We have visited this interesting little city a couple of times but only ever made it as far as The Moon Under Water, the local Wetherspoons. Actually the first time of passing through we were told under no circumstances to moor at the top of the locks, and to go on to the Black Country museum moorings What a load of rubbish, there is nothing at all wrong with the moorings in Wolverhampton.
Surprisingly the water in this part of the system is unbelievably clear, so I spent our time cruising fish watching rather than bird watching. There were loads to see of every different type and size, from little minnows to big daddies, but the one I wanted to see the most was a Zander, these fish resemble our native pike and I managed to spot a few. We also saw a large Koi Carp which would have been more at home in a garden pond
The downside of the clear water is you see all the rubbish which ends up in the canal thanks to us humans not caring about our environment. Cans, bottles, plastic bags and traffic cones to name just a few thing I saw. On the towpath someone had dumped an old mattress and kids play tent. Just imagine if they got round some unsuspecting boaters prop, they would cause huge problems, little plastic bags will stop a boat so imagine the damage they would do. We did report them to CRT so hopefully they will be removed before they end up in the water.
We moored on the offside at the top of the locks and went off to find The Lich Gate real ale pub. What a fascinating place. Part of the Black Country Ales brewery it looks nothing from the front. But inside it opens up and is on 2 levels. The Captain was very happy as they had 3 darks on and he decided to try them all. There is a beer garden out the back and this is were you see the building properly. A half timber building heralding back to Tudor times.
https://www.blackcountryales.co.uk/pubs/the-lych-gate-tavern
Oh and by the way his favourite of the 3 darks was North Star by Facers brewery of Flintshire Wales.
http://www.facers.co.uk/History.html
We decided to stay in Wolverhampton a second day and explore the city. We did some shopping at Aldi which was in walking distance, had brunch and set off to find the market. Wolverhampton like most cities is a mixture of old and new, and some of the building were interesting to look at. The same can’t be said about the market which was disappointing, although there was a good selection of independent butchers. I only wanted some carrots, but there were non to be had and I end up in M&S of all places.
We explored St Peters Gardens which is by the church, which unfortunately only opens on weekdays. We really do enjoy looking round old churches so were sorry that it was closed. The gardens were lovely with a number of interesting statues and monuments.
http://www.speel.me.uk/sculptplaces/wolverhamptonstpetergdns.htm
The Lich Gate pub is right next door, so of course we had to have a pint to finish off an enjoyable day.
Next day I was really put to the test as we descended the 21 locks out of Wolverhampton, and joined the Shropshire Union canal at Autherley Junction. These locks are single locks which have 2 bottom gates and 1 top. There are no bridges to cross them, so I ended up doing a lot of walking backwards and forwards to open and shut them. But before we could even set off a ranger from CRT had to come and let water down, as some unhelpful boater had managed to leave one of the paddles open and drained a couple of the pounds. We found later that he had let to much water down, as when we reached the last few locks they were over flowing, so I had to go paddling again just like in Birmingham. Although I had it tough, I did feel sorry for the boat following us down who had to reset each lock as they came to it, we met the only boat coming up the flight and so the locks were set for us.
At Autherley Junction there is a stop lock. These locks were used by the different canal companies to control the water between them, and charge boats according to their cargo. Here we met a bit of a traffic jam as 4 boats were coming off the Shroppie, and 2 of us were getting on.
After all that work I still managed to produce a wonderful Sunday lunch of roast lamb with all the trimmings. Which we ate moored in the MONW (middle of no where).
The Captain will always tell you the best place for diesel is at a little village called Wheaton Aston. That was our next stop and only 1 lock for me to do. I had phoned ahead to make sure the opening times, the price and if they had any calor gas (there is a national shortage at the moment), they said they did but the price made me gasp £38.50. its something we cant live without so decided to bite the bullet and get some next day.
Then we had a visitor, Cyndi an old friend of the Captains from when he was in the RAF based in Germany. We had a catch up and after she left we decided to head to the pub, The Hartley Arms, they had no darks on so just a couple. As we were finishing our second pint a gentleman approached and asked if we moored at Swan Lane, which of course we do. It turned out it was Dave Ross who is one of Keith’s best mates and lives on an old working boat called Orpheus with his wife Penny. We had a lovely chat with them before leaving them to enjoy what looked like a great couple of steaks.
As planned we headed to get diesel and gas next morning, but they had run out of gas so we just got 175litres of fuel, which should last for the rest of the summer. Only a short cruise before mooring up as the rain started to come.
As we moored I spotted a ginger tom cat on the towpath which belonged to a boat already moored, it bought back very happy memories of Bubbles and Sam, and the time they spent with us on the boat.
The next night, like last year, the Captain very kindly treated to me to tea at the Junction Inn at Norbury Junction. I had a steak and stilton pie, it was lovely but there was too much for me, but the Captain polished every last bit of his off.
On our way back to the boat more memories of Bubbles and Sam as we met William, a beautiful black and white pussy belonging to NB Wea-ry-Tired.
Our journey to Market Drayton and beyond is for next time folk’s.
The Captain has hijacked the blog to tell you about the engine mounting, as he is much better with the technical stuff than me. So over to Pete.
We had been hearing a distinct knocking for a few days, but the cause had been a bit elusive. As it was getting worse, I decided that the cause must be found in case it was causing any damage. After a bit of searching it was traced to one of the front engine vibration mounts. These are basically a bolt which fits through the bracket that supports the engine, and a fixing plate that bolts onto the boats engine bearer. These two bits are moulded together with a block of rubber which stops engine vibration being transmitted to the boat, On this mount the rubber had given way, so the bolt was banging on the engine bearer.
As luck would have it I had a spare (not luck he has everything tucked away somewhere on the boat). The normal way to replace these, is to jack the engine up clear of the mount, unbolt the old and refit the new. But in the middle of nowhere, and with no jack, how to lift the engine?
I had some blocks of wood that I could put under the engine once lifted, but how to lift. I ruled out trying to use rope due to the weight of the engine, so I tried using the engine mount its self, as there is also a nut under, as well as on top of where it connects to the bracket so you can set its height. I used the bottom nut to lift the engine as high as possible, but it wasn't quite enough. After a bit of head scratching I put the blocks of wood under the engine and lowered it down, I could then put some wood under the engine mount and do the same again, but with the wood under it it lifted the engine enough to get the mounting out and the new one in
As anyone with a narrowboat will tell you, there is not a lot of room in the engine bay, so nothing is easy to get at, It’s hot, and lots of bits sticking out ready to try and scar you for life, your doubled up and more twisted than the game of the same name. But at the end of the day it all worked out, and after a rest and a shower I felt good again.
Back to me, as a reward for all his hard work I took him to the Black Boy near Knowle were we had an excellent meal and a couple of pints.
Saturday and another hot day so we only did the 5 Knowle locks, and with the help of volunteer lockees my life was made much easier. We moored at Knowle and decided to try The Boat, not a lot to write home about. NB Lazy Bee was our neighbour and I had a chat with its Captain who explained how he had managed to escape from his home country of Australia, just.
Sunday, another very hot day but luckily no locks. We moored at the top of the Camp Hill locks at the sanitary station. I felt a little uneasy as a couple of rough looking guys were fishing, and it was obvious that someone was sleeping rough. But my fears were quite unfounded, the fishermen kept to themselves and the young man sleeping rough made it clear he wanted nothing from us, just to be left alone. He seemed a sad character, and told the Captain he just wanted to sort himself out and not depend on anyone else.
11 locks next day took us as far as Gosta Green, we have moored here before. Unusually there was a lot of water in this part of the canal, and at some of the locks I had to get my feet and shoes wet to operate the locks, lucky it was such a hot day (again).
2 pubs here, The Gosta Green and the Sacks of Potatoes. Usually the Gosta Green has the better beers on but not today, so we ended the day in the Sack. (oooh matron)
The 13 Farmers locks next day took us into the centre of Birmingham and the moorings at Cambrian Wharf. We had help, thank god. Brian and Andy volunteer lockees saw us all the way up and we had a great chat. After 2 hard days doing locks the Captain took me to The Briar Rose, one of the Wetherspoons in Brum for tea, they had Hobgoblin on so he was happy bunny.
We decided to spend the next day in Brum and visit the markets, again another hot day so it was a very steady walk through the centre, which after a few years of upheaval has been transformed into a very inviting open space, with dancing fountains outside the library which children and adults alike were enjoying in the heat. There is still more work being carried out, but we were impressed with what had been done so far.
The markets were a bit of a disappointment, being Wednesday the Rag market was closed, as we had left it until mid afternoon to explore many stalls were shutting up.
So back to the Briar Rose, and then on to a little micropub The Good Intent. This pub is owned by Craddocks Brewery and is run on a non profit basis, which means any they do make goes to local charities. It wasn’t cheap, but the beer was excellent and the staff very friendly.
https://www.craddocksbrewery.com/portfolio/the-good-intent/
When we returned to the boat a film crew had set up by us, the were making a number of short films for Sky about the pandemic. We chatted to a couple of the people involved, it was really interesting.
After a pump out at Sherbourne wharf next morning we set off with a plan to do some shopping at Lidl. This didn’t happen as it was another hot day, and the store was up a steep path, after a little investigation we discovered an Aldi in Wolverhampton which was easier to get too.
At the only 3 locks we had to do we encountered 2 issues, the first was easily fixed. That was a lack of water in the top pound, a ranger from CRT was dealing with the problem, great. However the boat in front called NB Wiggy’s Ark was a different story completely. I am not sure if its Captain was drunk or inexperienced or both. At the first lock he was sitting on the top gate (we were going up) looking very despondent. The lock looked ready but he couldn’t open the gate, I noticed he had already put the paddles down, now, if the bottom gates are leaking, the level of the water falls, and you cant open the gate. I wacked the paddles back up and lo and behold the gate opened easily and off he went. I set the second lock for Wiggys Ark and opened the gates and waited for him to come in. As he tried to get away from the side he almost reversed into our boat, and it took him an age to get into the lock. Eventually I got him up the locks and off he went, weaving from side to side and getting grounded a couple of times. I do worry about some people at times.
We moored overnight before heading to Wolverhampton for a couple of days.
That’s for next time folks.
Before leaving Bidford we called at the boatyard for the essential pump out. The river was quiet and I took the time between the 4 locks we did to do some cooking.
Our mooring for the night was in a beautiful spot opposite a weir, and we had a family of swans to keep us company. Around 8pm, just as dusk was falling, a large restaurant boat, the Countess of Evesham moored opposite, and the diners took the chance to stretch their legs and feed the ever hungry swans.
https://www.countessofevesham.co.uk/
Next day we came off the river and moored on the pontoons in the basin. Theses soon filled up with other boats and their crew looking for a little culture. We however were more interested in beer, and Google soon pointed us in the direction of the Stratford Ale House. We were not disappointed, with a very good stout on for the Captain, and I found a very palatable IPA. But only a couple as the next day we were expecting guests, and I was cooking one of my tapas feasts.
https://www.thestratfordalehouse.com/
Col and Mags came and we headed to the pub (of course), we were going to try the Golden Bee, a Wetherspoons as Col is a lager lout and doesn’t do ‘real ale’, but we were out of luck, there was a queue to get in. So we took our business to the Queens Head, a great find. Here it was decided they would stay the night. After gobbling down all the tapas we sat on the pontoon at the back of the boat, watching the world go by as we put it to rights.
They left us after breakfast next day and we took a walk down to Trinity Church, we were hoping to see the tomb of the great bard himself but it seemed we were out of luck once again as it didn’t open to the public on a Sunday. So we walked down to the riverside and sat watching the trip boats ply their trade. As we left the graveyard a lady was stood by the entrance to the church, and much to our delight it was going to be open in 10mins so we could look round. Result.
I didn’t realise that not only is Will buried by the alter, but so is his wife Ann, and daughter Susanna. Its a lovely church and there were guides on hand to point out interesting features.
We crossed the river and walked back to the boat through the park. There is a bandstand, and over the weekend a small company of players were putting on Shakespeare, as we arrived they were just getting ready to perform Twelfth Night ,so we decided to stay and watch the performance. The Captain very very kindly went back to the boat and fetched us a couple of chairs. It was very good and they all did a brilliant job, especially the actor who had to play the role of Duke Orsino and Sir Toby Belch, luckily they are only in one scene together at the end of the play. Then I took the Captain to the Golden Bee for tea. A lovely finish to a great weekend.
https://www.theattictheatre.co.uk/shakespeareinthepark-2021
Now we are back on the narrow canals, and the Stratford canal is very narrow in places, as are the locks. On Monday we did the first 4 locks out of the basin. We met our first problem, at the first lock were NB Just the Job was wedged as the bottom gate wouldn’t open fully. They managed to free themselves and the Captain came a long with our very long pole to try and find our what the problem was. After poking about a bit he decided it was a build up of silt and tried to shift it using the pole. Eventually we managed to get Just the Job in and up they went. A hire boat next, they seemed slightly narrower so in and up no problem. Then us and, yes we got wedged too, after a bit toing and froing we got in and the Captain used our prop wash to try and move more of the silt whilst I phoned CRT to report the problem.
The first 4 locks seemed really difficult, and at one I had to ask from help a passing walker and his wife. We got in conversation and they were very interested in the canals, so we invited them to take a little cruise up the next lock with us. They loved it.
We moored up after the 4th lock for 2 reasons, the Captain had a hospital appointed for a blood test, and we needed some shopping. There is a Lidl right by the canal. After shopping we discovered that we were actually closer to the Ale House than when we were in the basin, so off we went of course.
Next day, things were back to normal as we attacked 12 locks in 6 miles. We moored up in the middle of nowhere for a quiet night after a busy day.
9 locks in 6 miles next day and the wonderful Edstone Aqueduct. On the way we met NB Blackthorn who had a problem with their electrics and the Captain helped them out. They had only just bought the boat and were moving it from Gloucester to Tring on the Grand Union, this is why I forgave them for leaving all the top gates open, as this is the done thing on the River Avon. We spotted our favourite bird the Kingfisher. It was a wonderful specimen, the vibrancy of the blue took our breath away as it darted down the side of the boat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edstone_Aqueduct
At the end of the 6 miles was a pub of course The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford. We moored up and headed for a pint, it has a lovely canalside garden and is famous for its pies. However the choice of beer and the price let it down.
9 locks and 5 miles and we changed canals, leaving the Stratford and joining the Grand Union mainline at Kingswood Junction. At the first lock and we met a very friendly CRT ranger, I had a chat with her about the state of the lock were we got stuck, and she admitted it was a problem, but that they were doing their best to resolve it. The locks were very busy with boats moving in both direction, this always makes the day more enjoyable. However when we met NB Pub Trawler II (great name) a disaster occurred as their little dog slipped off the back of the boat and into the water. After a few anxious moments he bobbed up and swam to the side were he was hauled out.
We moored near the Black Boy pub but decided to give it a miss, strange I know, but the Captain had things on his mind. He had discovered that one of our engine mounts had given way and needed replacing. Organised as always he had a spare, but how to change it was the challenge. So the evening was spent deciding on the best approach.
How he got on is for next time folks
Or should maybe read, a typical British summer.
But it doesn’t dampen our spirits to much, anyway its always dry in the pub.
So back to the pub, and like last year we had to stop off at Wyre Piddle (you’ve just got to love that name) and the Anchor. Its terraces overlook the river, and on a nice day its great watching the river and the boats cruising by, but the beer choice was not great for the Captain, so only a couple.
Saturday, and rain had been given out, so off we set with plans to moor at the first lock which was scuppered when a small work boat was on the moorings, so on we went. The next moorings, one other boat NB Summerborn, but plenty of room for us. Not long had passed when a third boat came into moor, NB Magic Moments, they were only a short boat but it was a tight fit, so we nipped off to pull Avalon Two back a little, and they got in nicely and thanked us for our help. The Captain from Summerborn did enquire if they needed any more room, but everyone was happy.
Well we thought that was the end of being helpful when 2 hire boats appeared and hovered for a while seemingly unsure of what to do. Again we nipped out, and yes they were looking to moor, so we said breast up with us, not a problem, so we helped both boats pull in and tie up to us, we had a friendly chat, they were hoping to find somewhere to watch the footy (England v Ukraine). I wasn’t hopeful for them but it was too late for them to cruise any further. They tried without success to get an Uber to the next village, and the local taxi firm didn’t have anything available. We did ask them to join us, but it turned out there was 9 of them, and a dog, so that wasn’t really practical either. Eventually they set the laptop up on the top of one of the boats, and sat round with umbrellas watching the footy.
And we won again.
They were a lovely bunch, it was their first time on a boat but I think they were a little over ambitious with their cruising plans. They hoped to get to Bideford upon Avon and then back to Pershore for Monday. Pushing it really.
They didn’t leave very early Sunday morning, so we were up and about in time to see them off before we headed the short trip to Evesham for a couple of days.
Sunday was wet with very heavy showers, but we still decided to head into the town and go to the pub, but not before witnessing a very unpleasant fisherman remonstrating with a hire boater for cruising through his line, but tbh he should have been watching his line, its not the boaters responsibility. He was so nasty the hirers decided to cruise on instead of mooring up which was their original intention.
The brilliant micro pub BCM we found last year wasn’t open, so we headed to the Red Lion, and what a find. It was first recorded as a pub in 1728 but closed in 1910. It was restored back to its former glory in 2014 and has its own brewery, Cannon Royall. The Captain was very happy with their Old Bertram stout at 7.3%. The landlord Gerald is the brewer and we had a chat with him. Tone Tanner supplied the live music, and Gerald bought some very delicious fruit cake round for us to try. But the most interesting thing he gave us to try was some Plum Jerkum, a very nice but strong (40-50% abv he thinks) liqueur which is a local speciality, it isn’t for sale but he lets people try it.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Red-Lion-919133324768396/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_jerkum.
The Captain was very merry after 3 pints and we headed home to the boat.
We stayed in Evesham a second day, but sadly the Red Lion doesn’t open on a Monday, so we tried the Royal Oak only to be bitterly disappointed by the beer choice and overall feel of the place. Then the Captain treated me to tea at The Old Swanne Inn, the local Wetherspoons.
Unlike canals rivers have a flow, and the Avon’s is against us which made it slow going the next day. We came through the last lock with Martin and Leslie on NB Florence Alana. It turned out they were having fuel problems and we both moored up after the lock. Off the Captain went to see if there was anything he could do to help, but Martin seemed to have it under control. But in wasn’t long before Leslie appeared and knocked on the boat asking if we had a jubilee clip. Of course the Captain has everything, and soon found just the right one. We thought that was it but then Martin turned up, he needed some in line splice connectors, and of course once again the Captain had just what he needed. When everything was sorted Martin came back with a bottle of his home made sloe gin to thank us for all our help, well the Captains really, but its me that likes gin, result.
After Martin took his leave we realised that the people on the boat behind us were waving, we realised it was Adrian and Sam on NB Snooty Coot. We had met them in Stone a few years ago. We had a great time catching up and hope to see them later in the year on the Macclesfield canal.
We needed to good tv signal for the following night (the footy again), so headed to Bidford on Avon. Unfortunately the visitors moorings were all full but there was room outside the pub, The Frog, well kind of. There was a boat already moored and the pontoon wasn’t really long enough for 2, but it went round a corner, the Captain managed spin around and reverse in to fit us in nicely into the corner, even if the front of the boat overhung the pontoon by a lot. We got chatting to the Captain and crew of NB Amy who were lovely, when a couple of hire boats turned up looking for somewhere to moor but there was no room at the inn. One continued on but the other hovered seeming unsure of what to do. Turned out they had run out of gas and the hire firm were delivering a new bottle to the pub. The couple on Amy invited them to breast up which they did.
After a quiet afternoon we headed to pay our dues and demands at the pub, the service wasn’t great, and neither was the beer choice so we only had a couple. Whilst sitting watching the world go by 2 more hire boats turned up and moored for the night.
We settled down for the night and watched the footy and we won again. So now its the final on Sunday against Italy, so we have everything crossed for an England win.
That’s all for now folks
As with everything in life you have to make plans at times. The Captain and I have different responsibilities in this regard whilst cruising.
Whilst I plan the shopping and meals, he has the more serious task of planning things like finding water, and much more important empting the toilet.
Now with this in mind we have changed our cruising plans slightly once again.
Our toilets needs empting every 14/16 days, so he needs to find out what facilities are available on our route. With this in mind we got a pump out at Upton Marina and the next one will be at Bidford on Avon, a trip which can be done quicker than we would like, so we decided to take a trip down to Gloucester for a couple of days.
You could call it killing time, but for me it was a gift from heaven as he offered to take me to the Greek on the Dock in Gloucester Quays for lunch. We had a been there last year and it was lovely.
We got into Gloucester Quays on Sunday, I had spent most of the journey in the kitchen cooking. But showed my face when I spotted loads of little sailing boats flitting backwards and forwards in front of us as we approached. The Captain sounded the horn, but this didn’t seem to have any affect and they continued. As I have said before, we don’t have brakes, so its almost impossible to bring our 16ton boat to a stop quickly. I was getting quite concerned that it was an accident waiting to happen, when like the Red Sea, they parted in front of us. It was a worrying time for us because the little boats and their crew would have stood no chance against NB Avalon Two.
Once moored on the pontoons in Gloucester we set off to the pub (of course). As we stepped off the boat a group of young ladies asked if it was our boat, and if so could they have a selfie on the back. It turned out they were part of a rugby team doing a scavenger hunt round the dock, and one of the tasks was to have a selfie on a barge (I know we don’t usually allow the use of the word barge to describe our narrowboat, but let it slide on this occasion). All 4 got on the back and the Captain took the picture for them and they happily went on their way.
So off to the pub, we tried Tank first which is Gloucester Breweries tap house. It is a very interesting building, the beer was nice but expensive. Then off to the Brewhouse and Kitchen, this place always has a good dark on. Whilst watching the footy we spotted something that looked like a miniature still being taken to a table, turned out the couple were taking part in a Gin Masterclass, £25 per person, you get to try 5 gins with various mixers and botanicals, whilst a member of staff explains the pairings. You also get nibbles, and at the end a large gin of your choice. I wish there was a Brewhouse in Coventry, definitely a chrissy present for me.
After 1 in there we headed to The Robert Raikes House, a Sam Smiths pub in the city centre, built in 1560 it underwent a major refit in 2008 and is beautiful. Sam Smith pubs always have a stout on, and I like their Taddy Lager, so a happy way to finish a lovely day.
The Greek did not disappoint, the food and service was excellent. The cost of their weekday dinner menu is very reasonable and the portions are generous.
https://www.greekonthedocks.co.uk/
We left after eating and had planned to go all the way to the Lower Lode Inn and moor there for the night. But with full tummy’s it was just a little to far, so we stopped off at Haw Bridge, there is a pub here but unfortunately it was closed, although there are plans for it to reopen at some point.
We had been moored a while when a hire boat passed us going towards Gloucester, they seem to hesitate, not sure if to moor or not. They said they were going to go to the next moorings a couple of miles further on, the Captain knew that those moorings were no longer usable, he nipped out and told them this, so they decided to stop for the night and we helped pull them in and moor. After a nice chat we retired for the night.
A short trip next day and we were back on the River Avon. We were going to stop at the Fleet Inn but the pontoons were full, unlike the canals you can’t just moor anywhere on a river, so on we went to Defford and The Flybridge. Unfortunately this only opens at weekends and on bank holidays. We did have a lovely chat with Emma, the lady who had recently taken over the running of the pub with her husband Geoff, who we met next day. She was hoping to extend the opening hours during the summer. Hopefully passing boats will call in for a pint, a meal and a chat.
https://www.deffordmarina.co.uk/the-flybridge
And we won the footy.
We are taking our time on the Avon, it is a beautiful river with spectacular views and wonderful wildlife. We have seen fallow deer, a mink swimming, terns, swallows, buzzards, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and a very low hovering kestrel. The captain believes he saw an otter floating on its back with its paws in the air, but it had disappeared by the time I looked.
We were heading for Pershore, but spent the first night moored just outside the town when a rather strange encounter took place. I spotted a young guy taking pictures at the front of the boat, nothing unusual there, people are fascinated by boats and we have been snapped many times. The guy then called hello and I went out to find out what he wanted. He didn’t speak very much English but seemed to want us to move back, when we said no we were happy were we where he seemed to ask for money to moor, for ‘the big boss’. We explained that the mooring was free and pointed out the sign stating this. It all took a bit of a sinister turn when he seemed to ask if we would be going to work the next day leaving the boat unoccupied. Of course we don’t work, and we explained this and off he went. All very strange, the Captain has reported it to the River Avon Navigation authority for their records. The rest of the night passed without incident.
Next day and we moored in Pershore itself, these are very good moorings. A small Asda and a very good indoor market are just across the park. The pubs are nothing to write home about, although we did try 3, The Star Inn, Bar 57 and the Pickled Plum. Back on the boat watching the world go by when a hire boat coming into moor didn’t quite make its turn and hit the mooring almost head on, he then managed to hit us, no damage done and we put it down to experience.
One last thing before I sign off, there is a butchers in the market called LDA meats, I bought faggots, black pudding and something called a Savoury (looks like a very large sausage roll) and they were all wonderful.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028831946587
That’s all for now folks.
The cruise with our friends Sue and Chris went very well. They had never been on a boat before. Luckily at Stourport we could show them how the locks work, as the are 2 staircase of 2 locks, so 4 in total onto the River Severn. Once on the river we took them though one of the big river locks which are lock keeper controlled, before turning and heading back to Stourport for a buffet lunch, and then a pint in the Black Star. They are thinking of having a holiday on a narrowboat, and hopefully we gave them the right kind of encouragement.
Unfortunately there was a distinct lack of wildlife to spot. Well that was until they had left, when I spotted a beautiful kingfisher zooming by, and we were entertained by Sand Martins performing their aerial acrobatics over the water.
It was great to catch up, and hope to see them again before too long.
We stayed on the pontoons below the locks another day, and had a pint in the Angel before watching the footy and French Grand Prix.
Only a short cruise next day through 2 of the big locks. Now normally the Captain contacts the lock keeper by radio (which you need a license to operate) to let them know we are coming, CRT in their ultimate wisdom have not sent all of the lock keeper on the course to get this license, so they can’t use the radio, in this event there are phone numbers to use instead. However when we tried the phone number for Holt lock it came back as being unrecognised, even though the caller id came up as Canal and River Trust. I really don’t know what CRT think they are playing at. The Captain tried to find an alternate number on their website, which is very boater unfriendly, so he has sent them a tweet. TBH I’m not expecting a reply, as I asked a question by messenger nearly a month ago and have had no response.
We moored on the pontoons at Holt Fleet and decided to give the pub a miss (strange I know). But we had a display of a kingfisher fishing, it must have been feeding young, because after battering the fish senseless it flew off down the river with it in its beak, usually they will sit on a branch and simply swallow what they have caught. Then a sudden movement caught my eye, and what looked like an otter, or it could have been a mink, climbed out of the water and disappeared into the undergrowth. It all happened in the blink of an eye so the Captain missed it. I want it to be an otter, but it all happened to fast so I cant be sure.
The majority of the boats moving on the river are hire boats which is great to see.
6 miles and 1 big lock and we moored in Worcester. The journey took us past the junction with the Droitwich Barge Canal at Hawford. Opened in 1771 it is 7 ½ miles long with 16 locks, it links the River Severn with the Worcester and Birmingham canal, and its main purpose was to supply coal to the salt pans and transport the finished salt to the rest of the country. We haven’t been on this canal so its another one for the ‘to do’ list.
We like Worcester so decided to stay for a couple of days. After a successful shopping trip to Asda for me (I needed some new shoes) we called in at the Imperial Inn, a very good real ale pub where the Captain had Pig on the Wall Mild by Black Country ales, before trying the Oil Basin Brewhouse, where he had a Mint Choc Stout called Velveteen by Dark Revolution, it wasn’t cheap, but a lovely pint. Then he treated me to tea at The Postal Order, the local Wetherspoons, which was a fantastic finish to a wonderful day. He even treated me to 2 double Gin Tings, what a great guy.
We stayed an extra day in Worcester but gave the pub a miss. We spotted our first Jay of the year, a beautiful coloured bird belonging to the crow family.
On our way to Upton on Severn next day, we had the pleasure of following a very beautiful Kingfisher as it darted along the side of the riverbank in front of us. It was large, and it’s blue plumage was startling in its vibrancy. Herons also lined our journey.
We met the huge gravel barges, Chub, Perch and Elver plying their trade on the river.
Also plying its trade was the Edward Elgar, a large river cruise ship, which offers genteel cruising for the discerning. At nearly £1500 for a 6 day cruise its a bit out of our price range.
Upton is a small tourist town and many of it shops are antique shops, which are interesting to peruse, but sometimes full of tat. It also has a plethora of pubs, with at least 4 on the side of the river. We decided to try the Swan first, last year we chalked the boats name on one of their roof beams, and it was still there. However no darks on so only the one, on to the Kings Head, again no darks, so one and back home.
The trip to Tewksbury was a little choppy, but we reached the moorings below the lock in good time, the only problem, I couldn’t get off as the wall was just to high, well I might have got off but not so sure about getting back on again. So off the Captain went to see if we could go up the lock and moor on the pontoons like last year. Whilst he was gone I had a long and very interesting chat with a gentleman who lived in Scotland and had a sea going boat up there.
Great news, the Captain had managed to secure us moorings by the lock, so up we went along with NB Mercy Burton and moored with ease. So off to visit the town, well the pub. Starting off in the Cross House Tavern, a proper real ale pub which serves beer straight from the barrel. A very good stout called DV8 by Deeply Vale brewery. Then on to the local Wetherspoons The Royal Hop Pole, and again the Captain was very happy with Dockside Dark by Gloucester Brewery and I treated him to tea.
We stayed in Tewksbury next day and visited the Abbey, and were very lucky to see a young Peregrine falcon taking its first flight with very noisy encouragement from its parents. In Victoria park there was a performance of “(Almost) A Midsummers Night Dream” by the Roses theatre which looked really good. We tried a pint in the Bell, but the service was disappointing, and I had to fetch our drinks which had been sat on the bar for a round 10mins whilst other people got served round us. To finish our visit to Tewksbury we had a last pint in the Cross House.
And that finishes this blog.
What some call the silly season on the canals is upon us, as the fleets of hirer boats leave their marina’s looking for adventures on the cut. Some people do it year on year and some are complete novices, but we love to meet them all and help out were we can.
Saturday was a lovely day and we set off not knowing exactly how far we would go, it was a play it by ear kind of day. As we left Penkridge we passed a floating market with boats selling this and that, that being my favourite, cheese, but we didn’t buy any this time. Of course at the narrowest point we had to meet a boat coming the other way, the Captain is an excellent driver and we passed with no problem.
The canal was busy even though most of the hirers hadn’t started out yet. The usual time is 2pm. At Gailey we were watched doing the lock by 3 gentlemen and a dog. I had a chat with them, they were waiting for their boat to be ready and were going to do the what I would call the Wolverhampton ring, starting with the 21 locks into Wolverhampton next day. I wished them luck.
We did 7 miles and 6 locks, at most of the locks we met other boats which gave me lots of chances to chat. Although we moored in the middle of nowhere it was a very popular spot and there were lots of boats already moored there.
Then it started, as one after another after another hire boat cruised past, their crews enjoying being out on the water. Later on a yogurt pot flew past us with music blaring and people partying, I was glad this had all ceased when they passed us on the return journey at 11.30pm that night, one guy on the front with a flash light trying to light their way, they weren’t going fast now.
We had an early start next day, as the temperature was set to rise into the high 20’s, and the footy was on at 2pm. 7 miles and only 1 lock and we reached Compton in plenty of time. We had passed Autherley Junction, which is were you can join the Shropshire Union canal towards Chester, and a little further on the Birmingham canal, and the start of the Wolverhampton 21 locks.
The only lock was at Compton, and suddenly it got very busy, with 3 waiting to go down and one to come up, after helping we moored up and the steady flow of boats continued.
After sunbathing we watched the match, England won if you didn’t know. Then to The Swan for a pint. They had Banks Mild on for the Captain and Stella for me. We called at the shop on the way back and got some much needed ice creams and a bottle of lemon gin.
7 miles and 12 locks bought us to Swindon, were the Captain had marked on the map ‘good beer’ last year, but couldn’t remember which pub. The 12 locks included Bratch locks,, which are 3 locks together but not a staircase, and a bottom staircase of 2 locks. On a staircase you use the water from the lock above to fill the one below, and then empty the bottom lock into the canal and leave the lock. They were mainly used were there wasn’t enough distance to raise the canal enough using normal locks. Although we didn’t pass many boats moving, once again when we moored up we had a steady stream pass us by.
The good beer was at the Green Man, a Marston’s stout called Pearl Jet, and they still had it on, so we sat in the beer garden and enjoyed a couple of pints.
8 locks and 7 miles took us to Kinver, we also passed the junction with the Stourbridge and Dudley canals. There are actually 3 canals, the Stourbridge, Dudley No.1 and Dudley No.2 The end of the canals is near Halesowen at Hawne Basin. We haven’t done this part of the system yet but its on the ‘to do’ list.
At Kinver we were wise to the moorings this year, we missed out last year as we decided to more above the lock, but this turned out to be long term mooring only, so down we went and moored up just below the lock and the pub The Vine.
I particularly wanted to visit Kinver as I had discovered that my Great x 3 Grandfather, Samual Blunt, had lived in the Holy Austin Rock Houses there in the 1840’s and 50’s. As the name suggests these house were carved out of the rock face and were inhabited until the 1960’s, they now belong to the National Trust and it costs £5 to visit them. But just our luck they aren’t open on Tuesday or Wednesday and it was Tuesday, it was also very hot and a miles walk up hill, so we decided to give it a miss and go to the pub. We will visit one day in the car which will be a lot easier.
On our way to Kinver I met the crew from NB Lily who were lovely and great to chat with, we helped each other out were we could, and a not so jolly Captain on NB Lizzi May, but his crew were nice.
6 miles and 5 locks to Kidderminster, and once again we met a mixture of helpful and not so helpful boaters at the locks. I was chatting to the crew from NB Perfect Harmony, and we might catch up again in Stratford upon Avon. Kidderminster was a town we were advised not to moor in last year, but as we cruised through we could see no reason for this, the towpath was clean and there was very little rubbish in the water. These are things we look out for when deciding were to moor. So this time we decided to stay and have a look round, and very pleased we did, its a lovely town with plenty of shopping and 2 great micro pubs, (beer again sorry),The Bear & Wolf and the Beer Emporium.
Only a short hop next day, 3 miles and 2 locks to Stourport on Severn. On the way there we were helped through a lock by the Captain and crew off NB Tumbarumba, the name rang a bell, but I had to look back through the blog to find out they had been in convoy with us from Cromwell Lock to Torksey on the River Trent.
We moored above the town as Lidl is next to the canal, we did some shopping and I had an enjoyable day cooking. But we had an unsettled night as someone decided to jump on the boat just after we had gone to bed. These things are sent to try us, but not very often luckily.
Saturday and we were meeting our friends Chris and Sue Staton in the basin to take them down the 2 staircase locks, and then onto the River Severn for a little cruise. It was a new experience for them, find out if they enjoyed it in the next blog.
Our time is always happy when we are cruising, even when it rains. But the weather has taken a definite turn for the better, apart from the one day we actually wanted to move. We wanted to move because we had invited our friends Col and Mags to meet us at Fradley Junction for Sunday dinner, prepared by moi.
Saturday was lovely, and we set off early to do the 5 locks and 7 miles to Alrewas. This trip also includes a short section of river. The canal was quite busy and we met a number of boats going in both directions. It made the trip very enjoyable, as I love to jump off the boat and go and help other boaters. Its what boating is all about to me. In the main most of the boats we met had a similar mind set, and it made the day pass quickly with lots of chatting at the locks.
We moored up at Alrewas early afternoon, it can get very busy here as there are 3 pubs and a Co-op.
Of course we had to try the pubs, The George and Dragon first, no darks but a good pint of Courage Director. Then we called at the Co-op and had our first ice cream of the year, very welcome it was too in the heat. Then it was off to the William IV, but the Captain had to make do with lager, as all the cask beer was light and hoppy. Last off to the Crown, and still no darks, so he had to make do with Bass bitter.
Sunday morning was wet, and a phone call to Col as we changed our plans, we stayed put and they came to us at Alrewas. We headed off to the George and Dragon for a pint and had a good old catch up. They will not be at Swan Lane when we return, as they are moving to Trinity Marina on the Ashby canal at the end of August. But plans are a foot to meet at the Greyhound at Hawksbury Junction, which is only a shortish cruise for both of us from our moorings.
Dinner was lovely if I say so myself, the brisket cooked to perfection, and my yorkshire puds were second to none. Mags supplied the pudding, a vanilla cheesecake with strawberries and squirty cream mmmmmmmmmm.
8 locks and 4½ miles next day took us up past Fradley, and we moored just beyond King’s Bromley marina, basically in the middle of nowhere for the night.
Tuesday turned out to be a day of well known faces as we cruised to Rugeley. The Captain has been following the vlog of Vic and Jo and their cafe boat Holly, and we knew they were in the area. We spotted Holly and Zero, the boat they live on, moored by a bridge. The side hatch was open so shouted hello as we came in range. Jo popped her head out and we hovered whilst we chatted and asked about their plans. They are a lovely couple and are expecting their first baby in October. The Captain asked if they had any ice cream, but unfortunately they were waiting for a delivery. They like to use local suppliers, but being on the move continually, these change from location to location, also getting things delivered to the canal is hard too. It was lovely to chat, and were sorry to say goodbye when another boat appeared.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD1Lsl-mk8-17mVWPRpNmlQ
The trip to Rugeley is only 4½ miles and no locks so we were soon moored up, it is a very popular place with boaters as there is an Aldi, Tesco and Morrisons close to the canal. After getting some birthday cards that we needed we headed to the local Wetherspoons, The Plaza. As the name suggests its an old cinema, and it has been beautifully refurbished, with many of the original features given a sympathetic make over. Whilst sat waiting for our 2nd pint I spotted a familiar face, or so I thought, a quick check on the tinternet and I was convinced that Tim Martin, the founder of Wetherspoons, was sat on a table near us. When our drinks arrived we had to check with out server, and it was indeed the man himself. Apparently he visits 5 of his pubs every day, that’s some going. I don’t know how impressed the bar staff were with the big boss watching their every move, but it was interesting for us.
We decided to stay in Rugeley an extra day and had no intention of going to the pub, but out of interest, and because there seemed to be a lack of good pubs in the town, I googled ‘pubs near me’, and up came The Vine, with its own brewery. It has a FB page with a contact us section, so I did, asking about dark ales for the Captain. The brewer Chris replied, saying there was a vanilla porter on. Well of course we had to go and check it out, and what a find, the bar staff were excellent, especially Sam, and the beer second to none. They also had a Ruby Mild on too which the Captain described as moorish. They also produce small batch gins and I had to try the cucumber one, it was amazing.
Then off to Great Haywood were we would join the Staffs and Worcester canal, but more pressing we needed a pump out at the wharf there. But disaster, the pump out machine was kaput, the Captain checked the tank and luckily decided we would just about last another day until we got to Stafford boat club. We checked their website and visiting boats were welcome to use their facilities, but what it didn’t say were the opening times, we made the decision to risk it and moored up for the night at Tixall Wide, a beautiful piece of canal, where last year I listened to tawny owls hooting plaintively across the canal to each other. It was busy, but we found a mooring spot and watched the sunset.
5 miles and 1 lock to Stafford boat club next day, but our hearts sank when their sign said closed. But we were desperate and phoned the number on the sign, no reply. The Captain decided to take a walk up to the office, and as chance would have it he met the man he had been trying to ring, he very kindly said he would be happy to do our pump out. It would appear the boat club is a little like Swan Lane and a lot of the jobs are done by volunteers when possible.
We left happy with an empty tank and headed for Penkridge, 5 miles and 5 locks away.
Penkridge has 2 pubs, The Boat which is on the canal and the Star. We have been in the Star before so decided to give the Boat a try, it seemed to have recently changed hands and we weren’t impressed tbh. So off to the Star and a lot happier. They do what they call bar tapas, which is really cobs, chips and scotch eggs. So we ordered 2 ham cobs and a portion of chips. They were lovely and it gave me a night off.
A perfect finish to the day.
Our countryside is always beautiful never mind the season. Each one has its own unique place in our hearts. Being on a boat we see the changes of the seasons from a different prospective as we cruise through the country side.
The change in the weather in the last week has been nothing short of miraculous. From the dull damp weather of the end of May, to sparkling sunshine and clear skies of June. The change in the countryside is the same, the woods and fields are full of their summer foliage, all different hues of green are to be seen and enjoyed. In the fields the crops are beginning their journey from seed to harvest. We have passed the delicate blue flowers of linseed, and the more garish yellow of rapeseed. On the towpath, little blue Forget-Me-Nots are joined by white daisies, yellow buttercups and the lovely yellow (again) flag iris.
The birds are singing with increased vigour as we pass by, and I can pick out the song of the Wren, Blackcap and ever present Robin. The Chiff Chaff with its monotonous call is high in the trees, rarely to be spotted by the untrained eye. The swans, ducks, geese and coots all have their chicks around them, proving that summer is at last here. A new sighting for us is a pretty little Reed Bunting, with its shiny black head and white ruffed neck. Buzzards enjoy soaring high in the sky, only to be warned off by territorial rooks and crows. That’s a sight to see, you wouldn’t have thought a large Buzzard would be bothered by a Crow or Rook, but they soon give up and fly off to find a more peaceful piece of sky.
After waxing lyrical I will return to our journey, and start with the beer festival at the Steamboat at Trent Lock. We were both very pleased with the beer, the Captain had Miners Ale, a milk stout from Cold Black Label brewery, and I found Nash Point, a nice IPA from Tomos and Lilford. We sat and enjoyed the music and a bowl of very nice chips. We chatted to another boater whose girlfriend was into wild swimming, and she had swum from Sawley to Trent Lock, with him following her in the boat to ensure her safety, this is for the brave at heart but not me.
Next day and back on to the Trent and Mersey canal, though Sawley lock we were helped by a very humorous voll lockee, and shared the lock with a couple of yogurt pots. After 2 more locks we moored up at Shardlow for the night. We tried the Navigation, which was great for me as the landlord knew my home town of Ripley so we had a great chat. Then the Clock Warehouse, not much to write home about tbh, but as we were moored on their moorings we felt we should at least have one drink.
Just as we were leaving next day NB Nathaniel turned up and joined us in Shardlow Lock, it looked like we were going to be together for the day. They left the lock first and hadn’t gone very far when they pulled over, it looked like they had got something round their prop, not uncommon. But when we pulled along side it turned out the engine was over heating and had lost a lot of water. We pulled in front, and whilst I held the boat (this is what the ladies seem to do) the Captain went to see if he could help. Unfortunately it was shallow were they had stopped, and they couldn’t get the back of the boat into the side so the Captain could see what had happened. It was decided we would tow them to a better bit of bank, a new experience for us. We only needed to tow them a few hundred yards to a spot were they could get to the bank and moor up securely. It didn’t take long to spot the problem, a hose had come loose, and all the coolant was now in the bottom of the engine bay. The Captain of Nathaniel was confident he could fix it so we went on our way.
We then joined NB Rickatie Robin in the next 2 locks before mooring up for the night. Then the news every boater fears, a boat had sunk in Stenson lock. The picture accompanying the news did not look good, and obviously the lock was closed to navigation. We told every boat that passed us, including Nathaniel, and every boaters face dropped fearing the worst. Then it filtered down that no one had been hurt and Canal Rescue were on site to refloat the boat, great news. It would appear that the boat was going up the lock, and had managed to get its front fender snagged on the front gate, or gate cill, so the back of the boat went up whilst the front was held down allowing water to enter and sink the front of the boat. It must have been so frightening for its Captain and crew. not helped by the fact that Stenson lock is a deep lock at 12’ 4”.
Canal Rescue finished recovering the boat next morning, and we were able to continue our journey to Willington. On our way we spotted Mark on NB The Last Derbyshire Miner, last time we had seen him was at Hawksbury Junction, and he seemed surprised I knew has name. NB Third Time Lucky made us smile, as the lady onboard said it’s name related to her husbands. We saw NB Wave and Smile, and we did, just like the time we saw them on the Coventry Canal.
At Willington I contacted Gina and Steve, she is my daughters MIL and they have a boat at Mercia Marina. They were out cruising, but returning to the marina the next day, so we planned to catch up when our bows crossed.
We had a pint in the Green Man and then the Dragon, where the Captain was very happy as they had Tuffers Old on, a very nice stout from Boots brewery.
Next day and off to Burton upon Trent, but not before being stopped in our tracks by Petra and Kevin Cunningham on NB Autumn Myst. Petra and I are friends on Facebook and she follows this blog. It was great to put a face to a name, and we hope to see them on the Peak Forest Canal later in the summer.
Darrow lock is a the first single lock since we joined the Trent and Mersey canal, and it is here that the T&M becomes a narrow canal.
We moored at Shobnall fields and met up with Gina and Steve, and Rosie their granddaughter. They seem to be enjoying the cruising life and we hope to see them again.
The weather has been glorious all week, and we are looking forward of more to come.
Well what can I say, our plans to do the Ribble link on to the Lancaster canal later in the summer have been well and truly scuppered. It turns out that the good ship Avalon Two is too deep drafted to make the crossing, or so CRT’s records say. This means we can’t book the passage across the link.
For those of you who don’t know the draft of a boat is, it’s the bit beneath the water surface and the deepest point of the boat, is usually the skeg at the back of the boat. The original paperwork says we are 24” but CRT records show us to be nearer 29”, and we need to be under 27” to make the crossing. When we take the boat out to black it in September we will check, so fingers crossed for next year.
This mean we have 3/ 4 weeks to spare now and need to come up with a new route, but more about that later.
So Saturday dawned dull and damp. The 3 boats in the basin with us all left and we became billy no mates for the rest of the week.
But the family came, and now we could sit inside the pub the weather didn’t matter. Usually we would have made for the Bunny Hop, but for a change we headed to the Railway Tavern which had reopened since our last visit. Everybody was very happy in there, especially the Captain, as there were 2 darks on. Would highly recommend this pub for safety, service, choice and price.
Back to the boat and an indoor BBQ, the Captain had rearranged the furniture, so it didn’t seem a squash at all with so many people on board. We had a lovely day, and the Lotus Lounge did not disappoint next day either. We also got to see Adam and Julies new house, which is beautiful.
Monday was a quiet day, which was great as the visitors came thick and fast after that.
Tuesday, and Will on NB Wills Way arrived, but he only stayed one night. He has a vlog and after a cuppa he filmed a walk through of Avalon Two, and us, which will be posted on Youtube in the next couple of weeks. We were also on his latest vlog from when we met at Foxton.
https://youtube.com/user/parlou38
Also on Tues my cousin Roy and his friend Fred came to visit, it was great to catch up.
Wednesday, an old school friend Chris Staton and his wife Sue came. We haven’t seen each in 40yrs, since we left school. It was great to reminisce and we all got on really well. We invited them to join us on Saturday when we were leaving for a cruise down the locks, but unfortunately they had family coming, but we will definitely meet up at some point in the future. We finished the visit at the Railway yet again.
Thursday and shopping, then a call from Chris Groves this time, we worked together at Denby and he always pops over to see us when we are in the area. We spent a couple of hours catching up, and realising how lucky we both were to not be working there any more.
Friday and the local buses really tried my patience. I had my second jab booked at a little village called Horsely Woodhouse (according to the app it was the closet place). Using Google planned the route on the bus easily. After getting my jab we were going to catch the bus to Ripley go and see Tony my old neighbour, and have a few pints in the town before returning to Langley Mill for a curry at the Royal Gurka.
First bus was over 15mins late, and of course this was the important one as we needed to be in Horsely for a certain time It really pushed my stress levels up. But it got there in time, just. Then the first bus to Ripley (we had to catch 2), this was over 20mins late, not a big problem, but then the 2nd bus was 5mins late, the knock on affect of this was less time to spend in Ripley. The final bus taking us back to Langley Mill was on time, much to our surprise
On a brighter side the meal at the Royal Gurka was amazing, and this made up for all the waiting round.
Oh and the Captain caught a cold.
Saturday and it was time to say good bye to Langley Mill and head back down the 15 locks, and the 12 miles to Trent Lock, but not before a pump out and diesel at Langley Mill boatyard, and a chat with Vikki. Dan her husband is off working in the theatre industry as they prepare to reopen. He is working on Phantom of the Opera at the moment.
https://langleymillboatyard.co.uk/
So we left the Cromford Canal and rejoined the Erewash. The way down was so much better than the way up, the sun was shining and the majority of locks were in our favour, making life much easier for me.
We only met one boat going the other way, NB Zephyranthes and its Captain, Mandy who to my delight said she had seen my blog, fame at last.
This was till we got below Sandiacre lock, the 3rd from the end of our journey. Here we found a fishing competition in full swing. They were a friendly bunch and most of them spoke as we cruised slowly by. However the information they imparted was not good, apparently the pound below the next lock, Dockholme lock, had been drained overnight and might not be passable as yet. We reached the lock landing to find NB Jorga and her crew still waiting for the pound to fill up. They said they would be waiting another hour just to make sure. The Captain thought we probably could get through but we decided to wait and have a very late lunch, or early tea. We had just finished when 2 boats came up the lock, and 2 more turned up behind us. The decision was taken to join Jorga in the lock and risk it.
The pound was shallow but passable, and we made it to the last lock at Long Eaton lock without a problem.
Trent lock seemed busy, as we approached we could see boats brested up, so we pulled in and the Captain went off to scout the area out. He came back with the good news that there was a space near the water point, so we moved forward and in front of the trading boat Tee Jay. We had a chat with its Captain and crew, and I perused the books they were selling before settling down to listen to the music coming from the pub.
So where are we going now, after a long discussion we have decided to head up the Trent and Mersey before joining the Staff’s and Worcester. We are going to do the Severn and Avon again. Then head north and Liverpool. We need to be at Portland basin, near Ashton under Lyme for our blacking in early September.
Its the beer festival today at the Steamboat but will leave that for next time.
Well what can I say about the weather, it’s been truly awful, and yes we have got very wet.
Our planned meeting with Gary went ahead and we met in the Trent Navigation pub, I wont dwell on this place, only to say it was very noisy, very expensive (£10.20 for 2 pints) and no one stuck to the rules. So only 1 and then on to the Brewhouse and Kitchen, this is a chain and we had visited the one in Gloucester, so knew they normally had a dark beer on for the Captain, and he wasn’t disappointed. As the clouds gathered and threatened rain (again) we headed back to the boat for a lovely lamb roast, followed by Lemon Meringue. I think Gary appreciated a home cooked meal, as he has been living in hotels for quite a while because of his job.
It was decided that he would meet us at the Waters Edge next night for a meal, this was the day we were allowed back inside the pubs. I took the precaution of booking and got one of the last slots at 5.15pm. But when I tried for the following night, (you will see why later on) they were fully booked.
Unfortunately Gary was not able to join us due to work so off we went on our own. The pub was practically empty, but the hostess assured us they were fully booked. We sat in an area of 8 tables for 4, and all the time we were there half of them were empty. The app was a nightmare to use so the Captain ended up going to the bar to get someone’s attention. TBH the whole experience was off putting. But it was nice to be able to sit inside and be served. When we went to the bar to pay the rest of the pub was same, lots of empty tables, we asked the barman what was happening, as they should have been heaving, and all the tables should have been full, but he couldn’t explain it.
Next day wasn’t a pleasant day for me as I had to return to Coventry to attend the hospital for a procedure, the outcome of which was uncertain. I had been worrying and whittling since receiving the letter a couple of weeks earlier. But it had to be done. Getting to Coventry was an issue, because as you know we leave our car at the wharf in the summer. My son was our life saver and agreed to take us, so as a thank you I wanted to take him and his wife for a meal when we got back, hence my trying to book the afore said table.
He picked us up and got me to the hospital in plenty of time. Rather than try to park at the hospital they dropped me off and went to the The Walsgrave pub.
The outcome of the procedure was an all clear, but I need to go back in a year for a check up. I have booked the appointment already, making sure it will be in April before we start our cruising for 2022.
I decided to walk to the pub after the receptionist assured me it was only about 10minute walk. But I think she got the wrong pub because it was 30mins a least, but I made it, and it had been decided to eat here rather than returning to Nottingham. We like the Walsgrave and have never had a bad meal, once again we were not disappointed.
Right back to the cruising. We left Nottingham and headed back on to the River Trent and Trent Lock, which is the start of the Erewash Canal. It seemed every time we reached a lock the heavens opened, I don’t think the weather likes me (sad face).
As we moored above the lock and prepared to put water in who did we meet? Will from NB Wills Way. I mentioned him in an earlier blog when we met him at Foxton Locks. We had a catch up and we are expecting to see him in the basin at Langley Mill sometime next week.
Will doesn’t drink but we do, as if you didn’t know by now, so off to the The Steamboat but not before more rain as we moved to the visitor moorings. Of course now we can sit inside it doesn’t matter what the weather does. They still had Dark Drake by Dancing Duck brewery on so the Captain was a happy bunny. He was even happier after a chat with the landlord Simon, he told us he was having a Welsh beer festival on the bank holiday weekend, which just happens to be the weekend we will by back at Trent Lock, before heading off up the Trent and Mersey canal. But I getting ahead of myself.
The weather forecast was looking bad for the next 2 days and we had to be in the basin for Friday, it was now Wednesday. We usually do the 12 miles and 15 locks in 2days stopping at the Gallows in Ilkeston which is halfway. I took the decision that I would rather be wet one day than 2. So we did the journey in one day.
It took us 8hrs and I was knackered by the time we moored up.
The main problem had been every lock bar one had been against us. This means that I had to empty the lock before the Captain could bring the boat in, then fill the lock. Its a lot of work. At one lock we discovered that one of the top gate paddles had a large amount of weed stuck in it, it wouldn’t close fully, which meant it would be difficult to empty the lock and open the bottom gates for any boats heading to Trent Lock. Out came our trusty rake, and the Captain set too trying to clear the problem. NB Teal going down the locks turned up at this point, and its Captain and crew came to see if they could help, but we only had one rake so it was left to the Captain. He got most of it out, and hopefully they were able to continue on their way.
Then the heavens opened. I decided to don the full wet weather gear, including waterproof trousers, I only realised after putting them on they were the Captains, the waistband came up to my boobs. I looked like the Michelin man, but I didn’t care I was dry.
We didn’t see that many boats but one that caught our eye was NB Avalon Mist, we always like to see boats we share a name with.
Friday was a very quiet day, all we did was a little shopping ready for the weekend.
It is going to be a special weekend, as my children, Adam and Jess, and their spouses Julie and Stuart are coming to visit, as is my sister Diane and her husband Mick on Saturday, and we are going to Lotus Lounge, a wonderful Chinese on the Sunday. We will also get to see Adam’s new house. So excited !!!!
We will be in Langley Mill for the next week, but more about that in the next blog
And it wasn’t a nice experience but more of that later.
We left Newark and headed for Cromwell lock and the tidal Trent. We have done this journey a number of times. But the width of the river never ceases to take my breath away.
The Captain searched the CRT website for the phone numbers for the locks on the Trent but to no avail. This website is useless at times, and nothing is easy to find if your a boater. He just wanted to check the times when they would let us go through with the tide. He managed to get the numbers eventually from a very helpful lockee at Newark Nether lock, problem solved.
At Cromwell lock we were joined by 2 other narrowboats. (These locks are huge) As we had the map, and the knowledge we took the lead, followed by NB Kathleen and NB Tumbarumba. Like us Tumbarumba was heading up Torksey Lock and on to the Fossdyke heading to Lincoln, whist Kathleen was spending the night on the pontoons below the lock, and going on up the Trent to Keadby lock and on to the Aire and Calder navigation.
Disaster struck for Kathleen when she was caught by the strong current and the wind. She was forced against what remained of an old pier, in wouldn’t have been so bad, but a huge branch lifted out of the water as she hit one of the stanchions, and scrapped right down the side of the boat breaking one of its windows. Not a nice thing to watch happening when there is very little you can do to help. On a happier note, we found out later, that by the time they moored at Torksey they had sourced a new window and someone to fit it later that day.
From Torksey we headed to a little village called Saxilby, the Captain had a plan, there is a very good chippy in the village. I had promised him a chippy tea for his birthday at the end of April, so now it was time to treat him.
We called in at the Anglers pub for a couple of pints before taking our fish and chips back to the boat, I don’t usually have battered fish but this one was lovely, with chips and mushy peas mmmmmm.
The tipping occurred next morning, we were rudely awakened by some big bangs and a lot of rocking. The Captain initially thought someone had jumped on the back of the boat, so I was sent to investigate. I stuck my head out of the side hatch just in time to see a large gin palace disappearing under the bridge behind us. Then we began to tip, I realised we had a problem when a bottle of wine slid off the work top (luckily it was empty), then the draws opened and the doors to the cupboards. It was getting very scary and the Captain in his half asleep state was struggling to get dressed to see what the problem was.
When he got off the boat he realised that the swim (that’s the bit at the back of the boat) was on a ledge and this was causing the boat to tip. Out came our trusty plank and the Captain knew just were to apply it to get us floating again. We think the gin palace had been going too fast, and the wave it created had lifted our boat out of the water, and then the movement of the water underneath had pushed us onto the ledge. Luckily no harm done. But it did shake us up, and a decision was taken to move forward when another boat left, to where there was no ledge. We also decided because of the weather forecast to forgo our planned cruise to Lincoln and stay put.
Our return to Torksey was a sombre affair, nothing to do with the tipping incident, but because of the 6 dead fawns we saw. The sides of the Fossdyke are very steep and deer often cross from one side to the other. To help them get out, at intervals along the bank, there are piles of stones to give them a leg up, but obviously these young deer had been unable to use them. The kingfisher that flashed across our bows, and a beautiful kestrel hovering close enough to touch helped with the sad mood.
At Torksey we headed of to the pub, The Swan, and managed to get a seat under a covered area just as it started to rain. We invited a couple with 2 lovely golden labrabour pubs to join us, it was a wide table. We had a lovely chat about this and that, but I nearly died when they said the pups had cost them £2,000 each. We had a bowl of very tasty chips then home.
And so back to Newark, this time in the company of NB Bronwyn and a large sea going vessel, Dunvegan. Of course the Flying Circus beckoned, but no darks on this time for the Captain, but he made do with a bitter called Rev James by Brains brewery. We chatted to a pair of boaters from NB April Dawn, they were moored in Kings marina and were liveaboards like us, but they hadn’t done any cruising as yet. Hope they get out and about at some point.
We called in at Kings marina next day for a pump out, but when the Captain was told £25 he kindly said no chance, and after checking we could last another day or so decided to wait until we got back to Nottingham.
I had a shock waiting for me at Gunthorpe lock, there was no lockee on (usually the big river locks have someone there to do the lock for you) so it was DIYH, ‘do it yourself Helen’. After struggling to get off due to the strong flow of the river making it difficult to get onto the pontoon, and then realising I was going to have an audience, it wasn’t the best experience, but we got through, but oh dear, no pontoon at the top of the lock to get me back on the boat. I would have had to climb down a ladder, which is not for me. But as we were staying on the pontoons outside the Unicorn pub I wisely decided to walk and meet the Captain there.
We were joined on the pontoon by NB Sir Kay and had a lovely chat with its Captain, and helped him out with the phone numbers for the locks.
We got into Nottingham in plenty of time for our pump out, and then moored outside the Waters Edge pub, but we didn’t bother with a pint, as next day we were meeting the Captains son Gary, and to make it easier for him we were returning to Meadow Lane lock were the Nottingham and Beeston Canal meets the Trent. We were going to try a couple of new pubs, The Trent Navigation and the Trent Bridge.
But that’s for next time folks.
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