub, and are looking forward to a few drinks.

13 miles and 25 locks today.

Wednesday 10th August 2011

2011-08-10T13:16:00.009+01:00

Church Minishull (Middlewich Branch) - Hack Green (Shropshire Union Canal - Main Line)

The meal at the pub (www.badgerinn.co.uk) last night was excellent - more posh restaurant than pub food though, with prices to match...

A slow start today, the Middlewich Branch seems to be very busy, and we spent most of the morning queuing for the two remaining locks on the branch.

Eventually, we reached Barbridge Junction, and after taking on water, we headed south on the Shropshire Union Canal Main Line.

As the afternoon progressed, the wind and rain increased, and getting fed up with being blown into the bank, we went through the Hack Green locks and are moored up for the night watching the geese and swans on the opposite bank.

12 miles and 4 locks today. But it seems like more!

Tuesday 9th August 2011

2011-08-09T17:59:00.007+01:00

Wheelock (Trent & Mersey Canal) to Church Minshull (Shropshire Union Canal - Middlewich Branch)

After a disappointing evening finding a decent pub in Wheelock (one shut, one without food and one rather grotty), we ended up with some nice fish & chips.

In the morning, we set off down the Trent & Mersey canal; an uneventful journey along uneventful canal to Middlewich. At which point there was a very long queue for Wardle lock (but not long enough to stop at the pub!), where we eventually joined the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

After stopping for lunch, we waited for a boat to go past and set off behind them, only to have TWO rather dubious single crewed boats push in front of us. So we had a long queue for the next lock as well...

Still, no rain today, which made a nice change.

Eventually, we reached very nice moorings near Church Minshull. The pub in the village reopened yesterday after being closed for 5 years, so we've booked a table for a meal.

12 miles, 8 locks today.

Monday 8th August 2011

2011-08-08T11:33:00.004+01:00

We've continued our journey south on the Macclesfield Canal, and have now turned Northwest onto the Trent & Mersey Canal at Kidsgrove. Weather has been a bit cold and showery, but not so wet as to halt progress.

After lunch, we went down "Heartbreak Hill" to Wheelock - 26 locks in fairly quick succession! The weather was better, except for a 10 minute total downpour. The photo shows where the M6 crosses very close to a canal lock.

14.5 Miles, 27 Locks today. No swing or lift bridges!

Sunday 7th October 2011

2011-08-07T18:04:00.004+01:00

We set off from Adlington and continued south along the Macclesfield Canal this morning, the only obstructions being two swing bridges; one was open, the other needed a button pushed to stop the traffic, lower the barriers and open the bridge. No winding required.

After lunch, we went down the Bosley Lock Flight. The first few locks were already set for us from boats coming up, but efficient coordination from our lock operators (AKA "young, fit girls") allowed us to get though all 12 locks in around 90 minutes. The lock operators had earned their cup of tea at the bottom though.

We then continued on past Congleton, and are now moored up in what seems like the middle of nowhere, just south of bridge 82.

17 miles, 12 locks, 2 swing bridges (one open) today.

Saturday 6th August 2011

2011-08-06T10:30:00.008+01:00

The weather finally cleared, so we rejoined the Macclesfield Canal south to moor back where we were two nights ago.

In the afternoon, we walked to the National Trust house at Lyme Park. It was a nice, but long walk through the park, and wandering around a stately home made a change from canal life. Barney was a bit bored though as he wasn't even allowed in the gardens.

Saturday 6th August 2011

2011-08-06T10:30:00.000+01:00

After what seemed a good day weather wise, we set off to Marple. After a few minutes, it started raining, then got wetter. And wetter. And wetter.

There was nowhere sensible to moor, so we ploughed on through the rain to Marple, where we are currently drying out!

Friday 5th August 2011

2011-08-05T22:20:00.002+01:00

After a latish start, we headed up the Macclesfield Canal to Marple. We turned right on to the Peak Forest canal, which is really lovely - it contours around the hills, with good views over the valley in a lot of places - very reminiscent of some parts of the Mon & Brec canal.

We stopped for the lunch by the Torrs Riverside Park; a lovely spot, but unfortunately, the pub in the town didn't open until 7pm...

So, after a sandwich on the boat, we headed to Whaley Bridge. Whilst getting water and supplies, Barney misjudged the jump from the boat and fell in the canal. Luckily the sun was shining, so he dried off fairly quickly.

After Whaley Bridge, we went along the other branch of the Peak Forest canal to Bugsworth Canal Basin - this was really interesting, and we were tempted to spend the night there, but thought we should press on.

We're now moored in a lovely spot back near Disley, still on the Peak Forest canal - a good view over the valley, and warm evening sunshine. After a few drinks, what more could one ask for?

17 miles, 0 locks, 3 lift bridges, 4 swing bridges today.

Thursday 4th August 2011

2011-08-04T20:38:00.007+01:00

To give Bob & Nicola a well earned rest, we've taken over Vagabond for a while. This time, we have Barney along - looking very worried in this photo!

We swapped over just north of Macclesfield, in one of the few places where there were both moorings and a car park (see tinyurl.com/dogbin for an exciting image of the car park).

The weather today has been horrible and drizzly, so we've only moved about 2 miles up the canal and moored next to a rather nice pub (see photo, though not so nice that they let dogs in...)

The rain has now stopped, and it's turning into a very pleasant evening.

Tomorrow's task is to venture up the Peak Forest canal to Whaley Bridge.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

2011-08-02T20:06:00.000+01:00

Br86 to Br 47 Macclesfield Canal

We started the day in drizzle that turned to harder rain that eventually stopped when we had to ascend the Boseley Locks.

The canal skirts Congleton without noticing that you are near a big town and continues NE to reach the 12 locks that take you to over 500ft above sea level. Part way up the locks we met a Valley Cruisers Hire Boat from Nuneaton, whom we had encountered some time ago. They are out for four weeks. Unfortunately they annoyed the boat going up ahead of us by pinching a lock from them.

The stonework on this canal is quite amazing and some of the lock walls would not look out of place at Machu Pichu.

Having climbed the only flight of locks on the canal we moored before Macclesfield and let the dog off as he had been on the boat for a long time. He immediately disappeared into the woodland and eventually came back covered in thick mud!!

Monday 1st August 2011

2011-08-01T20:25:00.000+01:00

Westport Lake, Trent and Mersey to Br86 Macclesfield Canal

Westport Lake is a good place to moor before heading for Harecastle tunnel. A Viking Afloat hireboat was the first to pass us this morning at some unearthly hour, even the dog wasn't awake!!

Just a short cruise to the tunnel entrance and we were second in the queue for the passage through and two other boats joined during the 45 min wait. The BW tunnel keeper was very helpful and informative and obviously enjoyed his job. He even had a pocket full of treats for dogs. There were only two boats heading south out of the tunnel, and the first on emerging from the tunnel announced that he had picked up something on the prop half way through.

Bentley stayed inside the boat through the tunnel and seemed to be quite happy looking out through the cratch window.

Having passed through the tunnel we soon turned off onto the Macclesfield Canal and stopped for Nicola to make a quick excursion to Tesco. I stayed with the dog on the boat but when I decided to lock up and go and help carry the shopping Bentley decided to fall off the back deck into the cut!! After a short time I managed to pull him out but he was obviously very embarrassed.

Once on the Macclesfield we headed to the marina at Sherbourne Wharf and a very helpful young lad put a new gas cylinder in for us, saving my back!!

We continued a bit further to moor and take a short walk to Little Moreton Hall. This is a National Trust property but unfortunately closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Sunday 31 July 2011

2011-07-31T20:03:00.000+01:00

Br22 Caldon Canal to Westport Lake, T&M Canal

A fairly early start today took us back down the Caldon Canal to it's junction with the Trent and Mersey at Etruria. The outskirts of Stoke actually appear quite good on a bright sunny morning with only dog walkers around.

We passed an unfortunate hireboat that had managed to run aground on the off-side and at least two boats overtook it on the way to the last 3 locks on the canal.

We moored at Etruria for water and pump-out and then visited the Jesse Shirley Bone and Flint Mill Museum. This is a very interesting museum, although similar to Cheddleton Flint Mill in may respects. Each display area has sensors so that when you walk in you get a detailed story played to you of what happened here.

We turned onto the Trent and Mersey and headed north towards the Harecastle Tunnel, but moored along side Westport Lake ready to tackle the tunnel and Tesco tomorrow morning.

The two kilns in the photo are all that is left of the old Johnson pottery site and the whole area has been flattened ready for re-development.

Saturday 30 july 2011

2011-07-31T19:50:00.000+01:00

Denford to Br 22 Caldon Canal

A few more locks and a few more miles took us to the point where we thought it safe to moor before tomorrows trip through the outskirts of Stoke-on Trent. En route we tried to shop at Endon only to find that the shop had very limited stocks so when we moored near Br 22 we decided to walk ahead to the Co-Op at Milton.

While we were walking we passed a few other boats all moored ready for the journey through Stoke.

Friday 29 July 2011

2011-07-30T18:07:00.001+01:00

Cheddleton to Br38 Denford

After ascending the two locks at Cheddleton we moored at the Flint Mill Museum. this lovely little museum is free (donations welcome) and is a fascinating place and somehow isn't cluttered with modern day Health and Safety. You take yourself on a self-guided tour with the aid of a very useful fact sheet and the volunteers are there to give information if required.

Nicola decided to set off up the hill for the 5 minute walk (according to the guide book) to the shops, but came back empty handed. The bad neck that had been troubling her for a few days didn't help. I set off and after about 15 minutes walk uphill found a Bargain Booze with not much useful stock except booze, but then spotted a small convenience store a bit further up the hill. The shopping arrangements on this canal are few and far between and we will come better prepared when we come again.

Having stocked up with some basics we then set off back towards Denford and the Holly Bush Inn. As this is close to the two branches of the canal it makes for a very pleasant circular walk with a welcome pint of Thwaites Wainwright in the Holly Bush on the way back to the boat.

Thursday 28 July 2011

2011-07-30T17:47:00.000+01:00

Consall Forge to Cheddleton, via Froghall

Today we travelled to the end of navigation at Froghall and then re-traced our route to moor just before Cheddleton.

The last section of canal has a very low tunnel and very few boats can get through. We decided to fill up with water before we set off and to take the flowers off the roof to make the boat as low as possible. Below Flint Mill Lock there is a profile of the tunnel suspended from the bridge and unfortunately we just touched it as we came through, therefore we would have to turn before Froghall Tunnel.

For boats that are unable to pass through the tunnel you have to moor alongside a lovely site where a large factory has been demolished and then walk on to the end of the canal.

A lot of money has been spent on restoring a lock that leads down into a basin with lovely mooring pontoons, boaters facilities etc, but most boats are unable to reach this.

There is a visitors centre (that was shut) and a little shop, where you are not allowed in, but you can ring on the bell or bang on the window to get the little old lady's attention and she has a list of the items she sells on display! All in all Froghall is a missed opportunity and a disappointment for such a wonderful canal.

On the return journey we passed a boat who warned us about a snake that had taken up residence in the next locks paddle gear. Sure enough there was a small grass snake trying to hide in a crack in the concrete but his last meal was too big and he couldn't get all his body in!

Wednesday 27 July 2011

2011-07-30T17:26:00.000+01:00

Denford to Consall Forge, Caldon Canal

A short cruise took us past the old Flint Mill and on to a mooring by the Boat Inn at Cheddleton. Shutting a very fed-up dog in the boat we rushed off to Cheddleton Station to catch the steam train to Froghall. Fortunately the train times are a bit fluid and we managed to catch the 10.32 delayed until 11am until everybody queuing had bought their tickets.

The Churnet Valley Railway was really like stepping back into the fifties with the steam engine, old carriages and wonderfully presented station buildings. The route to Froghall starts off in lovely countryside and follows the River Churnet and Caldon Canal, the last section into Froghall passed dismantled factories was not quite as pretty.

We took the same train back to Cheddleton and arrived just in time for the Boat Inn to open and to enjoy a pint and lunch overlooking the canal.

After lunch we cruised on to Consall Forge. this could be a lovely location but just seems a little neglected and scruffy at the moment. It does however attract the crowds despite having very poor road access.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

2011-07-26T20:15:00.004+01:00

Br22 to Denford, Caldon Canal via Leek Branch

We woke up fairly early ( dog!) to find rain and grey skies, but after a fairly early start it soon started to brighten up and turned into a wonderful day.

We climbed the Stockton Brook Locks with a brief stop to buy a paper. Most of the locks have amazing stone work alogside them. It amazed us how many boats are actually up on the Caldon Canal at the moment, we thought we would be by ourselves. We decided to turn off to do the leek Branch today and save the trip to Froghall tomorrow, although the steam railway at Cheddleton will probably delay us.

The Leek branch reminded us of the good old Mon and Brec as it was built into the side of a hill with lovely scenery. The Leek Tunnel, although very narrow, seemed incredibly well preserved. Turning at the end of the branch the moorings were already fairly full and got even fully over lunch with a boat mooring across the winding hole.

We retraced our steps to Hazelhurst Junction and dropped down through the 3 locks and moored near Denford. What a wonderful canal this is.

Monday 25 July 2011

2011-07-25T20:12:00.003+01:00

Barlaston to Br 22, Caldon Canal

A very pleasant days Cruise in and out of Stoke-on-Trent. The approach into the town from the south actually appeared quite pleasant in the sunshine today.

We climbed the five locks to the junction with the Caldon Canal and decided not to stop for lunch but to keep cruising to get back out of the built up areas. The plan was to get to Endon above the five Stockton Brook Locks but we decided to stop earlier today.

The Caldon Canal really is as beautiful as everybody had told us it would be. Even the section leaving Stoke was far more pleasant than we had expected.

Sunday 24 july 2011

2011-07-25T19:52:00.005+01:00

Burston to Barlaston, Trent and Mersey Canal

Another long day by our standards. We moored on arrival in Stone below the bottom lock to take on water and for a shopping trip into town. The Star Inn by the bottom lock was advertising their real ales at very good prices and so it was inevitable that the dog would drag us in for a pint or two at lunch time.

While we were sat by the lock/pub we were amazed to see the local trip boat pull into the lock and before they descended a group of waitresses from the pub served very acceptable looking plates of Sunday lunch to the guests on the boat. What a wonderful example of businesses working together. (note the dog's interest!)

After lunch (and watching Hamilton win the German Grand Prix) we continued out of Stone and after what seemed a very long afternoon we moored at Barlaston for the night.

Saturday 23 July 2011

2011-07-23T20:11:00.002+01:00

Great Hayward to Br 86 Burston, Trent and Mersey

Continued North West for a few more miles and three more locks to moor near the village of Burston. On approaching the village we saw three Fireman with a light portable pump and some hose putting out a fire in the base of a tree. It struck us that their efforts were in vain as the tree was so badly damaged at the base that the next time there is a strong wind the whole tree will fall. We could not understand how it came to be on fire as there has been no lightning and vandalism would be highly unlikely out here.

The River Trent flows very close to the canal here and it is very difficult to believe that it is the same as the tidal river that we came down from Keadby two years ago.

The land across the river belongs to Severn Trent Water and they have created a lovely wetland wildlife area with some lovely footpaths. However they now appear to want to ruin it by putting three enormous wind generators on it.

Friday 22 July 2011

2011-07-23T20:02:00.002+01:00

Great Hayward

After a shopping trip into town, we returned to the boat and had a long chat to the couple on the motor and butty moored in front of us. They have an art business and make lovely rope keyrings.

They were busy changing the engine mounts on the Motor Boat "Da Vinci" and it brought back memories of doing similar jobs on hire boats out on the towpath.

After an early lunch we went back to look around Shugborough Hall and to look at the private apartments of Patrick Lichfield that are now on display.

On returing to the boat we took the dog for a short walk to make up for being left for a couple of hours and met a couple who had just moored. He had his garden shears out and was busy trimming the towpath. It turned out that they are from Cardiff.

Thursday 21 July 2011

2011-07-23T19:53:00.003+01:00

Bridge 69 to Great Haywood, Trent and Mersey

Just a short trip today taking us to a lovely mooring just before Great Haywood.

The view from the boat windows is across the River Trent to the parkland surrounding Shugborough Hall. All that is missing is the herds of Zebra!!

A short walk into the village took us passed the gardens of the Clifford Arms and unfortunately the dog dragged us in. A very dog friendly pub, the chef even came out into the garden to give Bentley some dog biscuits. Only intended to stop for one pint but the Speckled Hen was so good we had to samole more!!!

Spent the afternoon wandering around the grounds of the Hall and bought a new umbrella in the National Trust shop, that should ensure that we get no more rain.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

2011-07-20T17:30:00.002+01:00

Fradley Junction to Br69 (Taft) Bridge, Trent and Mersey Canal

Very busy morning at the locks above Fradley Junction. Having passed the Armitage Shanks factory we were warned about 3 very drunk characters trying to get onto boats at the Armitage tunnel. Fortunately they seemed to have disappeared by the time we went through.

Stopped in Rugeley for shopping expedition before heading out of town to ffind a mooring for the night. We knew that a couple that we knew on the Mon and Brec Canal had moved to Rugeley and we were amazed to see them in their garden that backs onto the T & M.

We have moored opposite a very smelly pig farm that also has a couple of alpacca.

Tuesday 19 July 2011

2011-07-20T17:20:00.001+01:00

Hopwaas to Fradley Junction

After searching in vain for a shop in Hopwas (long since closed) we set off in the rain initially heading to Streethay Wharf for a pump-out and encountered a small gathering of coal boats, happy to pose for the camera.

We continued to Fradley Junction and were lucky to find a gap on the visitor mooeings on the approach. Enjoyed a pint of Black Sheep at the Swan.

Monday 18 July 2011

2011-07-18T17:28:00.003+01:00

Athrstone to Hopwas

Late start to the day, even Bentley slept in until 8.20. Normally he is trying to pull us out of bed by 6.30am.

Headed towards the boatyard at Alvecote Marina only to find them closed on Mondays. Should have guessed. There were, however, several Samuel Barlow boats moored up in the marina.

After lunch we carried on towards the locks at Glascote only to find a long queue of waiting boats. Apparently a culvert by one of the locks had become blocked and BW had to bring in divers to clear it as it was flooding a nearby cottage.

Finished the journey to Hopwas in pouring rain. Walked through Hopwas passed the "Tame Otter" pub and they appeared to be hosting a childrens party. The little darlings were having great fun pulling all the developing apples off a tree and throwing them at each other, not a parent in sight!!

Sunday 17 July 2011

2011-07-18T09:35:00.002+01:00

Br27 to below lock 9 Atherstone flight, Coventry Canal

Another grey day, but at least the rain held off for most of the morning. Stopped for water part way down the locks at Atherstone, which allowed time for a quick shopping trip to the Co-Op just up the road.

Moored below lock 9 mid afternoon before the rain really started. Later in the afternoon we were amazed to see a boat crewed by tigers and other unidentifiable animals, sadly they appeared to be soaking wet on the outside and well lubricated with Pims on the inside!

Saturday 16 July 2011

2011-07-17T08:58:00.002+01:00

Hawkesbury Junction to Br27 Coventry Canal

Wet start to the day, rain nearly until lunch time, therefore late departure. Cruised for a few hours through Bedworth and Nuneaton.

We are amazed how many ripe blackberries there are in the hedgerow.

Passed nb Gypsy Rover moored on the approach to Nuneaton but the new owners do not appear to be bloggers.

When we moored near Valley Cruisers we enjoyed watching the new hirers arriving, bringing back memories! The last hire boat left the marina with instuctor after 9pm!!

Friday 15 July 2011

2011-07-16T09:41:00.004+01:00

Strettonsh Stop to Hawkesbury Junction

Perfect day for walking the dog along the towpath.

Two more teams of British Waterway men doing work on the towpath, shame they can't do anything about the off-side cutting instead.

Arrived at Hawkesbury in time for lunch at the Greyhound, having been overtaken by the hotelboats Oak and Ash with just two passengers onboard. We never managed to overtake anything when we had our hotelboat pair!

The area around the junction seems particularly untidy with rubbish strewn everywhere and all the dog bins overflowing onto the path. Shame.

The picture shows one of the boats selling Welsh cheeses around the canal network.

Thursday 14 July 2011

2011-07-15T08:59:00.002+01:00

Hillmorton Top Lock to Br34 Brinklow, Oxford Canal

Uneventful day travelling further north. Much more traffic, mainly hireboats heading back to base foe the week-end turnround.

Wednesday 13 July 2011

2011-07-13T19:23:00.004+01:00

Braunston to Hillmorton Top Lock

After a night in the Boathouse Pub with their two for the price of one offer we eventually set off on our journey north after several days delay waiting to take advantage of Midland Chandlers battery offer. New batteries duly fitted we hope for no more low voltage problems for the next few years!!

Heading north we notice that the Barby Moorings Marina still appears a long way from being finished, although a digger was busy dredging out the entrance.

Moored up for the night above Hillmorton Locks ready for an early start tomorrow morning.

Crewman Bentley still desparte to be liked by everyone passing on the towpath, the picture shows him after a mad few minutes re-making his bed.

2011-07-02T16:26:00.001+01:00

7th to 13th September 2010

2010-09-15T17:52:00.007+01:00

Hampton Wick to Bell Weir Lock, River Thames via Wey and Godalming Navigations.

Having left the mooring at Hampton Wick, we moved upstream and spent some time looking around the grounds at Hampton Court (too mean to pay the entry fee!!).

We then headed further upstream and turned off below Shepperton Lock to join the Wey and Godalming Navigations that belong to the National Trust. At Thames Lock we duly paid the Lock-keeper the admission fee/licence fee for 3 days. This was later extended to 5 days to allow us to enjoy the waterway at a more leisurely pace.

Thames Lock at the entrance to the waterway has very little clearance over the lower cill and so to allow deeper boats to enter there is a stop gate about 200ft downstream. This is closed and the level of the pound is raised by about 2 feet to allow boats to enter the actual lock.

As part of your fee you are loaned the special windlass which gives much more leverage than usual as some of the paddle gear is quite stiff. The first couple of miles seems quite built up and not particularly interesting but soon after the junction with the Basingstoke Canal the scenery improves and the rural naure of the canal takes over.

Our first night stop was at Pyrford near the Anchor Pub (excellent beer and food ). We had a slow journey the next day with some queuing at locks and very slow hire boats, but we reached our target of Dapdune Wharf in Guildford for the next overnight stop. The wharf is the National Trust HQ for the waterway and has some very good exhibits detailing the history of the waterway.

The next morning we set off for Godalming and the head of navigation. This is the most southerly point on the connected waterways in the UK and is conveniently located alongside a Sainsbury supermarket. A horse-drawn trip boat operates from the wharf and we were fortunate to see them set off.

Our return trip down the waterway was governed by lunch dates with rellies on Saturday (in Guildford) and Sunday (back at the Anchor at Pyrford).

On Monday morning we continued downstream to re-join the Thames and to continue our trip towards the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Monday 6th September 2010

2010-09-14T16:40:00.007+01:00

Tidal Thames, Limehouse to Teddington

The Big Day has come and we make ready for our adventure on the Thames.

We had been warned a while ago by another narrowboat crew that the biggest problem they encountered was the wash from the giant rubbish barges that plough up and down the river. The lock keeper had told us that we would not encounter them.

We shared Limehouse Lock with another narrowboat called Lanser, the lock-keepers decided that the wide-beam boat would not fit in with us. As the crew of Lanser had been on the tidal river before we let him go first. As he joined the tideway at 9.15am he looked back at us, gave us a thumbs-up sign and held his arms out wide as if to say all was clear.

You can imagine our horror as we pulled out onto the river to see a rubbish barge at full speed 50yds behind us. As he passed the wash literally rolled along the gunnels.

From the Tower Bridge website we had noticed that the bridge was due to be opened at 9.30 for an old thames sailing barge called Will and we hoped to be there in time to see the bridge being raised. As we approached Tower Bridge (the first en-route) we could see Will lining up on the upstream side and the bridge was cleared of traffic and pedestrians in preparation for lifting. We thought we had timed it perfectly. However the captain of Will came on the VHF and told the bridge to delay the lift as he could see two rubbish barges ploughing up the centre of the river and he wanted them to pass first. We had to pass under the side span of the bridge and this meant we had to pass on the wrong side of one of the high speed river buses who came the wrong side of the river from Tower Pier. Meanwhile the two barges shot upstream leaving a very choppy river behind them.

We were about 100yds upstream before the bridge finally opened for the sailing barge. After about 45 mins on the river and all this excitement we felt like old hands. Although it took a lot of concentration to keep the boat on course we soon felt more confident and by the houses of Parliament we could actually enjoy the sights.

As we progressed further upstream it almost beacame a bit dull as the number of other boats dropped off dramatically. As we passed Richmond we noticed the narrowboat ahead had started to slow down and we thought at first that he may have a problem. Also at this point we noticed that the widebeam boat that must have left Limehouse about 20 mins behind us, was catching up. We reached the Richmond half-tide weir and realised that the weirs were closed and a sign was illuminated saying use the lock for £5!! We loitered behind the other narrowboat for a while and then realised that we had arrived too soon, after about 5 minutes the weir gates were all raised and we carried on through the barrier and did not have to resort to the lock.

We arrived at Teddington Lock shortly afterwards, and once through moored the boat and took ourselves off for a well deserved lunch at the Anglers Pub.

The whole crew enjoyed the experience so much that we could have turned around and gone back.

Sunday 5 September 2010

2010-09-14T16:05:00.008+01:00

Limehouse Basin, Regent's Canal

We have decided to get up early today (7.30am) as we understand a wide beam narrow boat is booked in with the lock keeper to go through the lock and onto the Thames. So, we duly creep around the marina, but not a soul to be seen, and widebeam boat curtains still drawn. Never mind, as it is a nice morning, we decide to take a walk, get a paper and look out over the Thames. The scene across the water is so serene, and peaceful, and we agree that today would be a good day for experiencing the Thames in a narrow boat, instead of tomorrow. C'est la vie!

We pay the lock keeper a friendly visit, just to confirm our time for using the lock tomorrow, and we learn that the Thames barrier is currently raised, as it is barrier annual test day, THAT is why the river is so calm! As a consequence, there is insufficient water upstream for boats to safely reach Teddington Lock.

After breakfast, we take the Docklands Light Railway to Canary Wharf to visit the Docklands Museum of London, (FOC) and very good it is too. Situated in the West India Quay, it has displays and information going back to Roman times about the Thames and London as a port. Worth another visit on our return in the spring.

This evening we went to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant Narrow, which is adjacent to Limehouse Lock and has a conservatory overlooking the river. Enjoyed the evening very much, not a cheap outing, and watching the Thames clippers racing up and down, even in the dark, did little to allay our fears of what awaits us tomorrow.

Saturday 4 September 2010

2010-09-09T18:59:00.015+01:00

Paddington Basin, to Limehouse Marina, Regent's Canal

The British Waterways website says the stoppage is still on, but a quick phone call to them and we hear that the Regent's Canal has reopened.

So, off we go and the tape has been removed and we make our way down to the Maida Vale tunnel. We see just about the same amount of oil as we saw 24 hours ago, through the tunnel and practically nothing more oily to be seen. Overreaction? we will never know. The oil didn't stop a heron trying to consume a fish bigger than his bill!

Now we are passing some very elegant properties with rolling lawns to the water on one side and flats and apartments on the other. Then the Snowden Aviary of London Zoo. There are birds within the cage and birds without - difficult to see which are guests of the zoo. Rather scrubby, unattractive land along this stretch of the zoo. Then we arrive at Camden lock, where the market is in full swing and lots of gongoozlers too.

Then through the Islington Tunnel and on through heavy residential areas without a moments concern about security. The amount of rubbish floating and along the towpath is just shameful. There is a lot of work to be done to make the place presentable for the Olympics. We can see the new Wembley Stadium structure on the skyline.

We finally reach the lock that drops us into Limehouse Basin. Bob called up the BW staff on the VHF and we were directed to a mooring mixed in with some posh cruisers. During the early evening two tall masted sail boats, one from The Netherlands come off the Thames through the lock. Very impressive craft and boathandling.

Friday 3 September 2010

2010-09-09T18:20:00.013+01:00

Paddington Basin to Limehouse Marina, Regent's Canal

Today we had planned to move down the Regent's Canal to Limehouse Marina, but we have to stay put. British Waterways have issued a Stoppage Notice because there has been an Environmental Incident necessitating the closure of the Regents Canal. So we decided to walk round and see what was occurring! We found tape across the entrance to the canal and the trip and cruise boats non operational. As we approached the tunnel at Maida Vale tunnel we saw and smelled oil - a brown slick across the width of the canal seeping out from the tunnel. We went further, and on the far side of the tunnel we saw 3 men very slowly and very clumsily trying the harness the oil in a boom trailed from a small boat. This could take ages to clean up!

To our surprise as we returned to the boat in Paddington Basin we witnessed the unfolding of a rolling steel and timber foot bridge across one of the basin inlets. This event happens each Friday at noon, and transforms the bridge into an octagon. But why?

Time to play tourist again, and we took boat trip from Greenwich down to the Thames Barrier and very glad we did. Most interesting commentary and we passed between the flood gate hoods.

We spent this evening at the Globe watching Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors - a great experience on a summers evening as the sun went down, and rather saucy at times! Excellent performance.

Another good day, if not quite to plan.

Thursday 2 September 2010

2010-09-09T18:13:00.005+01:00

Today we are staying moored in Paddington Basin and going off into the big city with our newly acquired Oyster cards . We started with a visit to 221b Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes house, then managed to take in one whole floor at Tate Modern, before needing fresh air. Then walk down to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, lunch at the Globe Swan, a walk along the Thames watching the speeding Thames Clippers, and down to Tower Bridge and the exhibition and the excellent displays inside the bridge. A good day, but exhausted.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

2010-09-09T17:20:00.014+01:00

Uxbridge to Paddington Basin, Paddington Arm, Grand Union Canal

Time to update you with our adventures!

We left Uxbridge in perfect September sunshine, a warm and windless day. Tescos and coconuts along the way!

A huge new Tesco is being built in Yiewsley which will have waterside moorings, as our picture shows, residents on the other side of the canal will soon have a very different outlook. We had the canal virtually to ourselves and soon reached Bulls Bridge Junction, where there is a another 24 hour Tesco. The moorings for shoppers are beside a dry dock feature the supermarket has recreated. Alas, it is a dump for litter and supermarket trolleys, and as a consequence, is a very insightly feature, as you can see.

Shopping over, we then turned down the Paddington Arm, and moved through Southall, Northolt, Alperton, and suburbia galore, crossed high above the North Circular Road, and on towards Little Venice. Coconuts all the way. Every so often we saw coconuts go bobbing past - never seen so many in a day! Many differing cooking smells accompanied us along the route. We branched off to the right down the Paddington Arm of the former Grand Junction canal. We had been lead to believe that some safe moorings were there and sure enough right at the far end of the arm, overshadowed by new office towers on one side, and St Mary's Hospital on the other, were some new floating pontoons. We could stay here for 7 days FOC if we wished. This was a most pleasant, and quiet spot given that it was just off the Edgware Road, and minutes from Paddington underground.

Monday 16 August 2010

2010-08-16T12:13:00.011+01:00

Denham Deep Lock to Slough Arm, Grand Union Canal

This picture shows how deep Denhamm lock is - not the deepest on the system by any means, but still deep.

We took a right turn down the Slough arm, not believing the canal guide about it being weedy and silted - but of course the further we went along the worse it became. Quiet, and rural stretch, needs more traffic.

Sunday 15 August 2010

2010-08-16T08:54:00.008+01:00

From Cassiobury Park to Denham Deep Lock, Grand Union Canal

A much better day, bright light and some heat! We set off in the autumn sunshine, passing many boats with covers off drying out after yesterday.

Along the way we saw this toy monkey suspended from a great height, and then to our great surprise a boat coming towards us was narrowboat Icarus, the boat we had built 9 years ago. A great deal of toil and tears went into that boat, now evidently under new ownership. We wondered if it had retained the most unusual facility of a commode within the front door step!

We passed along some very pretty stretches of canal, especially around Harefield, at Black Jack's Lock and Copper Mill Lock.

Our mooring for lunch, and afternoon tea, and then subsequently dinner, was above Denham Deep Lock. A busy stretch of towpath, mainly due to the wellknown Frans tea garden at the lockside.

So tomorrow we are off down the 11'1" Denham Deep Lock.

Saturday 14 August 2010

2010-08-14T18:32:00.011+01:00

Hunton Bridge to below Stockers Lock, Batchworth, Grand Union Canal

Yesterday, we teamed up again with the ex hotel boat couple, and so the wide locks along the Grand Union became more pleasant and easier to work. The drizzle encouraged us to stop at lunchtime, and there we stayed. Dreary and dark, under dripping trees as the rain set in.

We have revised our previous wet day record to TODAY as being the worst day of the summer. Torrential rain has spoiled things well and truly.

This morning we teamed up with The Beech Nuts on their narrow boat and made our way down to Batchworth, through very oily waters - someone had allowed oil or diesel to spill into the canal, and did it stink.

We paid a brief visit to Batchworth Lock Canal Centre, Bob was curious to see their model narrow boats - but nothing on show.

Batchworth Tesco with canalside moorings was the next stop - much more worthwhile!

So, now we are moored below the farm, but more precisely, opposite the field where we believe the filming of the tv series Black Beauty was located. Who knows!

Looking forward to better boating weather tomorrow.

Thursday 13 August 2010

2010-08-12T17:39:00.033+01:00

Winkwell to Hunton Bridge, Grand Union Canal

As we entered the first lock of the day, a heron stood patiently on the lock edge staring into the depths. Eventually, he gave up and flew a few feet away and started staring again. May be they fall asleep!

As we approached Winkwell swing bridge we could see the crew of working narrowboat Hadar enjoying holding up the traffic as they kept the bridge open for us too. We know of this boat from passing it last year and following their blog with interest, recounting their experiences in London.

We made our way down through Hemel Hampstead, past B+Q where Rose's limejuice in barrels, was once loaded onto barges, and on to Apsley, where many John Dickinson paper mills at Croxley Green once stood. Now smart new houses and a marina have replaced the mills, but good old Fullers have a canalside pub called The Paper Mill.

The final demolition is ongoing and no doubt it will be replaced by more houses, now 3 + 4 floors a piece.

The heavy rain in the afternoon drove us to moorup as we got to Hunton Bridge, but we did pair up with some ex hotelboat crew as we made our way down the locks.

Wednesday 11 August 2010

2010-08-11T18:36:00.017+01:00

Bulbourne Junction to Winkwell, Grand Union Canal

Well yesterday was just about the worst day of the summer so far! It rained and then it poured and poured. Fortunately, we called in at Cowroast marina where they had the new issue of Waterways World, so mooring up at lunchtime and staying put was no hardship. Immediately opposite our mooring on the summit level, was a boat named Griffin, which had all the appearance of a Fullers marketing medium!

Today was much better, and we paired up with another boat we had accompanied a couple of days ago, and made our way down now, to Berkhamsted. Today there is water cascading over the lock gates - no big surprise after yesterdays drenching.

We shopped at the canalside Waitrose and then walked down the towpath to Berkhamsted castle. Now just a shadow of its former self, but the part flint walls, and motte and bailey mounds remaining of the Norman castle were fairly obvious. This castle had three moats to deter tunnelling.

Later, as we made our way through the Port of Berkhamsted, we passed Castle Wharf, the boatyard owned by Lindy Foster and recalled the nationwide campaign she launched to save the wharf from developers. It looks as if she suceeded. There is totem pole to mark the years of trading between Castle Wharf and Canada, and wood used in huge quantities for boat building and cabinet making.

A good day, but the barometer is falling!

Monday 9 August 2010

2010-08-09T17:36:00.015+01:00

From Marsworth along the Wentworth Arm, and back on to the Grand Union Canal to Bulbourne

Today, we spent the morning walking around Marsworth village and again up the locks alongside the Tring reservoirs. A very tranquil spot with grannies and grandchildren quietly enjoying the lovely area. A mother swan did delay our tow path walk slightly, as she just would not follow her cygnets into the water, and sat preening and defiantly blocking our path. Eventually she became curious as to the cygnets whereabouts and glided into the canal, and we moved on. During our morning coffee on the boat we spotted many, many huge carp just below the surface, They were monsters, and devoured some bread we offered. The local ducks soon backed off!

This afternoon we got going up the 7 locks to the Tring summit, and then made a sharp right turn down the Wendover Arm and suddenly we were threading our way along a narrow waterway, passing a flour mill and some very delapidated boats, some on long,or no mooring lines, drifting out in front of us making progress slow. The navigable stretch ends with a plaque, and a very fortunately, a spacious turning point. We returned back to the junction passing some different fishing styles, hidden in the bank reeds.

We are now moored at Bulbourne, the much photographed BW canal workshops, where lockgates used to be

made, but is now a private concern making unusual garden ornaments in iron.

Sunday 8 August 2010

2010-08-06T08:51:00.013+01:00

Fenny Stratford southwards to Marsworth Junction, Grand Union Canal

We have made pretty slow progress as time is on our side, and the weather on Saturday was wet AND the Captain has a stinking cold!

After a shop stop at Leighton Buzzard Tesco on Friday, we moored below the Grove Lock. This was a rendezvous to meet friends for the evening. A little light entertainment before dinner in the form of a hire boat with young children dancing on the roof, and of course one fell in, fortunately she held the centre line on the way down so it was easy to retrieve her!

Good beer and food at the Grove and the pub sign depicts the leaking lock gates, and boy do they leak! ""Fullers" is a total misnoma!

Today, Sunday, we teamed up with a family aboard narrowboat Cream Cracker and shared locks all the way to Marsworth Junction. A very pleasant way to spend a sunny morning chatting and laughing until ........................ as we left the last lock, filing out one behind the other, we encountered 2 old narrowboats, movingtowards us, breasted up. Cream Cracker was lucky and managed to take avoiding action and steer around them, but not for us, the 2 old boats came straight for us and smacked us well and truly, causing damage to our bow paintwork mainly because these rogues did not have bow fenders fitted. Ugh!

The incident post mortem really spoiled the next couple of hours, but we are moored up now, and there are lots of smiling people enjoying Bluebell Cafe ice creams in the sun, so we joined them and soon felt better.

Thursday 5 August 2010

2010-08-05T18:36:00.015+01:00

Stoke Bruerne to Fenny Stratford, Grand Union Canal

We are back afloat, having spent a week ashore attending to cutting the nearly green grass of home!

So, after purchasing some Christmas cards from Stoke Bruerne shop, and some Welsh cheese from the Cheese Boat, we have proceeded with apace down the Grand Union Canal. Not so fast that we couldn't pause for a good pub lunch in the garden at The Barley Mow in Cosgrove! Most attractive soft sandstone bridge in Cosgrove - Gothic - and apparently unique among canal bridges.

So many bridges today as we wended our way through Milton Keynes - not used to bridges - so few across the river Nene and Great Ouse. There is a very clever, long mural painted depicting canal boats with a modern slant ie aircraft being transported by boat!

Our day was fine and bright, but there is a most definite feel of autumn in the air.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

2010-07-27T07:55:00.010+01:00

From Cogenhoe River Nene to Stoke Bruerne, Grand Union Canal

We made very good progress yesterday, 23 locks! Another day with virtually no rain, and none as we left Northampton and rose the 16 locks to Gayton Junction. Rather shallow pounds, but with a couple of narrowboats on our tail, we were very motivated, and they would have welcomed the extra water we flushed down.

A very noisy night at Gayton, with constant traffic and trains racing by - how envious are we!

Blisworth Tunnel, 1.75 miles long was its usual wet experience. No need to water the boat flowers today, the tunnel did it more than adequately.

Drizzle at Stoke Bruerne, but lucky to find a mooring for the day. Despite some quite unusually persistent rain there were many people ambling around the locks and musem area. After a Boaters Baguette in The Boat, we watched surprisingly few boats on the move. The usual gongoozler faction was present, and as always, it is so alarming to see young children allowed to run and peer over the lock edge completely unrestrained. Ugh!

Sunday 25 July 2010

2010-07-26T19:47:00.007+01:00

From Thrapston to Cogenhoe, River Nene

Tonight is our final mooring on the river Nene, having spent 7 weeks away from canals, we feel we have given fenland a good going over for a while, and it is time to get back to the system. Today, we have been sorely tried with weed, especially above Wellingborough. Our pictures show some of the conditions we had to make our way through - it's all very well cutting the weed but it needs to be raked out and onto the bank. Some small cruisers spent more than an hour trying to get their outboards cleaned off and make progress through the fibrous roots and pea green soup. The lock gates opened sufficiently wide for us to get through.

Our last evening is at Cogenhoe, where we have moored before. We are alongside a quiet site of summer cabins, that look so idyllicly situated beside the river.

Friday 25 July 2010

2010-07-23T17:20:00.006+01:00

From Ferry Meadows Country Park, to Thrapston, River Nene

We had a leisurely departure from Ferry Meadows, after a walk to the nearby village of Cherry Orton. A day that threatened to rain from the start, and it sure did just as soon as we moved off our lunch stop, under Wansford Station where we had been the afternoon before.

It was shower after shower through the afternoon, until we reached one of our favourite moorings on the Nene, at Fotheringhay. Since our last visit, a windsock has appeared in the farmers field. He says he hasn't acquired a helicopter, but why else would one fly a windsock, we wondered.

Today, we made a determined effort to get away earlier and were moving before 9am, as there were 9 locks and about 15 miles to do to get to Thrapston. Some of those locks were manual, requiring many turns of the wheel to lower and raise the guillotine gates. So that, plus an hours walk around Thrapston, will mean a good nights sleep ahead.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

2010-07-21T20:00:00.019+01:00

From Denver Sluice, River Great Ouse, to Ferry Meadows, River Nene

Since our 'day off' on Sunday spent at Denver Sluice, we have made up for lost time and put our skates on. We had a long wait on Monday for the right moment of the tide, to leave Denver and go along the short tidal stretch to Salters Lode, which required a 45 degree left turn across the outgoing tide into the lock to return us to the middle level. All went well, and we moored with some Norwegians aboard a hire boat, at Outwell. These people were on their first trip, and so had our days adventure, ahead, in reverse. Totally charming people, whose English was faultless and who had no idea of what was ahead!

Early on Tuesday morning, we left Outwell and Upwell, where the villages are sliced down the middle by the river, and out onto the middle level, some stretches of which are just long straight, narrow lengths of water, where you see no one, no boats, no walkers, just acres of flat, cultivated land, often with wind turbines.

Our aim was to moor for the evening at Whittlesey, where we knew there was a jetty, which left a short journey tomorrow, on to Stanground Sluice before Peterborough. All was well, a space was there and we felt a sigh of relief, but it was not too long before narrowboat 'Benji' appeared, also seeking a mooring and we invited them to tie alongside. Soon the wine and beer was flowing, and we were sharing an Indian takeaway and swapping boating tales, with our new neighbours, Julian and Lynne.

So, today, as per our prebooked passage up Stanground Lock from the Middle level, we made our way back onto the River Nene and down into Peterborough. (The lady lock keeper at Stanground Sluice told us that she was the third generation of lock keeper, and had been born at that lock house.)

After using the waterside Asda with access gates exclusively for boaters, we made our way down the Nene to Ferry Meadows Country Park, that has a few boat moorings inside its grounds. The Nene Valley Railway has a station at Ferry Meadows and so we took the train (diesel unfortunately), to Wansford where there was a huge array of engines, and mail coaches, and lots of good intentions for the volunteers to work on, including Thomas having a facelift. A good trip, following the Nene in places, and we will be going under some of the rail route tomorrow.

Saturday 17 July 2010

2010-07-17T17:07:00.017+01:00

Brandon Creek, Little River Ouse to West bank, Denver Sluice, River Great Ouse

A wise decision today to set off quite early, in reasonable decent conditions, because the weather certainly deteriorated this afternoon.

We were keen to secure a mooring near Denver sluice as we are meeting some VIP's for lunch tomorrow at Jenyns Inn. A fast run (5mph!) back along the River Great Ouse, and mooring just where we had planned. A short walk to the Denver sluice lock and we saw the queue of boats patiently waiting for the time the outgoing tide would allow them to travel the short tidal stretch down to Salters Lode. The wind is still blowing so we are glad we are not doing this bit today. As the levels dropped, an island of sludge started to reveal itself, which eventually became a huge slab of mud, mid stream. We watched a few craft make their sharp right hand turn out of Salters Lode and down toward us at Denver, and a few others going down stream until the skies went black and it poured down, so a mad dash back to the boat.

Look forward to a good day tomorrow, but the engine will be having a day off!

Friday 16 July 2010

2010-07-16T18:38:00.008+01:00

From Wicken Fen onto Ely, and then right turn down to Brandon, along Little River Ouse

We like Ely and so considered ourselves fortunate to find a mooring there, even though it was alongside the canada goose and duck roosting area. After a wet and windy night the duck muck was well and truly stuck to the side of the boat!

Today we have strayed into Suffolk, having moved off the River Great Ouse, quite deliberately, and onto the Little River Ouse to get down to Brandon. Our passage today was a great deal easier than yesterday, although the wind still tried to dictate progress. The conditions yesterday were so unpleasant that we stopped at lunchtime and gave in to the strong wind and driving rain. Within minutes of mooring up, several cruisers also wrestled with ropes and tied up for the day.

The reason why we have made a a point of going down to Brandon is that it is the most eastern point of the inland

waterway system of the UK. Had the lock at Brandon not been so short, we would gone on further.

The Little River Ouse was not so little, quiet wide infact, but had some odd craft moored along the way, and passed through some very remote rural fenland stretches. On reaching Brandon, there was a short EA jetty below the lock. Fortunately, the 2 narrow boats already there were just about to move away, and so we shortly had the mooring to ourselves. After a speedy visit to Brandon for supplies, we decided to start our return back down to the Little River Ouse, and this proved to be a sound decision as we encountered some other boats making their way down to Brandon and we knew there was insufficient space for all of them to moor there.

We battled for almost 2 hours against the head wind back to the GBOA mooring spot. We might have been the first there, but it was not long before the mooring space was full. So, a good day, with objective achieved, but we feel this is a once in a lifetime visit to Brandon, by water.

Wednesday 13 July 2010

2010-07-13T18:45:00.006+01:00

From Waterbeach to Wicken Fen

After a quick shopping trip into Waterbeach we set off back towards the Five miles from Anywhere Pub and turned right towards Reach Lode Lock. We assumed the lock would be about the same length as the locks that we have been used to on the Ouse and Cam. However on entering the lock we soon hit the top guillotine gate as the lock was only a couple of feet longer than the boat!

Once through the lock into Reach Lode we soon turned right under a "Cock-up" bridge (no idea!!) into the very very narrow Wicken Lode. For over a mile we squeezed between the reeds hoping that no-one would come the other way.

We were lucky and there was enough space for us at the GOBA mooring at the end. Wicken Fen is one of the oldest National Trust sites and to save £11 entry fee we spent £79 for a years subscription. A wonderful area of original fenland scenery complete with an original timber wind-pump.

Monday 12 July 2010

2010-07-12T20:38:00.016+01:00

From St Ives, River Great Ouse to Ely to The Five Mile From Anywhere Inn, to Cambridge and back to Waterbeach, River Cam

Since our last blog we have spent another very enjoyable day in Ely, where we came across a folk festival and 10th celebration of their farmers market. A hot sunny day, lots and lots of people enjoying many of the visiting morris dance teams, some with very young dancers enthusiastically performing in uncomfortable outfits and clogs along the cobbled streets.

There was also a beer festival in the town, and we had feared a rowdy evening ahead, as we were moored on the water front, but amazingly all good clean fun, and no real noise beyond 11pmish and no glasses or litter around the next day. Good old Ely again.

We then moved back down the Ouse and on to the river Cam, heading for Cambridge. We are now under the auspices of the Cam Conservancy. At lunchtime and this is true, we couldn't find a mooring other than outside the 'Five Mile From Anywhere Pub' where the smell of Sunday lunch cooking was wafting down to the pub jetty! So, what else could we do but tie up and enjoy lunch in their riverside garden area. Lo and behold a band then set up in the garden, and we went on to enjoy music in the sunshine until the late afternoon, and lots of families stayed to listen too, and watch passing boats, some in sail. It was therefore sensible to stay on the pub moorings for the night.

Today was overcast, and try as it may to rain, nothing, though we see from the weather reports that heavy downpours did fall all around today, but not on us as we made our way down to Cambridge. The university college boathouses were an attractive feature as we moved into Cambridge, but most of the towpath moorings are for permit holders only, and whilst we expected that the visitor moorings at the end of the navigation, below Jesus lock , would be difficult, we hadn't expected the uninviting and unattractive situation that we found. No space for visiting boats, winos on the bank, and not an area we would have felt comfortable about leaving the boat, even in daylight. So we had lunch partly moored on the water point until another boat turned up, and then moved away feeling very disappointed at not being able to get into the town.

This evening we are moored alongside at Waterbeach, alongside a nature reserve - that's more like it!

Friday 9 July 2010

2010-07-09T18:50:00.007+01:00

From St Ives to Aldreth High Bridge, River Great Ouse (Old West River)

Too hot! yes, scorchio today! Had to moor up and hide inside the boat.

After a brief stop this morning in tidy St Ives, using the town moorings we found along a short channel off the main river, we moved on downstream. We were keeping a sharp look out for the seal we had seen on the way a couple of weeks ago. As we moved into the tidal section between Brownshill Staunch and Hermitage Lock (manned), it became very clear that the water level has dropped quite a bit as the banks are exposed, and lo and behold there was the seal sunbathing on the bank with her pup this time. Surprising to see the golden skin colour of the adult.

We moved on down stream, beyond the tidal stretch and put up with the heat as long as we could into the mid afternoon, and then found a mooring.

Perhaps the lighthearted moment of the day was looking down on a frog frantically swimming with lovely leg movements - not worth catching to eat - no fleshy thighs!

Thursday 8 July 2010

2010-07-08T18:13:00.010+01:00

From St Neots to St Ives, River Great Ouse

Today began with a disappointing grey and overcast morning, but we are not fairweather sailors! Our first lock at Godmanchester, on the outskirts of Huntingdon, has a lockside remote camera, recording all that is occurring, so we behaved accordingly and waved!

The skies did lift and by the time we reached Huntingdon, and moored for a quick visit, all was bright. The town was another very quiet and tidy with attractive flowers and that cared for feeling. Then as we departed from Huntingdon the two fishermen we have been shadowing in their small cruiser appeared, apparently the fish are being rather elusive. We also saw some people enjoying the game of boule, serious stuff measuring the nearest score - are we in France?

At the next lock we found we were, unusually, sharing the lock with a few others, as our picture shows. The old fashioned wooden boat is almost 50 years old and so the owners were naturally being very careful moving her in and out of the lock.

We lunched at Hemingford Grey, where a regatta is due to take place on Saturday - children rowing and an intervillage tug of war across the water. We recall seeing some light hearted rowing practice when we moored here a couple of weeks ago.

Our mooring this evening is alongside a grassy bank just upstream from St Ives, all alone, apart from the occasional rower or passing cruiser. The view up river is just perfect in the sun.

Wednesday 7 July 2010

2010-07-07T17:58:00.009+01:00

From St Neots to Brampton Mill, River Great Ouse

We have continued our journey back downstream after a quick shopping halt at Waitrose in St Neots. Amazingly their system gave us a 50p refund of a car park ticket!!!

We passed back through the enormous lock north of St Neots and headed downstream hoping the rain would hold off, and fortunately it did.

After publishing yesterdays blog we saw this dragon boat go charging up and down the river.

We have moored for the evening at the GOBA moorings at Brampton Mill, a wonderful old watermill and associated buildings that have been converted into a pub and restaurant.

We forgot to say that we saw the Red Arrows fly over the river yesterday, obviously on their way to somewhere and not performing or practicing.

We are moored on the edge of Port Holme Meadow, believed to be one of the biggest common meadows in Britain, with it's common land status going back to King John.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

2010-07-06T18:25:00.011+01:00

From Priory Marina, Bedford to St Neots, River Great Ouse

Another good start to the day, blue sky and serene water as we departed from Priory Marina. We are making good progress going downstream, and soon find ourselves back at Castle Mills lock, where there are still workmen clearing up and finishing lock gate painting. Today, we were helped with lock filling, but 10am tea break meant that we were then on our own! No problem, the new lock gear is easy to use and the lock emptied quickly and smoothly. The newly constructed upstream lock sill becomes very evident as the lock empties.

Beyond Great Barford we encountered EA personnel working hard with weed cutters and rakes to clear the waterway, in preparation we suspect for extra boat traffic going to Bedford Boat Festival in 10 days time. The clear water reveals the mass of underwater weed, it's rather like a bed of lettuce growing.

This evening we are back in St Neots, edging a grassy field, using a stretch of mooring provided by Huntingdon District Council. Only one other boat, very different from last Saturday evening, when we felt fortunate to find a space here.

Monday 5 July 2010

2010-07-05T16:57:00.019+01:00

Great Barford to Bedford,River Great Ouse

Another blue sky day on the drier side of Britain, a gentle breeze, boating along was just so easy. As we carefully moved under the bridge at Great Barford , we realised it had 16 arches, - see picture, and then further upstream to Bedford, including passing through the repaired Castle Mills lock, which was reopened only 4 days ago. The workmen were still around, who politely made sure we were safe by working the smart, new lock gear for us.

As we approached Bedford town we came across this huge pyramid set in the middle of grass and heathland, apparently it is the Oasis swimming pool, more a hideous structure in the countyside. The river runs through Bedford in much the same way as York, wide stretches, with old buildings like the courthouse, lining the water. This is a rowing town, so moorings for boats of any other kind, are not in abundance. As it was our intention to continue beyond Bedford, to the head of navigation at Kempston Mill, we took on water and moved off again. Now we were almost into uncharted waters - people looking at us, very low road and rail bridges, so low that we even removed the tiller pin for fear that it would be ripped off! Good job the Great River Ouse is about a foot below normal at the moment! Overhanging trees nearly make it impossible for us to continue, and it gets progressively narrower. Suddenly we are faced with a choice of route - no direction sign - we make the right choice, but alas, it has all been in vain - a huge tree has fallen across the river, blocking our path, so this is our limit. We then had about a 29 point turn to get the boat turned!

So it was back to Bedford and to the town guillotine lock, which requires a 45 degree turn into, with due account taken for the now, downstream flow. Made it alright! and this evening we are taking advantage of a free nights mooring, within Priory Marina, arranged by GOBA.

Sunday 4 July 2010

2010-07-04T17:46:00.017+01:00

Upstream along the River Great Ouse, to Great Barford

Since our last blog, we have continued upstream along the Great River Ouse, heading towards Bedford.

We lunched in St Ives, where the town bridge has a chapel built into the middle of it, dedicated to St Ledger.

We have moored in some most attractive locations, like the village of Hemingford Grey, with its waterside Church, where the spire was blown down in 1741, and somehow the replacement just doesn't look quite right. Thatched cottages and hollyhocks were in abundance here.

No two locks on the use appear to be the same, different gate configuration, some deep some shallow; some wide, others quite narrow, some with lay bys in the lock chamber itself. Some are totally push button operated, others are manually operated, so as you approach each lock, you must go armed with the Environment Agency key and Great Ouse windlass.

Part of our blog absence is due to a swift trip home to cut grass and hair etc - the grass barely needed doing - but the hair did. Vagabond was moored very safely in a newish marina surrounded by log cabins. Narrow boats are now very much in the minority, - most jetties were taken up with powerful, expensive cabin cruisers.

Our mooring last evening was just downstream from St Neots, edging a grassy field, and where the lovely houses opposite had rolling gardens down to the waters edge. This morning before moving off, we saw people and dogs swimming in the river, rowing, fishing, the water was so inviting, so clear, and a perfect summers day. So we are now at Great Barford, and Bedford beckons tomorrow.

Wednesday 23 June 2010

2010-06-23T14:00:00.017+01:00

From Stretham Ferry, Old West River to Pike and Eel Inn, River Great Ouse

Well today has been just like an aqua safari!

From seeing crested grebe swimming below the surface,in clear water, to seeing sizeable pike lurking in the shadows, to a white egret, to oyster catchers, goldfinches feasting on thistles, to a grey seal. Yes, we passed a grey seal swimming with purpose along the short tidal stretch between Brownshill Staunch and Hermitage Lock. The EA lockeeper told us the seal has been semi resident along this stretch for some while, and there is a chance we may see a second seal further upstream.

All this in addition to grey heron, cormorant, swans, Canada geese, ducks etc etc which we have come to take for granted. Some of the wild life is obviously unused to boats as some swans and ducks start mad flapping of wings and trying to stay ahead of the boat, warning us off, we think.

Our day has taken us through Earith where George Jewson and his son John founded the builders merchants and their wharf and lime kilns still remain.

Tuesday 22 June 2010

2010-06-22T21:12:00.016+01:00

Ely, River Great Ouse to Stretham Ferry, Old West River

A perfect day for boating. We left Ely in blazing sunshine, passing the empty Kings School boathouses (the students were already out on the river) ,and continued our way south and further up the River Great Ouse, with a gentle warm breeze to accompany us. At Pope's Corner we branched right and onto the Old West River that will take us to Huntingdon and later to Bedford. Speed is now 4mph and the blanket weed is with us again, bright green swathes hiding long ropey strands below the surface. This stretch has a much classsier type of water lily - white open flowers with a yellow core, as well as the usual plain yellow lillies we are used to.

We passed by Stretham Old Engine house where in 1831 Boulton and Watt built a steam pumping engine to lift water from the surrounding fens up into the Old West River. The engine was still working until 1941, but is now preserved, but we need to be here at a weekend to see it.

We moored for lunch at a Great Ouse Boating Association mooring at Stretham Ferry. It was not our intention to stay here for the afternoon, but as it is such a lovely spot, with a lovely pub too - The Lazy Otter - time passed by so quickly in the sun, with just the birds to watch, including a mother grebe, teaching her chick how to dive!

Monday 21 June 2010

2010-06-21T18:50:00.011+01:00

Ely, River Great Ouse

We have spent today exploring Ely, and what a great day we have had in the summer sun.

Ely waterfront is very attractive, and from there we decided to follow the eel trail to take us around the city.

This took us through very neat gardens and attractive flower displays, lots of lovely lavender, then through the nail scissored grounds around the Cathedral and on to Oliver Cromwells House, where he lived for 10 years. The Cathedral is very imposing, has an octagonal tower, and well worth a visit. There is a stained glass museum and also Ely musem, so plenty to go at. Waterside Antiques is an old warehouse crqammed with antiques on 3 floors, and can absorb your atttention too.

We have yet to try eel pie or eel stew, but hope to do so on our return.

No litter and no louts - thank you Ely.

Sunday 20 June 2010

2010-06-20T18:15:00.005+01:00

Prickwillow, River Lark to Ely, River Great Ouse

Not a very inspiring start to the day, overcast and cold again, but dry, so we were grateful! we left Prickwillow and continued upstream along the River lark. Several hardy fishermen were out, looking fairly nithered in the conditions. Dotted along the way, there are many defunct engine pump houses, including one that has a plaque to the memory of aptly named Joseph Flatt who worked here in the low lying fens from 1844 until he died in 1900. We also passed the remains of a fenland wind pump, known locally as the Pepper Pot.

As we were passing through the only lock on this river, at Isleham, a huge lumbering aircraft darkened the sky as it took off from nearby Lakenheath. RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall wartime airfields are nearby and are the reason why so many pill boxes were erected, which are still very visible across the fenland landscape.

At the end of the navigable stretch we turned, and headed back down the river, a little quicker this way, as we were going with the flow. Back onto to the River Great Ouse, and headed for Ely.

From quite a way off we could easily pick out the Norman spires of Ely Cathedral, and as we arrived in the city, the place was buzzing with boats and people. Lucky for us another narrow boat moved off and we used their mooring, otherwise it would have been tricky. A first reccy into the city gives us the feel that it is a place worth exploring and spending time in tomorrow........

Saturday 19 June 2010

2010-06-19T17:59:00.011+01:00

From Ten Mile Bank, River Great Ouse to Prickwillow, River Lark, near Ely

A pretty awful day for near midsummer, cold, overcast, strong wind and very heavy downpours.

We battled along the Ouse again, with crested waves, but pulled over at Littleport for a break and then continued on to turn left up the River Lark. The conditions were grim, and so finding a mooring space at Prickwillow was very welcome.

The high spot of the day was a visit to the Prickwillow Drainage Engine Museum! just across the road. In the original pump house, there is a charming collection of large historic diesel engines, all with bright brass and smartly painted red/green. These were the early work horses responsible for maintaining drainage of the fens. There is also some very interesting history and photographic displays relating to fen the area. If our return down the River Great Ouse coincides with their next engine running event, we will make a point of stopping here again.

Friday 18 June 2010

2010-06-18T18:14:00.006+01:00

From Hilgay, River Wissey and back onto River Great Ouse to moor at Ten Mile bank

Such a contrast in weather today, cold and grey skies - soon be summer. We continued up the River Wissey and came to a huge British Sugar Beet plant, not a pretty sight in the middle of such rural tranquillity. At the time of the beet harvest, farmers for miles around queue to deliver their crops to the plant. On the opposite bank are acres of low level glass houses growing tomatoes, using the heat exhaust from the sugar beet plant. We can vouch that the tomatoes from there are very sweet and a great flavour, as the cheery butcher in Hilgay had some for sale. We turned round in a huge lake, which appeared to be used exclusively by British Sugar fisher folk.

Our mooring this evening is on the river again, using a new Environment Agency facility at Ten Mile Bank. Having just looked at the Ten Mile Bank history site, this stretch of the river actually froze earlier this year! it could do again any day!

Thursday 17 June 2010

2010-06-17T17:46:00.016+01:00

From Upwell Town Staithe, to Hilgay, River Wissey, River Great Ouse

Today, we continued along the Nene Ouse Navigation Link moving along Well Creek, a narrow thread of water, wrestling with tough strands of bright green weed at times. At Nordelph, another village that lines both sides of the water, each in a different county, but having attractive houses, even an old windmill, now residential. We reached Salters Lode a little early and so had to wait for the lock keeper to say when conditions were right, and he would allow us into the lock and out on to the River Great Ouse. This is tidal water, going to Kings Lynn if we turn left, or to Denver Sluice to the right, which is our route. So full power on oncwe had passed under the raised electric guillotine gate, and hard turn right, and the sluice was then in our sight. Although a short stretch of water to the sluice, there was quite a buffeting from the strong wind and waves. To our surprise, we passed a hire boat doing the stretch in reverse. They would have had quite a job turning into Salters Lode lock in these conditions. We couldn't watch as we had our our own moves to make!

A little sigh of relief as we reached the sanctuary of the lock alongside Denver Sluice. Once through the lock we were greeted by a wide expanse of river, and we moved upstream, and soon turned left, and on to the River Wissey. This stretch of water has been recommended and it immediately becomes evident why. It is a quiet backwater, no habitation, but almost like boating through a nature reserve. We spot the moorings provided by the local boat association, which we will probably use tomorrow on our return down the Wissey. We quietly move along and eventually come into the hamlet of Hilgay, and moor. A pub and butchers shop selling everything and neatly kept houses, but the bypass has meant the petrol station is no more.

Wednesday 16 June 2010

2010-06-17T17:17:00.007+01:00

From Floods Ferry Marina to Church Bridge Staithe, Outwell, Nene Great Ouse link, Middle level

This evening we are moored in the bright warm evening sunshine on a little town jetty we think is in Outwell, ( but may be in Upwell as these two villages have joined) and this narrow waterway passes through their quaint, old fashioned charm. Properties are on both sides of us, some dating back well into the 19th century, but sit quite comfortably with modern houses. Village shops survive including butchers, cake shops, hairdressers and pubs.

The fishing season has started and the gnomes are about. The water is so clear in places we can see fish so clearly. We are finding the flat terrain so different to the mountains we are used to and to pass by a wind farm so closely was a first for us. (17 wind generators) We lunched in March, a busy market town and purchased some locally grown asparagus which we know we will enjoy. The Middle Level Commissioners are so thoughtful - they placed this sign on an embankment in March, so that boats would not get plastered in grass cuttings - could this forward planning be adopted by other waterway authorities?

Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 June 2010

2010-06-15T16:48:00.008+01:00

Ferry Meadows Country Park to Peterborough and on to Middle Level Navigations

After a final walk around the lovely Ferry Meadows, and coffee with the crew of Chesterton, both boats moved back across the lake and off towards Peterborough, making a slight deviation off to the left to the Rowing Club where there are a few mooring spots, useful for future reference. We then pulled alongside Asda, with its own gated river access for boaters, did some shopping and moved off in very strong winds, and after 2 attempts, managed to moor for the evening in Peterborough.

We have reserved a slot tomorrow morning with the lock keeper at Standground lock, as we are moving onto the Middle Levels. This means we use yet another style of windlass, and in a different way, and the Commissioners refer to us as being navigators. Our passage is along the Kings Dyke, and then Whittlesey Dyke, these have such long straight stretches, that you could put the boat onto automatic pilot. The banks are sometimes above the adjoining flat fields, and often below. We are now just about at sea level - give or take - and thank goodness the sun shines or this journey might just become a little tedious in pouring rain!

As mooring en route continues to be tricky, Flood Ferry caravan park and marina just south of March, appears like an oasis, and a swift telephone call confirms that there is an overnight mooring. So this is where we are now. The wind blows pretty strong in these parts, no wonder there are so many farms with high trees screening them, rather reminscent of French waterways.

Sunday 13 June 2010

2010-06-13T18:32:00.009+01:00

Fotheringhay to Ferry Meadows Country Park, Overton Lake, River Nene

Sunday paper duly collected, and off again, and yet more lovely properties alongside the river, usually beside mill buildings by locks. Most are absolutely stunning and very, very desirable! One church even had its own boathouse!

As moorings along the way are just not as easily found as on a canal, we pressed on to Ferry Meadows as this had been recommended to us as a special place to stay. It sure is. 500 acres of unspoilt grassland, with lakes, and woodland, just 3 miles out of Peterborough. So much safe space, and everyone enjoying it. There are only a few jetties for visiting boats, so we feel lucky to have got one. The Nene railway has a station within the park, and we did see the steam train "City of Peterborough" at the station, but as our luck would have it, the next trips are 2 days away! So we will plan to stop on our return, if we can get a mooring here again. Otherwise, all is not lost as there is a station at nearby Wansford and also Yarwell. This is a place well worth a visit, you can hire dinghies, cycles, go horse riding, go fishing, learn orienteering, use the wetland wildlife hides, camp, caravan park, etc etc

Moorings are tricky along the river but we have yet to resort to going up the bank! See pic!

Saturday 12 June 2010

2010-06-12T21:26:00.009+01:00

Thrapston to Fotheringhay, River Nene

Another good day, blue sky and a good days boating to look forward to.

A swift visit to Thrapston for a paper and on our way, and meeting the first moving boat as we get to the lock at Titchmarsh, beside an attractive mill as so many of these locks are - rolling lawns and weeping willows etc

On towards Oundle, and the guide book is so right when it says the Nene grows lovelier by the mile, as it winds its way past villages and so many church spires - all different. Oundle marina is placed in a very lovely spot with another old attractive mill building beside the lock.

We manage to moor for lunch, on an unofficial mooring, just before the next lock, which we note is manual - so indigestion ahead!

Our overnight mooring is planned to be at Fotheringhay, where we recall mooring about 20 years ago at the edge of a farmers field, and ordering a Sunday paper. Amazingly, the arrangement still exists, except we must collect the paper from the farmhouse, as it is no longer delivered to the boat! We are just below the impressive Fotheringhay Church, and several other boats also stop, including one that Bob recognises as an ex Red Line hire boat, talk about an anorak!

We walked around Fotheringhay and it is still a very attractive, quiet Cambridgeshire village, even with a large wedding reception taking place in the neighbouring farm garden. Fotheringhay Castle is where Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded, and somewhere in the field we walked through, her heart is believed to be buried!

Friday 11 June 2010

2010-06-11T19:20:00.006+01:00

From Irthlingborough to Thrapston, River Nene

Put the flags out - its a much better day, even the water lilies are opening! After a later than usual start due to water filling etc we continued along the Nene encountering lively canoe groups on outdoor adventures, and caught up another narrow boat and so shared locks. The non electric locks are quite exhausting, as the heavy bottom lock gate has to be raised and lowered manually by means of a huge steering wheel - quite a work out!

We found some really excellent moorings at Thrapston, lovely quiet spot adjacent to a sailing club using a huge gravel pit. Thrapston is a busy little market town and well worth a walk through and on into neighbouring Islip.

The sunset was great this evening.

Thursday 10 June 2010

2010-06-10T19:33:00.008+01:00

Cogenhoe to Irthlingborough, River Nene

Welcome back winter! It has been cold, windy, overcast and just plain horrid today! We left Cogenhoe and battled further along the Nene through a few more guillotine locks, seeing the odd person along the way, and then a couple of hire boats amazingly, approaching a lock very slowly due to long strands of the green Nene weed around their props we suspect.

We shopped in Wellingborough and then continued on to Irthlingborough, which included operating the radial gate at Ditchford Lock as our picture shows. The Environment Agency had thoughtfully moored their weed cutter boat on the approach to this lock, which in the wind, certainly tested Bobs boating skills.

As we approached Irthlingborough we encountered a low bridge with several arches - the guide book merely says "use largest arch" - and this was it!

Somehow, it was a relief to find space still available alongside the Rushden and Diamonds Football Club at Irthlingborough, since unless you are prepared to use the anchor, mooring has to be at designated spots like this.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

2010-06-09T20:23:00.007+01:00

From below Weston Flavell Lock to Cogenhoe, River Nene

We have left the Grand Union Canal and moved down on to the River Nene. We initially thought our passage onto the river would be delayed due to a Police incident having closed the river at Northampton, but a call to the Environment Agency gave us a the all clear. So out came the bike to speed our descent down the 17 locks at Rothersthorpe onto the Nene but alas a flat tyre - thank goodness for pink gloop! The bike certainly helped make light work through the pouring rain, but of course BW don't/can't work in the wet, and they were cosily ensconced inside their cabin part way down. Come the Cameron revolution all could be different! The private sector contractors grass cutting, path jet washing, strimming etc continued their work in the wet quite unperturbed.

The river Nene is as we remember from last year, serene and quiet. It helps that we know where to moor in Northampton for shops and the digging out for the new marina at Beckets Park is very apparent. We moored last evening just above Weston Flavell lock as we are familiar with this location. We boated on gently today sharing the 3 guillotine locks on our way to Cogenhoe with another narrow boat, saving water as we hear there is concern about the levels. Cogenhoe is a neat and tidy community, with attractive village cross, and Church and fortunately for us with a porch for us to shelter from the heavy afternoon downpour.

Sunday 23, Monday 24 and Tuesday May 2010

2010-05-24T13:54:00.014+01:00

From Ashby Canal, back to Coventry Canal and on to Oxford Canal

A perfect boating day, consequently the day started early at 6.30am when a boater decided to turn his boat around a few yards away! It wasn't too irritating as the cloudless blue sky and bird chatter more than compensated. A few others then followed, probably planning to moor up during the heat of the midday, and so there was quite a snail trail of boats making their way to the end of the Ashby where we turned left, and back on to the Coventry canal, and returned to gardens and surburbia.

At Hawksbury Junction as we made our way on to the Oxford Canal, there was a little cluster of boats going our way, each in turn using the Sutton stop lock to rise all of 3"! The midday sun was certainly intense, and we moored up and hid inside for a couple of hours.

We have nearly closed the circle and we are back in familiar territory on the Oxford canal, passing through Rugby and the familiar aerials. The 3 twin single locks at Hillmorton were busy, both sides in use, and proved a challenge for some first timers. One picture today shows the disco effect from the lights inside Newbold Tunnel. Several of the bridge arches have attractive murals, all pretty well intact.

We moored on the edge of Braunston, as we know how popular this place can be. A walk up to the bottom lock confirmed this, and then up through Braunston village and a visit to Midland Chandlers of course, was enough in the still very warm air.

We concluded this particular trip with an evening on the canal terrace outside The Boatman, where 2 meals for the price of one, can work out cheaper than your drinks bill! Many customers like us, watched Mike Kelly (Eureauweb) do cheeky 360 degree turns and pirouette his boat, Marionette round in front of us!

The next morning as we made our way on down the Oxford canal and back to base, we encountered a midstream obstacle of partly sunken boats, 'BW aware' of course. This little lot will take some shifting!

Our next jaunt will be into the Fens very soon, so watch this space.

Friday 21 and Saturday 22 May 2010

2010-05-23T18:28:00.005+01:00

From Shackerstone to Battlefield Site Boswell, and on to Burton Hastings, Ashby Canal

We have boated back down the Ashby to a point on the canal adjacent to the Bosworth Country Park where the battle of the roses took place (although this is being rethought), and the field where Richard III was slain in 1485 by Henry Tudor, ie Henry VII. A very pleasant place to amble round,and it has struck us just how polite, respectful and courteous everyone is here. A lot of folk enjoying the area without noise, littering or forgetting their doggy bags! A place so pleasant we stayed overnight, and moved off early next morning with a cloudless blue sky and brilliant sunshine.

It is no problem to stay on the Ashby Canal, it is such a pretty canal to be savoured and not hurried. No wonder so many boaters choose this canal to moor on. The perfect boating weather has brought out people galore, all shapes and sizes! We managed to find a secluded mooring, and to take cover from the rays.

Thursday 20 May 2010

2010-05-20T18:24:00.008+01:00

Dadlington to the end of the Ashby Canal and back to Shackerstone

A perfect day for just boating along, everyone so pleasant to one another! We moored for a pub lunch in Shackerstone, a very pleasant English farming village, undeveloped and unchanged. It lies adjacent to the Bosworth Battlefield Railway line, a relic from Dr Beeching days which is now run by volunteers, but only at the weekend at this time of year.

Back on the boat for the aftenoon and just as we were approaching the Snarestone Tunnel and almost at the end of the navigable stretch when low and behold another boat named Vagabond was moored. Not just another Vagabond but THE boat our own is named after, since this was the very boat we spent many summer weekends looking for 20+ years ago when the other owner in the shared ownership scheme took off with our boat! She looked good for her age as you can see, and was still in the same colour scheme. Amazing!

We turned at the dreary end of the canal, where work is underway to reopen the remaining 8 miles to Measham (of teapot fame), but it will be a long job dependent upon public contributions.

So, we are now back in Shackerstone, looking at the net at properties for sale!

Mon 17, Tues 18 and Wed 19 May 2010

2010-05-19T20:02:00.007+01:00

From Bodymoor Heath Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, to Alvecote on the Coventry Canal and on to Dadlington, Ashby Canal

We left the Birmngham and Fazeley canal at Fazeley junction and turned right, onto the Coventry Canal. After good fish and chips, plus a heavy hail storm in Fazeley, we started off down the Coventry Canal in sunshine once again. We spotted a moored narrow boat named Water Avens, and this immediately rang bells as one of Bob's brothers family had lived on a boat of this name for several years. As often happens whilst waiting to use a lock you get talking to other boaters, and sure enough Water Avens caught us up, and low and behold the present owners bought this boat 10 years ago from Bob' s sister in law! We exchanged a few experiences and then moved on.

The next morning we encountered Water Avens again but grim faces greeted us - their cat had gone on an out of character walkabout, the owners looked bereft, and of course just could not bring themselves to move on.

Quite a few locks punctuated our way along the Coventry canal, and at one lock we caught another boat going our way and as is the usual practice you help each other along. After a few minutes a lady from the other boat appeared and apologised for not getting on with the lock, but she was inside the boat ironing! and ironing doyleys at that! Mad!

Our passage through Nuneaton was littered with so much floating rubbish and bank after bank strewn with unsightly plastic rubbish of all types, it really does make you question if there is any point in our diligently recycling our small amount of household plastic.

Now we have taken a left turn and onto the Ashby Canal, totally rural and no locks! A very quiet and peaceful waterway reminiscent of the Mon and Brec here and there, narrow and with overhanging trees, but also opening out to wider stretches. Many, many moored boats here alongside and in marinas, but all so peaceful and tranquil. We moored up in a lovely spot after yet another lovely day and were just enjoying a cup of tea and reading the paper when THUMP - a passing boat hit us nearly broadside! Apparently his throttle got stuck in reverse, goodness knows what he was doing - so we do have the odd moment of stress, you know!

Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May 2010

2010-05-16T17:56:00.006+01:00

From Turner's Green, Grand Union Canal onto Bodymoor Heath, Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

What a contrast of canals and daytime temperatures across these three days.

We started out on Thursday wrapped up, layer on layer, as it was such a cold wind. We saw a hotelboat battling along and felt mighty glad we don't do that any more! it looked as if there were just 2 passengers - so a boat each!

We boated towards Birmingham but moored up in rural Copt Heath before an early start to get through Birmingham and out the other side.

Good plan to start early, but we weren't on our way soon enough to be ahead of an elderly gent boating alone, who was taking things at the locks very slowly. Our passage through the industrial wastelands made for a real change of vista, and you couldn't help but look at the defunct buildings and wonder at the huge labour forces of yesteryear working in pretty dangerous and ghastly conditions. Things for us came to a halt when we found some city locks and pounds were drained of water. It seemed to be lock gates left open rather than v and ells! Bob said he could see a wheel barrow, a mini motor bike, wheels and tyres etc galore! By opening all the paddles we managed to flush enough water down to enable us to get moving and out of the city, and a sense of relief to be back with greenery around us once more. Fortunately, in exchange for our preparing the locks ahead for the chap on his own, we were able to go ahead.

There were some pleasant aspects to Birmingham as this shot of a Canada goose family shows. Broods of Canada geese seem to be everywhere.

Well, we didn't reckon on our elderly gent catching us up today well before 8am and overtaking us! So, a little way ahead, and with locks at regular intervals we caught him up, even after our having been for Sunday papers! He was moaning because his legs wouldn't bend! We stopped for water and then went to the Dog and Doublet pub for lunch outside by the lock and watched some traction engines struggle to get over the adjacent hump backed canal bridge.

Thursday 13 May 2010

2010-05-15T20:44:00.005+01:00

Saltisford Arm to Turner's Green, Grand Union Canal

This morning we have an early rendezvous with the narrow boat, Noonie, as we are forming a coalition to speed our travel up the 21 wide, deep locks of the Hatton flight. By moving into and between the locks with the boats breasted up (side by side) makes for a much more successful way of proceeding. So the two chaps had a really sociable time together whilst steering and the ladies had a good time too working the locks. Welcome coffee onboard Noonie at the halfway point recharged us, and we reached the top for a late lunch. Far more pedestrian spectators than other boaters - really quite surprising.

We exchanged addresses with Jim and Heather on Noonie as they are off down the Stratford on Avon canal tomorrow, as we hope to cross paths again.

Our picture shows the current standard of British Waterways transport at their Hatton offices.

Wednesday 12 May 2010

2010-05-12T18:48:00.004+01:00

Long Itchington to Saltisford Arm, Warwick

We have started out to do the Warwickshire Ring and have reached Warwick after 2 days of Grand Union locks. fortunately on both days we were able to share with another boat. In fact we have an appointment for 9.30am tomorrow morning to share the twenty-odd lock assent of the Hatton Flight. The boat is Noonie another boat based at Ventnor Farm Marina.

On route yesterday we saw the boat in the picture belonging to coal merchants J & M Forth!!

Our evening mooring was along the Saltisford Arm where we were greeted by a very helpful chap from the Saltisford Arm Trust, who explained about the free overnight mooring and showed us a very well stocked canal shop with the latest issue of Waterways World so what more could we want!

Thursday 28 and Friday 29 April 2010

2010-04-30T14:00:00.005+01:00

From Bablock Hythe, River Thames, to Pigeon Lock, Oxford canal

Our picture today was taken on the Thames as we passed under the traffic queuing on the Swinford Toll Bridge, built in 1767. This bridge was recently sold for about £1.5m. The car toll is 5p, but the bridge owner does not have to pay income tax on profits due to ancient law! he should make about £190,000pa! This was the last bridge before branching left down Duke's Cut and then onto the Oxford Canal again. Time to put away the anchor and life jackets.

Boating on a narrow canal again after the wide expanse of a river is such a very different experience. There are moving boats again, and some very narrow stretches lined with moored boats AND you have to start thinking and doing the locks again, AND it has started raining!

We have moored just above pigeon lock, ready to pick up some VIP's for the weekend! So we will be off air for a few days.