Jandai - Living the Canals on our Narrowboat

Ice foils The Grand Plan

2012-02-01T16:47:00.000Z

Today we should have gone onto the Montgomery Canal - however instead we are moored just before the New Marton locks (two of them) on the Llangollen Canal heading northwards!

We had a walk down the locks at the Llangollen end of the Montgomery yesterday and they were clear but but but ----- round the corner where the Weston Branch (disused) goes off to the left (where the services block is) ice was covering the canal. We walked on for a bit but was obvious the ice carried on. Ummmm. What to do. In the winter months you have to book passage through the Frankton Junction locks by giving BW minimum of 48 hours notice and then another 48 hours notice to come back. Currently you can only go about 8 miles on the Montgomery as that’s as far as it’s been restored from this end. After some humming and arring we decided we’d better cancel as (a) didn’t really want to be ice breaking and (b) if the ice got worse, then we didn’t want to be stuck for goodness knows how long down there!! We will do it on the way back by which time hopefully the ice will be gone.

So we are going on down the Llangollen - no ice on here except for a very thin covering noted in the New Marton Locks this afternoon but that shouldn’t be too much of a barrier tomorrow morning.

Saw first lambs of 2012 yesterday in the field by Frankton Junction. Way too cold for the little things - no wonder they were gambol-ing around like jack-in-the-boxes.

We spent several days on the Ellesmere Arm where there was - very surprisingly - only 2 boats over-wintering. It’s normally full of winter moorers. If we were to ever over-winter anywhere, then this would certainly be a location of choice. Ellesmere is a lovely place with some great walks by the Meres. Tesco still there so we expected a lot of shop fall out in the town - but no, still two butchers, bakers, little Spar and little Co-op as well as other shops. In fact, I could only see one place closed down since we were last here in Sept 2010 when Tesco hadn’t been open that long.

Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and 0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1589 miles and 1257 locks

So the proposed Trust is for sure.
Van in Ellesmere Yard

Close up of the new wording

Four narrowboat bloggers in a row
moored in front of us on Ellesmere Arm

more development at Ellesmere behind Tesco
photographed from canal. Not sure what they
are building but someone told us a medical centre, pub
and some retirement housing

ice at Frankton Junction, February 1
top of Montgomery Canal

send more sea sick pills please .....

2012-01-26T17:24:00.000Z

Blooming wind again !! Two days of it this time. Started evening time when we were moored between Marbury Lock and Bridge 24 (about 3 miles after Wrenbury towards Ellesmere) last Friday. Saturday morning Dai decided it wasn’t fierce enough to stop us upping pins and moving on ---- yeah, right !! We went about 100 yards and came into land again just through Bridge 24 where we stayed rest of Sat and all Sunday. Not that it was such an hardship as very lovely countryside. Wind gone Monday so we went on about 3 miles and 9 locks - three of the locks being the 3-lock staircase at Grindley Brook. I’ve never done this staircase before without the lock-keeper directing operations so I chanted the “bottom lock empty; middle and top locks full” mantra as I left Dai on the boat after the first 3 locks in the flight to check no-one coming down and then set them up for Dai to ascend. Bottom lock was already empty so I had to fill the top 2 chambers before opening the bottom lock gates for Jandai to come up. Chanting the mantra worked and we were up the staircase in no time! Moored at the top and stayed there until this morning - tonight we are at Bettisfield ----- (oh no, we are not! Couldn’t get enough internet power last night to post this so am posting today but stats below are as last night. Tonight we are moored in the Ellesmere Arm.)

Since we hadn’t had a meal out since before Christmas, we decided to go to the Dusty Miller while in Wrenbury. Eaten there a few times before and it’s always been good food albeit a bit on the pricey side. Since we were last there (July 2010) it has been “done up” (although it wasn’t really run down before) and extended at ground floor level into what was living quarters which has meant the bar being turned around and made longer. They have made a lovely job and the meal and service very good - albeit still rather pricey!

Nature really is now thinking it is spring - we saw our first daffodils last week and this week have spotted cherry blossom and snowdrops.

Since last blog we have done … 14 miles and 10 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1577 miles and 1257 locks

the ducks came down next on their surf boards

BW men working on the lift bridge at Wrenbury for
a few days but they were raising it on request for boaters

cherry blossom on 23 January, 2012

if this is your fender, you'll find it on the
towpath by Wileymore Lock after Dai
had to cut it from our propellor

Janice raising New Mills lift bridge
just before the Whitchurch Arm

All lift bridges we have come across so far
have been painted black and white.
Did BW give in to the local property owner at
Tilstock Park so it blends more into the background?

"Stop and Shop" property at Whixall by the moorings
between Bridges 43 and 44 up for sale.
Must do a roaring trade in the summer months
but always shut out of season

Much lying water on the Whixall Moss site
just before the Prees Branch.

Here's me snapping you !
Geoff of NB Seyella's Journey as we passed by

Daffodils

2012-01-18T17:04:00.000Z

Hello

Daffodils! Yes, we saw first one in bloom on Sunday as we came up Hurleston Locks at start of Llangollen Canal which was one day later than when we spotted a hawthorn in new leaf with blossom !! Didn’t have camera with us at the time and when we went by on the boat the next day, couldn’t get close enough to take proof as the tree was well into the back of the towpath.

We have just had our first bad frost of this winter - awoke Sat, Sun and Monday mornings with it white over but today its been very mild - I even had to take off my gloves and hat doing the locks! Some thin ice over the Shroppie we noted when walking around Hurleston Reservoir Tuesday morning and also a covering in the Hurleston pounds but none out on the actual canal. We have heard the Llangollen hardly ever freezes because of the amount of water pouring down from the River Dee at the top - however, it did last year but hoping it won’t this !

Have joined a convoy since Nantwich!!! Four other “blogging boats” heading up the Llangollen so undoubtedly we will keep bumping into Armadillo; Rock ‘n’ Roll; Seyella’s Journey; and Moore2Life as we all progress up the canal. Today we are all at Wrenbury.

As mentioned last week, this is Dai’s list of “what wouldn’t you be without on the boat?”

Ipod
Camera
Mobile phone
Radio
Bow saw (for cutting wood found on foraging expeditions)

Since last blog we have done … 8 miles and 9 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1563 miles and 1247 locks

These frosty evenings give loads of
sunset photo opportunities

saves on the pegs I suppose

First daffodil of 2012 spotted on Hurleston Locks Flight

Taking a towpath walk early one frosty morning.
I even had to wear furry hat Amy gave me as she
definitely doesn't need it in Thailand !

Looking down Hurleston Locks Flight

Dai rigging up the fat ball feeder using an
ingenious pulley system designed for those
pesky high branches

Our first mooring on the Llangollen Canal
NB Armadillo just in front of us

Nantwich

2012-01-11T17:02:00.000Z

Someone asked me the other day “what wouldn’t you be without on the boat?” which got me thinking and my list would be (in no particular order). I'll get Dai to tell us his list next week!

Ipod
Dry shampoo (after extensive research Amy recommended Batisse which is brilliant for when hair needs washing but daren’t risk emptying the water tank)
Laptop with Three dongle
Needles for sewing and knitting
Hooks for cro-shitting
Woolly furry hat
Table
Shopping trolley

Not having to put lights on now until about 1630 so days are getting longer!! In fact, this morning I was woken up by birds singing. Soon be lambs bleating, ducklings a-quacking and snowdrops appearing ------ ok, ok, I know, there’s still plenty of time for snow, frosts and icing-in. (I’m trying to cheer myself up as I hate January and February.)

We are now in Nantwich which is a very interesting town actually. There is a lot of architecture and old buildings to look at as you wander around. The other night we had a pint in two of the pubs - both different with good real ale. I was looking at a couple of websites on Nantwich generally and found this item quite interesting about nantwich aqueduct

Since last blog we have done … 4 miles and 2 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1555 miles and 1238 locks

Bobbing About

2012-01-04T15:24:00.000Z

----- like a cork in the surf! At least that’s what it’s been feeling like these last few days with the gales and winds. We are all on our lonesome at Coole Pilate - there was one boat here when we arrived on Monday but they left a couple of hours later. Only a couple of boats gone by and one of them was a hireboat from Overwater Marina which is only about half a mile away from where we are now.

Saw the New Year in watching firework display in Audlem which, for a little village, was quite spectacular. Foxxie has never been fazed by fireworks and this was no exception - she sat with us watching them all.

We had visitors last Friday - Dai’s brother Glyn and Linda - so we spent a couple of hours in the Shroppie Fly sampling some very good real ale.

Spent a bit of time reflecting on 2011 - as you do - and share with you some of our thoughts:

Bottle cupboard still as full as when we set out one year and 278 days ago
Not killed each other yet
No illnesses or emergencies
Met some great people, some of whom have become firm friends
Sleeping more in tune with the seasons
Had a great “holiday” moored up in Long Eaton catching up with family and friends for just over 8 weeks
Dai still not grasped the concept of “hunter” although his “gathering” is quite good
No life-changing dramatic events like there was in 2010 ---- expect for Amy going to live and work in Thailand (and I miss her so much, thank god for Skype and Facebook Chat)

Since last blog we have done … 2 miles and 2 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1551 miles and 1236 locks

2011-12-28T14:50:00.000Z

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

2011-12-21T19:36:00.000Z

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

2011-12-14T16:45:00.000Z

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

2011-12-08T16:45:00.000Z

---- 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)

2011-11-30T16:38:00.000Z

…. 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

2011-11-23T16:50:00.001Z

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 !

2011-11-16T16:15:00.000Z

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

2011-11-09T16:40:00.000Z

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

2011-11-02T14:52:00.000Z

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

2011-10-26T19:16:00.000+01:00

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 !

2011-10-19T19:39:00.000+01:00

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 !

2011-10-13T17:42:00.000+01:00

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 !

2011-10-06T17:56:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-28T19:13:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-21T17:52:00.000+01:00

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 ?

2011-09-14T16:54:00.000+01:00

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

Took up Residence??

2011-08-31T18:55:00.000+01:00

Still at Trent Lock ! ….. And I am still loving being here. 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.

Three day “Rock Festival” here at the Steamboat pub over the August Bank Holiday ---- and they had some very good bands/singers which we could hear of course very well from our boat! Started around 11 am each day but did finish at 10 pm every night so we weren’t disturbed at all. Pity the weather was dull and a bit dismal some of the time but, eh, those who did attend seemed to enjoy it all.

We’ve had my mum, niece and nephew for the day again last week and last night, my brother and Mand with the children came for dinner which was lovely. Had a good night Sunday on Paul and Kate’s boat who are also moored up here at Kingfishers for a while doing various jobs.

Dai painted the floor of the gas locker today and got stuck in it with his feet poking out of the top - only trouble was that I didn’t know cos he didn’t shout as he knew I would dive out with the camera and snap away!! He did get enough momentum going to get a grip to haul himself out. I asked him to do a re-construction but sadly was refused!!

Been gorging on beef yet again this week. Brilliant mobile butcher van on Long Eaton market Saturdays - so cheap and great quality ----- making the most of the beef, gammon, sausage, pork and bacon and bread from Birds Bakers. While we been here Dai has suspended his bread making --- just because it makes a change.

Jars of damson jam made ready for toast for breakfast in the winter ---- only time we have toast as it’s done on the fire because we don’t have a toaster ---”uses too much battery” !!

Dai has succumbed and bought an ipod ---- we have mostly different taste in music so very very rarely use the stereo, so I now have the task of transferring all Dai’s Cds (zillions of them, good job he’s got 160 gb on his ipod). Stereo given to my 6 year old niece and the Cd wallets will go in storage under our bed when I’m done.

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

Funky Dragon

2011-08-24T17:55:00.000+01:00

We are still moored at Trent Lock ! Got a few bitsy-bodsy jobs to do, so we going to be here at least till next Wednesday --- maybe longer. Not that I mind cos it’s nice being able to see family and friends. Dai getting a bit wanderlust ---- of course the most we’ve stayed in one place before here is when we were iced in for 7 weeks last winter.

Jan who is based at Trent Lock (Jan Deuchar, Boat Sign Writer and Artist) has painted a “funky dragon” over the back doors of the boat and it looks great - see what you think from photos below!

Met up with old friends Archie and Jackie last Saturday for a few pints at the Steamboat pub here at Trent Lock so it was good to see them, and Dai visited his old workplace to catch up with the chaps there.

Our neighbours where we are moored who live in a houseboat gave us a big bucket full of damsons this morning so guess what I’m doing over next few days ----- just hoping I’ve got enough empty jars! We haven’t quite used up all the blackberry jam made last year but are on the last jar of damson so very timely.

Still waiting for a daylong day of glorious sunshine to get the solar array working at top whack ---- lots of sunshine this week but not all day long.

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

the solar array

Trent Lock

Solar Array Up and Working

2011-08-17T19:20:00.000+01:00

Lots happened this last week but not cruising wise!

1. Bottom blacking done
2. Solar array fitted - 3 x 100 panels which tilt ---- since then we haven’t had a really sunny daylong day but power going in nevertheless so very pleased and can’t wait for a really good sunshiney day! For the techies among you ---- in the last 4 days its put 191 amp hours into the batteries and cut engine running time down from 1.5-2 hours a day to 30 minutes. Will let you know what happens in brilliant sunshine! Mick’s made a really good job of fitting - main cable brought through the roof via a IP roof box, nice and tidy.
3. New TV ariel fitted - a status 530 digital antenna system - through the overlap lip in the cratch. Again, a really neat job by Mick. Before it went up we couldn’t get any reception here with our high gain ariel and now have hundreds of watchable channels (well, watchable in the sense of perfect reception, not what programmes are on!!). Again, will let you know how we get on with reception in other places where before it was zero.
4. Dai has built a platform for the roof for logs so they don’t have to be laid directly on the roof from decking and - at long last - a platform for the cruiser stern so that I can see over the top of the boat. (Oh no, he might expect me to start steering now!)

Been able to meet up with Amy a couple of times this week; met up with my mum and niece Millie for a canalside walk and picnic; been picking wild cooking apples and blackberries, so lots of fruit pie and crumble! Dai’s done a bit of fishing inbetween his jobs.

Met the couple for a pint who are having their new boat “The Cat’s Whiskers” fitted out by John and Mick starting September as they came down to the boatyard to go over a few things.

More bits and bods to do next week so we’ll be sticking around here for them.

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

No photos this week - been too busy but I will take some for next week.

Blacking of Bottom

2011-08-11T10:31:00.001+01:00

Now sitting in the dry dock at Kingfisher Narrow boats (who built Jandai) at Trent Lock, right at start of Erewash Canal as you turn off River Trent. We came in Monday and will be out Friday with a bright shiney black bottom! Also having solar panels fitted which should go on Thursday. Going to stick around here for a couple of weeks - catching up with friends and family. Must admit, don’t like living in the dry dock - dark and gloomy. Tell you what, thank goodness it isn’t wintertime!

Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and 8 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1421 miles and 1165 locks

before power washing - so the ducks did
a good job of keeping the weed down !

water blasting

getting down to it

ready now for blacking

Happy Man with Windlass

2011-08-03T19:48:00.000+01:00

----- that was Dai on Monday as he worked the lock outside the Mucky Duck at Fradley Junction for 5 hours non-stop!! We were moored there and the boats started coming up from the IWA Festival at Burton on Trent. They started about 6.30 am and then were constant until around 3 pm when it started to tail off a bit. Lots of working boats with butties as well as the other narrow boats - it was utter chaos. He just loved it!! Normally of course I do the locks so he was glad to have the chance to get some practice in!
Must admit going through Fradley is not my favourite as it’s always a bit of a bottleneck - in fact, once it took us 5 hours to do the five locks there!
So this last week we have carried on our way to Trent Lock coming through Gailey, Great Haywood, Armitage, Fradley, Burton and tonight we are moored at Willington. The weather’s been super - hot and sunny although today we had a 3 minute burst of heavy rain!!

I refilled my roof tub with new flowers from the nursery just up the road from Gailey Lock as we could also get more compost there and the 2nd batch of lettuce is now pickable - it’s grown like mad these last couple of weeks.

Foxxie managed a couple of swims while we were moored outside Shrugborough Hall at Gt Haywood as the river there is crystal clear and very accessible for her. But she couldn’t go in Branston Lake just north of Burton as the water was really low and covered in blue algae - she was crying when we wouldn’t let her go in there!

Had a very nice Italian meal at The Bridge at bridge 34 at Branston last night. The place has changed hands since we were last there but they have carried on doing just Italian food same as the previous owners.

Since last blog we have done … 52 miles and 26 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1409 miles and 1157 locks

Every time Dai chucked a bunch of dandelions into the field,
the cows ran (so I missed getting them in the shot!)
and then scrapped over who was munching them!

good place to get took short ! Millions of loos!

uh oh --- better take Dai another cup of tea -
he's slacking at the lock!

and yet more working boats waiting for the lock

President and her butty Kildare going into the lock

President up the lock and waiting for Kildare coming up

Boozy Sunday

2011-07-27T20:07:00.000+01:00

Aha ---- summer is here!!! Lovely weather this week - long may it last!! I hope the sun is shining where you are. Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal- that’s where we are tonight.

Had my first ever taste of eel last Thursday - umm, not too sure. Dai pan fried it and there wasn’t very much but eh - first eating out of the canal has got to be good!

Outrageous Sunday in Audlem did we have --- friends Fred and Lisa are holidaying on a hireboat so we met up with them in the Shroppie Fly pub about 2 pm and apart from an hour’s break to “freshen up” carried on till around 11 pm so lots of beer consumed with a big meal thrown in at some point!! Great to meet up again and here’s to the next time in November.

So, then Monday saw the start of our voyage back to Trent Lock - we will probably move every day now as have 150 lock miles to do before August 6. I feel exhaustion coming on thinking about it - we haven’t moved every day until we first set off, what, 16 months ago!!

Bought our usual 2 trays of free range eggs at the Adderley Wharf Farm Shop which is right beside Lock 1 of the Adderley Flight just south of the Audlem Flight. They are just the most fab eggs we have ever had anywhere. They also sell homemade cakes and their own lamb, sausage, bacon etc. We highly recommend them.

Saw a kingfisher today just sitting on a boat’s mooring rope - couldn’t believe it, it just sat there as we sailed by. I grabbed the camera - not brilliant shots but did catch him -- a rare opportunity. We have seen ever less this year than last, probably due to the harsh winter.

Since last blog we have done … 30 miles and 26 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1357 miles and 1125 locks

Kingfisher posing

always quite a bustling place - Norbury Wharf -
especially on a warm summer day

I did tell Dai that it was time he stopped fishing for the day

going through Cowley Tunnel (81 yds) at Gnosall

entering the narrow just after Cowley Tunnel

see - summer is here and I must make the most of it

More Fishy Tales

2011-07-20T19:09:00.001+01:00

Well, what have we done this last week? Cruised to the end of the Middlewich Branch, turned right onto the Shropshire Union so going south ---- in search of some sun! Err, no we didn’t find any --- except for today when we have had some sunshine peeking out of the clouds! We are moored at Coomb Pilate which is about a mile from Hack Green locks. It’s usually a very busy mooring but when we got here yesterday about midday, there were no boats although some did arrive for the night and then all disappeared this morning. As I write this it is about half filled. It is such a lovely mooring thanks to the Shropshire Union Canal Society with mooring rings, loads of tables/benches and by each a metal barbeque stand. It’s in the middle of nowhere in the countryside so perhaps everyone is drowning their sorrows about “summertime” in a pub instead!

Dai’s been fishing again these last couple of days and managed quite a few bigger fish than gudgeon! Roach mainly and today a good sized eel which managed to chomp through the line and escape as I was running inside for a knife (apparently to chop off its head as Dai had visions of eel pie tonight !!)

Oh dear - had to ditch the pansies the other day as they have now gone past their best --- the roof looks so bare now. We had hoped to get some different flowers in Nantwich --- saw the flowers but couldn’t find any compost so the roof is still bare.

Did anyone see the news on West Midlands BBC website about offenders working on the canals? In case not, here is the extract. We have occasionally seen some such gangs here and there so hoping the more organised scheme will take off.

Offenders are to be set a range of tasks aimed at improving canal towpaths across the West Midlands.

People sentenced to community pay back tasks will embark on a number of jobs including painting locks, cutting back vegetation and removing litter.

The work will take place on canals in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Stafford.

British Waterways said it had run similar schemes before but this was the start of a 12-month agreement.

Previous work between British Waterways and probation trusts had taken place on an ad-hoc basis but this partnership had a more co-ordinated approach, a spokesman said.

If successful, the programme could be rolled out to other areas of the country

Since last blog we have done … 13 miles and 4 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1327 miles and 1099 locks

looks a bit lost in the landing net doesn't it !

some colour on a dull day in Barbridge

Getting better Dai !

Errie evening on Nantwich Embankment

Caught a snake!! No, its the eel that got away

Peaceful at Coomb Pilate mooring

Stargazer Pie courtesy the gudgeon !

Any Gudgeon Recipes Anyone ??

2011-07-13T18:38:00.000+01:00

….. Because we could feed ourselves for next month if you have!! Dai been fishing today since about 8 am and caught millions (plus some other sorts but the chips would be bigger on our plates!!).

….. And, as he’s been sitting on the back all day has been counting (a) planes taking off from Manchester airport and (b) plans going into Manchester airport and © number of boats going by and - just in case you’re interested (ha ha) - at 5.30 pm it has been 38.

Actually I find that quite remarkable because we were only saying the other day that we haven’t seen the canal in July so quite ----- but then again, we are moored on the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie so people are probably either going one way to the Burton Festival down the Trent and Mersey or onto the Llangollen Canal in the opposite direction.

Since last week’s post we have moved from Wheelock to Middlewich and onto the Middlewich branch and tonight are moored about 4 miles along it in the middle of nowhere surrounded by delightful countryside, cows and lots of birdsong.

Got to give a plug to “San Marco” - Italian restaurant in restored canalside building at Wheelock. We went there for a meal last Saturday evening and it was really good food, excellent service, very reasonable price and lovely interior - well recommended.

Saw bit of lock rage at the end of Middlewich Branch where it joins the Trent and Mersey yesterday -- it was quite busy with boats coming up and down the lock and no doubt the “shouter” was wanting to get through and moored up but no excuse for accusing another boater of jumping the queue which he wasn’t doing - the lock is very close to a bridge with only a couple of mooring places so can quite understand he couldn’t see the boats waiting. If only people could just have a civilised word instead of jumping in with both boots cursing and shouting - this life is meant to be chilled and we don’t appreciating f-ing and blinding for no real reason now do we?

Ohmigod, two wonderful sights just gone by!!! First Speedo Man followed closely by Lardy Man - what handsome fellows !!!

Recipe for Welsh Cakes requested after last week’s blog (but be warned, they are very addictive and are best eaten same day if there are any left as they come out of the pan!!)
Makes about 15 or so

225g self-raising flour
pinch salt
100g unsalted butter
75g caster sugar
25g currants or sultanas or both mixed!
1 egg yolk mixed with 3 tablespoons milk
Optional mixed spice pinch
6cm round cutter
Griddle or heavy-based frying pan (I use a cast iron frying pan)

Sift flour and salt into mixing bowl. Add chilled and diced butter and rub in until like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar and fruit. Add egg/milk and stir altogether to soft but not sticky dough. (either add flour if too sticky or milk if too dry)
Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thick (definitely no thicker) and cut into rounds.
Heat the pan and grease lightly (you mustn’t “fry” the cakes). Cook in batches about 2 minutes on each side till golden brown. Remove from pan and dust lightly with sugar. Enjoy!!

Since last blog we have done … 14 miles and 21 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1314 miles and 1095 locks

one for the ladies - ha ha !!!

this is the only pic I can post tonight as internet connect is a bit iffy

Happy Birthday Dai

2011-07-06T18:14:00.000+01:00

Celebrations yesterday for Dai’s birthday ---- homemade Welsh Cakes for lunch (Dai’s request when I asked him what sort of birthday cake he wanted); good rib eye steaks at local pub - Royal Oak - and a few pints of real ale there and also at the other pub in village - Broughton Arms.

We have moved this week all of 2 miles !! ---- well, it makes the total mileage as continuous cruisers a nice round 1300 miles. This did include 9 locks in the flight “Heartbreak Hill” although we don’t find them that bad at all and lots of them are twinned. And you don’t have to do them all in one go as lots of places to moor. We’ll probably carry on down Heartbreak Hill tomorrow (think there are another 14 locks to go).

Hey - and sunshine this week!!! Two and a half days - we made the most of it being moored at Rode Heath. Back to drizzle, sharp showers and some sunny intervals since yesterday though.

Forgot to tell you about our early morning awakening last week at Bosley Locks. Foxxie started barking like a mad thing about 5 am so Dai dived out of bed to see what was going on ---- nothing he could see but Foxxie wouldn't shut up. Then we heard a chap shouting about a lamb and suddenly heard terrific bangs against side of Jandai. So Dai got dressed properly and went out and lo and behold a lamb was swimming up the canal. To cut a long story short, the chap had pulled the lamb out of the canal once and was on his way for the second saving. Yes, he got the lamb out and laid it on the far bank. Chap was back on towpath side going to his boat when the lamb plunged back into the canal - well, we could hear the sheep in field on towpath side ba-ba-ing like crazy. So a third rescue was made and they carried the lamb over the locks to towpath side and laid him in the field. No more ba-ba-ing so can only assume it was reunited with mum.

Nothing much else to report this week - hope you all managed to catch some rays and let’s all hope more are coming before “summer” is over !!

Since last blog we have done … 2 miles and 9 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1300 miles and 1074 locks

exhausted little lamb

boats at Rode Heath on Trent and Mersey Canal

view from Jandai mooring at Rode Heath

Jandai mooring at Rode Heath

Twinned lock 53 at Rode Heath but only one lock available
as the one on the right no longer in use!

Family of 6 cygnets, mum and dad

Fishfinger Sarnies are Just Yummy

2011-06-29T18:46:00.000+01:00

Bottom Bosley Locks to Congleton to Scholar Green to end of Macclesfield Canal; onto Trent and Mersey and now moored at Red Bull Services pointing north. Plan now is to go up the T and M to Middlewich; across Middlewich Branch onto Shropshire Union and turn south to bottom, then to Great Haywood onto the T and M again down to Trent Lock at start of Erewash Canal. We are booked into our boat builders (John and Mick of Kingfisher Narrowboats) from Mon 8 August for several jobs including bottom blacking and solar panels fitting.

Last Sunday was first Sunday since I have known Dai (7 yrs) that we didn’t have a “proper Sunday dinner” - had fish finger sarnies instead !! It was so so hot that we thought we’d break a tradition and have salad instead. Yes, you guessed right - no salad to be had, hence the fish fingers on squotchy white sliced bread (well, it has to be that sort of bread, our normal homemade bread just doesn’t do it !!). Yes, I did say “so so hot” - wonderful sunny Sunday. Not hot and sunny since but it was a lovely Day!!

We were actually in Congleton so walked down to the town where they had their annual Food and Drink Festival on the same Sunday. Lots and lots of stalls in the streets and it was heaving with people (moaning about the heat!!). We could have spent a fortune but settled on three types of coffee beans and a big pork pie. Also had coffee in Costa Coffee - what a treat to have an iced mocha !!!

You’ll all be delighted to hear that the new batteries are settled in nicely. Last Saturday was first day since we have lived on Jandai that we didn’t have to run the engine for electricity at all. If we are now not moving for the day it only takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to charge them up instead of the 4 hrs previously.

Had our first medical emergency today - Dai woken up in night with raging toothache so this morning he trundled off to find a dentist. Luckily nearest town to here is only about half a mile away - Kidsgrove. First dentist he went in only did NHS work and not taking on any new patients and no private work at all. Second dentist however was great and pulled his tooth this afternoon as it was past redemption. That’s great service but then, of course, when you’re paying privately, most things can be done quickly.

Since last blog we have done … 11 miles and 3 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1298 miles and 1065 locks

The heron and ducks liked having the pound drained !
Tasty delicacy of crayfish for dinner just for a change

Broken paddle at Lock 15 on the Marple Flight.
Emergency repairs got it sorted in a couple of hours

Pounds drain incredibly quickly when a lock fails

No stress up here !

Tubs of lettuce; sage, thyme and pansies on Jandai's roof

I'd definitely recommend watering your pansies with canal water
proof is in the pudding as they say!

So - it’s all downhill from now

2011-06-22T18:05:00.001+01:00

….. Because Longest Day was yesterday 21 June but I’m not going to harp on about summer cos we had it in April and so that’s that ……

Not a lot to report this week if I don’t go on about the rain, drizzle, more rain, more drizzle …..

Came back up the Peak Forest Canal to Marple where - glory be - we managed to find a mooring!! Then on to Higher Poynton where - not totally unexpected - we couldn’t find a mooring. So on to Bollington where we spent a couple of days. Next overnight was Gurnett Aqueduct and today we have come down the 12 Bosley Locks - rain gear on, rain gear off, rain gear on ……..

The mooring at bottom of Bosley Locks is one of my favourites so we’ll probably stay here a night or two and, who knows, it might be a lovely sunny day tomorrow!

Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and 12 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1287 miles and 1062 locks

oh dear, can't upload any photos cos internet access not good enough ---- will post when I can cos lovely photos of drained pounds in Marple Flight; my pansies, lettuce and herbs in full bloom on roof; ducks asleep on roof; ducks catching fish (yes, really, a duck catching a fish)

Batteries and Basins

2011-06-15T18:03:00.001+01:00

Battery mania continued ----- but sorted last Saturday when I spent 2 hours trundling 6 new batteries and 6 kaput batteries up and down the towpath and - the worst thing ever! - up and down a cobbled bridge!! While Dai did the change over. My right arm is now 6 foot longer than my left. And I got into trouble for sheltering in the boat when it rained --- “I need the next new battery NOW” never mind getting wet. And, yes, everything worked afterwards (oh ye of little faith, I hear you call !!) ---- in fact, we are now only having to run the engine for just over a hour a day to get hot water., I know they will start deteriorating but we should have some months of joy from charging when stationery ---- surely!!

Found a super old fashioned butcher in Poynton - his meat was probably the best we have ever had. Bit of a walk to get there but, hey, well worth it.

Had a few good pints in the Boars Head at Higher Poynton - the food looked good but we didn’t try it.

So, this week we have moved from Bollington up through Higher Poynton (always a big gamble whether or not you’ll get a mooring there --- we managed to get on the end amongst the trees so pretty dark and gloomy but then the next morning, the boat in front moved so we were able to pull further up out of the gloom) to Marple and onto the Peak Forest Canal. Very beautiful but very shallow and hit/miss where you can moor because regulars know where you can get into the side and those places usually occupied. Not that it’s a problem cos Bugsworth Basin holds loads of boats and its lovely mooring there. Very quiet at the moment - mind you there was a Gardiner Rally here last weekend so think everyone rushed to get there for that and now they’ve all gone.

Funny weather this week - cloud, showers, one hot sunny day and today it’s very warm but dark clouds keep passing over and we’ve already suffered one downpour (while Dai and Foxxie were out taking photos round the Basin).

Since last blog we have done … 13 miles and 0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1275 miles and 1050 locks

mooring at Higher Poynton

just one of the splendid views from the Peak Forest Canal which is 500 feet above sea level

Let's all jump in the canal !!!
There were several groups of schoolchildren canoeing in Bugsworth Basin

This is the one basin (middle of 3) in Bugsworth Basin which is not open --
wonder if this stone is the reason why!

Another group of children in the Basin - this time on a Super Raft

Info board set into the ground at the entrance to Bugsworth Basin by the Wharf Master's House

Love this weather forecasting stone!!

another piece of very interesting info in the Basin

Battery Madness

2011-06-08T19:14:00.000+01:00

Good weather for ducks!! The wind seems to have gone and now rain showers are the pattern today and last few days - with Missy Sun poking out for minutes just to remind us she is there ---- somewhere!!

Not moved very far this week ---- left Congleton and had a couple of days at bottom of Bosley Locks, then up the 12 locks to Bollington where we’ve been since Sunday. Am always surprised there isn’t a mooring time restriction here - not that we’ll be staying for 14 nights but could if we wanted! We like Bollington and Foxxie likes the big playing field just down the lane!

The beer at The Vine is just as good as last time we were here and, in fact, Bollington Brewery have just opened their second pub - this time in Macclesfield so obviously other folks like their brews too.

Had fun and games with the batteries this week. We have 6 batteries for the main bank (plus one for the starter motor and one for the bow thruster) - and suddenly they were not holding their charge. Charged up ok but dropping like a stone after switching the engine off. After several consultations with other boaters and the loan of a hydrometer, Dai ascertained one battery was completely kaput and the others were on their way out! More consultations led to Dai disconnecting the whacko battery. Hey presto - yes, after charging again the five remaining batteries were good. For some time now Dai has been saying he’s getting sealed batteries next time as topping them up with distilled water is not one of his favourite jobs (nor mine as my ears are terribly assaulted when he does). We phoned a nearby chandlery but they wanted £100 per battery - lordy lord!!! So we called into the nearby car garage and asked them for price of normal batteries ---- £89 each. Do we look as though we have grass growing on our heads or what!!! We just hope the 5 batteries keep on going till we can get a reasonable deal somewhere!!

Kevin commented on last week’s blog asking for recipe for the mint aero cake I baked last week in honour of Amy’s visit ------ just a normal sponge cake, then I added several heaps of that Mint Aero hot drink powder (do not like it as a hot drink as the powder just won’t mix properly and you end up with a mouthful of undissolved powder - yuck). So added after the flour --- sorry, can’t be precise about how much mint powder but I would guess about 3 heaped tablespoons). Then I added 2 of the small packets of Mint Aero Bubbles chopped into quarters. Normal butter cream icing with some peppermint essence to sandwich the two sponges halves together and on top for the 3rd packet of Bubbles to stick to. Must admit I wondered if I had gone OTT with mint flavouring but hadn’t - it did taste very very nice!!

Since last blog we have done … 13 miles and 12 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1262 miles and 1050 locks

sorry, no photos this week ---- not managed to take any between the rain storms

Mint Sponge and Purple Hair

2011-06-01T18:44:00.000+01:00

This week we left Rode Heath and went onto to Red Bull and onto the Mac, mooring today at Congleton so have done with Heartbreak Hill !! We came up the Mac last August - love this canal as its so peaceful with lovely scenery. We plan to turn down the Peak Forest Canal into Bugsworth Basin - another favourite place.

Lots of wind and rain/drizzle but yesterday/today the sun has been out now and again - forecast is for it to warm up over next few days with sunshine, so here’s hoping ---- our tans are now fading fast.

Amy came to visit on Sunday and stayed until late Monday - just great. Her friend Stephen brought her in his car. I baked a bakewell tart and chocolate mint aero sponge cake (which Amy decorated) and Dai cooked a huge Sunday roast dinner. Lots of drinking, talking, discussing, eating throughout the two days ….. And lots of hugs for me and Amy! You will see from the photos below that Amy has changed her hair from pink to purple ----- just as much fun but somehow more sophisticated!

Since last blog we have done … 7 miles and 10 locks
total since Setting Off ….. 1249 miles and 1038 locks

let me on .... let me on too
(unfortunately I only spotted this family when they'd gone by -
would have loved to have got a closer shot)

Amy with her work of art !
(well, the cake is my work of art but the decorating done by Amy)

Loved this interesting garden

It's a Windy Place

2011-05-25T19:16:00.001+01:00

Still lots of wind with us, I blame it on Marston’s Merrie Monk !! ---- I said it before you Dai ---- no, seriously, still days of wild wind this last week and still carrying on today.

We have moved though ---- through Middlewich, Wheelock and tonight moored at Rode Heath. Nothing much happened this week - called for a pint or two at The Cheshire Cheese in Wheelock and last night at The Broughton Arms in Rode Heath. Walked into Sandbach while moored at Wheelock about a mile and half away --- town centre not highly exciting, just usual sort of thing.

Was looking forward to re-visiting The Romping Donkey at Hassell Green but it is closed down --- shame as it’s a old place but looks like gone same way as so many pubs these days.

Made choux pastry for first time ever today and have to say, very successful ----- only 4 Elephant Feet left now. I like to bake new things now and again and had to have a bit of experimenting in readiness for my daughter’s visit this coming weekend. Dai made pasta this week too ---- lets just say we ate it but next time needs to make it not quite so sticky so the dough can be rolled out thinner!

Done 23 locks this week but they were easy-peasy even though up what is know as “Heartbreak Hill” ---- tell you, these narrow locks are so much more enjoyable than those doubles on the Leeds & Liverpool (you see, I am still traumatised from the Wigan Flight!!)

You will see that I've -- at last! -- started a "blogs I follow" listing which I will be adding to when I have a bit more time to sort it out.

Since last blog we have done … 14 miles and 23 locks
total since Setting Off ….. 1242 miles and 1028 locks

Right lads --- I've got the chips

--- and I've got the bread

--- so let's have the butties

--- all gone, so let's see what the next course is from the next boat

I love it ..... Dai hates it
10 facts about Marmite

Just who did I make a rag rug for ??

2011-05-19T18:05:00.000+01:00

Drizzle, wind, wind, drizzle ---- on and on and on ---- come back sunshine!

This week we have moved from Preston Tunnel, through Barnton, by the Anderton Lift, bypassed Northwich and are now moored in the middle of nowhere about 4 miles north of Middlewich.

Caught a bus to Northwich about 4 miles away last Friday and nearly had a dickie fit when the driver asked for £8.80. Yes, £8.80 return for the two of us. Daylight robbery but we needed some supplies, so off we went. Quite a big town with an indoor market and the usual array of shops.

Over the weekend we were at Anderton and decided to look round the Lift Exhibition which was, actually, quite interesting. They were doing good business too with the lift especially I think as there was a rally of old Morgan cars --- beautiful machines.

On Sunday our friends Ian and Sarah came with their boys Aaron and Jack so we all went round the Exhibition - the boys loved it as there were several interactive things they could do.

Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and 0 locks
Total since Setting Off ….. 1228 miles and 1005 locks

my first rag rug finished !

...... which Foxxie claimed within an hour !!

mayhem at Anderton, fighting for a mooring space !

"side" view of Anderton Lift

"end" view of Anderton Lift

Anderton Lift in operation as the two caissons pass each other

I found this and the following 3 bits of information in

the Anderton Lift Exhibition the most interesting

Back to BW Canals

2011-05-13T18:41:00.000+01:00

Wigan Locks - DONE ….. And re-confirmed, I will never do them again. If we do come back to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal ---- which is glorious between Foulbridge Tunnel and Bingley 5-Rise ---- then we will come onto it the other way round. As I write this the Wigan Flight is closed as one of the locks in the middle has to have some emergency work done on it. Are we surprised? Err, no. They are without doubt the worst lock flight we have done for leaks, heaviness and cranky paddle gear/gates and today we are up to 1005 locks done in last one year and 44 days.

So, we are now off the Bridgewater Canal having come through Preston Brook Tunnel this afternoon and onto the Trent & Mersey Canal. Thinking of making our way now to the Macclesfield Canal.

You will have seen the photos of the “Jandai v Mrs Cow Race” last week ---- what I forgot to mention was - yes, she did manage to get back onto terra firma. Her mates in the field walked alongside the canal en masse making sure she stayed at that side of the canal and just as we were going around a bend, spotted that she had found a break in the bank to climb out of the water ----- probably it was the same spot that she fell in at !

Thanks Anne for confirming on your comment here last week that I’m not really that old - certainly don’t feel it !! But obviously to Barnoldswick teenage girls, I am ancient!

I managed to escape last Friday to wander around The Trafford Centre ---- window shopping until Dai phoned me asking if I could be back on the boat by 3 pm as another boat had just passed and told him “Wouldn’t stay there overnight mate” --- so we upped the pins and ended up going all the way through Stretford and Sale to moor at Dunham Town which was, in the end, a good thing as we ended up eating at the local pub “Axe and Cleaver” that evening - and they had Black Sheep Ale as a guest beer !!

Since last blog we have done … 48 miles and 24 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1216 miles and 1005 locks

passed us this week

Gifford was being towed by Shad

both together

sign on Gifford

Back to BW Canal

2011-05-11T18:39:00.000+01:00

came by us today

Gifford being towed by Shad

sign on Gifford's deck

and here they are together

pub grub that wasn't

2011-05-04T18:43:00.001+01:00

Busy this last week - and started “hireboat” mode to get off the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, so last couple of days lots of miles and locks (for us anyway!!).

Royal Wedding - it was fab. I had to watch it on the laptop cos no telly reception but that was okay as the BBC were streaming it live so I didn’t have to miss any of it. Dai watched bits inbetween fishing.

We met up with friends Fred and Lisa who were on a week’s hireboat at Salterforth. We had booked a table for dinner at The Anchor so after a glass of wine we meandered the 50 yards or so to the pub. It was heaving and banners/balloons everywhere for a 40th birthday. We were met at the door by the landlady who told us that the kitchen extractors had broken down so they couldn’t do food ….. Mmmmm, right.
So we walked up into Barnaldswick which was only about a mile or so away. First pub we saw … shut and for sale. Second pub … for sale, but it was at least open with about 3 men at the bar …. No food. So we had a pint while we debated what to do! We were all starving having saved ourselves for the Anchor dinner. Loads of Chinese takeaways, loads of pizza takeaways and then we saw Flavos - no good, we just had to eat. Actually it tasted much better than expected and there was loads of chicken and chips and kebab for Dai and it was really cheapy cheap. While we were in Flavos we asked where the “decent” pubs were - lots of noisy, blaring music “youngsters” places but “not really anywhere for old people” we were informed by the two teenage girls. We spotted the Conservative Club over the road so I went over to suss it out!! Two young women were going in and they offered to sign us in “you’ll like it here, vodka and orange only £3.50”. So, yes, we paid our pound each and became members for the evening. And yes the beer was very cheap although we had to drink Tetley Mild !! Lots of interesting people in there and a not bad singer. We got a taxi back to our boats and after a whiskey nightcap decided that although our plans had to change we actually had a really good night out !!

Oh and I got my Easter Egg too - thanks Fred and Lisa !!!

On Sunday after saying our goodbyes, Dai and I set off to turn onto the Bridgewater Canal. We are moored tonight about 3 miles from start of Wigan Locks so have done Foulbridge and Gannow Tunnels; Barrowford, Burnley, Blackburn, Johnsons Locks; gone through Colne, Nelson, Burnley, Rose Grove, Hapton, Church, Rishton, Whitebrik, Blackburn, Cherry Tree, Riley Green, Wheelton, Chorley and Adlington. I have to say that it looks like someone (presumably BW) have been out cleaning up surface rubbish from this stretch - it was noticeably less than when we came up this way beginning of April. We did still have a couple of rollercoaster rides over god knows what in the canal which you couldn’t see - probably freezers, fridges, settees, bikes, you name it, I think it is stuck in the mud in this part of this canal.

The locks have been interesting too ….. Pounds very low in some flights and in the Blackburn flight, well, the water was flowing over the top gates like Niagara Falls and I was paddling up to my kneecaps in water round the paddles ! Just heard today that the Bank Newton lock flight passage is now restricted to between 8 am and 4 pm cos of lack of water and that the Rochdale Canal is in serious trouble.

Been quite windy this week although the sun has also been shining all day every day so can’t grumble!

Psyching myself up now for the Wigan Locks - think I need a few bottles of wine and whiskey nightcap before we tackle them tomorrow !!

Since last blog we have done … 42 miles and 22 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1168 miles and 981 locks

Big Chimney, Little Chimney

Burnley Skyline

Race you to the next bridge .......

looking back in Gannow Tunnel

Good advertising for local shop in Church (wonder what etc is?!)

Bye Fred and Lisa - hope to see you again soon

Ummm - well, yes, no, I didn't think Hapton was that bad

good effort Mrs Cow, but we won the race

The Suntan is Coming Along Nicely

2011-04-27T18:33:00.000+01:00

Moved from Gargrave today --- up to Salterforth (just after Barnoldswick). It was awfully chilly yesterday but the hot sunshine is back again today so can’t grumble cos we’ve had days and days of glorious weather and the suntan is back! Makes up for those weeks during the Ice Age last winter!

Had a cracking night out in The Old Swan at Gargrave last Friday - Black Sheep bitter for Dai and Black Sheep Ale for me and great company with some locals and boaters singing and dancing.

Gargrave is a lovely village and so I’m putting some pictures on today’s blog below.

Noticeably more boats out and about now - make the most of it if you’re on the Leeds & Liverpool and if you’re planning on coming this way, better hurray up as still no rain and the water levels in some places are looking dicey. After this coming weekend we are making our way off this canal onto the Trent & Mersey (via Bridgewater Canal of course). I need to start psyching myself up for those Wigan Locks!!

Dai just been trying to get telly reception and no joy ----- he’d better sort it out for the Wedding on Friday otherwise I’ll be using a lot of boat battery to watch it on the laptop (watching live TV on laptop definitely takes more power that the telly.)

If you’re in the UK, enjoy this long Bank Holiday Weekend and don’t forget to keep waving your flag on Friday for the marriage of our future King and his Queen-to-be.

Since last blog we have done … 8 miles and 10 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1126 miles and 959 locks

there are 2 sets of stepping stones across the River Aire in Gargrave - at either end of the village

you needed to stand well back each time Foxxie had retrieved her stick out of the river!

There are now 2 tearooms in the village but was this the original (no longer serving any tea, tobacco or cigars). Was it called "The Copper Kettle" ??

One of the 2 tearooms now open in Gargrave

I really liked this light on the road bridge over the River Aire

unfortunately no Roman ruins left in Gargrave now

All the bunting out in Gargrave High Street for Easter and the Royal Wedding

Passed this new steam narrowboat today "Whisper Down the Wind" - marvelled at his Big Chimney !

shorts and shades

2011-04-20T18:48:00.000+01:00

Beautiful hot sunny days - so out have come the shorts, sandals and shades - yes, even Dai is wearing shorts (but not sandals after last year when he did and burnt his ankles badly!).

Had fish and chips twice this week from Bizzie Lizzie’s in Skipton - once when moored there and today when we walked 4.5 miles there and 4.5 miles back along the towpath - well they are good !!

We are now moored at Gargrave and spent last 3 days walking (1) on part of the Pennine Way (2) towpath to East Marton (next village to West) and (3) to Skipton (next town to East). Tomorrow I am insisting on a rest day just sitting in the sun! Lovely walks though as we are in the Yorkshire Dales and where better for glorious scenery.

Now we are proper liveaboards ---- I have two planters on the roof. One with pansies and one with that “cut and come again” lettuce. Oh, and we also have a smaller planter with thyme as Dai uses so much in cooking.

Heard this last week that BW are starting water restrictions from May 3 on the Leeds & Liverpool, so reducing the amount of water pumped in from the reservoirs and putting time restrictions on flights of locks as and when necessary. They certainly need to do something as we have definitely noticed the water levels are fluctuating by as much as 6 inches from day to day. A lot of the lock gates are leaking like fury and in a stretch of “bendy wendy”canal just up from Gargrave there are signs every few yards saying “bad leak”. We wouldn’t be at all surprised to see this particular canal closed again this summer just like it was last year because of lack of water, especially as there hasn’t been a lot of rain these last few months.

Counted one mammy duck yesterday with about 30 babies (give or take one or two as they were flitting all over the place). Never seen so many with one mammy - think she must be the auntie who babysits all day!

We’re going to stay put in Gargrave now until after Easter (we are on a 14 day mooring) as no doubt it will be mega busy over the long weekend. Enjoy the Holidays everyone and don’t eat too many Easter Eggs (send them to me instead as I bet I won’t get even one otherwise!!)

Since last blog we have done … 5 miles and 3 locks

Total since Setting Off ….. 1118 miles and 949 locks

one reason the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has water shortage problems

Foxxie loving the sunshine ... but where's yer shades??

ice cream tug at Skipton

Back and Forth and Back Again

2011-04-13T18:09:00.000+01:00

Back and forth and back again! Last Thursday we moved to Skipton for services and supplies and then back to Kildwick Friday and today back to Skipton ! So we have actually done 15 miles but only moved 5 on our return trip on the Leeds & Liverpool. Three reasons for this strange behaviour:
1. We need to go slowly as we don’t want to hit the Nelson-burnley-Blackburn-Wigan run until after the Easter holidays when the kiddiewinks are back at school …. And
2. Dai has to travel to Birmingham tomorrow for his mum’s funeral so we needed to be by a railway station
3. Where we are now is the most beautiful part of the Leeds & Liverpool so we want to make the most of it

Oh boy - what smashing weather last weekend ---- it was really hot. Out came the sunglasses, shorts and sandals - hurray, no socks and jumpies!! We even had salad for dinner ---- then it all disappeared and we had really cold winds. Nevermind, such wonderful sunshine is brilliant for a couple of days in April.

My cousin Alan and his wife Nicola saw the arrival of their first child end of last week - many congrats and a big big welcome to Sophie Mary.

Don’t think there is much else to tell you this week so here’s some Spring time photos …..

Since last blog we have done … 15 miles and 0 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1113 miles and 946 locks

err, excuse me mrs duck - one "normal" duckling and one fluffy yellow one? What you been up to then?!

the lambs are nearly bbq-ing size

not a bad back garden from the kitchen window - now you can see why we liked it so much at Kildwick

me and foxxie just soaking a few rays just before Dai starts sawing more fuel for the fire (still getting a bit nippy in the evenings)

"gimme a leg up mammy - I've had enough of this swimming lark"

on 23 Sept 1943 during a training flight, a Wellington bomber HZ251 and its Polish crew crashed into the bank of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near swingbridge 183 between Kildwick and Skipton. All seven members of the crew were killed. This memorial was unveiled on 22 April 2007

Ducklings and Blossom - First Sighting April 4

2011-04-06T18:46:00.000+01:00

Millions of swing bridges this week --- lots of wind, some sun --- first sighting of blossom and ducklings.

We left Skipton last Friday, through Kildwick, Silsden, Keighley to Bingley Five Rise Locks. We had decided not to go down the locks as didn’t particularly want to go into Leeds and from Bingley it is pretty much built up. So we turned at the Five Rise and started the journey back the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Tonight we are moored at Kildwick with great views across the Airedale Valley one side and the moors the other with fields of lambs around us.

We now plan to stick around this area (Kildwick, Skipton, Gargreave, Barnoldswick) until after the school Easter Holidays as we would prefer to run the stretch from Foulbridge to bottom of Wigan Flight as fast as possible when the kiddies are at school which in this neck of the woods is around April 25-ish. We are gearing ourselves up to be in “hireboat” mode ---- ie, long days of moving until we get onto the Trent & Mersey. I have to say that from Foulbridge to Bingley is a really beautiful stretch of canal in the Yorkshire Dales but am sorry to say that from Foulbridge to bottom of Wigan Flight is not somewhere we want to meander through.

Since last blog we have done … 20 miles and 0 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1098 miles and 946 locks

Beautiful Yorkshire Dales

Blossom - spring is definitely here !

Canalside homes at Silsden

First moorhen nesting this year. I just love moorhens, they are so industrious

Chalked up one year of continuous cruising

2011-03-30T18:26:00.000+01:00

One year on ……. Yes, we have been continuously cruising for one whole year! Monday 28 March was Day 365. Some random thoughts about this last year ……
1. We did the right thing.
2. Eaten millions of eggs.
3. Read more books than last 100 years put together.
4. I miss being able to see Amy whenever.
5. Not missed work at all.
6. Why didn’t we do this sooner
7. Only had a handful of arguments and only once stopped speaking to each other for a couple of days
8. Still got some supplies we bought with us from the house such as tins of tuna and corned beef, filter coffee, olive oil and quite a number of bottles of spirits
9. Why didn’t we do this sooner
10. Dai sleeping 8 hours regularly instead of the perhaps 4 or 5 in our previous life
11. Miss having vegetables and fruit off our allotment
12. No colds or illnesses at all
13. Long, hard, cold winter but we survived
14. Why didn’t we do this sooner

Had two other “firsts” this last week …..
1. We were just about to set off down 9 locks into Gargreave when an old narrowboat pulled up. Great we thought, someone to share the locks with. “I’ve lost my reverse gear” the owner exclaimed “waiting for a friend to arrive to help me down the locks.” No prob we said, we’ll breast up and take you down. So that’s what we did - a first for Dai and he handled it like he’d done it a million times. Tell you what, they were the easiest locks since getting on the Leeds and Liverpool canal - I had two helpers! (For our non-boatie friends “breasting up” is where two narrow boats are tied together so one boat runs their engine and steers. You can obviously only do this in broad locks where two boats can use it side by side.)
2. Foxxie decided to take a midnight dip (well, a 11pm dip). She went out for her last wee before bedtime and walked off the canal side of the boat instead of onto the towpath - SPLASH !!! It was pitch dark and the silly moo swam to the other side of the canal instead of back to the boat and got out. She then proceeded to thrash about in the shrubbery whimpering like a mad thing. After about 15 minutes of Dai encouraging her to swim back - she did and then of course, once on the deck shook her coat drenching Dai (I made sure I was standing well out of the way). Foxxie loves to swim but doesn’t like to jump in - she will only go into the water if she can wade in - ar well, as they say “all’s well that ended well”.

So this last week we moved from Saltersford, past Barnoldswick , East Marton, Gargreave and are now moored at Skipton where we plan to stay until Friday and then move out of the town for the weekend (don’t like staying in towns at weekends as it can get noisy and most likely time for the drunks and ner-do-wells to do their mischief.

Since last blog we have done … 13 miles and 15 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1078 miles and 946 locks

.... and yes we saw first swan nest

unusual double arched bridge at East Marton (B.161)

you can see the hole - but can you see the woodpecker (it was there honest tapping out another one)

nice rural canalside scene in Yorkshire

YEA !!

2011-03-23T19:52:00.000Z

Yes, we are now in beautiful countryside after zooming through Burnley (well, if you can “zoom” in a narrow boat, but you know what I mean); Barrowford Locks and Foulbridge Tunnel. And just had 2 amazingly sunny, warm days. So we celebrated with some sunning in the deckchair, eating ice cream at a lockside café and letting the fire go out - first time since the beginning of last October.

Today we have scrubbed the boat roof and the towpath side boat side - glory be! Again a first since before the long cold dark winter descended. Clocks spring forward this coming weekend; lambs playing in the fields, daffs flowering everywhere, trees starting to bud; some wildlife sitting on their nests by the canal - it’s good to be alive.

Dai is right - now we are in Yorkshire, the Leeds and Liverpool canal is stunning - just a shame about all that we had to go through to get here! Going through Burnley wasn’t as awful as Blackburn - you travel along “the Straight Mile” (which is actually apparently three quarters of a mile) high above the town so it was interesting looking down on the buildings.

We are now moored near the Anchor Pub at Saltersford just outside Barnoldswick (I was corrected earlier today by a local because it is pronounced Barlick !!). Dai remembers drinking there when he did this part of the canal years ago in a hireboat - the crew won a gallon of beer at Quiz Night. Unfortunately they didn’t have any Black Cat beer (is it still made? Just checked on the internet and, yes, it is still brewed by Moorhouse in Burnley so hopefully we will be able to sample it before long) which I was really looking forward to after Dai’s excellent recommendation. He says the pub is still the same - just less busy. This establishment , built beside the old packhorse road, is an historic canalside pub where a second building was built on top of the first meaning you now drink in what was once the bedrooms.

After our busy day srubbing, washing and polishing we think we’ve earned a pint or two so we are off to the pub after dinner …… talk to you all next Wednesday.

Since last blog we have done … 21 miles and 14 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1047 miles and 925 locks

well, they have tried to brighten up the canalside in Burnley

halfway on the Leeds and Liverpool canal

all those chimney pots fascinated me in Burnley

standard of pub in Burnley ???

as well as being bloody hard work, I could only just reach to wind the paddle

thought we'd left traffic lights behind us! These are at Foulbridge Tunnel. We were lucky and they were on green

It'll be better after Burnley --- I live in hope !

2011-03-16T18:53:00.000Z

Highlight of our voyage this week - Blackburn ……. NOT !! Have to say the canal is not at all nice there - most definitely the worst place we have been for rubbish in the canal and dog pooh on the towpath. Needless to say we went through as fast as possible, although we did have to stop at the top of the locks for as long as it took me to make 2 trips to Asda which is right by the canal, while Dai had banter with several drunks who lurched on by!

Tonight we are moored at Oswaldtwistle (how’s that for a good Northern name). Dai always told me that the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is one of his favourite canals ----- ummmm?? Up to now it’s been far from my favourite, but I’m told that once we are through Burnley, then I will change my mind (can’t ever see me thinking that Wigan Locks and Blackburn are going to be in my Top Ten !).

Done two more flights since Wigan - one of 8 at Chorley and one of 6 at Blackburn - piece of cake after the Horror of Wigan Locks!

Last Friday we moored by Botany Bay just through Chorley ---- an old mill converted into a “shopping experience”. Was a bit disappointed but we did spend a couple of hours wandering around. The conversion has been really well done as they have retained a lot of the original features - in fact, this was more interesting to see that what was for sale in the myriad of different retail units.

Saturday we were moored at the top of the Chorley lock flight and had a really excellent Indian meal in the Top Lock pub there which was quite a surprise.

More good rugby last weekend - Wales won and - oh joy - Italy beat France! Last matches in the Six Nations this coming Saturday - just hope we can get BBC reception. Couldn’t last Sunday so had to watch the England v Scotland match on the laptop.

Since last blog we have done … 21 miles and 14 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1047 miles and 925 locks

Wouldn't you just wish you hadn't if you'd book a long weekend at this canalside establishment? (see photo below for enlargement of the welcoming sign for phone number if you want to sample it !)

Botany Bay Shopping Experience

Welcome to Blackburn (well, I could easily have done a montage of rubbish in the canal and/or dog pooh instead !)

Believe it or not, they did look better as we got closer

is the canal deep enough ?

Wigan Locks : plenty of pain - the pleasure was when we'd done it !

2011-03-09T19:00:00.000Z

Here is The Dragon - our new tiller pin. Isn’t he magnificent.

This last week we finished the Leigh Branch at Wigan Junction and turned left towards Leeds and up Wigan Locks (ohmigod - it brings me out in a cold sweat just thinking about it - I need a glass of something!) More about that later if I can bring myself to recall it!). Tonight we are moored just outside Adlington in lovely countryside with the Pennines in the distance.

We had to wait at Plank Lane until Fri 4 March because of the stoppage I mentioned last week. We saw them fill the canal and new marina and remove the two dams - see pictures below.

At Abram I caught a bus to savour the delights of Wigan Town Centre. Actually it was quite nice so I roamed around the shops and market and supplied up at Morrisons. Dai had managed (with the aid of a couple of pints money) to get 3 of the bright yellow buoys you can see in the photos at the stoppage so I bought some chain and fastenings so we now have great “buffers” for between the boat and bank when we moor up.

Ian and Sarah came to see us again on Sunday, this time with their two boys Aaron and Jack - it was lovely to see them playing with Foxxie. You have two delightful sons Ian and Sarah - hopefully they are coming to have a day trip with us this coming weekend.

What else can I natter on about before I have to think about Wigan Locks? Well, we’ve had some glorious sun this week (together with overnight frosts, wind and hail storms) - its so lovely to have such bright days again and really noticing it’s getter later and later before we have to switch on the lights. Got stocked up with wood again as masses of trees being loped between here and the locks so Dai has been busy with the saw and axe again.

I finished making a fitted sheet for our bed today and, yes, it fits! The bed is 6 ft by 4 ft so standard fitted sheets are a no-no. Plus the fact that it is quite a fight to get the bottom sheet to stay put when we change the bed cos it is rammed in against two walls and the wardrobe at the bottom and I’m a devil for hospital corners (having been a nurse in a previous life you understand!). So decided to cut down one of the sheets to see if fitted corners would work - now I know it does, then I’ll be cutting, hemming and making channels for elastic on the other sheets - all by hand so it does take some time!

Ok - Wigan Locks. Well, we had planned on doing the two at top of Leigh Branch and then staying overnight at the Junction. But it didn’t look very welcoming there so we decided to go for it - 21 broad locks which you really have to do in one go as they are so close together. As usual Dai on the boat and me doing the locks (well, until he builds me a little platform on the deck I cannot see over the roof so don’t like steering with such a limited view!). Let me say that I’m not afraid of locks and really quite enjoy them but don’t want to do them ones again for some time! Met some “interesting” gear I’ve not come across before such as (1) gates with chains where you wind a big fixed windless to shut them - presumably cos they’re so big and heavy you can’t do it any other way (2) gates by bridges where you open/close by turning on gear with huge teeth that look positively dragonesque (3) ground paddles you open/close by turning on top rather than the normal at the side (4) metal spikes hanging from gate beams to the ground to keep the gate closed which you have to lift whilst pulling/pushing gates shut - and I only have short arms (no, not mega short but short enough so I could just about deal with the opening/shutting whilst holding the metal spike free of the ground! Add to all this the fact that you can’t walk over any of the bottom gates so are walking backwards and forwards twice as much as normal. And the gates are so very very heavy - Dai had to get off the boat to help me with closing gates twice and he could only just manage them! I tell you, by the time we got to the Top Lock, I was ready to drop ---- was in bed by 9 pm, I was so knacked !!! The next morning I felt like I'd been 12 rounds with Mike Tyson - I never realised I had so many muscles to ache!

Got stew for dinner tonight which has been bubbling away on top of the fire all day; will be watching “The Boat Take Guy Built” on telly tonight followed by the new foodie programme and then MasterChef.

Hope you are all ok and - trust me - only do the Wigan Locks with two of you if you are a masocist !!

Since last blog we have done … 10 miles and 23 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1026 miles and 911 locks

removing the temporary dam nearest Plank Lane

one man presses the button, one directs the water hose and one looks to make sure it's all happening - starting to fill the canal

takes a bit longer than filling the kid's paddling pool - and gallons more water !

starting to dig out the mud dam at southern end

not much longer now ! (a day later)

gushing over

removing another heap of mud - obviously had to be done slowly else us and the other boat moored there would have been white water rafting !

last mud removal - almost there

over the Ship Canal to the dammed cut

2011-03-02T19:01:00.000Z

This last week we started at Moore on the Bridgewater Canal; then Dunham; up through Sale and Stretford where we then entered the Leigh Branch and through Trafford Park and Worsley. At Leigh the canal is once again owned by British Waterways (Bridgewater Canal is owned by Peel Holdings/Manchester Ship Canal Company). We are now moored about a mile out of Leigh right by Pennington Flash Country Park - lovely to see the countryside and Flash through the window. The Park is a 200 hectare area centred on a 70 hectare lake or “flash” and is a big bird watching venue with loads of hides. A “flash” is a lake created by coal mining subsidence and flooding.

We had visitors last Friday - Ian and Sarah who live not far from where we were moored came to see us and we had a really nice afternoon catching up and eating/drinking at one of the pubs in Grappenhall.

Celebrated Dai being retired a year - the time has just flown by and no, he doesn’t regret a thing !

Wales won Italy in the Six Nations last Sat so all was well - and we also watched the other games so a rugby filled weekend.

Cruising up through Sale was very industrialised with nowhere really to moor sensibly - same for Stretford and Trafford Park. Worsley looked really nice but the towpath was very very muddy so we went on through. Leigh is another town where the canal does through a lot of derelict industry but they are building new housing and other constructions. The towpath has been muddy for most of the Bridgewater and Leigh branch - more so than anywhere else for such a long stretch of canal, obviously not a lot of path laying around here. I just have to share with you about Dai trying to bond with the local youth coming through Leigh ---”good morning” shouted Dai; “f--k off” muttered the youth menacingly (I nearly fell off the boat laughing) but the response didn’t stop Dai trying with the next one which was met with silence and a glare. The first people to wave and shout greetings were 2 chaps working on a plastic boat ----- “just goes to show” !!

We went over the Manchester Ship Canal at Barton Swing Bridge - the Bridge is only swung for any vessel large enough to warrant it on the Ship Canal - which wasn’t at the time we were there.

Now have to stay here as there is a stoppage just down the canal at Plank Lane Swing Bridge where the canal is dammed as a new marina is being constructed. The stoppage is due to be lifted on Friday 4 March so hopefully we shall be moving on after that ----- ready to tackle the Wigan 21 (21 double locks) as we need to do all these in one go. We will then be on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal “proper” and have decided to head towards Leeds from Wigan.

Oh - and Dai has cleaned up his new dragon tiller pin but I forgot to take a photo ---- next week’s blog!

Since last blog we have done … 28 miles and 0 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 1016 miles and 888 locks

Barton Swing bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal

and Barton Aqueduct we were in which is quoted in Nicolsons waterways guide as one of the wonders of the waterways, it carries the Bridgewater canal over the manchester ship canal built in the early 1890s. Gates seal off the 235 ft long, 1450 ton section that swings at right angles to the ship canal over a central island. It replaced Brindley's earlier aqueduct built in 1761 and which carried the canal in a trough over 660 ft and 39 ft above the River Irwell

no water in the cut - can't go anywhere! you can see the new marina entrance on the left side of the photo

dammed at the Plank Lane side

how many men does it take to supervise the digger ?

has spring sprung?

2011-02-23T19:49:00.000Z

Its so good to be able to state where we have been this last week instead of “umm, we still iced in, not been or going anywhere” ! This last week we started at Nantwich; turned onto the Middlewich Arm down into Middlewich; turned left onto the Trent and Mersey going north; through Anderton and Preston Brook onto the Bridgewater Canal and now moored at Moore by Bridge 7.

The Middlewich Arm is quite desolate in February and for most of it (about 12 miles) was bitterly cold cos of the wind. We only stayed the one night in Middlewich as neither of us likes it much there. Don’t really know why, just one of those things.

Passed by the old old Lion Salt Works (left click to display web page for links in today's blog) yesterday which is being "resurected". The link will tell you more but in a nutshell .....The Lion Salt Works at Marston in mid-Cheshire is a rare, perhaps unique, survival of a traditional inland salt works which once produced this essential commodity. The standing buildings and structures on the site illustrate the whole process of salt production and date from the late 19th and 20th centuries, however, many of the buildings and structures are now in a very poor state of repair. Limited emergency structural repairs have been carried out in recent years but decline still continues. In the late 19th century Cheshire provided 86% of the nation’s salt – the Lion Salt Works is the only tangible surviving structure of this important industry.

Stayed by Anderton Boat Lift last night which is quite a piece of engineering “lifting” boats from the Trent and Mersey onto the River Weaver. Just as well we had decided to do this another time (always the danger of the river flooding this time of year) because it was supposed to start working at 0800. We had filled up with diesel off the working boat Renaissance the night before as they were off down to the Weaver this morning so Dai wanted to take some photos of the action - durrr, what action was that then? None! Computer prob ---- but they had it fixed in about 30 mins. One boat went down to swing round and come back up again (presumably just to say we have done it so can tick the box) but then it got stuck as the barrier refused to budge to let them out! We left them to it and carried on northwards with 3 tunnels and a stoplock. First two tunnels (Barnton and Saltersford) both very kinky and the third (Preston Brook) very straight. Look at the photo I took as we left Preston Brook Tunnel to see the smoke trail we left behind !

Did I tell you before that Dai has to have an afternoon nap these days? Ha ha - well he has had this past week. Age must be catching up with him!!

Spring is coming - yes it is ! This last week we have seen masses of snowdrops, catkins, the yellow flowers on gorze, pussy willow tips and crocuses - even some daffodil buds. Please no more ice or snow (I know, its only mid Feb but you must be positive).

I would show you a photo of a magnificent Welsh dragon tiller pin that we purchased from another boat this week but Dai still needs to give it a good spit and polish - I’ll post it next week.

Since last blog we have done … 33 miles and 9 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 988 miles and 888 locks

Oh Dear

an even bigger Oh Dear

being restored to former glory

still the Lion Salt Works - needs an awful lot of work on it

Anderton Lift

Yes, that's the smoke trail we left behind exiting Preston Brook Tunnel

An abandoned crane in the middle of nowhere on the Bridgewater Canal being put to good use holding stop planks

nearly got arrested

2011-02-16T19:04:00.000Z

Yes, we made it to Nantwich on Friday ! Big, big shop at Morrisons necessary - well, we had run out of port too ! Some nights we have supper - inevitably cheese and biscuits and you just can’t have that without a nice glass of LBV port now can you.

I deserted Dai, Foxxie and Jandai on Saturday morning to go to Nottingham - Nantwich to Crewe; to Derby; to Nottingham. Took Amy to Loch Fyne as her birthday treat (a week early cos she is spending her birthday weekend in Liverpool with friends). We had an amazing meal including Lobster Platter, then painted the town red ! Sunday was good too as Amy and I went to Hucknall where ma cooked us Sunday dinner and also for Mand, Shaunie, Sam and Millie. Came back Monday and we are still at Nantwich cos of the bitter wind and cold since then. Probably moving tomorrow still northwards to Barbridge and maybe moor next on the Middlewich branch of the Shroppie - depends on what the weather is doing.

Dai managed to get the TV aerial fixings glued back on after trying 3 different types of adhesive…. And he has replaced our kitchen window blind with a new roller blind. The old one was one of those pretend metal venetian blind things which has been fine but when I tried to clean it the other day, it is so flimsy that once bent, the slats won’t return to a nice straight position so it looked awful.

Got homemade steak and kidney pudding steaming away on top of the fire for dinner tonight and another in the fridge for tomorrow as we had too much filling for just the one as it turned out.

Since last blog we have done … 9 miles and 17 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 955 miles and 879 locks

Lobster Platter to share with Amy

Amy scooping out crayfish flesh

my niece Millie who asked us for a policeman's outfit for her 6th birthday last week to go with her nerff gun and walkie talkie (what happened to dollies ??)

Amy getting arrested - luckily (for me at least - sorry Amy ) then the handcuff keys were lost !

2011-02-16T18:21:00.001Z

All Systems Are A Go Go

2011-02-09T17:51:00.000Z

Yippee - we are on the move! Last night BW opened Woodeaves Cutting with a restriction past the fallen rocks from landslide. Our wanderings between Brewood and Norbury can stop at last - not that we don’t like this stretch of the Shroppie but we have been here a long time now - since Nov 25 when the Great Freeze began at Wheaton Aston.

So today we have had our longest day cruising since last March when we started living on Jandai - 15 miles and 10 locks !!! We need to get to Nantwich on Friday as I am going by train(s) back to Nottingham to celebrate Amy’s 22nd birthday for the weekend. I’m sure we’ll both be zzzzz-ing by 8 o’clock tonight !

We are now in the Six Nations spell so HAVE to get telly on certain days to watch the rugby (even though Wales lost last weekend - oh dear, don’t let’s mention it - sorry Dai). Prob is that during the wild winds on Monday our TV aerial ended up going for a swim in the canal. Dai managed to hook it out but all the fixings have been pulled from the boat so we are in a bit of a pickle right now! Another reason to get to Nantwich before Saturday as more rugby this coming weekend.

Saw a sparrow hawk chasing his dinner yesterday ----- trouble is he was after my tits. They were all feasting on nuts and fatballs when down the hawk swooped. Didn’t see that he caught anything but probably did as the tits round the boat had had several days filling their little bellies to bursting ---- it all happened so quickly of course that I couldn’t get the camera sorted in time but then whilst travelling today spotted another bird of prey who then settled on a branch so managed to get a quick photo.

Happy Birthday to Millie and Mand who both celebrated this week - drinks are on me Sunday!!

Since last blog we have done … 17 miles and 10 locks
This makes total since Setting Off ….. 946 miles and 862 locks

magnificent bird of prey - not sure which one though

beware !

"proceed with caution" - you're not kidding! narrow cutting with landslide obstruction, another boat coming and a bridge! Does it get better than this ? Steady as she goes Dai

side of cutting where the landslide came from

and some of the offending rocks !

looking back after we crawled by

you can see better here how long and narrow Woodeaves Cutting is

Sunset over Gnosall on February 4

Feb 1 declared a Honorary Sunday

2011-02-02T18:07:00.000Z

Still wandering up and down Shroppie waiting for the stoppage at Woodeaves Cutting to be lifted ---- have been south to Brewood and then back north to Gnosall this week.

We woke up to a big surprise last Monday …… it wasn’t freezing when we went to bed but obviously did during the night - severely. Ice on the canal this morning and we couldn’t stay at Brewood cos no water and no loo emptying facility. After a war council, decided we better try and get at least to Wheaton Aston just in case we were beginning Ice Age Two. Had to pole break ice in the winding hole which was only a few yards from where we were moored but we managed to turn around. Then off we went ---- ice covering varied from about one cm to slush to nothing. Used the services at Wheaton Aston and also filled up with diesel there but as the ice seemed to be getting more non-existent - and the fact that the narrow boat following in our wake passed us as we were dieseling up - it was our turn to follow them doing the ice breaking. Only prob was that they were only travelling at tickover so took us an age to go the 5 miles to Gnosall. No ice here so we moored up - plan is to go on up to Norbury Wharf tomorrow in the hope that the stoppage will be gone by the weekend.

Yesterday - February 1st - we decreed was a Honorary Sunday!! It was a lovely sunny, warm day and before our daily walk, we had gone to get some meat from the local butcher, fancying pork chops. I asked for 2 fairly hefty chops - well, the butcher didn’t fail us ! So with so much meat and the fact we had a bottle of tonic water that would be non-fizzy by next Sunday, we decided to go the whole Sunday hog with G & T, bottle of wine and even my homemade apple pie. Perhaps every first of a month should be a Honorary Sunday in future!

Today is dull, drizzly with a bitter wind - weather is back and forth, back and forth - just hope it isn’t snowing tomorrow!

Since last blog we have done … 12 miles and 2 locks
total since Setting Off ….. 929 miles and 852 locks

skittering ice as we go through

this was about as thick as it got

our very own way through the ice