Springwood Haven

I think it must have rained most of the night and when we set off just after 9am it was very fine drizzle, this stayed with us half way up the flight before clearing out for a while.
As we went up in lock 11 we could see a boat coming down in lock 10, a hire boat was going up someway ahead of us.  The good luck didn’t last as the boat coming down had only been moored above lock 10, so after that we were following. Between locks 10 and 11 there is a very tall rose growing on the offside, it must be 12 to 15 feet tall. As we went up in the lock a moth joined me and settler down in the engine room, I have no idea where he is now.

The pound between 9 and 8 was well down and Diana dropped the water from before I could leave lock 9, I understand someone had already run water down so the next pound was also off the mark a bit. We caught up with the hire boat, all doors open moored on lock 5 moorings, we thought they had all gone to set lock 5 but there was no sign of life, a Kate boat Mary Celeste. At lock 4 we came across the first Volockie of the trip helping a boat down and another at 3 had the gates ready for us and suggested Diana went and opened Lock to, there was a third Volockie at the top lock so that was the last one also ready for us.

A little way beyond the top lock we passed this garden on the offside, funny how some people turn their backs on the canal and others make it a feature.

Since we were last this way Rothen Group have completed their off side quay heading and very smart it looks to.
Just through the bridge they are turning a large bay into a Marina, This bay has been here for many years but not connected to the canal, at one time there was even a narrowboat moored in it, but now it has an entrance, pontoons and water and electric points. I wonder if Rothen will operate it?

We carried on now back in the rain to just beyond Springwood Haven Marina where we moored for the night.

Todays Journey 6miles 11 locks in 4 hours

Bottom of Atherstone Flight

Firstly I have just manually added a map to yesterdays Blog, it looks as in MotionX GPS is no more, well I can’t find an up-to-date App for it, which would account for it not forwarding to my PC. The logging program works Offline so that still runs on the Ipad

Very fine drizzle  this morning when we set off at  11 Am. and a surprising number of boats on the move in both directions. Passing through Drayton Swivel Bridge I noticed that the deck is in a very bad way.

Now one for the know-alls' what are these buildings almost opposite Debbies Day Boats as can be seen on this screen shot from Google Maps?

When we arrived at Fazeley junction we pulled into the water point to fill with water, as the water had been sitting in the water tank for 3 months in some very hot weather we decided to dump it rather than use it for cooking and drinking. We were about half full when another boat arrived wanting water so we pushed off to let him use the waterpoint, we winded and headed back along the Coventry Canal heading south. Again we struck lucky with Glascote Locks, a boat had just come out as we approached and although there was one going up in the top lock , there was another coming down before we left the bottom lock. To cap it all yet another boat arrived at the top just before we were ready to leave so again we left the gates for them.
A short way above the lock CRT and their contractors have been busy installing some new piling, but it looks as if they have been unable to drive it in fully.
As the day progressed the weather got even wetter and the umbrella was working overtime, but far better than togging up in coats as even with the rain it was quite warm.  We pulled over at Grendon Wharf to finish topping the water tank up, then it was just a few hundred yards to the bottom of the locks. Needless to say almost as soon as we moored up the rain stopped, the sun came out and the birds started singing.

Todays Journey 12.4 miles, 2 locks in 5.75 hours.

Curdworth locks Mon 6 July 2020

First trip out since the shutdown came on. First problem is trying to remember how Open Live Writer works, but at least now I am on Windows 10 I have a spell checker on it, it still wont know what word I wanted to use but it will save a bit of work.
We left home just before 9am and were at Alvecote just after mid day thanks to the great improvements along the A14.

The boat was in good shape, rather a lot of water in the bilge which was strange because I turned the stern greaser before I left. The engine started first turn of the key and the domestic bank were well up thanks to the small solar panels I have..
It was just on 2PM when we left the marina, the plan. Always have a plan, the plan was to leave the marina and turn right heading for the bottom of the Atherstone flight for tonight, however lock 10 on the Atherstone flight is bust so we turned left.  Between Alvecote and Fazeley we met 9 or 10 boats heading towards Atherstone so the queue by tonight will be even longer. We struck lucky at Tamworth with the top lock full and a boat coming up in the bottom lock, by the time we reached the bottom lock there was another boat waiting to come up, so the only gats we closed were top ones.

At Fazeley junction we turned sharp left on the Birmingham and Fazeley canal towards Curdworth, it wasn’t long before we passed John and Jan making their boat ready to set off, they are also heading Atherstone way but not leaving until Wednesday so we may see them later.  We carried on towards the Curdworth, but as we had no intention of going up the flight I let a following cruiser pass us so that I could just chug slowly as far as the winding hole, here we turned ( I made a right mess of it) and we headed back to moor for the night by the Gravel Pit Bridge.

Once moored up I gave the bilge a dose of looking at. The container under the stern gland was bone dry and floating around the bilge, as I bailed the water out I found the port side deck drain blocked so it must have been rain water coming in during one of the downpours over the past 3 months. A quick poke with the drain wire soon had it on its way. The bilge is not fully dry as I got fed up laying on my chest bailing out, I will do some more tomorrow.

Todays journey  8.7 miles, 2 locks in 3.25 hours,

Back Home

0930 start this morning in bright sun following a light frost in the early hours. The Glascote Locks were of course against us and I don’t think we met any boats all morning. An hour and a half later we were swinging into the marina. The Swan now has three eggs in her nest, but she is making no effort to cover them. Someone has kindly put up a fence to keep dogs etc. away from the nest site, but it wouldn’t stop a Fox.

Today’s journey 3.56 Miles 2 Locks 1.75 hours.

Fazeley

Thankfully the geese slept late but the moorhens came for breakfast on the hull. We pushed off at 1030 back to Fazeley Junction where I made a better job of the turn, before stopping to fill with water. Once that was done we headed up the Coventry Canal for a few miles. CRT have cut back some of the offside vegetation but not done such a thorough job as they have elsewhere, so in places there are still things sticking out. The down side is they cut the overhanging branches from the Damson tree in Hopwas.

Just through Hopwas village a sight you don’t see very often, two horses being ridden up the towpath, they then crossed the bridge into Hopwas wood.

A little further on and a steam train with just one coach went north, by the time I had the camera ready the line was obscured by the bushes.

We winded at Tamhorn Farm Bridge and made our way back to Fazeley for the night. The woods in Hopwas are carpeted with small white flowers.

Todays Journey 13.3 Miles in 4.45 hours.

B&F Bottom of Curdworth Locks

last night we had an Indian Takeaway from Ratna. Their prices have gone up a bit since last time we had a meal from there and we are not sure their adding up is spot on. However the food was great.

This morning was a late start at 11 am. as I attempted to make a few Phone calls, Our holiday to Ireland has been cancelled so I had to organise a refund and also order heating oil for home. Just passed the Polesworth mining centre  we past a Kingfisher sitting on a twig over the canal, didn’t see him until we were level so no chance of a photo. Passing the marina at Alvecote we saw that there are now two eggs in the Swans nest and both Swans were on site. We continued on to the top of Glascote Locks where we stopped for lunch, left over Indian and home made soup. As we arrived we could see a boat going down the locks ahead of us, so we had that to look forward to this afternoon. I also noticed that the Ipad had not been plotting our route so no marked from Polesworth to Glascote.

After lunch we set off down the two Glascote locks and carried on to Fazeley Junction where I made a real pigs ear of the turn up the Birmingham and Fazeley canal. Thankfully I didn’t hit the glass wall.

We were delayed slightly at Fazeley Mill Marina, I could see  well in advance that a boat was reversing out and having trouble turning so we waited for him to get sorted then when level with the marina entrance a boat came backwards through Coleshill Road Bridge and then passed a moored boat, so we held well back and waited for him. It was then a straight run to the winding hole just before Curdworth Bottom Lock where we winded before mooring for the night.

Todays Journey 10.2 miles in 4 hours with 2 locks

Polesworth Thursday 19 March 2020

This is my first attempt at Blogging since I loaded Windows 10 so we will se how it goes.

We had a good run to the marina with fewer holdups on the A14 than in past trips, for some reason the M6 had a 60 MPH speed limit for miles for no apparent reason in very light traffic. Needles to say it started raining on the way and we still doing it lightly when we arrived at the boat.

I was a bit worried as we hadn’t visited the boat since of Christmas Trip and we have had several storms since then, at some point our stern rope had rubbed through where it passed through the mooring chain, but someone had kindly remoored us which was appreciated. Everything else was fine.

Once onboard the water system was refilled, the two solar panels had done a good job keeping the domestic batteries full and the engine started first shot. Buy the time we had eaten a bit of lunch and were ready to go the rain had stopped, so at 1415 we were away. A swan has made a nest right at the marina entrance, there was just a singe egg in the nest when we passed, I wonder if there will be more when we return.

Leaving the marina we turned right and had a steady run to Grendon where we winded and returned to Polesworth for the night. We saw a few boats on the move including friends of our being towed which was a surprise, but passing by we were unable to get any details.

We only did 8 miles which took us 2 hours and 20 minute, enough to warm the boat for tonight as we will be having an Indian Takeway onboard.

On the Moorings Saturday 4 January 2020

Day : Saturday
Date : 4 January 2020
Start : 0930
Finish : 1330 Back at the moorings

Last night we made the decision we would go home today, so today's plan was a trip to Fazeley to fill with diesel and than back to the marina, this would also recharge the batteries to leave the boat.

0930 this morning saw us on our way, When I went out on the back deck it looked as if we have had a small visitor overnight.

The weather was surprisingly warm and we were soon at the two Glascote locks and a boater had just come out of the top gate which was a bonus. Down to Fazeley Junction and sharp left to Fazeley Mill marina to top up with diesel, only after 50 lts their tank ran dry.

We retraced our step stopping at Fazeley Junction to fill with water, just beyond the junction this boat had a very nice piece of wood carving on its bows.

Out luck at the locks going back wasn't so good as yet again a boat was just leaving the top lock gate, so both against us this time. A little further on one of the houses has had a very nice Christmas display, last time we passed it was only partly completed.

Back at the marina we slid into our mooring slot and made ready to go home, this time of the year this includes draining the domestic water system. Just a hour later we were in the car and on our way home.

Today's Journey10 Miles 4 Locks in 4 hours.

A map of our total journey taken from Canal Plan AC

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.

Alvecote Friday 3 January 2020

Day : Friday
Date : 3 January 2020
Start : 1045
Finish : 1500 Alvecote

First task yesterday evening was to find somewhere to eat, looking on the internet first choice was The Chapel House, not what we would normally chose but looked rather nice for a one off, but no table available, so we walked to the Red Lion but found it unfriendly and uninviting so walked out again, maybe the Indian further down Long St. Steaming Billy's didn't sound like us and the Indian was empty and looked moor Take away, however next door almost was the Black Horse, a much friendlier establishment. We ate in the bar as there was already another couple eating there and after a nice meal got into conversation with a couple of local gents who came in for a drink. A very friendly atmosphere all round.

This morning we set off a little later than usual, stopping at the water point to fill with water and dump the rubbish before setting off down the flight, 2 boats had already gone down so we expected to locks to be against us. We did meet one boat at lock 4 but he had only come up a couple of locks, likewise we met another at 7 but after a couple of locks they were all empty again. By now the sun was out but it still wasn't as warm as it was last night, 10.5°C at midnight in early January. Once clear of the locks we had a steady run through to Alvecote where we have moored for the night just north of the marina.

Today's Journey8 Miles 11 Locks in 4¼ hours.

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.

Atherstone Thursday 2 January 2020

Day : Thursday
Date : 2 January 2020
Start : 1030
Finish : 1330 Atherstone visitor moorings

Oil and Filter changed, Batteries topped up.

It was a nice quiet mooring last night opposite the school playing field. The wind picked up overnight which made the centre lines slap on the rear bulkhead, surprising how loud that can be inside the boat in the quiet of the night.
This morning was reasonable warm with a bit of breeze. The scrap pile at Charity Dock looks to be getting bigger with 2 Morris 1000s and a van on there now.
The pussy willows now have their catkins on them so we have the spring to look forward to. I am always amused how some people decorate their gardens, this one has a Buddha temple, a couple of skeletons and other odds and ends.
There is so much water entering the canal opposite The Anchor at Hartshill that the canal is a milky grey for several yards under the road bridge, I suspect its old mine or quarry pumpings.

It wasn't long before we were approaching Atherstone and Rothen's new base. Rothen now do most of CRT boat related bank work and supply boats to CRT, I think they probably bought most of the from CRT a few years back, but they also have new stuff.
Once moored at Atherstone and after a cup of tea Diana went for a wonder round town to find somewhere to eat tonight while I did the oil etc.

Today's Journey9¼ Miles 0 Locks in 3 hours.

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.

Bedworth Wednesday 1 January 2020

Day : Wednesday
Date : 1 January 2020
Start : 1100
Finish : 1600 Bedworth

Well we saw the New Year in with a couple of glasses of Champaign and watched the London fireworks on the TV so were a bit late to bed and a bit late starting this morning at 11am. When we set off there wasn't a breath of wind and only the lightest of breezes all day. We saw our first snowdrops at Brinklow.
A little further on and the old Spoon Dredger is still at Rose narrowboats Ltd, it was here last time we passed. this time I managed to record the number BCN 18409.
At Ansty when we same by a few days ago there were about 50 horses in a field, today most of them had moved off into the scrub area beside the canal where they were browsing on bushes etc.
As you approach Hawkesbury Junction there is a large electrical substation on the off side owned by the National Grid surrounded but what could be termed waste ground, it seems this is now being managed for wildlife and nature.
We had to wait at Sutton Stop as a boat ahead of us was just entering the lock, as he was single handed Diana closed up for him and turned the lock for us, then it was out on the Coventry canal with a 180° turn round the junction and through the gauging narrows. We stopped in Bedworth at Terry and Christine's for a cup of tea and some tasty brownies plus but of a chat before setting off again to moor a short way before Charity Dock opposite the school playing fields.

One final thing. Why not make it a New Years resolution on 1st of the month to check your smoke and CO alarms, you know it makes sense.

Today's Journey11 Miles 1 Lock in 3¾ hours.

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.

All Oaks Tuesday 31 December 2019

Day : Tuesday
Date : 30December 2019
Start : 1000
Finish : 1615 All Oaks again

Yesterday evening we wandered up to The Plough for dinner, quite early at 7pm and as expected it was quite quiet at that time. Its several years since we have eaten there.

This morning Diana went to do a bit of shopping while I motored down to the Marina to wind, she was coming over the bridge just as I moored up in the same spot I left 25 minutes earlier. Once back onboard we headed back to the N Oxford. The island supporting the double span bridge across the junction needs some serious attention. You may recall that on Friday I posted a photo of a boat on Cross straps, well this is how its spouse to be done.

We had a good run down the locks with the top lock full and a boat about to leave both middle and bottom lock as we arrived. Being a bit short of water we stopped at the water point below the locks, but once we saw how low the water pressure was we carried on to Rugby and filled there. We met quite a lot of boats, most of them we had also met yesterday going the other way, including this Kate hire boat, they also had an inflatable Christmas tree on the rear deck and a Father Christmas.

Boaters tend to put something on top of their chimneys and exhausts to stop the rain getting in while the fire/ engine is not in use. I use an upturned, but painted coffee tin, some use mugs and saucepans, even bowler hats and Charlie pots, but this one had purpose made bonnets.

We pushed on and moored back at All Oaks wood visitor moorings.

Today's Journey15 Miles 3 Locks in 5¾ hours.

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.

Braunston Monday 30 December 2019

Day : Monday
Date : 30 December 2019
Start : 1030
Finish : Braunston 1530

Well weather wise the day made a very slow start and didn't really pick up until mid day, but boy it certainly made up for it with warm sunshine until about 4pm.

We met quite a few boats as we made our way to Braunston, we were going to stop at Hillmorton but the weather was so nice we just carried on. All the Hillmorton Locks were with us and a boat came down just as I was leaving the bottom lock, so I didn't need to stop and close it. There look to be a few more houses on the old radio site than last time we passed, I wonder how long it will take to complete the development.

One thing that stuck out today were there old Oxford Canal Company concrete fence posts, but they are not lined up for running wires through them, so ether they have been moved or were put in for another reason.

As we approached Braunston the sun was still bright but getting lower and it left some great shadows on the ridge and furrow land running up towards Braunston Church.

At Braunston Junction we went round to the left towards the village, there were a couple of mooring spots opposite the Boat House pub and as we knew two boats were following us we decided to moor straight way rather than going to the marina to wind first and risk not finding a spot.

Today's Journey14½ Miles 3 Locks in 4¾ hours.

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.

All Oak Wood Sunday 29 December 2019

Day : Sunday
Date : 29 December 2019
Start : 1045
Finish : All Oaks, N Oxford 1530

A much brighter day today and looking at the sky this evening I am hopeful for tomorrow as well.
Before setting of a short walk round the basin and a visit to the food shop that specialises in eastern European thing. I have never had dry smoked squid before and then we were off. One of the bridges has some interesting art work, I can't call it graffiti as it was commissioned. What did surprise me were the yellow and blue wheelie bins right by the canal, form the labels they contain oil spill clean up kits and no one has set fire to them yet. Further along on the off side there is a complete wall made from old shipping containers standing 3 high.
You can't come down the Coventry Arm and not take a photo of the concrete sofa, no one has thrown this one in the cut yet. Talking of throwing things in the cut I have never seen this branch so clear of floating rubbish, on one trip down the weedhatch in the whole 10 miles.
When we reached Hawkesbury Junction I had to wait for a boat to come out from the Oxford before we could swing under the footbridge to the lock. A group of moorers just beyond the lock look as if they had a joyful Christmas.
Just beyond bridge 44 the fields are well flooded, I wonder if the pylon will grow a few inches with its roots in water.

We carried on and as the sky's cleared and the sun popped out again very low in to the horizon it started to feel a bit cooler, a kind boater taking water at Rose Narrowboats opened the swing bridge for us which was most appreciated as we carried to moor for the night on the rings just before All Oaks corner. We have met quite a few boats today, probably more than we have seen moving all week until today, the first being on the Coventry Arm followed by a couple at Sutton Stop.

Today's Journey14½ Miles 1 Lock in 4¾ hours.

IMPORTANT NOTICE All of the above is my personal opinion and does not represent those of any official body or notices. All comments made to this blog are checked before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted but if you leave a name I could say thanks.