A STORM IN A TEACUP.

 Nottingham to Thorne, 83 miles, 10 locks, 2 swing bridges, 2 canals and 1 river.

Well what can I say about my last blog, well the title caused a few ructions. I was accused of click baiting, CRT bashing and all sorts of other things, but oh boy, did a lot more people read it, yes and liked it, yes. So I will address some of the issues raised, the title was not meant to be click bait, it was just the way I was feeling when I sat down and wrote the blog. CRT bashing, I understand that CRT has a hard job to do, but I do question what it has been doing to look after the canal infrastructure for the last 10yrs since it was formed. There have been so many problems this year, around the network, and this part of our journey just bought it all home to me. The guys on the ground do a great job, are always helpful, and if they can will sort problems out quickly. Anyway I have had much fun reading the comments on Facebook, and just hope that people who discovered my blog through this one title read more.

Another reason for the title of the blog is the terrible weather we are having. We are fair weather boaters, but I don’t think we have had a day when it hasn’t rained at some point, and I am fed up of getting wet and having to wear a coat. I have managed to wear my shorts but at times have been very tempted to put my jeans on, unheard of during the summer months. And much to the Captains horror I have suggested putting a fire in to combat the dampness. It has also put us behind time wise, we have decided not to go to Ripon or York as the Ouse has a terrible habit of flooding, and we don’t want to get stuck. So instead we are looking at maybe going to Goole, a place we haven’t visited, Sheffield, Doncaster, Lincoln and maybe Boston.

Back to our journey. We spent the weekend in Nottingham. On Friday Adam and Julie came, and we met our Philipino in laws for the first time, Julie’s Mum Linda and her sister Jennifer.

Saturday was a quiet a day but a special day, as I got my freezer. YIPPEE A very very nice gentleman from Currys wheeled it on his sack barrow to the boat and took the packaging away too. So I gave him some of the cake I had just baked. We headed to the pub to celebrate, the Trip of course.

https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem

Sunday and time to meet up with Jess and Stuart, they were coming to the boat for Sunday lunch. They arrived with the wonderful news that I am going to become a Grandma again in February, I still told them I am to young, but I am so happy. They asked me not to put it on social media, but it was Ok to share the news on here. They have decided to go old school and not find out what they are having, so looking forward to the surprise when it arrives. We had a lovely afternoon with them. So happy days.

We resumed our journey the next day, and head down the Beeston and Nottingham canal to its junction with the River Trent. At the lock here there is water and we decided to fill up our tank before locking down on to the river. As we came into moor the Captain put us into reverse, there was a big clunk and the engine stopped dead. This could only mean something serious round the prop. A very helpful gentleman off a moored boat came and helped us pull into the side. He had a lovely Weimaraner dog called Doris and was very nice. It turned out to be a huge piece of carpet, which came off without to much fuss surprisingly. After watering up we headed down the lock and onto the river and headed for Gunthorpe.

At the first river lock, Holme lock, I was reminded how huge these locks are, and even when locking down I am required to hold the boat steady at the front, using a runner set into the side of the lock and our front rope. Luckily most of these locks are manned.

We moored easily on the pontoons at Gunthorpe but didn’t head to the pub, The Unicorn, as it had been a busy few days.

https://www.unicornhotelpub.co.uk/

On to Newark next day, and after 2 manned locks my luck gave out, as Newark town lock was unmanned. So off I got with my trusty BW key and tried to find the control panel. It was very elusive, but eventually I found it and we locked down without any problem. We found good moorings on the Kiln visitor pontoons. I was overjoyed to see a lovely crop of blackberries just waiting to be picked, and now we have a freezer, (which we seem to have plenty of power to run) I can pick them to my hearts content.

We headed to the pub, as we do, firstly the Prince Rupert, a favourite of ours, but there was disappointment for the Captain, no dark ales so out we came, then onto the Flying Circus, and repeat. Just Beer was our last hope, and bingo a great pint of Chocolate Old Peculiar for the Captain, this is a collaboration between Tiny Rebel and Theakstons, and very quaffable.

https://www.redcatpubcompany.com/pubs/nottinghamshire/theprincerupert 

https://www.flyingcircuspub.co.uk/

https://www.justbeermicropub.biz/

https://www.theakstons.co.uk/pages/cwtch-gold-a-theakston-and-tiny-rebel-collaboration

Next day after a late start we headed to Cromwell lock, were next day we would join the tidal Trent and head for Torksey, then on to Keadby, before joining the Stainforth and Keadby canal to Thorne.

We were joined in the lock next day by 2 medium sized yogurt pots, Orchid and Dutch Gem, who soon overtook us on the fast moving river. We reached Torksey in good time and headed to the pub, The White Swan, they seemed to be in the midst of decorating, but we enjoyed a couple of good pints, John Smiths for the Captain and Kronenberg for me.

https://www.facebook.com/whiteswantorkseylock/

It was a long day next day with 28 miles to do. The flow of the river was against us to start, but once the tide changed we were speeding along. It took us 5hrs. Getting into a lock on a fast flowing river is not easy, but the Captain did an excellent job and the Lock Keeper complimented him on his steering.

Keadby Lock

At Keadby is a most unusual railway bridge, called the Vazon bridge. It simply slides out of the way, you have to toot your horn to attract the operators attention and then off you go.

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/sheffield/sy9.htm

Robbie Cummings in his programme Narrowboat Diaries filmed the bridge sliding open by drone. If you fast forward the link to 26mins you will be able see how it works for yourself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-rWmNDqNg8

After a night in the MONW and more rain we headed off for Thorne, we are back in the land of the movable bridges, and I had 3 swing and 1 lift bridge to do. I like the ones that are completely electric best, I just have to push a button and wait, but the first few were manual so a bit of a work out for me. At one you have to wait for the railway signalman to close the gates at the level crossing before operating it. Much fun and games.

At Thorne we moored opposite the boat sales yard, these are good moorings and near to the Canal Tavern, so that’s where we headed. Although no darks on for the Captain he made do with a Carling, and we had an enjoyable time. The menu looked very interesting and we were assured by the crew from Orchid it was excellent.

http://www.canaltavernthorne.co.uk/

We spent the next day in Thorne, and after shopping decided to try a couple of the other pubs in the town, The Red Bear, very much a loud locals pub, and the Windmill, much quieter with a selection of real ales, but nothing dark and the Captain made do with a palatable bitter.

https://www.craftunionpubs.com/red-bear-thorne

https://whatpub.com/pubs/DON/8466/windmill-thorne

We ended up at the Canal Tavern, and it was heaving considering it was a Monday teatime. The food looked and smelt amazing. Thinking about giving it a go on the return journey.

Birdlife has been plentiful on this part of the journey, we have spotted amongst the usual suspects, Oyster Catchers, Lapwings and Egyptian geese.

Oyster Catcher

That’s all for now folks.

DO CRT ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING ??

Birstall Lock

Leicester to Nottingham, 39 miles, 25 locks, 2 rivers and 2 canals.

So Tuesday, and we were stuck in Leicester, Birstall Lock ahead of us was closed and so was Kilby lock behind us. We made the most of it and headed for the Salmon, a Black Country Ales pub, so we knew they would have Pig on the Wall mild on for the Captain. At the pub he had a choice Pig on the Wall or Woolley Bugger, a damson porter from the Izaak Walton brewery of Stone. He had to try both of course.

https://izaakwaltonbrewhouse.com/

When we returned to the boat we had been joined by Lady Sienna, a hire boat from North Kilby wharf.

Now not only were the 2 locks I mentioned closed, but so was North lock, the first lock you get to after the moorings, but only for the day. Lady Sienna had been moored on Castle Gardens, but not knowing North lock was closed they had set off, when they returned they had lost their previous mooring so joined us.

Next day and the news from CRT was much worse than we expected. Birstall lock was going to be closed until the following Tuesday. The Captain went and broke the news to the hire boaters. As he did a boat appeared coming towards us. It turned out that it had managed to get through the broken lock with care. We made a quick decision to head down to the lock to see if we could get through and the hire boat joined us. I did make sure there were shops and pubs near the lock if we couldn’t get through

There were 3 locks between us and Birstall, the first being North lock, which in my opinion is one of the worst locks on the entire system. CRT were meant to have done some work on it to help with its problems, but hadn’t been successful and it took 3 of us to open the bottom gate.

We got to Birstall lock and CRT hadn’t chained the gates shut so we were able to enter the lock with great care, pulling the boats in one at a time. There wasn’t a problem with the bottom gates and we were soon out and free, we stopped at Birstall, but the hirers (never got their names), kept going to make up for the time they had lost. Hope they enjoyed the rest of their holiday doing the Leicester ring.

A couple of interesting things we passed on our journey to Birstall, a friendly ginger and white kitten, and someone giving a haircut on the towpath, giving a new meaning to mobile barber.

Birstall had 3 pubs, The Earl of Stamford, The Plough and the White Horse. We decided to try the Plough, as the Captain seemed to remember it had a decent stout last time we were in. He wasn’t disappointed, a very nice pint of London stout. We had a very enjoyable visit chatting the locals and landlord. It is a very dog friendly pub too.

https://theoldplough-birstall.co.uk/

Thursday was a day for bird life. I spotted a Green Woodpecker, a Little Egret and a Common Tern.

Green Woodpecker

After 4 locks we stopped above Mount Sorrel lock for the night and gave the Waterside pub a go. As expected no darks on but the food menu looked interesting.

https://www.watersidemountsorrel.co.uk/

As we set off next day a small boat was coming up the lock so off I went to help, they were a friendly bunch. Behind them was Serenade, one of the widebeam charity boats from the Peter La Marchant trust. The crew came up to help me lock down, and we were soon on our way. We passed their other widebeam Symphony later on

https://www.peterlemarchanttrust.co.uk/

We stayed in Loughborough for a couple days and tried the Organ Grinder, a Blue Monkey pub on the first night.

https://bluemonkeybrewery.com/organ-grinder-pubs/loughborou

Next day, after shopping we set of to do the 3 locks to Kegworth New lock, where we planned to moor for the night. At one of the locks we met Dandelion, a charity boat from the Baldwin Trust, it had a group of very enthusiastic kids on board, who were very ‘eager to help at the lock.

https://www.baldwintrust.co.uk/index.php/the-trust/our-boats

We were soon moored in a lovely spot by the weir above the lock, its only issue, it was right in the flight path for the East Midlands airport. We started planning our visit to Nottingham and catching up with family. It wasn’t that easy, Adam could only do Friday, Jess Sunday, and Di not the weekend at all. So after a bit of toing and froing we (mainly with Di) things got sorted, but it meant a bit of a detour for us up Trent Lock and on to the Erewash for a couple of nights.

Monday and after 3 locks we were moored on the Erewash. Whilst doing the lock a very nice lady asked if she could video us, most people don’t ask and we don’t mind, but its nice to be asked. She was cat sitting nearby and the video was for her elderly parents. Turned out she was a professional photographer.

https://www.sandrabarberphotography.co.uk

Later we headed to the Steamboat to say hi to Simon and have a couple of well earned pints, they had Dark Drake by Dancing Duck for the Captain, happy days.

https://www.steamboattrentlock.co.uk/

Next morning we headed down the canal to wind (turn the boat round) and moor nearer to Long Eaton so we could catch the bus into Nottingham the next day to meet Di. Disaster struck when we tried to wind. Something was round the prop, as we drifted in the centre of the canal the Captain went down the weed hatch to discover a thick fleece coat wrapped tightly round the prop. It took a while to free it, but eventually we winded and were moored up in a very nice spot.

Next day we caught the Skylink into Nottingham to meet Di and Mick, it was lovely to catch up with them.

Thursday was a very long day, well for us. Firstly we stopped at Trent Lock for water and bins, then headed to Shardlow marina for a pump out, we were going to use Castle Marina (which would have been so much easier) until we found out that the price had gone from £12.50 to £26, the Captain nearly had heart attack when he heard and Shardlow was only £10.

There are 2 locks, the first being a large river lock, and yippee, manned by volunteers, the next is a small flood lock, here we met NB Briony Rose, a boat we met at a lock in Leicester when they were heading to Kilby Bridge. They got stuck for a week between the 2 lock closures, so they were not happy.

So we started at 9.30am and were moored up in Nottingham at 4pm, a very long day for us, we didn’t head for the pub, just too tired.

Now looking forward to a pleasant weekend of family visits before heading back on the Trent, and hopefully onto Ripon.

THINGS, NOT GOING TO PLAN

Week 3 Market Harborough to Leicester. 24miles, 24 locks, 1 tunnel, 2 movable bridges, along 1 canal and 1 river.

Tuesday and it started off a quiet day, I worked on the blog until it was time to head into town, where we met Dave and Sandra Biddle for a pint and a curry. The bus journey down was uneventful and we made for the Beer House, a great micro pub.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g315977-d7352512-Reviews-Beerhouse-Market_Harborough_Leicestershire_England.html

Then the problems started, it was shut, bugger. We had only been there a few minutes when Dave and Sandra turned up in their car. They were surprised at the pub being shut, but said not to worry we know a great Indian at Rothwell, and there is a pub there we have been meaning to try. A short trip and we reached Rothwell and headed to the Blue Bell, only to find this closed, bugger again. The Red Lion was our next choice, more of a cocktail bar than a real ale pub, so the Captain had to make do with lager. The Indian restaurant, The Taste of India, was only a few doors away, and after a couple of pints and a lot of catching up we made our merry way there. The food and service was excellent, and it really made up for the not so happy start to the evening.

https://www.tasteofindiarothwell.co.uk/

After a great night they very kindly dropped us off near the boat.

Next day and only a short hop to the actual village of Foxton, we have been to Foxton Locks and down the Market Harborough arm on many occasions, but never actually visited the village of Foxton. The Captain had picked up a small guide to the interesting points in the village, and we decided to follow its route.

https://www.foxtonparishcouncil.org.uk/foxton-attractions.html

The guide pointed out many old and interesting houses. It was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and of course there was a pub at the end of it. The Shoulder of Mutton, a recently refurbished and reopened pub, with a light airy feel and an interesting menu. The Captain found a palatable red ale and I enjoyed their own brand lager. We had to share our pork scratching with the pub dog, a lovable Dalmatian

https://shoulderofmuttonfoxton.co.uk/

The only downside was the heavy rain shower we had to endure, and this has been the same most days.

Next day and down to more practical matters, the bins needed emptying, as did the toilet, and we needed water. The water and the bins were achieved at the services at the bottom of the locks, and we made our way to Debdale marina for the pump out.

https://www.debdalewharf.co.uk/

The Saddington tunnel was next on the agenda, ½ a mile long and straight, we made it through without meeting another boat and moored up for the night.

We went nowhere next day as it rained all day, and we are fair weather boaters and don’t like getting wet.

Saturday and an early start (before 9am a miracle for us) to try and miss the rain that was forecast for the afternoon. We had 12 locks to do, and at the first the rain started and didn’t stop until we reached the 5^th and final one in that flight. It luckily held off then until we completed the next 7 and were happily moored at Kilby Bridge. These are double locks and I usually only operate one side, saves me having to climb over the gates using the narrow lock beam, at some you need to have a good head for heights and sure footing.

At one of the locks I was approached by 2 gentlemen who asked my opinion on a ratchet windlass they had developed, this is designed to help people who need a bit more oomph to work the paddles on the locks. They main query was about the weight, and how it compared to my normal windlass. I must admit I was impressed, but was quick to point out that at this moment in time I do not require this type of help with opening the paddles. They assured me they weren’t trying to sell me one, just wanted an honest opinion. The price compared to the market leader was also impressive. Lockmaster retails at £154.99 and the GoWindlass at £94.99 a big difference. They thanked me for my input and went on their way.

https://gowindlass.co.uk/

At Kilby Bridge there is the Navigation pub, we have been in here on a number of occasions. We popped in for a drink, as we do. They have a small but interesting menu but we gave it a miss this time.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093963494059

I am sure the Captain fibs to me sometimes, as I was convinced he told me we had 4 locks to do to get to Fosse Park, and visit Curry’s to look at freezers, or maybe I hear what I wanted to hear. Anyway we set off late on Sunday morning with this idea of only 4 locks in my mind, and after the 4^th I said ‘great that’s it how far to Curry’s?’ he looked at me with pity in his eyes and asked were I got the idea it was only 4 locks, I said he had told me, he assured me he hadn’t and we still had 4 more to do, and we wouldn’t get to Curry’s until the next day. He did take pity on me, and we only did 2 more locks before mooring up for the night, just as the rain started, again!!

After 2 locks we reached the bridge that gave us access to Curry’s, it was still a bit of a walk but well worth it. A bit of background as to why we are looking at freezers. It would mean we would be able to freeze things like milk and bread, which is what we usually run out of first, and we now have the power to run one since the Captain upgraded our solar and batteries. We have 2 options, a 12volt freezer which wouldn’t require an inverter to run or a normal 240volt one which would. The drawback with a 12volt freezer is the cost, a ball park figure is £600/£700, but we can pick up a normal one to suit our needs for £100/£150. We also needed to decide the size and capacity. The trip to Curry’s was very helpful indeed, so fingers crossed a freezer will be coming our way soon.

We decided to push on to Leicester, which meant a final 4 locks for me, at the first we spotted a boat just leaving the lock and its crew waved as they went on their way, we were hopeful they would wait for us at the next lock, its good to share the double locks when you can, but it was not to be, and there was no sign of them when we got there. There was a boat coming towards us so as the lock was set in their favour I opened the gates and let them in. It had been very quiet on this leg of our journey, so it was nice to have a chat with other boaters whilst the lock filled.

Finally we were in Leicester, and now on the River Soar. We moored at Friars Mill which is a great secure pontoon mooring close to the city centre. No cooking for me we went Greek. After a couple of very good pints in the Blue Boar, including the Captains favourite Sam Smith’s Chocolate Stout, we headed of to Art’s Greek on Market St. The food was amazing and portions huge, and very good value of money.

A Happy Captain

https://www.blueboarleicester.co.uk/

https://artsgreekcuisine.com/

We are now stuck in Leicester for, well, we don’t know, as one of the locks ahead is closed and we are waiting for a CRT update to see when it will reopen.

OFF WE GO AGAIN.

 

The beautiful blue Adriatic and me

We had a great holiday in Zadar, the weather was fantastic and we got to swim in the clear blue, but chilly Adriatic. We ate some lovely food and drank a lot of beer. So all in all a wonderful time.

Now just the facts of our first cruise, we travelled 235miles, did 217 locks, spent 3 miles in tunnels all in 8 weeks.

We are heading North East on the next leg of our cruise, Ripon is the goal. So starting on the Coventry canal, then a short sojourn on the North Oxford before joining the Leicester Line of the Grand Union.

Week 1 and 2 Swan Lane to Market Harborough. 62 ½ miles, 29 locks, 2.2miles in 3 tunnels and travelled on 4 canals.

So after shopping, washing, and generally sorting our stuff, we set out on the Wednesday (came back off holiday on the Saturday evening). But only got as far as Hawkesbury and the Greyhound Inn. The Captain was one happy bunny as they had XK Dark by Byatts brewery on, as well as the standard Theakston’s mild.

https://www.byattsbrewery.co.uk/

Thursday and we set off in earnest. Its was a day for wildlife and catching up with friends. We spotted a beautiful Red Kite soaring above us and a snowy white Little Egret by the side of the canal. A baby frog hopped across the towpath as we set off. As we glided past a row of moored boats I spotted a familiar boat and face. The boat was Chyandor, and the face belonged to its crew Lisa, Fred its captain was there too. We hovered in the middle of the canal and had a quick chat with them. Its was nice to see a friendly face. The next friendly faces we saw were Keith and Andrew on steam tug Hasty. Hasty had been at the Braunston historic boat rally and they were taking it back to Swan Lane. Just a quick chat with them as its not so easy to stop a steam driven boat. We also passed Precious Jet, but there was no sign of Steve.

Steam Tug Hasty

https://www.facebook.com/SteamTugHasty/

We were at Braunston for the weekend and it was busy with boats moving. We tried the Boathouse, and I am pleased to say their food menu has improved since the last time we were here, but unfortunately the choice of beer hadn’t, and the Hobgoblin Ruby, which the Captain likes had been replace by Hobgoblin Gold, which he definitely doesn’t.

We decided to tackle the 6 Braunston double locks on Sunday and were lucky enough to meet another boat to share them with. It was a hire boat from Kate Boats, but its Captain and crew were old hands so we worked well together. We seemed to be the only boats going up the locks, but every man and his dog were coming down. I counted 20 boats in total, a mixture of private and hire boats, and one youth project boat called Centenary with 12 very enthusiastic teenagers on board.

https://centenarynarrowboat.weebly.com/

It made doing the locks very enjoyable, and soon we were at the top and heading for the tunnel. The Captain hates Braunston tunnel, as it isn’t straight and has a number of kinks in it, and this is were we normally meet another boat coming the other way, and today was no exception. We met with a bit of a bang but no damage done.

We made it to Norton Junction and turned north on to the Leicester line of the Grand Union. As we moored up a very nice lady called Sue and her dog India stopped for a chat. She and her partner own NB Dover and a butty. Now NB Dover was part of a television series in the early 2000’s (I missed it some how but the Captain didn’t) in which it underwent restoration.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266009/

She wasn’t too complimentary about the standard of the restoration and they are in the process of putting some things right.

After our chat we headed off to the New Inn, one of our favourite pubs on the system.

More locks and another tunnel next day, Watford locks are single staircase locks, and you have to book in with the lock keeper and wait your turn. They weren’t busy so we didn’t have long to wait. Then Crick tunnel, now this tunnel isn’t to bad and very straight, so you can literally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We moored at Crick and walked into the village, there is a very handy Co op here and a couple of pubs. The Wheatsheaf being our favourite.

https://www.wheatsheafcrick.com/

After a couple of quiet days we decided to head down the Welford Arm and the Wharf pub. Last time we were here they had a beer festival on and the Captain was a happy bunny, but not on this occasion, as even though they had 6 hand pulls on not one was a stout, porter or mild, so he had to make do with lager. We were also very surprised to find we had all the visitors mooring to ourselves, well 3 more boats turned up later but all left before us next day.

Friday, a very hot day, we cruised until we found some lovely mooring to sit out the heat. Red Kites and Buzzards were in the sky above us and I spotted a Pheasant on the towpath. I decided to organise our social calender, our friends Col and Mags were booked into to come for Sunday lunch at Foxton Locks, and a curry was organised with Dave and Sandra in Market Harborough the following Tuesday.

The view from the top Foxton Locks 

We arrived at the top of Foxton Locks on Saturday afternoon and took a walk down to Bridge 61 for a pint. The Captain is always happy in here with Langton Brewery Bullseye Stout in bottles.

https://langtonbrewery.co.uk/beers/bullseye-stout/

Col and Mags joined us next day, and after a couple of pints (Bridge 61) we walked back to the boat in the rain. Lunch was a great success, but all to soon we had to say goodbye.

Monday and time to tackle the 10 locks, they are 2 staircases of 5 locks with a passing pound in the middle, you have to open the paddles in a particular order. We got down without a problem, but when the Captain tried to leave the last lock a small boat was moored too close to the entrance, and he couldn’t swing our boat round with out hitting it. I went and helped pull the boat back away from the lock and eventually we were out.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxton_Locks

We headed straight down the Market Harborough arm hoping to get moored up and do some much needed shopping, but found that CRT in their wisdom (or stupidity) had closed all the visitors mooring at the basin due to the towpath being resurfaced. We went into the basin but they wanted £17per night, and the Captain wasn’t paying that. Now the real issue was we needed to get into the town, not just for the shopping but to meet Dave and Sandra for our curry. After looking on Google, we found that if we moored at the first bridge after the basin, and were the towpath was closed from, we could get a bus into the town. Great, problem solved.

We moored up and headed off to do the shopping, no problem, but coming back was a different matter as the bus didn’t turn up, and another wasn’t due for an hour. We decided to walk to the Market Square, as we had more than one bus we could get from there, but we still had 45mins to wait. Time for a drink, first bar was closing but pointed us in the direction of the local Wetherspoons, The Sugar Loaf, which was not to far from the next bus stop. Checked their website, great they had a ruby beer on, happy Captain. But no that was no longer available, grumpy Captain. He had to make do with a Singha lager, which luckily is one of his favourites. Well the bus turned up on time and we eventually got back to the boat. It made it a very long day.

Report on the curry in the next instalment.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR.

Week 8 Hawkesbury to Swan Lane Wharf, via Stoke Golding, 31 miles, 1 lock and 2 canals.

Monday, and the one and only lock between us and home, the little stop lock at Hawkesbury Junction. It was busy with boats moving in both directions.

We turned right at the junction and headed for Marston junction and the Ashby Canal. We passed NB The Last Derbyshire Miner, captained by Mark. I love the name of this boat as both my grandfathers were Derbyshire miners.

At the junction the Captain managed to miss the turn into the very narrow opening on to the Ashby. But being the expert that he is he soon had it sorted and we were off.

The Ashby, or to give it its full name the Ashby de la Zouch canal was 31 miles long, opened in 1804 and was used to connect the coalfields at Moira with the Coventry canal. At present there is only 22miles of navigable canal, it is hoped that this will change.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashby_Canal

We spent the night in the MONW.

After a lie in we set off with the plan to get to Hinkley, and hopefully catch up with Col and Mags again, as they moor at Trinity marina. But it was not to be, as we could not find a mooring near to the marina. We did however manage to moor near to a bus stop that could take us into Hinkley for the afternoon. So after lunch we set off, getting there was no problem, but getting back was a tale to tell. But first we had a look round Hinkley, a nice town centre, with a good choice of shops and 2 micropubs, the Pestle and Mortar and the Elbow Room. After picking up a few bits we headed to the Pestle and Mortar, definitely popular with the locals it had a friendly vibe, if a little on the noisy side. The Captain was very happy with the Titanic Stout, and I found a very palatable German lager. Only the one, as the buses stopped running around 5.30pm and we wanted to try the Elbow Room.

We have been in the Elbow Room before and found it very quiet, with not a lot of atmosphere, and things hadn’t changed.

https://thepestlehinckley.co.uk/#homep

https://www.facebook.com/elbowroomalehouse/?locale=en_GB

Well, now to the story of the magical mystery tour, or maybe I should call it a senior moment. The bus was due and the Captain said we could catch it just up from the pub, but the bus stop had disappeared, then the bus went sailing past us, panic ensued (well I panicked) and we rushed to the bus station, and heavens be there was the bus, the number 7. On we jumped. It wasn’t until 10mins later the Captain asked ‘where is this bus going?’ ‘Burbage’ I replied. ‘Its going the wrong way’ was his next statement. What could we do? So we stayed on and did the full round trip back at the bus station. Checking Google we now needed the number 6, it would get us to about 10 mins walk from the boat. So we started looking for the number 6, when suddenly our number 7 became number 6. The bus driver, who had been our driver into town, and on out rural tour, was very helpful and asked if we were trying to get back from were he picked us up early in the afternoon, and of course we said yes. So he took pity on us and dropped us off as near as he could to our original bus stop. A very very nice man. What an afternoon.

Next day and short hop to Stoke Golding and The George and Dragon. This pub belongs to Churchend Brewery, and always has a great selection of their beers on. The Captain is partial to Gravedigger Mild and Coffin Stout.

https://www.churchendbrewery.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/ganddstokegolding/?locale=en_GB

The pub doesn’t open until 6pm, so we decided to go, and have tea when we got back. This was a mistake, as it was the monthly quiz. Me and the Captain love a good quiz, and would have stayed to take part, but we needed to eat. We did have a go at the picture round and stayed and listened to the first set of questions were we got 10 out of 12. Maybe we will drop lucky another time.

Thursday and it was time to turn round and head home, but not before meeting up at The Greyhound on Friday with Col and Mags.

Col and Mags

They booked a table for 6.30pm and we had a wander down around 6, it was quite busy so another couple invited us to sit at their table whilst we waited. Of course we got chatting, and it turned out we had met before on the Braunston flight of locks last year. Paul and Mia were in the process of buying their boat Hazel at this time, and Mia watched as I did the lock as she wasn’t sure how it worked exactly. I was happy to hear they both loved the life afloat, and are based on the Ashby most of the time. Col and Mags joined us, and after more chat we left them in peace and went to eat.

We had a lovely night.

On our way into the basin next day we called in at Swan Lane for a quick pump out, and I nipped to Lidl to pick up a few bits. Then we headed off down to Coventry Basin, we were joined by Steve and Yvonne on Precious Jet for a couple of nights.

I had arranged to meet Maria, a friend from work for a catch up, and she bought her grand daughter Amelia with her. After a drink and a chat I took them to see the boat leaving the Captain in the Hops d’Amour. Amelia was fascinated by the boat and how we lived our lives, and asked all sorts of questions, as only children can.

When we said our goodbyes I went back to the Hop to find Steve and Yvonne had joined the Captain.

It turned out to be Coventry Motofest over the weekend, so there were lots of noisy cars about.

On Sunday we headed into town to look at the cars on display, watched some of the races and generally just enjoyed the sun and the party atmosphere.

https://www.coventrymotofest.com/

A couple more nights in the basin and we headed back to Swan Lane to get ready for our holibobs to Zadar in Croatia.

Zadar Sunset

That’s the end of our first adventure. On our return from Croatia we will be heading off again, north east this time hoping to get to Ripon, Boston, Sheffield and then heading up the Erewash for family time and to welcome our new grandson who is due in September.

A PRETTY CANAL. WEEK 6, MISSED THIS ONE, SORRY

Avon Barrel Cottage

Week 6 Stratford upon Avon to Warwick 21 Miles 55 Locks 1 Tunnel and 2 canals.

The Stratford upon Avon canal, is a lovely rural canal with small villages dotted along its route, the barrel roofed cottages are unique to this canal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratford-upon-Avon_Canal

We started this part of our cruise by doing the 4 narrow locks out of Stratford and mooring outside the Premier Inn. On the way up we met a CRT worker who was dredging behind the lock gates to make sure the gates would open fully, we encountered this problem last time we travelled this way and it caused much fun and games. I chatted with him for a while and found out we had a mutual acquaintance, I won’t bore you with the details but its a small world.

We moored here because there is a Lidl 5mins walk away, and I needed a ‘big’ shop, so both granny trolleys came out. £100 later and everything put away we got chatting to the guy off the hire boat that was moored behind us.

He was an old hand at boating. Unfortunately he didn’t tell a happy story, as one of his crew had had an accident at the last lock they had done, and he was in A&E with a broken wrist. He did say they had been drinking. Now I am very much live and let live, but we have a rule on the good ship Avalon Two, no beer (or wine) until the locks are done, and usually until we are moored up, and this is the reason, a trip or fall could ruin our plans. But like I say each to their own.

It was an earlyish start next day and we did 12 locks and 5 miles. 11 of the locks were the Wilmcote flight. We met a lone Volunteer lockee coming down with a boat, and then never saw him again. Then 3 locks to go, and praise be 2 more Volunteers appeared, great a bit of help for me. But they walked by only wishing me good afternoon, and advice on how a crack a paddle to help with shutting the bottom gate. No help at all. All I can assume is that they were heading to get their ‘snap’, a Derbyshire miners term for dinner, or if you’re posh lunch.

So without any help at all, we made it to the top and headed off for a mooring in the MONW for the night.

After an early start again we crossed the Edstone Aqueduct, quite an amazing feat of engineering, it is a trough aqueduct which basically means the boat is in an iron trough raised above the towpath. The views are stunning but its not great if you don’t like heights.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edstone_Aqueduct

9 locks and 6 miles later and we reached the Fleur-de-Lys pub at Lowsonford. Our first attempt at mooring was not very successful, as we were about 4ft to long for the gap, there was a little git gap going on but hey ho, nothing we could do about it. The Captain poddled off to check out the mooring further up, and found a great spot. As the afternoon wore on, the moorings filled up, as more boats turned up, maybe to try the pub who knows. We didn’t bother, gasp of horror, we had been before and wasn’t overly impressed, but don’t be put off by us, give it a try. We were both tired from the early starts and the locks, so had an early night.

https://www.thefleur.co.uk/

We set off next day after a lie in with a definite goal, the Tom O’ the Wood at Rowington. The Captain had booked us a table for date night, it was Friday after all. With 9 locks and 4miles ahead of us we set off. There was a boat in front, which meant we had to reset each and ever lock, we were going up and no boat came down the lock. We also had a boat behind us. Being the friendly boaters we are, we did our best to help the crew by opening the bottom paddles to empty the lock, meaning it was in their favour. We were always careful to make sure no boat was coming towards us, and that we could see the boat behind, just in case they decided to stop between locks, which had happened to us in the past. At the very last lock the Captain needed a minute to himself (the loo) so I stayed at the lock and helped them through. The lady crew was very thankful.

We had reached Kingswood Junction, and here we were turning off the Stratford canal and on to a branch of the Grand Union.

That was the end of the locks for the day, and we were soon moored outside the pub.

The meal at the Tom O’ the Woods was amazing, and I would highly recommend giving it a try.

https://www.tomothewood.co.uk/index

The Captain took pity on me next day and delayed doing the Hatton flight of 21 locks in 2 miles until Sunday. We cruised to the top of the locks in the beautiful weather, and then took a walk to the Hatton Arms, which was doing a roaring trade in the sunshine. No darks on but he found a palatable bitter to quench his thirst.

https://hattonarms.com/

The Grand Union is a wide canal, so the locks are double lock, which means you can get 2 boats in side by side. I was really hoping another boat would come and join us, and there would be volunteer lock keepers to help us too. But neither of my wishes came true.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatton_Locks

The flight was surprisingly quiet, and we only saw 4 boats, and all going the other way, this helped me and I didn’t need to reset every lock. But the bottom gates were leaking, so I had to top most of them up to get the gate to open. Now these locks have the paddles I hate, as they take many turns with my windlass to raise them, 22 to be exact, and they were very stiff. The gates are quite heavy too. The Captain helped out as much as he could, but by lock 17 I was seriously struggling and we changed roles. I stayed on the boat and took it out of the lock, whilst the Captain worked us through. I did really well, and was very proud of myself, and the Captain was too. It took us 4 ¼ hours to get to the bottom, and not long after that we were moored at the Cape of Good Hope.

We met many gongoozlers on the way down, and even asked a group of Ozzies if they would like a ride down the lock, we made their day.

And of course we had to go to the pub, the Captain was really really happy they had a milk stout on from the Bristol Beer Factory.

https://www.thecapeofgoodhopepub.com/

Because the beer was so good we decided to stay for an extra drink, and for a change I had a pink gin with frozen mixed berries. It looked and tasted really nice. An American lady from a group of 4 came over and asked what I was drinking, so I offered her a sip, she was impressed. As we left I asked if she had tried it for herself, and apparently they had had 3 doubles between them, they were a merry bunch.

We had made it to Warwick, but decided not to visit the town, as we had an engagement at Hawksbury Junction the following weekend to get to.

NEARLY HOME

 

Week 7 Warwick to Hawksbury Junction 41 miles 28 locks.

We only stayed 1 night at the Cape of Good Hope, but in doing so I was able to say hi to Gook Vincent Herbert, who with his partner and friends was on a hire boat heading for the lock. There was a lot of hand gestures as Gook is deaf, and I don’t know sign language. But we managed to exchange pleasantries as they cruised by.

Only 2 locks next day, thank God, I ached all over. Whilst the Captain readied the boat I walk down to set the lock, only to see 2 boats in the lock below coming up, so being a helpful boater I opened the gates for them and helped them lock up.

We had been joined by another boat, NB First Dawn, which was great news for me. I got chatting to Shirley the crew as we did the locks, and found out it was a share boat. Her husband Dave would love to live on a boat, but she is less enthusiastic, but she enjoys the holidays and likes doing the locks like me. We only did 2 locks together as our plan was to get some shopping at Lidl (for a tapas feast next weekend), and then moor up in the MONW for the night, and they were heading for Long Itchington, they said they might stay for a couple of days, so we might see them again.

Next day and back to normal with 10 locks for me to do, including our first staircase locks of the season at Bascote. This type of lock has no pounds between them, and you use the water from the next lock to raise the boat, if you are going up like we were.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/go-boating/a-guide-to-boating/different-types-of-locks

The canal was busy, and luckily for me most of the locks were set in our favour, and I spotted my second kingfisher of the season, the Captain missed it so now we are equal.

We moored at Long Itchington, which is a lovely village with 5 pubs, yes 5, but we decided to try only one on this occasion, the Two Boats which sits right on the canal. (We have been in all of them in the past).

https://www.wellsandco.com/pubs/68/the-two-boats-long-itchington

On our way to the pub there was a beautiful black cat on the towpath, it lived on NB Majestik and we got chatting to her owner, who reminded us both of the actress Miriam Margolyes. We had a long talk about boaty things and putting the canal world to right.

So at the pub, the Captain had to make do with DNA by Charles Wells, a bitter, but he said it was okay. We sat outside in the sun and who should come a long, Shirley and Dave. They joined us and we chatted about this and that.

Next day and 13 more locks, we decided to wait for Shirley and Dave to share the locks, not knowing that the boat moored in front of us, NB Muddle Puddle were waiting for them too. This meant we were billy no mates once again, and had to follow them up the Stockton flight. We didn’t really mind, we have our own routine for doing locks and it works well for us.

It was a lovely hot sunny day, and whilst I waited for the locks to fill or empty, I watched the pretty blue tits using all their acrobatic skills on wafer thin branches collecting food for their young.

At Calcutt locks we met up with NB LXI (Lexy) and its butty Countess, it slowed us down a little, but I went up to help out and we were soon through the last lock of the day.

After a late start we headed for Braunston, the canal was like the M1, with lots of movements. At one corner we met a hire boat coming the other way, and right towards us, the Captain took evasive action and managed to avoid a collision. We then followed NB Two Jays for a while, to start with they were all over the canal, its Captain was trying to steer sitting low down, and couldn’t control the boat or see were he was going. He soon realised he needed to stand up, and things got better from there. We passed them as they moored up, and found out they had only had the boat a short time. They will soon get the hang of it.

As we passed through Braunston, which some call the spiritual home of narrowboats, including the guy I recognised painting his boat. It was non other than Mr Robbie Cummings himself on NB Naughty Lass. For those who don’t know Robbie has a programme on BBC 4 called Canal Boat Diaries.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2023/18/canal-boat-diaries-ep4

We have met Robbie before on the Wolverhampton flight, but our boat was blue then so he didn’t recognise us (not surprised). We had a quick chat before continuing on our way.

Although we were not intending to do the 3 single side by side locks at Hillmorton, we changed our minds and decided to get them out of the way. There were a couple of lockees on who helped us a bit, and we were soon down and moored up just round the corner. The lockees told us they had had a very quiet day up to that point, well it didn’t last as boat after boat passed us going in both directions.

https://www.hillmortonlocks.co.uk/

The Hillmorton locks were the last locks on this journey (well a part for the little stop lock at Hawksbury Junction), and I wasn’t sorry at all. After an early start, but not as early as some, we headed for Rugby and Tesco just to pick up some essentials, then on to Hawksbury. On the way we passed Precious Jet, our mate Steve’s boat, moored at Armada Wharf, the Captain contacted him and found out he was moving his boat to Hawksbury next day, so we organised to meet up and go for a meal at the Greyhound.

The day was lovely and sunny, and we thought the pub would be packed, it was busy outside but almost empty inside, bonus. We got a table and had a very enjoyable time with Steve and Yvonne.

Next day and time for Tapas, Col and Mags joined us for the afternoon, and it finished the weekend off very nicely.

As we have a week to kill we have decided to head up the Ashby Canal before going back to Coventry, but that’s for next time.