05-30 Eynsham Lock on river Thames

Saturday 30th May: Dry and bright with prolonged sunny spells, though it was hardly warm with a cool breeze and it clouded up in the evening; but at least it was a much better day than yesterday.  Up and away reasonably early and soon encountered our first obstacle of the day, a lift bridge and sign proclaiming that we are entering Oxford.  Bridie sets off with a windlass rather than a CRT key at first but even with correct key finds the mechanism rather stubborn and is unable to unlock it, so I have a go and after a short fight it gives in!  Once through this bridge, the water point is just beyond the old railway bridge with permit holder moorings on either side.  We stop and replenish the tank and it takes some time as the water pressure is low and so is the tank! A cup of coffee is called for while we wait.   Then on just a few hundred yards to the last of the Oxford canal locks where we turn right onto Dukes cut and enter Dukes lock to get onto the Thames.

A very pleasant cruise up river to Eynsham Lock where we manage to arrive at almost exactly 1pm just as the lock keeper is going off duty and the lock goes onto "Self Service".  However we establish that we could moor on the lock landing for 24 hours, so we drifted back, moored up and had lunch.

After 2pm we went to the office and paid £191.50 for a months visitor licence to make us legal for cruising the Thames.  That done and after a quick dog walk, Bridie and I walked over Swinford Bridge into Eynsham for a short explore

and a quick Co-op shop.   Called in at The Talbot by the old Eynsham wharf for refreshments on the way back (the bags were heavy and we needed a break!). Sat outside and watched Jackdaws flying into the Dove box feeding their young.

Once unpacked we had another cup of tea and then went for a walk up the Thames path beyond Swinford Bridge with the dogs.  We walked through a meadow full of buttercups, clover, yellow rattle and little alison

and then returned under Swinford Bridge again.

While Bridie slaved away in the galley I sat outside with the dogs and a G&T listening to the water over the weir and watched the last boat movement of the day, an EA launch arriving back up river.

05-29 Kidlington Oxford Canal

Wednesday 27th May:    Bridie woke early frozen from overnight near frost conditions and we decided to set off early (8:15)  in near perfect conditions, sunny blue sky and slight breeze.  Hardly anyone else on the move as we cruise down the Cherwell Valley.  Some stretches of canal sadly lacking in signs of maintenance or any visible towpath.

At Heyford Bridie had great difficulty raising the lift bridge and she had to sit on it to keep it up.  It crashed down after I had passed through as she was unable to control its descent.  Other boaters reported similar difficulties and one elderly fellow complained that he had had problems and reported it two years ago without anything being done.  Maybe when a boat or it's crew are crushed CRT will take notice?

Stopped at the boatyard to fill with diesel and then watered up before setting off again.  Enjoying the mood until Dashwood locks where we  found a hire boat stuck in the lock unable to open the bottom gates sufficiently to get out of the lock.  A  boat we had passed earlier had warned us of a problem with this gate.  We helped open and shut the gate, flush water through and the boater used a pole to prod behind the gate all to no avail.  The boater behind us came to assist and also had a go with the pole and eventually we managed to force the gate back enough for the hire boat to escape.  Mindful of my time spent painting and the fact that the boat following had been close behind us I let him through first though queues were now forming above and below the lock.  We then decided to brave it and found it not too difficult although we put the first scrapes into the paintwork.  At the next lock Northbrook the situation repeated although this time it was a GRP that got itself well and truly stuck for a while and removed some of his aluminium trim trying to push through.  Again we let a different following boat proceed before us before we dared to try and again queues were again forming in both directions.   Each of the following locks seemed to exhibit the same trait with the bottom single gate not returning flush with the wall and reducing the width for the boat to pass through, though none as badly as the first two.  We did not wish to moor in Enslow, limited moorings anyway and close to the main road, so proceeded on to Thrupp passing along the river section on the Cherwell

to Shipton Lock where Bridie valiantly struggled to open the iron gate of the diamond shaped lock.  Once we were in the lock a boat arrived from opposite direction and the elderly boater came to Bridies assistance with the second gate.  He admitted to having trouble opening these gates too.   Arriving at Thrupp we made slow progress along the lines of moored boats (predominantly Thrupp CCC private moorings) with very limited mooring space for visiting boats.  We eventually found a spot and moored right outside The Jolly Boater -first priority a pint and glass of wine sitting outside admiring our battered boat (again).  Once tidied up we went in for a further pint or two and an evening meal.

Thursday 28th May: Moved another two locks ready for final push through Dukes cut tomorrow and moored below Kidlington Common lock about midday. A mixed cloudy day with sunny interludes not too warm but not too cold either both managing to sit outside for a while this afternoon.   Had the contents of the front gas locker out, two bottles included before cleaned it inside

and then using up a can of hammered silver Hammerite paint trying to cover up the rust.

Restored the locker contents once the paint had dried and attached the anchor ready for the Thames.    Had altercation with crew of Oxford hire boat who left bottom gate open at 6pm.   They insisted the hire base told them to leave the gates open and told me to **** off and mind my own business!  Given that we had experience of having Bridie getting worn out closing lock gates following a hire boat up the Napton flight I thought it was my business!  I went and closed the gate and no further boats came up the lock today.

Friday 29th May:  Change of plan.  We stayed put and watched the squally showers keep passing through.  Never really very heavy but sharp and sometimes long lasting.  For short periods the sun came out and the canal became calm then clouds appeared and the wind got going and down came another shower.  We did attempt a dog walk in the afternoon setting off in one of the sunny spells  and ventured into Stratfield Brake a local nature reserve but had not got far before we got wet! Otherwise managed to catch up with the blog a bit and read some books.

05-26 Somerton Deep Lock Oxford canal

Sunday 24th May: Not a brilliant day light showers started while dog walking first thing and continued as we moved the boat onto moorings by Banbury Castle Quays shopping centre.

Had 3 separate forays out food shopping using M&S and small Morrisons and Tesco outlets which are only real local possibilities within walking distance on a Sunday. Once stocks replenished went through lift bridge and lock to water point to fill up again and then moved on down the Oxford setting off from Banbury about 01:30.  Pleasant enough cruise all though we had to keep putting coats on and off either too cold, too warm (after exertion at locks) or too wet.  Little sunshine but still not spring weather let alone summer! Through Aynho about 5pm and looked for suitable place to moor for night and to possible chill out (or tackle the starboard side of the boat) tomorrow.  Though being a bank holiday Monday I do not hold out too much hope for a nice day weather wise!.  Finally moored beyond Aynho just before the lift bridge prior to Somerton Deep lock.

Monday 25th May: Well whilst not being a spectacular Bank Holiday Monday the weather was fine for polishing and painting the boat.  We did see a little sun and it was dry all day but cool and grey generally.  Repeated exercise of a few days back this time on the starboard side. 

Took longer for some reason - mainly because the paint work was worse this side but also because I spent some of the morning tidying the log and coal box chopping wood etc before I started so my back was already fairly bent before I started!

Tuesday 26th May: After all our exertions yesterday we decided to stay put and enjoy the scenery.

Took the dogs a walk down past Somerton Deep Lock and took lots of photo's.

Weather was much improved so much so that I sat outside and read for some of the afternoon and evening and unlike yesterday we failed to light a fire for the evening.  Paid the price for this overnight when it turned cold and we recorded a minimum temperature of 0.6 degrees.

Noticed over the three days here how the lift bridge is left.  When we arrived it was in the up position and boats were sailing through unhindered. But noticed three local joggers that passed used the bridge and left it in the down position.  Boats then found it necessary to stop and lift the gate and drop it after them. Unless they were single handing in which case they lifted it and got back on the boat from the offside leaving it raised.

So it was with some despair that we found ourselves having to lift the bridge to go through on wednesday morning after an early morning jogger left it down!

05-23 Banbury on the Oxford canal

Thursday 21st May:  Mainly sunny and warmer this morning still waiting for engineer to arrive with new part from Beta Marine so chill out and relax.  When Bob arrived however all he wanted was an engine serial number to send to Beta.  He suggested we move on and he can meet us at Cropredy or Banbury when the part arrives.  So on we traveled on what has to be the warmest, driest, sunniest day in May yet!  Moored up with a struggle at Cropredy for the evening after a very pleasant, if somewhat energetic, cruise through 8 locks. Booked a table for 2 at the Brasenose Inn and had a thoroughly good fish supper with suitable liquid refreshment.

Friday 22nd May: Late start after talking to Bob on phone, delivery expected today early afternoon so agreed to meet Banbury.  It was a bit grey to start and even mizzled on us as we watered up at the wharf

but brightened up later and was generally warm with nothing more than a minimal breeze.  Pleasant if somewhat short cruise again into Banbury where we managed to moor in front of the same boat as last night by the park. Spent the afternoon washing down and polishing port side of boat and prepping black band for a coat of paint (to replace some of that we have knocked off!)
Bob arrived while I was painting and installed the new oil pressure sender very quickly despite finding it difficult to get at.  Now will have to see if this has cured the problem.  Had an early night back rather stiff after all my exertions on port side. (Still got the starboard side to do!)

Saturday 23rd May: Stayed in Banbury today. Walked in park

with dogs first thing and then off into Banbury for lunch and shopping. Not a very exciting day weather wise but it is not raining and fairly calm but not overly warm. Back on the boat running the engine to replenish batteries and so far so good, oil pressure at tick over just under 50bar so looking good. 
15:50 can hear steam train leaving Banbury heading towards Birmingham (yes steam but can not see it)

05-20 Fenny Compton - Waiting for engine repair

Tuesday 19th May: Yet another grey, cloudy, cold, windy day with intermittent sunny spells and very heavy downpours.  We waited for a bright spell before departing for Fenny but had not got much more than a mile before the first of several heavy showers hit us..  I had shirt, jumper, jacket and waterproof plus gloves and still felt cold and this is May! Arrived at the water point at The Wharf in Fenny and yet another shower soaked us as we fought to moor the boat without getting too covered in the mud surrounding the two taps.   Called the engineer to inform him we are close but Beta Marine have not delivered part yet so will have to wait.  Get moored up about 12:15 and try to 'chill' out but already  too chilled to manage it. Very heavy rain showers on and off all afternoon. In a sunny interval the boat in front moved off and since we were on a bend with offside vegetation forcing boats to come rather close we decided to pull forward.  Easy except for the hail storm that started in the middle of the procedure!

Wednesday 20th May: Actually dry this morning but overcast and cold.  No news from engineer so decided to move forward again, this time jumping a few boats from the 48hr moorings we are on to the 14 day moorings a bit further on.  Nothing in site, prepare and cast off, then boat appears from behind and boat coming towards us as well! So end up straining on ropes at new mooring spot with both boats passing at same time.  Downside to 14 day moorings nearer to railway and an industrial unit is being erected behind the hedge.  However CRT are 'policing' these moorings visibly and we do not want to incur the new £25 per day fine for overstaying our welcome! Spent rest of morning getting up to date with finances on the internet and general domestic chores.  Managed a walk with the dogs down the towpath passed the marina.  We stopped to have a look round where we first stayed with Prairie Oyster as this was where we bought her nearly ten years ago.  We left because of the distance from home and the fact that the railway is rather a noisy distraction along here.

We retraced our steps to the towpath and along the cutting to the crossover bridge near what was a tunnel and is now a narrow cutting

and then back to the boat.  Then went another walk without the dogs into Fenny Compton along Station Road and into High Sreet to visit the Co-op for a small shopping trip. It managed to stay dry all day but no sign of spare part yet.  In the evening a boat squeezed in behind us with only inches to spare but expertly done.

05-18 Wormleighton South Oxford Canal

Saturday 16th May: A rather frustrating day. Started well enough as we moored by the only working tap (of two) at the junction and watched several boats making a mess of winding or turning onto the junction while our tank filled (rather slowly after being moored up for a few days).  Moving onto the South Oxford ourselves we found it to be very busy with lots of boats moored up and out for the weekend. Then our oil light came on and buzzer started sounding at low revs (almost continually given the number of moored boats).  Decided to call RCR and arranged for an engineer to come and check problem out before we caused any further damage.  After a very long wait of over three hours engineer arrived and reckoned we have a problem with the oil pressure sender.  He said it was loose and he had tightened it but once on the move problem recurred. During all this we met up with friends John and Anthea and arranged to meet at Napton finally mooring at The Bridge Inn for a drink, meal and chat.

Sunday 17th May: We made a reasonably early (for us) start from our mooring by the winding hole at the Bridge Inn.  We had a sunny start to the day but the cloud slowly built up with a cool breeze.  We were into the first lock at the bottom of Napton flight about 9:30 with assistance from a CRT chap and for the first few locks we passed a descending boat at each one so made swift progress. Then we caught up with a Napton hire boat ahead of us, who kept leaving the top gates open behind them, even though there were now no boats descending, making Bridie's work in preparing the locks harder. We joined up with them at the seventh lock and advised them of their error and helped them through this the top lock of the Napton flight. Then arriving at the bottom of the two Marston Doles locks we found ourselves about fifth in a queue for the lock.  It turned out a Kate hire boat descending was causing a blockage at the top lock!  The middle pound was about two foot down in level as a result and they arrived at the bottom lock as we were preparing to exit and managed to steer into the offside vegetation and ground themselves! We exited the lock with some difficulty and squeezed passed while a boater behind helped 'advise' them into the lock.  It was some time before we managed to clear the top lock and the Napton boat crew decided to tie up and have lunch in the middle of the queue. We watered up and moved on through the winding bends of the Oxford Canal and slowly caught up with the Napton boat in the distance at which point two Black Prince boats unmoored and set off literally just in front of us.   It was not until the first bend that either crew looked behind them to see they had company.  Our problem with the oil pressure sender now kicked in volubly as we had to use tickover and reverse to follow these two boats for the next two or three miles as they made contact with the towpath and offside vegetation, went aground and generally progressed at a snail's pace.

However we arrived at bridge 129 to find  a favoured mooring spot empty and moored with a grand view of the rolling countryside yellow with oil seed rape. This is very close to where HS2 is going to desecrate English countryside if our business friendly politicians have their way.  The rural peace of Wormleighton will certainly be shattered.

Monday 18th May:  It rained overnight and was raining, grey, cool and breezy all morning, first priority was to relight the fire!  We contacted Fenny Marina or at least after going on the internet found a phone number for Mitchell Narrowboats who seem to operate at what was Fenny Services.  Arranged for him to get a spare oil pressure sender unit and for us to be at Fenny tomorrow for when Beta Marine delivery occurrs. So staying where we are for today and keeping dry if we can.   There was a lull in the rain around dinner time and a brief burst of sunshine

so a quick dog walk ensued.  When we last moored here about three years ago we wrote a letter that was published in the Waterways World magazine complaining about the state of the vegetation along the Oxford towpaths.  This stretch had trees 12 feet or more high between towpath and waters edge.  Well we have to say that things are much improved and on my dog walk last night I could only find very limited evidence of any tree growth although the towpath was showing signs of being in need of a grass cutting team.  They arrived this morning in the pouring rain, a team of six with  mowers, strimmers and a blower (which they used on the boat to try and remove the grass debris but being wet that did not work!)  We can not complain, but we are slightly suspicious that our boats progress has been monitored and CRT arranged for the team to arrive while we are moored here just to prove a point!  Now all we want to see are a similar team dealing with the offside vegetation!  
Had some fantastic rainbow effects this evening with heavy rain and sunshine together.

05-15 Braunston on the North Oxford Canal

Sunday 10th May: A sunny start to the day and after watering up we turned left through the Junction onto Sutton Stop.

A bit processional for the early part of the day on the way to  to Ansty as we appeared to have three boats ahead of us. Two stopped at the water point and not sure what happened to the third but we had no one in sight as we cleared Ansty heading for Stretton alongside the railway.  Although calm and dry the day cooled and became gloomy.  No dramas until we moored at Newbold, just beyond the short tunnel, finding  a suitable mooring spot which required mooring pins upon which I over enthusiastically hurled the hammer into the canal!  The air was a bit blue and Bridie retreated with the dogs for  a walk while I started a fishing session with my trusty magnet!  Eventually successful we settled down for the evening.

Monday 11th May: Set off from Newbold intent on pausing at Rugby for a Tesco shop.   Had taken the dogs for a full circuit of the Newbold quarry first thing. Last time we were here fencing blocked the top path and a notice said the circuit was permanently blocked.  However despite the notice still being in evidence the fencing has been removed and I completed the circuit on a lovely sunny May morning without seeing another soul.  The water point at Rugby was out of action and after an abortive attempt to moor on the 7day mooring - couldn't get within three feet of the towpath and even I had difficulty getting off and on the boat let alone Bridie we moved on. Round the bend the park moorings were totally empty and we moored without a problem.

First Tesco shop completed we decided to stay put firstly so we could do some more shopping (we had limited our shop to what we could carry  back up the hill) although Molly (the trolley) was put to good use, and secondly we decided that it was time to explore Rugby town centre and see if we could get some new floor covering for our galley area.

Got sidetracked at @Range store buying some new seats and sleeping bag for the boat (this required me to return to the boat rather than carry the goods into Rugby)! Then started a route march into the town centre which required crossing the west Coast main line on a footbridge that require no less than four ramps and consisted mainly of footpath between either railings or hoardings past the massive GEC site and land destined for more housing estates.  Once in town given that today was both sunny and warm we decided we had worked up a thirst and hunger and visited The Lawrence Sheriff (a Weatherspoons) where we selected a Mexican Burrito each from the Mexican Monday menu plus pint of Doombar and a Pinot wine.  Not a bad selection as not only was it an extremely tasty and filling meal but we both eat and drank for a mere £11.98 which can not be bad.

Once replete we moved on and found Wood st thanks to our new mobile phone and Google maps where Rugby carpets are based.  Not an exhaustive selection of Vinyl floor coverings but we coped and came away carrying  a roll which we had to carry all the way back to the boat. Once aboard we spent an exciting evening removing the old to use as a template to cut the new and part fit in the galley, it will need a little refinement before we stick it down!

Tuesday 12th May:  Raining this morning and rather depressing after yesterday's sunny weather.  Rather slow start ensued with a quick trip to Tesco to buy some extra supplies of booze (well a bottle of Gin for the G&T's and a bottle of sherry), milk and other odd bit's and pieces to use up a Tesco voucher we couldn't use yesterday!  Actually set off in sun shine and light breeze so it could only go down hill from there and it did!  Luckily we had watered up and got through the three  Hillmorton locks before the real rain and wind arrived.  The water point was pretty useless at the bottom of the flight of locks - there were two taps one already in use by nb Martin a Kate Boats hire boat we had been following having had to wait for three boats to pass as we got underway.  Our tap was permanently leaking and the drain was blocked so the towpath and surrounding area a sea of mud.  The thread to connect our hose to was useless and so more water escaped as our hose kept disconnecting and I got soaked trying to reconnect it.  On top of that we couldn't get the boat less than two feet from the bank and the wind was trying it's best to take it to the other side of the canal. Oh what fun and to add insult to injury there was a pile of dog mess within two foot of the tap which some kind dog owning soul  had allowed it's rather large pooch to deposit!!!  Onwards and upwards, the three Hillmorton locks are duplicated and so usually provide a rather fast passage with a choice of lock chambers to use. But not so today, CRT were busy repairing the right hand chambers gates at the bottom of the flight and the right middle lock and left top lock were tied up out of action so short queues were the order of the day.  And wind speed was increasing!  Once clear of the lock flight we had a straight run to Braunston, that is if you exclude the half mile of online permit holder moorings on the approach to Barby marina and the fact that we caught up nb Oakthorpe the Ashby boat that had held us up last week.  Another and much more competent crew though and they very kindly invited us to pass which given that it was now raining on and off quite heavily I took advantage of.
 Moored up on the 14 day moorings just before the main road bridge and overlooked by the church on the hill.

Wednesday 13th May: Just because we are not moving today it dawned bright, sunny, warm and calm! First job after breakfast and dog walking was to remove the cratch cover and take it to AJ Canopies in Braunston for new zips and general seam repairs. Hopefully it will be ready Friday though we will probably have to mortgage the boat to fund it!   But still probably cheaper than buying a new one.  Had a wander around the marina at Braunston looking at the boats and buying a magazine.

Back at the boat for coffee we had a short trip to Midland chandlers for a look at what they have in the way of solar panels.  Nothing decided yet but it seems like the way to go. Back at the boat again we spent the rest of the day prepping the green panels inside the cratch area and the red floor area and treating rust spots with Kur-rust.  Then repainted the green panels and lockers this afternoon,  Hopefully it is going to stay dry long enough for it to dry ok, though the forecast for tomorrow is not good so the floor might have to wait.

Thursday 14th May: It did stay dry overnight so paint dried ok but it is dismal, depressingly grey and so far we have had several light showers this morning so front deck will have to wait and we will concentrate on finishing off the floor covering in the galley today since we are not moving on until we get the cratch cover back. It managed to rain pretty much all day and once the galley floor was finished Bridie got her water colours out and I read rather a lot of Paul Torday's latest (last) novel.

Friday 15th May: Early morning call from AJ Boat Services and I went to meet someone at the entrance to Midland Chandlers at 8:45 and cratch cover back in place by 9:30.Then proceeded to paint the front cratch floor area red.  It didn't take too long and since it now requires to be undisturbed and left to dry we went for a walk, lunch and shopping trip into Braunston.
Bought some goodies at the shop by the bottom lock including a plant  trough we  had been wanting to purchase for a while. Then on passed the second lock

to the Admiral Nelson for an excellent canal side lunch, Bridie had cod and chips and I had Buffalo burger!

Then on into Braunston High Street for some supplies and back to the boat.

05-09 Sutton Stop Hawkesbury Junction on the Coventry canal

Thursday 7th May:   Today was a definite improvement on the last two days but  although the wind had dropped we still managed to get wet with minor showers during the day.  We got going reasonably early and cruised down the Ashby through Market Bosworth and on to Sutton Cheney where we stopped to water up,  dispose of rubbish etc.  Moved the boat forward onto a vacant 24 hour mooring and went into Sutton Wharf to order some lunch.   At first we sat outside and watched a hire boat with Swedish crew arrive and turn but no sooner had we started our lunch then it started another downpour!   Friends John & Sue arrived by car at this point and managed to get wet just getting a parking ticket.   After a coffee together Bridie went off with Sue in car to do a bit of much needed shopping (not too many possibilities once north of Stoke Golding within easy walking of the canal) while John & I moved the boat on to moor up in Stoke Golding for the night.
 
Friday 8th May: General Election results to listen to during breakfast this morning! Set off about 9:30 first stop Ashby Hire base for 57l of diesel and a couple more bags of coal, second stop at bridge 23 for a bit more shopping at the farm shop and then at noon a third stop by the Limekiln where the A5 crosses the canal at Hinckley.  Only passed one boat during this time although once we set off towards the end of the Ashby we passed about five boats before reaching Marston Junction where we turned left back onto the Coventry and headed the short distance towards Sutton Stop (a stop lock at Hawkesbury Junction where we meet the North Oxford canal).  We passed another 5-6 boats in this section and managed to moor up just before the main moorings which appeared to be full.  Another shower of rain started just as we were trying to complete our manouvers .

Saturday 9th May:  Stayed put today apart from a minor adjustment of our mooring moving the boat onto the 7day mooring.  Weather still not brilliant but mainly dry and slightly warmer, at least less wind to make us feel cold. My sister joined us for a meal at The Greyhound Inn at Sutton Stop, which was well worth waiting for.  It was extremely busy with pre match drinks and meals for those attending a local Rugby match between Tigers and Wasps at the Ricoh Stadium which is close by.After lunch we took the dogs for a walk and ended up back at the Greyhound to use their WiFi.

05-06 Shackerstone by the Battlefield railway station

Wednesday 6th May:  Bridie woke the crew early today! We were up, dogs walked, boat underway, winded and moored at services, hose connected to tap and filling tank all by 7:15am breakfasted and heading back down the Ashby through the tunnel into Snarestone before 7:45.   Plenty of cloud but glimpses of blue sky and sunshine and still enough wind to make turning and steering hard work.  We only made it as far as Shakerstone before the wind was starting to get really wild. Mooring was a bit of a fight although we found a spot with a bit of hedgerow to provide a windbreak without actually being moored under any large trees just opposite Shackerstone station headquarters for the Battlefield steam railway (although closed up until the weekend).   Moored up and got fire going (it was only 15 degrees inside the boat) and by 10:30 it had started to rain again.

Bridie got her jigsaw out and I read my Kindle as the rained started to settle in and got heavier.  By lunchtime we had only seen about five boats on the move including one hire boat and one share boat heading south and a coal boat heading north.

He is probably not affected by the wind as much as us being deeper draughted and of low profile.
The afternoon got wilder with the wind sounding like an express train roaring through and one minute it would be dry and the next pouring with rain again.  Only another two boats heading south so not that many braving the weather.  

05-04 Snarestone Wharf - end of the Ashby Canal

Saturday 2nd May; A miserable cold grey sky with light rain and freezing (well b. cold!) when on the move. Decided to brave the elements despite the chap passing being dressed for the arctic and decidedly shivering.  Stopped to water up at the Lime kiln next to A5 and then pressed on to Trinity marine in Hinckley where we stopped (fighting the wind to get moored alongside)  for a couple of bags of coal and some milk.  Not much else on display in Chandlery which is under re-organisation.  Off and on to Stoke Golding where we caught up with an Ashby Hire boat called Oakethorpe under (all too brief) instruction. They dropped off their tutor at the hire base and we were then forced to proceed at tick-over and less (using reverse on more than one occasion) all the way to Sutton Cheney where they moored at the water point.  At this point they had hit almost every bridge along the way, piled head on into the piling on a bend, rammed a moored boat, gone aground and we were freezing!   We moved on, tried to moor at the bend near Shenton but couldn't get within two feet of the piling and went another mile to be clear of over hanging trees. 

Moored up with a field of bright yellow rape on the offside out in middle of nowhere (well about 300 yards from the aqueduct which will let us walk to the Battlefield Railway if the weather is kind tomorrow).

Sunday 3rd May;  Heavy rain overnight and this morning so staying put for a lazy day.  Having said that we have some chores to do and we will see how the weather is later. Fire still in and although temperature supposed to be about 15degrees outside it does not feel it.  Had intended to try and catch first train of day but weather not conducive so aborted.  Painted bathroom radiator and bottom of the fridge door which had started to rust.  About 2pm sun shining and passing boat crew saying what a great day it was so took dogs for a walk to Shenstone station.  No sooner are we a 100 yards from the boat and the heavens opened again so we were fairly wet by the time we got to the station.   Watched glass blowing in the new waiting room! and then took a quick look at the pottery in the old waiting room.   GWR 2-8-0 3803 arrived at 3:20pm with five coaches.

It ran round its coaches departing again at 3:35pm.and we decided to take advantage of the 2 for 1 offer on the late departure to Shakerstone and return.

Had 20 minutes in Shakerstone before the return trip departed and once back at Shenstone we walked back down the lane and tow path to the boat, this time the weather being a little more kind and we did not get wet.

 Monday 4th May; A pleasant sunny morning and a bank holiday Monday - hardly compatible!  After a slow start and pleasant dog walk in the Leicestershire countryside applied final coat of paint to fridge door and prepared to move off.   First stop at Market Bosworth for water.  Had to wait for another boat already on the water point and an Ashby Hire boat using the winding hole to turn.  This winding hole now leads into a new marina which was not there on our last visit.  What happened to the second tap? Is it buried under the entrance?  There used to be room for at least four boats to moor up for water with two taps. Now only one tap and room for one boat and WHY oh WHY are there permit holder moorings immediately outside the marina entrance?  Is there no one in CRT capable of joined up thinking?  It is BW mentality all over again, say one thing and do another!  Perhaps we should encourage every visiting boat on the Ashby canal to turn into the marina and request they provide a tap to water up at?

Having hovered in the winding hole to let the Ashby Hire boat proceed past the water point and the boat filling up depart we then reversed onto the it and filled up. Then off onwards and upwards through Shackerstone, through Snarestone and the tunnel and onto the terminus at Snarestone wharf.

Once moored we took the dogs for a walk to see the latest addition to the canal which now goes about 200yards beyond the old pump house to a point where a narrows, for a bridge(?), leads to what will be a small winding hole.  We then walked along the old line of the canal to where it was breached due to mining subsidence in the 60's. It is very obvious on this stretch how the level descends to a point some 5 metres below the old canal level. Talked to some Ashby Canal association members working at felling and burning trees where a slight deviation and major raising of the canal bed is required.   They told us we can expect to be able to travel by boat along this section in about 2 years time and that there will be a new winding hole and moorings there.  Walked as far as this post showing depth of mine seams below the old canal bed

and then returned to the boat.

For more info on the restoration of the Ashby canal see http://www.ashbycanal.org.uk/ashby_canal_restoration.html 

and for more pictures of the canal see  http://www.ashbycanal.org.uk/ashby_canal_slideshow.htmlhttp://www.ashbycanal.org.uk/ashby_canal_slideshow.html

Managed a dry walk back to the Globe in Snarestone about 4pm and had a 'happy' hour in a rather deserted pub listening to the local gossip,  new owners just taken over,  new glasses first use (!) but no food other than crisps and nuts so after a couple of pints/wines we headed back.
  
Tuesday 5th May;  Not a day for cruising with winds of up to 60mph forecast for today.  Heavy rain overnight and very blustery from first thing although I did manage a dog walk down the new stretch of canal to take  photo's of the site of the new bridge 62

and winding hole.  Repeated the exercise again during the day between heavy showers of rain, both times managing to stay reasonably dry but nearly blown into the canal!  On our own here at the terminus for most of the day and then nb Toulose arrived winded and moored in front, the only other boats on the move winded and retreated without stopping apart from one and they didn't stay long.  Had some rather spectacular rainbows early evening.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is more of the same wet and very windy (40mph +) although there may be a dry and calmer spell between about 6am and 10am.  The Ashby Canal association hut and bric a brac stall stayed locked up all the time we were at the terminus so unable to get a magazine as I had hoped.

05-01 Onto the Ashby Canal

Wednesday 29th April; We left Hopwas about 10:30 heading for Fazeley Junction.  Had a mostly dry (apart from a short hail shower not long after setting off) and sunny cruise though still not very warm.  Waited to water up at Peel wharf  alongside the traders boat Witchcraft with two Skye terriers on board that we had introduced Mabel to in Stone and then while we were watering up Aida from Mercia marina moored alongside us.   Moved on, arriving at the bottom of the two Glascote locks in Tamworth with the bottom lock full and gates open for a single hander about to descend from the top lock.  Bridie went to assist and ended up doing four locks instead of two! Hudson's boatyard by the top lock was mostly deserted with just 4/5 partly completed grey primed hulls after the death of the boatbuilder last year.   We moored up briefly at Armington for Bridie to visit the local Co-op store, to eat lunch and give the dogs some exercise and then moved on through Alvecote and Polesworth.  The golf course before Alvecote won't be seeing any golfers any time soon given the length of the grass and the number of dandelions on the greens! Drawing near to Atherstone we passed under the west coast main line again and followed it closely through the narrows rounding a bend towards bridge 50 where we moored for the night.  A favoured spot we heve moored here a few times before climbing the Atherstone flight.  The railway is partly hidden from view behind a small hill and there is a good view with no road noise to speak of.   Walked the dogs up to Grendon wharf and back before dinner and had a peaceful evening once the last boats had passed.

Thursday 30th April;  Started wet, rather windy and cold so we didn't rush to set off after taking the dogs for a walk electing to stay in the warmth from the fire which we have managed to keep in for several days now.  temperatures are falling to fairly low numbers each night still even though we have not seen frost since our first few days on board.  By mid day it seemed to have improved and we decided to brave the wind and set off, watering up just before the bottom lock.  There are eleven locks at Atherstone and they start in pairs with about half a mile between the pairs.  As we ascended we had another boat following hard on our heels and we only had two locks in our favour as we passed one boat at the bottom and one boat at the very top.  Either the temperature improved or we warmed up from the work involved!  At most locks I managed to get PO lined up and slowed down so that I could step off and climb the steps to help Bridie shut the pair of bottom gates once PO was safely and slowly in the lock.  We would then open the top paddles Bridie move on to the next lock and I would open the single gate move PO out, shut the gate and open the lower paddle for the following boat before moving on to the next (by which time Bridie would have the gates open).  We had help at a couple of locks from volunteers who were out picking litter, painting lock gates (white on the second lock up),  cleaning up dog mess!, and mowing lock sides (with a hand mower - too much bother with H&S to use a motor mower and handle petrol!)  With all eleven locks behind us we arrived at Atherstone moorings after about two hours.   The old coal yard has been tidied since we last went through here and the office looks used now but no coal.  Moored up for the night in time for a quick visit to the shops except that Thursday is half day closing, however we did find the Co-op was open.
Not the best of mooring spots in Atherstone, outside peoples gardens and opposite a factory which I am sure has been derelict for as long as we have been boating and very much on the locals dog walk circuit!  However we were moored just in front of three trading boats with the GUCC motor Stanton moored right behind

- his bow is so high out of the water it is nearly above the level of our 'pramhood'.

Friday May 1st;  Spent the morning around Atherstone.  Had a look for some new floor covering for our kitchen area but found nothing suitable on offer.  Another quick shop in the Co-op and a look at the trading boats sculptures and art work before setting off through Hartshill past the old BW yard that was closed up but now in use again.

Through Nuneaton, a spot I find  hardly worth slowing down for, much less stopping.  Sorry to anyone that lives or works there (friend John included) but when the people of Nuneaton tidy up the litter and rubbish that is strewn alongside and in the canal,  when I pass through and do not see masses of floating debris, that is when I will be more inclined to stop! Rounding a bend after Nuneaton we caught Aida in the middle of setting off and they followed also heading for the Ashby.

Although the Ashby is a deviation from our intended route, the Ashby branch canal is a favourite of ours. It is only about 22 miles long, that being the currently navigable length of its 30 original miles and there are no locks - so it will be a bit of a holiday for us!.  Also we have friends who live close to the canal in Stoke Golding who we hope to meet up with.

At Marston Junction nb Vixen was just turning onto the Ashby branch having come from the Coventry direction and we followed immediately behind closely followed by nb Aida

After about three miles we moored up outside Burton Hastings  just before the permit holder moorings, boating over for another day.   Weather seems to be better now than while we were cruising I had got quite cold on the back of the boat today.