Friday 11th September 2009

Staying over here in Fradley Junction today.  Walked down past the BW shop and over the canal to the nature reserve.  Special building here being used as a bird hide.  Built by my very good friends David and Andrew Raffle, who are not only Master Thatchers but also National Living Treasures no less.  Had a few early doors in the Mucky Duck and met a couple of boaters, Alan and Jim and we discussed propellers, very interesting, honest.

Saturday 12th September 2009

Set off for Hopwas at 10am.  Again a lovely cruise in fine though breezy weather.  Tied up by 3pm and took Bill for a walk back along the canal and up into the woods.  Went for a couple of beers in the Red Lion where a staffy had a go at Bill though not seriously.  Early night.

Sunday 13th September 2009

Set off at 10am after a long walk with Bill.  Passed through Fazeley Junction and up through the two locks in Tamworth and tied up in Polesworth by 2pm.  Walked down into the town to get the papers and had a few beers in the Red Lion where the landlady and staff made a real fuss of Bill and were told that we MUST come back when we come this way again.

Monday 14th September 2009

Walked down into town for a top up shop and set off for Hartshill in very cloudy weather by 10am.  Good climb through the 14 locks in 2 1/2 hours and tied up in Harthill by 3pm.  Next boat along makes cut vinyl signs etc so arranged for her to make my BW reg number with a BW logo to replace the orrible metal plates stuck in the windows.  Walked Bill the mile or so up the hill to the Malt Shovel and another good night there as before, even had dinner this time.

Tuesday 15th September 2009

Got the new signs for my boat and they’re excellent.  Set off for Hawkesbury Junction at 10am.  Quite a long cruise today in windy weather. Stopped to diesel up at Valley Cruises.  Passed through Nuneaton and Marston Junction and tied up at 3pm in Hawkesbury Junction.  Put the new sign on the port side and it looks fantastic.  Will move round through the lock tomorrow to do the starboard side.  Went into the Greyhound early doors and had a few scoops.

Wednesday 16th September 2009

Staying over here another day though moving through the stop lock on the mooring at the top of the Oxford Canal.  Put the other reg number on Beau and again it looks fantastic.  Walked up to the local shop and got a paper.  Into the Greyhound for a few beers and met a lovely family from Northumberland, Dad Charles, mum Kath and two lovely young kids who made a great fuss of Bill.  Have exchanged emails and will keep in touch.

Thursday 17th September 2009

Set off for Hillmorton Locks after a visit up to the local shop.  Chilly day but a nice cruise though longer than would normally like if only to avoid Newbold on Avon (not Bill friendly).  Saw and had a quick chat with Nb Piston Broke last seen here last year in just about the same place though they have been on their travels too.  Tied up above the locks in Hillmorton by 4pm.  Walked Bill back down through the locks and got a few bits and pieces in the chandlery.  No pub though today Arghhhhhh………

Friday 18th September 2009

Took Bill for a walk down through the locks, had breakfast and set off for Braunston by 9.30am.  Lovely weather, very sunny with a sleight breeze.  Saw a Kingfisher standing on a branch waiting for his dinner to swim along.  Fantastic, only seen them flying before now.  Moored up just before Butchers Bridge by 12.30pm.  Sorted out a few chores before collecting my post and going to see Dave at the Wheatsheaf, even saw Del but she’s with a new fella.  Good craic early doors.

Saturday 19th September 2009

Walked Bill up to the Bottom Lock and Braunston Chandlers and stocked up on fluorescent lights at £1.50 each – bargain.  Also got a new boat hook pole (original snapped).  Replaced the ropes on the fenders and generally diddled about whittling my new pole!!!!  Few beers early doors with Dave and the locals.

Sunday 20th September 2009

Walked Bill up through the village and back via the bottom lock.  Read the Sundays and had a few beers in the Wheatsheaf.