Milton Keynes on a dank day

30th Nov - Travelling through Milton Keynes, Grand Union Canal, 3.5 miles 0 locks

Hello Milton Keynes.  First visit ever for me.  My best school friend moved to here after school life was over.  She has gone to Canada now, we were in touch not long ago through that School Friends United Site.  I had met her again after loosing touch for decades.  We had a lot to talk about, and went over our old school days slagging off our old teachers as you do, and wondering where the rest of the classmates had ended up.  Ah, Milton Keynes, bringing back those school day memories again and thinking of my good friend out there in Canada.

The sun never did appear today, weatherman huh. Still they never got the hurricane right all those years ago either did they.  From the canal, what a totally different town this is.  I knew it was modern, and I knew it would be different, but didn't expect to see such well planned areas all along the canal.  It wasn't roads that criss-crossed the canal, but cycle ways..... so many of them too.  Didn't see many bikes though, and the drone of the roads that surround the town was constantly in my ears.  With all those cycle routes I was surprised that the population still obviously takes to four wheels rather than the two.

Nice clean lines, thats sort of what it's like.  Here the services for us, right next to a very nice looking pub.  We need to use a British Waterways key for access.  Which reminds me, I wish they would put all rubbish areas under lock and key too.   Yesterday I saw a large van draw up to OUR refuse point at Cosgrove, that WE pay a licence fee to use.  The driver stopped, opened the back of the van and dumped a whole skipful of builders rubbish in one of the three bins and then drove off!  Spose I should have said something, but I do hate being sworn at.  Anyway look at these nice clean lines of architecture here in Milton Keynes.

Anyway, today.  I woke up very late this morning, maybe the walking of the weekend tired me, but whatever it was it wasn't too long before I took a short walk along the towpath to shake off the cobwebs before pulling the pins and onward.  Stopped for lunch just just as a shower of rain came down, and later moved on to another lovely area in the town.  Vic put the axe through a few logs for this evening, before we both settled in shutting the curtains on a really dank and dark day.  Going to have a look at some of the large lakes in the area tomorrow. Hope the sun shows itself.

Cosgrove and Stony Stratford

27th and 28th Nov - Moored Cosgrove, Grand Union Canal 29th Nov - Cosgrove to Milton Keynes, Grand Union Canal, 4 miles 1 lock

There are many ways to walk to Stony Statford. I didn't bother to take my purse on Saturday as Ann and I walked Molly one route to the vets which she would be visiting on Monday morning. Lucy joined us on the hike, and all four of us felt slightly out of place on reaching the town we thought was a village. Walking past NatWest bank with muddy towpath boots and walking stick, and collie dog upside, I felt as if people were wondering if we had just jumped out of some TV screen showing 'One Man and His Dog'! "Down the alley by Natwest, that's where it is" The vets.

I checked the watch, goodness an hour and a quarter since I had glanced at it. I told Vic when I left it would probably be a 40 minute walk. So down the alley we ventured and suddenly in front of my eyes was the town's market place! Darn it, left the purse at home, could have done with some bin liners, well everyone buys bin liners when they see a market surely.

The return trip was much better, a different route. Back along the towpath of the Old Statford Cut at the point where it meets the A5. On Friday I said that restoration looked possible. A day later I see it isn't. There is no way we will ever travel on a waterway to Buckingham. Not only is there the dual carriageway of the A5 blocking its route, but also a huge housing estate beyond the road. There is just nowhere to divert to.

Still Lucy was pleased, there was great fun to be had running along the towpath across the 'canal' and up the other side, running along the other bank, disturbing rabbits running in the long overgrown vegetation of the canal bed. It was a much more pleasant walk too, and it seemed quicker. Well the sign is there for the canal to Buckingham, but oh it is going to take some serious money to turn left with a narrowboat to visit that wonderful town.

Reaching NP just as Vic was pulling the pins to move the boat nearer the lock to wait for Mr Tesco to arrive roadside, I looked at the watch, 55 minutes. That's better, well it's not that good, but better. So for the 10.10am appointment for Molly to be chipped, wormed, flead, and generally poked about we would need to leave at 9.15am on Monday.

I did weaken on Sunday. You know what it's like, Sunday, that lazy day when your tum twinges and your brain makes your senses smell roast beef and yorkshire pud from the pub that you know is only just over there! We sat down, it looked good, but that was all. And that is all I am going to say... albeit that I was very disappointed.

It rained all afternoon, and I had a message from Oliver who posts a bit on Canalworld Forums. I popped over to look at Oliver's website, not having done so before. It was so interesting and informative, and so easy to read too that I spent over two hours crawling all over it. Oliver has written about life as a boat hirer, life as a shareboat owner, life planning a new narrowboat, and life during the build of THAT dream. There is so much good advice about the actual planning of a new boat, who to chose to build a boat and why, contracts between builders and customers, and now so close to the dream of owning Per Angusta I have put the link on the left, such is the quality of the site.

We got to Stony Statford in 50 minutes today, and it wasn't long before both the dogs were returning back, enjoying that same waterfree canal towpath walk again. After lunch, pulled the pins to move up through to Milton Keynes. Managed the classic photo as Vic carefully steered No Problem over the Iron Trunk Aqueduct, passing the coal boat pair 'Ascot and Beverley' on the embankment, as we didn't need to top up with diesel just yet.

A beautiful afternoons cruise, nice and sunny with the promise of more sun this week. Need to keep the fire stoked though as to pay for the sun, Mr Frost will visit for sure in the evenings!

Through Wolverton then, and about time they did something about those buildings, what a mess they are in, over the new aqueduct and out into the country to settle for the evening. Lots on the tele tonight I wanted to see, but just about going to get this blog posted before tomorrow I think!

Virginia Currer Dies

I was sad to hear of the death of Virginia Currer. A woman who I had met just the once when looking form our new home on the waterways. I remember her being strong on the phone with me about exactly what it was that I wanted and thinking wow buying a livaboard isn't just looking at a boat and liking how the outside looks. On travelling down to Slough to look at a particular boat we really liked the look of in the paperwork, I think it was called Shalamar, a 70ft beautiful boat with a vintage engine and wheel controls. We really did fancy that, but she talked candidly about what we really needed "No you can't go up the Leeds and Liverpool on this boat" "Lots of maintenance for the engine" "Port holes" "Warmth" "4ft bed" etc etc. All this advice on our very first venture to look at a boat gave us No Problem, and I have never ever forgotten that meeting with Virginia, and never will, because without our meeting we would not have chosen the most perfect boat for our needs.I am sure she will be not only sadly missed my Vic and myself, but for thousands of others as well.:)

Cosgrove and Iron Trunk Aqueduct

26th Nov - Moored Cosgrove, Grand Union Canal Well one part of my plan of yesterday took place today, a stroll to the wonderful Iron Trunk Aquaduct which straddles the Great Ouse River. Firstly this morning though a stroll around near to where the boat is moored. This fine bridge, Solomon's Ornamental Bridge caught my eye.

I sat for a moment wondering who this Solomon chap must have been to have such a splendid bridge named after him. The brick work is awesome, made of sandstone, with these lovely 'pillars' on each side. Such a beautiful shape. This Solomon guy must have been pretty important I think!

This delightful little alley actually goes under the canal, which you can see above. There is a road each side, and there is just enough room for a single person to get through. I guess that this was built for the very same reason told to me by Annie about the same type of alley under the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. "Sue, it's for cows to get from field to field" Annie told me. Well those days are long gone now, and it is a handy route to the nearby Barley Mow pub.

There are moorings for pub visitors on the off side, but unfortunately there was a narrowboat moored there which didn't look as if it had been moved for weeks. Pity, but the pub looked as though it didn't really need canal visitors with muddy boots. I had gone there to enquire about Sunday lunch having missed last weeks at Blisworth, but once again found that what probably used to be a nice old pub had been turned into a major eating place. Sunday lunch was £6.99, a tad on the expensive side for us, have to wait and see when Sunday comes along whether I can resist not going!

John was telling me in an email, that he had a very good Sunday lunch last week near Peartree Marina costing £4.25, now that sounds more like it. I must find out from John exactly where that was too.

So walking the other way, on down past the lock a very straight piece of canal on a high embankment. I know this wasn't the original route of the Grand Union at this point, and hope to trace that old route while we are here. I need to find more information as to exactly where it is before hand though. The embankment continues to the Iron Trunk Aqueduct crossing the lovely Great Ouse. (See if you can spot the duck taking in the beautiful views to the south west!)

As I looked at the river gently running through I was thinking of next year, when possibly we would be cruising some of this river nearer the Wash as we venture to the Middle Levels. I remember when we were at Welford (Branch off the GU Leicester line), I walked across to where the River Avon had its source. It always pleases me to see a river in its infancy before later travelling along it as it swells and moves faster towards the sea.

On the southern bank of the River there is another of these 'cattle thoroughfares'. This one is dated 1918, and there was just enough room for me to pass without having to duck, so me being a bit short, I would estimate the height was 5ft 2 ins.............. now I have given myself away! There was only just enough room this time to get through without touching the sides, and I could see Annie's explanation being absolutely right, although Vic suggested a heavily pregnant cow would probably get stuck!

Managed to get in a tesco order for deliver here tomorrow. I am doing the family Christmas puds this year, and have left it a little late, but I am sure they will taste good, just need a few ingredients from Mr Tesco to mix up a concoction that hopefully they will all enjoy............. umm hope he remembers to put the brown ale on his van.

Lorry crashes into Birmingham canal

Waterways News Snippits

• Lorry crashes into Birmingham canal

I saw this on Granny Buttons earlier this evening!

I just love this bit

"04 Nov 2026 - 04 Nov 2029:
Stoppage: Lathams Bridge
An articulated lorry has been driven into the canal at Lathams Bridge and is blocking navigation. The waterway will be closed while the vehicle is removed. (Enquiries: 0121 200 7400)"

Note the dates!

As Andrew says "It's quite amazing how far ahead BW are now planning their stoppages"  I'm not too sure about that, perhaps it is because of the backlog of work that BW has at the moment?!

 

Wharf canal project set to start

Waterways News Snippits

• Montgomery Canal

A little bit more work to be done this winter as the Mongomery Canal slowly gets linked up to the main system entirely.  So another 500 yards and a new winding hole, although the complete restoration of the canal may take some 10 years to complete.  At a cost of 40 million I suppose it is a lot to spend on just one canal, but for sure it will be worth it in the end, and once that is done, then there are others earmarked for the same treatment. 

We have not been on either the Llangollen or Mongomery Canals in Wales, but spent four years in a row on the Mon and Brec canal and really loved it.  It was there by the way that we learnt the art of 'moor anywhere'.  If you can moor on the Mon and Brec for sure you can moor anywhere on the system!!

This brings back some memories. The funniest of which was the day we decided to take 'Dancer' a narrowboat we hired from Phil and Sue of Country Craft Narrowboats at Llangynidr to the furthest point south possible past Pontymoile bridge (the unofficial end).  Struggling on through Sebastopol and 'cruising' past an old peoples home so slowly that the residents began waving at their surprise to see a boat, only 5 minutes later to be still waving supporting their waving arm with the other hand so long it too to get past, we were only just moving!  I remember one lad on a bike, asking how we got the boat into the canal "Errrrrr we sailed it here?"

We have signed the book at the Open Hearth pub at Sebastopol to say we made the trip for a pint, and I remember asking if milk was available as we were moored outside.  That was no problem either.  Woke the next morning to find two pints on the door step, or should I say deck step!

Wonderful memories, yes carry on BW with that Mongomery Canal, can only be good cruising in Wales :)

Cosgrove brings us closer to Finch!

25th Nov - Br 56 - South of Stoke Bruerne to Cosgrove, Grand Union Canal, 4.5 miles 0 locks

A misty start this morning for the two mile trip to Bridge 60 at Yardley Wharf, mooring to pick up the post. Tiptoed over the bridge pretending not to look at the imposing signs, and hoped that as it was quite damp this morning the farmer's wife wouldn't be hanging her washing out and catch me creeping by!!

Returning to the boat, I was relieved that I wouldn't have to go across that bridge again. There are no signs on the towpath warning anyone of the anti-canal attitude above on the bridge, which did surprise me somewhat. I might find out a bit more about that track, maybe the people in the farmhouse just don't like having a lovely canal passing by!

The mist lifted and the sun managed to break through, it was a beautiful early afternoon. There was no wind at all, so we soaked it up, and had a sandwich on deck, in no rush to continue on our way for a little while longer such was the enjoyment of the weather in late November, it was georgous.

An hours run to Cosgrove. I had decided to stop there as I want to go and investigate the The Old Stratford Cut and walk some of the way along the towpath towards Buckingham. This canal was officially declared abandoned in 1964, but there is hope of restoration, and having had a quick walk this evening for about half a mile, it seems to me quite possible as the canal bed is still there, overgrown, but still there.

There are boats moored in the only bit that is in water for about 200 yards or so, and I met one of the residents who has her narrowboat moored. "Yes, Mr Finch is around, a friend of mine said she spotted him down there on Saturday, twice" she said after I enquired whether anybody had heard of or seen him in this area.. "She was almost certain it was him, she is good at faces" she continued. I didn't ask exactly where "down there" was, I suppose I don't really want to know, but it looks like he is on his way back north after sightings last week in Leighton Buzzard.

Mr Finch, a reminder, and for those not in the know, is a strange man. He likes to break into narrowboats, eat and drink whatever he can, sleep there for a while, tidy up and do any washing up before leaving to find a new narrowboat home for a few more days. Not thought to be violent, tidies up after himself, but he sure does make a mess of doors and windows as he forces his way in.

Wanted by the police once again after being let out of prison for good behaviour I am told. I am amazed at all the sightings, yet nobody seems to contact the police when they see him.

Cosgrove is nice, I thought it would have been very busy with boats, but there is only one other boat here on the 48hr moorings, I have lots to do tomorrow, maybe a walk to the village as well as a look at the embankment and aquaduct by foot, then there is the 10 miles or so to Buckingham! Umm maybe we will need this 48hr mooring after all!

Would like to say hi to a couple of people who have emailed me recently as a result of seeing this blog.... so hello to Alan and Joan, originally from Kent, and now retired and enjoying the towpaths around the Loughborough area, and hello to John now from Bedford, hey not too far away from you John. John's reading of the blog has brought back happy memories of when he used to live in the Coventry and Hillmorton areas. John is having a boat built and is hoping to take his work on to his boat for the whole of next summer.... Ah now john, you will be using a computer for that work and an internet connection too I think, so I will be badgering you to do one of these blogs you know

I do a lot of towpath walking, and sometimes you see things that you would miss travelling on the water. Here are a couple of photos to finish off with tonight. One is a milestone, not unusual, but for the piece almost lost in the grass, it stopped me in my tracks when I read that, and hope that the photo is good enough for you all to read too.

Well in fact, on looking at it, perhaps it isn't too clear on this size of pic that I use for the internet. It actually says Dedicated to the memory of those who made this navigation possible.

Here is the other one, this shows where a piece of probably iron is moulded or bent to the shape of the bridge side. Look closely how the ropes, which were attached to horses pulling the boats along the canal, have cut grooves into the iron over the years. If this wasn't used the brick work of the bridges would have crumbled and worn away..

The morning after and no go areas!

24th Nov - Moored near Br 56, Grand Union Canal

You know what it's like the morning after

We had a really lovely evening and plenty of merriment helped along by quite a few glasses of wine all round. Vic enjoyed his birthday very much this year, so many cards and phone calls. You know it's always nice to know that although you can be in the most remotest of places you are never forgotten.

I dragged everyone out this morning for a 'morning after' walk, and the four of us strolled a mile or so along the towpath with the dogs. The day was so very still, no movement on the water at all.

The only bit of excitement on the walk was when Molly decided to fall down a very steep slope into the small but fast flowing stream that is running beside the towpath just up from here. She managed to cling on and somehow scramble back up the hill far enough for us to help her up the last bit... Puppies!!

Although there is some more post to pick up at Yardley Gobion, I definately didn't feel like another 5 mile walk today, so we will move on tomorrow and collect it on the way through. The only trouble is the bridge for access to the village is sort of out of bounds to those on the canal. Going over the bridge yesterday there were signs saying 'No public right of way' 'cars parked here will be clamped, £60 for unclamping' Umm good business that! Seems canal people are not too welcome past the farmhouse there. On the way back I noticed more signs "Anyone taking part in any fishing match on the canal MUST make an appointment to pass" Jeeeeeez....... Hope they aren't one of those landowners who don't support the hunting ban, there is no way BW is gonna get up THAT lane to the canal in an emergency!!

So tomorrow we move on again, haven't decided where yet, but Vic is getting quite keen on finding a B&Q or something similar to pick up some wood and worktops for my new galley! Umm his birthday seems to have done him good!

River Thames Funding

Waterways News Snippits

• £3.1 million makeover for the thames

Huh! Such a lot of money being invested in the Thames, even to the extent of making automated locks out of hours! I remember when we were up on the northern rivers this summer, many tupperware boaters said they would never dream of 'doing' a lock themselves... It's just not £3.1 million either, in May we saw this £1m boost for river thames and in that article "The extra funding, which has come from the Government and the annual increase in boat licences, means the Environment Agency now has a total of £3 million to carry out several major navigation repairs for 2004/2005" So that makes £6.1 million!

But, there is a downside to all this!

23 Nov 2004 until further notice Booking details: West India Lock, London Docklands
Free up to one hour either side of high water during working hours. Thereafter £20 per night. Additional berth charges for boats visiting Poplar Marina are applicable. Lock operation: 7:00 - 19:00 locks for vessel movement. Booking line: 9am-5.30pm in the office for bookings. For security and operational reasons, all bookings need to be made 24 hours in advance. Lock availability subject to tide. (Enquiries: 020 7517 5550)

01 Nov-10 Dec 2004 Stoppage: Goring Lock Concrete repairs to lock chamber. (Enquiries: 0118 988 1188)

01-28 Nov 2004 Stoppage: Whitchurch Lock Repairs to lock horizontal rubbing timbers. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

01 Nov 2004-11 Mar 2005 Stoppage: Sonning Lock Replacement of head and tail lock-gates and repairs to tail bullnoses. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

01 Nov-20 Dec 2004 Stoppage: Temple Lock Construction of new tail breakwater. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

22 Nov-17 Dec 2004 Stoppage: Day's Lock Resheeting of lock gates. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

06-17 Dec 2004 Restriction: Teddington Lock New walkways to barge lock gates. The waterway remains open but inconvenience or delays may be encountered. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

10-18 Jan 2005 Opening Times: Iffley Lock Closed to all vessels overnight, between 16:00 and 09:15 hours inclusive. (Please note revised date.) (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

10 Jan-18 Mar 2005 Stoppage: Cookham Lock Tail layby and bank protection. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

10 Jan-18 Mar 2005 Stoppage: Culham Lock Tail layby and bank protection. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

10 Jan-06 Mar 2005 Stoppage: Romney Lock Resheeting of lock gates. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

10 Jan-18 Mar 2005 Stoppage: Shepperton Lock Construction of tail lock cut, bank protection and layby. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

10-21 Jan 2005 Restriction: Sunbury Locks New walkways to launch (electric) lock gates. The waterway remains open but inconvenience or delays may be encountered. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

07 Feb-18 Mar 2005 Stoppage: Bell Weir Lock Stabilisation of bullnoses and repairs to lockside walkways. (Enquiries: 0845 988 1188)

Teehee, well with all that money to HAVE to spend, I wouldn't be surprised if the Thames isn't shut for a couple of years!!

It's Vics Birthday!

A five mile hike for my beloved today to fetch the birthday cards that had been sent from the family and friends, the things I do for him!!

And now a very quick few words as we are having a party tonight in about 10 minutes time, a party on No Problem tonight will see Chas and Ann, myself and of course birthday boy, along with Lucy and Molly.  I think not only the humans will have a good time, but for sure the mutts will as well, no doubt charging up and down the length of the boat.  Molly is just so full of it!

Once again the Post Office at Langley Gobion is one that will be closed shortly, so another off the list unfortunately :

Just a bit of an update on the Children In Need thread, all in all the thread on OurShip made £75 so well worth the effort, and thanks to everyone who took the link on Friday and put a post in there.  Click here are the results and update

More tomorrow, our visitors are arriving...

 

 

 

 

Blisworth, THAT tunnel and Stoke Bruerne!

20th - Moored close to Blisworth, Grand Union Canal
21st - Blisworth to Stoke Bruerne, Grand Union Canal, 2.5 miles 0 locks
Today - Stoke Bruerne to Bridge 57, Grand Union Canal, 2.25 miles 7 locks

Saturday was another dank day, overcast and drizzling.  On the way down to the village some white stuff started to float down, and on nearing Blisworth itself noticed that the mobile disco 'Weyfly' was still moored on the proper visitor moorings, so made a decision there and then to stay where we were by the railway bridge.

Took a nice long stroll down the Northampton Arm in the afternoon.  The flight of locks has been drained completely, without their water they looked really sad.  Made me think of March next year when we will be travelling down there for our spring/early summer look at the Nene and further on.

I was miserable on Saturday night, I didn't like Blisworth!  Just me I suppose, I felt uncomfortable there, I didn't like the village, I didn't like the village shop, I just took a complete dislike to the area.  Maybe I was thinking too much about Blisworth Tunnel which we had planned to go through on Monday.  The weather was dank and the towpaths muddy and covered in dog cr*p. I was even considering turning back and maybe spending the winter up the Ashby or in that area. 

We heard a 'knocking' on the window late on Saturday night, it must have been close to midnight.  This knocking was coming from the non towpath side, odd!  Opening the curtains, such a fright!  A swan suddenly 'leaped up at us snapping its beak on the window!  Such aggression was shown.  But feeling that maybe he would calm down for a slice of bread, he duly obliged by posing for a photo on production of something to eat!

 

Then on Sunday, we decided that a visit to The Blisworth Coaching Inn for a spot of lunch would do the trick and cheer me up.  No that was not to be either.  I phoned them to ask if it would be OK to arrive with muddy boots (remembering the reception I had at The Dairy Farm at Upper Stowe), but the young lady at the other end of the phone said "Ah, sorry our restaurant is closed at the moment"..   Darn it!

OK, so I had a choice, either stay until Monday, or pluck up the courage and 'do' Blisworth Tunnel.  So after knocking up spaghetti on toast instead of the roast beef and yorkshire pud that I was looking forward to, we knocked out the pins, tunnel here we come.

Blisworth Tunnel then, the longest tunnel on the whole canal system for powered boats.  It is 3057 yds long (2795 mtrs for you youngsters reading this!).  Dudley Tunnel on the Birmingham Canal Navigations is the longest tunnel at 2 miles, but because of no ventilation and low headroom power boats are not able to go through.  You can of course 'leg' your way through it, probably taking some 2 and half hours, but for sure, that is far to long for me to be in a tunnel!!

Blisworth Tunnel was completely restored in 1984, and the central section looks as if it has not only been completely re-lined, but looks as if it has been made bigger.  It was very straight, and I could see the other end as I entered.  No boats coming the other way!  I pushed the throttle forward as far as I dare, and we were off Nigel Mansel style at great speed.  The shorter the time in the tunnel for me the better!  But OH NO, we had all but 200 yards to go when another boat entered from the South.  It was difficult, the lights of the other boat plus the light coming in from the end mixed up the signals from eye to brain, but slowing right down just rubbed along the side as we passed each other, thats fine by me because we were nearly out!

Moored just outside the tunnel, and in the evening walked up to Stoke Bruerne itself for a meal.  Well some compensation for missing lunch.  We were disappointed that The Boat was closed, and walked over to the rather plastic Navigation pub, where I had a surprisingly good steak with Vic preferring the gammon.  Good tucker it was, although the pub left a lot to be desired, more of a Beefeater type of family open all day establishment.

We were going to stay there today, but walkers were up bright and early this morning from 6am wandering past the boat, and there were plenty of them, so we went on down the locks, and have found ourselves a nice mooring between there and Yardley Gobion.  The locks themselves were overflowing with water as we went down following another boat, and had to wait for the boat in front to clear before letting our lock full of water out for fear of flooding the towpath.  One very interesting bridge that caught my eye was the main Northampton Road Bridge about half way down, with mosaic pictures under the bridge on the wall on both sides, such an odd scene.

Passed a fisherman not long before mooring this evening emptying his very full keep net of reasonably sized fish.  We might just stay here a couple of days, maybe the fishing will be good.  I have a load of post to pick up at Yardley Gobion, it's Vics birthday tomorrow and there are cards for him no doubt.  I'll have a walk down there tomorrow to collect the first lot of post.  Wendie is sending a couple of other bits this week that I won on ebay, so we might be in this area for a while.

Frosty start but lovely stroll to Rothersthorpe

19th Nov - Bridge 43 to close to Blisworth, Grand Union Canal, 1 mile 0 locks

It was cold last night. I went outside to adjust the satellite dish for Vic and it was snowing........ taking a bit of the snow tried to hand it to Vic in a clenched fist, but he was having nothing of it, thinking it was an insect.  The giveaway was when it started melting and dripping on the carpet, so unfortunately I didn't surprise him!

Drew the curtains this morning to a wintery scene with blue skies, and nipped out on the towpath in my dressing gown to take a quick pic before the sun melted the first snow of the winter.  You know, its one of those photos that the family always want to see.  Well here you are then, you can all go ahhhhhh now!

Today has been a day of two halves.... This morning a wonderful stroll over to Rothersthorpe village where luckily the Farm Shop was open.  Rothersthorpe is a village with old and new houses.  I found it quite intimidating though, a number of the properties had high gates with intercoms, in fact most of the properties had gates and intercoms, and there was nobody around at all, it seemed to me to be a place where one keeps one to one's self.  There is no post office anymore, nor a village store.  Not even a house named "The Old Post House" as you often find in this type of village where 'the car' has ousted village life.  Without these small businesses the life of a village in my opinion is killed, having said that there was a pub......... so maybe there is some life to be had there.

The farm shop though was lovely, bought some honey from their own bees, and some eggs from their own chickens.  Not one of those commercial farm shops this one.  The farmers wife had made mincemeat in jars for Christmas, loads of jams and pickles, all obviously home made, along with a selection of home made cakes.  It's only open on a Friday and Saturday though, so a bit of luck to be in the right place at the right time.

Fishing was on the agenda in the late morning after returning to the boat, and later moved on past Gayton Junction to moor up for the evening.  While fishing NB Weyfly came past.  Well narrowboats do come past often, but this one caught my eye, or ear actually.  I was quietly fishing when I heard music, it was getting louder and louder, thought "Were on earth is that coming from?"  Next minute under the bridge came a narrowboat.  Chap had 2 and half foot pair of speakers on the back of his cruiser style, blaring out so very very loud, I did smile "Hope I didn't scare the fish" says he, more like he scared me with all the racket!!  He is moored on the moorings just up from us, and when taking Lucy for a very late walk this evening in the half light, there was all the music blaring out again at mega volume!  Glad we moored here, the trains are quieter! ;)

The Children in Need thread on OurShip is doing well, and it's nearly midnight.  Two companies have contacted me and said whatever that raises they will match and send a donation! Great stuff

My internet connection has been awful this afternoon and evening so I haven't been able to follow it much, I am just hoping I can post this blog now, although I posted a couple of bits earlier.

Not sure what to do this weekend, the trains are noisy, maybe we will go on to Blisworth tomorrow, I suppose it depends on the mobile narrowboat disco down there on Weyfly

 

Hunting Ban may effect us now

Waterways news Snippits

• UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A WATERWAY

Quote:

Farmer Richard May of Macclesfield said he and "scores of other landowners" had rivers with weirs on their land.

"Sadly the weirs need repair.

"If every landowner in the country with a weir in the country said no [access] to British Waterways, the canal system would dry up within weeks," he said.

Stewart Sim, technical director of British Waterways, said it had generally very good relations with landowners, with longstanding agreements allowing access to waterways.

But if landowners decided to block access for long periods of time, it could create "considerable difficulties", especially at times of extreme weather conditions.

He added: "We do, however, have statutory powers allowing us to gain access for both emergency works and for inspection, maintenance and repair but we would be reluctant to take such steps unless absolutely necessary."

Well, well.  The pro hunting people are thinking about war with the government   What are we all going to do when the canal system dried up for weeks?  Maybe we should add a bit to the bottom of our boat so she settles level on the side of the canal.

For sure it would be a major problem for us as we continuously cruising the system.  Richard May sounds very angry, and note that he is in Macclesfield, might just be a place to miss next February. :)

Children in Need Day

Well it will be in your face all day today, and even here on my blog!

Every year I do my bit for Children In Need, the charity I support the most. This year is no different, and as usual I have set up a thread on the forum, OurShip. For every post there today up to midnight tonight, I will donate 10p. Just click here and add a post. There is no need to register or anything, stick your name in the box at the top of the reply thats all. Come on all you that read this today, pop over there and Children in Need will benefit!

Brrrrr Snow at Gayton

18th Nov - Moored Nr Gayton, Grand Union Canal

It is cold tonight, and the first snow of the winter has arrived.  It's been pouring with rain all day today, so not ventured out at all.  Tomorrow is going to be fine according to the forecast, so will make up for a day in with a long walk to Rothersthorpe returning via the locks on the Northampton arm and back down the towpath.

I just had to do some housework today, and took enough of Lucy's hairs off the carpet to make a woolly jumper!  I love her really though, but Oh boy does she cause some mess this time of year shedding her summer coat for a warmer variety.

Apart from that I have been just browsing on the internet today, noticing that Andrew Denny and Grannybuttons will shortly be passing us on his trip down to London... Hope you stop and say Hi Andrew

I also have found some new software for editing my photos, I have been very disappointed lately that when I have labelled them not only has the letters come out blurred, but paintshop pro has been degrading the photos too.  I am not a big 'graphics' type person, I never seem to have the patients with paintshop pro.  This new program is Photolightning, and it seems excellent and very user friendly, so lets hope from now on the snaps will be a lot better.  My camera is only a cheapie though, not wanting to buy anything expensive for fear of dropping it over the side.

Chas and Ann on Moore 2 Life have started a blog about their life aboard their boat, great stuff both of you, well done.  I know Chas is enjoying exploring blogger already, it's really great to see. I hope to persuade Chas to add a webfeed once he has played with it for a while. ;)

Gonna pull the chair close to the fire now and pour myself something warming, well its snowing, it's an excuse?

 

Pleasant couple of miles to Gayton

Nov 17th - Bugbrooke to Gayton, Grand Union Canal, 2.5 miles 0 locks

It's a nice stroll over the fields to Bugbrooke from Bridge 35, arriving in the village opposite the church, the earliest part of which dates back to the 13th Century.  It's well worth the visit, so is the rest of the village as it was voted Northamptonshire's best village of the year this year.

As well as a store selling basic groceries there is the Post Office, in a very unusual building, I couldn't quite make out if it was an extension or outbuilding of a house, but see the brick built garage that is part of the building. 

Pulling up the mooring pins we had intended to travel all of two bridges, as there were some lovely walks nearby, but there was some railway maintenance going on, and the trains were coming through blowing their horns, not very peaceful at all!  So on we went heading for a mooring close to Gayton Junction.  I took a photo of a really splendid bridge by Anchor Farm, Banbury Lane Bridge 43, probably built of sandstone, such a wonderful colour it was, then as I turned I was faced with a futuristic bridge, or at least the start of one.  Here there are side by side. Ummmmm yet another new road under construction.

       

Just relaxed this afternoon, and took Lucy over a couple of fields.  Tomorrow I wanted to go over to Rothersthorpe to have a look at that village, but the weatherman says wet stuff is due, so we just might stay here for the day, I need to do a bit of housework really, and rain is normally a good excuse

 

Pleasant day at The Old Dairy Farm at Upper Stowe

16th Nov - Bridge 29 to Bridge 33 Nr Bugbrooke, Grand Union Canal, 2miles 0 locks

Still just sauntering down the Grand Union we travelled just two miles today, so that I could take the long 2 mile route over the fields to the Old Dairy Farm at Upper Stowe.

After the first field which the farmer had just plowed, the walk was very pleasant.  The Old Dairy Farm Centre is set in the very pretty village of Upper Stowe, famous as the first testing place for radar.  Apparently there is a plaque somewhere in the village, but I never got to see that as I had said to Vic I would be back at three, and noticed I was still looking around the farm at ten two.

The Centre is set in among listed farm buildings, and there were many little 'shops' which were selling all sorts of crafts and bits and bobs.  Even designer clothes and underwear!  There was also a museum to have a look round, and somewhere for a bite to eat, and at two pounds for a cuppa and a toasted tea cake with jam, thought that was very good value. 

For my overall impression though, I must admit I was a bit disappointed.  There was I after traipsing across ploughed fields, and into what is 'The Old Dairy Farm', the little shops were spotless, and the carpets had not even a dog hair on them.  I enquired in the first one if it was OK to come in with my semi dried muddy boots on, and the guy actually wanted to have a look....... so I stuck my bum in and lifted a boot!  "Well they are a bit dirty" was the response, so telling him that my feet weren't too smelly took them off and left them outside so I could go and have a look around in my socks! 

This happened in all but one of the shops.  In the sweetie shop and the little shop selling extremely cheap china I was allowed in....... the lady there owned both!  She was telling me too that she and her husband had been thinking of living on a narrowboat, but she was worried about the cold and damp in the winter.  She had never been on a narrowboat before though, and I outlined what it was like, suggesting that she took a 2 week holiday in March before selling everything up and moving to the water!

Walking back with just homemade jars of piccalilli and pickled red cabbage, met a chap coming the other way with his dog in the middle of the ploughed field, (you know as one does!  ) struggling in his direction as I was in mine. Stopped to chat for 5 minutes, and in this time was given a complete history of his life and family.  His name was Dave, and he knew an artist on a narrowboat, he thinks she is now in Braunston, and what do we use for lights, because his friend only had candles, he noted though that 'modern' boats have proper lights...... actually he was a very pleasant chap, and I was pleased to stop for a chat if only to give my legs a rest from the clods of earth.

Might walk the other way into Bugbrooke tomorrow, I have some post to send to eldest alien, and maybe we might trickle up to Gayton in the afternoon...... that is of course, if we don't have any wet stuff.

Waterways News Snippits

• 2005 Licence Fees Announced

Up they go then in April, up by 2.9%, and the gold up by 5.5%.  We were thinking of getting the gold licence this year as we are planning to go have a look at the River Nene next year, and maybe explore a bit of the Middle Levels.  I don't know how much the Nene Licence is though, will find that out in a couple of days at Gayton.  So our licence is due for renewal at the end of December, the Licence increase comes into effect in April 2005.  The Gold Licence you have to take out in December (It's a Dec - Dec thing the Gold Licence allowing you to use Rivers such as the Thames and Nene as well as canals) So do we pay for the normal licence in January and get away with 9 months before we have to pay the 2.9%.... Umm I think I will have to get the calculator out!

• Canal boost for Hanley Park

OK why not, we were in this area last year, the Caldon is certainly a lovely canal, well further up from Hanley Park it is.  "Oh don't go up there after lunchtime it's not safe" said the BW chap at Etruria (the Caldon Junction with the Trent and Mersey)  I hope then during this costly exercise that they do something about bridges 8, 9 and 10 which are extremely low.  We only encountered a couple of kids in their back garden picking up a couple of stones, but they decided not to do anything with them after I gave a yell, although another couple told us that their boat was spattered with eggs.  I do hope the yobs of the area will appreciate what is being done for them.

 

Weedon throws up some surprises!

13th and 14th Nov - Moored north of Bridge 19, Grand Union Canal
15th - Bridge 19 to Bridge 29, Grand Union Canal, 3 miles 0 locks

Lovely weather this last weekend saw us settled a mile or so to the north of Weedon, this morning moving on with water on the list of 'must haves' and diesel on the list of 'if it's cheap enough'.  You just never know what is going to happen or what you will see when setting off down the canal, and today I came upon the most oddest sight I have ever seen on the canal system. I just couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted a man with a stop/go lollipop on the approach to Bridge 24.  'Stop!' the lollipop showed, "Stop!" said Vic, "What?!! This has to be a wind up!!" says I.... and suddenly broke into hysterical laughter .  The man with the lollipop looked at the bridge and turned it round "Go".......... GO!?  By this time tears were streaming down my face, I tried to take a photo, but it was so dark under the trees, but I have managed to lighten it up just to show you all that it did really happen!

There he is look.  On the left there with a yellow hard hat as well.  I was still smiling by the time I was level with this guy, and couldn't keep a straight face, looking at him got me started again!  "Look I am really so sorry to be laughing, I do hope your evening job is a little more lively".  He took it in good stead, and under the bridge we went, only to see another guy with a stop/go lollipop!!  That completely finished me off, my hysterical laughter now turned into total hysteria! ............ I said nothing, but the guy did ... "Yes I know, its very embarrassing you know".  I could only manage a nod, I had gone terribly weak at this point....  Maybe this is a new British Waterways initiative, stop/go lollipop men at all bridge holes!!?

Back into some sort of control, moored by the beautiful church at Weedon, which is just below the embankment.  Exploring the village, it was good to see the Post Office still trading, you never know these days in the villages near the canals, whether their post offices have survived the onslaught of closures.  The butchers has gone unfortunately, but the sign saying 'Butchers established over 50 years' still remains on the canal side.  I was told that this particular butcher had retired now, obviously a dying trade in villages.  If the butcher had sons, then they surely would have struggled to keep it open in the future.

Wandering around came across this antique/junk yard, and was amused at the setting with a backdrop of chimneys.  I did fancy a medium sized galvanised watering can, to paint you see.  I have always fancied having a go at painting a few roses and castles, although I don't know how it would turn out because I was always bottom of the class at art!!

However, my artistic skills will have to wait a little longer, I was happy to pay a couple of quid for the beat up item, but not the 25 pounds that the owner wanted!

Having picked up some milk and bread from the only store, One Stop, left the village for the water point a little further on.  It was only when I saw this poster on a post nearby that it reminded me to be on the lookout. 

Who was the guy in the village that I had spotted? Was it him?  Well I wouldn't leave the dog outside the shop while he was around.  Rummaging through the dustbins he was, bins that had been set outside the houses waiting for the bin men to empty them.  Umm, staring at the photo on the poster, it did resemble him, I wonder.... 

Setting off once again, having had lunch while the water tank was filled, our next stop was at Stowe Hill Marina, and we filled the tank to the top with 36p a litre diesel. Ivor Batchelor was charging 40p in Braunston, and Whilton Marina was charging an extortionate 45p a litre!   A very fair price from Stowe Marina.  I know diesel is going up all the time, but I feel some are taking advantage and charging more than they need to.

We moored not much further along, and settled for the evening.  I wonder what tomorrow has in store?

We Trickle a mile towards Weeden

12th Nov - Whilton to close to Brockhall Park, Grand Union Canal, 1 mile 0 locks

Out into the countryside, but not out of the drone of the M1, although tonight it is a little quieter, the southbound carriageway has been almost at a standstill now since about 5pm when we heard a lot of sirens going, so thats over 5 hours ago.  A long journey home for a lot of people, maybe the canal on this occasion would have been quicker! :)  I do hope that nobody has been killed or badly injured in an accident somewhere, no doubt we will hear some news tomorrow.

Some news I saw on the newsgroup tonight though, is that our friend Mr Finch, the guy who loves to break into narrowboats and help himself to food and drink, has been sighted near Weeden.  Apparently BW have put some posters up in the area with warnings.  We shall be on the lookout for him this week, he seems to enjoy either spending time on someones narrowboat or at her majesty's pleasure for doing so!

A most amazing sight as I walked late this evening, pheasants.  Not unusual you may think, but they were all sitting high up in trees, and they all took off to 'roost' somewhere or other.  Normally birds roost high in trees!  I have never seen so many in trees, a most amazing sight as they all ungainly left their high perches catching branches as they flew out.  I am looking forward to walking tomorrow in better light, it is really nice here and apart from the 'hum' there are wooded areas as well as open farmland.  Vic has already spied a weeks worth of logs, so part of my day will be playing lumberjack no doubt.

Waterways News Snippits

• Award for best canal pub

It's not that often we visit pubs these days, and in the last year we have not been to any of the pubs mentioned in the snippet.  We have had one or two really nice meals out this year, in fact the last meal out was the very best and that was Sunday lunch at Lock Stop Bistro (sorry Lock Stock can't find a decent link for you) at Hillmorton, and after long discussion tonight, we have decided to give that the award of 'Our Best Meal Out Of The Year'.  The award for 'Our Best Pub Of The Year' must go to The Barge Inn at Honeystreet on the Kennet and Avon Canal.  

Buckby Lock Flight between road and rail

11th Nov - Norton Junction to Whilton, Grand Union Canal, 1.5 miles 7 locks

After packing away the groceries we started a very sedate drop down the Buckby flight. 

 It's amazing when you are steering the boat how different it is to being the one on the towpath hurrying to the next lock, winding paddles, shoving on heavy gates.  I wonder do they notice what is going on around them?

There is not much else to do when confined to the rear of a narrowboat except to do the very important job of making a cuppa for your hard working crew member (AKA Vic, the chief cook and bottle washer!) toiling away ahead of you, while you let your boat 'drift' down the canal.  It's quite a skill you know, making a cuppa in a lock pound.  You have to be very aware of your surroundings, and look out the windows at all times while putting tea bags into cups.  You have to know your angles, and take special note when the boat isn't going exactly parallel with the towpath.  Sometimes you get a second or two while the tea bag is stewing, to quickly hop back on deck and just straighten up a bit before diving back down inside to rid the cup of that bag and presenting the two hot perfect cups of tea to the cabin top, hoping that it won't be too long before that lock gate is opened and you can present your steaming presentation to your hardworking other half.

There is another delightful aspect of being alone with nothing to do between locks, just look around you, it's amazing what you notice in this sort of situation.  Today I was particularly distracted most of the way with the M1, extremely visible about 200 yards to the left of me, and the main line railway about the same distance to my right with virgin trains charging up and down the line, sometimes no more than a minute between each one.  They do go fast, I know that because I was on that very line only a few weeks ago.  I very much doubt that anyone on the M1, nor anyone on the virgin trains could see me, well when I was on one of those trains in the very same place, I didn't notice the canal here.

I was thinking how sedate we all were, two boats and the four of us locking through, we were in no hurry, the canal carefully and slowly making it's way to London, the road and the train track making other people move as fast as possible to the same place.  The canal almost seemed to be making a statement "I might be slow and you two almost got rid of me, but I am still here!  "  How true, and how glad I am of that. 

It's been here a long time too, here is a snap shot I took part of the way down.  There used to be side ponds here by the look of it, I must read up a bit of history.  Here are remnants of the old side pound paddle gear, the date reminds us of just how long this canal has been running South :)

Right turn at Norton leads us to new waters and upset fishermen!

10th Nov - Braunston to Norton Junction, Grand Union Canal, 4 miles 6 locks

Working on up through Braunston Locks this morning, I noticed that The Admiral Nelson pub has a new pub sign and has been painted boringly, the old sign I remember was so much better.  The pub looks too clinical for me now, it has definitely lost it's character and charm in my eyes.

Braunston Tunnel isn't that bad really is it?  I always say that after I have been through.  This time just as we were about to enter the tunnel out came a motor and butty, the butty had no boater, ah a bit of luck! So just passing the one in the tunnel (why do we all always seem to pass each other in the wiggly bit!  ) we were soon out the other end and what a glorious late autumn sight greeted us.

Lucy had got herself into trouble with a couple of fishermen just before this photo was taken.  She is locked inside No Problem while we are in tunnels, and she is always very anxious to get out on deck at the first opportunity.  Normally she then dives off the back of the boat and on to the towpath, but at the northern end of the tunnel there is now a hard edge as you can see, so she was told to lie down on the deck.  Vic asked if I would like a cuppa to which I replied "Yeah go on then", well Lucy thought I was talking to her and did a beautiful dive towards the towpath right between two fishermen..... dear me they were soooooooo angry!

Fair enough, I think I would have been too, but Lucy was trying desperately to climb the side, I knew she wouldn't be able to though, and started to pull in to go rescue her.  One fisherman was shouting at me for letting her off the boat, but his heart couldn't let Lucy cling on struggling to get out, so he gave her a pull on the collar and she was out.  I kept apologising, but nothing was going to calm our fisherman friend down now, he was a bit wet you see!

We have moored on the visitor moorings between Norton Junction and the top of the Buckby Locks, and luckily there is a track/road right along side here doubling up as the towpath, that is just great for tomorrow, the Tesco man will be able drive right up to the boat.

Browsing earlier, I went to have a look at Andrew's 'Granny Buttons' site, and saw that he noticed the mention on the blog to the Tesco 'home delivery'.  Andrew you did make me smile when mentioning that girlies drink half pints and not pints, well for sure I am not a lesbian but I do enjoy a pint, perhaps I should order two halves, will that be more in keeping with 'proper' girlies?  Here is a link to that article.

On having more of a look around, I noticed a couple of posts there about improving the blog and adding features, so this evening I have been having a go, and have put trackback on this site.  I will try to use that later when I have figured out just how it works!  I also have noticed that those of you who view the blog through the webfeed don't get the links on the left of the Blogger, there is one about Tesco Deliveries and another you might not have seen about The Jam 'Ole Run.

Tonight I am playing a game of hearts at Gamezone, in fact I should have been there half an hour ago.......

 

Calcutt to Braunston Again!

Nov 7th and 8th - Moored Calcutt Locks
Nov 9th - Calcutt to Braunston, Grand Union Canal, 5 miles 0 locks

Braunston we are back!

And unless we do decide to take up Roger's kind offer of looking after the boat over the Christmas period at Calcutt Marina, this will be the last we see of Braunston until next year.  Braunston is always a very interesting place on the canal system to visit, lots of people reside here that we are friendly with, and some have moved from their boats to houses and bungalows in the village after a full life on the waterways. 

Braunston village itself welcomes boaters with open arms, it's good trade for them, and the butcher is especially welcoming, he always seems to know exactly who everybody is, where they have been etc.  Today he asked how our new engine was performing, its just like being a local when we come to Braunston, very nice.

Stocked up the freezer with 11 meals, and that takes some doing too!  It's only a little ice box type thingy in a small fridge.  All the food has to be unpacked and split if bought for two meals, each is then put tightly into a sandwich bag, taped up, then with a marker pen, the contents of the bag is written in large letters!

Over the weekend we have very calm weather as you can see in this photo of Napton Reservoir, it wasn't too cold either.  Here young Molly is investigating the wet stuff, she is really settling down now, although too puppy like for Lucy's liking at the moment!

I have just finished an order for a Tesco 'home' delivery, and will be picking that up on Thursday at Buckby by the A5, I have never been down the Grand Union south of Norton Junction in all my years of boating, so I have no idea about moorings there, but there is a pub, The New Inn, so hopefully the tesco van will be able to get close enough.  Might pop in for lunch too if I can persuade Vic

Braunston Tunnel tomorrow, oh i do so hate tunnels.  I always have this dreaded fear in the tunnel that the boat coming in the opposite direction with the headlamps blinding me is a 14ft wide beam, for those not in the know, the tunnel is just over 14 ft wide! They have to phone British Waterways if they want to go through, but it makes no odds to me, I still have the same fear each time, and then of course there is Blisworth Tunnel in a few days time, that is the longest tunnel on the whole system taking some 20 to 30 minutes to get through, still I won't think about that one for now!

Umm, I must get Vic to check the tunnel light too, just to make sure it is working after all the work that was done on the electrics last week...  If I went into that tunnel and there was no lights EEEK for sure I would freak out, yep must get him to check that first thing tomorrow morning.

 

Walking is great at Calcutt

6th Nov - Moored Calcutt Locks

Lucy is fine today, no ill effects from yesterday, although her nose is still out of joint with the newly arrived Molly who now joins Lucy on her walks with Ann and myself.  It won't be long before she accepts her I hope, in the mean time she is sulking a bit, typical border collie wanting life all to herself!

I do love it here, especially when there is no wind.  There are loads of different walks, one round the huge reservious, plenty of open fields and farmland, and a beautiful walk round at the back of Calcutt Boats Marina.  Here Rosemary from Calcutt Boats planted loads and loads of specimen trees to mark the millennium, it is a delight to see all the different types, and at this time of year they are particularly beautiful.  If ever you are moored here, do go into Calcutt Boats and ask if you can have a walk round, they are very proud of the area.

Chas finished off the wiring today, and a grand job he has done of it too, many thanks to you Chas

The connection to the internet has been very frustrating today, not a good one at all, on and off all the time, but you may notice in the links on the left that I have managed to upload the new page about the Jam 'Ole Run.  There are some great links on there too, one of the links is an album of working boats both past and present, and I have the Fellows Morton & Clayton page linked on there too.  An interesting site that is looking for information in 'filling in the gaps' such as BW numbers and fleet numbers.  I already have some information that I shall be passing on.

Gill visited this afternoon to check the engine, he only had to tighten that one fan belt and then gave it a smile, stood back and said "Well they're a good ol' workhorse".  I think he was happy with the work he had done a few weeks earlier.

We will stay here tomorrow I think, and have another relaxing day after a very busy week before moving back to Braunston on Monday to stock up the freezer at the butchers then make our way to Norton and heading south..... Oh and tunnels .... I remember writing that the last trip through Braunston Tunnel would be my last tunnel trip of the year, after deciding to spend the winter around the Ashby.  Funny how things can change.  

And so to Calcutt and Lucy is lucky

4th Nov - Moored Braunston
5th Nov - Braunston to Calcutt Locks, Grand Union Canal 5 miles 0 locks

Yesterday at last I managed to completely restore Chas's computer back to the way it was before that dreadful virus.  It did take quite some time, software wouldn't behave, plug and plays wouldn't behave, and it was getting so frustrating!  It's OK fixing your own computer you see, but when it is somebody else's and you have committed yourself to repairing something, well its different!

Chas has been re-doing our electrical wiring on the boat.  It has been ok, but over the years of adding bits to No Problem and a few 'bodged' jobs by past owners, it's left a lot to be desired and sparky Chas has tidied everything up, re-wired a lot of it, and now we should be not only safe but probably saving a few voltage drops in various places.

Annie has found a dog!  Today we went off to Daventry to get a bed, collar and some food.  Lively little thing, just 4 months old and more legs than body.  Body goes one way, all four legs go the other!  I will enjoy walking, although Lucy isn't too impressed at the moment, I am sure she will teach 'Molly' the way to behave, although no doubt she will also teach her a few errrrrr 'tricks of the doggie trade'

Today we decided to move to a quieter place to spend the Guy Fawkes weekend, and anyway we want Roger at Calcutt Boats to check over the engine he fitted a few weeks ago, one of the fan belts is lose, and I guess the engine mountings could do with a good strong arm to bed 'em in a bit more. So we set off from Braunston today just after lunch heading for Calcutt.

Poor Lucy got attacked on the way, one very large dog and another about the size of a lab came hurtling down the towpath at her. She saw them coming and laid down and I guessed prayed quietly, but to no avail, the huge one of the two picked her up by her throat and tossed her about like a play toy, while the other one bit her back.  There was nothing I could do, a boat was coming the other way, and I was also passing a moored one....... I just felt so helpless, I couldnt get into the side, Vic was in the galley making a cuppa at the time.  She is OK though.

The owner of the dogs was about 50 yds away, Lucy tried to fight them off, but I started shouting at the other dogs, Lucy thought I was shouting at her to stop fighting, so she did.... anyway all was OK, although the whole thing lasted about 2 minutes, the owner of the dogs said "Oh they are just playful, but they get a bit boisterous"  I had nothing to say, just nothing...... I was stressed enough without opening my mouth, we got into the side and checked Lucy out, she was fine, and all she wanted to do was get back out there on the towpath, the place she loves.

I dunno, maybe I shouldn't let her run the towpath, but she is so good, heals to the boat, lies down when any dogs, cyclists or walkers come by.... maybe I should blame myself for today, but she just lives for running up the towpath with the boat.

And so to Calcutt, away from the fireworks?  No not on you life, there was a big display somewhere around here and Lucy was very stressed by it all, poor her, she hasn't had the best of days today.  I will be glad for tomorrow to arrive to be honest

Braunston and Daventry

3rd Nov - Moored Braunston, Oxford Canal

Well I am having trouble with trying to restore Chas's computer back to the way it was, and spent all of this morning on his boat before going up to the Post Office in Braunston to pick up the mail from home.

After spending an hour or so sorting through it and replying to various bits and pieces, left for the bus to go off to Daventry to pick up Vic's prescription.  Just got to the bus stop when I realised I had left my bum bag indoors.  Fanatically tried to phone Vic to meet me half way with it, but he didn't hear the phone, so ran back to the boat picked it up and ran back to the bus stop again, phew, that nearly did me in, but I didn't miss the bus!

Daventry is a very different town to most, with its small malls full of small shops, and apart from Boots and Argos there were no big high street named shops there.  I wanted a large shop like Smiths for a particular magazine I needed, but I didn't see any of that type of shop.  Maybe I missed it, but for sure one is needed!

Just missed the bus back, and had to wait an hour.  Decided to take the bus right into Braunston village and collect some fish and chips on the way home.  Yum delicious too they were.  The nights are really drawing in now, and the shops full of Christmas stuff.  It really does feel like winter time, the memories of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Ripon Canal, York and the superb Selby Canal, short as it is, seems just ages ago now, I have to remind myself that it was only three months ago that we came down the fabulous River Trent.

It was nice to see on TV tonight in the Natural History programme, our Alan Titchmarsh at the helm of a narrowboat, some nice footage of working boats from the past, and some lovely footage of a kingfisher fishing.

Tomorrow we are suppose to be moving off down to Calcutt, but I want to fix that computer of Chas' as soon as possible, so maybe we will stay here a while if the warden allows.  The weather is going to be good .... so some fishing maybe too.

Braunston never changes, but a computer virus to deal with

30th, 31st - Moored Hillmorton, Oxford Canal
1st Nov - Hillmorton to Braunston, Oxford Canal, 6.5 miles 0 locks
2nd Nov - Moored Braunston

We had a really lovely weekend at Hillmorton, On the Saturday Vic decided that the huge tree that was down was too good to leave, so out came the chain saw again, and now there are enough logs on the roof for over a month.

Yesterday morning Chas called me into their boat, his computer was really playing up, the firewall was blocking data flow from his computer out to the internet.  On my computer I looked on google for the reason, and yes sure enough he had a virus!  Where on earth he had got it from I really don't know.  He had received no emails that were associated with this particular one.

We decided to move down to Braunston before trying to get rid of it on his computer.  The air was just as still yesterday as it had been over the weekend, there was no wind at all it was a really nice autumn day.  It sure was nice to be on the move again, although I did have some trouble seeing over the top of all the logs!

We only passed one boat, it was so much quieter after last week's school holidays.  Braunston was as busy as ever as we approached, I thought it would be after the Jam 'Ole Run last week, and sure enough some of the boats that took part in this year's re-enactment were moored.  Just two space left right at the end of the moorings above Butchers Bridge.  Well actually there was only one and a half spaces!  I knocked on the boat in front to see if they would be willing to move closer to the next boat, there was about 4ft of wasted space. Moore2Life would fit in the last space easily if the boat moved up a bit.

Ooops, out popped a bleary eyed chap, I was right when I guessed that I had woken him up "On nights" says he.  I felt awful, but he was very good and came out and moved the boat before disappearing again with a nice lump of homemade fruit cake from me for his trouble, and for a bit more sleep!

Today, I have spent almost all day working with Chas on his computer, and in the end we decided that the best thing to do was to reformat his laptop, as we couldn't be 100% certain of repairing the damage the virus worm had done.  Chas transfered to CD all the files that he wanted to keep and the job was done.  With WindowsXP installed and running, all that is needed now is to put back on all the programs and files that he wants.  A job for tomorrow

Daventry for me tomorrow, and hopefully between helping Chas, I will finish the page on the Jam 'Ole Run. Maybe tomorrow you will see it here on the blog page.