Cruising Log 2003

Arrived at Malcolm’s yard at mid-day. A beautiful morning, temperature a very unseasonal 24C. Loaded up all the gear removed for the winter and Steve set off to Bunbury to collect Roger. Returned in his car at 6pm, leaving ours at Bunbury. Turned the boat round in the BW arm and re-moored in the yard facing the ‘right’ way for the off tomorrow. A few drinks and a pork casserole supper then watched the Harry Potter film Noticed that the cabin batteries are extremely low; turning taps on makes the TV picture go dim.

Steve was up at 6 and after all the usuals we said goodbye to Annette on NB ‘Tripos’ moored beside us in the yard and set off down the Wolverhampton 21. There were quite a few walkers about but no boats. Stopped at lock 9 for Meg and Roger to get a bacon sarnie from a sarnie van on the adjacent road, and again in the chamber of lock 18 by the race-course for a mug of tea. The flight becomes more rural further down compared with the grim surroundings of Lock Street and the last 4 are quite attractive.

                                                                                                            Lock 9 - after the fine Australian Shiraz of the same name

Turned right onto the Staffs and Worcester canal and then left through Autherley Stop-lock, tied up at the boatyard there at 10.45am. Roger ordered a taxi back to Malcolm’s yard for 11.15am. Said our goodbyes and then pottered up the Shropshire Union. Lots of deep cuttings, high embankments and shallow bits with rocks. Stopped in the cutting at Brewood at 1.15pm. A boiled egg salad lunch then walked into the town for some shopping. A quick drink in the Bridge Hotel then back to the boat. Steve washed the grime of Wolverhampton off the boat and Meg read the paper and did the crossword. In the evening a gammon steak supper, bottle of vino and bed.

6 ¼ hours, 22 locks

                                                        Goodbye Wolverhampton..........................                                                                                ..................hallo Brewood.

Got up at 7 and decided to tighten the fanbelt to stop the intermittent squealing before moving on. Left at 8.50am in overcast weather with a very cold east wind. Stopped at Gnosall to free a duck caught up in a mooring tyre, then on across high windy embankments and through deep cuttings to Norbury, Tied up at the smart new BW moorings. Steve took Mop to the Junction pub but left without a drink after an extremely rude reception from the barmaid. We had hoped to get diesel at Anglo-Welsh but there was a boat tied up at the visitor berth that looked as if it was there for the duration so after a quick curry lunch we pressed on.

                                                                   High embankments..........                                                                                                            ......and deep cuttings

The wind was really getting up and chucking us about quite a bit; one or two bumps in bridge-holes. The real problem was on the high embankments; no wind at all in the cuttings. Beginning to get very cold and a bit tired by now, so quite glad to reach Goldstone Wharf at 4.45pm. Got a mooring easily but those that were left very soon filled up. Did a few chores, had a drink in the Wharf Inn, a lamb steak supper and bed around 10.

7 ½ hours, 1 lock, 1 tunnel

                                                                                                                                                Goldstone Wharf

Left Goldstone at 8am. Bright cold morning. Cruised through Tyrley Cutting (past notices saying ‘Beware of falling rocks’!) and arrived Tyrley Top lock at 9am. Re-filled with water and chatted to some other boaters, then worked down the pretty 5 locks and on to Market Drayton. Stopped at Ted’s Boatyard for diesel and gas, then on down Adderley locks and stopped for a bacon-and-egg lunch on the moorings beyond the bottom lock.

                                                                                                                                                    Tyrley locks

On to Audlem locks where some passers-by were walking their dog. They enthusiastically helped us to work down the flight. Arrived Audlem at 5.30 and moored up opposite the old mill canal shop. Bought our helpers a drink for their efforts at the Shroppie Fly then returned to the boat to try and fix the damaged rope seal on the wood-burner. Mending was interrupted by the arrival of another boat; we were asked to move up the moorings a bit further so their friend’s boat behind could fit in as well.

Had a long talk with them on the tow-path. Couldn’t fix the stove as the rope was too thick and the door wouldn’t close. So at 8.30pm we went back to the Shroppie Fly for a very pleasant ‘steak-and-chips’ supper.

9 ½ hours, 22 locks

We were woken in the night by the sound of heavy rain and morning dawned gloomy and wet. Left Audlem when the rain stopped at 9.15 and worked down the remaining 3 locks. Towards Hack Green the weather became very misty and very still. By Nantwich the mist was almost fog and it began to drizzle. Crossed Nantwich aqueduct and the basin and by Hurleston junction the sun was trying to come out. It finally broke through at 1pm as we reached Barbridge so we tied up opposite the pub for lunch. The moorings here are still shallow! It was strange to be on this familiar bit of canal but not in ‘Drifter’!

                                                                                                                            Moorings at Barbridge - still shallow ten years on!

Left Barbridge at 2.30 and picked Roger up in the bridge-hole at Calveley, and arrived at Bunbury at 4pm. There was some chaos at the lock; we had to move several boats off the mooring we were ‘borrowing’ for the night. The delays were due to lots of working boats returning from Ellesmere Port after an historic boat rally there. After securing the boat we returned to Roger’s house.

7 hours, 5 locks

Got provisions from the village shop, took Roger’s car to Stone. Then watered up and set off at 4pm with Roger and Ros, destination Five Towns Boatbuilding at Stone, from where Andy and Ali will take Tambourine on the next leg of her journey home. Did an appalling reverse from the mooring to the winding hole to the amusement of passers-by – very embarassing – then set off towards Venetian Marine. We were dogged by a working boat and butty to Barbridge junction, but lost him when we turned left onto the Middlewich arm. Moored below Cholmondeston lock at 6.30pm. Wandered round the marina to admire the collection of old sheds in the Venetian Marina boat sales area then had a fish pie supper and bed. A pleasant sunny day and quite hot later in the afternoon.

2 ½ hours, 1 lock

A lovely misty morning and the mist soon burned off and out came the sun. After buying a few odds and ends at Venetian Marine Canal shop (they hadn’t got stove rope or a Dunton windlass) we set off at 9.45. A steady run to Middlewich, through the Wardle Canal – the shortest canal in England, so they say – then turned right onto the Trent and Mersey canal. We stopped at Mick Sivewright’s yard but no stove rope and no windlass. Moored up for lunch above the next lock. There was another chandlery close the pub here and they had got stove rope but no windlass. Also bought some cruising plaques. We were intrigued by the orangey colour of the T&M, quite different to the SU. After lunch we cruised on to Wheelock where we did a water-up and bog-empty, then moored beyond the water-point.
Roger and Steve went to the pub for an ‘early doors’ and in the evening all went for an Italian meal at the Old Wharf Warehouse restaurant – very good but quite expensive.

6 hours, 8 locks

                                                                                                                                               Moorings at Wheelock

We left Wheelock at 10am and attacked the endless slog up the locks of ‘Heartbreak Hill’. A ham sandwich lunch on the move and around mid-day it began to rain. The rain continued for 3 hours. Roger was going on ahead of us to set the locks but reached a section where the towpath was being renovated and had been diverted across the fields – and we lost him completely! He re-appeared at the next lock up.

Shortly after we had found Roger again we caught a huge tangle of rope and wire around the prop. This took some 20 minutes to remove. It filled two Tesco carrier bags.

                                                                                                                                    A present from the 'Trent and Mersey'

It was clear we wouldn’t make Harecastle Tunnel before nightfall so we hauled in at Red Bull basin for the night. After topping up the water, doing the bog etc. tried to fit the new stove rope – this one too thick as well – and changed the engine drive-belt. Had a nice big ‘stew and veg’ supper and a couple of beers in the Red Bull pub before bed.

7 hours, 21 locks

Overslept a bit and didn’t get away until 10.15. Worked through 3 locks to Harecastle tunnel. Roger went off to get papers – this took rather longer than expected so we missed the next tunnel passage and didn’t go through until 1.15pm. Inside the tunnel Roger accidentally caught his sleeve on the throttle lever and opened the engine up to max revs! As he tried to regain control the cabin side hit the wall of the tunnel with a colossal bang. The spot-lamp went out and we were in darkness. Travelled the rest of the tunnel using the big hand-lamp permanently connected to its charger with Meg sitting right on the front to direct the beam. This incident didn’t help Steve’s unfortunate dislike of narrow tunnels!

                                                                                                                                        Harecastle Tunnel - west entrance

At the end of the tunnel we carried on a short way then stopped to inspect the damage, The Paloma chimney is badly bucked and when Meg grabbed the cratch handle to re-board, the cratch collapsed. It fell on top of the little cast-iron bar-b-q and broke it in half but fortunately the cratch glass didn’t break. We retrieved the bits of the cratch, including a fairly vital hunk of wood that was drifting away across the canal and stowed all the bits on the roof. We donated the broken bar-b-q to the good citizens of Stoke-on-Trent. Worked on through S-o-T in the rain and arrived at Barlaston at 6.30pm. Had a quick pint in the pub, then phoned Andy to ask him to bring some tools and equipment tomorrow so we can make some running repairs.

A tag sog for supper and a nightcap in the pub at Barlaston (can’t remember the name of it). It turned out to be a nice evening after the rain stopped about 5pm, and a fair forecast for tomorrow.

8 hours, 9 locks, 1 tunnel 2,500 yards

Left Barlaston at 9am and worked down Stone locks. Hauled into Roger Fuller’s yard at Five Towns Boatbuilding at 10.30. A sunny morning but a stiff breeze. We were concerned that the ‘fridge wasn’t working very well and not getting very cold so Steve checked the batteries. Bad news. All down to less than 11volts on-load and only rising to 12.9 on-charge. Concluded that one or more of the cabin batteries has gone u/s and possibly the regulator has failed leaving the alternator running in ‘normal’ mode.

Having little test gear and even less time, made an executive decision to replace all 3 cabin batteries. Went to Stone Boatbuilders to get a replacement Paloma chimney and fixing screws, and then into S-o-T to a battery dealer recommended by Roger Fuller and got the batteries. At this point Andy and Ali arrived to take the good ship Tambourine on the next leg of its journey home so it’s fitting that they should continue with the log!

We arrived at Roger’s yard at 11am armed with the bits and bobs to fix the damage to the boat. While Steve was out buying batteries, I attacked the damage to the cratch and its mountings on the bow superstructure and apart from connecting up the electrics, was finished by the time he returned. Roger and I fitted a new heater flue. The batteries fitted, Steve was still concerned about the low charge voltage.

At 2.30pm Roger, Ros and Steve drove back to Bunbury, and Ali, Meg, Mrs.King and I left the yard and motored up the canal to the last of the Stone locks (by The Star pub) where Mrs. King collected her car and drove back to Worcester.

                                                                                                                                        Stone locks, Trent and Mersey canal   

                                                                                                                                                        (picture © Alison Foote)

Ali, Meg and I continued down the canal to Aston lock, arriving 5 pm. Steve had picked up his car from Bunbury and met us by the lock, collected Meg plus one or two belongings and drove home. Ali and I continued on the water until we reached Sandon lock, where we tied up for the day, arriving shortly after 6pm. Fixed replacement draught excluder on the stove. Had a couple of beers in the Dog and Doublet pub followed by a dinner of roast turkey, spuds and peas washed down with a very nice bottle of red wine. Retired at 11.45pm

5 hours, 9 locks

Got up at 7.30am after a slightly disturbed night due to heavy rain. Tea and breakfast of bacon sandwiches. Ali took Mop to the shops but they didn’t want to buy her (ha ha). Got papers and cigs and cast off at 9am. Steady progress to 1pm, stopping at Colwich for a lunch of pate and toast. Cast off again at 1.30pm, stopping off at Spode House moorings for water. Accosted here by police handing out anti-theft stickers to boaters. In return we gave them coffee. Onwards to Handsacre where we moored outside the Crown pub for the night at 5pm. During this last phase of the journey we had to negotiate a couple of very narrow channels, one of which was not for the novice with blind bends and only 1 boat width. A couple in the Crown followed by chicken in white wine sauce and the usual bottle of red. Watched the second ‘Harry Potter’ movie and in bed by 11.15pm. Weather today was mixed, some showers and some sun but very windy.

7 ½ hours, 4 locks

Awake at 6.30am after another no-so-good night again due to heavy rain. Tea and a breakfast of bacon and eggs. Ali went to the shop for essentials (wine, cider and cigs!). Andy dipped the fuel tank (just over half-full) so will fill up at Fradley Junction and also do the bog (Steve where are you when we need you!). Stern gland and bilges checked and OK.

Cast off at 9am, weather not so good; rain albeit not driving but very gusty making steerage a bit difficult. On the Fradley Junction and fuelled up but the bog-emptier is ‘closed for renovation’ and due to re-open – end of March?? Headed off down the Coventry Canal and had lunch at Streethay Wharf at 1pm – very nice, lovely boats. The lunch wasn’t bad either. Set off again at 1.30pm ; made a quick provisions stop at Whittington (2.15 – 2.55). Between Hademore and Hopwas, Ali steered - until we came to narrow bridges or on-coming craft – to Fazeley Junction, arriving 3pm. Very busy with boats and we can’t tie up to do the toilet again but we’re early risers. Mop made friends with two male choc labradors. Lovely dogs and they were all getting on well until one of the labs took a sniff at Mop’s food-bowl, whereupon she promptly chased them both off. Then a couple of drinks in the Three Tuns pub opposite our mooring, followed by mince, veg and gravy and a bottle of the good stuff of course.

A good night’s sleep last night – no rain and we found that by opening the shower-room door, only a limited amount of light gets into the bedroom. So a nice start to the day at 7.40. Bacon, eggs and tea for breakfast then turned the boat round in Fazeley pond and went back to the BW for a bog stop and rubbish dump. Turning round again was more fun due to the number of moored craft but bit by bit we managed it without hitting anything – then headed off down the Coventry. A hard work morning, stopped at Atherstone Middle lock for lunch at 2.40pm. We have perfected a sort of ‘single manning’ routine which made the last 4 Atherstone locks a quick affair. Moppet the dog is bolloxed by now after running up and down the towpath, followed by an encounter with a male of her own breed and then an impromptu dunk in the cut.

After lunch the weather took a turn; the boring lock-free run to Nuneaton was done in continuous rain and blustery winds. We finally hauled over for the night at Chilvers Coton boat basin at 18.15pm. A drink on board and then we went to the Boot pub for a very good meal. An unprepossessing pub from the outside, but the food was excellent and very affordable (very popular too and we could see why). We finished a bottle of wine back on board. Mop is still knackered, bless her.

Andy impressed an ‘old-timer’ watching the boats going through Atherstone flight and waiting for them to be caught in the outfall – except Andy didn’t! We lit the fire early so Andy could thaw out (complaining of frost-bite) and tucked ourselves in – lovely and cozy, a real ‘home from home’.

9 ½ hours, 13 locks

Rudely awakened at 0620am by the inconsiderate b*****d on the NB behind us starting his diesel. After an hour or so he shut them down and when we surfaced the boat was deserted. We assumed he was a live-aboard on early turn. Ali took Mop (or vice-versa) to get papers etc. Andy checked stern gland and re-greased it, sponged out the bilges and checked down the weed hatch.

Left Boot Bridge at 9.15am and headed off towards Hawkesbury Junction. Passing through Bedworth (by The Warwickshire Canal Carrying Co. basin) we were flagged down by an old boy who as it turned out lived on a boat in the basin. He told us to keep well to the left of the canal due to a submerged hazard. On questioning, he said it was probably a car, stolen and driven into the cut. "Happens all the time around here! Have a good journey". Arrived at Hawkesbury Junction at 11am and watered up. Can’t believe we actually used that much! Mop had a lot of fun on the tow-path shepherding boats and people. All 3 of us went to the Greyhound for a scoop as it is a ‘dog-friendly’ bar – super pub, remember it from the journey up.

                                                                                                                                            Hawkesbury Junction   

                                                                                                                                                 (Picture © Alison Foote)

Then on through Sutton stop and onto the North Oxford. There was a traffic queue at Stretton Stop. Here there is a swing bridge and a hire-boat had great fun through the narrows, opening it, driving on then closing it again. It was done by committee; like a Board of Directors of a company, all having to have their say, and they took forever! We went in and out without a problem and though we were right behind them, our friends in front insisted on shutting the bridge again as they went through.

                                                                                                                                                    Sutton Stop-lock       

                                                                                                                                                    (Picture © Alison Foote)

On towards Rugby Ali took the helm again for a good 1 ½ hours, including some narrows and bridges. I was proud of the way she has gained a feel for the boat. She hasn’t locked through yet, but in view of the winds we’ve been having, I don’t blame her. Through Hillmorton lock was the most fun part of the day. One small NB coming down just didn’t have a clue and had it not been for Ali’s timely interjection, they would have ended up caught on the cill. As it was, his bow fended was ripped clean off - at least he didn’t sink – but a close thing! Mop as always thoroughly enjoyed the locks. We tied up at Wharf Bridge outside the ‘Royal Oak at 1915. We had a couple of pints and supper at the pub (nice place) and washed it down with some red back on board. Bed at 11pm. The stove has been ticking over for more than 24 hours and we’re very cozy!

10 hours, 4 locks 1 tunnel

Rush hour at Hillmorton locks! 4 narrowboats all jockeying for position. (This is SAP country Andy but you haven’t mentioned them!). An uneventful trip down to Braunston junction apart from the weather. Heavy black storm clouds all round us and fierce gusting winds but by some strange chance we missed all the rain! At 10.45 we stopped at the chandlery, emptied the toilet and bought some bits to complete the damage repairs. Then moved to a different mooring outside the BW office. Purchased a Grand Union map and went provision shopping in the village. Moved on at 1300. We double-locked through the Braunston flight and on to the tunnel, leading a small convoy of boats through. Mop was petrified through the whole tunnel passage but otherwise, no problems. We single worked through Buckby locks, having perfected the art of only using one gate. Heavy work all the same. Tied up at Weedon.

Lovely weather this afternoon. We’re knackered! Had a couple of beers in the Heart of England, supper of goulash, rice and red wine. Watched the ‘Bad Boys’ video and collapsed into bed at 2300.

Accident report: a book fell off the bookcase into Mop’s water-bowl. She was less than pleased.

Woke at 0800 to another miserable day. Pottered around doing odd jobs while Ali and Mop went to get the papers. Found the battery charging problem – the fuse in the Sterling battery manager has completely burned away and taken a sizeable piece of the PCB with it. The cause remains a mystery. Phoned Steve to arrange provision of a new Sterling unit and left Weedon at 11.40. A timely call from Steve just as we approached Millar Marine at Stowe Hill wharf to say that they (Millar Marine) were Sterling stockists. So we moored up and purchased a new unit. Will fit it with Steve tomorrow. Stopped off at Bridge 43 to let Mop off and promptly ran aground! Otherwise a slow and uneventful trip to Gayton. Very windy and the boat had a mind of its own in some places. We couldn’t get a mooring in Gayton marina but found one just outside; arrived at 1530. Completed the damage repairs and wandered up to the pub at 1900. A couple of pints and then back on board for supper. Watched ‘Cannon-ball Run’ and bed at 2300.

4 hours

Marcia and John took over Tambourine from Andy and Ali at Gayton for the next leg of the trip – Gayton to March – so they take over the log as well!!

Us all arrived at Gayton Marina at 11am. A cool windy day. Andy and Ali explained the problems with the Sterling controller, then loaded their bags into Steve’s car and Steve drove them to the station. Meg, John and I set off to the Rothersthorpe lock-flight. What an introduction to English canals! 17 locks all in a line! J showed me how to steer the boat into the locks and I didn’t do bad either. We arrived in Northampton at 1630 to a somewhat disorganised IWA boat rally on the Nene in Northampton. Stocked up on food and beverages, then a roast pork dinner and fell into bed at 10.30pm – totally buggered!

Accident report: Marcia banged her head on the back slidy hatch of the boat – quick lesson learned!

4 hours, 17 locks

Woke at 7.30am to a cloudless sky and brilliant sunshine. Steve fixed the battery controller and also pronounced the ‘fridge terminally dead. We borrowed a big cold-bag from the boat next door. (4 boats at the rally had their fridges pack up – must be something to do with Northampton – S)

Meg, Steve and Mop left for home at 12.30 and the warm wind and sunshine saw us leave Northampton at 12.30pm. Emptied the bog and re-filled with water at Northampton facilities.

By 5pm we were moored at Cogenhoe lock. We have been to the shop and they are going to freeze a bottle of water for us as a temporary fridge in the cold-bag. No fuel available but the tank is ¾ full (or is it ¼ empty?) so no need to re-fill until Peterborough. Had dinner and went to the Mill Club in the caravan camp for a few beers. Marcia had a nice warm shower on our return. Mine was warm until half-way through when the gas ran out.

4 ½ hours, 6 locks

Alarm went off at 7.30 in time for egg and beans on toast before we attacked the first lock and picked up our frozen water. Stopped at Wollaston lock and went into the Stags Head pub for lunch (very good). Then walked to Tescos and got a taxi back. Carried on to the moorings at Rushton and Diamonds Football club while Marcia did the housework inside, and tied up at 6pm.

Day turned out sunny but quite breezy. Sat out on deck with a beer and whip-lashed the mooring rope ends. Topped up with water so I can have a shower. Spent the rest of the evening watching tv; it was a starry starry night and very cold.

5 ½ hours, 10 locks

The alarm went off at 7 but we didn’t get up until 8 (too cold!). Set of at 10 after a look round the Doc Martin shop – too expensive; so much for a factory shop. Had a leisurely run to Denford lock where stopped for lunch. Reach Wadenhoe at 4pm. Sunshine and scattered clouds, no rain – the gods are with us again. There was a very low bridge upstream of Titchmarsh lock which saw a rapid reverse and sirens blaring; we came to a stop with 3 feet to spare so Marcia could take the front chimney off. Big sigh of relief but all in a good day. Tied up outside the Kings Head and will go in for dinner/supper/ whatever you English call it. Noticed some water collected in the stern on top of the diesel tank which is leaking through under the steps by the tool-bag. Not serious but thought I would make a note.

5 hours, 7 locks

We had rather a lot in the Kings Head so it was a late up. They froze our fridge water-bottle and as they didn’t open until 11, it was a 9am start with showers and a huge scrummy breakfast. At 11am we were on our way with the iced water safely stowed next to the beer. 4 hours and 7 locks later we were tied up at Fotheringhay with the church as a backdrop. It will be a bar-b-q dinner tonight if its allowed at these moorings. The weather has been good, very warm. The tans are developing. After supper, we had a look around the village and castle then it was video and bed.

4 hours, 7 locks

Up at 7 and on the move at 8.30am. The day was cloudy and windy. We did 3 locks before arriving at Wansford lock where they were loading a large rock into an old narrowboat. (NB Lupin – SF). We were told this rock was going to be a water feature in Ely to mark the age of the cathedral. So – took the opportunity to go shopping for supplies. We moored the boat so it was visible to the TV cameras in attendance. We followed the boat through the locks and down to Peterborough. Here we did a bog and rubbish dump stop on the Embankment. Moored up just outside Stanground sluice for entry 9am tomorrow. The weather is clearing and it will be another chilly night.

8 hours, 7 locks

Up at 8.30am and we were rushed through the lock and had an uneventful trip to March. Tied up in Fox’s marina at 2.15pm. Will now go into March and paint the town a pale blue colour. In fact the pub crawl was only so-so; 4 pubs and a chinese carryout later we were back by 9pm.

Steve and Ian arrived Fox’s Marina at 9am. After a coffee, took John and Marcia to the station for a train back to London. Back at the boat, took on water and diesel and left at 11.15am. We would not make Salters Lode by locking time of 3pm so after passing through Marmont Priory lock we tied up in Outwell on the church moorings. Went for a pint in the Five Bells and made some toasty things for a late lunch. After a brief siesta, explored the village; nothing inspiring here. Back to the Five Bells for a first-class steak dinner and bed around 11.

3 ½ hours, 1 lock

                                                                                                                            Outwell church moorings

Up at 8am on a bright sunny morning. Ian went to get papers, milk, bread etc. and Steve tightened the engine drive-belt, cleaned out the bilges and checked engine fluid levels. Left Upwell at 9.45am. Slow going through Upwell, very shallow especially under the bridges. (We learned later that NB Lupin had run aground here the previous day and had to be towed off by a tractor). Beyond the village, the water was deeper. Arrived at Salters Lode around mid-day.

                                                                                             Waiting for the tide at Salters Lode, Middle Level Navigations

Locking was exactly on schedule at 3.15pm. Went through with a new boat, NB Victoria on her first cruise out of Daventry. A rapid run up the tideway on the incoming tide, passage taking less than 10 minutes. Through Denver sluice more or less on the level and stopped at the Denver moorings at 3.40pm. Decided not to rush back to Littleport but carry on tomorrow. Walked around the Denver complex, a quick ‘bog and rubbish’ dump then into the Jenyns for a few before bed at 10.30pm.

2 ¾ hours, 2 locks

Forecast for today is bad so we left Denver at 8.30am. Ian steered in a fierce south-westerly wind but no problems apart from the cold. Arrived at Littleport at 10.40am.

Drove back to March to collect car. Ian drove home and Steve returned to Littleport to sort out the mooring, which the winter floods had left in a bit of a mess. Finally left for home at 4.15pm

Came down for the day. Dismantled the dead fridge and put it in the car. Cooked a disastrous bar-b-q – ended up roasting the chicken in the oven.

31 May 2003

Arrived at 10.30am, scorching hot day. Replaced empty gas bottle, purchased some Gary Andrews cheapo rope fenders and set of for the Pike at mid-day. Stopped off at the Black Horse for a drink (new landlord, the geordie has gone) and a leisurely chug to the Fish and Duck. Tied up outside the pub. Had a steak dinner on board (fish for Meg because of her diet!). Met Peter and Jean off NB Arachne and had a coffee with them, then sauntered back and watched a video before bed.

The engine showed some signs of overheating today when we really pushed it hard up the ‘ten-mile river’ against the current on such a hot day. Learned that Mike the landlord of the Fish and Duck and his wife Sue have parted company; Sue is running the pub herself.

3 hours

We left the F&D at 7.45am (wow!) and loafed up the Old West. Meg did some steering today, and very good too! Very odd weather, hot then cold, windy then still, some sunshine then the occasional brief rain-shower. Arrived at Hermitage at 11am and locked through with a hired cruiser that was totally out of control. Had both us and the Hermitage lockie in fits. Lost him when he stopped at one of the pubs in Earith. Locked through Brownshill with cruiser ‘Lota Lota’ from the Denver Cruising Club; they are also going to the regatta. Reached the Pike at 12.30pm, did a bog-empty and topped up with water. We were offered two different moorings for the weekend, both silted up and useless so in the end we told John Stafferton that we’d use our old mooring in the basin – which was OK. Met up with some of the other Pikeys and started to get ready for home – but then the problem of the car keys arose – which I won’t dwell on because it will embarrass Meg…………!

4 ½ hours, 2 locks

Arrived at the Pike at 7pm for the cocktail party. A good evening.

PEBC regatta day. Went to Jones’ boatyard to buy a new bog and then watched the boat-handling in the afternoon. Partied until well after midnight. A good day with super weather.

Overslept and nearly missed out Regatta breakfast. Usual regatta day, bought some odds and ends at the flea market, won a bottle of Oz White on the tombola. Hitched a lift with Derek and Trish on Octopus for the boat parade. After the prize-giving the sun went in behind clouds and the wind picked up alarmingly. We installed the new bog, chucked the old one in the skip, cleaned up, loaded the car, adjusted the mooring ropes and were away at 5.45pm. Didn’t envy the folks going home by water in that wind.

16 June 2003 (Gary and friends)

Arrived at the Pike a day late, around 3pm. Straight through the locks and on to the Old West. Had a half-hour break at the GOBA moorings at Ewell fen and then pressed on to the Five Miles. Ran aground once but managed to resolve it. The landlord of the Five Miles didn’t seem to want us to stay there, but we did anyway as it was nearly 10pm.

7 ½ hours, 2 locks

Left early to avoid the bad-tempered landlord; I worked single through to the now boarded up Bridge Hotel at Clayhithe and woke everyone up. Had a wander about then on to the Pike and Eel at Chesterton for a late lunch and a few pints. The landlord agreed that we could return to the mooring later so we carried on to Cambridge for water and then returned to the Pike and Eel for dinner. Afterwards we walked to the Fort St.George for a few beers on midsummer Common along with the thousands of other people there for the Strawberry Fair.

6 hours, 2 locks

This morning we went back into Cambridge and walked around the town before taking on more water and heading for the Fish and Duck. An uneventful trip; we managed to avoid the black storm-clouds that followed us all the way.

6 hours, 2 locks

Left at 10am for Ely and had a walk round the town and the cathedral. Topped up with water and purchased some diesel. Eventually got back to Littleport at 7.30pm. A good trip and we managed to avoid all the bad weather we had been hearing about on the radio.

4 hours

Took over the keys from Gary last night and set off at 7.30am for Denver. A sunny morning but a strong and cold north-west wind – hat, gloves and anorak needed. We had a slow choppy crab-wise run to Denver, arriving at 10am. We sorted out a mooring – which we may have to move from later as a ‘disabled’ boat is due in – and then got on with helping our IWA friends to set up the big Denver rally.

                                                                                                    Security guards (yeah, right..) on the gate at Denver.

Later in the day the wind dropped and it was a quiet night. We turned in at 11.45 when the bar shut.

2 ½ hours + 1 hour extra battery charge

Another early start and a sweltering morning. Started work at 8 am, locking boats down to the Relief Channel through the new lock ready for the big ‘Campaign Cruise’. We locked through at 9.30 am with Robin and Daphne Petts on NB Country Blue. Cruised as far as Stowe Bridge and then back to Downham Bridge for the photo-call at 11am.

                                                                                                                                            Flotilla of boats on the Relief Channel

This took about ½ hour and was amazing; 45 boats in one small section of the river. There wasn’t a breath of wind and the sun was intense. When the flotilla dispersed we made our way slowly back to the lock and through to our moorings at 1.30pm. Spent the rest of the day stooging around the rally site, eating fish and chips and generally taking life easy. Bed when the bar finally closed at midnight. A highly successful rally, probably the best yet and blessed with stunning weather – almost too hot – and a very good crowd.

4 hours, 2 locks

It rained heavily early in the morning but we finally surfaced at 9; by then the sun was out again. Set to with the clearing-up operations and finally slipped the lines at 1pm. A slight delay when the motor sailer ‘March’ lost control in the wind leaving the moorings; the ambulance was called from Lynn and her skipper was taken to hospital with a nasty groin injury. It was a very breezy day and the clouds began to bank up as we travelled upstream but not as cold as Friday. Showers started to break out as we approached Littleport but we were able to moor up, unload and leave the marina before the mother of all thunderstorms hit at 5.50pm. A thoroughly fine weekend.

2 ½ hours

TLC visit today, no time for cruising as its all hands to Cathy’s wedding coming up.

Gary and Wendy. We arrived at the boat later than intended. Went up to the picnic area near Brandon creek. After an hour or so and a dog walk we headed for Denver and taught Wendy the skills of narrowboat handling which she picked up very quickly. We had a superb (but bloody expensive) dinner at the Jenyns Arms, walked the dog up the by-road, stole some carrots from the farmer’s field and went to bed.

After a late (mid-day) start and a tour of the sluice system we headed off to the funfair at the Ship Inn. We got stuck behind a boat going so slowly it was almost in reverse! After a bar-b-q at the ship we headed back to Littleport and left at 8.30pm. A lovely weekend and simply amazing weather.

2 ½ hours

Arrived on Friday night, loaded up and bed. Woke to a lovely misty morning and after getting papers etc set to work with the paintbrush to do up some of the rusty bits.

                                                                                                                                            Misty morning at Littleport

 By 11am the boat surface was too hot to paint so we had an early lunch and pottered off to the Ship at Brandon Creek, arriving 3.15pm. Got the mooring under the willow tree. It was incredibly hot. Too hot to cook on board so we had supper in the pub – very busy – with John and Collette of MV Harrier Hawk. A nightcap on their boat and then bed. Had trouble lighting the Paloma today so stripped it down, cleaned the sparking mechanism with a tooth-brush, re-set the spark gap and it fired up straight away.

1 hour

We were up at 7.30 and started painting at 8. By 10am the boat was too hot to paint. By 11.30 it was too hot to touch. We decided to abandon the planned run to Denver as there’s absolutely no shade there so stayed under the willow at the pub where there was some shade. The river is covered with a thick layer of duckweed and several boats heading for Denver have turned back because their water strainers are blocking up with weed. Hooray for skin-tank cooling! Had lunch in the pub with John and Collette and lazed about. Mid-afternoon a fierce hot westerly wind sprung up out of no-where. It died down within a few minutes but has filled the inside of the boat with thistledown off the opposite bank. We slipped the lines at 6.15pm and got back to Littleport at 7. Packed up, had a couple of boiled eggs for tea and away at 9pm with the temperature still 23C! We later learned it had been the hottest day on record in parts of East Anglia and we could believe it.

¾ hour

Arrived at 7pm and took off to the Black Horse. Moored opposite the pub with two other NBs, Shiraz and Cheviot. Had a couple in the pub and a light cold meat supper and bed at 11.

¼ hour

Breakfast at 9 and set off for Ely at 9.45. NW breeze but steady going (lots of duckweed). Arrived Ely 11.15am. Took on water and diesel, winded above the railway bridge and returned to the EA bog emptier. A quick coffee then back to the Black Horse; moored outside the pub. Quick pint, steak pie and veg lunch and then back to Littleport. In the afternoon we swept the chimney and got ¾ of a Tesco carrier bag full of soot, shale and tar! Left for home at 6pm.

3 hours

Have made several trips to the boat but not been anywhere, just doing odd painting jobs. Arrived last night intending to turn the boat round today and do the gunwales on the other side with black paint – but the tin is empty!

                                                                                                                        Lazy days at Littleport Boathaven

Failed to find anywhere open in town so did some other bits and pieces, then had a late afternoon potter up to the Ship for a pint. Chugged back in the evening sun and left Littleport at 7pm.

1 ½ hours

Engine oil changed, new filter fitted. No leaks or problems.

Arrived 10.30am. Sunny day but brisk easterly wind. Lit stove only to find we were almost out of coal. Got some more from Gary Andrews, had a few words with our neighbours and motored up to the Black Horse. After a couple of beers and lunch, completed the remaining black painting. A warmer afternoon as we were sheltered from the wind by the flood bank. When the paint was dry we winded Tambourine and went up to the Ship, arriving 5.30pm. A fabulous sunny autumn evening. Had a drink in the pub, brought a video to watch over a gammon supper. Fell into bed at 10.

1 ½ hours

Calm but chilly morning but the stove has been ticking over nicely all night – the lady stovemeister has done a good job! After boiled eggs breakfast we returned to Littleport, arriving 11.15am. Then did the winterising jobs, drained water, topped up batteried and dehumidifiers, packed up perishables and valuables to take home. Check engine oil levels, topped up water header with antifreeze, closed the stove down and left at 4pm. River very quiet today, only NB Jessica seen on the move.

1 ½ hours