This Month's Totals and Average | |||
66.30 miles | 65 locks | 42.56 hrs | 3.09 lmph |
This morning started dull and drizzly. We walked along to the Methodist Chapel by Cledford Bridge (166) for their service - made most welcome, good service. Walked back to "Paws" for a quick lunch.
Let go after lunch and descended King's Lock, then moored for water at the Junction. Junction was very busy, with boats going in all directions. Once finished (and when there was a space), we let go again and turned left onto what is now considered the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Originally, the Chester Canal (from Chester centre to Middlewich) did not connect to the Trent & Mersey but stopped short and cargo was transhipped. Eventually an Act was passed for the construction of the Wardle Canal - the shortest canal in England at 154ft (47m) and included one lock.
We continued out of Middlewich, heading generally southwest towards Barbridge Junction, where the Chester Canal had a branch to Nantwich. A lovely wander through the Cheshire countryside, ascending Stanthorne Lock. The cloud was building and we thought we would get stopped before the rain arrived, so pulled in for the night (short of our plans) at Bridge 19. As it happened, we could have gone on as the dark clouds cleared with no rain.
3.63 miles | 3 locks | 2.15 hrs | 3.08 lmph |
legroom.visa.interest | |||
Rain overnight gave onto a showery but bright day. Looking at the possibilities for the weekend, we decided that, to get to a church for tomorrow, we would stay put today and get some cleaning done, and possibly a catch-up with Fhi (the water would last till tomorrow afternoon, and the loo till Monday lunchtime.
Got our catch-up, hearing all about her new temporary teaching job for the next 3 weeks, the possibility of a permanent job in September, and Nick's compulsory course. I went for a walk in the afternoon while Pat got some cleaning done.
A dull morning, today, much cooler than of late. As planned, walked into town in the morning for our main shopping - Lidl, Tesco and the local butcher. Lunch on return, then a dose of washing in the afternoon.
After a better night's sleep, we woke to another sunny, but not so hot morning. Pat decided that she would do (yesterday's) trip to Morrison's Daily (across the road) in the morning so that I could stay aboard and keep the boat ventilated. In the afternoon, I would then go to the pharmacy and collect the meds. We would (hopefully) get an even cooler day tomorrow for the long walk to the other side of town for a 'main' shopping at Lidl.
Plan carried out! A much cooler day, with a stronger breeze and more cloud.
A very hot day throughout. Long lie to start the day, then I walked into town to collect mail and parcel - Post Office had moved from our last visit, and the pharmacy had also closed. Walked to the (new) nearest pharmacy and lodged the scripts although they didn't seem sure of what to do. Returned to "Paws" for lunch.
Went for another walk in the afternoon, to the chandlers, only getting half of what I needed. Pat had a very quiet day, even electing not do go shopping.
A slow start, today, after the heavy day yesterday. Finally got moving just before 10:30 after 'morning cuppie', and went forward to the old wharf for services. Both taps in use, but the nearest boat had a great palaver leaving as he was in the middle of a banking transaction and he lost his signal! Eventually on the berth and got the needfuls done.
Once ready again, we left and headed out of Wheelock and through the outskirts of Sandbach. Descended Crow's Nest Lock and moored up for a bite of lunch.
After lunch, we moved on again through the Cheshire countryside, descending the remaining two locks of the Booth Lane Flight, and passing the chemical works and then the British Salt factory before coming to Rumps Lock. Finally entered Middlewich proper, and moored at the first ringed mooring above Kings lock. Walked down to the chippy for a take-away for dinner.
5.87 miles | 4 locks | 3.22 hrs | 3.07 lmph |
snores.gone.clef | |||
Another bright sunny morning. Up and on the move fairly quickly, moving forward to the Hassall Green Locks (2). Continued our descent, today expecting 10 locks to Wheelock. A steady but warm descent but we took it easily. Moderately busy with traffic. Noted a large number of swallows around the Maddocks Locks. Pat was eventually relieved of duties locking on health grounds (getting overly hot), and I ended up single-handing the last two locks into the village and mooring up just before the aqueduct.
Lunch once moored, then I took a quiet walk in the cloudier (cooler) air before getting the e-paperwork done. Went out for dinner, intending to go to the Cheshire Cheese. Arrived to be told they didn't serve Mon-Wed (no info on this on their Facebook site! Walked across to Barchetta , an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in the Old Mill at the wharf. Excellent food, great relaxed service, recommended.
1.66 miles | 10 locks | 2.83 hrs | 4.12 lmph |
named.quaking.canal | |||
I was up early (07:30) and went to the Good Shepherd Church (C of E) for their Communion service. Very friendly welcome, to a very traditional Anglican eucharist service. Stopped for coffee afterwards. Pat decided to take it very easy this morning after the heavy day yesterday.
When I got back, we elected to do our move before lunch, let go and headed out of the village, descending the two Thurlwood Locks on the north side. Shortly afterwards, we descended the next two Pierpoint Locks, bringing us to Hassal Green. We moored just above the start of the flight, within sight of the M6 motorway. Having moored up, we got our lunch just before 13:00.
In the afternoon, I caught up with the diary and maps for both yesterday and today, and later we had a catch-up with Fhi in Italy. A mostly sunny day, with occasional cloudier spells.
2.10 miles | 4 locks | 1.58 hrs | 3.85 lmph |
paving.finds.shallower | |||
Another lovely day. As we were preparing to let go, "Waterwolf" passed going uphill, so we had a brief chat with Jerry & Sue. Once on the move, descended Limekiln and Red Bull Locks before stopping for services at the CRT yard.
On the move again, starting the descent down "Heartbreak Hill". First come the 3 remaining ones from the Red Bull Flight (Yewtree, Kent's and Townfield) then a short gap before Church Two, another gap then Hall's and finally Lawton Treble taking us into Rode Heath. They are generally easy locks to work, and there is a better chance of one being in one's favour as they are mostly doubled (two locks side by side).
Found, again, that the phone signal was poor so, again, the maps and diary had to be delayed overnight.
2.59 miles | 11 locks | 3.03 hrs | 4.48 lmph |
forensic.balanced.bulldozer | |||
Had a discussion last night and, to maximise the stop at Middlewich, we need to arrive Tuesday. One spare day, which we decided could be taken today. Long lie after a quiet night. Pat did some baking in the morning, then it was cleaning in the afternoon, although it was taken slowly. Sun out all day but it was behind trees for a lot of the time - had to run the engine to top up.
We had hoped to do a deviation up the Caldon Canal, but we needed to get parcels, meds scripts, voting papers and other mail within the next week. As a result, we elected to skip the Caldon and head for Middlewich for the middle of next week - the logistics of finding a delivery point up the Caldon didn't work.
On a pleasant, warm morning, we got on the move by 09:45, heading through the pottery district of Stoke-on-Trent. Arrived at the southern portal of the Harecastle Tunnel after 50 mins. We were told that a convoy was on its way south and that we would get through once they were clear - about 30 mins.
The convoy cleared around 11:40 and we were allowed to proceed. We were the only boat there so Volunteer Ian let us through on our own. With nobody ahead of us, I 'wound up the elastic band' and let her go, doing the length in 37 mins. Once clear of the tunnel, we past Harding's Wood Junction (the connection to the Macclesfield Canal) and descended Red Bull Lock, noting a new (to us) Lidl next to the lock. We moored at a grassy spot above Limekiln Lock for lunch. Pat decided to walk back for a top-up on stores before moving on.
Having stocked up, we decided that we could just stay where we were and do the servicing tomorrow, so cleared up for the night. It had clouded over during the afternoon, but it was still very warm.
6.01 miles | 1 locks | 2.48 hrs | 2.82 lmph |
costs.motoring.means | |||
Beautiful warm sunny morning. On the move fairly quickly (for us ), continuing northwards. After about 10 mins, we came to Trentham Lock and ascended, then wound our way through the suburbs and centre of Stoke - the residential areas were well-kept, but some of the more industrialised areas being the usual "got to go through, but the quicker the better". Finally arrived at the bottom of the Stoke Flight (5 locks) and started our ascent. Very busy, so there was little time lost having to drain locks to get in. Met up with "Delta" (trading as "The Beanie Boat"), friends from Brownhills Festival, coming down and we had a chat. At the top, Pat decided not to reverse onto the Caldon Canal as she reckoned we didn't need to service. Moored clear of the Junction on the towpath side.
After a late lunch, I got the usual e-paperwork done and we had a quiet remainder to the day. Cloud started to build during the afternoon, but it remained bright throughout.
5.36 miles | 6 locks | 3.63 hrs | 3.13 lmph |
evenly.deeply.wisely | |||
Noted the fog when up for a call of nature at 05:00, but it had lifted by breakfast time, leaving an overcast but fairly bright sky. Up promptly and on the move by 09:30. Moved forward and ascended Star Lock then Yard Lock before stopping just below Newcastle Road Bridge for services. To save time for all, I went forward to the lock with one of the team from the other boat waiting to service and assisted a single-hander down the lock while he dumped his loo. This allowed him to continue without a further stop, and left the lock ready for us. Ascended Newcastle Road and Lime Kiln Locks then continued to the foot of the Meaford Flight (4 Locks). Traffic was quite busy today, and locks were generally set for us as we approached, making the ascent faster. Ascended the Meaford Flight, having a chat with a passing cyclist at the top lock.
Once clear of the lock, we got lunch on the move as we followed the railway again into Barlaston, mooring for the night just before the Wedgwood factory complex. The cloud remained for the rest of the day.
3.92 miles | 8 locks | 3.27 hrs | 3.65 lmph |
shut.author.cube | |||
With not a lot planned for today, we had a long-lie. Light rain showers persisted for the whole morning. Had a catch-up with Fhi in Italy, mostly to do with her new job over the next couple of weeks, with the possibility of permanent work if it goes well. By lunch time the rain had cleared and we walked up into town for stores. We both felt that Stone had lost a lot of its good shops leaving very little of interest. While we were walking back, "Reeve" went past so we got a brief chat with Graham & Elizabeth. We did get some sunshine late in the afternoon, but little harvested electricity for the day.
After yesterday's weather, we were not going to get to church today, so took our time getting going. Left Sandon Lock and continued alongside the railway through the farming countryside. Ascended Aston Lock then entered the suburbs of Stone, mooring just short of Star Lock, but the Scout Hut. Took a walk to the M&S Foodhall alongside the lock for lunch and dinner.
Lunch on return to "Paws", then a quiet afternoon. Occasional rain showers.
3.84 miles | 1 locks | 1.65 hrs | 2.93 lmph |
maybe.rejoiced.prompts | |||
The heavy rain continued through the morning, finally fading out over lunch. After a lazy start, we decided that we wouldn't be moving in the morning. After lunch, I had hoped to get to Stone, but, although there were longer periods of sun, Pat decided otherwise and we stayed put. For some reason, possible weather conditions, the phone signal was very poor today so diary and maps held over.
The rain died out overnight and Friday started sunny. Up and on the move promptly, continuing northwards up the Trent & Mersey Canal. Ascended Hoo Mill Lock following a family under instruction on the day-boat. Skirted Weston village and ascended Weston Lock as the rain resumed, heavy at times. Followed the line of the railway between there and Sandon, the railway bordering the canal for most of the way. Ascended Sandon Lock, slowly, as the ground paddle was broken and only the gate paddle was in operation. Decided that although we fancied a "pie & a pint" for lunch, it wasn't worth getting soaked for. Had lunch aboard and a quiet end to the afternoon. Heavy showers continued for the remainder of the day.
5.58 miles | 3 locks | 3.22 hrs | 2.67 lmph |
storeroom.rationing.install | |||
A very peaceful night, as usual at "The Taft". Thursday dawned bright, but cool with a cover of high cloud. Said our goodbyes to Peter & Julie and headed off northwards. Ascended Colwich and Haywood Locks before stopping again at the services to clear another loo cassette. Pat decided that we would stay here for the night, so I reversed across the junction to the only space we could find, and we moored up for the day.
Lunch, then a quiet afternoon. Still cloudy and cool, with rain arriving late afternoon.
2.93 miles | 2 locks | 1.95 hrs | 2.53 lmph |
bricks.expanded.alternate | |||
Lazy start to the day, finally getting on the move just after 10:00. We headed back into Rugeley on a lovely sunny morning. There were a lot more available moorings today, and we stopped right at Tan Lane Bridge 66. I walked into town to collect the fender from Argos (courtesy eBay), while Pat went to Tesco for more stores.
After lunch, we headed to the winding hole and turned "Paws" round. Returned through Rugeley town and headed back north again, stopping at "The Taft" to visit Peter & Julie.
Arrived just before 15:00 and spent the afternoon chatting over tea/coffee. Great company, as usual, although we noticed Julie's health is failing. They offered their mooring for an overnight stay, which we gratefully accepted.
The cloud did slowly gather during the afternoon, but it still remained a lovely day.
5.02 miles | 0 locks | 2.38 hrs | 2.11 lmph |
unloading.pave.cleanest | |||
More rain overnight, but it had cleared by morning. It took longer than hoped to get moving, but we were away by 09:30. Headed along to Haywood Lock and ascended, then pulled in before the Junction so that we could join the Zoom link with Doncaster and Italy for our monthly chat.
After our catch-up with Liz, John & Jane and Fhi, we had lunch but again it took longer than hoped to get moving again. Moved across the Junction to the services berth at Anglo-Welsh for water, loo, rubbish, and a bottle of gas. Once serviced, I reversed to the Junction, winded, and we headed back southwards. Descended Haywood and Colwich Locks and continued to Wolseley Bridge where we had hoped to stop for the night. With no moorings available, we had to continue past "The Taft", later than we planned. Moored just east of Taft Bridge 69 (where the "Pig Man" used to sell fuel).
A light shower of rain in the morning cleared to a bright afternoon.
3.92 miles | 3 locks | 2.58 hrs | 2.68 lmph |
grapes.zones.basket | |||
After a night of heavy rain, we woke to a sunny morning although with a cool breeze. The parcel is still at the 'sender's depot' so we will have to head to Great Haywood to empty loos.
Finally managed to get away just before 10:00, heading northwards. Passed "The Taft" and waved to Peter & Julie (having previously rung to say we would call in later in the week). Continued through Wolseley Bridge and on to Colwich Lock. It was its usual busy state, with a queue of 4 boats. Finally ascended and continued on to the Shugborough area where we moored for lunch just before 12:20.
After a leisurely lunch, Pat decided to do some clearing up before moving. Just when she was ready (around 14:20), rain came along and we elected to wait (and had a cuppie).
Eventually gave up and cleared away for the night - services will have to wait till tomorrow. No tele or internet for the evening either. Went to bed to the sound of tawny owls calling.
3.72 miles | 1 locks | 2.43 hrs | 1.94 lmph |
printing.goose.upholds | |||
Heavy rain overnight into Saturday led into a dull damp morning. The second parcel was dispatched this morning, later than I would have hoped, but may still arrive before deadline. Took the long hike back into town for stores (lucky we have the trolley), and collected the first parcel. The cloud dispersed during the morning to give a lovely sunny afternoon. The tests of the new cable for the TV still produced no results. I still have a couple of other options to try, but I'm not hopeful.
Sunday started cloudy. We walked into town again for the service at St Paul's - definitely an 'old-fashioned' one. The sun was peeping through by the end, and we had a pleasant walk back for a late lunch. A quiet afternoon, generally pottering. Tried out a couple of other solutions to the TV problem - it seems to be more stable over wifi using the native software on the Samsung rather than the 3rd-party app on the other tablet. A better quality dongle may now be the way forward.
Friday started beautifully sunny, but quickly deteriorated to dull and damp. On the move fairly promptly, leaving the lock behind and heading round towards Kings Bromley, with two boats following. In the long straight, I found a treebranch, about 10ft long and 2" diameter, lying across the cut. I managed to gently nudge it aside, but the two boats behind were so close by this stage, I let them through. Advised CRT of the problem, then continued past Kings Bromley marina and through the 'villages' of Tuppenhurst, Handsacre and Armitage. Pulled in at the water point at Ash Tree Bridge for a top-up.
Having taken water (from a very fast tap!), we continued into Rugeley, hoping to get a space on the new(ish) 7-day section north of Leathermill Lane, but there was nothing free. Continued right through the town, eventually getting moored on the north side of Church Bridge 67.
A quiet afternoon, with the sun popping in and out (lovely in the sun, but cool in the wind).
7.25 miles | 0 locks | 3.19 hrs | 2.27 lmph |
yarn.every.cross | |||
A sunny start to the day, and we got up and on the move quickly. Let go and headed round to Bagnall Lock to find a queue. Ascended when it was our turn, but it meant we were behind the same flotilla up through Common, Hunt's and Keeper's Locks as well. Hunt's and Keeper's both had Volunteers on. Stopped at the services berth to top up water, empty the loo cassettes and dump rubbish.
Let go again, into another queue to go up Junction, Middle, Shadehouse and Wood End Locks (Volunteers on all except Wood End). As we left Wood End Lock, we noted "Mad Hatter" so, once we'd moored for the day, I walked back and assisted Richard & Jacki down - a chance for a short chat. Mid-afternoon saw the RAF A400 Airbus that had done the flypast at the National Memorial Arboretum for the 80th celebrations for D-Day. Later a formation of four Apache helcopters also flew over.
2.90 miles | 8 locks | 2.95 hrs | 3.69 lmph |
swing.rationing.resort | |||
A nice sunny Saturday morning to start the new month. The plan is to stay in Alrewas for the whole weekend. Linked up with Italy for a catch-up - ended up being slightly longer than usual. The shopping that had been planned was deferred to straight after lunch, when Pat walked up into town (and I cleared up a pile of e-paperwork). We had visits from Margaret, Melvyn and Linda from chapel during the afternoon. Take-away dinner from Delhi Divan as usual here. Remained sunny all day, with a very pleasant evening. Assisted "Teal" alongside late evening and had a chat with Ben & Judith.
Another sunny day on Sunday. Went to the Chapel for their Communion service led by Roger. Ben and Judith came along with us. Returned to "Paws" for lunch, then went "open boat" for the afternoon Roger & Liz, Patrick & Sue, Linda, Sue and David all dropped in for a chat and cuppie. Quiet evening with the tele.
It was a cloudier start to Monday. We discussed the possibility of having next weekend in Rugeley and concluded that the logistics of where service points were available and when we would need them could be made to work. Decided to stay in Alrewas until Wednesday morning. Today was spent on 'household' chores (cleaning, washing).
A dull start to Tuesday, but it then turned to rain mid-morning. Graham went past on "Little Owl", headed back to his base from the Crick Festival (he then phoned mid-afternoon). Pat went for a walk into the village first thing for stores, while I worked on the replacement tunnel-light. Neither of us finished before the rain came on but neither got too wet either, just a little damp. After lunch, it was vacuuming and washing the deck inside. The rain stopped late afternoon.
Further to Monday's discussion, and placing orders for spare parts, we decided that we would stay in Alrewas another day. This would mean that we could watch the D-Day 80th celebrations on the tele, and still get to Rugeley for collection of the parcels. Wednesday started sunny, but turned to rain showers mid-morning (while we were watching TV), and back to sun by lunchtime. In the afternoon, I got on with some more of the genealogy project.