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Published: July 28th 2019
July 22
Reading
Tried to find a way to Tesco, but failed! So set off through Blake's Lock
back to the Thames...the licence system is daft, because you can't
buy a certain number of days per year to allow cruising on and off
the river. The section downstream from Reading is unspectacular, but
starts to improve at Sonning. Pretty towards Henley, with lots of
interesting bankside houses. Through the impressive regatta course
and past Temple Island. High wooded hills to the north, then a pretty
run to Henley. Houses like St Mary's Abbey include and eclectic mix
of styles. Moored above Marlow Bridge.
July 23
Marlow - River Thames
Overcast.
Went for a walk around the town, which has pretty main streets, but
extremely busy and lots of "bijou" shops and boutiques.
However, a very nice coffee shop with free pastries. Next river
section is full of contrasts. First lots of posh houses, then at Bray
the river goes into a canal like setting, narrow with trees both
sides. Bray Lock is in a splendid setting. Then the massive beech
woods of the Cliveden Estate on the north side - the house
has
splendid views down the river. Then more large houses either side of
Maidenhead Bridge. Surprisingly isolated stretch until magnificent
Windsor Castle suddenly comes into view.
July 24
Windsor
Sunny/cloud.
Engine hours 1049. Pump out £8!! Fuel 67p litre!! (well it is in
Royal territory here!). Moored in view of the Castle, wondered
whether "she" can see us, and watch the rowers. Spent the
morning exploring Windsor. The Royal Staition has been transformed
into a great "bijou" shopping centre, so we had a nice
coffee there! Back on river, swept down past Staines and Chertsey
(Kirsten's birthplace!), all very flat with no notable features or
even houses to look at! Into the River Wey at Shepperton, and found
out that the Basingstoke Canal is not closed after all...we had been
looking forward to revisiting the canal we helped restore and see our
old house and friends! Interesting lock procedure at Weybridge...the
water level has to be raised below the lock by means of a "stop
gate".
July 25
Weybridge
Sunny.
Walked into town, which neither of us could remember. Not terribly
inspiring..busy streets with no defined centre and
no notable
buildings. However, nice coffee in Italian restaurant. Back to the
boat for a clean up and off to Town Lock and past the industrial
estate to Addlestone. At Coxes Lock we were back on home territory
and saw the old Mill converted into luxury flats.
July 26
Addlestone
Sunny
again! Started the day by walking into Addlestone, firstly around
Coxes Mill and wildlife reserve then across the pick your own farm.
Only vague memories of the town, which seemed a bit tatty. Into Bois
Hall Road and immediately met an old neighbour Janice with god
daughter Elena! No 79, where we lived for two years, is now pretty
unloved and has an awful front extension. Cycled to New Haw to our
solicitor Mick's office where we paid the deposit for our Welsh farm
Coedmor-fach. Found a lovely mooring spot and Mick and Jan turned up
on bikes for a great evening...except that Mick went into a ditch on
the way home in the dark!
July 27
West Byfleet - Dodds and Murrays footbridges
Our 28th Anniversary and 1st Anniversary of being "aboard"!
Went down to the
Anchor PH, one of our old haunts, where we planned
to spend the evening. Got back and and spent a happy morning
painting. Went back to the pub at 8pm...but NO FOOD! Back to the boat
and spent a much better evening ...stir fry, champagne, music and
dancing to Queen and the Beatles on the foredeck till 1am!
July 28
West Byfleet
Sunny again...though hungover! Help. Gill (Sue's sister), Anna, Emily and
Kirsten coming to see us. Moved the boat to the Anchor PH and I
cycled to west Byfleet for supplies (mainly booze!). Everybody
arrived and we had a big table by the boat. Even got the plastic
dinghy out and had some fun when the bung came out! Kirsten came in
her new BMW Z3...very smart!
July 29
Newark Lock
Sunny.
Shared the lock with some friendly Dutch people on holiday, then
slowed down to enjoy the scenery. This is very pretty stretch of
countryside, particularly after Newark Priory and on to Papercourt
Lock, with it's pretty weit and cottage. Not so nice through the
Broadwood Cut, but back to delightful windy river from Worsfold Flood
Gates south towards Trigg's Lock had a BBQ here in 30 degrees...the
hottest day so far! Some swans started to peck the boat!
July 30
Trigg's Lock
Sunny.
Through a pretty strectch of river and canal, which gets quite narrow towards
Sutton Place and does a dramatic turn at Broadoak Bridge back to the
river by a weir. Then a wide section lined with trees and wild
flowers in abundance. Another sharp turn into Bowers Lock, followed
by a cut towards Guildford. Back onto the river lined with ancient
willows to Stoke Lock, then through the back door of the town past
the National Trust base at Dapdune Wharf. Moored below Onslow Bridge,
then shopping before a night at the cinema watching "Minority
Report".
July 31
Guildford
Rain!
Into the town to find a launderette. Visiting Guildford in a very
different capacity, as back in the day I was employed by Guildford
Council as a Junior Town Planner....my first job in 1976! Nearly got soaked
in sight of the launderette. Did some more
shopping in the sales; Sue needed a hat for a forthcoming wedding.
Took the boat onwards to Millmead Lock and moorings in the water
meadows. Watched the rowers going up and down!
August 1
St Catherine's Meadows
Bright.
Cleaned the boat outside; was covered in sand washed from the
towpath. Onwards through pretty water meadows around Shalford, a
windy section with sandy hills to the water edges and under the
Pilgrims Way FB. Shallow St Catherine's Lock, then very attractive
section down to Unstead Lock and into Godalming. Past low Broadmead
Bridge and the junction with the Wey and Arun Canal. Saw a nice horse
boat at the Wharf, then moored and shopped at Sainsbury! Long chat
with the owner of NB Olaf, on his boat for four years.
August 2
Godalming
Sunny!
This is the southermost point of our cruise. The town is very
attractive, with a lovely market cross and huge spired church.
Several nice shopping streets and pavement cafes. During the evening,
Guildford Regent and Guildford Castle hire boats passed with about 20
drunk lads aboard. The boats were racing each other and having water
fights....not very canal proper behaviour! Then a boatload of girls
doing the
same things. Wonder what state the boats will come back
in?!
August 3
Unstead Lock
Sunny!
Waited for the horse boat to go by. Left just in time to meet
Guildford Regent and Guildford Castle heading our way....gave them a
very wide berth just in case they hadn't sobered up yet! Moored at
Shalford Meadows again and paid first ever visit to the Museum.
August 4
Shalford Meadows
Dull/overcast.
When brighter went for walk on the Pilgrims Way towards Farnham,
then back for Sunday roast! A cow in the field had died, and we
watched the farmer towing it away behind his tractor...poor thing!
Heavy thunderstorm overnight!
August 5
Shalford Meadows
Spent most of the day drinking coffee and waiting to hear about the
contracts for our project in Wales. The river was very busy today.
August 6
Shalford Meaows
Sue got out her sewing machine to make the veil for niece Anna. The
generator came into use....a bit bizarre to be using a jenny powered
sewing machine! I made some filler pieces to go around
the windows.
August 7
Shalford Meadows
Gave the boat a good polish up, and set off for Guildford Boat House.
Friendly lad gave us a pump out; amazingly he had never seen an
electric boat toilet before! Rapid progress up river, and just before
Triggs Lock at 1445 hear that we had exchanged contracts on our
project in Wales. Perhaps we will now have a home on land again, but
a lot of work before that happens as it is totally derelict. Splashed
out on a champagne celebration dinner, only to be rudely interrupted
by an enormous crash as NB Guildford Duke rammed us while a
thunderstorm raged!
August 8
West Byfleet – Murray's Bridge
Overcast.
Onto the Basingstoke Canal at last. Early start for the run up to
Lock 1. Slight trouble with the 90 degree turn. Waited for the lock
ranger whio arrived at 0945 and allowed us in once registration
procedures carried out. Slow but gentle filling lock. A strange
feeling boating through here. These and all the locks were derelict
when we left the area in 1982. I spend several years helping to
restore
the canal as a volunteer with the Surrey and Hampshire Canal
Society but never saw it completed until now! Past the amazing
houseboats towards Woking. No other boats, wide pounds with trees and
posh houses set back. These sections were once dry as a bone! Moored
at the Bridge Barn for a great meal, and shopped in Safeway!
August 9
Woking – Bridge Barn PH
Rain.
Set off towards the first of 23 locks to Frimley. Through St John's
Locks, with no problems except a drifting mud barge blocking the way.
Had to go into the bushes to pass. Arrived at Brookwood Locks. Very
familiar place, as I ran an SHCS Working Party here back in 1976-8.
The nearby garage where we got tea during volunteer days and the
bridge have both been rebuilt. Nice to see Locks 12-14 restored, and
there is still a barking dog in the house opposite. Met a rare boat
coming the other way halfway up the Deepcut Flight, and another after
the long cutting. Moored at the the Canal Centre where another
boater told us, at great length, of his trip here from the River
Trent!
August 10
Mytchett – Potter's Pool
Visited the Canal Centre for a cup of tea. Then spent a great evening in the
Potters Restaurant reminiscing about past times with old University
friends Andy and Mary. Andy was drummer to my bass playing in our
band Sheerwater.
August 11
Mytchett
Set off for Ash Vale. Such a lovely day we spent an afternoon in one of
the wide "flashes" off the main canal. Peaceful, yet so
close to houses. Moored above Ash Lock, passing lots of lovely yellow
loosestrife.
August 12 - 13
Ash Lock
Went to Wales to inspect our new purchase!
August 14
Ash Lock
Our eldest grandaughter Jade came to stay. A leisurely breakfast. Under a
bridge near Aldershot we received a Venetian (One More Cornetto..!)
serenade from a passing cyclist. On towards Fleet, then moored at
Reading Road Wharf. Took Jade into Fleet to get a fishing rod, and
couldn't resist a "Rosy and Jim" narrow boat toy. Amazed at
how the town centre has changed since we left in 1982. Line of two
storey shops
replaced by mega shopping mall! Moored near
Dogmersfield and spent the afternoon fishing. Caught two tiddlers
which sadly died and caused floods of tears!
August 15
Dogmersfield – Cunningham's Row
Sunny and very warm. Engine hours now 1112. As we got ready to leave, a
canoe came by and a familiar voice said "Is this your first
visit to the Basingstoke Canal?". It was David Millett, a friend
and former SHCS Chairman. We had a long chat, during which he
explained that the SHCS had decided not to press for restoration
beyond Greywell Tunnel because of the Natterer bat population. A
separate new tunnel was being considered! Cruised on to Odiham, where
we took on fuel from Jim, and had a pumpout. Apparently this section
has been weed infested for some years, and we ploughed our way
through to North Warnborough Lifting Bridge. This was VERY stiff, but
we got through to a mooring near the Whitewater Aqueduct.
August 16
Whitewater Aqueduct winding hole
Sunny!
Started the day with a walk up the towpath to see Greywell Tunnel.The
canal is now very shallow but incredibly clear, especially at
the
tunnel mouth, because of the springs here. The tunnel is gated to
protect the colony of Natterer's Bats, and for that reason cannot be
reopened. There were plans to dig a parallel tunnel, but too costly.
Also the cost of crossing the M3 and building a new basin in
Basingstoke. Also visited King John's castle again, which looked
lovely with flowers. Jade seemed very happy.
August 17
Coxheath Wharf
Discovered that today is the National Canal Angling Championship, with 1000+
anglers on the towpath, so set off early to get back to Fleet! Moored
at our old local, the Fox and Hounds. Alastair came to collect Jade
and stayed over lunch. Anna and Julius called to see us. Then had a
great evening with old friends Penny and Tim, and Jenny, Eddie and
Jonathan. Got thoroughly p****d all evening! Nearly got Al a job
building a boat for Keith the Landlord!
August 18
Fox and Hounds Fleet
Great barbeque at Penny and Tim's house down the the road from our old
house!
August 19
Eelmoor Flash
Part cloudy. Spent most of the
day in this delightful place, only
disrupted by the odd passing plane from Farnborough Airfield. Great
spot for plane spotting during the airshow! Later on we ran on
through to Ash Lock and back up towards Mytchett.
August 20
Potters at Mytchett
Dull and muggy. Brightened by the time we moved over to the canal centre.
One of the best ever pumpouts; only £4 for an endless session! On up
to Deepcut Locks with the ranger who used to work on the canal
dredger Perserverance, apparently now retired to Ellesmere Port. I
knew a lot of the old volunteers still there such as Brian Bane, Andy
Stumpf, and Frank Jones. On through the flight, meeting only two
boats coming the other way, before mooring at Brookwood.
August 21
Brookwood
Sunny.
Lockeeper told us to wait until three boats came up the locks. One of
them had drained water from the St John's Locks the day before, which
needed to be refilled.
The bridge at Brookwood bottom locks is being rebuilt, so the channel is
very narrow. The foundations for the new bridge look like mediaeval
church pillars! Reached Kiln Bridge, and I rode off to collect some
important mail. Good Indian takeway, but noisy early part of the
night due to a club by the canal!
August 22
Kiln Bridge, St. John's
Cloudy!
Spent the morning doing the ironing and washing the covers off the
dinette seats and chairs in the local lauderette. We were asked to
share locks on the flight with another boat, but it turned out to be
9ft wide, so no go! Down to the Bridge Barn at Arthur's Bridge where
we cleaned the boat from stem to stern. Memorable evening spent at
the Bridge Barn with old friends, Fran and her children Sarah and
Rollie, Barry and June, and Mick and Jan...great to see them all
again!
August 23
Bridge Barn, Arthur's Bridge
Cloudy.
Surprisingly no hangovers! Went to moor at the Wooden Bridge. Into
Woking where David got a new watch. Sainsbury not open, so had to go
luxurious in M and S instead. Loads of great fruit and veg from the
market for only £13. Fran and and Sarah joined us for the trip back
to
the River Wey. Sarah steered a lot, despite being only about 9,
while Sue and Fran did locks. Saw Sue's old boss Cath O'Neil at
Sheerwater. Back on the Wey and had lunch before running hard aground
north of New Haw. Took about 45 minutes to free ourselves before
cruising to moor at Coxes Lock.
August 24
Coxes Lock, River Wey
Overcast.
Spent some time checking over the engine, while Sue did draft adverts
for our Welsh property. Had to wait at Thames Lock for the lockeeper
to finish his lunch! Went through at 1400 with a novice boat! Then up
the Thames to Walton, where walked to the station to meet our
daughter Eleanor and welcome her aboard her new home!
August 25
Walton on Thames
Overcast.
Moved up early through Sunbury Lock to moor at Hurst Park. David's
sister Miranda came to meet us with Harriet and Charlie, and we went
back to their place for a nice al fresco lunch.
August 26
Hurst Park, East Molesey
Overcast.
Moved down to Molesay Lock, where we met Tim and Miranda, Charlie,
Harriet and William. Pumped out the tank and took on water. Then
through the lock for the run to Teddington. Moored at the Lensbury
Club, where we enjoyed a nice barbeque. At 1530 went down Teddington
Lock with everyone aboard. Then the tidal run against the current
down through Richmond to Brentford Locks. Rather windy but no rain.
Locked into the Grand Union Canal at about 1730. Shared the gauging
lock with another boat.
August 27
Grand Union Canal - Clitheroe's Lock, Osterley
Overcast.
The weather improved as we waited for several boats to use the lock.
Eleanor walked the towpath. Strange mixture of industry, housing and
green corridor through the outskirts of the city. Hanwell Locks are
in a very pretty setting, quite a surprise. Passed beside a mental
hospital, from which various characters emerged to sit and watch our
progress. Slow behind another boat, and one pound had to be refilled!
Long straight stretches before Norwood Top Lock, where BWB office is
located. Nice lockeeper gave a beautiful set of canal prints! Moored
outside Tesco at Bull's Bridge.
August 28
Bull's Bridge Junction
Sunny!
After cleaning
the boat we headed for the Paddington Arm. The canal
seemed very clean and surprisingly rural. We could have been in the
middle of the countryside for most of the way, although there are
some industrial stretches near Southall, and when reaching Alperton.
We arrived in Little Venice after passing a boat from Currey Peachey,
who was related to the Sprague family of New York, a shipping company
apparently! After a pumpout and due to the lack of moorings moved
back down the canal to Kensal Green and moored at Sainsbury. Saw a
tortoise or terrapin on the bank!
August 29
Kensal Green Sainsbury
Misty.
Moved back to Little Venice. Walked to Oxford Street and did shopping
with Eleanor. Forgot how crowded this area can be!
August 30
Little Venice
Bought Coedmor-fach today! Spent most of the day getting ready for Anna's
wedding. Taxi arrived at 1.30 and arrived at Chelsea Registry Office
in good time. Wedding was great then photos in Onslow Gardens.
Reception at the Den in Parsons Green. Good meal, danced till 1am and
taxi back only £12!
August 31
Little
Venice
Gill and Alistair joined us and set off for Limehouse at 10.0am Through
Maida Hill and Islington Tunnels. Lively Camden Lockand lunch stop at
St Pancras Locks. Great contrast of poor and wealthy districts.
Amazing Victoria Park and friendly towpath users. Crystal clear water
especially near the Basin. Moored among yachts in the Basin. Met Mick
and Jan for a tour of Docklands and meal at Tapas Bar converted from
warehouse.
September 1
Limehouse Basin
Sunny.
After breakfast back through the Regent's Canal. Met Mick and Jan
again at Camden, and he chased us in his chair back to Little Venice.
September 2
Little Venice
Another lovely day. Slept in to recover from the day before. Stopped at
Willow Tree Marina for fuel water and pump out. Engine hours 1180.
Fuel 92 litres. Then moored for their excellent launderette and
restaurant. Off towards Bulls Bridgeand after drab industrial section
found good moorings opposite Slough Arm at Cowey Peachey.
September 3
Grand Union Canal - Cowey Peachey
Hazy sun. Rapid progress. Set off early through Cowley Lock and succession
of
locks about 1 mile apart. In the Colne Valley Park, a a group of
lakes and reservoirs bordering the canal.London left behind at last!
Denham is the the deepest GU lock at 11ft. Watered at Copper Mill
Lock. Joined by another boat for several locks, the owners come from
the River Stort. Town returns briefly near Rickmansworth, before
beautiful countryside at Cassiobury Park.
September 4
Cassiobury Park
Hazy sun. Cassiobury Park is very attractive, with locks in lovely
settings. Realised that fisherman fish near moored boats because they
know most passing boats slow down. Wonderful scenery near Grove Mill,
and Grove Bridge built in fine style to pacify the Earl Of Essex.
Donkey braying at we went through Hinton Bridge Locks. At last free
of London as we passed below the M25! Community of boats here,
surprisingly, but quiet under the motorway bridge! Lots of new
development in Hemel, and moored in shadow of Kodak Tower designed by
my Dad!
September 5
Lampeter - Wales
Went to take formal possession of Coedmor-fach!
September 6
Hemel Hempstead
Visited by the fishing bailiff who couldn't understand
what we enjoyed about
boating.Long series of locks continues. At Winkwell, saw a plaque
recording that the locks keeper drowned in his own lock! A rare
swing bridge here, and the ancient Three Horsehoes Pub. Berkhampstead
is entered through tasteful new housing, the the port being the end
of the Barge canal. Old boater still lives in the lock
cottage.Shopped at handy Waitrose, then on to Cowroast Lock at the
top. Last of 52 locks in 29 miles. Exhausted!
September 7
Cowroast – Tring Summit
Sunny but cooler. Through Tring Cutting, and impressive tunnel through the
trees. Splendid Bulbourne Yard is where they build lock gates.
Shared pretty Marsworth flight with young couple who only had a tiny
windlass. Moored near Slapton and picked blackberries!
September 8
Slapton
Hazy sun. Saw mink. Through pleasant countryside to Leighton Buzzard where
we stopped at canalside Tescos. Pretty country and and pleasant
isolated locks to Soulbury. Three locks and being a Sunday lots of
gongoozlers outside the pub! Picked blackberries for apple crumble to
go with lamb for tea!
September 9
Soulbury Bridge 106
High
cloud. A long day driving along in pouring rain. Into Milton Keynes,
but you would never know that so many people live nearby as the canal
is rural throughout. Wolverton is more industrial, with old railway
works nearby. Over the Great Ouse on embankment and historic iron
aqueduct. Shared Cosgrove Lock with a trip boat, but only four
passengers today. Moored near Stoke Bruerne. First fire of the
season!
September 10
Stoke Bruerne
Sunny.
Through the flight, reckoning that they were some of the worst with
stiff paddles and heavy gates. The canal village is very pretty.
Coffee at the Boat, and visited the canal museum with model of Foxton
Inclined Plane. Blisworth Tunnel was easy, although met two boats
including a diesel belching "oldie" which nearly gassed us!
Serviced engine at Grand Junction Boatyard at Gayton.
September 11
Gayton – Bridge 45
Sunny.
Glorious day. Because of 9/11 several houses flew stars and stripes.
Stopped at Concoform Marine in Weedon for a pump out. A loud siren
turned aout to be warning to railway workers on the line. Huge
numbers of geese on twisty canal which
is unfortunately close to the
M1 and main railway at Whilton. Shared Buckby locks with couple from
Boston, Lincs.!
September 12
Leicester Arm - Ball's Bridge
Mist followed by sun. The noise from the M1 and the railway is deafening,
reaching a crescendo at Watford Gap. The lockeeper on the Watford
Flight turned out to be an 18 year old girl with a dog! We got better
instructions from some boating ladies. Easy to work though, and M1
goes away before haunted Crick Tunnel. Beautiful countryside and
windy canal, passing yellow straw bales in green and yellow landscape
with low hills. Past Welford Arm and through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel
to Foxton Locks.
September 13
Train to Spalding to visit Sue's parents.
September 15
Foxton Locks
Spent time watching boats go through and and visted site of inclined plane.
Away south again to moorings near the Welford Arm.
September 16
Welford - Sparford Bridge 41
Overcast morning spent doing ironing and tax return! Through countryside of hay bales,
sheep and increasingly ploughed up fields. Kingfishers flew over the
boat.
Moored below lovely Cracks Hill north of Crick Tunnel, with
sheep grazing on the flanks.
September 17
Crick – Cracks Hill
Overcast.
A lovely mooring, with bullrushes on the water margins. Took
advantage of low sidings to touch up paintwork. Went into Crick for
milk and eggs. No passing traffic in Crick Tunnel today. At Watfod
Flight met crazy Americans in Canaltime boat who wanted to open
gates into a full lock! To Braunston via the tunnel, where we met
lots of passing boats. Had to slow down a lot! Shared the locks with
a couple from the New Forest on the way to Devizes.
September 18
Braunston – Grand Union Main Line
Overcast.
Moored on Braunston "puddle bank", a high embankment built
when the Oxford Canal was shortened. Very attractive windy section to
Napton through quiet rolling countryside with great views, especially
to the north. Turned NW at Napton through Stockton Locks, all with
distinctive hydraulic paddle gear about 8ft tall. The old narrow
locks are alongside the new wider ones, but mostly "weired".
Through Bascote Staircase and several lone locks, some with barrel
vaulted roofs. Wood
Lock was particularly pretty.
September 19
Fosse Bottom Lock 22
Overcast.
Down one more to the bottom level of the canal near Leamington. Town
entry is through housing and back gardens and new housing. Stopped at
a pub called The Moorings, before trip to Sainsbury about 1/2 mile.
Sailed across the Avon Aqueduct to Warwick. Moored at Kate's Boats,
before walking into town. Very pretty centre full of antique shops,
cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
September 20
Warwick moorings
Overcast.
To Kate Boats for fuel and pump out. Very thorough, as they must have
refilled the tank several times to flush through. Through Cape Locks,
though the second pound was pretty empty, perhaps due to the log
wedged in the gates! Moored opposite the famous Cape of Good Hope PH,
before walking into Warwick to see the Castle. Excellent displays,
enlivened by Madam Tussaud waxwork figures! Pretty gardens, only
spoiled by crowds of noisy Americans and French school children.
September 21
Hatton Bottom Lock
Hazy sun. Up early and hit the Hatton 21 locks at 0847. Amazingly quick passage in 3
hours,
only held up by waiting for descending boats. The Shrewley
Tunnel was very wet, and then we saw another Hanbury sailaway boat
like ours. Pretty embankments and cutting through Rowington. Sat out
in the warm sun!
September 22
Turners Green – Bridge 63
Sunny.
Picked blackberries for pud! On to Kingswood Junction, a veritable
canal crossroads. The lower Lapworth Locks are very slow but set in
pretty surroundings. Collected firewood as nights getting chilly!
September 23
South Stratford Canal - Lowsonford Lock 32
Sunny.
Passed by lots of hire boats on their way south, so held back. During
a rare gap in traffic, moved to Preston Bagot locks. Very pretty
semi wooded section, with strange barrel roofed cottages such as at
lock 37. Luckily many boats coming towards us so easy locking. Met an
Aussie couple who use their boat in the UK from March to October!
Moored in a lovely spot near bridge 49, and did some work on our
Welsh venture!
September 24
Preston Bagot – Bridge 52
Sunny.
A slow but delightful cruise through lovely landscape into Wooton
Warwen
over an iron aqueduct. Then through a single lock to reach the
magnificent Edstone Aqueduct. A cast iron trough over road and
railway, the precursor of the Pontcycyllte in Wales. Found pleasant
moorings near Wilmscote. After lunch, we walked down the locks into
Stratford Upon Avon. Saw some Americans on a boat unwittingly emtying
a lock pound by winding up paddles at both ends! Found a launderette
in the Stratford, and on the way back met Sue's aunt Barbara and
uncle Derek driving round a roundabout. They took us back to the boat
and stayed for dinner. Amazing coincidence to be in the same place at
the same split second!
September 25
Wilmscote
Sunny.
My 51st birthday! Leisurely breakfast then walked into Wilmscote to
visit Mary Arden's House (Shakespear's mother). Until 3 years ago, it
was thought that Palmers Farm was her house. Then it was found that
she lived in a house 100 yards away disguised by brick cladding and
lived in until 1998! Interesting tour guides who brought the house to
life and explained Shakesperian phrases like "below board"
and "burning the candle at both ends". Pretty gardens and
farm buildings, plus
rare breeds on display. Photographed Edstone
Aqueduct and then had great birthday meal in Mary Arden Hotel.
September 26
Wilmscote
Sunny with clouds. Took train to Stratfordto shop at Safeways. Spent the
day cleaning up then took train back to Stratford at 5pm, had a
lovely Italian meal, then went to the RSC to see a great performance
of "Pericles", full of light and colour and very moving at
times. A real treat and what a great way to visit Stratford!
September 27
Wilmscote
Overcast.
Turned the boat, narrowly avoiding being rammed by a day boat full of
ladies. Headed back over Edstone Aqueduct, where there was a gypsy
painting canal ware. She had a real caravan pulled by real horses!
Back up the locks, met few boats but had to empty most of them.
September 28
North Stratford Canal - Lapworth
Sunny.
A peaceful passage up Lapworth flight. Apart from the odd boat,
nothing held us back. Tricky at Lock 8, as not much room to pass on
the corner. Boat full of scouts at Lock 7. Swallow Cruisers for pump
out and fuel. Engine hours 1280. Fuel 26 litres.
September 29
Dickens Heath – Bridge 13/15
Hazy, then sunny. A pleasant day working on plans for the cottage
development. Fixed the TV booster aerial. Painted the stern deck. A
moving starry night!
September 30
Dickens Heath
Cleared up the boat while Sue did the ironing. Then a fascinating trip from
rural seclusion to urban congestion. The canal runs through a
corridor of trees, passing a few brick bridges, and some modern lift
and swing bridges. Gradually you realise that the city has crept
alongside. Kings Norton Junction is a lovely spot, then the Worcester
and Birmingham Canal runs along the railway through Cadbury World and
the University to Edgbaston. Dramatic final run through new bars and
offices into Gas Street Basin. Went into the city and saw Mel Gibson
film "Signs". Ate at Bella Pasta, a good evening out!
October 1
Worcester and Birmingham Canal - Gas Street Basin
Hazy sun. Woken by the distant city noise...building work, trains... the
sound of empty beer cans rolling down the quayside! Pleasantly
surprised by
the city, which is certainly not the "dump"
some have made it out to be! On through the BCN to Smethwick
Junction. Up the flight of three locks to the Wolverhampton Level.
Full of contrasts, industrial dereliction, green tree lined oases,
beneath the M5, lots of remote arms and junctions, isolated boatyards
and wasteland. Kids had unmoored a hire boat at Coseley, but luckily
we found the hirers in a nearby pub and told them! Did the
Wolverhampton 21 locks in a record 2.5 hours!
October 2
Shropshire Union Canal - Upper Hattons Bridge 5
Misty.
A slow afternoon trip on the Shroppie. Can it really been a year
since we came this way!? Back to the peaceful progression of deep
cuttings and high embankments, long views over flat countryside and
lines of moored boats. Passed "Summat in the Warter" again!
Moored near Stretton Aqueduct over the A5. Our son Alastair who built
our boat has driven off to Europe to find boat work!
October 3
Stretton Aqueduct
Cycled into Brewood. Cleared the roof of most stuff and painted until the
paint ran out.
October
4
Stretton Aqueduct
Sunny.
Went up as far as the water point near Wheaton Aston Lock. Quite a
few boats today, mainly heading south. Cruised up towards Cowley,
withinteresting manoevres needed to pass a boat outside Cowley
Tunnel. Moored in Gnosall and walked to the village to get milk and
bread. Had a good meal at the Navigators Inn. Also had a chat with an
Anglo Welsh boat fitter who was very impressed with our boat!
October 5
Gnosall
Overcast.
Moved on towards Market Drayton. The rather gloomy weather gave a
terrrific atmosphere to the long cuttings at Grub Street and
Woodseaves. Stopped briefly at Norton Junction for papers. Moored at
Tyrley Top Lock.
October 6
Tyrley Wharf
Sunny.
Topped up water, then run down through Tyrley Locks in glorious
sunshine. Moored near Market Drayton and painted the engine room and
the stern deck.
October 7
Market Drayton
Overcast.
Lovely mooring on the bank just south of the town. Moved to the
moorings and went into town...deja vue! Bought our grandaughter Jade
some birthday presents. Nice coffee and to
Safeways for food shop.
Betton Mill has become a fine craft centre. Peaceful cruise north and
gentle passage through Adderley Locks.
October 8
Adderley
Overcast.
Set off for Audlem Locks. Very peaceful and we only met two boats
near the bottom of the flight. Arrived at the Shroppie Fly and had a
coffee and a look around the craft centre. On through the remaining
locks after taking water. Moored on the high bank over the River
Weaver Aqueduct, with cows grazing far below near the little lakes.
Completed the the painting of the roof.
October 9
Audlem – River Weaver Aqueduct
Sunny.
Well here we go on the last day of the main voyage. A nice day for
it, and a lot of boats around. Set off at 10000 and passed through
Hack Green Locks. Passed our winter mooring, where we had to break
the ice! Finally roud the embankment into Nantwich. Strange to be
back! The car was still there, and what is more, started first time!
October 10 – 18
Lampeter, Wales
Setting up the holiday cottage project!
October 19
Nantwich
Left Nantwich Basin, after having the the bottom of the boat "blacked".
Hundreds of boats out today for half term holiday, especially in the
Middlewich and Trent and Mersey Locks. Lots of idiotic hirers with
no clue of working locks!
October 20
Whatcroft Bridge 177
A short trip past the pretty "flashes" to Orchard Marina in
Northwich. This was the final run of our voyage. 1500 miles and 1500
locks through the beautiful British countryside. Soon we will be
hanging up the tiller and the lock key and moving to Wales to start a
new chapter in our lives......Coedmor-fach Holiday Cottages! But
perhaps we will return to the waterways again someday....!?
Who knows!
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