Last Tuesday I fetched Rick and he helped me get the boat from Rugby to Braunston, particularly helping at the 3 Hillmorton Locks. I did need someone to help as, although 8 days since I hurt my back, I am still wary of some of the movements which cause me to wince. Weather wasn't all that good with mainly showers. Not cold though so that was okay.
On Friday I nipped back to attempt the final journey. My back is a lot better but the weather was awful. I didn't bother. Stayed on board and cheered myself up with fish & chips and a roaring fire.
The morning was so different, it was hot at 8am and a completely blue sky. I had to empty the loo and draw some fresh water but was soon on my way. Through the locks with Falcon. He was born and brought up on a working boat so knew all the shortcuts. I hardly had to get off the boat at all. I stopped just before the tunnel for a quick lunch and to switch on some cabin lights (for non boaters, it helps support the main tunnel light in showing the way). The tunnel was empty - for the first time ever I didn't need to pass anything in this tunnel. I got to Buckby and went through the first lock. There was nothing coming up and I had to reset it. For once I had to do most of the work by myself and had forgotten how much heavier the gates are on the Union. I moored up between Locks 7 and 8 and walked the 5 miles back to Braunston to fetch the car. Good exercise or what. When I got back I made a meal and went to bed early. Whacked out.
Overcast first thing but I was kept busy topping up the stern greaser. Weather soon cheered up and I went through the rest of the Buckby flight in the company of three really nice lads on Damson, out of Nether Heyford. When I reached Whilton it was a walk back to the car which I then took on to Weedon before walking back to the boat. About 4 miles in all. I've lost half a stone over the Summer and I think I know why :~). A pleasant cruise back to base and moored up on my mooring. caught up with all the news as I had been off the mooring for FOUR months and quite a lot has been happening. The towpath telegraph had been working well as I was immediately asked how my back was!
Monday, 15 September 2008
Saturday, 6 September 2008
29th August to 1st September
I drove to Newbold, part of Rugby, and got a bus to the railway station. I got the train before the one I'd planned as it was running 40 minutes late. I needed to change at Coventry to get to Nuneaton but had to get a rail replacement bus. The display showed that I had missed it and had an hour to wait but the station staff had realised that the late train would need a service and rustled up an extra bus. Although slower than the train, this got me to Nuneaton just as my bus to Poleswoth was arriving at the bus station. Phew, there would have been a 70 minute wait if I'd missed it. Left home at 5.30pm and arrived at Polesworth at 9pm. Quicker than by boat, I suppose.
Saturday dawned as a beautiful warm and sunny day. I had to go through the 11 locks at Atherstone but it was no hardship despite having to set the first six as very little coming down the locks. I stopped half way through to go to the very convenient Co-op for provisions. Then on again until I reached Hartshill. Sat out on deck with the radio, a book and a Strongbow. The first proper relaxing boat day I can remember since I started out (although that may be because I was having to go and fetch the car each evening instead of relaxing and chatting to fellow boaters). Good old English weather.
By Sunday the sun had disappeared behind a haze. However it was still a warm morning and I started out, through Nuneaton, through Hawkesbury Junction (by now it was raining) and, after a quick lunch stop at The Elephant & castle pub, I carried on and moored at Brinklow. Did 7 hours cruising today which is more than i usually like to do but I am only 4 miles from Newbold and the car.
Monday morning I cruised the last 4 miles, moored on a 14 day space, loaded up the car and came home. Note: need to get some new trainers. This pair have no tread and i slipped down the steps of the boat knocking my side/back. Ouch. So I am nearly back to base. I estimate 3 more days to get to Weedon. Could do it more quickly but why should I?
I have seen a lot of places this summer that I had never been to before and there are several that I would like to visit again, perhaps, spend more time exploring. I will add a couple more entries on this blog including the distances travelled before the season is over.
Saturday dawned as a beautiful warm and sunny day. I had to go through the 11 locks at Atherstone but it was no hardship despite having to set the first six as very little coming down the locks. I stopped half way through to go to the very convenient Co-op for provisions. Then on again until I reached Hartshill. Sat out on deck with the radio, a book and a Strongbow. The first proper relaxing boat day I can remember since I started out (although that may be because I was having to go and fetch the car each evening instead of relaxing and chatting to fellow boaters). Good old English weather.
By Sunday the sun had disappeared behind a haze. However it was still a warm morning and I started out, through Nuneaton, through Hawkesbury Junction (by now it was raining) and, after a quick lunch stop at The Elephant & castle pub, I carried on and moored at Brinklow. Did 7 hours cruising today which is more than i usually like to do but I am only 4 miles from Newbold and the car.
Monday morning I cruised the last 4 miles, moored on a 14 day space, loaded up the car and came home. Note: need to get some new trainers. This pair have no tread and i slipped down the steps of the boat knocking my side/back. Ouch. So I am nearly back to base. I estimate 3 more days to get to Weedon. Could do it more quickly but why should I?
I have seen a lot of places this summer that I had never been to before and there are several that I would like to visit again, perhaps, spend more time exploring. I will add a couple more entries on this blog including the distances travelled before the season is over.
22nd - 24th August
I am writing this in retrospect as I did not have the technology with me for the weekend. I drove up to Great Hayward arriving about 1pm. The half mile walk to the boat was the main reason for carrying a minimal load this weekend. We cruised to Handsacre as I knew I could get a bus back to the car. The cruise went really well. It is quite an interesting part of the canal making for a good half day's travelling. The 825 bus is regular and I was back at the boat with the car before dark. Quite noisy teenagers drinking their Strongbow on the towpath. I thought I'd have one too - a Strongbow, not a teenager.
On Saturday I got up, checked the car was okay and left Handsacre. It was a nice, sunny day. I cruised down to Fradley and through the three locks with Last Frontier and behind him Jus' Manatees. All very nice, helpful people. I stopped at Huddlesford as it's an easy walk to Lichfield to get the bus back to Handsacre. My feelings about where I'd left my car were realised when I discovered that my rear passenger window had been broken and the rear seat pulled down (to check for valuables in the boot, I suppose). I called Autoglass and moved the car back closer to where I had moored. Autoglass, who are usually so good, must have been having an off day - as, when I rang them, after an hour and a half, two hours and a half and then 3 hours, I discovered they had referred me on to a defunct outlet. Having discovered the breakage at 5pm I finally had my new window after midnight - hungry, thirsty, bursting and disgruntled with mankind..or should that be mancruel? Not only that but to add insult to injury it's costing me £70 - the excess on my insurance policy.
Up and out early. Made slow progress today but can't really say why. I cruised through Tamworth, stopping just to empty the loo/bin and take on water. There are only 2 locks on this stretch at Glascote and I caught up with Jus' Manatees again. I carried on to Polesworth, where I had stopped on the way up. Just missed the 2 hourly bus to Tamworth so walked - it's about 4 miles. Got a bus from there to the village of Whittingdon where I had left the car. Back on board by 7.30pm. I am going to leave the boat here but I need a rethink about this car/boat business, it's too time consuming and stressful.
Hopefully back next weekend.
On Saturday I got up, checked the car was okay and left Handsacre. It was a nice, sunny day. I cruised down to Fradley and through the three locks with Last Frontier and behind him Jus' Manatees. All very nice, helpful people. I stopped at Huddlesford as it's an easy walk to Lichfield to get the bus back to Handsacre. My feelings about where I'd left my car were realised when I discovered that my rear passenger window had been broken and the rear seat pulled down (to check for valuables in the boot, I suppose). I called Autoglass and moved the car back closer to where I had moored. Autoglass, who are usually so good, must have been having an off day - as, when I rang them, after an hour and a half, two hours and a half and then 3 hours, I discovered they had referred me on to a defunct outlet. Having discovered the breakage at 5pm I finally had my new window after midnight - hungry, thirsty, bursting and disgruntled with mankind..or should that be mancruel? Not only that but to add insult to injury it's costing me £70 - the excess on my insurance policy.
Up and out early. Made slow progress today but can't really say why. I cruised through Tamworth, stopping just to empty the loo/bin and take on water. There are only 2 locks on this stretch at Glascote and I caught up with Jus' Manatees again. I carried on to Polesworth, where I had stopped on the way up. Just missed the 2 hourly bus to Tamworth so walked - it's about 4 miles. Got a bus from there to the village of Whittingdon where I had left the car. Back on board by 7.30pm. I am going to leave the boat here but I need a rethink about this car/boat business, it's too time consuming and stressful.
Hopefully back next weekend.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
The last post (for two weeks)
I walked into Stafford to get the bus over to the car. It was about 4 miles but didn't take long as it was interesting terrain. Found two Starbucks, one Costa and one Nero - so I guess it is up and coming! Seems quite a nice place. The car was fine and I filled her with fuel at 109.9p p/l and got some lunch. Back to Olivia, loaded up car and then took the boat to her long term mooring (i.e. for next couple of weeks). Decided to log on and got the first signal for AGES - yippee- although some of the things the laptop does all by itself are scream makingly frustrating. Hopefully I'll sort them out when I'm home and at a loose end (and within short distance of a technician!).
Last long haul for Phase 2
There was a storm last night but today's threatened rain held off pretty well and I not only got through the 10 planned locks but I pushed on and got through number 11 and moored ready to go through the twelth in the morning. Quite a long day and I was fearful that I'd never find a decent place to moor at a decent time but just as I was giving up, a place revealed itself. had a little walk a bit further along to identify my next "storage" place for the boat.
Wolverhampton environs
Tuesday August 12th 2008
I was very glad that I moored at Brewood as there was no other convenient place to moor for over 3 hours. Parts of these suburbs of Wolverhampton reminded me of Hayes! Although some effort has been made with the newer housing, the old houses are not very nice. Olivia is doing really well even if she does get smoky when she is hot and idling (don't we all get hot under the collar). Met some very nice people - keep running into the same boats who are doing a similar route to me. Moored at Gailey tonight ready to start through 10 locks tomorrow.
I was very glad that I moored at Brewood as there was no other convenient place to moor for over 3 hours. Parts of these suburbs of Wolverhampton reminded me of Hayes! Although some effort has been made with the newer housing, the old houses are not very nice. Olivia is doing really well even if she does get smoky when she is hot and idling (don't we all get hot under the collar). Met some very nice people - keep running into the same boats who are doing a similar route to me. Moored at Gailey tonight ready to start through 10 locks tomorrow.
No signal for TEN days...
so here is the update.
Sunday August 3rd 2008
I got up early to cruise to Nantwich. Only 2 locks today although they were deep ones with scary ladders. I met up with Lynn ok. Very close to where we moored there was a concert starring Girls Aloud. Tickets were £32 but we had ringside seats (for sound anyway!). Shame is wasn’t someone more to our taste. We found a nice Italian restaurant for supper. With the concert some places were only open to regulars. We are off to Liverpool in the morning.
Monday 4th to Wednesday 6th August 2008
We started out for Liverpool. Went to Nantwich Station but when our train arrived (a single coach) the driver said he couldn’t take us to Crewe as there had been a fatality on a level crossing further along. We went back to our cars and Lynn drove us to Chester where we got Merseyrail into Liverpool. The ticket only cost £4.20 so we probably saved cash. Our hotel was only 300 metres from the station and was right in the heart of things. We dumped our bags and had a walk round calling into the Catholic Cathedral and, later, into the Cavern Club for a drink. We found a lovely French bistro close to the hotel for a meal. On Tuesday it rained early on so we went to the Walker Gallery and then we went on the "Ferry cross the Mersey" and to the Klimt exhibition at the Tate. We ate at a restaurant opposite the hotel and then went back to Chester and from there to the boat. We were both surprised at how compact the city was. Today we set off down the Shroppie, stopping at Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker before mooring for the night at Audlem Locks. It started raining so we decided to eat in tonight.
Thursday August 7th 2008
We made our way up the Audlem Flight. A nice sunny day. We went back to Nantwich to fetch our cars and then had a meal at the Shroppie Fly.
Friday August 8th 2008
Lynn put an old padlock on my front door - for which I have no key! Luckily it was to hold the two door parts together so can still open door but not open it as a stable door. That will teach me to declutter and throw out useless items! We moved cars and cruised down to Market Drayton . Couldn’t find a decent pub to eat in so we ate at home again.
Saturday August 9th 2008
Rained all morning. We went to Market Drayton Museum as Lynn wanted to trace her grandparents and any clues would be welcomed. We moved my car a place called Gnosall which I will pass in a day or two. It also has good bus connections. Then we had lunch - we tried Staffordshire oatcakes! Very nice. When the weather cheered up we took the boat through the next 5 locks. It started raining at about lock 2 and we got drenched.
Sunday August 10th 2008
Lynn left at 12.30pm and I cruised for three hours to High Offley. Very windy, but fine and sunny day.
Monday 11th August 2008
Still no signal so that is 5 or more days!! I cruised to Gnosall for a few provisions and to check on the car. I loaded up some laundry and some old paperbacks. On to Wheaton Aston for diesel, elsan and thru the only lock for today. Ended up quite close to Brewood and only 6 miles from the junction. If weather holds I should get to Great Hayward in good time.
Sunday August 3rd 2008
I got up early to cruise to Nantwich. Only 2 locks today although they were deep ones with scary ladders. I met up with Lynn ok. Very close to where we moored there was a concert starring Girls Aloud. Tickets were £32 but we had ringside seats (for sound anyway!). Shame is wasn’t someone more to our taste. We found a nice Italian restaurant for supper. With the concert some places were only open to regulars. We are off to Liverpool in the morning.
Monday 4th to Wednesday 6th August 2008
We started out for Liverpool. Went to Nantwich Station but when our train arrived (a single coach) the driver said he couldn’t take us to Crewe as there had been a fatality on a level crossing further along. We went back to our cars and Lynn drove us to Chester where we got Merseyrail into Liverpool. The ticket only cost £4.20 so we probably saved cash. Our hotel was only 300 metres from the station and was right in the heart of things. We dumped our bags and had a walk round calling into the Catholic Cathedral and, later, into the Cavern Club for a drink. We found a lovely French bistro close to the hotel for a meal. On Tuesday it rained early on so we went to the Walker Gallery and then we went on the "Ferry cross the Mersey" and to the Klimt exhibition at the Tate. We ate at a restaurant opposite the hotel and then went back to Chester and from there to the boat. We were both surprised at how compact the city was. Today we set off down the Shroppie, stopping at Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker before mooring for the night at Audlem Locks. It started raining so we decided to eat in tonight.
Thursday August 7th 2008
We made our way up the Audlem Flight. A nice sunny day. We went back to Nantwich to fetch our cars and then had a meal at the Shroppie Fly.
Friday August 8th 2008
Lynn put an old padlock on my front door - for which I have no key! Luckily it was to hold the two door parts together so can still open door but not open it as a stable door. That will teach me to declutter and throw out useless items! We moved cars and cruised down to Market Drayton . Couldn’t find a decent pub to eat in so we ate at home again.
Saturday August 9th 2008
Rained all morning. We went to Market Drayton Museum as Lynn wanted to trace her grandparents and any clues would be welcomed. We moved my car a place called Gnosall which I will pass in a day or two. It also has good bus connections. Then we had lunch - we tried Staffordshire oatcakes! Very nice. When the weather cheered up we took the boat through the next 5 locks. It started raining at about lock 2 and we got drenched.
Sunday August 10th 2008
Lynn left at 12.30pm and I cruised for three hours to High Offley. Very windy, but fine and sunny day.
Monday 11th August 2008
Still no signal so that is 5 or more days!! I cruised to Gnosall for a few provisions and to check on the car. I loaded up some laundry and some old paperbacks. On to Wheaton Aston for diesel, elsan and thru the only lock for today. Ended up quite close to Brewood and only 6 miles from the junction. If weather holds I should get to Great Hayward in good time.
Saturday, 2 August 2008
...and a good signal from good old Middlewich
I had a reasonable day today. It's windy but rain held off and, in fact, it has been quite hot. Did 7 locks and 7 miles today plus a little shopping and a much needed visit to the bank. Lynn has booked us a stay in Liverpool so will add our adventures as they happen (or maybe a day or two later :~) ). She is coming out to meet up with me tomorrow. Moored up early today and in a nice place. Have opened a can of cider, cheers all.
Two nights without a signal...
So here is the update...
Thursday July 31st 2008
An interesting and busy day. I turned around and came back down the Macclesfield to the Trent & Mersey. At the first lock a guy fell in. He wasn’t concentrating and lost his footing. Reminded me that I really must not fall in. Did a further 12 locks today. Weather held off ok. It was humid but did not rain. I walked back to get my car. It took only 1 hour to walk although the boat trip took 5 and a half hours! I also rescued a runaway toddler. He was running along the towpath in his toddling style. I put my arms out and he ran into them, closely pursued by his nan.
Friday August 1st 2008
Another busy day - going down 14 locks!! It was a bit blustery today but the rain held off and, in fact, it was quite warm and sunny. Have to go off now to retrieve the car. Will either walk the 4 miles to where I left it or, if I feel too weary I can walk one mile and hop on a bus (last bus 6pm so looking at the time now maybe I’ll be walking!). Writing this offline in the hope that I get a clear signal in a minute. I didn’t get on yesterday. What did annoy me but is now amusing me, is the fact that I seem to get a different error message every time. Hope my students didn’t write the software! By the way, ignore the time of posting which for some reason is completely wrong. I’m at a place called Wheelock tonight. It’s near Sandbach which is near Crewe.
Thursday July 31st 2008
An interesting and busy day. I turned around and came back down the Macclesfield to the Trent & Mersey. At the first lock a guy fell in. He wasn’t concentrating and lost his footing. Reminded me that I really must not fall in. Did a further 12 locks today. Weather held off ok. It was humid but did not rain. I walked back to get my car. It took only 1 hour to walk although the boat trip took 5 and a half hours! I also rescued a runaway toddler. He was running along the towpath in his toddling style. I put my arms out and he ran into them, closely pursued by his nan.
Friday August 1st 2008
Another busy day - going down 14 locks!! It was a bit blustery today but the rain held off and, in fact, it was quite warm and sunny. Have to go off now to retrieve the car. Will either walk the 4 miles to where I left it or, if I feel too weary I can walk one mile and hop on a bus (last bus 6pm so looking at the time now maybe I’ll be walking!). Writing this offline in the hope that I get a clear signal in a minute. I didn’t get on yesterday. What did annoy me but is now amusing me, is the fact that I seem to get a different error message every time. Hope my students didn’t write the software! By the way, ignore the time of posting which for some reason is completely wrong. I’m at a place called Wheelock tonight. It’s near Sandbach which is near Crewe.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Day off from cruising
Last night I went for a couple of drinks with my neighbours. A very good mix of personalities and conversations. It rained quite a lot overnight and early this morning but cheered up mid-morning. Phil and Richard had moved onward but Karen and I went to visit Biddulph Grange garden. A house (private) from 1890s and a garden based on different countries so there was China, Italy, Egypt and so on. Lots of interesting tunnels, buildings, etc. as well as plants. Also we went up the local hill to a folly called Mowcop. Views of about 320 degrees around it. Could see Jodrell Bank in the distance and Chester and the Wirral in the very far distance. Got some essential shopping and will go for a drink tonight - what 2 nights running! I'm moving on tomorrow but Karen is staying until her husband rejoins her on Saturday.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Nothing exciting today...
Not very much to relate today. The good news is that I got logged on okay! Took train to Stoke and then walked to Trentham to get the car. Called at Congleton to pay a bill and have a look round and then parked the car a couple of miles from the boat, walked to the boat and brought her up so that they are together. The wind got up this afternoon so although I moved the boat, I decided not too turn her in the wind. Having tomorrow off and then will start back off on my trip Thursday. Got chatting to a couple of people moored here. One’s a real old Jack the Lad who is taking his own and another boat back to London. Sometimes has help but sometimes he’s doing it on his own. Also a woman who is married with teenage kids but seems to spend a lot of time on the boat on her own while the rest of the family are at work, school, etc. See I’m not the weirdest one out there. If you want to see my old blog it can be found at: http://nb-olivia.blogspot.com
Monday, 28 July 2008
Phase 2 begins....
Saturday July 26th 2008
Drove back up to the boat. Found a note on board from a guy called Simon, who I met 2 years ago when I was returning from London. He has left his boat here while he has gone back to London; he is headed for Llangollen. Here's his blog: http://nbtortoise.blogspot.com/
Very hot today. I went through 4 locks (and got plenty of help with each one!) but didn’t travel very far. Walked back to get the car, found a decent place to park it and walked back the 3 miles to the boat. Have got 4 more locks to start the day with tomorrow but then only a couple of sparse locks until Stoke on Trent.
Sunday July 27th 2008
Another beautiful day today. I started off at the chandlery where I bought a couple of fenders, one to replace one that had come off the boat while I was away and the other because I was a fender short anyway. Then I started off through the next four locks. They were all close together and I got help in three of them. I only cruised about three miles today as I needed to move the car. It all gets a bit silly when I have the car as well as the boat to move. Anyway, I have found what seems like another safe place for it BUT how I am going to retrieve it tomorrow I have yet to work out. I moored close to the Wedgewood Factory but didn’t go to visit it. Considering we are close to Stoke, there are quite a lot of “executive” developments in this area. Nicely done with plenty of open green spaces. In Stone there was a new canalside development that reminded me of Hemel Hempstead. Spent the afternoon sitting by the canal reading on this lovely balmy day.
Monday July 28th 2008
Unbelievable as it may sound I was up and started off at 7.30 this morning. I cruised through Stoke on Trent, through 6 locks and was one mile from Harecastle Tunnel when I stopped for lunch. Within the hour I was off again and in the queue for the tunnel. This is a peculiar tunnel as it is nearly 2 miles long and is one way, so there is a tunnel keeper at each end who notes which boats have entered and they ring each other to check whether all is well. Even more peculiar is the fact that they close off the South Portal and switch on a couple of giant, noisy fans. I have taken a detour up the Macclesfield Canal as I want to visit a couple of National Trust properties up that way. Also I have some car moving to sort out. And I need a rest before the 30 locks that need to be done over the next three days (It’s known as Heartbreak Hill!). Am having acute technical problems with the mobile internet which may result in me throwing the whole lot into the Cut!
Drove back up to the boat. Found a note on board from a guy called Simon, who I met 2 years ago when I was returning from London. He has left his boat here while he has gone back to London; he is headed for Llangollen. Here's his blog: http://nbtortoise.blogspot.com/
Very hot today. I went through 4 locks (and got plenty of help with each one!) but didn’t travel very far. Walked back to get the car, found a decent place to park it and walked back the 3 miles to the boat. Have got 4 more locks to start the day with tomorrow but then only a couple of sparse locks until Stoke on Trent.
Sunday July 27th 2008
Another beautiful day today. I started off at the chandlery where I bought a couple of fenders, one to replace one that had come off the boat while I was away and the other because I was a fender short anyway. Then I started off through the next four locks. They were all close together and I got help in three of them. I only cruised about three miles today as I needed to move the car. It all gets a bit silly when I have the car as well as the boat to move. Anyway, I have found what seems like another safe place for it BUT how I am going to retrieve it tomorrow I have yet to work out. I moored close to the Wedgewood Factory but didn’t go to visit it. Considering we are close to Stoke, there are quite a lot of “executive” developments in this area. Nicely done with plenty of open green spaces. In Stone there was a new canalside development that reminded me of Hemel Hempstead. Spent the afternoon sitting by the canal reading on this lovely balmy day.
Monday July 28th 2008
Unbelievable as it may sound I was up and started off at 7.30 this morning. I cruised through Stoke on Trent, through 6 locks and was one mile from Harecastle Tunnel when I stopped for lunch. Within the hour I was off again and in the queue for the tunnel. This is a peculiar tunnel as it is nearly 2 miles long and is one way, so there is a tunnel keeper at each end who notes which boats have entered and they ring each other to check whether all is well. Even more peculiar is the fact that they close off the South Portal and switch on a couple of giant, noisy fans. I have taken a detour up the Macclesfield Canal as I want to visit a couple of National Trust properties up that way. Also I have some car moving to sort out. And I need a rest before the 30 locks that need to be done over the next three days (It’s known as Heartbreak Hill!). Am having acute technical problems with the mobile internet which may result in me throwing the whole lot into the Cut!
Monday, 21 July 2008
Upton upon Severn blues festival
Have just returned from the brilliant blues festival weekend in Upton. With about 40 bands playing we got to see about 75% of them :~) with the highlight for Anne being that Paul Jones signed her programme. I was a bit slow off the mark and didn't get a photo of them together, which would have been a smug shot from her point of view. Oh well. maybe next time. http://www.uptonbluesfestival.org.uk/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
We stayed in a very nice B&B only 2 miles from the town centre and easily walkable. The weather was not too bad - and many of the acts are indoors. Where we were outside, we had to dodge a few showers but it was warm enough (until the cool breeze (!) on Sunday).
We stayed in a very nice B&B only 2 miles from the town centre and easily walkable. The weather was not too bad - and many of the acts are indoors. Where we were outside, we had to dodge a few showers but it was warm enough (until the cool breeze (!) on Sunday).
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Last Day's Cruise - Phase 1
Same sort of day as yesterday except that it was cold instead of humid. Just did three hours and found somewhere to moor for the next week while I return home for various commitments. One of which is the Upton Blues Festival: hope rain holds off enough for the festival to go ahead, unlike last year. Also got some guys upgrading my loft insulation (and I haven’t cleared out the loft yet!). In addition I am taking Paris to the theatre in Cambridge. Might go to the local pub tonight where there is an acoustic night.
Using my National Trust membership
Tuesday July 15th 2008
Visited Shugborough Estate and spent over 3 hours there. Plenty to look at - craftspeople, a working farm, servants’ quarters, big house and a museum with old shops, etc. It was the home of the Earls of Lichfield at one time. Quite warm, humid day but quite windy. Started out about 3.30pm and motored to Weston upon Trent for the night.
Visited Shugborough Estate and spent over 3 hours there. Plenty to look at - craftspeople, a working farm, servants’ quarters, big house and a museum with old shops, etc. It was the home of the Earls of Lichfield at one time. Quite warm, humid day but quite windy. Started out about 3.30pm and motored to Weston upon Trent for the night.
Monday, 14 July 2008
A good day's cruise
Had to make up for yesterday’s lost time so was off soon after 9am. It was a warm day with no wind so good progress made. Met lots of helpful people today. One even let me go in the lock before him even though I was second in the line and provided two big guys to do the locking for me :~) Also some of the places I passed through were interesting. I love looking at the back gardens which edge the canal. It is easy to visualise industry and one can imagine the noise of it but I had forgotten that it also has a smell. A kind of metallic smell. I passed the Armitage Shanks factory with all the loos and cisterns stacked up in the yard. Any colour you like as long as it’s white. Had a short break for lunch at Rugeley and then on to Great Hayward for the night.
The 2 hour queue - not for me
Sunday July 13th 2008
Nice morning. Best yet. Started out soon after 10 and arrived at Fradley Junction soon after 12. I got the last mooring space before the locks which was really lucky, as there was a 2 hour long queue for the locks. Decided not to go any further today. Went to people watch instead. This is a real “day out” for Midlanders. All centres on the pub where Harley and classic car owners congregate. Also loads of boats so plenty going on. I bought some nice cheese from The Cheese Boat! Tasted them all and the one with chilli was WOW.
Nice morning. Best yet. Started out soon after 10 and arrived at Fradley Junction soon after 12. I got the last mooring space before the locks which was really lucky, as there was a 2 hour long queue for the locks. Decided not to go any further today. Went to people watch instead. This is a real “day out” for Midlanders. All centres on the pub where Harley and classic car owners congregate. Also loads of boats so plenty going on. I bought some nice cheese from The Cheese Boat! Tasted them all and the one with chilli was WOW.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
My day off
I caught the bus into Lichfield, which is a really nice city, and had a look around the cathedral and shops before going to the Arts Festival. Good atmosphere and some very good bands but could have done with more stalls, arty things, etc. However it is a free festival and the big marquee and the sound system was brilliant. I decided not to stay for the firework display in case I missed the last bus! Actually I can hear them now as I write this.
Arrived at my first planned destination (despite the weather)
Made good progress despite a couple of hours in the rain. Had to stop to take on water and empty the loo and, of course, that is when the heavens opened. Still it gets everyone talking to each other about our Great British summers. Have stopped at a nice little village, Whittington, where there is an hourly bus to Lichfield and the last one back is just before 11pm. So that’s good. (Thrapston - take note). Has 6 shops and 3 pubs so I like the ratio. Also some friendly locals. One really doesn’t like what the commuters to Brum have done to the community “feel”. Tomorrow I am having the day off to go into Lichfield. Pat couldn't make it in the end due to a plumbing crisis. Hope you get it all sorted out quickly, Pat, and that there is no permanent damage.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Only one shower today...and some sun.
A much better day, only the odd shower. Went through the last 6 Atherstone locks and moored at Polesworth for lunchtime. Walked as far as Alvecote Boats but there was nowhere better to moor this side of Tamworth so came back for a walk around the town. Met some friendly boaters and we are off to the pub for a meal later. Pat’s coming out for the weekend and I am still hoping for decent weather so we can get to the Arts Festival. Just checked the beeb and it looks as though Saturday will be unsettled but Sunday will be good. Thanks, Rose, for reading the blog. It would be longer and better written but I try to get something on before I lose the signal. Actually today it is going well and the response is quite fast. maybe because I have logged on earlier, before all the gamers and facebookers get logged on!
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