I have been in a no internet area this is what should have been published
Whitchurch, Llangollen – Friday 27 July 2012
I have moved away from Grindley Brook one whole mile to Whitchurch – Jess howls if the humans are doing things and she cannot see – so I put her on the roof (with her bed and a lead on) and she travelled better than I thought she would although she probably thinks her owners won’t find her now the boat has moved.
It looks like I might have got the worst of the water out of the boat as there was no pooling this morning, a mop with the magic cloth and a quick blow with a hair drier left the bottom of the boat dry. I have left all the access panels open to allow air to flow freely through the bilges to speed drying where I cannot reach. I’ve followed Peter’s advice with regards to tanks - water is quarter full and diesel is topped up so any remaining water should run to the back of the boat, I’ll just have to keep an eye on it for a while.
Jess and I have been out for a walk along the towpath, she really is excited by all these new smells and at the moment it’s a case of lots of sleep.
Hampton Bank, Llangollen – Saturday 28 July 2012
Jess was picked up last night, she was delighted that her human had found her after being dog-napped. Today a friend came for a trip on the boat, the original plan was to moor ar Bettisfield but there were no spaces available so we went on to Hampton Bank.
Hampton Bank, Llangollen – Sunday 29 July 2012
Walked up to village to go to church, there is a choice of two, an Anglican and a Methodist. On arrival I found that both the Minister / Leaders had gone to other churches for services. Attendance in church is dropping off so parishes are being joined and the minister does the “rounds”. Stopped to chat with a couple who were looking for a Catholic church for their daughter’s wedding, they are not having a lot of success. Boats have been passing in each direction all day.
Hindford Bridge, Llangollen – Monday 30 July 2012
Ten miles today and as I went past the Ellesmere arm I stopped to visit the town, a newish Tesco has been built at the basin and retirement homes are being built just the other side. There is an old crane at the end to give an idea of the wharf’s history.
Pontcysylite, Llangollen – Tuesday 31 July 2012
A day of twos – two locks (New Marton), two tunnels (Chirk is 459 yds and Whitehouse is 191 yds) and two aqueducts (Chirk 70 ft above the valley and Pontcysylite 126 ft above the valley). It is really noticeable that this canal has a flow – the engine has to run much harder to maintain speed when you go through a bridge ‘ole, and it is worse through tunnels and on the aqueducts where the width is reduced to only slightly more than the boat. It has rained for most of the day but the sun came out just as I approached the Pontcysylite and on the down side the camera batteries packed up!!!
The crossing lived up to expectations, it is heart stopping with awe inspiring views, I even managed a brief look down into the valley
I have moored at Trevor and will do the last four miles tomorrow after I have taken some pictures.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Grindley Brook, Llangollen – Thursday 26 July 2012
Tuesday I had no signal, Wednesday and Thursday were busy so here goes:
Tuesday I started out at 08:30 in brilliant sunshine, at the junction with the Llangollen Canal there was a queue of four ahead of me, however, once it was my turn it all went smoothly, with locks made ready by boats coming down. Obviously this is a popular trip as were boats going past all day. The handbook warns that because this canal has a flow of water the locks can be ‘difficult’ due to bypass weirs, with the rain that we’ve had they have been and care is needed steering into the locks. Distance travelled was nine locks and seven miles, and I moored by the Wrenbury Church lift bridge which will be my next task.
Wednesday started with Braidbar no 90 ‘Mary A’ going past then on to the lift bridge (for a footpath) with controls on the non-towpath side. The Wrenbury lift bridge was for a road and needed a key to operate the traffic lights and drop barriers. There was a boat ahead of me and they kept it up while I went through. Between there and Grindley Brook were four locks spaced out then three locks close together our boats met up at each one. Use of the staircase of three locks were under the control of a C&RT lock-keeper and because there was a queue at each end it was “3 up 3 down” so there was a bit of a wait. Due to this being a very popular canal Wednesdays are particularly busy with holiday boats as those on their first week are going up and those on their second week are going down.
When it was my turn the first lock was ok but something caught the front of the boat in the second lock and water went into the cratch and the boat started to tip forward. A quick shut of the paddles by the lock-keeper levelled the boat. He then stated that I was the second single-hander it had happened to that day! Through the last lock again was ok and then I moored on the visitor spot and had a look. Water had got in and the saloon was awash – I mopped up and moved what I could into the dinete area leaving the front steps and the two seats stacked to leave the floor as clear as possible. A call to Peter at Braidbar to reassure me of what I needed to do to reduce damage and where to look.
Thursday and a quick check of the saloon showed that the surface water had all gone. A check of the bilge at the rear of the boat gave a different story, over an inch of water. If the area under the floorboards is 30 feet long and six feet wide that is 15 cubic feet of water. The day, fortunately has been hot and dry while I’ve pumped out the bilges, using a power pump initially, then when it got too low for that using a suction bottle (meant for draining oil, but it was clean) and when that stopped working going on to the ‘magic’ cloths I bought at Crick. As soon as I thought I’d finished more water would arrive. I’ll see what it’s like on Friday.
Jess has returned, she must like the boat.
Tuesday I had no signal, Wednesday and Thursday were busy so here goes:
Tuesday I started out at 08:30 in brilliant sunshine, at the junction with the Llangollen Canal there was a queue of four ahead of me, however, once it was my turn it all went smoothly, with locks made ready by boats coming down. Obviously this is a popular trip as were boats going past all day. The handbook warns that because this canal has a flow of water the locks can be ‘difficult’ due to bypass weirs, with the rain that we’ve had they have been and care is needed steering into the locks. Distance travelled was nine locks and seven miles, and I moored by the Wrenbury Church lift bridge which will be my next task.
Wednesday started with Braidbar no 90 ‘Mary A’ going past then on to the lift bridge (for a footpath) with controls on the non-towpath side. The Wrenbury lift bridge was for a road and needed a key to operate the traffic lights and drop barriers. There was a boat ahead of me and they kept it up while I went through. Between there and Grindley Brook were four locks spaced out then three locks close together our boats met up at each one. Use of the staircase of three locks were under the control of a C&RT lock-keeper and because there was a queue at each end it was “3 up 3 down” so there was a bit of a wait. Due to this being a very popular canal Wednesdays are particularly busy with holiday boats as those on their first week are going up and those on their second week are going down.
When it was my turn the first lock was ok but something caught the front of the boat in the second lock and water went into the cratch and the boat started to tip forward. A quick shut of the paddles by the lock-keeper levelled the boat. He then stated that I was the second single-hander it had happened to that day! Through the last lock again was ok and then I moored on the visitor spot and had a look. Water had got in and the saloon was awash – I mopped up and moved what I could into the dinete area leaving the front steps and the two seats stacked to leave the floor as clear as possible. A call to Peter at Braidbar to reassure me of what I needed to do to reduce damage and where to look.
Thursday and a quick check of the saloon showed that the surface water had all gone. A check of the bilge at the rear of the boat gave a different story, over an inch of water. If the area under the floorboards is 30 feet long and six feet wide that is 15 cubic feet of water. The day, fortunately has been hot and dry while I’ve pumped out the bilges, using a power pump initially, then when it got too low for that using a suction bottle (meant for draining oil, but it was clean) and when that stopped working going on to the ‘magic’ cloths I bought at Crick. As soon as I thought I’d finished more water would arrive. I’ll see what it’s like on Friday.
Jess has returned, she must like the boat.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Nantwich, Shropshire Union – Monday 23 July 2012
Jess was picked up last night and mail delivered so I took the day off (sort of) to sort it out – stayed moored on the Embankment and went into town to deal with things in the banks. The bench seats around the town Square all have year numbers on the ends and a plaque stating what happened at that time, a sneaky way of getting people to know their local history. Also got a laundry load done at the Marina. The sun has been out all morning but it is clouding over now.
Jess was picked up last night and mail delivered so I took the day off (sort of) to sort it out – stayed moored on the Embankment and went into town to deal with things in the banks. The bench seats around the town Square all have year numbers on the ends and a plaque stating what happened at that time, a sneaky way of getting people to know their local history. Also got a laundry load done at the Marina. The sun has been out all morning but it is clouding over now.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Nantwich, Shropshire Union – Sunday 22 July 2012
Saturday was spent enjoying the sunshine, walking along the Nantwich embankment where seats have been provided all along it for walkers who may be tired. I spent time sitting on the benches and reading. There is also a picnic area with a sculpture of a horse (“no climbing allowed”) and other sculptures of a dog and fish which were put up when the embankment was restored. Braidbar no 45 ‘New Dawn’ and no 133 ‘Eleventh Heaven’ went past together, a stop for water was aborted due to the speed of the tap – not enough hours in a day type thing. They are heading along the Llangollen so will pass them again.
Jess arrived in the afternoon and has had fun with all these new dogs to meet and the smells and boats and ducks and people and EVERYTHING!! It’s amusing watching her trying to get the rubber fender out from the side of the boat – it makes squeaky noises like her toys at home so I must have put it there just for her to play with.
Sunday and Jess woke at 06:00 to go out, the smells have obviously not changed because she was running all over the place then breakfast and we were out on a long walk at 08:00, got back to the boat at 14:30 and she spent the afternoon sleeping. Evening and we went out again and met up with the canines from other boats (one also had a cat that just looked disdainfully at Jess but she didn’t pull as she does at home). She goes back home tonight so no cruising with her – yet!
Saturday was spent enjoying the sunshine, walking along the Nantwich embankment where seats have been provided all along it for walkers who may be tired. I spent time sitting on the benches and reading. There is also a picnic area with a sculpture of a horse (“no climbing allowed”) and other sculptures of a dog and fish which were put up when the embankment was restored. Braidbar no 45 ‘New Dawn’ and no 133 ‘Eleventh Heaven’ went past together, a stop for water was aborted due to the speed of the tap – not enough hours in a day type thing. They are heading along the Llangollen so will pass them again.
Jess arrived in the afternoon and has had fun with all these new dogs to meet and the smells and boats and ducks and people and EVERYTHING!! It’s amusing watching her trying to get the rubber fender out from the side of the boat – it makes squeaky noises like her toys at home so I must have put it there just for her to play with.
Sunday and Jess woke at 06:00 to go out, the smells have obviously not changed because she was running all over the place then breakfast and we were out on a long walk at 08:00, got back to the boat at 14:30 and she spent the afternoon sleeping. Evening and we went out again and met up with the canines from other boats (one also had a cat that just looked disdainfully at Jess but she didn’t pull as she does at home). She goes back home tonight so no cruising with her – yet!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Nantwich, Shropshire Union – Friday 20 July 2012
Another strenuous day (ha?) as I’ve travelled three miles and two locks to get to Nantwich where I’ll stay for the weekend. The town looks nice with buildings of all periods mixed in. There is even a recently built row with Victorian style 2 up - 2 down, Tudor timber framed style and Georgian town house all in a terrace (that’s the 20th century bit of architecture – copy others). The town centre, however, still has houses and shops from earlier times that have not been knocked down and replaced with 60’s steel framed buildings. Buildings have been converted from original uses, eg the old Cheshire Constabulary building is now flats, as is the old town Savings Bank. The names carved on the buildings have not been obliterated as in some other places.
The weather has been sunny with the odd shower. And I’m hoping that I will get to look after Jess this time as I’ve given directions to get to me.
I forgot to report that yesterday I saw Braidbar 110 ‘Nomad’ as I went past the Overwater Marina on the way to Hack green. And number 60 ‘Smudge’ has just gone past.
Another strenuous day (ha?) as I’ve travelled three miles and two locks to get to Nantwich where I’ll stay for the weekend. The town looks nice with buildings of all periods mixed in. There is even a recently built row with Victorian style 2 up - 2 down, Tudor timber framed style and Georgian town house all in a terrace (that’s the 20th century bit of architecture – copy others). The town centre, however, still has houses and shops from earlier times that have not been knocked down and replaced with 60’s steel framed buildings. Buildings have been converted from original uses, eg the old Cheshire Constabulary building is now flats, as is the old town Savings Bank. The names carved on the buildings have not been obliterated as in some other places.
The weather has been sunny with the odd shower. And I’m hoping that I will get to look after Jess this time as I’ve given directions to get to me.
I forgot to report that yesterday I saw Braidbar 110 ‘Nomad’ as I went past the Overwater Marina on the way to Hack green. And number 60 ‘Smudge’ has just gone past.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Burrows Bridge, Shropshire Union – Thursday 19 July 2012
Today was a non-canal day as I’ve only travelled about two miles and moored up at Burrows Bridge then went off to see the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker. Some secret now as it shows up in guide books and on street maps! This started out in 1941 as a Royal Air Force RADAR station during the Second World War, then became a top secret post from 1952 looking out for Soviet missiles, in 1960 it doubled as part of the UK’s Air Traffic Control and in 1966 was reduced to a standby station. After a major re-build it was run by the Home Office as a Regional Government Headquarters (for use should a nuclear attack take place destroying Central government) when the Commissioner with his staff would then “lead the reconstruction of a post-war Britain from the ashes of a thermo-nuclear conflict”. It was declassified in 1993 and has been turned into a sort of ‘Cold War’ museum that is well worth a visit, although depending on your viewpoint it could be chilling (listing the expected numbers killed or injured) or frivolous (instructions from Central Government to make an inner refuge from a door and some sandbags). The ‘canteen’ is decorated like a services NAAFI, but the canteen staff were friendlier than I remember.
Today was a non-canal day as I’ve only travelled about two miles and moored up at Burrows Bridge then went off to see the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker. Some secret now as it shows up in guide books and on street maps! This started out in 1941 as a Royal Air Force RADAR station during the Second World War, then became a top secret post from 1952 looking out for Soviet missiles, in 1960 it doubled as part of the UK’s Air Traffic Control and in 1966 was reduced to a standby station. After a major re-build it was run by the Home Office as a Regional Government Headquarters (for use should a nuclear attack take place destroying Central government) when the Commissioner with his staff would then “lead the reconstruction of a post-war Britain from the ashes of a thermo-nuclear conflict”. It was declassified in 1993 and has been turned into a sort of ‘Cold War’ museum that is well worth a visit, although depending on your viewpoint it could be chilling (listing the expected numbers killed or injured) or frivolous (instructions from Central Government to make an inner refuge from a door and some sandbags). The ‘canteen’ is decorated like a services NAAFI, but the canteen staff were friendlier than I remember.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Moss Hall Aqueduct, Shropshire Union – Wednesday 18 July 2012
Today I’ve travelled about one and a half miles, but there were fifteen locks! Ready to go at 09:15 and had moved ready to go into the first lock when the phone rang. I let the next two boats through then at 10:00 was ready to go again. It worked in my favour as at each lock there was a boat coming the other way so we left gates open for each other. At Audlem Wharf (lock 13) the crew of the first boat I let through were having a lunch break, but came and ‘did’ the lock for me. The sun has been out all day apart from a brief shower when all the boat crews got togged up in waterproofs (Pavlovian response?). The shower only lasted about ten minutes then the sun was back and it’s been like a remembered normal summer’s day.
Moss Hall Aqueduct is where the canal crosses the River Weaver, it has a lovely view across rolling farm land covered in sheep and dairy cows.
Audlem is a tidy town with a positive Town Council, it has won awards as “Best Kept Village” and it’s easy to see why with clean streets, no obvious graffiti and flowers all around. They have even produced a glossy brochure of a walk around town showing all the places of interest and giving the history when their use has changed (the Phoenix and the Crown Hotel were originally coaching Inns but are now the Co-op and flats). It has been interesting following the walk.
Today I’ve travelled about one and a half miles, but there were fifteen locks! Ready to go at 09:15 and had moved ready to go into the first lock when the phone rang. I let the next two boats through then at 10:00 was ready to go again. It worked in my favour as at each lock there was a boat coming the other way so we left gates open for each other. At Audlem Wharf (lock 13) the crew of the first boat I let through were having a lunch break, but came and ‘did’ the lock for me. The sun has been out all day apart from a brief shower when all the boat crews got togged up in waterproofs (Pavlovian response?). The shower only lasted about ten minutes then the sun was back and it’s been like a remembered normal summer’s day.
Moss Hall Aqueduct is where the canal crosses the River Weaver, it has a lovely view across rolling farm land covered in sheep and dairy cows.
Audlem is a tidy town with a positive Town Council, it has won awards as “Best Kept Village” and it’s easy to see why with clean streets, no obvious graffiti and flowers all around. They have even produced a glossy brochure of a walk around town showing all the places of interest and giving the history when their use has changed (the Phoenix and the Crown Hotel were originally coaching Inns but are now the Co-op and flats). It has been interesting following the walk.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Audlem Top Lock, Shropshire Union – Tuesday 17 July 2012
I’ve had a leisurely weekend. Friday evening visitors arrived to admire ‘Ice Breaker’.
Saturday, spent wandering round the town which is looking very run-down although the town council have encouraged some ‘trompe-l’oeil’ on the empty shops and buildings, to make the place look less depressed. There are a lot of charity shops but few local retailers due to supermarkets taking over (the town has Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and soon Sainsburys), what chance do small traders have? The town was rebuilt following a fire in 1651, although there is pub that claims to be a survivor from the fire. There are dozens of Union flags around the town, but the British Legion must have put them up or given instructions as they are all the correct way up! One shop was flying the French Tricolor, but it was Bastille day. It rained all day.
Sunday, church was St Mary’s early morning service. The church has leaflets showing how it looked at different times, during the 18th 19th Centuries the walls were covered in plaster, but this has now been removed to show the stonework. When he was young Clive of India apparently sat on one of the gargoyles at the top of the tower. He was sent to India because he was a local trouble-maker (at one time getting money from shop-keepers as ‘protection’). Saint Swithun’s day today - Sun out all day.
Monday, another rain soaked day, spent time inside, then out to friends for dinner.
Tuesday, short run of 4 miles and through the 5 Adderley locks. I have moored up ready for the 15 Audlem locks tomorrow. The sun is trying hard to come out, and so far we have not had any rain.
On Friday Braidbar No 105 ‘Nocturne’ went past and today No 61 ‘Shiraz’.
I’ve had a leisurely weekend. Friday evening visitors arrived to admire ‘Ice Breaker’.
Saturday, spent wandering round the town which is looking very run-down although the town council have encouraged some ‘trompe-l’oeil’ on the empty shops and buildings, to make the place look less depressed. There are a lot of charity shops but few local retailers due to supermarkets taking over (the town has Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and soon Sainsburys), what chance do small traders have? The town was rebuilt following a fire in 1651, although there is pub that claims to be a survivor from the fire. There are dozens of Union flags around the town, but the British Legion must have put them up or given instructions as they are all the correct way up! One shop was flying the French Tricolor, but it was Bastille day. It rained all day.
Sunday, church was St Mary’s early morning service. The church has leaflets showing how it looked at different times, during the 18th 19th Centuries the walls were covered in plaster, but this has now been removed to show the stonework. When he was young Clive of India apparently sat on one of the gargoyles at the top of the tower. He was sent to India because he was a local trouble-maker (at one time getting money from shop-keepers as ‘protection’). Saint Swithun’s day today - Sun out all day.
Monday, another rain soaked day, spent time inside, then out to friends for dinner.
Tuesday, short run of 4 miles and through the 5 Adderley locks. I have moored up ready for the 15 Audlem locks tomorrow. The sun is trying hard to come out, and so far we have not had any rain.
On Friday Braidbar No 105 ‘Nocturne’ went past and today No 61 ‘Shiraz’.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tyrley Wharf, Shropshire Union – Thursday 12 July 2012
The rain is back. Only the hardy souls out braving the weather and of course holiday-makers who, last winter thought they were booking a boat for during the summer.
Started the day by filling up with water, then I waited while a boat went through the top lock as it had drained due to leaks. Boats at each of the locks so each one was ‘set’ ready for me. It was still slow as the locks are fairly close together, so it’s a wait until they come out then we each left the gates and passed between locks. Today was a short day as I’ve only travelled down the 5 locks into Market Drayton and these are set in a deep cutting with the trees closing in on both sides. The overflow from the locks is quite severe, at one I was pushed into the trees.
At about 13:40 ‘Hazel’ Braidbar No 58 went past.
The rain is back. Only the hardy souls out braving the weather and of course holiday-makers who, last winter thought they were booking a boat for during the summer.
Started the day by filling up with water, then I waited while a boat went through the top lock as it had drained due to leaks. Boats at each of the locks so each one was ‘set’ ready for me. It was still slow as the locks are fairly close together, so it’s a wait until they come out then we each left the gates and passed between locks. Today was a short day as I’ve only travelled down the 5 locks into Market Drayton and these are set in a deep cutting with the trees closing in on both sides. The overflow from the locks is quite severe, at one I was pushed into the trees.
At about 13:40 ‘Hazel’ Braidbar No 58 went past.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Tyrley Wharf, Shropshire Union – Thursday 12 July 2012
No travelling today as you are allowed to stop here for 48hour and I’ll get a break, and do some domestic chores. I spent the early part of the day catching up on computer jobs and communications. I then took the opportunity of a fine day to clean and polish the boat, yesterday’s wash was the roof only and this left streaks down the sides. Cleaning today included ‘winding’ the boat twice so that I could get both sides to the towpath, and end up facing the way I’m travelling tomorrow. Washing was quick, and the rinse and polish is supposed to be allowed to dry on its own when it won’t leave streaks or on a warm day use a cloth to dry it. However, today was so hot (!) that it was steaming as I applied it, so I ended up doing the polishing a foot at a time.
Regular activity through the top lock (where I’m moored) with boats going up and down, the fine weather has brought them out.
No travelling today as you are allowed to stop here for 48hour and I’ll get a break, and do some domestic chores. I spent the early part of the day catching up on computer jobs and communications. I then took the opportunity of a fine day to clean and polish the boat, yesterday’s wash was the roof only and this left streaks down the sides. Cleaning today included ‘winding’ the boat twice so that I could get both sides to the towpath, and end up facing the way I’m travelling tomorrow. Washing was quick, and the rinse and polish is supposed to be allowed to dry on its own when it won’t leave streaks or on a warm day use a cloth to dry it. However, today was so hot (!) that it was steaming as I applied it, so I ended up doing the polishing a foot at a time.
Regular activity through the top lock (where I’m moored) with boats going up and down, the fine weather has brought them out.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tyrley Wharf, Shropshire Union – Wednesday 11 July 2012
Correction from yesterday (if any-one is reading this and noted my error). When I wrote “I was approximately 3 miles east of where I moored at the weekend” it was, of course, 3 miles WEST!! The A5 road runs in a straight line, crossing both the Staffs & Worcs at Gailey and the Shropshire Union near Brewood. By car that would be about 3 minutes!
Now for today, as usual it was raining when I was ready to go, so I had put on winter weather clothing to cope and set off at 08:30, by 10:00 the sun was out and it remained out, although it had been a bit blustery.
This stretch of the canal is certainly varied; long straight runs with fields either side, high embankments which must have given impressive views before the trees grew so tall and deep cuttings where the walls close in and boats have to pass in a sort of ‘lay-by’. The embankments have gates at either end (similar to lock gates) in order that if there is a breach they can be closed allowing the rest of the canal to continue to operate. At the other extreme the footpath through Woodseaves Cutting has been closed. It is waterlogged (under water in some places) and the bank on the non-path side of the canal has collapsed. This has been protected by three large pontoon ‘balloons’ being put round it, reducing the already narrow width, of course that’s where I met a boat going the other way.
There have been no names that really caught my eye today and only one boat – it looked like a river cruiser had mated with a narrow boat! Narrow boat bow and stern (looked like it was made in metal), it had a steerer’s cockpit with wheel, about a third of the way back.
As it was not raining I have washed the boat, then just like washing a car – it rained
Correction from yesterday (if any-one is reading this and noted my error). When I wrote “I was approximately 3 miles east of where I moored at the weekend” it was, of course, 3 miles WEST!! The A5 road runs in a straight line, crossing both the Staffs & Worcs at Gailey and the Shropshire Union near Brewood. By car that would be about 3 minutes!
Now for today, as usual it was raining when I was ready to go, so I had put on winter weather clothing to cope and set off at 08:30, by 10:00 the sun was out and it remained out, although it had been a bit blustery.
This stretch of the canal is certainly varied; long straight runs with fields either side, high embankments which must have given impressive views before the trees grew so tall and deep cuttings where the walls close in and boats have to pass in a sort of ‘lay-by’. The embankments have gates at either end (similar to lock gates) in order that if there is a breach they can be closed allowing the rest of the canal to continue to operate. At the other extreme the footpath through Woodseaves Cutting has been closed. It is waterlogged (under water in some places) and the bank on the non-path side of the canal has collapsed. This has been protected by three large pontoon ‘balloons’ being put round it, reducing the already narrow width, of course that’s where I met a boat going the other way.
There have been no names that really caught my eye today and only one boat – it looked like a river cruiser had mated with a narrow boat! Narrow boat bow and stern (looked like it was made in metal), it had a steerer’s cockpit with wheel, about a third of the way back.
As it was not raining I have washed the boat, then just like washing a car – it rained
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Gnosal Heath, Shropshire Union – Tuesday 10 July 2012
Woke up early, cloudy with sunny patches, ready to go at 08:30 and guess what? It had started raining – very heavy and it continued all the time I was moving.
I have covered 1 lock and 12 miles today, at about 10:30 I was approximately 3 miles east of where I moored at the weekend, having travelled 24 lock-miles on the canal. This way is more fun.
At Bridge 27 (near Church Eaton) there were a group of canoeists waiting to go in the water when I had passed, I warned them there was another boat about 200 yds behind me and as I went through the bridge there was a boat going the other way. I warned him as well because from his direction it was a ‘blind’ bridge.
Today has been a day for enjoying boat names and thinking where they came from; ‘Water Gypsy’ and ‘Dunrushin’ are straightforward ‘T’mora’ a bit of fun. Then there’s the pairs ‘Smaug’ and ‘Thorin’ (Tolkien – Hobbit and Lord of the Rings), ‘Rincewind’ and ‘Twoflower’ (Pratchett – Discworld ™). I also saw another Braidbar (none for a few days), this was no 74 ‘Maple’. So the journey has been enjoyable in spite of the rain.
Woke up early, cloudy with sunny patches, ready to go at 08:30 and guess what? It had started raining – very heavy and it continued all the time I was moving.
I have covered 1 lock and 12 miles today, at about 10:30 I was approximately 3 miles east of where I moored at the weekend, having travelled 24 lock-miles on the canal. This way is more fun.
At Bridge 27 (near Church Eaton) there were a group of canoeists waiting to go in the water when I had passed, I warned them there was another boat about 200 yds behind me and as I went through the bridge there was a boat going the other way. I warned him as well because from his direction it was a ‘blind’ bridge.
Today has been a day for enjoying boat names and thinking where they came from; ‘Water Gypsy’ and ‘Dunrushin’ are straightforward ‘T’mora’ a bit of fun. Then there’s the pairs ‘Smaug’ and ‘Thorin’ (Tolkien – Hobbit and Lord of the Rings), ‘Rincewind’ and ‘Twoflower’ (Pratchett – Discworld ™). I also saw another Braidbar (none for a few days), this was no 74 ‘Maple’. So the journey has been enjoyable in spite of the rain.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Autherley Junction, Shropshire Union – Monday 9 July 2012
Saturday I ‘winded’ the boat at the Viking yard so she is facing south ready for Monday when I travel back. The Viking staff were very helpful moving their boats around for me. Then did boat maintenance while waiting for Jess to be delivered, but got a call saying that as the weather was so bad there were changes to plans – so no need to dog sit. It rained on and off all day
Sunday I did not go to church (not one within easy walking distance), so I spent the morning washing the roof of the boat as it’s a bit mucky. The sun has been out for most of the day.
Monday I started in fine sunshine but after an hour it clouded over, but no rain. I have moved back to Autherley and onto the ‘Shroppie’. A few boats out and all at blind bridges, there were also two just before the narrow cutting and another two just after it. At the junction is a ‘stop-lock’ with a drop of just six inches in water levels!! It was originally put in to stop the Shroppie ‘stealing’ water from the Staffs & Worcs, now it is a bit of history and a nuisance.
Saturday I ‘winded’ the boat at the Viking yard so she is facing south ready for Monday when I travel back. The Viking staff were very helpful moving their boats around for me. Then did boat maintenance while waiting for Jess to be delivered, but got a call saying that as the weather was so bad there were changes to plans – so no need to dog sit. It rained on and off all day
Sunday I did not go to church (not one within easy walking distance), so I spent the morning washing the roof of the boat as it’s a bit mucky. The sun has been out for most of the day.
Monday I started in fine sunshine but after an hour it clouded over, but no rain. I have moved back to Autherley and onto the ‘Shroppie’. A few boats out and all at blind bridges, there were also two just before the narrow cutting and another two just after it. At the junction is a ‘stop-lock’ with a drop of just six inches in water levels!! It was originally put in to stop the Shroppie ‘stealing’ water from the Staffs & Worcs, now it is a bit of history and a nuisance.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Gailey Wharf, Staffs & Worcs North – Friday 6 July 2012
Let’s get the weather report out of the way – it has rained persistently, another soaked to the skin days. I was hoping the rain would let up so didn’t start until 10:00 and a short way along is a stretch marked ‘very narrow cutting’ in the Nicholson guide – the canal is only slightly wider than the boat and there are two ‘passing places’ along it. Fortunately I didn’t meet any other boats. After an hour and a half felt that I should stop, I was unable to see because my glasses were misting up, so moored next to the ‘Fox and Anchor’ at Cross Green (only 2 miles covered). Hurried up to the shops to get a newspaper and had a quick read. The rain had slowed so, fingers crossed I started out again, some hope! However, as I have given my weekend location I pushed on to here (about half a mile from Junction 12 on the M6 motorway). Again very few boats out, all steerers looking how I felt – half drowned. Just past ‘Long Moll’s Bridge’ came across a Viking Hire Boat across the canal! Blasts on the horn produced no response so looked to see if I could get in to the bank to go and re-secure it. By this time it had swung a bit so that there was room alongside, so I very gently went forward and used the bow thrusters to push it to the bank. It’s crew then came out to find out what I was doing disturbing their lunch. I called out that they were loose but it took a few minutes to register, when it did one came out to retrieve the mooring line which was in the canal.
Let’s get the weather report out of the way – it has rained persistently, another soaked to the skin days. I was hoping the rain would let up so didn’t start until 10:00 and a short way along is a stretch marked ‘very narrow cutting’ in the Nicholson guide – the canal is only slightly wider than the boat and there are two ‘passing places’ along it. Fortunately I didn’t meet any other boats. After an hour and a half felt that I should stop, I was unable to see because my glasses were misting up, so moored next to the ‘Fox and Anchor’ at Cross Green (only 2 miles covered). Hurried up to the shops to get a newspaper and had a quick read. The rain had slowed so, fingers crossed I started out again, some hope! However, as I have given my weekend location I pushed on to here (about half a mile from Junction 12 on the M6 motorway). Again very few boats out, all steerers looking how I felt – half drowned. Just past ‘Long Moll’s Bridge’ came across a Viking Hire Boat across the canal! Blasts on the horn produced no response so looked to see if I could get in to the bank to go and re-secure it. By this time it had swung a bit so that there was room alongside, so I very gently went forward and used the bow thrusters to push it to the bank. It’s crew then came out to find out what I was doing disturbing their lunch. I called out that they were loose but it took a few minutes to register, when it did one came out to retrieve the mooring line which was in the canal.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Autherley Junction, Staffs & Worcs North – Thursday 5 July 2012
I am shattered. Today I started out at 08:30 knowing what the route was. The first lock was just around the corner from Broad Street, then when that was completed the next came into view round the next corner, that continued for most of the day. All the locks have anti-vandal devices fitted, so an extra piece of kit to carry. A couple of international holiday crews about but otherwise again I had the canal to myself. This stretch is totally different to yesterday – although it goes through industrial areas (including a rubbish recycling depot) the water was clear and apart from the plant growth had no pollution. The sun has been out all day and at the end I moored between Aldersley Junction (Wolverhampton canal joins Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal) and Autherley Junction (where the Shropshire canal heads away from the S&W). Tomorrow I am remaining on the S&W as I’m dog sitting this weekend (Patterdale Terrier called Jess).
I am shattered. Today I started out at 08:30 knowing what the route was. The first lock was just around the corner from Broad Street, then when that was completed the next came into view round the next corner, that continued for most of the day. All the locks have anti-vandal devices fitted, so an extra piece of kit to carry. A couple of international holiday crews about but otherwise again I had the canal to myself. This stretch is totally different to yesterday – although it goes through industrial areas (including a rubbish recycling depot) the water was clear and apart from the plant growth had no pollution. The sun has been out all day and at the end I moored between Aldersley Junction (Wolverhampton canal joins Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal) and Autherley Junction (where the Shropshire canal heads away from the S&W). Tomorrow I am remaining on the S&W as I’m dog sitting this weekend (Patterdale Terrier called Jess).
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Wolverhampton Main Line – Wednesday 4 July 2012
Today I started out at 09:00 along the ‘New’ canal, built by Telford in the early 19th Century to improve traffic flow by straightening the old Brindley canal (which followed the contours). He managed to reduce the distance by seven miles. It is a very wide cut with tree lined embankments, factories on one side and a railway on the other, no idea that you are travelling through a major city. The old canal wasn’t made redundant – it follows at the top of the cuttings. After the two canals rejoin at Bromford Junction the Birmingham Level is straight for almost three miles with branches heading off. Tipton Green has three locks giving a rise to join the Wolverhampton Main Line. This canal is totally different it is a bendy, narrow, weed grown, polluted stream. There was all sorts of rubbish (including lots of plant tubers which will probably grow again unless collected and removed). Unlike the Telford canal this one is obviously going through an industrial area, factories and old ‘brown land’ sites. Again very few boats about, I have had the canal to myself for hours. I have moored in the centre of Wolverhampton in a deep cutting by the ring road, having covered twelve miles and three locks. It was overcast with light rain this morning but the sun came out this afternoon.
Tomorrow there are the Wolverhampton Locks to go through – 21 locks with a total drop of 132 feet in just 2 miles!
Today I started out at 09:00 along the ‘New’ canal, built by Telford in the early 19th Century to improve traffic flow by straightening the old Brindley canal (which followed the contours). He managed to reduce the distance by seven miles. It is a very wide cut with tree lined embankments, factories on one side and a railway on the other, no idea that you are travelling through a major city. The old canal wasn’t made redundant – it follows at the top of the cuttings. After the two canals rejoin at Bromford Junction the Birmingham Level is straight for almost three miles with branches heading off. Tipton Green has three locks giving a rise to join the Wolverhampton Main Line. This canal is totally different it is a bendy, narrow, weed grown, polluted stream. There was all sorts of rubbish (including lots of plant tubers which will probably grow again unless collected and removed). Unlike the Telford canal this one is obviously going through an industrial area, factories and old ‘brown land’ sites. Again very few boats about, I have had the canal to myself for hours. I have moored in the centre of Wolverhampton in a deep cutting by the ring road, having covered twelve miles and three locks. It was overcast with light rain this morning but the sun came out this afternoon.
Tomorrow there are the Wolverhampton Locks to go through – 21 locks with a total drop of 132 feet in just 2 miles!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Birmingham, BCN Main Line – Tuesday 3 July 2012
Relaxing evening and slept through night - woke at 08:00. Started out at 09:30 with a very sharp turn to get onto the Worcester & Birmingham canal, a quiet run with no other boats for about two and a half miles then at a blind bridge I met with the first. He joked about nothing until a bridge as well. Although the canal passes through industrial areas it is only approaching the area called ‘The Mailbox’ that it feels like a city centre. Until then the canal had been sheltered by a railway on one side and trees on the other. I have only travelled six miles today, I moored near Gas Street Basin in Birmingham in order to get the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) special water conservation key. Eventually found one at Sherborne Wharf but it appears to be the same as the BWB anti-vandal key which I already have, so I didn’t buy one. Then went sight-seeing round the City Centre, there is a ‘Music for Youth’ festival on so lots of schools around the place. No rain while cruising, but no sun either. Water still dripping off trees, but the rain has started as I write this.
Relaxing evening and slept through night - woke at 08:00. Started out at 09:30 with a very sharp turn to get onto the Worcester & Birmingham canal, a quiet run with no other boats for about two and a half miles then at a blind bridge I met with the first. He joked about nothing until a bridge as well. Although the canal passes through industrial areas it is only approaching the area called ‘The Mailbox’ that it feels like a city centre. Until then the canal had been sheltered by a railway on one side and trees on the other. I have only travelled six miles today, I moored near Gas Street Basin in Birmingham in order to get the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) special water conservation key. Eventually found one at Sherborne Wharf but it appears to be the same as the BWB anti-vandal key which I already have, so I didn’t buy one. Then went sight-seeing round the City Centre, there is a ‘Music for Youth’ festival on so lots of schools around the place. No rain while cruising, but no sun either. Water still dripping off trees, but the rain has started as I write this.
Monday, July 2, 2012
King’s Norton Junction, Stratford-on-Avon – Monday 2 July 2012
Saturday went exploring round the local village – not much to see. Some houses are up for sale and the Agents have made a point of quote four bedrooms and three bathrooms unquote. I thought of the film “Topsy-Turvy” (about Gilbert & Sullivan writing the Mikado) in which the builder of the Savoy Hotel reportedly asks why so many bathrooms, who’s going to be staying – Mermaids?
Sunday, off to Church at St Thomas’s (the local village church). A bit too “high church” for me as the service started with a ring on a bell, but no incense. The building is late Victorian with patterns in different coloured brickwork. It is also the opposite side of the canal to the main village (perhaps it wasn’t when first built). Both days have been sunny with only a few cloudy patches.
Monday started at 09:15 in persistent rain. The canal is very much like a river as it follows the contours so wanders all over the place. There are deep cuttings on one side with embankments on the other. It also appears too narrow for mooring; the few places where it would be possible are taken by boatyards! No locks but another lift bridge (this one is electrically operated and the controls, fortunately, were on the towpath side). This bridge is right next to a restaurant with large windows so people can watch in comfort! Today I have completed nine miles to get to the junction with the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, which I move onto tomorrow.
Saturday went exploring round the local village – not much to see. Some houses are up for sale and the Agents have made a point of quote four bedrooms and three bathrooms unquote. I thought of the film “Topsy-Turvy” (about Gilbert & Sullivan writing the Mikado) in which the builder of the Savoy Hotel reportedly asks why so many bathrooms, who’s going to be staying – Mermaids?
Sunday, off to Church at St Thomas’s (the local village church). A bit too “high church” for me as the service started with a ring on a bell, but no incense. The building is late Victorian with patterns in different coloured brickwork. It is also the opposite side of the canal to the main village (perhaps it wasn’t when first built). Both days have been sunny with only a few cloudy patches.
Monday started at 09:15 in persistent rain. The canal is very much like a river as it follows the contours so wanders all over the place. There are deep cuttings on one side with embankments on the other. It also appears too narrow for mooring; the few places where it would be possible are taken by boatyards! No locks but another lift bridge (this one is electrically operated and the controls, fortunately, were on the towpath side). This bridge is right next to a restaurant with large windows so people can watch in comfort! Today I have completed nine miles to get to the junction with the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, which I move onto tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)