| This Month's Totals and Average | |||
| 91.25 miles | 0 locks | 36.80 hrs | 2.48 lmph |
Went to Atherstone again for their service with Pam. From there, went on to visit Sarah for lunch, and to help her check over "Joshua" at the garden mooring. Sat chatting until nearly dinner time! Scattered showers during the day, but mostly sunny to end the month.
Drove up to Doncaster to All Saints Church, where I had volunteered to assist at their Summer Fête. Had a great day, the rain only arriving as we finished clearing up. There were some new (to me) additions to the standard stall, one being the human fruit machine - three people with bags around their necks; the player pulled an imaginary lever, the three "wheels" rolled their hands each other then pulled a random fruit from their bag, if all three were the same the player got a small prize.
Drove back to the marina in increasingly heavy rain for an "indoor" barbecue - Geoff & Andy cooked in shelter outside and the food was served in the moorers' lounge - a bit cramped, but it worked.
Drove down to Atherstone for the Sunday service. Quiet afternoon reading. Mostly sunny - a mixture of sun and cloudy periods.
Monday, the heatwave was back - too hot to do anything. This continued into Tuesday.
Received a long text from Sarah, so gave her a phonecall. Arranged to visit this Sunday coming.
Did my main shopping on Wednesday, both in Hinckley and at the Seckington Farm Shop. The forecast rain, with accompanying thunder arrived mid-afternoon, so tucked up inside for the remainder of the day - the sun then came out again just after dinner!
With forecasts of rain for Thursday and Friday, I generally pottered inside with routine chores. The rain turned out to be merely light showers.
Overcast with thin high cloud, with the sun attempting to peep through. On the move after breakfast, continuing north past Dadlington and on to Sutton Cheney. Found that the visitor mooring was empty so decided to stop and have lunch at the Wharf Café.
After lunch, continued north past Shenton to Market Bosworth and into the marina. Moored up for the remainder of the weekend.
Drove into Hinckley for emergency stores and to collect a parcel.
Just before dinner, we got new next-door neighbours (between us and "Moose"). Andy & Shirley moved in with their two dogs (Reg & Luna), aboard "Ghost Dancer".
| 5.63 miles | 0 locks | 2.65 hrs | 2.12 lmph |
 custom.footpath.walks |
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Woke early so up promptly and on the move quickly. Before leaving the area, I tested the unofficial winding hole to see if "Paws" would get round - she did, with only inches to spare; I'll need to get it just right or she wont go.
Once happy, headed off northwards past Burton Hastings, having a brief chat with Terry as he passed on "Grace". Passed under the A5 and continued through Hinckley. Skirted Stoke Golding and stopped at the visitor moorings - very busy today.
After lunch, I walked up to the village for milk for tomorrow's breakfast then returned for a quiet afternoon.
| 6.52 miles | 0 locks | 2.75 hrs | 2.37 lmph |
| crab.satellite.jumps |
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Up around normal time, to a cloudy but bright morning. Having checked the forecast, I decided to stay here for the day as it suggested that it would clear later. Generally pottered for the morning, doing some research online. Noted the red kite quartering the area, and a flock of long-tailed tits in the bushes. By lunchtime, it had indeed cleared so I went for a walk to St Botolph's Church at Burton Hastings (looked an interesting little church). It did have a nicely kept, small graveyard but I found the door locked so didn't get the option of looking inside. By the time I got back, the sun was fully out, and it turned into a hot afternoon. Phone-call catch-up from Pat. Had a great late afternoon sat out on the towpath chatting over wine with Mike & Ann on "Ginally" which had moored ahead.
A damp and dismal start to the day. On the move quickly and headed to Top Lock winding hole - had to squeeze my way past 4 boats waiting to go down; a 70' boat would not have had room to turn. Got round and headed back south. As I was passing Bridge 41, a family (gran, mum, dad and 3 children) started asking questions so I offered them a "lift" to the playpark - the kids + gran took up the offer, and had a ball! Dropping them just before Bridge 39, I continued SE past Mancetter and Hartshill to Nuneaton. I caught up with a slow-coach so took an early lunch at footbridge 20a just before Boot Wharf.
Lunch over, I continued out the south end of Nuneaton, turning left at Marston Junction onto the Ashby Canal. After a morning of misty drizzle, it had brightened up and the sun was fighting to get out. Headed north past Bulkington and moored at Bramcote, just as the sun finally managed to get through. At least we are back to 'normal' communications again!
| 11.28 miles | 0 locks | 4.88 hrs | 2.31 lmph |
| owls.piano.names |
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A bright morning, with a better phone signal. After breakfast, got the maps from yesterday done then did routine chores (loo, rubbish). Decided to have a second night here before heading generally back to base.
Spent the remainder of the morning discussing with the Lockie and the CRT helpdesk the situation concerning the Coventry Canal closure. We had received a stoppage notice suggesting that if boats wished to leave "the Ashby" they should do so before the 26th. This implies that stop planks would be put in. Another notice at the same time, stated that the Hawkesbury stop-lock would be left unhindered. This seemed illogical if the Ashby was to be cut off. It seems from the discussions that the notice meant that (since the Ashby was not mentioned in any other notices) anyone wishing to leave the "Ashby area" (ie including the Coventry) should do so before the 26th. The lady on the helpdesk said there were no stop-planks planned, and she would "feed back" the ambiguity. We await further info.
Quiet afternoon.
A dull and drizzly start to the day. Up and on the move promptly as I expected a longer day. Elected to water first (wrong decision as I ended up waiting for the tap which I had forgotten was slow!). Once full, continued to the Junction and winded, returning northwards. "Grace" obviously not back from her Ashby trip as not on her mooring. Continued on past Marston Junction and into Nuneaton. Moored at Bridge 19a.
Had a quick lunch then walked up into town to Sainsbury's - preferred own-brand items. The drizzle had dried up and the sky was brighter.
Once ready again, let go and continued northwards through the remainder of Nuneaton and on to Hartshill. Noted that the submerged wreck at Springwood Haven had been refloated. On again past Mancetter - Jane obviously not aboard today - and into Atherstone, mooring just past Bridge 40 - the only mooring available. A few sunny patches and a bit warmer than earlier.
No SatTV, and horrendous signal on phone - diary and stats done, but maps will arrive when I can.
| 11.78 miles | 0 locks | 4.20 hrs | 2.80 lmph |
| highbrow.chin.approach |
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Up slightly early for the walk into Bedworth for the communion service at Mill Street with Rev.Jill. Personally, I didn't find it a particularly uplifting service, with no fellowship over coffee after. Went for lunch at Costa over the road, then did my shopping at Tesco next door. A hot walk back to "Paws", getting back mid-afternoon. Andy, Debbie and the family passed during the afternoon after their trip up the Ashby. Quiet remainder to the day.
Finally made a decision on how I'll play this weekend - rather than move to a poorer mooring, I intend to stay here and accept a longer walk into Bedworth for church. A cloudy start to the day so took the opportunity to do a load of washing while the engine was doing the charging. Took another walk round to the convenience store for milk to save the long carry tomorrow from the centre of Bedworth. Had a chat with Roger & Mary on "Constance Alice" while they watered. The day remained cloudy throughout, and there were fewer walkers on the towpath - very quiet.
A hot sunny day throughout. Another heatwave - too hot to do anything so sat in the shade with my book (again!). Noted a red kite quartering the area. Had a brief chat with Terry & Chris as they passed on "Grace" on their way for a jaunt up the Ashby.
A cloudy start to the day, with rain in the forecast. The sun came through for a time during the morning. Invited Andy & Debbie for a tour of "Paws", which they found enlightening as they had thought about possibly getting their own boat. Took a walk across to Hawkesbury Village store for essentials, then spent the remainder of the afternoon reading. (Teddy spent his afternoon waving to passing boats.)
After a disturbed night, I did actually wake at normal time on a sunny morning. Took my time getting ready and let go at 09:40. Continued southwards past Marston Junction and into the outskirts of Bedworth. No sign of Terry or Chris as I passed "Grace" on her moorings although there was washing out on the line. Moored at a good spot just NE of Sutton's Stop by 11:10 - a short run but suiting my plans.
Went out for a walk in the afternoon but didn't get far. A couple engaged in conversation and started asking about our boat, so we walked back and I did the "sales tour". They appeared very interested, all the right questions. When they left, there was no time to go for my walk so it will have to wait till tomorrow.
Lovely evening. Had a long chat with Andy & Debbie on the hireboat "Megan" while closing up.
| 3.83 miles | 0 locks | 1.27 hrs | 3.02 lmph |
| melt.pine.drives |
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Woken early by a yappy dog out for its walk, so decided to get up (rather than risk sleeping in till mid-morning). After more showers overnight, the day started cloudy, with hints of sunshine and dribbles of rain. On the move by 08:45, returning southwards. Passed Mancetter and Hartshill, and through Nuneaton intending to go to "Sutton's", but the sun had come out by late morning as I cleared Nuneaton, and I elected for an early stop at one of our favourite moorings just north of Marston Junction, at Bridge 17. I had noted a boat called "Caretta" moored in Nuneaton. It had artwork of a turtle on it. I'm wondering if Tim & Ali have returned from South Africa and bought a new boat.
Lunch after I got moored up. Was hailed after lunch by Ian from "Talavera" (we had met them on the May 2018 BCNS Explorer Cruise). Had a catch-up chat, then Eric & Sally passed on "Chérie". Quiet afternoon in the sun with a book.
| 7.69 miles | 0 locks | 2.97 hrs | 2.59 lmph |
| sage.assume.price |
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Awaiting parcel from Amazon, so could be a later departure. Cloudy start to day so ran the engine for an hour for hot water. Cleared the loo and rubbish, then pottered in the galley for the morning. Noted Eric & Sally leaving on "Chérie"
The parcel finally turned up late afternoon but, after walking round to collect it, I had no intention of letting go at 16:30 - stayed put!
Sunny and humid all day. Clouded over by dinner time, and the rain arrived late evening - only light in quantity, but large drops.
Had a relaxed start to the day. Walked down to Trinity church for their communion service with Rev.Allan. Walked back up with a couple taking the 'long way home' before lunch. Offered them a look round and they jumped at it!
Quiet lunch and afternoon.
There was enough hot water left from yesterday's engine-running for me to get a shower before going out. The panels recharged the batteries from 78% to full by the end of the day so no need to run the endine for charging (despite the need to charge phone, laptop and TV sound-bar). Dishes can wait until tomorrow when the engine is on again. Very happy! Lovely sunny day throughout.
Up slightly early to ensure I could wish Fhi 'bon voyage' for her journey home to Italy. She left our house with Pat just before 06:00 and Pat drove her to Edinburgh airport. The flight was 30 mins late in taking off (at 09:05) but caught up a lot of the lost time before they landed at Ciampino. Italian public transport then took another 3 hours to get from Rome to Chiaiamari.
I let go at 09:20 and headed north through Nuneaton then out to Harthill, stopping at the CRT maintenance yard to top up water. After that, I continued on past Mancetter and into Atherstone. Just at the outskirts, I caught up with the Hargreaves Trust charity boat and he waved me past. I had intended mooring before getting to the locks but found no spaces. This meant I was ahead of him, and also wanting to turn. Not wanting to slow him up, I pulled over and 'loitered with intent' while he turned, then turned "Paws". Another boat had just ascended Top Lock so I pulled over and let him through. As it turned out, he also was intending to moor, and we were both lucky to get stopped as other boats had left in the intervening time.
A bite of lunch, then I walked down into town for some shopping. Ohad a chat with Sally on n the way, "Chérie". On return, I got the stats, maps and diary done for the day, then settled in with a book until dinner.
The day was mostly sunny, with the occasional scattered clouds. The breeze did have a slight chill to it.
| 7.71 miles | 0 locks | 3.30 hrs | 2.34 lmph |
| presenter.honeybees.movie |
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Beautiful sunny day, and it lasted all day! On the move promptly, moving round to Stoke Wharf and Ashby Boat Company. Stopped and took fuel.
Once "Paws" was suitably full, filled and set the washing maching and let go. Continued southwards into Hinckley. Stopped again at Nutt's Bridge 16 for a bite of lunch and to empty the washing machine and hang up the laundry.
Continuing on again, through the farming land and past Burton Hastings and Bramcote, noting a red kite over Burton and another three over Bramcote - good day for wildlife. Arriving at Marston Junction, I turned right onto the Coventry Canal and went as far as Bridge 17, where I moored for the night - a spot we have used many times before.
| 10.02 miles | 0 locks | 4.65 hrs | 2.15 lmph |
| output.normal.cans |
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Yesterday's forecast for today was rain, so hadn't planned on moving. A bright start to the day (although windy) and a change of forecast suggested I should re-plan - decided to go to Atherstone. Let go and returned southwards, back past Gopsall and Shackerstone, noting the red kite overhead. Continued past Congerstone and Carlton, where I caught up with a plodder - I was in & out of gear to stay off his back fender! Arrived at Bosworth so took an emergency (single-hander) loo break on the water point (and grabbed a bowl of cereals for lunch.
Only 10 mins stopped (less than the time to fill water), and I was on the move again. Continued past Shenton, hoping to get a mooring at Sutton Cheney. Unfortunately, all the moorings were full so continued on. Noted the plodder had pulled in just south of Sutton Cheney. The good moorings at Dadlington were also full so continued on again. Got moored at Stoke Golding visitor moorings and settled in for a quiet evening. Had a chat with Shaun on "Amy", a friend of Helen's who now moors at Bosworth.
It remained quiet until just before bedtime, when we were submitted to a tropical rainstorm battering off the roof and cratch-cover, obliterating the TV sound. Only lasted 10 mins!
| 12.27 miles | 0 locks | 4.77 hrs | 2.57 lmph |
| crab.satellite.jumps |
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A lovely sunny morning. Drove to the Four Shires Farm Shop for fruit and veg, then returned to "Paws" for lunch.
Once finished, let go to head out for a few days. Not sure how far I'll get this time, but set off northwards to start. Went past Carlton, Congerstone, Shackerstone and Gopsal, arriving just before dinnertime at Snarestone. The outside (CRT) moorings had one space, the first ACA moorings was full. At that time, I elected to just turn and take the available mooring, immediately behind Annie on "Layla II" (although they didn't appear to be aboard).
| 6.96 miles | 0 locks | 2.83 hrs | 2.46 lmph |
| downs.waxing.embers |
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Shopping!
In the morning, a trip to Tamworth for a variety of specials. In the afternoon, the usual run to Hinckley for the major supermarkets. Everything obtained except fruit/veg from the farmshop (they are only open wed-sun).
Emptied the loo, took water, and obtained a new gas bottle.
A stiff breeze throughout, with light showers and sunny spells.
Up by 05:00 to get Fhi to Atherstone for her train north. Unfortunately, Storm Floris got in the way of an easy trip, and she ended up missing the connection at Stafford, then disruptions were put in place as she travelled causing her to have unscheduled changes at Preston and Carlisle, ending up in Glasgow with no trains out! She got the bus from Glasgow to Halbeath where Pat collected her, arriving 4 hours late - not amused!
Meanwhile . . . .
. . . the dull start here turned to rain . . . .
. . . . and I returned to "Paws", had my breakfast and cleared last night's dishes, then cleared the spare bed and returned the boat to my 'normal', and did a load of washing. By this time, the rain had cleared to moderately sunny by lunchtime, but deteriorated to heavy showers again with high winds by mid-afternoon.
A damp start to the day. Away from "Paws" early to drive to Doncaster for the service at All Saints. Fhi met up (face to face) with Stephen (who had done so much mentoring online when she returned to the Faith). Sun had come out by the end of the service. Coffee (as usual) afterwards, then headed back. Stopped for lunch at Tibshelf services (not impressed). Arrived back mid-afternoon. Dinner then a quiet evening and early bed (up early for Fhi's train tomorrow).
Up promptly on a cloudy but calm morning. Cleared away our gear ready for guests for the day. Confirmed our suggestion to take them out for the day.
Mariano & Alessandra arrived around 09:30 and got the obligatory tour of "Paws", before we let go for our day-trip, the plan being to go south to Sutton Cheney for lunch then return in the afternoon. They were keen for the experience so we got under way around 10:00 and headed south, arriving off the visitor mooring pontoon at 11:30. The sun had come out giving a lovely afternoon. After chatting for a short while, Mariano and I headed round to the café and had a pint, while Fhi and Alessandra got their bit of crochet business sorted, then came to join us. Leisurely lunch, then returned to "Paws".
Let go again and I took the boat to the winding hole and turned her, then handed the tiller to Mariano for his first attempt at steering - he did exceptionally well, staying on the helm till we got back to base (Alessandra was offered a chance but declined several times). I put "Paws" back on her berth at 16:20 and our guests headed home. A fantastic day for all.
Fhi did a quick change and I ran her up to the chapel at the top of the hill for the Saturday Vigil Mass. She walked back down the hill to join me for late dinner and a quiet evening.
| 7.56 miles | 0 locks | 3.17 hrs | 2.39 lmph |
| custom.footpath.walks |
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Drizzle to start the new month, turning to heavier rain. Fhi did some baking (scones and cake) for the visitors expected today/tomorrow. Sarah arrived just after lunchtime for the afternoon. Introductions between Fhi and Sarah, then a great catch-up. Sarah left just before dinnertime and we had a quiet evening.
