Writing this as we are being buffered like crazy with ten foot high waves rushing down the canal !!   Very windy here on Audlem Embankment but the sky is blue with shining sun.   Like most others, we had quite a mild Christmas and still no ice on the canal !


We haven’t done much over the holidays except walking, eating and watching telly.   Oh, we did go to the Audlem carol singing last Thursday which was nice but that’s about it.  Not eaten everything in the “Christmas cupboard” yet though but definitely going down although last night we fancied something "plain" so fishfinger sarnies for dinner - fab!


Skype’d with Amy on Christmas Day which was lovely - obviously being in Thailand no Christmas holidays but she does get a few days for New Year so she is going with friends to one of the Thai islands for sun, sea and sand.


Well, hope your New Year celebrations go off with a bang and talk to you in 2012 !


Happy Holidays !


Since last blog we have done … 0 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1549 miles and  1234 locks  

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

A Very Merry Christmas to all our family and friends - we hope Santa brings you all you wish for.


Jandai is now Christmassy - homemade wreath on the front; Christmas tree up; greetings on the windows; coloured lights up; holly tucked in here and there - I just have to persuade Dai to let me have the lights on (“my poor batteries” is the eternal cry!!).

think we must have had one glass too many
when we stuck these on the window !

"My Poor Batteries!!"

Cupboards are packed to the brim - in fact, I don’t think I can stick another bottle of wine or port anywhere.   Just got to get the Christmas meat - don’t know what we’re having yet - I’m catching the bus to Nantwich Friday so depends on what I find!!  Still got to fill the cake tin with mince pies but that’s no problem!!

We are today on Audlem Embankment and quite surprised to find it not as full as we expected - some space where we are and above the Shroppie Fly lock it is empty as it is above “Niagara Lock” as we call it - the one just under the bridge with the biggest bywash on the system (lock 12 of the Audlem Flight).  Looking forward to the Audlem Carol Singing event tomorrow night in the Square.


On our way between Adderley Locks and Audlem Locks we came across BW dredgers at work.  Despite a warning of 30 minute delay, their boats manoevred out of our way with no waiting.   Then around the next corner, BW were preparing for the dredgers by building a retaining wall ready for the dredgings to be dumped.

It was so sunny and mild today that we ate our lunch (from the local chippy) in the Square which was lovely!   Dai has fixed up a bird feeding station (mini tree trunk with branches he found down the embankment) attached to a wooden railing but up to it getting dark tonight, the local birds hadn’t ventured forth for the fat balls, peanuts and seeds - sure they’ll find it tomorrow!

They'll come tomorrow !

Whilst we were at Market Drayton earlier this week they gave out snowstorms overnight last Thursday so was expecting to wake up to a winter wonderland.   Didn’t happen!    What did happen is that we had a couple of terrific snowstorms but each time after about 15 minutes it turned to sleet and then to rain!    No ice on canal here yet and with the current forecast, we’re not likely to get any for at least the next week.

Is this the biggest badger sett on a canal towpath?

                                              
                                       Happy Holidays !


Since last blog we have done … 10 miles and  23 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1549 miles and  1234 locks  

At Goldstone Wharf

Not a lot has happened this week ….. We waved off Fred and Lisa on Saturday morning as their holiday had come to an end.   We did spend the Friday evening in The Navigation having a few beers and a meal.     Left Gnosall on Monday up to Norbury and then moved from Norbury this morning and are now moored at Goldstone Wharf.


We have been expecting some horrific weather as forecast but, to be honest, yes,  we had a bit of wind this week, but on the whole it’s been ok with quite a bit of sunshine although a bit nippy at times but no serious frosts, just a bit of a “hit and miss” effort last night.    Main thing is that no ice on canal yet - this time last year we’d already been totally iced in for just over 2 weeks.


When we got to Goldstone Wharf this afternoon we went greenery gathering so I can make the Christmas wreath and decorate inside the boat with some holly.   Will have to be getting the other decs out from under the bed so we can start to get into the festive spirit!!


Since last blog we have done … 15 miles and  1 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1539 miles and  1211 locks  

Monday was Sunday

---- as Dai’s brother and sister-in-law came to visit us last Sunday.   We had a couple of pints at lunchtime and then Dai got me cooking Welsh cakes by the hundred which he and Glyn demolished leaving me and Linda with the odd one we could grab!!!    So when they had gone we didn’t really feel like a Sunday roast so we had it on Monday instead.  I think this is the first time we haven’t had a roast dinner on Sunday since we lived on the boat !    


This week we have just travelled from Brewood to Wheaton Aston and back to Brewood to meet up with Fred and Lisa again as they now make their way back to Norbury.    Had a good night in the local last night and a good walk this afternoon in the wind.    Dai conducted a Masterclass in bread making before we set off on our walk at Lisa’s request and hopefully before much longer the results will be risen enough to go into the oven.


Succumbed to Tesco delivery over the weekend.    This is first time we have done it although we know a lot of boaters do use them regularly.    It was very easy, straightforward and arrived within the hour they promised directly to the boat.    We had a load of heavy and bulky stuff delivered and will definitely be using them again for this sort of shopping.


Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and  2 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1524 miles and  1210 locks  

well, it does look quite spectacular in real life!
a huge tree festooned with fairy lights seen
from mooring at Wheaton Aston

Funny how Lisa ended up doing all the kneading
during Dai's Masterclass !

no prizes for guessing what Dai has on his Santa list !

The North Wind Doth Blow (well, it did last week)

…. But PLEASE don’t let us have snow!    Actually, I don’t mind snow, it’s the ice that is awful when you’re living on a narrow boat.   The ice that traps you like it did us this time last week from 27 Nov for 7 weeks!    Not looking much like that though yet this year as I even managed to dry washing outside today in the glorious sunshine!     Had a lot of wind this last week though especially during Thursday night when there were 20 foot waves gusting down the canal !!   


Met up with our friends Fred and Lisa on Saturday when they started their 2 week narrow boat holiday from Norbury.   We went for a meal Sat night at the Norbury junction where it was Sizzling Saturday, so we all sizzled and jolly good it was too!    Sunday morning we both cruised south to Wheaton Aston where we had a few pints on arrival.    Then Dai cooked dinner - roast pork and all the usual accompliments, followed by my fruitie sponge all washed down with wine of course.    Great evening with good company.


Monday morning Fred and Lisa went off towards Birmingham and we’ll spend the new week around here ready to meet up with them on their return to Norbury for - no doubt - a few pints, meals and fun.


Last day of Nov today so December tomorrow folks!   Saw our first Christmas tree a few days ago and just spotted another on front of a boat moored just opposite us --- oh dear!


Since last blog we have done … 20 miles and  2 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1512 miles and  1208 locks

that time of year again - wood gathering,
chopping and splitting

nice pile ready for stacking on roof

first Christmas Tree spotted

And more books

Visited our fave secondhand bookshop this week at Coven about 5 minutes walk from the canal and got re-stocked!!   What we tend to do is buy books at charity shops, read them and then either return them to another charity shop or leave/swap them at the various “book swaps” in a lot of services on the canals …. Or we exchange with another boat.    But this particular bookshop always has a lot of the sort we like.     We also have our “cannot bear to be parted from” books from previous lives and then I also have an e-book reader so we always have something to read.    Dai gets through them much quicker than me cos he reads a lot more where I also do my craftie things when we are inside the boat which, of course, is now getting more and more with the shorter days.


While we were at Coven we also had a coal delivery from Viv off Monarch and Grimsby who were moored just above Great Haywood but they kindly bought us 10 bags by road which was great as we were down to 2 bags and nowhere to pick up any (of that we prefer) until Wheaton Aston.    At our rate of knots that was about a week away and its definitely getting colder now so the fire is in 24/7 and although we burn wood during the day, we do need to stoke the fire up with coal for overnight.


So we are now on the Shropshire Union going north and today are moored at Brewood.   Went a six-mile walk this morning by towpath up to Wheaton Aston to buy eggs from Bridge Farm there but they didn’t have any!    All those weeks we were iced in at Wheaton Aston last winter (which, incidentally, started on Nov 27 last year!!) we could always get eggs from them.    You can see the hens running around the field so they are truly free-range.    Never mind, got some obviously from the shops in Brewood to tide up over and maybe the farm will be stocked again over next couple of days as we are heading that way.


Since last blog we have done … 7 miles and  1 lock
Total since Setting Off ….. 1492 miles and  1206 locks  

going through the narrows between the M54 motorway bridge
and Autherly Junction on the Worcs and Staffs Canal

Nice perch Mrs Heron -
we then saw 5 herons sitting in a field between
bridges 4 and 5 on the Shroppie and today
I saw 2 herons flying together along the canal
which is something I haven't seen before

View from Jandai at our mooring on Nov 20 between
bridges 7 and 8 on the Shroppie

same place on Nov 20 looking southwards

Wasps and Flies !

 Unbelievable!     How come we are still killing wasps and flies in the boat in the middle of November!

Yuck - don’t like it.     Obviously it’s the unseasonable warmth this last week - however, gone cold today.  Must have done as Dai wore his new - hand knitted by me! - Aran jumpie today while pointing Jandai up the canal from Gailey to Coven.  Can’t quite believe it took me only about a month to knit so now started on one for me.

Dai posing in his new handknitted jumpie
whilst stuffing his face with a homemade mince pie.
 I am turning into a Domestic Goddess!

Dai has a new axe - purchased from Penkridge Market - as he broke the handle off the old one by doing his Mad Axe Man thing! 


There are still loads of leaves on the trees - although you wouldn’t think it by the amount of “leaf balls” we are picking up on the prop.


Amy is settling down well in Thailand and seems to be really enjoying her new life as a teacher.    Today she wrote on Face book : “Had one class so far today, and have sent FOUR naughty boys outside already... Sucks for them, because they missed out on the Robot Song and dancing! HA. I hate naughty boys. I also frightened the whole class, by getting my scary/deadly voice out and telling them to "Sit. Down. ...... NOW." Haha it was funny, though they were scared to talk to me afterwards, oops!   I didn’t shout - did the stern voice thing and it worked!

Since last blog we have done … 13 miles and  11 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1485 miles and  1205 locks  

See the blue sky!
Washing drying outside on Nov 13

This is the adapted BrolleyMate holder
I use for my washing now.
I tried it as it comes but the wet washing is just
too heavy as the contraption swishled round and
I ended up with half the washing in the canal!
So Dai drilled a hole on the bottom bar so I can
put a tiller pin through the whole lot to secure it.
Works a treat now with the whirleygig on
(although I can only just reach on my tippy-toes
 to hang the washing!)

Bonfires, Beetroot and Bacon Butties

My birthday celebrations last Friday - however, the day didn’t quite go as planned!!   We have 3 dates a year when we go out for a meal for sure and have exactly what we want no matter the cost ---- our wedding anniversary, Dai’s birthday and my birthday --- and can usually find somewhere a bit more special than your average boozer!    So, we were moored at Great Haywood but only the local boozer there, so off we went  but ---- could only just get through the door, the place was heaving and definitely no tables to have a meal.   So, off we went to the other local just up the road, but this was dead as a dodo and no food.   We had a couple of pints, then decided to call in the local Spar shop for fish fingers and cackie white sliced bread to have one of our flavourite meals - fish finger sarnies.     Alas, Spar shop had shut 15 minutes before.   What to do?    Back to the boat for a feast of bacon butties - that’s what!!

I did have to bake my own birthday cake but you can’t have a birthday can you without a cake!!    Fav pressie was a jar of picked beetroot from Martine and Philippa of Cool Canals which was extra special as we knew beetroot sarnies is there staple lunchtime snack and reckon this must have been one of their last stock jars!!

We happened to be moored at Great Haywood opposite the shugborough Estate on Bonfire Night so were treated to a massive bonfire and super firework display standing on the back of Jandai.    Shugborough House is now closed for the winter season but is a great National Trust property to visit - we thoroughly enjoyed our visit there a couple of years ago.

Bonfire burning brightly

Just smoldering the next day

Martine and Philippa joined us for dinner the other night so Dai had to put his hand to veggie cooking again - he did manage a splendid meal though which we followed by a blackberry jam (homemade of course) steamed pudding which I baked in the steamer on top of the fire.    We had a really good night, full of good conversation with lots of laughs.


First frost of this autumn/winter on Sunday night so we kept the fire in overnight but since then it has warmed up again so not lighting the fire until after lunch even though the last couple of days have been dank, misty and mizzy --- we did see the sun for a couple of minutes today as we were travelling though!

Sunset over Shughborough

Moored by Shughborough Estate at Great Haywood

Dai had a blast from his past - or rather his mad, bad past (as told to me via email later) on Sunday as he was walking Foxxie up the towpath.  Someone recognised his voice even though they hadn't seen him for about 30-odd years!!!   It was Jim and his wife Lyn who were out for a trip on their narrowboat.   Fortunately for Dai they had to move on quickly so I didn't get chance to find out more about this infamous past!!    


Right now we are moored between bridges 99 and 98  near Stafford on the Birmingham/Worcs Canal and plan to be in Penkridge for the weekend.


Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and  3 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1472 miles and  1194 locks  

One to eat, one to freak

Mushrooms for breakfast we foraged for among the cow pats - delicious - and artistically (well, see what you think on pic below!!) carved pumpkin to scare away the spooks on Halloween night !!


Left Branston Lake last Thursday morning to spend a few days in Alrewas.    Naturally got some meat from the local butcher there - always on the cards when you’re in Alrewas.    Then on to Fradley Junction where, to our surprise, there were quite a few mooring spaces!  We walked up to Fradley Village for first time even though we’ve stayed there many times.     Could only find a post office in the village so we went off to the Coventry Canal to complete a circular walk.    Then just up from Bridge 90 we came across a new parade of shops on the edge of quite a posh new housing estate and a warehousing type of area.    Quite reminded me of what you often see in the USA.     There was a Co-op, café, keep fit place and a chippie which, naturally, we had to sample ---- twas good!


Today we are moored between Armitage and Rugeley.


While we were staying a while at Trent Lock Aug/Sept/Oct,  John and Mick of Kingfisher Narrowboats were working on a shell for a new customer which was completed round about the same time as we left there.    Lo and behold, this boat was moored up behind us at Fradley so we met their owners - Martine and Philippa of Cool Canals fame.    Had a great drinking session with them at the Mucky Duck (aka The White Swan)  and no doubt will have another when we bump into them again!


Hasn’t the weather been brilliant this last week - warm sunny days at beginning of November --- long may it last (well, I can dream).


Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and  12 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1460 miles and  1191 locks

early morning sun --- need it from behind the trees
to shine onto our solar panels!

obstacle on the River Trent section between
Wynchnor and Alrewas

some of the foot bridges on the same R.Trent section

which horn is the true directional indicator?

I wonder who he is modelled on?

Orangutan Arms

It’s a wonder I can type tonight ---- walked about a mile up the towpath, through an industrial estate to Morrisons where we wanted some milk and a pumpkin ready for Halloween.   OK, no problem so just took a couple of shopping bags instead of the wheelie bag normally used for shopping.   I really should know better.   Ended up with two full bags so heavy (several good offers), I could hardly lift either of them.    If Dai was a true husband he would have carried them both but no, I had to carry one so my arms are a foot longer than this morning.  Need some TLC so we’re going for an Italian meal at the Bridge Inn (canalside at Bridge 34) - one of our favourite Italian places on the system.


Left Weston-on-Trent last Thursday up to Willington where we stayed until Monday and have been here at Branston (just through Burton-on-Trent) at Bridge 34 since.    Depending on weather tomorrow (heavy rain is forecast) we plan to travel to Alrewas.


Lovely walk around Branston Lake which is, we would estimate, about two foot down in water level so Foxxie not too impressed as she normally has a good stick fetching game in the lake!    It is a reclaimed gravel pit with a maintained footpath all the way round.   It's only about half-a-mile round but nothing to stop us doing a few circuits!


Had a lovely meal on Jandai last Thursday evening when friends Andy and Stephen joined us for a veggie curry, homemade Welsh cakes and real ale - a good time.


Super sunny weather this last week although the nights are cold so fire in full swing from around teatime.


Since last blog we have done …  6 miles and  6 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1433 miles and  1171 locks  

Willington

Branston Water Park - right next to the canal at Bridge 34

The Bridge Inn, canalside by bridge 34.   Fab Italian food 

Chucks Away !

Yes - we have upped sticks (or rather pins, rings and bollards) from Trent Lock and set sail once more.


Many thanks to John and Mick at Kingfisher Narrowboats for all the work they have done for us and letting us moor there - much appreciated.


We got the new hinge for the gas locker lid from Piper Narrowboats by post on Monday and got it welded on but trouble was by then it was soooo windy that we decided not too sensible to go down Trent Lock onto the River Trent.   So spent Monday night being buffered to sleep!    The wind had calmed down enough Tuesday morning to resume cruising operations so off we jolly well went.    Yes, it was still windy but we braved the River, then through Sawley back onto the River, across Derwentmouth and onto the Trent & Mersey.      Sorry to friends who we missed before leaving but sure you understand that we had to “take the window of opportunity” with the winds and also wanted to get off the River just in case the levels rose as we didn’t want to get stuck on the Erewash.


Tonight we are moored at Weston-on-Trent in the middle of nowhere and just heard the weather forecast which is for a widespread frost tonight.   I looked back at my diary and last year, first frost of 2010 winter was on Oct 17 so two days later this year!!


Don’t mention the rugby …… we was robbed.      I just can’t tell you on here Dai’s reaction to Sam Warburton being sent off (but am sure you can imagine!!).


Since last blog we have done …  6 miles and  6 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1433 miles and  1171 locks  

opposite Trent Lock on River Trent
we have gone onto the Trent and Mersey

our solar panels
(think I've already posted this but Fred wants to see them again!)

Still Here !

Slight change of plan and we are still here at Trent Lock !     One of the hinges on the front gas locker has kaputted ---- another on its way from Piper Narrowboats but latest it’ll be here should be Monday.    Once received we will be on our way.


Amy is now in Bangkok Thailand having flown out there Tuesday morning.    Was all a bit traumatic for me.    I am so very proud of her having the confidence and guts to do this.    But I think all you mums and dads out there will know how I am feeling.    I just have to keep telling myself that we’re living our dream so Amy needs to live hers.    We will of course go out to visit her but not sure when yet - pity we can’t get there by narrow boat !!


Dai now on tenterhooks for Saturday morning - the Wales v France rugby.   At least kick-off is at 0900 not the silly times the previous games have been!   I’m crocheting him a Welsh Leek outfit which I’m convinced will be most fetching ----- and then I have a cunning plan for the Final which I can’t divulge on here cos it’s a Big Surprise                       (think sheep) ……………..


Since last blog we have done …  0 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1427 miles and  1165 locks  

looks good doesn't it?
not sure if it'll fit though

Amy and Rosie at Heathrow on Oct 11
as they go to catch aeroplane to Thailand

Come on Wales !

When I write the blog next Wednesday we should be back cruising - not made definite plans where to go yet.    Amy got her working visa for Thailand now so its all systems a-go-go for her leaving next Tuesday.


The weather’s been really glorious but has changed these last couple of days and is decidedly more chilly today so Dai now preparing to light the fire.


The horrible water fern is still with us here at Trent Lock although it did clear a bit earlier in the week for Dai to get some more fishing in (and he caught 5 reasonable sized ones in a row late last week).


Last Thursday we went about 20 minutes up the Erewash Canal to tow back to Kingfishers Boatyard their latest narrow boat for fitting out.    This is Cat’s Whiskers - Roger and Pat are planning on retiring and living on their narrow boat as from next April when it’ll be ready to sail away - don’t worry, if John and Mick said April, then you will get it in April just like we did !!   It was kindof nice for one boat fitted out by Kingfisher to be towing their next bespoke boat.     First time Dai has towed another boat so now he’s breasted up with broken-down boat and towed ----- what’s next as a new experience???


Today I have started on my latest project - a knitted Aran jumper for Dai.     Probably be ready for winter 2012 !!


Come on Wales ----- they’re still in the Rugby World Cup --- and we’ll be up at crack of dawn for their next game on Saturday ---- 0600am kickoff against Ireland.


Since last blog we have done …  2 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1427 miles and  1165 locks  

carpet of water fern at Trent Lock
on the Erewash Canal 

Mick securing Cat's Whiskers to Jandai
ready to tow to Kingfisher Boatyard for fit-out

Captain Roger takes the helm of Cat's Whiskers
for the first time !

John untying the two boats after arriving at Trent Lock
 ready for Cat's Whiskers to start her fitting out

moving on out on Wed 12 October

Still at Trent Lock but plan to start moving again on Wed 12 October  (watch the Trent will be flooded then!!).    Amy flies out to start her new job in Thailand on the 11th and I’ll be seeing her off from Heathrow.


Hasn’t the weather been glorious these last few days ?!   Wow!!    Dai done some fishing and I’ve been sunning on the bankside.    The stuff I thought was duckweed is actually water fern and it is still here - seems to gather round the boat - like a thick green/brown carpet - evening time and when the pump comes on in the water by Trent Lock, it disperses it.


We’ve been getting up super early this last week or so to catch the Rugby World Cup - supporting Wales of course!!!  ---- and they’re doing well so far ……………

Since last blog we have done …  0 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1425 miles and  1165 locks 

biggest tench in the world

and --- biggest perch ever 

Frills and Furrie Downbelows

Ha ha --- did 2 miles cruising this morning - from Trent Lock up to first winding hole and back again to get a new gas bottle from a garage there.    The platform Dai built for me does mean I can now see over the boat roof so maybe, just maybe, I might just steer her sometimes!!


So, what have we done this week?    Not  a lot !!   It was our 5th wedding anniversary last Friday so after champagne on Jandai we went for a meal at The Trent Lock which was very nice.    Only a few steps away - it used to be The Navigation but has been totally refurbished and is now selling itself as a gastro-pub.   Quite plush inside and the food very good albeit pricey (and the portions are not really “boat person” size!) but for a special occasion, well worth it.


Saturday we got the train (well, 2 trains!) to visit my brother and family for dinner - couldn’t have a barby as too chilly but a good meal nonetheless with plenty of stuff to wash it all down!  Dai had a bit of a challenge Monday night when Amy came to dinner with two of her friends as Andy is vegetarian - but very acceptable meal of Indian bits with spicy potatoes and rice, everyone enjoyed it.    And my mum came Tuesday and we took a meandering walk up to Sawley marina and back.


Erewash Canal here is still covered in duckweed - it disappeared in the recent winds but is back with a vengeance now.    Harmless I know but doesn’t look very scenic !


Who knows what “frills and furrie downbelows” means??    My mum came out with it on her last visit - was a saying of her grandmother!    I love it -  I guess we would say “she looks like a right floozie” - will have to remember that one!


Since last blog we have done …  2 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1425 miles and  1165 locks  

last picnic of 2011 ?

Still at Trent Lock !   Two weeks ago I wrote “We think we will probably go week after next when the children are back at school as we might go down the Soar and through Leicester.”    Well, change of plan.  Dai has agreed that we can stay here until Amy flies off to Thailand sometime early October.    She is moving out there to work - teaching English.    So, not sure what our plans are after that ….. Watch this space as they say - and I’ve just seen an email from BW saying the Winter Stoppages programme is now out and final so will need to study that.


Didn’t post last Wednesday ---- we went back into the dry dock as we needed some back boards just inside the back doors replacing which had got weathered a bit last winter and as it was forecast to rain, then in we went so I spent the day transferring Dai’s Cds to his ipod and by the time I had done this for several hours, totally forgot about the blog!     Only 2 more folders x 98 discs to do!


Still, not a lot of “boatie” things to tell you - it’s gone very quiet here with hardly any boat movement.  Mind you, probably due to the fact that its been so windy last few days!    Dai has been busy every weekday go-for-ing for Mick and John as they work on their latest boat which he's really enjoying.


Since last blog we have done …  0 miles and  0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1421 miles and  1165 locks  

even with homemade fishing rods, Sam got a "nibble"
and everyone of the fish Millie caught "fell off"

Dai having to re-attach the hook to Millie's line
after it ended up embedded in her finger - ouch!

expect that's the last picnic of 2011
with Amy, my mum and Amy's friend Rob