Doublefracture on the move

An explanation.

2011-11-17T13:15:00.001Z

A quick explanation of what has been happening with my blog. After the posting on the 11th of October we carried on through Great Hayward Junction to Rugeley and Fradley. At Fradley we could not get a mooring even at that time of year. So on we went to Alrewas where we stayed for two days. On the 21st of October we moored at Branston where we met Pamela, Nathan and Archie. While they were with us we took a trip down to Willington and back stopping ay the Millhouse at Clay Mills for a meal and a drink. The 26th of October saw us at Kedleston Hall for our last National Trust visit this season. That evening Pamela, Nathan and Archie went home and the next day means Marlene took a trip down to see Stephen and the boys. While there we went to see Tin Tin in 3D, I was surprised how good the 3D was. Returning to the boat on the 31st we move back to Barton Turns. Next day we went into Barton Marina for the winter. We were surprised that Mike and his wife on Molly Rose were no longer moored there. Where are you Mike, have you escaped.When I came to post this on the 2nd of November the iPad would not publish it. All I got was an error from Google.Not knowing what was wrong I contacted Google. Thankfully it is now cured, thank you Google. That just leaves me to thank all my followers and sign off until next season.

Back at Barton, thanks to our followers till next year.

2011-11-07T18:59:00.001Z

Shorter days, longer nights.

2011-10-11T14:25:00.000+01:00

It seems that the nights have drawn in a lot this week, by six thirty it is getting dark. As a result the solars don't work as long and we are using more power.I surpose with the good weather we had last week it appears to have happened all at once. So as winter gets ever closer we get ever closer to our winter mooring. On Friday we left Coven Heath and moved on to Penkridge having stopped at Gailey to water up. Gailey was the first of six locks that would take us into Penkridge. At the side of the lock is a round tower that is the home of a craft and gift shop.Penkridge is a lovey little town and is a good place from which to visit Stafford. Taking this opportunity on Saturday we caught the 9-43 bus for the twenty minute journey into Stafford, returning to the boat for lunch. Sunday was a warmer day so we went for a walk over the fields finding paths to make it a curular walk taking about an hour. First thing Monday morning we did four and a half mile and four locks and moored near the village of Acton Trussell. This morning we only traveled two mile and one lock to Radford bank. From here you can walk into Stafford, which we propose to do tomorrow.

Unseasonable Weather.

2011-10-06T15:38:00.001+01:00

First thing Monday morning we climbed the Tyrley flight of locks without any problems. Carried on past the moorings at Goldstone then couldn't find a suitable place to moor. Along most of the banks of the Shropshire Union is a ledge that prevents getting close in with the boat. We finally moored near bridge 47.While there I made the effort and painted some more of the roof. We arranged to have the engine serviced by a mobile engineer, we were to meet him at high bridge on Thursday. To check there was a good mooring we moved down there on Tuesday evening and found it was unsuitable, so we carried on to Norbury Junction for the night. Having over shot our meeting point we had to find another place to meet him. Wednesday was another warm and sunny day(we are doing well with the weather)so we did the two mile to Gnosall, then phoned the engineer to inform him of the change of venue. To our surprise he came that afternoon and did the service.So free to do what we liked on Thursday we decided to take the bus into Telford, now I know I shouldn't criticise places but Telford is just a large shopping centre surrounded by retail parks. In my defence Marlene and I thought we must have missed the town centre, however people we have asked about this say not, what we saw is what there is. Moving on on Friday after a walk along the old railway track at Gnosall we moored at bridge 25 before moving to Wheaton Aston for the weekend. More very warm weather caused us to have to call in the Hartley Arms after our walk, just to cool down. A warm day with a little more cloud on Sunday so our need for refreshment was not as great after our walk round the fields.At the start of yet another week(dosn't time fly by)we found a nice mooring where I could carry on with the painting without leaves blowing on it. This was just before Brewood,( pronounced Brood) but within walking distance of the village. In the afternoon a garden umbrella from the caravan site opposite blew into the canal. Attempts were made to retrieve it by its owners failed, in the end we untied the boat and with Marlene steering and me on the bow we drifted over and managed to hook it out with a boat hook lent to us by another couple. Staying a second day at this mooring we took a walk to a local reservoir to do a little bird watching, when we got the hides they were locked and a code was needed to unlock them,not knowing the code we left by a different path to discover you had to be members of a club to use these hides. Yesterday we moved down to the village moorings and had a night out in the bridge Inn. Today we came to the end of the Shropshire Union and turned left onto the Staffs and Worcester, it is windy and we are moored near Coven Heath. Once again we have an intenet conection, a rare occasion since my last posting. Today the unseasonable weather has come to an end, although it's bright it is cold and windy.

Magnet to the rescue.

2011-09-25T18:48:00.000+01:00

Leaving Nantwich on Wednesday morning we went up the two locks at Hack Green. Near the locks is the Secret Nuclear Bunker With all the signs pointing to it, it is not a very well kept secret. It is of course a museum, we took Stephens boys there in 2009. On Wednesday we carried on and moored for the night between bridges 83 & 84. The following morning we cruised down to Audlum Locks. After the first two we moored and walked into the village before completing the other thirteen locks. We had a good day with most of the locks set ready for us. We moored for the night just before bridge 62, it was not a good mooring as a shelf stopped us getting right into the bank. Next morning we discovered that if we had gone past bridge 62 there was a proper mooring. Starting out on Friday morning our first task were the five locks at Adderley. With these behind us we moored two mile before Market Drayton, as is our habit we went for a walk. On our return I dropped the keys in the canal. We were locked out, our only hope was to try and fish them out with our magnet on a length of rope. It took some time but we were finally rewarded when our keys came up on the magnet. Lesson learned we now have a cork float on the key ring. Just a short run saw us in Market Drayton on Saturday morning where we filled up with diesel at the Talbot Wharf. As we arrived at Market Drayton we met an old work mate of mine(Dave Woodward)who we had last seen in Nantwich in 2009. Today we are still in Market Drayton, walking and relaxing. Tomorrow we tackle the five Tyrley locks a rise of 33ft.

Hire boaters?or Regular boaters?

2011-09-20T14:58:00.000+01:00

As planned we spent the weekend at Wheelock. On Sunday we went for a walk along a dissused railway track. On Monday morning fully rested we Moved on to Middlewich it was a warm sunny day but still windy. We did the six mile and five locks, arriving at the left turn onto the Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch at two pm. After completing the turn and rising up Wardle lock we moored and had a late lunch. Staying at Middlewich till Wednesday we then carried on to the mooring at Church Minshull. At this point I discovered that my Vodaphone signal was none existent, which is why this post is my first since the tenth.Right where was I, yes we stayed at Church Minshull until Thursday evening, when after a walk through the village and back over the fields to rejoin the canal at bridge eleven then back to the boat at bridge fourteen we moved the short distance to moor near Aquaduct Marina.Leaving the mooring we came to the first of two locks that day. As we approached the lock gates opened for a boat to leave the lock, as we were very close we expected them to stay open for us to enter. We then witnessed the people closing the gates, I blew the horn but they ran to the other end and proceeded to refill the lock. It was quite clear that they had seen us but had no intension of waiting. When I challenged them about it they mumbled an unconvincing excuse. At the second lock that day the very opposite happened. Although the view from the lock was obstructed by a bridge the people checked before refilling the lock and waited for us to enter the lock. That is I suppose the difference between hire boaters and regular boaters. The first group were just on a booze cruise. At Barbridge Junction we turned right heading for Chester, however we were only going to the service point then turning round just above the Bunbury locks. This done we moored at Calveley. As I needed to buy my lottery ticket for the weekend I walked the mile into Bunbury village while Marlene did some baking. Bunbury village is in two parts and I had to ask where the shop was as it was in the far side of the village.We spent the weekend at Calveley and on Saturday we both walked into Bunbury for a drink and a sandwich at the Dysart Inn.Yesterday morning we went back through Barbridge Junction, mooring for lunch at Hurleston Junction( where the Llangollen Canal goes off)and took a walk round Hurls-ton Reservoir. Later in the afternoon we moved on to Nantwich where we are now moored for the night. This morning we walked into Nantwich in the rain for some shopping. We have decided to stay another night before moving on.

Damson Jam

2011-09-10T15:16:00.002+01:00

First thing Tuesday morning we reversed Doublefracture to the corner where Marlene turned the boat in text book fashion. Heading back down the Macclesfield canal to the Trent and Mersey where we turned left and went down the three locks to the service point so we could water up and get rid of our rubbish.A further three locks and we arrived at Church Lawton where we stopped for the night. Our next mooring on Wednesday was at Rode Heath after another six locks. At one of the locks we met a lady selling jams and cheese scones for St Orman Street Hospital, we bought some scones. There was some nice walks round Rode Heath. On our Wednesday walk we found a damson tree. So on Thursday we went back and picked about 7lb of Damsons. On Friday we made jam, nine jars in all. This morning we left Rode Heath heading for Wheelock where we plan to spend the weekend. The weather took a turn for the better as we set off. After three days of cloud, wind and the odd shower, the sun finally came out. We arrived at lunch time after dropping down fourteen locks. Although the sun stayed out the wind caused Marlene some problems at the locks, but she coped.

2011-09-04T12:38:00.002+01:00

As planned we were moored back at Etruria around lunch time on Thursday. After lunch we went into the Etruria Industrial Museum for a look round. This was Jesse Shirley's Etruscan Bone and Flint Mill, grinding bone and Flint for the pottery industry. Bone for bone china and Flint for earthen ware. The flint first had to be roasted (or calcined)to make it easier to grind. It was an interesting afternoon the highlight being the 1820 beam engine that powered the machinery. That afternoon they were running it for a test so we saw it working, normally it only runs on a weekend and bank holidays.
Come Friday morning we move on to Westport Lake, the morning was bright with a little cloud around midday. In the afternoon we walked into Tunstall the nearest town so Marlene could have her cut. Saturday we stayed at the lake walking and generally relaxing. This morning we took the short trip to the Harecastle Tunnel, after about half an hour it was our turn to go through there were four boats going through we were third in line. We have done the tunnel twice before but this morning it seemed to take forever, in reality it took 40 minutes. Now we are moored at the start of the Macclesfield Canal, a mooring we like, having moored here twice before. It is interesting as the Macclesfield Canal goes over the Trent and Mersey at this point. We aim to stay here a couple of nights and do some walking, before dropping back down to the Trent and Mersey and on to Middlewich.

Froghall community day.

2011-08-31T13:58:00.007+01:00

After a sunny start to the day the showers finally arrived Wednesday evening. By this time we were moored for the night at the start of the Leek Branch of the Caldon. Before the showers hit us we had walked down the locks on the main line of the Caldon which drop the canal
25ft 10ins from Hazelhurst Junction to take it under the Leek Branch on it's way to Froghall. Passing under the aqueduct which carries the Leek Branch we came to the Holly Bush pub where we were to meet Pamela , Nathan and Archie on Friday evening. Carrying on passed the pub we walked as far as the Deep Hayes Country Park before turning back to retrace our steps to the aqueduct only this time we climbed the steps and returned to the boat along the Leek Branch. The morning of Thursday saw us complete the two and a half mile down this very picturesque branch of the canal to moor at it's terminus just outside Leek. We didn't actually find the town centre but did some shopping at the local Morrisons. While there I spent a short time talking to one of the men that crew the narrow boat Beatrice which gives needy and disabled children a chance to experience the canals.
Heavy showers greeted us on Friday morning, however we had to travel back to Hazelhurst Junction then down the locks to the Holly Bush pub. The wettest part of the trip was while we were descending the locks. In the evening our quests arrived leaving their car in the pub car park for the weekend, this was by arrangement with the landlord and included booking a table for our return on Monday afternoon. Cruising down to Froghall on Saturday was a damp affair due to short sharp showers, but we finally moored for the night just before the Froghall tunnel. This tunnel is only about five foot high and at the last lock before the tunnel you go under a gage to see if you can pass through it. We failed mainly because of the boxes on top of the boat, although the cratch and the solar panels my have been a little wide.
Sunday was the day of the Froghall Community Day a fund raising event for the Caldon and Uttoxeter Canal Trust and the Beatrice Charity. It was a small but interesting event. Afterwards we walked down to the Churnet Valley Railway where Nathan and Archie went for a ride on the steam train. Around three o clock we started back up the canal on the return leg of our journey. At Consall Forge I took some photo's of doublefracture passing the Black Lion pub, this is the pub on one of our place mats. Unfortunately we missed getting the train in the photo like the place mat. We stopped at Cheddleton to look round the Flint Mill on Monday morning having moored for the night at Wood's Lock. Alas the mill wasn't open that day. Once again it was a showery day when we arrived back at the Holly bush where we moored than had a pleasant meal before Pamela, Nathan and Archie went home.
After a pleasant but showery bank holiday Marlene and I left the Holly Bush one Tuesday morning we climbed the Hazelhurst locks in rain before mooring at Park Lane for lunch, then down the Stockton Brook flight and mooring for the night just below Engine lock.
Today was washing day so we are still at the same mooring for tonight. Tomorrow we will arrive back at Etruria, after that, well that will be the subject of my next posting.

A bad start to the Caldon.

2011-08-23T11:43:00.006+01:00

Well so much for not getting a signal down the Caldon canal, I have a better signal than normal. Anyhow, we had rather a bad start on Monday morning. I went up to the staircase lock while Marlene came round in the boat. It seemed to take ages before she arrived. When the boat came up level on the first part of the lock Marlene said there was no power in the engine. I decided to look in the weed hatch, low and behold I found a cushion rapped around the propeller. We continued into the second part of the lock,coming out at the top we still had little power in the engine, back in the weed hatch. This time I found a green plastic sack rapped round the propeller.
Finally we were on our way, the first five mile is through the urban sprawl but then we came into lovely countryside between Milton and engine lock,so we moored for the night.
We didn't expect to move this morning, as the forecast was for heavy rain. Infact it is warm and sunny so we travelled up engine lock through two lift bridges and then up the five locks of the Stckton Brook flight a rise of 41ft 1pm. We are now moored in open country near the Stoke on Trent Boat Club. Just before we got here there was an obstruction in the middle of the canal, which looked a bit like a mini roundabout, wiered.

Westport Lake.

2011-08-20T09:29:00.002+01:00

The morning of Tuesday the16th Aug saw us leave Stone heading for the Couldon Canal. Climbing the Meaford flight of locks (32ft 5ins) we reached Barlaston where we stopped to have a look round and visit the shop. We were surprised to see that the local train station was closed and in it's place a replacement bus service. Mooring just out of the village for the night we relaxed and watched the geese fly in and out of the fields opposite. Wednesday arrived warm and sunny so we stayed where we were and painted some more of the roof.
We left the peace and quiet on Thursday morning up the 11ft 11 ins Trentham lock heading for Stoke on Trent. This is not the most picturesque stretch of canal but we finally arrived at the bottom of the Stoke locks. On arrival we were behind two more boats, it appeared the elderly chap in the first boat was on his own and needed help through the locks, so he waited for another boat to come along. So for the five Stoke locks we helped him through between us. After two of the five we were caught up by another boat, the man on this boat was not amused and said he should not be on the canal if he couldn't do the locks on his own. As the old chap had lost his wife and still needed to live on his boat, a little tolerance is not a lot to ask surely, after all none of us are in a hurry, are we?
Right having got that off my chest let's carry on. At the top of the Stoke flight the Couldon Canal goes off to the right, however we decided to go past the junction and on to Westport lake a small oasis in the urban sproal that is Stoke. Going up to the Harecastle Tunnel on Friday we watered up the turned the boat (i must admit I made a mess of it the first atempt) and returned to the lake for a second night.
Today we are heading back to the Coulden Canal, we are told that phone signals are hard to come bye down the Coulded so it may be some time before my next posting.

A mini cruise for Stephen.and the boys.

2011-08-15T14:47:00.003+01:00

Well the weekend in Ripon lasted till Thursday, then Richard drove us back to the boat. On arrival he then went up to Stone to collect Stephen and his three boys, they were coming till Sunday evening. While we were at Richards,Gill got stung by a wasp and her arm swelled up and was quite painful. Then low add behold on our way up to Weston upon Trent Marlene was stung on her hand, that was on Friday.
On Saturday we went on to Stone where we moored above the lock by the Star Inn. I think everybody must have decided to visit Stone. As I have never seen it so busy. Sunday we stayed in where we were and the boys played cricket until it was time to go to the Star for lunch,Stephen very kindly treated us all. After lunch we went up three locks so we were moored near the railway station. The weekend was over far too soon, they left on the 20-06 from Stone, it would be very late before they got home.
Today I had to take Marlene to the doctors as her hand was badly swollen, the cream we bought at the chemist didn't seem to be working. So Marlene is on antibiotics just like Gill was. These wasps have a lot to answer for.

Towpath Biirthday Tea.

2011-08-07T14:59:00.003+01:00

While on the mooring at Alrewas we were joined by Maid of Oak the narrowboat belonging to Julie and Peter from the Taft(although peter wasn't there, Arthur was crewing for Julie) Peter came later to take Julie and Arthur for a meal.Julie was a founder member of the Boaters Christian Fellowship, which Marlene and me are members of. As I sat reading, Julie came and invited us to tea and cake on the towpath. We took our chairs and joined Julie and Arthur and two other members of the BCF at the appointed time. When Julie brought out the cake it had candles on and she announced it was her birthday. It was a pleasant two hours chatting and celebrating Julie's birthday.
Next morning we left Alrewas and went up to Fradley junction. It was the usual chaos at Fradley so we watered up and carried on to Woodend lock where we spent a peaceful night in the country. That was Tuesday on Wednesday we moved on to Rugeley did some shopping and moored for the night. On the way up we had trouble with the bolts we had had replaced,once again they had sheared off.Next morning we moved before breakfast as rain was threatened, a brief stop for breakfast at Taft bridge then on to Great Haywood and Shugborough Hall. Just as we were mooring up the rain finally arrived.
Brighter weather on Friday was very welcome as we were meeting Pamela,Nathan and Archie for a Picnic at Shugborough Hall and farm. It was a lovely day out and the weather held warm and sunny all day. Saturday morning Richard, Gill and Duncan came and picked us up for a weekend at there home in Ripon North Yorkshire.

Another two week gone.

2011-08-01T10:01:00.003+01:00

Since my last post on the 17th(or was that the 16th)we have been down to Shobnal Marina to have the bracket fixed. It took Andy an hour to remove the old bolts and raplace them with new ones.
This stretch of the Trent and Mersy was starting to get busy with boats gathering for the IWA Festival at Burton on Trent. We left the Marina and headed back to one of our favourite moorings at Branston. While there we took a walk round the water park and watched the birds.
Moving on we moored at Barton Turns while we visited Pamela's for a birthday party for Nathan and Arcchie who's birthdays are close together. Returning to the boat we have been relaxing and going nowhere much. We are now moored at Alrewas on a 14 day mooring waiting for the festival traffic to calm down. Over the weekend we were talking to one of our readers who were walking along the towpath. It is always nice to meet people who read the blog, so thanks for stopping for a chat. Still can't upload pictures, sorry.

What a difference a week makes.

2011-07-16T10:37:00.004+01:00

It is a week since my last post and the weather is a lot different. Last Sunday I was painting the roof of the boat in sunshine. Today I am watching the rain come down in buckets. We stayed at Penkridge till Monday morning, then we moved on to Acton Trussel. On the way there we called into a boatyard for then to look at a bracket that had come loose, infact the bolts had sheared off. The rest of the brackets were still holding it but I thought I should let someone look at it. As it was they couldn't fix it and recommended that I take it to Shobnal Marina in Burton on Trent. On Tuesday we moved to Rockford Bank the nearest mooring to Stafford where we had an appointment at the bank on Wednesday. It was nice and sunny Wednesday morning so we walked the mile and a half into Stafford,after doing some shopping we presented ourselves at the bank at the appropriate time. It took two hours to get everything sorted out,we were gagging for a warm drink. While in Stafford we visited Vodaphone and up graded the dongle to an iPad this has made it a lot better to get on the Internet . Returning to the boat (by bus) we moved on to Tixel wide where we moored for the night. Tixel wide is a place where I assume the canal at one time broke it's bank and flooded, it is now a very pleasant place to moor. Passing. Through Great Hayward Junction on Thursday we carried on passed Shugborough Hall until finally mooring at Rugeley for the night. Friday we carried on heading for Fradley Junction where we were going to stop for the night, however when we got.there all the moorings were full so we carried on to Alrewas. Today we are hoping to go to the Alrewas Show if this rain ever stops, or even slows down. There are no pictures today as I am not sure how to upload photo's from the iPad.

Very Heavy Rain.

2011-07-09T19:34:00.008+01:00

Before I start this post I must tell you about something I forgot in my last posting. Coming up the Staffs and Worcester we kept seeing faces on trees and posts. Some body had been very busy.Slipping our mooring early we moved back down to Autherley Junction and watered up while we had breakfast, well that was the plan. In the end we had had breakfast and both of us showered and still the water tank wasn't full. After an hour and a half it finally filled to the top.It was quite a nice morning so we passed through the stop lock and turned left onto the Staffs and Worcester canal. At about 12-o-clock the heavens opened and we moored where we were, even so we both got very wet. The weather never really got much better so we stayed where we were for the night.
Next morning the rain had passed, leaving our mooring just north of Coven Heath. After four and a half hours we moored at Penkridge a lovely little town not far from Stafford. Walking down town to do some shopping we once again got caught in heavy rain but it was short lived. Today I replaced some tiles that had dropped of round the wood burner.Later we took the bus into Stafford and made an appointment at the bank for Wednesday to review our accounts.At lunch time we had a meal and a pint(or two) at Weatherspoons. The pub used to be a cinema and still has the tiered seating areas and the bar is where the screen used to be.Today's pictures are some tree and post faces and Autherley Junction.

Another National Trust House.

2011-07-06T17:10:00.009+01:00

Leaving Kinver on Thursday morning we did 10 locks plus a 2 lock staircase. This brought us to Wombourne, we moored at the visitor mooring for the night. On Friday morning we arrived at Bratch locks, Not a staircase but very similar. I emptied the first of the 3 locks, that was my big mistake the lock keeper was not impressed as there were two boats on thier way down. I went back to Marlene and moored the boat to wait. When the two boats cleared the bottom lock it was our turn to go up.
I will try and explain the way these locks work,if I can. Each lock has a top and bottom gate but between the top of one and the bottom of the next is just enough space to open the gates. You then have blue paddles which allow the water to go sideways into a side pound when you empty the lock above with the red paddles. Then when you need the water to refill the lock the water is retrieved from the side pound. when you get to the top lock it is just the same as a normal lock. That may seem very complicated but when the lock keeper shows you how it works it is simple. We moored at Wightwick where we were meeting Pamela and Archie who were coming for the weekend.
On Saturday we all visited Wightwick Manor(National Trust)which has some lovely gardens. In the evening we went to the Mermaid Inn for a meal which was great. After a quiet morning we walked to the nearby locks so Archie could see the boats come through and help with the gates,then Pamela and Archie went home.
Moving a short distance to Compton we moored so we could find a doctors, our three month prescriptions were running out. While Marlene did some washing I found a surgery and made an appointment for 8-45am Tuesday for us both to see a doctor for a new prescription.
Up early Tuesday we kept our appointments then Marlene went for her hair cutting while I took the new prescriptions to the chemist to be filled. Today we left Compton after queueing at the lock,Then in very heavy rain made our way to Autherley Junction where we turned left through the stop lock onto the Shropshire Union canal. We only travelled to bridge five then we turned round and moored for the night.

On to the Staffs and Worcester Canal.

2011-06-29T20:17:00.011+01:00

It was a hot Sunday as we started up the River Seven, we had dropped down the Diglis locks with NB Conisborough. It took us five hours to complete the 12 mile and 3 locks to Stourport on Seven. The 3 locks were operated by BW lock keepers. We decided to moor for the night on the river,we would lock into the Basin in the morning. Getting up on Monday I noticed the river was flowing rather fast,after breakfast I set the first two locks(the first of two, two lock staircases)while Marlene brought Doublefracture round from the mooring turning into the lock against the flow. Going through the basin we then locked up onto the Staffs and Worcester canal. Travelling out of Stourport into the country and moored for the rest of the day.
On Tuesday morning we cruised into Kidderminster to do some shopping before travelling on to Wolverley mooring just above the lock. Wolverley is a quaint little village with one house built into the rock. A visit to ST John the Baptist Church was a real pleasure, the brick built church was above the village.
This morning we moved on to Kinver another nice village with a good high street, unfortunately a lot of the shops were closed, half day.Along this stretch of canal there have been some lovely rock sides to some locks(see Photo's). The other two pictures are Stourport Basin and Wolverley village.

A pair of National Trust Houses.

2011-06-25T18:19:00.013+01:00

It was warm and sunny on Tuesday morning,so at 9-30am we started to descend the 30 locks of the Tardebigge flight. By 1-30pm we had arrived at the bottom lock a descent of 217ft. We moored for the night and went for a short walk before our evening meal.
The weather was still warm and sunny on Wednesday morning when we did a further 12 locks dropping another 84ft. Mooring at the bottom of the 12th lock we had lunch then walked across the fields to Hanbury hall a National Trust house. Like all the houses we have visited it was a nice afternoon out, the gardens were beautiful(see photo's).Before mooring for the night we moved on passing the entrance to the Droitwich canal then mooring just past bridge 34.
First thing Thursday morning I tightened the belt on the engine as it had been making a slapping noise. After an early morning shower the day was cloudy but warm,so we moved on through the 230yrd Dunhampstead tunnel to the visitor mooring at Tibberton. Arriving there I regognized it as the place we had had a picnic at the side of the canal on our way back from Cornwall a few years before.
On Friday we passed under the M5 motorway and down the Offerton Flight of 6 locks(a 42ft drop) and entered the outskirts of Worcester, stopping at bridge 10 to do some urgently needed shopping. We then went into Worcester and moored at the Commandery. This building used to be a hospital founded by Bishop Wulstan in 1085. It also served as Charles 11s headquarters before the battle of Worcester in 1651.
Today we visited Greyfriars another National Trust property, then later we Visited the Cathedral and climbed the 325 steps to the top of the tower, the view was magnificent. We are staying by the Commandery for a second night, then dropping down the 2 locks at Diglis Basin on to the River Seven. As well as pictures of where we have been I have added a couple of pictures of flowers from our roof garden.

Cadbury World.

2011-06-20T14:22:00.007+01:00

As we were having breakfast on Thursday morming we were passed by Best of Mates,owned by Jennifer and Graham who we see quite often on our travels. Leaving Birmingham we cruised back to Kings Norton Junction. At the junction we headed toward Worcester. Just short of a mile from Kings Norton we came to Wast Hill Tunnel a two way tunnel at a length of 2726yds,it was wet inside. Mooring at Hopwood we waited for Pamela,Nathan and Archie to arrive on Friday evening. On Saturday we all went to Cadbury World, as we presented our tickets we were given a Crunshie and a Curlywurly each. Later as we passed through the History of chocolate and Cadbury we entered the packing area and recieved a bar of Dairy Milk. It was a great day out with even more chocolate than I have mentioned, some in warm liquid form. At the end of the tour you arrive at the shop where you are tempted to buy more chocolate. On Saturday evening we had a meal at the Hopwood house Inn which was next to the mooring. On Sunday morning we cruised down the canal to Alverchurch where we did some shopping before returning to Hopwood so our visitors could collect their car and return home. This morning we left Hopwood after turning the boat and once again cruised pest Alverchurch then through two more tunnels,one 613yds long and the second 580yds. I am writing this moored at the top of Tardebrigge locks(all 30 of them) ready to decend in the morning.

Trouble with the blog.

2011-06-15T20:13:00.004+01:00

Since I wrote my last posting last Friday I have been unable to publish it. This evening I got in touch with son Stephen who got it published. On Saturday we moved on to Kingswood Junction. We didn't move on Sunday due to heavy rain. First thing Monday morning we started up the Lapworth Flight 19 locks in the day mooring for the night at Hockley Heath. We finally found a hardware shop so I bought sand paper and paint and we did some work. Yesterday we moored opposite Lyons boatyard near bridge three. Thinking we would have a night out we went to the Horseshoe pub, big mistake we had a quick pint and returned to the boat. Must be the shortest night out in history. Today we traveled Gas Street in Birmingham calling at Cadbury World to book for Saturday.Pictures taken in Gas Street.

An unexpected swim.

2011-06-10T10:14:00.012+01:00

Yes, I know it's the 10th June not the 1st, but on our return to Warwick we decided to leave the boat for a week in the Saltisford Arm while we went up to Yorkshire to visit Mother. If you are near Warwick any time and need to leave your boat, there is no better place. You get the first night free then £4 a night for the rest of your stay. The manager of the moorings is a very pleasant man who is always willing to help.
In the week we were away with our Granddaughter two things happened, while moored at Long Itchington we were passed by the old working boat President and its butty Kildare. The second thing was Marlene got the hang of moving up the locks as a pair while going up Stockton Locks with the narrow boat More Contented See Pictures.

So yesterday we left the mooring and set off up the Hatton Flight of 21 locks. We were lucky and joined up with Sue & Barry on their boat As It Comes, they had already done two locks at the Cape. All went well, then at about the half way point Marlene slipped while leaving the lock and fell of the back of the boat. Barry taken by surprise managed to get both boats to the side,not an easy task. Mean while Marlene swam to the bank where she was helped out by some BW workmen who were working at the lock, this was lucky as it took me some time to get round from the other side of the lock.
Shaken but other wise unharmed we got her back on board for a shower followed by a nice cop of tea, good old tea. Myself, Sue and Barry then carried on up the locks. after about three more locks Marlene rejoined us for the final push to the top. My thanks to every body who helped and for the patience of the other boaters coming down the flight while we got sorted out.
Once at the top Marlene and I stopped for lunch while Sue and Barry carried on. We caught up with them at Turners Green Bridge where we all moored for the Night.
Today we are having a quiet day while Marlene gets over her ordeal.

A visitor from Ripon.

2011-05-21T18:24:00.008+01:00

On Monday morning we turned the boat at the winding hole near the Bridge Inn and headed back toward Warwick. After dropping down the three Calcutt Locks we moored at bridge twenty. Then after lunch we walked into the village of Stockton, on the way back we found a footpath so we did not have to return via the road. Next morning we descended the ten locks of the Stockton Flight and moored once again at long Itchington. Wednesday we did a car boot, starting at 12-o-clock. We caused a bit of amusement as we have no car we arrived on foot with all our gear in two trolleys and a rucksack. It was warm and sunny as it had been for some time now,then at 1-45 the heavens opened. Packing everything quickly we returned to the boat, very wet.
Our son Richard was cycling down from Ripon to join us for a couple of days. Due to a few miss directions he did not arrive until 10pm.The next day he should have gone on to Stephens near Reading, Instead he stayed with us until this morning. We did nothing much on Thursday and Friday,apart from Marlene having her hair trimmed.
This morning we waved goodbye to Richard then left to go down ten locks before mooring on the outskirts of Leamington Spar. We are staying here until Tuesday when we will go into Warwick. Then on Wednesday we are meeting our Granddaughter. In the following week we will be repeating the journey we have just done. With that in mind my next blog will be after Wednesday the first of June, Don't want to bore you all.

A sad end to an old boat.

2011-05-15T11:46:00.008+01:00

This week has flown by, Last Monday we moored outside the Blue Lias Inn where we had a lovely meal and a few drinks to celebrate Marlene's birthday. On Tuesday morning we ascended the remaining eight locks of the Stockton Flight. In the evening we moored at Napton Junction and had a visit from a pair of ducks that nearly came in the boat. Wednesday we stayed at Napton and walked into the village. Going we took a footpath over the hill, then we returned to Doublefracture along the towpath from Napton Locks.We left Napton on Thursday morning heading for Braunston. About a mile from Braunston we past the sad remains of an old wooden working boat which had been there last year when we passed. Looks like British Waterways doesn't move them very quickly. At Braunston we moored opposite the Boathouse Inn. On Friday we walked into Braunston village
Saturday morning we took the bus into Daventry to do some shopping.Returning to the boat at 12-30 we went to the next winding hole and turned round starting back to Napton. Arriving at Napton Narrow boats we backed in for diesel. In stead of being able to declare my own split we were told that the price was £1-22 a litre. At a 40-60 split this would make diesel for propulsion higher priced than road diesel. Mooring just past the marina we walked to a nursery and cafe where we bought some plants and had a cream tea.
We are staying at Napton for Saturday night and Sunday.

Marlene's Birthday.

2011-05-09T10:53:00.006+01:00

On Friday we stayed moored where we were and walked in to Long Itchington. A notice on the village notice board asked people to collect two litre plastic pop bottles so they could use them to build a greenhouse(an interesting project). Coming back a different way we arrived at the Two Boats a canal side pub. After refreshments we returned to the boat. Early Saturday morning we moved up to the moorings next to the Two Boats, this is just below the Stockton Flight of locks. Moving this short distance I got quite wet, this was the first time we had had rain for some time. Mid morning the rain stopped and once again we walked into the village Calling as you do to try another of the five pubs this small village has. A quiet Sunday with the papers and rugby on the television brings us to today, Marlene's Birthday. We are leaving Long Itchington to go up the first two locks to moor at The Blue Lias Inn, where this evening we will celebrate Marlene's birthday with a meal and a few drinks.

The Big Drop.

2011-05-05T17:26:00.004+01:00

On the 1st may we moved to the top of Hatton Locks,however, we decided to descend the locks on the Monday. Leaving our mooring at 9.30 we started the big drop of 146ft 6in in 21 locks. We had hoped to pair up with another boat, but alas there was no one around. All went well with boats coming up the locks which means the locks we were coming to next were full and ready for us. Finally five locks from the bottom we caught up with a couple who had stopped for coffee. Sharing the last five helped us to reach the bottom in three and a half hours. We did two more locks with this couple and stopped for lunch on the edge of Warwick. After Lunch we carried on to Leamington Spa where we moored for the night.
Next morning we woke up to alot of crashing and banging from what I assume was a scrapyard at the other side of the towpath fence. Before moving on we had a walk round Leamington Spa. It is a nice town with some nice parks, on the other hand it has some rather seedy parts. Later we moved to a mooring near the village of Radford Semele a few mile from the centre of Leamington. Staying here on Wednesday we took a walk along the Offchurch Green Way,a quiet walk along a disused railway.
Today we are moored a mile from the village of Long Itchington where we plan to moor for the weekend. To get here we did ten locks with the last two a staircase, this means the top gate of the first lock is the bottom gate of the top lock.

Return to Kingswood Junction.

2011-04-30T15:02:00.007+01:00

Eleven locks were climbed in an hour and a half. Two of the pounds had to be filled before we could get through. If this dry spell lasts I can see lots of problems on the system. That evening(Wednesday)after a further eight locks we were moored at Lowsonford where we went for a meal at the Fleur-de-Lys public house. Their speciality is pies, which were very nice, however some of the food was a little disappointing.
Next morning we set off on the final leg of our journey back to Kingswood Junction. On the way up the locks at Preston Baggot we were surprised to see a car up a tree(see photo)also at this lock the lockside cottage which dated from 1810 had been extended in 1989 to make a fair sized dwelling. Arriving at lunch time we had something to eat then went in Pamela and Nathans car to Packwood House another National Trust property. It was a sunny day with a slight breeze which made walking round the grounds very pleasant. The house is a late 16th century Tudor building. On our return to the boat Pamela, Nathan and Archie left for home after a lovely week. Marlene and I stayed at bridge 65 until this morning having watched the Royal Wedding yesterday. I was surprised that the power lasted as well as it did with the daytime viewing, The sun and the solar panels did well. we are now heading for the 21 locks of the Hatton Flight and Warwick.

Shakespeare Country.

2011-04-26T17:45:00.008+01:00

Mooring near bridge 65 near the Navigation Inn on Friday morning we waited for Pamela, Nathan and Archie to arrive. Pamela and Nathan were leaving Archie and the dogs while they went to see Katie Melua in Sheffield.
On their return on Saturday lunch time we all had a meal at the pub then walked to the National Trust house at Baddesley Clinton. While there we went on a Easter Egg Hunt. Leaving early Sunday morning we did seven locks on the Stratford-on-Avon canal before stopping for breakfast. Carrying on we did another eleven locks then moored at Wootton Wawen for the night. After a cup of tea we had a look round the near by craft centre.
Easter Monday we completed the trip down to Stratford doing a further seventeen locks, arriving at three o'clock. We found a place to moor in Bancroft Basin in the centre of town. Stratford was in tourist mode with street entertainers in the park. The weather was hot and sunny,it could'nt have been better. This morning we walked round town then went to a play ground for Archie to have a play. After lunch we left the basin and started our trip back. Our plan was to moor at Wilmcote for the night(the home of Shakespeare's mother Mary Arden) and go for a meal to celebrate Pamela and Nathans Anniversary. Unfortunately things didn't go to plan so we are moored for the night at the bottom of Wilmcote locks. So in the morning we will start the day with a climb of 77ft 1in in eleven locks.
Then hopefully we will have a delayed celebration tomorrow evening. Pictures are a typical lockside cottage on the Statford Canal and Doublefracture moored in Bancroft Basin.

Knowle and Knowle Locks.

2011-04-21T16:19:00.005+01:00

After our long haul round Birmingham we had a quiet day at Catherine De Barnes. In the morning we took a walk round the village, that did not take long as it is a very small village but very pleasant. Shopping was the order of the day on Wednesday. Mooring near bridge 72 we walked into Knowle, a lovely little market town. Unfortunately the only supermarket was a Tesco Metro,not as cheap as the larger Tesco's. The mooring was very rural but just to the side of the flightpath to Birmingham Airport.The weather this week has been perfect, warm and sunny.
Today we moved on collecting some gas from the Stephen Goldsborough Boats at the top of Knowle locks. then descended the five locks, a drop of 41ft 10ns. Knowle locks are two boats wide and we were lucky to be joined by Andrew, Nicola and their two girls Alice and Emma in their boat Moonlight. On wide locks life is much easier when you can share the lock with another crew. At the bottom of the locks we stopped for water while they went on to the Herons Nest at bridge 70. Before setting out this morning I decided to give myself a number 4 hair cut,however I forgot to put on the plastic number 4 comb, so the first two cuts nearly scalped me. Now I have a bald patch over my right ear. Photo's are last nights sunset and my haircut mistake.

On the Rise

2011-04-18T19:37:00.005+01:00

Setting off on Sunday morning we started the first of Seven Locks and one tunnel. With the tree from Friday we have gone up 76ft 4ins. Mooring at Wiggins Hill Bridge for the Night we prepared to go round Birmingham first thing this Morning.
Eight thirty saw us on the move, it was going to be a long day. In the first two mile we went up three locks,then three mile on we turned left at Salford Junction taking us under the M6. This took us from the Birmingham and Fazeley canal onto the Grand Union canal. Five more locks brought us to Bordesley Junction and the six locks of the Camp hill Flight These eleven locks lifted us a further 76ft 4ins. At the top lock is a very nice service point where we filled up with water and had lunch. Thee next two and a half hours were spent cruising through the suburbs of Birmingham, very depressing, the canal full of junk. We finally arrived at the village of Catherine de Barnes where we moored for the night. Surprisingly I have a very good internet signal 3G+ long may it last.The pictures are Salford Junction and The service point.

Turn Right at Fazeley.

2011-04-16T18:44:00.008+01:00

Starting off Wednessday morning we cruised down to Wittington where we walked over to the post office to send off a parcel. After lunch we carried on to Hopwas. This is all familiar ground we have cruised before, normally we would call for a drink at the Tame Otter, However I have not been well for a few days so I'm off the drink till i recover. Stopping at Sutton Road bridge on Thursday morning and walked to a retail park on the edge of Tamworth to do some shopping,I'd been told about this by a woman we met at Rugeley. Stocked up again we went on to Fazeley Junction where we turned right onto the Birmingham to Fazeley Canal, this is new ground for us.
Just after turning you pass Drayton Manor Leisure Park and Zoo. That night we moored at Drayton Brick Bridge, opposite some old Gravel Pits. Having had no locks since Fradley we had three on Friday, this brought us to the Dog in a Doublet where we moored last night.
A bright and sunny start this morning so we took a walk round Kingsbury Water Park, another set of flooded gravel pits. Feeling better we called at the pub for a lunch time pint, first for a week.Pictures are Mooring and a sign next to the field at the side of the pub, seems a bit of over kill as all it says is Dog field.

Connection problems still.

2011-04-12T09:53:00.007+01:00

Still having problems getting online. On the first of April we left the boat at Wolseley Bridge and took the bus to Lichfield then on to Birmingham where we caught the Train to Theale(which is near Reading) then took the bus to our son Stephens.
We spent a few days with him and the boys then went into London and took our trip on the London Eye which our daughter Pamela gave us for Christmas. This was on the fith of April,our 42nd Wedding Anniversary. We stayed the night in London before returning to Doublefracture on the 6th.
On our way to Fradley Junction we moored just above Kings Bromley marina where we met Marie and Ray. Arriving at Fradly on Friday we moored and waited for the arrivAl of our other son Richard and his wife Gill and little Duncan. Sunday morning we cruised down to Alrewas to turn round then back to Fradly, in the evening they went home and we stayed over night. Yesterday we moved down the Coventry Canal to bridge 90 where we moored for the night.

Where did March go.

2011-03-31T09:41:00.005+01:00

Well it's nearly a month since my last offering, what with the work on the boat and not being able to get online the month has just gone. Can I start by saying good luck to the couple who sent me the comment and who are just starting out on their journey and blog, good look may see you on the cut.
Right we returned to Doublefracture after the new shower, which looks great. Olso with us on our return were Pamela and Archie. They spent the week with us. Leaving the Marina at Shobnal we stopped our first night at Branston, then went up through Alrewas and Fradley, finally mooring at Great Hayward on the Thursday. We stopped on route at a nature Reserve at Wolseley Bridge, great for children. On Friday we spent the day at Shugborough Hall the former home of Lord Lichfield. The farm and little train ride for Archie and the Hall for us grown ups it was a perfect day out, even the weather was good.
Our final destination for the week was Stone on Saturday(yes Dave we went for a drink in the Star). So on Sunday Nathan came for Pamela and Archie and we stayed another night in Stone before Heading back the way we came. We moored at Weston upon Trent on Tuesday night and are now back at Great Haywood. Hopefully I should have better luck getting online from now on. Pictures were taken At Wolseley Bridge Nature reserve.

Time for an oil change.

2011-03-08T19:58:00.007Z

We arrived back at the boat on Sunday night as planned. On Monday morning we turned the boat and headed back toward Burton on Trent.The weather was bright,sunny and quite warm. While I steered the boat Marlene caught up with the washing. Making good time through Aston Lock then up through Weston Lock. By lunch time we were moored near bridge nine and the washing was out drying. For the rest of the day we relaxed in the sun. It feels good to be on the move again.
This morning was very frosty, however by ten o clock the sun was quite warm again,just a bit chilly to your hands and face, As we cruised along we could see all the small birds, including some Longtail Tits. At Swarkestone lock we past the boat (Best of Mates) of some friends we have met a few times since we first met them in 2005. Further on a British Waterways crew were working on a bridge wall that looked as though it had been hit by a lorry. Once again we were moored up by lunch time. After lunch I changed the Engine oil and oil filter. While Marlene did some baking(a carrot cake) I took the boat the short distance to the moorings at Willington where we are now moored for the night. Pictures are A frosty Morning And Weston Church.

Start of season three.

2011-03-04T17:28:00.006Z

On Tuesday first of March at 10 o clock we left our winter mooring at Barton Marina for the start of our third season cruising the canals. We turned left and headed down the Trent and Mersey heading for Shardlow. First though we stopped at the mooring near Morrisons supermarket to do some shopping. on the way down we had collected some wood for the stove so that evening I cut it into pieces and stored it on the top of the boat. I then set up the satellite dish and settled down for the night.
Next morning we didn't wake up till a quarter to nine, but who cares. We took a steady run down to Willington where we were mooring for the night. After a walk we put on our glad rags and went to the Greenman for a meal and a few pints. The meal was rather large, when he placed it in front of Marlene he wished her luck. It was a good night out.
Thursday was cold as we set off for Shardlow, the locks today would be large to fit two boats. This is much heavier going than the narrow locks of the last two days. It was 4 o clock when we moored opposite Dobsons Wharf in Shardlow. On Friday morning we caught the bus into Derby Station, then took a train to Pamela's for the weekend.
This is where I am writing this posting as I have been unable to get on line on the trip to Shardlow. Marlene and I return to the boat today(Sunday) to do the return trip to Shobnal Marina where we are having our shower re-tiled on the 14th. While this is done we are coming back to Pamela's. If I have trouble posting the blog on the way back I will bring you up to date then.

Return to Barton Marina.

2010-11-08T13:45:00.006Z

Our plan was to move up to Alrewas come Saturday, after catching up on washing and shopping. Than on Friday we discovered that the whole section from Barton lock to Wychnor lock was to close today until the 26th of this month. This would mean we would be stuck at Alrewas for nearly a month. This would make getting rid of rubbish in this time impossible, as there are no bins in Alrewas. With this in mind I phoned Barton Marina where we were due to over winter from the 1st of December and asked if we could go in early. They kindly agreed, so on Saturday morning we entered the marina for the winter. This is the end of our second season, in which we visited the southern rivers and canals. To sum up, the Thames was a pleasure to cruise even the tidal section from Brentford to Teddington Lock. We had mixed feelings about the Kennet and Avon canal. There is some lovely scenery and some nice places. On the down side it is hard work in parts and some of the locks neared some work to make them work as they should, add to this the sections that are down to the width of one narrowboat due to over grown reeds. If something isn't done soon we will loose this canal and that would be a great shame. The Oxford canal was a chance to relax again after clearing the lines of permanently moored boats from Sheepwash to Dukes Cut. I know this makes money for British Waterways but too many spoil a nice canal. So now it's baton down the hatches and sit out the bad weather until March, when once again we will leave Barton and do all the little bits in the Midlands that we have missed, Like the Caldon, Sratford on avon, Worcester an Biirmingham canals and of course the BCN.

A Trip to Yorkshire.

2010-11-03T15:14:00.005Z

Alot of dashing about since my last posting. We left Barton Turns on the Saturday and went down to Shobnell Marina, where we got a quote for our shower re-tiling and an extractor fan putting in the bathroom. Then we moored at Shobnal Fields so we could meet our son Richard and grandson Aaron at Burton on Trent station on Sunday, they were stopping with us till the Wednesday. On Monday we went down to Willington, returning to Shobnal on the Tuesday. After Richard and Aaron had left on the 11-27 from Burton, Marlene and I took the Doublefracture back up to Barton turns.

Then on the Thursday we took a train from Burton to Wakefield, then a bus to my mothers in Allerton Bywater. More visiting on Friday when we went across to Featherstone to see Marlene's sisters. After a quiet day with mother on Saturday, and a visit from my sister Carol and her partner, complete with Halloween masks(see picture) we went out for a meal with my sister Jennifer and her husband. A restful Sunday then on Monday morning we took a bus to Leeds, then the number 36 to Ripon via Harogate to see Richard and Gill and the other Grandchildren(Louise, Luke,Megan & Duncan) Returning to mothers on Tuesday. Thank goodness for free bus passes.

That leaves today, when once again we took to the buses and trains and returned to the boat.

A nightout at Hopwas.

2010-10-22T14:07:00.004+01:00

On Monday morning Marlene had the tooth removed at Atherstone Dental Surgery. That done we were on our way again, we did seven of the eleven Atherstone locks before mooring for the night. We woke to a sunny morning on Tuesday so we took advantage of the good weather. Completing the remaining four locks we carried on to Polesworth where we did some shopping and had lunch. After a shower as we had lunch we set of for our night mooring at Alvercote. Just before we moored the rain came again but quite heavy this time. A heavy frost greeted us next morning, so before leaving we stocked up on coal at the near by marina. It proved to be a nice day once the sun got some strength. Topping up water at Fazley Junction, we then carried on to Hopwas, mooring at lunch time. In the evening we went to the Tame Otter for a night out. While stood at the bar I nearly spoke to the man at the side of me as I thought it was my old mate Lewis. Just as I was about to say hello he turn toward me and I realised it wasn't him, could have been embarrassing but the resemblance was uncanny.

Yesterday we did the last section of the Coventry Canal and stayed the night at Fradley. We are now moored at Barton turns where Marlene checked with the marina that they were expecting us on the 1st December for our three month winter mooring, they were. The picture is the entrance to the Tame Otter.

Nighttime Movemennt.

2010-10-17T12:39:00.005+01:00

Another week since my last posting,Pamela and Marlene didn't return to the boat on the Monday. The scan was put off until Tuesday so I went to Pamela's and stayed till Friday. In the event everything was OK, all she needed was a course of antibiotics.

We returned in the morning of Friday after shopping on the way. After lunch Pamela and Nathan took Archie to see In the Night Garden Live in Birmingham, Marlene and I took the boat through Bedworth, past the junction with the Ashby Canal and moored for the night at bridge 16 just before Nuneaton. Yesterday we cruised through Nuneaton until we arrived at the Anchor Inn near Hartshill Quarry, bridge 29. Lunch time we had a couple of pints and a sandwich in the pub. Around 9-o clock in the evening a number of boats past with lights blazing, then again at 5-o clock this morning more boats past. It is not usual to travel in the dark so it got us wondering if they new of an unscheduled stoppage at Atherstone. With that in mind we moved on to Atherstone this morning, on arrival I checked the noticeboard but nothing to say about stoppages so we will stay over night then Marlene can see if she can see a Dentist again as her tooth is giving her pain again. Sorry no photo's today, will try to get back to normal now we are moving again.

A week ashore.

2010-10-09T15:00:00.005+01:00

Since my last blog we moved from Fenny Conpton to Napton bottom lock, where we moored for a week while we went to Pamela's. This is the first time we have left the boat for that long without putting it in a marina. At the end of the week we returned and Pamela and Archie came to stay. This was so Pamela could rest after a minor op to remove a lump from her tummy. On Monday the 3rd October we left Napton and moved down to Braunston, topping up with diesel on the way.

Tuesday morning we headed for the locks at Hillmorton but in the end we moored at the top of the locks, leaving the decent until Wednesday. We were just coming into the third and last lock when the heavens opened. It was short lived but we still got very wet. Mooring that night just outside Rugby at Newbold Quarry Park, staying two nights. We were having trouble with the power and suspected the leisure batteries were not holding their charge.

Passing through Newbold Tunnel on Friday morning(this is lit with Purple and green lights see picture) we called at Rose Narrow Boats at Stretton Stop and bought new batrrieds, then moved on to Ansty where I connected the new batteries, this seems to have done the trick. In the evening Nathan came to pick up Pamela Archie and Marlene as Pamela was having alot of discomfort around the op site. They went off to Peterborough hospital to have it checked out. I spent the night alone on the boat. This morning I moved down to Hawksbury Junction and moored on the seven day moorings. It seems i will be here by myself till Monday because Pamela has to have a scan, hopefully every thing will be ok and they will return to the boat.

So that brings you up to date, this is the first day I've been able to get on the Internet since Fenny Compton. Her's hoping things will get better from here.

From River to Canal.

2010-09-24T15:19:00.004+01:00

On Sunday and Monday we travelled up to Oxford where we finally left the Thames and joined the Oxford Canal at the Sheepwash connection. This put us back on narrow locks and manually operated in stead of the big electorally operated Thames locks. That first night we moored at Kidlington after getting past all the moored boats in and around Oxford. It would seem that British Waterways are making more long term moorings and less visitor moorings, but I suppose it makes more money.

A quiet day Tuesday where we travelled for three and a half hours before mooring in the country side to dry some washing. While there two things happened, first we got a knock on the roof and when I went out it was to meet another reader of the blog, the second was a boat going past in reverse then half an hour later he came back still in reverse. When I enquired if he had a thing about going backward, I was told the reason was so they could wash both sides while it was sunny.

On Wednesday we moved on to Aynho where we had a night out at the Great Western Arms. a lovely old fashioned pub with a Skittle Ally. The brewery was Hook Norton, a new one to me. Their Old Hooky is a very nice pint if you come across it. Thursday saw us in Banbury Just before lunch so we stopped for a look round. The water front is right next to the main shopping centre(Castle Quay)with plenty of moorings. Later we moved on to moor for the night at Cropredy, a lovely village with a good few thatched cottages.

That brings us to today we are now moored at Fenny Compton after doing nine locks in five mile. This lifted us fifty foot six inches to the sumit, from now on it's all down hill. Since Saturday this is the first time I have had an Internet connection, Another Vodaphone black spot. Sorry no photo's, the Internet still playing up.

Back on the Thames.

2010-09-18T17:16:00.007+01:00

Stayed at Sheffield Bottom all day Wednesday, then on Thursday morning we set off for Reading and the Thames. While having breakfast a small steam launch past us. The trip down was very good, moving with the flow of the river makes things easier. We arrived at Blakes lock which was maned, so we paid our £109 pounds for fifteen days on the Thames. I find the pricing works more for the Environment Agency rather than the boater. A day costs £33, so if you are prepared to dash up to Oxford in a couple of days it costs just £66, however if you want to take five days you have to pay for fifteen days. Last year when we came up the Nene we paid £10 a day so five days cost just £50. Why should the Thames be different when it is the same licensing authority.Very few boaters want to do the trip in two days, so you can see the problem. After shopping at Tesco in Reading we moored for the night at Caversham.

On Friday we moved on to Pangbourne, where we were to meet Stephen and the boys today. The weather was warm and sunny and we had a good day with the boys before heading back north. When they left to ride home on their bikes, Marlene and I went up river to Beal Park for the night

Trouble with Toothache.

2010-09-14T15:27:00.006+01:00

Before leaving Kintbury on Thursday i took a photo of a sign on the side of the mooring. When you read the sign on the published photo, keep in mind that the railway ran about eight yards from the mooring and is a very busy line.

Having left Kintbury we dropped down to Newbury, on the way there we saw the fire brigade dealing with a boat on fire. After mooring we went by bus to our son Stephens flat for the night. On Friday morning we returned to the boat and went down to Thatcham where we met our other son, Richard, his wife Gill and our grandson Duncan. The mooring at Thatcham was full so we had to moor alongside another boat for the first night. We stayed at Thacham on Saturday and went to Stephens for tea.

On Sunday we took the boat down to Woolhampton in the morning then walked to Douai Abbey to watch Stephens eldest son play football. In the evening our visitors want home. That evening Marlene was having trouble with a tooth. Next morning it was no better so she found a National Health Dentist in Newbury who was willing to give her an appointment that afternoon. So we caught a bus from Woolhampton to Newbury and after a short walk we found the surgery with a minute to spare before the appointed time.

I'm pleased to say this morning Marlene is much better. Leaving Woolhampton and making our way to Sheffield lock where we are now moored for the night. From here our next move will take us back to Reading and the Thames. That however may be a couple of days away. The second photo is the pub next to Newbury Lock.

Canal Rage.

2010-09-08T10:11:00.007+01:00

Leaving Pewsey on Sunday after a late brunch we ambled along in showery conditions to the bottom of Wooton locks. Here we twined up with Steve and Tanya on their boat April Love. It was a day of seven mile and ten locks(4 up & 6 down)plus the Bruce tunnel. Some 4.2 hours later we moored at Crofton Pump House. At the last lock I got talking to a lady who reads the blog. It is nice to know I'm not writing it for nothing. The last lock took an age to fill, with only one paddle working. It seems to be a theme on this canal that only one paddle per lock works.

On Monday we agreed to twin with Steve and Tanya again. I set the lock and Marlene took Doublefracture in. As Steve was leaving the side to join us in the lock another boat tried to beat him to it. There was an exchange of words and he relented. Cutting across April Love to moor again, this caused another exchange of words. Today we did six and a half mile with thirteen locks before mooring at Hungerford. The pound between the last two locks was very low due to some trouble with the lock gates and a boat coming in the other direction. After mooring Steve and Tanya were going home for a night leaving their boat at Hungerford.

Early Tuesday morning there was a tap on the window, it was some one we had met last year, he wanted to know if we were going down the lock but we were not ready.
I must confess I could not recall him and his wife, however looking back on past blogs i found out it was Tony and Mo who we had travelled with near Chester. So if you read this Tony or Mo on Elamiah, sorry but my memory is not as good as it was. When we did set off we travelled with Geoff and his wife (another name lost in a memory lapse)on Celtic Dream down as far as Kintbury a short day for us, they carried on to Newbury. Today we are having a day off before going on to Newbury tomorrow. See you around the weekend. Pictures are of mooring and pumphouse at Crofton and mooring at Kintbury.

Devizes and Caen Hill Flight.

2010-09-04T18:15:00.006+01:00

It was Thursday morning when we arrived in Devizes and moored at the Wharf. It had taken just over an hour to cruise from the Bridge Inn. Both Poppy and Soulmates, two boats we had travelled with over the past few days were already moored there. We had decided not to continue down the flight as time was running out and it would take us another two week to go through to Bath and back. So before lunch we took a walk to the locks. They are very impressive as we got to the top of the 16 locks of the actual flight, 29 locks altogether in two and a quarter mile. At the side of each lock in the flight is an oblong pound. The complete drop of 130ft 8ins in the 16 lock flight. The reopening was commemorated on 8th August 1990 by Her Majesty the Queen navigating through lock 43, which is now known as Queens lock.

On Friday we stayed in Devizes and looked round the town and the Canal Trust shop on the wharf. The rest of the day we spent relaxing on the boat. Today having turned round we started back toward Reading and the Thames. Our over night mooring is at Pewsey, which is very busy. On the way here we stopped and walked into the village of All Cannings, a lovely village with a mix of old thatched cottages and new build houses.

Over Grown banks.

2010-09-01T18:39:00.011+01:00

Slipping our moorings at Great Bedwyn on Monday morning we headed for the first lock of the day. We were joined by the couple on Soulmates, we would spend the day together doing a total of ten locks. This brought us to the summit and the 502yd Bruce Tunnel, from now on the locks would be going down. We moored for the night at the first of these, Wootton top lock. The mooring was not a good one.

Dropping down the four locks of the Wootton flight on Tuesday morning,we now had no more locks until we reached Devizes and the locks leading to the sixteen locks of the Caen Hill flight. We stopped for lunch at Pewsey Wharf calling to sample the beer at the Waterfront Inn. These beers were cask ale on tap straight from the barrel. Carrying on in the afternoon we moored that evening by the Barge Inn at Honey Street, however we did not go in. From the mooring we had a good view of the white horse carved into the hill. Moored a few boats in front was a boat with the largest wind turbine we have seen on a boat.

Two hours travelling today brought us to the Bridge Inn at Horton Bridge. The morning was hard due to the over grown banks narrowing the canal to a single narrow boat width. Two or three times we had to pass boats coming the other direction as best we could. Mooring at their mooring we treated our selves to lunch and a couple of drinks. This afternoon we walked across the fields to Bishops Canning and back. Tomorrow we will arrive at Devizes.

Bad day.

2010-08-25T14:52:00.004+01:00

We left Thatcham around 10 o clock, it was fine. After the first lock,( which was the second turf sided lock on the Kennet) it started to rain. At the following swing bridge Marlene hit something rather hard and cracked the glass in the cratch.
Leaving the swing bridge the canal got very shallow. At the next lock things got a little better, although the rain got heavier. Three hours, five locks and two swing bridges later we arrived at the boat yard in Newbury where we topped up the diesel and gas. With all the river work we have used more diesel than we do on the canals. Going against the flow costs money. We are now moored opposite the boat yard and it is still raining. On our way up here we past several trees that were blocking half the canal, in other places the reeds had reduced the canal to one boat width. Then just before Newbury a boat was half under water having been burnt out.

Shortage of Good moorings.

2010-08-24T12:16:00.005+01:00

We have been on the kennet and Avon since Saturday and are not impressed with the canal/river. Leaving Sheffield lock on Sunday we moved up to Aldermarston to pump out, however the boat yard was closed. On Monday morning we pumped out then moved through the lift bridge and lock. Mooring at the top of the lock Marlene did some washing. The mooring was a bit shallow at the edge so we used the plank. In the middle of the afternoon we suddenly tilted to an acute angle, jumping ashore I pushed the boat back into deeper water. We then decided to move to a better mooring for the night as we didn't want to wake up at an angle.

Before we moved Stephen joined us again minus the boys. At Woolhampton lift bridge and lock there is a strong currant from the left, moving into the lock took alot of power and strong rudder movement to stop being pushed into the right bank.
The moorings at the top of the lock were full so we moored at the end of the line of boats, using the plank again. In the evening Stephen went home.

This morning Marlene and I woke early at an angle and the mattress sliding of the bed. We left around 8 o clock heading for Thatcham. at the first lock Stephen arrived and sharing the locks with another boat we moved up to Thatchem, mooring on a good mooring at 10 o clock. We are staying here tonight and should have a better night.

The locks on the kennet are strange and every one different. We have had one earth sided, two with scoloped brick sides and two or three with strong currents. All are quite deep andeither have ground paddles or gate paddles, never both. The ones with gate paddles are the worst as they create strong flows until half full. we are told things get better after Newbury, lets hope it's true.

The Kennet and Avon.

2010-08-21T19:59:00.007+01:00

On Wednesday we moored at Maidenhead at a cost of £8. Had to stop there because of na tree blocking the exit to Boulter lock. I was on my own with the boys as Stephen rode to his flat. Our mooring on Thursday was at Marlow, where Marlene re-joined us. we were lucky to get a mooring, some one was leaving as we arrived. After tea Marlene and I had a night at the pub.

Moving on on Friday we went through Henley on Thames, Taking the classic photo of the bridge and the Angel Inn. Mooring at Wargrave Marlene me and the boys walked into the village but not much there. Today we finally arrived at the Kennet and Avon Canal. After replenishing supplies at Tesco we went through Reading, through the Oracle. Our mooring tonight is at Theale swing bridge, the first decent mooring on the Kennet.

Royal Windsor.

2010-08-17T15:43:00.007+01:00

On Sunday we traveled past Sunbury and Walton on Thames finally mooring just before Chertsey. The mooring was on a grassy embankment. In the evening the boys collected blackberries and played cricket, while Marlene and I went for a walk joined by Max who ran to catch us up. While on our walk we picked even more blackberries.

First thing Monday morning we carried on as far as Staines, here Marlene caught a train to Grantham to accompany Pamela on her appointment at Peterborough Hospital. Stephen,me and the boys moved on to a mooring near Runnymede and walked up to the RAF memorial at the top of the hill. This morning after the boys had played in the near by park we left heading for Windsor. on the way Stephen took the helm while I did some washing. we were past by a large hotel boat. We seem to be attracting large boats at the moment, having locked through three locks with one on Monday. We reached Windsor at lunch time mooring on the Eton side of the river. This is the first time we have had to pay for mooring,but only six pound so not too bad. on the Windsor side is a big wheel.

On a Rising Tide.

2010-08-14T18:35:00.008+01:00

Since my last posting we have had a day out in London. A usual when I visit the capital I end up shattered. Taking the train from Brentford then the tube to the Natural History Museum. August is probably the wrong time to do this, however once we got in it was a very interesting day, that was Thursday.

On Friday morning Marlene did a large load of washing on the boat, then we did another load including bedding at the laundrette. We were waiting for the 4-15 tide so we could move up the Thames to Teddington which is as high as the tide goes. At 3-30 we dropped down Brentford lock and down to Thames Lock ready to go. On time we entered the lock with the NB Pendragon. The people had done the trip before, so once the lower gates opened we followed them on to the Thames on a rising tide. An hour later we were at Teddington Lock five mile up river. When we had moored up I went to buy a Licence. Due to the highest tide of the year we were unable to cross the lock to the office for the next 40mins.Once legal again we moved on to Kingston upon Thames where we moored for the Night.

This morning Marlene and I took a look round Kingston, then we slipped our moorings and did the short hop to Hampton Court Palace. Taking the last mooring we moored and had lunch. This afternoon we took a look round the grounds. Later Marlene and the boys went in the Maze. They had not been in long when the heavens opened. Outside the maze Stephen and I shelltered under umberelles, it was so heavy for so long every one of us ended up very wet. Can't beat a good English August day.

Nearly at the Thames.

2010-08-11T19:55:00.006+01:00

We set off on Monday with Dave, Tracey and family, this would be there last day cruising. At Casssio Bridge lock they stopped for water at the top of the lock and we stopped to pump out and top up the diesel at Bridgewater Boats at the bottom of the lock. This done we all set off for Springwell Lock where they were leaving the boat. Mid-afternoon we moved on to a night mooring below the next lock.

on Tuesday we moved on to Bulls Bridge where once again we went shopping. We had intended to go into London from here on Wednesday morning, however I didn't fancy leaving the boat in that area. So on this morning we carried on to Brentford Lock where we are now moored for the night, right under the flight path for Heathrow. Tomorrow we are going into London then on Friday we will do the tidal section of the Thames. Pictures at Brentford Lock.

boats blocking the canal.

2010-08-08T18:26:00.004+01:00

Leaving Cosgrove we started the trip round Milton Keynes, it is a green city as advertised. Part way round we came across a boat blocking the canal. We put Stephen on board and got it to the side using the pole. Making it secure we continued on our way. It is about 13 mile round the city. Mooring for the night we discovered the tent pole had broken, so all six of us had to sleep in the boat (two had been sleeping in a small tent)a bit crowded.

On Thursday morning we stopped in Layton Buzzzard where we shopped at Tesco and bought a new tent from Argos. Today we came across another boat blocking the canal, after getting that secure we nearly lost Stephens bike of the top due to low tree branches. Moored for the night just past Church lock. A good few locks on Friday which was a house keeping day. Finally we moored at Marsworth junction. Along the way we met Dave, Tracy and family who we locked with. On Saturday we still traveling with Dave ,Tracy and family we did 20 locks in ten and a half miles, mooring for the night at Winkwell where the kids went Kayaking.

On Sunday we did 16 locks in six and a half mile through Hemel Hempstead. Mooring at bridge 74. More kayaking for the kids,a sunny evening with a bottle of red wine for me and some white for Marlene.

Two Tunnels.

2010-08-03T17:50:00.009+01:00

Friday found us moored at Hawksbury junction again,we went for a drink at the Greyhound Inn at lunch time, to find out about taxi's for picking up the boys from Bedworth station. At 21-35 I got in the taxi and went to collect them. This done and Stephen following on the bike we returned to the boat.

Next morning after watering up we left on our journey south. Traveling for six hours we moored for the night at at the top of Hillmorton Locks. These locks are still narrow locks but have two chambers side by side. Moving on on Sunday we came to Brounston Locks, six locks rising 35ft 6 ins. Following them we arrived at our first big tunnel. Brounston Tunnel is a two way tunnel 2042yds long. Having completed this we moored at Norton Junction.

Day three we descended the seven locks of the Buckby flight dropping 63ft. On through Weedon we finally moored for the night across from the Wharf pub at Bugworth. Today we went through Gayton Junction, then on to our second tunnel at Blissworth. This tunnel is3057yds long and is also two way traffic. Emerging from the tunnel we arrived at Stke Bruerne, where we moored for a look round and lunch. This afternoon we descended the Stoke Bruerne flight a further drop of 40ft in seven locks. Tonight we are moored at Cosgrove just outside Milton Keynes. Pictures are of Stoke Bruerne.

A night out in Brinklow.

2010-07-29T19:43:00.004+01:00

Yesterday the Problem was still there, so I went to the office to arrange for it fixing. I was promised that somebody would come and take a look at it. At the end of the day we were still waiting. Through the day our fridge/freezer was kept going by the solar panels. In the evening though this stopped. So in the interest of saving power we walked into Brinklow for a drink at the Raven Inn. On our return our lights were very dim and the water pump struggled to work, so we went to bed.

This morning another trip to the office and finally Simon came made some checks then replaced the Alternator and belts. Now we are on our way back to Hawksbury Junction, tonight we are moored at Ansty. Tomorrow we get ready for the arrival of Stephen and the three boys. Picture tonight is the mooring at Strreton

Charging Problems.

2010-07-27T19:23:00.004+01:00

Left Atherstone Sunday morning, Moored at bridge 29 near the Anchor Inn(didn't go in) at lunch time. In the afternoon we went through Nuneaton, then moored at bridge 17 for the night. On Monday Pamela phoned to say her day surgery had been cancelled and they would come and see us for the day instead of Tuesday. we headed down to Hawksbury Junction to meet them. Had a nice day as we celebrated Archies second birthday.

This morning when I started the engine the warning light came on telling me the domestic batteries were not charging. After trying every thing I could, like tightening the belts it still wasn't charging, so I phoned the breakdown assistence. To cut a long story short We took the boat down to Rose Narrowboats at Stretton on the Foss. ofcourse while travelling down there it Fixed its self. Tonight we are moored near the boat yard,tomorrow if it is still alwright we will go back to Hawksbury Junction where we are meeting Stephen and his boys on Friday.

Eleven lock climb.

2010-07-24T18:42:00.009+01:00

We left Fazeley on yesterday evening after watering up and getting rid of our rubbish. We didn't go far just through Tamworth with it's two locks, finally mooring just before Alvecote Marina. This morning we left planning to stop at Polesworth. From the start doublefracture felt sluggish,the engine seemed to be racing but we were getting nowhere. At Polesworth I decided to look in the weed hatch and there it was a large piece of plastic sacking wrapped round the prop shaft.

After removing that we made better progress, the challenge today was the flight of eleven locks at Atherstone. By the time we had done the first four it was time for lunch. after lunch we did the remaining seven locks in good time. At the top we moored for the night and walked into Atherstone (about a 10min walk) and did some shopping. Pictures are of the Flight.

Back with the trains.

2010-07-22T13:32:00.007+01:00

Since leaving Willington we have been away from the railways until last night when we moored at Huddlesford Junction. At the junction the main line crosses the canal next to the moorings, then stays close till Hopwas when it swings away again.

After leaving Morrisons mooring we called in at Barton for our prescriptions(we had a bag full to last us for the next three month) and returned our library books. Thanks to Mick from Barton Marina for taking Marlene to the doctors so she was not late for her appointment. Spent Monday night in Alrewas which was quite busy. On Tuesday we went up to Fradley, moored at bridge 90 and went into Lichfield.

Yesterday as I said we moored at Huddlesford Junction and had a night out at the Plough. This morning we headed for Fazeley Junction. It took us two and a half hours to travel the five mile, due to the number of moored boats we passed. Arriving at Fazeley for lunch time, just ahead of a thunder storm.

We looked back at some notes we made five year ago when we brought Doublefracture down from Northwich, we arrived at Fazeley on the 22nd July, however that time we had traveled from Kings Bromley Wharf. We must be slowing down.

We are back afloat.

2010-07-17T17:54:00.004+01:00

Hi There, back from our trip up north, Lots of trains and buses. It was nice to see everybody before we head south. Still having to take things a little slowly after the op, still quite sore.

We Collected the boat last night and spent the night at Willington, then this morning we traveled up to Shobnal Marina where we pumped out and bought gas and an anchor. We had to have the anchor for when we get on the Thames.

Only one lock on this stretch and had some help, also had some help swapping the gas bottles over, much too heavy for me to lift. Moored tonight at a mooring just before Branston Lock, If you cut through the industrial estate you come to a large Morrisons supermarket, we needed this as the cupboard was very bare.

Tomorrow we move to Barton so that on Monday we can collect three months prescriptions for the time we are away from the area.

Visiting, Then cruising south.

2010-07-08T09:58:00.005+01:00

First I must thank Jan for her lovely comments. Problems like hospital visits are easily overcome don't let them put you off. If we can help with anything, please, just ask.

My sister Jennifer arrived on Monday with her daughter Mali, we had a nice day with food, wine and a walk round Mercia Marina and surrounding area. In the evening Marlene and I moved Doublefracture
to bridge 20, can't over stay on the moorings. Bridge 20 was rebuild winter before last after a tractor demolished one side of the bridge.

On Tuesday morning I was sat reading in the cratch when a large bird flew into the tree at the other side of the canal looking through my scope I was delighted to see it was a buzzard, then later I discovered a second one on a lower branch.

Moving again we moored just outside Mercia Marina on Tuesday night, then on Wednesday morning we took the bus into Burton, then on to Barton so we could change our library books, returning in mid-afternoon. Today is a quiet day getting ready to leave the boat at Mercia Marina so we can take the train to Grantham to visit Pamela, Then on Monday take the train to Yorkshire to visit my Mother and our son Richard and family After that we are heading south to the Kennet and Avon. While there we will spend some time with Stephen and our three grandsons. See you then, when the real summer cruise starts.

The pictures are bridge 20 before the repair and Mercia Marina.

Views of Kedleston Hall

2010-07-04T19:59:00.008+01:00

Marking Time.

2010-07-04T18:53:00.006+01:00

Spent this week at Willington just resting. We have seen Graham & Jennifer from Best of Mates, these are people we first met five year ago. There have been some lovely sunsets while we have been here. The trains are still as noisy as ever and at our first mooring very close.

Yesterday we went to Kedleston Hall, another National Trust property just outside Derby. In the hand book it says to go on a Saturday because the bus goes into the hall coach park (in the week you have to walk about a mile from the nearest bus stop) what it didn't say was there was only one bus each way. When we arrived in Derby we had an hour to wait for the bus, this we spent looking around the market.
The bus left at 1-o-clock and arrived at the hall half an hour later.

On arrival we ate our picnic lunch then went round the hall. This Neo-classical mansion stands in some lovely park land. The Curzon family have lived here since the 12th century and still live at the hall. The hall was used for the film The Duchess.
The entrance hall has some impressive marble pillars.

Today we walked down to Mercia Marina for their open day. There were lots of stalls and attractions. We had a look round a waterside lodge, very nice. Tomorrow my sister Jennifer is coming to see us.

Just a note our son Stephen is riding the Tour de France course three days in front of the race, his exploits can be followed on www.sowhere2next.wordpress.com and you can donate to his charity (The Royal British Legion0 at www.justgiving.com/stephenmasters0

Still Here.

2010-06-28T14:51:00.006+01:00

Since my last posting we moved to Branston on the Wednesday, then on the Friday Pamela, Nathan and Archie arrived to take us to the hospital in Burton for our ops. We booked in at 1-30pm and we left at 5-15pm feeling quite well but a little sore.On Saturday we went to the Open Gardens in Barton by car and had a very nice day. Then on Sunday afternoon we took the boat up to Barton Turns to water up for the week, turned round ,went back to Branston where we stayed for the week. We had to do this because we had to have complete rest. The only problem with Branston is we can't get on line, this is why I have not done a posting for so long. While there we were visited by our friends Vivian and David in their new boat First Fruits. It has been a year since we had last seen them so we had alot to catch up on. when we saw them last they were waiting for their boat to be build. In the evening we had a night out at the Bridge Inn, next to the mooring.
This Sunday Pamela, Nathan and Archie returned to move us to Willington for our second weeks rest. Nathan took the boat down with Marlene, while Pamela,Archie and me went by car via the hospital because my wound had started to bleed again. This was not a problem I was told, just put on a dressing and continue to rest.
So we are now moored at Willington until we are fit to move the boat ourselves, which should be around 3 weeks time.

Interesting weekend.

2010-06-15T19:48:00.007+01:00

Over the weekend we finished the jigsaw and moved down to Willington. On Monday morning we decided to go on another National Trust day out. Between us we decided on Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. So at 10 past 10 on Monday morning we went to catch the 10.23 bus into Derby. It arrived at 11-23 just in front of the 11-23 bus, the driver said it was his fault. The driver then decided to go a more direct route, leaving the 11-23 to follow the scheduled route picking up passengers.
This proved to be a good move for us, as we arrived in Derby in time to catch the bus to Calke Abbey where we alighted at Ticknall where our National Trust handbook said we should. There it said we would have a half mile walk through park land. This done we arrived at the gate to the Abbey, where the man on the gate told us the house was another mile to a mile and a half further on. We had walked a short distance when we were given a welcome lift. By the time we reached the house we were ready for a drink and something to eat, this we had in a lovely little cafe. After lunch we went to start our tour of the house. It was an interesting house which had been made safe by the trust but not restored fully. The tour ended with a walk through a tunnel connecting the house with the brew house. By this time it was time for us to start our walk back to the bus stop, this time there was no lift. On the way back into Derby the hospital phoned to say the date for our minor operations would be Friday the 18th, providing we had two people to stay with us after the op. A phone call was made to Pamela and she agreed her and Nathan would come over to collect us from the hospital and stay with us. Today the date was confirmed.
This will be the second time Marlene and I have been in hospital together, hope it's not going to become a habit. So we are now making our way back to Branston to meet Pamela and Nathan and of couse little Archie. Tonight we are moored at Shobnal Fields where we are normally moored by our selves, but tonight there are another seven boats here.

The Yorkshire Rose.

2010-06-11T13:47:00.006+01:00

It was another noisy night next to the A38 on Monday, so on Tuesday we moved on but not until the rain stopped. We arrived at Branston just before the rain came back. In the evening the sun finally came out and we walked round the lake. On Wednesday we stayed at Branston. When the weather cleared I took the opportunity to put two Yorkshire Roses on the side of Doublefracture. We bought then from a Graphics boat while we were at Alrewas. While still at Alrewas I had put two on the first side, now both sides were complete. Moored in front of us at Branston were a couple from Sheffield, They were telling us about their mooring at Shardlow. It sounds OK, perhaps we will look into Mooring there in the future, if we can get a place.
Thursday morning was wet again so we spent some time trying to finish the jigsaw we have been doing, however its all sky that is left so it is taking some time. In the afternoon we moved down to Shobnal Fields ready to go to the hospital for the results of some biopsies I had done. I'm pleased to say they were negative, good news. We aim to stop here again tonight, then head back down to Willington tomorrow.

Queues at Fradley Junction.

2010-06-07T14:31:00.009+01:00

Finally after a week I've managed to get on the net. On the Tuesday after my rant we moved down the Coventry Canal as far as Huddlesford Junction where we turned round, then moored for the night on a 24hr mooring. Meanwhile Stephen had phoned to say he would be calling to see us on his way back down the country. So early Wednesday morning we set off heading back to Alrewas to meet him. The early start was so we would pass through Fradly Junction before it got too busy. The best laid plans and all that, when we got there there were three boats waiting to go down the lock in front of us. With mooring room for only two boats we found our selves holding the boat mid canal and trying not to block the junction. Two hours later we cleared the last off the Fradley locks and cruised down into Alrewas. Around five o clock Stephen arrived. On Thursday Marlene and I went into Lichfield to do some shopping, while Stephen had a well earned rest. Since leaving Reading he had done around 1000 mile, getting as far as Ripon in North Yorkshire. On Friday Stephen left on the last leg of his journey back to Reading, Marlene and I stayed on at Alrewas until this morning. On the Saturday we took the bus to Sudbury Hall (a National Trust property) as we travel free on the buses and being National Trust members it was a cheap day out. before leaving Sudbury we also paid a visit to the village fete. As is our habit Sunday was a quiet day at the boat, good food, good wine and a chance to watch the wild life. One of the pictures is off Moorhen chicks that came floating by on some reeds. I spent some time watching mum coming and going with food for them.
This morning we left Alrewas and are now moored opposite Barton Marina after collecting some mail and a new gas bottle.The other two pictures are approaching the lock at Alrewas and Sudbury Hall.

Broken Chain.

2010-05-31T14:19:00.003+01:00

Since my last blog we have not done very much. I feel though that I need to have a rant about inconsiderate boaters who pass moored boats far too fast. We spent a quiet day on Sunday with a good Sunday dinner and a bottle of wine.
This morning we decided to move on again, but before we left several boats (not just hire boats) went past at too higher speed which broke our mooring chain. People don't seem to realise the damage they can cause. This happens quite alot just lately. Please have some consideration for other boaters. I know that you probably are considerate, but I have to rant at some one. There I feel alot better now.

Damp day.

2010-05-29T11:31:00.010+01:00

The traffic on the A38 never seems to stop, day and night.Came to Alrewas on Wednesday and moored just above the lock. It's been a bit cooler these last few days. we have taken the opportunity to walk some of the local footpaths. Walking around these pleasant pastures makes you appreciate how much countryside is still here despite all the building and roads.
Thursday we sat and read most of the day while the washing dried, then took a walk before our evening meal. Yesterday we took the bus into Barton, both had our hair cut then went to the Library. It's quite busy on this stretch of the canal.
Today we intended to move to Fradley Junction, however it is raining quite hard this morning so we are staying here for now. We will move this afternoon if it clears if not then we will stay and have a meal at the local pub. the forecast is better for tomorrow. It cleared up so we made the move to Fradley and had our meal in the Swan. tonight we are moored just down the Coventry canal.

Leaving Branston.

2010-05-25T13:47:00.007+01:00

It was another hot and sunny day on Sunday. We took a walk to the park with Archie, then a walk round Branston lake. Having had our exercise we sat in the sun and had a drink before lunch. Alas, after lunch it soon got to the time for Pamela and Archie to go home. It had been a great weekend, over all too soon. While looking at the moon through our scope we got talking to a young man who was monitoring the bats in the area. Yesterday we decided to stay at Branston for one more day. Moored in front of us was a couple we had met when we were on our way to Shardlow. Eric and Gill had been on television with there boat Iduno. In the afternoon Marlene and I walked up to the top of the ridge over looking the canal and Branston. In the evening we had a great sun set.
Today we left our mooring and cruised up through Tatenhill lock to Barton Turns where we stopped below the lock to water up. Marlene phoned Richard to see how he had got on at the hospital. He had broken his foot playing football and was in plaster up to his knee. We are now moored alongside the A38 just passed Barton Marina drying our washing. We passed Mike who was moored near us in the marina, he was walking the dogs, he asked how I'd got on at the hospital, nice to see you Mike(he's a reader of the blogg). Tomorrow we intend to move on to Alrewas.

The prodical son.

2010-05-22T15:33:00.006+01:00

As I reversed into the winding hole at Shobnal Marina it promised to be a lovely day. We cruised down to Shobnal Fields before having breakfast.It was Wednesday 19th May, the day of my hospital appointment. It was a relaxing time in the sun until 0ne thirty, time to walk over to the hospital.All went well and by five o clock we were back at the boat. At six o clock our son Stephen arrived having rode up from Reading (115 mile)on his bike with a trailer in tow.
On Thursday Marlene and i relaxed by the boat until late afternoon when we went for a walk to the top of a near by hill where we could see all Burton upon Trent below us. Mean while Stephen went for a ninety mile ride. The morning of Friday and Stephen set off for Kings Lynn to visit a friend, mean while we left Shobnal Fields heading for Branston. In the evening Pamela and Archie joined us for the weekend. Today we had a picnic at the park at the side of Branston lake. I am writing this sat in the sun by the boat. Later we will walk the short distance to the Bridge Inn for refreshments. Life is hell on the canals.

A bit of painting.

2010-05-18T15:48:00.003+01:00

On Saturday we stayed at Willington and seeing as the weather was good I took some time to paint out some of the scratches we had collected over the last year. While I was doing that Marlene phoned British waterways about a vacant mooring at Willington, however all she got was an answer phone, Leaving a name and phone number we waited for a return call on Monday. Walking down the canal in the afternoon we had a look round Mercia Marina and checked out some generators. In the evening we walked to the Green Dragon for some light refreshment. The weather was good again on Sunday, so after buying the Sunday paper we went down to the entrance of the Marina and turned round ready to head back to Shobnal for my Hospital appointment on Wednesday. Mooring again just below Willington we sat in the sun and relaxed reading the paper. While sat there about twenty tractors passed along the road opposite, all painted and polished as if going to a show,but never found out where. in the evening we moved out into the country by bridge twenty five away from the railway line. Another nice day on Monday so we stayed where we were. In the morning I walked back into Willington for some milk, as ours had gone off. No word from BW so on Tuesday as we were heading back to Shobnal Marlene phoned them again, leaving another message on the answer phone. We are now moored out side Shobnal Marina,I have painted the scratches out on the other side of the boat today. In the morning we will turn round and go back to Shobnal park ready to walk to the hospital tomorrow afternoon. Lots of young ducks and geese around this spring.

Catching up.

2010-05-14T19:47:00.008+01:00

Sorry its been so long since my last posting. Let me bring you up to date. We arrived in Shardlow on Saturday. having been down to Sawley to turn round,on Friday night. It was Marlene's birthday on Sunday and Pamela, Nathan and Archie came over for lunch at the New Inn. Then in the evening Stephen arrived having flown in to East Midlands Airport from Amsterdam. On Monday morning we left Shardlow heading back to Burton With Stephen on board for a few days, well I say onboard but he walked more than being on the boat. At Swarkstone lock I tied the boat a bit tight and when the lock was emptying it swung out and tightened even more causing the boat to list to an alarming angle. Luckily Marlene managed to bring it back in so I could untie it. Then at the next lock (Stenson) the same thing happened to a hire boat sharing the lock with us, scary. We Stopped for lunch then and collected more wood.
Arriving back at Burton on Tuesday we moored at Shobnal Park. The morning of Wednesday I had an appointment at Burton Hospital, arriving there I was informed that the appointment had been changed and I should have been there the day before, however I had not received the letter telling me of the change. So, now I have another appointment for next Wednesday. On Thursday Stephen went home and we turned round and headed back to Willington. We had lunch at the Mill House pub, then we moored out in the country for the night. Today we moored at Willington and took the bus into Derby. We liked Derby with it's two great market halls. The pictures are a quiet mooring in the country and The moorings and sanitary point at Burton.

Heading toward Shardlow.

2010-05-05T19:16:00.005+01:00

For a change I walked into Branston for a paper. I don't read papers as a rule. In the afternoon we moved down the canal to Shobnal Marina, mooring up just outside opposite Marston's Brewery. On Monday walked to B&Q but couldn't decide what wood I needed. The morning of Tuesday we were brought awake by a young man on his way to school shouting wakey wakey as he rode past on his bike.
While Marlene did some washing i went back to B&Q to get the wood I needed to put a lid on our roof box. The rest of the morning we put the lid on the box, with a few problems, however by lunch we had finished. Later we moved down to Shobnal Park Mooring for the Night.
Wednesday we walked across the park to the foot bridge over the A38. Crossing this we came to Burton Hospital so Marlene could have a blood test. Afterwards we took a bus to Barton so I could pick up a Prescription. Returning to Burton to do some shopping then back to the boat for lunch.
This afternoon we moved on to Willington for the night. Tomorrow we will carry on toward Shardlow for the weekend.

Start of our summer cruise.

2010-05-01T12:36:00.003+01:00

Last weekend we had been out for four days with Pamela, Nathan and little Archie.Also on board were their dogs Winston and Lucy. On the Friday we had gone as far as Fradley Junction, while there we met some people we knew from Fox narrow boats in March, Graham and his wife were on their boat Sorted, which they had had painted since we last saw then. While cruising up to Fradley we came across a couple we hadn't seen for four years. We had moored with them at Rushton and Diamonds on the Nene.
Saturday morning we left Fradley heading for Great Hayward, sopping for lunch at the Ash Tree between Armitage and Rugeley. On Sunday we spent the day at Shugborough Hall. The farm park was a hit with Archie, especially feeding the lambs. After a great day we left at 4 o clock cruising back toward Fradley where we moored just above the top lock for the night.
The following morning we set off back to the Marina stopping at Alrewas for lunch. Arriving back at the marina around mid afternoon we loaded up Their car and made the trip to their house where we spent Tuesday and Wednesday. Then on Thursday Marlene and I returned to the boat.
What had been a lovely sunny week now turned to rain ready for the start of our summer cruise. Yesterday we left Barton Marina after filling up with diesel, the price of which had risen to £1.37 a litre for Propulsion and 89pence for heating. At a 60-40 slit this gives an average price of £1.16 a litre. Compared with the price of road diesel we still seem to be paying over the odds for our heating. We only cruised as far as Branston (getting wet in the process) before mooring for the Night. We have decided to stay here tonight even though the weather is a little better.

Back to base.

2010-04-11T10:59:00.007+01:00

Leaving the daffodils and large carved Kingfishers behind we went up to Shobnall Marina and moored just outside the entrance. Walking down to Wickes we bought some wood to make a new top box. Our next stop was at the mooring just short of the bridge carrying the A38 over the canal, from here it's a short walk through the industrial estate to Morrisons where we did some shopping. Returning to the boat we move up through Branston lock to the mooring at Branston WaterPark and moored for a few hours. While there I cut the wood for the top box. When I came to screw it together I found I had no screws, oops, should have bought some at Wickes. At 17-00hrs we headed back to base at Barton Marina. On Saturday morning Richard, Gill, Aaron and Duncan came to see us for the day. It was lovely to see them. The pictures are; Carved Kingfishers, enterance to Shobnall Marina and The mooring at Branston waterpark.

A few days on the canal.

2010-04-08T19:51:00.008+01:00

Tuesday saw us out of the marina turning right towards Burton-upon Trent. There were BW workers painting the cill markings on the first lock and two checking licenses. Still OK till the end of the month. We cruised steadily down to Shobnall and moored just short of Shobnall Marina. After lunch we walked down to B&Q and Wicks, didn't get what we wanted. Stayed at Shobnall over night.
On Wednesday we pulled into the marina to pump out, then reversing out we carried on toward Willington. Mooring for lunch and do some shopping. Later we went as far as Stenson lock where we turned round then moored for the night just passed bridge 20. We had collected some wood for the stove so I cut it into small pieces. No television tonight, too many trees.
Thursday morning was bright and sunny, we cruised back to Willington and filled up with water at the BW service point. Spending the day moored near bridge 24 we got some housework done, then relaxed in the sun. Around 16-00hrs we moved up the canal to moor for the night at Shobnall park mooring. The display of Daffodils is stunning.
Did some reading while dinner cooked.

Five days on the canal.

2010-03-08T11:26:00.009Z

Starting the engine on Wednesday took some time, It had not been started since we went shopping in Burton-upon Trent. The weather was looking promising for a few days so we had decided to take a trip down the Coventry canal.
We left the marina at about 1-45pm turning left onto the Trent and Mersey heading for Alrewas. On our way to Wychnor lock I collected some wood for the stove, only collecting wood that was not attached to trees or bushes. Doing the river section past the large weir we arrived at Alrewas lock. After locking up we moored for the night. It was good to be out on the canal again. We had a quiet evening of television and Scrabble.
Thursday dawned with blue skies and a heavy frost. After breakfast we took the bus into Lichfield to do some food shopping, arriving back at 1-35pm. Leaving Alrewas when lunch was over, our destination Fradley Junction. Mooring at the 48hr moorings between the second and third locks. A walk round the nature reserve before dinner was pleasant in the evening sun. That evening we went to the Swan Inn for a drink, a friendly pub with locals and visitors having a good night out.
cold but sunny again on Friday morning. As we came out of the lock to the junction we turned left onto the Coventry Canal. The canal was frozen at this point so ice breaking was the order of the day,although it soon melted as it was quite thin. We watered up after the swing bridge at the start of the Coventry. As we were leaving we were told there was a stoppage at Hopwas bridge, this would stop us going down to Fazley Junction. Still we could go as far as Whittington before turning. at Streethay Wharf the canal was almost blocked by boats, just enough width to get by. We stopped here for lunch before continuing on to Farmers Bridge where we turned then moored for the night. Starting the engine on Saturday morning we were faced with a warning bleep, thinking we were low on water I turned off the engine. The water was OK however, restarting the engine I found the warning bleep was accompanied by a light above the picture of a battery with a D in it. I decided this must mean the domestic batteries were not charging, so we set off intending to go all the way back to the Marina, stopping at Whittington for a brief walk round and do our lottery.
Descending the second lock at Fradley we noticed the red light had gone out and the bleeping had stopped. All our electrics seemed to be working so we moored at Alrewas for the night.
Sunday morning with ice on the canal again we returned to our mooring at Barton. The warnings did not come on again. For the five days I was unable to get on the Internet so this is why I have had to write all five days to day. Pictures are of Alrewas.

Delayed.

2010-03-01T19:26:00.007Z

Today should have been the day Doublefracture left Barton Marina for the start of our 2010 cruise. Unfortunately we look like being here for the foreseeable future. Both Marlene and me have Hospital appointments on the 22nd March, Marlene for a lump on her shoulder and me a Hernia. Then I have to wait for a date for the operation. This would be bad enough but after the op it will take six week to get back to normal. Don't get me wrong, Barton Under Needwood is a very nice place, as good a place to be moored as any. the marina has good facilities and there are plenty of pubs to visit. There is a good bus service to Burton upon Trent and Lichfield, both good shopping centres. We were in Lichfield last Thursday and had a nice day looking round the cathedral and the shops. We will of course take a few days on the local canals starting this Wednesday if the weather holds. So keep watching. The pictures are just two of the four village pubs that do meals.

Christmas Shopping.

2009-12-14T14:12:00.005Z

On Saturday we arrived back at the boat after two week visiting first Pamela and then Stephen. Before that we had been up to Yorkshire visiting Richard and my mother.
Yesterday we got itchy feet and with the sun shinning decided to take the boat down to Burton-upon-Trent to do some Christmas shopping. It was nice to be moving again. Leaving around 10-o clock it took us two hours to reach Burton, mooring at Shobnall next to Marston's brewery. At one time there were 31 breweries in the town, producing 3 million barrels a year. Not bad considering it all started with the monks at Burton Abbey,apparently the water here abouts is good for brewing. We were in town most of the afternoon, it was very busy, not my idea of fun but it's done now.
Staying over night we set off back this morning. The sun had not come out today and we had a few showers, plus it was alot colder. Still, we are a hardy couple and enjoyed the trip back, surprisingly we saw a few more boats out and about. while out we took the chance to stock up on wood for the stove,there are plenty of fallen branches along the canal. The down side is I have to cut them into logs with a bush saw. Perhaps I should invest in a chain saw. We are now back moored in the marina for the rest of the week before going to Pamela's for Christmas, So, from Marlene and me a very Merry Christmas to all our followers and we will be back in the new year.

Winter Mooring.

2009-11-01T14:02:00.004Z

Slipping our moorings on Saturday morning at 8am we dropped down the Fradley Locks a descent of 35ft 8ins.Next stop Alrewas. The weather forecast for Sunday was heavy rain and high winds ,so the decision was made to go into the marina at Barton a day earlier than planned.The last thing we needed was to enter a strange boat yard in high winds. After a brief stop in Alrewas for shopping we continued on to the marina, arriving mid afternoon. At the office we booked in and received our berth number(pier 5-291),we found it without any problem and moored in our winter home.Later we took a walk round checking out the shops and facilities ending in the pub for a pint.Then it was back to the boat for the evening.When night descended the water front and shops were lit,it looked lovely.
It has been a great summer touring the Northern canals,now we have to catch up on some visiting and prepare for Christmas. In the new year we are going to Cyprus for three weeks.Weather and stoppages permitting we shall start our tour of the southern canals in April.All that's left is to thank you for reading our blog and hope you will join us again next year.

Fradley Junction.

2009-10-30T20:07:00.005Z

Thursday morning we left Great Haywood heading for Fradley Junction. First though we stopped off in Rugeley to do some shopping.The town is small but has most of what a traveler might need,including a market on Thursdays,although it was a very small market. Lunch was late after wandering round town and the supermarket was busy.Leaving Rugeley past the power station and on to Armitage. Before arriving at Armitage we past through a narrow section of canal that used to be Armitage Tunnel,now the top has been taken off the tunnel. It was getting late and due to the dark nights we moored up just before bridge 59 at Handsacre.
This morning after cutting up some logs we continued on our way to Fradley Junction. We moored just before the top lock at Fradley,in the open so Marlene could dry some washing. In the afternoon we walked down to the junction then along the Coventry Canal to the first bridge, where we took the road back to Fradley. As we past the Swan inn Marlene went into the shop next door and bought us an ice cream.
Tomorrow is the day we head in to our winter mooring at Barton Marina.

Third Time Lucky.

2009-10-28T20:19:00.010Z

On Tuesday we waited at the mooring in Great Haywood for the arrival of our son Richard,his wife Gill and the four grandchildren. They arrived about 4-o-clock,and the kids started to put up two tents for them to sleep in. It was nearly dark by the time they had finished. We played Scrabble while we waited for 11pm so we could phone the flight line to see if the balloon flight was on. I phoned and was told the morning was off but to phone at 11am today to see if it was good for the afternoon.
This morning we all went for a walk round Shrugborough Hall until it was time to phone,we left the tents up to dry out. Arriving back we had a note from British Waterways telling us to take the tents down,we did.Then it was time to phone, it was good news, the flight was on for 2pm at Amerton Farm near Weston. We finally lifted off at 3-20pm. It was a lovely experience, flying at a height of 2,600ft over the Staffordshire countryside, below we saw a lorry overturned and a very large traffic jam. After 55mins we landed in a field near Sudbury 22kilometers from our launch site. the landing was good and the basket stayed upright, showing the skill of our pilot Max.Back at the boat we had some tea then Richard and Gill and the kids left for home. The end of a perfect day.

Darker Evenings.

2009-10-26T17:41:00.007Z

Yesterday we headed back up the Staffs and Worcester as far as Tixell Wide where we moored for the night. It's a lovely peaceful mooring away from roads and trains. Now the clocks have gone back we are using more power,as a consequence the solar panels are struggling to keep our batteries topped up,so we have to run the engine even when we don't move for a day.We are also collecting wood so we can have a fire in the evenings.
Today we only travelled as far as Great Haywood,where we had to queue to top up our water. As we turned out of the junction onto the Trent and Mersey there were three boats at the water point and another one waiting, so we held the boat midstream while two boats left then moored for water.
Our intention was to go back to Western ready for our balloon flight,however, Great Haywood is only 15mins away from the launch site so we moored there.

A Trip into Stafford.

2009-10-24T18:41:00.005+01:00

This morning we left Great Haywood and turned down the Staffs and Worcester Canal. It was a morning of showers but only short ones. We past through Tixall Wide, a broad stretch of water. Next we went up Tixall Lock,then round the large sweeping curve round Walton-on-the-Hill until we reached bridge ninety eight(Radford Bridge). Mooring just before the bridge,we then walked the mile and a half into Stafford.
After visiting the bank and doing a bit of shopping we decided to have lunch at the local Weatherspoons pub. It is an interesting pub,as it used to be a cinema. This grade two listed building has been very tastefully restored inside while still remaining like a cinema. After walking back we took the boat down the canal to a winding hole then turned ready to make the trip back to Great Haywood tomorrow.It's been a nice day and Stafford is a very nice town.

A Day at Shrugborough Hall.

2009-10-23T17:24:00.008+01:00

On Monday we moved from the 48hr moorings onto the five day moorings,these were below Star lock rather than above. Staying there till Wednesday we had a quiet time reading and driving our selves mad with a jigsaw.We traveled down to Weston on Wednesday staying near the Saracens Head,where on our way up country we had had a meal when my sister Jennifer and husband Malcolm came to see us.
Moving down to Great Haywood Junction yesterday we moored just past the junction,our intention,to visit Shrugborough Hall.On the way down we past a Gipsy caravan near some moorings. So today we walked to the hall,where we spent the whole day looking round the house and Park Farm,a great day out.While there we met one of the guides, a lady who was a boater from Rugeley.We spent some time talking about the canals. I as was looking for a branch of Alliance and Leicester so she suggested a trip into Stafford.The tower in the pictures is the Tower of the Winds,completed in 1765 this replica water clock was once used as a dairy(downstairs) and as a gambling den (upstairs). It stands in the grounds of Shrugborough Hall.

Back in Stone.

2009-10-18T15:18:00.003+01:00

On Friday we arrived back in Stone,it is a pleasant town and has a laundrette so we can do a large wash instead of little bits each day. We moored above Star lock which is a 48hr mooring. Yesterday we did our shopping and looked round town. Then in the evening we had a meal and a few drinks in the Star.The choice of real ale was good I finally decided on Marsdons Ploughman's bitter, a dark full bodied ale,just right for an Autumn evening.
This morning after attending church we moved down to the 5day mooring below star lock. We intend to stay here for another three days as we are killing some time before our third attempt at our balloon ride at Amerton Farm near Weston, about five mile from Stone.We intend passing through Weston to Great Haywood for a few days, will keep posting every few days but not doing alot at the moment so wont post every day.

Fifty foot down the Stoke Flight.

2009-10-15T19:04:00.008+01:00

Staying at Westport Lake on Tuesday we walked into the nearest town to find a Post Office, we needed to post some birthday cards.Later we walked round the lake and called at the new visitors centre and cafe for a coffee.The centre looks a bit like the ark from one side.In the afternoon we walked back into town(Tunstal)to get our passports sent off as they run out in January.On our return we got talking to a couple from Tasmania who had been here for three years cruising the canals. They were heading to Llangollen for the winter, before heading home next year.
On Wednesday we travelled down through Stoke on Trent, Five locks dropping 50ft. When we got to the third lock it was over run by Japanese tourists,cameras clicked and Doublefracture became the back drop for photos.Clearing Stoke we carried on and moored near the Wedgewood factory,as we had on our journey up this way in June.
Today we had to move as the mooring we were on was only a 24hr mooring.Before we left the mooring while drinking our morning cuppa, we were hit by a hire boat. They were very apologetic.There was no damage to Doublefracture.About ten minutes after leaving us the man came back and gave us a bottle of wine to say sorry. We didn't go far, just to the other side of Barlston,about two mile. It has been a damp and cloudy day.

Harvest Festival.

2009-10-12T17:07:00.009+01:00

We had a quiet morning on Sunday, then at 10-30am we attended the harvest festival service at Church Lawton church. It was a lovely service and we were made very welcome.
After the service we walked through the woods at the rear of the church,this took us over to Scholar Green at the side of the Macclesfield Canal, where we called for a couple of pints at the Bleeding Wolf. Then walking down the towpath to Hardings Wood Junction,then returned to the boat down the Trent and Mersey towpath.
This morning we did the last six locks up to Hardings Wood Junction a rise of 54ft 7ins. Found a supermarket and did a good shop(the first since Nantwich).It was then down to Harecastle Tunnel.Luck was with us and we went straight through,delaying lunch by an hour. It took forty minutes through the tunnel,then back out into the sun. Tonight we are moored at Westport Lake,a very picturesque mooring.

Climbing to the Tunnel.

2009-10-10T17:27:00.009+01:00

Stayed at Wheelock as we planned, but the bad weather didn't arrive till tea time.In the afternoon we walked some of the local footpaths, then sampled the local fish and chips
Off by 9am this morning,it was to be a day of locks.the locks are narrow but come in pairs,however some have only one working. Some are shut off permanently and some are being repaired. The first few locks were quite deep ,this is the start of the climb up to the Harecastle Tunnel. Once out of the built up area the country side opened up,the weather warm and sunny most of the day. By this evening we had done twenty locks and risen 162ft 2ins.At one point,while I was setting the next lock Marlene wound down the paddles and came out of the lock, shutting the gate behind her(getting far too cocky for her own good).
Tonight we are moored at Church Lawton.Tomorrow we will stay here and do some more walking,hopefully the weather will be kind again.

Quiet Days.

2009-10-08T19:29:00.006+01:00

Moved on Wednesday morning,came nice after a slight mist in the morning. Only moved to the edge of Middlewich. Painted some more of the roof(getting there slowly).It was a quiet day through English farm land.
This morning we dropped down Wardle Lock,turning right at the junction to Kings lock Boat yard and Chandlery where we topped up the diesel tank. We needed to pump out but they didn't do it. So turning round we went to Middlewich boats Just under the bridge. Pump out complete we had to reverse back to the junction. I must admit I'm getting better at reversing,I've had some practice this trip.
Back at the junction where we turned round again and ascended Kings Lock. We were now back on the Trent and Mersey canal,this stretch down to Harding's Wood junction is the only stretch we haven't been on before.We cruised to Wheelock then moored for the night. Forecast for tomorrow is rain, so we will probably stay here tomorrow.
With that in mind our next post will be Saturday.

Old Colleague.

2009-10-06T16:29:00.007+01:00

On Monday after another trip to the laundrette for Marlene, I set off up to the water point to meet her and get ready to move on. As I was about to move off an old colleague of mine( Dave Woodward and his wife) went by on their boat Dex.We had exchanged a few words on both Saturday and Sunday when We had past their mooring,this morning however we ended up in a queue for the water point so we had a chance to have a good chat. In the mean time Marlene had got fed up with waiting at the water point and came round to where we were moored waiting. in the end Dave and his wife moved to the water point and Marlene and I decided to have lunch first.
After lunch we watered up then went the few mile to Barbridge Junction for the night.It was a nice evening with some high cloud and a bright moon.
This morning we had rain,so we had a late breakfast and waited for it to clear before moving on.Turning right on to the Middlewich Branch really made me feel that our summer was nearing an end. Traveling for about two hours and dropping down two locks we moored, not needing to travel too far each day. In between showers this afternoon we washed the rest of the roof ready for painting. Mid afternoon the rain finally beat us so we settled down for the evening.Our Internet connection here is very good here and I managed to down load some photo's we'd been e-mailed(I'd been trying for a few days).The pictures are The night sky,leaving Minshull lock and Dave's boat taken in March town.

The Secret Nuclear Bunker

2009-10-04T16:51:00.009+01:00

Friday was a quiet day of getting things ready. At 8-20pm I met our son Stephen and our three Grandsons at Nantwich station.We walked back to the boat and settled then down for the night.
On Saturday morning we all took a walk into Nantwich and had a look round the market and shops.When we got back to the boat we cast off and went down the canal toward Audlem locks. At lunch time we tied up at the top of Hack Green locks which take the canal up 12ft. With lunch eaten and everything cleared away we walked over to the Secret Nuclear Bunker for a look round. The bunker would have been the area command post if a nuclear bomb had been dropped. Now of course it has become a museum of what might have been. It was a very interesting afternoon for children and grown ups alike. The children were kept interested by looking for toy mice and rats in each room,at the end they received a chocolate mouse and a certificate to say they had found the mice and rat. in the evening we moored at the bottom of Audlem locks, had dinner then in the evening went to the Shroppie Fly pub just above lock 13 for some refreshment.Inside the pub is an interesting bar shaped like a narrow boat. There are 15 locks at Audlem rising 93ft,however we stayed at the bottom and this morning returned to Nantwich. At 13.20hrs we said goodbye to Stephen and the boys as they caught there train home. It has been a lovely weekend,now Marlene and I will continue our trip, heading back to our winter mooring at Barton turns for the 1st of November.

Return to Nantwich.

2009-10-01T16:39:00.008+01:00

Today we arrived back at Hurlston Junction,dropped down the four locks and turned right to Nantwich. Our reason for returning to Nantwich is that on Friday evening Stephen and the three boys are coming to see us for the weekend.This was a nice surprise when he phoned to tell us on Tuesday.We had left Ellesmere on Tuesday morning arriving back at Grindley Brook around five o clock. After dropping down the six locks we moored in the same place that we had when we picked Pamela,Nathan and Archie up last Friday.We then took all their belongings to the car in the Horse and Jockey car park. then went in for a meal.It is a very friendly pub serving excellent food and good cask ale. After the meal we waved goodbye to Pamela,Nathan and Archie,then went back in for another pint.
On Wednesday we moved on,after four locks and a lift Bridge we moored at Wrenbury for the night.
This morning we negotiated nine locks,including the four at Hurlston. When we arrived at Nantwich Marlene went to the launderette to get the bedding washed. This evening is nice and sunny and at last we have signals on both phones and the Internet.
Back in civilization.Todays pictures are evening at Ellesmere(2)and approaching a lock.

Llangollen.

2009-09-28T19:25:00.007+01:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this week but since we turned onto the Llangollen we've had no Internet signal until today.
It was Wednesday when we turned up the four locks at Hurlston Junction, Half an hour later we were leaving the top lock having risen 34ft 3ins. During the day we did five more locks each with a rise of around 6ft. We moored for the night at Wrenbury. On Thursday we traveled on to Grindly Brook, where we moored below the flight of locks and waited for Pamela,Nathan and Archie to join us for breakfast on Friday morning. They arrived at 08-45 and after breakfast we all went to Chester Zoo for the day. In the evening we had a meal at the Horse and Jockey,this was where Nathan had arranged to leave his car while we all traveled to see the aqueducts at Chirk and Pontcysyllte.
Saturday saw us climbing the six locks at Grindley Brook,the last three a staircase. All six lock gave us a total rise of 38ft 11ins. Having cruised all day (except for a break for lunch and a short walk)we moored just outside Ellsmere for the night.
Our big day had arrived,three tunnels and two aqueducts,the high lite being Telfords Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at 1007ft long and 126ft above the River Dee. It was a long day with queues at the first of the two locks of the day. It is a bit like a pilgrimage with hire boat after hire boat heading up to Llangollen, with just a few privately owned boats mixed in. Some hire firms must give very little instruction on the workings of a lock,Nathan and I ended up locking the boats ahead of us through. On more than one occasion we found open paddles that should have been closed.We didn't go into Llangollen as time was running out(we had to be back at Grindley Brook by Tuesday)so having crossed the aqueduct we turned round and recrossed it before mooring for the night. This morning we left for the return journey, because of the flow of the canal(from west to east)we got back to Ellsmere an hour quicker. Tomorrow we head back to Grindley Brook where Pamela,Nathan and Archie Will pick up thier car and drive home. Where as Marlene and I will head back to Hurlston Junction. We will do the next post as soon as we can get on line.

Return to Barbridge Junction.

2009-09-22T18:36:00.008+01:00

On Saturday afternoon we left Chester,doing the five locks rising 35ft.on the way up we met a hen party going into Chester for the night,later we met a stag party heading in the same direction. We carried on to Waverton before mooring for the night.When we woke up on Sunday morning there was a camping trailer parked on the car park next to the mooring but no car to pull it.
Staying at Waverton on Sunday we did some painting and made a start on scrubbing down the boat roof.The weather was kind to us os we got plenty done.Two people emerged from the camping trailer and went off on bikes returning later with a car.
On Monday morning Marlene went to the hairdressers,we then carried on to Wharton lock(just below Beeston Castle). Up by the lock we found a Damson tree so we picked 2lb of fruit so we could make some jam.
This morning after making three jars of Damson jam we left for Barbridge Junction.There were six locks on route which we paired up with another boat. Second lock of the six is Iron Lock which you have to do one boat at a time as it is slightly narrow. The two last locks are a staircase,at the top we said goodbye to Tony and Mo on Elamiah. Thanks to both of them for making our morning easier and very pleasant. Stopping for lunch at Calveley we had a look at the floating gift shop run by Mel and Ivor Batchelor.We first came across this shop when we took a holiday on the Hotel boat Shirley Ann. Tonight we are moored at Barbridge Junction and are taking a walk to the pub. Tomorrow the Llangollan.

Chester.

2009-09-19T14:32:00.008+01:00

This morning we did our shopping,had coffee then went exploring.Chester is a walled city dating back to Roman times.Much of the wall is still standing and is a good way to walk round this small but interesting city. Above the river Dee are the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre,and at the side of that is St Johns Church. originally the city cathedral, St Johns is a lovely Church standing out side the walls. In side the walls is the much larger Cathedral that was built to replace St Johns.
Chester Castle was a little disappointing as there is not a lot to see, what there is is surrounded by more modern buildings. In the centre of town is a very ornate clock high above the street,it was done for Queen Victoria.There is a mix of buildings old and not so old, with narrow alleys with restaurants and coffee shops. All in all an interesting city.The two pictures of stain glass windows are in St Johns Church,not the Cathedral.

Coffee with George Cheers.

2009-09-18T21:22:00.009+01:00

Leaving Nantwich heading south,then at the first winding hole we turned around heading north to Chester. We stopped at Calveley Service point where we topped up with water before mooring up just passed bridge 104. Later we walked across the fields,then the foot path went into a private garden.As we walked through we met George Cheers, the owner of the house,while passing the time of day he invited us in for coffee, Which we accepted. Time soon passed as we chatted about the local area and what we were doing. some times you meet people who make you feel really welcome,George was one of those people.
On Thursday we had six locks to do, the first two were a staircase,the locks were double locks going down.On the staircase two we passed a hire boat in the middle, that was going up. We moored at Bates Mill Bridge, near the Shady Oak pub.in the afternoon we walked over to Beeston Castle that is built on cliffs that are 100m high. As we walked back down we called at the Shady Oak for a drink before dinner.
Today we carried on to Chester,doing five more locks. Arriving in Chester in the afternoon we turned round by the Frog and Nightingale pub and moored for the night.In the evening we took a walk round town,tomorrow we'll take a proper look. Tonight is the first time I've been able to get on line since we left Nantwich.

Nantwich.

2009-09-15T18:03:00.007+01:00

On Monday morning we took a walk up Hurlston Locks to see what we would have to do in the future. Timing will be everything,these locks are busy on weekends so we propose to go up them on a week day,but that's later.
After our walk we left heading for Nantwich,once again we have our balloon ride booked for Tuesday morning. This evening Richard came down to take us to the launch site. It took him an hour to find the mooring once he arrived at Nantwich. At the appointed time(11PM)we phoned the flight line to see if the flight was on. The voice on the phone informed us due to bad high altitude winds the flight was cancelled,Please re-book your flight. We were gutted, again.This morning we had breakfast then Richard returned home,Marlene and I walked into town. Nantwich town is a mixture of old and new buildings which works very well,a lovely town centre.We were going to move on this afternoon but decided to spend a second night here.
The canal at Nantwich is on an embankment then crosses the A51 Chester road on a cast iron aqueduct.Tomorrow we will cross the aqueduct then turn at the winding hole between bridges 90 and 91,then back the way we came heading for Chester.
We re-booked our balloon flight for October 28th near Weston in Staffordshire,hopefully third time lucky.

Misty Mornings.

2009-09-13T17:20:00.006+01:00

There was a mist over the water yesterday morning,soon though the sun burned it away for another lovely day. Setting off we cruised down to the Big lock at Middlewich.This is a wide lock for two boats, the only one on this stretch,the rest are narrow.We entered the lock with another boat and seven swans,rising through 5ft 1in.We moored and went shopping,then called for a pint at the Newton Brewery Inn.In the afternoon we did the three Middlewich locks with a rise of 32ft 7ins,then on to Wardle lock on the Shropshire union Middlewich Branch rise 9ft 9ins. It was time to moor for the night.
This morning the mist took a little longer to clear, but clear it did.Our first lock was just along from our mooring so i walked up and set the lock while Marlene followed with Doublefracture.Stanthorne lock rises 11ft 1in. Traveling in wonderful country side in beautiful weather,what more could we ask for.Two more locks rising a total of 22ft 3ins brought us to Barbridge Junction.
I've just come back to this posting after my Sunday dinner,with a lovely South African Merlot. Right, where was I,Barbridge Junction,after watering up we carried on to the junction with the Llangollen Canal(Hurlston junction),then moored for the night(then the lovely Sunday dinner). Tomorrow on to Nantwich.