Cruising Log 2009
03 January 2009
A very cold morning indeed. When I arrived at 10.15 am the marina basin was frozen over; the first time I have ever seen it like that. But - I'd forgotten the camera again, hadn't I so I couldn't take a picture of it. Checked canopy security and ropes. Topped up the engine header tank with antifreeze, mopped up a bit of condensation water from the bilges and screwed down the stern gland greaser. Inside, emptied all the water out of the dehumidifiers and topped them up with fresh crystals. Checked around for any signs of water ingress around the window-frames and suchlike but nothing found. I decided not to run up the engine; in view of the intense cold it would probably do more harm than good so after a last-minute check around, I locked up and left at 11.30 am. Called by the marina office and settled my mooring fee bill up to the end of June.
Who got a nice new Buckby Can for Christmas then?!
15 February 2009
The first chance to visit Tambourine since the severe weather set in after Christmas. Arrived at 10am; an overcast and slightly drizzly day and temperature about 4C. Mopped up a small amount of water out of the bilges - the ingress probably due to the snow. Hooray for disposable nappies again; make the job so easy. Fired up the engine which started easily after almost 10 weeks of lying idle. The alternator belt squealed for a few minutes which was probably to be expected but it was OK after that. Emptied the water out of the dehumidifiers and topped them up with crystals and generally checked the boat over. No signs of anything unwelcome other than the fireclay around the base of the stove chimney which seems to be crumbling away. I will see to it later in the year. Having checked the mooring ropes and pins and given the stern-gland greaser a squeeze I shut the engine down, re-connected the solar panels and left for home at around 11.20am.
1 1/2 hours charge
01 March 2009
The new canopy is finished and I arrived shortly after 9 to inspect the work. It is OK now; the bits I was unhappy with have been put right so when I get back home I'll settle the bill. Did all the usual checks inside and outside and everything is clean, dry and secure. I did notice that the stove chimney is very rusty around the top and the coolie-cap is also badly corroded and falling to bits so I measured the collar up (15 cms) for a new one which I will get next week some time. The gas isolator sign that was riveted to the gas locker lid has come off; the rivets have rusted through. When the weather improves a bit I'll re-paint the gas locker lid, drill out what's left of the rivets and bolt the sign back in place with stainless steel bolts. Set off for home shortly after 11am. A gloomy, misty day but not too cold.
New cratch canopy from S.Robb and Son Ltd., St.Ives New chimney and cap just arrived!
21 March 2009
As Meg was working all weekend I decided to have a 'boat weekend' on my own since the weather is glorious and there's lots to be done. Arrived at 10 am, fired up the engine and dismantled the cratch, filled the holes in the cratch-board with Isopon, sanded it down and applied a coat of grey primer. A slight problem arose when I accidentally kicked the shoreline multi-socket into the river and the electric point threw its LCD. A hasty re-wire of the extension cables, re-set the LCD and off we went again. Sanded and primed the locker lid and punched out the old rivets ready for re-painting and re-fixing the brass plate. Dried out the bow-thruster well, forward locker and bilges. Not much water in any of them and 'hooray' for the disposable nappies. Make a miserable awkward job so easy. Checked the engine oil and water levels, battery fluid levels and connected up all the re-chargeable accessories for an 'after winter' top-up. Dipped the diesel tank, 3/4 full. Added 5 litres of road diesel. Tested and checked the bow-thruster. By 5pm it was getting chilly although still bright sunshine so I tried to start the central heating. It took three 'on-off' cycles to get it to fire up; I guess it has been idle for too long. Once it was running the cabin became toasty-warm in a very short time. Cooked a tinned steak and mixed vegetable supper, watched an 'Inspector Morse' video and turned in at 10.30pm at the end of a very satisfying day.
4 hours charge
'After the winter' TLC in progress!
22 March 2009
Another beautiful sunny morning. Up at 7.30, boiled-egg and toast breakfast, washed up and back to work. A heavy dew-fall overnight - there was probably a frost - so re-painted the Morso stove and flue while waiting for the outside of the boat to dry off before painting. Then top-coated the locker lid, touched up all the rusty bits and painted the inside of the front bits locker. Then re-fitted the cratch board (by golly it's heavy!) which I will top coat later on when I can be sure of 24 hours dry weather. Then did various domestics; emptied the loo, cleaned the bathroom and stuff like that. Started the engine and the fan-belt began to squeal and wouldn't stop. Tightening it didn't do any good, because the teeth were all worn down so I replaced it. By this time it was starting to get cold and the wind was picking up so I did all the usual janitorial bits and the routine checks and left for home at 4pm
1 1/2 hours charge
29 March 2009
A flying visit on a chilly morning to deliver a boot-load of stuff needed for the forthcoming season; duvet covers, sheets, boxes of tissues, rolls of kitchen paper and some bargain buys from the local supermarket - a folding sack-barrow, a set of 8 paintbrushes and a set of three kitchen scissors - all for fifteen quid. Checked everything over; there was a bit of storm water in the bilges but it was easily removed by the nappy method. Noticed one of the elastic cleats on the new canopy is a poor fit (much too long) so that will have to be attended to on the next visit (probably over Easter). After putting everything away I locked up and left at 11.15am.
Bargain buys from the local supermarket !
10 April 2009
I arrived at 11am with a huge list of things to do! On arrival the first thing I noticed was that the pub has been flattened! Removed the canopy and painted the cratch-board; very lucky to get it painted and dry before it rained in the evening. Put 5 litres of road diesel in the tank and used the baby Dyson to hoover all the dirt and shale out of the engine compartment drainage gulleys. Sorted out the tool cupboard - sort of - and bunged a few pots of dried-up paint and suchlike, then started the 'cleaning after the winter' ritual - after connecting up the water hose to re-fill the water tank. When it was full I ran all the taps and pipes through to get rid of the air pockets. Then - with trembling hand - replaced the cracked 'o' rings on the Paloma drain valve and re-fitted it into the unit. I must admit I expected water to pour out of it when I opened the water valve but there was no more than a tiny drip of water which we can certainly live with for now. It will mean keeping the small bowl underneath the heater to catch the drips but no big deal. After a couple of attempts the heater fired up good as gold. Big sigh of relief! Then did the usual engine drive belt tighten-up and returned to the cleaning; sorted out the huge pile of books, maps and leaflets on the bedroom bookshelf and chucked all the out-of-date stuff away. After a beef stew supper, I put all the re-chargeable bits and pieces onto 'charge,' set up the dvd and video players, and after watching a bit of telly and downing a couple of glasses of plonk, retired at 10.30pm to the gentle sound of the rain!
2 hours charge
11 April 2009
Got up at 7.30. It's still raining! Fired up the central heating but after a couple of minutes it stopped working. However, a quick clean-up of the fuse-holder and cartridge fuse with very fine emery cloth brought it back to life. I don't seem to have a replacement fuse for the heater; I will have to acquire one from somewhere. Returned to the cleaning, concentrating on the surfaces; some of them were really dirty! Then tidied out and cleaned all the cupboards and threw away a lot of junk. Wandered up to the marina office and bought an electricity card. In the afternoon I cleaned a lot of the brass and copper-ware. I found that by starting the cleaning with Autosol and then finishing with 'Shiny Sinks' I revived even the most stubborn tarnished metal (see below!). Finally I took down the winter curtains, put up the summer ones and switched everything off. Left for home at 4.30pm. Not long to Reach Fair!
Before..................... After..................!
May 1st 2009
Arrived at the boat 3-ish on a warm sunny afternoon. After loading up, I drove to Ely Tesco for provisions for the weekend. Chatted to Derek and Elizabeth on Zadok for a while. Later on after bed-making and similar chores we had a very pleasant chicken supper and make it a fairly early night.
1 hour battery charge.
May 2nd 2009
We were up at 7 and after all the usuals, headed for Ely for diesel. Arrived at 9.40 only to find the marina didn't open until 10 at weekends. Peter and Jean on 'Arachne' pulled in for diesel in front of us and we had a few words. After filling, paying and checking water levels we cruised down to the railway bridge, turned round and headed back to Popes Corner. We were overtaken by a bunch of blokes on 3 hire cruisers who has obviously hit the Red Stripe early in the day and were having fun trying to ram each other as they went along. They soon passed us by. Met up with Jonathan and Gail outside Popes Corner and convoyed to Reach, with a brief water stop for 'Safina' at the other side of Upware lock. Arrived at Reach around 2.30 having had a 'soup and sandwich' lunch on the way. It was quite hard to tie up at Reach Hythe due to the shallow water but we managed it in the end. Around 4pm, Gary and Becky arrived. Gary and I went to the pub for a couple. The 'Cambridge IWA' contingent met at the pub at 6.45 and had a splendid dinner in the upstairs room, which we filled! Afterwards we headed back for the boats and into bed after a hot sunny and really fun day.
4 1/2 hours, 1 lock
57 litres diesel, £49.84
May 3rd 2009
A cloudy start to the day but it cleared up later on. The ladies went walking around Reach first thing and we messed around on the boats. The barby started at mid-day with an excellent turn-out of supporters on a sunny afternoon. Finished around 4pm. Gary and Becky packed up their things and left for home around 7 and the boaters walked into the village and entered as a team in the annual Reach Fair pub quiz. Came 10th out of about 20 teams so we didn't disgrace ourselves. Back to the boat around 10.30pm, a quick egg sandwich for a late supper and bed by 11pm.
2 hours battery charge
May 4th 2009
Reach Fair day. Not such a nice day; overcast and with a chilly breeze. After breakfast I walked the dog up to the showground where Taff and David were building the IWA stand for the show. Back at the boat, I did one or two TLC chores, including tightening the drive-belt. Back to the site at mid-day for the opening ceremony then helped to man the stand until about 2.30pm. After a quick burger and chips lunch, headed back to the boat and set off in convoy with 'Safina' back to Popes Corner. An unremarkable run, no other boats on the move the whole way back and the breeze was becoming very chilly. Got back to Popes Corner around 6, tied up, unloaded, shut down and back home around 7.15pm.
3 1/2 hours, 1 lock
The IWA stand at Reach Fair 2009.
May 10th 2009
Blisworth or bust! Meg, Ian and I arrived at the marina at 10.45 on a warm sunny morning. Loaded up, re-filled with water and Meg left for home. We set off at mid-day, reaching Ely Marina at 1.15pm - closed for lunch until 2! So a pork pie and salad lunch while we waited; then dieseled up and left at 2.15pm. Passed through Littleport at 3.20pm and arrived at Denver Sluice at 5.45pm. Tied up on the 'waiting' mooring. Did one or two minor jobs on the boat and strolled over to the Jenyns Arms at 7 for a couple of pints. Returned for a fish pie supper on the boat at around 8.30. The wind is picking up quite strongly; we hope for a calm passage in the morning!
5 hours, no locks
35 litres diesel (20 of it into jerrican for emergencies) £32.69
Waiting for High Tide at Denver Sluice
May 11th 2009
Up at 7; a bright breezy morning. Locking is at 10.30am. After breakfast and the usual janitorial tasks had a wander around the sluice complex and chatted to a boater who was moored on the floating jetty on the tidal side of the sluice. He had brought his 62-foot narrowboat single-handed across the Wash from Boston and up the tideway to Denver! We locked through at exactly 10.30. A quite strong north-easterly wind helped us do a commendable turn into Salters Lode; even the Paul the lockie was complimentary, saying we had done well in difficult conditions! Exited Salters Lode at 11.10am. We were lucky to get through as Paul told us that Denver Sluice lock had just packed up. So we don't know what happened to the boat waiting to go through the other way. Got to Marmont Priory at 1.50pm and Mr. Norton locked us through. The water was very shallow through Upwell and Outwell and the 'overheating' buzzer came on a couple of times but it stopped beyond the lock. Reached Whittlesey at 6.30pm. Tied up on the landing stage by the playing fields with some help from the other boats moored there. Phoned the lockie at Stanground to advise of our arrival tomorrow, we are asked to get to the lock at 9.30am latest because they are working a '1-up 1-down' rota to save water. Called in to see Cathy and Andrew, went up to the Bricklayers Arms for a couple of pints to celebrate our latest Grand-daughter and returned to the boat at 9pm for supper.
8 hours, 4 locks
Incoming craft from the Wash on the tidal side of Denver Sluice Passing through Outwell on Well Creek (MLN)
May 12th 2009
Left Whittlesey at 8am and arrived at Stanground sluice at 9. Locked through at 9.15am. Peterborough Boat Centre had run out of diesel. Tried to tie up on Peterborough embankment for water but it was just too windy so we carried on. Orton lock at 10.30 and then pulled in to Peterborough Yacht Club. Here we got diesel and water from the very helpful gentleman on duty at the club and carried on our way again at 11.10am. Awalton lock at 12.10 with another NB also heading for the canals (didn't get the name). Yarwell lock (very slow to operate) at 3pm, Elton 4.15, Warmington 5.10pm. This lock leaked somewhat through the bottom gate. We have now worked out a good system for working through these heavy Nene locks, with Ian on the controls and me swarming up and down ladders with the centre ropes. We arrived at Fotheringhay at 6pm and went to the Falcon pub for a very good albeit rather expensive supper. Bed at 10 as usual.
10 hours, 8 locks
34 litres diesel and water re-fill, £30.00
The narrow concrete channel at Whittlesey Briggate, MLN Entering Stanground lock, MLN
Pretty bridge on the river Nene Yarwell Lock, river Nene
Leaving Yarwell lock
May 13th 2009
After paying the farmer the usual £3 for mooring, we moved on at 8.45am. Cotterstock lock at 10.30. Met several boats passing the other way heading for the ANRC rally being held in Peterborough over the late May bank holiday. But generally the river is deserted. The weather is perfect for this kind of trip; no wind at all, overcast and slightly misty. So far the rain has held off. Reached Denford lock at 4.15pm and arrived at the Rushden and Diamonds Football Club moorings at 7.30pm. Supper on board and retired to bed, completely knackered before 10 o'clock.
11 1/4 hours, 14 locks.
May 14th 2009
Did the usual janitorial bits (loo, water, rubbish disposal etc) and tightened the engine drive belt. Left the moorings at 9am, arrived Higham lock at 9.20. Got to Wellingborough at 11 and moored near the bridge. Re-stocked with milk, booze and a few other bits and pieces and moved on at 11.45. Doddington lock (a very pretty spot) at 1.30, Whiston lock at 3.30. At White Mills lock the security lock on the control box was broken and we couldn't close it so phoned the EA and reported it. Arrived at Cogenhoe at 4.30; other than an obvious permanent resident, we are the only people here. Walked up to the pub in the village for a couple of beers and retired to bed at 9pm! All this exercise; we're not used to it! There is rain in the air now; the weather is on the change - but it has been perfect cruising weather thus far.
7 1/2 hours, 10 locks
May 15th 2009
It absolutely belted with rain in the night and woke us up. The river level is up a little and it is flowing much more strongly than yesterday. There was the occasional light rain shower throughout the day but it didn't bother us. Left Cogenhoe just before 7.30am. Clifford Hill lock at 8.30. Abington lock has extremely heavy gates and Ian had to climb up from the boat to help me move them. Rush Mill lock at 10.30 am. Had the same 'stiff and heavy gate' problem at Northampton Town lock. Removed the side fenders while in the lock (we have only lost one on this trip; we did lose another but I managed to fish it out of the lock). Arrived at Cotton End lock at the start of the GU Northampton Arm at 11.15. At Hunston lock we picked up a huge hunk of carpet around the prop which needed a weed-hatch job; we managed to disentangle it without too much trouble. Hardingstone lock at 12.30, Wootton lock at 12.50. Met another boat coming the other way which was handy as all the rest of the locks were now ready for us. Rothersthorpe Top lock at 3.30pm. Phew! Reached Blisworth Marina at 4pm and a very friendly welcome from Val and Pete Brotherton the harbourmasters. After a bit of tidying up we walked to the Walnut Tree pub for beers and a very good celebratory steak dinner. Home and bed around 10 as usual. Journey's end!
8 1/2 hours, 23 locks
New moorings at Blisworth Marina
May 16th 2009
Spent the morning familiarising myself with the new surroundings. Did the usual janitorial bits and tidied the boat up. Therese collected Ian and they left at 11.15am. I walked up to the pub and found that the public bar is dog-friendly which is helpful. Very windy today with sunshine and showers. Fitted the new chimney, dumped a load of rubbish and worked through a list of boaty jobs. Dipped the diesel tank - still 3/4 full. This is a very friendly place and I was shown how to work the washing machine and tumble-dryer. Walked up to the pub again at 5 and on returning carried on with the tidying and sorting out; hoovered the carpets and connected up the electrics, re-filled with water and suchlike. A chicken tikka 'ready meal' for supper which was very tasty. Fired up the computer and connected to the internet easily using the Vodafone dongle but for some reason the camera won't download its pictures so the illustrations for this log will have to wait until I sort the problem out. Forecast is for slightly improving weather over the next few days so fingers crossed. Bed as usual at 10pm.
1 hour battery charge
May 17th 2009
Woke at 6.30am and after breakfast and a tidy up, went for an exploratory walk along the towpaths. As Meg hadn't arrived by 1.15, I sorted out a 'ham 'n' egg on toast' lunch . Meg arrived shortly before 2pm. Gary and Becky arrived at 2.30pm. They had a 'ham 'n' egg' lunch as well. When Gary and Becky had gone home, we walked up to the pub for a couple of drinks and managed to make it back to the boat before it belted with rain. After the rain stopped, we took Tasha for a long towpath walk. In the evening we settled down with books borrowed from the marina library after a 'festival stew' supper. The battery charger is connected across the cabin batteries so we haven't run the engine today. We'll see if it works.
May 18th 2009
Up at 7, took dog for a walk and then off the the supermarket in Northampton to stock up - 10 minutes drive. It is very windy this morning so we won't be going anywhere by boat until it eases off. After a morning of boaty chores we had lunch and prepared to walk to Gayton Marina to visit the chandlery. Got to the marina gates and the heavens opened! So we took Tasha back to the boat and drove to Gayton. The chandlery is small and didn't have any of the bits we wanted. So drove back again and when the rain stopped took Tasha for another towpath walk. Phoned Whilton Marina which has got all the stuff we need so we will drive up there tomorrow. Played Scrabble in the evening after a chicken drumstick supper - and Meg won - again....
May 19th 2009
Still windy with heavy showers. Drove to Whilton to collect various bits of chandlery, fenders, a lifejacket for Meg, kindling wood for the stove and so on. On the way back we stopped at the Hearts of England Shopping Village and bought some clothes and things and generally spent too much money. Afternoon was spent doing boaty chores, dodging the showers and dumping rubbish. Drove to Brackley in the evening for supper with Gary and Becky at the Crewe Arms at Hinton. Returned to the boat at 11pm and bed at midnight after a glass of port.
May 20th 2009
A better start to the day weather-wise. We embarked on a massive sort-out of all the drawers, cupboards, nooks and crannies. Candle-waxed all the drawers and cupboard lids so they slide in and out properly, mounted a sink tidy on the wall by the sink to give us more draining-board space, put a new hook on the back of the bathroom door and suchlike. In the afternoon we walked to Blisworth along the tow-path but it was too far to the tunnel mouth itself. Up to the Walnut Tree for a drink or two in the early evening, then put a couple of lamb shanks in the oven to roast. After about an hour - no smell of cooking - damn! - out of gas! A hurried change of cylinder and started again As a result dinner wasn't ready until almost 10pm! Steve won the Scrabble game by a decisive margin. Bed at 11.30
May 21st 2009
A bright sunny morning with light winds - ideal cruising conditions. We left the marina at 9.30 with a fairly good exit and headed north. Bugbrook at 10.45, Stowe Hill at mid-day. Noted winding holes at both places and also a possible winding place at the rather smart Heyford Park Marina. Stopped at Stowe Hill beyond the bridge and went for a drink in the Narrow Boat pub. After a fry-up lunch carried on to Weedon and stopped beyond the bridge below the Heart of England pub at 2.30pm. Walked around Weedon - an interesting experience trying to cross the roads here - then took Tasha back to the boat and spent the rest of the afternoon browsing round Weedon's antique shops and galleries. After a quick beer in the Heart of England, back to the boat for supper. It's beautifully warm and sunny, making up for the complete soaking we got in a heavy shower earlier today! After supper we watched the 'Reach for the Sky' video I got for £1 in one of the bric-a-brac shops, and bed at 11.
3 hours, no locks.
Mooring at Weedon on the GU near the Heart of England pub
May 23rd 2009
Another bright and sunny morning but it deteriorated to dark cloud and a cold breeze. Left Weedon at 9.30 and reached Whilton at 10.45. Tied up outside the marina and got some gas, some booze and a new pair of gloves for me. Reversed back to the marina entrance, turned and set off again. Canal is very quiet today, few boats on the move but lots moored up along the towpath. Trying to slow up for these can reduce cruising progress to a crawl. Arrived at Bugbrook at 1.45 and got a bit annoyed by the 'don't moor here, don't moor there' notices all over the place. Managed to find a spot eventually at the end of the steel piling. Walked to the Wharf Inn but they wouldn't let Tasha in so we had one quick drink sat outside and left. A rather late lunch followed by a gentle glide home, arriving at 4.30pm. A very pleasant trip. Pan-fried steak for supper. We might try the tunnel tomorrow.
5 hours, no locks; Gas £21.50
May 24th 2009
Having decided to postpone the tunnel trip until tomorrow morning, we spent the day doing the washing, a Tesco run, water, loo and other domestic items. Chatted to other moorers and generally lazed around. Ham and mushroom carbonara in the evening for supper, the ritual scrabble game (I won by 3 points) and watched a bit of TV before bed.
Sunny days at Blisworth Marina
May 24th 2009
The tunnel ghost was laid to rest today. Up at 7 and after a quick cup of tea and a dog-walk, we set off for the tunnel at 8am. After a few bumps while I sorted out the steering technique in the narrow tunnel, we had a problem-free trip, meeting only 2 other boats coming the other way. At the far end of tunnel we winded at the winding hole beyond the entrance in the certain knowledge there would be no mooring spaces at Stoke Bruerne on a sunny Bank Holiday Sunday morning! Back through the tunnel again but by now it was like the M6, we had a boat in front of us and one behind, and passed 6 others going the other way. Between the tunnel mouth and the marina we passed 4 more all heading in the same direction so its going to be a busy day at Stoke Bruerne locks today! Arrived back at the marina at 10.30 and did a good - nay, faultless - entrance. Meg went to Tesco for some last-minute bits as Tony and Sylvia are coming to see us tomorrow. The rest of the day was a lazy time in the sunshine.
21/2 hours, 2 tunnels (3075 yards x 2)
May 25th 2009
Tony and Sylvia arrived from Newport Pagnell around 10am on what promises to be a very hot day indeed. We set off immediately in the general direction of Weedon and winded in the wide bit just before Weedon Wharf. Tied up at the Stowe Hill moorings by the bridge and walked up to the Narrow Boat pub for a couple of beers. Returned to the boat for a leisurely salad lunch and set off again around 3pm. We followed the world's slowest boat on the trip back; we were catching him up on tickover - I know you shouldn't be in a hurry on the canals but this was at best ridiculous; at worst downright selfish. He pulled into Bugbrook Marina eventually. Reached Blisworth at around 5.30; Tony and Sylvia left for home at 6pm. It was still incredibly hot! We packed everything up, loaded Meg's car to the roof, did the loo and suchlike, shut everything down and left, arriving back home at around 9pm. When we got home we realised we have left several things behind including the camera so pictures for this log will have to wait a bit longer! The end of a super holiday.
4 hours, no locks
June 5th 2009
Arrived around 6pm via a Tesco stop on the way. A great deal of traffic on the roads tonight. Carted all our bits and pieces over to the boat and chatted to other moorers. Meg cooked a lovely Cottage Pie and vegetable supper, which we washed down with a bottle of Merlot, and then took Tasha round the towpath circuit and back to base to tidy up. It started to get cold so on went the heating and shortly afterwards it began to rain (although according to the forecast it should have been pouring all afternoon - in fact it has been a warm, calm, sunny evening!).
June 6th 2009
It belted with rain in the night and though it had stopped by the time we got up, it soon returned as a nasty cold drizzle. After breakfast we did a few domestic jobs; re-hung some of the curtains, re-filled with water (it was surprisingly low) and emptied the loo. As the rain was getting heavier and looked to be set in for the afternoon, we packed up and left for home at mid-day.
June 26th 2009
Serious thunderstorms at home but none the less we set off for the boat at 5, arriving shortly before 7. Loaded up, tidied up, had a huge cottage pie and veg supper (this is becoming a habit!) and dog-walked. A lovely evening, still light and warm at 10.15pm and all the narrowboats along the towpath looked really pretty with their lights on. Home for a nightcap and bed at around 11pm. Not a drop of rain despite the awful weather forecast - just goes to show how wrong you can be!
Tasha prefers the car boot to the boat it seems...... Looking towards Blisworth and the A43 flyover
June 27th 2009
The weather man has changed his mind and the forecast is for lots of warm sunshine. Up at 8 and after breakfast I went to Tesco's to get all the things we forgot yesterday and lay in some extra stores for next week's trip. Then moved the boat across to the diesel pump and filled up, turned about in the entrance junction and chugged back into the mooring again. Fitted the 'bump tyre' to the steel shuttering at the end of the mooring (thanks Ian for the tyre and David for helping me tie it on). Spent the rest of the morning doing odd jobs and slouching about. By 2pm it was extremely hot; A chicken tikka and rice lunch and a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Planned a bar-b-q for the evening but decided against it in the end because we had only brought two small steaks with us - so we cheated and pan-fried them on the stove and ate them with a potato and green salad. Turned in at 11pm, still very warm indeed outside.
1/4 hour + 1 hour battery charge. 65 litres of diesel, £57.50.
On the GU looking towards Gayton junction Smart-looking cruiser emerges through Bridge 2, Northampton Arm
June 28th 2009
A damp and rather misty morning but the sun soon broke through and another very hot day is in store. After breakfast and dog-walk we did some sorting out in readiness for next week's trip; engine oil and water, emptied the stern-gland drip-tray, cleaned out bilge, emptied loo, topped up water and so on. Left around mid-day and drove to Brackley for a bar-b-q at Gary and Becky's house.
June 29th 2009
Had to return to the boat tonight because I left my bloody mobile phone behind yesterday! Assembled Meg's new picnic table, stowed the sunshade and its stand and discussed some moving about of stuff on the boat to create more space. Arrived at 5.30pm and left shortly after 6. At 5.30 this evening the temperature was 31C! - incredible.
July 6th 2009
Due to an accident on the A14 it took us from 11.30am to 3pm to get to the boat! The journey from home to St. Ives took over an hour; but then we took off on the country roads, stopping at McDonalds in Wellingborough for a burger to ward off the hunger pangs! Loaded up whilst trying to dodge the heavy rain showers, then went to Tescos for provisions (and a disposable camera having left ours behind - again). A quick drink in the Walnut Tree and then back to the boat, where we did some cupboard and drawer re-arranging. Meg took Tasha for a towpath walk and managed to avoid the rain. Roast lamb chops for supper!
July 7th 2009
We woke relatively late and the sky was already darkening. We managed to walk the dog before it absolutely belted with rain - which it continued to do for most of the day. We decided not to travel - we would have been soaked through - so tidied and cleaned inside the boat, read books and so on. In the afternoon took Tasha for a long walk down the Northampton Arm. We walked some of the way with the Moores from NB Moore To Life who publish a widely-read internet blog of their travels. They were looking for Geocaches. We turned back shortly before the motorway flyover and helped the crew of NB Riocha Bye Baby' up the last few locks of the flight. Got back to the boat just before it poured with rain again. The Met Office has issued a 'severe weather warning' for tonight but tomorrow should be a better day - at least we hope so! Foote family + boat = rain.
July 8th 2009
Woke with hangovers - too much wine yesterday. Had breakfast, walked dog, did the loo and topped up the water and left at 10am.Arrived at the pub moorings at Stowe Hill at 1pm and strolled up to the 'Narrowboat' for a drink. Set off again at 2.45 and reached Whilton locks at 5pm. After tying up some way from the locks we walked up the towpath and found empty moorings on the '48-hour' bit closer to the lock so I moved the boat up while Meg stood guard over the mooring space. We met Brian and Lindy on NB Berkhamsted and tentatively arranged to travel to Braunston with them the following day - but in the event they left with another boat shortly afterwards so they could get to Norton Junction before nightfall. We settled down for the evening but Whilton must be the world's noisiest mooring, sandwiched between the motorway and the railway line! Not helped by the guy in front of us running a very noisy generator until quite late.
5 1/4 hours, no locks
July 9th 2009
We were up quite early and Meg enquired of our neighbour whether he was going up the locks. It turned out that his friend was actually taking the boat and he had never handled a narrowboat before! However he got the hang of it very quickly as we worked up the locks. He explained that the cabin electrics on the boat were completely shot - hence the generator. We parted company at the last lock as we pulled in below it to visit the little gift shop. Bought some place mats and some brass wall plaques. Had lunch here and then worked up the last lock with another boat (can't remember the name). We learned that it is customary to wait until another boat is going through the flight so two always travel together, thus saving water. At Norton Junction we espied Frank and Gillian on NB Fragil so stopped for a chat. Ended up going up to the pub beside the top lock (the New Inn) with them for supper. Had a game of Scrabble before bed which Meg won.
3 1/2 hours, 8 locks
Toilet fluid £9.00
Moored up for a visit to the gift shop With NB Fragil at Norton junction
July 10th 2009
We were up, fed and dog-walked by 8am. We towed Frank's boat up to the junction so he could turn round, as he was heading for Braunston. We said our goodbyes and headed up the Leicester line. Arrived at Watford Bottom lock at 10a and reported to the lock-keeper to book our passage. It was an interesting experience working up the flight - we had never worked side-ponds before! We tied up at the end of the 48-hour moorings just beyond the motorway bridge for some lunch; it had taken 3 1/2 hours to work up the flight. I must say we weren't best impressed by the state of the towpath verges below the locks - we joined quite a long queue and at the end where we stopped, the vegetation was so high and so thick we couldn't tell where the edge of the bank was. Ended up taking the machete to the undergrowth to hack it away so we could get on and off. It did strike us that it wouldn't have taken too much effort for one of the lads from BW to walk down the towpath 100 yards or so with a strimmer. Anyway we will not use this cruise log as a vehicle for grizzles and gripes! The lock flight itself was beautifully manicured. After a ham'n'egg lunch we pressed on again; through Crick tunnel and at around 4.30pm decided to call it a day. We tied up on the towpath opposite Crick Marina. Had a stroll around to explore, topped up with provisions from Crick Post office about 10 minutes walk from the road bridge and then messed about and chatted to other boaters. This is what the holiday is all about! After a fine roast pork supper I walked Tasha up the towpath and we turned in at half past ten.
6 1/2 hours, 7 locks, 1 tunnel 1550 yards
Watford locks, Grand Union canal, Leicester line
July 11th 2009
A drizzly start to the day after some quite heavy rain overnight. As the morning wore on, the drizzle turned to more persistent heavy rain. We left Crick at 9am, winded in the marina entrance and set off through the tunnel. arriving at Watford locks at 10am. Exited the locks at mid-day so much quicker down than up yesterday - but then the queue was much shorter! Tied up on the 14-day moorings just before the junction. Lunch in the pub. Walked Tasha to the little shop at Buckby again and bought some place-mats and yet another wall-plaque! The rain had stopped by then and it turned into a pleasant warm late afternoon with broken cloud. I took Tasha to the pub early in the evening and had a pint in the garden. After dinner we played a couple of games of Scrabble and finally turned in at 11.30pm.
4 hours, 7 locks, 1 tunnel 1550 yards
July 12th 2009
It belted with rain in the night and woke me up! We surfaced at around 7.30. After breakfast etc we moved the boat up to the tap by the wooden bridge and topped up with water. There were several boats waiting when we reached the top lock ; when it got to our turn to go down there must have been 10 or 12 boats waiting behind us! Not bad timing! Worked down the flight with NB Zarak (I think that's spelled right) and had a cheese and salad sandwich lunch 'on the move'. Arrived at the 'Narrowboat Inn' moorings at Stowe Hill at 2pm, and took the mooring just before the water tap section. Later in the afternoon, Gary and Becky arrived and we walked up to the pub for a very pleasant supper and drinks. They went home and we returned to the boat and stood on the stern and chatted and watched the sun go down. Delightful!
5 hours, 8 locks
July 13th 2009
Left the moorings around 10. It was a very breezy morning. Followed an extremely slow hired boat for much of the way. Salad sandwich lunch on the move again. Got to the marina at 1.30pm. A very bumpy arrival at the moorings due to the strong with sweeping across the basin - hope no-one was watching! After a leisurely clear-up and pack-up we finally shut down and left at around 4.30pm at the end of our holiday.
3 1/2 hours
August 15th 2009 (Gary and Becky's log)
Faffing around at home meant that we didn't arrive until mid-day. Set off at tick-over after a gusty exit from the marina. Arrived at Stowe Hill some 3 hours later. A sunny day but very windy indeed. Spent the afternoon fishing and reading, then a lovely meal in the Narrowboat pub in the evening, and so to bed.
3 hours
August 16th 2009
Very late up due to a rather restless night, not helped by some late-night combine harvesting in a nearby field! Fished and messed around until 1pm when we winded at Weedon Wharf and set off for home. The canal is very busy today; the sun is out and the wind has dropped. After berthing at the marina we tidied up and left for home at 4.30pm after a lovely weekend.
3 hours
August 21st 2009
An un-logged brief visit to the boat a couple of weeks ago to tighten the drive belt prior to Gary and Becky's trip but arrived today at 5.30pm; loaded up and did all the usual things. Weather sunny but with a keen breeze. Gary and Becky arrived around 9; Roger and Ros around 9.30pm. We all went to the pub for a couple of beers; G&B went home after dropping us back at the marina. A very pleasant biscuit & cheese super was enjoyed by all and bed around 1am!
August 22nd 2009
A slow, lazy start to the day (the best kind!). Walked the dog, had breakfast, bought some eggs from Arm Farm, talked to neighbours (and actually met someone who reads this log - a scholar and a gentleman, no question about it!). We eventually left the marina at 11am and headed for Weedon. Another sunny day but with a keen breeze. Tied up at the moorings at Stowe Hill at the usual moorings just beyond the bridge. Roger and Steve went for a beer at the Narrowboat while the ladies prepared a pork-pie and salad lunch. We drifted the afternoon away; the girls took Tasha for a towpath walk and Roger walked across to Stowe Hill Marine (the builders of his own boat, NB Turn 'o' the World). At around 7 we lit the bar-b-q and cooked steak and sausages on the towpath. Bed at 11 after a glass or two of port. An excellent day.
With Roger and Ros at Stowe Hill moorings
August 23rd 2009
Woke at 8. After the usual bits and pieces (including rescuing a hired boat trying to tie up by the water-point) we set off for Weedon and stopped at the moorings beyond the bridge. Meg and Ros went off to visit the antique shops and Roger and I set off for Whilton where we winded the boat. We passed our friends on NB Harlequin from Cambridge on the way which was nice. We tied up at Whilton briefly to dump rubbish and set off back towards Weedon at 12.45. Picked the girls up from the towpath side at Weedon and cruised on while lunch was cooking. Stopped at Bugbrooke for a splendid lamb chop lunch on board and then away again, finally getting back to Blisworth at around 6pm. Roger and Ros loaded up and set off for Bunbury; Meg and I did the usual packings-up and left Blisworth Marina shortly before 8pm. A super weekend with perfect weather.
August 28th 2009
Dropped Meg off at Tesco in Northampton to do the weekend shop. Unloaded the car, fed and walked the dog and then back to the supermarket again to collect wife and 200 tons of shopping. A quick one in the pub and then back to the boat for a late supper and bed at 11.30pm.
August 29th 2009
Up at 6.30am. All the usual chores, filled with water and dipped the diesel tank - 3/4 full. Tony and Sylvia arrived at 8.30 and after a quick visit to the marina library we cast off and away from Blisworth, heading for Whilton and Buckby locks. Stopped at the Narrowboat at Stowe Hill for lunch and a drink then pressed on to Whilton. We were very lucky when we arrived at the lock as we were able to go straight in to the bottom lock. We went up the flight with some hirers from Gayton - going up their first ever locks! We stopped on the piling just above the canal shop for the night, where I ended up having an impromptu dip in the cut when Meg and Tony let it drift away from the bank - too much talking and not enough watching I think. Then Meg and Tony went off to find Meg's new expensive windlass which she thought she had left at the previous lock - but in fact it was on the roof of the boat. No comments.....! The girls visited the shop where Meg purchased the last decorative canal plate to complete our series called 'Romance of the Waterways' by the artist Roger Kent. Sylvia bought a plate from Alan Firth's 'blue' series. Tony and Steve went to the pub for a couple. Back at the boat, a cottage pie supper, chats over a glass of wine or two and bed.
8 hours, 6 locks
August 30th 2009
After breakfast we ascended the last Buckby lock and stopped at the water-point to re-fill, empty the loo, dump the rubbish and so on. There was no queue when we reached Watford locks and we went straight up the flight. We ate lunch on the move, through Crick Tunnel and tied up at the moorings opposite the marina at Crick. Walked around Crick, booked a table for supper at Edwards Restaurant and had a drink in the pub in the centre of the village (the Wheatsheaf I think) - then strolled back to the boat. It was 'scarecrow day' in the village which made for a fun walk! In the evening we went back to the restaurant but despite having called in to reserve a table that very afternoon, we were told 'sorry, we're fully booked'. So we walked back into the village to the Red Lion where we had an excellent supper.
5 hours, 8 locks, 1 tunnel 1550 yds
Breakfast-time at Buckby locks
August 31st 2009
Tony walked into the village for some provisions and a newspaper and on his return we winded in the marina entrance and set off for home. A problem in the staircase at Watford locks left up precariously balanced on the cill of the second chamber when all the water ran out. We got out of it OK but the rapid re-filling of the chamber cannoned us about and in doing so the rudder jumped out of it's skeg and jammed. The lock-keeper freed it for us (I think he'd seen this happen before...) so we were soon on our way again. We learned afterwards that some masonry had fallen out of the lock wall and got wedged between the gates, preventing them from closing properly. Continued on our way and spent a pleasant evening at Norton Junction (including a visit to the New Inn!).
4 1/2 hours, 7 locks, 1 tunnel 1550 yds
September 1st 2009
We managed to get an early place in the queue for Buckby locks and travelled down with a friendly family in a hire-boat. An uneventful trip; we stopped at the Narrowboat at Stowe Hill for a drink and a gentle cruise back to Blisworth, arriving at around 6pm. Tony and Sylvia left about 7.30; Meg and I packed our bits and pieces, closed the boat up and headed for home at 9pm.
7 hours, 7 locks
September 4th 2009
A quick overnight visit to do some final clearing up and prepare for next week's holiday. Emptied the loo, re-filled with water, hoovered round, dumped rubbish, checked engine fluid levels and suchlike. after a festival-stew type supper, we played a couple of games of Scrabble which Steve won by a decisive margin. Overnight we re-charged the batteries, torches, two-way radios and the DVD player. Left at 10am on Saturday morning for home.
September 13th 2009
I dropped Meg off at Tesco in Northampton at 10.30am and drove to the marina to unload all the domestic stuff. Picked her up again, complete with 400 tons of shopping at 11.45. After a 'putting things away and leaving everything ship-shape' session we had a salad sandwich lunch and cast off from Blisworth at 2pm. We passed NB 'Keeping Up' on the way; we have read their logs on their web-site from time to time (Keeping Up with the Joneses). We tied up at Stowe Hill at 4.15pm on the space nearest to the water-tap. Meg lit the fire and we were soon toasty-warm on a rather chilly evening. A quick visit to the Narrowboat pub was followed by a 'shoulder of lamb and vegetables' supper which was just superb! We fell into a heap by the warmth of the stove at 9.30pm and after a glass or two of port - so to bed!
2 1/4 hours
September 14th 2009
A relatively late awakening at 7.45am. Stove still ackling nicely! After all the usual chores and breakfast we pulled out of towe Hill at 9.15. Reached Whilton (Buckby Bottom lock) at 11am. Here there was some confusion about who would lock up with who but it all got sorted out amicably as usual and we finally set off in the first pair in company with a family on a hired boat from Gayton - who hadn't done locks before. We worked up the flight together, eventually tying up at the top lock moorings by the gravel road at 1.15pm. Horrors!! The pub was shut.
The crew of NB Rachael Deborah (who we had met up with earlier on at Whilton) banged on the roof and suggested we might be better to moor around the corner on the Leicester line, where they reckoned it was quieter. We spent the afternoon chatting to Tony and Marion; went for a couple of drinks in the pub - which by now had opened - and on returning to the boats, Meg cooked us all a lovely supper and we all retired, suitably replete, at 11pm. The fire is still chuckling away!
4 hours, 7 locks
September 15th 2009
Woke at 7am. Another breezy, chilly day with scudding clouds. After breakfast, bog-emptying and so on we said our 'goodbyes' to Tony and Marion and hauled out of Norton Junction shortly before 9. Arrived at Watford locks at 9.45. Worked up the flight with no mishaps and stopped by the lock-house at the top to re-fill with water. Dipped the diesel tank - a bit under half-full. Gave the lockie a can of ale and then shoved off; through Crick Tunnel and stopped in our usual spot opposite Crick Marina at 12.15pm.
We walked up to 'Edwards' restaurant and had a pleasant albeit rather expensive bar-snack. We then walked to Crick Marina and bought a 25kg sack of coal. We borrowed their barrow to take it back to the boat. We felt like a couple of pikeys; walking down a country lane in the middle of no-where; dressed in rags and pushing a wheel-barrow full of coal.... We put the sack of coal on the roof, returned the barrow and walked into the village for shopping. On our return, Steve did some boaty jobs (as recorded in the service book) and Meg read the papers. Then another tow-path walk with Tasha and watched the late-comers trying to find places to moor up for the night. Now the fire is chuckling away and Meg is doing us a chicken and leek casserole for supper. Lovely!!
3 1/2 hours, 7 locks, 1 tunnel 1550 yards
25 kgs smokeless fuel, £8.50
September 16th 2009
A similar morning to yesterday but the wind is very cold indeed. We left the Crick mooring at 9am and went into the marina for diesel and a new gas cylinder. Left at 10am.The Leicester line beyond Crick is not in very good condition; there are some very shallow sections, overgrown sections with only enough room for one boat to pass; falling-down bridges and general neglect. A large new marina is being dug out at Yelvertoft; when it's finished we may see some improvements made to the general infrastructure as more boats come onto this section of the canal? Actually - I doubt it very much. Even longer queues at Watford and Buckby are more likely I think.
We arrived at Welford Arm at 1.30pm. Passed through the pretty Welford lock and reached the wharf at 2.30pm. We stopped on the 14-day moorings in the wood to begin with but on exploring we found plenty of space nearer the arm end so we moved up to there. A quiet drink in the Wharf Inn and an exploratory wander about and then we settled in for the afternoon. The weather is super when the sun is out but when it goes behind the clouds - the wind is still very cold.
We had a lovely steak supper in the Wharf Inn in the evening - the restaurant full of boaters! Returned to the boat for a fairly early night.
4 1/2 hours, 1 lock
93 litres diesel £86.12, 13 kg red gas £21.90
September 17th 2009
We were up at 7.30 and after all the usuals, chugged up to the winding place; winded round and reversed into the wharf moorings to re-fill with water and empty the loo. Left Welford at 9.30am.
Watering up at Welford Wharf Pretty little lock on the Welford Arm
Noted some tidy-looking moorings on the main line at the Arm junction. As we travelled back towards Crick we noticed an awful lot of dead birds - small birds - floating in the water between bridges 32 and 33. A bit odd - haven't seen anything like that before. We also noticed that bridge 32 looks about to completely collapse - it really is time that the boys and girls at British Waterways paid attention to this.
I was also intrigued by the notice in the verge of the tow-path saying "Living Milestone No.10" - beside a large rock with the number '10' engraved in it. A bit further on we passed "Living Milestone No.9" - but couldn't see a stone with a '9' engraved on it. What are these things? Who put them there, and why? And - why are there black BW posts with their tops painted white placed at apparently random intervals in the verges along the towpath sometimes (but not always) associated with new bits of fencing which appear to have been erected to fill in gaps in the towpath hedge. And why is there a random sign on Bridge 31 with '1/4' on it? All very peculiar.
Once Yelvertoft is passed the condition of the canal does improve markedly and once you get to Crick all is well. We moored in our usual spot at 2pm having had a soup and salad roll lunch on the move. We then walked into the village for some supplies. It is overcast with a very keen north-west wind so the stove is on the go. A 'sausage and mash' super was followed by a Scrabble contest - result - one all. Bed at 10.45 after a good day.
4 1/2 hours, 1 lock
September 18th 2009
Up at 7.30 again to a calm bright morning. After all the usuals we left Crick at 9am, through the tunnel and reached Watford locks at 10. The sun is out and it's actually getting warm! A had a 20-minute wait in the top pound at Welford and the a trouble-free descent of the flight. Just beyond Watford Gap services we heard lots of sirens and saw the Air Ambulance helicopter land in a field near the canal. Some poor folks' Friday ruined, no doubt. Reached Norton Junction at 1.30 and tied up near the White Bridge water point. A quick pint in the New Inn and then back for a very tasty cauliflower cheese lunch. It has been a lovely warm afternoon despite a few scudding clouds coming across; and rounded the day off with a beautiful evening; best one of the holiday. I did a bit of fishing early in the evening and caught a beautiful little bream. Unfortunately the camera wasn't nearby so I didn't get a photo. After a couple of drinks at the pub we returned for a pork casserole supper and a couple more Scrabble games. Meg won both of them! Bed at 10.15.
3 1/2 hours, 1 tunnel 1550 yds, 7 locks
September 19th 2009
Up at 7.15 and after breakfast we set off to the Buckby Top Lock. Waited for about 20 minutes for a boat to come along to pair up with. NB Laughton appeared and we worked down the locks with Joyce and her husband. At the last lock there was a lone boat waiting to go down so we let 'Laughton' go down with it and waited for the next pair. Eventually descended the final lock with NB Zambra. From then on, a gentle shuffle to Stowe Hill where we moored in our usual spot. Another fishing session after walking to the 'Narrowboat' pub to book a table for supper. Just my luck to get there as an old 'London Transport' double-decker bus arrived with 62 people on board, returning from some sort of rally and all wanting a drink! It was a long wait to get served! And I forgot to mention that I bought Meg a lovely Alan Firth picture at the little craft shop below Buckby Top lock which is delightful and I'll put it up on the wall as soon as I get some picture hooks!
The meal at the Narrowboat was up to it's usual excellent standard and we retired most comfortable at around 10pm.
4 1/2 hours, 7 locks
September 20th 2009
Left Stowe Hill at 9.30 on a fine sunny morning. We followed a rather slow boat all the way back to Blisworth. Now we all know that it is bad form to go too fast and that you can't be in a hurry on the cut - but some people really do take the mickey. Maybe Tambourine's tick-over speed is too high. How do some of them manage to go so slowly? We berthed in the marina at 11.30am and did the usual 'clearing-up' bits and pieces, emptied the loo and left for home at 12.15 - a most pleasant and relaxing holiday.
2 hours
October 20th 2009
Called in at the marina on my way home from Chester. Unloaded a heap of clean bedding, towels, drying-up cloths and suchlike and packed up a few food items from the food cupboard to take home. Checked over the usual bits and pieces and set off back on the journey home at 10.30am.
October 24th 2009
Arrived at 10.30am to prepare the boat for crane-out and blacking next week. After lunch we walked up to Gayton Marina with the dog to confirm arrangements. Various boaty jobs for the rest of the day, including topping up the engine cooling system with antifreeze, hanging a couple of pictures, and other odd jobs. Meg had an omelette for supper; I had a 'Fray Bentos' pie and a tin of mixed vegetables - lovely! A relatively early night at 10.30pm but the clocks go back tonight for winter time so it's really 9.30 - but in the end - who cares!
October 25th 2009
We woke at 7am - which was really 8 because of the clocks. Meg walked Tasha and we cleared up ready for the short run to Gayton for craning out. It was a beautiful sunny autumn morning. We ordered some coal from Val which she will park beside our mooring for us to collect and load on board when we come back. After draining the water tank, pipes and Paloma heater we loaded the car up and set sail for Gayton. It was a very breezy trip but no problems and we tied up outside the marina at 10.30am. Actually this was quite difficult because the very strong southerly wind was blowing us off the mooring. We left the keys with the marina staff and walked back to Blisworth, hopped into the car and headed for home.
1/2 hour.
6 x 25kgs coal £63
October 31st 2009
We got to Gayton at 12 and after waiting around for 20 minutes or so for the office staff to finish their lunch we found the the boat wasn't ready anyhow and wasn't in the water. And they hadn't attended to the stove chimney as they had been asked. So we tramped back to Blisworth, collected the car and drove up to the Walnut Tree for a drink. Returned at 2pm,collected the boat (now back in the water), settled the invoice and left at 2.30. We trickled up to the winding hole by Rothersthorpe Top lock and then meandered back to Blisworth. It was a lovely calm sunny autumn afternoon. Back at the moorings I loaded the bags of coal onto the roof of the boat to get them out of the way. We walked the dog around the 'three bridges' towpath square and then I drove to Tesco for various odds and ends. The evening was clear and dead calm. The stove is going but the tarry ooze smells nasty so we must get the seals looks at by someone else since Gayton never bothered to do it. In the evening we watched 'Jack the Ripper' DVD we got free with the paper and it was very good.
3/4 hour
Craning, blacking, 4 new anodes, stern-gear inspection £775.
November 1st 2009
We woke late to pouring rain and a howling gale! I got absolutely soaked walking Tasha round the three bridges. We changed the curtains for the winter set, washed and filled the dehumidifiers with new crystals, packed up all the rechargeable items to take them home for winter charging, set up the electricity cable from the shore-point - and then in the pouring rain I lugged everything back to the car and loaded up. I notice that there is a bit of a leak round one of the window-frames so I will have to go round with a screwdriver and tighten them all up at the first opportunity. Eventually we set off for home at 11.45am.
November 12th 2009
Over the past few days we have bought loads of new stuff for the boat -
A carbon monoxide alarm - £8.30; 5 litres of Halford's Best diesel oil £17.00, new oil filter £7.29, new fuel filter £8.28; a Sterling 20-amp 3-port battery charger £180 and a new toilet £75. Where will it all end? I am writing a review of the battery charger for IWA Cambridge branch's quarterly magazine 'Ouse News' if anyone is interested!
November 14th 2009
A horrible morning - gales, driving rain, cold - just the sort of day not to go boating. So after some debate we decided to go and left around 11, getting to Blisworth at 12.30. A quick drink in the Walnut Tree and than we loaded up. We managed to dodge the showers while loading but I got absolutely soaked walking Tasha around the 3 bridges. We left for Gary and Becky's house in Brackley at 4.45. It was raining stair-rods. I misjudged the exit from the marina and caught the o.s.r door of the car on the gatepost, creating an enormous dent. B*****ks. That will be a £700-bill if it's a penny. (Actually it ended up being double that because the whole door had to be replaced). Anyhow we had a lovely evening with Becky's folks at the Crewe Arms and back to the boat at around 10pm. It was very cold indeed but the central heating soon warmed us up. Bed at 12.30 and we left the batteries charging off the shoreline overnight.
Electric meter card £6.00
November 15th 2009
A chilly night but we were warm and snug and didn't surface until late. A sunny, breezy morning. Took Meg back to Brackley where she and Becky went to Bicester to the shops. Gary and I returned to the boat, stopping at Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats to enquire about boat painting. Unfortunately the man we needed to see was on holiday so we will have to go back. Took Tasha for a good walk and then up to the pub for lunch. After a leisurely lunch we returned to the boat, packed everything up and drove back to Brackley. Collected Meg and after a cup of tea and a chat we set of for home.
November 20th 2009
I arrived at 6pm after a slow journey. Did all the usuals; gas, water, battery charger and so on; ran up the central heating to warm the place through and cooked a 'chicken tikka and rice' supper. Assembled a few of the bits I will need over the weekend for the various jobs and decided where I would mount the new charger and the inverter. Bed at 10; a busy day tomorrow.
November 21st 2009
Up at 7, on with the heating and had some breakfast and a coffee. Went for a towpath walk as I woke up with very stiff arms and legs for some reason. On return, got on with the chores. Changed the engine oil; had a bit of a struggle removing the old oil filter but did it in the end. Then drove to Blisworth to arrange the re-paint with Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats followed by a quick pint in the pub. Walked to the little boatyard in Gayton intending to ask if they could fix the chimney for me but they told me they were closed and didn't seem in the slightest bit interested - so I will pass them by. After a home-made soup lunch I fitted and wired in the new battery charger. Not quite such an easy job as I was expecting but managed it in the end and it seems to work fine. Tomorrow I will install the big inverter. It is now 6.30pm and belting with rain so no pub for me, I will settle down for the evening. I've noticed that I had to switch the central heating unit on and off a few times before it would fire up so I must keep an eye on that. It may be that the unit needs a service. Another little job I did was wash the lounge lampshades - they were filthy!
Newly installed Sterling battery charger Tambourine's main battery bank
November 22nd 2009
I decided not to do a permanent install on the big inverter. It will be more useful if I'm able to move it about. So instead I had a go at some of the joinery in the engine room. I needed some things from a DIY store so I purchased a street map of Northampton from the village shop in Blisworth, got the address of B&Q from the phone book in the marina library and set off for town. Found the B&Q easily - its enormous - and got a few bits and pieces. I'm still not happy with the woodwork; while I have straightened and lined up the battery compartment cover so it sits flat, it doesn't look right. I think I will have to have a further go at it another time. Left the marina for home at 3pm. The batteries are all fully charged (according to the charger).
December 28th 2009
A flying visit just to check everything over and get a bag of coal for the home stove. The marina is frozen over but the ice layer is only thin. The coal bags were frozen to the roof of the boat! Managed to shift one of them without it ripping and dumping 25kgs of coal all over the place. Having checked that everything is dry and secure we carried on our way home at mid-day.
