| This Month's Totals and Average | |||
| 96.23 miles | 13 locks | 43.09 hrs | 2.54 lmph |
Last night's heavy showers continued into the morning. We decided we would stay here for the day. The rain cleared after lunch, leaving a lovely sunny afternoon. Traffic very busy in both directions.
A dull and damp morning. Decided we would still get on the move, and head down to Fazeley. Just getting ready to let go when Chris & Sally ("Kairos") and Paul & Sue ("Ten Thousand Reasons") came past on their way to the Mission at Milton Keynes. They stopped and we had a good catch-up - nice to see them all again.
After they left, we let go and got on the way. We passed through Polesworth, skirting Pooley Hall and the Country Park (on the site of the colliery which supplied the gasworks which used to be at what is now Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham). Continuing, we meandered through Alvecote, Amington and Glascote, and descended the two locks before approaching Fazeley. Moored just by the CRT yard before the Junction.
After the damp start, the clouds cleared to a nice sunny morning, before closing in again just as we moored up. Rain had arrived by late evening, and heavy showers continued through the night.
| 6.61 miles | 2 locks | 2.77 hrs | 3.11 lmph |
 gave.prime.broad |
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After the two days locking, Pat decided that she needed a quiet day without moving. Generally pottered for the day. A mixture of sunshine and cloud, with a slight breeze.
Pat went up into town first thing to get the required wool. While waiting, had a very brief chat with Chris & Lesley aboard "Rosie" as they passed heading uphill.
Once Pat was back aboard, we let go and started down the remaining 6 locks. Very busy with traffic in both directions. Good run down through Locks 6-9, but were held up with slow boats going through Locks 10-11. Some of the pounds were low, and we found several bottom-gate paddles not quite fully down so there had been some lost water. Getting to the bottom, we continued northwards to Bridge 50 and moored for the night.
Lovely sunny day throughout, which was better than the forecast had suggested.
| 2.73 miles | 6 locks | 2.35 hrs | 3.72 lmph |
| snipped.lollipop.frantic |
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Lovely sunny morning - up and on the move promptly. Continued the 50 mins to the top of the Atherstone flight, and moored up for services (loo, water, rubbish). Once on the move again, we started down the flight, with the assistance of volunteers on Locks 1-3. Slight delays at Locks 4 and 5, awaiting boats coming up, but made good time down the 1st five locks into the King's Head Pound (just on the hour) where we moored.
With the intention of moving on afterwards, we walked into town for lunch (at Costa), shopping at the Co-op, Superdrug, and the sweetie shop, but found that the wool shop now stays closed on Fridays. This was a problem as Pat was needing lemon 4-ply wool. She decreed that we would stay in the pound overnight (rather than head to our usual quiet mooring at Bridge 50), and she would go back to the shop in the morning. Returned to "Paws" for the afternoon and evening.
| 2.59 miles | 5 locks | 1.87 hrs | 4.06 lmph |
| textiles.districts.interests |
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Slightly late in waking, but then got on. Made the decision to head straight for Atherstone (rather than reverse up for loo first). Let go and headed northwards. Noted that "Grace" had doors open so stopped and had a chat with Terry (Chris was up in town) before continuing north. Wound our way through Nuneaton then out into the countryside. Mostly cloudy but with some sunshine attempting to get through. There was, however, a brisk breeze keeping temperatures down. Very busy day, with plenty of traffic. Lunch on the move. Cleared the CRT yard at Hartshill and decided that we should get a mooring - found a good spot just east of Cherry Tree Farm winding hole and tied up for the night.
Late afternoon saw "Jubilee" approaching so had a catch-up with Jan & John as they passed. Look forward to seeing them again in Burton.
| 8.79 miles | 0 locks | 3.58 hrs | 2.46 lmph |
| blackouts.split.immune |
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An overcast, damp and breezy morning greeted us today. The Admiral had decided we were taking a day-trip to Coventry and the forecast was going to be ignored! Up slightly early, and away about ½-hour before normal, heading southwards in a strong breeze and intermittent drizzle. We met two boats northbound, which boded well for getting a mooring. The route leaves Bedworth through Exhall - tree-lined both sides, but the backs of the industrial units and the constant noise of motorway remind that we are close to civilisation. After the Ashby Canal, the Coventry is deep and wide making steering easier. We noted that, since we were last this way, a section of towpath in the vicinity of the Arena has had rings put in and can now accommodate around 25-30 boats, although the noise from the adjacent Aggregate Industries site may put people off overnighting. The sky had cleared a little and the wind dropped a touch by the time we arrived at the basin, and we nosed into the western arm for a mooring. A good run south if the weather had been better.
Leaving "Paws", we walked into the town centre, heading for Tina's teddy shop. Unfortunately, we found that it was permanently closed (we assume she has retired). Heading across to the indoor market, we had a wander there, shopping for fruit, veg and fresh fish, before going for lunch at Costa. After lunch, and having collected Pat's watch which needed a new battery, we returned to "Paws" in showery rain.
Letting go, we reversed out of the arm and winded in the basin, before returning northwards in improving weather. There were only two short but heavy showers to break the warm sunshine. We met one boat heading into the basin, but it was generally very quiet. We arrived back at "Sutton's" and moored in the same place as last night. Although on the trip south, we had found no underwater obstacles, we 'found' four items which we scraped over on the way back.
| 11.48 miles | 0 locks | 4.48 hrs | 2.56 lmph |
| wisdom.twig.tiny |
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Yesterday evening's rain died out overnight, and we woke to a lovely sunny morning. Let go as soon as we were ready, and continued southwards through the outskirts of Stoke Golding village and on to Hinckley. Clearing the more industrial scenery, we emerged again into flat farmland again as we passed Burton Hastings, Bramcote and the southeastern suburbs of Nuneaton, arriving at Marston Junction and Bedworth.
At the junction, we turned left on the Coventry Canal, heading southwards. Passed Charity Dock and the Nicholas Chamberlaine School as we continued towards Hawkesbury Junction (usually known on the Cut as "Sutton's Stop" after the family who manned the toll office for many years). Had a brief chat with Stephen as he passed on the "Hargreaves" charity boat . Moored at the north end of the pilings for the night.
Although the day started sunny, the cloud built in thick black clumps. Fortunately, they all missed us except for a few slight drops.
| 11.26 miles | 0 locks | 4.45 hrs | 2.53 lmph |
| wisdom.twig.tiny |
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Having decided we were moving today, the Admiral slept in!
..... then there were still some items to transfer from her car
............ then there were a couple of items that had been missed off the shopping.
Cars finally parked up, we got away just before midday and headed south on the first official day of this season. As we were leaving, we heard that there was a tree down at Bridge 41, but we could squeeze past. Reported it to CRT, but they did actually know. Continued on southwards, with our traditional 1st lunch on the move - fried egg rolls. No further problems as we passed Shenton, Sutton Cheney and Dadlington, mooring for the day outside Willow Park Marina where Tim & Ali came down for tea/coffee. Great to get a proper catch-up with them.
The forecast rain arrived exactly as expected just before dinner. Had a brief chat with Derek & Ann on "Ursinity" as they passed us.
| 6.06 miles | 0 locks | 2.80 hrs | 2.16 lmph |
| flirts.endearing.spillage |
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Went up into the village in the morning to have a walk round the farmers' market (washing machine working while we were out), then returned to "Paws" for lunch. Completed Pat's unpacking in the afternoon, and took a trip to the local Household Waste site to get rid of the old engine oil (from the service). Should be ready to go tomorrow (with any luck) .
Took a drive up to Moira, to the Moira Canal Festival . One of the attractions for us was the flypast of the Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Had a great day, and will possibly go again another year. After a cool, cloudy start, the day brightened and the cloud lifted in time for the flypast.
Finding out that is was the local Farmers' Market on Sunday, Pat decided we would not be leaving before then. Spent Thursday unpacking. Visited Spinneybank Farmshop and the garden centre. On Friday we went supermarket shopping, stocking up for departure over the weekend.
Pat drove down, setting off just after 06:30 and arriving aboard just before 15:00.
I got the 8000-hour service on the engine done in the morning, then finished off the clearing up.
Lovely day, although a little cooler as a result of a thin layer of cloud. Rain set in again in the evening.
Sunny start to Sunday, although light showers came in after lunch. Generally pottered for the day on small jobs. Lodged a booking form to attend the IWA Festival of Water at Burton over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The showers became heavy during the evening.
Monday and Tuesday spent in general dusting and vacuuming, loo, water, rubbish, preparing Pat's bed (clearing and remaking), and shopping in preparation for Pat returning on Wednesday. Two sunny days, although we did get a few showers overnight into Tuesday, and again on Tuesday evening.
Beautiful morning. Wind had dropped and the sun was out. With Pat's information that she would not be down till Wednesday, I decided to extend my trip by an extra day and go back into the marina this afternoon. RCR had turned up to assist "Martlet" before I let go (broken pump belt). Let go mid-morning and headed north, past the marina entrance to the next winding hole, where there's a mooring I hoped to use for a lunch break. With another boat, I was stuck behind a hire boat who got stuck on the mud several times and was travelling at barely tickover. The boat ahead winded, and I followed suit. I tried to get alongside at the pilings to the north but a lot of dredging is needed on this canal. Eventually gave up and returned to the marina for lunch. By the time I'd got back, there was no sign of "Martlet" who must have winded and headed south.
Took a drive to the garden centres in the afternoon to see if I could find any small pot-hangers to affix to bulkheads - spectacular fail .
| 1.87 miles | 0 locks | 1.43 hrs | 1.31 lmph |
| custom.footpath.walks |
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After pottering for the first part of the morning, got away just after 10:00 and headed back towards base. Passed Sutton Wharf and Shenton, getting back just after 12:00. Approaching the marina, I decided the wind was too strong to put "Paws" on her berth so moored up just south of the water point for lunch.
After lunch, walked into the marina and headed out with the car to Hinckley for emergency stores. No improvement in the wind by mid-afternoon so settled in for the night - the forecast for tomorrow is for less wind.
Spent late-afternoon assisting "Martlet" who had broken down outside the marina.
Phonecall with Pat just before dinner. She advised that although she is still tiring quickly, she expects to travel on Wednesday.
| 4.93 miles | 0 locks | 2.08 hrs | 2.37 lmph |
| sudden.snatched.ignore |
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With the breeze reduced and the sun out again, time to move on again. On the move promptly, continuing south through Stoke Golding and into Hinckley. There was space at the mooring before Nutt's Bridge 16 so moored up for late cuppie.
Had a chat with a dog-walker, and a catch-up with Fhi in Italy before getting lunch.
After lunch, passed under Nutt's Bridge and winded at the Wharf Arm winding hole. Returned north again, back through Stoke Golding to my favourite mooring at Dadlington, completely empty today.
Reasonably warm while the sun was out, but the slight breeze was still a little chilly.
| 7.63 miles | 0 locks | 3.26 hrs | 2.34 lmph |
| pheasants.checked.sticking |
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Rain set in overnight, and lasted till mid-afternoon. Stayed put for the day, tucked in sheltering from the rain. Started a matchstick model I was given for my birthday - something I've never tried before, so a new challenge. Rain eventually cleared around 15:00, leaving a sunny evening, but the wind remained brisk.
After overnight showers (and a very vociferous song thrush), the morning started bright but with a cool breeze. Let go and continued north past Gopsall Wharf and through the Snarestone tunnel to the end of current navigation. Both the mooring south of the tunnel and at the wharf were nearly empty. Winded "Paws" and returned south, through the tunnel and past Gopsall Wharf and Shackerstone to Congerstone, where I moored by Bridge 47 for a lunch break.
After lunch, let go and continued south with an increasing wind. Passed through Market Bosworth, and past Shenton and Sutton Wharf (no moorings available), continuing to Dadlington where I had hoped to moor. Unfortunately, the wind made it impossible to get alongside so continued again to the outskirts of Stoke Golding and moored in the shelter of the trees outside Ashby Canal Centre.
| 14.78 miles | 0 locks | 6.06 hrs | 2.44 lmph |
| flirts.endearing.spillage |
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Quick visit to Hinkley to collect a parcel and a couple of stores items I forgot, then got ready to move out.
On the moove by 10:30 for a short break until next weekend. Left the marina and headed north in brilliant sunshine. Passed Congerstone and Shackerstone, passing a few boats coming south, although it was generally quiet. By 12:30, I was needing lunch. Found a good piece of piling just south of Bridge 56 so moored up with the intention of continuing after.
By the time I had finished lunch, I had decided that I would just stay put for the rest of the day in the dappled shade of the trees. A quiet afternoon siting out back reading. The cloud slowly built over the afternoon.
| 4.86 miles | 0 locks | 1.98 hrs | 2.45 lmph |
| likening.breakfast.snails |
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Quiet day on Saturday, pottering around. Received an email from Margaret at All Saints advising that there are several members who have tested positive. Our prayers are with them for a speedy recovery, but I will not be visiting tomorrow.
Quiet day Sunday, doing not a lot!
Another beautiful morning. Waited till after Pat phoned, to get the result of the telecall with doctor. He has suggested tablets, and to contact again if they don't do the job. He's also advised not to travel until at least Sunday 15th, so I have a further week to myself.
Eventually on the move mid-morning (whilst a load of washing got done), heading back to base - I'm needing the services intended last night and shopping. Passed Sutton Wharf and Shenton. Good run north, and got the best of the day. By the time I arrived, a breeze had picked up, making the berthing a little more difficult, and cloud covered most of the sky.
Having moored up, got my lunch, then set to getting the loo, water and rubbish cleared, before heading out to Hinckley for stores.
Rain had set in by dinnertime, lasting into the night.
| 4.99 miles | 0 locks | 2.14 hrs | 2.34 lmph |
| custom.footpath.walks |
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A lovely sunny morning, one that stayed that way for the whole day.
Received a text from Pat to say she had tested positive for Covid, so is resting up until she gets a negative result. She is due to speak to the doctor tomorrow morning anyway.
On the move by 10:00, heading to Hinckley for a wee jaunt, with the intention of stopping for a lunch break at the moorings just west of the basin. Unfortunately, it was packed full, so I just winded and returned towards Sutton Cheney. Stopped for lunch just west of the (old) location of Bridge 18.
After lunch, continued towards Sutton Cheney with the intention of getting services, then finding a mooring. Unfortunately, "Paws" and another boat became stuck behind a slow-coach (barely going over tickover even if there were no moored boats). I gave up after Dadlington, and moored at a place I have used before, west of Bridge 31. There were no other boats in sight.
Spent an hour trying to reset my modem which had taken a daft turn, then settled in for a quiet evening.
| 7.65 miles | 0 locks | 3.83 hrs | 1.99 lmph |
| pheasants.checked.sticking |
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Rain overnight continued until after breakfast. Drove into Hinckley for sufficient stores to last till the weekend, and returned to "Paws". I then took the car up to Bosworth Marina and got a taxi back, relocating the vehicle to our base.
After lunch, I had intended to go for a jaunt down to Hinckley, but the rain was back on again so stayed put. Noted a water vole purposefully paddling its way along next to the bank.
Up early and on the move by 06:30, away from the house for 07:30. A damp start to the drive, clearing slightly by the time I reached Stoke Golding. Congestion between Inverkeithing and Straiton, then roadworks, delayed me slightly, arriving at 15:00. Found Tim and got the keys, and they brought "Paws" to the slip from the lay-by berth. Had a long chat with Tim & Ali from "Caretta" before getting the car unpacked.
Once ready, wound up the "elastic band" and moved "Paws" to a berth just outside the marina. Unpacked the bags and got dinner, before a quiet remainder to the evening.
Kicking my heels over the Bank Holiday weekend. "Paws" is now ready for collection but Ashby Canal Centre is closed for the holiday. We have agreed pickup on Tuesday.
