Friday 11th April 2008 - PUT SHORTS BACK IN THE DRAW.

Walked Bill around the woods and set off to go down to Gayton Junction then Down into Northampton - easy peasy - ONLY the Blisworth Tunnel at 3057 yds long, 17 locks over about 7 miles!  Passed Mark and Nicky tied up opposite Gayton Marina and carried on to the top lock.  Just as I was setting the lock the heavens opened and it was very windy, so, bearing in mind that once you start down the flight of locks you can't stop 'till you get to Northampton I decided to bottle out, turn, and tie up for the day near Mark and Nicky.  Good decision, the weather was awful for the rest of the day.  Walked Bill down to the locks later and found a boat stuck against the towpath in the top pound in the strong winds.  So got the lady to open ALL the top lock paddles to flood the pound. Once that was done she shut the top paddles and set the lock with the gates open.  I opened the lock behind the boat and pushed his bows out so he could reverse back into the lock.  Once all set up he went for the next lock on full power to keep away from the bank, and it worked.  Later met up with them when they were tied up to have a natter,  Graham and Rita of the Nb Sorted from the Middle Levels, nice couple and a good laugh.

Saturday 12th April 2008

Walked Bill down to lock 3 on the Northampton flight, calm and sunny compared to yesterday.  Set off for Weedon Bec at 9.30am. Lovely easy cruising passed Bugbrooke and Nether Hayford.  The only intrusion is the main railway line used by Virgin trains which follows the canal most of the way.  Tied up in the same place I did when I came down here about a mile outside of Weedon Junction between bridges 26 and 25. Will avoid the Navigation at bridge 26 at £3.06 A PINT and explore Weedon Junction and Weedon Bec.  Found a great (meaning rough) pub called the Wheatsheaf Inn just off bridge 24 which lets dogs in.  Got there about 3.30pm and all the locals were pissed.  Had a brill afternoon with them.  Found the shop in Weedon Bec on the way back which has everything you might need.  Also there are TWO Chinese takeaways and an Indian takeaway in Weedon Junction near the Wheatsheaf.

Sunday 13th April 2008 - ONE YEAR TODAY I TOOK DELIVERY OF BEAU

Walked Bill to the shop in Weedon Bec and got the Sunday papers.  Lovely little village with many thatched stone built cottages dating back hundreds of years and a lovely little church.  Read the papers and off to the pub to celebrate owning Beau for ONE WHOLE YEAR - FANTASTIC.  Again all the usual suspects were there pissed but great fun.

Monday 14th April 2008 - I'VE LIVED ON BEAU FOR ONE YEAR TODAY

Walked Bill into Weedon Bec to get the papers and stock up on a few things.  Set off for Norton Junction at 9.30am.  Again lovely cruising apart from the section where the M1 motorway competes with the railway to make the most noise and pollution - AWFUL - suckers, glad I don't do that anymore.

I got to the Buckby flight of seven locks where Graham and Rita, whom I helped the other day, helped me through the first lock with much mickey taking and jokes.  Another lone boater waited in the next lock for me and we buddied up through the rest of the flight making it much easier.  Sadly though the weather was not so kind with heavy rain and a massive hailstorm which hurt.  Decided at Norton not to go to Braunston just yet so I turned right and my lock buddy turned left.   Met up with Carley and Andy the lock keepers at the Watford Staircase Locks and they remembered David and I from when we went through in May last year and were very interested in the electrics and fire on my boat so I tied up at the top lock and showed them what I had done.  Two other BW guys who are also boaters agreed with my solutions.  Nattered for about an hour then continued up through Crick tunnel to tie up north of bridge 12, Crick Wharf.  Set of up to the village to explore and found the Coop and another pub called the Wheatsheaf that let dogs in.  So had a couple of pints and did the crossword, sudoku and puzzles.  Funny typical English village which is very pretty but the staff are all Polish? Good pm, early night, knackered.

Tuesday 15th April 2008

Staying over today.  Found a great walk up through the fields and into the village for the papers.  Walked back the same way and Bill, bless him, found the freshest of cow pats and promptly stood on his head in the middle of it!  It was everywhere and he looked very proud of himself and I only had a small tissue in my pocket so we both got covered - bugger - had to wash us both down when we got back.  The lovely white rough he had is now a pale shade of green - lovely.  Went to the Wheatsheaf for early doors and had a great natter to the landlord, Roger, and his wife, Linda, who come from Newcastle (well someone has to I spose).

Wednesday 16th April 2008

Set off for Welford after walking Bill up through the fields (avoiding the cow sh*t) and stocked up in the Coop.  Very wiggly cruise through lovely rolling countryside.  Only one lock to do and I met Nb Sorted (Graham and Rita from Northampton) again.  Tied up in the last place in the arm and went over to the Wharf Inn.  Great pub, many dogs and many boaters and even the guy David and I chatted to when we were here last year and he remembered us too.  Very sociable evening.

Thursday 17th April 2008

Moved Beau to a Better mooring once the hire boat had moved on, less muddy mooring nearer the wharf.  Walked up to the village post office store and got a paper.  Tried sanding the seats down with wet and dry but no go so got the belt sander out and took the paint off altogether back to the wood.  Repainted with the green gloss and tidied up and walked Bill down the arm to the lock and back to the Wharf Inn for a few beers early doors.  Good craic with the locals and some other boaters, one of whom came in with an Irish Wolfhound - Bill didn't know what to make of it so he stayed under the table just in case.

Friday 18th April 2008

Walked Bill down to the lock and back up through the fields where he nearly got away to chase the sheep.  Set off for Crick at 9.30am on this cold damp morning and very windy too so not very pleasant.  Got to Crick by 2pm and moored up.  Walked Bill up through the fields (avoiding the cow poo) to get a paper and a few beers in the Wheatsheaf.  Back to Beau for dinner and an early night.

Saturday 19th April 2008

Walked Bill up through the fields to the Coop to get some bits and pieces.  Set off for Braunston at 9.30am.  Saw Carley and Andy at the Watford flight of locks.  Got rid of the twin tub washing machine to Carley for a £20 donation to the Border Collie Trust in Rugeley in Bill's name.  Got through Braunston Tunnel without any further damage to the cratch cover.  Buddied up through the six locks and tied up by 3pm.  Went to see Mark and Nicky on their boat which was now out of the water being blacked.  It's amazing just how much of the boat is below the waterline.  Can't wait to see what my bottom looks like, in a manner of speaking.  On up to the Wheatsheaf for a few with Jamie and the lads.  Good pm.

Sunday 20th April 2008

Walked Bill up via the boatyard to the village to get the papers first having put TWO loads of washing on.  Back to the boat for brekky and then to the marina to dry the washing.  Had some lunch and then to the Wheatsheaf for 3pm with all the usual suspects.  Good laugh again.

Tuesday 1st April 2008 - APRIL FOOL

Staying over in Stoke Bruerne again today.  Walked Bill around to the Tunnel entrance again.  Cleaned up the boat and went into the Waterways Museum.  Well worth a visit with excellent exhibits and photographs of life and work on the cut.  Had a couple of pints and a burger in the Boat and met a lovely old gent (83) who has a collection of diesel engines and was fascinated by narrowboats.  Back in early doors and met a whole group of boaters - great fun evening.

Wednesday 2nd April 2008

Saw Mike on Jubilee first thing and filled up the bow tank with diesel.  Set off for Cosgrove by 10am.  Down through 7 locks first then watered up at the bottom lock.  Lovely cruise in fine weather to Cosgrove.  Tied up by 2pm and went off in search of the shop marked on the map which turned out to be a caravan site with little to offer.  So decided to go for a beer in the Barley Mow which turned out to be closed for refurbishment.

So there's nothing to stay here for so set off for Fenny Stratford.  Only one lock to go through then a long cruise.  Tied up by 7pm and met up with Mark.  Long day did 8 locks, 17 miles over 9 hours.  Cor don't half need a pint so met mark and did just that.

Thursday 3rd April 2008

Walked the dogs along the towpath then put them back on their respective boats and walked over to a massive Tesco's.  Stocked up on the essentials i.e. Vodka, tonic, cider etc.  Took the dogs out again when we got back and went into the Red Lion for a couple of beers.  Ended up being most of the afternoon.  So had dinner and an early night.

Friday 4th April 2008

Very sunny and almost dead calm day so after exploring the huge lakes decided to prepare the perches on the stern.  Sanded them down and primed them ready for the top coat.  Also prepared the base for the pumpout kit.  Cut the wood to size and routed a nice profile around the edge and primed it.  Tacked the last bit of beading where the glue wouldn't hold.  Earned a few beers so Mark the dogs and I went over to the Red Lion by 4pm.  Guy is the landlord and Glyness, his wife are great company and this pub is a must visit for ALL BOATERS.  Good laugh with a group of bikers and boaters, two of which, Martin and Michelle are from Barrow upon Soar and used to live on Meadow Farm Marina and know Nugget, Graham and the rest and even know my boat and David and Viv Whitehead.  Yet another small world spooky moment.

Saturday 5th April 2008

Up early and off to the lake again with Mark, Bill and Cassie where poor Bill was attacked by a Lurcher who picked him up by his head, but he soon let go when my steel toecap connected with his balls.  Finished preping the seats and gave them their first coat of green, they look much better already.  Off to Tesco's for a few bits and pieces then back to catch up on the blog and a few beers later in the Red Lion.

Sunday 6th April 2008

Went for a long walk along the lake in the snow then up into Blechley to get the papers and something for lunch.  Went over to the Red Lion and nattered to the locals.  Home by 7pm dinner and an early night.

Monday 7th April 2008

Took Bill right around the lake today, lovely walk then up into Blechley for the papers.  Fiddled around on Beau and caught up on blog.  Nicky got back back by 3pm with her mum and dad and we all went to the Red lion for a few beers.  Said goodbye to all our new friends as we're moving on tomorrow.  Ordered an Indian takeaway to be delivered to the pub - excellent.

Tuesday 8th April 2008

Went up through the stop lock at the Red Lion in Fenny Stratford and cruised 2 miles south to the winding hole just past Willowbridge Marina where I went back to to pump out and diesel up then back off up the canal after Mark and Nicky.  Watered up just before the stop lock at Fenny Stratford and guess who was coming through the other way - Jo and her husband on Hadar fro Stone in Staffordshire - she's the lady I met last August who gave me the address of the Border Collie Trust and hence how I adopted Bill.  Cor Small world stuff again!!!  Plain cruising through Milton Keynes until just north of Gifford Park where some kids tried to water bomb me.  Good job they were lousy shots as they missed completely.  The next little incident was just round the next corner before the visitor moorings at bridge 77 when a tiny narrowboat about 20 feet long pulled away from the towpath in front of me going very slowly and all over the canal.  The woman steering (?) had no idea I was there until I blew the horn which nearly caused to jump off the boat.  It even woke her bloke up who for reasons only known to him walked down the portside gunnel and gathered up the centre line and threw it over the roof into the water on the starboard side where it promptly fouled their propeller and stopped the engine dead and mangling the bicycles on the roof.  She even tried to start the engine again which tightened the rope even more and mangling the bikes even more.  Fortunately for them there was another boater on the bank who helped pull them to the bank but I suspect they'll be there for a few hours trying to clear their prop - if they can!!!  At least I was able to get passed them and met up with Mark and Nicky between bridges 63 and 62 in splendid isolation in the middle of nowhere for the night.  What a day.

Wednesday 9th April 2008

Mark and Nicky are cutting wood and staying put for another day so I set off for Stoke Bruerne.  After going through the first two locks I saw another boat coming up behind so I waited in the lock for them to catch up.  It turned out to be a family with mum, three kids and a dog.  We were then able to come up through the locks together which I think helped mum as this was there first trip on a narrowboat.  The kids were fantastic at setting the locks and we all got up to Stoke Bruerne by 3pm.  Had a quick beer in the Boat then back to Beau to sort out a casserole for dinner.  Over to the Boat again for early doors and met the family again, Mum, Sian, Heidi, Harry, Lilly and Leo the dog and had a very sociable evening with a couple of other boaters, Terry and his wife (?) off Nb El Corizon.  Back to Beau and a reasonably early night.

Thursday 10th April 2008 - FIRST DAY IN SHORTS!!!

Might be a bit premature with the shorts as I had goosebumps and goosebumps on my knobbly knees.  Took Bill down to the second lock and then back up through the trees to the tunnel entrance and back to Beau.  Was going to was the roof down but it's covered with some sort of dust from the trees so decided to do that later in the week when I've moved on.  Met and chatted to Sian and the family again and Terry who wanted to see the electrical management system on Beau.  Called Mark and Nicky and they're at the bottom lock about to come up so I'll walk Bill half way and give them a hand.  They decided to tie and have a few beers in the Boat and then carry on to Gayton Junction today.  Met a guy off a boat who was a bit of a raconteur - great stories - good pm.

Friday 21st March 2008 - GOOD FRIDAY

Took Bill for a walk up to the shops and explored the marina.  Finished off the beading around the edge of the new floor and it looks fab.  Tidied up and headed for the Wheatsheaf to meet up with the guys.  Great afternoon with a whole crowd of boaters.

Saturday 22nd March 2008

Was going to clean the boat but it snowed last night and muddy boots and paws put paid to that idea so went to the pub instead after doing a shop at the butchers. Almost identical replay of yesterday - great afternoons entertainment.

Sunday 23rd March 2008

Took Bill for a long walk to get the Sunday papers and had a leisurely morning reading them. Off to the pub to see the crowd.  Guess what - yup repeat of yesterday.

 Monday 24th March 2008

Took the washing down to the marina and set it going.  Walked Bill back passed the boat and out along the canal for about half a mile then up through the fields to the church into the village to get a paper.  Back to the marina to dry the washing and get it back to the boat.  Off to the pub by 2.30pm for a few scoops and an early night.

Tuesday 25th March 2008

Took more washing down to the marina and then on up to the village.  On our way through the marina found a ducks nest in a flower box with 8 eggs in right on the edge of a busy path.

Finished the wash and got back to the boat.  Dieseled up off Mike on Jubilee the working boat - 12p cheaper than the marina.  Also booked the boat in to have the hull blacked on 2 - 4 May.  Time to go to the Wheatsheaf for a few beers.

Wednesday 26th March 2008

Took the final washing to the marina only to find that the laundrette is closed until next Wednesday - bugger - so traipsed all the way back.  Finished the last bit of the floor and tidied up the boat from top to bottom.  Off to the pub at 4pm via the Post Office to get my post from David.  Good eve early doors.

Thursday 27th March 2008

Took Bill up through the fields and passed the church to the village - still no sign of the post.  Moved Beau down to water up and tie up on the 48hr mooring by Butchers Bridge.  Mark and Nicky followed on and tied up nearby so we could go for the famous "All Day Breakfast" at the Gongoozlers Rest Restaurant boat.  Couldn't get in straight away so walked down to the Admiral Nelson for a pint and almost had an argument with the landlord about the crap quality of the beer and the extortionate prices.  However, all was saved when we got our MASSIVE "All Day Breakfast" it should be called the ALL YEAR BREAKFAST cos it's last me that long - excellent.  Mark and Nicky departed for Milton Keynes and I went for a snooze before early doors at the Wheatsheaf.

Friday 28th March 2008

Was going to move on today but the weather is lousy with very high winds and driving rain.  Braved the rain to go to the Post Office - still no post.  Went to the BW office in the Stop House to renew my boat licence and they accepted the current insurance so all legal now.  Up to the Wheatsheaf for 4pm and met up with Jamie and Kathy.  Good evening again.

Saturday 29th March 2008

Set off up to the Post Office and at last the post has arrived.  Weather better than yesterday so set off for Norton Junction.  Met another boat at the first lock and they did all 6 locks for me - thank friends.  Nice guy, a pilot with Titan  Airways, a private charter company who fly all sorts of unusual people around from the English football team to royalty to pop stars, good laugh.  Got to Norton and tied up by 2.30pm just as the weather was turning nasty again.  Sadly the New inn won't let Bill in so only had a couple of pints and an early night.

Sunday 30th March 2008

Had a quick walk up the towpath with Bill.  Looks like it's going to be a nice day so will move on.  Have to do the oil change first.  Off by 11am and started down the 7 lock flight. Got through the first two no probs but saw another boat coming down so waited at the next lock for them - BAD MISTAKE - primer gray boat with the guy at the tiller totally pissed and bottles rattling all over the roof.  Neither he or his wife could comprehend letting me go first into locks cos with the bow thruster I can move my boat sideways so they only need open one gate.  Gave up trying to explain especially as soon as his wife opened his gate he roared off dragging my boat right across the lock chamber with me still on the lock side! twat - very dangerous.  However, finally got through all the locks so I stopped to let them get away first.  Calm cruise from there down to moor up just below Weedon at bridge 26, the A5.  Walked Bill up to the Navigation pub - MY GOD £3.06 A PINT!!!  Never paid that much before so definitely only had one and back to the boat.  Steak and Kidney pie for dinner - yum yum.

Monday 31st March 2008

Set off at a leisurely pace after our usual walk.  No locks today only Blisworth Tunnel which is 3057 yds long - 45 minutes to get through and very wet at each of the four ventilation shafts.  Got to Stoke Bruerne at about 2pm.

Weather getting sunny so explored the towpath with Bill.  Tried the Navigation Pub but no go - no Bill.  Tried the Boat, excellent both very welcome.  Had a sample pint and will be back for early doors.  Trying to catch up on the blog.

Tuesday 11th March 2008

Up early again and a quick walk back down the flight pf locks.

  Set off at 8am and got up through the last three locks of the Stourbridge Flight (16).  Same problem as yesterday with plastic bags and rubbish in the canal. Had to stop twice in three locks to clear the prop.  Turned right at Leys Junction and on and up through the Delph Locks, all eight of them.

On through mainly industrial estates and factories until you come to Merryhill Harbour in Dudley,

which is an oasis of shops, restaurants and apartments, very nice.  Turned right at Park Head Junction after taking a 1" thick sheet of plywood, 6' x 4' out of the mouth of the lock!, and headed down the Dudley No 2 Canal (aptly named as it's full of Sh*t!) having stopped again to clear the prop.

At this junction you could, by arrangement, go straight on up and through the Dudley Tunnel at 3154 yds long either by being towed by an electric boat cos you can't run your engines because of lack of ventilation or you could LEG IT through as they did in the olden days before engines (that's why I turned right).  Cruised on up to Windmill End Junction, which again comes as somewhat of a surprise as it's a beautiful park area in all the industrial desolation, and turned down the Halesowen Branch.  However, got to Hawes basin where unfortunately there were no moorings in the marina area so I tied up just outside of it in and industrial estate!  At least it should be quiet and NO PUBS.  Argh!!!  Only 12 locks today, 9 miles and oh yes yesterday I went through the shortest tunnel (Dunsley) of 25 yards with today going through the Gosty Hill Tunnel at 577yds with the biggy tomorrow, the Netherton Tunnel at 3027yds long.

Wednesday 12th March 2008

Didn't get to the Netherton Tunnel today as the weather was awful, very, very windy with intermittent rain showers.  Spotted a B&Q over the canal and going to see what wood floors they have in stock.  Long walk up there with Bill and finally got hold of an assistant to help - ha that's a joke.  No sooner got to the wood floor aisle than he disappeared.  30 minutes later he finally came back.  Sadly can't have first choice of colour so chose Harvest Oak instead.  Need to have it delivered but what with this guy's one fingered typing plus mistakes only to find they can't deliver 'till next week!!!  Bollocks!  So I bought everything I needed and got a taxi back for £7 instead of £20 delivery!!  Got everything on board and took Bill for a long walk around the country park as he was so patient just sitting outside B&Q (well getting fussed over by the girls as well).  Cooked up a storm with lamb steaks in a hotpot - mmm enough for Bill too.

Thursday 13th March 2008

First took Bill on a long walk around the park opposite.  Then started on the flooring - or rather where the hell do you start?  Moved all the furniture out of the way and cut the carpet into 3ft wide strips to make it easier to handle.  Then the nasty bit, getting the gripper rods and staples up out of the floor.  Cor I'm knackered already but started to lay the new underlay/damp proof membrane then the laminate flooring.  I even read the instructions - honest - but I can't for the life of me get it to work the way it should.  However, got 2/3 of the lounge done by 5pm and continued down towards the stern of the boat to the bedroom.  got two more rows down but there's a problem.  STOP NOW.  Sleep on it and start afresh in the morning.  God I've got aches in things that shouldn't ache and I'm totally knackered now.  Early night.

Friday 14th March 2008

Up early for Bill's walk and a trip to B&Q to get a power saw for the rest of the long cuts I'll need to do today.  EUREKA! sorted the problem out.  For the sake of a 1mm lip on the ends of the planks which I could easily cut off with a Stanley knife and the rest was plain (ish) sailing from there.  Finished and tidied up by 1pm, only the beading to do now.  Went back up to B&Q to get a circular rug for under the recliners and an oblong rug for under the dinner table.  Both are the same colour which is a deep burgundy red which hopefully won't show the dirt.  Bill approved of my choice of rugs as he's asleep under the table as I write this.  Gonna move on tomorrow to get rid of all the rubbish (maybe should just chuck it in the canal as everyone else seems to) also need to get to the shops.  Oh and a pub wouldn't go amiss.  By the way the floor looks fantastic - even if I do say so myself.

 Saturday 15th March 2008

Took Bill for a walk up through the park and we set off for Tipton and the Black Country Museum.  Left Halesowen and up through the Gosty Hill Tunnel (577yds) and that was the FIRST STOP to clear the prop.  Loads of pollution in the canal, yet Windmill End is a beautiful park??? 

On up through the Netherton Tunnel (3027yds long and 45 minutes to pass through) which is a wide tunnel with towpaths down both sides.

Turned left at Dudley Port Junction onto the Birmingham Level Main Line to go to Tipton via a boatyard halfway.

Boatyard's closed and I had to stop TWICE more to clear the prop.  So I've had enough of this and turned the boat around and headed to Gas Street Basin a day earlier than planned.

Got there and tied up by 2pm.  What a difference, no pollution but loads of Bars, Restaurants and apartments.  Loads'a'money!  Shopped in Tescos and went for a beer in the old lock keepers cottage now call the Canalside Cafe and met a couple of boaters from the little marina opposite.  Good laugh, real characters.

Sunday 16th March 2008

Staying over here today as the weather's not too good.  Took Bill for a long walk around the towpaths and through the marina to see where I can diesel up tomorrow.  Just about got back when - SPERLASH - Bill fell in the canal trying to catch a duck off the narrow ledge under a bridge.

He really frightened himself cos not only did he have his coat on which became very heavy when wet, but he could get himself out either.  So once I'd fished him out it was back to the boat and a warm up and lots of TLC.  He'd recovered enough to go to the pub in the afternoon so no lasting harm done.  Quiet night in, Early start tomorrow.

Monday 17th March 2008

Quick walk around and a top up shop and off we go.  Took the advice of Paul the older boater I met yesterday and went out through Edgbaston rather than up the Farmers Bridge flight of locks and Sparkbrook etc.  Tried to diesel up first but one of the trip boats got there first and after waiting for 30 minutes with no activity at all I carried on through the marina only to find I couldn't turn back on myself.  So I had to reverse for about half a mile to a point where I could turn into the direction I wanted to go.  Bugger.  Anyway off we go and this part of Birmingham is quite picturesque with the University Campus, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Cadbury's factory at Bourneville.

Turned left at King's Norton Junction and headed down to Hockley Heath for the night.

God it's wonderful to be back out in the countryside again.  Had a couple of beers in the Wharf Tavern with Nick another boater.

Tuesday 18th March 2008

This is going to be a long day as we have to navigate through two lift bridges, 18 locks of the Lapworth Flight and 4 locks of the Hatton Flight by dinner time.  Got through the fist lift bridge and stopped for diesel.  Just as I was leaving another boat came through with a couple on board and as we got to the second lift bridge a hire boat had just gone through with two couples on board and they held the bridge open for us.

So when we got to the locks the first couple went through with the guy opening the top paddles to fill the lock for me and as I went into the lock two girls off the boat behind came and worked the lock for me!  Why can't it be like this all the time??? 

Even saw a Kingfisher on the link between Kingswood Junction and the Grand Union Canal.

Got to the top of the Hatton Flight in Worcester and decided to go down through the first four locks and tie up opposite the BW Depot for the night.  All secure by 5.30 and I'm totally knackered but not enough to stop Bill and I going for a few scoops in The Waterman.  Had an early night as we've got to do another 19 locks tomorrow.

Wednesday 19th March 2008

Up early again cos it's going to be another long day.  Took Bill up the towpath to chase the rabbits and ducks.  Set off at 8am.  ONLY 23 LOCKS to do today and most of them are here on the Hatton flight through Worcester.Oh and as this is now the Grand Union Canal they are all DOUBLE locks.

Can't be as lucky as yesterday with the help from other boaters.  Oh no, in fact only met one boat coming up so I had to set them all myself!  Went up the Saltisford Arm to pump out.  Met Get Knotted, the fender maker, next to the Cape of Good Hope Pub and lock 25.

Continued straight through Leamington Spa.  Sad really, from the road the town is a beautiful Victorian Spa with many fine buildings, however, the canal goes right through a very rough area with winos and junkies lining the towpaths.  Total consensus of opinion from everyone I spoke to was get through as fast as you can and don't stop.  Got out into the countryside again and tied up just before lock 19 by 5pm.  Knackered.  But happy.

Thursday 20th March 2008

Woke up this morning at a very odd angle, almost rolled out of bed!  Overnight the pound had dropped by about 9 inches and had left me grounded by the stern.  MMM what to do??? - No probs, just used the barge poll to lever the stern out and we were on our way.  Easy day today ONLY 17 LOCKS and one double staircase to get through before I get to Braunston!!!  Got up through 6 locks and the staircase single handed when I was finally joined by another boat.  The guy was great, running up and down setting the locks for me.  All I had to do was get in, get his wife in, fill the lock, open the top get and move to the next lock followed by his wife.  Worked like clockwork.  Excellent help which was just as well as it became extremely windy at Calcut Locks and if I'd gone onto the towpath I wouldn't have got off.  Turned left at Napton Junction and cruised over to Braunston Turn to tie up just above bridge 91 where Mark and Nicky were tied up too.  Bill and Cassie had a great reunion with them charging up and down the towpath together.  Lit the fire and met up with Mark at 5.30pm for a few beers - Nicky was to come up a little later.  Great to see the guys again.

Saturday 1st March 2007

Stayed over in Kinver today although I had planned on going down to Wolverley.  However, just popped into the Plough and Harrow and didn't get out until after 6pm - spooky how that happens.  I did take Bill on a very long walk and found even more trees blown down, so didn't feel so guilty about not moving on.  Got a Chinese for dinner.  There are also THREE Indian restaurants in Kinver so I could be here for a while - only joking - mm thinks - Bathams AND curry - STOP - got to move on tomorrow.

Sunday 2nd March 2007

Took Bill for a long walk up through the fields into the town and got the Sunday papers.  Set off for Wolverley at 11am.  Lovely scenery with shear red sandstone cliffs and the ridge on my left and the River Stour and forest on my right.  Tied up above Wolverley Lock by 3pm.  Walked up to the village to find the Queen's Head pub recommended by the guys in the Plough and Harrow yesterday.  Walked in completely the wrong direction for over a mile - bugger - and when I did find the pub it was less than 10 minutes from the boat - double bugger.  Good afternoon with the locals, another Trevor and his missus and daughter plus the OAPs.

Monday 3rd March 2008

Took Bill up through the fields and back into the village to try and find a paper shop, sadly the old PO is closed now.  Set off for Stourport at 11am. Again lovely scenery apart from Kidderminster though the canal passes right by a massive Sainsbury's and Tesco.  You could even have a Big Mac (if you must) or a pizza from Pizza Hut.  Got to Stourport and tied up in the basin in a hailstorm after lovely weather all the rest of the way.  Pumped out (FREE, someone left a card and some time on the machine - thanks whoever you are) and watered up.  Went down to the River Severn to what it's like and met the BW Lock Keeper.  BAD NEWS I'm afraid, the river is already 3 feet above normal and RISING and moving very quickly indeed.  Also BW are not letting anyone onto the river until it has returned to normal and that could be a couple of weeks after the Spring Tides.  So Plan B - back the way we came.  However, stopped for a few beers in the Bridge Inn to drown (not a good word) our sorrows.

Tuesday 4th March 2008

Walked Bill to the river - it's up another foot, scary - and into town to get a paper.  Strange place Stourport, there are more fish and chip shops and takeaways than I've ever seen in such a small town.  Also there's a fairground by the bridge and as many slot machine shops as chip shops - very odd - just like a mini Blackpool but nowhere near the sea.  Dieseled up and replaced a gas bottle and set off back by 10am.  Lovely weather again but a bit of a chill wind.  Made good time and tied up above Wolverley Lock by 2pm.  Off to Queen's Head at 5pm for early doors and met up with Trevor and his missus and daughter who were as surprised as I was to be back there. Good sesh and a beef casserole for dinner.

Wednesday 5th March 2007

Left Wolverley for Kinver at 9.30am.  Lovely weather for cruising again and still a bit chilly.  Made good time again with only two locks to go through.  Tied up at 1.30pm in good time to take Bill for his long walk up to Hyde Lock, through the woods, passed the stables and across the playing fields into town.  Went into the Coop to get a paper and almost ended up in a fight with a drunken youth who was shouting and swearing at the door of the shop scaring all the customers and kids.  So I quietly told him to shut up and go home or I'd march him round to the police station and report him for disturbing the peace.  Fortunately he was in no state to really argue and did wobble off presumably towards his home.  Went up to the Cross pub to calm my nerves (well that's my excuse) and was welcomed like a long lost brother by the guys who run the place (they're gay which is a bit worrying).  I didn't expect to see them so soon either.  Great company and they love Bill and make a real fuss of him.

Thursday 6th March 2008

Took Bill on the same walk as yesterday but found a nicer route through a bridle path and some more woods to the playing fields thereby avoiding the electric fence altogether.  Did a top up shop in the Coop and tried to sort out the blocked radiator when I got back.  Called Knobhead Wharf to get someone out to sort it out and would you believe David wanted me to take the boat all the way back to Norbury Junction - I don't think so.  Finally got some sense out of Simon, the owner, and Mick WILL be coming down here on Saturday.  Took Bill around his favourite walk again and into the Cross early doors.  A productive day.

Friday 7th March 2008

Bill had me howling with laughter today on our usual route march.  He found a 6ft branch on the towpath and tried to run with it.  Unfortunately it was a little too heavy for him and he staggered off down the path weaving from side to side like a kid with his arms out trying to imitate an aeroplane.  Got the papers and cleaned the oven when we got back.  Re insured Beau for £70 LESS than the renewal quote from my existing insurer with far better coverage on and OFF the boat.  I HATE insurance companies, legalised extortion!  Off to the Plough and Harrow this pm via the Cross to let them know there will be some post for me tomorrow from David.  Fish and chips for dinner, excellent.

Saturday 8th March 2008

Excellent walk with Bill again this morning.  Small shop and got the papers.  Updated the blog and went up to the Cross to collect my post and the three tubes I need to post today also had a couple of pints there with Laurie, whom I met recently who is fitting out his own boat (good luck matey).  Then onto the Plough and Harrow to watch the rugby.  Curry from the Kinver Tandoori was excellent even if the rugby wasn't.

Sunday 9th March 2008

Bill loves this walk into to town and we found a little tupperware box hidden (almost) behind a telegraph pole.  When I investigated further it seems it's part of a GLOBAL treasure hunt called Geocaching so if you want to know more about this press control and click on this link Geocaching.com to find out more.  Got back to Beau for breakfast and did the Sundays.  Went through the woods again to the Plough and Harrow and on the way saw a bright yellow bird about the size of a Blackbird and when I looked it up it could have been a Golden Oriole blown here in the gales. It looked fantastic.  The landlord as good as his word gave me a pump handle badge for Bathams beer, sorry Old Speckled Hen but your history.  Good couple of hours with the locals then off up to the Cross to see the boys (?) Met a couple there who are not only into boats but also GEOCACHING!!!!! how spooky is that, though I wouldn't tell them where I found the box even though they offered many pints in compensation.  Good laugh and Steak and Kidney pie for dinner mmm I do spoil myself you know.

To find out more about this bird press control and click on this link

Monday 10th March 2008

Up very early for us, 7.30am, took Bill on his favourite walk for the last time for a while.  Into town and got the papers and some veg.  Set off at 8.30am up through three locks to Stewponey Junction.  There a right turn and up through 4 more locks aiming to stay overnight in Stourbridge - or so I thought - got to the winding hole at the end of the Stourbridge Arm to find that there were no safe moorings available.  So PLAN B ( there are a lot of plan B's).  Back up to Wordsley Bridge Junction and brave the 13 out of 16 locks to get to the moorings at the Samson and Lion pub in Buckpool.  Good few pints with the locals and that helped dry out our cloths as we got totally soaked today on a regular basis.  Plus there's so much weed and rubbish in the locks especially I had to stop at least 4 times to open the weed hatch and clear the propeller - bugger - freezing cold and smelly.  However an excellent days cruising - 7 miles - 20 LOCKS - 8 hours.

Thursday 21st February 2008

The fire is still not right and the bedroom radiator was cold last night.  Got Mick back to sort them out.  Cleared airlock and stripped out the whole of the inside of the fire to clean properly.  Bit of a struggle but when reassembled it worked a little better but still not right with too much yellow in the flame.  Good heat from the stove itself plus radiators heating up quickly in the lounge and the loo.  Bedroom still not right.  Early doors with Paul and an early night.

Friday 22nd February 2008

Woke up to find the fire had gone out.  Spoke to Dave and Mick will come over to sort it out.  Readjusted the oil flow regulator and all seems OK.  Friday afternoon in the Junction is free pool and music day so met Paul at 2pm and spent a very enjoyable afternoon together.  Waited until 6pm and had dinner there too - liver, bacon and black pud on mash - heaven. EXCELLENT NEWS FROM BW - WHEATON ASTON IS OPEN A WEEK EARLY AS OF TODAY - YIPPEE WE CAN MOVE ON NOW.

Saturday 23rd February 2008

Had to move Beau from her mooring because of hire boat returns.  So breasted up to a boat moored at the pump and dieseled up both tanks.  Moved over to the water point and watered up too.  Then off to Gnosall to see Mark and Nicky and Paul in the Boat.  Met up at 2pm and had a great sesh for the afternoon.  Can't remember what I had for tea????

Sunday 24th February 2008

We're all off south now that Wheaton Aston is open.  Going to Brewood (pronounced Brood) to check out the various pubs and an Indian restaurant.  Tied up at 3pm in pouring rain - soaked through.  Arranged to meet everyone at 5pm for a few pints and a curry.  The Bridge lets dogs in and has excellent beers.  Went up to the Indian via the Swan Hotel(who don't let dogs in during the evening but may at lunchtime!!!!)  Got to Curry Inn at about 8pm and had an excellent meal to celebrate the parting of the ways and all the fun we've had together over the last few months.  We also celebrated my granddaughter's birthday, which is tomorrow, when she will be seven.  Fantastic evening.

Monday 25th February 2008

NICHOLA'S BIRTHDAY TODAY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICKY

Set off at 10am after stocking up in the village.

Got to the end of the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction and bade a final farewell to Mark, Nicky and Cassie.  Said tarra to Paul earlier.  They turned left towards Great Hayward and I turned right towards Stourport on Severn on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

It was freezing cold on the open parts of the Shroppie but much nicer on the Staffs and Worcs.  It's a very pretty canal once you get out of the built up areas of North Wolverhampton.  Only one hiccough on the way - Bill decided to do a runner as I was taking Beau down a very deep lock but was recaptured by another boater back up the canal who called me on my mobile to say where he was - little bugger.  Tied up outside the Round Oak in Wombourne at 6pm.

Very long day but excellent to be moving again.  Sadly the pub won't let dogs in so only had a couple of pints then back to the boat.  Excellent day - 12 miles, 14 locks and 8 hours.  Even got to talk to my granddaughter Nicky and my son Jon - progress.

Tuesday 26th February 2008

Decided to stay over another day and do some chores around the boat.  Had a lovely long walk back up to the Bratch Locks and then about a mile or so up to town to get the papers and a few bits and bobs.  Fabulous weather again today.  Had a couple of pints early doors and an early night after mince and dumps for dinner - mmmmm heaven.

Wednesday 27th February 2008

MY DAUGHTER ALISON'S BIRTHDAY TODAY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON

Rang Ali and sang Happy Birthday into her answerphone.  Set off for Kinver at 10am after a long walk with Bill.  This canal is only getting better - fantastic scenery with a huge ridge (250 ft) of red sandstone to my left for most of the way.  Whilst locking down in Kinver I called Wilson's re a new cratch cover.  They will measure up and quote as soon as I get tied up, which they did.  With discount, £750 for a new one, what the hell it's only money, so ordered one and it will be fitted on Friday.  Found the Cross pub and had a few beers early doors and Bill very welcome.  Home to the last of mince and dumps from last night - excellent.  Oh and finally got to speak to Ali.  Brill.

Thursday 28th February 2008

Took Bill for a long walk back up the canal and back through the fields to Kinver town centre.  Heard a very loud yelping at one point where Bill had run ahead only to find and electric fence for the first time - sorry Bill but I couldn't help but laugh, it was funny.  Lovely shopping centre with 3 Indian restaurants, two fish and chip shops and a Coop and a Spar.  Plus a shop selling silly wooly hats so will have to go back tomorrow.  Finally managed to get on the internet - 3's coverage is the problem.  Got an email from a writer who wants to interview me for an article he's writing after he had found my blog on the internet, and he's coming tomorrow at 11am the same time as the lads are going to fit the new cratch cover.  Should be interesting.  Published the 1st - 10th February episode of my blog and working on the rest.  Off to the Cross with Bill for a few scoops.

Friday 29th February 2008 (a leap year)

Took Bill for a long walk up to Hyde Lock then through the trees to the stables to find the road was blocked by a couple of fallen trees from the storms last night.  Then on through the playing fields to the town.  Phil, the writer, turned up at 11am as arranged and interviewed me for his article and took some pics of me, Bill and Beau.   The guys from Wilson's turned up at 12pm (not 11am as arranged - canal time) to fit the new cratch cover, and it looks brill, worth every penny.  Recommended that I try the Plough and Harrow for a beer today as they sell Bathams real ales at £1.75 a pint 'till 7pm.  Yum yum, excellent beer.  Got fish and chips for dinner which were also excellent.  Great day.

Monday 11th February 2008

Staying over another day to do a big shop at Morrisons.  I went to find the filter wholesaler only to find they had moved to the other side of town.  Back via the Crown and a good laugh with the two guys who run the pub.  Back to the boats and a mega playtime in the playing fields.  Early night, off to Norbury Junction in the morning.

Tuesday 12th February 2008

Mark and Nicky set off early followed by Paul with me following on at a leisurely pace at 10.30am.  Soon up through the 5 lock flight at Tyrley. The weather is FANTASTIC.  Not a breath of wind nor a cloud in the sky.  Rapidly peeling off clothing down to tee shirt and jeans, fab, can't believe it's only February!  Lovely long cruise through beautiful scenery from rolling farmlands to deep valleys and even deeper cuts like Woodseves Cutting and to think that all this work was done by HAND.  No mechanical diggers in those days so I'm not surprised there are so many pubs along the canals, they needed them!!!!!  Tied up at Norbury Junction about 4pm being jeered at by Mark, Nicky and Paul who were sat outside the Junction pub.  Soon joined them for a beer or two.  Sadly the pub won't let dogs in even though we were the only people there!  So as it was getting a bit chilly we all had an early night.

Wednesday 13th February 2008

Walked Bill over to the chandlery and cafe and met up with Mark, Nicky and Paul.  Went back to Beau to get my washing and leave Bill on the boat.  Dropped the washing in and had a full English in the cafe.  Had a long talk with Simon (the owner of the boatyard) about the problems with the electrics on Beau.  He suggested an Adverc Battery Management System (£150), a Stirling Control Panel to monitor all the input and output of electrical activity (£200) and replace the 240v Central Heating Pump with a 12v version (£150) plus about 4 hours labour (£150).  Mick the engineer came over later to look over the problems only to find I already HAD and Adverc System onboard.  Don't you feel a twat when you don't even know what's on your own boat!  However, it begs the question, is it working?  So I've to go back tomorrow to find out when Mick can do some diagnostics and fit the panel and pump.  I also got a new catalyser mesh for the fire and it worked very well.  Also got a mini 12v round pin plug and cut the transformer off the television and set top box.  They now don't need the inverter to be on.  Had a couple of beers with Paul in the afternoon.  Nicky and Mark have gone down to Wheaton Aston to meet with her parents.  Though I did get a call from her to say NOT to go down as it was crap for a number of reasons, muddy towpath, few/poor moorings and a scrapyard run by gun toting gypsies!  They're coming back tomorrow.

Thursday 14th February 2008

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY - BOO HOO NOBODY LOVES ME - WELL NOBODY KNOWS WHERE I AM!

Met up with Paul at the cafe and had a full English.  Went into the chandlery to see Simon and arrange for Mick to do the work on Beau (this will be done next Tuesday).  Mark and Nicky arrived back from Wheaton Aston and are awaiting the arrival of her parents.  Went into the Junction at about 2.30pm and met Nicky's Mum and Dad.  Paul came in a little later and we all had a good afternoon sesh.

Friday 15th February 2008

Walked Bill all the way to Gnosall, well almost.  Turned back at bridge 36, Plardiwick Bridge, and never got as far as the Navigation Inn or The Boat.  Got back to Norbury to find them all in the Junction.  Free pool and music so we spent the day doing just that.  Home by 6pm to a big casserole and a quiet night in.

Saturday 16th February 2008

Walked Bill over to the chandlery to get the papers and set off for Gnosall after reversing over to the yard to pump out and diesel up the heating tank.  Gnosall only 45 minutes down the cut so tied up behind Paul (after ramming him to stop my boat - sorry Paul honest) at 12pm.  Arranged to meet up to explore the Boat at 2pm.  Bill and Millie welcome in the pub and at £2 a pint we had a very jolly afternoon.

Sunday 17th February 2008

Freezing night and the canal is frozen over.  Took Bill for a stroll into the village and got the papers.  Untied Beau and set off down to High Onn where there is a winding hole.  We want to be facing the other way ready to go back to Norbury tomorrow before they (BW) start work cutting trees along Cowley Embankment which can cause long delays.  1 hour there and 1 back and retied Beau up.  Went up to the Navvy today with Paul again both dogs welcome.  Mark and Nicky came in later and we had a bit of a sesh.

Monday 18th February 2008

Freezing night again with ice on the INSIDE of some of the windows as well as the canal being frozen over again.  Took Bill for a walk to see Mark and Nicky just as Paul was setting off for Shebdon Embankment and the Anchor Inn, which is where we'll head to on Wednesday.  Went into the village to the butchers and the grocers and set off for Norbury at 11am.  Tied up at Norbury Junction at 12pm.  Borrowed a massive pair of bolt cutters from the chandlery so I can fix my wonky bow fender with new links.  How I didn't fall in the canal I don't know anyway all fixed now.  In the Junction for 6pm and a couple of pints.  Mince and dumplings for dinner - yum yum.

Tuesday 19th February 2008

Freezing again last night.  Called into the chandlery to let Dave know where Beau was tied up so that Mick can get started on the electrics and the central heating pump.  However, canal times kicks in and instead of 9.30am Mick didn't start 'till 1.30pm and then I had to call Dave to find out what was happening and then move the boat and reverse into the wharf.  Installed the Stirling Battery Management System and finished for the day at 4pm.  Didn't want to risk starting the central heating pump and possibly leaving me with no heating - good idea mate.  Early doors in the Junction with Paul.

Wednesday 20th February 2008

Canal time again! Mick's not in until 10am so took Bill for a long walk along the canal.  New 12v central Heating pump installed and working with a bypass for the 240v pump (if needed in the future).  Lit the fire and Mick's not happy with it's performance.  So agreed to have it sorted out.  The filter in the control valve was cleaned ( never seen the light of day since fitted by the look of it).  Slightly better performance but still not good.  Mick relit the fire as he left at 5pm for the day.  Very yellow flames right up the chimney and booming and rattling the stove 'till it settled down to a reasonable flame with a little yellow.  Much more heat coming off it now.  Radiators heating up nicely apart from the one in the bedroom, must be an air lock.  Off to the Junction early doors.

The picture is the reflection of the underside of the old rail bridge, between bridge 36 and 35, reflected in the canal.

And now the wildlife bit............................

Walking with Bill through the woods the other day I saw a Barn Owl, a Green Woodpecker and a couple of Buzzards

To learn more about the Barn Owl press control and click here

To learn more about the Green Woodpecker press control and click here

Along the canal bank I spotted both a Pied Wagtail and a Yellow Wagtail

To learn more about the Pied Wagtail Press Control and click on this link

To learn more about the Yellow Wagtail press Control and click on this link

Bill also had great fun chasing a couple of Hares around the forest undergrowth

To learn more about Hares press control and click here

 Friday 1st February 2008

Took Bill for a walk up to the Marina and put some washing on and tipped the rubbish.  Went back to the boat to top up the heating tank with diesel from the spare can and went back to the Marina to refill the spare can.  Back to the boat with the can - my arms are 4" longer and legs 2" shorter after all this.  Back to the Marina again to get my washing and then back to the boat only to find that I was one towel and one sock missing - bugger.  Yes you guessed, back to the Marina to retrieve the missing items and then back to the boat.  Cor I'm knackered now and it's only eleven o'clock.  Good job my balls are in a bag or I'd probably lose those as well!!!!  Finally managed to cast off and get away from the bank but only with the help of two other boaters and set off for Audlem in very gusty wind.  It was so windy we came down the cut sideways!  At the lock I had to bump my way in along to towpath and walls but was lucky that another boat was coming down through the second lock so we simply had to crossover in the pound.  Got to Audlem about 2pm and tied up just below lock 15 near to Mark, Nicky and Cassie and arranged to meet in the pub, The Shroppie Fly, at 4pm. Had a few beers and a good laugh.

Saturday 2nd February 2008

Took Bill for a long walk up the Locks to Lock 5 to see what's happening and it looks finished to me.  Did some shopping and got the papers.  Met up with the guys, Paul and Millie have now also arrived at Audlem, in the Fly to watch the rugby and have a few beers.  Good afternoon in good company except England lost - bah humbug!

Sunday 3rd February 2008

Walked Bill all the way up to Lock 1, about 1 1/2 miles to see if it was chained the same as Lock 15 and it is.  Which means when the locks open on Friday we'll have to get out passed Lock 1 on Sunday before they lock it again to start work on Lock 15.  Got the Sunday papers and bumped into Mark, Nicky and Cassie and arranged to see them in the Fly at 2pm.  Excellent afternoon with the guys mad even better with the arrival of two women who made a fuss of the dogs especially Bill.  One of them was with her new boyfriend so the other, Vicky came to join us, good job people can't read minds or I'd have been arrested.  However, most of the brunt of the jokes were on me as everyone was extracting the urine out of my accent - what accent?  Great afternoon and a good giggle all round.

Monday 4th February 2008

Torrential rain again last night.  Walked with Bill up to lock 5 to see if the BW guys will open lock 15 for us.  Met Paul and Millie on there way back from there where he had asked the same thing.  So I went up and added my voice to the request plus I gave Dave (BW) my mobile number so he could let me know if they will open the locks.  did some shopping and met the gang in the Fly at 2pm.  Dave called around 4pm to say they will unlock the gates tomorrow morning until next Monday to let us through early - yippee.  Back to Beau by 6pm and an early night.

Tuesday 5th February 2008

Torrential rain again last night.  The towpath is beginning to resemble a swamp with most of it on the carpet on the boat.  Walked with Bill up to the Fly to where the BW barges were tied up and to have a word with the foreman to find out when the gates would be open and they said they'd be opened by 9am.  Walked back to the boat and had some breakfast when Paul and Millie walked up.  He went on ahead to see if the chains were off and set the lock for me.  Untied Beau and got straight into the lock.  Paul then went ahead and set the next two locks for me and I was tied up opposite the Fly by 10am.  Mark and Nicky came up next and I went back down to help Paul through.  All tied up and secure by 10.45am.  Did a bit of shopping and in the Fly by 2pm.  Excellent afternoon.

Wednesday 6th February 2008

Moved Beau over to the water point and watered up.  Tied up on this side of the canal as it's dryer - oh and nearer to the pub.  Walked Bill down to lock 15 to thank Dave and the lads for letting us through.  Walked on up through the fields to the town.  Butcher, baker etc and into the pet shop to get Bill some birthday presents.  The owner made a big fuss over Bill and gave him some treats and a tennis ball as a present.  Met the gang in the Fly as usual now at 2pm.  Later on three fellas from a 'Challenger' boat, Nb Champion, came in and joined in the conversation and as it turned out they were from Leicestershire and know Barrow upon Soar, the Marina and club and all the pubs I used to go into when I lived there.  They even knew the Packe Arms in Hoton, my old village, and knew Angelo when he owned the pub.  One of them even knew Geof Wilde as he had also worked for Severn Trent Water all his working life.  Freaky small world AGAIN!!!!!  Had and excellent beef casserole even if I do say so myself, cos I cooked it.

Thursday 7th February 2008

Off up the canal for a walk with Bill up to lock 5.  Diddled about in the village shops.  Met up with the usual suspects for a pm pint.  Quietish day and an early night.

Friday 8th February 2008

BILL'S BIRTHDAY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL.

Been singing happy birthday to Bill since we woke up.  He's now looking at me as if to say "OK, enough already!"  Topped up the shopping and got Bill some more treats for his birthday.  Back to Beau and a special tin of tripe (ugh!) for the birthday boy.  Set off through lock 12 to get up between 3 and 2 ready for the off tomorrow.  It took only i hour and 10 minutes to get through 10 locks - well I did get a bit of help from Nicky and Mark oh and Paul too!!!!  Thanks guys.  Back down to the Shroppie Fly for Bill's birthday party where we all sang happy birthday including the other customers and the staff.  If Bill could blush he would be bright red by now. we also said goodbye to Kate and Andy the landlady and landlord and that we'd see them sometime again no doubt.  Thanks for the hospitality.

Saturday 9th February 2008

Set off up through locks 2 and 1 with Mark's help after they had gone through.  Nice cruise up through the 5 Adderley locks and on to Market Drayton.  Dieseled up just outside town and tied up by the college playing fields which are brilliant for Bill, Cassie and Millie to play in.  Walked up to the town to get the lay of the land and do a bit of shopping.  Had a couple of pints with Paul in the Crown.  Back to Beau and an early night.

Sunday 10th February 2008

Had a long walk along the canal with Paul and Millie then back to Beau to do some maintenance i.e. change the engine and gearbox oil and the oil and fuel filters.  Also cleaned out the bilge of oil and muck, lovely.  All went well except the water trap fuel filter seal kinked slightly and there is a tiny, tiny leak of diesel oil when the engine is running - bugger will have to get a new one when we get to Norbury Junction.  Left the dogs on their respective boats and went up to the Crown for Sunday Lunch - massive meal, excellent value.  Great afternoon, stuffed now and can hardly walk back to the boat.  Got back and we all got the dogs out for a run around the playing fields.  Mollie was the star trying to play football with a ball twice the size of herself.  Great day.

Monday 21st January 2008

Took Bill for a long walk and got the papers.

Left Anderton (For more information about the Anderton Boat Lift press control and click on this link)

or  (For information about how to get to the Anderton Boat Lift press control and click on this link) and set off for Middlewich by 10.30am.  Watered up and tipped the rubbish at the BW site.  Weather wet to start off with and a little breezy but ended up quite sunny as we tied up in Middlewich at 3pm.  Worked on Blog and published the latest section up to yesterday.  Passed Tony on the way, he was facing back towards Northwich at bridge 180A (the old railway bridge).  Tooted but no response.  Sent him a text to let him know I had gone passed.  Got to King's Lock pub by 5pm.  Back to Beau by 6.30pm.

Not hungry so tucked up for the night.

Nature Time!!!!!

Decided I also like to liven the blog up a bit with references to the different flora and fauna we see as we travel around the system so here are a few I've seen recently.

My very special favourite is the Kingfisher and I hadn't ever seen one in real life until I moved onto Beau and started cruising the canals but have now been very fortunate to have seen many pairs from the River Soar, the Shroppie, the Llangollen Canal and even down the Prees Branch and the Monty.

Checkout this video press control and click on this link to watch the video

To find out more about Kingfishers press control and click on this link

These are the magnificent Buzzards, which seem to be quite plentiful in this area especially along the forested part of the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie and in most other forested areas around Ellesmere etc. I've seen many in flight and some even being mobbed by Crows and even Seagulls.

 For more information about Buzzards press control and click on this link  ------  and check out the video

Another bird of prey I saw yesterday was a Marsh Harrier opposite the Lion Salt Works in Northwich flying over one of the small flashes.  It then roosted in a tree right next to the canal but I was too slow to get a real picture of it - bugger.

For more information about Marsh Harriers press control and click on this link

Although these are not currently to be seen I did see many fabulous examples examples of the Beautiful Demoiselle throughout my travels on the wonderful waterways of England and Wales.

For more information on the Beautiful Demoiselle press control and click on this link

I hope this is interesting for you cos I will be doing more so there.................

Tuesday 22nd January 2008

Took Bill for a long walk up the canal to Croxton Flash and over the aqueduct.  Met Shirley and Martin on the way back by the Big Lock.  Walked up to King's Lock chandlery to try and get a fuel filter and a water trap fuel filter and guess what, knobhead (i.e. the manager) gave me the wrong one AGAIN!!! So had to go back and get a refund.  Had a few beers early doors and got a takeaway curry and had an early night.

Wednesday 23rd January 2008

Usual constitutional with Bill.  Worked on blog and started to add new bits.  Quietish day.  Nicky and Mark called to see if I was going over to Barbridge.  Said yes I'd be coming over tomorrow.  Had a few beers with Gordon and Ian (the builders) and Fred and Meg in the King's Lock.  The lovely Maureen, from Wardle Lock was in as well so said hello and had a bit of a natter.  Chinese takeaway for dinner tonight, being really lazy but heck who cares.

Thursday 24th January 2008

Took Bill for a walk up into town to stock up.  Set off for Barbridge at 10.30am.  Very windy but clear blue skies. Lovely, though very slow, cruise over the Middlewich Branch.  Met Mark & Nicky just outside of the Venetian Marina where I dieseled up and pumped out.  Finally got to the Barbridge Inn in the DARK at 5pm.  Had a few beers with Mark and Nicky.  Mince and dumplings for dinner - mmmmmmm

Friday 25th January 2008

Walked with Bill up to and past the marina.  Tidied up and did the domestics inside the boat, not before time either, cor the carpets three shades lighter now.  Met up with Mark and Nicky at 2.30pm for an afternoon sesh.  Met another couple, Pete and Helen off Nb Capercaillie, and guess what? she works in ophthalmology, as I did 20 odd years ago and knows a lot of the people I used to work with in Manchester, Bolton and Bury i.e. Manny Rosen.  SMALL WORLD _ AGAIN!!!!

Saturday 26th January 2008

Took Bill out for his constitutional and met up with Mark, Nicky and Cassie to get a bus into Nantwich.  It's a special day in Nantwich today as there will be a recreation of the Battle of Nantwich between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists in full dress costume.  Got to the Black Lion (apparently the oldest building in Nantwich) by 11am in time to grab seats by the window to watch the parade.  Fantastic pub and excellent Weetwoods Beers.  Did a quick shop after the parade and back to the Lion.  Had a bag of chips and got the bus back to Barbridge and a few more beers before turning in for the night.  Excellent day.

 Sunday 27th January 2008

Took Bill for a 2 mile hike to the top of the Hurleston flight of locks at the beginning of the Llangollen Canal in beautiful weather.  Met a family at the top and walked back with them to Barbridge and it turned out they live on a narrowboat in PILLINGS LOCK MARINA which is about a mile from where I started my travels in Barrow upon Soar and in fact they new my boat as they had seen me pootling up and down the River Soar waiting for my house sale to go through.  SPOOKY - I'll say it again it's a SMALL WORLD.  Went into the Barbridge Inn about 3pm with Paul off Nb Grumpy Git and Mark off Nb One Way of Life.  Nicky joined us later and we had a great afternoon.

Monday 28th March 2008

Up early and took Bill for a quick walk.  Set off for Nantwich by 9.30am in beautiful weather.  Got to the visitor moorings by 11am and watered up at the BW point.  Tied up by 11.30am.

Walked down into town and had a few in the Black Lion.

Tuesday 29th January 2008

Stripped the bed and got all my washing ready to do.  Took Bill right down past the aqueduct and back to the boat.  Had to leave him aboard whilst I went to the laundrette.  Set two machines going and went to the cafe next door for a full English.  Lazy afternoon reading.  Paul of Nb Grumpy Git tied up here this afternoon and will meet up with him at 4pm to got to the Lion for a beer or two.  Got some chips and gravy to go with my steak and kidney pie and a sausage for Bill.

Wednesday 30th January 2008

Met Paul at 10am and walked into town to do some shopping at Morrisons.  Met up again at 4pm for a walk to the Lion.  Terry, the landlord, introduced me to a guy from East Boldon who when we got talking knows all the pubs in Fulwell, Sunderland (my home town) and even thinks he knew my dad as they drank in the same pubs.  This is getting really weird now.

Thursday 31st January 2008

Took Bill up to the BW point to tip the rubbish, then into to town to get a pair of Crocs - yeah!  These will replace the ones I wore out last year.  Mark and Nicky have gone down to the picnic moorings between bridges 83 and 82 near Hack Green where everyone knows where the SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER is cos it says so on the map!  Weather last night was atrocious with VERY HIGH WINDS gusting up to 70 mph apparently, hail stones and torrential rain.  I tried to follow them down to the new moorings but couldn't get Beau away from the tow path because of the winds.  Nicky called to say their trip was a nightmare due to the still very high winds and the dredgers and barges working further down the cut.  So I retied the boat and will try again tomorrow.  Good excuse to go to the Lion again anyway.

To be continued in

1st to 10th February 2008 - Closures, More Closures and Kicking Heals 'Till March

Thursday 10th January 2008

The weather was awful today so decided not to to move.  Took Bill for a walk along the canal and got the papers, even he didn't want to stay out for long.  Spent most of the day indoors updating the Blog.  Tony text to say he was on his way over and arrived at about 3.30pm.  Arranged to meet later in the King's Lock pub.  Good laugh with the builders again and a guy called Fred (who is going to buy a boat) and his dog Meg (another B. Collie). Fish and Chips for dinner and an early night.

Friday 11th January 2008

Weather cold but calm so set off for Wheelock after walking Bill and seeing Tony to arrange next meeting.  Left King's Lock at 10am.  Only three locks to do today and a nice easy cruise to the BW Depot at Wheelock.  Watered up and tied up on the visitor moorings by 2pm.  Walked Bill along the canal and went into the Commercial Hotel for a beer or two.  For those of you who may pass they way at some point you MUST go into the Commercial Hotel, it's fantastic, like stepping back 30 years.  The bar is tiny but comfortable with a roaring fire and the beer is great, mostly real ales.  There is also a snooker room (NOT POOL) with two full size tables.  The landlady's pets include a whistling parrot and a puppy basset hound bitch who tormented Bill for most of the afternoon, almost sitting on his head at one point, the little tart!  Anyway a great place to visit.  The Chinese takeaway opened at 5 so Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs and an Egg Foo Yung was the order of the day - excellent.

Saturday 12th January 2008

So near yet so far.  Want to get to Shardlow but can't get passed Yard Lock at Stone yet so will have to go around and down the Shroppie ready for when Audlem Lock 5 reopens on the 8th Feb and be past Audlem Lock 15 before it closes on the 11th Feb.

Took Bill for a long walk up the canal to recce the locks and see if there is a turning point closer than that marked on the map.  Good news, there is just above the first lock (66) there is a pound wide enough to turn Beau.

Chatted to another boater about Yard Lock in Stone but he knows no more than me, however, Bill was so excited to see this guy he put his front legs on the bow to try and lick him and promptly slipped on the ice and fell in the canal, only his bum went in though as I managed to catch him before he went in altogether, nitwit of a dog. Came back and took Beau up through lock 66 and turned around and came back down to Wheelock ready to go back up to Middlewich on Monday.  As you can see from the picture below, which I took out of the side hatch , what a difference a day makes in the weather.  Yesterday dark gloomy and drizzly, today not a cloud in the sky though very cold and frosty.  The ropes were like solid rods when I tried to untie them!!! 

Working on the Blog for the rest of this morning and will take Bill for another long walk before retiring to the Commercial for the afternoon.  Got to go to Bill's idea of heaven though first for some treats.

Sunday 13th January 2008

Took Bill for a long walk all the way up to the Romping Donkey at Hassall Green, about two miles each way.  Too early for the pub so went to have breakfast in the cafe.  Bill and I sat in the corner away from the other (2) customers and ordered breakfast.  Just as they were about to serve the waitress spotted Bill, who by now was asleep, and asked me to put him outside.  What in this weather, it's not fit for a dog - oh he is a dog.  Well I declined the invitation and told them where to insert their breakfast.  Even the other customers said it wasn't necessary for their attitude.  Hey ho, health and safety MY ARSE!  Came back to Beau and had breakfast here instead, much nicer.  Cold, gray, drizzly wet day again.  Passed under the M6 both there and back only to be reminded just how much I hate the thought of driving now - suckers.  Retired to the Commercial Hotel for the afternoon in much more salubrious company with black pudding, lamb rigs, sausages, roast potatoes and cheese and biscuits all on the bar to help yourself to and to top it all off, Weetwoods real ale at £1.94 a pint.  Who's a little piggy then mmmmmm.

Monday 14th January 2008

Walked Bill along the canal for a while and then down into the village to get the papers.  Also called in to Bill's heaven to get a dog whistle to see if that helps to train him plus a sticky lump of black stuff that Bill loves.  Set off for Middlewich by 10am on another gray dreary day,  But as I've said before, this certainly beats working.  No sooner started than the wind got up and the rain came in the other direction, so it wasn't long before I was completely soaked.  Bill had his new coat on so only his head and bum got wet.  Only seven locks to do today so not to trying.  Tied up at the visitor moorings just up fro The Big Lock by 3pm.  Dried ourselves off and set the fire.  Off to the Castle Lock pub for early doors and Graham and Ian the builders again.  Few pints and then back for Chicken, bacon and leek bake and pasta for dinner, yummee.

Tuesday 15th January 2008

The weather was terrible first thing, there's been torrential rain since about 3am which finally stopped at 10am.  Walked Bill up towards King's Lock, once the rain had stopped, and then back through the town.  Got a pump to extract the oil from the gearbox when I do the oil change next.  Also got a couple of bottles of meths (for lighting the fire, honest!)  Did a top up shop at Somerfields and back in time for lunch.  Worked on the Blog until 4pm and then off for early doors at the King's Lock pub.  Met a chap moored further up the canal called Paul with his tiny dog Millie of Nb Grumpy Git (great name) which was featured in one of the canal mags last year.  Arranged to meet in the pub and swap stories.  Got a curry takeaway on the way back - mmmmmmmm.

Wednesday 16th January 2008

Heard from Tony this morning and he's on his way over here today.  Turned Beau in the winding hole about 100yds down the canal from where I was moored and took her up to the Middlewich Boatyard (3 locks either way) to diesel up all tanks and containers and to turn at the junction and water up.  Got back and tied up in the original place 2 hours later.  Messing with Blog again will publish in the next couple of days.  Waiting for Tony to arrive then off to the King's Lock for early doors.

 Thursday 17th January 2008

Tony has to meet with his doctors and manager at 10am today but will travel together up to Anderton after I have done a top up shop and got the papers.  Set off towards Big Lock at 10.30am.  Tony already cleared to go so we went through Big Lock together where Neil (Luge's mate) worked the lock for us.  Weather is awful with wind and torrential rain and am soaked already.  Huge gusts of wind actually blew a tree down right in front of Tony at Bilinge Green Flash but no damage done.  Stopped to get out of the rain at the Old Broken Cross Pub for a pint and a bite to eat - excellent food.  By the time we set off again there wasn't a cloud in the sky, though the temperature had dropped quite markedly.  Tied up at Anderton by 4pm.  Took Bill for a long walk through his favourite park, the Anderton Nature Reserve, and into the Stanley Arms for early doors.  Home by 7pm, dinner and an early night.

Friday 18th January 2008

Up by the crack of 9.30am.  It's been raining most of the night.  Got Bill into his coat and off around the nature reserve again and over to the village for the papers.  Breakfast over (11.30ish!) and took all the laundry to the BW depot half a mile back.  All clean and smelling sweetly now.  Had a snack for lunch and met Tony in the Stanley Arms for a pint.  Friday's Fish so on with the cooking.  Back out to meet Tony and all the other boaters in the Stanley Arms for 8pm.  Good laugh .

Saturday 19th January 2008

Excellent Long walk with Bill around the nature reserve.  Came back along the banks of the River Weaver where Bill, having decided he wanted a drink, promptly fell in!!!  However, he came out faster then he went in even though the river is quite fast after all the rain.  Had a very sociable afternoon in the Stanley Arms.  Home and dinner by 7pm and an early night.

Sunday 20th January 2008

Similar day to yesterday with the exception that Bill stayed dry today.  Tony's gone, apparently to Nantwich!  Called Nicky after I got her number from Claire (off my old phone) to let her know.  Also spoke to Mark and hopefully we'll meet up again soon.  Had another sociable afternoon in the Stanley Arms.  Cooked a huge Steak and Kidney pie for dinner and Bill and I scoffed the lot - mmmmmm

Tuesday 1st January 2008 - HAPPY NEW YEAR

Scenes from the Bridge Hotel

Had a great night in the Bridge, left the mutts on the boats and got to the pub by 9pm.  It was packed and I've never seen so many men dressed as WOMEN!!! (must be a welsh thing!!!).  However, most of the revelers moved on to other pubs quite quickly leaving the Bridge busy but civilised. good laugh with the gang.  Midnight came and went together with texts and phone calls from all over. I'd had enough by 1.30am and I want a reasonably early (well 10ish) start today.  Bill was my first foot for the boat so we will have a lucky year this year.  Had a good night's sleep and got up by 9am.  We have to get off the Llangollen Canal (at least through Baddiley Locks) by the 7th so have to start today.  Coffee and watered up, disconnected the cables and remembered to take down the chimney and set off for Trevor Basin at 10am.  Had to go up to the marina in Llangollen first to turn around and then headed off down stream.  Followed Mark & Nicky all the way and had a good 2 hour cruise to tie up in Trevor Basin in time to go to the Telford Inn to say goodbye to Rob, Sarah and all the friends I had made there.  Great reception and a bit of a boozy afternoon.  Had their famous Steak Pie for dinner and got back to Beau by 6.30pm and an early night

Wednesday 2nd January 2008

Up early to get Beau pumped out and dieseled up in the pouring rain and it's cold and windy too.  Eeeek. got to go back over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in bad weather again and the wind is blowing UP the valley this time pushing the boat towards the shear edge - help!!!

Got over OK through the lift bridge the Whitehouse Tunnel (191 yds) the Chirk Tunnel (459 yds)and over the Chirk Aqueduct to get to Gledrig Bridge by 11am and have a cup of coffee and dry poor bedraggled Bill off.  The poor lad was soaked but insisted on staying beside me.  Mark & Nicky caught up just as I was leaving the Poachers Pocket Pub moorings so we carried on and worked the only two locks on this stretch of canal together.  Got to Ellesmere by 3.30pm very cold and wet. Had to thaw out for a while and then went up to the Market Hotel to see Hoot and Annie and the locals again.  Great reception again from one and all - thank you.

Thursday 3rd January 2008

Staying over in Ellesmere today though Mark & Nicky have decided to continue on today but plan to catch up with them below Baddiley Locks on Saturday.  Took Bill for a long walk through his favourite park with the ball twanger and gave him a good run around.  Went to the Coop on the way back and got most of the grocery shopping done and got the papers including January's Waterways World.  Saw Tony Saunders off Nb Bethsaida who makes and repairs canvas covers and asked him to come and look at my cratch cover to see if he can repair the tears that have appeared in it.  Unpacked the shopping made a cup of coffee and waived Mark & Nicky bon voyage just as Tony arrived.  Good news, the cover can be repaired and today for only £30 - good deal.  Took the cratch cover up to Tony and set off to Bill's favourite shop - the Pet Shop.  I want to get him some treats plus a grooming brush and his flea and worming tablets.  I also bought him a coat after he got soaked yesterday.  Bill's not happy and looks very glum wearing his new coat for the first time as if to say "why me? What have I done this time?" Anyway it's green and he matches the boat teehee.  Made him wear it round to the cheap cloths shop where I stocked up on more winter clothes.  Saw Tony on the way back and the cratch cover is ready.  Dumped the shopping and collected and refitted the cover while Tony replaced one of the poppers on the hull.  Paid up with thanks and arranged to meet later in the Market Hotel.  Put a casserole in the oven and off to the pub for a few beers with all the usual suspects & Tony.  Bade all farewell until November when we'll do it all again.

Friday 4th January 2008

Took Bill around the park one last time and then to the shops for the papers and some toothpaste and snacky bits.  Set off for Platt Lane at 10.30am.  Very cold again but dry and sunny at least.  Lovely cruise past the Meres.  Got half a tree stuck in the rudder on the long straight stretch just before the Prees Branch turning.  Canalcrime boat in front worked the lift bridge for me and managed to get tied up by 2.30pm.  Bad news though, the Waggonners Inn is closed! Heard briefly from Mark & Nicky though poor/no signal meant for a short garbled conversation.  Took Bill for a long walk and battened down the hatches for the night.

Saturday 5th January 2008

Set off early, 8.30am, we've a long way to go today and have to negotiate 5 lift bridges, a staircase lock (three chambers and 4 gates) and 7 locks all within 11 miles of cruising as well.  Managed to snap the tiller pin at the first lift bridge as the wind blew Beau backwards into it - bugger.  Caught up with two other boats who kindly worked the next three lift bridges for me.  It was so windy at Whitchurch I don't think I could have managed to work the bridge on my own.  Got down the staircase at Grindley Brook and was kindly helped through the next three locks by another boater - cheers matey.  All was going too well through the next three locks until we got to Marbury Lock.  Bill decided he would like to sit on the roof and watch me set the lock and it wasn't until the roof of Beau was level with the lock side as she dropped down in the lock that I found out why.  He did no more than jump off and leg it down the towpath towards Wrenbury.  MAJOR PANIC, I still had to get Beau out of the lock and close the lower gates and then chase after him at 4 mph!!!!  Fortunately the towpath was bounded on one side by a fast flowing stream and by the canal on the other so in theory he could only go forwards or come back.  Tied up half way between Marbury and Wrenbury and set off down the towpath to see if I could find Bill.  Still no sign, though met a couple of shamblers who said they hadn't seen him go past them towards Wrenbury, so where the hell was he?  I set off at a jog BACK towards Marbury Lock and still there was no sign of him.  What the hell do I do now, first notify Petback just in case, second set off back to Beau and hope he would come back on his own or even be there. I was really panicking now as it was beginning to get dark and just as I had almost got back to the boat my phone rang.  "Do you have a Border Collie called Bill?" a man asked - RELIEF washed over me - "Yes I do, where is he?" - "In the Cotton Arms eating a bowl of chips and being made a real fuss of" - Thank goodness for that - however, how the hell did he know that's exactly where I would have taken him that night anyway.  Cheeky bugger couldn't wait for his treats!!!! Thanks to everyone who looked after him.

Sunday 6th January 2008

Left Wrenbury at 9am.  Got down through the Baddiley locks (1,2 and3) without a hitch, with Bill tethered to the engine hatch cover IN his coat as punishment for yesterdays escapades.  Free and clear now.  They close these locks tomorrow for two months to replace some of the lock gates etc.  Just Swanley and Hurleston to go now.  Stopped at Swanley Marina to diesel up.  Watered up at the top of the Hurleston flight of 4 locks, though made a bit of a fist of the last lock whilst trying to close the bottom gates the wind blew Beau across the pound.

Decided to turn left here and go up to Barbridge.  Tied up at the Barbridge Inn at 3.30pm.   Mark and Nicky called and I let them know where I was (they had gone the other way and were tied up at Nantwich waiting for me - oops sorry guys).  Had a few beers and an early night. Another excellent days cruising with glorious weather.  This is what it's all about.

Monday 7th January 2008

Stayed over in Barbridge for another day as the weather is foul.  Very high winds and driving rain.  Still took Bill for a long walk along the canal in his new coat (he likes it now!)  Went to the chandlery at Barbridge Marina and got a new tiller pin and to see if they had pages for my log book.  Got back to do the domestics i.e. hoover and dust and generally tidy up.  Earned a few beers and an early night.

Tuesday 8th January 2008

Left Barbridge for Middlewich at 10am.  The dark ominous clouds soon turned into driving rain.  Bill at least had his coat on and it's already paid for itself in keeping him dry.  Got down through Wardle Lock and saw the lovely Maureen.  Up through King's Lock and tied up for the day by 2pm.  Absolutely soaked but hey, it beats working any day.  Went over to the King's Lock pub for early doors and a few beers.  Jemma, the landlady, remembered us (well Bill most likely) and I got talking to a couple of builders who turned out to be great characters and raconteurs.  Good pm home by 6pm and an early night.

Wednesday 9th January 2008

Staying over another day in Middlewich.  Walked Bill right down the towpath past all the locks as far as Big Lock.  Did a big shop in Somerfields and back to the boat.  Fiddled with the laptop for a while and answered my mail.  Took the filter back that King's Lock Chandlery sold me last year.  You may remember that when I did the oil change in Trevor they had sold me the WRONG ONE!!! and the guys from Anglo Welsh went to Wrexham to get me the correct ones.  Well, the manager here insisted it was the right one even though I had an ORIGINAL BETA 43 filter and you could plainly see they were nothing like each other.  He still insisted he was right and had fitted them to other Beta engines (poor buggers) And to prove he was right he called his filter supplier who promptly told him he was WRONG and I was RIGHT - Yeeha.  sucks to you matey! Anyway in the end he had the grace to apologise and give me 10 ltrs of oil and two (correct) filters FREE OF CHARGE - Justice done me thinks.

Thursday 25th October 2007

Took Bill for a long walk around the nature reserve again and finally got away by 10.30pm and immediately stopped at the BW point to water up and dump the rubbish.  Lovely cruise down to Middlewich and tied up just above Wardle Lock where lovely Maureen the octogenarian keeper (unofficial) lives.  By the way did you know that the Wardle Canal is the shortest in the country and is only 47 yards long.  Got into the King's Lock pub by 5pm and had a few scoops.

Friday 26th October 2007

Stayed over in Middlewich and got a few chores done.  Bought oil and filters ready to do change in a week or so.  got a few other bits and bobs.  Adjusted stern gland (sounds painful) and now it's running more quietly.  Saw Maureen at Wardle Lock and she might come for a beer later.  Had fish and chips for dinner, yummee.

Saturday 27th October 2007

Set off for Barbridge at 10.30am and had a very pleasant cruise stopping off at Venetian Marina to pump out.  Tied up outside Ye Olde Barbridge Inn by 2.30pm.  Had a few beers and met a few other boaters.  Have now decided to go up to Llangollen for Christmas and New Year.

Sunday 28th October 2007

Weather awful so decided not to move today.  However, the weather cleared up beautifully by lunch time.  Took for a long walk and when we got back I washed the roof and the starboard side of Beau.  Had a few beers and dinner in the pub.

Monday 29th October 2007

Left Barbridge by 8.30am set off up the Hurleston Flight of (4) Locks.  Only had to work the first lock when Linda, the lock keeper, came down and set the rest of the locks for me.  Excellent help, thanks Linda.  Got the official lecture about not wintering up on the Llangollen then agreed to meet up later in the Cotton Arms with her and Mark.  Met two other couples off a hire boat from HATHERN!!! One of the guys works for Astra Zeneca and knows Arnold Goodwin who I used to work with at 3M Health Care.  Small world (again)

Tuesday 30th October 2007

Stayed over a Wrenbury and washed the port side of the boat.  Looks a lot better now all done.  Took Bill for a long walk around the village.  Had a few beers in the Cotton Arms and met a couple from Berwick upon Tweed.

Wednesday 31st October 2007

Left for Platt Lane at 9.30am.  Lovely lady worked the lift bridge for me.  Fantastic weather, peeling off layers of clothing as we go.  Even went topless for a while.  No keeper on duty at Grindley Brook staircase locks so worked them on my own, no probs.  Had a problem at the lift bridge at Whitchurch where a woman off a hire boat dropped the bridge even though at least three other boaters who were moored up were shouting for her to stop and let me through.  One of those that was shouting came down and let me through though - good man.  Tied up at Platt Lane by 3.30.  Walked up to the Wagoner's Arms and had a few beers for Halloween, as if I need an excuse!!!

Thursday 1st November 2007

Left Platt Lane at 9.30am and had a lovely cruise up to Ellesmere passing Blake Mere and Cole Mere.  Weather fantastic and tied up in the wharf by 2.30pm.  Sorted a few things out at the pet shop for Bill and the butchers for me.  Went into the Market Hotel and got a great reception from Pete and Annie (landlord and landlady).  Mike came in later and had a good sesh through the afternoon.

Friday 2nd November 2007

Staying over in Ellesmere.  Took Bill for a long walk and got rid of the rubbish at the BW site.  Fantastic weather again, very warm and no breeze at all.  So stripped the cratch down and sanded all the wood surfaces ready for painting.  Masked off all non green areas.  Also masked off all the glass and painted all the green areas.  Good days work so I must deserve a few beers.

Saturday 3rd November 2007

Staying over in Ellesmere.  It's another beautiful day so after walking Bill got on with the painting.  Masked off all the red diamonds first and painted them in.  Also touched up the red on the bow.  Had a few beers in the Market Hotel and ordered a curry to collect.  Had a couple in the White Hart with Andy the landlord only to find out that he is leaving the pub in the New Year.  Expecting Bill to be upset by fireworks.

Sunday 4th November 2007

Staying over another day in Ellesmere.  Yet another beautiful day so again got on with painting the cratch.  Blue diamonds today.  Starting to look really good.  Had a few in the Market Hotel.  Even though there were a lot of fireworks Bill was very good.  Just sat beside me, good lad.

Monday 5th November 2007

Still in Ellesmere but the weather is beginning to change.  Very foggy at 6am when I took Bill for a walk.

Only cream diamonds to do today.  Once painted and reassembled it looks great. Having just finished it peed down, got it all back together just in time.  Had a few in the Market to celebrate.

Tuesday 6th November 2007

Bill very good again last night even though, again, there were lots of fireworks.  Went to get more jeans (£4 a  pair) and t-shirts (£1 each) sadly though the shop was closed, will get them after Christmas when I come back to Ellesmere.  Ellesmere still very quiet with not nearly as many boats as I had expected.  Set off for Hindford at 11.30am and tied up at the Jack Mytton Inn by 2.30pm.  Went for a long walk with Bill and had a few beers early doors and some dinner.

Wednesday 7th November 2007

Left Hindford at 9.30am en route to Trevor.  Called into Chirk Marina to pump out and diesel up. Got through the Chirk Tunnel (459yds).  To late to cross over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct so tied up just after the Whitehouse Tunnel (191yds) for the night.

Thursday 8th November 2007

Weather very cold, gray and blustery.  Forecast for even worse weather to come so have to  be brave and get across the Aqueduct today.  Set off at 8.15am.  Very slow going with all the leaves in the water and the current running against the boat.  Got through the lift bridge and onto the aqueduct in complete calm.  Then exactly as I reached the middle the wind suddenly started to blow a hooley.  Fortunately the wind was blowing down the valley the net effect being that Beau was blown against the path side and stopped dead with the boat leaning  at an alarming angle.  Tried not to panic though Bill went straight below to hide.  Tried more power in forward but Beau wouldn't budge so tried reverse and she moved away from the path side and allowed further forward progress albeit with the stern hanging over the shear side of the aqueduct and still leaning at an alarming angle.  However, made it over safely eventually and got through all the Anglo Welsh and more leaves and tied up in the basin by 10.30am.  Cor need a drink after all that so had a coffee with a large whisky in it.  Went to the Telford Inn in the evening and got roped into the quiz with another couple and we WON.

BEST NEWS OF THE DAY, HOWEVER, IS THAT CLAIRE GAVE BIRTH TO A BOY 6LBS 2OZ AT 4.15PM

CONGRATULATIONS

Friday 9th November 2007

Weather awful as predicted so set about cleaning the inside of Beau.  Tidied up the lounge, hoovered throughout and washed the kitchen and hob down.  Will do the oven tomorrow.  Off early doors to the Telford.

Saturday 10th November 2007

Still in Trevor.  Took Bill for a long walk and read the papers.  Had pm in the Telford and met more boaters and visitors.  Good afternoon.

Sunday 11th November 2007

Much the same as yesterday.

Monday 12th November 2007

Got papers and took Bill for a long walk.  Cleaned out the fire and lit it.  Twiddled with all the knobs to see if I can can keep it alight.  Nope, so will try it again tomorrow.  Went to pub to get warm, oh, and have a few beers.

Tuesday 13th November 2007

Cleaned fire again and twiddled with all the knobs again.  Lit it and low and behold it stayed alight.  Just about to go and water up and guess who came along?  Nicky and Cassie.  They had come down from Llangollen for water as well.  Met up again at 6pm for a few (?) beers and got very inebriated.

Wednesday 14th November 2007

Mark, Nicky, Cassie, Bill and I walked up to Llangollen (4 1/2 miles) to do some shopping and have a beer or two in the Bridge End Hotel and everyone remembered Bill and I from back in September.  Got the bus back and had a few more beers in the Telford.  Well pissed.

Thursday 15th November 2007

Lovely, crisp, frosty day with a clear blue sky.

Got started on changing the engine oil and filter only to find that the filter I got at King's Lock was the wrong one.  However, had a word with the engineers at Anglo Welsh and one of them found out where he could get them for me in Wrexham and he went to get two for me.  Job done had a few beers at lunchtime with Nicky, Mark and Cassie.  Timothy West (the actor) was filming an episode of Waterworld on the aqueduct.  Nicky managed to get his autograph.  I tried to chat with him in the pub but very grumpy.  Went back to the pub at 7.30pm to do the quiz.  Came 2nd this week by 1 point.  Great night out.

Friday 16th November 2007

Walked up to Llangollen again with the gang.  Did some shopping in Somerfields and found a laundrette. Had a few in the Bridge End and tried to get the bus back, however, all that passed were out of service so we got taxi back only 30p more expensive than the bus.  Had few more in the Telford and an early night.

Saturday 17th November 2007

Piddled about in the morning and went to the pub at 2pm.  Got wrong off Nicky for not letting them know I was going for a beer or two.  Good pm and evening in the pub.  Had and early night.

Sunday 18th November 2007

Oh oh! Starting to get cold symptoms or is flu or maybe even the plague, you know what us men are like with our pain threshold, if we were the ones to have babies, mankind would die out.  So, off to the pub to try and drown the little buggers out.  Great afternoon with all the old boys, excellent banter as it was Arthur's (local councillor) birthday, and everyone was giving him hell.  But did he care, did he buggery!.  Good pm and had an early night.  Plague getting worse.

Monday 19th November 2007

Shitty night with coughs and sneezes. Walked up to Ruabon with the Pals and mutts and found the shops which are a lot nearer than Llangollen.  Still feeling shitty.  Took laptops to the pub as they have Wi-Fi and will let us use it free (thanks mates).  Sorted out the Itunes software for Mark.  Had 3 pints and went home.  Slept for 5 hours had some supper and an early night. Good job the fire seems to be behaving itself as it stayed on all night and kept me lovely and warm.  Still got man flu.

Tuesday 20th November 2007

Feeling better today.  Had a good nights sleep, though still a bit up and down, getting tired very quickly.  Took Beau the 100 yards down to Anglo Welsh to pump out and diesel up.  Fire had used about 25 ltrs so about £2.50 a day to run the fire.

Wednesday 21st November 2007

Mark and Nicky kindly took Bill for a walk with Cassie.  The mutts do play brilliantly together.  Started work on a montage of pictures to go with the Christmas cards.  Looks good.  Wrote one out with little notes by each pic for Mama and David in Swindon.  Went to the pub to get on the internet - nightmare for some reason took 2 hours to get connected and post my blogs.  Have only been able to do that since I've been in Trevor and Nicky showed me how to create my blog and had internet connections.  Checked bank balances and they look good.  Mark came in about 9pm and Nicky about 10pm, got locked in 'till midnight talking to Rob and Sarah (landlord and landlady).  Had a hot whiskey and a good nights sleep.  Still got man flu though or is it the plague?

Thursday 22nd November 2007

Took Bill for a long walk in the rain down to the country park and the little beach below this viaduct.  Went over to the pub to get onto the internet and mess around.  Had dinner and went back over for the quiz.  Ranking getting worse came third this week, though, somehow still managed to stay back 'till gone midnight.  Good day all in all.  Man flu lingers on.

Friday 23rd November 2007

Took Bill for a long walk below the aqueduct and along the River Dee then up through the country park to Somerfields.  Did a bit of shopping, you know the essentials, Vodka, Tonic, Cider oh and some bread (can't be healthy all the time).  Got back in time for a couple of beers in the Telford Inn and had an early night.  Still snotty.

Saturday 24th November 2007

Much the same as yesterday with the exception of a late lock in with Mark, Nicky, Rob and Sarah.

Sunday 25th November 2007

Took Bill for a long walk and got the papers.  Really look forward to Sunday for the banter in the pub with all the OAPs who put the world to rights every week.  Come think of it this is like groundhog day i.e. a complete repeat of last week, spooky.  No Mark and Nicky, apparently  still poorly from last night, no stamina these kids.

Monday 26th November 2007

Met up with Mark and Nicky before they set off to go up to their winter mooring in Llangollen.  I'm staying here one more night then off to Llangollen myself.

Tuesday 27th November 2007

Got papers, milk etc.  Watered up, dieseled up and set off for Llangollen by 11am.  Now I know why I was feeling a bit low, I've been in one place for too long!!!!  Big grin on mush now that were moving, albeit very slowly in this current.  Met up with Mark and Nicky as they were cutting logs just up from the Brynn Howell Hotel.  Arranged to meet them in the Bridge End later.  Tied up in the basin, spooky I'm the only boat here, I thought there would be a lot more, maybe nearer Christmas.  Met up with the guys in the pub.  Chef makes a real fuss of them both, Bill and Cassie that is by giving them bowls of meat.  Do you think if I laid on my back, barked and looked cute I'd get some food.  OK, I already lie on my back and bark and there's no chance of me looking cute!  Hey ho.

Wednesday 28th November 2007

Took dogs for a walk around the basin with Nicky and both Bill and Cassie had a mad half hour culminating in Bill falling in the canal, though he seemed to enjoy it this time.  Stripped the bedding and went off to the laundrette.  Made an appointment at the doctor for this damn eye infection, see if he can do anything.  The appointment was for 4.10pm and it was pouring down with rain and with hindsight I should have left Bill on the boat, however, poor Bill had to sit out in the rain for 45 minutes and I felt really guilty as he was absolutely soaked and bedraggled.  He looked at me as if to say, "what have done to deserve this?"  So I got him some treats at the butchers on the way back to the pub.  Anyway, everyone made such a fuss of him again and he got loads more treats, lucky lad.  Got some antibiotic drops from the docs and he also noticed the mole on my temple before I had a chance to ask as I was beginning to become concerned as it was growing and changing colour - eeek!  Got a referral to see the dermatologist at Wrexham Maelor Hospital (cor done a lot of work there over the years).  Mark and Nicky and Cassie came into pub later and all had a good evening.

Thursday 29th November 2007

Took Bill for a long walk along the canal then around the basin and down into town to get the papers.  Got back to Beau and had a late breakfast.  Spent pm updating blog ready to upload tonight when we go to the Telford Inn for the quiz.  Had a good laugh again in the quiz, some serious contenders this week, miserable gits didn't crack a smile, well that's what you get for being serious and teachers to boot.  And yes, of course they won.

Friday 30th November 2007

Took Bill on the usual route march and got the papers.  Moved Beau out of the basin onto the linear moorings and got caught by the BW guy at the mooring, even in winter it's only 48 hours and that the basin and these moorings are regarded as one and the same so I shouldn't be tying up here, fair cop.  However, managed to get him to let me stay 'till Sunday.  He also gave me the direct line for the winter moorings office should I choose to stay for December and pay for a winter mooring permit.  Decided to do just that and phone Barbara Plunkett at BW in Northwich.  132 quid later I now have my winter (December) mooring permit.  Makes sense really, water and electricity by the boat, refuse disposal and all the shops and pubs of Llangollen.  In fact it'll work out slightly cheaper as being on mains electric means I don't have to run the engine for heating or hot water simply use the emersion.

Saturday 1 December 2007

Took Bill for a long walk as usual and stocked up on a few things ready for big bruv's arrival.  Got a call from him at 4pm to say he had arrived in Ruabon but couldn't get a taxi.  Becky in the bar came to the rescue with a firm that could pick him up straight away.  Dave arrived at the Bridge End 15 minutes with his bag and huge box wrapped in Christmas paper, mmm wonder what that could be?????  Had copious amounts of beer with Mark, Nicky, Cassie, Steve and Louge.  Decided it was time to go when David knocked all the Christmas decorations off the mantelpiece - TWICE - daft bugger.

Sunday 2nd December 2007

Took Bill around the basin again and today got soaked, lousy weather.  Had a lazy morning reading the Sunday papers.  Took Bill for another long walk up to the Castell Dinas Bran as the rain had now stopped.  Went to the Bridge late pm and met a load of other boaters and had a great evening.

Monday 3rd December 2007

Woke up this morning by Bill being sick on me, lovely.  Then the poor lad was sick again on the floor and looked really sorry for himself.  Got up to clean it up to find he'd pooed on the carpet as well.  He was really distressed by all this so no more fuss was made about  it, only made a fuss of Bill himself.  Took Bill out for some fresh air and he had a another very runny poo (lovely subject for the blog).  Later on took him for a really long walk down past the lift bridge and up into the hills where we met a lovely old farmer.  He reckoned Bill has been a working dog at some time as was very impressed with him (see Trev's chest swell).  Came back over the hills and by the time we got back Bill seemed to be a lot better.

Tuesday 4th December 2007

Took Bill for a long walk and got the papers as usual.  Worked on blog for a while.  David's becoming stir crazy so he went off up town on his own to get a few things and came back totally pissed at 2pm.  Also still smoking dubious substances on the boat while I'm not here.  Went to Bridge with David who ended up pissed again.  Got back to the boat and I cooked dinner which David refused to eat.  Had a big row over smoking, of any description, on the boat.  It ended with David saying he was going back to Sunderland tomorrow. So be it.  Bill sick again in the pm?

Wednesday 5th December 2007

Woke up to find David gone. Took Bill on the usual round and had breakfast.  Got on with the blog.  Went down to the Bridge early doors. Talking with Mark and Nicky about Bill being sick and they reckoned is was the smoke from the dubious substances and that he'd been high for 4 days!!!  It must have been cos Bill seems fine now.

Thursday 6th December 2007

Usual routine this morning.  Lousy weather again so stayed until lunch time.  Went into town for some bits and pieces and the bank and had few beers in the Bridge on the way back. Had an early tea and got a taxi with Mark and Nicky to the Telford Inn for the quiz.  Left Bill on Beau for a change and he was brill, no probs.  Had a good laugh with the locals and won the quiz this week.  Good day all in all.

Friday 7th December 2007

Took Bill around the basin as usual, it's great watching him chase the rabbits and the squirrels.  Had a quiet day and a few beer in the Bridge.

Saturday 8th December 2007

Took Bill for his morning constitutional.  Did some shopping at Somerfields and got the latest issue of Waterways World.  Went into the Bridge for a few and read the mag.  Talked to a guy called Dave, who lives up the valley and is a beater for the local shoot.  He has 5 working springers and, like the farmer the other day, was well impressed with Bill.

Sunday 9th December 2007

Usual morning routine with Bill and the papers. Went to the Bridge at 2.30pm and had a good sesh with Mark and Nicky and the mutts.  Tony, Louge, Martin and Shirley came in.  Cor can she talk, had to leave in the end, couldn't get a word in edgeways, even me!  Later found out that everybody else did the same thing.

Monday 10th December 2007

Usual walk and papers first thing.  Spent some time working on the blog.  Had a few beers early doors.

Tuesday 11th December 2007

Took Bill round the basin chasing rabbits and ducks, Bill that is not me!  11am Nicky took Bill and Cassie and set off to walk to Trevor Basin.  Mark and I took Beau down to Anglo Welsh to pump out.  Believe it not it was quicker to walk as Nicky was there 30 minutes before us. Got into the Telford Inn by 1.30pm.  Posted new chapters to the blog.  Rob, the landlord, came in at 3pm when everyone else had gone and promptly BANNED BILL from the pub for chewing a chair leg, well three chairs and a table actually.  I offered to repair them but he was adamant.  Bill will be let in again with a muzzle on!!! Can't do that to him so he won't be back I'm afraid.  Whatever next a dog with and ASBO.  He'll soon have his picture on Pubwatch!!!  Oh got a call from the hospital for and appointment NEXT WEDNESDAY.  That certainly wouldn't have happened in England.

Wednesday 12th December 2007

Took Bill on our usual constitutional and got the papers.  Got to have my Sudoku fix.  Went up to the laundrette and did the washing.  Did a quick shop at Somerfields and had a few pints early doors.

Thursday 13th December 2007

Usual morning routine took a pic of the basin.  Quiet day all round continued with blog and had a few scoops early doors.  Got a taxi over to the Telford Inn for the quiz.  Had no choice but to leave Bill on Beau but he was no trouble at all.  Came joint last THIS week, what's going on.

Friday 14th December 2007

Off around the basin with Bill.  Bitterly cold again today though bright.  Did a bit of shopping and checked with the post office (read the Bridge Hotel) to see in any post had arrived.  Not yet so had a beer instead.  Went up to the Sun Inn at 9pm with the mob.  Excellent band on.  Great night and got home about 2am.

Saturday 15th December 2007

Usual constitutional with Bill got a good pic of the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen.  Bitterly cold again so had some porridge for breakfast.  Got to the pub about 2.30pm and the rest of the crowd got in by 3pm.  Good laugh.

Sunday 16th December 2007

Basically a repeat of yesterday with the exception of the pub being packed cos the footy was on. Good sesh though, all present and correct.

Monday 17th December 2007

Cold sunny day for a walk around the basin with Bill. Quiet day.  Did a bit of shopping and had a few beers in the Bridge early doors.

Tuesday 18th December 2007

Just when you thought all was going so well disaster strikes.  4am this morning (why always 4am?) woke up when the inverter kicked in, meaning either there was no credit left on the electricity card of the system had tripped.  Wasn't the credit, plenty of that - bugger - reset the external trip only to find that it had now tripped the internal PCB and would not reset!  So I turned off the immersion heater and went back to bed.

Wednesday 19th December 2007

Also found out this morning that the central heating pump had gone as well as it'd wouldn't even work off the batteries.  Called Mark Edwards of M & L Canal Services regarding electrical problems but he can't get to me until tomorrow - Bugger - so another freezing night in store.  Lit the fire which, of course, cut out after about an hour because the pump wasn't working.  Took Bill for a long walk and to the Bridge to get warm.  OK and some beer.

Thursday 20th December 2007

Mark got to the boat by 9am and changed the central heating pump, but had to got to Oswestry to get a new PCB switch.  The switch cost £100, would you believe, but he gave me the pump free as it was second hand and only charged 30 quid for his time.  Cheers Mark.  Everything seems OK now.  Got a taxi to the Telford Inn for the quiz. Tony came with us this time as Mark had to go back to Cambridgeshire for a family funeral earlier in the week.  Good night, came second?

Friday 21st December 2007

No good, electrics keep tripping for no good reason.  Called BW to get their electrician to come out and check the external supply.  Tony lent me a spare cable and that seems to be working.  Had a few in the Bridge and an early night.  Hopefully a warm one!

Saturday 22nd December 2007

Bugger - electrics tripped again.  So having to run engine morning and night to keep batteries topped up.  Given up on the electrics.  Took Bill for a walk towards Castell Dinas Bran and had a lovely walk. Met up with the lads in the Bridge for a few and had an early night.

Sunday 23rd December2007

Usual constitutional with Bill and got into the Bridge for about 2.30pm and met up with the usual suspects.  Excellent banter and good alround afternoon.

Monday 24th December 2007

Met up with Tony in the Basin and went around town for last minute shopping and to pick up the beef.  Good afternoon and an early night ready for Santa to come tomorrow.  Put stockings up for Bill and I.

Tuesday 25th December 2007 HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Opened our pressies.  I got Bill some special treats and a new set of balls (to chase after, really!) and he got me a bottle of Vodka.  How did he know what to get - clever boy.  Other wonderful pressies included socks (thermal for the use of), full thermals, from Claire, hankies and a Dyson Vacuum cleaner from David.  What are people saying about me, that I'm a cold hearted, snotty dirty bugger???  Hope not.  Anyway, thank you one and all for your cards, emails, texts and pressies.  Took Bill for our usual walk and got into the Bridge by 1.30pm where all the usual suspects were gathered apart fro Mark and Nicky who called from home.  There is now a new member of the gang.  A couple called Steve and Fee came into the basin today with BABY OSCAR - 3 DAYS OLD!!!  Got chucked out at 3.30pm.  Got home and cooked the beef and had a quiet evening in with Bill

Wednesday 26th December 2007 - BOXING DAY

Feeling a little fragile this morning so took Bill for a long, brisk, walk.  Didn't work, still feel fragile - better have a hair from the dog then and see if that works.  Got into the pub about 2.30pm and left about 6ish, can't feel a thing now so it must have worked.  Had dinner and an early night.  Still no electrics.

Thursday 27th December 2007

Went to the basin to meet Tony and Martin to go and get some diesel for the fire and return Tony's cable.  First thing I did was to reconnect my cable to the power and guess what?  IT WORKS NOW, well for the time being.  Second thing was that when I got to the basin Martin was trying to repair his rudder through the weed hatch but couldn't reach.  So there was only one solution, yup, he'd have to get into the water arggghhh - it's freezing, better him than me and even with a wet suit on he looked frozen and was seriously shaking.  Good job the work didn't take long.  Also comments from Tony and me like, "watch out for the eels" (Martin hates eels), "is that a Pike down there?" (he doesn't like pike either), and other various comments like looked like "nuts like King Edwards before he went in and mashed potato when he got out" and "what are those lumps in your throat, Martin?" Anyway, job done and well done Martin, brave, lad better you than me.  Electrics still ON shhhhh don't tempt fate.

Friday 28th December 2007

Relatively quiet day today as both Tony and Martin have left for the Sun Trevor pub down the canal.  Mark and Nicky not back yet either and no sign of Allan and Bracken.  So Billy No Mates here went to the pub with his best friend Bill to read the papers.  However, soon Mark off Port and Brandy came in so had a good natter with him.  Went home early and had an early night.  Electrics still on would you believe.

Saturday 29th December 2007

Mark and Nicky called to say a pal of theirs was bringing them back today and could I get a few things in town for them.  No probs so off we trot to the shops and the Bridge of course.  Back to the boat after a couple of pints and had some dinner.  Mark, Nicky, Cassie and their pal Martin got back at 6pm.  All went to the Bridge for a few beers.  We all came back to the boats at 9pm to leave the mutts to go on up to the Sun to see the band.  However, I decided not to go and had an early night instead, GOOD CHOICE.

Sunday 30th December 2007

Took Bill on the usual circuit around the basin and got the Sunday papers.  Went down to the Bridge about 3ish and Mark, Nicky and Cassie came in a little later and they were on a mission to drink the pub dry and almost succeeded!  Got back to the boat pissed and broke, no change there then!

Monday 31st December 2007 - NEW YEAR'S EVE - Whoop de do!

Took Bill out as usual and met up with Mark and Nicky taking Cassie to the vets for her booster injections.  Came back to the boat and started work on the blog to get it finished before the end of the year.  Almost done and it's only 4pm.  Just need to put some pics in and post it (if I can from here?).  Not even had a pint yet!!!  Going to meet up with Mark and Nicky about 9pm to celebrate New Year.

This year has truly been an amazing one for me for many reasons, moving onto to Beau in April and adopting wonderful Bill have been the most important, but none the less was the birth of Claire's Baby, Archie, love you both.  All the many and varied people I've met most of whom have become firm friends, thanks especially to Mark, Nicky and Cassie and to Tony, I really hope you have a better year next year and things begin to brighten up.  And finally for my son Jonathan (at least we've begun to talk and that's a good start), Louise and my wonderful granddaughter Nichola and my daughter Alison here's wishing you all a wonderful year.  And last but by no means least, my brother, David, who has always been there for me (don't worry we kissed and made up) thanks mate you have a brill New Year.  Love you all. (soppy git)

A final thought as the New Year looms is for our parent Les and Olive who are sadly no longer with us.  They were the original Old Age Travellers having been caravaners all their lives and they would have just loved to have been on the water with this wonderful community of people we live with.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE (EXCEPT THE TWO WOMEN WITH THE DOG SHIT!!!!) FROM TERRY TOUGHNUTS

To be continued in 'Closures, More Closures and Kicking Heals 'Till March' in the New Year, see you then.

Tuesday 9th October 2007

It's been great to have my brother aboard for the last 6 weeks or so, but it's oh so good to be just Bill and I again.  Well you can scratch what you want when you want can't you.

Lazy start to the day didn't set off until 10.30am got up onto the Macclesfield Canal and through the stop lock (1 foot drop) at Hall Green and dieseled up at Sherbourne Wharf.  Tied up just below the Queens Head Pub in Congleton by 3.30pm.  Went up to sample the beer.  Excellent, 8 guest ales so start at the right hand side and work your way to the left!  Met other boaters and had a good pm.  Stopped a 4 pints to go and do some shopping.  Took it all back to the boat and put a casserole on and went back up to finish the last 4 guest ales! Brill evening.

Wednesday 10th October 2007

Taking Bill up to get the paper I had a massive row with two women who were walking their dogs.  One of the dogs had a crap and the woman did no more than put it in a bag but then throw the bag in the hedge.  I was fuming and told her to take it home with as most responsible dog owners do. After which a blazing row ensued terminating with them storming off still leaving the crap in the hedge.  Later when I got back to the boat one of the women's husbands turned up and demanded I apologise for upsetting his wife.  I told him she had upset me by her attitude and to F***K OFF.  His final repost had me in absolute stitches roaring with laughter in his face as he called me "Terry Toughnuts".  All I could do was to ask how he knew my name was Terry?

Lost Kingfisher tiller pin in the cut - bollocks.  However, the cruise up to the Gurnett Aqueduct was magnificent.  Even the 12 lock flight at Bosley weren't too much trouble.

Good fun with swing bridge in Oakgrove.  It's not that easy for a single handed sailor to manage lift or swing bridges as the control gear is usually on the opposite side to the mooring bollards.  This was to save untying the horse before the days of powered craft.  However, there is a footbridge here so it makes life a bit easier.  Now this bridge is just into a lane off a busy main road and as its powered as soon as you put the BW key into the lock lights flash and buzzers go off all over the place.  POWER - I held the traffic up for a good 15 minutes while I opened the bridge, took Beau through and tied up, climbed back over the footbridge and closed the bridge again.  I even had the traffic on the main road at a standstill. Tee hee.  Tied up at the Gurnett Aqueduct above the King's Head by 4.30pm.

Had a few beers in the King's Head only to find that the landlord was from the North East!  Great day. Terry Toughnuts indeed.

This is a Roving or Snake Bridge which allowed the boat to pass through without untying the horse as the towpath changed side.

Thursday 11th October 2007

Left Gurnett Aqueduct about 10am after taking Bill for a long walk to the next village to get a paper.  Fabulous weather and breathtaking scenery as we get higher up the Macclesfield Canal.

By the way did you know the HOVIS built their first mill in Macclesfield and the name is derived from the Latin 'hominisunvis' meaning 'power to the man' so there! This was the view as you leave Macclesfield

Sadly, the weather turned cloudy and overcast by 1pm.

Was going to stop a Four Lane Ends but it didn't look too good so carried on up to Marple.  Bit of excitement on the way was a tupperware boat (plastic cruiser) had broken down so I towed him and his dad to the junction in Marple.  Tied up about 4pm and went off to explore the town. All shops and takeaways readily available.  Had a few in a very unsavoury looking pub called the Pineapple.  Excellent beer and punters.

Friday 12th October 2007

Gray horrible drizzly day so stayed put.  Started to polish the brass curtain rods and knobs with the miracle stuff I got at the Ellesmere Boat Festival.  Fantastic every window done apart from the from two.  Went down to the Pineapple again and had a great evening with the lads.  Arranged with the landlord to have David send my post there.  Got a takeaway Chinese.  Great.

Saturday 13th October 2007

Set off up the Peak Forest Canal on the way to Bugsworth Basin.  Again fabulous scenery, the only problem was that there were 2 lift bridges and 2 swing bridges to negotiate and as I noted before, being single handed they are a nuisance to do on your own. You have to get off on the towpath side, take the centre line with you and the windlass and cross over the bridge, open the bridge, pull the boat through, drop the bridge and then get back on the boat and carry on.  You're knackered after the first one.  Well I was.  On the way you pass through a town called New Mills there's a factory called Matlows which is famous for making 'Swizzels' sweets, and boy can you smell them.  Got to Bugsworth basin by 4pm.  Took Bill for a long walk and found the Navigation Inn apparently formerly owned by Pat Phoenix the actress that was in Corry.  Had a great evening there and watched the rugby on telly.

Sunday 14th October 2007

Staying over another day.  Shopped in Tescos.  Explored Bugsworth Basin as this is a very important site in the beginning of the industrial revolution.  Here Limestone was burnt in massive lime kilns to produce quick lime used in making mortar etc.  Apparently once the kilns were lit they burned for years causing massive pollution to the surrounding area.  Bored with archeology now so off to the Navvy for the afternoon.

Monday 15th October 2007

Took beau round to Whaley Bridge only to find the there were no mooring free.  So turned around again, watered up and went back to a different part of Bugsworth Basin.

Went to the Navvy again!

Tuesday 16th October 2007

Left Bugsworth Basin for Marple Junction at 9am.  Good cruise apart from the bloody swing and lift bridges.  Pumped out at Furness Vale.  Tied up in Marple at the same mooring as before and headed off to the Pineapple to get my post, oh, and a couple of beers.  Pete, the landlord was a great help holding my post for me, cheers matey.

Wednesday 17th October 2007.

BIG DECISSION - DO I GO DOWN ONTO THE ASHTON OR NOT?

Sadly, the Ashton Canal has gained a bad reputation in the past for unruly kids who can be very abusive even violent, however, other people I've met who have been through say that while it's not one of the prettiest canals it gets you to the Bridgewater Canal and beyond and that they had no problems whatsoever.  What the hell lets do it.  The first part is to get through the last section of the Peak Forest Canal and this starts in Marple with a flight of 16 locks in ONE MILE - OUCH.

Got through in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Not bad single handed and I had to back fill and empty two locks as Beau grounded in the pounds.  Major panic halfway down as Bill disappeared into the woods and wouldn't come back.  With nowhere to tie up I had to leave Beau in the lock and try and find Bill.  It was when I met two ladies out walking that I found where Bill was and managed to get hold him.  He was a terrified as me.  Oh how did the ladies know where Bill was?  One of them had a white coat on with Bill's paw prints all over it!!!!!  Panic over came out of the Peak Forest Canal and onto the Ashton Canal at Duckinfield Junction in Ashton Under Lyne, Manchester. 

Tied up by 6pm in a huge winding hole (I know you're not supposed to!) on the opposite side to the towpath just in case. Been a very long day and am Knackered.  Early night, very early start tomorrow to tackle the infamous Ashton Canal.

Other sights on the Peak Forest Canal some pretty some not!

Thursday 18th October 2007

Set off down the Ashton Canal with not a little trepidation bearing in mind it's bad reputation for unruly kids.  Met two BW workers at the first lock who asked if I was going down the Ashton alone and when told yes there was a lot of tutting and tooth sucking which did not help my confidence.  Fortunately the only problems I encountered were two swing bridges and that every paddle (four per lock) was locked and there are 18 locks in only 3 1/2 miles!!!!  So each paddle had to be unlocked used and then locked up again which takes at least twice as long as normal to get through each lock. Very time consuming though got down through the final lock in Ancotes and tied up in Picadilly Village, which is a gated community so therefore a safe mooring.  Total trip took 9 hours altogether but with the fine weather and, thankfully, no problems tied up safe and sound and had an early night.

Friday 19th October 2007

Left Picadilly Village at 9am.  ONLY 9 locks today, however, these are heavy double locks, some of which have an unusual pulley system to help open and close the gates and again all paddles are locked - bummer (oops bad word to use on Canal Street in Manchester).  Having got through the first of the Rochdale 9, the second is approached through a tunnel formed by an office block on stilts.  Having got Beau into the lock I was waiting for it to drain down and was sitting on the balance beam when my attention was caught by a shiny cardboard packet.  Been nosey I picked it up to find it was a free sex pack for gay men - aaaaaarrrrghhh.  Get me out of here quickly, which I did!!!!!  Of course Canal Street is the gay centre of Manchester, so definitely no plans to stop here and even talking to the BW guys, who helped me through the next two locks, my voice suddenly became very deep and more manful!!!  The first real problem today happened at the very next lock.  Because the BW lads were clearing leaves and rubbish out of the culverts water was flooding down through the pounds and over the TOP  of the lock gates and as the top gate upstream is 4 inches higher than the bottom gate I couldn't get the water to equalise and therefore couldn't open the top gates to get Beau into the lock.  Saviour came in the shape of 6 lads coming onto the towpath for a fag (oh bad word again!!!!) break.  The were immediately inducted into the crew and duly together we were able to open the gate and get me on my way - cheers lads (said in a deep and manful voice!!!).  For the last three locks I was helped by a man I can only describe as a 'Gentleman of the Road' who had all his worldly good strapped to a bicycle, but more importantly he had a windlass and a handcuff key.  So as I left one lock and closed the gates behind me he would go ahead and open the next one - all the way to Dukes Lock at Castle Quay.  He was such a help I gave him a fiver for his troubles - cheers matey (again the deep voice routine).  At last I had finished the so called DANGEROUS part of the Cheshire Ring. All I had to do now to get through the last of the Manchester section was to cruise down the Bridgewater canal.  This is a pleasant cruise taking you past Manchester United's massive ground through Stretford and Sale and out into the countryside again HOORAH!!

Tied by the Ye Olde No. 3 Pub at Little Bollington near Lymm.  Great day apart from a Challenger Time share boat trying to overtake when there was a barge coming in the opposite direction.  Funny how my boat seemed to speed up and not let him passed, spooky!

Saturday 20th October 2007

Massive journey ahead today heading for Lymm all of 2 MILES. Lovely town and found a great pub called The Bulls Head.  Met Brian of Nb Daisy again (last seen in Barbridge Junction on the Shroppie). Had a few beers together with another group of boaters.  Great day.

Sunday 21st October 2007

Stayed over in Lymm and did some cleaning.  Took Bill for a long walk around Lymm Dam above the town.  Weather fantastic, not a cloud in the sky.  Met up with Brain and the other guys in the Bulls Head.

Monday 22nd October 2007

Stayed over another day to get my washing done.  Took Bill TWICE around the reservoir and had a few in the Bulls Head early doors.

Tuesday 23rd October 2007

Took Bill around the reservoir again, only this time the daft bugger fell in!  He had been jumping onto the fishermen's pegs which are little pontoons and what he thought was another peg was in fact reeds lying flat - SPERLASH!!!  Did some food shopping and set off by 10.30am. Lovely cruising this last section of the Bridgewater Canal and even the section down to Runcorn was very picturesque.  Tied up for the night outside the Bridgewater Cruising Clubhouse.  Fabulous weather again.

Wednesday 24th October 2007

Very cols overnight and very frosty this morning.  Set off by 8.30am and dieseled up at Preston Brook.  Just got to the Preston Brook Tunnel (1239 yards) in time to go through straight away (south on the half hour to 20 minutes to the hour - north on the hour to 10 past for passages). Then all there was to do was the Dutton Stop Lock (all of 6 inches drop) the Saltersford Tunnel (427 yards) and the Barnton Tunnel (572) both of which are very twisty so you can't see what's coming and again are  timed passages.  Tied up at the Anderton Boat Lift by 2.30pm outside the Stanley Arms.  Had a long walk around the Boat Lift Country Park and a few beers in the Stanley Arms and a home made curry, yummy.

That has now completed the Cheshire Ring and the Four Counties all in one day?

To be continued in Winter on the Llangollen Canal with friends and mutts.

Thursday 27th September 2007 

Changed oil and oil filter, diesel fuel filter and the air filter all in just an hour.  Set off to complete the final stretch of the Four Counties Ring.  Left Middlewich for Wheelock at 11 am and arrived a 2am.  Watered up and went into the Commercial Hotel at 5pm.  Fantastic pub, like stepping back 50 years.  Great locals and good beer.  Had a takeaway from the chinese, excellent.

Friday 28th September 2007

Left Wheelock and set off on the marathon lock wind.  29 locks in seven miles!!!!!  Poor David was knackered by the time we tied up at Red Bull Junction.  Managed to DIY pumpout at the BW yard and watered up and dieseled up at a boat yard just down from the junction.  Told best pub is the the Blue Bell and not to go into the Harecastle Tunnel Pub or the Canal Tavern.  However, the Blue Bell doesn't open until 7.30pm so we went into the Canal Tavern and had a great night!

Saturday 29th September 2007

Well what a cruise!  First we had to go through the Harecastle Tunnel at 2926 yards long. Took best part of and Hour to get through!  Then down through Stoke and the Potteries.  Some very interesting old architecture with factories and bottle kilns etc.  Excellent days cruising with, for David's sake, very few locks.  Tied up just above the Star Inn in Stone and had a great evening.  By getting here I've now completed the Four Counties Ring.  Yet another milestone.

Sunday 30th September 2007

Left Star Lock and headed down to Haywood Junction.  Well it wouldn't be right to come this far and not go and see Mary (who helped me adopt Bill) and her husband Paul in the Clifford Arms in Great Haywood.  Had an excellent afternoon together, very pleased to see them again.  Brill.

Monday 1st October 2007

Turned Beau in the junction and watered up.  Cruised back up to Stone and tied up in the same place as before, just by the Star Pub, how convenient.  Walked into town and did a bit of shopping.  Lovely little town very pretty market street.

Tuesday 2nd October 2007

Stayed over in Stone for another day.  Managed to get an appointment to see a doctor about my eye infection (had it since May!).  On antibiotics now for a week.  Can't drink, yea right!  Cleaned the inside brass ceiling vents and they look great now.  Also touched up the bow paintwork and polished the portside Beau name panel with T Cut and that looks great too, all I've got to do now is the rest of the boat!!  Think Ill leave that till next summer (ish).

Wednesday 3rd October 2007

Left Stone en route for the Caldon Canal which branches off the Trent and Mersey in Etruria, Stoke on Trent.  Found out Bill can swim today!!!!!  For a while he's been venturing further out along the gunwales until today when SPLERLASH he fell off the back of the boat into the canal.  Luckily he managed to scramble ashore but then promptly ran off into a housing estate.  I couldn't get Beau nearer to the towpath than three feet so David and I had to jump off with the centre line and Bill's lead.  David held Beau while I ran off to find Bill.  Fortunately he didn't go far a came back to call.  He looked very indignant at getting wet and looked very bedraggled.  David then had to walk Bill down the tow path until I could get close in for them to get back on board.  Bill wasn't a happy boy but still wouldn't let me dry him.  Oh and I had just put his flea stuff on that morning so I'll have to do that again - bugger.  Turned up through Etruria Junction and was faced with a staircase lock with 4 gates and 3 chambers.  David started to work the locks but nothing seemed to be happening as more water was going out of the bottom chamber than was coming in?  The boater who had come down previously hadn't fully closed the bottom paddles which neither of us noticed.  We then managed to get the second gates open to be confronted by a cill stopping us from getting into the next chamber.  So having closed the bottom paddles David had to open all the paddle uphill to fill the chambers to the proper levels.  Once we had done this we continued without further ado.  Got out of Stoke and up to Milton and tied up by 6pm.  Had a walk up to the Millrace pub for a few.  Good laugh with the locals.  What a day.

Thursday 4th October 2007

Left Milton at 10am and explore right up to the end of the Leek Branch even reversing from the last winding hole to the very top of the branch.

From Milton up the scenery was spectacular challenging even the Llangollen for beauty.

Came back to the junction with the main canal and went down the Hazelhurst flight of locks and tied up right outside the Holly Bush Inn.  Had a few beers and dinner there too.  Met some great couples and had a great evening.

Friday 5th October 2007

Left the Holly Bush Inn at Denford by 9.30am.  Again scenery stunning with very steep sided gorge which is heavily wooded 

Weather as you can see from above was fab with not a cloud in the sky all day.

Got to the end of the canal at Froghall, however, according to the tunnel profile at Flint Mill Lock Beau was to high out of the water to get through the tunnel itself.  Turned Beau and tied up and walked up to the tunnel and the head of the navigation.  As it turned out I'm sure I could have got Beau through.  Getting to the end of the canal was a bit of a let down after such fabulous scenery as it you have to tie up in an industrial estate which is very ugly.  Walked down to the Railway Pub at the bottom of the hill, worth the walk as the landlord was quite a character.  Good beer too.  Got back to Beau and decided to go back down the canal to Consul Forge and the Black Lion Pub.  About to go for more beer after dinner.  Also check oils in engine and the gearbox.  NO OIL in the gearbox, not surprised it was making funny noises - topped it up, much happier now.

Saturday 6th October 2007

The Black Lion is definitely a weird pub.  After Dinner last night David, Bill and I walked over to the pub.  Bearing in mind that there is no road to the pub the only visitors are walkers, boaters and people from the few houses thereabouts the welcome we got from what looked like a corpse on legs was certainly cool as the first thing he said was not hello but no dogs allowed!  So I took Bill outside to a table and went back to get some beer and sit outside.  Then you began to notice all the signs around the tiny bar, NO DOGS, NO KIDS, NO CHIPS WITHOUT A MAIN MEAL, NO FOOD AFTER 8PM!!!!!!!!!!  They must survive on dogless, kidless, chip hating walkers and boaters. They should have had one more sign NO CUSTOMERS, which had already happened as David and I were the only ones there and we left pretty sharpish.  Decided to head back to Milton and the Millrace Pub for the night.  Much better welcome here.

Sunday 7th October 2007

This is David's last full day aboard before he heads home tomorrow.  Left Milton at 9.30am and got down through Etruria and back onto the Trent and Mersey and up to the Harecastle Tunnel (2926 yards long) by 1pm.

Tied up at Red Bull Junction by 3pm and had a good sesh in the infamous Canal Tavern and a curry for dinner.

Monday 8th October 2007

Walked up the towpath to Kidsgrove Station.  Train due at 10.30am, arrived 45 minutes late! David still got back to Sunderland on time though.  Stayed over at Red Bull and did a bit of shopping at Tescos.  Took laundry and rubbish down to the BW site throw one lot away and washed the other, think I got them in the right order, hard to tell the difference!  Explored Kidsgrove Town and into the Canal Tavern for early doors.

To be continued in the Daring Circuit of the Cheshire Ring

Monday 3rd September 2007

Left Barbridge and passed up through the 4 lock flight at Hurleston Junction and met Linda, the lock keeper, for the first time.  Extremely helpful.  Good place to water up and get rid of the rubbish.  Also had a book box so donated three and took three.  Tied up at Wrenbury after a lovely cruise up the first part of the Llangollen Canal.  Beautiful countryside which will only get better I'm sure.  Walked up into the village to find a shop and tried the Dusty Miller Pub.  Very expensive so went back round to the Cotton Arms which is MUCH better.  Who should walk in but no less than Liz and Andy who I met in Chester.  Great afternoon sesh.

Tuesday 4th September 2007

Left Wrenbury at 9am after pumping out.  Liz and Andy just going through the lift bridge so we went up through the locks together stopping at Willeymoor Lock, at the pub of the same name, for a beer or two.  It was here that a couple of boats painted in camouflage went passed our boats so fast they tore Andy's boat from the bank and opened all the draws on my boat.  Had to take Andy over on my boat to retrieve his.  Carried on to Grindley Brook and went up the staircase locks where we were supposed to stay over, however, carried on to Platt Lane Bridge (43) moorings.  Walked up to a great pub called the Wagoner Inn had a few and some dinner.  Also on the way up here had a slight (!!!) problem with another boater.  Either he was totally pissed or under the influence of some dubious substances or both but his boat was completely wedged at 45 degrees across the canal with his dog beside him looking suitably embarrassed.  I managed to wake him up as he was slumped over the tiller and moved forward to push him out of the way.  As we got through he did exactly the same thing again in front of another boat.  What next?

Wednesday 5th September 2007

Left Platt Lane and headed on down to Ellesmere.  Tied up right at the wharf end of the arm into Ellesmere.  Short walk up into town where we found everything we could need from a Laundry to a great butcher, deli and veg shops etc. Even found a pet shop that made a great fuss of Bill by giving him lots of treats.  He returned the compliments by peeing up the wall.  This is definitely a sign of Bill's acceptance.  Can stay here for 72 hours.

Thursday 6th September 2007

Stayed over in Ellesmere though moved Beau to the limit of the booked moorings for the Boat Festival This weekend.  Discovered the Market Hotel where Paul (Hoot) and Annie run a great pub.  This is now our local.

Friday 7th September 2007

Stayed over in Ellesmere as boats begin to arrive for the festival, including Liz and Andy on Nb Snowgoose.  Found a vet that would do Bill's booster injections and also arranged with to have Bill 'done' (ouch) next Tuesday so we're staying until at least Thursday next.  Yippee more fun in the Market Hotel to come.  Could hear the Big band in the marquee

Saturday 8th September 2007

Lots of stalls set  up for the festival and all the boats decorated for the festival, very pretty.  Had a few in the Market Hotel and then the Hog Roast in the evening in the marquee.  Great food but had to go back early to see Bill which was just as well cos he was not impressed with the fireworks as good as the show was.

Sunday 9th September

Had a very quiet day with a few in the Market Hotel

Monday 10th September 2007

Moved Beau back onto the Wharf. Showed off by reversing all the way back to the watering points. Pah. Tied up next to Liz and Andy and walked up to the Market Hotel.

Tuesday 11th September 2007

Bill's BIG DAY. Took him to the vets for 8.30am, this is the longest I've been without him since I adopted him.  Felt really weird.  Bill wasn't due back until mid afternoon, however, got a call from the vets at 12.30pm saying he was fine but being very vocal and could I come and pick him up asap.  Bill walked back to the boat very gingerly and that's where we stayed all afternoon.  Poor lad didn't know where to put himself though he did eat a little at 6pm and was OK to walk to the pub for a couple of beers.

Wednesday 12th September 2007

Bill's fine after his operation yesterday if bouncing all over my head at first light is any indication!  Set off for Gledrig Bridge and the Poacher's Pocket pub.  Stopped at the Jack Mytton Pub in Hindford on the way through, great old pub.  Got tied up just outside of Chirk by 4.30pm.  Time to try the Poacher's Pocket.

Thursday 13th September 2007

Left Gledrig Bridge at 9am and headed up towards Trevor Basin (Yes there is a place called Trevor!).  Pumped out and dieseled up at Chirk Marina.  Had to cross the Chirk Aqueduct (that's a rail viaduct that runs along side)

and get through the Chirk Tunnel (459 yds).  Fortunately someone had already started through the tunnel and stopped the traffic in the opposite direction so I quickly joined on.  Going through the tunnel can be very slow because of the flow of the canal water and the narrowness of the tunnel, bit like sailing through treacle. Shortly after this tunnel there is then the Whitehouse Tunnel to go through, one lift bridge and then the amazing Pontcysylltte Aqueduct.  This aqueduct is 1007 feet long and 126 feet high.  Wait till you see the pictures.

It's a fantastic feat of engineering built by Telford 206 years ago with magnificent views.  Terrifying on Beau but impossible for me to walk over, as I later found out. Tied up in the Trevor Basin and had a few in the Telford Arms.

Friday 14th September 2007

Left Trevor Basin at 9am to go up to Llangollen.  Without doubt the most spectacular canal so far.  Heading up against a strong current made for slow going, being very shallow doesn't help either.  However, really no need to go any faster and we have more time to enjoy the views of the valley to our left.  Very narrow single file in three places.

It must be hell in the summer when there a many more boats out and about.  Got to Llangollen Basin by 1pm and tied up and connected to FREE electricity (well it's included in the £5 / night fee.  Shopped in the town and had a few beers in the Bridge End Hotel and a good laugh with the landlady and barmaids.

Saturday 15th December 2007

This is the view from the side hatch that greeted us this morning

Walked Bill up the canal to the Horseshoe fall just passed the Chainbridge Hotel,about 2 miles each way but well worth the trek.

The views up river towards the Chainbridge Hotel were also stunning

Also met the horse drawn canal boat from the Llangollen Wharf.

Also called into the Motor Museum, which is well worth the visit with many great cars and motorbikes together with memorabilia.

and there is much, much more including an old garage stores department complete with stores and the history of the canals.  Again, well worth a visit.  Got back to Beau and David, Bill and I went to the Bridge for a few beers.  Met a guy, Kevin, who works for Gardner, Caldwell Communications in Macclesfield.  Bill Gardner's mother in law worked for my mum in Sunderland, and Bill's company did some work for me at 3M Pharmaceuticals when I was there.  Small world!

Sunday 16th September 2007

Left Llangollen at 10.30am.  Great cruise back to Trevor Basin, caused complete havoc in one of the narrows, tee hee.  Well it wasn't my fault, honest.  I did my usual trick of waiting for another boat to take the lead through the narrows, however, he decided to pull over shortly after going through the first narrow.  Which meat I was now in the lead.  Just before entering the narrow at Sun Trevor there is a bridge under which the canal turns sharp right.  As we approached this the bows of a hire boat came through the bridge and straight into the wall.  I put Beau into reverse and promptly grounded at the towpath side.  The two boats behind did exactly the same thing.  However, the hire boat rather than wait for us to pass came upstream and rammed a tree trunk in the canal side blocking the canal for the guys behind.  David and managed to refloat Beau by pushing her sideways and left them to it.  last heard was not a small amount of swearing!  Got safely to the basin and tied up in time for a couple of beers before closing time at 3pm.  Went back early doors for a few more.

Monday 17th September 2007

Left Trevor Basin and dared to go back over the Poncysyllte Aqueduct, through the Whitehouse Tunnel and the Chirk Tunnel and over the Chirk Aqueduct.  Got the Jack Mytton Inn in Hindford in time for closing at 3pm.  Met a family off a hire boat one of who's daughter's trained as a doctor in Leicester and knows Gas and Air.  Went back at 6.30pm for dinner.  Excellent food.

Tuesday 18th September 2007

Called Frankton Junction to arrange passage through the locks onto the Monty (Montgomery Canal).  Left the Jack Mytton Inn at 9am and tied up at Frankton by 10.30am.  Lazy morning as locks don't open until 12 noon.  Second through, met Colin the lock keeper - good laugh, hates hire boats.  Went all the way down the the winding hole at Maesbury Marsh and walked down the last bit to the about to be rewatered section to pant.

Tied up by the Navigation Pub only to find out that it doesn't open on Mondays or Tuesdays - bugger.  So decided to untie and go back up to Queens Head for the night.  Saw Nb Chesterton from Sunbury on Thames.  The lady who had made such a fuss of Bill in Ellesmere (I learned that they had not long lost their Border Collie after 15 years) came off her boat and handed over a big tinfoil parcel of roast beef for Bill's dinner.  Met a guy from Hartlepool who was with the canoe club as we tied up.  Left Bill on the boat and David and I went to the Queens Head pub for dinner.  Bill seemed to have behaved himself well while we were away.

Wednesday 19th September 2007

Walked Bill down to Chesterton to thank them for Bill's dinner last night and left them the folder from the Border Collie Trust in Rugely where I got Bill.  Put my name and Bill's plus my mobile number.  Hope she thinks about adopting another Border Collie, time will tell.  Got up to Frankton Junction by 11.30am.  Very windy and difficult to hold Beau into the bank.  Old git in front wouldn't move further along the mooring to let 4 of us tie up properly.  

Absolute chaos going up through the lock with the old git in front of us.  Didn't know how to handle the locks.  He also got grounded and had to pole himself free as no one would help him.  Colin thought it was hilarious.  Got to Ellesmere and tied up by 4pm.  Time for a pint or two in the Market Hotel.

Thursday 20th September 2007

Did the laundry and got some shopping in and got to the Market for 2pm.  Bill not very well so I left Dave at the bar and took Bill back to the boat very hangdog.  Took him  for a walk at five and had a little water and some biscuits when we got back.  Quiet night in.

Friday 21 September 2007

Took bill for a long walk through the park.  All seems well now, he ate a big breakfast and drank lots of water.  He must be OK cos he's being a nuisance wanting attention.  Lousy weather so we're doing the housework, at least I am anyway.

Saturday 22nd September 2007

Walked to the Mere and Bill chased all the ducks and geese almost garroting one with his lead. Did some shopping and found a shop selling tee shirts for a £1 each so stocked up.  Went to the Market Hotel to watch the Rugby and have a few beers.  Had a curry takeaway for dinner.  Good day.

Sunday 23rd September 2007

Left Ellesmere at 11am to get down to Platt Lane at Whixall Moss.  Ventured down the Prees Branch and was rewarded with sighting a Kingfisher.  Got to Platt Lane and tied up by 3.30pm.  Went to the Wagoner Arms for dinner.

Monday 24th September 2007

Left Platt Lane at 8.45am.  Long day ahead.  Had a problem with the middle lock below the staircase at Grindley Lock, the top gate wouldn't close.  Had to get David to sit and bounce up and down on the balance beam to get it closed.  Good job we have a fatty on board!  Got to Wrenbury by 3.30am in very high winds.  Very exciting at times.  Had a few in the Cotton Arms and an early night.

Tuesday 25th September 2007

Left Wrenbury at 10am.  Huge downpour at first lock and got totally soaked.  Weather decidedly cold when cloudy but OK in the sunshine.  Good trip but high winds again made it a bit tricky.  Got down through the Hurleston flight of locks, spotting a Mink halfway down, and saw Liz and Andy on Nb Snowgoose just before we tied up at the Barbridge Inn.  Oh dear I spose we should got and have a few then.  Met Brian off Nb Daisy, last seen at Fradley Junction in May.

Wednesday 26th September 2007

Left Barbridge Junction en route to Middlewich.  Bright clear day but freezing winds.  Arrived at 1.30pm.  Mooning Gnome in front garden of Maureen's cottage at Wardle Lock.  Met up with Mark, Nicky and Cassie off Nb One Way of Life, Phil off Nb Aurora and Maureen came in later and regaled us with stories of when she worked on horse drawn canal boats with her family.  Brill evening.

To  be continued in the The Final Stretch of the Four Counties Ring

Sunday 12th August 2007

Left Coven at 9am and via Autherley Junction set off up the Shropshire Union Canal for the first time aiming to get to Wheaton Aston.Got soaked to start with then weather started to clear. Very interesting cut at the bottom end of the Staffs and Worcs Canal only single bot passage for about half a mile.

Good job no one was coming the other way! Bill and I did our first lock together the Autherley Stop Lock on 6" drop but he did very well getting on and off the boat when required.  Stopped twice on the towpath to give Bill a run and the second time to ladies made a right fuss of Bill, which he loved of course. At the lock at Wheaton Aston guess who were there, yup the two ladies from before and more fuss was made of Bill.  Watered up and as we were passing the pub, yes you guessed it, the two ladies were now sat outside.  So arranged to get over there as soon as tied up.  15 mins later we met Linda and Caroline and spent a few hours over a few beers in very pleasant company - Bill getting most of the attention I hasten to add!

Monday 13th August 2007

Left Wheaton Aston at about 9am Heading towards Norbury Junction.  Very pleasant sailing with very few signs of villages or towns.  Got up through Gnosall and arrived at Norbury Junction at 2.30pm. Tied up and went to Junction Pub for a pint.  Met a couple of other boaters who live aboard there own boats, Glen and Frank.  Good lads, very entertaining.  Offered Glen spare chimney as he got a bean tin off the landlord to stop rain getting in.  So we met up again at 8.30pm and he paid in beer.  Sounds good to me.

Tuesday 14th August 2007

Weather awful so decided to stay put for another day.  Especially when I found out that the boatyard does service washes in their laundry for only £8.  Job done.Didn't see the guys so had a quiet night in with Bill.  Bill's getting better off the lead but occasionally bolts towards other dogs or people.

Wednesday 15th August 2007

Weather still not too bright but decided to move on anyway.  Left Norbury Junction at 9am heading for Market Drayton.  Fantastic scenery from rolling farms and woods to the deepest and narrowest cuts just fabulous.

No locks all the way to just outside Market Drayton, then FIVE in a row. Tethered Bill with his lead to the engine hatch cover.  From here he can see me but can't get off or fall in.  He was very good and only whined once. Got to Market Drayton and tied up by 2.30pm and went off to explore the town.  Found a pet shop for Bill so he was happy, quiet night on the boat.

Thursday 16th August 2007

Left Market Drayton by 9.30am travelling again through lovely countryside all the way.  Got through the Adderley five lock flight very quickly as there were boat coming through each lock leaving them set right for me.  Then you get to the mile and a half of the Audlem flight of locks where there are FIFTEEN!  Again lots of boats coming towards me so no probs and got through quite easily for being single handed.  Though stopped and tied up for the night between locks 12 and 13 where there are the Shroppie Fly and the Bridge Pubs, both very good.

Friday 17th August 2007

Didn't leave Audlem 'till 11am - could get the bed off my back for some reason.  Walked up into village and got food for the next three days.  Only three locks now out of Audlem and helped by other boaters going in the opposite direction and only two more locks before Nantwich.  Very slow through here due to the many boats moored along the towpath but got to Barbridge Junction and tied up outside the Ye Olde Barbridge Inne by 3pm.  Had a couple of beers and an early night.

Saturday 18th August 2007

Left Barbridge Junction at 10am and the first locks I encountered were the Bunbury Staircase Locks with THREE GATES AND TWO CHAMBERS of double width locks.  Now these are not like the Staircase locks at Watford or Foxton as they do not have side pounds.  Puzzled as to how to work these, when all else fails read the instructions!  So armed with 'the knowledge' I filled the top chamber and emptied the bottom chamber.  By this time, however, another boat had arrived who wanted to come up.  NO PROBS.  They came into the empty chamber at the bottom, and I emptied down into their chamber lifting them to an equal level.  We then passes in the middle closed the doors behind us and he filled his chamber to go up and I emptied mine to go down.  Couldn't have been easier.  Weather now awful again so after a few more locks tied up by bridge 109 and the Shady Oak Pub.  Still very wet and they wouldn't let Bill in so only had the one and an early night.  Saw TWO KINGFISHERS here. Also there an interesting lock below Beeston Castle, namely Beeston Iron Lock.  As opposed to being constructed out of stone, because it was built on shifting sand it was made out of iron like a big metal tank with gates at either end.  This solved the problem of erosion to the structure but made it very difficult to get through single handed as it is a DOUBLE LOCK with NO BOLLARDS TO TIE UP TO ONCE IN. Also coming out there is NO GAP IN THE CROSS OVER BRIDGE TO HAND THE ROPE TO YOURSELF!  Help came at the hand of a guy on a boat called Mousey Gray -  thanks matey never did get your name though we will meet again.

Sunday 19th August 2007

Left Bates Mill Bridge at 10am.  The weather started off simply dull, however, soon totally soaked in foul weather.  Slow in parts due the number of moored boats.  Got to the outskirts of Chester as planned, however, a Trust Boat had taken the last visitor mooring at Rowton Bridge where I had planned to stop for the night.  So had to carry on.  Should have stayed at the visitor moorings by the Frog and Nightingale Pub above the staircase lock though thought the basin at the bottom of the locks might be better - WRONG!  Managed the 3 chambers 4 gate flight ALONE without any drama but had to keep going until well out of chest and in open countryside.  Stopped at Knolls Bridge 131 for the night.  Mince and dumpling for tea so ended a miserable day on a high note - slept well.  Bill has been excellent again.

Monday 20th August 2007

Having got as far as this I may as well carry on to Ellesmere Port.  Excellent Boat Museum with many narrowboats and memorabilia from the era of working boats.  This is a MUST to visit for all boaters and a great day out. Returned to last nights mooring in good weather, fine days sailing.

Tuesday 21st August 2007

Came down to Chester and braved the staircase locks again, this time with a couple called Liz and Andy on Nb Snowgoose who were to become firm friends as we travelled on.  Andy gave me the details of the Ellesmere (Shropshire) Boat Festival from the 9th Sept.  As it happened an Australian family in a hire boat wanted to come down as we went up.  So we explained the process.  None of them looked too sure however it all happened like clockwork as the middle gate opened for him to be faced by two boats.  I simply move forward alongside him, Andy came sideways into my vacated spot, the Aussie boat moved forward into Andy's place, I moved sideways into his place and finally Andy moved forward into my place.  Easy????

Any the gates closed behind us and up we went.  I met the family later in town and the skipper said that he was just about ready to pack up and go home until we arrived to help.  Tied up in the centre of Chester just up from the Frog and Nightingale so it would have been rude not to try their beer.  Also heard from solicitor that there were more docs for me to sign so I asked landlord of the pub if I could have the post sent there, no probs, so here for a couple of days at least.

Wednesday 22nd August 2007

Had a lovely lazy day in Chester which is a wonderful city.  Firstly took Bill on trip round the walled part of the city and showed him some of the sights.  I think he was impressed cos he peed on most of them!

Got post from the pub, signed and witnessed for me by Jay the Bar Manager (looks good on a legal document don't you think?) Posted docs back, that means I am now FREE OF ALL THINGS HOTON!!!  Bill's been a brilliant boy again so going to have a few in the Frog to celebrate.

Thursday 23rd August 2007

Lazy start to the day, went to post the car docs to Claire and looked for Wilkinsons to get some mats.  Got back to Beau and then all of a sudden PANIC, loo almost overflowing.  Call Chas Hardens yard 5 hours south to arrange for pump out and set of straight away with legs crossed!  Waited at first lock for another boat and travelled the whole way down together.  Got to the yard by 4pm only to be told that they couldn't pump out cos their holding tank was full! Shit (Literally).  Liz and Andy tied up at wharf as they were having some repairs done.  Will see them in Ellesmere.  Had no choice but to carry on and try to get to Bunbury Locks and the Anglo Welsh Boatyard before they close.  Couldn't get through by phone and, of course, they were closed when I got there at 6pm.  Carried on up through the staircase locks and tied up eventually at Bridge 104 at Calverly.  Walking to the Davenport Arms was confronted by the Alpacas

and that was BEFORE I had had a drink.  Gonna give up drinking (not).

Friday 24th August 2007

Left Calverley to go via Barbridge Junction up the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal to pump out at Venetian Wharf.  This, of course, had to be the day that the Shropshire Union Canal Society were doing their fundraising lock wind.  Absolute CHAOS.  Boats tied up all over the place waiting to get through.  Finally got through only to asked to turn my boat around because the pump out connector was on the wrong side.  This duly done found a boat tied up at the pump out waiting to go up through the lock wind.  NB as it happened Nicky and Mark were having breakfast at the cafe whilst all this was going on.  They were to become firm friends as we encounter each other later in my travels.  Anyway having pumped out, dieseled up and replaced a gas bottle I had to turn Beau around again to continue on to tie up at Church Minshull.  Walked down into Church Minshull to explore the Badger Pub which the guide said was very good only to find that it had been closed for 2 years!

Saturday 25th August 2007

Left Church Minshull at 10am and reached King's Lock by 12 noon.  Was helped through Wardle Lock by a lovely lady called Maureen , who lives in the cottage on the lock, who is allegedly 80+ years old and still incredibly active.  David and I were to meet her again in a couple of weeks later in the King's Lock pub together with Mark, Nicky and Cassie.  After watering up I took Beau down through the lock flight to tie up at bridge 172 in Middlewich.  Did a bit of shopping and had a few beers in a very dubious pub called reflections.  Good laugh though with the locals.  Took Bill for a walk along the towpath only to meet a family on a hireboat from SUNDERLAND - and they were in the police - eek scary!!!

Sunday 26th August 2007

Left Middlewich at 9.30am and pottered up to Marston just north of Northwich by the Lion Salt Museum.

This whole area is dominated by salt production and chemical plants and areas of open water called Flashes where the land subsided in a flash overnight to form these shallow lakes. Had a few and great pub called the Salt Barge.

Monday 27th August 2007

Left Marston at 9am as this is a big day as we are going down to the River Weaver off the Trent and Mersey Canal by the Anderton Boat Lift.  Got to Anderton at 10am just as the Visitor Centre was opening.  Booked in and went to take Bill for a walk only to get back to the boat to told I was next on and to get Beau round onto the lift.  Fantastic piece of engineering that can take two boats down 50 feet and lift two up at the same time all by hydraulics.  Very exciting.

Turned left and headed down through some very large locks as this used to carry VERY LARGE SHIPS from the chemical factories to the Manchester Ship Canal at Runcorn.  Tied up outside the Red Lion supposedly for the night only to that this pub really is a DIRE HOLE and not to be visited.  Almost ended up in fight with a belligerent kid who was pissed out of his tiny mind.  However, got back onto Beau safely and turned around and headed back up to Vale Royal moorings.  Lovely spot and a very quiet night was had after all the excitement.

Tuesday 28th August 2007

Left Vale Royal Cut at 11am only 20 minutes to Vale Royal Lock but had to wait until 12.45pm before I could go through as they only have limited openings because of the volume of watered used to fill and empty this massive lock.  Whilst waiting met three lovely ladies, who must be in their sixties on a 70 foot hire boat.  Good for them.  Tied up in Northwich Town centre and did some shopping.  Had dinner and went for a few at the Penny Black.

Wednesday 29th August 2007

Lousy night's sleep because of wretched cough - coughed every time I laid flat so had to try and sleep sitting up.  Stayed put in Northwich today.  Walked up to Penny Black for lunch and had a curry take away for dinner  -  mmmmmmmmm

Thursday 30th August 2007

Left Northwich at about 12am and tootled down to Acton Swing Bridge and Runcorn.  One of the locks, Saltersford, has a great lock keeper Bryn who was very knowledgeable about all the pubs and curry houses within a mile of anywhere of the River Weaver. Got back from Runcorn and tied up at Acton Swing Bridge and sampled the beer in the Leigh Arms.

Friday 31st August 2007 

Left Acton about 9.30am and up through Saltersford Lock by 11.30am.  Got a taxi tel number for David as he's due to join me today at 5.30ish.  Tied up in the centre of Northwich again and waited for David.  Train on time and he arrive by 6pm.  Got him sorted out on Beau and walked up to the Penny Black for a few beers and some dinner.

Saturday 1st September 2007

Left Northwich by 10am and got to the Anderton Boat lift for the trip backup to the Trent and Mersey.  Very exciting again, like big kids the pair of us.  Got up through Middlewich Big Lock and tied up in time for a few beers.  Met a smashing family from Billingham.  Back to Beau for supper and a DVD fest.

Sunday 2nd September 2007

DAVID'S BIRTHDAY - 61 TODAY TEE HEE

Left Middlewich on way to Barbridge Junction.  Saw Maureen again at Wardle Lock and donated the Mooning Gnome which she thought was a giggle.  Queues at all three locks but no rush.  Got tied up right outside the Olde Barbridge Inn and took David there for his birthday party and they even let Bill in, great night.

The Shropshire Ring will be completed after we've been into North Wales

To be continued in Ellesmere, Llangollen and the Monty

Wednesday 1st August 2007

Having spent the last weeks since getting out of Nottingham in Shardlow finishing off painting the Bows etc and getting the electrics sorted out it's now time to move on cos I have to be at Fradley Junction to meet Henrik and Susanne who are coming on the boat for a week from Saturday 4th August 2007.

Dieseled up, watered up, pumped out and left Shardlow by 11.30am on route for Willington braving the infamous Stenson Lock on the way.  Tried all three pubs again, and yes as good as the last time I was here with my brother, David.

Thursday 2nd August 2007

Had to get up at about 5am to put tonneau cover on as it was pissing down with rain again.  Finally got up at 8am, rain stopped and time to do my first oil change.  Not too difficult though you have to be something of a contortionist to reach the filter.  Job done all seems OK will keep checking for any leaks. Set off for Fradley Junction and tied up by 5.30pm

Friday 3rd August 2007

Jon, Louise and Nicky came over in the Volvo for me to pick up Henrik and Susanne tomorrow at Birmingham Airport.  All started off well with a few beers and dinner in the Mucky Duck (the Swan) until we got back to the boat and drank a lot more.  At which point it all went pear shaped ending in a blazing row and me stomping off to bed.

Saturday 4th August 2007

Woke up to find family AND car gone.  Rushed telephone calls to Henrik at the airport for him to get a taxi over and problem solved.  After another fine afternoon and evening in the Mucky Duck again with copious amounts of beer we all went to bed.

Sunday 5th August 2007

Suddenly at 4am I woke up to the fridge low battery alarm going off.  As I went to switch this off at the back of the boat I found myself paddling in 3 INCHES OF WATER.  Help are we sinking?????

No the damn foot peddle solenoid on the loo had stuck open and happily pumped all the fresh water out of the tank into the boat.

At daybreak had to drill a three inch hole in the floorboards under the inverter and use the pump out hose to empty all the water out.  This done we then had to tear up the brand new carpet and put on the roof to dry.

Thank goodness the weather was fantastic as we set off for Great Hayward where we tied up at 8pm and went to the Clifford Arms for a few beers.

Monday 6th August 2007

Carried on up the Trent and Mersey to Stone and arrived and tied up by 4.30pm. Took Henrik and Susanne to the famous Star Inn for a few beers and then did some shopping in the very pretty town of Stone. Had dinner and went back down to the Star and got soaked coming back as none of us had taken coats.

Tuesday 7th August 2007

Met a lady from the next boat who was out walking her Border Collie.  Now as I had been thinking about getting a dog to live aboard with me I got the address and phone numbers of the Border Collie Trust Rescue Centre which as fate would have it is only a few miles away in Rugely.  So having called the Trust I arranged to go over the next day to see what dogs they had available and the weather is still wonderful too.

Wednesday 8th August 2007

Set off for Great Haywood again and tied up by 2pm and set off to get to the Border Collie Trust.  First stop was the Clifford Arms where the landlady gave me some numbers for taxi firms.  However NONE were available to take to the Trust.  It was beginning to look like we weren't going to get there after all until a wonderful lady called Mary had heard I was having problems and incredibly kindly offered to drive us there herself and two hours later I had adopted Bill who instantly became at home with us all.  THANK YOU MARY.

Thursday 9th August 2007

Quiet night for Bill's first night on the boat where he has made himself completely at home - sharing the L shaped sofa as our bed.

Left Great Hayward at 9.30am and went down through Tixal Wide to tie up at the lovely town of Penkridge right outside the Cross Keys Inn

Did a bit of shopping and had a few beers.

Friday 10th August 2007

Left Penkridge about 9am and carried on down the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to tie up a Coven / Cross Green near the Fox and Anchor.  Bill had a lovely day walking through all the locks with Susanne.  Being their last night they wanted to try one last English delicacy - Fish and Chips - and disaster the pub had RUN OUT and on a Friday night!!!  Anyway it didn't stop us from having a great night out.

Saturday 11th August 2007

The taxi we booked last night to take Henrik and Susanne to the airport duly turned up at 8am as agreed and they got away safely if not regretfully after a week of wonderful weather and curious adventures and adoptions.

At last Bill and I are now truly on our own so we decided to stay here for another day to chill out together,  playing in a huge potato field behind the tow path. 

Decided to go down into Coven to do a bit of shopping and it was a nightmare.  I don't think Bill had ever seen a car before in his life let alone trucks, buses and tractors.  Poor lad was terrified and when I tied him up outside the shop he howled.  So with little shopping done got him back to the boat as soon as possible where he instantly calmed down knowing that this was home from now on.  So we ventured out again in to the big field and we even had a few beers in the pub and he was now so well behaved.

 To be continued in The Shropshire Ring and All Who Sail In Her.

Tuesday 5th June 2007

Having sorted out or the legally beagly stuff about the house yesterday there's no reason to hang around here.  So I'm off to Newark and beyond.  Tied up for the day outside the Rose and Crown in Zouch and met up with John off Nb Touchwood, who I first met a while ago in Barrow upon Soar, and together with Simon from the boatyard and Claire's old workmate Geof and his wife Vera we had a very good evening.

Wednesday 6th June 2007

Left the Rose and Crown at Zouch at 9am and had a lovely sail down the Trent through Trent Lock and Cranfleet Cut to arrive at the Castle Marina for 3pm.  Met Sean, the lock keeper at Beeston Lock (he lives in the house on the lock), whom I first met when I explored the Erewash Canal earlier this year.  Saw first Kingfisher today just above Kegworth Deep Lock - wow.  Did a bit of a shop in Sainsbury's and met my old next door neighbour's sister, Tracy and had a good natter.

Thursday 7th June 2007

Stayed over at Castle Marina today and got some bits and pieces from the chandlery and fiddled with the engine. Also went shopping in the Broadmarsh Centre, weird being among so many people.  Glad to get back to Beau after a few beers in the Navigation at Castle Lock. Here are a few of the sights along the Nottingham Canal

Friday 8th June 2007

Left Castle Marina at 9.30am and got down onto the River Trent.  Took Beau UP river to the end of the navigable

stretch under Trent Bridge by the Cricket Ground.  Turned Beau around and headed for Gunthorpe Bridge Moorings.

Nottingham Forest Football Ground just down from rent Bridge.  First time through Holme Lock which is a massive keeper controlled lock, apparently it can hold up to TWENTY 60 foot narrowboats.  Easy Peasy,  All the locks on the Trent are the same size because there are still a lot of working boats using the Trent and these guys don't go at 4 miles an hour and they don't take prisoners!  Got to Gunthorpe Bridge and tied up by 3.30pm.  Lovely cruise down to here, very picturesque.

Coming out of Stoke Lock and that's a massive weir on the left.

Saturday 9th June 2007

Lazy day at Gunthorpe Bridge.  No shops in the village so had a few pints instead in the Anchor.  Nb Thin Lizzy moored alongside during the afternoon.  David and I had seen Ken and Ruth leapfrogging us around the Leicester ring.  Also met Jo again who is permanently moored here, last seen setting Barrow Deep Lock for me.  Small world.

Sunday 10th June 2007

Spent a very lazy and lovely day with Claire and Mollie still at Gunthorpe Bridge.

Monday 11th June 2007

This was going to one of those days!  11am, firstly tried to get a pump out at the Kingfisher Marina on the other side of the river. No one there so went back over the river and after much manoeuvring finally tied up just down from Gunthorpe Marine.  Watered up, very difficult as you're tied up against a very high wall - knackered my knee as I climbed up off Beau (oh yes, also gashed big toe this morning on the fridge).  Almost got LOCKED IN the shop as the woman didn't know I was there only to find out that their pump out wasn't working. Nothing for it but to head for the next marina which is in Farndon just outside Newark.  Upside was the beautiful countryside the Trent runs through. However, problems still not over as having tied up Beau at the pump out point I couldn't get into the marina as all gates were locked.  So I had to untie Beau and sail into the marina to organise the pump out, again only to find that there system was broken too.

Finally gave up that idea for the day and took Beau down through Newark Town Lock and had to work it myself as the keeper had finished for the day.  Easy peasy.  Just need a BW key and be able to read and press the appropriate buttons in the right order.  So how the hell did I get it right.

Worth it though once tied up with this view of the Town bridge at dusk

Tuesday 12th June 2007

Took Beau to King's Marina in Newark to finally get pumped out.  Now my original plan had been to continue down the River Trent and explore Lincoln and go down the tidal section and then up to York and Ripon.  However, the perceived wisdom of all the BW guys was DON'T DO IT ON YOUR OWN.  But why? says the naive me. Cos you'll sink and drown said the man.  Spring tides high water and very strong currents all gang up against the unwary or stupid!  Now I may have been unwary but I'm not stupid so without further ado I headed back up stream away from the baddies.

Newark Town Lock keeper must have been bored and wanted a laugh cos he waited 'till I was in the mouth of the lock before opening the gate paddles.  Well, as I noted before, these are very big locks and consequently empty a lot of water very quick and this in turn causes mucho turbulence thereby throwing the boat about all over the place with me hanging on trying not to hit the walls, which I managed to do.  Though this did cause the keeper much mirth and merriment.  Oh and was anyone else watching - YOU BET - about 50+ tourists - bugger.

Lovely cruise back to Gunthorpe the weather was lovely and arrived at 5pm.

Wednesday 13th June 2007

Overnight the weather changed considerable with the heavy rains starting.  Set off for Nottingham at 10am wet weather all the way and I met the gravel barge half way eek! Tied at the Castle Moorings at 3.30pm.  Too wet to even venture out to the Navvy.

Thursday 14th June 2007

Stayed overnight here, shopped at Sainsbury's and had a few in the Navvy.  Still raining though.

Friday 15th June 2007

Set off for Shardlow to meet up with Alison (my daughter) and her boyfriend Paul.  Left at 9am and made good time as far as Beeston Lock.  Got through OK but the current had picked up a lot because of the rain and the warning bar was at the top of the GREEN.  However, carried on up the Trent at much higher revs then normal to get through the current and got as far as a little village called Thrumpton where this part of the Trent narrows considerable before you get to Cranfleet Cut.  Now this is where it got REALLY SCARY cos I was virtually on FULL POWER and the current was pushing Beau BACKWARDS.  I simply couldn't get any further.  This part of the river has deep pot holes in it's bed and is known for whirlpools to form suddenly, which of course one did.  Literally turning Beau around and almost impailing us on the keep left sign in the river.

I think I was being told to go back so I duly did and what had taken 2 1/2 hours to get to took 30 minutes to get back.  By now the warning sign was well into the RED and RISING.  So having got back through Beeston Lock I returned to the Castle Moorings and was to be stranded here for OVER A MONTH until the Trent started to recede.

Saturday 16th June 2007

As I couldn't get up to Shardlow poor Ali had to brave the Nottingham traffic and come over to me.  Jon, Lou and Nicky joined us for the afternoon and I took Ali and Paul out to dinner at the Baltimore Diner.  Here I persuaded the entertainer that it was her birthday (which actually is in Feb) and this was the result.  She loves me really.

Sunday 17th June 2007

Took everyone for a trip down to Meadow Lane Lock, which was now LOCKED to stop anyone getting onto the Trent, and back up to the Castle.  Everyone got away safely leaving me to be stranded here for 5 WEEKS.

Monday 18th June 2007

Called British Waterways at Newark for an update on the flood situation.  NO CHANCE OF GETTING OUT.  So here I stay.  This was to be the first of many, many, many phone calls to the girls in Newark, in fact they soon recognised my voice and I didn't even usually have time to ask before being told again no chance today.

It could have been worse, just think if I had gone south onto the tidal stretch, Torksey Lock was FLOODED and boats were lost!  At least here there is a Sainsbury's, the Baltimore Diner, The Navvy and the Vat & Fiddle Pubs and the Castle Marina for Diesel, water and pump outs.  Plus met Russel on NB Kenko with his two massive Alsatians and all his mates.

Finally got out and up to Shardlow on THURSDAY 19th JULY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 45 DAYS FROM GETTING INTO NOTTINGHAM and during all the time there were some of the finer days that I managed to start painting the bright work on the bows and cratch, to have problems with the inverter, and to fly to Copenhagen to be at my pal, Henrik's wedding blessing and get a new mattress for the bed and have a new carpet laid, oh and a few(?) pints along the way.  Not bad really.

Thursday 19th July 2007

HAD ENOUGH NOW - IT'S GONE BEYOND A JOKE - LET ME OUT!!!!!!!! Left Beeston Lock at 7.30am together with John and his wife on Nb Nuthatch.  Although warnings still just in the RED it was left to each skipper's discretion as to whether they tried to get up river. Ran at 2000 revs all the way and by the time we reached Thrumpton Nip the river had dropped even more and we were able to get through this time and on and up through Cranfleet to Sawley Locks.  Talking to Dave the Lock Keeper he said that at the worst of the floods both sets of gates had been open and the water level almost came over the paved area, 10 feet above normal!

Dieseled up and pumped out at the Marina and tied up outside the Malt Shovel at 12.30pm.  WHAT FATE - there was a boat electrician working on the next boat so I got him to have a look at my inverter and see why the batteries were holding their charge.  Job done. Suggested I get 3rd 160ah battery which I ordered and he's coming back to fit it next week.  Excellent Day all round so had a few beer in the Shovel and got pissed with the local lads.

Friday 11th May 2007

David, my brother, joined the crew on Friday the 11th May and we took Beau down through Barrow Deep Lock to tie up outside The Boat in Loughborough for the night. Had a few beers and met up with Kevin Bacon and few of the lads.

Saturday 12th May 2007

Had a leisurely start to the day and set off for Trent Lock at 10am.  Arrived there at 4pm in very wet and windy conditions. Sampled the beer in both the Navigation and the Steamboat, both good.

Sunday 13th May 2007

Left Trent Lock by 8am and Fuelled up, watered up and pumped out at Sawley Marina and arrived in Shardlow to tie up by the Malt Shovel by noon. Had Sunday lunch with Dave Jon (my son) and Nicky (my granddaughter). Weather still terrible so stayed in the Malt Shovel.

Monday 14th May 2007

Tried to sort out Bubble Oil Stove and contact the Bubble engineer.  No success.  Left Shardlow at 10.20am and finally tied up in Willington at 6pm.  Did some shopping the good old Coop and sampled the beer in ALL three pubs - The Green Dragon, the Rising Sun and I was too pissed to remember the last one!

Tuesday 15th May 2007

Left Willington at 8.30am and headed down through Burton upon Trent. Still heavy Rain but at least the wind has dropped. First time through single locks, no probs. Passed by Alrewas Weir and had to use full power to get up the short stretch of river to the lock.  The river must be rising.  Arrived at Fradley Junction at 4.30pm.  Heard from my estate agents at last the house has been sold so David and I took ourselves off to the Mucky Duck (The Swan) to celebrate.

Wednesday 16th May 2007

Late start after last night's celebrations.  Left Fradley Junction on the Trent and Mersey Canal and set off down the Coventry Canal at 10am through the swing bridge (first time) and watered up. Set off for Polesworth by 10.30am.  Prop got fouled twice with plastic bags, took 15 mins each time to clear them.  Lovely countryside all the way and arrived in Polesworth by 5pm.  Asked a local about the pubs and strongly recommended that we DID NOT go into the Bulls Head as it was a rough house.  So that's exactly where we went and he wasn't wrong it was rough though the locals were fantastic.  Had a brilliant night with a bunch of West Brom football supporters watching the playoffs.

Thursday 17th May 2007

Left Polesworth by 8.30am up through three sets of 2 locks and the Atherstone flight of 5 locks.  Saw this boat being put back in the water after having it's hull blacked Then it was a straight cruise through Hartshill, Nuneaton and past Marston Junction (this is the entrance to the Ashby Canal which I did in February this year) to tie up right outside the Navigation Inn next to Bulkington Bridge in Bedworth.  Only one other boat tied up and we met him when we went in for a few beers, a massive Scotsman called Big Pat.  He's lived on his boat for 7 years and has travelled far and wide and knows all the best pubs.  Guess what, got pissed again, now there's a thing!

Friday 18th May 2007

Left Bedworth at 9am, so much for an early start. Completed the full length of the Coventry Canal by going the last 5 1/2 miles to Coventry Basin. Mostly industrial landscapes passing Coventry City's Ricoh Football Ground.  This stretch of the canal was very polluted with rubbish and diesel spills.  Nearly crashed into a plastic boat whilst turning Beau in the Basin by getting caught by a huge gust of wind and of course there had to be hundreds of people watching, bugger. 

Got back to and through Hawkesbury Junction and started down the Oxford Canal by 1.30pm. Good cruise to Rugby through lovely countryside and arrived at Newbold on Avon by 6pm having braved the weekend hire boaters coming out of Stretton Stop near Brinklow.  Tied up outside the Barley Mow and went in for a few pints.

Saturday 19th May 2007

Left Newbold on Avon by 9am went through Rugby (3 Locks) and down through Braunston Turn, on to the Grand Union Canal up through 6 locks in Braunston and through the Braunston Tunnel

which is 2042 yards long or just over a mile long! Got to Norton Junction by 6pm.  Took Beau down to the lock which is about 300 yards to see if there were any moorings.  Sadly none so I had to reverse all the way back to the entrance where I tied up Beau with less than a foot's gap between the boats either side of me.  Was anyone watching when I performed this perfect manoeuvre NO - bugger again!   Walked down to the New Inn on Buckby Top Lock.

Sunday 20th May 2007

Left Norton Junction at 9am and Dieseled up at the Marina.  Also helped a boat load of women to get their hire boat started, where were they all last night?  Heading North now on the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal.  Went up through the Watford Staircase Locks which was a first for us, 4 gates and three chambers.

The paddles in these locks have to handled in a certain way as directed by the lock keepers Carley and her husband Andy.  one side are painted RED the other side WHITE and the sequence is always Red before White and you'll be alright - White before Red and you could be dead!!!!!  Went through Crick Tunnel at 1528 yards and got very wet.  From Norton to Welford has been the prettiest section of the canals we've travelled so far.  Arrived at Welford at 6.15pm and discovered also one of the best pubs so far, the Wharf Inn.  Excellent beers and food.

Monday 21st May 2007 - Jonathan's Birthday (my son)

Left Welford on way to Foxton locks at 9am.  Beautiful countryside again, went through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel only 1166 yards long this time. Foxton Locks were good fun, two flights of 4 staircase locks, 5 gates 4 chambers each. 

Made David do all the work whilst I had my photograph taken hundreds of times by the gongoozlers (tourists).  Bought him a beer when we got to the bottom though in the Black Horse.  Arrived at the Market Harborough Basin by 4.30pm and walked down into town (about a mile) did some shopping and had dinner and a few beers in the Witherspoon's Pub.

Tuesday 22nd May 2007

Watered up and left Market Harborough by 9.30am.  Back down to the bottom of the Foxton Locks and then up towards Kilby Bridge.  Major panic at the aptly named Turnover Lock.  I was too busy watching David doing the lock to see that the stern of Beau had caught on the cill of the upper lock gate!  Screamed at David to shut the bottom paddles while I carefully opened the upper paddles to refloat Beau.  Panic over with no damage done, fortunately.  Definitely don't want to do that again.  Got through Saddington Tunnel (only 880 yards long pah) and up to Kilby Bridge by 5.30pm.  David wasn't feeling like having a beer so I strolled over to the Navigation Inn for a couple and took this pic a dusk.

Wednesday 23rd May 2007

Left Kilby Bridge early at 7.30am as we want to get right through Leicester (supposedly bandit country with kids throwing bricks etc) before dusk.  The first six locks were a pain as every paddle was padlocked and I only had one BW key.  However the next 13 weren't bad and the trip through the centre of Leicester was surprisingly pretty apart from a short industrial section. Got to the Hope and Anchor at Syston at 4.30pm.  Long day so we had a few beers and something to eat in the pub.  Also met up with Bob again who I first met a month ago at this very pub.  He's moored up here and fitting out his own boat.  Good night out.

Thursday 24th May 2007

Late start after last night ! Left the Hope and Anchor at 10 am and got to Sileby Boatyard by 11.30am for them to fix the loo AGAIN!.  Met up with Claire and had lunch and more than a few beers at the Soar Bridge Inn at Barrow upon Soar.  Stayed over in the boatyard.

Friday 25th May 2007

Moved Beau from Sileby Boatyard to above Barrow Deep Lock, watered up opposite the Navvy.  Some cheeky ducks decided to explore Beau for food. 

Claire and I went down to Loughborough station to meet Fred who's coming down from Sunderland for the weekend.  Went back to the Soar Bridge Inn and had more beer.  Great Night out

Saturday 26th May 2007

Took Beau down through Barrow Deep Lock (Fred looked more than a little nervous!) Got passed both the Boat Inn and the Albion before opening time or we never have got any further. Weather fantastic - no shirt sailing all the way.  Tied up outside the Plough at Normanton supposedly for a couple and got no further.  Good company and lots of beer.

Sunday 27th May 2007 - Happy Birthday to ME

Sadly the weather has turned lousy so Fred and I got totally soaked taking Beau up to Shardlow on the Trent and Mersey thereby completing the Leicester Ring.  Got to tie up outside the New Inn by 12.45pm and met up with Claire, Mollie (dog), Jonathan (son), Louise (his partner) and Nicky (my granddaughter) and had Sunday lunch and a birthday party.

Monday 28th May 2007

TRIP OVER - Left Beau in Shardlow and Claire took us to Jon's to pick up the Volvo and I took David and Fred back to Sunderland.  Cor hate driving now, far to fast for my liking.  Horrible journey took 4 1/2 hours normally takes 2 1/2 hours.