Cruising Log 2012
January 1st 2012
We woke late - after 8 - and a leisurely start to the day; tea, breakfast, dog-walk, clean-up of last night's debris and so on. Read the papers and magazines, listened to 'The Archers' on the hi-fi and at 1pm Meg served up a giant Cottage Pie with vegetables and gravy. After lunch, Andy and Ali set off for home, having some hospital visits to make. We tidied and cleared up, took Tasha round the 3 bridges and dropped a huge bag of empty egg boxes off at Arm Farm. We finally left for home at 3.30pm. A great weekend.
January 20th 2012
Called in on my way back from Worcester. Arrived at 10.15 on a drizzly cold day. Emptied, cleaned and re-filled the dehumidifiers, cleaned out the stove and dumped the spent ashes. Topped up the coal scuttle and checked the firebox for supplies. Plenty of kindling wood and firelighters available. I couldn't re-fill the diesel tank because it was raining too hard by then so I will ask Steve to do it for me. There was a small amount of storm water in the bilges which I mopped out. There was also quite a lot of water in the bowl underneath the Paloma drain valve. This has happened before and I'm not too sure where the water is coming from. I think in the spring I will replace the Paloma chimney in case it's leaking round the roof seal.
Then drove to Blisworth Tunnel Boats to book the good ship in to be blacked. This will be done on or around April 27th subject to confirmation nearer the time. Cost is a bit less than Gayton Marina was 2 years ago so mustn't grumble!
March 16th 2012
Called in at around 3pm. A nice warm afternoon but quickly deteriorated to freezing fog so I aborted my plan to stay overnight. Settled up with the marina for the diesel, checked the boat over, re-filled all the dehumidifiers and left around 4.30pm for home.
120 litres diesel, fuel additive, service charges: £170.00
March 26th 2012
A beautiful day and an unseasonable 20°C! Arrived at 2.15pm. After the initial set-up routine, put all the portable bits of gear onto re-charge and made a (very long) list of things that have to be done. Walked Tasha along the towpath to Blisworth and back, then made a few telephone calls. Supper was a Shepherd's Pie that Meg had made for me. After supper I tried to connect the computer to Blisworth Marina's wi-fi but it didn't want to play - like last time - so in the end I gave up and switched everything off. Walked the pooch around the marina and settled down to read and listen to music at 9.15pm. After one false start the central heating now seems to be working fine so fingers crossed!
March 27th 2012
When I woke at 6.45am it was very cold indeed. Outside, all the boats and the grass were covered with white frost! I fired up the central heating and retired back to bed until the boat was warmed through. Breakfast was followed by a walk round the 3 bridges, after which I got on with the job of cleaning and polishing the hull. The wi-fi works this morning so I was able to see the news and get a weather forecast. I managed gto finish a clean and polish of one side (the side away from the sun) by 2.15pm - with a short break for a ham salad lunch. The other side by then was too hot to polish so I must turn it around tomorrow to do it. Then took Tasha along the towpath to Blisworth. We called in at the village shop for a few necessities, also to the Royal Oak pub where I discovered that they will not be doing food now until the summer. I assume that they are quite reliant on the boat trade. Spent the rest of the afternoon doing odd jobs here and there; went round all the window-frame screws to check that they were tight, tested boat lights, horn, bow-thruster and so on. Gary arrived at 6.15pm and we went to Gayton for a pleasant supper at the Queen Victoria pub.
March 28th 2012
Woken at 5am when the central heating fired up! Switched it off and went back to sleep.....surfaced at 0745. First job was to walk Tasha, then breakfast, washing-up, bed-making, shower in the marina shower block. By the time all this was done it was 10.30am!
A beautiful, sunny morning and the marina surface was absolutely still - no wind whatever. Very rare to see it like that. I turned the boat round in the marina and reversed it back in. Didn't hit anything at all; mind you, conditions were perfect! As Steve Williams wryly observed, if I couldn't do it in perfect flat calm, it was time to give up boating and find something else to do!
Carried on with the polishing and cleaning, had a salad lunch and walked Tasha to Blisworth again. Back at the boat, continued the polishing and cleaning until the job was finished. Then some domestic chores; empty the loo, feed dog, clean some inside surfaces that have got grotty over winter and such-like. Tasha is a bit disoriented with the boat round the other way; she will get used to it but in any case on my next visit I will turn it round again.
Gleaming NB Tambourine!
March 29th 2012
It took from getting up at 7 until half-past-ten to get everything done and ready to go home! Nothing special to report. Home in time for lunch.
May 3rd 2012
One or two visits 'passing by' but nothing to report. Main job was to change the winter curtains for the summer cruising ones. But today arrived with Ian at 9am to take the good ship to Blisworth Tunnel boats who are going to re-black her and fit the new Paloma chimney. Had a bit of a struggle mooring up at the yard but some very kindly folks living on their boat came out and gave us a hand. The boat is now in Michael Clarke's tender care and he has been warned not to lose the keys again! Malcolm from Lucy Charlotte kindly picked us up from the village. When we got back to the marina, we spent some time seeing if we could find out why Lucy Charlotte's nav-lights don't work any more. We failed to achieve this after about an hour so it was agreed to have a word with Steve Williams to see if he can find the fault. Left the marina around 12 and stopped for an excellent bar-snack at the Racehorse pub in Catworth on the way home. Blacking and repairs are scheduled to be finished next Thursday.
1 hour; Paloma chimney £41
May 11th 2012
Arrived at Blisworth at 2.15 and eventually left for the boatyard at 3pm. Walked to the yard via the 'Walnut Tree' route; the towpath was very muddy. Paid Blisworth Tunnel Boats for the work, winded the boat in its own length and headed back to the marina. A sunny day but a stiff chilly breeze from the northwest. It was a pleasant little shuffle back home; our neighbours on both sides have gone - was it something we said?! Having re-berthed I attended to various domestic jobs, unloaded the car, lit the stove and so on. A fried steak with onions and a raw vegetable salad for supper - very nice. Made a few phone calls, read for a short while and bed at around 10.15 after a very pleasant day.
1 hour. Blacking and chimney fitting £515
May 12th 2912
A bright but cold morning. I messed about doing various domestic tasks on board, including re-filling the water tank. Everything checked out as it should, including the Paloma. Meg arrived shortly before 12. We had a light lunch and then headed off to the marina 'start of the season' party. Good fun, as usual but for me a fairly abstemious evening - we have learned to pace ourselves a bit at these events! Meg turned in at 9.30pm; I walked Tasha around the marina and called it a night at 10.30pm.
Merry revellers at Blisworth Marina's 'start of season' party Our very own jazz band And now a word from our sponsor
May 13th 2012
A lot of thick heads around the marina this morning - but mine wasn't one of them! However, we had a lazy day; made a few lists of the things we would need for our holiday coming up and sorted out the food cupboards. Walked to Blisworth and back with Tasha in the afternoon. A cottage pie early supper, and Meg left for home at around 6.15pm. I read for a while and made it a fairly early night. The marina is very quiet now, as most of the revellers have gone home.
May 14th 2012
Task for today was servicing the bow-thruster. This was quite straightforward. The well was completely dry and the oil reservoir full. However the batteries were low on water; I topped them up but after 14 years they must be very tired now. I must look out for some sensibly priced replacements. Headed off for home around lunchtime.
May 29th 2012
Set off for Blisworth at 6.45pm after Meg had finished work and we had eaten. Arrived at 8pm. Loaded up the boat with all the stuff for the holiday, shared a bottle of Chardonnay and turned in around 11pm.
May 30th 2012
A beautiful morning but the forecast is for heavy downpours later on. I went to Tesco early on to stock up on provisions and other bits - then went back again for all the things we had forgotten..... After a lunch of cold chicken and vegetable salad, Meg took Tasha for a final walk round the three bridges and we slipped the lines at 2.15pm. The sky became steadily darker and at 3pm the heavens opened. It threw it down, fortunately we had seen the black clouds gathering and fearing the worst we had shut down the cabin and canopies and put on our waterproof gear before the storm hit us. We weren't sure where to stop but Meg spotted a mooring at Stowe Hill just before the water-tap so we hauled in and spent a bit of time drying ourselves off! When the rain stopped, Meg walked Tasha to Weedon and back along the towpath. We then repaired to the 'Narrowboat' for a drink. Shortly after we got back to the boat the skies went as black as night and a huge thunderstorm hit us. I have rarely seen such heavy rain and it lasted for over 1/2 hour. We cooked lamb escalopes and vegetables for supper, and when we had finished we were both so tired that we turned in at 9.30 and didn't wake until after 7 the next day!
2 1/4 hours
May 31st 2012
There was yet more rain in the night and it was still drizzling when we surfaced. After showers, breakfast, dog-walk and so on we moved up to the water-point and re-filled. A pleasant run after that but still a chilly breeze so we had to wrap up. We waited at the bottom of the Buckby flight for about 15 minutes for someone to come along to share the flight with. Two young ladies on their boat heading for Napton junction came along and we went up with them. I can't remember the name of their boat unfortunately. The lads from BW were managing the flight because of the water supply problems and thanks to their help we made it up in very quick time. We moored in our usual spot at Norton junction at 12.30pm. A quick Chardonnay in the pub, then Andy and Ali arrived on NB Isis so obviously another round! Lunch on our boat, then a siesta and a short dog-walk in the drizzling rain. Supper on NB Isis. The BW lads locked the flight up at 5pm; we thought the restrictions had been lifted but clearly not so.
3 1/2 hours, 7 locks
June 1st 2012
A dull but calm morning. We towed Andy's boat back to the junction and after turning we set off in convoy to Crick, leaving at 0915. A straightforward passage through the dreaded Watford locks after queuing for a couple of hours. The lock-keepers were very helpful. Passed through Crick tunnel with no-one coming the other way which was very convenient. Our mooring at the Crick show turned out to be a real 'prime position', near to the temporary bridge they have built across the canal to link the towpath to the festival site, and nicely up against the bank - in fact just about where we usually try to moor up when we come here. In the afternoon the girls went to the shops while Andy and I cleaned and tidied the boats. A cottage pie supper on board tonight and fingers tightly crossed for a dry day at the show tomorrow. There were not as many boats here as I had expected to see.
4 1/2 hours, 6 locks (3 staircase), 1 tunnel 1500 yards
Our mooring at the Crick Boat show, near the temporary bridge
June 2nd 2012
An overcast day with sporadic showers. We had a pleasant though chilly tour of the show and bought the usual things; Christmas cards, odds and ends including two new frying pans, a replacement nav. light, a needle threader and some cheap canal magazines. Lunch on the showground. In the evening we had an excellent and not overly pricey supper at the 'Moorings' restaurant by the road bridge. Unfortunately the weather forecast for tomorrow is shocking. Ran the engine for a couple of hours; the drive belt was a bit squealy so must be tightened up at a suitable moment.
2 hours charge. Nav light £33.95
June 3rd 2012
We were woken up in the night by the torrential rain! Up at half-seven; it was very cold and guess what - the central heating wouldn't fire. On inspection I found that the fuse-holder was very hot. So - out with the fuse again, a clean-up with emery cloth, re-assembly and off it went, good as gold. Meg lit the stove and even that took a lot of coaxing into life! And still the rain poured down. How very disappointing, for visitors, organisers and exhibitors alike. We spent the morning doing various odd jobs around the boats. At mid-day, Meg and Ali took off for Worcester, Tesco and home to do some washing. Andy and I returned to the showground. I decided to buy new bow-thruster batteries; it was a toss-up between Multi-cell and Lucas. Though Lucas ones were £5 more than the Multi-Cell ones I opted for the Lucas. The dealer is Midland Chandlers so if they fail I can easily take them back - and they have a 3-year warranty. I planned to fit them before we went home but after the lads had delivered them to the boat I got second thoughts and decided to leave the job until I get home in case of any problems. We all met up on Tambourine for evening meal a few drinks - good fun. After Andy and Ali had gone home, we finished off the dregs of the wine and turned in at 11.30pm.
2 hours charge. Batteries - £170
June 4th 2012
I forgot to put in yesterday's log that I tightened up the drive belt so now the batteries are charging properly! We were all up and about at 8am and after the usuals we emptied the loo, dumped the rubbish and Meg sat on the towpath and gave Tasha a thorough grooming through. John and Val Teague came to see us and we had a pleasant lunch and a chat. We made a brief return to the festival site after they had gone. A splendid supper of lamb shanks on board with Andy and Ali and afterwards, Ali, Meg and I went back to the beer tent to listen to Dr.Busker and the Revolting Peasants - an excellent act as usual (Andy stayed on board as he wasn't feeling too well ). On our return to the boat the carbon monoxide alarm was beeping and flashing a red warning light. We re-set it but within 20 minutes it had started again. Meg mentioned that she had experienced trouble with smoke in the room when she lit the stove earlier. On examination we found that the stove was broken, the front casting having come away from the body of the stove, exposing a large crack. We damped the fire down by shutting both the air inlets, opened all the windows and went to bed. In the middle of the night I checked that the fire was completely out and shut some of the windows again to keep us warm!
The stove is almost certainly a write-off; we will have to look into a new one as we walk around the show. More expense!
2 hours charge
June 5th 2012
Andy and Ali set off at 8.30am to beat the rush to Watford locks. After the usual routines we went round the show again to check out stoves. One salesman told us that as Morso stoves are bolted together it might be that the bolts have broken and the stove could be repaired. So we put the 'new stove' project on hold pending a chat with Grand Junction Boats to see if a repair is feasible. We had lunch on the showground and though the show formally closes at 5pm, many of the stallholders were already packing up to go before 3. We returned to the boat for a bit of tidying up and enjoyed a spag bog supper. Bed at 10.30 to the sound of the rain
2 hours charge
June 6th 2012
Woken shortly after 6 as a neighbouring boat crashed us into the bank as he left for Watford locks. Nothing like beating the rush but he will have rather a long wait as the locks don't open until 9! So we got everything done quite early. I dumped the rubbish, emptied the loo and refilled the holding tank and the Buckby can with water. Meg went to the shops to get booze, a paper and some other essentials. We finally slipped the lines at 10.15am and headed away from Crick towards Welford. The trip took exactly 4 hours, which was what we had calculated. We stopped at a water-tap by the winding hole opposite the entrance to Welford marina basin. We never even knew it was there! We found a most agreeable mooring almost at the end of the arm, opposite the main marina moorings and settled down to a restful afternoon. Went out to dinner in Market Harborough with the Teagues in the evening which was most enjoyable. Also met an old friend of Rogers, from his 'Newfoundland' club, who asked to be remembered. We finally hit the sack around midnight.
4 hours, 1 lock
The imposing 'Wharf Inn' at the end of the Welford Arm
June 7th 2012
As is often the case, the morning started warm and sunny but quickly deteriorated. However we had already put on our waterproofs. It soon began to rain and became very windy. Progress along the shallow summit pound was very slow and we pulled into the visitor moorings at Yelvertoft 4 hours after leaving Welford, at 1.45pm. It was still raining heavily and continued to do so for the rest of the afternoon, finally stopping at 7pm. I walked into Yelvertoft in the rain to get some bits from the village shop/post office, which is the front room of the owner's house. Yelvertoft is mentioned in the Doomsday book and boasts a pub, an imposing church (All Saints) and a carefully preserved village pump. The BW facilities are limited to a water tap and rubbish disposal. But other than the bit of towpath reserved for the water-tap, there are only two 'visitor moorings'. All the others are 'reserved for long-term permit holders'. This is just disgraceful; there are dozens of unoccupied marina berths around here but BW still clutter up the towpath with their 'long-term moorings'. They are a damned nuisance and just like the ones at Gayton Junction, half of them aren't occupied by anyone. All they do is make life difficult for visitors and passers-by.
We dug ourselves in for the evening; after a very good sausage casserole supper we played a few games of Scrabble (Meg won all of them). The wind has increased in intensity and is actually throwing the boat around quite a lot. A 'severe weather' warning has been issued for tomorrow.
4 hours, 1 lock
Wet and wind-swept moorings at Yelvertoft
June 8th 2012
The sound of the wind and the rain kept us awake for much of the night and the forecast is so dreadful that we decided to stay put for the day and hope for better conditions tomorrow. When we surfaced at 7.30am the wind wasn't too bad and we did wonder whether we had made a mistake in deciding to stay but by 9.30am the wind was extremely strong with some very powerful gusts. One boat passed by at 8am but this was not boating weather. By 10.30 a couple more had passed and the wind eased - only to then re-double in strength with driving rain as another front came across - so, right decision after all! During a lull in the rain we walked up to the shop again and also went over to the pub but at ten past 12 it still hadn't opened and there was no sign of life to we retraced our steps back to the boat. By the time we got back the wind was even stronger and we started to worry about the huge willow tree opposite our mooring and what would happen if it came down on top of us.... but it didn't.
After lunch I took Tasha for another walk and was stopped by a Dutchman in a BMW who wanted to sell me some cheap kitchen knives. Near Yelvertoft, in the middle of no-where, in the pouring rain, to a scruffy-looking bloke with a soaking-wet dog? You do meet some strange people on canal journeys! We occupied the afternoon reading the papers, making a few phone calls and so on. The wind was still gusting and throwing the boat around a bit but the rain slowly eased off. After a lovely pork chop supper we had a couple more Scrabble games and Meg won them of course but the margin of the wins is narrowing slowly!
2 hours charge
June 9th 2012
A quiet night, I got up at 6.25am. The wind had moderated but was still pretty gusty. After the usual morning activities we slipped the lines at 7.25am and headed south. We reached the Crick moorings in 40 minutes, Crick tunnel in 50 minutes. We passed through the tunnel with no-one coming the other way, which is always good, and got to Watford locks at ten past nine - an hour and forty-five minutes from Yelvertoft. We were the second boat of the morning through and Meg operated the complicated lock system very well. This is the rule - red paddles before white; you're all right. White paddles before red - you're dead. Fairly easy to connect to! We cleared the lock and finally tied up at Norton Junction in our usual spot at 11.15am. A quick couple in the pub and walked the dog down to the little canalia shop at Buckby Wharf after lunch. Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. BW chained the locks up at 3pm; they will re-open at 9 tomorrow. We and one other boat are waiting to go down in the morning. Forecast for tomorrow is fairly promising (compared with what it's been like the last few days).
3 hours 50 minutes, 6 locks (3 staircase), 1 tunnel 1500 yards
The New Inn by Buckby Top lock at Norton Junction
June 10th 2012
We were up and about quite early and moved up to the lock at 9am. No-one else came along until 9.30, when NB Tranquility joined us. We stayed with Steve and Eileen all the way down to Whilton, then went our separate ways. The weather was calm, warm in the sun and chilly not in the sun. Reached Blisworth at exactly 3pm. Tied up by the diesel pumps to unload the boat and load the cars, then back to berth 68. As it was quite early we decided not to have supper on board but to do the final packing up and go. A good holiday despite the weather.
6 hours, 7 locks
June 13th 2012
Arrived at 10.15am. A lovely sunny morning. Installed the new bow-thruster batteries. Removed the broken nav light, the paintwork underneath it was pretty poor so I rubbed it down with wire wool and put a couple of coats of paint on the area. Then removed the shower-pump filter and cleaned it out. Bloody hell - it smelled disgusting! I also cleaned out the pump reservoir as best I could but it still smells pretty unsavoury. I mustn't leave it so long between cleans. Went to B&Q to buy an inspection lamp and to Tesco for some provisions for the next couple of days. I also brought a couple of these new 'low current' bulbs for the inspection lamp. Dropped one of them on the carpet while trying to fit it and the filament promptly flew to pieces. In the afternoon I visited Grand Junction boats to enquire about the stove. Someone will call round tomorrow to have a look at it but it seems that if the stove has gone that far, its not really cost-effective to try and mend it. A new flue pipe will also probably be needed. Dinner of burgers, fried eggs, sauteed potatoes and asparagus. Excellent! And the weather forecast for tomorrow is good as well.
June 14th 2012
Up at 8am. Another sunny morning. Steve Williams came by and collected the old batteries and also the empty gas bottle. Steve from Grand Junction Boats arrived and unhesitatingly condemned the stove and its flue pipe. Not only has the front broken away, the back has as well! Estimate is >£1000 which will make a big hole in the boat fund. Spend the rest of the day fitting the new nav light, new alternator drive belt, new bottle of gas and a few other odds and ends. The little Dyson hoover only ran for a few minutes before expiring despite being on charge all the morning so I will have to get a new battery pack for it. Splendid supper of chicken tikka from a tin with pan-fried shallots and minted new potatoes (Jersey Royals, nothing but the best on this boat!). Fell into bed at 10.30pm.
Gas £26.95, 2 new drive belts £35.82 (This is a rip-off; I got them from Beta Marine but next time I will ask the guy who looks after our cars if he can get identical belts more cheaply).
June 15th 2012
No notes for today as its' going home' day. Topped up the water tank, emptied the loo and set off, arriving home in time for a lunchtime pint at the local.
June 28th 2012
The lads from Grand Junction Boats have returned the good ship to her berth having replaced and installed a new stove and flue pipe. I arrived at 4.30pm with Tasha. I have to say that the work they have done is first-class; what's more they have left the boat spotless, kept to one side spare bits from the old stove that we might find useful and even left a warning note not to light the stove without removing its chimney cover. A thoroughly professional job and I am well pleased. A supper of cold chicken salad, crisps and a couple of glasses of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; a walk around the 3 bridges and bed at 10.30. By coincidence met a chap who has moved his boat to Blisworth and is a retired cardiologist. He knows my specialist very well. Small world indeed.
New Morso stove Modified flue arrangement
Replacement stove, flue and chimney and associated works £1170
June 29th 2012
Dog walk, shower and breakfast in that order then off to Tesco to pick up some of the bargain NZ wines they have on offer at the moment. On the way home, called in to the boatyard and settled up for the stove work. Also discussed a possible partial refit to replace some of the woodwork which is starting to look a bit tired. They are interested to help and once we have a clearer idea of what we want we will talk to them again. Something to think about over the coming weeks. Back at the boat, got on with some routine maintenance; drying bilges, greasing battery terminals, unblocking the sink drain and so on. Never ends. Finally refilled the water-tank and emptied the loo before Meg arrived in the evening. We had a drink or two, supper with Malcolm and Suzy on Lucy Charlotte and bed at a respectable hour (which is another way of saying I can't remember when it was......)
June 30th 2012
Meg and Suzy went to the supermarket to stock up for the weekend while Malcolm and I prepared the boats. We hauled out of Blisworth mid-morning and headed for Whilton. Lunch on the move. It was a pleasant though unremarkable cruise. Malcolm pulled in to a very agreeable mooring spot some way before Whilton, but far enough away from the M1 motorway to be reasonably quiet. We will remember the spot for the future. Supper and a glass or two on our boat and after a quick trip up the towpath with Tasha we turned in. A nice way to pass the 1st anniversary of my retirement!
3 hours
July 1st 2012
After breakfast and when Sue had been for her regular morning run, we set off again to visit the 'Heart of the Shires' shopping village. The original plan was to go as far as Whilton, turn and come back to the moorings at 'Heart of the Shires' bridge but in the event, when we reached the spot the moorings were completely empty. A 'bird in the hand' and all that so I pulled over to the bank; we tied up and walked up the lane to the shops. We had some lunch (or rather, I had some lunch; none of the others wanted any as they had been scoffing cakes all the morning!) and eventually wandered back to the boats. Motored the rest of the way to Whilton, turned and headed back to Blisworth, berthing at around 7.30pm. Malcolm, Sue and Meg all set off for home; I stayed back with Tasha with the idea of staying on board for a couple of days to do some painting jobs. A quiet evening, reading and listening to music and bed at 10pm.
4 hours
July 2nd 2012
It belted with rain in the night. I woke very early. Used a brief lull in the rain to walk Tasha round the 3 bridges then breakfast. By this time it was raining steadily and the skies had that 'here to say' look Drove into Northampton to the big B&Q store to get some red oxide paint. Unfortunately I was unable to get the staff to understand what 'cellulose thinners' are - and I can't do any painting without thinners to clean the brushes, mop up spills and so on. In any case I wasn't feeling all that special so decided to cut my losses and go. Cleared up the boat, emptied the loo (dangerously full it was) and set off for home at 1pm.
July 19th 2012
A late arrival as usual because Meg was working until 8.30pm. Hauled all our stuff over from the car, had a couple of drinks, a last dog-walk and bed at 12.30am.
July 20th 2012
Woke later than usual. Walked dog, showers, breakfast etc and refilled the water-tank - which was very low. Set off to Buckingham and spent an agreeable day with Gary and Becky sorting out things for their new dog which arrives next week. Got back to the boat at 6.30pm. Fitted the new 'fuel economisers' to the Morso stove and generally messed around doing odd jobs here and there. A chilli-and-rice supper followed by a last walk around the marina and bed at 11pm. It has rained nearly all day, but the forecast for tomorrow is much better.
Morso stove 'fuel economisers' They'd better be, at that price...
Stove fuel economisers £32.80
July 21st 2012
Once we had sorted ourselves out, we went to the supermarket to stock up with all manner of bits and pieces. The food cupboard is now well charged! Then drove to Whilton to get a cap for the chimney to stop the water getting in. On the way home we stopped off at the 'George' pub in Tiffield. The landlord is a jazz addict and they have organised a big jazz weekend - next weekend! The diary is blank so we might go to it. The weather is sunny and only a few scattered clouds but the wind is quite keen. The forecast for next week is 'very hot'. Makes a change because up to now it has just rained and rained and rained.... In the evening we joined some fellow boaters for a bar-b-q and a few drinks using the kit kindly provided by our sponsor! After far too much to eat and drink we shuffled off to bed at 11pm. Good stuff!
Chimney cap £32.50
July 22nd 2012
A generally lazy day around the boat doing various bits and pieces. Meg took Tasha for a long walk in the afternoon after giving her a thorough grooming in the morning. A lovely supper of pork cooked in tomato sausce with ratatouille and tagliatellii. Fantastic! We made a fairly late departure for home but still got back in time to go to the local for a couple before closing! The hot weather has knocked our plants in the greenhouse about a bit but we have given them all a good soak and hopefully they will be OK.
July 23rd 2012
It is going to be a hot and sunny week so having no consultancy work on, I returned to the boat; arriving at 1.45pm, rather late and very hungry! After putting everything away and eating, got the gangplank and boat-pole off the roof stood them on the trestles I brought from home and sanded them both down ready for painting. A slight mishap with the big pot of green paint resulted in paint all over the galley floor and splashed over the cupboard doors. Luckily I managed to get it cleaned up before any permanent damage was done. Put a coat of paint on the pole and the plank and took Tasha for a walk at 6pm. Dinner of lamb steaks, new potatoes, cabbage and gravy washed down with a couple of glasses of red wine. A final turn around the marina and bed at ten after a good day with super weather.
July 24th 2012
A fairly late start at 7.45am. Beautiful morning. Worked my way through all the usual chores - including flushing out the loo holding tank and thoroughly cleaning the unit. It was past 11am by the time all this was finished. After lunch I put another coat of paint on the gangplank and the pole and tightened the window-frame screws on the jetty side - the other side was too hot to touch by this time! Some nice conversations with fellow moorers and at 5 took Tasha for a good walk around the tow-paths. We got back shortly before 6. It was still very hot but we have the parasol to keep the sun off. Tasha doesn't appear to be suffering despite the heat. After supper, a chat and a drink with fellow moorers and finally turned in at around 11pm.
July 25th 2012
Didn't sleep too well last night but finally surfaced at 7 and went straight out with the dog. After all the usual routines I took off to Tesco for food and B&Q for some DIY bits from Malcolm and myself. It is going to be another roaster of a day. Called in at the Walnut Tree on the way back for a pint and a quick read of the paper. The wi-fi at the marina still isn't working reliably and I haven't been able to connect to it this week at all. One interesting item in the paper - it appears that H.M.Queen is very partial to cider and produces some 3000 pints a year from the cider orchards on the Royal estates!
I tightened all the window screws on the non-jetty side of the boat but several actually broke off; I will have to drill the stubs out tomorrow and fit new ones. Lots of goings-on at the marina, with all for of us neighbours (Om Shanti, me, Lucy Charlotte and Endeavour) all working on our boats! The area has been dubbed 'the industrial estate'!
Finished painting the pole and plank and did quite a bit of touching up on the hull using up the remainder of the paint in the big tin. Also started a cupboard inventory which I will complete over the coming days. Walked and fed the dog, dined on a sumptuous supper of burgers, fried shallots, tomatoes and mushrooms, home-grown new potatoes and gravy, followed by melon and cheese and biscuits. Marvellous!
Brass screws for window-frames £4.25
July 26th 2012
Up at 6.45; a misty morning and a bit chilly. Varied the routine slightly by showering first and then walking the dog - but the old method is better. After the rest of the housekeeping, gave Malcolm a hand to put the paint and sand-grip the roof of his boat. Despite the heat we persevered until the paint ran out. A phone call from the office and then a walk to Blisworth with the dog but despite it being 5.30pm it was really still too hot for walking! During the afternoon I moved the boat across to the opposite jetty, drilled out the holes for the broken/missing window-frame screws and filled new screws. A straightforward job which will hopefully safeguard against water leaks during periods of heavy rain. Emptied the loo and dumped the rubbish. Supper was fried steak and afterwards sat round the table chatting to other moorers. A brief read and bed at 11pm.
1/4 hour
July 27th 2012
Up at 7.15 and all the usual morning chores. Set off for B&Q at 0845 to get all the things Malcolm needed to finish the roof of his boat. Called in at Tesco to take advantage of their '25%-off' wine offer, and get one or two other bits. Back at the marina, stripped the bed and put all the bedding into the washing machine in the laundry. Washed up and generally cleaned round the boat while the washing and drying was in progress. When I got the washing home I found a sock was missing but found it later, still in the tumble dryer! After lunch, took Tasha to Blisworth and called in for a drink at the Royal Oak and also to enquire about parking at the coming Blisworth canal festival (hoping to make a similar arrangement to last year) but the landlady was unhelpful so we made our way home again. Andy phoned to say that he and Alison would be coming to the festival so I arranged a mooring for them with Steve Williams. Lots of familiar boats on the towpath side as we walked back from Blisworth. Meg arrived in the Mazda at 7.30pm; she had made a large cottage pie which we all shared for supper.
Washing and drying £5
July 28th 2012
After the morning ritual we set off to Buckingham to visit Gary and Becky and introduce Tasha to their new dog Dylan. Another lovely sunny day. After lunch which Becky prepared (chorizo and potato salad - lovely)returned to the boat and played with the dogs for a while, Gary and I ent up to the pub for a drink. On our return we set up the bar-b-q and and had a supper of steaks and sausages. The kids went home at 10pm but left a load of their stuff behind - including Dylan's mat - so I will have to go home via Buckingham tomorrow to return it all. Finally turned in at 11.
July 29th 2012
We rose late and spent the day pottering around doing various boaty odds and ends. Left for home at tea-time; I went via Buckingham to drop off the things left behind yesterday. Home around 8pm for supper.
August 10th 2012
Arrived at 7.45 pm after a very slow journey. Andy and Alison had already arrived and had opened up our cratch covers, since it was still very hot. A super goulash supper on their boat and more drink than was probably good for us but fun none the less. Bed at a sensible hour at least!
August 11th 2012
Meg and Ali went to Tescos first thing to stock up. Andy and I sorted the boats out. Cathy, Andrew and the girls showed up around 11 and we all strolled into Blisworth for the festival. It was up to its usual standard and the weather was ideal though all the stalls were the same ones as last year, it was still fun to go round them. Back at the boat late afternoon we lit the bar-b-q; by this time Gary and Becky had tipped up as well - and we had a huge supper. Malcolm and Suzy off Lucy Charlotte joined us as well. Gary went home to pick up Dylan the dog to show all the folks; he was good fun. Bit by bit we cleared up; the kids all left for home and after a last dog-walk we turned in - at which point I realised my wrist-watch was missing. One of the strap-hangers must have broken. I was quite upset as I have had that watch for more than 40 years. We searched the bar-b-q area with the big torch but to no avail. Turned in at midnight. A good day but slightly soured by the loss of the watch. We will report the loss to the festival organisers tomorrow.
August 12th 2012
Andy wasn't feeling very well so he didn't accompany us back to the festival. We reported the loss of the watch. After lunch we walked back to the marina; Andy set off on 'Isis' back to Barby and Alison set off home by car. We palyed about at the marina and after a late supper, arrived home at around 11pm. A good weekend.
August 23rd 2012
Meg was at a seminar in Cambridge so I loaded up the car and set off, arriving at mid-day. Got everything ready for the 'off', walked the dog and has a quiet evening. The boat is dirty and untidy and I must get it sorted out before Meg arrives tomorrow.
August 24th 2012
Spent the morning hoovering and clearing up; emptied the loo and re-filled with water. Meg arrived at mid-day. After lunch we set off with Malcolm and Suzy and headed towards Whilton. We were amazed to find two moorings on the embankment by the church at Weedon so we hauled in. Visited two of the pubs in the village but neither of them were doing food to we returned to the boats and Suzy did us a super chilli supper. Had to clean the central heating fuse-holder and fuse before the heating would start. This is becoming a pain in the bum; I will have to find a longer-term solution to the problem.
3 hours
August 25th 2012
The canal is very quiet. Where is everyone? (Not that we're complaining!). We left the moorings after breakfast and stumped off to Whilton; up Buckby locks and breasted up on the towpath at Norton Junction. The weather had been reasonably pleasant but when we tried to set up the bar-b-q it began to rain. The bar-b-q went out - can you believe it? I was soaked and utterly pissed off and for two pins I would have sold the bloody boat then and there. Anyhow we cooked all our barby food on board, toasted Malcolm's birthday and it was a good end to the day.
3 1/2 hours, 7 locks
August 26th 2012
After the usual rituals we said our 'goodbyes', M and & set off for Braunston and the Black Country' we turned round and watered up, dumped the rubbish and so on. Waited at Buckby top lock for a partner to go down the flight with; went with a family on a big hired boat; their crew had bicycles and they rode ahead to set all the locks for us! They stopped at Whilton and we pottered on, uncertain where to stop - and were amazed to find free moorings at Weedon church again, where we had stopped two days before. Hauled in, when for a drink at eack of the pubs (one had a little blues band playing; they were very good). Gary and Becky came to see us in the evening with Dylan and we went out again for a nightcap. After the others had gone home we turned in to the sound of the rain. Still - don't mind if it rains at night!
4 hours, 7 locks
August 27th 2012
A leisurely start; I went into the village to get a paper and one or two bits before we set off. A pleasant run, the canal still strangely quiet for a Bank Holiday weekend. The usual evening activities back at Blisworth but no rush as we're not going home until tomorrow evening. One slight hitch - the gas bottle ran out. Now this struck us as odd; it was only connected up on June 14th and during the season a gas bottle will usually last at least 4 months. Either the bottle is faulty and has a leaky valve (unlikely) or maybe it wasn't property filled to start with (equally unlikely). There is no smell of gas on the boat so as far as we know we don't have a leak. I will get a new bottle in the morning.
3 hours
August 28th 2012
Walked round the corner to Grand Junction boats. Steve Sullivan came round to see us after lunch and we discussed the various ideas for our planned partial re-fit. He will come back to us later with some ideas, suggestions and prices. If the work goes ahead it will start next February. Got a new bottle of gas and connected it up in its locker. Meg left for home at 6. I decided to stay on and do a bit more work; possibly a bit of painting. Bed at 10 after a light supper.
13kg gas £26.95
August 29th 2012
Re-filled with water and emptied the loo. I had left it too long again and it was extremely heavy. Checked the diesel level (3/4 full) and generally tidied up but then in started to rain again. I decided to cut my losses, left the marina at 10.30am and got home at mid-day. The day turned out to be very wet indeed.
September 20th 2012
Arrived at mid-day just as Sue and Malcolm were leaving the diesel pumps so they gave us a lift across the marina! We had a coffee and a catch-up and also a chat with Claire who called in. After lunch, unloaded the car, walked the dog round the three bridges and got all the bits together to the 'great Autumn polish' tomorrow! Supper - a pasta dish that Meg made for me the day before; it was delightful and I was really sorry when it had all gone. It got cold very quickly as the sun went down so on went the heating. Listened to some music and turned in around 10 after a last dog-walk. However - the good news is that I found the missing watch - the strap had broken and it had fallen into the drawer underneath the settee.
September 21st 2012
Up early for dogwalk while the boat was warming. However - when I got back I noted a distinct smell of gas as I climbed aboard. This might be imagination of course but I must keep a careful watch on that. Then it was up and away to wash and polish and with a brief stop for lunch I managed to get the whole of one side done, and still with time for an afternoon dog-walk. It was actually quite a relief to stop polishing and give my aching arms a bit of a rest! Supper was chicken with runner beans, mashed potato with butter, chopped leeks and shallots followed by nectarines for dessert and all washed down with Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand, of course - nothing but the best on this boat). An early night after a very productive day.
September 22nd 2012
The usual morning routine aboard the good ship; as soon as my neighbours were up and about I turned Tambo around and reversed back into the berth. It was a beautiful sunny morning and dead calm - lucky for me! Set to straight away to wash and polish the 'other side'. No problems though Tasha gets very confused when the boat is moored the 'wrong way round' at the berth. Lunch of chicken and cracker-bread then back to the task. By late afternoon I had finished; turned Tambo around again and after gathering up the debris and tidying up, we walked to Blisworth and had a pint in the Royal Oak. Supper was the rest of the chicken with fried potato-cakes and a tomato side-salad. Bed around 10 as usual.
1/2 hour
September 23rd 2012
When I got back from the morning dog-walk I was still convinced that I could smell gas - so when I get home I will phone Grand Junction and ask them to do a pressure test on the system to see if we really have got a leak. I emptied the loo, cleared up and left Blisworth at 9.30am. The weather is still bright, but cold so I think I have seen the best of it for the next few days. Still, the polishing is done - now to sort out the gas.
Post-script - Grand Junction Boats will collect Tambo from her berth in the next few days and give the gas system a once-over. Let's hope nothing too expensive turns up!
October 13th 2012
Grand Junction have collected Tambourine, checked the gas system, fixed two leaks, and returned her to the berth. Maybe this is why the last gas cylinder didn't last very long.......
I arrived at 11am from Cheshire; Meg had just beaten me to it! Settled in and while Meg laid the fire, I strolled up to Grand Junction Boats to settle our bill. We also discussed the up-coming refit project and now have an idea of the sort of budget we should work to. The stove heated up really quickly and the boat was soon warm. We spent the rest of the day doing boaty things and also signed up for Mick Barrett's Boat Service - he has taken over from the original 'Narrowboat Nanny' run by Steve and Claire. The deal is much the same as before. After supper we read and chatted. The new stove is very frugal on fuel; the 'fuel economiser' attachments do seem to do their stuff. Bed at 11pm.
Gas leak repairs £126
Barratt Boat Services £125
October 14th 2012
We got the weather a bit wrong. It poured with rain last night but we woke to a beautiful cloudless morning and temperature of zero! The rain had frozen on the roofs of the unoccupied boats leaving some beautiful ice-patterns.The stove ticked over all night with no attention but we let it go out prior to leaving for Buckingham for the day. That said - we are running out of coal so I got another 25kgs of Taybrite from the marina. It wasn't cheap! Returned to the marina from Buckingham at 4.15pm; Meg set off for home and I tidied up, cleaned the stove out and headed for home after locking up at 5pm.
Coal £12.50
October 18th 2012
Arrived at 11.30am. The plan is to re-paint the bow-thruster well and replace the lid seal. Unloaded and set about lighting the stove. This went well as per Meg's instructions and it was soon ticking away. I then wire-brushed, hoovered out and put the first coat of primer paint on the bow-thruster well. This was a dirty and difficult job and my arms are badly scratched from contact with the rough edges of the access area. Walked Tasha around the towpaths and then supper of chicken drumsticks and sauteed potatoes. None the less, a good day with warm weather.
October 19th 2012
The usual domestic bits to start with, then the second coat of rust-proofing primer on the bow-thruster well. Also cleaned the underside of the hatch lid with emery paper and put a coat of rust-proofer on that as well. then I realised I had forgotten to bring the new sealing strip I had purchased from Ely Boat Chandlers to do this job with. I must just hope that the off-cuts in the cupboard will be long enough to go around the lid......
After a dog-walk I sanded down the stern hatch cover and put a coat of rust-proofer on that as well. I had hoped to do the stern end sides as well but they are still wet from the recent rain. I dried them off with a nappy and with a bit of luck I might be able to paint them tomorrow. Then started the winterising ritual by filling the dehumidifiers with new crystals. Took Tasha for a walk but then of course it began to rain which put an end to the painting. Connected up all the re-chargeable devices to the shoreline to give then their pre-winter charge. Fired up the computer (and it actually connected to Blisworth Marina's wi-fi this time - a blessed miracle) so I was able to check e-mails and so on. Fed Tasha, prepared supper and a quiet evening of reading, to the gentle sound of the rain.
Hatch sealing strip £4
October 20th 2012
The stern area was still too wet to paint this morning so I concentrated on the winterising. Drained the water system down, cleaned out the stove, put the dehumidifiers in their usual places. I tried to connect the little oil heater through its time clock but the time clock didn't work - so that particular job will have to wait until I can bring another time-clock from home. When the water tank was empty and the bow had lifted up out of the water I noticed that one of the front anodes has disappeared! Not sure what has happened there as the other one is present and intact although a bit pitted - which I would expect. A call to Blisworth Tunnel Boats; they will fit us into the dry dock in February and replace all the anodes. Left for home after lunch.
November 14th 2012
A brief stop-off the check that everything is in order. The little battery indicator says 'OK' and none of the dehumidifiers need emptying. Connected up the little heater with a new time clock; to come on at 7pm and go off at 7am, to keep the air circulating if it becomes cold or damp (which it will). Finally called in to Grand Junction to confirm that the boat is booked in for it re-fit in early January.
November 29th 2012
A flying visit on the way back from a couple of days with Andy on NB Isis. Everything seems to be OK though some of the dehumidifiers will need to be emptied soon. Bilges are completely dry and no signs of water ingress through the window-frames - or anywhere else.
December 15th 2012
Arrived en route from Chester to begin the task of emptying all the kitchen and bathroom cupboards and shelves and removing fixtures and fittings prior to the refit. I had nowhere near enough boxes so another visit will be needed to finish the job off. Malcolm and Suzy from NB Lucy Charlotte kindly offered to store some of the stuff on their boat to save me lugging it all back home.
However on trying to boil the kettle to make a coffee - a powerful smell of gas - again. I switched everything off and turned off the gas bottle valve. The bloody stove was only fixed in October so there will have to be a little discussion. I was not very pleased. Probably a good job it's going to be ripped out and replaced.
I had been suffering from a sore throat since the previous evening; as the day went by it became more troublesome until by mid-afternoon I could barely speak. So - as soon as all the boxes were filled and stowed, I shut everything down set off for home.
December 21st
According to the Mayan calendar the world was going to end today but it didn't happen. If it did, then it's all a dream and this log is a fantasy. On arrival I found that the cratch cover hadn't been secured! I must have been feeling really rough last week - and a good job it hasn't been windy.
I filled several more boxes with boat stuff and distributed them between the car and 'Lucy Charlotte'. Took down all the curtains, put them in dust-bin bags and parked them on 'Lucy Charlotte' as well. Gathered up all the electrical devices to take home for re-charging
On inspection, I noticed that there was a surprising amount of water in the bilges. I assume this is due to the horrendous downpours of rain we have had in recent days. I mopped it up with nappies. I also noticed a distinct smell of gas around the stove - now it doesn't really matter because the stove is coming out anyway but I shall have to speak to Grand Junction Boats about it as I've only just paid over £120 to have it fixed. Finally, took the 'Lucy Charlotte' key back to the marina office for safe keeping and set off for home, stopping at 'The Racehorse' pub in Catworth for a a drink and a bar meal on the way (bacon and tomato omelette, chips and salad - it was super!).
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