| This Month's Totals and Average | |||
| 84.95 miles | 18 locks | 40.50 hrs | 2.54 lmph |
After using the replacement unit for 'streaming' from the Android tablet to our TV for a week, I get the feeling this is more robust and reliable than the previous ones tried. Spent most of Thursday seeing how I could tidy the cables away (what adapters/new cables do I need?). Had a call to the 'Bank of Mum & Dad' from Italy, and a deal was struck - the call then ended up being a longer catch-up . After a sunny morning, the forecast rain arrived mid-afternoon and continued into the evening.
Thursday's rain continued into Friday, finally dying out just after breakfast. Spent the whole day assisting with the set-up, serving of tea/coffee, and clearing away for the marina's part of the "World's Biggest Coffee Morning" in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support - raised just over £420. The dull start turned into a lovely sunny day.
Overnight was clear, making it very chilly (lowest temp overnight was 5°C). A sunny but cold start to Saturday, the sun lasting until into the afternoon. After a 3-way video chat with Pat (Kirkcaldy) and Fhi (Italy) about her new job, I completed the cabling work planned out on Thursday then had a quiet remainder to the day.
Sunday started a lovely sunny morning. Drove out to Alrewas for the joint service with All Saints (Alrewas), St Stephen's (Fradley). St Leonard's (Wychnor) and the Methodist Chapel to celebrate Harvest and to wish Rev.John Allan (and his family) a happy retirement. It was a great service with a 'spread' afterwards - a fantastic send-off for a man who will be much missed by his congregations. Returning to "Paws" mid-afternoon, I returned the phonecall from Ann, welcoming the news that the IWA special in June next year (Harborough 75) is to go ahead. Afterwards, there was a lull in the increasing wind, and I took the chance to nip across to the services berth and top up the fuel ready for going home. Managed this before it got too strong, and tucked "Paws" up on our pontoon again. Shortly after, the rain arrived.
A wet and windy night into Monday, but the wind calmed down during the day. A quiet last day of the month, with only a quick trip out to top up the milk to last until Wednesday. The wind picked up again late afternoon and the month finished with another wet and windy night.
Last cruising day of the year (although I have a couple of things to do before going north to the house). The sun was poking through the altocumulus cloud making for a lovely morning. Took my time getting going, but still on the move for 09:30. Headed northwards past Shenton and into Market Bosworth. Turned into the marina and was moored by 11:10. Noted a new boat between me and "Moose", with a 'trade plate' (assume for sale - the marina seems to have taken on a new venture, brokerage)).
After lunch, I emptied the loo cassette and dropped into the office, then took a drive to Hinckley to top up stores for the weekend.
The cloud built after lunch and the forecast rain had arrived by the time I had finished the shopping.
| 3.68 miles | 0 locks | 1.58 hrs | 2.32 lmph |
 custom.footpath.walks |
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Today started out sunny, so decided to take advantage of some free energy (after all the rain) before continuing towards base. Quiet morning on e-paperwork.
By late morning, the cloud had started to build and the solar input was poor, so had a slightly early lunch and moved off for a better place to leave the engine running (occupied boat behind). As I was leaving, I was passed by "Ursinity" - managed a quick chart with Derek & Ann. Tailed them out past Dadlington and on to Sutton Cheney where there was plenty of space on the mooring pontoon so stopped for the last night out.
Heard from Fhi in Italy, who confirmed the start of a teaching post at a local school (will get more details later).
| 1.95 miles | 0 locks | 1.05 hrs | 1.86 lmph |
| snowy.approvals.dearest |
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After another night of moderately heavy rain (but no thunder this time), day dawned dull and misty. I checked the forecasts (and had a look outside ) and decided I would risk moving. On the go by 09:50 and headed round under the A5 and through Hinckley. There was a continuous slight misty drizzle but not very wetting. Continued out past Trinity Marina and round the outskirts of Stoke Golding, past Willow Park Marina, stopping at the visitor moorings on the north side. Cleared up, then had lunch. By mid-afternoon, the moderate rain had returned (as forecast) so battened down again for a quiet afternoon.
| 4.81 miles | 0 locks | 1.97 hrs | 2.45 lmph |
| lifeguard.garlic.planet |
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The heavy rain continued all night, with another bout of thunder in the early hours. It was still hammering down over breakfast, with more thunder mid-morning. Decided not to move! A quiet day with puzzles, reading and TV. Although the rain ceased after lunch and it got brighter, I didn't trust it not to suddenly come on again so stayed put. It did, indeed, start again late evening.
A bright but cloudy start to the day, but it rapidly cleared to brilliant sunshine. Got on the move promptly, moving forward to the services point south of Hawkesbury Junction. Noted two boats which had obviously stayed overnight on the one-hour mooring, but there was still space at the water tap. Cleared the loo cassette and the rubbish, but found that the tap had had its T-bar sawn off! Not happy, obviously.
Reversed back (as planned) to the Junction and winded, returning northwards. Pulled in for an unexpected stop at the water point north of the Junction and topped up.
Once ready, let go again and continued north to Marston Junction, mooring immediately after the turning (best available). Walked over the bridge and up the hill to the convenience store for the milk I had forgotten on Tuesday (at least it will be fresher), and returned to "Paws" for lunch.
After a relaxing lunch, let go again, reversed to the Junction and headed up the Ashby Canal. Cloud was beginning to build and the forecast for later was poor. Continued past the hamlets of Bramcote and Burton Hastings with rain on its way. Noted a pair of red kites circling just south of Bramcote. Miss-timed mooring up and got caught in a hefty thunderstorm. Rapid moor-up immediately after Goodacres Bridge 13, inside and dry out! The heavy rain turned to drizzle, but the thunder rumbled on for another hour. The heavy rain was back by bedtime.
| 8.07 miles | 0 locks | 3.33 hrs | 2.42 lmph |
| rope.farm.natively |
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Decided I'd better get some 'housework' done so, on a bright but cloudy day, I set to with cleaning, washing and vacuuming. Finished in time for an early lunch.
After lunch, it was time to get on the move again. Let go just before 13:00 and headed northwards to the junction with the old Griff Quarry Arm and winded (slight hold-up for a Rothen's tug who happened along during the manoeuvre). Once round, I let the tug past (working boat) and set off southwards again. At that point, it decided to throw it down (with hail stones!). After about 5 mins, it stopped and turned into a lovely sunny afternoon. Passed Marston Junction and continued southwestwards through the outskirts of Bedworth. Made fast at the NE end of the 7-day visitor moorings and had a quiet end to the day.
| 4.71 miles | 0 locks | 1.80 hrs | 2.62 lmph |
| wisdom.twig.tiny |
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Up slightly early this morning on a dull and breezy morning. A couple of jobs for me before coming off the slip - greased the thread and nut on the repaired weed hatch, then fitted it back in place, then stripped off the electric hook-up ready for departure. Tim was on-site by 08:30 and put the nuts back on the bowthrust cover plates. All ready by 08:45, with Andy and Steve here as well, so we were slid back into the water.
With a wave of thanks, I left the marina and decided to have a few days on the move before going back to Bosworth - turned right, southwards out of Stoke Golding. Headed down to Hinckley, noting a kingfisher just south of the marina roadbridge, and moored by Nutts Bridge 16 for a coffee break. Pottered until an early lunch.
After lunch, I continued generally south, past the hamlets of Burton Hastings and Bramcote, to Marston Junction. Turned right, northwards, and moored for the day just north of Arbury Park Bridge 16.
The earlier cloud had cleared during the morning, giving a sunny and warm afternoon, the sun lasting on into the evening.
| 9.32 miles | 0 locks | 3.87 hrs | 2.41 lmph |
| salads.cooks.cure |
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Cloudier this morning but warmer. No mist today. After several boat movements in the marina, Tim was back again to do the 2nd coat of paint. I had a long catch-up with Fhi in Italy. In the afternoon, Tim repaired the stripped thread on the weed hatch locking bar (new threaded rod welded onto old handle and new 'nut' on bar), blacked and left to dry. Quiet remainder to afternoon awaiting paint drying. The cloud dispersed during the day leaving a sunny evening.
Another beautiful morning, although cooler. Tim was back on site around 08:30. First job today was cleaning to bare steel and welding on the new anodes, then he got started on the blacking (1st coat). I took a walk into the village and got the bus to Hinckley to collect a parcel. Also dropped into Morrison's for a couple of things, then returned to "Paws" to find the 1st coat complete.
After lunch, I set up and tested the new wifi box for mirroring iPlayer to the TV - it appears to do the job, time will tell. A quiet afternoon pottering. Treated to bell-practice from the Church of St Margaret of Antioch in the evening.
A beautiful morning, with the sun coming up and spreading a soft light over the misty canal. After breakfast, I took a walk into the Canal Centre and 'checked in'. They were just taking the last contract off the slip and would be putting one boat on for a survey for sale. This would be finished around midday and I should be going up after him. Generally pottered for the remainder of the morning.
Sure enough, the lads came out at 12:15 and said they were ready. I let go and manoeuvred "Paws" into the entrance and lined up with the trolley. Slipping finished around 12:45 and Tim was onto the pressure washing shortly after. Washing was finished around 14:00 and hull was left for the remainder of the day to dry out. No hull damage noted and prop was clean and clear of debris. Tim gave me a hand to replace the bow fender.
The lovely warm windless day continued through into the evening.
Pat up at 05:30 for an early getaway, off the boat for 06:45 headed north to the house. When dawn came, it was a lovely sunny day. I pottered till time to go to church, electing to drive to Atherstone. Tony gave us a quieter more reflective service. After tea/coffee, I left to go to Costa for lunch - it had turned to moderate rain, and Costa were sadly short of their usual selection of sandwiches. Decided I didn't fancy what they did have so headed back to "Paws".
After lunch aboard, I got ready to go, letting go at 13:50 and heading south. Retraced the route from Wednesday and Thursday back through Sutton Cheney (the mooring was packed) and on to Stoke Golding in continuous light drizzle. Moored up outside Ashby Canal Centre ready for going up the slip tomorrow.
Pat got in safe at roughly the same time I was tying up.
| 6.12 miles | 0 locks | 2.70 hrs | 2.27 lmph |
| easygoing.hacksaw.types |
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More packing and loading of Pat's car (while I generally kept out of the way ).
After the new dongle for connecting a laptop to the TV (due to the BBC's decision to discontinue the Windows version of their i-Player downloader) disintegrated, research for an alternative continues.
The day started sunny, but it clouded over during the afternoon.
Preparations under way for Pat heading north, and for me taking "Paws" to Stoke Golding. In the morning we emptied the cars of items stored during the summer and did the checks on tyres etc. Pat started on her packing while I went shopping in Hinckley for food supplies for next week. After lunch, I took her car for a run back to Hinckley to collect a parcel.
Lovely sunny day throughout, with only light airs.
Our last (short) day of the Big Summer Cruise '24. Nice and sunny to start. Took our time again getting on the move as it was only a short run to base, finally moving by 10:30 and just daundering. Headed northwards past Shenton and the famous Battlefield and on to Market Bosworth. A few showers of very light rain, but nothing to soak us. Arrived back at base and moored up.
After our lunch, we set to getting organised - cars first stop. Both had dead batteries as per usual, but my new 'starter pack' got both cars going again without the need for a recharge in between - very pleased! With cars going, we were mobile so took a run round to the office to let them know our short-term plans, collected Pat's car-keys and handed over her boat-keys, bought and ate ice-creams there as an end-of-trip treat. Next stop was a run to the Co-op up the hill for milk, then back to "Paws". A heavy squall tracked through as we were clearing up for the night.
We have had a great trip this year, with a few surprises. Pat has now decided to go home rather than come to Stoke Golding next week. We will do a car-swap on Saturday afternoon to get my car to Stoke Golding for while "Paws" is in for her blacking. Pat will leave for home first thing Sunday morning, and I'll single-hand "Paws" to Ashby Canal Centre on Sunday afternoon.
| 3.78 miles | 0 locks | 1.67 hrs | 2.27 lmph |
| custom.footpath.walks |
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A lovely sunny morning to start with. Only a short day planned, so took our time getting going. Finally on the move at 10:30, heading north from Stoke Golding, past the hamlet of Dadlington. It had slowly clouded over during the morning and by the time we reached Sutton Cheney, the rain was back! Moored as planned at the visitor pontoon and got inside as quick as possible.
The rain had eased by 12:30 and we took a walk to the café for lunch. Great food as usual. By the time we had finished eating, the sun was out again and we got a dry walk back to "Paws". The remainder of the afternoon, we had more heavy showers and periods of sunshine.
| 2.44 miles | 0 locks | 1.10 hrs | 2.22 lmph |
| towel.contracts.slightly |
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A very quiet night. Up and let go by 10:00, moving the 20 mins south to Marston Junction. Turned left onto the Ashby Canal and headed northwards on the last (2-day) leg back to base. Passed the villages of Bulkington, Bramcote and Burton Hastings mooring at Limekiln Bridge 15 under the A5 for a bite of lunch.
Lunch over, we elected to continue, initially hoping to stop in Hinckley but there was no space. Continued, bound for Stoke Golding. The weather then turned foul on us, with very heavy rain. I attempted to get alongside in a number of places, but the silt prevented it, so we ended up mooring outside Ashby Canal Centre for the night - we'll be back here on Sunday ready for 'blacking'. Got inside and dried out!
The rain did ease to a heavy drizzle late afternoon.
| 9.52 miles | 0 locks | 4.10 hrs | 2.32 lmph |
| easygoing.hacksaw.types |
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After a windy night, we woke this morning to a chilly, dull start. Finally got on the move at 10:15, leaving Atherstone and heading southeast through Mancetter then, parallelling the railway, the rolling farmland to the east. Dredging work was taking place outside Mancetter Marina, but it didn't hold us up. Continued on to Hartshill, stopping at the CRT yard for water.
Once ready again, we continued between the farmland to the north and the quarries to the south into the northern suburbs of Nuneaton between Camp Hill and Weddington - lunch on the move. The sun finally broke through, brightening the day, although the chilly breeze continued. Circled round the west side of Nuneaton, noting "Sonflower" at Bridge 41, but no sign of Peter & Fran. Leaving Nuneaton in the south via the suburbs of Chilvers Coton and Hill Top, we passed the junction with the old arm which used to serve the Griff Quarry, and moored for the night just south of Bridge 17. It had turned into a lovely sunny afternoon by this stage.
| 7.60 miles | 0 locks | 3.17 hrs | 2.40 lmph |
| noon.invent.rips |
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The drizzle turned to heavy rain overnight, although it did ease slightly after breakfast. During one of the lulls, we walked down to Trinity Methodist chapel for their morning service. The weather had completely changed by the end of the service, with brilliant sunshine seeing us back up the hill to "Paws".
Mysteriously, I managed to get an internet signal (albeit very poor) after lunch so managed to get the diary, maps and stats uploaded.
We had put out an invitation at the chapel for anyone out-and-about in the afternoon to join us for tea/coffee. No takers, so we had a quiet remainder to the afternoon reading and puzzling, then a quiet evening watching films.
Long lie this morning, quiet day planned. Walked down into town mid-morning to do our shopping - oddments including tools (Atherstone Toolbox) and wool (Georgia in Crafty Corner), then lunch at Costa, followed by food shopping at the Co-op before returning to "Paws" mid-afternoon. Misty-drizzle throughout.
Up and on the move promptly, although others were obviously more prompt than us! By the time we were ready to go, there were three boats waiting at the lock to go up. Plenty of people to help, but it still takes time to turn a lock around. Headed up the flight, ascending the first 6 locks (11-6). More boats coming down - even more people to help each other, but waiting for boats to come in can actually slow down a passage. A dull but pleasant morning - no rain, little wind, and a nice temperature for working locks. Arrived at Lock 6 to see Ann walking along the towpath to join us (she had come in from Leicester by train to join us for the second half). Cleared Lock 6 and moored in the King's Head Pound for lunch.
After a slightly longer lunch break than we would normally have had, but happy chatting and catching up, we let go again and tackled the second half of the flight, Ann assisting. There were also CRT Volunteers manning the top three locks, an extra bonus. Clearing Top Lock, we found a space shortly after Bridge 41 and moored for the night.
After clearing away the equipment, we sat and chatted through dinner (my night on cooking - curry) and into the evening. Ann left to catch the 20:04 train back to Leicester - great to see her again, and a lovely day was had by all.
Found that the phone mast in this area has still not been fixed so there is still no internet connection along this section of towpath. Diary, maps and stats will have to wait until we move on
| 1.76 miles | 11 locks | 3.40 hrs | 3.75 lmph |
| puzzled.niece.altitude |
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After a good night's sleep (but the late night), we didn't want to get up. 'Crawled' out of bed and set to getting ready to move. Eventually let go at 10:00 and headed out of Amington. Passed Alvecote with its small priory (now in ruins) and marina (home to South Midland Water transport Company), then Pooley Hall with its Country Park (used to be a small private coal mine attached to the Hall). Next came Polesworth with its Abbey - well worth a visit if you have time when passing. On again to Grendon with its drydock (owned and run by Alvecote Marina), then Bradley Green where we moored for services.
After servicing, we moved the short distance to the foot of the Atherstone Flight (11 Locks) and moored up for the day. Had a brief chat with the team aboard "Dolly No.2", who had the boat on loan from John & Helen. A quiet afternoon. The dull start to the day had gone slightly downhill, turning to drizzle by lunchtime.
| 6.00 miles | 0 locks | 2.33 hrs | 2.57 lmph |
| upward.extra.guessing |
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Up promptly and on the go by 09:30 on a bright morning. Reversed back to Streethay Wharf for a gas bottle (they were busy yesterday so we didn't stop). The sun had come out by the time we were ready to move on.
Let go again and returned southwards past King's Orchard Marina and on past Huddlesford Junction (the connection to what was originally the eastern end of the Wyrley & Essington Canal, now part of the restoration project of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restorsation Trust . From Huddlesford, we continued into Whittington, passing the marker where the (original) Trent & Mersey section of the Coventry Canal met the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal (see later). Continuing on again past the farming hamlets of Hademore and Tamhorn, we arrived in Hopwas - no stopping today. Leaving Hopwas, with lunch on the move, we passed by the new housing estate at Dunstall and the suburb of Bonehill, arriving in Fazeley. The cloud had built again and it had become cool by after lunch. Crossing Fazeley Junction, where the Coventry Canal Company finished its 'cutting' due to lack of funds (the remainder to Fradley was actually 'cut' by the Birmingham & Fazeley Company and the Trent & Mersey Company). Leaving Fazeley, we passed through the suburbs of Kettlebrook and into Glascote, ascended the two locks, and moored at Bridge 73 to get stores at the Co-op. We found "Serena" also moored there so had a long chat with John & Judith before moving on again into Amington. Moored again (for the night, this time) just east of Bridge 68, as near as possible to Sarah's house.
Sarah came round to visit us about 19:00, and we had a great evening chatting till late. Sarah eventually went home around 22:00, and we headed for bed.
| 10.10 miles | 2 locks | 4.93 hrs | 2.45 lmph |
| jelly.discouraged.catch |
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The national day of remembrance for merchant seafarers who, in the course of their trade, lost their lives as a result of armed conflict. During WW1 and WW2, British Merchant Fleets lost 52,000 men, women and boys to the sea, and that is their only grave. September 3rd was chosen as the memorial day for two reasons -
1. it was the day WW2 was declared,
2. SS Athena was sunk by a German submarine on the first day of war, with the loss of 117 civilian crew and passengers - the first merchant ship sunk in the war.
The overnight rain had died out by morning, but it was still overcast. Linked up with our friends in Doncaster for our monthly 'e-coffee' and chat - Liz and Margaret from Doncaster, John & Jane from BCF, and the two of us, no Fhi today as she was on 'car duty' for Jamie. After lunch we decided not to move - caught up with a bit of e-paperwork.
Slept in again - I was up first, on a dull, misty, windless morning. Pat said she wasn't feeling well and returned to bed. I left her until 10:30 in the hope that she would have improved, but our time had expired and there were still no spaces on the 14-day section so we had to move. I went into single-hand mode, let go and headed out of Alrewas back towards Fradley. The mist formed into drizzle for a short time, then started to clear. Ascended Bagnall and Common Locks, then got Volunteer assistance for Hunt's and Keeper's Locks. As we were running later than usual by this point, I moored first for a bite od lunch. Pat had still not surfaced.
After my lunch, I took "Paws" across to the services berth and did the 'necessaries'.
Once ready again, I ascended Junction Lock (again, the Volunteers had gone for their lunch, so no help here). Turned left onto the detached section of the Coventry Canal, passing through the swingbridge. Continuing south, we passed the edge of Fradley village then on past the farm-hamlets at Brookhay, Bearshay and Streethay. Pat had surfaced by this time, although she wasn't dressed. I moored up in the section outside King's Orchard Marina - a favourite spot for us. The mist had fully cleared by this point and we had a mostly sunny afternoon with occasional cloud.
After completing the diary, stats and maps, we had a quiet evening. Rain arrived early evening and continued into the night.
| 5.09 miles | 5 locks | 3.50 hrs | 2.88 lmph |
| peach.firebird.boomers |
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A dull morning to start the new month. Walked round to the Methodist Chapel for their service, followed by coffee - great to catch up with our friends there. Interesting service, with Rupert teaching some new hymns.
After lunch, I walked along to the river lock (it had been busy over the lunch period), but after 2 hours of standing around, nothing had come through either way. Gave up and returned to "Paws" for coffee. It remained dull throughout.
