tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10682270550670768522024-03-13T23:58:24.402+00:00NB Stronghold"NB Stronghold" - voyages of discovery on the Thames and canal system of England.Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-65735446043637377362020-06-06T10:10:00.000+01:002020-06-06T10:10:17.142+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair. 7<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">22<sup>nd</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Heavy rain preceded another
sunny day. I had previously collected the car from across the cut to go in the
official car park and was able to easily offer Mouse a lift to Ricky station,
with him praying that there were no engineering works to stop him getting his
connection from St Pancras on time. That left Barry, Keith and myself to show
the boats. Again it was another busy day talking to people interested in the
pair and trying to make it as interesting as possible, without going on too
long. It was encouraging to find some visitors really interested in how the
boat families lived in such a confined space and worked the pair of boats. <span> </span>I found also, that as time progressed <span> </span>my introduction became better and more
concise. I found it relatively easy to answer questions, having read so many
books on the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A late lunch cooked by Barry
of bacon steaks, eggs and mushrooms was enjoyed by all, before we set to work
to close up the boats at 4 pm. The information displays were removed and top
planks positioned on the stands before the side cloths were unfolded and tied over
the top planks to keep both the top planks in position and side cloths tight These
were then covered with the top cloths and tied to the gunnels to keep the hold
water-tight. This is a considerable amount of work and there is some skill in
tying the strings to keep them taught and using the correct knots to do the job.
It has to be done by at least two crew and as Keith left at 3pm, it was all
down to Barry and myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD1Lt1urvr0Y-aRvz_RojcG9OqbnWvg53ZffRUBWD0yxg7Zzz9KaTQ0LuuAvZkpx03rKAKXlXUpzAnh60A-9hns0vEMnmpw2R7syttSc-ZW7L8DLIVer2TJoAvM1drq1cByxGebiD3vgs/s4000/P1000261.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD1Lt1urvr0Y-aRvz_RojcG9OqbnWvg53ZffRUBWD0yxg7Zzz9KaTQ0LuuAvZkpx03rKAKXlXUpzAnh60A-9hns0vEMnmpw2R7syttSc-ZW7L8DLIVer2TJoAvM1drq1cByxGebiD3vgs/w400-h268/P1000261.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><font face="arial">Side cloths up and top planks secured.</font></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSQBLT3w3QIXgR8xb4O3zyYCFMiKo5aTHhoMYYURfSEpEeMXiMPDNFjnUJ7EEXam-FI1V6vzSgPCkmYV38bDKNH18Uk1u_yiZhfitfgHmfdQ-R0JjXGD7qbqNnMnBjliKGxKrvRpgfXnE/s4000/P1000299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSQBLT3w3QIXgR8xb4O3zyYCFMiKo5aTHhoMYYURfSEpEeMXiMPDNFjnUJ7EEXam-FI1V6vzSgPCkmYV38bDKNH18Uk1u_yiZhfitfgHmfdQ-R0JjXGD7qbqNnMnBjliKGxKrvRpgfXnE/w400-h268/P1000299.JPG" width="400" /></a><font face="arial"></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="arial">Clothed up.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It had been a physically
demanding, but very enjoyable week and of course there were periods to recover
in between the activity when steering, or waiting for the boats at locks.
Steering the motor boat involved about 90% concentration, but steering the
butty involved only about 10%, because the steerer was only responsible for the
direction of the stern. The fore end being entirely directed by the motor
steerer. Like most activity on the cut, it is a case of learning the routine in
a series of events and once that is grasped, moving on and learning a new technique.
On this trip Trevor signed me off on double locks both up and down, as well as
steering the motor and the butty in my training book, which every NBT crew
member is issued with when they join. All the techniques are listed to be completed
and when a book is full, the member is eligible to be proposed as a captain,
provided that a first aid course is attended and a YHA Helmsman Certificate
passed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLKdJXyJPzanvZ49FoH_o9ax356N684X8I55Y3s9A3ILnylRka_3NFXMMJiBtKFHcCOtB8eFlirWB-DQhxmM3u7M2hyphenhyphenEoKuT8298iyUPcIh3mi0Y13qRADkuSNMEJV81NXcuE7y01TQaE/s4128/20200604_155835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLKdJXyJPzanvZ49FoH_o9ax356N684X8I55Y3s9A3ILnylRka_3NFXMMJiBtKFHcCOtB8eFlirWB-DQhxmM3u7M2hyphenhyphenEoKuT8298iyUPcIh3mi0Y13qRADkuSNMEJV81NXcuE7y01TQaE/w400-h225/20200604_155835.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><font face="arial">NBT Training Record.<br /><br /><br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73f_hstm5eSDO8-GTL_Sq3WevvkoFq85CjIRqZY4DtXmge2bKVTc35v6xmCYO4Ucd72JqhsmcnchNDrEnaF7nGF8gCkBB1wwAkxaBdB4deOMaYMB9DM3Q0cR2GRnJUJizYSzqBhZPyOcc/s4128/20200604_155916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73f_hstm5eSDO8-GTL_Sq3WevvkoFq85CjIRqZY4DtXmge2bKVTc35v6xmCYO4Ucd72JqhsmcnchNDrEnaF7nGF8gCkBB1wwAkxaBdB4deOMaYMB9DM3Q0cR2GRnJUJizYSzqBhZPyOcc/w400-h225/20200604_155916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-35847357249421211972020-06-01T14:58:00.002+01:002020-06-02T12:11:12.714+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair. 6<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">21<sup>st</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a very sunny start to the first day of the Ricky Festival, which brought out the crowds by the thousand. The towpath was packed most of the day with loads of people interested in the NBT pair and coming on board for a short tour of the butty cabin. I dressed for the first time ever in boaters Sunday best, complete with embroidered cotton shirt, corduroy trousers, waistcoat, spider belt and neckerchief, topped off with the obligatory bowler hat, much to the amusement and hilarity of the rest of the crew. Despite that, I persevered all day with several people wanting photographs. A lady selling raffle tickets was also in traditional dress, complete with bonnet, so Mouse photographed the pair of us together on the towpath. I don’t think any of us stopped talking to onlookers all day and it was pretty exhausting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjsTD3T-hjGRYFAcsg4eBf1dYgyt4t6dN3ZL2KNG9koyuvB4gQIvj635fT2_lfLN4p2mNPEXkCm-DH6L1Xyi9-Le3EPAJNn5akBp3ulHC6JwOHM8a00GofmarE-tfooyIEP0M6BW1uBRO/s1600/CIMG6404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjsTD3T-hjGRYFAcsg4eBf1dYgyt4t6dN3ZL2KNG9koyuvB4gQIvj635fT2_lfLN4p2mNPEXkCm-DH6L1Xyi9-Le3EPAJNn5akBp3ulHC6JwOHM8a00GofmarE-tfooyIEP0M6BW1uBRO/s400/CIMG6404.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday Best as traditionally worn to church.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFBqcloBoC4kZRhBhpEPLMbNu7URNl1Jg0OT4-JyhSWL6EG6H6EzhPCcmNFvgJE1uqB5bTs9srqYr9Wp80zuAyTCq625SD-ZlZHmSHfY_9UrAVyVLwevnDIEZF-w5jzbljkL66xqIdQYf/s1600/CIMG6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFBqcloBoC4kZRhBhpEPLMbNu7URNl1Jg0OT4-JyhSWL6EG6H6EzhPCcmNFvgJE1uqB5bTs9srqYr9Wp80zuAyTCq625SD-ZlZHmSHfY_9UrAVyVLwevnDIEZF-w5jzbljkL66xqIdQYf/s400/CIMG6407.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ready for the wedding?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoaCqHucHzePT8nYEFyPJCWJ80wpe14Wq2atTPsjv0xHDKXOqADtxSSD0CT-2i2DvdVqyKcGKYQcFuX63kINz1xGq7LJEUEnPZEoGX9YtM_ExDoJ0z7CSKew8X7LuI9VxyL3uqGBp2lam/s1600/11096_048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoaCqHucHzePT8nYEFyPJCWJ80wpe14Wq2atTPsjv0xHDKXOqADtxSSD0CT-2i2DvdVqyKcGKYQcFuX63kINz1xGq7LJEUEnPZEoGX9YtM_ExDoJ0z7CSKew8X7LuI9VxyL3uqGBp2lam/s400/11096_048.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Professional photographers photo. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not sure if it was ever published.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pity about the wrist watch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After we closed up invitations towards evening, Barry cooked up a delightful chicken and prawn stir fry, followed by fruit salad and cream before we departed for the beer tent. Horror upon horrors – all the draught ale was sold out! There was only Guiness, lager and cider remaining, so it was decided to repair to The White Bear, where a heavy rock group were playing at full volume making conversation difficult, if not impossible. All the same the beers went down a treat after all that talking. I was introduced to Mike Askin from nb Victoria, who was much younger than I had imagined, having watched several videos of his on You Tube, which I can thoroughly recommend for their content and technical production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day’s activities were highlighted by an event that cannot be omitted here. As Tesco’s car park was immediately opposite our mooring, it was easy to shaft the stern of the outside boat across the cut to go shopping, leaving the bow still attached. Trevor was the Captain of this trip and had left his car in their car park, so was shafted across to deposit all his belongings in his car before departing for home. Unfortunately, he overreached himself between boat and bank and took an unplanned swim! Sadly, no one had a camera available at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-18894011617446674722020-06-01T13:52:00.001+01:002020-06-01T13:52:12.110+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair. 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">20<sup>th</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ricky Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a day spent preparing
the boats to be shown to the public. I was allocated to the engine ‘ole and
spent several hours Gunking the chequer plate deck along with polishing the
brass and copper pipe work. Also on the agenda was clearing the mud box – not an
easy and very pleasant task, but who was I to argue, being the newcomer and
cabin boy. I should explain that the mud box is below the fresh water inlet in
the hull supplying raw cooling water to the engine. Because<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that water is sometimes muddy it collects in
the mud box before its journey to the engine. The top is bolted on with about 8
bolts and a gasket to keep it very secure and prevent leaks of water into the
surrounding space. Once the bolts are removed and the top taken off, the only
viable way of cleaning out any mud at the bottom is by clawing it out with your
fingers – as I said, not a very pleasant job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Meanwhile the remainder of the
crew where polishing the outside brasswork, sweeping the hold out, rearranging
top cloths on the top planks and displaying the NBT explanatory posters. We did
stopped for a brief lunch and finished about 6pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mouse and I bought all the
ingredients for a beef casserole, but had no container in which to cook it in
the recently cleaned out coal range oven. We walked into the town hoping to
find one in a hardware store, having already measured the internal size of the
oven. I seem to remember that there was only one hardware shop and most of the
utensils were plastic, but there were more than enough charity shops around and
we discovered one with exactly the right sized dish and lid for £2.99 –
bargain! The meal was in the oven by 4pm and the range was heating up perfectly,
so in four hours we had a ready one dish dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed at
the end of a hard day, before repairing to the beer tent for some well earned
ale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-59318368282611950912020-05-14T16:28:00.000+01:002020-05-14T16:46:19.147+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair 4<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">18<sup>th</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Berko to Hunton Bridge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was mostly an uneventful day
of singling out between locks and breasting up for the locks. I should maybe
explain that towing allows the pair to travel a little faster than being
breasted up. If the boats were loaded, as they would be on a coal run, then
they would travel either on a snatcher (up to about 40ft) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the short pounds between locks or a snubber
(about 70 to 100ft) for much longer pounds. The loaded boats are lower in the
water which would impede the action of the motor propeller against the bow of
the butty if on cross straps, but a longer tow line allows the butty steerer to
keep out of the wash from the motor boat, by steering slightly to one side. At
every double lock the towline is removed from the motor boat dollies by the
motor steerer, which allows the butty to catch up the motor as they are
entering the lock. While this is happening, the motor steerer is coiling in the
tow line, which is then thrown or placed on the butty bow, allowing the butty
free rein to steer into the lock alongside the motor boat, where both boats are
tied together. Using the snatcher means there is less line to coil in at each
lock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl84DJgOUBADsrxHsXssldgyUP0j4xT7mgkveYREdJ215aFPAJ0cTCm-Pn7grSObDTZ1YEGwQGANtF0ZyfCQmg1wHzakrVhz-m_j2rmCxvWm3dVWBGHDq3PwLP7X4MhLMy7idblGz730Az/s1600/54+John+Moorse+steers+near+Fenny+%2528nb+Rock+%2527n+Roll%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl84DJgOUBADsrxHsXssldgyUP0j4xT7mgkveYREdJ215aFPAJ0cTCm-Pn7grSObDTZ1YEGwQGANtF0ZyfCQmg1wHzakrVhz-m_j2rmCxvWm3dVWBGHDq3PwLP7X4MhLMy7idblGz730Az/s400/54+John+Moorse+steers+near+Fenny+%2528nb+Rock+%2527n+Roll%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Towing on a snatcher.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33mc6MpmWqa6B1pyhwEz8vst08AJnEBDXti6AZWpwMT_R8-HY9VkEINS17TJLUwL-1vmfjn_pvgYrmhzSTt6sSejqJmzvO81vusZXdYi3KYRREHz7NM34TeG-QO2WinCf7utge3de7eR2/s1600/Wolverton+Aqueduct+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33mc6MpmWqa6B1pyhwEz8vst08AJnEBDXti6AZWpwMT_R8-HY9VkEINS17TJLUwL-1vmfjn_pvgYrmhzSTt6sSejqJmzvO81vusZXdYi3KYRREHz7NM34TeG-QO2WinCf7utge3de7eR2/s400/Wolverton+Aqueduct+2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Towing on a snubber.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We eventually moored between
Lock 72 and Bridge 162 at Hunton Bridge. Using a map of the waterways boats are
located according to either bridge numbers of lock numbers, although there are
some canals where the locks and bridges are named instead of numbers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Janet left the boats here with
her kit to cycle down the towpath to Watford and the train home. Having not
been to Hunton Bridge before, no one knew where we could eat or drink, so we
popped into the corner shop and got a good recommendation for The Kings Lodge Hotel with Hunters Bar and Restaurant. Dating from 1662 with an interesting historic ceiling and fireplace in the bar, I believe it was Henry VIII's lodge when he was hunting in this area. At the present time, all beers and shorts were on offer
at £2.50 plus an excellent choice on the menu. Two servings of breast of duck
and one sea bass later washed down with well deserved beer – superb after a
hard day at the tiller! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another pub has re-opened there since writing this –
The Kings Head, which serves a good choice of ales, but the food is not quite
up to the same standard. It is also an historic pub with a minstrels’ gallery and
other historical artefacts of interest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-72446421657415115472020-05-13T18:38:00.002+01:002020-05-13T18:38:49.828+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair 3.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">16<sup>th</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fenny Stratford to Startops
End.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was awake at 6am ready for
an early start at 8. Mouse was also up early and brought me coffee at 7.30. We
made a start on time in sunny weather and were soon going up Stoke Hammond
Three locks at Soulbury just north of Leighton Buzzard, where we stopped to
shop at Tesco, right next to the convenient moorings. A little further south at
Grove Lock, I spotted David B, from the Wey Navigations, exiting the pub with a
pint in his hand. I am not sure which of us was more surprised, as he was
unaware that I crewed a pair of working boats and I did not expect to see him
north of London.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Eventually we were approaching
Marsworth (Maffers) Bottom Lock towing on cross straps as usual, but it was
decided to breast up going through the several double locks. The butty was let
go and pulled in to the towpath side, slowing all the time, while I tried to
wedge it between the motor bow and the bank to pull it to a stop, after which
we tied the pair together. I should explain that the butty, being of lesser
draught than the motor, always moors bankside where it is likely to be more shallow
and it also gives the motor a better chance of moving the pair the following day
with deeper water beneath the propeller giving good 'fan hold' as it is known.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We repaired to The Anglers
Retreat at Startops End, for a pub meal at last and very good it was too, all
being home cooked while you wait – no fast food here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">17<sup>th</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Startops End to Berkhamsted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Early breakfast cooked by
Trevor and a 10am start up the eight Maffers Locks. These locks are within easy
walking distance of each other, so whilst the pair were in one lock, the crew were
ahead setting the one above, which makes for efficient travel between locks and
only one person steering the pair. Most of the locks were in our favour anyway,
which means that they were mostly empty of water and only required the bottom
gates to be opened for the boats to enter – known as ‘an easy road’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMym8bpJXXUfwmTFOf0umSRwOMxCPDdcjyZlmhalRiycutgzO6ZMh0hfQjZ9XoLU43q5EusgjvHr2pNVVWOw8UOUlapx7F8yVQBCUr01w7MR9Em1wIznpX4yxxvYyEYnf6j30YJOC6nF14/s1600/Maffers+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMym8bpJXXUfwmTFOf0umSRwOMxCPDdcjyZlmhalRiycutgzO6ZMh0hfQjZ9XoLU43q5EusgjvHr2pNVVWOw8UOUlapx7F8yVQBCUr01w7MR9Em1wIznpX4yxxvYyEYnf6j30YJOC6nF14/s400/Maffers+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working up Maffers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRZeAp8J8lYxFInsJ3GOeGhwSz9DjxrzsX9suYYLcbJzY7KxXa6VpfDIuuuAjVAE77BGP8dmdA7vP_BG9iWKDXse5D_HEVh35Q36tyb5oA5gCurP-TLWzbN07lanA2Rt2KxmUWcSfEC2z/s1600/Img_2857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRZeAp8J8lYxFInsJ3GOeGhwSz9DjxrzsX9suYYLcbJzY7KxXa6VpfDIuuuAjVAE77BGP8dmdA7vP_BG9iWKDXse5D_HEVh35Q36tyb5oA5gCurP-TLWzbN07lanA2Rt2KxmUWcSfEC2z/s400/Img_2857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breasted pair exiting a Grand Union Lock.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Usually this section is very
popular with ‘gongoozlers’ walking the towpath and I should perhaps explain
what a gongoozler is. It is a term first defined in print by E.R. De Sallis in
his book ‘A Handbook of Inland Navigation’ (1901) as an "idle and inquisitive
person, who stands for prolonged periods staring at anything out of the common." It was derived from the Lincolnshire dialect ‘gawn and gooze’, to gawp at
something and was probably coined by the navvies who dug the canals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We stopped beyond the top lock
to fill the water cans from the new type of tap enclosed in a stainless steel
enclosure. It has been designed for a hose to fit on the tap and was most
awkward to fill a water can without a short length of hose. All the water on a
working boat is carried in the brightly painted Buckby cans on the cabin top
and there is no provision or room for water tanks in a hold for commercial carrying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLmgzPN9E7EOgUDI91ccqXPaROIAsZjUq0r4ao0MxRcYP1Kvo1h6Ek3qBNoJNdxagRBFpeKz3aBwIykEpYgNA5q8YBTBZV4tXmhrPkYfYyBGJMNVCjK7cTyN1LuVc0f9Jymzbz1slDWd_/s1600/NBT+Cans+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLmgzPN9E7EOgUDI91ccqXPaROIAsZjUq0r4ao0MxRcYP1Kvo1h6Ek3qBNoJNdxagRBFpeKz3aBwIykEpYgNA5q8YBTBZV4tXmhrPkYfYyBGJMNVCjK7cTyN1LuVc0f9Jymzbz1slDWd_/s400/NBT+Cans+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buckby Water Cans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On reaching Berkhamsted (Berko),
one of the crew was dropped off at The Crystal Palace pub to see what beers
were on offer, before walking further to The Boat and The Rising Sun, so there
was plenty of choice between them. Mooring just below the Rising Sun Lock, we
ended up in The Riser, as it is commonly known for mild ale and Bateman’s
Bitter after a recommendation from a guy on another boat. It was an excellent
choice for beers, real cider and perry and snuff – 12 different types on the
bar to sample, but no food. This was our treat after tackling the pair for a
good clean up before we got to the show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBDMryeiJCgNSY65o67bNPzPQZ95W4JYUUFr36vJw9mpXgKMZagSWuJ42_0vtSpVMMCGL-2_iT42OS9njTbsIRlGVr8QVNht1ZBBpN8NrqZdXUqVo-947uprum7t3Tj6kbkdaPX9kwzEG/s1600/P1000571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBDMryeiJCgNSY65o67bNPzPQZ95W4JYUUFr36vJw9mpXgKMZagSWuJ42_0vtSpVMMCGL-2_iT42OS9njTbsIRlGVr8QVNht1ZBBpN8NrqZdXUqVo-947uprum7t3Tj6kbkdaPX9kwzEG/s400/P1000571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A busy day at The Riser.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-66124182503433568602020-05-04T19:36:00.000+01:002020-05-13T16:27:57.983+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair. 2<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blisworth to Fenny Stratford<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was awake at 05.30 to a lovely sunny start to the day. The fire had kept alight throughout the night <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and I could now add more coal from the coal box, which is also the back cabin step. It is an 18 ins drop from the top step to the coal box step – quite a surprise when I first encountered it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNjCbCVFVHPn8kssvRBAo23Jq-PfKmKdEO0aIMPWeT62GYZuFZBYLhWbRwxlHnpOh212UP5uvKuGG89uNm6HOgjVPr4rapGgiJxuaS3tmjlv486l9Q9xRj0Alcms8lOAekfo0UyfocAFq/s1600/DSCF3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNjCbCVFVHPn8kssvRBAo23Jq-PfKmKdEO0aIMPWeT62GYZuFZBYLhWbRwxlHnpOh212UP5uvKuGG89uNm6HOgjVPr4rapGgiJxuaS3tmjlv486l9Q9xRj0Alcms8lOAekfo0UyfocAFq/s400/DSCF3287.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Motor back cabin. The coal box is beneath my feet. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Range to the right with drop down table further </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">forward and bed 'ole nearest camera.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After tea, coffee and some additional shopping, just in case we couldn’t find a food pub later, the engine was fired up and we moved off towards Blisworth Tunnel with myself steering the motor accompanied by Mouse and Janet steering the butty with Trevor for company. We emerged about 40 mins later, having passed several boats without incident. There were no moorings to be had to display the pair at Stoke Bruerne, so we passed through two locks and moored in a long pound for a fried breakfast cooked by Mouse in the butty galley. As I washed and dried up, the others did several odd jobs around the boats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT636YORfLDEAZv8SdAvPMiJ26DJ6NweMEAZN2p8N090te6ifLYEyS3609Kn99DLBQRFPjxeOHCAeD2S_hz4OXa8kf4IdZ1UqdPCQW_JDtEIiFwSHUL3y7uqrudsUvRKin6S5T7kjjEJAJ/s1600/IMG_2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT636YORfLDEAZv8SdAvPMiJ26DJ6NweMEAZN2p8N090te6ifLYEyS3609Kn99DLBQRFPjxeOHCAeD2S_hz4OXa8kf4IdZ1UqdPCQW_JDtEIiFwSHUL3y7uqrudsUvRKin6S5T7kjjEJAJ/s400/IMG_2987.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Stoke Top Lock.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkERffFsrtLa5VSqaZtpYZ3Zvkal5IfC4luceonvQcr_LlUSpIaxiGkVAkTNImIJEYSx6Qnm8GRzmUP1UXeA8WBgk-L0Ze_u5YFiljC_bL7_ynaYDz5XjQfKgl67Ut4_6PcTUCRq7vAotF/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkERffFsrtLa5VSqaZtpYZ3Zvkal5IfC4luceonvQcr_LlUSpIaxiGkVAkTNImIJEYSx6Qnm8GRzmUP1UXeA8WBgk-L0Ze_u5YFiljC_bL7_ynaYDz5XjQfKgl67Ut4_6PcTUCRq7vAotF/s400/IMG_2988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">The Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne.</span></h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv25x4dZv9Loi3W_6wq6Cub6t1aO_BetQWWlTeeme-gWz7OtevmNXM0gQhgOdbFjBlsAG0PIffKd7OJUhVO_wwO4YiZ6WnXcixQHjz0dJoNzt3k7C0UfVPDScj5pZ7WFR2ZAaN1m3a3JC/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv25x4dZv9Loi3W_6wq6Cub6t1aO_BetQWWlTeeme-gWz7OtevmNXM0gQhgOdbFjBlsAG0PIffKd7OJUhVO_wwO4YiZ6WnXcixQHjz0dJoNzt3k7C0UfVPDScj5pZ7WFR2ZAaN1m3a3JC/s400/IMG_2990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Centre of Stoke Bruerne from Top Lock.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We set off again down the rest of the locks, with us all sharing steering of both boats and working the locks. The Stoke Locks are fairly close together, so the pair remained breasted up. After the locks, with myself steering the motor and the pair singled out (towing on cross straps), we approached a line of moored boats on the outside of a long bend. Being wary of trying to keep the pair away from the moored boats, I got out of the deep channel and begun to run aground on the outside (opposite to the towpath). Hoping to slide off the mud. I kept the boats moving, but was getting closer in towards the vegetation until I was forced to stop any further forward movement. Mouse went forward and attempted to shaft the bow off, but we were too stemmed up at that end to get pushed off. I then decided to drive the aft end off into deeper water and go astern, which of course caused a jack-knifing of the boats and forcing the butty stern deeper into the undergrowth. In the meantime, Janet was attempting to shaft the aft end out, but as I towed the butty further forward, she had to let go of the cabin shaft (boat hook), which was stuck in the mud. As soon as we were moving again, Trevor came forward from the cabin to hold an inquest into how this had happened – how was I supposed to concentrate on steering with him breathing down my neck wanting to know all the details. “Piss off and do it later!” I wrote in my log, although I didn’t say it at the time, but I told him in the pub after a couple of pints and we all laughed like drains. Another entry says that there is no gardening page in the NBT training manual, which needs remedying in future and that secateurs should be an essential part of boat equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All went well after that incident until we moored up in Fenny Stratford just after 7pm and repaired to the Red Lion for a pint and food, only to find yet another pub with beer only on offer. So, it was back to the butty back cabin for pasta with a readymade tomato sauce and onions. Back to the pub for more beer (thirsty work is this historic boating with NBT) only to find that it was quiz night. It was not a pub that I would stop at in future (I wrote at the time), however I have been there many times since when on Stronghold. Canal pubs are very few and far between and advantage has to be taken at every opportunity if you are a real ale lover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.the-red-lion-fenny-lock.co.uk/media/images/user-images/41526/Punch-RedLion-080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.the-red-lion-fenny-lock.co.uk/media/images/user-images/41526/Punch-RedLion-080.jpg" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Red Lion, Fenny Stratford.</span></div>
</div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-42671388421868039272020-05-02T17:43:00.000+01:002020-05-02T17:43:22.139+01:00My Maiden Voyage on an Historic Pair 1<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduction.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As so many other canal boaters in this pandemic of
Coronavirus aka Covid-19 in March and April 2020, I am confined to the house,
apart from daily exercise and shopping trips to the supermarket for supplies
and to the pharmacy for any medical necessities. There is much that can be done
in the house and garden, but I really have that annual urge to be boating on
the canals and rivers of this land, more so as the weather improves towards
summer. As I cannot write about my personal boating activities, I have been
thinking about documenting my maiden voyage aboard Nuneaton and butty Brighton
in 2011 from Braunston to the Rickmansworth Three Rivers Boat Festival. I will
not take up space here describing the history of the pair of boats, because they
can be found at <a href="https://www.narrowboattrust.org.uk/">https://www.narrowboattrust.org.uk/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I joined the NBT, as it is widely known the year before
after meeting some of the crew on board the moored boats on the Thames at
Oxford. I was towards the end of my Summer cruise on Stronghold and I pulled into
the East Street moorings between Osney Bridge and Osney Lock for the night,
where Nuneaton and Brighton were also moored up. I had intended just taking a
photo or two, but got chatting to the crew of three and was given a membership
application, which I duly completed. The following year I attended a work party
on the boats at Alvecote for a Spring weekend, which gave me a chance to meet
more of the crew and it was most enjoyable to be experiencing something entirely
new to me, as well as meeting new friends with the same interests at heart. I
had a lot to learn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNxdUO82VN-BTHOKrmQNjVNzke9AuHdm_zcBj-yJmI9nAvRQJhBNY9lmWTNOQQEyqgujiMW5TaYCXamchyruGjM1GV1jRQwpjEwgjxw2tgMaWsQUXIzyUzvbEIfIV_BHsFLUXmCLjVPY4/s1600/Nuneaton+and+Brighton+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNxdUO82VN-BTHOKrmQNjVNzke9AuHdm_zcBj-yJmI9nAvRQJhBNY9lmWTNOQQEyqgujiMW5TaYCXamchyruGjM1GV1jRQwpjEwgjxw2tgMaWsQUXIzyUzvbEIfIV_BHsFLUXmCLjVPY4/s400/Nuneaton+and+Brighton+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pair of Working Boats Moored at Osney.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Voyage</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 13<sup>th</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had arranged to meet up with Trevor at 20.30 in the Tesco
car park in Rickmansworth, so that we could travel together in his car. I moved
my car into a quiet side road after loading bags into Trevor’s car and we set
off for Braunston, 70 miles further north, where the boats were moored outside
the marina. On arrival at Braunston we repaired to The Admiral Nelson pub, just
in case they chanced to close early for lack of custom – we made a total of
three customers even though it was Friday. Beer, I discovered later was to be
an essential part of this trip. We learned that the pub had been taken over yet
again by a tenant landlord, who had grand plans to keep the place open
throughout the year. This place had been opened and closed more times than a pub
lavatory door in the past few years. Finally, leaving at midnight, we left to
find the boats, unload and go to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was my first experience of sleeping in a boatman’s
cabin and it took a bit of getting used to! How was it possible for a family of
two adults and several children to live, eat and sleep in a back cabin barely
6ft x 8ft?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 14<sup>th</sup> May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Despite a late night, I was awake early and had a walk
around Braunston Marina. Trevor was up and about when I returned and then set
off to collect ‘Mouse’ from Rugby station. In the meantime I went to the
Gongoozlers Rest for the full English. This is café boat moored just outside the
marina and was very convenient at the time. Trevor had returned with Mouse and
joined me for breakfast after an early start to the day. We cast off at 10.30
heading south for Stoke Bruerne, about 9 hours away, with Brighton being towed
on cross-straps behind Nuneaton. The reason for this style of towing is that
the pair of boats were empty of any cargo and so floated quite high in the
water. The bow of the butty is extremely high, so the wash from the motor boat
can travel easily beneath the butty boat and the steerer of the butty only has
to control the stern of the boat, keeping it clear of other boats, bridge ‘oles
and banks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were now approaching Braunston Locks, a flight of six <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spaced fairly close together. As the locks are
of double width, two boats can be in one lock together, so they had to be separated
and go in the lock side by side, to be breasted up, or just breasted. This is
done on the move by the motor steerer as the pair enters the lock or just
before. Both cross straps are removed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>allowing
the butty to continue moving forward under its own momentum, but slower than the
motor boat and to one side or the other. Once in the lock the boats are then
strapped together side by side and the bottom gates are closed, usually by the motor
steerer. The lock is filled by the crew at the top gates by opening the ground
paddles and then gate paddles, if available. Once filled, the top gates are
opened allowing the pair to continue to the next lock, still breasted.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7IXLoDxBlM0m1ZWlylk7NU9G3cdcUCa6bF4cOGFeDZ24hdJmX912ug_H08UmLtt19nyh49-ivYCmyrcyXpIq4mYwsrhMzP6pBI_oss27OuIsRdjA4LEoihJqZhoRsATopOf3d0lJLh7a/s1600/WW+Cover+Nov+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1156" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7IXLoDxBlM0m1ZWlylk7NU9G3cdcUCa6bF4cOGFeDZ24hdJmX912ug_H08UmLtt19nyh49-ivYCmyrcyXpIq4mYwsrhMzP6pBI_oss27OuIsRdjA4LEoihJqZhoRsATopOf3d0lJLh7a/s400/WW+Cover+Nov+2016.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working Braunston Bottom Lock</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The locks were busy with other boats locking up and down
too. Mouse was steering the pair, but I was offered the chance to steer through
the last two locks. Prior to this, Trevor had wanted to see if I could “walk
the plank”. To get easily from one end of the boat to the other, the top planks
went from the cabin top at the stern to the cratch close to the bow. They were
11 ins wide and balanced on the top of the stands, but held in place by strings
at intervals from the gunnels. I had done this previously when on the work
party at Alvecote, so knew that I was capable. After the locks we were to enter
Braunston Tunnel, but the pair had to be singled out first. Mouse went forward
and released the bow line and I released the stern lines. This allowed the
butty to slowly fall behind until I could grab hold of one of the cross straps
and attach it to the opposite dolly on the motor, before getting hold of the
other one and doing likewise. Thus we entered the tunnel keeping well to the
right and slowing to tick over as we passed about five boats going in the
opposite direction. On making our exit at the southern portal, the pair was
slowed almost to a stop to pick up Janet and her Brompton fold up bike at a
bridge ‘ole, where the water is normally deep enough to get right up to the bank.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsS3W2ozVfMnJpEfpm5TRa156Roqe4kL0Eg0YXcL7YEh2efcT5gu5Kk5cPC2mUnhDGy-8vMpN_ejW2UsDWVxqpDf4D8IE3NwEO1f1IqxGlfbuiKl6JiwNqt1_CACaPrgqRGFyC9O04Z6g/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsS3W2ozVfMnJpEfpm5TRa156Roqe4kL0Eg0YXcL7YEh2efcT5gu5Kk5cPC2mUnhDGy-8vMpN_ejW2UsDWVxqpDf4D8IE3NwEO1f1IqxGlfbuiKl6JiwNqt1_CACaPrgqRGFyC9O04Z6g/s400/IMG_3224.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cross straps from forward Tee stud on </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">butty boat to stern dollies on motor boat.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The difficult part of steering a pair becomes apparent when
meeting another boat approaching a bridge ‘ole. If the pair are brought to a
stop before the bridge in mid stream, they are likely to jack-knife in the
middle and block the cut. Bear in mind that the total length is over 140 ft and
hinged in the middle. Signalling to the approaching boat to either stop or come
ahead are the only alternatives and timing your speed is paramount to success.
If the other boat does not come through fast enough the results can be very
interesting. With Janet steering the butty it was down to her to keep the aft
end clear of other boats and the bank and it was up to me to keep her bows
clear of these objects. If I got it wrong, then she got into difficulty at her
end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We worked down Whilton Locks and what promised to be a
lovely sunny start to the day was now clouded over with a chilly wind blowing
across the cut, which affected the unladen boats and tending to blow them onto
the muddy shallows when slowed or stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was decided that we were not going to reach Stoke in
time for a meal out, so we moored at Blisworth and walked to The Royal Oak,
only to find that there was beer but no food available. I have to say that
despite being a Greedy King pub, the two pints of ‘Britain’s Glory’ went down a
treat and made up for not stopping at The New Inn at Buckby, where we would
have got some food. We returned to the pair and Mouse cooked up a one pan meal
of minced beef, potatoes and peas, while we discussed the possibility of
cooking apple crumble in the oven of the coal fired range. Meanwhile, I had
difficulty lighting the range in my cabin, mainly because the kindling was damp,
but a sprinkling of white spirit did the trick after the match was dropped in,
causing flames to reach the ceiling before I could get the lid back on. The
cabin eventually cleared of smoke and I had a warm and comfortable night with
the cabin doors ajar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-59875513308779229532019-10-20T17:23:00.005+01:002020-06-02T19:29:29.426+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 25<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meeting Old and New Friends in Mixed Weather.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 6<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a day in the office sorting out my blog and trying to rescue pics
from my phone and Bluetooth them into some sort of photo file on this laptop.
Why the hell I have to jump through so many hoops to do it beats me, but I
achieved my goal eventually with strict perseverance and much patience.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are still several small jobs to be done, but at the moment they
are on the back burner. The day finished with a pint in The Folly and some more
photos of the interior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday 7<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A wet start to the day did not encourage boating, although it did dry up
later, but still with grey skies. There are far less boats passing each day
now, which is somewhat of a relief. I do need to get some exercise and could do
with a walk either up to the village or up the flight of locks, but first there
is a great deal of blog to be organised and then published and it took several
hours to finalise.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>did manage to get out for some
exercise up the flight of locks and as Mike Askin once said to me, “Never
approach a lock without a windlass,” so I took one with me, although I only
used it once when I returned to the bottom lock to help a crew through. The
lady who was locking could not lower the ground paddle and when I said, “Have
you taken the catch off?” she did not understand what I meant, as they had come
from Stockton, where they are all candlestick paddles and had not worked the
rack and pinion paddle gear before. Sure enough, the catch or pawl was still in
place.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I repaired to The Folly for the last time this year and got chatting to
a couple of regulars whom I had seen there before. Dale was particularly jovial
and was a continuous cruiser on nb Kingfisher and we seemed to hit it off
straight away. Frenchy was the nickname of the other guy, who was much more
reticent. They appeared to cruise together between Napton and Atherstone. I
quizzed Dale about the watering hole they used in Atherstone, which was of
course, The Angel Alehouse.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tuesday 8<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was time to move on again today, but first there was a bag of rubbish
to go in the tip and there were larger than usual blackberries to be picked
before I parted, so it was rather late when I left.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The weather was sunny, but very windy and after a while I could see that
rain was approaching, so donned the Driza-Bone just in time as it rained and
blew really hard. After that the sun appeared again and was quite warm. I got
into Braunston in two and a quarter hours non-stop along my favourite stretch
of canal. I say that, because in some places you cannot see a house, pylons or
cars, only sheep and I think this is why so many boaters moor up here in the
sticks just for the peace and quiet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Much to my surprise, there were very few moorings to be had in Braunston
and I cruised through as far as Ladder Bridge, where I winded the boat and returned
to the marina main entrance, but here there is a ledge which holds the boat out
about 3ft from the bank, which I previously knew about. At that moment the
heavens opened and there I was on the bank without any waterproofs on getting
soaked. Having tied off, I ducked inside to change my clothes, but I could not
remain here, so continued up the cut and found a spot in front of The Cheese
Boat at the end of the permit holders moorings and that was it for the day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wednesday 9<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A pleasant sunny morning greeted me, but there is no internet connection
here, so I intend to move up opposite The Boathouse, where I know I can connect
to BT and the pub opposite – spoilt for choice there! Chris and Linda on nb
Mars passed by the moorings and had been out for a month cruising, but there
was only time for a few words as they passed by. They were returning to their
home mooring at the boatyard by the Bottom Lock.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I moved off the mooring up towards The Boathouse and there was a space
opposite, although beneath a tree where roosting birds can decorate the cabin
top overnight along with falling leaves. Firstly, I had to get some water and
went to the services just beyond The Turn, where there was another boat, who
admitted to awaiting an engineer to fix a broken wire on their gas boiler!
Being a shared boat there was no way the two women were going to even try and
fix it, so why did they have to wait on the water point? It was necessary to
use my long hose, although they did move along the mooring a little to accommodate
Stronghold. The water pressure was quite forceful and compared very well in
relation to many others I had used, so the tank was quickly filled.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I reversed into The Turn and winded to take up the one vacant space,
although there was now a spot outside the pub, but TV reception was poor, or
even non-existent over there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 10<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The morning was showery on and off, but I had to move further up the
North Oxford Canal towards Rugby and headed for The Olde Royal Oak, just south
of Hillmorton. The trip was uneventful, apart from a connection dropping off
the alternator, so I had to stop and fix that, before making some coffee and
moving on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In just over two hours, I reached the pub and there was only one boat
there, so space for me. After some lunch, I tackled<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wiring up the new inverter with lower
resistant wire, as the previous cable was causing a considerable voltage drop
and causing the inverter to complain with an intermittent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>buzzer indicating low voltage. I had problems
getting the bared wire ends into the three pin plug and whilst doing so, the
boat was hitting the concrete bank, which I thought was a bit strange as there
were balloon fenders down. Imagine my surprise when I looked out of the window
and saw water between the boat and the offside bank. In other words, I was
adrift at the stern and was close to the towpath. I rushed out to correct the
problem and then much to my surprise saw Andy Clarke walking towards me up the
towpath. I see him most years at Canalway Cavalcade and now here he was, with
his wife controlling their boat a little further along. He gave me a push off
and I then threw the stern line to another guy outside the pub, who pulled me
in. I had also talked to him outside the pub on a previous occasion last year
apparently. This time I tied up far more securely. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 11<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With an eye on the weather forecast, it was a case of shall I, shan’t I
move up to Rugby? The sky was overcast and it had rained in the night and as it
was not raining at the moment, I decided to go for it. All went well after
tightening the loose connection on the alternator and it remained in place for
the trip. The winds were very strong, but the nature of the canals is very
often hedges line the towpath side, which breaks the wind considerably.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I pulled into Clifton Cruisers for a pump out and despite the outlet
being on the offside and Stronghold being breasted against another boat, the
guy was quite happy to perform the operation on the outside. The waste tank had
lasted 57 days and was not obviously full, but I know from experience that they
do a good job here for £15.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Onward towards the visitor moorings and it was strange not to stop here,
as I could use the car to visit Tesco later from the home mooring. I made the
tight turn into the wharf in one go, winded at the end and moored up with two
lines, but a few minutes later Deb came along and asked me to move closer to
Ragamuffin, so as to be able to fit a hire boat in the space behind me, which
although a pain to move, made available a couple of convenient mooring pins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I could now drive to Tesco and do a bit of necessary shopping as well as
get some more blade fuses at Halfords.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> and Sunday 13<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The weekend was spent at my daughter’s house in Coventry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One interesting thing about the weekend was that at last I managed to
pay a visit to The Rugby Tap after a suggestion by my daughter. I also
discovered that it was accessible by No. 4 bus from the wharf with a short walk
from the centre of town.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having only been to one micro-pub before in Skipton, which I thoroughly
enjoyed, I was looking forward to this one. The number of ales on the stillage
were 12 in total, but only 5 were on tap. The price and ABV were chalked on
each barrel. The beer was drawn straight from the barrel so no gas or sparkler,
as in most of the other pubs – just as I like it. There were also 6 ciders or
perrys on tap from box containers as well as the usual alcoholic beverages of
wine and spirits. The biggest surprise of all was that there was no bar! The
landlord was sitting out there with the punters, although keeping himself to
himself. There was no musak, fruit machines or other trappings of the modern
pub, except for wi-fi. Conversation was king here. Food was limited to sausage
rolls, batches (filled soft bread roll) and crisps. There was one universal
toilet, that was also for the disabled. A quiet and friendly atmosphere
prevailed, which made it easy to converse at normal level, instead of having to
shout above the level of ambient noise in busy pubs – what a find this is and I
am determined to go again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasPykLPvb26Dci7mnO2B0RumeXBbEfbDzDKzc-7AA-6MbXadU5M6llPXE13YRDG2M_qilEfVnrwPC7-AonFzs9Djrm9dAyqzNVYebCva8LamXmYdv1ojPTnzecpG5BJiGmjVzI0K4aZLr/s1600/20191013_175611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasPykLPvb26Dci7mnO2B0RumeXBbEfbDzDKzc-7AA-6MbXadU5M6llPXE13YRDG2M_qilEfVnrwPC7-AonFzs9Djrm9dAyqzNVYebCva8LamXmYdv1ojPTnzecpG5BJiGmjVzI0K4aZLr/s400/20191013_175611.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ7cBDHh58pKei6FKXUxKWDtkgFCJUg16ALBgzv6pFdeJwDZUBgVH7MHFUItqTrR605Z8uEApIWVOG7O17o1ilcN1ZJKYhFdY-0Hfs9hv-msZkK1A_eiZ-TyZSimCBXs544T9n-uFG21n/s1600/20191013_164810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ7cBDHh58pKei6FKXUxKWDtkgFCJUg16ALBgzv6pFdeJwDZUBgVH7MHFUItqTrR605Z8uEApIWVOG7O17o1ilcN1ZJKYhFdY-0Hfs9hv-msZkK1A_eiZ-TyZSimCBXs544T9n-uFG21n/s400/20191013_164810.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No shortage of ales here......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5uY8EvNegh3buouNxmi_Wrnm2xLpnmNU7gDc_RuLfdRRXWrYXAvuIXvtxPP9lQfEXCaBJ8D2P4mqOQwuLh72BNLcNCvpcHgwEGOgXlN9i5lzYn33Z8m0W0gumGrA6k7vAzvPB5v7Y5Z4/s1600/20191013_164834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5uY8EvNegh3buouNxmi_Wrnm2xLpnmNU7gDc_RuLfdRRXWrYXAvuIXvtxPP9lQfEXCaBJ8D2P4mqOQwuLh72BNLcNCvpcHgwEGOgXlN9i5lzYn33Z8m0W0gumGrA6k7vAzvPB5v7Y5Z4/s400/20191013_164834.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.....or ciders!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6i9huYq_JVxNAt8sAJPAAWODgATd-9v2iTyvrXWFe6nFf0ryRnUX5p7mxj6IArDZO9nkkGyOggE1MKSQKx1hWz5HD7gjmGX9G8eOWHqA8S25bRFmfa9GWRGNhF0N_RzFxlxK3xytgyUU/s1600/20191013_164959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6i9huYq_JVxNAt8sAJPAAWODgATd-9v2iTyvrXWFe6nFf0ryRnUX5p7mxj6IArDZO9nkkGyOggE1MKSQKx1hWz5HD7gjmGX9G8eOWHqA8S25bRFmfa9GWRGNhF0N_RzFxlxK3xytgyUU/s400/20191013_164959.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The landlord, but no bar.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday 14<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A wet start to the day, which continued intermittently all day. The fire
had kept in all night, so the boat was still warm in the morning. Two hire boats
went out and I wish them luck in this weather, as it is forecast to be changeable
all week, although it eases up towards next weekend.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On further investigation into the blown fuses on the new wiring, I
looked up the current consumed by the new inverter, which was 15 amps, so a 10
amp fuse in the fuse board was inadequate. With the smaller diam wiring casing
a voltage drop to the inverter, it could not consume this amount of current, so
the 10 amp fuse was OK. Now that I had increased the cable to 6mm, it could
consume more current and therefore it would blow a 10 amp fuse <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and a 15 amp was required – QED! But in fact
that was not so, much to my surprise, because the 15 amp blew as well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Later, I had to buy a 12 volt plug to fit the car cigarette lighter socket,
because the old one had failed. I found a short one (they all seem to be short
nowadays) in Tesco.. When I got back to the boat, it was plugged in and did
nothing, so I tried all the remaining sockets on board and it still did nothing
- how strange. By now<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had had enough
of this pantomime, so went to bed still perplexed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having tried the 12 v plug in the car socket to no avail, it was time to
get a refund, which was not a problem in Tesco. Now the search was on for a
rather longer one and it is amazing how rare these things are, but I eventually
succeeded in Halfords. I tried it out immediately in the car socket and sure
enough it worked - hurrah! The mobile battery was down to 13% and it was
virtually useless during that time, which made me realise how much I missed it.
Back on board, I could now completely charge the phone and I then took a chance
of blowing another fuse and plugged in the inverter, which remained on –
surprise! Now why is that? There was still a big voltage drop in the 6mm cable,
but it was working with the generator running. Voltage when off was 13.85, but
dropped to 13 when under load. The inverter will only be used at night, when I
can’t run the engine or generator. Hopefully, the problem is solved, but I keep
fingers crossed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For the first time in days, there was no rain and there were short
bursts of sunshine indeed. The towpath here is extremely soggy and I can
imagine how bad it will get in the winter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not having a ‘free’ internet connection was also winding me up and I
fiddled about with settings on this laptop, until I wondered if I had buggered
it up altogether, so I went into the office and asked Jan if I could try her
wi-fi out and it all appeared to be OK. I was also hoping to pick up that connection
on my aerial back on board, but no such luck, unless I can get a mooring closer
to the office. I am sure I got a free connection a few days ago, but it does
not even appear on the list any more. I may try the aerial at the stern, as
sometimes only short distance can make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wednesday 16<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a bit of a late start, but then nothing really important to get
out of bed for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I checked over the engine this morning before starting up, but had to
mop out a lot of rain water from the bilge first. I am still none the wiser as
to how it gets in there, although there is a possibility that I have not
investigated yet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having decided what I was going to eat this evening, I had to take a
trip to Tesco once again for ingredients. Upon return, it was time to cook a
dish that I often made at home – scalloped potatoes, but this time I had some
changes in mind.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After preliminary cooking in the micro-wave, I tidied up and tried the
wi-fi aerial up a mast at the stern end of the boat and although it was higher
than before, there was little difference in the number of signals that I
received, so that was a waste of time and rather disappointing. It looks like I
am going to have to use my personal wi-fi router whilst on this mooring.
However, I will still be able to pick up BT wi-fi when out cruising.
Alternatively, I could cruise along to Newbold, about half a mile away, where I
am guaranteed a BT signal, as well as a nearby pub.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 17<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was very cold this morning – below 10</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">º</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">C inside the boat, although the
fire had kept in overnight. These are the times that I could do with an
automatic heating system.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had been having a slight problem with one of the new LED strip lights
and I was rather ambivalent about returning it, because although it worked, it
sometimes dimmed without touching it. The outcome was to remove it and return
to Midland Swindlers for an exchange, before having to rewire it all again.
There was no reason that they would not exchange it, so that alone was a one
hour return journey through the centre of Rugby and then another hour for the
unwiring and rewiring. However, the new one appears to be behaving as it
should.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For the first time ever, whilst at the chandlers, I bought a bag of
logs, as the supply I had bought from home was now all burned and I found that
a log on the fire was the best way to keep it ticking over during the day, when
I needed only the minimum of heat. I read recently that the only secure means
of keeping a wood burning fire in overnight in Canada, where it can drop to -25</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">º</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">C, was to
set the alarm clock every four hours to wake up and restock the fire with more
wood. I would not be happy having to do that!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The next thing on the agenda was to drain the cooling water from the
engine and refill with anti-freeze added – yet more water in the bilge to be
removed. It was speedily done and the level will need final checking tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 18<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Much warmer inside the boat this morning and the fire was still ticking
over. I ran the engine for a while, but forgot to check on the water level
first. It was very bright with the sun shining, but still chilly. Apart from
packing up the stuff to take home, I had a window lock to fix and also wanted
to pick some sloes from a well laden tree that I found a few days ago.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssjGrN53cGNycSt5phZSv2rhBEL2toY4AvF0aN9l3Zp-fD4fblH8GDnCJx23F_X6-7y64gzN1truV4h2AbApKF8T3AVKflW0IpqcbQNJW5lAdPfoxpcqjEzmCEbOdeyaEPdHUO7uIXoIn/s1600/20191018_132933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssjGrN53cGNycSt5phZSv2rhBEL2toY4AvF0aN9l3Zp-fD4fblH8GDnCJx23F_X6-7y64gzN1truV4h2AbApKF8T3AVKflW0IpqcbQNJW5lAdPfoxpcqjEzmCEbOdeyaEPdHUO7uIXoIn/s400/20191018_132933.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">900 grams of sloes for sloe gin or vodka.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just on the process of writing up this blog, when a hire boat arrived
and hit my bow quite hard at an angle. Going outside I found one of the
boatyard workers trying to steer astern but the boat was not responding very
well at all. I told him that maybe he gives himself a few boat handling
lessons, because he is one of the guys who gives tuition to first time hire
boaters, but no apology was forthcoming. Because I was hoping to go up to the
wharf later to unload the heavy gear into the car, he phoned Deb in the office
and moored opposite, where I suggested. If this is the way they treat customer’s
boats, then perhaps it would be wiser to only stay here for a year. I intend
putting out fenders on the outside just in case of future mishaps. As someone
else remarked these guys in the yard are not boaters, despite showing newbies how
to handle their first boat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I did manage to get Stronghold up to the wharf, by winding outside the
arm and moving forward back up the arm, winding again at the end and getting
the stern close in to the concrete with the bow well out at an angle. All the
other moored hire boats were doubled up and there was only a short gap into
which I could tie up. All the heavy stuff was loaded into the car, by which
time it was getting dark. I returned without a headlight on and carefully tied
up on my allocated mooring with the aid of a torch, before having something to
eat. My daughter picked me up in the car later and I was whisked off to The Tap
once more for a couple of well earned pints, as this was to be my final night
for a few weeks and tomorrow I drive home.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think of all the summer cruises, this has been the most enjoyable one
with no pressure to get anywhere in particular and mostly just “simply messing
around in boats” as Ratty once said. I had explored the Trent and Mersey down
to Shardlow, which I had missed out on previous trips, so had now completed the
Leicester Ring in stages. Stronghold mostly behaved herself and I had
established a new home mooring, all of which was very satisfying. So I look
forward to pastures new next year and will research previously unexplored
canals in the meantime whilst in hibernation mode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-44660751339986911302019-10-07T13:11:00.000+01:002019-10-12T18:47:59.566+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 24<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Loading in Braunston and return to Napton.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 26<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday I drove here from home down south, which
is 150mls distant and it took four hours with two stops. It is a considerable
time since I drove that far and in a strange way I quite enjoyed the journey,
although there were only two brief holdup s on the motorway. Once I got towards
the centre <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Rugby, the GPS appeared to
lose contact with the satellites, but fortunately I recognised where I was and
could continue to my new home mooring, where everything was as I had left it,
although the cabin top was now covered in leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had several bags of solid fuel and firewood in
the car, which was too heavy to carry far, so the boat was reversed and moored
on the wharf side, where I could transfer it all into the boat very easily. The
mooring allocated to me was taken up by another boat this time, so I breasted
up against nb Jigsaw temporarily, because I intended going out in a couple of
days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mick Jones was now back from his Shroppie (Shropshire
Union) cruise and I went for a chat and asked about further fuel supplies.
Apparently, the fuel boat Callisto calls in about once a month. Thinking
further ahead, I am hoping to go through Braunston shortly to assist with
loading for the autumn coal run, so could almost certainly get a few bags then.
Not that I intend attempting to lift any 25k bags, but could be of assistance
with moving moored the boats out of the arm whilst loading takes place, before
returning them after loading. I would be good to see some more of the NBT crew
again and no doubt there will be some relaxing chat in the pub afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W6XVyKpTDNpEhq_v3nGUQIDeOUPedAVFag59InJo9zYqkIdKOwjpPd_JiETpn4JlRo6lQbPuekDsVWBpt6mYBzkvyIqYdnBVq8XMIxl8q28AMknPKXA41yWeW0I5WwiSUZV4gRB4BLev/s1600/20190928_154902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W6XVyKpTDNpEhq_v3nGUQIDeOUPedAVFag59InJo9zYqkIdKOwjpPd_JiETpn4JlRo6lQbPuekDsVWBpt6mYBzkvyIqYdnBVq8XMIxl8q28AMknPKXA41yWeW0I5WwiSUZV4gRB4BLev/s400/20190928_154902.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Workshops and paint shed at the end of Rugby Wharf.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xgxbCPSsTCi0MUUTAz2bTK5hxCWK9BifJRIWYKjhshuykjbtrtoq4JnCjrLbleNB29mds7tKXfB3JJep_093aIAxvld8CVktnOXN3kQd6qF9DKOOc6IRX6RgxJrzrLaMubdbj8z0CGfI/s1600/20190928_154953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xgxbCPSsTCi0MUUTAz2bTK5hxCWK9BifJRIWYKjhshuykjbtrtoq4JnCjrLbleNB29mds7tKXfB3JJep_093aIAxvld8CVktnOXN3kQd6qF9DKOOc6IRX6RgxJrzrLaMubdbj8z0CGfI/s400/20190928_154953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The winding 'ole from the wharfside.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3CpxesWMdaIfC_aL0lzlYvx0nakoP9-CPD5lVRwFNJnUUcGR0N1m2D-PduKI4Zm7GuXH8hWvVF33WU2iTKef_Wy4UzncLPRKyqcWTZtvih57m7aWF1VZ-M_Qm46_trXtpKsl374XF08X/s1600/20190926_163823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3CpxesWMdaIfC_aL0lzlYvx0nakoP9-CPD5lVRwFNJnUUcGR0N1m2D-PduKI4Zm7GuXH8hWvVF33WU2iTKef_Wy4UzncLPRKyqcWTZtvih57m7aWF1VZ-M_Qm46_trXtpKsl374XF08X/s400/20190926_163823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A hire boat on the wharf.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt788BHt4SuQ1M0_KXT8x_a2-MpXOr3vrl9SZ3Wlpa9U8MqFLFHqj4iVnAdTYpJLaobOUM4bx7LZz5wVxaPYtdfa1faFdWgt2vHOhjHuBTHL72wmJEJaneM0YcvAAzxoMKg-ffDXLw-sZ_/s1600/20190926_163639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt788BHt4SuQ1M0_KXT8x_a2-MpXOr3vrl9SZ3Wlpa9U8MqFLFHqj4iVnAdTYpJLaobOUM4bx7LZz5wVxaPYtdfa1faFdWgt2vHOhjHuBTHL72wmJEJaneM0YcvAAzxoMKg-ffDXLw-sZ_/s400/20190926_163639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reception on the right.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQlzxFaDsvP5hDIXC2bR6JjdmzvLcGxGpL56S6FjMXWGDDKMLA7-BZGf858sHCQ_-QgCB_X6IS-tHk1pB_KUqCl5_KCQGAnPc404wWtRwZNSfrUFhHLp9NyqMM_SGKAiIGwvrg_cYnF01/s1600/20190926_103652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQlzxFaDsvP5hDIXC2bR6JjdmzvLcGxGpL56S6FjMXWGDDKMLA7-BZGf858sHCQ_-QgCB_X6IS-tHk1pB_KUqCl5_KCQGAnPc404wWtRwZNSfrUFhHLp9NyqMM_SGKAiIGwvrg_cYnF01/s400/20190926_103652.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More permanent moores on the right. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The original towpath is on the left</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWI2Toycs1bfITkjjOVubNrLWvuLJId_c2mGohtC2LwYGigcljP4IscptVtcITrKrQDcksuuTtVPrHabfhkWitJJsPvC47q5qX4WL7L9u_0YJIOpZ9OkCCG4Iz80jjunh1Rl9ahICi6fM/s1600/20190926_103556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWI2Toycs1bfITkjjOVubNrLWvuLJId_c2mGohtC2LwYGigcljP4IscptVtcITrKrQDcksuuTtVPrHabfhkWitJJsPvC47q5qX4WL7L9u_0YJIOpZ9OkCCG4Iz80jjunh1Rl9ahICi6fM/s400/20190926_103556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking towards the junction with the North Oxford.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had to stock up the fridge and store cupboards
for the next trip to Napton via Braunston and for the first time I could use
the car to get to Tesco. I felt quite strange, having walked there so many
times from the Rugby visitor moorings over the last few years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After unloading and packing away the stores, I
attacked the blackberries in the adjacent hedgerow, with the intention of
making some jam this time, having already purchased some jam sugar with added
pectin. Anyway, there were not enough blackberries to make a sizable amount of
jam and I intend trying the main towpath tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 27<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Heavy rain showers this morning and overnight, so
no excursion for more fruit until things have settled somewhat. During a brief
period of sunshine I tightened one of the alternator belts, which had been
screeching on starting the engine like the release of high pressure steam
whenever any revs were applied. That cured it, but it had been only a short
time ago that I had previously tightened both of them. Bear in mind that this
is the additional alternator that is attached to the LH side of the engine with
a bolt on bracket, christened a ‘Dog’s Breakfast’ by the guys at Calcutt Marine
and it really does need to be realigned so that the belt runs at right angles
to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During a brief break in the rain, I set off down
the towpath to find some blackberries and had a word with Mick in passing nb
Ragamuffin. I had been invited in for coffee yesterday, but took a rain check
and asked if it was OK later, which it was. Most of the cut near the entrance
to the wharf was in a cutting and so very shaded and although there were few
blackberries to be had, they were all on the small side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I called in on Mick when I returned and stayed
chatting for almost two hours about boats, techniques and mutual people we knew.
Although he is a carpenter and joiner by trade, he was also a lock keeper on
the Foxton Flight of locks for some time, so he was very familiar with the ways
of boating. I quizzed him on several aspects of boating in this area and areas
of Rugby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 28<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A considerable amount of time this morning was spent in making the jam.
The berries had been layered overnight with the jam sugar, so as to start
dissolving the sugar. It was tipped into a large saucepan and slowly brought up
to the boil. The lemon juice was added along with the pips to increase the
pectin and after several attempts with a chilled plate and additional boiling,
it appeared to have set. I tasted it, only to find that it was very pithy and I
think the berries may have been overcooked, so I strained it through a wire
sieve, before bottling it in sterilised jars. When they had cooled, there was a
good set to the jelly, but a far smaller amount than I had expected with the
fruit. I have used small blackberries cooked up with Bramley apples, which were
fine, but they had not been cooked for very long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Moored up as I am at the moment, I have not been able to connect to any free
wi-fi, despite one router which is marked as open. This morning however, I
could connect to it for some strange reason – I wonder why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some more shopping was necessary again in Tesco, bearing in mind that I
am about to cruise into the desert with only small corner shops available.
After that, I had a car trip to Newbold and the Barley Mow for a pint of
Landlord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 29<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was time to set off again after doing a few necessary jobs, but rain
was forecast and this time the met office was true to its word, because it
rained on and off for the whole three and half hours of the trip south. I
stopped to replenish the water tank at the Tesco moorings and left for
Hillmorton after that. This time I was prepared for wet weather, donning the
Driza-Bone Australian water proof and my reproofed leather hat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I was leaving the Rugby visitor moorings, I passed a couple walking
along the towpath who said that they used to be on the Wey Navigations, but
were now in Calcutt Marina. Their boat was ‘Winging It’, which I remember well
and the names were Mike and Lorraine Skeet, who were also members of the
Byfleet Boat Club. I told them that Richard Heaseman on ‘Lady Grace’ was also
in Calcutt Marina and had been there for a few years now. When I told them one
reason why I had left the Wey, Mike said the NT were too anal, which puts it in
a nutshell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvunAXUyMwg_Urutkh1PiUeM0J-WGR6Hik1N3zhd6TkpM1hPl1yaG8HxINbgVCOG4Fj9lB0BCPOLRDkqsp-sJF33kb_A5UrkV4eh5dyq3iHSZPCkZYZFzQ03Ft0w7UYZh6_ZlisVPEKRY-/s1600/20190929_140746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvunAXUyMwg_Urutkh1PiUeM0J-WGR6Hik1N3zhd6TkpM1hPl1yaG8HxINbgVCOG4Fj9lB0BCPOLRDkqsp-sJF33kb_A5UrkV4eh5dyq3iHSZPCkZYZFzQ03Ft0w7UYZh6_ZlisVPEKRY-/s400/20190929_140746.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year at this time Houlton Bridge was just having the piles driven in.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It leads to Houlton New Town on the outskirts of Rugby.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was pleasantly surprised to find a volunteer lock keeper at Hillmorton
locks, who followed me up the flight of three and assisted with all of them in the continuing rain. I
was also followed by an army of teenage girls on a charitable trust boat, who
also assisted, so I barely touched a windlass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I arrived at The Olde Royal Oak (now The Waterside) and went in for a
well deserved pint, only to find that there were only two people serving behind
the bar and the queue for drinks was about eight deep. To add insult to injury,
there was only one real ale on tap – I walked out in disgust and am determined
to write to the brewers Greedy King with a strong letter of complaint. Although
this pub had improved immeasurably the last time I was here a few months ago,
after retracting from the Hungry Horse brand, it seems to have deteriorated
back to the old standards of Hungry Horse where no one cares any more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday 30<sup>th</sup> September <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day started well with warm sunshine, but an hour after letting go,
it clouded over and I could feel the chill setting in, as rain was forecast for
the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXH1ZVBJQ1XBM5N0uHJBuKjxDKv6nxqZaR7a1HgXpIcSVf3jPb9-_Qs6sFeUf4bCBILGBf8FLJC2wfv2P0r1EVuYBUxA6zcXhZ2w0iaIzCROg8hCTb3fjMPjvryX16NLehXKLtP1yxKbl/s1600/20190930_113103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXH1ZVBJQ1XBM5N0uHJBuKjxDKv6nxqZaR7a1HgXpIcSVf3jPb9-_Qs6sFeUf4bCBILGBf8FLJC2wfv2P0r1EVuYBUxA6zcXhZ2w0iaIzCROg8hCTb3fjMPjvryX16NLehXKLtP1yxKbl/s400/20190930_113103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am intrigued to know the history of this terrace of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">buildings <span style="font-size: 14pt;">by the winding 'ole south of Hillmorton.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o0W6JF1Ym6YxSBEOGpux1Rrmkbs2fMGL17u5ZO6mNFa8y2Rl8qnKosQkiHkNVnTfIOvucyql9pkgLeMp_TEHxu21oYYxmkLbCqJQo6Q0rmSx0Zqv9og6cdP8TJesqm7WRuYLSEudMBiO/s1600/20190930_113049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o0W6JF1Ym6YxSBEOGpux1Rrmkbs2fMGL17u5ZO6mNFa8y2Rl8qnKosQkiHkNVnTfIOvucyql9pkgLeMp_TEHxu21oYYxmkLbCqJQo6Q0rmSx0Zqv9og6cdP8TJesqm7WRuYLSEudMBiO/s400/20190930_113049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They seem to have the appearance of past stables.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I stopped to make coffee and a
sandwich before Braunston and then carried on to Midland Swindlers, where I
bought three LED strip lights to replace the current guzzling fluorescents
above the sink and cooker. These are the touch dimming ones that I saw demonstrated
in the Willington branch some time ago. Also on the list was a150 watt quasi
sine wave inverter to charge the new laptop, in place of the 1600 watt main unit
that I had been using up to now and finally 5 litres of antifreeze, as I had
lost so much over the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To my surprise, the moorings opposite the Boat House pub were all taken
up, but there was a couple of empty ones right outside the pub on the offside,
so I pulled in there for the night and will move across tomorrow if a space
becomes free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tuesday 1<sup>st</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In previous years at about this time, I would be in Oxford or on the
River Thames heading back to the Wey Navigations. As much as I liked Banbury
and Oxford for mooring spots, I disliked the tedious travelling on the Thames
for about three days continuously, with so few places to moor and the
exorbitant fees charged by the greedy, rich riparians who owned the banks.
Thankfully, I am now finished with that part of travelling home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I began fitting the LED strip lights in place of the fluorescents
beneath the galley cupboards; not an easy job as everything has to be done
upside down and the bases of the cupboards were extremely hard plywood. Now I
understand why screws with Pozidrive heads are so much better for a job like
this, as they can be balanced on the end of the screwdriver when working upside
down. I got so far and then decided to call it a day and went off to the pub,
as my patience was running a bit short.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBL4G-Bmo2tS0fhHOpXcVoMKm1hU51u87C0TMpDUEb_0rUS1QhO_MsweZtJVXk_9NznuLeUHgDKI2tt86teBV1xBtuKsLvjJEor5kQHBD9MU7_bzb2c5ZsMvylV5YYzpP0Dic1DdHhfS1/s1600/20191001_131021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBL4G-Bmo2tS0fhHOpXcVoMKm1hU51u87C0TMpDUEb_0rUS1QhO_MsweZtJVXk_9NznuLeUHgDKI2tt86teBV1xBtuKsLvjJEor5kQHBD9MU7_bzb2c5ZsMvylV5YYzpP0Dic1DdHhfS1/s400/20191001_131021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have seen this boat around the system several times.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTAB4h6EwrnoLPzQ1XGC-XofFghhFMU6mVUD2ZH8BOHgyos94O8WHgyAk1g2UeA9hLSRaFc2Vw6IGXoFfEgPQgqyptIxGuW0TJfrevsIvxOENdLwdapdYRmpbYU20fChyphenhyphenJXOeXdUxuaQh/s1600/20191001_130843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTAB4h6EwrnoLPzQ1XGC-XofFghhFMU6mVUD2ZH8BOHgyos94O8WHgyAk1g2UeA9hLSRaFc2Vw6IGXoFfEgPQgqyptIxGuW0TJfrevsIvxOENdLwdapdYRmpbYU20fChyphenhyphenJXOeXdUxuaQh/s400/20191001_130843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nb Alice is up for sale.......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVZhqeJktv5Xv4HcOFDw-nfLnGzQH9Vtz-sNi0-RI8l9WuIDgfDKEmPamff8zw0t1tE9o3WHbvr99Q5EJbP93_zUqDtsaE7vOMaDchibLEgl1YJ5cXLDMP7nxEdLJQ-hsdbOjmFtwkN6X/s1600/20191001_130833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVZhqeJktv5Xv4HcOFDw-nfLnGzQH9Vtz-sNi0-RI8l9WuIDgfDKEmPamff8zw0t1tE9o3WHbvr99Q5EJbP93_zUqDtsaE7vOMaDchibLEgl1YJ5cXLDMP7nxEdLJQ-hsdbOjmFtwkN6X/s400/20191001_130833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.......along with Alice 2, which is the bow extension.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="contextualspellingandgrammarerror"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Wednesday 2</span></span><span class="normaltextrun"><sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">nd</span></sup></span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> October</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
was a very pleasant day, as forecast with a fair amount of sunshine. I did
intend walking through the village to The Lord Nelson, but got bogged down
with internet, blogging and replies to e-mails, which is so time
consuming. </span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
did at last complete fitting the LED strip lights, but had nothing with which
to clip the cables to the underside of the cupboards, so had to hold them in
place temporarily with sticky tape. I was very pleased with them and it was
good to have some light above the hob, which I hope will not be affected too
much by the heat and steam. They are easily removable from the two stainless
steel sprig clips that hold them in place. Details can be
seen here:- </span></span><a href="https://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/products/duo-270-switched-led-light-grey-surface-mount-vl-629" target="_blank"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">https://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/products/duo-270-switched-led-light-grey-surface-mount-vl-629</span></span></a><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHgODNFB3MeB4JJgpOa1-fhyphenhyphen7O4v1YDZ3JDcGiZfJrcrqHWY3MUpPL0Rzrh6nkh8fa3Gtn_OrlMnhzaH3X00w942tcM1J1UpNyK_lR19iNStTOB95ITZ8chNY-CBYl2LqNSFko9MVXZH1/s1600/20191002_192402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHgODNFB3MeB4JJgpOa1-fhyphenhyphen7O4v1YDZ3JDcGiZfJrcrqHWY3MUpPL0Rzrh6nkh8fa3Gtn_OrlMnhzaH3X00w942tcM1J1UpNyK_lR19iNStTOB95ITZ8chNY-CBYl2LqNSFko9MVXZH1/s400/20191002_192402.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> A good, even light above the working surfaces.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: center;">
Excuse the dirty dishes in the sink!</div>
<br />
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thursday
3<sup>rd</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
decided to move closer to the marina this morning and passed Ryan on nb
Southern Cross at the water point. I should have stopped and got some diesel
from him at this point, but we were too busy passing information across.
However, in the marina I got rid of some rubbish, including waste oil, for
which they had a special tank. A quick look around the launderette <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for any surplus books, videos or other stuff
which might be useful <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I was off to
chase Southern Cross up the cut to fill up with diesel, but I did not have to
go far, as Ryan was stopping at almost every other boat moored there. There
were various comments from other boaters, such as, “Is he going to run out of
diesel/gas/coal before he gets here?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
winded in The Turn and returned to moor outside the marina ready for the NBT
loading party on Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Friday
4<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
walked up the cut a little way this morning and could see Nutfield towing
Brighton as they passed the visitor moorings. Walking back towards the Marina,
there were two guys in flat hats waiting on the corner of the entrance and I
asked if they were Friends of Raymond; of course they were and were also
waiting to help load the pair. The boats reversed into the marina arm and then
singled out, leaving the butty on the fuelling point for a short while. The
motor was then moored up and the butty bow hauled into position alongside,
whilst the motor was loaded. I felt guilty at not being able to help out, but
with back problems, it was not worth taking a chance – by now, I could not lift
a 25kg bag anyway. Later I was relegated to tea boy, which I have to say, seemed
to be appreciated by the hard working loaders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U6NbpWDQldP5H2bRxza9vD0wJVO7BFZK16zSIMTLxo2Q5XW52l_iRj7rKB_uTFuKW6pipKJxwucXbNrPS6jXiXpL4ShdXfPSbZXj6ttEuFna6j8JYiMQv1d1DZAp4dYqPOPLWXTwAHa3/s1600/71494094_621405891596619_983128923271331840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U6NbpWDQldP5H2bRxza9vD0wJVO7BFZK16zSIMTLxo2Q5XW52l_iRj7rKB_uTFuKW6pipKJxwucXbNrPS6jXiXpL4ShdXfPSbZXj6ttEuFna6j8JYiMQv1d1DZAp4dYqPOPLWXTwAHa3/s400/71494094_621405891596619_983128923271331840_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loading at Braunston.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v_PadmPUScckcQjy1rOoSosvsYGeZcYeJuIp32j7y_EneNsJHwp_M-HQuX4VYN6DlmfRQvwKebt-Gx-PmGIizuq1b0WnCyTPZktR3bozWgGG79qkLZQZMXNfGea2YH5CjNkYY_Wp-hlo/s1600/72332300_621405738263301_8562810859913478144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v_PadmPUScckcQjy1rOoSosvsYGeZcYeJuIp32j7y_EneNsJHwp_M-HQuX4VYN6DlmfRQvwKebt-Gx-PmGIizuq1b0WnCyTPZktR3bozWgGG79qkLZQZMXNfGea2YH5CjNkYY_Wp-hlo/s400/72332300_621405738263301_8562810859913478144_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both photos by Ian Norris.</span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">From the
arrival of the fuel at 10am it was all loaded by hand by 12.30 with the help of
Friends of Raymond (not me, but the last wooden narrow boat to be launched at Braunston
in 1958 from Nurser’s Yard). </span></span><a href="http://friendsofraymond.org.uk/the-friends-of-raymond">http://friendsofraymond.org.uk/the-friends-of-raymond</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stronghold was brought
into the arm as the pair were being clothed up and Howard kindly humped my six
fuel bags to my bow, where they were stacked in the well deck. I was told that Stronghold was now
in the way of marina business by Graham the foreman, so moved back onto my
previous mooring just outside, which was fortunately still free and had some
lunch. Meanwhile, the pair were now clothed up and had moved out and moored
just above the water point/stop house.<span class="eop"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgC5GCTaHskIfGDRGT4H2x5n9M8aJNnFxPsmPSJ4HsCVUNqCpOug0Gpq2TIDTZZsB9_E6wczeU3KSRMkHrVSMIO_E6JIdpzyB4R4HFW9CO0OPRjYlK5RlAV8dXKSqzDsxEIJbv069owmO/s1600/20191004_150531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgC5GCTaHskIfGDRGT4H2x5n9M8aJNnFxPsmPSJ4HsCVUNqCpOug0Gpq2TIDTZZsB9_E6wczeU3KSRMkHrVSMIO_E6JIdpzyB4R4HFW9CO0OPRjYlK5RlAV8dXKSqzDsxEIJbv069owmO/s400/20191004_150531.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now loaded and exiting the Marina. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Howard Williams is steering the motor.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_tAVil_o6064VGR4Gwa5flbZpr9i3I5iusNyeHa6EhtC9vC1rNmHYQ3nPXhPt8BGX0bz_uuBFAO2Y0DvcKmHKPwhHDFUkJtTwsbwhMRxMh2q9oIhZSU5vSTB9MU7vPGYvNTtjDj6x4RQ/s1600/20191004_150619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_tAVil_o6064VGR4Gwa5flbZpr9i3I5iusNyeHa6EhtC9vC1rNmHYQ3nPXhPt8BGX0bz_uuBFAO2Y0DvcKmHKPwhHDFUkJtTwsbwhMRxMh2q9oIhZSU5vSTB9MU7vPGYvNTtjDj6x4RQ/s400/20191004_150619.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you look closely, you will see that the inside </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">towing strap has been removed whilst this operation is in progress.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimMhSLCNjcj4CLs_O9jw1tXmcGnzGtUSazbmY3in7cAB1EBPn7zyj8ycDArdQRutDBOEC12Mth7jaeWoQugko_C_mxIZqS2k_Y8EFts9BmR9-cAFL59CnPSnVwm5NUo0JJ7NVPbU6VtDY/s1600/20191004_150650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimMhSLCNjcj4CLs_O9jw1tXmcGnzGtUSazbmY3in7cAB1EBPn7zyj8ycDArdQRutDBOEC12Mth7jaeWoQugko_C_mxIZqS2k_Y8EFts9BmR9-cAFL59CnPSnVwm5NUo0JJ7NVPbU6VtDY/s400/20191004_150650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heading for the Stop House with </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peter Lovatt steering the butty.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was
too tired to go to the pub with Howard and he felt exactly the same, so we
called it a day. Bear in mind that I had only made tea plus a little bit of
messing about on the boats – anno domini I suppose, whereas Howard had been
humping bags of fuel all day, I so was entitled to feel knackered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Saturday
5<sup>th</sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It was
that time again to let go for Napton and I wanted to be there before Nuneaton
and Brighton ascended the Napton flight of nine locks, so as to be able to do
some lock wheeling and help them up the flight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">However,
the best laid plans often go astray and it was my turn, or rather Stronghold’s.
The port side alternator belt was squeeling again as soon as I left the
mooring, even at 1,000rpm, which it had not done before. Eventually I decided
that there was no alternative than to pull in and tie up before investigating
further. Imagine my dismay when I squeezed the belt together and the alternator
almost fell off. It appeared that a bolt or bolt head had sheared off where the
alternator bracket is bolted to the engine, so I just removed the belt and left
it free. The engine was so hot and the bracket impossible to access by hanging
over the engine to the port side. This alternator powers the fridge and inverter
pair of batteries, so I could run without it for a while until it was fixed. Being
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>en route for Napton, I would pass Napton
Junction soon and Calcutt Boats was about ¾ mile up that turn towards Stockton,
so that was my decision to let someone else cope with it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I have mentioned
this lash up of a ‘dog’s breakfast’ a few time in the past and attempted to
tighten it all up; bolts have sheared several times too and replaced with high
tensile ones, but it will never be right unless the whole contraption is
redesigned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I phoned
Calcutt and they said that their fitter may be able to do something today, for
which I was thankful. I arrived at 12.30 and Ian the fitter came out straight
away to have a look. He removed the alternator completely from the bracket and
managed to bolt the bracket back on, explaining that is was only a temporary
affair and really needed to be genuinely sorted out, but the new belt was now
very tight indeed. I paid for an hours work and moved across to the lock waiting
area before checking with the digital voltmeter, only to find that it was not
charging at all. I had to reverse across and moor up again whilst Ian sussed
out that a wire was not attached and that was the end of it until the next time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I got
to Napton and had to wind before reversing onto an empty mooring, of which
there were plenty at 3pm. I wanted to buy another bottle of Apple Cider Brandy
from the Napton Cidery, but it was due to close at 4pm and I had to hurry up
the lane post haste, but made it with 10mins to spare. Imagine my surprise when
the lady told me it was all sold out, even in The Napton Village Stores! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A little later as I was about to get in the shower there was a knock on the boat and someone called my name. I quickly donned a dressing gown and went outside to see Julia from The Locker Company on the Wey - what a surprise. It appears that Stuart and she had bought another boat to hire out from a marina on the T & M and were in the process of bringing it back to their base.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">My
eldest daughter and fiancé arrived in good time and found me along the dark
towpath. After some help removing an old battery that I had been using for
ballast, we repaired to The Folly for a meal, having booked some days ago and a
good job I had, as it was heaving without even a vacant seat. The table was
eventually vacated and it was ours for the rest of the evening. The meal was
delicious and the requested extra crispy homemade double cooked chips even more
so. I had to congratulate Mark and Caroline on it before we parted company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndFllL8L6uauh1XIgBP3CJI78ambPN7RmZ0pGQJ1aWJPMO7wBecz9_55M2L7RsIstCATzEj5EYe-ubNjUnMuyzylCsq9HAZSoFJ-yuJJnF2PN3CoQPpqKkhbAt0NAbu3RJz-izHli8snn/s1600/IMG-20191006-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndFllL8L6uauh1XIgBP3CJI78ambPN7RmZ0pGQJ1aWJPMO7wBecz9_55M2L7RsIstCATzEj5EYe-ubNjUnMuyzylCsq9HAZSoFJ-yuJJnF2PN3CoQPpqKkhbAt0NAbu3RJz-izHli8snn/s400/IMG-20191006-WA0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having a good time in The Folly.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGrYpnwMlcxHjtncaVmBeG6VpUyHh9-hNpVhwZ8h9raALSekSU2zpDOAVYpNZYjmKnIzINO9zeilWeRQ4rsZEelPlJChMDuV2zwmviZGVQwaO32fkkBcc8Oc-Vx9Z4y0BnAQ7c71vdQtH/s1600/IMG-20191006-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGrYpnwMlcxHjtncaVmBeG6VpUyHh9-hNpVhwZ8h9raALSekSU2zpDOAVYpNZYjmKnIzINO9zeilWeRQ4rsZEelPlJChMDuV2zwmviZGVQwaO32fkkBcc8Oc-Vx9Z4y0BnAQ7c71vdQtH/s400/IMG-20191006-WA0000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a good idea, to store your junk on the ceiling......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDdFXL460HxPgHQHnM-v9EatPW7TY5w4lepXWew1714ogC9AJjvRGAaTIKWTv40BD2-GllQQXqQDEOfNn59skDtxE95nDkMTWdH3QRXSm2QhOvcUNZzb391pWJPBbcO8CH84Jm1m6W0wf/s1600/20191006_182832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDdFXL460HxPgHQHnM-v9EatPW7TY5w4lepXWew1714ogC9AJjvRGAaTIKWTv40BD2-GllQQXqQDEOfNn59skDtxE95nDkMTWdH3QRXSm2QhOvcUNZzb391pWJPBbcO8CH84Jm1m6W0wf/s400/20191006_182832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.....and even more. Landlord Mark with waistcoat, is holding </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">court <span style="font-size: 14pt;">at the far end, keeping his regulars amused.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-20817958160641581312019-09-18T11:49:00.000+01:002019-09-18T11:49:13.434+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 23<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A New Mooring.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Friday 13th September</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After checking a few facts about the buildings at
Sutton Stop and then publishing my blog, I let go, having decided to cruise down
the Coventry Arm to visit Tesco, close to the Ricoh Stadium. Another boater had
told me about it previously and indicated there was a mooring on the off side,
which he used when he shopped there. The visitor moorings , such as they are,
are on the towpath side just before Bridge 8, but the bridge cannot be seen
from these moorings, so best plan is to go as far as Bridge 6A, where there is
a winding hole, turn and return to the Armco mooring just above Bridge 8. It is
then just a short walk over the bridge and down the Foleshill Rd. to the Tesco
store, which is enormous, but if you know Tesco, this one is laid out the same
as the rest of them. I think I found the offside mooring, which appears to be
well trodden, but I imagine the distance to walk to the store is about the same
as the one I was on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I had a leak in the secondary fuel filter, which
had dripped onto a paper tell tale placed underneath. I was tempted to release
the filter and twist it to re-bed it on the rubber seal, which would mean all
that bleeding through to the injectors again, which I was very reluctant to do,
but I noticed a drip from the top union by chance and tightened them up
further, which I hoped would solve that problem. Sure enough, the tell tale
showed no further drips at another check.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">By now the time was getting on and I returned to
Suttons and found a prized vacant mooring just above the lock at 3.30pm, having
decided to stay here for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIIyVKM8umhYN0KF8nFfGnXvfctOSUBRdyIOZkyJM4tDRyi-LzAzxXa1WrcyBg4SIBkyFOzHXiIf9p1PUe-BjwgHFrkup4Vu_3jjGmVnJYRL_VNLegWt0jqZWhsKzhua6JLd3_EUhCKUR/s1600/20190913_162927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIIyVKM8umhYN0KF8nFfGnXvfctOSUBRdyIOZkyJM4tDRyi-LzAzxXa1WrcyBg4SIBkyFOzHXiIf9p1PUe-BjwgHFrkup4Vu_3jjGmVnJYRL_VNLegWt0jqZWhsKzhua6JLd3_EUhCKUR/s400/20190913_162927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any ideas what these are? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are cast iron and close by the Toll Office at Sutton's.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thinking about the Coventry Arm, there have been
considerable changes since I had been down it about 10 yrs ago. There is now
far less detritus in the cut and no plastic bags, so I had nothing around the
blades, as expected. A great deal of house building has taken place on brown
field sites, so it is far less industrial and in some places, quite rural.
Needless to say, I was impressed and quite tempted to travel as far as the
Basin on some future occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U3MjGei_hqWm0bY9ZwWleGsraPYtE2HpZIw183D6RlNPyKmufZMuHQCSi7ctvEJ1A_mqX-a6p1F5t5657mt68Jl2ZYPeZhWVNLQ_gcwrVg4D7a2SGoRXEDE8TQxbSM0BSdh5fB4d_bpm/s1600/20190913_140835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U3MjGei_hqWm0bY9ZwWleGsraPYtE2HpZIw183D6RlNPyKmufZMuHQCSi7ctvEJ1A_mqX-a6p1F5t5657mt68Jl2ZYPeZhWVNLQ_gcwrVg4D7a2SGoRXEDE8TQxbSM0BSdh5fB4d_bpm/s400/20190913_140835.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Quite rural along the Coventry Arm.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Saturday 14<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was a chilly morning with my breath condensing
in the air and only 10</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">º</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">C inside the cabin, but the forecast
was for a fine and sunny day of about 20</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">º</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> C, which is ideal cruising weather and it turned out to be true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Although it was time to move on towards Rugby, I had
to do the usual engine checks and top up the tank with water opposite. While
that was filling, I went to see if there was anyone at the Toll House, because
I wanted to know about the cast iron weights that I saw there yesterday. Sure
enough, there was a volunteer on duty and he informed me that they were the
sockets at the bottom of the hinge pins of lock gates, so another problem
solved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Finally departing at 11am, it was nearly 12 miles
to Newbold and took 4 hours on an uneventful trip, stopping just above All Oak
Wood to make a sandwich and hot drink. I made coffee as I was
travelling, by using </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">the rather laborious Italian style stove top coffee pot.This time I used </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">an alternative method of using a coffee bag in the cup, which is far quicker and less messy. I have to admit to being a coffee
snob and refuse to drink instant coffee, unless it is offered by someone else,
when it would be churlish to refuse. However, this Taylors coffee in a bag is
very good, although rather expensive for the amount that you get.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Finally reaching Newbold, I found a mooring at 3pm,
although there were not many vacant spaces and at this time of the year, I did
expect more. Having moored up securely, I had a pint in The Barley Mow and a
snooze after the exertions of the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Not much going on today, except for moving into
Rugby Wharf this afternoon to finalise the agreement to take the mooring on for
a year, which we will do on Monday. I am quite looking forward to a change of
scenery, mooring and meeting new people. Also, being off line, there will only
be hire boats passing on their way to and from the base at the end, as well as
a few coming in for fuel etc,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There were a few sunny spells this morning, but by
midday it had clouded over, but there was no wind and the day was still quite
warm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I did some touching up of the paintwork now that
the boat was moored with the damaged side to the bank and surprisingly, the
paint was still liquid after a few years, but there was no catalyst as that had
gone off<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a long time ago, so I will have
to rely on time for it to harden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I set off for the wharf at 3.30 and was soon there.
I winded at the end of the arm, but the mooring allocated to me was occupied by
another boat, so I had to moor in the only available space on the off side,
which was beneath a tree where I moored a couple of years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Whilst winding, I had a word with one of the
occupants and later came up to introduce myself to Margaret and Dave and a
little later to Lisa. They assured me that it was a very friendly community and
there were several live aboards there, looking out for each other and the boats.
I was quite buoyed up by that as I thought it would be so. I also had a few
words with the couple on nb Sultan, who live here and are still working. Several
Willow Wren boats were now moored up for the winter on the towpath side, which
were not there previously, but I had been warned of this previously in the
office, so I might not be able to escape easily in the winter months, although
I did not move last winter on my Wey mooring, except to get water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">A </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">360</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">º</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> view of the Arm can be seen here:- </span></span><a href="http://www.rugbywharf.com/photos.htm">http://www.rugbywharf.com/photos.htm</a></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-11386958627695082762019-09-13T10:59:00.000+01:002019-09-13T10:59:16.169+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Return to Sutton Stop</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Monday 9<sup>th</sup> September <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Rain was forecast for area for most of the day and by now I had moved
further south to Hartshill and The Anchor Inn, where I was obliged to go to
publish this blog on their wi-fi as there was nothing available surrounding the
boat. I had intended to get to Sutton Stop today, but that meant getting a good
soaking once again and I was not prepared to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">However, the rain ceased about midday and I set off. It was a very quiet
run with very few other boats about and I suppose the reason is that the main holiday
season is now closing down. Moorings at Sutton's on the other hand, were very
few close to the junction and of course many boats were 10 to 20 ft apart, but
I did find a gap behind the first boat close to the narrows and wondered if I
could squeeze in. I reversed with the stern in the gap and pulled in on the
centre line to find that with the stern button kindly raised on the boat behind
by the captain, it just fitted with a couple of inches to spare, so I had a
pint in The Greyhound to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sutton Stop with the pub, junction, engine house and four water points
it is always an interesting place to watch other boats get around the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">180</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">º </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">turn,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> and to
meet other boaters. It has only one stop lock where the Coventry Canal meets
the North Oxford Canal, which has a rise in water level of only 6 ins. This was
because the water level of one canal was higher than that of the other one. It
also separated one canal from another and the companies of the day were
unwilling to share their water. It was also named after the family of lock keepers and not the toll clerks, as I thought. They gauged the boats to apply duty to the owners for the cargo they carried on
company water. Needless to say, it is a very busy place for gongoozling boat
movements and showing off when taking a pair of boats around the turn when the
punters at the pub are sitting out on the patio.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckNdSu1Cf5iKBStWqCJA64RsMPyIbZbAhL9IiS_Ho4q-VS3qm2WRT5yacVPr_WzCHOb_tvOaUC8xuabPecDGJeCnr6LgoxP_grO4gwGhHBaqpAA3d1WrGNCcUTX3c8F3HkiDa4DKchjcW/s1600/20190910_165631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckNdSu1Cf5iKBStWqCJA64RsMPyIbZbAhL9IiS_Ho4q-VS3qm2WRT5yacVPr_WzCHOb_tvOaUC8xuabPecDGJeCnr6LgoxP_grO4gwGhHBaqpAA3d1WrGNCcUTX3c8F3HkiDa4DKchjcW/s640/20190910_165631.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1sNsNM8ibeXv9VD1lHVbjEeXNfWp6575s_n1LGYO9Cx0n3X9wmxYRDMeFRF7G9YZfTVpxw38Pb-NEgw1Y6TMUsrdpH0C9GIvP746LZsipuYP_vw5EZwQNrrIUkMkIKb_9-QsjGkLLSTM/s1600/20190910_165525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1sNsNM8ibeXv9VD1lHVbjEeXNfWp6575s_n1LGYO9Cx0n3X9wmxYRDMeFRF7G9YZfTVpxw38Pb-NEgw1Y6TMUsrdpH0C9GIvP746LZsipuYP_vw5EZwQNrrIUkMkIKb_9-QsjGkLLSTM/s640/20190910_165525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Views from the junction bridge of the Coventry Canal on the left going to Fradley</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the North Oxford Canal on the right heading south.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSwl6RG5FoL7GH8TsODfS_4tgGMJMjwavtoLnRiy_w5R9FYAGTR0eMNXzRZOfElMIwZ_ZodMrZGa4D700AzRGX3GPm6MXwcpPq10GDW7kWrJR8urArBJyImr-U5JSkzVPFRa518_pNzew/s1600/20190910_165314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSwl6RG5FoL7GH8TsODfS_4tgGMJMjwavtoLnRiy_w5R9FYAGTR0eMNXzRZOfElMIwZ_ZodMrZGa4D700AzRGX3GPm6MXwcpPq10GDW7kWrJR8urArBJyImr-U5JSkzVPFRa518_pNzew/s400/20190910_165314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Junction bridge and the turn from The Greyhoun</span>d.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyURnEpp4fmOGkMAttPlw-jhFrlOzxtEBWd20mCtcu_pS6qtWXVEMKHe7ukRoMlyCBCaG2OEowR9jfpRt3Nm2yjstwtJlkSP_0mvvceavH-pnVZP9vmc40cnTtKSkd0pOOzUrLLJFhwItF/s1600/20190910_164935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyURnEpp4fmOGkMAttPlw-jhFrlOzxtEBWd20mCtcu_pS6qtWXVEMKHe7ukRoMlyCBCaG2OEowR9jfpRt3Nm2yjstwtJlkSP_0mvvceavH-pnVZP9vmc40cnTtKSkd0pOOzUrLLJFhwItF/s400/20190910_164935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Greyhound from junction bridge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JbITy7a4L5BO96QUf80RjpO7T52rBD8NUloOYG9grAqU7_Dt0RhuQqAq-fRBceUDmDju3MrEz9SDY2EkHzUsHu5u_Kk20fNuauQtEMXw3UWeUcIPSZ_6bsorkFg3VRxIc7Upl3DsN0Z9/s1600/20190910_165500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JbITy7a4L5BO96QUf80RjpO7T52rBD8NUloOYG9grAqU7_Dt0RhuQqAq-fRBceUDmDju3MrEz9SDY2EkHzUsHu5u_Kk20fNuauQtEMXw3UWeUcIPSZ_6bsorkFg3VRxIc7Upl3DsN0Z9/s400/20190910_165500.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Coventry and Toll Office next to the narrows, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where boats were gauged on their loads.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrElJzJYvImnsl31nWbRXE1dlrKktsP42R4bDL7pADTvgNl9hX559UHwwygB1x8_xXbCkX9lFAnNwIyCuGhmHZSDx9ooZg4vTNOw-kM7hlHPmT8hyphenhyphenIke90DKUj-W1jtJD6pAOLS84qX87/s1600/20190910_165025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrElJzJYvImnsl31nWbRXE1dlrKktsP42R4bDL7pADTvgNl9hX559UHwwygB1x8_xXbCkX9lFAnNwIyCuGhmHZSDx9ooZg4vTNOw-kM7hlHPmT8hyphenhyphenIke90DKUj-W1jtJD6pAOLS84qX87/s400/20190910_165025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original pumping engine house, which housed a </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newcomen pumping engine named "Lady Godiva."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7u8f6IRvVr8PwntVqpWbe9BkvlowgV5yO5erYbVdHofQ44AbWTndHvM1GYORxwbD8vvRBGNuq_Zp78_P49Q69Q2WxhMEUW3yAtdyMA6Nk24JQCVxOSQOCdzQ5oYgYB8wvtWtZQ6R0FJV/s1600/20190910_164919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7u8f6IRvVr8PwntVqpWbe9BkvlowgV5yO5erYbVdHofQ44AbWTndHvM1GYORxwbD8vvRBGNuq_Zp78_P49Q69Q2WxhMEUW3yAtdyMA6Nk24JQCVxOSQOCdzQ5oYgYB8wvtWtZQ6R0FJV/s400/20190910_164919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entering the Stop Lock.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Tuesday 10<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Not much going on today, although the squealing
from the alternator belts was getting annoying every time I started up the
engine. That is the time when the domestic batteries are low and the
alternators try and produce maximum current for recharging. It settles down
after a while and it is better if the engine is run at minimum revs during that
period, but only if moored up of course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sometimes the operation goes better than other time
and this was one of the awkward ones. Firstly, all the junk stored in the
engine ‘ole has to be removed so that I have access to the alternators. Because
the BMC was an original vehicle engine (London black cab and Sherpa van), there
was only one alternator fitted, but two is better than one on a marine engine,
so there was another one fitted on the port side, which in the words of Calcutt
marine is usually a bit of a ‘dog’s breakfast’. Both belts needed tightening and
by now I knew which spanners were required, so set to, using a big spanner as a
lever to get them really tight. Being at the front of the engine, not only is it
a tight squeeze to get there, but there is considerable leaning over the engine
to get to the dog’s breakfast on the other side, which means that the engine
must not be too hot. Having now done the job, it was time to start up and see
what difference it made, and like previous times the squealing was no longer
there and the rev counter registered straight away when the alternator coils
were excited – job done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was also time to change the two diesel filters
by now, as I had extended the time limit to 1,000 hrs, instead of the usual 600
as recommended in the handbook, where only one filter is fitted. Had I been
going on the Rivers Thames or Trent, I would have changed them before departure,
but on the canal system, the worst that could happen was that the engine would
misfire and most probably stop, so there was no danger of being uncontrollable
on a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fast flowing or tidal river.
However, I had enough of getting in and out of the engine’ ole for today and
would leave that job for Wednesday. Time for a bit of R and R in the pub.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> September <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The lady on the boat moored behind me had given me
a small pot of homemade blackberry jam yesterday, which I thought was a very generous
gift, so I had it on toast for breakfast and it certainly was delicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was time to bite the bullet and change those
filters today. I had done this several times previously at 600 hrs and had bled
the engine right up to the injectors previously by turning the engine over on
the starter motor, but this tends to knock out the battery and heat up the
starter solenoid as well as a possibility of burning out the starter motor,
which would be an expensive and inconvenient problem. This time I was going to
use the mechanical fuel pump only……. well that was the intention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Replacing the filters was no problem, but bleeding
the air out of the system was a real bugger and something I was not looking
forward to. A guy walking along the towpath told me that the BMC with a rotary
injection pump was the worst engine of all to bleed – thanks for that
encouragement! The problem was actually working the fuel pump lever by hand to
get the fuel through, because the pump moves such a small quantity at a time.
The first filter can be bled easily, because it is first in line from the tank
and so is gravity fed, but the one after the pump is not. With that one done, I
moved on to the injector pump and bled it through the two bleed screws.
According to my information, the engine would now fire and so it did……for two
or three seconds! Now I had air in the injector lines, so they had to be
cleared by loosening the unions at the injectors. I had by now got sick of
pumping by hand, so turned over the engine until fuel appeared at the injectors.
Two unions were tightened before more engine revs, but the lump refused to fire,
so I tightened another union and this time it did fire up on three cylinders,
so whilst it was running I did up the final one – success at last and that had
taken up the whole afternoon. If and when this needs to be done again, I shall
get it done at a boatyard; to me it is not worth the hassle and discomfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After a quick shower, I was due to meet up with my
daughter and fiancé at The Greyhound for a meal, but I was so tired that half
my main course was taken home in a doggy bag. No complaints about the food,
which is always good there and we had a very good evening of conversation and
laughter. How I wish that this was my local pub. Just to add that it is never
empty and must be a goldmine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thursday 12<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I had not written up my blog since Monday, so that
was to be done, along with booking a train home next week and making sure of a
mooring during that time in Rugby Wharf. There was a long list of e-mails to be
read or erased, because no action was taken yesterday, but it all got done
eventually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Although the weather was promising at the start of
the day, it became more cloudy and windy during the afternoon and was not good
boating conditions, so I abandoned any movement until Friday, making it more or
less a day in the office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-34275041162983869372019-09-08T18:24:00.001+01:002019-09-08T18:30:35.881+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 21<h3>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Meal at The Swan and lots of cars.</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Saturday 31</span><sup style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> August</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strange weather this morning when it began clouded over and windy, then
a cloudburst later after I moored up, before the sun appeared and was very
pleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I did Shadehouse <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lock solo and
then there were volunteers at the remaining 3 locks and I tied up on the
waterpoint to fill the tank, before moving across the cut for a longer stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The meal in The Swan with my eldest daughter and her fiancé was very
good and all home cooked. Pizzas made of homemade dough and the crab dish was
extremely good with chips and salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 1<sup>st</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another rest day, so it was a late start. I had some cooking apples
hanging about and just needed some blackberries to enhance them when cooked up.
I found them on the Coventry near the swing bridge and got enough before popping
into The Swan for a pint. I had a long chat with some other boaters on the next
table and we compared notes on a few selfish boaters who insisted on mooring up
several feet apart and other aspects of life on the cut, but nobody mentioned
toilets or batteries!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back on board, it was time to do some cooking for a few days ahead,
including the apples, potatoes and some leeks. I intended having a BBQ this evening
to cook a sirloin steak and some sausages that were left over. It is difficult
trying to balance what is left over in the fridge and what is freshly purchased,
as I do dislike throwing food away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is time to think about another visit back home and I am hoping that I
can book a week’s mooring in Shobnall Basin. If that proves impossible then I
have a backup at Mercia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday 2<sup>nd</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I let go after emptying any rubbish and headed back towards Alrewas.
There were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>volunteers on duty this
morning, but I was lucky with other boats coming towards me, which saved me
either closing the bottom gates or having to stop and open top gates – as the
old boaters used to say, “It were a good road.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I pulled in at Alrewas, being in two minds whether to stop there or not
and there were not many vacant places in the centre. However, I did pull in
between two other boats on the piling and two other boaters had by this time,
asked me if there were vacant moorings in Fradley, of which there were several,
which indicates just how popular it is there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tuesday 3<sup>rd</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first thing I had discovered this morning was that I had run out of
gas. I had not renewed the empty cylinder when I changed over bottles, so now
there was none at all. I did think that this was rather strange, as the previous
bottle had lasted over a year.I had to fall back on using the microwave for my
morning cuppa, but it worked out OK and I even made a cup of coffee in it later
by using a coffee bag, which I keep in reserve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I now had to think of where to get more gas, either by going on to Burton,
or backtracking towards Rugby and decided on the latter as I also wanted an
easier train journey home in the next couple of weeks. The train from Burton involved
more changes and of course cost more, being that much further from home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Winding the boat would involve moving in reverse for a considerable
distance past several other moored boats, so I went forward through Alrewas
Lock onto the Trent where I reckoned that I could turn at the end of the lock
cut. The river flowed in at that point and it was not an easy manoeuvre, but I
got round using full revs before going back into the lock. The alternative to
this operation was to travel the half mile of river section and wind beyond
Wychnor Lock, which would have taken an hour at least.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBaKlPsp-BE2xIvatN7x2wIJMAaqLDe7rexx3mZxp1zD9JCa4iLw9whkVzWgl86qNqzxZsBv840lmJIaOwhUN-inai8O_wMgzL94ZxJuhcLOhnkjPbrlm0ZpuqYh5CnUNBnlo3hr7W6AE/s1600/20190902_114028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBaKlPsp-BE2xIvatN7x2wIJMAaqLDe7rexx3mZxp1zD9JCa4iLw9whkVzWgl86qNqzxZsBv840lmJIaOwhUN-inai8O_wMgzL94ZxJuhcLOhnkjPbrlm0ZpuqYh5CnUNBnlo3hr7W6AE/s400/20190902_114028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another boat left abandoned to CRT to get rid of.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back up through the locks to the Junction, where I turned left on the
Coventry Canal to Streethay Wharf, where I could get gas and diesel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vunrk9pS30/XXIn-ZKgzLI/AAAAAAAAGiA/4gQkVOOrHZoK8o2onGd6vq5BpyEGNuKFQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190903_141226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vunrk9pS30/XXIn-ZKgzLI/AAAAAAAAGiA/4gQkVOOrHZoK8o2onGd6vq5BpyEGNuKFQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190903_141226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Mucky Duck at Fradley.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had never stopped here before and was amazed at the amount of stuff in
their chandlery, some of which had been there for many years judging by the
amount of dust on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Onwards to Huddlesford Junction where I pulled in for the night and to
have a look at The Plough, another pub I had never patronised and very pleasant
it was too although the beer at over £4 a pint was more expensive than the
Midlands norm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wednesday 4<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The morning was spent writing up this blog and answering e-mails, so I
did not get away until midday, with the intention of getting as far as Alvecote.
It was an incident free day but extremely windy and was good to occasionally get
in the wind shadow of trees and bushes, but despite that the cut changed
direction as it weaved about, so sometimes it was blowing on the stern – not a
day for brimmed hats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6qDI59YoZo/XXIoM1MdQ5I/AAAAAAAAGiA/iI47bzgsKssXmErqUomIeHHQKehAokD2ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190904_150634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6qDI59YoZo/XXIoM1MdQ5I/AAAAAAAAGiA/iI47bzgsKssXmErqUomIeHHQKehAokD2ACPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190904_150634.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A most unusual wind turbine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I arrived at The Samuel Barlow at 5pm and had no difficulty getting on a
vacant mooring as the wind pushed the boat in the right direction and into the
bank. There are several working boats here, which I suspect are going to the
Huddlesford Heritage Gathering on 20<sup>th</sup> and 21<sup>st</sup> September,
including nb Darley owned by Blossom Edge, who has been boating since he was a
boy, but we don’t see a lot of him nowadays. </span><a href="http://darley135.blogspot.com/">http://darley135.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 5<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I departed Alvecote about 10am in sunny but windy
conditions and on occasions it was quite cold when the sun disappeared. I
passed Grendon dry dock thinking of the hours I had spent in there blacking
Nuneaton and Brighton. A man was signwriting a boat and I think it was Dean Box
who did the work on Stronghold, but not quite sure if it was or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3W4IoGwAfA/XXIohmgZDlI/AAAAAAAAGiA/cgLKb_Drk0kW4fqfMgoYLNmFaosoz5UXACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190905_120422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3W4IoGwAfA/XXIohmgZDlI/AAAAAAAAGiA/cgLKb_Drk0kW4fqfMgoYLNmFaosoz5UXACPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190905_120422.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had no wish to push this floating tree along.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was soon in Polesworth and only stopped to make some
coffee and have a sandwich, before heading for Atherstone and up the 11 locks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was fortunate in
that the first five locks were not only in my favour, but there were boats
heading down some of them, although the sixth was against me (it was full) and had
to be emptied before I could enter. By this time another boat with crew, had
caught me up and I was ready for a rest, so pulled in on the empty visitor
moorings below Lock 5, tied up and had a well deserved pint in The King’s Head
across the bridge. This pub was closed for a few years, but after restoration,
it seems to be thriving as it is canalside, which is good news in view of all
the pubs that have closed in recent years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a shower, I phoned Eric who lives in the town to see
if he was going for a drink, but he is at the Slough Festival. I met a man dog
walking on the towpath, who told me that there was a classic car festival here
in the town at the weekend, but after researching it online, most of the cars
were within my lifetime so they could be of interest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 6<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I walked up to the Co-Op to get a few essentials, but did
most of the shopping in Aldi, which I had forgotten was here. In comparison
with the Co-Op, Aldi easily outstripped them in popularity and all the tills
were in operation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was time now to tackle the last five locks of the
Atherstone flight, but this time I was following another boat, so all the locks
were against me and had to be emptied before I could go in. Once again they
were all, bar the top lock, done using the Jacko Method, as I now call it,
because it was taught to me by John Jackson of nb Roach. Briefly described, as
I have done so before, the boat is taken out of gear as it enters the tail of
the lock and I step off at a suitable point with windlass in hand. Leaving the
bottom gates open, I walk up to the top and when the boat is a about 6 to 10ft
from the top cill, I draw half to a full paddle. This stops the boat and holds
it in position, while I walk down and close the bottom gates, before returning
to draw the remaining paddles. The method works on single locks only and all those
ascending into Birmingham, but not on the Aylesbury Flight, where the boat
needs to be left in gear and on tickover to keep it on the top cill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lock 1 was of course done by the volunteers and I pulled
into the water point to fill the tank. By now I was saturated once more by a
sudden cloudburst as I was filling Lock 2, with nowhere to take shelter and had
to change all my outer clothing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once watered up, there were ample moorings to be had and I
pulled in to share a ring with another boat. The stern line was attached and
the centre line was on the bank, but a boat named Manxman steamed past at such
a rate of knots that my bow was pulled into the centre of the cut and struck
his stern, despite me trying to hold the centre line. I shouted, “SLOW DOWN”, but
by this time it was too late. I absolutely abhor these selfish bastards, who
are so inconsiderate to others trying to moor up – they know how difficult it
is when others come past and you can always see when mooring up is taking place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Howard Williams came past on Nuneaton later and I was curious
as to where he was taking her without the butty in tow. I did find out when we
had a chat later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 7<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I badly need to wash the bedclothes and considered them to be too much
for the twin tub to cope with. I had been on the lookout for a launderette for
a while and at last I found one in Atherstone. Surprisingly, I had walked past
it several times, but thought by the title that it was more dry cleaners and
service wash, but not so because I could do my own washing there. I thought
Braunston Marina was expensive, but this one was only £1 less for wash and dry.
Because I have no spare sheets, they have to be dried immediately after washng
so that they can go back on the bed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whilst waiting, I had a half pint of
Imperial Russian Stout, which is brewed by Marston’s in small quantities. Being
8% ABV, it would not be sensible to have a pint and was like a meal in a glass and very flavoursome. I had a long chat with Shane, the landlord about pubs that we both had in common
and both being friends of Eric, we seemed to gel straight away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The rest of the afternoon was spent tidying up inside the boat, before I
went to The Maid of the Mill for a pint. Very much a locals pub, where most
customers seemed to know one another. It was noisy with two TVs going as well
as loud musak. It is many years since I last went there and although it has
been taken over and improved since then, it is still not a place I would
frequent again, but it went on my database all the same, where there are now
134 pubs listed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For the first time, I lit the new Morso stove, but could not get a decent draw with the restricting bracket stopping the ash door from opening when the top door was closed. I decided to unscrew it, but the screws were riveted on the inside and could not be unscrewed, so I set to with a hacksaw and cut it off. Now I could get a decent draught through the grate and the fire burned fine, but gently as is was the first firing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 8<sup>th</sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today was the annual Atherstone Motor Show for classic cars and the weather
was good with the sun shining and no wind. Several roads are closed for this
event as they are taken over for display purposes and the crowds were out in
force in the sunshine. Most of the cars were from the period in my lifetime,
but there was a handful of older cars from the 1930’s. Motorbikes were also included,
as well as few campervans. Most of the shops were open for business and the
food outlets were doing a roaring trade. In the Market Square, there was a very
loud disco and a few solo buskers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qHNN57y1Gk/XXUV7bJBDEI/AAAAAAAAGjY/QPZk_-BgpFA1w6QQbKXmGxdResgVxg6QwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_112648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qHNN57y1Gk/XXUV7bJBDEI/AAAAAAAAGjY/QPZk_-BgpFA1w6QQbKXmGxdResgVxg6QwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190908_112648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AC Cobra?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6SIAsIBlJ0/XXUWNNwSy7I/AAAAAAAAGkI/pTLvRGAPG1ADc_TyvNbUK3M2rYmTF4LbgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_112716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6SIAsIBlJ0/XXUWNNwSy7I/AAAAAAAAGkI/pTLvRGAPG1ADc_TyvNbUK3M2rYmTF4LbgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190908_112716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Austin Metropolitan.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzc4Z2ltpGI/XXUWSQeIm3I/AAAAAAAAGkI/599ec-z-9SYmp6w-JAdj2fzrEL2R1wCbgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_112820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzc4Z2ltpGI/XXUWSQeIm3I/AAAAAAAAGkI/599ec-z-9SYmp6w-JAdj2fzrEL2R1wCbgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190908_112820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not sure what this is.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrNUc0qWk0Q/XXUWcLndZPI/AAAAAAAAGkI/D0-aizwj368Yja-gMreGtmZDYyYdAHgnwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrNUc0qWk0Q/XXUWcLndZPI/AAAAAAAAGkI/D0-aizwj368Yja-gMreGtmZDYyYdAHgnwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190908_113026.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Shirley.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrwM9NvXmr4/XXUWXXX0IYI/AAAAAAAAGkI/TrBfQpDogic6kbBBTqBluAMEfH7XjyyzwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrwM9NvXmr4/XXUWXXX0IYI/AAAAAAAAGkI/TrBfQpDogic6kbBBTqBluAMEfH7XjyyzwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190908_113007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.....so the badge says.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgP8C-62G20/XXUWjO3gW-I/AAAAAAAAGkI/6t8GKh9eNhgSjPQVK_jKhqpJqdnxsWr6QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgP8C-62G20/XXUWjO3gW-I/AAAAAAAAGkI/6t8GKh9eNhgSjPQVK_jKhqpJqdnxsWr6QCPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_113033.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bogus policeman with </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
two tone horn going full blast.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiV39x1-OYA/XXUWnosvmsI/AAAAAAAAGkI/KwipkxWQP4UX_itJ4ot9xBKS8sAvEWCWACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiV39x1-OYA/XXUWnosvmsI/AAAAAAAAGkI/KwipkxWQP4UX_itJ4ot9xBKS8sAvEWCWACPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_113219.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jaguar XK 140. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even the radiator cap was polished up.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xnjX0MkqSY/XXUWr0mSTLI/AAAAAAAAGkI/wwqBhyL-u-QmTR1FBWHZNH8EVib1mNcBACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xnjX0MkqSY/XXUWr0mSTLI/AAAAAAAAGkI/wwqBhyL-u-QmTR1FBWHZNH8EVib1mNcBACPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190908_113231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Engine of above.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIU2VObHbao/XXUWup5nnpI/AAAAAAAAGkI/QQlvkXifaPESIUo4INoKPvrVfIDYWLFWACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIU2VObHbao/XXUWup5nnpI/AAAAAAAAGkI/QQlvkXifaPESIUo4INoKPvrVfIDYWLFWACPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_113316.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
XK 140.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDposMSsevc/XXUWzmjjMuI/AAAAAAAAGkI/3_qOQnWoOwAML0WemmDDnKxg2TyR0SFrQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_113351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDposMSsevc/XXUWzmjjMuI/AAAAAAAAGkI/3_qOQnWoOwAML0WemmDDnKxg2TyR0SFrQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_113351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rear end of a beautiful car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFgjkMni-Sg/XXUW6Vc0qrI/AAAAAAAAGkI/K2GIJ5ScMrkDGHUZHonIp1AHUBEUsRYmgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_114049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFgjkMni-Sg/XXUW6Vc0qrI/AAAAAAAAGkI/K2GIJ5ScMrkDGHUZHonIp1AHUBEUsRYmgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_114049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Lambretta.........would you believe?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr2ESzfiRSg/XXUXBavdaPI/AAAAAAAAGkI/XxeTGRyOqak-RxYmFkIon6xjLjqNiHfdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_115600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr2ESzfiRSg/XXUXBavdaPI/AAAAAAAAGkI/XxeTGRyOqak-RxYmFkIon6xjLjqNiHfdgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_115600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A very busy place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NsBF9qgr-g/XXUlDezrngI/AAAAAAAAGkg/b5BCXuyBgR0_AKeEYrXScJRuDW_0aLR7ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190908_120544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NsBF9qgr-g/XXUlDezrngI/AAAAAAAAGkg/b5BCXuyBgR0_AKeEYrXScJRuDW_0aLR7ACPcBGAYYCw/s400/20190908_120544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Engine of replica E Type Jaguar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent two hours walking around the cars, before having a final pint in The Angel and heading off towards Hartshill, where there were ample moorings outside The Anchor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-52415060531663592042019-08-31T18:31:00.002+01:002019-09-08T10:45:28.298+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 20<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Minor Mishaps</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 29<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had time to spare now, so pulled the pins and headed for Rugeley. which
is an old market town with a wealth of supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrison’s
and Aldi as well as a myriad of smaller shops and all of them are just a short
distance from the cut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was waiting for an hour and half to enter Middle Lock at Fradley,
being the last of six boats, but once through, there was only one boat ahead on
the next lock layby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL05A3UNF3PjvO4mmhX2RC51MEcdabddgik5tADqls73iExDkngMYojTsjtsDRGef1utY6CDAOZQiIm5E-mI6_wHdaSuhDVxXYrrzoadZol-c-xJJyXj68L2IGu3hvEurfHtV6k1-tfhA/s1600/20190828_113451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL05A3UNF3PjvO4mmhX2RC51MEcdabddgik5tADqls73iExDkngMYojTsjtsDRGef1utY6CDAOZQiIm5E-mI6_wHdaSuhDVxXYrrzoadZol-c-xJJyXj68L2IGu3hvEurfHtV6k1-tfhA/s400/20190828_113451.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Very narrow bridge 'oles on the T&M.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The other piece of bad news was the bow caught on a projection on the
sill of Shadehouse Lock and snapped one of the supporting fixings on the tipcat.
It is designed to break if it does catch up, as it is held in position by a
piece of cord, but the tipcat was now hanging in the water by the two side
chains and would be better removed, rather than left hanging there and the
sooner the better, so I pulled into the layby and managed to release the side
chains and get it off, being that much heavier than normal after being in the
water. I can fix it back on easily enough, if I can support the weight on the
stern of another boat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apart from that the remainder of the trip was uneventful and in sunshine
most of the time and I arrived in the town about 5pm. Having been here several
times in the past, moorings are normally hard to find, especially this late in
the afternoon, but surprisingly there were many free spaces. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found
Wetherspoons in the town and as it was Curry Night, I indulged with a Chicken Korma,
because the Lamb Rogan had sold out. Although I tried out their Table Service
of ordering by using the ‘Spoons app, but abandoned it after it refused to show
an alternative offered on the printed menu and went to the bar instead. Although
it was only Thursday, the place was extremely busy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 30<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was to be a sincere shopping day at Tesco in Rugeley. I was living from
hand to mouth on board, not having been to a decent store for ages, so two
shopping expeditions where to be made. It is fortunate that the store is very
close to my mooring. On the way back from Tesco, I saw a guy that I knew from some
previous time on a mooring and then remembered his boat is called Namaste and
placed him last at Willington where we chatted about his boat mostly and his
Gardner engine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having now stocked up, it was time to move off, but first I had to wind
the boat at the nearest winding hole, which was a mile away across the River Trent
aqueduct. All went well until I tried to turn Stronghold, but the wind at that
point was extra strong with no trees or bushes to slow it down and kept undoing
what I had just managed to achieve. I did get round eventually, after holding
up another following boat and headed back the way I had come, which took just
over an hour to get back to where I had been moored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-cq1GqBdFhqaF6K8t0BywfPDeBHI_oPW-VSD-w5FV1DRSr1yaQUiW7iqKsYNtcTjFQcOdJh7zMBKwm_w0zyIkUJsRI1gE7EiaOHyGw24wABOo1WideG8T0yY8SHSULW0IHG3_5aYV8WI/s1600/20190830_134527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-cq1GqBdFhqaF6K8t0BywfPDeBHI_oPW-VSD-w5FV1DRSr1yaQUiW7iqKsYNtcTjFQcOdJh7zMBKwm_w0zyIkUJsRI1gE7EiaOHyGw24wABOo1WideG8T0yY8SHSULW0IHG3_5aYV8WI/s400/20190830_134527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have passed this boat every year somewhere on the cut,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> but never talked to the owner or ever seen him.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EnCQvXOKN3TlpWdBGc2nNz405H3f-xJTMomwi7Y_xutOszwNx7swFp7DJzFoaPjRywpxlBrSUsBxlcsewCE6a9jhazYVX51UTe9VTdH6uZ3-3EbGveVxyjxrQ6P6oiEME6YoQZimytKg/s1600/20190830_133005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EnCQvXOKN3TlpWdBGc2nNz405H3f-xJTMomwi7Y_xutOszwNx7swFp7DJzFoaPjRywpxlBrSUsBxlcsewCE6a9jhazYVX51UTe9VTdH6uZ3-3EbGveVxyjxrQ6P6oiEME6YoQZimytKg/s400/20190830_133005.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A famous crime committed at Brindley Bank.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeCGwERP3_Sz4_8huYjy-Bw7obLRMb0HE_G7FNmILqgtnejPtsLv_aQtTyKo0mB6J9taLjPm5oyFO72BQcKglPFjr3YAdJA8onR0YWqIYHXn4FtQ6zsUT0stv5BYSAEbfXdXUDSOyUavQ/s1600/20190830_132159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeCGwERP3_Sz4_8huYjy-Bw7obLRMb0HE_G7FNmILqgtnejPtsLv_aQtTyKo0mB6J9taLjPm5oyFO72BQcKglPFjr3YAdJA8onR0YWqIYHXn4FtQ6zsUT0stv5BYSAEbfXdXUDSOyUavQ/s400/20190830_132159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crossing the River Trent aqueduct.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00cMbV8Mswf8_foyM5FGxQsG8z9f5BDjh71kZzID2B4ZdynevKslpd8KYkS-4aCNOnZyxJL0Pq7nd6UROSxwG9hjHdEKUl_sUBmv4nx3oZPSlshqcr1zHBXQUhdlKXLojZ1I4y-AYNadl/s1600/20190830_133915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00cMbV8Mswf8_foyM5FGxQsG8z9f5BDjh71kZzID2B4ZdynevKslpd8KYkS-4aCNOnZyxJL0Pq7nd6UROSxwG9hjHdEKUl_sUBmv4nx3oZPSlshqcr1zHBXQUhdlKXLojZ1I4y-AYNadl/s400/20190830_133915.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Someone has a sense of humour.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After that saga, things went well and I pulled in at Woodend Lock layby,
as there was a projected part that I might be able to utilise to refit the tipcat,
which took about 30 mins with a little help from another boater who had pulled
in behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIAaxEya2ZcIa0DgLyWIJ3oqKB2roclASKSZkHR1zcMpjUBWW3d7Y_tsg6QyI4VLYMCdTjGAAUlsMtMJgRIa2NybNWgrr3esrh5HfbZsSC1PbHy1XNaDDOr_8soWeD8tl5A_ZXlomH35e/s1600/20190830_164041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIAaxEya2ZcIa0DgLyWIJ3oqKB2roclASKSZkHR1zcMpjUBWW3d7Y_tsg6QyI4VLYMCdTjGAAUlsMtMJgRIa2NybNWgrr3esrh5HfbZsSC1PbHy1XNaDDOr_8soWeD8tl5A_ZXlomH35e/s400/20190830_164041.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Belt and braces to make sure I don't lose it</span>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgMxbrdC1yCheGtAn2YfbMz-0J-qV9odr0R5R8Q3kNYT6BNb3Ij_n-UhJEQQTrm57ROXdoYI-5QumScyk2xKbuzLrcqQ-Hz5bBTnqxf_yOK_PQNSIiRozYCiBXgDuNCAXg-pc5iI78ghD/s1600/20190830_164853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgMxbrdC1yCheGtAn2YfbMz-0J-qV9odr0R5R8Q3kNYT6BNb3Ij_n-UhJEQQTrm57ROXdoYI-5QumScyk2xKbuzLrcqQ-Hz5bBTnqxf_yOK_PQNSIiRozYCiBXgDuNCAXg-pc5iI78ghD/s400/20190830_164853.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Refitted at last.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicstlZkgTO-iJ1Xwf1FCSGyUQ-RyY4qVnZI4rvSeEBfbmvX3FAU3kysbWc_Wm8uGF0YkBRP90urLgfLq7xBTAvrwIT0q7kvuL1xC2pVC6sRpox1LYLkaa2_-bVIcZjE90Y6MXFOdpStZJX/s1600/20190830_165405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicstlZkgTO-iJ1Xwf1FCSGyUQ-RyY4qVnZI4rvSeEBfbmvX3FAU3kysbWc_Wm8uGF0YkBRP90urLgfLq7xBTAvrwIT0q7kvuL1xC2pVC6sRpox1LYLkaa2_-bVIcZjE90Y6MXFOdpStZJX/s400/20190830_165405.jpg" width="225" /></a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fore end now complete.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp4PgZ7TE9zbIiggys1_IfKNbNpCe8h_JVvDbzBpjPALK7pzAtvZqSQk5Uc4BzjWM7lrGxjMBIPqnGOP89qcaOIrQieYTK-jM8SRMYcfqXu_6JyeXmvRz7hGBmUeZpJqD4PlzrQZ-OxWB/s1600/20190831_110337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp4PgZ7TE9zbIiggys1_IfKNbNpCe8h_JVvDbzBpjPALK7pzAtvZqSQk5Uc4BzjWM7lrGxjMBIPqnGOP89qcaOIrQieYTK-jM8SRMYcfqXu_6JyeXmvRz7hGBmUeZpJqD4PlzrQZ-OxWB/s400/20190831_110337.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shadehouse Lock cill - what projection?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">After that success I continued to Shadehouse Lock and moored up for the
night, satisfied that something had gone the right way for a change and walked
down to The Swan for a pint.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-10070940924835026912019-08-28T20:33:00.000+01:002019-08-28T21:04:38.112+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 19.<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An Impressive Visit to the National Brewing Centre.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sunday 25<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Time to move on again, as well stocked up with shopping for a while and
seen enough of Willington, what there is of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I found a good mooring just a little further than Shobnall Fields,
behind some houses, but with hindsight I would have been closer to my goal at
the Fields. My goal being The Bass Museum or National Brewing Centre as it is
now called. Having tracked it down on Google Maps, I set off to walk there,
which turned out to be 1½ miles away. It was an extremely hot day with little
shade and I reached the Museum at 14.30. Fortunately it did not close until
17.00 and I spent a very enjoyable two hours there before finishing in The
Brewery Tap, where I had three tickets to cover three thirds of a pint each and
there was a good choice of ales on offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Having brewed my own beer from scratch for any years, I found the whole
exhibition fascinating, especially the Burton Union System of brewing and it is
only by seeing it first hand that it is more easily understood. Sadly it has
been supplanted now by a more modern system, which needs less manpower to
operate, as have many other brewing processes nowadays. However, I do believe they still use it to brew Pedigree beer. The other most
interesting item on display was the Robey tandem compound steam engine and I
had a chat with the engineer in charge, who even let me into the enclosure to
look at the valve chests on the other side. What I had not seen before was the
condenser that also created a vacuum when the cold water was sprayed inside and
was inline with the piston rod and added extra power, making the whole thing 20%
efficient. Both power cylinders were inline too and not side by side which is
more usual. Best explanation is here:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.forncettsteammuseum.co.uk/the-sleaford-engine.html">http://www.forncettsteammuseum.co.uk/the-sleaford-engine.html</a><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.forncettsteammuseum.co.uk/the-sleaford-engine.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnbXcCPR3B_xNsgCBGqKf7FfwotR9vPWY0EkVKMM011EGgQOqwYYpkC7-duT5Ad5G7K2NYKG_uTnFW7xK9hh4jLFGTYftfD1RpAG1cYWwoN5dp52q7m2l-kf9MkgOTGcZa44ACqWWzNNC/s400/20190825_153534.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two cylinders in line, along with the condenser at the far end.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I had spotted a far larger Burton Union System outside the museum, but
could not get a photo of it, as I was now locked in! The only way out being
through the Brewery Tap.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPak1CyHrcnO7AFSAFenhqIRV8bGGl0owineAxPgbO9n_izX69eYlYLsYE_QIPRWsS0jiwxoSzW6kG67Gzq54HOSFsHhz_O0H9_ORf8QaTFrCroLvEmQLLOeU_E5V167pbfaG8-BRDWxY/s1600/20190825_151008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPak1CyHrcnO7AFSAFenhqIRV8bGGl0owineAxPgbO9n_izX69eYlYLsYE_QIPRWsS0jiwxoSzW6kG67Gzq54HOSFsHhz_O0H9_ORf8QaTFrCroLvEmQLLOeU_E5V167pbfaG8-BRDWxY/s400/20190825_151008.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Burton Union System explained.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJqgaNO5FQA-Qyob_kteg0KeP7nqAxUbRjeGPDuy6atqJ8wsmdC2WZJi6NrPPygqON5rtTF8WnPRiLJc7OFMtpLqe8W98Nau-z1xk-HiVXe1krmSgflfBf-vt1Gy6orPI7e7vFjuTgzar/s1600/20190825_151346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJqgaNO5FQA-Qyob_kteg0KeP7nqAxUbRjeGPDuy6atqJ8wsmdC2WZJi6NrPPygqON5rtTF8WnPRiLJc7OFMtpLqe8W98Nau-z1xk-HiVXe1krmSgflfBf-vt1Gy6orPI7e7vFjuTgzar/s400/20190825_151346.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">How many of these breweries have you sampled?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ4_C1Z1RVBoEhjMcQfzx2sTg5yfbWqW9GO_RRQychMjfPZcFUSdiPlg8HwMiYdwPM4bLGCgJ2Encn54Poywz8g7SKhhCm-9_cRF3dI2xw0Bak8gY3YbS4-wt7tezrYWZRVNwStareLWT/s1600/20190825_155436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ4_C1Z1RVBoEhjMcQfzx2sTg5yfbWqW9GO_RRQychMjfPZcFUSdiPlg8HwMiYdwPM4bLGCgJ2Encn54Poywz8g7SKhhCm-9_cRF3dI2xw0Bak8gY3YbS4-wt7tezrYWZRVNwStareLWT/s400/20190825_155436.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVFqfEKyGJdryb78kSWfXthjR2f8vLkEmXgtaXZUR1GYUlsWau6kJOo3XWWV9hXS_PqnSV50TkTXCB5B9yUpjfSSkUS9LMhzkm4w9YBLl17wecfBvY6_inScT7lu4pb_tuYQ_ryu_VTyL/s1600/20190825_155035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVFqfEKyGJdryb78kSWfXthjR2f8vLkEmXgtaXZUR1GYUlsWau6kJOo3XWWV9hXS_PqnSV50TkTXCB5B9yUpjfSSkUS9LMhzkm4w9YBLl17wecfBvY6_inScT7lu4pb_tuYQ_ryu_VTyL/s400/20190825_155035.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">An example of the interior in a Victorian pub.........</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyAfLYA2jWA_V8Pkrer8mJY23GXQCci6pM5RDLlHg-36Q1zVxr5_rP8vfpbgmRpf3yFGonGzPtbB1MxiYShmIsPd-9VBcid7v-nt4mJ5DBzXBJukCgBCG-USjS21oCi5UBVHy2M0T1Viy/s1600/20190825_155004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyAfLYA2jWA_V8Pkrer8mJY23GXQCci6pM5RDLlHg-36Q1zVxr5_rP8vfpbgmRpf3yFGonGzPtbB1MxiYShmIsPd-9VBcid7v-nt4mJ5DBzXBJukCgBCG-USjS21oCi5UBVHy2M0T1Viy/s400/20190825_155004.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">......and the beer taps behind the bar.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX8npS31Pw2CCB5CJZh09KY0X91JxF2X09XYsQ0PxnRtepI1eeBoDWQHNHtYEBPHwAItjS6EUFOLBAPz6thKvod9zpi4LfYdSneglK8eOG5agGWD5WexRrzFFo44-rl2nqsfpiwFtz6yS/s1600/20190825_162103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX8npS31Pw2CCB5CJZh09KY0X91JxF2X09XYsQ0PxnRtepI1eeBoDWQHNHtYEBPHwAItjS6EUFOLBAPz6thKvod9zpi4LfYdSneglK8eOG5agGWD5WexRrzFFo44-rl2nqsfpiwFtz6yS/s400/20190825_162103.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The working micro-brewery in one exhibition hall.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL3pq7mggUQzexEi5lCKG7di_Vfxyxy3905ChWjcdtgNQblVdraNfE5CeXTfCn2XaN6gHjZbV5y6UqDwQasoClonFo91TncE0ylf76DY2L1whC9ciSq3r0W6yDForHzVpv6oQmx38alHv/s1600/20190825_165744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL3pq7mggUQzexEi5lCKG7di_Vfxyxy3905ChWjcdtgNQblVdraNfE5CeXTfCn2XaN6gHjZbV5y6UqDwQasoClonFo91TncE0ylf76DY2L1whC9ciSq3r0W6yDForHzVpv6oQmx38alHv/s400/20190825_165744.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The last remaining saddle tank locomotive of which there were many.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXOxN-k24MEdMBC9_lemWZTOpYHuhigFutcuwuGXhygr1ijyGxB_1YQshCjcxkqsw-n_58CFOP6aVbm296XdcRp6kezvElAaIGasyajzpMQm0Hw1hwKFCySNiLYElyqyfpFBXpwrLXudS/s1600/20190825_165547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXOxN-k24MEdMBC9_lemWZTOpYHuhigFutcuwuGXhygr1ijyGxB_1YQshCjcxkqsw-n_58CFOP6aVbm296XdcRp6kezvElAaIGasyajzpMQm0Hw1hwKFCySNiLYElyqyfpFBXpwrLXudS/s400/20190825_165547.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The blue wagon is actually a diesel loco.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb2LRLcDFz2qChK4nf_upBDxhorpxg9NjihtH98XJeZFGHpMWNwwzdcCKa35s5-HKzmOx9PhRkgHHkcSwpDQES6psC-Z4BITcxmHhIzNhfAvb28owFkwRKLo4VCWLfp93nMggPaJHHF6u/s1600/20190825_153706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb2LRLcDFz2qChK4nf_upBDxhorpxg9NjihtH98XJeZFGHpMWNwwzdcCKa35s5-HKzmOx9PhRkgHHkcSwpDQES6psC-Z4BITcxmHhIzNhfAvb28owFkwRKLo4VCWLfp93nMggPaJHHF6u/s400/20190825_153706.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A Morris Cowley with a two gallon spare can on the running board, which is very similar to the one I have on board.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_V7hm8cfGJyI1kqCEp4xB5t2WkrFRp6gg8t8aZszyLYaGrnOwybfMXHgLPzXarP1M3DWLLr-T_By6878gtEbV8TguDucvbM9sncR5GICLIyISdqOezXCz8DLTCJiThgL0UfgtPpk1plx/s1600/20190825_141543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_V7hm8cfGJyI1kqCEp4xB5t2WkrFRp6gg8t8aZszyLYaGrnOwybfMXHgLPzXarP1M3DWLLr-T_By6878gtEbV8TguDucvbM9sncR5GICLIyISdqOezXCz8DLTCJiThgL0UfgtPpk1plx/s400/20190825_141543.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Can you count the barrels in this stack?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Monday 26<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another very hot day was forecast so I set off for a pub by way of
Shobnal Basin, where Jannell’s is still in existence after all these years. Long
ago they used to have a hire fleet, although I never used them. I had a look
around their extensive chandlery and their strip LED’s in particular, but they
were more expensive than Midland and did not have the sophisticated dimming
switch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Walking along the main road, I got to The Compasses, but it was evident
that it had been closed for some time. Realising now that I was walking in the wrong
direction, I retraced my steps to the canal bridge and passed the front office
of Marston’s </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Brewery and shop where the brewery tours start, but I knew they only did
tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning, which had to be booked in
advance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Continuing on, I eventually came to The Albion, which is the Marston’s Taphouse
and is considerably different from the usual Marston’s houses, in that the handpumps
were at the back of the bar and all exactly the same, also the beer was run
along pipes in the ceiling from a rack of barrels in a glazed chiller in
another part of the room, but that is where the difference ends, because the
menu was much the same and there were fruit machines and muzak. I did at least know
that the beer had not travelled far from the brewery.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS8vdS6Xincq_IOMstg-RS1HqIccIQeGWGShIMTn1zz4tu-8U4wjLxZCdAM6OYQ71IijUwIC3G04xr2UnwBKk8FUsaAbL1hKyY3cGIMq-CyS8dMgvtIPqtkaIm5lxtcoPUZ0wZf_3P2ix/s1600/20190826_161101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS8vdS6Xincq_IOMstg-RS1HqIccIQeGWGShIMTn1zz4tu-8U4wjLxZCdAM6OYQ71IijUwIC3G04xr2UnwBKk8FUsaAbL1hKyY3cGIMq-CyS8dMgvtIPqtkaIm5lxtcoPUZ0wZf_3P2ix/s400/20190826_161101.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beer pumps draw the beer from .......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJAaSPIoINoGXDojG5IJSxvlAzlSXyb5HVvw258EJMlechQvGqIn7k_qgygxbA2XWK6HxKOg1vdSMtkjFoBeN-0Qf_a2GJWeNReVCkatuSFmydCqy54ktG1cVnfln7oA52beREIyCO58O/s1600/20190826_161207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJAaSPIoINoGXDojG5IJSxvlAzlSXyb5HVvw258EJMlechQvGqIn7k_qgygxbA2XWK6HxKOg1vdSMtkjFoBeN-0Qf_a2GJWeNReVCkatuSFmydCqy54ktG1cVnfln7oA52beREIyCO58O/s400/20190826_161207.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">......this stack of barrels.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> August <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I walked up to Shobnall Basin to get another copy of Towpath Telegraph,
as I had left the previous unopened copy in the pub and while there, I enquired
about a weeks mooring, which to my surprise was only £43 and it was within
walking distance from the rail station, so far cheaper than Mercia and no bus
ride involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I let go later and cruised only for 2 miles, but passed Bridge 33e
without thinking about stopping to go to Morrison’s until I got to Branston,
where the famous pickle first made an appearance. By now Morrison’s was too far
to walk, but there was another Co-op in the village where, just as before the
produce was very limited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVfEYELoZP1gxHuQapzKXuGk2DeBSsmhaJI6WCHLZ8o6pjrO58kxfZGZAV-8qmEDrH-IDMMFv3ig4_8V-VCBLYqCHFuN04Rb5O6WgTdnEfhlz5jo9aXcYep5JcfWxM_qGzCeAM-4oguhE/s1600/20190827_142852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVfEYELoZP1gxHuQapzKXuGk2DeBSsmhaJI6WCHLZ8o6pjrO58kxfZGZAV-8qmEDrH-IDMMFv3ig4_8V-VCBLYqCHFuN04Rb5O6WgTdnEfhlz5jo9aXcYep5JcfWxM_qGzCeAM-4oguhE/s400/20190827_142852.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was in a pub when the landlady said, "Is your little friend not drinking then?".</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To which I replied, " He has had his fill at the Co-Op across the road."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This is a good quiet mooring spot with rings and there were only two
other boats visible, but no wi-fi was to be found anywhere. There were two pubs
within walking distance and very little traffic along the towpath, but rain was
imminent in the next few days and I needed to move on just in case the Trent
went into flood again, although I did stay one night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One of my good luck stories is that I found another £5 note today beside
a lock; this is the 2<sup>nd</sup> one, as I also found one at Braunston during
the historic boat rally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Wednesday 28<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I set off under a cloudy sky, that promised sunshine earlier and the day
was much fresher with a slight breeze, but it was not long before the rain set
in as showers, although some were prolonged more than I would have liked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I set off for Fradley through several single locks, some of which were
operated for me, but most were done using the “Jacko Method”, whereby I step
off the stern as the boat enters the lock with it out of gear to drift slowly
in. Walking up to the top paddles with a windlass, I wait until the boat is
within 10ft or so of the cill and then draw half a paddle off. The boat stops
at the top gate, while I walk back to close the bottom gates, which are aided to
close by the slight current of water through the lock chamber. The top paddles
are now fully opened to lift the boat up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">All went well, except that I was now very wet once again as I got into
Fradley moorings below Junction Lock and there were plenty of spaces at 15.30.
I pulled in on the water point to fill the tank, but another selfish,
inconsiderate, bastard boater insisted on passing by at some speed, thereby
drawing my unmoored stern into the centre of the cut and almost into his own boat,
despite me hanging on to the centre line as hard as I could. These people must
have moored up with others passing by them, so why are they so bloody thick
when doing it to someone else? If I see another boat without a mooring line fastened
off, I slow right down so as not to disturb the other boat, because I know how
much it affects them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">With dry trousers now on, I walked to The Swan for a pint and some
relaxation and a browse through their menu. I hope the ‘specials’ are changed
for Saturday, when I go there to eat with my daughter again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintC_0hS_y5G2HhUc8YPgX5K2tmbh8egjZq67JRv6rAEeKb7ThQCnwsGcM_qC-IGPouyT1NSt8JIuSMIbgx9dX-uGVrbCTrwq4R2eUwquObP0M2Q2ocyB2yLURmSqFCl2BTkDIg5Y70Ye7/s1600/20190828_113451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintC_0hS_y5G2HhUc8YPgX5K2tmbh8egjZq67JRv6rAEeKb7ThQCnwsGcM_qC-IGPouyT1NSt8JIuSMIbgx9dX-uGVrbCTrwq4R2eUwquObP0M2Q2ocyB2yLURmSqFCl2BTkDIg5Y70Ye7/s400/20190828_113451.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These bridges cannot be taken at full speed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eoLZVyPr6IB6hx67GD6yvF9pRFu5v6MfmoeQ_f8O2O3ua5vrFfcVfe9T7lFnjCtFvzXz_RbxkBz5hJp1NpMm-URPolFTeKudrM1EM271jg8jZEe2QN6wnJtspQrOTXf9tGyVzsTBxfPu/s1600/20190825_185415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eoLZVyPr6IB6hx67GD6yvF9pRFu5v6MfmoeQ_f8O2O3ua5vrFfcVfe9T7lFnjCtFvzXz_RbxkBz5hJp1NpMm-URPolFTeKudrM1EM271jg8jZEe2QN6wnJtspQrOTXf9tGyVzsTBxfPu/s400/20190825_185415.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Road Pro 12v fan found in </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Braunston Marina laundry - a life saver in a heat wave.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-61977334656399176452019-08-24T20:57:00.000+01:002019-08-28T19:47:20.866+01:00freedom of the Cut 2019 - 18<br />
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Return to Willington.</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFMAgd2ToWYRoIUP56QS_sL29mnDsjn9AY-n5La4V3Cakpf2LaV-EwCQqmDv9DDKtXeYF3WsDjaTP0h9WianKvTDRGXQyLYBPsjLA_DEQi5NfC0MAv4PJzJ1JSQyfDoOOmjldwcH1eEvf/s1600/20190819_184938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFMAgd2ToWYRoIUP56QS_sL29mnDsjn9AY-n5La4V3Cakpf2LaV-EwCQqmDv9DDKtXeYF3WsDjaTP0h9WianKvTDRGXQyLYBPsjLA_DEQi5NfC0MAv4PJzJ1JSQyfDoOOmjldwcH1eEvf/s640/20190819_184938.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few more notices like this could be useful to novices today</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tuesday 20<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The only place to shop for food was Shardlow Village Stores, which was 1
mile along the main road that crossed the cut, so it was time to investigate,
not that I was expecting much. Not a pleasant walk alongside the traffic, but I
needed some exercise. True to my expectations, it was more a boutique type of
shop that sold a minimum of foodstuffs along with birthday cards and gifts. I
did locate a couple of expensive lamb chops to BBQ and that was it. I caught
the bus back and had a pint in the Clock Warehouse, where Marston’s have done a
good job of restoring the interior, but ruined it with an imitation wide beam
barge in the loading arch below, which is looking somewhat tired by now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfpcPllJtQlc18mTa968JnEkYZxn7k_ybFLH8UXk3nbLEZO6FDqBmm-BnjGwd7jCsNQfranXgbCEEqsTl3wMhZH_ZBEl3BRvgdMGmwOpKAC-hDh-d3-pE8VGNZc7qsG9hogNI84CemRCi/s1600/20190821_094446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfpcPllJtQlc18mTa968JnEkYZxn7k_ybFLH8UXk3nbLEZO6FDqBmm-BnjGwd7jCsNQfranXgbCEEqsTl3wMhZH_ZBEl3BRvgdMGmwOpKAC-hDh-d3-pE8VGNZc7qsG9hogNI84CemRCi/s400/20190821_094446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Clock Warehouse.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I cooked both chops on the BBQ and will keep one for tomorrow if I don’t
eat out again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2oCzAmtoXPpo68ac0M5V7BS2nAXo-_zvyODlzQA7F6OxGDL05Bndx5GxqQbMAWSAXcLUcva7v-0qgIe-tct7vNGAnqAPirZXALbIinqxUdvv0esK2chHE3bpkHzrqG37qifmD5fZEGU7/s1600/20190821_094031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2oCzAmtoXPpo68ac0M5V7BS2nAXo-_zvyODlzQA7F6OxGDL05Bndx5GxqQbMAWSAXcLUcva7v-0qgIe-tct7vNGAnqAPirZXALbIinqxUdvv0esK2chHE3bpkHzrqG37qifmD5fZEGU7/s640/20190821_094031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bricks in this boundary wall are so soft that birds have pecked nesting holes in it. They also go behind the adjoining brick so the nest would be hidden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasDb10pk_dxxp2IllkOQo_WHmFgmCJOV2hB4LA4Je96351WioNbr2wXqbovDcc9LLv0IC9qy8iWskXhExSO1nfS-n4KQgldwLxo7pzUNWfk_PmmZvHcqL-ck8l-ubZfrz0Bjtza29G-9Q/s1600/20190819_192332+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasDb10pk_dxxp2IllkOQo_WHmFgmCJOV2hB4LA4Je96351WioNbr2wXqbovDcc9LLv0IC9qy8iWskXhExSO1nfS-n4KQgldwLxo7pzUNWfk_PmmZvHcqL-ck8l-ubZfrz0Bjtza29G-9Q/s400/20190819_192332+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The brewery bottling store built in 1780.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyhN-afH3RNPa-QZ5vyLc3lf0L4uvontYAP85-SBcI2LD5BSdTBUX8NApRQ0wRdNjw_YgR3r4xqLaQBsqdPT96COBSsXzuDhofMRHg4hKrzaDmaEvmskUfiWyXFeYc4unMnKxyx3EcQWU/s1600/20190819_192356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyhN-afH3RNPa-QZ5vyLc3lf0L4uvontYAP85-SBcI2LD5BSdTBUX8NApRQ0wRdNjw_YgR3r4xqLaQBsqdPT96COBSsXzuDhofMRHg4hKrzaDmaEvmskUfiWyXFeYc4unMnKxyx3EcQWU/s400/20190819_192356.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Used for unloading boats at the bottling store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Wednesday 21<sup>st</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I let go about 09.30 to wind the boat in Dobson’s boatyard opposite and
head for Shardlow Lock hoping to follow another boat in, but when I got there
he had an offer from a boat already waiting in the lock, so I had no
alternative but to do it solo although it was only 4ft 5ins deep. The next lock
was Aston where I had moored previously and although 8ft, I did this one as
well. The following lock was Weston and this was 10ft 11ins, so more daunting
and despite getting Stronghold in and tied up fore and aft, I could not close
the offside gate, as it was just too heavy and had to ask a dog walker to add
some weight behind the beam. Just as I was about to exit that lock, another
boat appeared behind me, so I offered to wait at the next one for them – any
help making things that much easier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It was about here that I saw my second ever terrapin, but no chance of a
photo as it dropped back in the water as I went past. The last one had been in
the filthy water of Paddington Arm last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Instead another boat appeared behind me at Swarkstone and got me through
with the help of mother and two girls, but they were pulling in at Barrow, so
that didn’t last long. Eventually I got back to Stenson and what with the
bridge over the tail of the lock and it being 12ft 6ins deep, I was just not
going to chance the slippery ladder that far up, so I hung around on the layby
waiting for the previous boat, which was twenty minutes behind me and they took
me through to moor up again by The Bubble Inn. That was quite enough for one
day and the 9 miles took me 7 hours of cruising, bearing in mind that I had to
fill most of the locks before I could pass through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I did not feel like cooking by the time I had moored up, so went to The
Bubble Inn for a Greek beef stifado, with rice and Greek salad. It was not how
I remembered it in Greece and was rather dry with none of the recommended spice
flavourings or the baby onions. Anyway, it was all washed down with a couple of
pints of Cornish Tribute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thursday 22nd August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A slow start this rather miserable morning with overcast skies and a
strong wind, although no rain is forecast and the Bank Holiday weekend is
looking good. I motored up as far as Mercia Marina to visit Midland Swindlers
again and moored outside this time. I wanted some Morris oil for topping up,
some Duraglit and a deck chair. Duraglit has now been replaced with Brasso
wadding in exactly the same type of tin as the original make. There was only
one type of chair on sale and that was too heavy for carrying any distance, so
that was off my list. Besides, it was more expensive than I wanted to pay. I
also bought some toilet bowl cleaner as mine is now very badly stained despite
scrubbing vigorously in the past, it has remained so. This Jabsco concoction is
made by the pump manufacturers and is biologically safe, so should not damage
the biological action of the Silky RX in the waste tank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I looked at some LED strip lights housed inside an aluminium extrusion
and was given a demo by the salesman. Not only is there a touch switch on the
end of the strip, but if a finger is held on it, the lights are dimmed. After
switching off, they remain as the same setting when switched back on – clever stuff
and I must admit to being tempted to replace the fluorescent strips over the
galley work area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whilst on that mooring I went into marina reception to make enquiries
about getting a temporary mooring for when I went home next. It was £67 for a
50ft boat for a week and no reservation required, so that was easy. There is
also a bus service every hour from a stop outside the marina to Burton. Not as
cheap as Rugby Wharf, but still fairly reasonable, compared to some other
places I could mention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Moving on, I soon arrived back on the Willington moorings and there was
one space left on the edge of the winding hole restrictions. In all cases,
there is no mooring opposite a winding hole, although I have seen hire boats
and liveaboards there many times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I did some shopping in the Co-Op, which is better stocked than the ones
I am used to and popped into The Green Man on the way back. Surprise – it was
full of locals eating and drinking and it was only Thursday. There were six popular
ales on tap, but I restricted myself to one pint of Bombardier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Back on board, I had to do something with the remains of the beef
stifado, a small piece of fillet steak and a lamb chop previously cooked on the
BBQ. I had bought a tin of oxtail soup so it was all mixed together with some
boiled potatoes, leftover mushrooms and some broccoli and carrots, flavoured
with some tomato puree, Worcester sauce and seasoning and simmered for a while.
Surprisingly, it was very tasty and produced enough for about four meals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Friday 23<sup>rd</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A leisurely day on the mooring with not a lot to do. At last the constant
wind had dropped this morning and it looked like a warm sunny day for a change.
Blogging and generally wasting time this morning, but another visit to the Co-Op
was due, before another visit to The Dragon for beers outside and the garden
was packed with people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99WH4NTauSGkUsh-qm6nT_WQebVOpASLnDJV2zdhkK11p4E7iKWrJJHX-oCSF64iSJDJA8ONGynJZ74yTEBvQIt76EOGNQoMHviXh6T12Dx6aRTTl0TkfCrBMPpt8x45zVJRCbE3ZwXFs/s1600/20190823_195102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99WH4NTauSGkUsh-qm6nT_WQebVOpASLnDJV2zdhkK11p4E7iKWrJJHX-oCSF64iSJDJA8ONGynJZ74yTEBvQIt76EOGNQoMHviXh6T12Dx6aRTTl0TkfCrBMPpt8x45zVJRCbE3ZwXFs/s640/20190823_195102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not many tables free on a Friday evening at The Dragon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMNZHbGunbUpRZfkVzwKN0DOFuAj8BtYiu1ymFh0S_Ofw_9YT6iAHZ23CUVrzdOKnk8pimKQqmMdW9QcIwNWwdXe6NdZpg5JZ79TdAgIkAsmMqcVp2WWku2YFdr6Kx60kikpPTxFwXxg8/s1600/20190823_180159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMNZHbGunbUpRZfkVzwKN0DOFuAj8BtYiu1ymFh0S_Ofw_9YT6iAHZ23CUVrzdOKnk8pimKQqmMdW9QcIwNWwdXe6NdZpg5JZ79TdAgIkAsmMqcVp2WWku2YFdr6Kx60kikpPTxFwXxg8/s640/20190823_180159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Visitor moorings full up on the towpath. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Saturday 24th August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yet another visit to the Co-Op, but the problem is that I can’t carry
too much shopping in one go in a knapsack, unless I take the wheels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Andy Belton stopped at the waterpoint opposite and we had a few quick
words. He had been up the Caldon and was now on his way back to Nottingham, so
he missed all the hanging about for the flooded Trent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I got into conversation with a boater on the towpath after he remarked
about how good The Anchor pub was after spotting my tee shirt. We talked for a while about
pubs and beer and he did complain about the cloudiness of the two pints of Boot
Ale that he had and that the Doombar was now off. We compared notes on various
waterway pubs and I showed him my database of 120 pubs on the cut, many of
which he had been to in the past. The Boot ale was now off, so I had Clod
Hopper instead, which was a light ale with slight citrus flavour. Strangely
enough, another punter at the bar, said, “That’s a bloody good pub,” referring again
to The Anchor at High Offley. So two people had remarked on it within the space
of five minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It is extremely hot again this afternoon and I spent a lot of it sitting
out with a book and the fan going full belt to keep cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-83382125853509295792019-08-20T12:10:00.002+01:002019-08-21T17:40:27.212+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 17.<br />
<h3 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Onwards to Shardlow</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Wednesday 14<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The rain just got more intense as the morning wore on, so it looked like
a ‘stay where you are’ kind if day. Reckon the short River Trent section will
be in flood today with all this rain anyway, even if I did want to return to
Fradley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The dirty clothes were piling up again, so time to do some more washing
which will keep me occupied for a couple of hours. I am not bothered about
drying it outside, because of limited space, so it stays on hangers inside for
usually two days in the bathroom out of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I had decided to eat out for a change tonight and walked to The Dragon.
Surprise – there was only one large table free, because I had not booked.
Although booking is advised, I though it unnecessary on a Wednesday as there
were so many tables, but they were all full, which is of course a very good
advert for any restaurant. So, there I was, feeling somewhat guilty at having
so large a table to myself, that another guy with a pint of Coke was looking
around for somewhere to sit and I asked him if he wanted to share the space,
which he did. Not so surprisingly, he was also a boater and came from
Lancashire, but trying to make conversation was like getting blood out of a
stone – he was so dour, although I did get a laugh out of him before he left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am very prone to mussels when they are on the menu and they were too,
in a Massaman curry sauce with folded light pancakes on the side. It was a
large portion and enjoyable to the last, before I chose a white chocolate cheesecake
with mango and passion fruit – pure indulgence to say the least and I was
bloated. It is a long time since I have eaten so well. The full menu is worth
drooling over and is </span><a href="https://thedragonatwillington.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TD-Main-Menu-0619-web.pdf"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">here</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thursday 15<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The day was chilly off to a start, but the rain had cleared at last, so
time to move on. As usual, I did an engine check, only to discover that the
header tank was almost empty, which after having new core plugs fitted and the
system sealed, was most unusual. Searching further, I discovered a split Bowman
rubber connection at the stern end of the engine, where it connected with the
skin tank – not good news, as this is a restored 1970’s BMC engine of the type
fitted to London Black Cabs and I could foresee it being difficult to source a
replacement part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Mercia Marina was about half a mile further on, so with the tank topped
up, that was the next port of call. When I was through the entrance, there was
no indication where anything was, so I moored up on a wooden jetty close to the
shops and found the reception office. They advised me to try Midland Swindlers
or the workshops of Streethay Wharf, which has a yard on site here as well as
the one at Streethay. I found Midland and asked for a spare part, not expecting
them to have any at all in stock, but to my surprise they did stock several
different sizes, which I never realised how many there were. After returning to
Stronghold and measuring and getting the serial number of the split one, I
returned to find that they actually had one on the shelf, so I took it back and
fitted it within the hour - job done. Sometimes things just fall into place,
but this surpassed my dreams of almost instant success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDX8J0PffLGd9EsdLoGADdd9WTTqc6byJH4n6L1UBI6NXn3bVwKXNeEmqNibPnr8LaOzvBAdMK1cWYqIIucugWlA9JbMA4hRW3JlKTUMC6I5ZapDZMHirU-9KY3w4qTHb1hpxccgwQ5sz/s1600/20190815_143528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDX8J0PffLGd9EsdLoGADdd9WTTqc6byJH4n6L1UBI6NXn3bVwKXNeEmqNibPnr8LaOzvBAdMK1cWYqIIucugWlA9JbMA4hRW3JlKTUMC6I5ZapDZMHirU-9KY3w4qTHb1hpxccgwQ5sz/s400/20190815_143528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well perished after 18 yrs!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIsPXR2in4ZCt-X87RzHf-_JU56-pqwxs4HxQ9fduCQEP5lqOHhocajkwvaYupj1z9MfyZbdvTuMRXYoMrAt1HqtyoAbZ7e5zbg2QnnSfjcdqpvEIy0cMY5U3YhbBEGbl54y05fv3e9J8/s1600/20190815_143337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIsPXR2in4ZCt-X87RzHf-_JU56-pqwxs4HxQ9fduCQEP5lqOHhocajkwvaYupj1z9MfyZbdvTuMRXYoMrAt1HqtyoAbZ7e5zbg2QnnSfjcdqpvEIy0cMY5U3YhbBEGbl54y05fv3e9J8/s400/20190815_143337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The new Bowman connection in place.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To celebrate, I had a pint in the marina bar, but what shops were here
on site were either cafes or gift related, which is not my scene at all. As
there was a tap close to the mooring, I took advantage and filled the tank. I
would not be at all surprised if I could have moored here for the night and no
one would have commented.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDR_ykE1PuEcK6HeZkaRxtETYUpZHl3BMbNQOXtN1OcpGjS2ELN5SrYbdWM4OYqdeU4W_Yi7D3d-Di0rKPXDdQnJFuzdI6ZM5YcySvN9BrgdLCtgniM6akfpn_W_4f9bXlHpDoXaaBoy/s1600/20190815_161915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDR_ykE1PuEcK6HeZkaRxtETYUpZHl3BMbNQOXtN1OcpGjS2ELN5SrYbdWM4OYqdeU4W_Yi7D3d-Di0rKPXDdQnJFuzdI6ZM5YcySvN9BrgdLCtgniM6akfpn_W_4f9bXlHpDoXaaBoy/s400/20190815_161915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBtLIsbWpFRV3frTFKUdOQwdfHK2uTKPEv9y8MGEKJQmRgekzLjQJvNN5U29jnPyafkrg9aPqybUoNzr-QMCGXcx_Rz-vrea5IbQmkdvxAN48Gn-e9qPfTk7qbitEmlW4WoSmS1vbuxpS/s1600/20190815_161556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBtLIsbWpFRV3frTFKUdOQwdfHK2uTKPEv9y8MGEKJQmRgekzLjQJvNN5U29jnPyafkrg9aPqybUoNzr-QMCGXcx_Rz-vrea5IbQmkdvxAN48Gn-e9qPfTk7qbitEmlW4WoSmS1vbuxpS/s400/20190815_161556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercia Marina - more shops than boat services.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I exited the marina and cruised as far as the top of Stenson Lock, which
is double width to take the barges originally to and from Burton from the River
Trent. It is also very deep at 12’6”. If I am going to tackle that, it will be
with another boat or volunteer only. There was one mooring space left here, so
I got in quickly before someone else took it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Friday 16<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yet another wet day! This must be one of the worst summers for some years.
I can probably count the really hot sunny days on fingers of one hand this
year. Looking at the forecast however, the next week or two appear to be sunny
spells every day in this area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">After a leisurely breakfast, it was time to write up this blog and I had
a few days to catch up on. I also had considerable e-mails to read and reply to
as well, which all consumed most of my day. While the rain continued to pelt
down non-stop. I think there were only four or five boats that went through
Stenson Lock all day, so the volunteer must have had a boring time of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCBaFh1QzOr9z1w7o_3sAB70OEqYORI9xFFHACn4AP3oKVkZOnKB3pmh2ikY-vu1YRZ2oP8xBo8oTkcrOXhsCYe4-ab7BKb1INv03LO1qnZwHIVpWvEl1DZCAEL1R_ICKY1lD_YxrIuKU/s1600/20190815_174458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCBaFh1QzOr9z1w7o_3sAB70OEqYORI9xFFHACn4AP3oKVkZOnKB3pmh2ikY-vu1YRZ2oP8xBo8oTkcrOXhsCYe4-ab7BKb1INv03LO1qnZwHIVpWvEl1DZCAEL1R_ICKY1lD_YxrIuKU/s400/20190815_174458.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12ft 6ins to the bottom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A pint in The Bubble Inn was enjoyed later before the meal on board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Saturday 17<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another chilly start to the day, but it gradually warmed up as the
morning progressed. I had a chat with a new boater behind me to see if he was
going through Stenson Lock, but not so. I had been waiting around for another
boat to either come down or up for forty minutes by now and decided that I was
going to have to do it on my own. However, there was a bridge below the tail of
the lock and although I could pull the boat through on a line as far as that
and then let go, there was the bywash outlet to contend with at the bottom on
the towpath side which would push the boat away from me and into the trees. I could
not win without some help, so walked back to ask help from the previous guy on
the moored boat. We walked back to the lock and then lo and behold another two
boats appeared behind me and one at the bottom waiting to come up - just like
London buses, nothing for hours then they all turn up at once!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1t3TkYBfo7tfuznuPH5pKNI0BZCHzenzap0762hU2X9PatZf5Eyod24pXA1viAa5KRB4zz9-KwC7FmsD7AaRJ2Xl33R9batH0G8gO73L53bae0FTkQhpkV53OeHVxtQsH6UCPBK0bHx_/s1600/20190817_104848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1t3TkYBfo7tfuznuPH5pKNI0BZCHzenzap0762hU2X9PatZf5Eyod24pXA1viAa5KRB4zz9-KwC7FmsD7AaRJ2Xl33R9batH0G8gO73L53bae0FTkQhpkV53OeHVxtQsH6UCPBK0bHx_/s640/20190817_104848.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not the sort of cill to catch the boat on!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was now on my way with nb Lock and Roll and we did the next three
locks together. They were on their way back to Nottingham, so had to go on The
Trent after Shardlow, but the river was in flood and Cranfield Stop Lock was
closed, which meant that Shardlow moorings would be solid with boats waiting to
go on the river. They decided to stop above Aston Lock until it was clear, so I
followed suit and moored up astern of them and had a chat later, before walking
down to the lock. I had been on the lookout since the beginning of the month
for ripe blackberries and here they were, not very big but back along the
towpath there were a few really large ones that I ate there and then. These I
will cook up with the Granny Smith apples that have been waiting for a few days
on the galley shelf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another dry day with sunny spells and another rest day. No news on the
River Trent in flood, so Lock and Roll is staying put, but may have to move
tomorrow as they, like me are running out of food. It would seem that there are
no food shops in Shardlow. I decided that I would try out The Malt Inn at
Aston, which was ¾ mile from the lock and I was surprised how busy it was, but
then a several pubs are on Sundays. Tribute was on, which is one of my
favourites. An interesting feature of this pub is that they have a Barter
Board, with a few fruits and veg on and if you donate any of these to the
kitchen, then they are worth a pudding or a free pint in exchange – unique I
would think, but an excellent idea as growers often have a surplus at this time
of year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Terry, from Lock and Roll came up later to explain that they were not
going to move tomorrow, as the Trent was still in flood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I had a BBQ this evening, as I was well away from any other boat and the
present charcoal smokes considerably on starting up. That is the last of my
food stock, so it maybe a case of dining out later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Monday 19<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Terry was kind enough to see me through Aston Lock and it was only my a
short distance to Shardlow, where I expected difficulty finding a mooring, but
that was not the case and I got one just below the lock and opposite a
boatyard. There were several boats tied up here waiting for the river to
subside. I had only been here an hour and heard a shout outside – it was Mark
and Maggie Young on nb Forever Young. I grabbed a windlass and walked up to
help them through the lock, catching up on their travels in the meantime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">On getting back to Stronghold it was time to do an oil and filter change,
which was a few hours overdue – a messy business as the plastic milk bottle I
used on the end of the oil pipe to catch any residue had split and was leaking
oil. Lesson learned - not to use those in future. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_R4nMRyGHWbfuKAMIAnr98JbGkwCk5IpgMIveetAIY5f-265bXHUaGeixziiAADJ7-IeTgcZ0CKMMdVdt66w1IHfuQF0lbkKzjrUoUcsWiyI2uiyx_EfWcGNA6WCAwBEfFovgY7x5z_9/s1600/20190819_102147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_R4nMRyGHWbfuKAMIAnr98JbGkwCk5IpgMIveetAIY5f-265bXHUaGeixziiAADJ7-IeTgcZ0CKMMdVdt66w1IHfuQF0lbkKzjrUoUcsWiyI2uiyx_EfWcGNA6WCAwBEfFovgY7x5z_9/s400/20190819_102147.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This barge can only go as far as Burton.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Being out of food now, I had to eat out somewhere, but finding a
suitable place was not easy as most of them had inconsistent reviews on
TripAdvisor. There was supposed to be a Thai Kitchen at 3 Wilne Lane, but when
I got there it was a boarded up old house, so I went in The Navigation to see
if they did food, as there was nothing published recently, although they did
have a working kitchen some time ago, but the answer was no. I asked a couple
in the garden and he recommended Smithys Marina Bar at Shardlow Marina, where
he knew they did food, so I chanced it. It would not be a place I would
naturally have gone for food, but they did a reasonable blackboard menu and I
chose deep fried squid with a chilli and garlic salad, which was very tasty and
served within a few minutes. The beers were Smithys Pale Ale and Doombar, which
were priced at £2.70 as it was Happy Hour, so I did well in the end.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_BlEWGVJCYWHcBjLzBvxbaGOhPjhByZ076BxiVcJ7Mfw5HykTUuf-deYZ81sXF23ArG_omstjnNsNS9ZDK9IkBKmWJBfVEM7OmU4sMxOeDw_Z2fc_Bxslk0Kkqua8ld_MS4IH-OTQvkW/s1600/20190819_140948+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_BlEWGVJCYWHcBjLzBvxbaGOhPjhByZ076BxiVcJ7Mfw5HykTUuf-deYZ81sXF23ArG_omstjnNsNS9ZDK9IkBKmWJBfVEM7OmU4sMxOeDw_Z2fc_Bxslk0Kkqua8ld_MS4IH-OTQvkW/s640/20190819_140948+%25282%2529.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just done a bit of shopping!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Shardlow is a very well preserved inland port, used for transhipping freight from the widebeam barges that came up The Trent from the docks, to narrowboats and onward to the rest of the country. The town has about 50 buildings dating from 1770 when Brindley developed the area, similar to his only other inland port at Stourport-on-Severn. </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shardlow#Transport_hub">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shardlow#Transport_hub</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCiI-NahPKmky6mybaD8zeSk7_mXO2LSe71VedLsXLAruAjhgzt9_JAhPQcMeOCFJAZIl488Zo6CJjLnq43DIZG7cf8gHDiidz3dSPJ9LcW_-g-mluPREFHQMMRO7Td9HwSY4zMPKglFn/s1600/20190819_141923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCiI-NahPKmky6mybaD8zeSk7_mXO2LSe71VedLsXLAruAjhgzt9_JAhPQcMeOCFJAZIl488Zo6CJjLnq43DIZG7cf8gHDiidz3dSPJ9LcW_-g-mluPREFHQMMRO7Td9HwSY4zMPKglFn/s640/20190819_141923.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xz7pZNwUrtFXzxzOUPzrD7D7YWgkgpIec7zxtzaPw7i0ctCqWXRtn7Ym4kqrza83P9GSdetsQzkUBze2ih1ENb-kHL_ae8ellmqzA-GFV5xvppnBeboZi4If4rHQ6L2wPKG8qF9vnbP8/s1600/20190819_192356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xz7pZNwUrtFXzxzOUPzrD7D7YWgkgpIec7zxtzaPw7i0ctCqWXRtn7Ym4kqrza83P9GSdetsQzkUBze2ih1ENb-kHL_ae8ellmqzA-GFV5xvppnBeboZi4If4rHQ6L2wPKG8qF9vnbP8/s640/20190819_192356.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Restored crane for loading at the brewery bottling warehouse.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_p3Hg4JI9fEKNvgCUrXmCFYrrZSV3VBfTuriT2timoaw7u4Qa_sOY_91sx6eXs15EpqwfCcyAstOgAo2NtLCipXLDJ3bpygxW2g-hz1K3CUq5mme-HAL2-EUKwabFa0fhhJV_o_xgIUV/s1600/20190819_192500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_p3Hg4JI9fEKNvgCUrXmCFYrrZSV3VBfTuriT2timoaw7u4Qa_sOY_91sx6eXs15EpqwfCcyAstOgAo2NtLCipXLDJ3bpygxW2g-hz1K3CUq5mme-HAL2-EUKwabFa0fhhJV_o_xgIUV/s400/20190819_192500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrqthrr2cKMmgvq4JuP0rr0ek8QGQCl5nDQJbyTwWH18E1c37QD7T1EIPIUi3hEFUIzY5zTbzVVenhP74azJEtp5l12XiLMJltxFh8fBHJHOJpkM8j3L5Npp5SBLpoVPZZl4PzoorPUuH/s1600/20190819_192332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrqthrr2cKMmgvq4JuP0rr0ek8QGQCl5nDQJbyTwWH18E1c37QD7T1EIPIUi3hEFUIzY5zTbzVVenhP74azJEtp5l12XiLMJltxFh8fBHJHOJpkM8j3L5Npp5SBLpoVPZZl4PzoorPUuH/s400/20190819_192332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The warehouse behind the crane.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-39683353303251227682019-08-14T14:20:00.000+01:002019-08-14T14:20:00.322+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 16.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Monday 5th August</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was time to stock up again in town, so getting there now by way of
the park alongside the towpath was more pleasant the by the road. Just
previously I had walked to the nearby petrol station to buy 2 galls of petrol
to run the generator. With all these short trips along the cut, the batteries
were not getting enough charge, so better to keep the fuel level up and some in
reserve. As usual, I spend the morning procrastinating and surfing the net, so
by the time I got to the butcher's shop, he had closed for the day at 1pm.
After getting a few items, I paid a visit to The Bull’s Head just see what it
was like. It was quite a surprise after the last time I had been there many
years ago, when it had just reopened after a long period of closure. Not only
was it clean, tidy and well kept, but they had three ales on tap and an Indian </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Restaurant upstairs. Having perused the extensive menu with my pint, I
made the decision to eat there for a treat later that day. In which case it
would be better to moor up closer and I could see that moorings were available.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After a shower, I walked up to The Bull’s Head, ordered a pint and
enquired how to get up to the restaurant and guess what? ……they were closed on
Mondays! Nowhere was this advertised, not even on the menu, so I was very
disappointed to say the least. Anyway, back on board I had some crispy duck
left from the night before, which was still good and some compensation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Tuesday 6<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was necessary to go and shop this morning, if I was moving on towards
Alvecote, except that it began to rain heavily at 10am. I decided to get wet
and went as far as the butchers which to my amazement, also sold homemade cakes.
Apparently it began as a cottage industry, but as the lady also worked in the
shop, she decided to sell them there and it proved to be very successful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It continued to rain throughout the day, so I put my feet up and had a
day off. For the first time ever, I completed reading a book in a day and did
some cooking in the afternoon, which was very satisfying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Wednesday 7<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Time to make a move, although it only took half an hour to Alvecote and
the weather had changed for the better. The first port of call was to the yard
to fill with diesel, then wind the boat for a pump out. For the first time the
tank had held out for 60 days, which goes to prove that the pump out machine at
Pyrford Marina is not up to the job, as it only lasted about a month after
that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Howard Williams and his wife were moving nb Hampstead into the marina and
a brief exchange took place between us. I moved back to the towpath opposite
The Samuel Barlow and moored up to have a pint in the pub and recharge the
laptop, as well as write this up. The menu is no longer chalked up on a board,
but written out on clipboards, but apart from that not much else has changed,
although there is now more choice of beers. Strange isn’t it, that I used to
pass this pub by in the early days of boating up here, dismissing it as being too
modern. Since joining the Narrow Boat Trust 7 years ago, when we always came in
here after a day working on the pair, I will now never miss it out because it
revives so many memories of those days and the good times and laughs we had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After a while surfing and writing this, it was time for a shower and
change of clothes to go across the cut for a meal at The Barlow. I had already
selected a fish dish from the menu and was looking forward to it. After
ordering a pint, I picked up the menu only to be told that the kitchen was now
closed, as it was 8pm. I had done it again! Had I looked more closely at the
top of the menu, it did state the times there. So back on board, I had sweet
and sour chicken that I had cooked yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A warm day ahead, but I felt the need for another rest day coming on.
Mostly reading the latest Towpath Talk and then surfing the net and wasting
time generally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I set about writing a few e-mails and organising some files on this new
laptop and then made a big mistake of saving one file on top of this blog on
Word. I should explain that I write up the blog in MS Word, before copying and
pasting it into Blogger when the time comes to publish. Up till now, I had not
saved it anywhere, but unknown to me it had been saved automatically in
OneDrive and it took about an hour of searching before I could find and restore
it. So, I got it back at last and it was hidden away after all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Time to move on tomorrow, but looking at the forecast, it is going to be
raining heavily in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPyBdl6lDjI4BpkA1gHoZpk012QwF4iuszVhqkFbIj1DMDnIC2H3wtzxgAVW7N0a1EqyrVYZ-CTC1n0gPY1FnkQG3OTkdX40iDgAXxYuuK3PP7wlApNMqEkNw52Y-guezPh9mqvGrF3WS/s1600/20190809_091159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPyBdl6lDjI4BpkA1gHoZpk012QwF4iuszVhqkFbIj1DMDnIC2H3wtzxgAVW7N0a1EqyrVYZ-CTC1n0gPY1FnkQG3OTkdX40iDgAXxYuuK3PP7wlApNMqEkNw52Y-guezPh9mqvGrF3WS/s640/20190809_091159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had admired this boat Zulu many times when passing over the years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Noah Hingley was a famous chain and anchor forger that </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
appears in my book about chain making in Brirmingham.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH0NOfjrsid_P4nuoB94FU195PtpwSRqwIg-afepLBPQbSmMuhmpSxxKRjz5OY07b7jJVgp0nxVa5PoaYq98hnF5OAYif-qixWE3u7ZodhBm-kkcq8Jtkw-1QdLeMqwO9eRTA9le7vFJV/s1600/20190808_175401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH0NOfjrsid_P4nuoB94FU195PtpwSRqwIg-afepLBPQbSmMuhmpSxxKRjz5OY07b7jJVgp0nxVa5PoaYq98hnF5OAYif-qixWE3u7ZodhBm-kkcq8Jtkw-1QdLeMqwO9eRTA9le7vFJV/s640/20190808_175401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Samuel Barlow, Alvecote.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Friday 9<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was not as bad as the forecast predicted, so I set off through
Tamworth and towards Glascote, where there is a waterpoint on the Top Lock
layby, which is not well planned at all. A boat was going down ahead of me and
another rising in the lock below, so I waited for it to arrive, by which time
there were three waiting boats, so I had plenty of assistance through both
locks. A lady helping with the bottom gate was one of my blog readers, who are
few and far between on my travels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It was an extremely windy day and only one light short shower, but as I
approached Hopwas the heavens opened and despite throwing on a waterproof coat,
I got saturated, it was tremendous squall with strong winds to back up
penetration of clothing. Having to moor up in the middle of it made it possibly
worse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Now being wet on the outside, I decided to get wet inside as well, which
prompted a pint at one of the two pubs here. The nearest was the Tame Otter and
as the name suggested a Vintage Inns establishment to me, similar to the Coy
Carp at Harefield, that is exactly what it is. Had I been told that it was the
Coy Carp, it was impossible to tell the difference from the interior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Later I paid a visit to The Red Lion on the other side of the cut and
the difference was like chalk and cheese. This was a real locals pub, with
blokes having just finished work and three of my favourite beers on handpump; I
was spoilt for choice, but only had one. There is another bar, which appears to
be mainly a restaurant. The menu said that all food was home cooked and it
certainly appeared that way. Maybe a place to eat tomorrow, if I stayed. The
outside of the pub would seem to have been a police station in times past,
because it was built on the Victorian style and had what could well have been a
blue light on a wrought iron bracket over the entrance. But I could find no evidence of that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Saturday 10<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Winds today were forecast at 40mph and boating past moorings could well
have been difficult without running alongside other boats, so it was time to
just sit it out. TV reception and wi-fi were both good here and I had begun a
new book, so there was no shortage of things to keep me occupied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Another visit to The Red Lion was made in the evening, just to see a few
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sunday 11<sup>th</sup> August <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The winds had eased during the night, so it was time to let go at 09.20.
All was going well until a shower a little later, but it did not last long. I
spoke too soon, because shortly after it became much more prolonged, although
this time I already had wet weather gear on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As I approached the small swing bridge at Fradley, I began pulling on to
moor, but a passing boater told me that there were plenty of spaces below
Junction Lock, which I knew to be a far better place than this. There were
plenty of gongoozlers at the lock and there were even two of them sitting in
their deck chairs to watch the fun. I made the turn in front of the pub and pulled
into the lock layby and set the lock in my favour before exiting to the water
point on the right and empty the trash. The places were filling up fast
opposite, so I had to be quick and get one before another boat got in and this
is only 1pm, so no chance in the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06d7HXk9jaA7KqW6qU3_HdgddTQFOS6z-PzaLRgeupsxzdGMZGMjzKBdjBNkhL9I_ERqw0OoQJeXw-uWOXiQSakB3W0tP8FiPUI_g2Rv_HlhNUaWsLlnBtXI_hogBY2w-MJI0vrBkimTc/s1600/20190811_150027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06d7HXk9jaA7KqW6qU3_HdgddTQFOS6z-PzaLRgeupsxzdGMZGMjzKBdjBNkhL9I_ERqw0OoQJeXw-uWOXiQSakB3W0tP8FiPUI_g2Rv_HlhNUaWsLlnBtXI_hogBY2w-MJI0vrBkimTc/s400/20190811_150027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even two Gongoozlers in deck chairs!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A trip to The Swan (aka The Mucky Duck) was in order as I had not been
here for a couple of years. It had been taken over by Everard’s Brewery a while
ago, so things were looking up after all the problems this place had had in the
past with dirty kitchens and food poisoning. Of course, the beers were Everards,
although I later spotted a Mild and Titanic on tap in the other bar. The
service from the kitchen and behind the bar seemed very efficient. It certainly
was a change for the better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Monday 12<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A bright and sunny start to the day for a change, but the week ahead is
going to be changeable, so not good cruising weather to look forward to. I was
desperate for some shopping and beer tokens (cash) and was advised that there was
a Co-op in Alrewas, so that was were I headed. There were plenty of mooring
spaces above Lock 13 and above and below Bridge 48, so I got the essential shop
done, before visiting the butcher, where I also got advice about the best pub
to drink in – William IV, rather than The Dragon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Continuing on through Alrewas Lock, I was now on the River Trent for
just short of a mile until Wychnor Lock where the cut resumed. I did intend mooring
there, but for the A38, which was incredibly noisy. Eventually I got to Branston
Lock and there were moorings above there next to The Water Park, so that was where
I pulled in for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I had just locked up the boat and was on my way to The Bridge Inn, when
I heard someone shout “Hey Ray.” I turned around to see Andy Belton on nb Would
It Be So Bad shove his boat into reverse for a chat. He used to moor close to
me on The Wey Navigation at Pelican Wharf, but moved up to Nottingham last year.
He is, or was also a member of the Narrow Boat Trust. Small world! We chatted
for a while about moorings and his new job, before he moved on. His home
mooring is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Alvecote Marina, where I was a short time ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Bridge Inn nearby is much more an Italian restaurant than a pub, with only Pedigree
on tap and nowhere to sit inside, because despite it being Monday, all the
tables were laid for service and reserved. A good indication of how good the
food is. It is possible to eat outside in the garden, if unreserved, but
obviously not in inclement weather. If this place wanted to increase its
clientele as a pub, an extension is the obvious next move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Tuesday 13<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I let go about 10.30 on what was a chilly morning for August. Although I
had shopped previously, the Co-op stores around here seem to stock so little
compared to what I am used to and to get what I really want, I am going to have
to find a Tesco or similar big supermarket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I was doubtful about stopping in Burton until I had a good look on the
way through. As is frequently the case in large towns, the canal enters by the
back door and is hidden away from the busier parts by trees and shrubs along
the length. I passed Marston’s enormous brewery and the Bass Museum with
recommendations for mooring places, which appeared to be fairly safe, with
other boats moored up there, so I may well stop at one of them on the way back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Coming up to the Old Mill at Stretton, I asked a pub guy if there was a
supermarket across the cut and he said that there was and it was quite big as
far as he could make out. I pulled in on rings outside the pub and walked up to
what was another Co-op and it was tiny inside so I hardly bought anything.
Returning, I went into the Old Mill, a Greedy King Hungry Horse, which says it
all in the title and not my kind of pub, but they sold beer, so I had a pint.
The barmaid, who I suspect is also the manager kept calling me ‘Mate’, which I
dislike intensely. I am not her mate and never will be, so do not appear so
familiar with customers. Another gripe about this place is that the moorings
are opposite a very wide reed bed, which cuts down the ability to pass easily
on the offside. Obviously the pub cannot do anything about this, but CRT might
make the channel wider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I pulled in at Horninglow Basin for water and had to get at right angles
to the main line to get close enough. The basin was extremely small, with room
for about eight boats and also beneath the A38 which bridged the cut here also.
Once again there is no place for waste disposal and CRT seem to be reducing
these everywhere I travel and yet they have a survey running asking boaters to
report large gaps in their service, which appears to be farcical to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FlUnzfO7n2HyxDp0Rq53ChJRokyVLnGzxZYkiolPCuAi1SyyQPuARLbm1YCLTGVCDBYFy2wWz_e9Yt_YqnHinf03vRvkJHmknPgK-Tf3sBzIDcfF6T5Kgi2G8IL7h3ECCuvzCO-ev9vW/s1600/20190813_124254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FlUnzfO7n2HyxDp0Rq53ChJRokyVLnGzxZYkiolPCuAi1SyyQPuARLbm1YCLTGVCDBYFy2wWz_e9Yt_YqnHinf03vRvkJHmknPgK-Tf3sBzIDcfF6T5Kgi2G8IL7h3ECCuvzCO-ev9vW/s400/20190813_124254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Horninglow Basin.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Moving on towards Willington alongside the busy and noisy A38 all day, I
eventually approached the village and was now well away from the main road.
With three pubs and yet another Co-op, it had plenty to offer the boater in the
way of refreshment as could be seen by the number of moored boats already here,
as well as permanent moorings on the offside. The towpath is very wide here and
seems to be a popular promenade for strolling and walking the dog. The only
snag so far is from the freight trains every few minutes on the other side of
the towpath. The day had begun to warm up about midday and was now very
pleasant as I pulled in to moor up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I went for a walk to the nearest pub, The Dragon and although it dates back
to when the T & M was built 150 yrs ago, it has been sympathetically extended
and restored to what is now a pub with all modern conveniences and very
efficient staff. The interior is enormous and most of it is fitted out for
dining, but the front garden, which overlooks the canal, is also huge with the
addition of a complete glass verandah. The beers are mostly of their own brew –
Boot Beers, which is Good for the Sole apparently. I had a pint and it does exactly
that! Unfortunately, of seven handpumps only three were activated at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEjNBGe6uNK-YRUt4iIcKnjNQzTTuc5FxvQY2C6U-w8JF8e7Xgd6B7yhswEgi4twnC1o2DB8Arqd3qSkmx5JlsxkboG1YUQemPQ30bW5Jx0DdpOJ6s3Y7FVdyv7AFR7JYGGj8PMIDbgRN/s1600/20190813_184057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEjNBGe6uNK-YRUt4iIcKnjNQzTTuc5FxvQY2C6U-w8JF8e7Xgd6B7yhswEgi4twnC1o2DB8Arqd3qSkmx5JlsxkboG1YUQemPQ30bW5Jx0DdpOJ6s3Y7FVdyv7AFR7JYGGj8PMIDbgRN/s640/20190813_184057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Dragon at Willington.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-91342591053450742552019-08-05T16:46:00.001+01:002019-08-05T16:51:18.208+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 15.<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Locking DownTo Polesworth</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 1<sup>st</sup> August continued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It turned out to be an unexpectedly busy day later as nb
Nuneaton came past with Kirk and Setarah steering, so I grabbed my windlass and
set off for the top lock to assist with locking them down as far as Lock 5,
after which the locks become too far between. Nuneaton is travelling to her
home mooring for a while at Alvecote before having extensive repairs to the
hull.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I walked back up the flight to bring Stronghold down next,
but had to fill with water first at the top lock. It was my lucky day, as on
the ground there was a very smart multi holed windlass with rotating handle,
although nothing can beat my aluminium Double Dunton for ease of carrying and
lightness. After reaching the moorings below Lock 5, I pulled in to the first
available spot which was too close to the A5 bridge for comfort, because the
noise of traffic went on all night and was not conducive to a good nights rest.
By now it was 4.30 and I was to meet Eric at 5pm as well as have a much needed
shower beforehand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ekCy2okLYS3SKW0nP-Qa8bBfGsyzFxqTh38-jXMuqEeRo7QaDWqQyakczUZH71hoAKQpC-S9d2Rzm9THhgud41ZDayqnblVieQ0RoSWbbBvbfhCFxBcY9285uMkPxqpOEGMi3EhWzKu/s1600/20190801_194250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ekCy2okLYS3SKW0nP-Qa8bBfGsyzFxqTh38-jXMuqEeRo7QaDWqQyakczUZH71hoAKQpC-S9d2Rzm9THhgud41ZDayqnblVieQ0RoSWbbBvbfhCFxBcY9285uMkPxqpOEGMi3EhWzKu/s400/20190801_194250.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The road into town from here goes beneath the main line
railway, but on the way there a lady on the towpath informed me that the road
was impassable due to being flooded. I had heard of this previously, so tried a
detour up the embankment of the A5. The barrier was quite high at the top, so I
tried to follow a faint path through the woods until I came to a fence, so now
had to climb the muddy 45</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">º</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> slope
to the Armco and cross the busy A5, eventually getting onto Old Watling Street
from where it was just a short walk to the pub, where Eric was sitting in the
window seat waiting. He agreed to take me to Church End Brewery tomorrow, where
I have been once before with my daughter. It will be an interesting visit for
me, having been a home brewer in a past life and they are bound to have all
their ales on tap there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZiHx_3vB42_Vpo2mShO1dH4g8F9mQfiFdw5G12bx6VaNtvh4a36T_-4rkZCdXPgvO3SbSapPPF1n8OZyeUO2HXZjCNJ-7eg5lhNitpsXGNyBMT9XObEyV7ILtB6SV__ASJ6kJcZk7zqC/s1600/20190801_171620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZiHx_3vB42_Vpo2mShO1dH4g8F9mQfiFdw5G12bx6VaNtvh4a36T_-4rkZCdXPgvO3SbSapPPF1n8OZyeUO2HXZjCNJ-7eg5lhNitpsXGNyBMT9XObEyV7ILtB6SV__ASJ6kJcZk7zqC/s400/20190801_171620.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No way am I wading through this!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another landmark for me Is that I quit my home mooring on
the Wey Navigation, so Stronghold is homeless at the moment, but negotiations
with Rugby Wharf are ongoing and that looks like where I will be in future. I
look forward to the change of venue and only having to buy one licence for the
whole year from now on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRmSo-FJN96eajnCmqcXB89ylkCFH_4gs0-ekUTY7IS6SwnGt8mlXbXJV4KoiFPLH4PDh3caTY8cUOVa9GZLdY3chyphenhyphenPJzaS-a-aY1JJyGydv4-_1s_EO6oyQutl7xC-wsu1cTT34TSped/s1600/20190802_124142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRmSo-FJN96eajnCmqcXB89ylkCFH_4gs0-ekUTY7IS6SwnGt8mlXbXJV4KoiFPLH4PDh3caTY8cUOVa9GZLdY3chyphenhyphenPJzaS-a-aY1JJyGydv4-_1s_EO6oyQutl7xC-wsu1cTT34TSped/s400/20190802_124142.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is trying to find the way in.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 2<sup>nd</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not much of interest today and the weather had dried up at
last, including the flood beneath the railway. Instead of meeting Eric outside
the Kings Head opposite, He turned up at 4.15pm with Daisy the dog and knocked
on the boat. It was rather an inopportune time as I was having another go at
back pumping the water pipe to the main tank and there were tools all around,
as well as a disconnected pump. I was aiming to complete the job by 4.45, when
we were due to meet up and that is exactly how long it took, so Eric continued his
walk until then. This time I pumped about 6 pints of water through. All was
reassembled and the water pressure at the tap appeared to be the same as before,
but I will have to wait for a shower to judge it more accurately. This I did
the following day and there was a small improvement in pressure at head height.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Church End Brewery Tap is located in Ridge Lane, Nuneaton
and the entrance is in the middle of a row of terraced houses, so any
unsuspecting visitor could easily pass it by. The brewery is very modern with
all stainless steel tanks and is visible from the large bar, but at this time
no one was at work of course. There were several own brew beers on off, but no
Stout Coffin, which was probably my favourite stout of all time, so I had to
settle for Fallen Angel, which is just as good, but a strong bitter. Conversation
ensued between us and I ended up buying another pub tee shirt to accompany my
now rather worn out Anchor Inn one, that came from the Shroppie some years
previously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HBEStBrXjuX_mrSv00rkYfaUjN7P03NRiwzORsUv9EVHhyphenhyphenH2PVGtD16Pu42u5Om9CM0C7_zZa73ckAwHGX6p-R-7k_SFIZPdcbACPPklDY0YabcAJfmVLkuB1xUQaHPsh8s22dzMyehc/s1600/20190802_171300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HBEStBrXjuX_mrSv00rkYfaUjN7P03NRiwzORsUv9EVHhyphenhyphenH2PVGtD16Pu42u5Om9CM0C7_zZa73ckAwHGX6p-R-7k_SFIZPdcbACPPklDY0YabcAJfmVLkuB1xUQaHPsh8s22dzMyehc/s400/20190802_171300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bar with brewery behind the glass screen.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I bade farewell to Eric for the last time for a while when
we got back to Atherstone. It was time to move on again soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 3<sup>rd</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I set off for the remaining six locks of the flight, which
I did solo, as the volunteers did not normally come down this far. Passing
Baddesley Basin at Glascote, I got an enthusiastic wave from Jane and David on
nb Rowan as they were taking a mooring there for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shortly after the main line bridge towards Polesworth, a
passing boater told me that there was another River Wey boat moored around the
bend, to which I asked if it was maroon and was assured that it was, so it could only be nb Cranley
with Mick and Susanne and Lexi the dog. Sure enough I pulled in to have a long
chat, but did not appreciate the stink from the local sewerage works nearby and
moved on to Polesworth later, finding a good Armco mooring opposite a closed warehouse.
Although it was next to a recreation ground, it appeared to be quiet, so I tied
up securely for the night and set about doing the washing, as I now bereft of anything
to wear, after which I went for an aperitif at the Royal Oak, close to Bridge
52; not that it was my kind of pub, but they did serve beer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I cooked up the
last of the calves liver, which I bought on the Ashby on 25<sup>th</sup> July
and that was ten days ago! Although it was frozen at the time, it still smelled
OK and I suffered no ill effects – delicious to the last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being a Sunday, there was no hurry to get anything done –
just like any other day really! The morning was spent writing this up and
checking the engine before it was run to charge batteries. The day began with
sunshine, but then deteriorated to high cloud. TV reception was OK for some
programmes, but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wi-fi is good at this
location, so I had to catch up on Sky news on the PC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a spot of lunch, I took a walk around the town to see
what shops were available and suss out a couple of pubs. The Spread Eagle was
first and although they had Church End Goats Milk on tap, the pub needed some
serious TLC. I popped my head in The Red Lion, but no real ale, so I left. The
final pub was Fosters Yard, of just Yard and it was buzzing with motor racing
fans watching the gran prix, I imagine. It was noisy, but that seems to be
normal for a sports pub. This place had been converted to a pub from being a
haberdasher’s and had a railway style canopy over seating at the front, so the
building went back a few years. There was a Victorian coal fired wash boiler on
display and a wood burning stove for colder days. After my last visit to Polesworth
many years ago, it was time they had a reasonable place to drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-90745843420365522952019-08-01T11:52:00.001+01:002019-08-01T11:52:16.984+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 14<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More Serendipity.</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 25<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was now on a mission to get back to Suttons at a
reasonable time to get a good mooring, which at the latest was about midday. If
I arrived much after 3pm then most of the decent moorings would be occupied.
Again it was very hot and forecast to be the hottest July day on record.
Although my shoulders were a bit sore from the sun yesterday, I had to remove
my tee shirt again in the afternoon for a short while, because the cooling
breeze disappeared when there were trees around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stopping off at Spinney Bank Farm Shop was difficult, as I
had no option but to moor alongside working boat Corolla for a short period. My
stern line was around the backend rail, centre line around a cross beam and
ditto with the bow line. Fortunately the guy from Papercourt Lock on the Wey
was there too, so assisted with the centre line to hold the boat in. All this
palaver for a pot of cream and when I got to the shop there was no one to serve
me, so I left the money on the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Onwards towards Marston Junction, although I wanted to stop
earlier if possible so as to give more time tomorrow to reach Suttons. Luckily
there were moorings at Bulkington, where there was also a pub, which I walked
to later. It was a Marston’s house and if you were reading this earlier, you
will know what I think of them, but the beer was OK. Getting back, I had to do
something with all the meat in the fridge, which had been there too long, so I
rustled up a casserole with the few vegetables that were left and had to cook
it in the oven for 90mins – all done in this heatwave! In the meantime the cooling
fan was blasting warm air through the cabin to try and keep me cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Friday 26<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although I was up early, there
was no point leaving before 11am, so some time was spent writing this and
surfing the net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The turn at Marston was done
to perfection, considering there was a gongoozler watching from the bridge. I had
passed another boat on a corner very slowly and thought I recognised the
steerer, and on giving it further thought, I think it was Snowy who works or
used to work at Alvecote Marina. I was shortly back at Suttons and there was
one space on the Coventry side of the turn, but I took a chance and winded in
the turn, before reversing to the services to dump a load of rubbish and
bottles. The previous dump was now closed and was relocated inside the building
with a locked door to negotiate. I had left the Watermate key on board, but
another boater loaned me his. It would appear that the previous site had been
extensively used by fly tippers and the new system was supposed to prevent that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day so far was much cooler
that the last two, which was a relief, but at that point it started to rain –
just a little, but enough to get any books under cover and close the slide.
Luckily it did not last long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I returned to the watepoint
where the tap was broken off, so had to use a pair of pliers to turn it on. The
mooring space was still vacant, but I was not sure Stronghold would quite fit,
however after leaving the tap a plastic cruiser was about to pull out of his
space and there was no doubt that my boat would fit in there; I was home and
dry now with time to spare to do some odd jobs around the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 453.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had a quick pint of mild in the pub and asked at the bar
If I could plug in my PC, the reply being, “Yes, if you can find a socket.”
Well I did find one and settled down in the corner. Shortly afterwards another
one of the bar staff, who may be the shift manager told me that it was not
allowed as the wiring was so old, but I reckon they plug in a 2kw vacuum
cleaner there in there for the morning cleaning session, so it really is being
very petty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Returning later for the meal, we had lots to talk about and
had a very good meal with plenty to eat as usual. The restaurant was full, as
were the bars and patio at the front, so a very compatible atmosphere. We will
probably repeat it again when I return from more northern climes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMqTsq-Uo7qWlZc2cqD1UvjNatGPJoT4v6VnwICGWWAc4zUz_RE-NX__2bUVq4elHyfNXuwxFgtUwDSFRJ2JAmkF8FQz5RLGO7sBZm9VFlBFWNU4HnzUUE7UAjW4tKZlWK2I_Bpv6FsT2/s1600/20190726_220056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMqTsq-Uo7qWlZc2cqD1UvjNatGPJoT4v6VnwICGWWAc4zUz_RE-NX__2bUVq4elHyfNXuwxFgtUwDSFRJ2JAmkF8FQz5RLGO7sBZm9VFlBFWNU4HnzUUE7UAjW4tKZlWK2I_Bpv6FsT2/s400/20190726_220056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With Toody in The Greyhound.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwWu2qynzERE3-b1YlL6oqjM_GcuWjp7amuYvD4gMR5xNhT6WTln-IKw2WEMTv2ZlcnM1OySH5wZBw-7Tn-VkNJ8lK_v6dr67k2Mw2hSStfP7tTXejpqWbcB1XX2NcHEQwZCe5GtmNhjZ/s1600/20190726_230526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwWu2qynzERE3-b1YlL6oqjM_GcuWjp7amuYvD4gMR5xNhT6WTln-IKw2WEMTv2ZlcnM1OySH5wZBw-7Tn-VkNJ8lK_v6dr67k2Mw2hSStfP7tTXejpqWbcB1XX2NcHEQwZCe5GtmNhjZ/s400/20190726_230526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gongoozlers Terrace at the front of The Greyhound.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 27<sup>th</sup>/Sunday 28<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These two days were spent almost entirely inside sheltering
from the rain. There was no shortage of things to do and keep me occupied as
well as a couple of short trips to the pub. There were people cruising of
course, but either they were hire boaters who had to make the most of their
time on board, or they were on a tight schedule to get somewhere………finally they
could just be nuts, like I used to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday 29<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At last the rain cleared and it was time to move on with
the aim of Atherstone at the end of the day. It was nowhere near as hot as last
week being a comfortable 25</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">º</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">C. It was easy boating with
surprisingly few boats about in the 4.5 hours it took me, although I did stop
at The Anchor moorings in Hartshill for coffee and some lunch, avoiding the
temptation to have a beer there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXavmAxmG3eXVIRxC-474775baMb0mZRdlPrbsxb7ACIfJ-nIkPzUI-BFBFKKzBV0Lk5Wd3x-tGBzeOgFV72-AGRP4HGaf68gXK_oJq-RYtgSR7LZBfoPBqzODFXRsX5fDH2Xrf_5QN5M6/s1600/20190729_114921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXavmAxmG3eXVIRxC-474775baMb0mZRdlPrbsxb7ACIfJ-nIkPzUI-BFBFKKzBV0Lk5Wd3x-tGBzeOgFV72-AGRP4HGaf68gXK_oJq-RYtgSR7LZBfoPBqzODFXRsX5fDH2Xrf_5QN5M6/s400/20190729_114921.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can remember when there were </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">millions of these along the railway lines.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A vacant mooring in Atherstone was like hen’s teeth and
some guy on the towpath said that the empty space I could see was taken by a
boat gone up to the locks to wind his boat. I found out later that this guy
frequents the towpath and is the equivalent of the village idiot, shouting out
untruths to passing boaters. Luckily another boat was just leaving as I came
alongside, but another one was following <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and chaos ensued until he reversed to leave
room. There was also a moored Tupperware boat on the offside to complicate
things even further!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shortly after I had secured the boat, October Morn came in
behind and being only 36ft long, just squeezed in. I helped the lady moor up,
for which she was most appreciative and we had quite a chat about things, one
of which was that she was brought up I Surrey and knew of my home mooring. Another
woman passed later and asked if the boat really was from The Wey, where she was born and bred!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a shower, I hit the bright lights of Atherstone and
looked in The New Swan, where I knew they served Church End Ales, but they only
had Goat’s Milk on tap, so I moved on to The Angel Ale House in the market
square where I came last year. Not only is it a CAMRA recommended pub, but it
has been North Warwickshire Pub of the Year five times recently. Being a
member, I got a 20% discount and there was a 1<sup>st</sup> class section of
beers on handpump, most of which I was unfamiliar with. This is also the only pub
I had ever experienced with a selection of vinyl records available to play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBb93NJSGkAtTS7-bf9AR4pUjxDzloOpxyldHyI9ymg5eO9rsUCsCClGHARdw0LkUVIuSQsz5x7MhvWi-ecPoS6IkKxJI3dihCLzYNKmCOzmhHMQlhFuwWDHomGpwQegKGSaM7eHX9MCm/s1600/20190730_170100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBb93NJSGkAtTS7-bf9AR4pUjxDzloOpxyldHyI9ymg5eO9rsUCsCClGHARdw0LkUVIuSQsz5x7MhvWi-ecPoS6IkKxJI3dihCLzYNKmCOzmhHMQlhFuwWDHomGpwQegKGSaM7eHX9MCm/s400/20190730_170100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Angel Alehouse in Market Square.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpsdLk7MKO3zhkFIGf0motX5GEiUbIj_3qc-QLYTn86yx0Cjn6RP2ncNScAUAiz8Yuij2h7pqfIcok6Lm8uT9YiqG3G0MpZUuXPJlflp9WMdMAlZGoQ_qp_NaC1XMTSBRbzOUitWQ_sy3/s1600/20190729_184923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpsdLk7MKO3zhkFIGf0motX5GEiUbIj_3qc-QLYTn86yx0Cjn6RP2ncNScAUAiz8Yuij2h7pqfIcok6Lm8uT9YiqG3G0MpZUuXPJlflp9WMdMAlZGoQ_qp_NaC1XMTSBRbzOUitWQ_sy3/s400/20190729_184923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bar with record deck to the right.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tuesday 30<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There was more shopping to do today and I badly need a haircut,
the last one being in Braunston more than a month ago. October Morn left this
morning, but not until we had another long conversation about home moorings and
I learned a few things from her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have had mixed feelings about moving from The Wey to
Rugby Wharf ever since I had a temporary mooring there a couple of weeks ago.
The biggest disadvantage of course is that it will take more than twice as long
to drive to from home; the other consideration is that to get out on a cruise
each year, I have to pass through The Thames and up the Grand Union to get to
anywhere interesting, with appropriate licences for each. The National Trust
who own the Wey Navigation put up their mooring prices every year without fail
and are extremely fussy about the rules of navigation and how boats are moored
on their navigation. Rugby Wharf on the other hand is offline, so no
disturbance from passing boats, apart from hire boats moving to and from the
end of the arm occasionally; mooring fees are half that of NT for the same
facilities and there is more bankside available to me; there is a boatyard at
the end of the arm, who understand narrow boats, showers and guaranteed parking
spaces; shopping at the local Tesco and The Steam Turbine pub (Greedy King and
Hungry Horse), but the beer is OK; I can easily get to Rugby Station for trains
home; the site is also secure at night now since a few break-ins, which is
better than my mooring down south. Finally, I have already made a new friend
with Mick on nb Ragamuffin. Having now typed out this list, I think there are
more pros than cons in my favour of moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rain was forecast again today, although sporadic and began
at lunchtime, but again there were several boats on the move in it. Nb Tramper
No.2 came past late morning and managed to stop opposite while we had a shouted
conversation – funny really how we seem to meet up by chance almost every year ever
since we met up in Sawley some years ago. My mate Colin bought their original boat
several years ago and still has it at Stoke Golding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wednesday 31<sup>st</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It really was time to get a haircut this morning as well as
a bit more shopping. As I walked into town, I passed a guy who struck a chord
so turned and shouted his name twice, at which he turned and was not sure who I
was. I reminded him that we met at Ricky Festival earlier this year and it then
all fitted into place. His name is Eric Naylor and we stood there and reminisced
over the festival, as well as other things and it turned out that he lived in
Atherstone. I mentioned that I had been to The Angel Alehouse where he normally
goes too, so it is strange that I have not seen him in there. The outcome was
that we would meet there about 5pm – I look forward to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And what a good evening it was too, with good company,
conversation and first class beer. It was so enjoyable that we agreed to meet
up and lead each other astray again tomorrow in the Church End Brewery, where
Eric was prepared to drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thursday 1<sup>st</sup> August<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There was a knock on my boat this morning whilst I was inconveniently
on the pot! It could only be Eric taking his dog Daisy for a walk along the
towpath. The arrangements had to be changed for this evening for Eric and we
would go to the brewery tomorrow lunchtime instead. In the meantime the Angel
was still on for later. I had plans to shift moorings further down below Lock 5
for a change of scene and also these moorings were supposed to be only for
48hrs, although there did not appear to be any CRT notices anywhere along the
stretch, as I mentioned in the blog for 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-91277767504314505852019-07-25T16:46:00.001+01:002019-07-25T16:46:51.646+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 13<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trip Up The Ashby.</span></h3>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4jc18h_3hK5QWL842SkS4Wh4IY-R3JPbJIKvoAV_yFolkDUQGmEK3Co5H8m5DS94comSj-PiiVhzBUBQzkYwmpu_6n4M4cDboXkjlzkmNkTGlSZhO_gLIi-akW4W5k8VhuJo6M4dM7JT/s1600/20190721_123254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4jc18h_3hK5QWL842SkS4Wh4IY-R3JPbJIKvoAV_yFolkDUQGmEK3Co5H8m5DS94comSj-PiiVhzBUBQzkYwmpu_6n4M4cDboXkjlzkmNkTGlSZhO_gLIi-akW4W5k8VhuJo6M4dM7JT/s400/20190721_123254.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Falls Bridge exit of original line.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day started well with a boat passing by with the klaxon blaring like a couple of fighting ducks. When I peered out it was David and Jane Brixey on nb Rowan from the River Wey and we were all very pleased to see each other. They managed to stop on the bank just ahead of me and we passed the time catching up on news over the past year. They are going up the Ashby in August, so I may well see them again this year. Strangely enough, we met up on the Rugby moorings about the same time last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQblWvo_vWMPt1fZxc4DWVlHwO8XvTJzCNkSRQa-t80q2Xv5TLYf-1uziCqBre1CNASPxCj93edHL9uoz7ckwThmTXu5nWxrHtWL3hQ3KYHRmHWlfA01zX5kWlE0TIjAEcnyYZxLhfIZt/s1600/20190720_113315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQblWvo_vWMPt1fZxc4DWVlHwO8XvTJzCNkSRQa-t80q2Xv5TLYf-1uziCqBre1CNASPxCj93edHL9uoz7ckwThmTXu5nWxrHtWL3hQ3KYHRmHWlfA01zX5kWlE0TIjAEcnyYZxLhfIZt/s400/20190720_113315.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">nb Rowan departing from Newbold.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most of the afternoon was spent doing the washing, writing this and reading until it was time for a shower ad change ready to be picked up by Mike and Leslie in their hire car to go to Hillmorton and the Spice Lounge, which was recommended by many aficionados of Indian food and Trip Advisor. We spent a very pleasant two and a half hours over the meal and talking non-stop, mainly about boats and boating and many other topics as well. The meal was delightful and so was the company and I can recommend this restaurant most highly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7noIKpGspPGNL66vbshZrd7Jy8hv1rItxTgGVPp81AuyzXU7NJsyoQ-2McpQcyu4VkQYGF3k11eDt086j54fUlyaFKuT4o5fcX-eX_0J75aElaV0uX1AMCdYbPIHayfRSGtxJb1FSLEz/s1600/Spice+Lounge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7noIKpGspPGNL66vbshZrd7Jy8hv1rItxTgGVPp81AuyzXU7NJsyoQ-2McpQcyu4VkQYGF3k11eDt086j54fUlyaFKuT4o5fcX-eX_0J75aElaV0uX1AMCdYbPIHayfRSGtxJb1FSLEz/s400/Spice+Lounge+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Mike and Leslie in the Spice Lounge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday 21<sup>st</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although I managed to pick up a BT hotspot yesterday, I could not repeat it this morning, so a frustrating couple of hours went by with nothing achieved until I clicked on a Google bookmark and pressed Connect; then the magic happened and I got a very strong signal. I had closed all tabs on Microsoft Windows, because every time I attempted to connect on Google Chrome, it opened Windows, but not this time – a result at last!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Looking at the blog count, I was pleased to see that 18 followers have read it since yesterday. My best ever number has been 934 readers for the post “BMC Starting Problems Solved” way back in 2014; which means that there are a lot of people with BMC engines with the same difficulty.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a promising start to the day, it got windy and clouded over, despite the forecast of temperatures in the high twenties.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I left Newbold late morning and could see at least two boats at the other end of the tunnel, I switched on my tunnel light and went through like a steam train before they even had a chance to enter. Although two boats can pass in there, they were reluctant to do so and waited for me to exit. It was a steady trip up to Suttons Stop arriving at 16.30. As expected there were no moorings to be had close to the turn, but there were a few further up the Coventry, where it was far quieter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FSWODKqQbZey7TwdijPdeqFT86vsH6f-_V6O3ciH7UuheSHLweetlvqHcjoIK1vPr8ycWrpXs-hBDHtA24FetsjpIFPMVe4Lgxp5zkNtglwL9g4lFDTBXwYbIIN01XNLgIh7zby95L7k/s1600/20190721_135801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FSWODKqQbZey7TwdijPdeqFT86vsH6f-_V6O3ciH7UuheSHLweetlvqHcjoIK1vPr8ycWrpXs-hBDHtA24FetsjpIFPMVe4Lgxp5zkNtglwL9g4lFDTBXwYbIIN01XNLgIh7zby95L7k/s400/20190721_135801.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Spoon Dredger moored at Stretton Stop.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I met up with my eldest and her man at The Greyhound later for a few drinks and laptop problems to be solved and we made some progress. A reservation was made for next Friday evening, but there was not much choice of time, being so close to the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday 22<sup>nd</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day started off quite chilly, but by midday it was very hot, although the wind tempered the heat somewhat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRYibcNEtL_8uJS9_w9jZKkRY6QgjO9VlHgJvVLGT-wegqhDZwMW-ki5aA7X9YhAVsIkr3-upW9Mxp-ryGufABRoIJzKnfvvtuu6fWy4ovElt61rjYoA43xX2jbZ8w2NS-ArWZVj0uBuJ/s1600/20190722_123608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRYibcNEtL_8uJS9_w9jZKkRY6QgjO9VlHgJvVLGT-wegqhDZwMW-ki5aA7X9YhAVsIkr3-upW9Mxp-ryGufABRoIJzKnfvvtuu6fWy4ovElt61rjYoA43xX2jbZ8w2NS-ArWZVj0uBuJ/s400/20190722_123608.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ci10C-aDsQrZmG649S6iNWCeJYavbwCyy-tj72EH1NpQ0Nl9x7dcvBgWICdPdns6m9JX1cBtVBH_mxDl5qcX03TY8D3xg5b7w_dQUUC_gKjMFHbJAUYPAXMmIkKMoofNrHmOxh-LUSL2/s1600/20190722_123546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ci10C-aDsQrZmG649S6iNWCeJYavbwCyy-tj72EH1NpQ0Nl9x7dcvBgWICdPdns6m9JX1cBtVBH_mxDl5qcX03TY8D3xg5b7w_dQUUC_gKjMFHbJAUYPAXMmIkKMoofNrHmOxh-LUSL2/s400/20190722_123546.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Charity Dock mannequins never fail to amuse.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I came up to Marston Junction, I could see another boat coming out under the bridge from the Ashby, but although he couldn’t see me, he heard my horn, so he stopped and waited for me to go past. We both waited until he could see no one come past and crept out very slowly. Only then did he realise where I was going and by which time I was also too close to make a good entrance and touched the banks a few times getting in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I realised how quiet this canal is and in two hours I only passed three boats on the move. When I got to Hinkley I pulled over below Bridge 15 on a piled mooring just short of the bridge and far enough from the A5 road, which can be very noisy. Here I could at last BBQ the lamb chops and I was only a short distance from The Lime Kilns pub, where I went last year with Pat and Sue on nb Dame du Cane from The Wey Navigations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was curry night in the pub and unbelievable as it was, a choice of curries was £3.00! I even queried it at the bar and that was right; no wonder the place was packed out with diners.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back on board, I lit the BBQ which smoked like a bonfire until it was ready to cook on. The roast potatoes were done in minutes with the cover on and then I did the lamb chops, which were delicious with the leftover baked beans – a really healthy meal!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tuesday 23<sup>rd</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The temperature was already 20</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">º</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">C at 8am and it was to get hotter as the day wore on. I pulled in at Bridge 35 to visit the farm shop there and bought some bacon and some frozen calves liver – I just hope it is as good as what I had from Braunston. It was a steady plod towards Market Bosworth to go on a trip on The Battlefield Line and I pulled in at Shenton, where there was a station and had a bite to eat, but when I Googled the railway, there were only heritage rail cars hauling the trains on weekdays. It was also 3pm and probably too late to make the most of it, so I cruised on to Market Bosworth and sure enough there was a hire boat taking up twice its own length, so I nosed the bow in and asked them if they could move back one ring. Meanwhile, I was being blown across the cut and had to deploy the shaft to get back, until a guy offered to take my stern line and pull me in.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The remainder of the day was spent chilling out in front of the cooling fan and having a beer, as it was a bus ride to the pub in the town and too hot to even walk to the bus stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
Wednesday 24<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the day of the train, despite the fact that no steam engines were running. I walked across the bridge to Market Bosworth station, just in time to catch a train coming in, but I had no ticket. I was told that I could get a ticket on the train, but no one came to issue one, so I enjoyed the ride to Shenton for free, but there was no ticket office there either. Being a heritage rail car, I was able to sit behind the driver in his cab and get a driver’s eye view of the track ahead and also observe his movements on the controls. The ride probably never exceeded 30mph and was far slower than that most of the time. The two railcars had a diesel engine in each one and both were operating at the same time. After about 20mins at Shenton, the train then returned to Shackerstone via Market Bosworth, so at the end of the line I could eventually buy a ticket from the same man who was the conductor on the train and who I had also asked about where to get a ticket. To be honest, I am sure I could have travelled all day without anyone asking to see one.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At Shackerstone there was a museum of railway memorabilia and not just from that line – it was rammed with stuff and the curator just lived talking about it. I discovered later that his name is Roger Pryce and he managed about 12 pairs of working boats from the Ashby Canal to London and back in the past, so we had a topic in common from the start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR5tA002q1Ysf8ZA70LOvwnjOcVJnOz0CCLw24pQqG7nV3lnU95x1qgYvG3BL0nwl82cI6MF9Bz1RoYV5oOV5Q7dwcBllul9jBIleXDjfOnPmrHeTzCUOOKZnPC2zDf2-DOmqVsNi3Bvn/s1600/20190724_122245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR5tA002q1Ysf8ZA70LOvwnjOcVJnOz0CCLw24pQqG7nV3lnU95x1qgYvG3BL0nwl82cI6MF9Bz1RoYV5oOV5Q7dwcBllul9jBIleXDjfOnPmrHeTzCUOOKZnPC2zDf2-DOmqVsNi3Bvn/s400/20190724_122245.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Heritage Railcar on The Battlefield Line.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTL8BrQQ__7fLPWSzUY8N7mQH5QtiPp-BJMkzv-AHNl-fHDL4tGnNehUA0rGtsOuShJW6UjVlIwx38p0Kewweid19KiMpJnmmKV8sY2qNwEVZcuTnzR6Y7bkEEjpyVR2WVKDAmvKDbGOu/s1600/20190724_122357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTL8BrQQ__7fLPWSzUY8N7mQH5QtiPp-BJMkzv-AHNl-fHDL4tGnNehUA0rGtsOuShJW6UjVlIwx38p0Kewweid19KiMpJnmmKV8sY2qNwEVZcuTnzR6Y7bkEEjpyVR2WVKDAmvKDbGOu/s400/20190724_122357.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUh8So2AMeAG-CfODoykhzUZ3-Wm7_YBojHrgMVs7khTDbAxE3ZJAiRPLrPeiiW6nRlnQGkHTWx4WpNeB4H3BvOP1ZmKgeigV52p62hSlQYvbEeRjpDngN6NBvw2rtceOk1x60nRuCis6/s1600/20190724_122131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUh8So2AMeAG-CfODoykhzUZ3-Wm7_YBojHrgMVs7khTDbAxE3ZJAiRPLrPeiiW6nRlnQGkHTWx4WpNeB4H3BvOP1ZmKgeigV52p62hSlQYvbEeRjpDngN6NBvw2rtceOk1x60nRuCis6/s400/20190724_122131.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Market Bosworth Station.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DQmdwCA5FPZwEKwJGycPTSIjY2CkkYc0p-5Ekk4nZhCqgvJBVB4jNZ1gXMhkzNmyZKg-DgWmGMscfoJuN-rP0JjyChWlxS0qncXedAQsTbK9mIxoIpoyizl_0LRvIO3DMVS_uTy_G1Fw/s1600/20190724_120539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DQmdwCA5FPZwEKwJGycPTSIjY2CkkYc0p-5Ekk4nZhCqgvJBVB4jNZ1gXMhkzNmyZKg-DgWmGMscfoJuN-rP0JjyChWlxS0qncXedAQsTbK9mIxoIpoyizl_0LRvIO3DMVS_uTy_G1Fw/s400/20190724_120539.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Museum at <span style="font-size: 14pt;">Shackerstone.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Returning to M Bosworth I walked back to Stronghold, had a bite to eat before heading for Duck’s Corner at Stoke Golding, where there are usually moorings on the offside and a short walk up to the village and The Druids Head, a favourite pub </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">of mine </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">and several friends where they sell Church End Brewery ales.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The day had been another hot one, but with a cooling breeze once again, making the heat bearable. Passing another boat in the channel, we were both on the mud, but could keep going, which illustrates just how shallow it is in places. I passed another brand new smart boat and gave the customary wave and smile, but neither were returned. I just cannot understand why these people go boating and are so bloody miserable when they are doing it! I cannot repeat here what I called him afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-40013014032347836002019-07-20T11:07:00.000+01:002019-07-20T11:07:32.564+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 12<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Serendipity.</span></b></h3>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wednesday 17th July<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It was time to wind the boat at Clifton
Cruisers in readiness for the slow trip to Suttons Stop (Hawkesbury Junction).
I was awarded 9/10 points by two boaters out sunning themselves at the turn.
The guy said I would have achieved 10, but for hitting the bank on the towpath
side, which I thought was soft at the time. It was not the usual way I winded
there with the bow in first, as a Noddy boat insisted on passing port to port
and consequently I had to go past the arm and then reverse in. I passed Alan
Fincher on nb Flamingo on the way back, who acknowledged me with a wave and
comment after all these years of seeing my face at Braunston.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was about to moor at the water point
by the park in Rugby, but was beaten to it by another boat, but there was
a rare mooring on the towpath side and I shot in there before anyone else
grabbed it. I will water up in the morning before I let go. Mike and Jenny
Morse on nb Guelrose passed by and moored up further down the line and we had a
good catchup conversation later as they went off to shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thursday 18<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">After the rain stopped it was time for yet
another shopping expedition to get some of my favorite yoghourts, because they were
sold out yesterday. When the water point became free I moved across to replenish
from the tap and because the rings were too far apart, I used a new method of
holding the boat in with the centre line only and in gear with the tiller
strings on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjys7vBohMOt1IXBO-HLs3j5F8XgilieqVvHwjqr5c5gDKOJBa40u31j5DaTyk7xWiDo7FIMDz8XzonCV75HtLbIm25bCeFWfvR8UIr5ePwvbqVGkiXG3I6hCAz88A7Wc5mRXQZodjOzE/s1600/20190718_124632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjys7vBohMOt1IXBO-HLs3j5F8XgilieqVvHwjqr5c5gDKOJBa40u31j5DaTyk7xWiDo7FIMDz8XzonCV75HtLbIm25bCeFWfvR8UIr5ePwvbqVGkiXG3I6hCAz88A7Wc5mRXQZodjOzE/s400/20190718_124632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Centre line fixing.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I moved on after that to The Barley Mow
at Newbold, where there were plenty of free spaces. There was no more rain, but
the forecast is not good for the next few days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here is the serendipity part of the sub-title
– I had only been moored up an hour when I heard someone shout from a boat,
which drew to a halt alongside. Popping out to see what was up, I immediately
saw nb Lady Baltimore – it was Mike and Leslie who I mentioned when last in The
White Bear at Ricky. I had not heard from them for a while since their crossing from Bristol to Sharpness up the Severn, so had no idea where they were and now they were here.
They moored up a few boats away temporarily and Mike came down for a chat about
their route and so we swapped a few yarns before they had to depart to get back
to Dunchurch Pools for tonight. I walked back to Lady Baltimore to greet Leslie
and have a brief conversation before they let go. It was a joy to see them again
and most unexpected. They intend hiring a car tomorrow and suggested that we go
out for an Indian meal somewhere, which would be great – just like old times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I went to The Barley Mow for a pint of Timothy
Taylors Landlord and it came out of a new barrel and was perfect; in fact it
was so good I had to have another! I took the new laptop to charge and the
speed is simply amazing. It seems I don’t know what I have been missing all
these years! I am still finding my way around, but I suppose I will get used to
it all eventually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">When I was talking to Mick in Rugby
Wharf, he told me about Brindley’s route past the front of the original two
pubs here; The Barley Mow and The Boat, before it went under the churchyard. Apparently,
the northern portal of the original tunnel is still visible – maybe I will have
a look tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Friday 19<sup>th</sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I took a walk this afternoon during a
break in the rain to the church and after walking through the graveyard, I came
to a gate in the boundary wall that went down towards a ditch, Sure enough, I
had got the right spot as I turned right in the ditch which was the bed of the
original canal, because there in front of me was the bricked up portal of the
original tunnel, which was built in 1777, but superseded when the new tunnel opened in 1834, so shortening the route by 11 miles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO2Ghk8qljLHFJaqGsQIsNaWOLFb_s6JCaw2hQ4M_dV0a2zsTMWZVTFKUkjkjJqQHgm_vIPKToZxxCa-OeSJof9rTN2EfFT6hvq6HW8Ai0uPhqMA8hYZe6IPvoZ3jRCPnubgQmkxXZ8go/s1600/20190719_141227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO2Ghk8qljLHFJaqGsQIsNaWOLFb_s6JCaw2hQ4M_dV0a2zsTMWZVTFKUkjkjJqQHgm_vIPKToZxxCa-OeSJof9rTN2EfFT6hvq6HW8Ai0uPhqMA8hYZe6IPvoZ3jRCPnubgQmkxXZ8go/s400/20190719_141227.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Northern Portal. The holes are there for bats.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ggeq2tIY6eeDFMntn45z6Lu5LTuEbmUF7Jz0QBuI4wfnsXP7wlJi0MGAwv7uX7uat95Y654Sq51yQkzKIecp1Hv6H8r3dEijqA62km0dA_wlfpDhifzcXFfP-m_r-QnO-SyF_GwxbvxE/s1600/20190719_141356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ggeq2tIY6eeDFMntn45z6Lu5LTuEbmUF7Jz0QBuI4wfnsXP7wlJi0MGAwv7uX7uat95Y654Sq51yQkzKIecp1Hv6H8r3dEijqA62km0dA_wlfpDhifzcXFfP-m_r-QnO-SyF_GwxbvxE/s400/20190719_141356.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Overgrown bed of the cut.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">After taking a couple of shots, I could
follow the route along the edge of a field and behind a hedge to a bridge,
which was now bricked up also and tarmacked over. After that the canal more or
less disappeared in fields of green pasture as it made its way towards Falls Bridge
to join up with the present cut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7A43-PPP_piImdyb-O2KnPtw1y2O0Q71MI1JIqXq4F2AzAAbofrhyBubSuuqTjIUIS4Zii2spWH4svTkcnXvdTl-d9VofjKKgLegK5b1c3Vt0hirWciAdXNVRT80GVNSRvaqPHH5hEtZ/s1600/20190719_142605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7A43-PPP_piImdyb-O2KnPtw1y2O0Q71MI1JIqXq4F2AzAAbofrhyBubSuuqTjIUIS4Zii2spWH4svTkcnXvdTl-d9VofjKKgLegK5b1c3Vt0hirWciAdXNVRT80GVNSRvaqPHH5hEtZ/s400/20190719_142605.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Part of the original bridge still visible.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; tab-stops: 464.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipugiDDmlIOWeklPORAGh1QYw8PmqkTCBBTIdr7RagD0vPopdayyzeA3kB4hZP3PUpQetMAIfeW7PqeYt-xCi0guDqFFNrKijrzKDRxwCdkdUSIoM_0SMhLLmNEoZLgua0nWXvMWvzXLQy/s1600/20190719_142804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipugiDDmlIOWeklPORAGh1QYw8PmqkTCBBTIdr7RagD0vPopdayyzeA3kB4hZP3PUpQetMAIfeW7PqeYt-xCi0guDqFFNrKijrzKDRxwCdkdUSIoM_0SMhLLmNEoZLgua0nWXvMWvzXLQy/s400/20190719_142804.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Possible route through the hedge </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">where it dips, to Falls Bridge.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-89816891708088121122019-07-17T16:36:00.000+01:002019-07-19T10:57:31.478+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019. 11<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summer Break and New PC.</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Monday 15th July</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few things have happened since I last blogged, one of which was quite expensive.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Firstly, I went home for a week to do the things one takes for granted, like opening two months of mail, most of which was trash. Settling the appropriate bills to be paid, like car tax which I missed last year and only paid it at the last minute, before the DVLC were going to take action. Cutting the knee high grass and weeding the back garden. Catching up with friends at my local and drinking expensive beer like they have 'daan saaf'. Entertaining friends out to eat for favours done while I am away having fun<table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.2px; orphans: 2; table-layout: fixed; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: nowrap; widows: 2; width: 888.8px; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="c2" style="display: flex; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><h3 class="iw" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; color: #5f6368; display: block; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: 20px; margin: inherit; max-width: calc(100% - 8px); overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the expensive thing? That was researching and buying a new laptop. I had been thinking of doing it for some time, but when I plugged the power lead into the old model and then fired up the inverter on board, the decision was made for me, because I reckon a voltage spike burnt out the charging circuit. Oh well, it had served me well and was 10/12yrs old, choked with stuff and flaky towards the end.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And so it was that my brother-in-law and I spent long hours searching the internet to find a suitable model to replace the old one. Finally I settled on the one that suited the bill and then had to go about finding out who could supply at fairly short notice. Eventually Argos looked like a suitable choice and they could arrange it to be picked up at the venue of my choice, which in this instance was Rugby where Stronghold was moored.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I got to Rugby Wharf all was well and the mooring was even cheaper than last year! How about that then? In 2018 I was quoted £50 for a week and this time when I went to settle up, I was told it was £5/night, so the total being £35. I had previously asked Mick on nb Ragamuffin if he could play taxi driver to take me to Argos to collect this PC the following day, which is the other side of town, so I paid for another night.</span></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-82218374211810409772019-07-04T11:21:00.001+01:002019-07-06T17:25:31.467+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 10<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Braunston Historic Boat Rally – aka Braunston Hysterics.</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wednesday 25<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yet another chilly and overcast morning greeted me; I hope
it cheers up by the weekend. Some sunshine is forecast for tomorrow, which will
be welcomed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The engine is still leak free and there is more water in the
header tank than has been for some time, so this K-Seal is looking like a good
investment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I walked down to HQ at 10am to see what needed to be done –
just the odd job here and there. Certain notices have to be placed in position
at the right time, otherwise there is a chance they will be vandalised or
abused, so a lot of time was spent just gassing about boating amongst the
group.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I returned in the afternoon, Jack was there on
Cumberland, but had to go and see Roger Farringdon about getting his boat
hauled up the slipway to remove his propeller as it had hit something in
Manchester and was now bent. A hazardous place for boats is that, as I
discovered a couple of years ago. Apparently it was not a good trip for him and
no doubt I will hear about it later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thursday 26<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of today was spent in mission control, mainly talking
about boating and other things in general. One or two boats were repositioned
as new ones arrived. The Narrow Boat Trust have not arrived yet and will need to
be here by Friday, so the moorings are now getting scarce and a lot of spaces
need closing up to get all the boats in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At last I got some calves liver from the butcher. I know it
is scarce, but he was treating the whole business like a secret society and
knew what I wanted as soon as I entered the shop. I hope it is as good as the
last time I had it. I was also known in the general store after leaving the rum
behind. Soon I will be recognised as a ‘local’.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After our duties, Jack and I went for a pint in the pub and
I met up again with Kevin and Ingrid, whose boat was moored almost opposite. We
had a brief chat before Jack invited me to join up with Harry and Jono, who he
introduced as Jonathan of course. I had know of Jono for years, as he had done
restoration work and rebuilding of other boaters engines, one of which was the
NBT Lister. It was an interesting conversation over a pint.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a quick meal before going to the beer tent for a
performance by the Alarum Theatre of “Acts of Abandon” by Heather Wastie and
Kate Saffin individually. I enjoyed it as one woman theatre, despite there
being two of them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friday 27<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was at mission control just after 9am and mentioned to
Kevin on Columbia that he could move into the marina arm from now on, only to
discover later from Graham that they were not due to move FMC boats until
10.30, but they moved anyway and got their usual spot at the head of the arm. I
walked down to Ladder Bridge to warn other Joshers that the time was imminent
and eventually they were all in there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shortly after the Narrow Boat Trust pair came through the
marina and I met the captain, Howard Williams at Butcher’s Bridge to explain
what was going on regarding the mooring position. They were now breasted and
waiting for other boats to be moved out of the way, which eventually they were
and Nuneaton and Brighton were shafted next to the bank and tied up in a very
tight space behind Raymond, which did not have the rudder in a very safe position,
i.e. it was straight out behind the boat. I met Alister Bates for the first
time, who is quite experienced and younger that most of us. I also had a chat
with Paul Woloschuk, who I had met last year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The parade team were invited to the traders tent this
evening for a social get together with a meal provided by the Gongoozlers Rest catering boat, which is moored permanently outside the marina, who we
congratulated later on the quality of the food. Tim and Pru were there, along
with Ivor Caplin, who is due to open the show tomorrow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saturday 28<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a briefing at 9am for the stewards on safety, use
of PMR radios, and courtesy towards boaters and the public, after which we left
for our respective duties. I was on The Turn along with Keith Lodge, who was a
new steward this year. The parade was to open the show at 11am, but most boats
had to come up to The Turn to wind first, which is no problem. But the return
to the marina is fraught<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with holdups as
they now face oncoming traffic, so everyone has to slow down. Winding at The
Turn is another bottle neck, especially with pairs of boats, i.e. motor and
butty. All was going well with trying to get private boats through ASAP,
without interrupting the parade flow too much, and all the private boaters were
cheery and relaxed, often driving in mooring pins to sit and wait for the end
of the parade. The weather was extremely hot and there was little shade to be
had, so a bottle of water was necessary. We finished just after 1pm and went
for a very well deserved pint in the beer tent, where Mandolin Monday was
playing yet again; this being the third time I had seen them this year. They
are also performing tomorrow, which I hope to go to as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLDSvoqR8L1MeGmbHHJ7VtoRK6QX6dmnkXuwLWsiNJu5jA82BbbnGWtpAlgF8GatXqrlv9f_wMiEGoLo9W1zrOxB5FzJd2d3wsGTiRRzLNY0iYH8fNsMPiFIl14Fd9dZQ4YtLGFMumq7-/s1600/20190630_142747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLDSvoqR8L1MeGmbHHJ7VtoRK6QX6dmnkXuwLWsiNJu5jA82BbbnGWtpAlgF8GatXqrlv9f_wMiEGoLo9W1zrOxB5FzJd2d3wsGTiRRzLNY0iYH8fNsMPiFIl14Fd9dZQ4YtLGFMumq7-/s400/20190630_142747.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mandolin Mondays</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jack and Jaqui had invited me for a meal at The Admiral Nelson
later and I was interested to find out how good the food was, now it was in the
hands of a new landlord and brewery. Previous food there over the last three
years had been very good and the restaurant was filled up most nights of the
week, but things were now different, although it was full this evening. In
retrospect it was just pub food, so was relatively cheaper than before, although
I had prior warning about all this and the service from friends who visited some
months ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMyQBWBcx548RLkahrgyS_i8QGuKpuW09Tx0U5CMYrSuhrL0QZWMXxkSPJioEDRMLBHsejoqgN00rdT8_zx_lrkBTDPVvok13kpvk-hdAaQl9f2Q9uK4yD0d5EdAw4hUvcAUqAKImE7v_/s1600/20190628_211639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMyQBWBcx548RLkahrgyS_i8QGuKpuW09Tx0U5CMYrSuhrL0QZWMXxkSPJioEDRMLBHsejoqgN00rdT8_zx_lrkBTDPVvok13kpvk-hdAaQl9f2Q9uK4yD0d5EdAw4hUvcAUqAKImE7v_/s400/20190628_211639.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moored up tugs seven abreast</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRydc4EFEav-ck0CGEuU28hwqahlzc6Y-_mpJ9wsQ25T0l3HUpvHKK54H_W60cjUIFRz8D139hND2vcEFZvDCEuwQxHbFc3Xa-nTCCEUVvCxvGHJmDBOrXT9H3x-vXEajoXXDfQaEaMW_N/s1600/20190630_100147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRydc4EFEav-ck0CGEuU28hwqahlzc6Y-_mpJ9wsQ25T0l3HUpvHKK54H_W60cjUIFRz8D139hND2vcEFZvDCEuwQxHbFc3Xa-nTCCEUVvCxvGHJmDBOrXT9H3x-vXEajoXXDfQaEaMW_N/s400/20190630_100147.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Only six now.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZo28xhzQCNzzUVRjrj6E3OFp76K75gdZmCIZm6KY76qSC0qHG-AyPqGtuIVvVcxkgDtmK_AjkIQzr5TZMhXl7kQJgVNFpQQfo_UD6RL4xG0Y_Xe7ebvBs1MI33DbVEUC4Xw_8ENAke8O/s1600/20190630_100206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZo28xhzQCNzzUVRjrj6E3OFp76K75gdZmCIZm6KY76qSC0qHG-AyPqGtuIVvVcxkgDtmK_AjkIQzr5TZMhXl7kQJgVNFpQQfo_UD6RL4xG0Y_Xe7ebvBs1MI33DbVEUC4Xw_8ENAke8O/s400/20190630_100206.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mostly FMC boats in the arm.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday 29<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was not so warm this morning, which was welcome after the
heat yesterday. Keith and I were allocated to do Bridge 91 for a change, which
can be another bottleneck despite the fact that two boats can pass beneath the
bridge. The lst time I did this spot, I was on my own and it involved
considerable movement on my part from one side to the other to control boats,
but with two people there was far less running back and forth. The parade was
much more spread out then yesterday, so far less holdups were involved. There
were also fewer boats taking part, so all in all it was a far more pleasant
experience. I was pleased to see John Fevyer again for a chat about NBT and
other things. He was one of the founder members of NBT some many years ago.
Boats paraded smoothly under the bridge until 1.15pm and that was it for this
year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkV0dlAqgPFuOlHzjj1SlRKvm3sYpfsO3BwPKXN4zF-L9_GFGKps-1o9VOdqlJHnumNhDELW0T2zgYQXvFbEwNOWWHGi7cwfUajNEz9ds9BZSRdsMMIRXYgNaCSukU4QFdmxFlB5_kJvu/s1600/20190630_110904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkV0dlAqgPFuOlHzjj1SlRKvm3sYpfsO3BwPKXN4zF-L9_GFGKps-1o9VOdqlJHnumNhDELW0T2zgYQXvFbEwNOWWHGi7cwfUajNEz9ds9BZSRdsMMIRXYgNaCSukU4QFdmxFlB5_kJvu/s400/20190630_110904.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nuneaton and Brighton.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54DKi8HU_QT4gUX_HP1tfKDsAjqTQ68VRQl7aN-TPmwQHBIr-Xh4tdst0DOxor1a3EtLFfGTf2eFqqjp9WdaXor_clhnFu8rurvkhQZZjP-jlJ8Zp_ZZL2iJEjOHFUO1CmmjZ7YslTcva/s1600/20190630_115517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54DKi8HU_QT4gUX_HP1tfKDsAjqTQ68VRQl7aN-TPmwQHBIr-Xh4tdst0DOxor1a3EtLFfGTf2eFqqjp9WdaXor_clhnFu8rurvkhQZZjP-jlJ8Zp_ZZL2iJEjOHFUO1CmmjZ7YslTcva/s400/20190630_115517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Finchers with Cath on the melodeon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0I9hIhyTKDT6X1NzJjX6jG9Xj6BhCdjzoLgWZi7kuBUD4cZUQGoUxjcuNAhCEpICJ4-S2wKzUZbwI6gJwZYQopqW5_7Ne-Ihz61P2_SA6pcqoqYEAT0Xw0n4e_vejBQ3-WA9RPsVWzDq/s1600/20190630_115454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0I9hIhyTKDT6X1NzJjX6jG9Xj6BhCdjzoLgWZi7kuBUD4cZUQGoUxjcuNAhCEpICJ4-S2wKzUZbwI6gJwZYQopqW5_7Ne-Ihz61P2_SA6pcqoqYEAT0Xw0n4e_vejBQ3-WA9RPsVWzDq/s400/20190630_115454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mike the Boiler Man on Reginald.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I strolled back to mission HQ and managed to get a bite to
eat, courtesy of Graham and Linda before going back for another session by
Mandolin Mondays with Jack and Jaqui – we lasted until the end before it was a
walk back for a mini snooze before Pimm’s and Pasta back at HQ for the parade
team to close the day. Too much beer was consumed again, but one has to
rehydrate on occasions like this!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My final comment on the weekend is that it was far more
enjoyable than previous years. I put this down to knowing more people on the
team, familiarity with the stewarding process and being far less stressful due
to there being more co-operative boaters. Added to that, I did not have the
responsibility of taking Nuneaton and Brighton out on the parade as last year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZywX1k4aQtRgdO_5Dj60rFmRYs3aDWGqEej3z_6W1K4tKdxONDEvzASnfbPeRcfHGDZh0TWRxAvN30CnvKcN9g7tgkBg6Skl78x2IO7HdrLI7swP2v-7tu9fSyxqPWyGO-abWh_mjOAW/s1600/20190630_211929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZywX1k4aQtRgdO_5Dj60rFmRYs3aDWGqEej3z_6W1K4tKdxONDEvzASnfbPeRcfHGDZh0TWRxAvN30CnvKcN9g7tgkBg6Skl78x2IO7HdrLI7swP2v-7tu9fSyxqPWyGO-abWh_mjOAW/s1600/20190630_211929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZywX1k4aQtRgdO_5Dj60rFmRYs3aDWGqEej3z_6W1K4tKdxONDEvzASnfbPeRcfHGDZh0TWRxAvN30CnvKcN9g7tgkBg6Skl78x2IO7HdrLI7swP2v-7tu9fSyxqPWyGO-abWh_mjOAW/s1600/20190630_211929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZywX1k4aQtRgdO_5Dj60rFmRYs3aDWGqEej3z_6W1K4tKdxONDEvzASnfbPeRcfHGDZh0TWRxAvN30CnvKcN9g7tgkBg6Skl78x2IO7HdrLI7swP2v-7tu9fSyxqPWyGO-abWh_mjOAW/s400/20190630_211929.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Goodbye to Jack......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPr8FwQE1lrUiMFuPfuoDAI0-PTt2Rtx9Hvnr2fJIq83WdNg_FzRIxACCyWwEA5CCnHDZDSfXfnujP-8fBGTCRSG9-17A49ghfn_vJK9Hl2LpdcYhuVzJdh392LmXT6de4uSOOU19LXQl/s1600/20190630_211901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPr8FwQE1lrUiMFuPfuoDAI0-PTt2Rtx9Hvnr2fJIq83WdNg_FzRIxACCyWwEA5CCnHDZDSfXfnujP-8fBGTCRSG9-17A49ghfn_vJK9Hl2LpdcYhuVzJdh392LmXT6de4uSOOU19LXQl/s400/20190630_211901.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.........and Jacqui.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Monday 1<sup>st</sup> July</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 9am I walked along the towpath to HQ with wire cutters
ready to remove No Mooring notices, which was a pointless exercise as they had
all been removed by now. We took some of them back to the marina workshop and I
got some washing and drying tokens, for the simple reason that I now had
nothing clean to wear and I could get it all dry in one afternoon. Dodona moved
off the mooring to return home and this is probably the last time I will see
Ped, who has his boat up for sale at £35.000.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What with writing up the blog, moving to another mooring and a dozen other
trivial bits and pieces, I did not get the washing in until about 3pm. As it
takes an hour to wash and another hour to dry plus remaking the bed, I was
going to be later than I had promised to be at the pub to meet with Kevin and
Ingrid. Fortunately they were still there out on the balcony and we had a good
conversation about many things, including the fact that several traders and
members of the public had complained about the doubling of the car parking fee,
which is now £20 and the rise in traders stall fees. On both mornings I had
noticed far more visitors than usual walking along the towpath, meaning that
their cars were parked elsewhere in the village. I can foresee letters in the
canal press about this in the weeks ahead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I booked a train home on Trainline and phoned Rugby Boats to
find out if there was an available mooring for a week; there was, so I am all
set up for the next few days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tuesday 2<sup>nd</sup> July</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lovely sunny day dawned for a change and I think it is set
fair for a few more. I let go quite late with not much to do except cruising
for the next few days. Unfortunately, the sky clouded over and a chilly north
wind set in a little later. I said goodbye to John and Graham and winded to
head up towards Rugby, with the intention of stopping at The Old Royal Oak, now
called The Waterside. It was a good run and I got there in </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 hours with no holdups and there was only one boat on the
moorings outside the pub.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a pint and some lunch, I met the other guy Phil, who
was now on his 11th boat and did the run from Great Hayward on the Trent and
Mersey to here in 27hrs continuous. Not only was he knackered, but his knees
had swollen incredibly with all that time on his feet. His boat had an integral
weed hatch which was leaking, although the boat was in no harm of sinking, but
he wanted to reseal it and the only way was to lighten the stern end or lift
the stern out of the water, which he could do in Willow Ridge the following day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The afternoon was whiled away with reading as there was no
TV signal here, probably because there were three bridges in the direction of
Sutton Coldfield. It was Braunston Bangers again tonight after another trip to
the pub and an early night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wednesday 3<sup>rd</sup> July</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A leisurely departure this morning in what promised to be a salubrious
day, with sunshine. The wild orchids are in bloom again at Hillmorton Bottom
Lock after three disastrous years – two of drought and one when the mowing gang
chopped through the lot, despite there being a sign up. These are the busiest
locks in the country with 6,821 boats through in 2017.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg2Kufxd7oS3wN8nDFDbtjq7yr_p1iEMiCWb-oyPe-WXhaiKQ2Hz7RO3s6sEABE62axuWObwrLQVyAHGg6f88MljcDKoUitqBRDl5gdl9jmzjbvPSs07OUt7U44vufqEvQvEZEu9wGsfh/s1600/P1050408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg2Kufxd7oS3wN8nDFDbtjq7yr_p1iEMiCWb-oyPe-WXhaiKQ2Hz7RO3s6sEABE62axuWObwrLQVyAHGg6f88MljcDKoUitqBRDl5gdl9jmzjbvPSs07OUt7U44vufqEvQvEZEu9wGsfh/s320/P1050408.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taken in the same spot in 2017.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The infrastructure development of Houlton still goes on,
where they are about to build 6.200 houses, with schools, health centre, community
facilities and plenty of open spaces on what appears to have been the huge
radio transmission site to the east of Hillmorton. Of course all the aerials
were demolished a few years ago. The Houlton Bridge, which spans the canal just
south of Clifton-upon-Dunsmore is still incomplete a year after I watched some
of the piles being driven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approaching the moorings at Rugby there were a couple well
away from the park, so I continued to move on and search until I found the last
one before Bridge 56 free. It was too close to the bridge for my liking and
quite dark as well as noisy from the busy road. Having taken about 30mins to
try and drive pins in and finally get secure, because there were no rings, a
mooring became vacant two boats back in a far lighter situation. Throwing caution
to the wind, I released all the lines and bundled them aboard and reversed as
fast as was safe before another boat got in there. I was not even tied up when
another boat passed by, I was that close to missing it. Having got a good
mooring, I decided to do Tesco in the morning. The Bell and Barge Harvester
house was across a very busy dual carriageway leading in and out of Rugby. As I
would usually visit in rush hour, today was a time to give it a miss as it too
dangerous to cross that road at that time. There would only be Doombar on tap
anyway, just as there has been for the past three years at least.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After what I said about going to Tesco, I later realised
that I had no vegetables to go with the last slice of calves liver, so a shopping
trip was essential. It is also important to take some money to pay for it, as I
realised when I got there, so there was no alternative but to retrace my steps
and get some - doh! Anyway it was the only exercise I got today, which was some
compensation. Once again the liver was done in the usual way with homemade raspberry
vinegar and cream and although the liver was more than ½” thick, every part was
edible and delicious. Sweet for a treat was the gooseberries and Hagen Das ice
cream. Oh yes, I live like a king, only there is no queen to share it.</span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-68427853530581811072019-06-26T17:18:00.001+01:002019-06-26T17:18:21.449+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 9.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday 16<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More rain this morning! Will it ever end I wonder. Two
things I wanted to do today, firstly get some or all of the water out from
beneath the engine and secondly get the fire cleaned out and ready for the
operation exchange tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Removing
the water was a really slow job, as I was using the Pela Pump to suck away the
surplus, but as the engine had a mat soaking up the oil and water, the latter
flowed very slowly and would have to be removed over a period of days. Cleaning
up the fire was a much shorter operation and completed in 10 mins. Apart from
that, I did very little else except reading and a visit to The Boathouse for a
cheap pint, which is £2.50 from 4pm to 7pm. It seems that they no longer offer
meals at two for the price of one, which was never a bargain because it is
chain pub food anyway and I wouldn’t eat there by choice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday 17<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was out of bed early to get in the marina by 8am and be
first on the list for work to be done. I met Graham on the dockside and he
wanted the boat on the wet dock close to where all the tools were. Dave came on
board and started to tackle the stove, but after an hour the flue was still not
free to move up through the cabin top as he had to dig out all the old Heatmate
and fire rope at the bottom end and then remove the fire cement at the top end,
which I had never replaced previously when I replaced the collar at the bottom
of the flue some years ago. At that time I remember, I shifted the flue
skywards by levering the whole fire up with a crowbar, after removing the
fixings on the feet. I suggested this and it worked again, after which the
stove was removed to the well deck and the new one replaced it and the flue
resealed top and bottom – job done, or so I thought!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM7jlC_3tgzJYPm5nRDnXYqsPRfP0fCRA9RCMfsUd76mHqJIxjKe68b1kd-yz3bJMTYP6fUHRnP9Z66JgaKX-S7zy9-xKbAxOOJfnGV-uQtE2bSwwJxeZobyRUNy8F2r1l_QGCXvHoRE2/s1600/20190617_122228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM7jlC_3tgzJYPm5nRDnXYqsPRfP0fCRA9RCMfsUd76mHqJIxjKe68b1kd-yz3bJMTYP6fUHRnP9Z66JgaKX-S7zy9-xKbAxOOJfnGV-uQtE2bSwwJxeZobyRUNy8F2r1l_QGCXvHoRE2/s400/20190617_122228.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stronghold on the left of this picture.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went into the office to pay the bill for 3hrs labour and
cost of the fire, which had been reduced by £100.00 recently at Midland
Chandlers. Whilst there, Tim Coghlan gave me an article to read about events in
the life of two veteran boaters and which he was willing to donate once more to
The Steerer, the magazine of the Narrow Boat Trust, which I used to edit. He
has always been a good source of historic material which he is willing to part
with after it has been published in Towpath Telegraph. He was as good as his
word and sent me text and photographs for two articles by e-mail that very
afternoon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mooring up later outside, I had a chance to inspect the new
fire place, but could not find an ash pan handle. Thinking that it might be an
optional extra, I rung Graham who said it was usually supplied and said he
would get one in the morning. I also queried the smoke hood, which fits just
below the flue to maybe reduce the draw of a flue higher than 4.5 metres, which
mine is not, so that could come out. This is the information read in the very detailed
Morso set of instructions, which are so much more specific than those of the original
fire when fitted 18yrs ago – much of it being about safety issues, but there
are also contradictions in places. Also the ash pan door can no longer be opened
fully if the top door is closed, which I presume is to prevent excessive
draught through the grate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmenGwOGXcfCvQkyHQUoNO-gUJk-6JWs6by1LWalXqhuITwxHO5-mADJwzn2F4MXb4LgHR8VEz8pLvJxMxpUyg45xF8a0Y4r1NRlYX9_zyi63jNM3KNThHFqO9FY2F1AttXzozb3T_tSV9/s1600/20190618_140058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmenGwOGXcfCvQkyHQUoNO-gUJk-6JWs6by1LWalXqhuITwxHO5-mADJwzn2F4MXb4LgHR8VEz8pLvJxMxpUyg45xF8a0Y4r1NRlYX9_zyi63jNM3KNThHFqO9FY2F1AttXzozb3T_tSV9/s400/20190618_140058.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday 18<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another early morning to get back into the marina arm, but
as I entered through the bridge, I was warned that they were about to move the
large steel Peter Nicholls cruiser that has been there for at least a year, so
I had to reverse out, but at least could get into a part of the marina that was
unoccupied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9f4cgWZkuGeo4m9lYJsx4_hiGnlMCkk1jk8-MA2GaI4qHWKyTDbgLLYsaIjiTz29V4KGwDV6IgZ3mlaQ93jLTGeTB6L2lDdgk2GWA2Oj4ys-SdnAaN3VdLyJVngZuhik8bXgVDugpQmn/s1600/20190618_083606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9f4cgWZkuGeo4m9lYJsx4_hiGnlMCkk1jk8-MA2GaI4qHWKyTDbgLLYsaIjiTz29V4KGwDV6IgZ3mlaQ93jLTGeTB6L2lDdgk2GWA2Oj4ys-SdnAaN3VdLyJVngZuhik8bXgVDugpQmn/s400/20190618_083606.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually I was able to moor up in the arm and Dave came to
see about the missing handle, before driving to Midland to get a new one. He
showed me how the baffle plate was removed, by taking out one of the firebricks
first and then the smoke hood just lifted out. The baffle plate will have to be
removed before sweeping the chimney at a later date, so I needed to know how that was done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cruised slowly through the marina to end up facing north
when I moored up on the towpath. Some more stocking up is required in the
village, so will go before it rains again. In the Braunston Butchers yet again
and he remembered me asking about calves liver and said it would be in on
Thursday, but I am unlikely to be here then. Maybe the week after when I will
be, I can order some in advance. Having made this raspberry vinegar to go with
it, there has been no chance of producing the recipe to even try so far. I have
to admit to not buying sausages very often, having been disappointed so many
times, but I took a chance on the chipolata sized Braunston Bangers and will
certainly buy those again. Not only are they flavoursome, but very meaty as
well. I bought some flavoured chicken kebabs, thinking that it was time I had a
BBQ, that is if I get suitable weather.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back on board and then the rain began again for several
hours – hunker down time again!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday 19<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another overcast morning, but no rain so far. In fact it did
not rain all day and that’s a first for quite a while.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cast off with the intention of mooring along my favourite
stretch of canal, between Braunston and Napton – out in the sticks. There are
places along here where it is impossible to see a house, pylon or electricity
cable and hear only the wind and birds – beautiful!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pulled in after 3hrs behind one other boat, so that I
could tie up to the short length of Armco and be close enough to this end of
the village to sample the delights, or otherwise of The Kings Head, 5mins walk
from Bridge 110. Although I had passed this spot countless times in the years
past, I had never ventured inside. Being a Hook Norton pub, they sold only
Hooky beers, but the inside of this modern road house seems more devoted to
eating, with nearly every table laid for service and the interior rather devoid
of interest. Not my choice of watering hole, although the menu looked interesting,
but rather pricey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an addition to the raspberry vinegar that I made a few
weeks back, I had it on some stewed apples with cream this evening and it was
delicious. I had read previously that it was good with ice cream, strange as it
may seem, as it is sweet and sour, but it works.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday 20<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I moved up to Napton later this morning, expecting to get a
choice of moorings about 11.30am and there were three available close to the winding
‘ole, where I turned and reversed back to a gap. I do wish some of these
passing boaters would slow down as I am just holding Stronghold by the centre
line at the time. Their boats cause shunting back and forth which I am barely
able to control, with the result that the boat is bumped into those fore and
aft.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another case of waiting around for Saturday, but I have no
problem filling these idle days and I really do need to clean the outside of
Stronghold, despite people admiring the boat. Tomorrow is free, so the
opportunity is there. Most of the afternoon was taken up with composing a long
reply to Jaqueline (Jaq) Biggs in America, who sold nb Valerie last December
and returned to the US. After meeting at Weedon, we got on famously for a few
days before we parted company at Braunston in 2017.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKauKvSSKc-yzwYHkkha_W9Di8D2Se1K-kAeGuKNxv5vZtE6-bMADdr6lGQH3UBuR2bw6vJBDfu9v4jXm8EuRM7gfpY1zp3iMVImF_PPA5_PLS1souM2gFwH_K36s5-s3BdL_leEn_PR7s/s1600/P1050395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKauKvSSKc-yzwYHkkha_W9Di8D2Se1K-kAeGuKNxv5vZtE6-bMADdr6lGQH3UBuR2bw6vJBDfu9v4jXm8EuRM7gfpY1zp3iMVImF_PPA5_PLS1souM2gFwH_K36s5-s3BdL_leEn_PR7s/s400/P1050395.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jaq Biggs.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another American pair of boaters I met last year at Ricky
were Mike and Leslie , who I had mentioned previously when at Ricky Festival
this year. They have just completed the Portishead to Sharpness Crossing with a
pilot and sent me some photos, so a reply to that was also due. If we are lucky
and our plans coincide, we may even meet up again this year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VZ5qPcEN3dIVKpLPCM0JU266c4PUS2ylO7XC_Jjbn6Tww5GuZAr45da_1zG2fu3GUR1a6SIUBeJTPST9OOIh1GwZpVXl5EzYoaRTnXcL6jeSHh2lhiPc42nP1SwP4IRyyOwXD7HpbL6e/s1600/IMG_2175+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VZ5qPcEN3dIVKpLPCM0JU266c4PUS2ylO7XC_Jjbn6Tww5GuZAr45da_1zG2fu3GUR1a6SIUBeJTPST9OOIh1GwZpVXl5EzYoaRTnXcL6jeSHh2lhiPc42nP1SwP4IRyyOwXD7HpbL6e/s320/IMG_2175+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike and I at Ricky.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday 21<sup>st</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Summer Solstice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and true to form, the sun shone nearly all morning and the barometer is
rising at last. I had a walk up to Napton Village Stores and noticed that
Napton Cidery was open this morning, despite it being Friday, when the notice
board denoted opening on Saturday 10.00 to 16.00 only, so I popped in to see if
they had some Apple Cider Brandy, which they did at £45.00 for 70cl. With a
strength of 43% it won’t take much to give anyone brain damage, so I bought a
bottle – let’s hope the quality is as good as the price!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a light lunch I felt like some exercise, so decided to
walk up to a farm campsite that I had heard about and to see what it was like.
It was easy walking along the level towpath and when I got to Adkins Lock I
asked a lady who was unpacking her car to spend the weekend working on her boat
– that is doing her own private business on board, not doing anything to the
boat. She told me that her name is Jane and her boat is moored on the main line
close to the private Engine Arm just above the lock. She also told me quite a
bit about the Adkins brothers who own the farm and about the campsite, so I strolled
across the field to have a look. Just a normal family holiday retreat in the
middle of nowhere and basic facilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking back towards The Folly, I had a chat with most boaters
coming up the locks thick and fast at this time of the day, before having a
thirst quenching pint of Old Hooky and walking back to board the boat. I have
not walked a total of 3 miles for a very long time and I felt good at the end
with no aches or pains. I must do more of this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCirKZpPyR3_Gmyrgo8fgJmSw9EQGxj2iD3qOG18bRvjE2clt3FxQJ8vSWh_5QkSrTYM-15h1XQhoweAZ_pq_TxS2uiLsEM33pXj6KuOq2XjAkEbzisEGoZJqwJ-soLQbl66MG0ZDQ7HQq/s1600/20190621_162249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCirKZpPyR3_Gmyrgo8fgJmSw9EQGxj2iD3qOG18bRvjE2clt3FxQJ8vSWh_5QkSrTYM-15h1XQhoweAZ_pq_TxS2uiLsEM33pXj6KuOq2XjAkEbzisEGoZJqwJ-soLQbl66MG0ZDQ7HQq/s400/20190621_162249.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holt Farm Campsite.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0XMC-LRexHNdj_FGT-8JPevYIAo67_xeyK5d-E-rCFYBtLRl6EnRDJ3HuqSM7gtKzJ01IpSLi-HcxhhwBtn16brclLoIvTIKsr9GGuQr_eTwN2pIg5khoj3glmmloC3VRTJ51bARwO1t/s1600/20190621_163121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0XMC-LRexHNdj_FGT-8JPevYIAo67_xeyK5d-E-rCFYBtLRl6EnRDJ3HuqSM7gtKzJ01IpSLi-HcxhhwBtn16brclLoIvTIKsr9GGuQr_eTwN2pIg5khoj3glmmloC3VRTJ51bARwO1t/s400/20190621_163121.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intruders Beware!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday 21<sup>st</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just had enough hot water for a shower after running the
engine. So time to change clothes for a visit to the Napton Cidery when my
daughter arrived. The shop was being run by the owner’s mother at the time and
she was not very knowledgeable about the cider pressing equipment, so although
it was an open day it was really for visitors who wanted to pay £10 each for a
tour and tasting. The Apple Cider Brandy I can now say is excellent and unlike
any other Cognac or Armagnac that I have ever tasted. We bought some cider and
walked back to the pub to hear the music from Folk on the Water, but were disappointed
because the session consisted of various groups of singers of mostly 80s and
90s pop songs like Abba and Fleetwood Mac. We stuck it out with beer and
conversation before going in for a good meal at 8pm. I also had a photo taken
of me outside the pub to send to my boating mate Colin entitled JTPYO . This has
become a joke between us, so that every time one of us visits a popular
waterway pub, we send the other one a photo. The initials stand for “Just To
Piss You Off”!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge13jgqYYGSIJDtmvDGO_OuXKI1j2wxcQDcykEgNaMCVVXLBKjwyzRtPM85dro0Heyr325X-dr2wlaRUdyd8Nbmu_zTWO2rSGE0LxTBvk9iXXRfkI4M2zNAKLZ4agFPsia-hxEK9hyw9EV/s1600/20190622_185503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge13jgqYYGSIJDtmvDGO_OuXKI1j2wxcQDcykEgNaMCVVXLBKjwyzRtPM85dro0Heyr325X-dr2wlaRUdyd8Nbmu_zTWO2rSGE0LxTBvk9iXXRfkI4M2zNAKLZ4agFPsia-hxEK9hyw9EV/s400/20190622_185503.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JTPYO!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday 22<sup>ND</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had overstayed the time on this Napton mooring, so it was
time to make a move with the intention to moor out in the sticks, possibly
close to Bridge 100 for a night, before heading back into Braunston once again
and get organised for the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historic Boat
Rally. It was a very quiet place to moor and I don’t do it very often out in
the sticks, but there was room for privacy away from other boats, so I ran the
generator for a few hours to get some amps into the batteries. Time spent reading
and watching some TV as there are surprisingly good signals for both here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before departing from Napton, I put some K-Seal in the
engine water system to hopefully seal up the weeping core plug and the
following morning it was leak free at last. The thing about this product which
appears to be different is that it is permanent, whereas most of the Bars Leaks
and Rad Seal type products are only temporary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A strange morning with light mist and very muggy with no
wind - some light showers later in the day. I let go late in the morning to
make the most of the opportunity to get a mooring after someone had left
Braunston, which was less than a mile away. There were several historic boats moored
now waiting for the show next weekend. I filled with water at the Stop House,
winded and retraced my steps to a place opposite the pub, where I knew I could
get a decent TV and wi-fi signal. Why is it that the mooring rings are always
in the wrong place?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On walking along the towpath I met Linda and Chris, two of
the stewarding team and we caught up on a years worth of gossip. Further along
nb Joseph was moored with John Boswell in charge and more banter was exchanged.
Eventually I got to the butchers and ordered some calves liver for Thursday and
had a pint in The Olde Plough before returning to write up this blog. Quite an
uneventful day really.,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday 24<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was in the village stores yesterday, I bought a
bottle of rum. Later in the evening I looked for it in the boat – twice! I
searched again this morning, but to no avail; by this time I thought I was
going crazy, but phoned the stores anyway and sure enough, I had left it in the
trolley by the front door. Fortunately, the boss had discovered it before any
light fingered customers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John, Graham and Keith Lodge were now putting up No Mooring
signs, so I lent a hand finishing in the rain. I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>got so wet that I had to change my trousers and
boots when I got back. The rain continued in the afternoon, which I spent
surfing the net before going to the Marstons pub for a pint. Surprisingly, I
was charged £3.60 during the happy hour and when I complained the barmaid said
the till would not let her change it. I questioned it with another barman later
and he said all the ales were £2.50 at that time. At that moment the barmaid
came over and made some feeble excuse and said she had refunded the difference
and left it on the counter. It was found below in a pint pot – honour was
satisfied.</span></div>
Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1068227055067076852.post-39982836790470283722019-06-16T11:10:00.000+01:002019-06-16T11:10:02.169+01:00Freedom of the Cut 2019 - 8<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chaos at Braunston Turn and the Monsoon.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Turn is a very busy junction and I am surprised that
about 90% of boaters go round this blind bend at speed without sounding any
warning. This morning there was chaos as two Noddy boats and two private boats
tried to make the turn and there were boats all over the junction, because no
one knew what the other boat intended to do. The knot was untangled eventually,
much to my amusement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At last some sun shining through and considerably warmer
than the previous few days, when I was on the point of lighting the fire. The
blog was written up finally and published with such a good wi-fi signal at
hand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Engine checks as usual and one of the core plugs is weeping.
Not sure whether to return to have it fixed or try a smear of Heatmate around
the edge. I will keep a check on it and make a decision later on. It seems such
a small thing to go all that way back to get fixed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pulled the pins about 11.30 and headed up the North Oxford
towards Rugby, with the intention of stopping at The Olde Royal Oak for a pint
and to check it was still the same shitty Hungry Horse establishment run by
Greedy King. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got there in two hours through glorious countryside of ridge
and furrow green fields filled with sheep and cattle. There is no doubt that
the pub had had a makeover since last year, being renamed The Waterside for
starters and no mention of Hungry Horse anywhere. There was now a new menu,
waitress service at tables and a choice of Greene King beers, although the
Abbott was off with no indication on the pump, but the Speckled Hen was crystal
clear at last. Being Sunday lunchtime, there were queues at both the carvery
for food and at the bar when I went to return my empty glass. No excuse for the
bar, it just needs more staff serving there, but the carvery is just to do with
the time of day on a Sunday. A menu is also available for service from the
kitchen by waitresses. Trip Advisor has mixed reviews, but many more good ones
for the food than in previous times, so obviously there is some improvement and
not before time, although I have never eaten there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday 10<sup>th</sup> to Wednesday 12<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These three days are combined, as there is so little going
on of any interest, because not only is it raining almost constantly, but I
have a week to kill before returning to Braunston to have the stove changed.It
could not have come at a better time, because heavy rain was forecast for the
next few days, and like most boaters, I do not like cruising in it any more,
unless I have to. I have done enough of that with NBT in the past, to know how
wet and cold one can get keeping to the schedule.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through Hillmorton 3 locks to the waterpoint and was I filling
the tank in the rain by now. On to Rugby in the wet, only to find no moorings
close to the shopping stop, so onward through the bridge and wind in the short
winding ‘ole and back to the last remaining mooring at the end of the line.
Then it was a quick shopping trip to Tesco and hunker down on board with the
fire lit - in June?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Late Tuesday afternoon another boat was just mooring ahead
of me and the boater waved as I was returning from another shopping trip. I
recognised the boat to be nb Cranley with Mick and Suzanne aboard, who are on
my home mooring on the River Wey. They were travelling with nb Hazlenut owned
by Rodney and Valerie, so we passed a while talking about their trip. They had
come by way of The Thames and Southern Oxford. They departed late morning on
Wednesday for destinations further north, during a short dry spell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHM_x7vhYIAqLq33cwX7a_WH-4bizby8z2ifQhN6bGgA0ENNVVXuTF0Re7iiF558da68-pf7nG_UpdQ_JXfNigoWfnJKb0Y-Tl3cydVMaOxnbbt9lFCpOIKSO-yD9ReIRUjRMKSkuKaWj/s1600/20190612_103907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHM_x7vhYIAqLq33cwX7a_WH-4bizby8z2ifQhN6bGgA0ENNVVXuTF0Re7iiF558da68-pf7nG_UpdQ_JXfNigoWfnJKb0Y-Tl3cydVMaOxnbbt9lFCpOIKSO-yD9ReIRUjRMKSkuKaWj/s400/20190612_103907.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScOEUC64dVoo-CAntJ0WLQzu80NaC7GRjK3EXSngaYY1EQMHLLAd4l-ccOztpym5U7Q0DwdAes9JmpHoRkhj_QkOphIgRMXWZ-Rkm9MPrEgD0k46Crxj5Myv9ES_s15oXgdqPVTdzYYbQ/s1600/20190612_104006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScOEUC64dVoo-CAntJ0WLQzu80NaC7GRjK3EXSngaYY1EQMHLLAd4l-ccOztpym5U7Q0DwdAes9JmpHoRkhj_QkOphIgRMXWZ-Rkm9MPrEgD0k46Crxj5Myv9ES_s15oXgdqPVTdzYYbQ/s400/20190612_104006.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cranley off further north.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also cast off having to wind at Clifton and return to get
to Newbold, (known by the old boaters as Noble). I passed by nb Auriga, a fuel
boat travelling north and hoped he would stop in Rugby to refuel another boat,
which he did, so my diesel tank was full once more. Onwards to Newbold where
there were moorings galore to be had, but by 5pm they were all taken and as the
Wednesday forecast was wet, they were still there all day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was listening to some other boaters talking in The Barley
Mow later and overheard some tips about the pubs at Hillmorton. I got talking
to them after a bit and one of the guys knew Maffi and Bones from Oxford.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier I had made a ragu Bolognese from memory, but when I
Googled the recipe it seems I had missed out on the stick of celery. Despite that,
it was delicious with some dried spaghetti. Normally when at home, I make my
own spaghetti, which is so much better and more flavoursome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday 13<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It had continued to rain in the night and was still chilly
when I awoke, so donned my lined winter trousers once more, which I have
continued to wear for the last couple of weeks. I spent some time catching up
on this blog and checking e-mails. Wi-fi from BT is good here, as well as TV,
so no shortage of entertainment, together with all the books that I have
accumulated along the way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peter Oates passed by on Stanton in the pouring rain on his
way to Braunston Rally. I did a little light shopping at the local Co-Op, just
to get some exercise and paid a visit to The Barley Mow on return and finally
fried the butterfly lamb chop that I got in Braunston a few days ago. So that
was an exciting day!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday 14<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raining again this morning, but stopped about 11am. Nick
Wolf and Maggie Young appeared in the distance on Aldgate. Maggie shouted my name
from a distance and we exchanged a few words between us they passed by. I will
see them at Braunston without a doubt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cast off about midday, as the weather looked promising and
went through Newbold Tunnel with the object of winding in Lime Farm Marina
entrance. All was going well and I returned through Newbold towards Rugby, but
I was lulled into a sense of false security when the sun showed itself for a
few minutes, because shortly after the heavens opened with a vengeance and I
got soaked. By 3pm at Hillmorton, I had had enough of this ‘fair weather
boating’ lark and pulled into the bank where there were rings; not in the right
place of course, but they helped to save driving in mooring pins in the wet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to change my wet things after that and open a beer to
calm the savage breast, but it was too warm to light the fire to dry off. I
wonder what tomorrow will be like?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After changing the sun came out and it appeared that no rain
had fallen, apart from the puddles on the towpath, so I decided to venture out
on a quest to The Jolly Abbot, but it showered on and off, so I abandoned my
search when the pub was still out of site at the bottom of a hill. It was not
worth the risk of another soaking in dry clothes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniiGIX5sDFzWqimCFc64eOPfSWXjQsM1KdaI0KBD4N1vZlvb3cR1ZANo4i9TEYUTEQpYo2frMAU0mqFxL64qqCkc9GnkwNhjzYoDRKh5A1yd7Lhfbd-3QAcl0reJm8t0EqmXxnRLjad4j/s1600/20190614_181811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniiGIX5sDFzWqimCFc64eOPfSWXjQsM1KdaI0KBD4N1vZlvb3cR1ZANo4i9TEYUTEQpYo2frMAU0mqFxL64qqCkc9GnkwNhjzYoDRKh5A1yd7Lhfbd-3QAcl0reJm8t0EqmXxnRLjad4j/s400/20190614_181811.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evening sun at Hillmorton Bottom Lock.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday 15<sup>th</sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day began with brilliant sunshine at 8am, but by 9am, dark
clouds filled the sky and it looked ominous, but surprisingly it stayed dry, so
I set off from Hillmorton with a brisk southerly wind in my face to get to
Bruanston early for a decent mooring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
I was there by 12.30pm, there were very few available spaces. As I approached
Braunston, the bells of the church were being rung, which I thought was an appropriate
welcome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pulled in at The Stop House to fill the drinking water
container and as I did so I was observed by a few people at the Gongoozler’s
Rest floating cafe. A lady with a 3 to 4 year old little girl came up for a
chat about life on a narrow boat. When the little girl Violet chimed into the
conversation and asked if she could come on board, I said, “Why not?” So she
went to fetch her father too. We cruised through the marina and Violet was so
excited to see the water moving past and all the other boats. We came out
through Ladder Bridge and moored up just south of Butcher’s Bridge No.1. Photographs
were taken of Violet and myself before they departed up the towpath. It is
always pleasing to introduce someone else to the delights of boating and hope
that it rubs off enough to spark further interest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to walk up to the village for some bread and a pint in
The Plough, but it rained again as I walked back down Nibbet’s Lane to the
canal. Some boaters that I met this morning were walking past in the direction
of the Admiral Nelson and I asked them if they were visiting the pub, but they
did not even know it existed. The older man had asked me previously how I
managed single handed, so I gave him another tip about mooring up using a tiller
string and centre line alone to hold the boat on the bank. It appeared that he
was not the only one to learn this tip, as the other two with him did not know
either and they owned the boat. It was the one thing I learned when doing the
helmsman’s course which has stuck in my mind and it is so useful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day finished in brilliant sunshine at last, although it
did not last long. A sunny start and end to the day.</span></div>
<br />Oakiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14922247894205682073noreply@blogger.com0