Cruising Log 2011
January 10th 2011
It was a sunny day and after all the dreadful stories of frozen-up boats, burst pipes, knackered water-pumps and suchlike I had heard or read about, I felt a visit to the good ship Tambourine was a good idea. Of course we have Blisworth Marina's excellent 'Narrowboat Nanny' service keeping an eye on things but a personal look around from time to time is no bad thing. I arrived at 1.45pm with the temperature at 6°C. There was nothing noticeably amiss although when it comes to bursts and things it will be impossible to really tell until I water up in the spring. Bilges were clean and dry and there were no tell-tale mouldy smells in the living areas. I connected up the shore-line and a little oil-filled heater I got from Tesco for 25 quid. I stood it in the galley and have fed it through a time clock to come on between 11pm and 7am.
I have heard mixed tales of putting such heaters in boats over the winter. Some say that they keep the air circulating and ward off the damp; others say that if they don't give out enough heat to keep the boat completely dry, that little bit of warmth will encourage mildew to develop on curtains, bed-linen and suchlike. I'll go back in a few weeks time and see how everything looks.
I also connected up the battery charger to pump some life back into the starter and cabin batteries. I plan to ask Steve at the marina if he could connect the unused port on the charger up to the bow-thruster batteries for me. I haven't got time and it's not obvious where the connection should be made. Needs a professional I think! I'm quite certain that in these conditions the thruster batteries need a little bit more help than the little solar panels in place at the moment!
Finally I emptied the fluid out of the dehumidifiers. None of them needed a top-up of crystals which is rather surprising after so long. Gary turned up at boat shortly after 3; we locked up and stooged off to the Walnut Tree for a pint at 3.30pm.
Tesco Value 700w oil-filled heater £25; timer £1
February 4th 2011
An extremely windy day; as I was driving back from Yorkshire an accident closed the A1 southbound after junction with the M62. We were all diverted onto the M1 - so I called in to Blisworth for a quick inspection. Steve has done the battery charger so I re-connected it to the mains and purchased another electricity card. Had a bit of trouble getting the card to work but John came along and showed me how it should be done! Unfortunately I completely forgot to check the dehumidifiers so will have to go back again to do them - possibly next weekend.
We have purchased an extra log retaining grid for the Morso stove which (according to James at Braunston Marina) will enable us to bank up the fire better and it will go for longer without re-fills of coal. We ordered it from a local stove shop and asked them to also get us some high-temperature glue to re-fit some of the door seals. We didn't ask how much the glue would be - big mistake! A word to the wise - never buy Morso glue. It is eye-wateringly expensive; like more than twice the price of the Hotspot glue you can get in chandlery shops. We live and learn - but an expensive lesson!
Electricity card £8.00, log-retainer £16, Morso stove glue - don't ask!
February 12th 2011
Spent a pleasant few hours with my brother on his boat NB Isis on the BCN. We went for a hour's trip around the canal in the Sherborne Wharf area where his mooring is and had a couple of beers and a lunchtime curry in the White Swan pub. Drove on to Blisworth and did a brief check-over. The battery charger was in float mode so I unplugged it. And I forgot to top up the dehumidifiers with crystals again but everything seemed dry and no obvious signs of damp. When I came to leave, the slide-hatch padlock stubbornly refused to re-lock. I managed to coax it back into proper operation with a liberal application of WD40 and a few profanities.
February 28th 2011
No cruising as such but some boaty activity none the less - a reminder that our BSS certificate expires in early April arrived from the boys and girls at BW. Dang - still more expense. I have (I think....) persuaded Keith Alderton from Ely Boat Chandlers to travel across to Northampton to carry out the inspection for me. He knows the boat, having done the last inspection. We have also purchased some diamond-shaped vinyl stickers which Meg is going to use to decorate the front of the cratch board - hopefully if it's jazzed up a bit it'll look a less like the front of a military vehicle. The diamonds arrived today. We bought them by mail order from The Graphics Boat. Their customer service is second to none. If I decide to create a 'links' page, I will be delighted to provide a link to The Graphics Boat web-site.
March 9th 2011
A quick call-in on my way back from the north-west. Pleasant sunny but breezy afternoon. A quick check-over and re-fill of the dehumidifiers and put away a few odds and ends brought from home. I connected the battery charger but it immediately went into float mode; I think that means the batteries are pretty well full. So I unplugged it again. Hope to come down for the weekend soon to start getting ready for the season. The River Canal Rescue bill for 2011 has arrived.
March 19th 2011
A lovely sunny day. We loaded up the car with lots of boaty stuff and set off for Blisworth, arriving at 11.45am. We were quite surprised how empty the roads were on this journey; maybe the hard times are starting to bite and people are thinking twice about driving around? After a short dog-walk we unloaded the car and began the long task of putting everything away. After a chilli and rice lunch Meg took Tasha for another walk while I carried on sorting out the various boat bits. When she returned we measured up the diamond transfers we bought from the Graphics Boat and fitted the red and yellow ones onto the cratch-board, and the green ones onto the side door panels. We couldn't find a use for the blue ones so we donated them to the 'free to good home' box in the marina laundry room. I have to say - the diamonds look very nice indeed.
After a chat with our new neighbours Tom and Sandra on NB Oliver we fired up the central heating. Ran into the usual 'start of the season' problem - after about 5 minutes the heater shut down. Out with the emery paper, cleaned up the fuse-holder and re-started the boiler no trouble at all. I think it's time to give up with that particular problem - just make 'cleaning the fuseholder' a job that must be done annually no matter what!
Fed the pooch, lit the Morso and settled down for a cozy evening. Lamb cutlets, veg and gravy and a bottle of Merlot for supper. After washing up and a final dog-stroll, turned in at 10.30pm.
Diamond-shaped vinyl transfers purchased from The Graphics Boat
A lazy evening (aren't they all!) aboard the good NB Tambourine
March 20th 2011
The stove ticked over all night and we woke to a chilly morning in a nice warm boat! The day was cloudy to begin with but the skies soon cleared and the day warmed up. We spent the morning doing boaty odd jobs; measuring up to install the clothes airer (more of that later) and repairing our 2-way PMR radios. One of these suffered a burst battery over the winter so needed a clean-up and a new set of rechargeables. That done, they worked again like new! In the afternoon Meg walked Tasha to Blisworth and back and collected two huge bags of litter from along the towpath. The state of the path is disgraceful - or was - and we may contact the Blisworth Canal Partnership about it. No point putting in seats, fancy information boards and suchlike when the place has the appearance of a linear rubbish dump.
We tested the range of the PMR radios on the walk and we reckon they have a range of about 1/2 hours walk. We mostly use them for lock-flight communications but have never tested how far they actually go. I think a lot will depend on terrain. When Meg returned we had a coffee and then loaded up for the run home after a lovely weekend at 4pm exactly.
April 1st 2011
I arrived from Chester at 5pm. Unloaded the car and then cleaned out and lit the stove. Met our neighbours on the west side and exchanged some pleasantries. Meg arrived from home shortly after 7.30pm. Sorted out various belongings and had a chicken drumstick and noodle supper at 9pm. I walked Tasha round the 3 bridges and then bed at 11pm.
April 2nd 2011
Up and about around 8am; Meg walked Tasha and I prepared breakfast. after brekky, Meg took off to the supermarket to get some stuff for the marina bar-b-q this evening and I connected up the hose and began re-filling the boat's water-tank. When I judged the tank to be about half-full I turned off the hose, switched on the water and shower pumps and opened the taps, starting with the one nearest the tank which is the kitchen sink tap. When the taps had run through I turned them all off - and mercifully the water pump stopped. So - it seems we have got away with it over winter; no leaks or other problems. No drips from the Paloma drain valve - there's a first! However it took half-a-dozen strikes of the igniter to coax the Paloma into life - but once lit it behaved perfectly. So big sighs of relief all round! We went up to the bar-b-q at 5pm after completing the tank filling and a good time was had by all, though we didn't really take enough food as it turned out. It started to get chilly about 9pm so we returned to the boat, walked Tasha around the marina and turned in at 10pm.
April 3rd 2011
Woke with an appalling hangover. Did I really drink that much yesterday? No more bar-b-qs for me! Skipped breakfast, Meg walked the dog. when she returned, we did some re-arranging of the 12-volt plug-in electrics and installed the new multi-way connector I got from Braunston last year. We decided to finally dispense with our trusty Roadstar telly. We rarely watch it and it isn't digital-tv compatible. So we disconnected it with due ceremony and took it back to the car to take home. We still have the portable dvd player if we want to watch films and we can get the news and weather forecasts over the internet.
Gary arrived at around mid-day; we had a lamb casserole lunch, then he and Meg walked to Blisworth and back. I retired to bed for the afternoon..... Gary left for home around 4; we tidied up, loaded the cars and left for home at 5pm - feeling a lot better. Next week - the dreaded BSS inspection.
April 9th 2011
Arrived from Chester on a beautiful sunny day at around 4pm. Invited to supper with Malcolm and Suzy on Lucy Charlotte and had a super meal followed by several games of Rummikub which had us in fits of laughter. A splendid day all round though we did miss Tasha, having left her at home this weekend.
April 10th 2011
Up fairly promptly to get everything tidy before Keith and Carole arrive. Keith is going to do our BSS examination. They arrived at 11.15am. After coffees and a chat the ladies went off to explore the marina and its surroundings. Keith got on with the inspection and I hung around in case I was needed. Anyhow, good news - the old girl passed her BSS inspection with flying colours so will live on for another 4 years. Mind you I am a bit relieved considering the amount of money she cost me last autumn! At 1.15 we all went up to the Walnut Tree for Sunday lunch. On our return, sat on the bench outside in the sun; it was just like a summer's day. Amazing for so early in the year. Keith and Carole departed at 4pm; we did a clear-up, shut everything down and left at 4pm.
BSS Inspection £150 Galvanised bucket for stove ash £7.20.
April 15th 2011
Meg is staying at home this weekend to look after our neighbour's dog so I came down to the boat intending to wash it down and give it a thorough polish and wax prior to the festival. Arrived at 6.45 on an overcast and rather chilly evening. Fired up the central heating, fried a very fine rump steak for supper and attended to one or two minor jobs on the boat before settling down to read.
April 16th 2011
Up around 7.45. Not hungry enough for breakfast so got stuck into washing the outside of the boat more or less straight away. Moved across to the 'other side' - much easier than turning round and reversing back - and whilst there I took the opportunity to tighten up all the window-frame screws and replace a damaged fender. It was then that I realised I hardly had any polish left and not fancying a trip into Northampton on a Saturday morning to buy more, I shelved the 'polishing' part of the operation until another day. Before moving the boat across I fired up the engine - having learned never to remove mooring ropes without the engine running - but it was very reluctant to go. Finally it did wake up with a roar and a belch of smoke. I must ask Steve whether he has had any trouble starting it on his 'Narrowboat Nanny' monthly visit.
It turned out to be a very warm afternoon and I was reluctant to get working again, but after an hour or two of sloth I got back to the graft. Checked the battery fluid levels, all the bowthruster battery cells needed topping up but all the others were OK. I removed the thruster cover to inspect, all dry and clean within but there is some orange surface rust on the well floor which I will paint with undercoat at some stage. On re-fitting the cover I replaced some of the worn screws and now it seats down properly. At 4.30 Bill the fitter came along to check some measurements. He is going to replace the rotting wood on the side and back doors and build Meg some bedroom cupboards in wood to match the original. He will be able to start on it in 4-5 weeks time. As it got dark I made a 'fry-up' supper and fell asleep reading a 'Sherlock Holmes' story. Woke up when Meg phoned at 9.30 pm! Then pottered off to bed and slept like a log.
April 17th 2011
Up at 7, quick shower, breakfast, shut everything off, locked up and away home at 9. Back about 5 minutes later - I had forgotten to remove the milk from the fridge. Eventually reached home at 10.40.
April 21st 2011
Arrived at 7pm; a beautiful evening and 23C! Unloaded and cooked some pork ribs in the oven. After supper I set up my IC202S transceiver and 5/8 vertical antenna on the stern - the aerial fits nicely onto the slidey hatch runners - for a 2-metre radio sked with Chris G4VHF. Listened from 2050 to 2115; heard several other hams talking to each other but couldn't hear Chris at all. I was a bit surprised but perhaps conditions were unfavourable. Took everything to bits again and settled down to read for the rest of the evening.
April 22nd 2011
Up at 7 and got straight on with the top-side polishing. Finished the jetty side by 9am and hauled the boat over to next door's jetty (they are away cruising) and did the other side. Also gave the port-holes a good polish with the 'Autosol + Shiny Sinks' system - they came up very nicely. Cooked lunch at 12 and after clearing up I wandered up to the Walnut Tree for a cider or two. When I got back to the boat the temperature was 24C and the topside was too hot to do anything with - but there are plenty of other tasks. I dug out the soft and daggy bits of wood from the gangplank and boat pole and prepared them with wood hardener prior to filling with epoxy filler. Then sundry bits of polishing including the tiller bar and pin; removed the badly rusted chain buckles from the fenders and replaced them with new ones. Then I re-painted the Paloma stove flue with high-temperature engine gloss and it looks a lot better. (I used the high-temp paint because it was the only black gloss in the cupboard; the flue actually doesn't get all that hot). Then I re-filled the water-tank; it was surprisingly low. After supper, applied the epoxy filler to the cracks and holes in the plank and pole and settled down to read.
What a shine! A different view across Blisworth Marina
April 23rd 2011
After shower etc I finished polishing the paintwork on the stern and also polished the brass fittings. Other jobs this morning included checking the diesel (2" below full), attended to the loo and started the engine. It started easily so last week's problem was hopefully a 1-off. After a 'fry-up brunch' at 9.45am I cleaned the galley and put everything away; loaded the car up and left around 11. Next weekend - the Northampton rally.
Spotted at Blisworth Marina pumps!
April 28th 2011
Arrived around 2.15pm. A chilly day; sunny but with a blustery north-east wind. Unloaded everything; Meg went to the supermarket with Suzy while I put everything away and set up the boat for the off. A glass or two bankside when the girls came back and put the shopping away. We then had a nomadic supper; starters on our boat; mains, deserts and coffee on Lucy Charlotte. Walked Tasha round the marina and finally closed the covers at 10pm. The weather forecast for the run down the Arm to Northampton tomorrow is a bit mixed so we'll see what happens.
April 29th 2011
It rained heavily in the night but by the time we surfaced it had stopped. We moved out of the marina with Malcolm and Suzy behind. When we reached the top lock we were stopped by the BW lads who were busy letting water down the flight to maintain the depth so boats heading for the rally wouldn't run aground. We had a sandwich lunch on the move and reached Northampton at 2pm. By this time the sun was out but the wind was still very keen. After a bit of faffing about we managed to moor up in our little flotilla, and spent the rest of the day exploring the site and the local surroundings, coupled with a visit to the bar!
5 hours, 17 locks
Some strange sculptures on the Northampton Arm Going down the flight A quick break between locks
April 30th 2011
The site formally opened at 11. It was opened by the owner of Braunston Marina who, I must say, gave a very good address indeed. We toured the stalls, visited the bar, took some photos; all the usual stuff and visited Morrisons supermarket for a few odds and ends. In the evening the live music in the bar was particularly good. This was a most enjoyable festival day.
Northampton waterfront by night
May 1st 2011
This morning - Bank Holiday Sunday morning - the skipper of one of the boats in our flotilla (no names, we aren't into naming and shaming, tempting though it is) started his engine at spot-on 8am. Selfish bugger. The fellow has got all bloody day to recharge his blasted batteries so why did he wake us all up after a late Saturday night. I was - and still am - very cross about it and was tempted to report him to the harbour-master. But, in the end, where's the point. I get enough hassle and aggro at work - I don't want it when I come out to relax on the boat. But we know who you are, matey and we will be at pains to keep a long way away from you in future. And so will a fair number of other boaters.
We had a pleasant festival day; the 'fish and chip' supper in the evening was excellent value and afterwards we teamed up with some other folks for the Festival Boaters Quiz. We didn't win but didn't come last so some pride salvaged. The weather has been bright and sunny though that cutting north-east wind doesn't seem to want to go away. The stove is still chuckling nicely so we have no problem with cold!
More IWA 2011 Campaign Rally pictures
May 2nd 2011
Both we and the reprobates on 'Lucy Charlotte' decided to 'beat the rush' out of Northampton and we were glad we did. We left shortly after 9 and five more boats had appeared in the bottom basin waiting for Cotton End lock when we exited. It was a very windy trip and there was a lot of weed in the lower pounds - but we were spared a weed-hatch visit. We also came across NB 'Darling Buds of May II' who were having some overheating problems, they followed us up the last few locks. When we reached the top lock we realised how shallow the arm is; a great difference in speed and engine effort beyond the top lock. We reached Blisworth marina shortly before 3pm. As we aren't going home until tomorrow, no pressure to unload. We tidied things up a bit and relaxed after the journey. Chatted with lots of the folks in the marina and enjoyed a quiet end to the day.
51/2 hours, 17 locks
May 3rd 2011
We decided to stay on the boat today and just generally tidy and clean. It was a good decision; however I got a number of business calls which was a bit of a pain - but it didn't spoil the day. It was nice to have a wind-down after the weekend. We left for home late afternoon.
May 13th 2011
Friday the 13th - the day when no self-respecting human being should get out of bed..........
We arrived at 8pm having left home at 6.30; we were surprised at the lack of traffic on the roads for a Friday evening. It is very chilly and we have fired up the central heating. Chicken drumsticks for supper - the old boating favourite!
May 14th 2011
After breakfast and dog-walk we headed for Tesco to provision up for Gary's birthday bar-b-q. This was good fun despite the chilly northerly wind. We eventually returned to the boat around 7 but Gary and Becky arrived about 9, fed up with being by themselves. We sat and chatted on board until bed-time.
May 15th 2011
Breakfast, dog-walk, loo-empty and away at 10am; lots of things to catch up with at home. Another great weekend. And the computer has just told me 'Avast Virus Database has been updated'. I'm sure glad!
May 21st 2011
We were invited to an 80th birthday party locally at lunchtime so we didn't get to the marina at around 5.30pm. We missed the hog-roast but fortunately Malcolm and Suzy, bless them had saved us some hog-roast rolls so we didn't go hungry. We stayed at the 'Start of the Season' party until quite late and it was great fun. There will sure be a few sore heads in the morning - but not mine; having learned my lesson from last year we returned to the boat relaxed but not rolling drunk, at around midnight.
May 22nd 2011
It rained heavily in the night but had stopped by the time we got up. A lazy day with not much to report. A glass or two of wine with Malcolm and Suzy at lunchtime though all of us were feeling the effects of the night before to a greater or lesser extent! A routine 'doing' afternoon followed. We had to have a word with Steve about the white dust from the boat next door which has blown onto the side of Tambourine, covering it with white splat marks. fortunately it is only dust; to begin with we thought it was white paint - but anyhow Steve will make sure that our boat is cleaned up. It is under the care of the 'New and Used Boat Co' so they will sort it out. We left the marina in pleasant sunshine at 6pm. Next week - the Crick boat show.
May 27th 2011
Despite being the Friday before a Bank Holiday weekend, we made good time to Blisworth; left at 6.15 and arrived at 7.35pm. Did all the usual loading-up things; chicken and asparagus for supper and bed before midnight.
May 28th 2011
A grey and windy morning, there had obviously been a lot of rain in the night. We woke late and made a leisurely start to the day. It was amusing in an unkind sort of way to see the hired boats returning to Gayton and having all sorts of problems in the fierce and gusty wind. We got to Crick show at 10.15. It was a good show; lots of goodies for sale and we bought quire a few oddments, including a big brass handle for the slidey stern hatch, non-slip sticky mats for the counter and bow-locker edges and a 'bearded collie' tiller-pin.
We met up with Andy and Ali of NB Isis and had a good chat with them and a pleasant stop in the beer tent though we went around the show separately; they were on a mission to get a new washing machine for 'Isis'. A washing machine on a narrow-boat - such decadent luxury! The weather was cold, windy and drizzly to begin with but it brightened up and warmed up after lunch. Back at Blisworth, we unloaded and sorted out our mountain of shopping and cooked a fine lamb chop supper.
Goodies - £50.00
May 29th 2011
Another very windy morning; we looked up the weather forecast on the internet and the news wasn't good - strong winds today; heavy rain tomorrow. So we decided not to go out and instead drove to the Hearts of the Shires shopping outlet. We got an outfit for Meg, shoes for me and a few other odds and ends. On our return to Blisworth, walked Tasha down the towpath to Candle Bridge and then up into the village. Had a couple in the Royal Oak and watched the end of the Monaco Grand Prix. Back at the boat, roast pork ribs with garlic and herbs for supper. After supper we walked Tasha round the three bridges again before bed.
May 30th 2011
As forecast, a drizzly start to the day and it soon turned to heavy rain. As we made morning tea the gas ran out so I had to change the cylinder over in the rain. Bought a new one from the marina. We spent the day cleaning and tidying up; sorted out the back wardrobe yet again and jettisoned a lot of unwanted junk that was just taking up space to no purpose. We find you have to be ruthless about this otherwise you end up disappearing under a mountain of your own rubbish. We then changed the bedding, hoovered through and packed up for home. The car was full to the brim; we really had no more room. Meg took Tasha for a last walk down the tow-path and got completely soaked. We set off for home around 4. Gary and Becky are borrowing the boat next weekend.
Gas £26.00 (this is exactly double what it was when we first got 'Tambourine' - as recorded in the log!!).
June 10th 2011
Arrived at 7.40pm; just me and the pooch as Meg is helping Cathy with a dog show this weekend. Fed Tasha (after I'd found her food bowl which had been cunningly hidden away) then put my traditional chicken drumsticks into the oven. While they were roasting I unloaded the rest of the stuff from the car. Malcolm from NB Lucy Charlotte dropped in and we quaffed a glass or two of red while he recounted his various boat problems! Boating sure isn't straightforward! After supper I popped back to Lucy Charlotte for a nightcap and after walking Tasha around the marina, turned in at 11.30pm. Despite the sunshine it was quite chilly and I had to run the Eberspacher for a while.
June 11th 2011
A gentle start to the day; I am trying to practice not rushing about so much! Up at 7.45am and showered and took Tasha for her 'three bridges' morning walk. After breakfast and washing up, unloaded still more stuff from the car. The Foote family does not understand the concept of travelling light. One of the jobs for this weekend was fitting the new brass handle to the slidey hatch but - I will have to check with Meg which way she wants it bolted on. Also it would be a good idea to polish and varnish it before fitting - so it will have to wait a bit. Drove into the town for some stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers from B&Q to fix the handle on with - and I was quite taken aback at the price. From there to Tesco for a booze and dog-food top-up. (The B&Q 'Over-60's 10% discount card' is a swiz - you can only use it on Wednesdays - so poo to that). After lunch I fitted the 'anti-slip' rubber pads I got from Crick Show to the bow and stern edges; an easier job that I had expected and I am very pleased with them; a refinement I should have thought of a long time ago. That done, I walked Tasha to Blisworth and had a pint in the Royal Oak. Supper of 'spag bog mix' and potatoes washed down with a glass or two of prosecco. Then settled down to listen to some jazz and read Sherlock Holmes stories. Bed at 10.30pm.
Hardware from B&Q £8.50
Anti-slip rubber strips - bows Anti-slip rubber strips - stern Still life
June 12th 2011
Up at 7 and the usual morning chores but the sky was clouding over fast and it looked as if rain was on the way. I made an inventory of the larder and ditched some 'out-of-date' stuff. By the time I had finished it was raining hard and I got very wet loading the car up again. Left for Gary's house at Buckingham just before 10am. However - on approaching the A43 out of Blisworth I saw that all the traffic was at a standstill, so a quick 'about-turn' and I headed back towards Old Stratford. Although looking much further on the map, the route only took about 5 minutes longer than normal.
July 20th 2011
It doesn't seem possible that I haven't visited the boat for over a month! Still, now retired, perhaps there will be more time - not much sign of that so far! Arrived with Tasha at 4.30pm, Meg is joining us at lunchtime of Friday (July 22nd). Did the three bridges walk, unloaded the car, put all the stuff away and returned the empty bags and boxes to the car. My usual chicken drumstick supper and a bed-time stroll around the marina and bed at 10.30pm. There is a big list of things to do tomorrow; the weather today has been dry but not too warm. I hope for another dry day tomorrow. If it must rain, let it rain in the night!
July 21st 2011
Up at 0730; shower, dog-walk, breakfast. Then off to Tesco for some last-minute bits (including some absolute bargain Riocha - I might call in again on the way back next week and see if there's any left). On return, did one or two chores, dipped the diesel (4 ins below full) - so no need to refill yet awhile. Finished off the chicken from last night with a salad and washed down with a couple of tins of Strongbow. After lunch I tightened the engine vee-belt which Steve Williams reported was squealing rather badly - it's OK now. Then another dog walk and on return I set up the computer on the marina wi-fi system. After a brief siesta, did a bit of housekeeping around the boat, cooked and ate a big fry-up supper, took Tasha for a final tow-path walk and turned in at 2145.
July 22nd 2011
A quick rush round to get everything done before the off; Meg arrived at 11.30am and we slipped the lines more or less immediately. We ate lunch on the move - it was a most pleasant cruising day. We noted that the Narowboat pub at Stowe Hill is closed for refurbishment but even so, all the moorings on the Weedon side of the bridge were full. Those at Weedon were also more or less all occupied on both sides until we got to the far side of the bridge below the Hearts of England - no boats there at all! Very odd indeed. We pulled in to the Hearts of the Shires moorings at around 3.45pm. Meg walked up to the outlet centre to see if she could get some tea-bags; came back with organic tea-bags (oh horrors) but also some cakes and scones and things. Like lots of the mooring places on this stretch of canal, it is a very pretty spot among the trees but bloody noisy, being sandwiched between the M1 on one side and the railway line on the other. None the less, we slept well.
41/4 hours
July 23rd 2011
We were up and away at 9am. We travelled up the locks with a family on a hired boat heading for Coventry. The Buckby Locks Society were doing a lock-wind by Whilton Marina so we made a donation to the funds. Met Andy about half-way up the flight - I can't remember exactly where - and tied up behind NB Isis at 11.30am. After a couple of scoops in the New Inn, Ali arrived and we made an impromptu tow-path bar-b-q and sat and chatted in the sunshine. After lunch Ali and Meg took Tasha for a towpath walk. Supper in the pub in the evening was enjoyed by all, and bed at 10.30pm.
2 1/2 hours, 7 locks
Climbing up the Buckby lock flight
A tow-path bar-b-q
July 24th 2011
We were up and about at 9 and the first job was to tow NB Isis up to the junction so Andy could wind her round and set off back to Wigrams Turn. This done, Andy headed of towards Braunston and we made our way back to the top lock. We worked down the locks with NB Longships, parting company at Bugbrooke Marina. Lunch on the move again and we pulled into Blisworth Marina around 4pm. Meg returned home but I stayed on to do a few more boat jobs.
7 hours, 7 locks
With NB Isis at Norton Junction Long-lost friends With NB Isis at Norton Junction
(picture © Alison Foote) (picture © Alison Foote) (picture © Alison Foote)
Turning NB Isis around at Norton Junction
(pictures © Alison Foote)
NB Isis winds at Norton Junction and sets off on her journey back to the South Oxford canal...
(pictures © Alison Foote)
and NB Tambourine is on her way home
(picture © Alison Foote)
July 25th 2011
I had intended to stay on board for a couple more days to do some painting and other minor jobs but had to rush home because Meg had injured her eye in a gardening accident. In my haste I forgot to turn off the Paloma and the gas bottles and had to phone Steve at the marina and ask him to check it for me.
August 5th 2011
Meg's eye is slowly mending. We arrived at Blisworth at 1pm for the canal festival. After lunch I took Tasha to the village shop as Meg's eyes are not good enough to be able to manage the towpath. I called in at the Royal Oak for a couple and in conversation with one of the locals, asked for advice on where Cathy should park when she brings the kids to the festival tomorrow. One of the girls who works at the pub (Amanda) kindly offered her front lawn as a parking spot; right opposite the village hall and 5 minutes from the canal! What a generous gesture! Thanks Amanda - we are really grateful. A quiet evening on board with chicken for supper, not much to do because poor Meg can hardly see anything.
August 6th 2011
I was away at 9 to help load books to take to the festival for the Blisworth Marine bookstall - but others had already done it! We walked down the towpath to the wharf and manned the bookstall for a couple of hours. Cathy and the children arrived; once we had located them, they went with Meg around the show while I stayed at the bookstall and had a couple of pints from the bar. In the afternoon we continued our tour of the show; I purchased a 4-brass martindale and a 'Blisworth Tunnel' horse-brass for the collection at home, and then another 3-brass martindale in really thick brown leather with some very unusual brasses - lovely. When we felt we had probably done enough, Meg and Cathy drove back to Blisworth whilst I walked with Lyla, Phoebe and Tasha back along the towpath. Back at the boat, we fitted the two older girls with lifejackets and went for a little cruise, down Northampton Arm to the top lock and back again. Then the family set off back to Peterborough, we had a steak supper and a glass or two of red to round off a very good day.
3/4 hour
August 7th 2011
Not such nice weather today. We avoided the heaviest of the showers by sheltering in the pub! Gary and Becky arrived around 2pm and we did another tour of the show, and saw much that we had missed yesterday. There was a blacksmith demonstrating his craft and Gary and I both purchased a beautiful stove-grate shovel from him. Returned to the boat at around 5.30; had a cup of tea and a chat, then Gary and Becky set off for home. We scratched up a supper of beefburgers and salad, then cleared up, shut down, locked up and set off for home shortly before half past eight.
Stove grate shovel £15
August 12th 2011
I am meeting Bill the carpenter tomorrow to see if we can organise the new woodwork on the good ship so left home around 11am. Meg's eye has improved greatly and she is now confident enough to drive so Chrishall Taxis can take a break. The roads were incredibly busy and the standard of driving was appalling so I left the main roads at the first opportunity. Picked up some bargain booze from Tesco on the way into Northampton. At the boat I just messed about; set up the computer, updated this website, answered a few work e-mails hoovered around, did a bit of touch-up painting and stuff like that. The standard chicken drumstick supper and then a listen to some jazz on the hi-fi; turning in finally at around 10.30. I must say its all a bit quiet and lonely without the dog!
August 13th 2011
Bill arrived at 11am and did a final measure round. We have agreed that all being well he will start the job on September 26th and will stay on the boat while he does the work. After he had gone, I did some more touch-up painting and generally played around; emptied the loo and other lazy tasks. Spend the evening listening to music and playing on the interest and had a fairly early night.
August 14th 2011
Up at 7 and after breakfast and a clear-up set of for home as the family and grand-children are coming for the day.
August 31st - September 1st 2011
Gary and Becky borrowed the boat for a couple of days and went to Hearts of the Shires.
7 hours, no locks
September 2nd 2011
Arrived at 8.30pm. We had our evening meal before leaving so no cooking to do. Nothing much to tell; listened to the radio and enjoyed a glass or two of wine before bed at 11.30pm. It has been an incredibly hot day and at 10pm the temperature was still 21C!
September 3rd 2011
The forecast promised a warm sunny day but so far it is cold and grey with a stiff breeze. Lazy as ever, we decided not to go out until tomorrow, when we will go up to the Wharf Inn for lunch with Steve, Claire and Andy and (possibly) Malcolm and Suzy. So - chores morning; refilled the water, emptied the loo and thoroughly cleaned the holding and water tanks. Walked the dog to Gayton to get some more Aquakem but of course they hadn't got any. Should have known. After lunch we walked to Blisworth to buy a paper. When we got back, Becky and her Mum arrived for a chat and a mug of tea; it was really nice to see them. The weather hasn't lived up to the promises, when the sun does break through its lovely and quite warm but when the sun goes in its very chilly. We had a supper of chicken and noodles (me) and salmon omlette (Meg) and then sat and read the papers and listened to music for the rest of the evening. Very quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Bed at 11pm after a lovely chill-out day.
September 4th 2011
We were due to go out with Claire and Steve and the others in convoy to the Wharf Inn for lunch but it was raining very hard so we just dug ourselves in. At 12.30 Claire phoned to say they had decided to make a run for it, but we decided to stay put. After lunch, we cleared up and were just loading the car when Keith and Carole from Cambridge IWA arrived - so we all went back to the boat for a coffee and a chat. They are hoping to move to Blisworth next year but at present the marina is full. After they had departed, we drove to Buckingham for a chat with Gary and Becky. They gave us a bag of apples from their garden tree which is clearly very old; I promised to try and track down the variety; it could be a rare one. Reached home at 7.30pm.
September 9th 2011
Arrived 7.45'ish. Spent a pleasant evening with Malcolm and Suzy on NB Lucy Charlotte. Retired, suitably fed and watered, at 10.30
September 10th 2011
A lazy day. We read books and magazines, Meg walked to Blisworth with Tasha. Just one of those chill-out days with nothing to report.
2 bottles of Aquakem Blue, £20.76
September 11th 2011
More of the same; in the afternoon Meg and Suzy walked to Blisworth, Malcolm watched the Grand Prix on the tv and I read books and magazines. What a fine way to spend the day! On the way back we got a take-home meal from the chinese restaurant at Caxton Gibbet; it was good but of course we bought far too much, so into the fridge with it and there's tomorrow's lunch!
September 15th 2011
We left for Blisworth when Meg got back from work and arrived around 8pm; it was almost dark by then. Unloaded and sat down for a spaghetti supper and a couple of glasses. Bed at 11.30 as we have to be up early tomorrow.
September 16th 2011
Off to Barby moorings today to meet up with Andy, Alison and Jo on NB Isis. Up at 6.30; I went to Tesco to pick up a few last-minute bits and pieces, then breakfast; we slipped the lines at ten to nine and set off for Norton junction. A lovely cruising day, broken sun and a slightly edgy breezy but generally good. We worked up Whilton locks with Rob and Jo - the boat had no name and I didn't like to ask but they were great company on the climb. We ate on the move. When we reached the top lock a BW guy was on duty to make sure that boats followed a '2-up, 2-down' routine to help conserve water. The problem was that after nearly an hour there had been no '2-downs' so shortly afterwards the lockie let a single boat down and we were able to go up. Tied up in our usual spot at 3.15pm. We will have supper in the pub tonight.
6 hours, 7 locks
September 17th 2011
This morning we discovered there was no kindling wood on board for the stove. Meg resorted to the wine-bottle cork collection in the ashtray by the stove, saved for just such an eventuality! As Meg is good with stoves, they worked fine and she soon had the fire ackling away nicely. We passed through Braunston tunnel with only one clout on the side; unfortunately it buckled the chimney slightly and also cracked the nav-light glass which is a bit pooey as I will have to try and track down a replacement. We worked down Braunston flight with an amiable group of New Zealanders on a holiday hire boat who gave us lots of tips for our trip to Aukland next year. At Braunston Turn we forked right onto the North Oxford; we had been told that Barby Moorings was an hour or perhaps a bit more from here. On arrival Andy met us at the entrance and piloted us across the moonscape that is Barby Moorings. We tied up alongside NB Isis at 1.30pm. Lots of chat with Alison, Andy and Jo; the afternoon just flew by and we all went out to a very good local pub for dinner in the evening.
4 hours, 7 locks
Tied up alongside NB Isis The lunar landscape of Barby Moorings....
September 18th 2011
Amazingly, the stove still had bags of life in it when we got up and the boat was lovely and warm. We said our goodbyes, Andy piloted us us back to the marina entrance and we were gone. It was an uneventful journey; we went up Braunston flight with NB Serenity, through the tunnel and were back at Norton at 1.30pm. Went for an afternoon drink in the New Inn; it was raining heavily so we sheltered under one of their big umbrellas in the garden (the New Inn isn't dog-friendly, unfortunately). Back on board we enjoyed a quiet evening meal and read book and listened to music until bed-time.
4 hours, 7 locks
Barby Moorings September 2011 Andy, Jo and Steve Andy, Alison, Meg & Steve
September 19th 2011
Left Norton at 9.30am with a boat called Walter-in-Can. One of the crew went ahead and set all the locks for us so we got down the flight in a record-breaking 11/2 hours! As a result we were back in Blisworth by half past two. The stove was still going but by this time we were out of coal so purchased some more from Steve at the marina. Supper on board while we cleared up and packed up, and we left for home at 7 after a very pleasant little holiday.
6 hours, 7 locks
10kg Taybrite, £11.00
September 25th 2011
An 'out and back' visit today to do one or two jobs on board; cleaned out the stove and emptied the ash-pan; de-cluttered the cupboards and the bedroom bookcase, re-filled all the dehumidifiers with crystals and wiped a bit of gunge out of the bilges. After a hoover through and a steak sandwich we drove to Whilton so see if we could get a new nav light to replace the damaged one. The nav lights themselves are hideously expensive but they have some replacement lenses so I invested in one even though like a prat I have forgotten to bring the unit dimensions with me. Worth a gamble anyhow for a bit over 4 quid. We sat by the locks and had an icecream before setting off for home again.
Bedroom lightbulb £1.99, Damp crystals £6.99, Navlight lens £4.39.
October 15th 2011
I arrived at 11am en route from Chester and Meg arrived from home shortly after 12. After loading up the bits and pieces we needed we slipped the lines and headed off. The weather was warm and sunny, with similar conditions forecast for the rest of the weekend. It was autumn cruising at its best and the canal was surprisingly quiet. We stopped on the church moorings at Weedon - something I have always wanted to do, but on other occasions it has been full. It's a lovely mooring (scenically) being on the embankment at the same level as the top of the church tower but there is a shelf below the waterline which prevents tying up right against the bank and also the boat bumps against every time another one goes by. Even our really big fender was not enough to hold us off. We walked round old Weedon which is quite attractive, and had a drink in one of the pubs (can't remember the name; its the one nearest to the railway viaduct). It was a friendly place and we were tempted to linger but in the end returned to the boat for supper and a fairly early night.
2 1/2 hours
Moored on the embankment at Weedon A not-very-good picture of Weedon church taken from the embankment
October 16th 2011
We had a plan to travel up to Whilton, wind in the marina entrance and then go back to the Heart of the Shires centre but then thought - 'what's the point'. So we didn't stop there but continued our journey to Stowe Hill. We tied up on the Blisworth side of the marina entrance and walked back to the newly refurbished Narrowboat pub for what was probably the best Sunday roast lunch we have ever had. The food was outstanding, the service courteous and the waitresses were charming. All in all it was terrific - 5 stars awarded. It wasn't cheap but then you get what you pay for in the end. We staggered back to the boat, very full indeed and were tempted to have a siesta but in the end we cast off and moved on. The weather was lovely and everyone e met said 'make the most of it, it's all going to end soon' - but I was not so sure. When we tied up at Blisworth, Meg packed up her stuff and she and Tasha set off for home. I finished sorting things out and settled down to read for the evening in front of a lovely warm stove! Tomorrow, winter preparation must be done.
4 1/2 hours
October 17th 2011
I had a dreadful night and woke in the morning feeling awful. Managed breakfast, however and got on with the winterising; cleaned the bilges, topped up the engine antifreeze, drained down the water tank, pipes and gas heater (that job took 90 minutes!). The Paloma drain valve was a struggle to remove - as usual - but managed it eventually. Checked the dehumidifier crystals, dumped the rubbish and shut down the stove. I loaded the car up and set off for home at 1pm, feeling very much under the weather.
November 21st 2011
I drove to Blisworth on a foggy damp morning to do some routine tasks on the boat, stay overnight and then drive on to Oxford to meet up with friends at the Jolly Boatman pub at Thrupp. My first priority on arrival was to fire up the stove - from that point on the day became very untidy. The stove doors were stuck closed and as I pulled them open the sealing ropes on the fire-door disintegrated. They had rusted onto the stove body. A quick check of the 'stove bits' bag revealed about 6 inches of spare rope - not nearly enough to do a whole door. As luck would have it, Gayton Marina had some rope in stock in their chandlery - albeit not quite the same size as the original. I fitted the rope to the door and was so pleased with the result that I went back to the chandlery and bought another length as a spare. After all this it was too late to bother with the stove so I fired up the central heating and used the rest of the time to do routine chores; empty and re-fill dehumidifiers, charge batteries, opened and aired cupboards and drawers, checked the food inventory and so on. I also changed the summer curtains for the winter ones (and fitted new curtain hooks to the winter curtains to save the bother of taking them all off again next spring). In the evening I had a cottage pie supper and a glass or two of plonk. I tried to connect the PC to the marina wi-fi but for some reason it didn't want to work so I read instead. Bed at 10pm.
Stove rope £7.50
November 22nd 2011
I was woken at 5am by the sound of heavy rain beating on the roof. Got up at 6.30 and after breakfast and a thorough tidy-up I loaded the car (fortunately by this time the rain had stopped) and eventually set off for Oxford at 9.45am, hoping that the fog that had descended didn't get any worse!
December 31st 2011
We arrived a bit later than expected at 10.30am for the New Year celebrations. First job was to get the stove going which Meg did with lightning efficiency! Then we tried to fire up the central heating but encountered the usual problem - so the fuseholder came to pieces again, I cleaned all the contacts and reassembled it. Then off it went, no problem at all. Andy and Ali arrived shortly before mid-day and after they were settled in we walked to the Walnut Tree for a drink or two followed by lunch on board. We were talking so much and being so slow that we didn't notice it was getting dark and Tasha still hadn't been out for a walk! Ali and I took her round the three bridges. In the evening we enjoyed a superb roast lamb supper and around 10.30 wandered up to the carpark for New Year drinks and to watch the fireworks, which was great fun. We eventually wandered back to the boat about 1.30am and turned in; slept like babies until the morning.
