tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80527905149973015032012-01-21T14:00:16.020ZAn everyday tale of our life as liveaboards on our narrowboat with our cats Soona & SidJulia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.comBlogger2041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-44579415790888896542012-01-21T14:00:00.000Z2012-01-21T14:00:16.029Z

It's a bit wild & windy in Llangollen today! We spotted some kayakers making the best of the River Dee  this morning, they're braver than me... We had a walk up to Plas Newyedd, the house is closed October until April but the grounds are open (& free) The house with Castel Dinas Bran on the hill behind & some impressive topiary in the foreground This cute building was the dairy  Spotted some

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-68383756001959553682012-01-14T13:36:00.000Z2012-01-14T13:36:20.420Z

When we left Goole on the 18th May 2010 we had no plan other than to get beyond Skipton on the Leeds & Liverpool as, until then, that was the furthest we had been & we didn't want to plan too far ahead, just to go where the fancy took us.  Up to now the fancy has led us over the summit of the L&L, down the Wigan flight, the Leigh branch to Manchester on the Bridgewater, up the Ashton, along the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-37558738352557352882012-01-12T17:06:00.000Z2012-01-12T17:06:48.216Z

I haven't blogged much recently as not really been much to say! Our days are a round of doing the chores ie tending the fire, water tanks, loo cassettes, a bit of cleaning then chores done, walking  the byways around Llangollen.  I mentioned in a previous blog the excellent service provided by Smiths, the local coal merchant & it seems that good customer service extends across the town. The Post

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-84482582937601682112011-12-27T18:44:00.000Z2011-12-27T18:44:24.085Z

Some photos from our walk up to Castell Dinas Bran this morning,  the weather was perfect, blue skies & little wind. It is a beautiful place with stunning views, especially on a day like today. Mark got one of these (a periscope) in his Xmas stocking. It's to save him having to keep jumping up to look out of the window every time a boat passes ;-)  

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-33514453907674970232011-12-26T20:37:00.000Z2011-12-26T20:37:19.682Z

This morning  it was mild, almost spring like & fancying a walk to stretch our legs we set out to walk to Trevor & back along the tow path. Due to the strong wind we decided to leave the tops for another day.  The sun just catching the escarpmentLooking towards Castell Dinas Bran  As we rounded the bend after Bryn Howell we met a walker who told us that there was a sheep in the canal & could we

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-72663017475063414282011-12-25T12:31:00.000Z2011-12-25T12:31:45.271Z

I got home on Friday afternoon after my visit to family in Scarborough & Manchester, the journey was trouble free despite the trains being very busy. It's lovely to go visiting but it's nice to be back home..... A couple of pics from ScarboroughAstrid & Fin with this impressive sculpture on North Marine Drive, it  was created by artist Ray Lonsdale & was originally on loan for a month but it was

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-73940692361421388382011-12-16T19:11:00.001Z2011-12-16T19:14:39.026Z

3 weeks in & we seem to be adjusting quite well to being stationary, the shore power certainly helps, watching TV whenever we choose & having extra heating from the small oil filled radiator we bought. Plus I can have a reading lamp on when I'm crocheting or reading without a thought for the drain on the batteries.  We usually go to Wrexham once a week to do a Tesco shop & anything else we can't

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-29211479312799096242011-12-03T14:57:00.000Z2011-12-03T14:57:27.810Z

We have been in Llangollen for a few days now on our winter mooring, after a year & a half of cruising continuously it feels odd not to be moving on. I had a bit of a wobble at first as the winter moorings here were described on the British Waterways web site as being in the basin but we found that not to be the case & they are in fact on the towpath, I was a bit put out as we were looking

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-17777034925654366682011-11-13T15:05:00.002Z2011-11-14T08:29:22.543Z

We left St Martins on Friday morning, it was cold, grey & damp so a good job it was only an hours cruise to Chirk Bank  before mooring outside The Poachers Pocket pub. Mark figured it was probably  one of the few places before Chirk where we could get a TV signal & we knew from being up here last October that we didn't want to moor anywhere nearer Monks Bridge as a) no TV signal & b) some very

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-17855231192958726912011-11-07T17:01:00.000Z2011-11-07T17:01:29.994Z

A definite chill in the air this morning as we moved up through the lock to the water point with more than a touch of frost.   but the early sunshine didn't last & by lunchtime it was thick grey cloud, still bitterly cold though. Mark had a walk up to Stan's Superstore for some essentials whilst I took advantage of a full water tank & did the washing. Yesterday we had a walk over to the Co-op

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-79120271688209061972011-11-03T15:53:00.000Z2011-11-03T15:53:21.431Z

I took Rowen back to Manchester on Saturday ready for back to school on Monday, the train from Whitchurch was packed & we had to sit in the corridor but it's only an hour's journey so we coped.  The train back on Sunday was as busy though I did manage a seat this time. Monday morning & we left Whitchurch at 7am arriving in Ellesmere at 12 noon & now half term is over there was plenty of room for

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-46225653164891199702011-10-27T14:20:00.001+01:002011-10-27T18:55:11.909+01:00

Quite a bit of progress has been made this week & we have done so well that I will now take Rowen back home from Whitchurch instead of Nantwich.  Leaving Stoke on Trent at 7.30am on Monday morning, we got to the tunnel at 8am & went in 30 mins later, 3rd in a convoy of 4 It doesn't seem too low so why all the advice to clear the roof? Ah that's why ! Nearly through...Once through the tunnel & the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-26861882916216257202011-10-18T18:51:00.002+01:002011-10-18T18:58:02.343+01:00

We didn't have a winter mooring last winter as we decided we would see how it went, being our 1st winter away from shore power & it was fine. We did get frozen in at Coven Heath which wasn't ideal but fortunately we had another boat moored close by who had a car nearby & they were brilliant making sure we were okay for water & fuel, even took me to the launderette. After a couple of weeks there

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-16494851385693643722011-10-17T21:01:00.001+01:002011-10-17T21:02:07.786+01:00

 Friday morning was sunny & warm as we left Tixall Wide & went up to the junction, the water point was busy with 2 boats filling up & one waiting so Mark reversed back onto an empty spot on the right of the junction & then nipped up to the village for a paper whilst we waited. It looked impossible to get on the diesel point at  Anglo Welsh so we didn't even try but it seems it would have been

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-72093882781794169712011-10-13T17:59:00.000+01:002011-10-13T17:59:48.584+01:00

We've not moved far since last weeks blog, just round the corner & back onto the Staffs & Worcs at Tixall Wide as we've been hanging around waiting for some post but it's no hardship being here it's a lovely spot & Sid loves it as plenty of hedges to clamber around in. He managed to lose another collar today so he's wearing Soona's, I spotted this a while ago & have decided to get one, I ordered

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-81815413874744792692011-10-06T19:26:00.001+01:002011-10-07T08:24:13.042+01:00

If I was disciplined enough to update this blog every few days I wouldn't then have to rack my brains to remember what we've been up to although I do keep a dairy of sorts but it's mainly  basic cruising notes & to log the engine running  hours so we know when a service is due.  After leaving the outskirts of Tamworth we moored for the weekend at Tamhorn Park just passed Hopwas,  the diary entry

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-27268288065415076962011-09-23T18:01:00.000+01:002011-09-23T18:01:08.636+01:00

Time to move on, the cupboards need restocking so we were Tamworth bound,leaving our mooring on a glorious  morning.  The 1st day of Autumn & the leaves are definitely on the turn Looking back at the M42, we have driven over it many times, it's nice to be cruising under it this time. The Glascote locks were busy, no water wasted as it was one up one down. The aqueduct over the River Tame  & a

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-68947245627724869652011-09-21T15:43:00.000+01:002011-09-21T15:43:37.132+01:00

We had our stroll up to Aldi yesterday & I'm glad we did as I got myself a pair of these thermal trousers, they will come in useful when winter cruising. :-)  This morning the sun shone as we moved on to the water point at 8.30am, there was not a lot of point in being any earlier as the top lock is chained up until 8.30am & locked again at 4pm, as a water saving measure. As we filled the water

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-60946728535413807642011-09-20T12:06:00.000+01:002011-09-20T12:06:35.674+01:00

Last Thursday dawned sunny & the wind had dropped, good walking weather so we followed the route of the canal as far as we could before we had to divert onto a footpath which took us through Measham Lodge farmyard where we exchanged words with the fairly unpleasant farmer. He obviously doesn’t want riffraff on his property but seems to have failed to grasp that if the path has good signage

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-32174834422429562812011-09-14T18:38:00.001+01:002011-09-14T18:56:38.796+01:00

We decided to err on the side of caution on Monday & stay put at Stoke Golding & just as well really as it was very windy. It was still fairly windy yesterday but it didn't give us too many problems as we made our way along this delightful canal. We stopped at Sutton Wharf services to fill the water tank, empty loos & rubbish. A heavy but fleeting shower managed to dampen the proceedings a little

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-92231729177014847452011-09-11T15:07:00.001+01:002011-09-11T15:10:10.209+01:00

An empty Stoke Bruerne as we crept through at 6.30am last Thursday morning, Blisworth Tunnel gave us no problems & we had it to ourselves.Needing diesel we called in at Stowe Hill Marine, the price was a reasonable 83p for domestic with self declaration no problem, a new gas refill, a bottle of fuelset & we were sorted.By 11am we were moored up just past Weedon, nice & open with good views, just

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-35489328969735173042011-08-31T17:07:00.000+01:002011-08-31T17:07:48.063+01:00

We managed to get off at 7.45am yesterday on a grey & cold morning, definite touch of autumn about it.  A very long mural next to the railway in Wolverton which surprisingly doesn't seem to have been defaced by graffiti  A brief stop at Wolfreton Tesco to stock up the cupboards & then on to Cosgrove. We did really want to top up the water tank but the tap is almost on the lock mooring & as a 

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-42038892270115999082011-08-28T17:34:00.001+01:002011-08-28T17:37:41.541+01:00

On Monday we cruised the 3 miles or so to Milton Keynes & found space on the Campbell Park moorings. It's a very pleasant half hour stroll through the park to central Milton Keynes where there are  more shops than you can shake a stick at although all I wanted was Boots to collect my prescription. Campbell Park moorings, we are in there somewhere A view of Campbell Park The towpath was a fair

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-61791770874698335922011-08-21T16:46:00.000+01:002011-08-21T16:46:47.453+01:00

Yes, it has been a while!!  Apart from a bit of boating to get us from Cowroast  I have been otherwise busy visiting family so not a lot to tell you really. We are currently moored just above the lock on the 14 day moorings in Fenny Stratford, it's a pleasant enough spot & handy for Ikea ( new throw for the sofa & assorted bits & bobs) Tesco & B&Q but after being here 5 days we are more than

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-58318461885814960992011-07-31T14:59:00.000+01:002011-07-31T14:59:44.350+01:00

Our quest to find a quiet rural mooring became 3 days hard slog, we've only covered about 17 miles but did 37 locks, most of which were against us. The majority of the usually heavy gates leak badly & most have notices on requesting that you leave empty with a paddle up on a bottom gate, the notice tells you that this will help with water management, maybe some maintenance on the locks would do

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-4351284845212896632011-07-26T18:49:00.001+01:002011-07-26T19:08:52.992+01:00

What with battery problems & the dreadful weed we decided to not go any further east, so once the wind & rain had eased on Tuesday  we headed back up towards Bulls Bridge. We had been a battery down since we had to call RCR out back on the Thames at Bray. Having tried & failed to get one anywhere ( well a reasonably priced one!) I eventually located one at Uxbridge Boat Centre & they also had the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-66001806095632983662011-07-15T17:46:00.000+01:002011-07-15T17:46:45.028+01:00

Yesterday was chores day so while I did the laundry, Mark went up to Argos on Edgeware Road to pick up another vacuum cleaner as the one I bought in Staines was rubbish so it's been exchanged. He put it through it's paces & it seems to be up to the job. Chores finished we went off to Maplins, reason being there is no satellite signal here surrounded as we are by tall buildings & I had read on

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-62999334999211075152011-07-13T19:32:00.000+01:002011-07-13T19:32:14.415+01:00

We spent a very pleasant long weekend in Brentford meeting up with sister in law Joy & hubby Dave & visiting Kew Gardens. Token Kew photo! I took loads but how many pictures of flowers do you want to see...Anyway we really enjoyed our visit &  the weather behaved itself. As we pottered we kept hearing loud music & as we wandered towards the Lion Gate to leave the music got louder then we spotted.

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-86342462912048446092011-07-08T20:11:00.000+01:002011-07-08T20:11:16.891+01:00

Not wanting to outstay our welcome we left Sunbury On Thames moorings on Tuesday morning, we didn't go far as we found a spot on the moorings at Molesey Reservoirs. It was warm & sunny so we had a walk up the Thames path to Hampton Bridge... ...& spotted this ripe blackberry, will need a few more before we can have a crumble. We walked back through East Molesey & stopped off at the small Tesco as

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-57301253166184342112011-07-04T18:32:00.000+01:002011-07-04T18:32:30.155+01:00

Friday morning  at 8am we left Maidenhead, no-one had been along to ask for the £8 mooring fee, which was nice ;)  no mooring here ? According to Nicholson's there are full services at Boveney Lock, the lock keeper directed us to the water point below the lock & a sharp right turn, as we came round the corner it made a nice change to see these 3 busy filling up ( instead of the ubiquitous  

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-4907658606877998242011-06-30T20:31:00.000+01:002011-06-30T20:31:56.618+01:00

After a 7.30am start we got to Reading Tesco moorings for 9am & by 10am I was collecting my repeat prescription from the Post Office, so far so good  but when I got to Boots I found a problem with the script as one of my regular meds wasn't on the list & I had taken my last tablet in the morning ( cutting it fine, I know!).  I went to the NHS walk in centre as  recommended by the pharmacist & an

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-355366484067616852011-06-26T21:05:00.000+01:002011-06-26T21:05:56.589+01:00

We managed to find a spot on the Tesco moorings in Reading on Thursday but only stayed long enough to do a grocery shop & admire the gardening skills on this interesting vessel moored across from Tesco.  Onward then on to find a spot for the weekend, preferring to be out in the countryside we eschewed the moorings in Sonning itself & found a spot about a mile further on.The bank's a bit high &

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-23948903998446258112011-06-22T19:58:00.000+01:002011-06-22T19:58:02.481+01:00

 A later start yesterday at 9.45am & much shorter cruise of just an hour.The imposing Gatehampton Railway Bridge built by Brunel, it's looking in need of some TLC.  Last nights mooring at Beale ParkYes we are facing upstream as we'd passed this spot & turned round to moor up, no problem on these wide waters.It was a lovely spot, we saw kingfishers, great crested grebes & plenty of red kites,

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-8952455353248574962011-06-20T21:02:00.001+01:002011-06-20T21:19:44.733+01:00

 We decided not to bother going back up through the lock for water this morning assuming we would pass a water point at some point today, which we did... eventually. An early start at 6.45am and for the first time we cruised with the back cover up, 1. because it was a bit chilly & 2. because we could, with no low bridges to go under but as the sun warmed the day up we soon took it down again to

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0Goring, Reading, Oxfordshire RG8, UK51.5232582 -1.13343340000005851.5028022 -1.157502900000058 51.543714200000004 -1.1093639000000581tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-22741898551001799492011-06-19T18:18:00.000+01:002011-06-19T18:18:54.876+01:00

Tuesday dawned sunny & warm as forecasted & we had a very pleasant cruise down the Thames. It did feel strange to be on wide deep water after a year on the canal system but we were still happy to trundle along, rarely going faster than 3.5 - 4 mph. The other difference we have noticed is the locks, well not the locks themselves as they are very similar to the big locks on the Aire & Calder that

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-16728498269213844242011-06-13T20:26:00.002+01:002011-06-13T20:28:51.565+01:00

After spending the last few days at Thrupp this morning it was time to move on & thanks to an early wake up call from Sid we were at the service point by 6.30am this morning. It was misty & grey, a hangover from yesterdays downpour, it gradually cleared but not before a last short shower. 7 miles, 2 lift bridges ( bridge 233 was a pig, I just couldn't pull it up so Mark had to do it whilst I

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-15582176591985049282011-06-05T17:21:00.001+01:002011-06-05T17:38:02.914+01:00

It's a couple of weeks since the last post as I've been off  visiting family in Scarborough & then Eric has been to stay on board for half term.  Whilst in Scarborough we went to visit Forbidden Corner near Middleham up in North Yorkshire &  Rob,Nicky & kids drove up from Hull to meet us there. The grandkids love it & the adults don't mind it! If you ever get the chance to visit it's well

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-61878787763487836452011-05-20T15:30:00.000+01:002011-05-20T15:30:54.258+01:00

We had a bit of a lie in today, till 7am ;)  then straight on to the water point, a beautiful sunny, still morning.  nice iron 'turn over' ( where the tow path changes sides) bridge   It's been a while since we saw a lift bridge, the last time was on the Llangollen last autumn. This one is usually open so no effort needed this time.  Gosty Hill's home mooring, closed but we're not in need of any

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-48181540407203746672011-05-18T18:38:00.000+01:002011-05-18T18:38:52.524+01:00

Yesterday morning Mark was awake very early so we were on the move before 6am, 1st stop the water point & then the Napton locks, we struck lucky as all bar one were in our favour. We met just one boat coming down so they were pleased that all would be set for them.  We exited the top lock at 8.30am, stopped for a coffee & then had an enjoyable cruise along the summit to Fenny Compton, the canal

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-74205832587961519562011-05-16T18:28:00.000+01:002011-05-16T18:28:27.219+01:00

It was Tuesday when we finally left Long Itchington, leaving at 6am (Sid has got into the habit of waking us early !) we worked our way up the Stockton locks, just one hiccup in an otherwise pleasant morning, the 1st lock was in our favour & Poppy was sat in the lock waiting for it to fill. I had checked the 2nd lock which was also empty then a couple of minutes later realised that someone was at

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-32491402819066965062011-05-07T13:13:00.000+01:002011-05-07T13:13:33.119+01:00

The long dry spell of weather broke this morning at 1am when I was woken by heavy rain so the walk to the co-op in Long Itchington, our current mooring, to get the paper was a damp one but as I type the sun is coming out again. We moved up here on Thursday but first, back to Wednesday.....  These 2 were poling this craft along as they don’t yet have an engine, it looked like hard work but they

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-74627764060387584802011-05-02T17:15:00.000+01:002011-05-02T17:15:26.464+01:00

We went for a 5 mile walk up through the countryside around Radford Semele this morning,  Warwickshire is particularly beautiful just now, the air heavy with the scent of blossom.  Old barn Field Pansy Another old barn, a bit more tumbledownThatched cottage in Whitnash We had a knock on the boat this afternoon from Andy, fellow boater & blog reader. He had spotted us & popped up to say hello, we

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-8041568119803779222011-04-30T15:47:00.002+01:002011-05-01T10:22:20.663+01:00

Not much blogging been done of  late, not much boating either!  I spent Easter weekend up in Manchester helping Bek with moving house whilst Mark had the task of looking after the cats & the boat. I got back on Tuesday night & then it was my turn to cat & boat sit whilst Mark went up to Hull for the day to have a drink with some ex colleagues who are retiring. I didn't mind as it gave me chance

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-66044378081888692382011-04-19T18:48:00.001+01:002011-04-19T18:53:11.891+01:00

Phew, what a scorcher! Though it was a bit chilly at 6.15am when we left our overnight spot just south of Shrewley & headed for the Hatton flight.   The very damp & drippy Shrewley Tunnel we went through yesterday. The sun coming up as we get underway this morning A dig at BW on this notice on a lock beam  Dragonfly sculpture in the misty morning  A quiet Hatton Works at 7.15am, staff were just

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-83347656368662368822011-04-16T19:59:00.001+01:002011-04-16T20:02:09.633+01:00

We finally dragged ourselves away from Wootton Wawen on Monday morning driven by the need for the services at Kingswood Junction. Setting off at 7am it was cold & grey, we were well wrapped up but a combination of hard lock gear, heavy gates ( I do like the Stratford but some of the locks....) & the sun making an appearance had us shedding layers.  A quaint barrel roofed lock cottage  A quaint '

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-86128497465353868252011-04-10T19:42:00.001+01:002011-04-11T13:02:53.853+01:00

We have made the most of the glorious warm weather whilst we have been here & the gunwales have been painted, the roof has been scrubbed to get rid of the winter grime, the pole has been sanded & had a new coat of varnish & on Wednesday, the only day when the sun didn't shine I painted the bathroom ceiling.  But it hasn't been all work, we've still found time to sit out & enjoy this lovely spot.

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-1018008415203988152011-04-04T14:57:00.000+01:002011-04-04T14:57:05.907+01:00

After getting my prescription sorted on Wednesday morning we were on the move by 9.30am. We stopped  just after 'one elm' lock so we could do a shop at Tesco, B&Q  & pick up the 2 solar panels we had on order from Maplins, have been thinking we should get some for a while & Maplins seemed a good price,  just need to sort out some cables & a controller,  ebay I think ;).  Then needing diesel we

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-72557683349305915902011-03-29T17:13:00.000+01:002011-03-29T17:13:17.941+01:00

We  had a very pleasant few days in Wootton Wawen moored just passed bridge 52 with the weather being warm & sunny for the most part.  lovely mooring The Edstone Aqueduct We did a bit of walking ( tee shirts in March!)  This time I took the GPS & we only went 'off piste' once turning a 6 1/2 mile walk into  8 miles.  The soft ware I use for my GPS is Anquet  & I find it really easy to use,

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-7688623253004811592011-03-21T17:14:00.003Z2011-03-22T16:54:22.540Z

Yesterday we were finally on the move again as the repairs at  lock 33 had been completed.... ...though only just I think! Anyway we were able to get through easily enough. NB Mr Bojangles presented us with a bit of an obstacle...  no-one aboard & the front pin had come loose, fortunately the rope had been threaded through the eye of the pin & was hanging off the bow so we soon had it sorted.  

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-55083760457018545622011-03-11T14:53:00.000Z2011-03-11T14:53:53.522Z

I spoke too soon when I said the stoppages should be completed by today, the 11th,  I had no sooner posted the last blog entry when I got this email from BW. UPDATE (07 March 2011): During repair works to lock 33 we have come across a huge cavity behind the lock wall that requires extra works we hadn’t originally planned for. Unfortunately, in order to carry out these works and make the wall

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-40811080056027652142011-03-07T19:31:00.000Z2011-03-07T19:31:56.624Z

A fairly early start this morning at 8am, the sun was out but gosh it was chilly. Poppy hovering in the background while the work boat is moved, camera at the ready if this chap fell in ! But he didn't. This lot soon had us up warmed up... Kingswood JunctionMark taking some of our rubbish to the bins, spot the boat on the lock landing between the  2 locks  Not the best place to moor up... A

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-9285763078161208712011-03-06T18:40:00.000Z2011-03-06T18:40:40.556Z

I was back on board on Friday afternoon after a week away with the Manchester branch of the family, it wasn't all beer & skittles as I made some new curtains. I had been chewing it over for a while & the availability of a sewing machine & a large table to do cutting out on spurred me into action.  Rather than make them from scratch I found some I liked in M & S Home at The Trafford Centre, size

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-25547272570899312212011-02-24T17:56:00.000Z2011-02-24T17:56:57.350Z

We were sat quietly reading yesterday afternoon when a knock on the window interrupted the peace, it was a couple of the BW crew that were trimming trees & shrubs. They had just taken a large dead oak branch down & did we want some of it? Err yes please! So this morning we moved the few hundred yards along the canal & got about 2/3rds of this lot on the roof, should keep us warm for a while :)

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-54437683710534977382011-02-22T16:44:00.000Z2011-02-22T16:44:14.340Z

 It has been so cold, grey & damp for the last couple of days we have had  little exercise apart from strolling up to the Tesco express in the 'village' to get the papers & fresh bread.  I put village in ' ' as Dickens Heath is an odd place, a 21st century village centre according to Parkridge the developers so it's basically a new village with shops, a library, a village hall & green etc etc .

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-51761819520421594742011-02-19T15:26:00.001Z2011-02-19T15:27:54.616Z

Our mooring on  the Oozells Street Loop was only for 48hours so we had moved up to the 14 day moorings in Cambrian Wharf at the top of the Farmers Bridge Locks. It was a pleasant enough spot the services are nearby & it's handy for town. We had a couple of nights of loud music from the Flapper & Firkin opposite but it stopped at 11ish so didn't disturb us unduly. But 7 days in Birmingham was

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-87359392360724302582011-02-13T19:35:00.001Z2011-02-13T19:40:20.321Z

After a peaceful night moored outside the Merry Hill Shopping Centre we were up early on Wednesday morning & it was still dark when we left at 7am. We anticipated a long & busy day if we were to reach Birmingham by dusk & we weren't disappointed!  Blowers Green Pump house  & lock, just round the corner to the much needed water point   Graceful cast iron bridge at the Boshboil Arm, they are a

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-65631419537795234082011-02-08T19:42:00.002Z2011-02-08T19:44:24.023Z

Mark was raring to go at 7.30am as daylight broke on a cold, frosty & sunny morning with no wind. I  was a bit slower off the mark so had only just dressed & breakfasted when we got to the first lock of the day. We soon got into a rhythm & worked like a well oiled machine  ;)  reaching the top lock of the Stourbridge locks at 11am. Looking back towards Dadford's Shed  Double Lock cottage & the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-53381463201535872722011-02-06T17:41:00.000Z2011-02-06T17:41:33.075Z

Well we did move to just outside Stourbridge & ended up having 5 bags of coal stolen off the roof last night!! Not happy :( But to back track, on Wednesday we moved from Kinver just a short hop to The Beeches above Hyde lock & just as I was finishing my lunch we were joined by Seyella & Rock n Roll . It was nice to meet face to face at last :) Being in need of coal I rang a local coal merchants

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-58376650102396465032011-01-31T14:12:00.000Z2011-01-31T14:12:00.078Z

On Friday morning before we left our overnight mooring right on the Worcester - Staffordshire border ....  ... Mark took advantage of the sunshine to saw up the wood we had accumulated & I sat outside for a while as it was almost warm, quite springlike & very pleasant.  Soona came out to join me, It's the first time she has been outdoors this year, she is a fair weather cat & in winter doesn't

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-80887667346974302222011-01-27T18:44:00.000Z2011-01-27T18:44:01.934Z

We have just spent 3 days in Stourport & the river levels are back to green so we could have gone on to Worcester but we have had a change of heart  & decided to head back up the Staffs & Worcs to Stewponey & then on the Stourbridge towards Birmingham.  The weather wasn't kind whilst we were in Stourport but we managed to do a bit of exploring, yesterday we walked up 4 miles of The Severn Way

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-46373586846047351192011-01-21T20:26:00.000Z2011-01-21T20:26:54.096Z

Just a quick post as it's been a long day, leaving  Kinver this morning we had a pleasant if very cold cruise towards Kidderminster until just before Wolverley Court lock & ran into this....  ice ! Thought we'd seen the last of it for a while...           it was quite thick in places too & we had patches of it all the way into Kidderminster, We've just about given up on worrying about the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-7687065704255026312011-01-19T20:23:00.001Z2011-01-19T20:24:21.929Z

We finally got back onto the Staffs & Worcs on Friday & headed south towards Stourport,  it seemed a good day to move as the weather forecast was wet & windy for the weekend so we moored up in Compton on a nice quiet spot opposite the allotments to sit out the weather. It certainly was windy, I was pleased we hadn't moored near any trees!  Compton isn't a particularly attractive place but has

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-76184321151760762512011-01-12T19:24:00.004Z2011-01-13T18:56:38.547Z

We moved down to Gnosall on Saturday, just a short hop of an hour or so. There was some ice   but only thin stuff mainly at the edges, it was still bitterly cold though & we had a hard frost during the night but at least it froze the mud on towpath !  Yesterday we popped into Stafford to do some shopping, walking down the high street I spotted the 3 store &  called in as I have been having

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-23517867245228640722011-01-07T16:56:00.001Z2011-01-07T16:58:25.929Z

Currently moored in Norbury, yes we are going backwards as it were but we can't go very far south yet as still too much ice so we came back here as much for a change of view from the windows as anything. We had to break some ice coming up but mainly thin stuff ( 1" as opposed to 3" to 4"!)  I hung some fat balls in the tree that is in direct view from my chair & to date we have spotted numerous

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-99680684216074082011-01-02T19:57:00.000Z2011-01-02T19:57:03.306Z

Yes we have moved!  It has been clear of ice around us for a few days & after a boat came through from Norbury yesterday we decided to make a move this morning.  It took us a couple of hours to get here & apart from a few patches here & there it was ice free. An ice free canal! Cowley Tunnel  As we filled the water tank we got chatting to a chap on boat moored near the Navigation Inn, he's been

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-81395595497520641902010-12-30T16:03:00.000Z2010-12-30T16:03:52.439Z

At last the temperature has risen & ice is thawing, albeit very slowly. We have clear water around us thanks to the chap ice breaking  by going up to the services on his dingy every day but a couple of hundred yards in each direction it is still fairly solid. :-(  A couple of boats have gone past us to get diesel but then have struggled to get back again. Hopefully though by the weekend, if the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-92073163031048936452010-12-24T14:23:00.000Z2010-12-24T14:23:29.090Z

We have been here in Wheaton Aston a week now, a long time to be in one place for us! But whilst not able to cruise we are reasonably comfortable with most things we need near to hand. The water container I bought in Nantwich has been put to good use & Mark has kept the water tank topped up meaning I was able to do some washing yesterday.   On Tuesday we ventured into Stafford by bus as we needed

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-72374989163657556562010-12-19T18:52:00.002Z2010-12-20T19:06:35.792Z

A busy day on Tuesday, as promised Carol took me to a launderette somewhere on the outskirts of Wolverhampton so the washing was all done  :) &  Carvers delivered 10 bags of excel,  spot on service, ordered on Monday & delivered next day. The price wasn't too bad either, £93.00 with free delivery. According to the weather forecast  a brief respite in the freeze was due Wednesday & Thursday so

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-1705484019977618792010-12-12T19:58:00.000Z2010-12-12T19:58:20.765Z

We had hoped to be able to move on today after a bit of a thaw as we were nearly out of water & out of coal but although there is clear water around us, 100yds further on the canal towards Coven is still  iced up. Back towards Autherley Junction is mostly clear but we are facing the wrong way & it's along way to reverse!  We decided to busy ourselves collecting some wood this morning & then

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-34728349112524053562010-12-09T19:13:00.000Z2010-12-09T19:13:46.261Z

I'm back on board after a lovely 5 day trip to Scarborough & we are still frozen in! So fingers are crossed that the small rise in temperature forecasted for the next few days thaws the ice  then we can at least get up to Gailey. We have severely rationed our water but are down to 1/4 of a tank which won't last long.... Whilst Mark had a log chopping session this morning I let Sid out for a

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-75069765957422746982010-12-01T16:31:00.000Z2010-12-01T16:31:27.875Z

So we are going nowhere, haven't had much snow yet, just a couple of inches but temp has been well below freezing for days now resulting in us being well & truly iced in.                                       This was taken a couple of days ago, looking north...                                            and this is the view from the stern this afternoon We are okay for food as both

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-68668553889266463572010-11-27T18:55:00.000Z2010-11-27T18:55:45.068Z

We moved on Thursday to a nice rural spot beyond Chillington Bridge.                                   Mark set to sawing & chopping the wood we've collected  As the weather has turned decidedly wintry, this morning it was time to move on whilst canal was still clear of ice to top up the water etc. We'd had a hard frost & a dusting of snow overnight but the canal still ice free as we left at

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-82783325655958509942010-11-23T15:49:00.001Z2010-11-23T15:51:45.135Z

So I went to the Doctors this morning & initially it went well despite the rather dour receptionist as they had a cancellation at 9.30am & I was seen fairly promptly. The diagnosis however didn't go down well, arthritis... according to GP only to be expected after an injury, live with it & here's a big box of painkillers.   I'm not convinced & feel I was fobbed off but will wait & see how it goes

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-75735959029802720032010-11-22T18:13:00.000Z2010-11-22T18:13:35.913Z

Just a short, but gosh it was cold, 2 hour cruise on Saturday to our current mooring in Wheaton Aston followed by a lazy weekend, mostly settled by the fire with just a couple of forays to the local shops for papers & treats. The Tesco delivery went according to plan, it was booked for 11am-1pm & arrived at 11.30am, straight through the hatch into the kitchen & all put away in minutes. We

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-3565940361144950702010-11-19T16:02:00.000Z2010-11-19T16:02:46.772Z

Last Tuesday dawned cold & frosty & we were off at 8am to tackle the Audlem locks. It was a very pleasant day, the sun shone & we worked the locks like a well oiled machine ;-) stopping an hour for lunch & a half hour or so to pick up some windfall wood,  we eventually moored up in Market Drayton at 3.30pm. Free range hens at Adderley Locks, their eggs are for sale, money in an honesty box. 

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-44133001066121302692010-11-09T07:51:00.001Z2010-11-09T11:00:44.267Z

 The canals have gone quiet, Eric is back at school, the hire boaters have gone home.  There is just a few hardy souls like us mooching about, this is our first winter as continuous cruisers & as usual we have no real plan except that we've decided not to opt for a winter mooring  (for this year anyway)  Hopefully a decision we won't come to regret! We had thought that, once back on the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-44295164086620580922010-10-26T22:20:00.002+01:002010-10-27T08:02:42.114+01:00

This afternoon we arrived back in Ellesmere after a very pleasant trip up to Llangollen. We stayed in the basin for a couple of days, most of Wednesday was taken up with visits from Wilson's & an engine service. We usually do our own basic servicing ie oil & filter changes but decided to have a professional job done with winter on the horizon.  The engine has developed an annoying  vibration on

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-56255256639957641612010-10-19T16:09:00.000+01:002010-10-19T16:09:36.423+01:00

This could be another long post as it's over a week since the last one. When we started cruising back in May I did intend to post more frequently, thinking that I would sit down at the end of the day & relay the days events including the bits & bobs that punctuate the day, like the incident a couple of weeks ago when the woman who, despite her partner/crew member  waving us through one of the

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-40885430071672328022010-10-11T20:29:00.007+01:002010-10-11T20:53:21.284+01:00

Normal service resumes as I now have 15g a month to play with  ;-)  It seems an age since  we left Nantwich on a very misty morning...  which, by the time we'd winded ready to head back north had burnt off ..... to give us a beautiful autumn day. Our turn for the 1st lock at Hurleston, note no fenders down, since coming off the wide canals we had been used to ie the Aire & Calder & losing

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-40493217021494105942010-10-02T16:50:00.001+01:002010-10-02T16:52:45.442+01:00

26.09.10.   Sunday morning saw us up early & we moved the few yards to the water point by 7am then it was a careful reverse past a couple of moored boats & under the bridge to the winding point, an about turn & off  back into the countryside. A short stop at bridge 19 to nip to the handy 'one stop shop' for the papers & despite the slow crawl past the Golden Nook moorings we were settled in near

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-14093748933881886192010-09-25T16:27:00.003+01:002010-09-25T16:54:01.957+01:00

 We are currently moored in Christleton just outside Chester, our journey from Middlewich was very pleasant with warm sunshine  & we stopped overnight in a couple of nice spots on the way.  The best was near The Shady Oak with Beeston Castle looming large in the landscape so when we leave here tomorrow we are heading back there to spend a couple of days enjoying the countryside & maybe a walk up

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-16833035498089691572010-09-16T15:04:00.000+01:002010-09-16T15:04:07.271+01:00

A change of plan on Saturday, we were ready for off at 7am (!!) so we winded & filled the water tank at Little Bollington & then winded again to head back through Lymm for a brief shop stop before heading off but by 9 am it was pouring down, again... so we stayed put.  Lymm is lovely  but we couldn't get a signal for the TV & it was a bit noisy ( yapping dog) so when the rain stopped at 6.30pm we

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-8132433497693417352010-09-10T17:05:00.001+01:002010-09-10T17:08:38.816+01:00

Yes it's been a while, what with one thing and another it's been a  busy 3 weeks since my last post!  We moved from Sandbach to Northwich, I then left Mark boat sitting  while I went up to Scarborough for a few days family time then on to Manchester to celebrate Rowen's birthday,                                                                    Happy Birthday!  Rowen then came back with me to

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-79047604278355998142010-08-18T19:54:00.001+01:002010-08-18T20:31:06.194+01:00

We did eventually leave Congleton behind on Friday &  travelled just 3 hours (in the rain)  & moored on the Red Bull Aqueduct at the bottom end of the Macclesfield, nice quiet moorings but a bit dreary, probably due to the weather! A Tesco is not too far away so we were able to restock the cupboards.  We stayed put on Saturday but with a promising weather forecast for Sunday we decided to head

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-47194773242238314682010-08-10T19:15:00.000+01:002010-08-10T19:15:36.631+01:00

 Sunday dawned damp & misty so Mark went for the papers & we had a lazy morning, Saturday all over again.  It seemed to brighten a little after lunch & it wasn't raining so with boots on & cagoule in little rucksack ( just in case) we set off up 'The Cloud'. It was a fairly steep climb & felt like hard work, I'd like to say that the views from the top were worth it but it was still misty ( but

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-78487329936588886712010-08-07T19:10:00.000+01:002010-08-07T19:10:23.968+01:00

 Pulling away from Dane aqueduct at 8am we were moored up on the aqueduct just outside Congleton at 10am having stopped to fill up the water at Buglawton en route. These oval bridges are a feature of the Macclesfield & there are plenty of them, here 61& 62 very close together, as you can see the canal narrows under the bridges which has been quite good for improving my steering, hopefully

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-10700656398916275992010-08-04T20:18:00.000+01:002010-08-04T20:18:22.794+01:00

Last Wednesday we moved just 4 miles to Bollington & moored just passed the imposing Clarence Mill almost on the equally imposing aqueduct,   Bollington Aqueduct Clarence Mill We were impressed with  Bollington, it is an attractive, well kept village nestling in the hilly countryside, it's just a shame that the weather was continuing to be unsettled, as we would have liked to do more walking. We

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-44316809017571348092010-07-27T17:55:00.000+01:002010-07-27T17:55:02.703+01:00

We spent 2 very pleasant days in Buxworth basin & as the sun scared the rain off  for a while we were able to get the washing done & the engine serviced.  On Monday  as we left we managed to get moored up at the top of the arm so we could do a shop at the handy Tescos then it was just a short cruise up to Marple, it was very busy & the only mooring spots left were under trees so we kept going to

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-53478732265921351542010-07-18T20:27:00.000+01:002010-07-18T20:27:04.724+01:00

4 canals in 4 days so we have been busy, having had enough of city life we set off up & out early  (7.30!!) on Thursday morning. The reason for the early start was we were headed for the Peak Forest which meant 9 locks on the Rochdale then the Ashton with another 18 locks and apart from calling into the very handy  canalside Asda for a restock we didn't want to have to moor on the Ashton

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-53811459170416640272010-07-13T21:34:00.000+01:002010-07-13T21:34:07.290+01:00

On Friday morning we left the pleasant surroundings of Worsley  the ochre colour is due to dissolved iron ore in the water On route we passed 'The Lighthouse'   & crossed the Manchester Ship Canal on the Barton Swing Aqueduct looking left towards the Manchester skyline looking right towards the road bridge & the M60 in the distance Had lots of family time over the weekend & on Sunday with

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-40189363026251241632010-07-08T17:01:00.000+01:002010-07-08T17:01:32.744+01:00

No hold ups on Tuesday morning & we set off down at 9.30am sharing with nb Serenity, 2nd lock, only 19 to go masonary marks on lock sides, Derek, Dave, Doug ?... the stone masons numbered each lock powerful by-washes meeting some boats coming up, making it easier as locks now in our favour It was warm, thirsty work but as we arrived at the bottom lock at 1pm I think we made reasonable time,

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-84474850249094723722010-07-05T16:50:00.000+01:002010-07-05T16:50:47.191+01:00

We were all ready for off this morning, I'd even made a flask of coffee to sustain us down the  flight when we spotted several BW workers scratching their heads & poking poles into the top gates.  Mmm, seems there is a problem with a paddle & before long we're told that flight would have to be shut for the day for repairs, so us & the 7 other boats will just have to wait 24 hours Waiting...

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-12158279339240218712010-07-04T20:47:00.000+01:002010-07-04T20:47:22.370+01:00

As predicted Wednesday was a busy day, we arrived at Johnson's locks at 9.15am so plenty of time to use the services before 10am, the appointed lock 'opening' time as per current restrictions. There were  three boats waiting in front of us but one was only going through the 1st lock to wind then back up so as no other boats appeared we ended up going down on our own.  Johnson's Hill top lock

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-72321652987881794672010-06-29T21:06:00.000+01:002010-06-29T21:06:07.072+01:00

Gosh 2 posts in 1 day!  Well, there may not be one  tomorrow as we have a busy day ahead but more of that later. We decided to move after lunch & it was just a short 3/4 hour hop to Withnell Fold  48hr visitor moorings  & what a lovely little spot it is.  As we arrived the sun was peeping out from behind the cloud & it soon turned into a warm, sunny afternoon. Whilst I sat reading ( I

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-76075157438420352762010-06-29T11:14:00.002+01:002010-06-29T12:32:53.245+01:00

We cast off yesterday early doors, well 8.30am is early for us and headed off from our rural mooring. It's a fairly gentle potter through Clayton-Le-Moors, Church, Rishton & Norden with the odd swing bridge here & there for a bit of exercise. It was very warm & humid ....Soona, in her 'trying to keep cool' mode outside the bathroomWe had intended to stop in Blackburn to do some shopping but

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-33144417335166083342010-06-24T19:50:00.003+01:002010-06-24T20:39:18.079+01:00

We stayed for a couple of days on the visitor moorings & very pleasant it was. Yesterday we walked down into Colne as food stocks were getting low, found a small Co-op, a Tesco express & a fair sized market so we were able to eat last night.A classic cobbled alley in ColneColne was the birth place of Wallace Hartley, who was a bandmaster on the Titanic, & reputedly continued to conduct his band

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-69826712302809805702010-06-22T15:24:00.008+01:002010-06-22T17:24:23.990+01:00

Time to move on today, this morning James from the 'canvas man' returned the repaired side panel of the cratch & I am impressed, the repair looks very neat & cost only £37, very good value I think.We have had a cracking weekend with old friends & Sid learnt how to climb up a tree, unfortunately he's not mastered the art of climbing down yet so it took an hour of much coaxing & not a few

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-25319938454669100052010-06-18T12:11:00.004+01:002010-06-18T13:39:28.219+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that our cratch cover had got damaged in an arguement with a swing bridge so I finally got around to booking it in with The Canvas Man for repair, it turned out that Brett was fitting a cratch at Greenberfield on Thursday & therefore we could drop off damaged panel with him & as someone is due to do a job at Lower Park Marina on Tuesday next week, the plan is

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-53685473207252014422010-06-14T19:22:00.005+01:002010-06-14T20:05:04.519+01:00

A grey & overcast startAs I strolled up to Anchor lock just after 9 this morning no-one else seemed to be moving from the long line of boats moored up behind & in front of us but just as I started to empty the lock a Silsden 'drum' hire boat appeared & before long another pair moved up behind us, on reaching Stegneck lock we came to a halt as 2 boats were sat in the lock waiting for some water,

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8052790514997301503.post-48562383215612125832010-06-13T13:11:00.006+01:002010-06-13T14:53:39.582+01:00

On Monday we moved the short distance from Skipton to Gargave, a pretty village that I have driven through many times when visiting the Yorkshire Dales but visiting for the 1st time by canal. We decided to spend a few days here as it is idyllic & we wanted to do some walking so after spending 3 days on the visitor moorings we moved a few hundred yards along the canal.A walk up to Malham was a

Julia & Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295201402859542559noreply@blogger.com1