Thursday 27 September.
The final day! Returned with the car and proceeded to unload, then clean and service the boat. Finally moved off and moored between Lower Foxhangers marina and Foxhangers marina on the towpath side. Made here secure and left. Returned later with the owners to hand over. BUT the new Canal Trust had been along cutting all the verge. What a mess the towpath side of the boat was. Nevertheless, boat handed bake after a marvelous 5/6 weeks. Would do it again, but not this year.
Wednesday 3 October 2012
Wednesday 26 September.
Slow start this morning as we awaited our helpers for the journey down the flight. Diane from Guides and Roy from the Bruce Trust had "offered" to help us. All started well and we then joined up with another boat, but whilst we wer 4 they were 2, and a pretty ineffective 1 locker was he. After 2 locks, their wives returned from shopping in Devizes. Not dressed for the canal, more like a night out to the theatre. Anyway after unloading the shopping and standing on the bank for a couple of minutes they disappeared inside for "a cup of coffee". Well, after 2 locks of this we said, "No more". We stopped and had lunch in a lock and left them to keep going alone. (There were no boats either going up ahead, or coming down from behind, so no problem with stopping.) Except that by the time we re-started the weather had changed and we were back in pouring rain and squally winds. However with Diane and Roy to help we made it down the flight, where they left to return home. We continued to Lower Foxhangers where Russ had given me permission to moor overnight on his wharf. We de-biked and rode home collecting a puncture in Chris' rear tyre some mile from home. (A nice walk.) Home to a nice bath and a full-on shower. Wonderful.
Slow start this morning as we awaited our helpers for the journey down the flight. Diane from Guides and Roy from the Bruce Trust had "offered" to help us. All started well and we then joined up with another boat, but whilst we wer 4 they were 2, and a pretty ineffective 1 locker was he. After 2 locks, their wives returned from shopping in Devizes. Not dressed for the canal, more like a night out to the theatre. Anyway after unloading the shopping and standing on the bank for a couple of minutes they disappeared inside for "a cup of coffee". Well, after 2 locks of this we said, "No more". We stopped and had lunch in a lock and left them to keep going alone. (There were no boats either going up ahead, or coming down from behind, so no problem with stopping.) Except that by the time we re-started the weather had changed and we were back in pouring rain and squally winds. However with Diane and Roy to help we made it down the flight, where they left to return home. We continued to Lower Foxhangers where Russ had given me permission to moor overnight on his wharf. We de-biked and rode home collecting a puncture in Chris' rear tyre some mile from home. (A nice walk.) Home to a nice bath and a full-on shower. Wonderful.
Tuesday 25 September.
Set out with the aim of reaching Devizes wharf to meet with Jason, Rachel, Lauren and Jack for a short cruise through 4 locks to the Black Horse for a drink and dinner on board. Passed through Wilcot wide water and through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. Arrived at the wharf in good time for a small shop and walk around. Managed to find the first free Wifi for days so caught up with lots of e-mails. Forgot to do the Blog. The second tribe arrived just before 5, so we were in time to enter the flight, which closes at 5, and make our way down to the Black Horse. A few drinks in the pub, followed by dinner on board. Then, after all had departed, I went back in to chat with the landlord. Still the same one from years back when I first started playing Skittles with the Sailing Club.
Set out with the aim of reaching Devizes wharf to meet with Jason, Rachel, Lauren and Jack for a short cruise through 4 locks to the Black Horse for a drink and dinner on board. Passed through Wilcot wide water and through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. Arrived at the wharf in good time for a small shop and walk around. Managed to find the first free Wifi for days so caught up with lots of e-mails. Forgot to do the Blog. The second tribe arrived just before 5, so we were in time to enter the flight, which closes at 5, and make our way down to the Black Horse. A few drinks in the pub, followed by dinner on board. Then, after all had departed, I went back in to chat with the landlord. Still the same one from years back when I first started playing Skittles with the Sailing Club.
Monday 24 September
Very overcast and squally, but by 9 we were ready to roll. Lucky for us another boat was just pulling away so we joined them for the Crofton flight. However, they were needing water so we waited at the second lock for them to catch up with us. Then able to jointly use the locks to Wootton Rivers where they stopped. I did suggest that we did the same, but the aim was to make Pewsey for the night. Managed the essentials at Pewsey, but there was nowhere to moor. (Parts of the canal bank looked like a slum with old and dying boats moored.) Moved on to Wilcot for the night.
Very overcast and squally, but by 9 we were ready to roll. Lucky for us another boat was just pulling away so we joined them for the Crofton flight. However, they were needing water so we waited at the second lock for them to catch up with us. Then able to jointly use the locks to Wootton Rivers where they stopped. I did suggest that we did the same, but the aim was to make Pewsey for the night. Managed the essentials at Pewsey, but there was nowhere to moor. (Parts of the canal bank looked like a slum with old and dying boats moored.) Moved on to Wilcot for the night.
Sunday 23 September.
Heaving with rain, strong winds. What a lovely day to receive guests. Took our time, but collected the Sunday papers and some milk. The tribe arrived around 12.30, (expected around 13.30 so I was caught out with jobs to do. "I told you so" came from the boss!) Still raining so we set off anyway. Rachel and Chris doing the locks with Harry, Matt, Lottie and I steering. That was fun. However, Lottie soon got bored and Harry after stading in the heavy rain for 15 minutes decided that he was cold and would go inside. Whatever, I wish I could have gone inside. We made the Pound, and while Matt and I walked back to retrieve the car, Chris and Rachel finished the preparations for dinner. Very nice it was too. Soon time for the little ones to return home. (In the rain of course!) Very poor TV reception. No Downton! Hell to pay.
Heaving with rain, strong winds. What a lovely day to receive guests. Took our time, but collected the Sunday papers and some milk. The tribe arrived around 12.30, (expected around 13.30 so I was caught out with jobs to do. "I told you so" came from the boss!) Still raining so we set off anyway. Rachel and Chris doing the locks with Harry, Matt, Lottie and I steering. That was fun. However, Lottie soon got bored and Harry after stading in the heavy rain for 15 minutes decided that he was cold and would go inside. Whatever, I wish I could have gone inside. We made the Pound, and while Matt and I walked back to retrieve the car, Chris and Rachel finished the preparations for dinner. Very nice it was too. Soon time for the little ones to return home. (In the rain of course!) Very poor TV reception. No Downton! Hell to pay.
Saturday 22 September.
What a lot of noise this morning. Bruce Trust volunteers starting up engines and commencing the cleaning and engineering tasks. We decided to help with the cleaning of one of the boats and Chris went shopping for the delicious local Lardy Cake. Managed to get a partial TV signal so were able to watch the Grand Prix practice. However a nice sunny day so we walked our next route to see how we could accommodate Rachel, Matthew, Harry and Lottie on a short cruise, tomorrow. Decided that we could make Crofton Pound and then walk back for the car. Went to the Cross Keys, nice menu, no Wifi, but we had already prepared dinner on board. Thus to bed.
What a lot of noise this morning. Bruce Trust volunteers starting up engines and commencing the cleaning and engineering tasks. We decided to help with the cleaning of one of the boats and Chris went shopping for the delicious local Lardy Cake. Managed to get a partial TV signal so were able to watch the Grand Prix practice. However a nice sunny day so we walked our next route to see how we could accommodate Rachel, Matthew, Harry and Lottie on a short cruise, tomorrow. Decided that we could make Crofton Pound and then walk back for the car. Went to the Cross Keys, nice menu, no Wifi, but we had already prepared dinner on board. Thus to bed.
Friday 21 September 2012
Actually managed an early start, with news from other boaters that the Bruce Trust boat was 10 minutes ahead. Next set of boaters said that she was an hour ahead. Hurried onwards to try and catch her in time for the return celebrations. However, stopped for essentials in Hungerford which is probably why we never caught up with her. Arrived at Gt Bedwyn about 1 hour after Paralympic boat got back. So engrossed in discussions about our journey and the Paralympics that we missed the cream tea and drink! Moored overnight on the Bruce Trust wharf. Went to the Three Tuns for evening meal. No free Wifi in Gt Bedwyn. No Blog.
Actually managed an early start, with news from other boaters that the Bruce Trust boat was 10 minutes ahead. Next set of boaters said that she was an hour ahead. Hurried onwards to try and catch her in time for the return celebrations. However, stopped for essentials in Hungerford which is probably why we never caught up with her. Arrived at Gt Bedwyn about 1 hour after Paralympic boat got back. So engrossed in discussions about our journey and the Paralympics that we missed the cream tea and drink! Moored overnight on the Bruce Trust wharf. Went to the Three Tuns for evening meal. No free Wifi in Gt Bedwyn. No Blog.
Thursday 20 September 2012
Thursday 20 September.
Decided to try and get up early and catch up with the Bruce Trust boat ready for the return to Gt Bedwyn from the paralympics. Failed miserably and what a grind through locks, swing bridges and weirs! Took for ages and we did not catch the Bruce Trust boat. Zoomed through Aldermaston and Newbury, but to no avail.
Forgot to mention that we were also delayed by a couple of octogenarians on their Silver Jubilee boat. They eventually had to let us join them in a lock and so for 3 locks we were able to "help" each other.
Finally stopped at Hamstead and are now in the Red House for an anniversary meal. A wonderful restaurant. Could not have done better if I had booked somewhere.
Decided to try and get up early and catch up with the Bruce Trust boat ready for the return to Gt Bedwyn from the paralympics. Failed miserably and what a grind through locks, swing bridges and weirs! Took for ages and we did not catch the Bruce Trust boat. Zoomed through Aldermaston and Newbury, but to no avail.
Forgot to mention that we were also delayed by a couple of octogenarians on their Silver Jubilee boat. They eventually had to let us join them in a lock and so for 3 locks we were able to "help" each other.
Finally stopped at Hamstead and are now in the Red House for an anniversary meal. A wonderful restaurant. Could not have done better if I had booked somewhere.
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Wednesday 19 September
Up early and away by 8.30 to head for the K&A. A lovely sunny day not a cloud in the sky when we left our mooring and turned around from facing upstream to head off for Reading. It was such a lovely day and we would like to have meandered more. But you cannot just moor up on the Thames and need to stop mainly around where the locks are. We both decided that we need to bring back our Motor home and explore this area. I have spent the last two days sitting in the front of the boat (Where the Lock keeper suggested) sitting in the sun and soaking up the lovely views beautiful houses. Then we hit Reading and it all changed. Once we were off the Thames and on the Kennett and Avon we both really appreciated our time on the Thames and being well looked after by the Lock keepers apart from Mr Grumpy. Yet again we were confronted with different types of Paddles on the first lock the paddles were opened by huge steering wheels. But we managed. At one point there were traffic lights. John struggled a bit to press the button and I thought he was going in for a dip. Once the light went to green we were were told we could not stop until the next lock. We cruised by Debenhams, House of Fraser, Jaime's Restaurant and Vue Cinema. What a lovely atmosphere. Lots of people busy during their lunch break. We were soon at the next lock and struggled a little to moor up due to a weir. For the rest of the day we travelled on every lock was a real challenge. Either a weir before or after. Very larger paddles which gushed the water in and leaving John to try and keep Martini steady and one thought she had been drinking she was all over the place. At one lock there were no sides and the water poured over the banks. The final straw was the Swing Bridge. It was a road variety and John had to read the instructions, stop the traffic (in Rush Hour) and after all of this we decided enough was enough and we moored at Theale. According to the book it was 3/4 mile so I persuaded John to get the bikes off the back. FIRST TIME. We are now sitting in a pub with a pint each, and we are not in Theale we went the wrong way!
Up early and away by 8.30 to head for the K&A. A lovely sunny day not a cloud in the sky when we left our mooring and turned around from facing upstream to head off for Reading. It was such a lovely day and we would like to have meandered more. But you cannot just moor up on the Thames and need to stop mainly around where the locks are. We both decided that we need to bring back our Motor home and explore this area. I have spent the last two days sitting in the front of the boat (Where the Lock keeper suggested) sitting in the sun and soaking up the lovely views beautiful houses. Then we hit Reading and it all changed. Once we were off the Thames and on the Kennett and Avon we both really appreciated our time on the Thames and being well looked after by the Lock keepers apart from Mr Grumpy. Yet again we were confronted with different types of Paddles on the first lock the paddles were opened by huge steering wheels. But we managed. At one point there were traffic lights. John struggled a bit to press the button and I thought he was going in for a dip. Once the light went to green we were were told we could not stop until the next lock. We cruised by Debenhams, House of Fraser, Jaime's Restaurant and Vue Cinema. What a lovely atmosphere. Lots of people busy during their lunch break. We were soon at the next lock and struggled a little to moor up due to a weir. For the rest of the day we travelled on every lock was a real challenge. Either a weir before or after. Very larger paddles which gushed the water in and leaving John to try and keep Martini steady and one thought she had been drinking she was all over the place. At one lock there were no sides and the water poured over the banks. The final straw was the Swing Bridge. It was a road variety and John had to read the instructions, stop the traffic (in Rush Hour) and after all of this we decided enough was enough and we moored at Theale. According to the book it was 3/4 mile so I persuaded John to get the bikes off the back. FIRST TIME. We are now sitting in a pub with a pint each, and we are not in Theale we went the wrong way!
Tuesday 18 September.
0830 and at the Isis Lock for the Thames! John is very anxious about going onto the river and had asked me to sit at the back with him. Unsure as to why. Anyhow at the first lock I was commanded to go to the front by the lock keeper: he was a little grumpy. This was so that I could tie the boat up at the front in the lock. We held up proceedings as we did not have a River Thames Licence. So he needed to shell out £35 using his credit card. The Lock keeper's mood did not improve. Once out of the lock there it was the huge wide River Thames. It felt very strange after spending the last month living in a lock. But hey the sun shone and the huge properties with their lovely boathouses were a joy to view. Lots of plastic boats on the Thames and they appear to look down on the tradional canal boats. What a difference in attitude for us. The speed limit rose to 5 miles per hour although I would say that most of the plastic boats were doing a lot more than that. We had help through all of the locks apart from one at lunchtiome when the lock keeper was on his break and it was self service. We both got off and looked at the instructions. Decided that I would man the gate and John would bring the boat through. We were managing well on the first part and before I had chance to go to the other end to start to open her up Jesus sent me a helper; a man in a plastic boat who obliged. (Did he really - John) Even more in luck as it started to rain just as I jumped back on board leaving the man to do the lock and J ohn to stear.
We moored up at .. forgot the name. Wallingford. According to our guide it is where Midsummer Murders is filmed. We had a quick trot around the town and did some shopping in Waitrose. Quick drink on the local to check if they had WIFI and back to the boat. Did not return to use the wifi.
0830 and at the Isis Lock for the Thames! John is very anxious about going onto the river and had asked me to sit at the back with him. Unsure as to why. Anyhow at the first lock I was commanded to go to the front by the lock keeper: he was a little grumpy. This was so that I could tie the boat up at the front in the lock. We held up proceedings as we did not have a River Thames Licence. So he needed to shell out £35 using his credit card. The Lock keeper's mood did not improve. Once out of the lock there it was the huge wide River Thames. It felt very strange after spending the last month living in a lock. But hey the sun shone and the huge properties with their lovely boathouses were a joy to view. Lots of plastic boats on the Thames and they appear to look down on the tradional canal boats. What a difference in attitude for us. The speed limit rose to 5 miles per hour although I would say that most of the plastic boats were doing a lot more than that. We had help through all of the locks apart from one at lunchtiome when the lock keeper was on his break and it was self service. We both got off and looked at the instructions. Decided that I would man the gate and John would bring the boat through. We were managing well on the first part and before I had chance to go to the other end to start to open her up Jesus sent me a helper; a man in a plastic boat who obliged. (Did he really - John) Even more in luck as it started to rain just as I jumped back on board leaving the man to do the lock and J ohn to stear.
We moored up at .. forgot the name. Wallingford. According to our guide it is where Midsummer Murders is filmed. We had a quick trot around the town and did some shopping in Waitrose. Quick drink on the local to check if they had WIFI and back to the boat. Did not return to use the wifi.
Monday 17 September 2012
Monday 17 September
Very slow progress today. Too many moored boats and bridge lifts. Part of the canal looked like the slums of Oxford given the state of the residential boats. Never mind the other OAPs doddering along through the locks, complete with boat hook in hand and life preserver. Hope we don't get like that, but no doubt it will come! Made Oxford and found the Anchor courtesy of the Good Pub Guide, courtesy of Angela. Thanks. Visited Oxford on the bus. (Highlight of the day.)
Due to hit the River Thames tomorrow. A little bit of trepidation, but no fear.
Very slow progress today. Too many moored boats and bridge lifts. Part of the canal looked like the slums of Oxford given the state of the residential boats. Never mind the other OAPs doddering along through the locks, complete with boat hook in hand and life preserver. Hope we don't get like that, but no doubt it will come! Made Oxford and found the Anchor courtesy of the Good Pub Guide, courtesy of Angela. Thanks. Visited Oxford on the bus. (Highlight of the day.)
Due to hit the River Thames tomorrow. A little bit of trepidation, but no fear.
Saturday 15 September.
Got up early and headed for Banbury. Moored and ready for the off in town by 9.30.
Gone sightseeing/shopping/drinking/eating and surfing care of Weatherspoon's. Very handy they are too, in every major place that we have stopped so far. Replaced all the lost clothing from yesterday.
Very impressed with the canal setting in Banbury. Right next to the shopping centre, town centre, bus station, sports centre and sanitation station. All within 5 minutes of the berth.
Got up early and headed for Banbury. Moored and ready for the off in town by 9.30.
Gone sightseeing/shopping/drinking/eating and surfing care of Weatherspoon's. Very handy they are too, in every major place that we have stopped so far. Replaced all the lost clothing from yesterday.
Very impressed with the canal setting in Banbury. Right next to the shopping centre, town centre, bus station, sports centre and sanitation station. All within 5 minutes of the berth.
Sunday 16 September
Left Banbury and headed towards Oxford. John did all the locks due to Chris's bad leg. (Or so she says.) Got told off for not doubling up in a lock, but the previous boat did not double with us, and there was nothing to really indicate that this funny shaped lock was for doubling. It would take a lot of shifting back and forth to fit two boats in.Did not reach Oxford. En route spent time looking for the washing pegs. Finally realised that they were at the bottom of the canal with the clothes from Friday.
Left Banbury and headed towards Oxford. John did all the locks due to Chris's bad leg. (Or so she says.) Got told off for not doubling up in a lock, but the previous boat did not double with us, and there was nothing to really indicate that this funny shaped lock was for doubling. It would take a lot of shifting back and forth to fit two boats in.Did not reach Oxford. En route spent time looking for the washing pegs. Finally realised that they were at the bottom of the canal with the clothes from Friday.
Saturday 15 September 2012
Friday 14 September
Left Napton-on-the-hill, but saw the windmill. Bad day weather very windy. Locks once again have different paddles and on the first lock I jammed the windlass on and when I released the safety catch the windlass swung round and hit my right boob.
Washing got blown off the boat due to a large gust of wind. John tried to catch it but it all went under. Spent a few minutes with the hook pole but all we found was one t shirt. I just hope that my black bra does not get caught round their propellor. Very upset as my favourite PJ's (the ones that Jean Parkes and I brought in an expensive shop in Malvern) are at the bottom of the canel or round another propellor. Did not reach Banbury so moored up by a railway line and the M 40. Very poor television reception; every time a train went past we lost the picture. Went to bed in disgust with a book.
Left Napton-on-the-hill, but saw the windmill. Bad day weather very windy. Locks once again have different paddles and on the first lock I jammed the windlass on and when I released the safety catch the windlass swung round and hit my right boob.
Washing got blown off the boat due to a large gust of wind. John tried to catch it but it all went under. Spent a few minutes with the hook pole but all we found was one t shirt. I just hope that my black bra does not get caught round their propellor. Very upset as my favourite PJ's (the ones that Jean Parkes and I brought in an expensive shop in Malvern) are at the bottom of the canel or round another propellor. Did not reach Banbury so moored up by a railway line and the M 40. Very poor television reception; every time a train went past we lost the picture. Went to bed in disgust with a book.
Thursday 13 September 2012
Thursday 13th September
Today we have been on the boat for 1 month. We have got ourselves into a routine and we
now start to have a good knowledge about the boat. We need to keep her clean and tidy both
inside and out. It is surprising how
many comments we get about the boat after we have given her a good clean
outside. However we never get both sides
clean at the same time.
We got up early this morning and I nipped to the co-op which
was about 30 seconds from our mooring. We
really liked Leamington Spa and felt really at home there.
In order to turn the boat round we needed to go towards Warwick
Great weather this morning: I could have worn my
shorts. Lots of locks again today and we
needed to find a partner boat to travel with.
This took a little while but eventually we found the right couple who
owned their boat so therefore understood the locks etc. No excitement today apart from a baby duck
who got in the staircase lock with us. Very pleased to hear that the Gorry's
received my card and are now blogging us.
Also we had a Waterways Volunteer who informed us that there was a noisy
mother duck at the top of the locks.
Well the baby appeared to love the locks and understood them as soon as
the gate was open he was first in and out.
He was treating the locks like a Disney Ride.
We stopped at around 5 p.m., both knackered as we had being
doing the locks all day. We have just counted and it was 23, all wide beam
locks, with terrible paddles and the gearing is just bizarre and you need to
give them about 36 turns on each paddle.
Moored up on the Oxford
Canal
Wednesday 12 September 2012
Wednesday 12 September.
We caught a bus into Warwick and spent a few hours going round the castle, in the dungeons and climbed up the ramparts and towers. Lots of notices to remind you that if you had a medical condition not to do this. (Just like Disney.) We ingnored it all and went up and down. The views from the towers were spectacular. The best part of the visit was the display by the eagles and vultures.
Afterwards we walked into town and then visited the Leyester Hospital. (Similar to the Chelsea Hospital.) This was also well worth a visit. Tea in the old Brethren dining hall. Bus back to Leamington. Then into town to get our provisions as the next few days we will be out in the wild again; lots of locks and no shops.
We caught a bus into Warwick and spent a few hours going round the castle, in the dungeons and climbed up the ramparts and towers. Lots of notices to remind you that if you had a medical condition not to do this. (Just like Disney.) We ingnored it all and went up and down. The views from the towers were spectacular. The best part of the visit was the display by the eagles and vultures.
Tuesday 11 September.
Left the Two Boats and headed for Leamington Spa. The first lock was a staircase and very difficult to open the paddles, and it was very deep. We did this one on our own.
The next locks we were able to double up. A hire boat; four on board; our luck was in. I continued to walk forward to set the next lock. There were 9 in total and I walked three miles. The people from the other boat were from Swindon. So lots of chat. We moored up in Leamington in the centre of town. Supermarket 10 seconds from the boat. John and I both had our hair cut very short so we both look like escaped convicts.
We walked around Leamington and its famous park, the Pump Room and the museum. The sun was shining and we enjoyed our time. We rounded the evening off with supper in a pub where we were able to get on line, but we forgot the Blog.
Left the Two Boats and headed for Leamington Spa. The first lock was a staircase and very difficult to open the paddles, and it was very deep. We did this one on our own.
The next locks we were able to double up. A hire boat; four on board; our luck was in. I continued to walk forward to set the next lock. There were 9 in total and I walked three miles. The people from the other boat were from Swindon. So lots of chat. We moored up in Leamington in the centre of town. Supermarket 10 seconds from the boat. John and I both had our hair cut very short so we both look like escaped convicts.
We walked around Leamington and its famous park, the Pump Room and the museum. The sun was shining and we enjoyed our time. We rounded the evening off with supper in a pub where we were able to get on line, but we forgot the Blog.
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