| This Month's Totals and Average | |||
| 104.977 miles | 34 locks | 49.43 hrs | 2.81 lmph |
The first boats passed at 06:00! More through just after 07:00. Finally gave up at 07:30 after our 7th passing boat. (These mostly ex-working boats coming back from the rally at Braunston.) The sunny start rapidly clouded over by breakfast, but slowly cleared again over the morning to a hot sunny day.
With the early rise, we were on the move by 09:00, heading northwest on the Coventry Canal. Passed Charity Dock (now famous for its "village" of shop mannekins), then on to Marston Junction (Ashby Canal). Continuing on the Coventry Canal, we entered Nuneaton and circumnavigated the town centre, leaving on the north side and continuing to Hartshill where there is a CRT Maintenance Yard providing a water point - we topped up. From here, we continued past Mancetter into Atherstone. As we passed Harvey's Boatbuilders, we kept an eye out for Jane on "Slow Gin" but she didn't respond. On entering Atherstone, we were disappointed to find no moorings available on the section between Bridges 40 and 41, so winded above the locks and cleared the loo at the services point. As we were leaving the services, and pondering our next move, the end boat made ready to leave, so we tucked into their vacated slot.
Lunch on arrival, then collapsed in a heap in the heat - back cabin was recording 35°C with a full-sun temp of 45°C. Not a lot done for the remainder of the day! The mobile phone connection in Atherstone has still not been successfully remedied, so no stats, maps or diary for our duration here
| 11.50 miles | 0 locks | 4.57 hrs | 2.52 lmph |
 grades.venturing.respond |
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A lovely sunny morning on Saturday. The Admiral decided we would stay here another day and not move on to Atherstone. Generally a quiet day, pottering. Catch-up telecall with Fhi in Italy.
Sunday dawned with less wind, but also more cloud. Had a long-lie, then generally pottered for the whole day, although a batch of washing was done while the engine was on for essential electricity and hot water. The sun came out in the afternoon, and I spent the afternoon sitting reading in a picnic chair on the towpath in the shade.
Prompt start on a sunny but not overly hot morning. Pat's brain had caught up with conversations last night, and we did NOT reverse back for water before leaving - on the move for 09:20, heading west again. The weather warmed up, and the wind rose, as we skirted the villages of Newbold-on-Avon (with its short tunnel), Cathiron, Brinklow and Ansty. Pat had a morning of cleaning. Lunch on the move, before arriving at Hawkesbury Junction. The CRT Volunteer manning the visitors' centre came out and assisted us down the 6" of the stop-lock, before I turned at the junction and reversed back to the services berth on the Coventry side. We noted the three boats who were still overstayed on the 1-hour water point (I doubt they've moved in the intervening 3-weeks!), so they were reported to CRT.
Once ready, we headed north towards Marston, Pat having decided it was to be too hot over the weekend for a trip to Coventry. Moored for the night at the end of the visitor moorings (roughly the same place as outbound).
| 12.71 miles | 1 locks | 4.93 hrs | 2.78 lmph |
| boot.limes.warm |
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A bright sunny morning on Wednesday, but fresher than the last few days. Planned to stay here tonight. The morning's shopping trip had to be postponed as Pat wasn't feeling right and went back to bed. Got up at lunchtime and managed some lunch, then pottered in the galley in the afternoon (despatching me to get emergency provisions). The cloud built during the afternoon and light showers by bedtime.
Thursday started cloudy with occasional sunny intervals. Walked round to Tesco for major shopping postponed from yesterday, then back to "Paws" for lunch. As it had taken 5 hours to come along from Sutton's outbound, I wasn't starting back at that time. Managed to get the other side of the boat pressure-washed, then had a quiet remainder to the afternoon.
Tuesday dawned dull and cooler. Up and on the move fairly promptly, heading back along to the Top Locks. A busy start for other boaters as well - quite a few boats on the flight. Descended the first two sets, utilising water from boats coming up, then pulled in at Bridge 71 for services.
With the loo cassette emptied, we descended Bottom Lock with the assistance of CRT volunteers, then continued past Clifton Cruisers base and into Rugby. Finding a space just before the bridge at the shopping areas, we moored for the day and walked to Costa for lunch. The sun had come out in patches which helped the electric charging after the short run. Spent the afternoon catching up on e-paperwork due to the long day yesterday.
| 3.06 miles | 3 locks | 1.78 hrs | 3.40 lmph |
| rings.petty.shed |
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After the torrential rain overnight (much needed!), we were up and on the move fairly promptly on a bright, but not overly hot, morning. Waited about 30 mins in case another boat was coming up, but nothing arrived so decided to go it alone at 10:30. Ascended Buckby Top and pulled in for services.
Once ready, headed off along the summit pound towards Braunston. Noted a red kite quartering the adjacent fields. Managed a very hurried lunch on the move before arriving at Braunston Tunnel. Headed through the tunnel, taking care for the first few hundred yards due to the wiggles caused by the work-gangs not quite meeting, then sped up for the straight to the top of Braunston flight. Pulled in to await any boat going down.
Within 5 mins, a hireboat arrived with a lovely couple, and they were happy to share the load so started the descent. A relatively easy run down with boats coming the other way. At Bottom Lock, we met Mark (known to us as the 'voice' of IWA Festivals and had a quick chat as we descended. Clearing Bottom Lock we looked for a mooring for the night. Unfortunately, CRT had approved a 9-day suspension of ALL the mooring in Braunston to allow for a 3-day festival next weekend. I doubt the local businesses would be enamoured at the loss of passing (boat) trade for over a week. For just one boat (us), four shops didn't get a sale! How many more lost over the week.
Having found no mooring permitted throughout the whole village (and us needing stores), we continued out the other end and decided to work a long day and get to Rugby as quick as possible (squeezing three working days into two. Continued on until we reached Hillmorton, hoping for an overnight there. Slowly worked right up to the locks and found no spaces after Bridge 72. Not wanting to start the flight today, I reversed back to Bridge 72 where there was a space, but had difficulties getting alongside due to water depth. Eventually as secure as possible, we called it a day at 17:10 - a long 6¾ hours.
A light dinner and short evening with the tele, then an early night, shattered!
| 11.69 miles | 7 locks | 6.30 hrs | 2.97 lmph |
| vies.hobble.letter |
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Wind had picked up overnight, and the cloud had thickened (but still leaving sunny spells). My turn to claim a rest day so generally pottered. Had a catch-up telecall with Fhi during the morning. A few very light showers over the day.
A bit cooler this morning, with some cloud. A number of boats on the move early - we took our time. Ready just before 10:00, and continued northwards with the M1 closing on the right and the railway closing on the left, eventually squashed between the two. Arrived at Whilton Marina with the intention of waiting till a boat came along to share with - we were waved forward by one already in the lock! Shared the first six locks of the Buckby Flight with "Heather", a short private narrowboat. Assistance at Bottom Lock from a CRT Lockie, then we climbed the hill. Most locks had boats coming down so less work. Pat had decided she wasn't working the locks today so she had to drive, leaving me ashore. Arriving at the Anchor Cottage pound, we said goodbye to "Heather" who continued up, and we moored just east of Bridge 12 where we were 11th/12th.
After lunch and doing the diary, I went for walk along to Anchor Cottage which, despite looking closed up 10 days ago, was open today (they had apparently been on holiday). Discussed oil lamps, and bought ice cream. Showers during the afternoon and evening.
| 3.97 miles | 6 locks | 2.93 hrs | 3.40 lmph |
| dusters.dished.losing |
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Slow start to Thursday, another hot and sunny day. By the time breakfast was over, Pat had realised she was having a vertigo turn so did her exercises and went back to bad - I generally kept out the way for the morning (on board in case she needed help, but not moving the boat). She said she was feeling slightly better by lunchtime. I pottered after lunch - cleaned the solar panels and pressure-washed one side of "Paws" (before the washer batteries gave up - I'll get the other side done another day). Pat feeling "better" by bedtime.
Woke Friday with Pat again saying she was feeling "better", but still getting twinges - staying for a second day. I was sent off to do the shopping. A quiet remainder to the day.
Up fairly promptly, and engine on when the boat behind left (charging due trees overhead only giving short times on panels over past two days). When ready (10:00), reversed to 20 yds back to the winding hole, turned and headed north again through the tunnel (another good run). Continued through the cutting to Blisworth village, then the short distance back to Gayton Junction for a second helping of services.
Once on the move, we returned northwest past Bugbrooke and Nether Heyford to Weedon. Had a period behind a very slow boat, but he eventually pulled over for water. Noted Emma on "Dawn Piper" (seen on Channel 4 "Narrow Escapes") heading south. Moored up at the same mooring as Fri/Sat.
Had a long planning meeting - there are restrictions on several lock flights (including Watford, Foxton and Hillmorton) and Pat is finding working locks more difficult (particularly wide). Our friend, who should have joined us at Foxton, is not going to make it in the near future. We have, therefore, decided to skip the Leicester Section and head generally back towards base area.
| 11.09 miles | 0 locks | 4.50 hrs | 2.46 lmph |
| buyers.scored.exhaling |
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Took our time getting up on another sunny morning. Chatted to the team on the hireboat behind. Teddy waved to Mike and the children aboard the trip-boat "Charlie" (they have 'history'). Walked ahead for lunch at The Boat Inn (a pub built in the boating days and run by the same family since 1877).
After lunch, walked back via the museum shop and several chats to locals and visitors. Afternoon cuppie aboard.
Relaxed start, but on the move before 10:00, heading through Blisworth village. Continued through the tree-lined cutting to the tunnel. Good run through the tunnel - exactly 30 mins, nobody coming the other way, and relatively dry. Exiting the tunnel, we found a mooring immediately past the winding hole (convenient for the return trip), and tied up for the day.
A quiet afternoon, then a takeaway from the local Indian, Spice of Bruerne - excellent meal and great service.
| 2.79 miles | 0 locks | 1.00 hrs | 2.79 lmph |
| snails.captions.sits |
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Another lovely morning. Up fairly promptly, but Pat realised she had miscalculated the amount of milk left yesterday - I got sent to get more!
Finally on the move at 10:30, we let go and headed through Weedon Bec village. There were a lot of moored boats (both here and throughout the day) so it was slower going than we had hoped. We wandered through the agricultural landscape, skirting the villages of Nether Heyford and Bugbrooke before nearing Gayton. As it was just after 12:00, I called a halt for lunch at Evans Bridge 42.
After lunch, we continued the short distance to Gayton Junction where we stopped for services. Thereafter it was only a short distance to the outskirts of Blisworth village where we stopped for the night - the centre of the village is overhung by trees meaning no SatTV or solar power, and if there were no moorings, we would have to continue through the tunnel. Knocked off just before 15:00.
| 8.30 miles | 0 locks | 3.28 hrs | 2.53 lmph |
| hoped.good.crisp |
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Everyone slept in! Sunny day, and we took our time getting going. Walked into town for a few stores, then back to "Paws" for lunch. Decided that, after working the flight yesterday in the heat, we would take the day off. Quiet afternoon and evening.
Up promptly on a sunny morning, and ready to go by 09:20, but waited until the boat behind was ready so that we could 'pal' them down the flight. On the move at 09:40 in company with "The Admiral Phil", a shared-use boat owned by a bank for its staff. Pat was having problems and the other crew volunteered to work us down. Arriving at the bottom of the flight (6 locks today), we said our goodbyes and moored outside Whilton Marina.
Walked up for lunch at their café, then went to their chandlery for a couple of items (and ice cream for later )
On the move again wandering our way down through Brockhall to Weedon Bec. Moored on the north side mid-afternoon and had the ice-creams. It had got very hot in the sun. Plans laid for tomorrow, then had a quiet remainder to the afternoon.
| 3.97 miles | 6 locks | 2.92 hrs | 3.42 lmph |
| buyers.scored.exhaling |
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Decided to take a day off between the two days of locking. Lovely sunny start to the day, but it became cloudier with scattered showers. A quiet day with books, puzzles and knitting. The showers ended and the sun came out again mid-afternoon. Went for a walk for ice cream at Anchor Cottage, but it looked like they have ceased trading - there was nothing outside and the house looked empty. [update 21st - they had apparently been on holiday]
A lovely morning, and stayed that way all day. Up promptly and ready to go by 09:20, but we had decided that we would wait until another boat was heading upstream and we would share the locks (both to ease the strain and to conserve water. Chatting to a towpath walker when another boat arrived with a similar viewpoint. We shared the flight with Charlie & Kath aboard "Tottleworth", starting at 09:40. Steady climb up the 6 locks, with pairs of boats coming down (very busy flight today). Clearing the locks, we entered Braunston Tunnel with a hire boat ahead - they took fright at a boat coming the other way and crawled the first 400m - I think it was the slowest passage we've ever done! We left "Tottleworth" at Norton Junction - they were headed up the Leicester section for their base at Whelton Hythe. We set to mooring near the pub for lunch. Unfortunately, there were no moorings available above Top Lock so we had to stop for services before descending, before mooring at Bridge 12 and walking back for a late lunch at The New Inn (dating back to the late 1600's and the building of the Grand Junction Canal itself).
A quiet late afternoon in the sun, stuffed after an excellent lunch (traditional pub food, but well cooked and served).
| 4.45 miles | 7 locks | 3.80 hrs | 3.01 lmph |
| dusters.dished.losing |
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Dull start with a shower of rain. Catch-up call with Kenney. After the call, Pat said she wasn't feeling right and went back to bed (up again mid-morning feeling 'fine'). Sun came out mid-morning and stayed out for the rest of the day.
After lunch, we took a walk up into the village for a couple of items, and had coffee at the Braunston Village Café (a volunteer-run community teashop).
Once back aboard, I decided to get the lip-seals on all three loo cassettes replaced (new seals had been purchased yesterday) - a bit of trial-and-error for the first one but easy enough for the rest. It also meant I had to commission our new battery-powered washer - obviously not as much pressure as a mains one, but it will do for washing down the boat (it also sucks from the canal so no need for a water connection (unless wished). A good days work, followed by a quiet evening.
A lovely sunny start to the day although a layer of high cloud had formed by mid-morning. Took our time getting going, but were on the move for 09:45, continuing towards Braunston. No sign of Tim & Tracey as we passed "Sola Gratia". Continued on through the farmland on both sides of the canal. Noted the conspicuous spire of Braunston Church on our approach. Stopped at the service berth on the north side and offloaded the rubbish forgotten at Rugby and Hillmorton. Passed "Braunston Turn", the junction of the Oxford and Grand Union canals, taking the route south on the (old) Grand Junction Canal. The moorings all the way through the village were busy and it took until Butchers Bridge to find a space. Moored up for the day.
Preparing for tomorrow, we checked the website of the Gongoozlers Rest where we had hoped to get lunch, only to find that, disappointingly, they are not open on Tuesdays . During the afternoon, I took a walk back to Midland Chandlers for some spare parts. Pat sat out-back with her knitting. Had a chat with next-door behind about her stern gland. Quiet evening.
| 6.92 miles | 0 locks | 2.78 hrs | 2.49 lmph |
| profited.measure.march |
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The rain died out overnight and Sunday dawned sunny. Up promptly and were ready to go by 09:15. Reversed back to the service point for water and loo, only to find that the Elsan point had been removed - panic; had to get to Hillmorton.
Once watered, we headed off towards Hillmorton Locks, arriving at Bottom Locks 3/4. A volunteer was in attendance and assisted us through. Moored in the pound and cleared all the cassettes.
On the move again and the volunteer assisted us up through 5/6, then left us to continue and work 7/8 ourselves. [The Hillmorton Locks are set in pairs to allow better traffic flow. The offside lock of each pair was down so that's the one we used]. Moored in the stretch just above the Top Locks, expecting more rain. Tim & Tracey stopped as they passed, out walking the dogs - chatted for nearly an hour. A few light dribbles of rain but nothing came of them.
| 2.95 miles | 3 locks | 2.23 hrs | 2.66 lmph |
| ferried.crib.imply |
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The forecast for today was showers turning to persistant rain. We decided to stay another day (with the engine charging). As it turned out, there were some very light showers in the morning. Had another quiet day with puzzles, books and knitting. Very heavy rain arrived late afternoon and continued into the evening.
Today's plan had been to do the shopping, then service, then move on to Hillmorton. Didn't quite work that way.
It was supposed to be a sunny day. Again that wasn't quite the way it went.
Heavy rain again over night, continued as showers during the morning. We managed to get to Tesco in the dry, it chucked it down while we were there, then we managed to get back to "Paws" in the dry and had lunch. The showers continued into the afternoon and the deadline of 14:00 for departure passed - we were staying put! The periods between showers were admittedly longer, but we didn't feel like getting wet. Servicing wasn't desperate either so that got postponed as well.
The rain eventually arrived just after midnight, staying on through breakfast and the morning, finally dying out at lunchtime. The shopping never materialised due to the rain and we had a quiet morning (physically, although the engine had to go on to top the batteries). Washing machine called into action since the engine was on anyway. The sun managed to peep through after lunch but the Admiral never got round to going shopping before the rain returned with a vengeance before dinner (we'll have to do that before leaving tomorrow). Spent the tail end of the day watching a brood of newly-fledged bluetits flitting about in a tree opposite.
At 05:00, it was tipping down. At 06:00 it was flat calm. Up promptly (08:00) to a bright but breezy morning (trying to outguess it just doesn't work). On the move by 09:20, moving past the junction to top up water, and clear the rubbish and empty loos (and noting 3 boats who appeared to have been there for some time). Once ready, reversed back to the junction and joined the northern section of the Oxford Canal. Hawkesbury stop-lock is a rise of only 4" (10cm) - this is historically to preserve the water of the owner companies in case of a breach in one of the canals; it also provided a convenient place to exact the tolls for usage. Up the lock, we headed generally eastward past/through the towns of Ansty and Brinklow. The canal winds its way through the meadow and arable farmland (although a lot of the original curves have been straightened since building, leaving loops similar to those in Birmingham). Sandwich lunch on the move. The cloud slowly built during the day, eventually threatening rain (although it never actually arrived). We noted the remains of the massive landslip last year. I was surprised at how much in error the calculated time was compared to the actual time taken (over an hour extra) - presumably due to the large numbers of moored boats we passed. We eventually reached Rugby and moored in the last available space in the visitor section to the east of the retail park.
Once moored, we walked back to the retail park for a couple of items, and afternoon coffee - food shopping will wait until tomorrow in the other section of the retail area. Back to "Paws" in time to get the diary and stats done before a later dinner.
| 12.93 miles | 1 locks | 5.20 hrs | 2.68 lmph |
| woke.lance.daisy |
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Decided to have a couple of days off. Monday started dull but cleared to a lovely afternoon. Had a quiet morning, and went for a walk to the junction in the afternoon. It dulled over at bedtime and turned to very heavy rain overnight. This continued into Tuesday morning (good job we had decided not to move!). A very lazy start to the day, including a long lie-in. The rain cleared by lunchtime but we continued our lazy day
Wall-to-wall sunshine at 06:00. Clouds building by breakfast. On the move for 10:00, continuing southwards towards Marston Junction, skirting the hamlets of Burton Hastings and Bramcote. Turned left at the junction, to head south on the Coventry Canal. No sign of Terry & Chris as we passed "Grace" on her mooring. Moored up for the night about halfway between Bedworth Bridge and Hawkesbury Junction ("Sutton's Stop" - named after the generations of toll-keepers named Sutton). Said a brief hello to David & Sue as they passed on "Amethyst"
A disappointing day weatherwise after the early sun - windy and cool, mostly cloudy with occasional sunny spells. Heavy rain arrived just before dinner.
| 8.64 miles | 0 locks | 3.20 hrs | 2.70 lmph |
| sunset.duke.wallet |
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