| This Month's Totals and Average | |||
| 60.37 miles | 18 locks | 29.72 hrs | 2.64 lmph |
Up and on the move promptly this morning, moving the ¼-mile to Streethay Wharf to get fuel. It had been lovely sunshine at 06:00, but had clouded over by the time we moved.
Once fuelled up, we continued ahead to Fradley Junction, turning right onto the Trent & Mersey Canal and descending Junction Lock with the help of a Volunteer. We moored at the services berth for water and to empty a loo cassette. When finished, we moved across to the visitors' berth for lunch. Walked round to the "Laughing Duck" café.
After lunch, we headed off again, descending Keeper's, Hunt's, Common and Bagnall Locks into Alrewas. I winded "Paws" at the winding hole and reversed under Main Street Bridge 48 to the 14-day moorings, stopping in one of the very few spaces. The sun had been popping through the clouds during the afternoon, but not managing to stay out.
| 5.27 miles | 5 locks | 3.17 hrs | 3.24 lmph |
 list.texted.fuses |
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Took our time this morning as only a short day was planned. Walked into town for stores at Tesco, and to collect a parcel at the Post Office. Ready by 10:30, and on our way. Passed Fazeley Junction, continuing on the route of the Coventry Canal, although that company never paid for the work - it was done and paid for by the Birmingham & Fazeley Company, continuing their route from Birmingham (the Coventry Company had run out of money!). Left Fazeley, passing the new 'estate' (suburb?) of Dunstall and on to Hopwas, which was as busy as usual. The pleasant, if dull, day had turned cooler with a wind picking up. Continued past the farms at Tamhorn and Hademore before arriving in Whittington. Original 'ownership' of the canal changes again at Whittington Brook, where the route of the Coventry Canal meets the section built by the Trent & Mersey Company - The T&M was eventually reimbursed for this section. Continuing on again, we passed Huddlesford Junction where the eastern section of the Wyrley & Essington Canal is being restored. By this time there were moderate showers of rain, but we continued as there was only a short distance left to Kings Orchard Marina. We moored outside the marina in a spot we have used for years.
Belated lunch on arrival, then diary and maps. The remainder of the afternoon was spent researching how to use Samsung DeX to pass video by cable from an Android tablet to a TV screen. The sun came out mid-afternoon although the wind remained brisk.
| 7.70 miles | 0 locks | 3.20 hrs | 2.41 lmph |
| directive.overgrown.mess |
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Up fairly slowly on a bright morning. Finally managed to get on the move just before 10:00, and headed the short distance to the service berth at Bradley Green to top up water and empty the loo cassette.
Once all ready, we headed off northwards past the suburb of St Helena then through Polesworth. Passed Pooley Hall, with its country park and stopped for lunch in the wooded section before Alvecote.
After lunch, we continued past Alvecote, noting the ruins of the small satellite priory (outreach from Polesworth Abbey) before arriving in Amington, then Glascote. There was a queue for the two locks at Glascote so we had a slight delay, then on through Kettlebrook and into Fazeley. Moored in the vicinity of the CRT yard for the night.
There had been slight dribbles of rain in between periods of sun - cool when out of the sun but pleasant otherwise.
| 8.03 miles | 2 locks | 4.28 hrs | 2.34 lmph |
| apple.steps.pint |
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A dull damp day greeted us this morning, but we needed to get going. Pat said she had recovered from yesterday's problems and was fit to go. Got away at 10:00 and moved forward to the winding hole, with its service berth. I put out a centre line while I emptied the loo cassettes and Pat went round to the lock. One boat managed to nip in before us, but it didn't hold us up. The dampness had turned to drizzle.
Once the loo was finished, I swung round and entered the prepared Top Lock. As we were going down, Pat announces that the 'lockies' would be working us down to at least Lock 5, and she had been told to get back aboard as her legs were "a little wobbly". We headed down with the Volunteer assisting me to work the flight in the increasing rain. At Lock 5, he asked if we were continuing as his colleague was at Lock 6. We took the offered help and I continued straight down instead of us taking a meal break - Pat hadn't showed above deck all morning.
The Volunteer offered to assist as far as Lock 9 before he headed back up the flight, leaving me to single-hand the remaining two locks. By this time, the rain had ceased and the sun was showing its face. At the foot of the flight, I pulled in and moored for the day. Pat was sounding slightly better by this time, having sat in the saloon for the whole flight.
Once moored, tried the phone signal and it had improved - obviously we were now on a different mast. That meant the remainder of the afternoon was spent catching up with the maps and online diary, as well as signing off eBay deliveries, Amazon returns and other items which had been shelved for the past 4 days. The evening turned out quite nice, mostly sunny with the occasional light shower.
| 2.02 miles | 11 locks | 2.96 hrs | 4.39 lmph |
| gymnasium.issuer.outfitter |
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Saturday morning was bright and sunny. Attempted to get a catch-up call with Fhi in Italy but we were limited to audio only and it failed after about 20 mins. Went for a walk into town for some shopping, and to collect one parcel and return another. All successful. Spent the remainder of the afternoon fighting the phone network to get some business done online - failed! Opened the new tablet - the manual appears to say it will do what we want. Can't test it u ntil we get an internet signal.
The forecast rain arrived overnight. Although the continuous torrential rain had stopped by Sunday breakfasy, there were still showers around. In one of the pauses, we walked down to Trinity Chapel for the service, the first time the new circuit superintendant had preached there. Good service, look forwrad to hearing Jill in the future. Returned to "Paws" for lunch then pottered for the afternoon, amid thundery showers. No visitors from the church despite the offer of tea/coffee.
Monday morning was bright and sunny. Pat realised over breakfast that we hadn't bought milk and were running short. I was despatched to walk down to Morrison's while she got ready. When I returned, I found she had taken another "silly turn" and had gone back to bed - no moving today! I generally pottered for the day, reading and puzzles, until Pat 'surfaced' mid afternoon. Quiet remainder to the afternoon/evening.
Yesterday's wind had dropped overnight, but it was still dull and cool. Managed to get away by 09:40, continuing northwards for Atherstone - the plan being to moor just short of the town tonight, then move near Top Lock tomorrow. Entered the southern suburbs of Nuneaton past the entrance to the old Griff Arm and worked our way through the town, leaving past Springwood Haven marina. Arrived at Hartshill and moored at the CRT yard for water.
Once full, we moved on to get a mooring for the night. Unfortunately, we missed any possible ones near Hartshill and there was nothing nearer to Atherstone. We eventually found one just north of Bridge 39 and moored for the night. Had a late lunch then pottered for the afternoon. The cloud had thinned slightly during the day and it ended a little brighter.
The failed telephone mast is still giving communication problems. Unable to check email or deal with mapping for the diary - will get it uploaded as soon as possible.
| 7.32 miles | 0 locks | 3.31 hrs | 2.21 lmph |
| dote.sensitive.mats |
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The rain had cleared and we woke to a dull and chilly morning. Up promptly and, while Pat got ready to go, I emptied the loo cassette. Once everyone was ready, we set off again, southwards towards Marston Junction. Spoke briefly with Paul on "Moose" as he passed on the way back to his mooring next-door to us after having a blacking. We passed Dadlington and Stoke Golding, and into Hinckley. Saw our first sets of cygnets for this year. Leaving Hinckley, we had lunch on the move as we continued generally southwestwards, passing under the A5 and on past Burton Hastings and Bramcote to Marston Junction. Turning right onto the Coventry Canal, we headed northwards for ¾-mile to Bridge 17, where we moored mid-afternoon and had a much-needed hot cuppie. Writing the diary and prep for dinner took up the remainder of the afternoon.
| 11.97 miles | 0 locks | 4.97 hrs | 2.41 lmph |
| march.orbit.hush |
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Very heavy rain started overnight, and still going in the morning, so we decided to have a long-lie and stay put for the day. Quiet day on crafts and reading. Rain eased a little, but continued all day, finally dying out around bedtime.
Finally! We are free to get out for the summer!
Up promptly and on our way by 09:40 on a dull morning with scattered showers of light rain. Turned right, southwards towards the Coventry Canal. Only a couple of hours planned, as we intended to stop for lunch at the café at Sutton Cheney. Moored at the visitor pontoon just before midday. Lunch excellent as usual.
Quiet afternoon, just grateful to be out with no deadlines. Afternoon generally brightened, but with a forecast of more rain tomorrow.
| 3.68 miles | 0 locks | 1.75 hrs | 2.10 lmph |
| nudge.increases.spreading |
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After this weekend, we had a long-lie, rising to a dull day. Once up, we drove to Ventura for items from Halfords, Curry's and Sainsbury's (with mixed results). During the afternoon, I emptied the loo, while Pat did a load of washing and topped up the water ready for departure. I re-researched the ability to get an HDMI output from an Android tablet but fried my brain again with lack of, or conflicting, info. The sky cleared during the morning to a hot sunny afternoon and evening.
Up promptly again. We realised we had time to go to Atherstone Chapel, before returning to Moira for the second day of their Festival. Drove down for their service, then headed straight for Moira. When we arrived at Moira, went straight for lunch at the café (which was considerably better than yesterday's from the van!). Finished conveniently to go on duty at the main gate again. Heard the Millitary Wives Choir (Cottismore this time) from the entrance - sounded to have been better than yesterday. On closing at the gate, we walked up to the IWA stand for a chat with Helen, before heading back to "Paws" for another quiet evening.
Up promptly and out to drive to Moira. We had volunteered to work on the entrance gate for two hours each day at their Canal Festival (for which we got free entry for both days). Arrived there at 10:00 and checked in. As we were allocated 14:00-16:00, we then went for a walk round. The stalls were almost the same as two years ago but it was nice seeing their new stock. Went to the 'stage' area for 11:15 to listen to the (Nottingham) Military Wives Choir. Great show only spoiled by the lack of mic-ing which resulted in the singers being drowned at times by the backing music (this was rectified by their second stint in the afternoon).
Had lunch from the burger van in the food area - unfortunately it wasn't that great, with both the burgers and the rolls being dry). Had a surprise meeting with Ann from Leicester, who had lunch with us before she went for her own wander round. We also met Stephen & Gwyneth out for the day. We headed to the main gate for 14:00 for our shift - busy but not hectic, although the card-reader was playing up. We only saw alittle of the fly-past due to our location, only the Hurricane attended (the Spit was missing). Finished at 16:00 and returned to "Paws".
Back to the sun again. Topped up water, cleared the loo then had a quiet remainder to the morning, knowing we had a busy weekend to come. After lunch, I collected a parcel from Amazon and spent the remainder of the afternoon trying to get it to work (failed - more work or return). Pat cleared out the rubbish.
A dull morning. Started the day by testing the new washing machine - far quicker, less water, quieter, no leaks found - success! Went out to Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co at Sparkenhoe Farm, for lunch and cheese stocks ready for getting away after the weekend. Returned to "Paws" via Morrison's for stores. Spent time seeing what cheap books we could get on Amazon. The sun did manage to poke through late afternoon, but it dulled again late evening.
Up promptly and, leaving Pat to finish getting ready, I drove over to Park Gate chandlery at Penkridge. Poor journey with long traffic queues, road works and diversions. They didn't have the fender I wanted (it had been sold a few days ago), but I got a new tunnel light. The dull morning had turned to heavy showers. Arrived back for a late lunch, the showers clearing to sunny spells during the afternoon. Pat's morning was spent doing cleaning, and tidying up from the washing machine project.
The forecast rain started late yesterday evening and continued through until mid-morning. Up promptly, but it still took until nearly 10:00 to get started. Fortunately, everything finally went well - the two pipes connected easily and, although it took a bit of wiggling, the machine was pushed into its space. Electricity connected, and floor cleaning as we went, the fridge and backboards to the lockers were replaced. Job all complete by lunchtime. The remainder of the items displaced due to the job were replaced after lunch, leaving a quiet end to the day. The rain had cleared around lunchtime and the day finished sunny and calm.
Yesterday's forecast of thunderstorms overnight proved wrong, not so much as a pop let alone a bang, so we woke to a bright morning. Pat was slow in getting organised this morning so, by the time we'd then had cuppies, there wasn't enough time to start the job before lunch - quiet end to the morning.
Immediately after lunch, I got started, only to find that the waste pipe was too short! Measured up the pipe diameters and headed off to B&Q at Ventura for something to create an extension. Bits purchased, returned to "Paws", and did the extension work. Prepared the machine for insertion into the space - removing transit bolts, fitting pipes to rear and feeding pipes through bulkheads. At 16:00, I felt there wasn't time, before prep for dinner, to push the machine in and connect the pipes, so called it a day.
Currys only deliver in our area on Sundays and Thursdays. In the hope of getting out later in the week, we elected for a Sunday delivery (09:00-13:00). Up early ready for the van coming - it arrived at 09:50 and the men brought the unit right onto the boat. With yesterday's hassle, we decided to have the remainder of the day off to rest tired legs and shoulders.
Quiet remainder to morning, and early lunch. Showers, then went out to Bedworth Old Meeting House for a "Songs of Praise" with the Bedworth Methodist/URC pastorate (which includes Atherstone). Fantastic afternoon of 16 well-known hymns interspersed with readings to give us a breather, followed by a buffet meal supplied by the congregation (no need for dinner, just supper). A great end to a difficult weekend.
Saturday morning, Pat topped up the water, then I did the final fitting of the new water hose. The remainder of the time before lunch was spent preparing to remove the old washer (clearing the cratch for free access and moving furnature etc to get the old one out. After lunch, Pat decided to go shopping to Morrison's, while I got the locker door removed at the hinge, then set about disconnecting the pipework. It took nearly 3 hours to finally get the pipes off, then Paul gave me a hand getting it off the boat into the carpark ready for collection tomorrow. Found a leak on the water purifier so had to nip round to the shop to get a replacement. Replacement fitted and water restored, finally able to sit down at 17:30 for a rest while Pat cooked a very light dinner. Shattered!
This morning was spent in Tamworth - attempting to buy a washing machine with delivery and (possibly) fitting. It appears that the delivery companies discriminate against boat-owners in not delivering to the inside of boats, whereas in a house they will deliver to the room concerned. Our preferred unit would allegedly not be available for over 3 weeks. Topped up petrol in my car and returned to "Paws" for lunch. More research in the afternoon showed the same unit (allegedly) available for delivery, and a request made to Paul on "Moose" for assistance in getting it aboard (when would he be available). Ordered online for Sunday delivery.
Maybe spring is finally going to stay - another lovely sunny morning. Steve & Fiona ("Lutra Lutra") arrived in Market Bosworth by boat yesterday afternoon, and joined us for the service at Trinity (Atherstone), then returned to "Paws" for lunch with us. Had a long chat through the afternoon, great company. They left just before dinnertime. A bit more cloud by evening, but still very pleasant.
After a lazy start on Monday morning, we did a shopping run. A generally quiet afternoon, with me on the catering for dinner. A lovely sunny day throughout.
Tuesday morning we linked up with our friends at Doncaster for e-coffee - our usual monthly chat. Liz and Margaret from the church, John & Jane from BCF, and Fhi in Italy were on-line. After lunch, Pat did some baking while I pottered on the computer and read. The dull start to the day brightened during the afternoon. Chris ("Grace") dropped in for a chat during the evening - they were moored just outside the marina.
Pat decided that we would shop for a replacement hose today, so we drove out to Planters garden centre in Kingsbury (Tamworth). Managed to get what we wanted at a good price. Returned via Four Shires Farm Shop where we had lunch and stocked up on fruit and veg. Back to "Paws" for me to 'put the hose together' (put on the handle, water connection sockets etc). Another lovely sunny day throughout.
Spent the whole of Thursday morning researching washing machines, for ones which would fit in the space built into our cabinets by the builder. Eventually had a shortlist of 4 "almost" suitable (nothing the right size!). Pat also went round to the office to obtain tokens for the laundrette on site, then spent the afternoon shuttling between laundrette and boat swapping loads. Once complete, she made scones and more muffins.
A lovely day on Saturday, with plenty of sunshine and no wind. Pat had a migraine at the start of the day so was unable to join me for the first of our planned volunteer days - leafleting the public at Fradley Junction about the Fund Britain's Waterways campaign . Drove up to Fradley and joined the team from Lichfielkd IWA at the Laughing Duck café for 10:00.
After a good day, plenty of footfall in the area, and a lunch from the café, we shut up shop and went home. Pat had recovered and had done a load of washing - and the washing machine broke down! The sun remained out for the whole day.
The threatened thunderstorms, nor indeed any rain, materialised overnight, but Friday dawned dull and misty. We had hoped to go on our 3rd local day out, but the forecast wasn't great so deferred it till a better day. Pat did some baking.
Spent a quiet afternoon on the computer and reading. The misty morning turned to rain by late afternoon.
A cloudy morning today, but up promptly and on the move by 09:30. Moved forward to the winding hole at the café and turned "Paws" round. Returned northwards for base with an increasing wind, but getting brighter. An uneventful trip back, arriving 11:30 in time to clear away and take water before lunch.
After lunch, we took a drive to Hinckley for stores at Morrison's. Once back, I got the loo emptied. The brilliant sunshine slowly clouded over during the afternoon, with a yelllow warning of thunderstorms in force till midnight.
| 3.88 miles | 0 locks | 1.83 hrs | 2.12 lmph |
| custom.footpath.walks |
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After heavy rain overnight, we rose to an overcast morning, although with no wind, and quite warm. Took our time getting moving, but eventually got away just before 10:00, heading back southwards. Passed the villages of Snarestone, Shackerstone and Congerstone, hearing far more birdsong this morning. Sighted the red kite again and, along with the usual canalside suspects, we also saw several blackcaps.
Lunch on the move in the vicinity of base, but continued on southwards, passing Shenton before arriving at Sutton Cheney. Moored at the visitor pontoon but shortly after, another two boats arrived and we had to squeeze up to allow room for them. Took a walk along to the café and purchased gelatto. Quiet remainder to the afternoon. Rain showers arrived during the evening.
| 10.50 miles | 0 locks | 4.25 hrs | 2.47 lmph |
| reflected.pupils.insurers |
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