Hadar

Debdale to Foxton Locks

2012-01-27T12:47:00.001Z

Yesterday Jo and I walked the 1.5 miles from the canal to the Kibworth Shooting Ground so that I could purchase a telescopic sight for my air rifle, which I took with me. I bought my air rifle back in 2007, before we set off on Hadar, with the intention to use it to shoot game, to eat. However I was not happy with using the standard sights to guarantee a clean kill, so I have been waiting for the ideal opportunity to visit a gun shop to acquire a decent telescopic sight. I had discovered on our first time in the Foxton-Harborough area that there was a shooting ground and shop near the canal at Debdale, and I have been waiting for the right opportunity to moor at Debdale wharf and visit the gun shop.

The shop was a bit busy with shooters signing in, and getting gas cartridges recharged, but we were in no hurry.

We were recommended a Hawke Sport-HD IR (3-9x50 AO Mil Dot model) which according to the Hawke website normally retails at £94.95, but we got it for £50, a bargain, and it was fitted to my rifle. The shop being located at the shooting ground was ideal as I could test out and adjust the sight whilst there. We took a target to the air rifle range and with much appreciated friendly assistance from some shooters already at the range, I got the sight approximately zeroed to start with, but I need to readjust it more accurately, I didn’t want to take up too much of the other shooters time, especially as I have targets on-board that I can use to finish off the setting up at my leisure, and in slightly warmer weather. We are looking forward to my first kill going into the cooking pot. Over time it should save us a fair bit in food costs.

This morning we set off for Foxton locks for the weekend. We tried to moor at the 14 day moorings just before Rainbow Bridge, but they are too shallow, and we didn’t want to risk getting stuck with the water situation at present in this area. We were fortunate though to get into our favourite mooring just through Rainbow Bridge, at the junction. We may have a visitor coming to see us Sunday, so we are in the ideal spot for them to find us.

Keith.

Smeeton Aqueduct to Debdale

2012-01-25T12:59:00.001Z

Despite the weather forecast last night stating that we would have rain this morning, we seemed yet again to have missed it, so we decided to move towards Debdale to get a better TV and internet signal. We actually passed another boat coming the other way today, just before we moored up just west of Debdale Wharf.

Keith.

Foxton Locks to Smeeton Aqueduct

2012-01-23T11:17:00.001Z

No wind, sun shining brightly, a good day to move, which we did to Smeeton Aqueduct. We did wind first before mooring up near the aqueduct. We look forward to doing a bit of walking in this area whilst we are here.

Keith.

Gallows Hill to Foxton Locks

2012-01-20T11:42:00.001Z

As forecasted today was going to be a damp day. Fortunately just a very light drizzle when we set off. Jo had a tad problem getting the swing bridge to register that it was shut to release the gates, once I had got Hadar through, but eventually it all clicked into place and we carried on to Foxton locks. We moored up at our usual spot before the swing footbridge, just as the light drizzle was getting heavier, but bring it on, we need lots of rain!

Keith.

Union Wharf to Gallows Hill

2012-01-19T15:39:00.001Z

This morning we walked down into Harborough to notify our Doctor, Dentist and Opticians of our new address, the last people we have to notify. Jo also popped into her hairdresser to book an appointment for when we return in 3 weeks times. We returned to the boat, had lunch and then winded in the basin before mooring at a spare pontoon to empty our toilet whilst there was still a Canal Boat Club boat at the sanitary station. However this boat was moved and the sanitary station was clear for us to pull into to top up our water tank. It gave us a brief chance to have a quick chat to a few of our friends at the basin. We then set off in glorious sunshine to Gallows Hill for the night. Not a bit of ice in sight compared to what we were breaking through yesterday morning.

Keith.

Gallow’s Hill to Market Harborough

2012-01-18T16:17:00.001Z

An early cup of tea and it was raining and windy, but by the time we were up and ready to set off the wind had dropped. There was quite a bit of ice along the whole stretch varying from ½” to 1” thick. We pulled into a free mooring on the towpath outside Union Wharf.

I had my first appointment at our dentist, to have my tooth prepared for a crown this afternoon, so we went into town for some shopping and lunch at Pizza Express.

I had thought that as I would have to have an injection at the dentist that it would be better to have a cooked lunch and a snack this evening, rather than our evening meal and snack at lunch time. We have a new dentist, our last one has returned to university, which he had warned us he may be doing when we last saw him. My new dentist took impressions of my teeth and then prepared the tooth ready for it’s crown and took a final impression of the prepared tooth, before fitting a temporary cap. She also popped a new filling in one of my other teeth.

We then returned back to the boat, to settle in for a relaxing evening and soup for teatime.

Keith.

Great Bowden

2012-01-16T15:32:00.001Z

With the sun shining brightly today we went for a walk after lunch to Great Bowden.

The canal is frozen but only a thin layer.

The walk from the canal to the village gives some beautiful views across the valley, especially today.

This rather large building displays a name plate announcing it to be “The Round House”.

This is The Green with the Shoulder of Mutton with the Bowden Stores next door.

With Welton’s Delicatessen on the opposite side of The Green, shop, cafe and post office.

This is the church of St. Peter & St. Paul.

The church hall.

And the Village Hall.

Keith.

Market Harborough to Gallow Hill

2012-01-13T13:21:00.001Z

With an appointment booked with my dentist for next Wednesday to have the impression of my tooth for a crown, and our 48 hours up on the towpath moorings at Union Wharf, we set off to moor out in the countryside for the weekend. Before we set off we topped up the water tank and emptied the toilet cassette. Once we got moving we carried on past the moorings where we were wanted to moor, and onto the next winding hole which was the other side of Gallow’s Hill Bridge, where we winded and returned to the moorings so that if the weather should turn extremely cold and the canal freezes, we are pointing in the right direction to get back to Harborough. This is midway between Foxton and Harborough as the canal goes, but not as the crow flies!

We were woken up early this morning, about 5:00am, by a fox calling as it got closer to the boat. It got quite close before returning from whence it came. It was either on the towpath or in the gardens on the offside of the canal. From some recordings Jo found on-line it sounds like it may have been the mating call, which would be about right for the time of year.

Keith.

Foxton to Market Harborough

2012-01-11T16:01:00.001Z

Being back on home waters is always nice. We set off from Black Horse Bridge at Foxton this morning, and soon arrived at Union Wharf where we winded and returned to a mooring on the towpath. We had a quick chat with Jimmy & Jenny on “Jolly Roger” and David & Viv off of “First Fruits”. After lunch we headed into town, did some quick shopping and popped in to see Nina, a new facebook friend, in her shop, Nina Couture. Then I called into our dentist to make an appointment for tomorrow afternoon to hopefully have a new crown made. Upon returning to Union Wharf we collected our post from our post box, which was rather full, most of it was junk mail, grrrrrrr.

Keith.

Foxton Locks Inn to Black Horse Bridge

2012-01-09T10:16:00.001Z

We had been warned about a tree being down at Johnson’s Bridge on the Harborough arm, and that it was subject to removal by contractors. Now not knowing when this would happen, and we didn’t want to end up sitting at Johnson’s Bridge for weeks, unable to wind as the winding hole is the other side of the bridge, I rang up to find out what the score was. I was told I had to speak to Bill the head lock keeper at Foxton as he was handling it, along with many trees that were unsafe in the car park at Foxton locks. Now because Bill works at weekends he has Monday and Tuesday off. I bumped into Mark who works on the land team, who had just arrived to unlock the locks in Bill’s absence. He very kindly rang Bill, who rang back a bit later, as he was driving, to confirm that the tree had been successfully removed.

Consequently we set off to cover the short distance to Black Horse Bridge at Foxton village, which took all of 15mins, ready for our Tesco Delivery tomorrow.

Foxton Locks

2012-01-08T13:26:00.001Z

A change of plans this morning, we had intended to travel down Foxton locks on Monday morning, but we changed our minds and travelled down this morning. We didn’t rush and it took us an hour. There was room to moor on the Foxton Locks Inn moorings, which we did. We then had a really nice Roast Pork lunch in the Inn. Just how Sundays on the canal should be. It6 may have proved to be wise to travel down the locks today, as according to the weather forecast on the radio it is expected to be raining tomorrow morning.

Keith.

Crick to Foxton Locks

2012-01-06T15:33:00.001Z

A bright and chilly morning greeted us, but at least the winds had died down completely. A fairly longish day for us, 6hours 15mins, but it saw us all the way through to the top of Foxton locks. Two of the large clumps of reeds that for some time now have been reducing the cut width have been removed, making life much easier, especially the clump on the bend north of Mountain Barn Bridge, which was difficult to get round let alone meet a boat coming the other way!

We have been surprised at how few boats there are moored on the summit, I think, like us, they may have decided not to stay up here due to the water shortage. Once we moored up above the locks, and very much to our surprise we are the only boat here, I walked to the top lock, and the only notice there on the lock keepers cottage said there was no lock keeper on duty, and to follow the instructions on the lock beam. There is no mention of water shortage restrictions. We will try to see Bill the head lock keeper over the weekend to find out if we can go down through the locks.

Keith.

Watford Locks to Crick

2012-01-05T12:03:00.001Z

We set off this morning up through Watford locks. The first pound was low so I had to creep across it with paddles up on the 2nd lock until Hadar cleared the bottom cill and she slid into the lock. The rest of the locks were ok, and having had work on the gates they no longer flood our foredeck which is blessing, although going down the locks was worse, but it is all fixed now.

We cleared Crick tunnel and Bridge No.12, to discover that the wind had picked up whilst we were in the tunnel, and I was struggling with Hadar so we pulled into the moorings opposite Crick Marina.

Keith.

Braunston to Watford Locks

2012-01-04T15:04:00.000Z

Watford Locks

It was good to be on the move again this morning. First off we moved to the sanitary station to take on water, empty elsans, and dispose of rubbish, especially all the stuff we have sorted out over the Christmas break and decided we no longer wanted and it was just taking up valuable space. If we haven’t used it for 6 months it goes. Reminder to self, make sure I am used more often!

We then winded at Braunston Turn, and headed to the locks. We pulled in at the bottom lock and waited an hour, with no one arriving we set off up the locks. At lock 5 we caught up and joined a boat, which must have been moored in one of the pounds and we shared the last 2 locks with them. We think they were quite new to canals, you can tell you know. They said to Jo that they were heading to Willoughby, which I thought was not in this direction, and it also seemed strange that they were nowhere in sight as I exited the tunnel. The last I had seen of them as I entered the tunnel they did have their tunnel light on. Once we moored up and I checked, Willoughby was, as I thought, in the other direction on the North Oxford Canal! Either they had taken a wrong turn, or they had got their village names mixed up. Hopefully they hadn’t had a mishap and they are ok.

As we turned on to the Leicester arm we passed Derwent6 and we said a quick happy new year to Del and Al, they asked if we could let them know about water levels on the summit. We got the the bottom lock and moored up for the night. We then walked up to the top lock to see what the level was like. It was ok, and a quick chat to the lockie, whom we didn’t recognise, confirmed we should be ok at the moment. There may even be a chance to get down through Foxton locks, but we will cross that barrier when we get to it.

Keith.

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T10:26:00.001Z

New Year’s Eve

2011-12-31T15:49:00.001Z

This Morning we paid a visit to Jacquie and Stein on NB Like Ducks 2 Water for coffee and mince pies and a good chat.

Upon our return we had lunch then took down the Christmas decorations and lights. We then fitted the 2nd set of solar powered led lights in the saloon.

Then we sat back and to watch the TV movie Ben Hur (Channel 5), which we had wanted to watch the other night but it started late and went on to past midnight, well past our bedtime, so seeing it was being repeated today in the afternoon was great news to us. We will follow this with The Guns of Navarone (BBC2) and then The Pirates of the Caribbean, at Worlds End BBC1), to round off this New Year’s Eve TV viewing.

Keith.

More Rewiring

2011-12-30T16:35:00.001Z

As time ran out yesterday I did not complete all the rewiring necessary to bring Hadar up to scratch. So this morning I completed it. Nothing major in terms of what physically had to be done but both were very important.

The first thing was to add a cable from a battery –ve terminal to the hull. Fortunately one of the cables I removed yesterday fitted perfectly, so now the –ve side of the 12v is now properly earthed to the hull.

The second item was to ensure the 240v Earth was also connected to the hull, which it wasn’t, but it is now. For some reason I had disconnected it at some previous time and I am not sure why I did it, probably because of some previous problem which I know have no recollection of. I do remember disconnecting at the switch box end, and left the generator end connected as it is easier to get to the switch box to reconnect if so desired, rather than having to get to the generator. Which has now proved to be a handy thing I did, I just can’t remember why I disconnected in the first place.

At least now I am happy that everything is as it should be electrically speaking.

As a consequence of the added load of the new freezer we had started to run the generator for a third time each day at about 3:00pm. Due to the improved performance of the charger and batteries we decided to revert back to our standard running of the generator twice today, and so far at 4:30pm everything is still ok. Tonight we will leave the new freezer running, which we had been turning off overnight, to see if the batteries will now cope with the new overnight load.

Fingers crossed.

I wonder if I can find a scrapyard to sell the old cables too, after all copper is very valuable!

Keith.

Battery Rewire

2011-12-29T14:45:00.001Z

Having now had 3 people say that our cables from the Victron invertor/charger and the batteries, and between the batteries, were too small, today we replaced them all. The existing cables are 40mm and we have replaced them with 70mm ones, these measurements are the cross-sectional area of the wire, not the diameter for none electrical people, just in case you, like me, thought that’s a hell of a large diameter cable! The diameters are 7mm and 9.5mm respectively.

We had been told originally by Simon Pollard who had visited us at Crick when we had our battery blow up. He came to check the Victron and discovered the temperature sensor was causing it to overvoltage which is what blew the battery up. At that time he had commented that the cables to the Victron from the batteries were too small.

We have been trying for the past 2 years to get to Whaley Bridge to get Brett from Kuranda to check our electrical system, especially following the blown up battery incident. Recently we have been having problems with the charger not starting up correctly, which has steadily been getting worse. On Tuesday we visited Keith & Ann on Oakfield, and he also thought out cabling was undersized, so yesterday I telephoned Brett and he confirmed this. Not only this but the Victron had been cabled directly to the 1st battery and then each subsequent battery, but Brett stated that the +ve and –ve connections from the Victron should go to opposite corners of the battery bank. The reason for this apparently is to distribute the charge/discharge across all the batteries evenly, rather than to the 1st then the 2nd, etc.. Unfortunately for me when I studied electrics at college in the late 60’s, batteries in parallel was not covered, in fact in those days it was considered not the done thing. Of course battery technology has moved on since then, so it is an area I am unfamiliar with in electrics/electronics.

After speaking to Brett we decided we really ought to change the cables whilst we were still here in Braunston, so we measured our existing cables and I then went to Midland Chandlers and they made the required cables up for me, which I collected from them first thing this morning.

Taking out the old cables and replacing them with the new ones went far better than I expected. It took 2 hours start to finish which was not bad really, considering the scale of the task of 4 batteries to rewire and new cables to feed through from the batteries and master cut off switch to the Victron. Especially as it is something you really need to take time over to make sure that you get it right first time, and especially making sure no accidental shorting occurs, sparklers are for Bonfire Nights only! We will only see the real benefit of this when we change the batteries for new ones, which we will do when we do eventually get to Whaley Bridge this year.

P.S. please note the links to the Victron Invertor/Charger is a newer updated version which is 3000watts whereas ours is 2500watts, apart from that they are identical.

Keith.

A Box for Boxing Day.

2011-12-26T15:43:00.001Z

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:54:00.001Z

From Keith, Jo, Paddy and Marmite.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T13:40:00.001Z

The pheasant has cooked today, ready for tomorrow. Adam & Adrian on “Briar Rose” passed by this morning on their way to collect their Christmas turkey from the Braunston Butcher. They came for tea and mince pies before setting off for the weekend. We had a good chat and caught up on all their news.

We are now chilled out for the Christmas weekend.

Keith.

Christmas Shopping in Daventry

2011-12-23T16:41:00.001Z

Friday being market day in Daventry, we thought today would be a good day to visit Daventry. The bus was late arriving, due no doubt to the extra traffic on the roads being the last day before Christmas Eve. First stop when we finally got to Daventry was to find a coffee shop for a cuppa. One of our objectives was to find a Freezer thermometer, so we thought Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi would all be good places to start, seeing they sell frozen foods. We were wrong there. Still the visit to all 3 made us glad we had done all our food shopping already for Christmas. We did find a little electrical shop which had one which was great. We browsed the charity shops, and the market stalls. We had lunch at The Saracen’s Head.

We both had the Chicken Tikka which we always enjoy at Wetherspoon's pubs, with half a Ruddles Best each.

Jo found herself a nice skirt in a charity shop, which she will wear on Christmas day. We also bought some more DVD’s for Christmas viewing, seeing as we are struggling to get a decent TV signal in Braunston. Blockbusters did us proud, with 3 we wanted to see at reduced prices and what was even better was when I went to pay for them I was told The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Blu-Ray was actually £7 and not the marked £10, which was even better. We also got Angels & Demons from a charity shop for £2.99. Jo finally bought some new batteries for her TV remote control, perhaps she will now stop throwing a hissy fit when her remote doesn’t work! Although we had a few spits and spots of rain throughout the day, it did decide to chuck it down just after we got to the bus shelter to wait for the bus back to Braunston. As earlier it was late arriving no doubt again due to the extra traffic around. It did stop raining by the time the bus dropped us off in Braunston Village and we whilst we were up there we walked to the butchers to get some meat to pop in the new freezer.

People were popping in to pick up their turkeys. Unfortunately they did not have the rather delicious lemon chicken pieces we bought from them last time we were here, which is a shame because they were rather tasty. Still the sausages, pork and lamb chops looked very nice, so we had some of them.

Keith.

Father Christmas has Come Early to Hadar!

2011-12-21T08:57:00.000Z

For some time now we have been thinking about adding a small freezer to increase our frozen food storage. We had 2 ideas forthcoming.

To purchase a 240v AC chest freezer to go in the hold. This would be the cheapest option with chest freezers from as little as £119.99, with a capacity of 170litres but would need to be run off of the invertor.
To purchase a small 12v DC upright freezer to go in the galley in the place where the tumbler dryer is, this being the expensive option with prices starting from £409, with a capacity of 40litres.

We have weighed up all the options and pros and cons for a few months now. We were edging towards the 12v option. We have been very impressed with the Shoreline fridge/freezer we have had since Hadar was built. The price is the drawback, but the advantages are that with a mains freezer if the invertor fails then there is no backup, at least with the 12v version it will run off the batteries, and we have 2 ways of charging the batteries, generator or engine, so at least we have a back up system with the 12v version. Jo was also concerned that even a small chest freezer would be too large for our requirements, plus the hold gets extremely hot in the summer, which would not be ideal for keeping a freezer in.

My original concept for the design of Hadar was that the majority of electrical equipment would run directly from 12v. The main exception to this would be the washing machine, which although we mostly run it whilst running the generator the invertor is large enough to handle it if needed.

With all this in mind we recently decided to have a look at one of the small freezers in Midland Chandlers to see if it would be large enough inside for what we needed.

So this morning we visited Midland Chandlers to have a look at one. We walked around the appliance area but not one was in sight, so we asked if they had one in stock. Fortunately they did, just not on display. It was wheeled out and unpacked. It wasn’t the type advertised on their website, and apparently a previous customer had ordered one through them, and when it was sold to them, the company sent through another, which was rather handy for us. It is a Philco PHCT36FZ. Jo reckoned it was large enough internally for what we needed, so we did some discount negotiation and bought it. I also bought some cable and a connector block to be able to install it.

We needed to get one of our trolleys to carry it on, so we returned to the boat, and had lunch. After lunch we then moved the tumbler dryer into the hold, and I fitted the new section of cable from the existing fridge/freezer to where the new freezer would go so it was already for us to manoeuvre the new freezer straight in once we got it back to the boat. With all the preparations completed we returned to Midland Chandlers with our trolley and picked up our new freezer and returned it to the boat. It was connected, fitted and working in no time.

It is now sitting above the washing machine where the tumble dryer used to be. This was the best photo I could get under the circumstances.

We like Christmas presents like this, even if it is a few days early.

Keith.

Onley to Braunston

2011-12-20T12:18:00.001Z

Having spent 3 days moored at Onley, and the thin ice had gone, we set off for Braunston this morning. We continued through to the water point and elsan disposal between the A45 bridge and the stop house to empty out and top up. We also filled our 2 water carriers so we have plenty of water on-board whatever the weather brings. We winded at the marina entrance and returned to a mooring opposite Tony Redshaw’s which will do us nicely for Christmas, these moorings being 14days during the winter, which will suit us just nicely.

No doubt we will find lots to do whilst here, including catching the bus into Daventry.

Keith.

Rugby to Onley

2011-12-16T09:04:00.000Z

We had said we would get up early to shop at Tesco’s seeing as we are using awake and drinking tea in bed by about 6:00am. Not this morning though. But we still managed to get in there fairly early before the crowds. This will be our last major shop for the Christmas period, but if we can get a mooring in Braunston for Christmas then we can top up from the Londis village stores and the Braunston Family Butcher.

Shopping done we emptied the toilets whilst we could, disposed of rubbish and then set off. We pulled into the water point below Hillmorton locks, well as close as we could get, which was about a foot out from the bank, due to the sloping stone walls of the Oxford Canal. Whilst we were filling up a lady came along with her water container on a trolley, to the other water tap, turned the tap on and our water disappeared! Still it didn’t take long for her to fill it up. We set off up through Hillmorton locks following a training boat out from Willow Wren. Well not that closely, they were at the bottom lock when we had arrived, and were taking a long time to start up through the first lock, but then again I do know that Willow Wren are very thorough with their Helmsman’s certificates. However we did catch them up by the time they were leaving the top lock.

Whilst coming up through the top lock, Nick off of Aldgate came down the towpath, and we had a quick natter whilst the lock filled. We then carried on to the moorings close to HM Prison Onley, between Bridge No.80-81. We moored up with our galley doors opposite a bird table on the towpath, which delighted Jo who added a few more hooks to hang fat balls and feeds from. The birds have been tucking into the food supply already, a Robin, Blue Tits and Great Tits having been fighting over the food, and hopefully Jo will be able to get some nice photos over the weekend.

Keith.

Newbold to Rugby

2011-12-14T15:45:00.001Z

Yet another short journey this morning, 1.3miles brought us to Master’s Bridge No.58, and a towpath mooring between the bridge and Broughton Park, much handier for shopping at Tesco’s which we will do before we head off for the weekend.

Before lunch, we set off for Maplin’s with my shopping list as follows:-

We returned back to the boat with these plus the following:-

The invertor is for our TV in the boatman’s cabin, which up till now we have been running of the main invertor, but I have decided to fit a separate one specifically for this TV, it will save having to get out of bed to switch it on or off!

The resistors are so that I can convert our Christmas LED lights to operate directly of the boat 12V supply, rather than batteries.

The cable is for wiring up the invertor.

Whilst we were in the shop Jo spotted the solar powered LED’s, which she has been looking out for, and at half price at £9.99 a set we bought two sets.

Then I spotted the radio, and although I had been waiting for the New Year sales to get a new one, I thought that at £20 off and now £49.99 I wasn’t going to do much better in the sales. Our old radio’s display failed a couple of months ago, and although it still worked it was difficult to tune into radio stations without a display. I have already installed the radio and one set of the LED’s, which now need to charge up. I will install the invertor and wire it in at some point in time, possibly tomorrow.

As we were about to have lunch Del & Al off of Derwent6 appeared and we had a quick chat and arranged to meet up tomorrow for a more comprehensive natter.

Keith.

Grimes Bridge to Newbold

2011-12-12T08:59:00.000Z

A fairly uneventful journey this morning to Newbold, where we had an excellent lunch at “The Barley Mow”. We are going to stay put here until Wednesday to ride out the strong winds they are forecasting.

Alderman’s Green to Grimes Bridge No.26

2011-12-09T11:32:00.001Z

A frosty morning and even a couple of patches of very thin ice on the canal, but bright and sunny, which when you are heading south this time of the year makes for squinting eyes.

Jo wanted to take on water at Ansty, but we couldn’t get in close enough to get a hose onto the bow, we will have to top up at Newbold when we get there. We have moored up at Grimes Bridge No.26 where we moored on our way north past here, a good deep mooring for us, out in the countryside for the weekend. There are private offside moorings here as well as Les Wilson Narrowboats.

Keith.

Coventry Basin to Alderman’s Green

2011-12-07T14:22:00.001Z

We set off from Coventry basin heading for Tesco’s at the Ricoh Arena. Just before we got to Tesco’s we came across a large teddy bear still floating in the canal, which we had noticed on our journey down to the basin. I pulled the stern over towards it and Jo helped it towards the boat with the long mop until I could grab it and drag it out.

Jo has named her Bonnie the Bear. She looks very depressed, sitting on the cabin roof, but wouldn’t you if you were wet and cold, and had been swimming in the canal for a few days. Once she has dried out we will find her a new home where she will be loved. We moored just north of New Inn bridge No.8 which is very handy to get to Tesco’s.

It is a huge 24hour store, and we spent nearly 2 hours there! Mind you we were not rushing. Once we had finished shopping and had lugged all the shopping back to the boat, Jo packed everything away whilst I carried on cruising.

We continued on through Sutton’s Stop lock, to just before the Coventry Cruising Club moorings, near Whiting's Bridge No.5.

Keith.

Burton Hastings to Coventry Basin.

2011-12-05T16:42:00.001Z

Today we set off, but didn’t get very far, only round the first corner and the engine died. Having fitted a new fuel filter over the weekend we now had an air lock. Fortunately the wind blew us back into the towpath, and I started bleeding the fuel system, right through to the injector pumps. This time, not only did the engine fire up, but it ticked over from cold, so changing the filter seems to have worked, possibly. I say possibly because I also cleaned the air filter, so it may have been this, or a combination of both, but at least we are back to full working order again. Just as we set off again we came across David & Margaret on Adrestia coming the other way. We had a brief chat before proceeding on our ways.

Just after passing Hawkesbury junction we met up with Roy off of Gerald No.13, and again we had a brief chat before we carried onto Coventry Basin.

There was only 2 other boats in the basin, so plenty of room to moor. We had a quick lunch and then set off to do some shopping in Coventry City. We like the city, it is so close to the basin, and there is all the shopping we need there. Jo stocked up on some more bits & pieces fro Christmas, especially at Poundland and 99p Stores!

We bought “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” parts 1 & 2, that’s our Christmas Day viewing sorted then. We even have the popcorn ready on-board! Although we were shopping late for us, we usually go shopping before lunch, it was not dark enough to see the Christmas lights, which are probably really great to see.

Keith.

Engine Fuel Filter

2011-12-03T15:08:00.001Z

Over the last week or so I have noticed that the engine stalls from cold, and it has been getting worse, so this morning I fitted a new fuel filter. Hopefully this will cure it, we will find out Monday morning when we set off again. This is the first time we have changed the filter, so it has lasted nearly 4 years, which is not bad I guess.

Keith.

Christmas is on the Way

2011-12-02T14:46:00.000Z

Yesterday Jo and I decorated the boat ready for Christmas, Jo did the tree and I fitted the lights, twinkle twinkle.

We moved from Stoke Golding to just south of Mill Bridge No.8 near Burton Hastings.

This is where we met up with Ian & Allison on Gosty Hill, who were moored here on our journey up the Ashby, so we now know it is a deep water mooring.

Keith.

Market Bosworth to Stoke Golding

2011-12-01T17:22:00.001Z

A bright sunny mornings journey started with topping up the water tank at Market Bosworth and then stopping briefly at Sutton Cheney to empty the toilet and dispose of rubbish, before continuing on to Stoke Golding. We have moored just outside Stoke Golding Marina, which has proved to be a deep water mooring for us. After lunch we walked up into Stoke Golding.

This rather large roadside building is passed on the way up the hill to the village, it is apparently the original factory of H.J. Hall the UK’s largest independent hosiery manufacturer, who are now based in Hinckley.

This narrow building has some writing on the front, which looks like “Workingman’s Institute”, but it is worn and hard to see clearly.

This is the George & Dragon pub, which looks very smart, having been refurbished this year..

The village sign depicts the crowning of Henry Tudor following the Battle of Bosworth.

This is the church of St. Margaret of Antioch, The white banner is advertising the forthcoming snowman competition, providing there is snow of course!

This is the White Swan which also seems to have had a recent coat of paint and new signs.

This house is already to be lit up at night for Christmas.

When we returned to Hadar, Jo dug out the Christmas decorations, and she set decorated the Christmas Tree.

Keith.

Market Bosworth Market

2011-11-30T12:49:00.001Z

This morning we walked up to Market Bosworth. On the way we came across this in a garden.

And this quintessential English cottage.

As we neared the town centre we came across the Dixie Grammar School. In the small market square was the Wednesday market. We stopped for a coffee in Café Torte down a little passageway just near the butchers in the market square, we got a pot of coffee for two and had 2 cups each!

Market Bosworth has many unusual but pretty looking buildings including this one.

This is St. Peter’s Church which was open, and very beautiful it was inside too.

Jo bought some vegetables from the market, whilst I bought this pheasant from J. W. Lampard & Son Butchers for £3.50.

That’s Christmas Dinner sorted!

Keith.

Congerstone to Market Bosworth

2011-11-29T15:36:00.001Z

A very fine drizzle but strong winds did not deter us from moving today. Having moored up on the Market Bosworth 48hr moorings we had lunch and then had a brief visit to the Bosworth Water Trust, which is a short walk from the canal. Unfortunately it is only open at weekends this time of year, and with the strong wind sweeping across the open land and water it was a bit grim. Perhaps we will have to visit during the summer season. Jo was rather surprised at the lack of waterfowl on the water. Tomorrow is market day in the town, and we are looking forward to visiting it.

Keith.

Shackerstone to Congerstone

2011-11-28T14:55:00.001Z

As we were getting prepared to set off this morning, Jo asked if she could take Hadar out of her mooring to the next one. This is not the first time Jo has left a mooring, but definitely the first time from a shallow mooring, which she managed ok. Having cleared the mooring and passed the moored boats at Shackerstone I went down into the engine ‘ole and left her to it. I surfaced only as we neared the moorings for Congerstone where Jo very ably pulled Hadar into the bank and I stepped off with the centre line, and Jo brought her to a stop, and we tied up. I think Jo is feeling quite chuffed with herself.

After lunch we walked up the road to Congerstone. We were rather intrigued with the pub name on the side of the building, obviously so the drunks can read it whilst in the gutter!

This is the front of the Horse & Jockey, which seems a strange looking building in relation to the rest of the village.

Jo was rather amused with this road sign.

This is the church, which is definitely 2 distinct styles, so has been added onto at some time.

From beside the church there is a footpath to the hamlet of Bilstone which for some reason has been line with these protected trees.

This is the Mill sluice for the original Bilstone Mill. The mill house has been rebuilt in recent years, with no sign of the original mill wheel, which is a shame. However the sluice is still operational if in need of some much needed maintenance.

This is supposed to be the mill pool above the sluice, which is definitely lacking in water. We walked back to Congerstone via the footpath we had arrived by.

Keith.

Santa’s Special Train

2011-11-27T08:39:00.000Z

Today we walked up to Shackerstone station to see the first of the Santa Special trains they are running for Christmas.

This was the Christmas tree in the station foyer, looking very festive, I bet someone had great fun decorating it.

This was the Victorian Tearoom and the seating outside, again looking very festive. There is a nice collection of teapots behind the counter, but unfortunately the Measham teapots are all replicas.

This was the engine Sir Gomer which was going to be hauling the train.

It was connected to the train, and the firebox was getting a good glow going ready to work.

Then in a large cloud of smoke and steam the train set off, I don’t think there was an empty seat in any of the 6 coaches. Let’s hope they all had a great trip and experience. Jo likes steam engines just as much as I do.

With the train having departed from the station We were able to see the station building on platform 2 which now houses the gift shop.

Once the train had left this type 2 class 25 D5217 (later 25067) was taking on water for the steam heating boiler before shunting coaches through the station, taking good advantage of being able to run round.

Keith.

Help Out Mill

2011-11-26T16:53:00.001Z

This morning Jo and I walked to Help Out Mill. There is a footpath which starts from the towpath between Turn Bridge and Town Bridge here at Shackerstone.

Before we got to the start of the footpath, Jo took this photo of the mound in the field which is part of Wharf Farm. This mound is apparently part of the motte and bailey of Shackerstone Castle which once stood here.

We followed the way marks until we arrive at Help Out Mill.

The photo below is what may well have been the mill owners rather grand house, built against the mill, which can just be seen to the right.

Adjacent to the mill is the Help Out Mill Restaurant, which is built in the old granary.

We returned to Shackerstone via the road which crosses the railway, and then the canal at Town Bridge, but we decided to walk along the railway bed to the station. They have been busy preparing the railway stock ready for the Santa Specials, which start tomorrow.

Keith.

Snarestone Village

2011-11-24T13:31:00.001Z

After disposing of all the bags of rubbish Jo has collected from the towpath recently, we set off for yet another lengthy and taxing journey, to the moorings just outside the southern portal of Snarestone tunnel. We moored next to Maffi, and had a quick chat before he set off for Coventry for the weekend. The photo above of Hadar entering the south portal of Snarestone Tunnel was taken by Maffi yesterday as we passed through.

After coffee we walked up to have a quick look at the village, and quick it was too, as there isn’t a lot to it. The towpath emerges in the car park of “The Globe Inn”, which is unusual.

It also has a camping and caravan site behind it, and is part of the Camping and Caravanning Club. Although there is not a lot to Snarestone we were rather impressed by some of the very large houses here. Definitely worth a bob or two.

Manor Farmhouse.

Beech House.

This is the unusual looking Snarestone Primary School, of which the main building fronting Main Street is actually 3 cottages which were donated by Mr Thomas Charnells to provide education for the children of the village in 1717.

Keith.

Shackerstone to Snarestone

2011-11-23T16:11:00.001Z

Porridge for breakfast this morning, then we set off for Snarestone and the canal terminus. Just before Snarestone tunnel we passed Maffi on “Milly M”. We arrived at the terminus, winded and pulled into the service area for water and toilet emptying. We moved down to the 48hr moorings, and as we were mooring up Maffi and Molly came along the towpath and we chatted for a while, saying our farewells as he is heading off to Coventry for the weekend, so we may not see him again for a while.

After lunch we set off to walk along the line of the canal which is to be restored. The new swing bridge was the terminus of the canal when we were last here in 2008.

The restoration has moved on from the original terminus.

Work was in progress with the canal bed being dug out, which had been filled in with coal mine spoil. Because of the work in progress we had to divert onto Quarry Lane.

This is the pump house, for the water company, not sure why it is here, but I think it is now a private house, possibly.

We re-joined the canal course just the other side of the pump house and waterworks house. This was looking back at the work in progress from the other side. A dumper truck was using this route to travel to the dump site further along the route.

This was further along the route again looking back, the ruts created by the dumper truck are getting quite deep!

This is the area where the dumper truck is depositing the spoil, I think this will grow into quite a large heap by the time they have cleared all the spoil in this area.

This is again looking back from further along, with the spoil dump on the right of the picture. Just beyond the way marker is where an aqueduct once stood carrying the canal over Gilwiskaw Brook.

At this point is an area used for tank driving events. It is on the old line of the canal, but before reaching this point the restored canal will be rerouted around here.

This is the road bridge over the Gilwiskaw Brook looking towards where the aqueduct was. To the right of the picture can be seen the waymark seen previously and indicates the height of the canal above that of the road. There is quite a serious embankment here, and will give an amazing view for canal travellers once it is reopened.

From the brook we returned along the road to where it was joined by Quarry Lane. This is Quarry Lane looking towards the present terminus of the canal, with the pump house chimney just in view.

We both look forward to one day travelling along this section of canal when it is restored. Talking to representatives of the Ashby Canal Association at the terminus, they have enough funding for next year to pay for the restoration work to be carried right through to the brook, which is great news.

Keith

A Very Short Journey

2011-11-21T15:06:00.001Z

This morning I removed the oil filter assembly from Hadar’s engine, to service the oil pressure relief valve, which I was suspecting was jamming, and allowing an initial oil pressure up to 100psi, instead of it’s usual 70psi. I removed the relief valve from the housing and cleaned it up and replaced it. After lunch we moved Hadar to the other side of Turn’s Bridge No.52, to the 48hr moorings, ready for our Tesco delivery tomorrow. We must have travelled all of 200 metres between the 2 moorings!

Keith.

Shackerstone

2011-11-19T13:54:00.001Z

This morning Jo and I had a walk around Shackerstone. We started by walking to the Battlefield Line Railway Shackerstone station.

This is the front of the original station building, which apart from the original ticket office, also houses the Victorian tea room, and museum.

The museum may be small but it it full to the brim with railway memorabilia of all sorts.

This is where the line heads towards Shenton, where the line terminates.

This is the platform side of the station building.

We then walked back into the village. This is the Rising Sun, which looks like it has had a lick of paint since we last visited the village in 2005.

This is St. Peter’s Church, which was having it’s lawn cut, in November! Whatever next? To think this time last year we were only one week away from the canals freezing over.

Keith.

Shenton to Shackerstone.

2011-11-18T12:26:00.001Z

Yet another uneventful morning’s journey from Shenton to Shackerstone, that is until we arrived at our intended destination. We tried to moor up along this stretch in the photo, which is just before the bend and the aqueduct, but the best we could do was just before the end of the pilings, and we still a foot out from the bank. Still we are moored up and will be here for the weekend, with lots to do in the area.

Jo walked round to the visitor moorings, and I walked round to see what was going on. There was room for us, so we moved Hadar round the corner.

At least we are moored against the bank here and not out in the middle of the cut! We are also nearer the bridge for our next Tesco delivery, which Jo is preparing now.

Keith.

Sutton Cheney to Shenton

2011-11-17T16:35:00.001Z

With only another short journey planned for this morning, an early start was definitely not on the cards. First off though we reversed back to the water point to take on water. Not an easy manoeuvre to do on the Ashby canal, but I succeeded, eventually. With the water topped up we set off for Shenton, and the Battlefield moorings, where there was plenty of space to moor. We had lunch then set off for Shenton. We passed by the church above, we would visit it on our return journey. We were heading to Whitemoors Antiques Centre, which was further into the village.

This is the entrance to Whitemoors in the middle of the photo as we approached it. The centre is in what used to be a farm yard, and apart from the 3 main buildings full of antiques, one of which also has a tearoom, there are 4 containers out in the yard full of bits and pieces.

This part is the main area. In this area we found a rather nice wicker basket which I bought for Jo, it will go well with our 1930’s/40’s dress, especially at the Village at War weekend at Stoke Bruerne.

But the real gem that we found was this painted tin bath, which we now have hanging in the engine room. We will have to do some investigation into the artist who signed it as M. Tongue.

I was rather taken with the picture of the angler, rather unusual. We did notice 3 pieces of Measham for sale, a peardrop teapot, a cottage teapot, and a large jug. After a cup of coffee in the tea room, we set off back to the boat, stopping at the church, which was open, a very rare thing these days.

It is well worth a visit, a very pretty little church inside. The stain glass windows are very beautiful, and in excellent condition. In the churchyard we came across 2 family plots, the Wollaston family who owned Shenton Hall and estate from 1625 until 1940, Shenton Hall is opposite the road from the church, and the Arbuthnott family, who were both related by marriage. Admiral Sir Alexander Dundas Young Arbuthnott, whose daughter Josette Eliza Jane Arbuthnott married into the Wollaston family, was a very important person in the Royal Navy.

Jo is doing further research into the 2 families, and will no doubt post about them on her blog.

This is Shenton Hall as viewed from the churchyard, a rather magnificent building, which is under some restoration work. Unfortunately it is surrounded by a very high wall and gates so it is not easy to photograph, this was the best we could get.

This is the gatehouse to Shenton Hall, the date shown on it is 1629.

We returned to Hadar and first job was to hang the bath tub in the engine room, where it looks very smart.

Keith.

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

2011-11-16T14:20:00.001Z

Having had porridge in bed, we set off early this morning for the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park. We retraced our steps from yesterday back through Ambion Wood.

This is the start of the wood, clearly marked.

Once through the wood the Heritage Centre comes into view, albeit not the pretty side!

This is Ambion Wood from the other side of the field in the photo above.

This is the entrance to the Heritage Centre. We decided to return here later and chose to do the battlefield walk first. Of course I say battlefield, but it has been proven since the centre was built and all the work done to the adjoining area, that in fact it is not the battlefield as previously thought, but some mile or so away. Such is the advances in archaeology in recent years. We have walked part of the area previously when moored at the battlefield moorings, but since then there has been a lot of additions along the route.

This sundial is definitely new, along with the pathway that leads to it.

This display is also new, and describes where the battle actually took place, and shows it on the maps pictures.

This picture shows Ambion Hill where the battle was originally thought to have taken place, the new findings indicate that it actually took place beyond the canal.

This is just one of the new descriptions, around the site, some of which you can play a recording by winding a handle, same principle as a wind up radio or torch.

We then arrived at Shenton Station, which is the terminus of the Battlefield line railway. We then walked along the Shenton Cutting woodland walk, and came across a hide above a pond, there were redwings here, and Jo tried to take a photo, and eventually got one, before 2 chaps came noisily up to the hide and frightened them away, grrrrr.

We continued along the route until we arrived at King Dick’s Well. Well what can I say?

We returned to the Heritage centre, this is the inner part, with the cafe in view. There is not a lot here this time of the year, when we have been here previously there was a display of ancient Briton life, with role playing activities. It is all very quiet here this time of year.

In this day and age of his & hers, this must be equivalent in stocks, Jo’s is the one on the left, the shorter one!

This is supposed to be King Richard’s stone coffin.

I found these unusual toadstools, which are curling upwards. I think they are Clitocybe Vibecina.

These small ones are rather pretty in a strange way. I am not sure what they are, but could be Marasmius Torquescens. I have recently taken an interest in fungi, and would like to go on a course to determine which are toadstools and which are mushrooms.

During the morning we had heard gunshots close by. As we walked back to the wharf, and cleared Ambion Wood we came across the shooters, awaiting birds to fly from the woods. We got chatting to one of them who was closest to the footpath. They obviously didn’t have any further success because we have not heard any further gunfire since we saw them. We returned to Sutton Wharf, and had lunch of Chicken & Vegetable Curry, with poppadum, naan bread and mango chutney, very tasty. Upon returning to the boat, Paddy had obviously not liked the gunfire, which we know he hates, as the rag rugs in the boatman’s cabin were all over the place!

Keith.

Hinckley to Sutton Cheney

2011-11-15T15:50:00.001Z

A latish start this morning, 9:40am, but then again we weren’t in a hurry. We were hoping to stop just after Stoke Golding, but the visitor moorings on the corner have all been turned over to winter moorings. We have noticed an extraordinary amount of visitor moorings turned over to winter moorings here on the Ashby canal. For us it is a pain as we need deep water moorings for Hadar. Once we discovered the moorings near Stoke Golding were not available we tried at least half a dozen piled banks but we could not even get close enough to get ropes ashore! We carried on until we arrived at Sutton Cheney, to be confronted yet again with visitor moorings turned over to winter moorings, all but one, which was empty so we dived in. The moorings here at pontoon moorings, but as can be seen from the photo it is not deep enough to get Hadar alongside, but at least we were close enough to step off. We had lunch, and then walked to the wharf to empty our toilet cassette and to dispose of the rubbish Jo had collected from the towpath. We also had a quick look at Sutton Wharf, they do 2 meals for £9.99, we may well have to try it out tomorrow lunchtime.

We returned to the boat to drop off the trolley and cassette and picked up cameras and headed off to Ambion wood, and walked through to the outskirts, where the Bosworth Hill visitor centre is. Previously we have walked to the centre from the Battlefield moorings, but it is definitely closer from this direction, and not so uphill either. Tomorrow we will walk to the centre, and then return via the village of Sutton Cheney, should make a nice walk. There was a lot of goldcrests in the woods, but they dart about too much for Jo to get a decent photo. We also saw a pair of squirrels having a game of tag up and down the trees. A buzzard swooped overhead whilst we were still in the wood. There is supposed to be Roe Deer in the wood, but it is too busy with dog walkers to be able to see any.

Keith.

Bridge No.13 to Hinckley.

2011-11-14T13:35:00.001Z

A short run this morning, 1¼miles which took all of 30mins. We were hoping there would be room to moor at Nutt’s Bridge, which there was, so we pulled in and moored up. As we were doing this I noticed what looked like nb Gilbert, the chandlery boat, and it was as Karen came walking down the towpath to see us, and we had a quick catch up as we haven’t seen each other for a couple of years.

We then walked up into Hinckley to do some shopping. This is the first time we have been to Hinckley. Although Hinckley obviously suffered due to the recession, and some shops had closed down, it wasn’t as bad as it could be. We found a nice little café for a coffee and some toast, I felt a little peckish.

Jo got some bread, vegetables, eggs, and a gammon joint which we will have for Christmas. The street market was in full swing.

Keith.

Battery Cut-off Switch

2011-11-12T15:09:00.001Z

Back in the summer we had a battery cut-off switch fail, and I had temporarily rewired the third switch it in it’s place. Whilst we were in Braunston recently I bought a replacement and a spare. Today I fitted the replacement. Apart from it having two fixing holes rather than four on the original, meaning I had to drill two new holes, it all went together rather well.

Whilst I was in a busy mode, I replaced the two overhead lights in the boatman’s cabin, with two we had found dumped. They are a lot brighter than the original two, but also they now have the same bulbs which also match the one on the engine room and in our saloon. No more having different types to cope with. All we need to do now is replace the bulbs with LED lights, but all in good time.

I also made new fender cords for the two spare fenders we have found, so they are now available for use.

Jo took her litter picker out for it’s baptismal, and filled a plastic bag, just in the area we are moored, but also found 3 large plastic barrels and a traffic cone dumped in the hedge.

I also fixed the litter picker we found which now works properly, so we have one each.

Jo has put a lamb shank in the boatman’s cabin stove to cook for dinner.

Keith.

Bridge No.5 to Bridge No.13

2011-11-11T12:13:00.001Z

A murky morning got murky as we travelled. Our intention was not to travel too far, but we wanted a nice country mooring for the weekend, which we hoped would be just past Bridge No.13 Goodacres Bridge. Just before Mill Road Bridge No.8 we came across Ian and Alison on Gosty Hill moored up, and we pulled alongside for a chat and a coffee. We haven’t seen them for a couple of years and it was nice to have an opportunity to stop and chat to them. We must have spent at least an hour with them, before carrying on to Bridge No.13 where we tentatively pulled into the bank, which was deep enough, so we moored up, and Jo is now cooking tonight's dinner, before we have lunch and whilst I am updating this blog. I love the smell of frying onions, I wonder what dinner will be?

I have a few jobs lined up for the weekend, one of which is to fit the new battery switch, to replace the broken one, and whilst I have the boatman’s cabin floor up, I will check the oil level in the gearbox and also check if the propshaft UV joints and the shaft bearing need greasing. I also need to attach the new fender ropes that I bought whilst in Braunston to the spare fenders we have rescued from the canal, to make them available for use. I am sure there are a few more things I can do once I remember what they are!

Keith.

Coventry to Whitestone, Ashby Canal.

2011-11-10T13:33:00.001Z

Having had a great stay in Coventry, we set off for the Ashby canal this morning.

We again passed the Ricoh Arena, home to Coventry City Football Club. the stand near the canalside is called the Tesco Stand, as there is a large Tesco’s very close to it, very handy if you need a supermarket in this vicinity, there are ringed moorings near Bridge No.8 which is the nearest access point to get to the supermarket.

We soon made Hawkesbury Junction, good thing we emptied our toilet cassette at Coventry Basin before setting off as someone was moored at the sanitary station, with no sign of anyone around!

I only took a small chunk of concrete out of the wall whilst turning at Marston junction to travel up the Ashby canal, which we haven’t been on since our first year on Hadar in 2008. There was enough space for us to pull into the 48hr moorings at Bridge No.5 and enough deep water.

Time to explore the area after lunch as we have never been here before. Note from the photo the unusual brick walling to the towpath moorings.

Keith.

Coventry City

2011-11-09T17:01:00.001Z

We spent a whole 6 hours today in Coventry. As promised yesterday here is a photo of Coventry market. It is circular and as can be seen part of the purpose built rooftop car parking in Coventry is on top of the market building. This car park is linked to other buildings close by in an experiment to provide city centre car parking without taking up additional ground space, whilst utilising an area which serves no other purpose.

We did most of our shopping before lunch, not that we had a lot to get. Jo upgraded her T-Mobile dongle so she has superfast internet now!

This building which is close to the Cathedral amazingly survived the incendiary bombs on November 14th 1940, unlike many of the buildings in the City centre.

this is the old cathedral which was destroyed on that night.

And this is the new cathedral, the building of which started in 1956 and was completed in 1962. My first visit to the cathedral was soon after it was opened in 1962.

Amazingly the tower of the old cathedral survived the attack, despite the destruction of the rest of the building. A lot of restoration work has been carried out on the stonework, and further work is in progress.

We then visited the new Herbert Museum, with free entry always worth a visit.

This is the face of the civic building.

This pub, The Golden Cross, also survived the bombing.

We had an excellent lunch at the Red Panda Chinese Buffet, yet another one to add to our list.

Then we visited the Coventry Transport Museum. We had visited it before but this time there was lots more to see this time.

All sorts of transport, including this very early caravan.

A section on racing cars.

And a lot of vintage cars of all shapes and sizes, but all of the types of cars built in and around Coventry, along with motorbikes and bicycles.

This is the bus that carried the Coventry City Football Club players through the City when they won the FA Cup in 1987.

Even Monty’s staff car.

This is the entrance to the Transport Museum.

This structure is in front of the Transport Museum.

There is such a lot to see in Coventry, that 2 days mat be required for a first visit.

And to finish, this is Hadar moored in the basin.

Keith.

Grimes Bridge, to Coventry.

2011-11-08T14:27:00.001Z

Drizzly start again this morning. We passed nb Chance soon after setting off, apparently Jo follows their blog. We arrived at Sutton Stop and one through the lock pulled in at the sanitary station to empty out. Soon after setting off from here we met Roy and his whippet Thomas off of Gerald No.13 walking along the towpath back to the boat which was moored at the junction, apparently.

Jo and I haven’t been to the basin in Coventry for over 6 years, when we first moved onto Misty Lady, and failed to make the lock closure at Atherstone, after buying Misty Lady from ABNB at Crick. We missed the stoppage date by 1 day, so had to hang around waiting for the stoppage to finish, before continuing our journey to Roger Fuller’s boatyard in Stone. Not much has changed on route, apart from the Ricoh Arena being finished, it was still being built in 2005 and a few new housing estates have popped up. Although some of the units here at the basin are empty, there are more being used than when we we last here, which is good.

For those who have never been to Coventry by canal, this map below shows how close the basin is to the city centre, with the Cathedral marked with the lower pin.

Tomorrow we will venture into the city which we have been looking forward to since we decided to come here this trip. We especially like the market in Coventry, I will try to get some photos of it for the blog tomorrow. The first time I ever came to Coventry was back in the 1962, soon after the new Cathedral was opened. My father’s job called for him to occasionally work in Coventry, and on this occasion he took us as well by car and dropped us in the city centre whilst he went to do some work, then picked us up when he had finished. I remember being bought a model of a MK10 Jaguar in the market. I couldn’t see one like it for sale in 2005 when we were last here!

Keith.

Newbold to Grimes Bridge No.26

2011-11-07T12:49:00.001Z

A dull morning with very low cloud, making very fine drizzle. We moved to the other side of Bridge 50 to take on water. Whilst here I walked down alongside “The Barley Mow”, to “The Boat” to take a few photos to indicate the original route of the Oxford Canal.

This is the car park and beer garden opposite the entrance to “The Boat”, the grassed area where the benches are is part of the old route, as it lies very horizontal.

This is the view from outside “The Boat” towards the existing canal. The building to the right is “The Barley Mow”, the one in the centre is “The Old Coach House” and the one on the left is what looks to be a warehouse. The route of the old canal would have passed to the left of this building in this photo.

This is the end of the warehouse as viewed from the canal, the path of the old canal would have passed this building to the right of the picture.

This view is where presumably the old canal passed the warehouse on this side of it.

Finally this is the side of the warehouse that would have been alongside the old canal.

Mike Todd has passed onto me via this blog a very useful webpage which has old canal routes marked on it overlaid on the existing routes, which is very useful, and many thanks to Mike for passing that on. I still need to buy a modern map and then find old maps in a library to transfer the routes more accurately for further exploration, it is quite a challenge to see if it is possible to find these old maps and I am looking forward to it. Makes life on the canal during the winter months more interesting.

Once the water tank was full, we set off for a shortish journey to Grimes Bridge No.26, where we have for the first time in passing here found enough space and deep water for Hadar to moor in. Although previously we have always moved between Hawkesbury and Rugby, and vice versa in one day, it makes a pleasant change to be able to break the journey up.

Keith.

Newbold-on-Avon’s Lost Canal

2011-11-05T13:01:00.001Z

Yesterday I mentioned in this blog about discovering the lost sections of the North Oxford Canal, having discovered on-line about the original Newbold tunnel beside the church.

This morning Jo and I walked back to the church to start looking for it. The western portal is easy to find.

This is the western portal alongside the church.

Apart from being slightly overgrown it is in very good condition externally.

This is the view through one of the two bat holes, not a brilliant photo, but you can actually see the tunnel walls for as far as the flash would illuminate.

We then decided to see how far we could trace the line of the canal westwards. This photo is taken from the footpath that starts from within the churchyard, and the tunnel portal can clearly be seen between the church and the rather large oak tree.

This is the view in the opposite direction from the footpath, showing clearly the dip in the field of the old canal.

We started to follow the line of the old canal, which disappeared into a wooded area alongside the field, but through the wooded area, we spotted this wall, which could have been a wharf or canalside building.

Further along we crossed over the line of the old canal over a small bridge, and were able to climb down into the canal bed where the brick wall was. However we did find the gratings in the wall rather perplexing as to what they were for.

This is the footbridge we crossed over for access into the canal bed, although not an original bridge, it is sited where an original had been, as can be seen by the original stop plank slots in the existing wall, so common at bridge ‘oles.

We walked further along and came across this original bridge still in very good condition with a road passing over it.

This photo was taken in the opposite direction, the line of the canal can be clearly seen, despite natures best effort to hide it. We could not follow the line any further without some form of map to go by, so we returned back to the canal. We will have to return another day with a map to follow.

The eastern portal of the old tunnel is completely lost. As referred to on the website for the church, you can clearly see the dip in the churchyard entrance from the road to the church where the canal tunnel collapsed in the exceptionally dry summer of 1976. The route of the canal from the church to the the existing canal is also unclear, as from the dip in the churchyard it is lost, presumably underneath the road. However the line can be traced opposite “The Boat” and “The Barley Mow” pubs. In front of “The Barlow Mow” is a large building next to the “Coach House” which looks like a converted wharf warehouse, and the canal would have passed the other side of this to join the existing canal in the vicinity of the water point.

We then walked through the new Newbold Tunnel to see if we could trace the old canal from it’s other end.

This is the other end of the old canal taken from the wrought iron bridge which takes the towpath over the entrance.

This is the wrought iron bridge as viewed from the line of the old canal.

Unfortunately further access is restricted, this photo being as far as we could proceed. Again we can further explore it if we have a map and can find further possible access points from the roads that cross the line.

We have enjoyed this little adventure. We will have to buy a decent scale map or maps, and then see if we can access old maps in a local library, either in Coventry or Rugby, and if we can, then mark on the new map the lines of all the old loops that have been lost on this canal. This should make it easier to do some more exploring.

Keith.

Rugby to Newbold-on-Avon

2011-11-04T16:29:00.001Z

It was rather nice to hear the overnight rain pounding on the cabin top, even if it did keep me awake! We just hope it also rained where the reservoirs are. We were in no hurry to set off, as we were not moving too far, so we waited for the rain to stop and then we set off. Not too far was an understatement really, 1.3miles which took all of 35minutes. We moored up before Bridge 50 at Newbold. With plenty of time before lunch we put our walking boots on, took our cameras and headed back down the towpath to Newbold Quarry Park.

The resident family of swans were giving us a great show of searching for food with tails up in the air.

After lunch we walked into Newbold, the church, St Botolph’s is very pretty.

The war memorial says it all really, it is always very sad to read the villager’s names who lost their lives, especially in the Great War, as so many of them were from the same family and probably brothers. Having returned to the boat Jo has discovered that the original canal course runs alongside the church, with the western portal of the original tunnel west of the church. We will have to return there over the weekend and have a further explore.

One project I have is to trace all the lost sections of the original North Oxford Canal, which were the long contour loops which were replaced when the Oxford Canal Company decided to remove these winding loops in the late 1820’s and built new straight sections to reduce the overall length of the canal by some 14 miles of the original 36 miles between Braunston and Hawkesbury, to reduce journey times in competition with the newer Grand Junction, Warwick & Napton and Warwick & Birmingham canals.

Some of these newer sections are quite obviously straight which is very unlike the Oxford canal. Another factor is the wider bridges that cross these newer sections of canal, some of which are wrought iron, as used in the early 1800’s, similar to those that Telford used when he built his newer Birmingham Canal.

Keith.

Hillmorton to Rugby

2011-11-03T13:36:00.001Z

With the prospect of rain this afternoon, if the forecast is to believed, we set off down through Hillmorton locks and headed towards Rugby. We noticed a new section of piling that earlier in the year we had seen being installed, and now makes a nice mooring midway between Hillmorton and Rugby. I pulled in to the bank at Boughton Road Bridge, and Jo walked ahead to Broughton Park, to see if there was room for us to moor. We have a system where if it is ok Jo rings my phone, but I don’t answer it, so it doesn’t cost anything. I set off and joined her at the park, and we moored up next to Maffi. We had a quick chat, as you do, and then we set off to Tesco’s for shopping.

After lunch I have to go to Halfords to get a replacement radio aerial, if they have a suitable one in stock.

Keith.

Bridge 88 to Hillmorton Top Lock

2011-11-02T12:00:00.001Z

A windy but sunny day’s journey. Nothing much to report apart from passing nb Badsey, on her way towards Braunston, presumably. We also had a quick wave to Kaz, on nb Arc Angel at her moorings at Barby.

Here we also passed the unfinished new Barby Marina.

At Hillmorton is the radio masts of Rugby Radio Station. Although a lot of the original masts have now gone, there are still some remaining. An uncle of mine worked here, during the 2nd World War and after. It was whilst climbing the radio masts for maintenance purposes that he learnt the climbing skills he used to climb throughout the UK, and in the Alps. I have a photo album of his climbing exploits. During my climbing life, I climbed the UK climbs he had photos of himself climbing, it was an interesting challenge.

Keith.

Braunston to just North of Braunston.

2011-11-01T19:40:00.001Z

An interesting and varied day today. We set off from our overnight mooring at Butcher’s Bridge in Braunston, to Tony Redshaw’s mooring. Having discussed the matter yesterday of the failure of our domestic alternator and both Tony and Paul agreeing that from the smell of the alternator it had burnt out. I had, since the failure back in the summer, thought that overheating may have been the cause of the failure.

If you think about it, an alternator fitted to a car engine has cooling air passing it whilst moving, or forced past it by the fan when stationary, which helps to cool the alternator. However in a boat there is no such air flow. With Hadar this is made worse by the protective guard we had built to stop us from accidentally getting caught up in the fan belts driving the alternators. This guard restricts the natural air flow. Consequently I had been considering putting some ventilation grilles in the guard to allow the air to move around the alternators more freely. Yesterday both Tony and Paul agreed it could help the situation, so I asked if they could cut some holes in the guard and fit some grilles which they agreed they could do. So this morning we pulled into their mooring and took them the guard. I had to walk back to Wharf House Narrowboats to get a third grille to complete the job. The task was completed by lunchtime, and after picking up some new engine oil from them, we reversed back to the Boathouse moorings, and went and had plaice and chips for lunch.

Will full tummies we set off again, heading up the North Oxford Canal. Just as we were approaching Bridge 89, a boating friend who we had not seen for over 5 years, called out to us form her boat. We moored up just after Bridge 88, and walked back to see her and catch up with how she was doing. She has started a company selling LED lighting called Baddie The Pirate, and she showed us a bus bulb as a demonstration.

We are in the gradual process of changing all our bulbs to LED one’s. This bus bulb is ideal for the oil lamp in our boatman’s cabin, and the first time I have seen one with this fitting, and a glass globe covering the LED’s, so I bought one of the pearl ones from her.

All this and it has been a warm and glorious afternoon, one which makes us to glad to be alive.

Keith.

Braunston Locks

2011-10-31T12:45:00.001Z

With the change of the clocks at the weekend it is going to take a few days to become accustom to the difference. More so for Paddy. Unlike at the spring change where suddenly his dinner and walks are an hour early, to have them an hour later this time of year is very confusing for him.

We were fortunate this morning in that the boat Slipstream that was moored behind us overnight wanted to share locks, which was great, no having to wait for someone to turn up. With 3 men on-board we soon had the locks dealt with, and Jo found a mooring just past Butcher’s Bridge, where I pulled in and we moored up behind Aldgate. Maffi and Molly arrived just as we were mooring up and Jo made coffee and tea for the 3 of us, and we chatted and put the world to rights. We then headed for Midland Chandlers to pick up a few bits and pieces, and on our way back popped into Tony Redshaw’s to pick up some green paint for the engine.

Lunch was breakfast mushrooms on toast.

Keith.

Surprise Visitor

2011-10-29T16:22:00.001+01:00

We had a surprise visit today from Maffi and Molly. He is moored down in Braunston, and upon discovering via facebook we were moored at the top of the locks he decided to walk up and see us. We haven’t seen Maffi for a few years now, and it was nice to catch up with him. We had a lot to chat about and fortunately the weather was mild enough to stand out on the towpath and chatter and sup coffee. I walked back down the locks with him and his dog Molly, as I wanted to call into the Chandlery at Wharf House Narrowboats. Maffi picked up some more rubbish to add to the dustbiner which he had been filling on his journey to see us. He uses an Easy Reacher, which is available from Argos for just £9.99.

Next time we are near an Argos which will either be at Rugby or Coventry, we will have to get a couple.

Hopefully he will still be around when we come down through the locks Monday morning.

Keith.

Crick to Braunston Top Lock

2011-10-28T14:13:00.001+01:00

A very foggy start off from Crick, a real thick one too. However once through the tunnel it was absolutely clear, and warming up nicely. We arrived at Watford locks with 2 boats going down before us, with the first one just starting down as we arrived.

The boat in front was off created a tsunami down the towpath by opening the paddle at the wrong time, sending all the gravel down the hill. Terry the lock keeper was not impressed.

At Norton junction we turned right and headed towards Braunston tunnel. We met only one boat coming the other way in the tunnel, and pulled into the moorings above the top lock, where we will be spending the weekend. I Have a couple of jobs planned for the weekend. The crew on NB “Do Lalii Ali” announced as they passed us, as we were mooring up, that they read this blog, unfortunately I do not know their names, but we say “Hi” to you, and hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.

Keith

Welford Junction to Crick

2011-10-27T14:14:00.001+01:00

At last, some rain. We had quite a lot overnight, which considering we were moored at Welford Junction this was a good start to topping up the local reservoirs, although it will take months of rain to get back to them being full. We set off this morning amidst drizzle, which although it wasn’t going to do a lot to fill the reservoirs, at least it was something. It lasted for most of our journey today, but did let up whilst we moored at Yelvertoft to take on water and to have lunch. Once the tank was topped up, which didn’t take long as it is a fast flowing tap here, we set off again for Crick. The water level is about 3” down, and this reflected in our mooring at Crick, Paddy is not going to like the jump to the bank this evening when I take him for his walk.

Keith.

Foxton Top Lock to Welford Junction

2011-10-26T15:05:00.001+01:00

The intention this morning having completed all we needed to do in Harborough was to set off. However we discovered that the torch we had bought yesterday was faulty, so I caught the 9:00am bus from Foxton and returned to Wilkinson’s in Harborough. They replaced it with no problem, but I did test it first before leaving the shop. I caught the next bus back to Foxton at 9:45am, and Jo was ready and waiting when I got back to the boat, with the boat already for the off. We had lunch on the move of a sausage roll and one of Jo’s home made mince pies each (I hate to tell her it isn’t Christmas yet!).

It is definitely Autumnal with the leaves on the trees changing colours. We arrived at Welford Junction, and moored up and the boat next to us bought a bottle of toilet blue.

Keith.

Last Trip to Harborough

2011-10-25T14:45:00.000+01:00

Our final trip into Market Harborough today started with catching the 9:00am bus from Foxton. Our first stop was Specsavers to pick up our new glasses. Jo has chosen for one of her pairs some new stylish frames, just for a change.

Once they had been fitted for us and adjusted we then headed for the dentist, where I had my 2 fillings done. However the dentist is not too hopeful that one of them will actually last, he still thinks I will need to have it crowned. He had asked on my check-up last week if I would have it crowned, but as I can’t afford it at the moment a filling will have to do for now, this month has been an expensive one, what with dentist for us boat and new glasses for us both, pheww!

We did a bit more shopping in town, including a new coal scuttle for getting the loose coal out of the hold for when we need it. Whilst I was in the hardware shop paying for it I noticed some small enamel plates like we had been looking for, so when I got out of the shop I told Jo and she wen back in and bought a couple, at £1.49 each a bargain. For anyone who knows Market Harborough, the hardware shop in the high street, near Joule’s Yard, is a brilliant little shop, with things stacked high, and not much room for more than about 4 customers in there at the same time!

All shopped out we walked up to Union Wharf for a cup of tea with Jill and Don, on Idunni, who very kindly gave us a lift back to Foxton locks.

Keith.

Albino Squirrel.

2011-10-24T09:35:00.002+01:00

A couple of weeks ago we were watching Autumn Watch and they had an Albino Squirrel on the program. Neither of us had ever seen one in the wild, but that has changed over the last few days with the appearance of an Albino Squirrel at Foxton Locks.Snowy turned up on Wednesday and seems to put in appearance first thing in the morning and again at luncthime. It is incredible that is has survived because they are normally predated by others and of course there is always another animal looking for a meal. We feel fortunate to have seen such a rare sight. I have named it Snowy which seems apt. Jo

Rebuilding a Water Pump

2011-10-21T09:19:00.001+01:00

Well I thought I had cured the water leak, until yesterday Jo noticed water still appearing underneath the pump. So whilst she went to Harborough by bus, I took a closer look, and noticed water seeping from around the casing, where the 2 halves of the pump assembly join.

So yet again I took the pump out and stripped it down, cleaned it all up and put it back together again. I then refitted and reconnected it. This time it wouldn’t prime, so out it came again, stripped down, another clean out and back together again. Reinstalled, reconnected and this time it did prime, phew!

Overnight it hasn’t leaked, and neither has it been firing off like it has done ever since it was first installed, which I had thought was the PRV (pressure relief valve) leaking, which I had previously changed but did not cure the problem. This is all a bit strange, as, if it had been leaking before, there was no previous sign of this with water underneath it when we have checked under the cupboard. Oh well, at least it has cured both problems, which is always a bonus.

Jo had here eyes tested yesterday and as with me she has to have new glasses, which also should be ready for collection next week.

Keith.

Vaccinations

2011-10-20T10:14:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Jo took Marmite and Paddy to vets4less for their annual injections. Miles of Paws 4 Walking give Jo and the animals a lift to and from the vets, a very handy service. Marmite wasn’t too impressed when she returned, but Paddy couldn’t care less.

This morning we have fixed the leak from the main water pump. Yesterday’s efforts failed, as we discovered just before bedtime, which was too late to deal with, so we turned the pump off, and shut down the 2 stop-cocks overnight. Thinking about it, we suspected that the ‘O’ rings were the problem. Fortunately in the new spare pump were 2 new adaptors and on comparison with the old units, the old ‘O’ rings seemed to be thinner, so I fitted the new adapters, and hey presto, all fixed.

This is the adapter, and the ‘O’ ring can be seen at the left end. All we have to do now is find some replacement ‘O’ rings for when they fail in the future again, as a pair of replacement adapters costs £13.60 and as there is nothing wrong with the adapter itself, just the ‘O’ ring it seems daft to buy the whole thing at that price.

Jo has just set off to catch the bus into Harborough to have her eye test.

Keith.

TV Reception Problems On-board?

2011-10-19T16:22:00.001+01:00

I today fitted this signal booster to amplify the digital terrestrial TV signal on Hadar. I am very impressed with it so far. It operates on 12/24v DC and is designed for use in cars/caravans/boats. It also has 2 outputs for 2 TV’s.

If you are having problems receiving digital terrestrial signals, or suffering from weak signals when not close to a transmitter, or have a long aerial cable run from the aerial to the TV, then this is what you need.

It is available from Maplin’s, from their website and at £24.99 is not going to break anyone’s bank balance.

Keith.

Day in Market Harborough

2011-10-18T11:37:00.000+01:00

We had a busy expensive day today in Market Harborough. We caught the 8:00am bus from Foxton, and headed for the Indoor Market for a coffee in the Café. Then we did some shopping. I booked an appointment with Specsavers for an eye test later in the day, as mine had run out and I needed some more glasses as I am down to my last pair, they don’t float!

We then headed to the dentist for our annual check ups. Jo sailed through hers, but I need 2 fillings, so was booked in for a further visit next week. He did say that one of them may not take and I may need another crown, more expense, so let’s hope the new filling, when he does it, lasts.

We walked to Union Wharf to collect mail, and see a few friends, then returned to the town for a quick lunch in the Indoor Market Café of sausage baps. Jo bought 2 lambs shanks from the Market butcher, at £2.99 each they make a good wholesome meal, Jo uses them in a stew, slow cooked in the boatman’s cabin stove.

Then we returned to Specsavers for my eye test, which showed that my eyes had changed slightly, so 2 new pairs of glasses were ordered. Jo booked herself an appointment for her eyes to be tested, but seeing as I had taken the last free one today, she has to return on Thursday for her test.

We mysteriously received a copy of Canal Boat magazine in our post, strange that, seeing that neither of us had ordered it. I have emailed them to see why we have received it. Not that we don’t mind freebies, but if there are further issues forthcoming they will fill our post box up once we start to use it, which isn’t that big, and there won’t be room for our important mail. Also in our post was the new aerial cable and signal booster I ordered from Maplins. It is specially designed for cars/caravans/boats and is powered directly from 12/24v. I will set it up and see if it improves the signal to our TV’s, especially the one in the boatman’s cabin. If it works well other boaters may be interested in it.

We caught the 2:45pm bus back to Foxton, and returned to the boat, then Jo got the trolley out and crates to go and wait for our Tesco delivery, which arrived spot on at 4:00pm.

To say we were both pooped at the end of the day is an understatement. At least my back had stopped complaining throughout the day, which has been giving me jip the last few days, probably from shovelling the loose coal in the hold during our coal delivery at Welford on Friday.

Keith.

Prop for Sale

2011-10-16T11:35:00.001+01:00

‎22"x22" prop for sale, the rotation is right-handed and the prop shaft is 1½" diameter with a 1:12 taper and a 3/8" keyway. £200.

If you are interested or know someone who is please email us at sales@nbhadar.co.uk

Keith.

Coal, then Welford to Foxton Top Lock

2011-10-14T19:35:00.001+01:00

After breakfast we prepared Hadar ready for our coal delivery. This meant securing the top sheets up, and then tying the side sheets down to give us good clear access to the hold. Then we waited for the lorry to arrive. Jo decided to have a slightly early lunch which as it turned out was a good idea, as at 12:15pm Chris and Tom arrived and soon had the sacks of coal emptied into the hold. Teas and coffees all round and the coal paid for, the pair of them headed off for their next delivery in Market Harborough.

We set off for Welford lock, where once we were in the lock we were able to get the sheeting sorted out, which is easier to do in a narrow lock as we can get to both sides to retie the top strings.

What has been a lovely sunny afternoon saw us arrive at Foxton where we winded at the entrance to the top inclined plane arm, and having failed to get close enough to the bank between the top lock and bridge No.60 we carried on past the bridge and moored up just the other side of it, which is a good deep water mooring. The pound is down in level at the moment, thus why we couldn’t moor between the lock and bridge, where we usually have no problem. Jo says at least we are nearer to the bridge close to where Tesco’s deliver to us, which we have ordered for Tuesday afternoon.

We look forward to a restful weekend here.

Keith.

Downton Hill to Welford Wharf

2011-10-13T15:45:00.001+01:00

A damp morning, not actual rain, but very low cloud forming a very fine drizzle, which gradually eased as we arrived at Welford. At least the wind had dropped to nothing. At Welford lock we noticed the installed temporary back pump and piping to pump water back up past the lock. Apparently they have had to back pump to keep the arm above the lock in water.

We had lunch at The Wharf Inn. after lunch we walked up to see how Welford reservoir is doing, the photos say it all really.

The tree is well and truly high and dry

Talking to one of the fishermen at the waters’ edge, he reckoned his lines were in the deepest part and it was only 3ft deep!

Keith.

Change to Galley Doors

2011-10-12T12:30:00.001+01:00

Jo has recently painted red the fillets on the starboard galley doors. When they are open and exposed to the weather, the fillets are exceptionally vulnerable, and were showing the effects, which varnishing could protect but not disguise. Painting them red has made a vast improvement, they even match the fillets in the boatman’s cabin. She has today painted the port side to complete the set.

Jo has also painted the inside of the portholes in the galley and bathroom.

They were cream, the same as the galley walls, but for some time we have been thinking of changing them to red to match those in the engine room & boatman’s cabin. They look a lot better, especially from the outside, as they now match the outside panel which is red.

We have also been in the hold today making final preparations for our coal delivery this coming Friday at Welford. This delivery will be loose coal, which now we can no longer sell it, and it is just for our use, we have decided to buy it loose, rather than bagged, no point in us paying the extra for it to be bagged. We are going to see how it goes. We are hoping that being loose it will fill the hold more efficiently giving us more spare space for storing other things. It will also look better when we attend the “Village at War” weekend at Stoke Bruerne next year, as I doubt very much that coal was bagged in plastic bags during the War!

Keith.

Crick to Downton Hill

2011-10-11T13:21:00.001+01:00

Yet another windy morning, but not as windy as yesterday. Someone found out the consequences of mooring on the outside of bends, I don’t think they will be doing that again.

Keith.

Stowehill to Crick

2011-10-10T17:21:00.001+01:00

A very windswept day has made for an interesting journey today. Having travelled to the bottom Buckby lock, we moored up, turned the engine off and waited for a boat to share the locks with. We didn’t have to wait long, and we shared with nb Woodsey, and made good time to the top, where we parted company, as they were heading for the Oxford Canal.

We swung onto the Leicester arm at the junction and were soon moored up at Foxton bottom lock. Jo headed off to find the lock keeper, and soon returned to say that the boat that was now coming out of the bottom lock was the last one down, and we could follow the boat in front of us up, which we duly did, avoiding getting the bow drenched at the staircase locks from the leaky gates, by allowing the boat in front to stay more than a lock in front of us, and emptying the lock they were leaving into the side pounds before actually fully entering the lock to allow the level to drop, and thus reducing the cascades of water to a minimum.

Our efforts to moor up before Crick tunnel were fruitless due to shallow moorings, so we carried to Crick and have moored up behind Bruce Coleman on nb Boston, who very kindly made us both a cup of tea, and we sat and chatted about out summer adventures.

Keith.

Blisworth to Caravan Field Mooring.

2011-10-06T16:23:00.001+01:00

A windy start to the morning steadily got windier and windier. We got to Gayton junction and pulled into the sanitary station for water and toilet emptying. Whilst we were there, Peter and his wife on Blackberry Way pulled in behind us, also after water etc. so we had a quick catch up whilst we waited for our water to fill. All sorted, then came the fun and games getting Hadar off the mooring in the now quite strong wind. Jo had to take the bow line back off and onto a bollard so I could power out against the wind, which we eventually managed to do.

We were approaching High House and where we wanted to moor there was a fishing contest in progress, so we carried on passed David and Elaine to the Caravan Field mooring, as it is locally known. It is in between bridges 27 & 28, between High House and Stowehill Wharfs. We have moored up using the recently purchased Rond Anchors, after looking for them for many years. They were very popular on the River Thames for mooring on the banks when I was boating on there, and despite their small size, and ease of fitting (you just stand on them and press them into the ground) they are very effective.

We will wait and see if they hold us for the whole weekend, as we are now staying here until Monday. After we had moored David texted us to let us know that they were going into Northampton by car if we wanted to go with them. We were hoping to do that or to go to Daventry, so we said yes. We duly walked round to their mooring at the agreed time, and met them. We were soon parked up, and we all headed off for our various destinations, agreeing to meet back at the car at a set time.

One thing Jo wanted to do was to get some new shoes she had seen on-line, so we eventually found Deichmann, despite Jo thinking the shop wasn’t in the Grosvenor Centre, but after walking around the whole of Northampton’s shops it was, lol.

They are what she has been looking for to go with her 1930/40’s costume. David and Elaine have invited us to dinner tonight, so as a thank you Jo bought Elaine some flowers from the market.

We returned to the car park and met up with them, and they duly drove us back to their mooring, and we set off back to the boat. We are looking forward to a great evening with them tonight.

Despite the even stronger winds, Hadar has not moved from her mooring.

Keith.

Blisworth Pocket Park

2011-10-05T14:35:00.001+01:00

We set off from Stoke Bruerne this morning and headed to Blisworth. We had nb Stanton following us in the tunnel, which was full of smoke, cough, cough. We pulled in and moored opposite Blisworth Mill and had lunch.

After lunch we walked up the towpath back towards the tunnel to find the Blisworth Pocket Park, which we found alongside the tunnel portal.

They local group have done a lot of work so far, but there is more to do. The path nearly joins back onto the towpath, and about half of it has been completed with granite chippings. A lot of the undergrowth has been cleared and new trees and shrubs have been planted. We know that further work will be carried out this coming weekend, with lots of spring bulbs to be planted.

There have been some bird/bat boxes fitted to some of the trees.

This fungi has established itself to an old tree stump.

This is very near to where the readied path finishes, before the final 30 or so feet connecting back down to the towpath which needs levelling and the wood planks fitted ready to take the final surface.

We continued up the towpath above the tunnel, and joined the road back into Blisworth.

Many of the buildings in Blisworth are thatched and very individual, it is a very pretty village.

This is the world famous “Royal Oak”, one day we will pop in and have a pint!

Jo spotted this fossil built into a brick wall.

Blisworth Church.

We continued our walk over the canal bridge to have a look at Grafton House which is in the process of being renovated, we look forward to see how it progresses.

Keith.

Village at War (Saturday)

2011-10-01T09:37:00.000+01:00

Jo and I took an early walk around the site so we could get some photos before it got crowded, which it did.

This was the Black Market area, with all the stalls selling contraband, and lots of lovely 1930/40’s clothing. I managed to get a new waistcoat, and Jo got her snoods for her hair.

The Americans were well represented with these superb vehicles.

The model tanks are here again, I loved watching rumble around the site last year.

The Home Guard were patrolling the towpath.

The local bobby was interested in our load of coal, and whether it was legal!

Lola Lamour was entertaining the crowds and a few took to the dance floor.

Even Monty was around.

And so was Churchill.

It has gone really well today and we hope it will be even better tomorrow.

Keith.

Day Trip to Northampton

2011-09-27T19:13:00.001+01:00

With time on our hands, and possibly a good day weather-wise we decided to catch the bus to Northampton this morning. We caught the 10:10am bus, and were in Northampton by 10:50am, and we hoped to catch the 4:00pm bus back, so plenty of time to explore. Neither of us has ever been to Northampton before so we looked forward to seeing what it had to offer. Upon alighting from the bus at the bus station we had no idea where to go, so we just set off, and were soon on the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, and we found a cafe for a cup of coffee before hitting the streets.

Having walked through the Grosvenor Shopping Centre we next came to the market. Our next destination was the bank to get some much needed cash, which we had passed in the bus so I knew approximately where it was. Next to the bank was the All Saints Church.

As we were to find out throughout the day Northampton has many very interesting buildings, but you do have to look up, which many people forget to do. Jo took some photos when she could. Many of them have amazing facades.

This one below was originally the Northampton Co-op, which is now a shopping arcade.

This very imposing building is the Guildhall, too large to fit in the photo!

We found yet another Chinese Buffet called Aroma where we had lunch. There is an good selection of Charity Shops, which we love to browse around, looking for bargains.

We walked down Fish Street and came across “The Fish” which had this plaque on the front.

We had another cup of coffee at the same cafe we started at first thing this morning, and then we headed for the bus station where we waited for the 4:00pm bus back to Stoke Bruerne.

On the journey in and our return journey we passed over the River Nene and we both look forward to when we venture down from the Grand Union to the River Nene some time in the future, hopefully not too far away.

Keith.

One Relaxed Cat.

2011-09-26T19:33:00.001+01:00

Life is really difficult for a cat on a working narrow boat!

Keith.

Busy Day

2011-09-24T16:55:00.001+01:00

We had a busy day today here at Stoke Bruerne. We set up shop early and we were soon selling bits and pieces. Our best day to date. Jo sold a couple of her blankets, which was good news.

Marmite tested out my rag rugs. She found them very comfy to lie on. We got to chat to lots of people, which made the day pass very quickly. They were probably attracted by the smell of our lamb casserole cooking in the back stove for tonight's dinner.

Keith.

Flore to Stoke Bruerne

2011-09-23T16:47:00.001+01:00

What a lovely days cruising. Soon after we set off from our overnight mooring at Flore, just round the corner, we were approaching High House and our friends David and Elaine on nb Patience heard us coming and we pulled alongside for a coffee. Whilst there I wondered how much Spiderworx would charge for sign writing our gauging numbers back onto the cabinside, so whilst there I enquired and Colin came and had a look and said he could do it there and then at a very reasonable price. So we reversed back to the winding ole at the other end of the moorings, winded, and reversed back to be stern on to David and Elaine’s boat so he could do the port side first. Whilst here Jules on Towcester arrived to deliver some gas and other bits and pieces, whilst moored alongside Patience. When Colin had finished the port side, we then we returned to the winding ole, winded and returned yet again this time pulling in before his shed, and he completed the set. Excellent job, all ready for the Village at War Weekend at Stoke Bruerne.

Once completed and paid for we then set off for Gayton Junction where we reversed into the sanitary station mooring to fill up with water, empty the toilet cassette and get rid of rubbish. Then we set off again for Stoke Bruerne.

It was like Piccadilly Circus in Blisworth Tunnel, with 4 boats coming the other way. Why do people try to talk to me in the tunnel as we pass? Don’t they realise I have ear plugs in and can’t hear them! Hahahahahaha.

As we emerged from the tunnel and started to wind in the winding ole, Mike appeared on the trip boat Charlie, so I abandoned the turn and pulled back alongside the towpath until he had completed his trip into the tunnel mouth, reversed out, and turned to return to the Museum for more passengers.

Once he was clear I winded and we reversed back to our usual mooring in the photo.

We were moored here for last years event, so hopefully we will be ok here for this years. If you know this bit of canal we are opposite the narrow bit, where they can’t moor the historic pairs, so we are nicely out the way.

Keith.

Crick to Flore

2011-09-22T15:03:00.001+01:00

A 7:55am start this morning got us to the top of Watford Locks ready for when they opened at 9:00am. It gave me a chance to chat to both Terry’s the 2 lock keepers. We were the 2nd boat down and all went well, and we were soon heading for Norton Junction. Once at the junction we turned south and headed for Buckby top lock, expecting we would arrive there and would have to wait for someone to share locks with. To our great surprise there was already a boat waiting, nb Ethel, and we shared the locks with Richard and Wendy, which was very pleasant.

As we passed Anchor Cottage Jo popped in to tell them about the water can we had bought from them with the handle that fell off, just so they are aware to check new stock don’t do the same.

Richard and Wendy pulled into a mooring below the bottom lock. We carried on and moored up just past Stowehill Wand before Flore Lane Bridge No.27. At least we are against the bank, if a tad shallow, but we do have a nice view of this unusual house from our galley window.

Keith.

Foxton Locks to Crick.

2011-09-21T15:30:00.001+01:00

A very pleasant day, which started cold and dull, but by lunchtime the sun had come out to play, as did the wind too. Quite a few boats moving today, which is surprising as we haven’t seen many over the couple of weeks we have been at Foxton Locks. As the moorings at Crick came into view, there was no one here, so we decided to moor up. Might as well make the most of it whilst wee can.

Today has been a downed tree spotting day.

All 4 have been reported to BW.

Recently I have been sending in fault reports with accompanying photos which seems to be working quite well. It at least gives the teams concerned a chance to see the problem without having to send someone out just to see it.

Keith.

Harborough Towpathers

2011-09-19T20:15:00.001+01:00

Way back in the Spring whilst we were still in Market Harborough Jo and I signed up to join a volunteer group called “Harborough Towpathers” and today we joined them on one of their volunteer days. We were given a lift by Miles of Paws 4 Walking, the sponsors of the group, and driven to Union Wharf where everyone met. We then set off for Bridge 14, which was the main task of the day. For over 20 years this wooden footbridge has never been painted.

This was us all posing at the bridge before work commenced. First the bridge had to be rubbed down before painting could start. As the bridge is very narrow, and not a lot of room for the army of volunteers assembled, 3 of us set off down the towpath for the one mile walk towards Union Wharf with litter pickers and bin bags, picking up litter. We filled two bin liners with all sorts of rubbish, including the remains of a plastic bucket, and a car’s hub cap! How that got beside the towpath is beyond belief. Amongst all this litter we found 35 bags of dog poo we picked up which had been left in the hedges.

Having got to Union Wharf we turned round and headed back to Bridge 14 and when we rounded the corner we saw this, a nearly finished bridge.

Quite a difference. It was now lunchtime which was the packed lunch we had taken with us. As we were now rather spare to the operation Jo and I returned back to Hadar before the painting was completed but this photo shows the final result, and for anyone who knows Bridge 14 it is now looking very smart.

We enjoyed the day, and we both look forward to helping on further volunteer days in the future.

When we had first arrived at Union Wharf today, and waited for everyone to arrive, I had tried to fit our Post Box, but because the post we are attaching it too was a bit wider than the U bolts I had bought and drilled the holes in the back of the box to fit, they splayed out a bit and no longer lined up with the holes in the box, typical. So I now have to return tomorrow by bus having filed the holes a bit to try to refit it again. I will be taking the file with me just in case.

The good news is that our new BW licences had arrived in the post today, phew.

Keith.

Foxton Locks Festival

2011-09-18T17:20:00.001+01:00

Jo and I have had a great time at this years Foxton Locks Festival. Here are some photos from the festival.

On Friday we helped with setting up the site, this was the main marquee going up.

Once it was we started the put all the tables and chairs inside ready for the stall holders to use, this was Anne the festival organiser enjoying the hard work we were doing.

On Saturday things got going with visitors starting to arrive in the main marquee.

This is Elsie Barge with her stall, she is a friend of Hadar on facebook.

This is me chatting to Beryl McDowell, who I have known from when she used to do the Roses Lime Juice run for Threefellows Carrying.

This was a rather novel catering van called the “Tin Can Toaster” who specialised in toasted sandwiches.

These Alpacas are so cute!

The vikings were doing battle, with lots of dead bodies lying around.

The gallopers were beautiful to behold.

The dodgems were dodging about.

This miniature bus was giving children a bumpy ride the site.

This pair of Shire horses were giving trips to Foxton and back.

I get the feeling Jo would have loved to have had this carriage drawn by the Shire horses for our wedding.

The Fudge Boat was here.

As was the Floating Bookshop.

And the Antiques Boat.

Trevor Maggs was here with Corona.

On Sunday this magnificent organ arrived.

A lot of black clouds passed overhead on both days, but fortunately they did pass over, and someone else got them!

Some of the stalls outside enjoying the sunshine.

The Vikings do battle yet again.

Today is my 59th birthday, I have had a lovely birthday at the festival.

P.S.

I get my bus pass next year

Keith.

Setting up the Festival Site

2011-09-16T17:26:00.001+01:00

Today has been a busy day for Jo and I. We have been helping setting up the festival site. This morning Jo helped mark out where the outside stalls were to go, and I helped unload the chairs from the lorry, move fire extinguishers, and a few odd jobs. After lunch things really swung into action with the crafts marquee completed enough for us to start moving tables and chairs inside for the stall holders. Quite a huge task, with just over 60 tables and 120 chairs, but everyone knuckled down and we soon had it all set out ready for the arriving stall holders. We then had to move the remaining tables and chairs to the beer tent, which we did using Anne’s van and to save her having to stop what she was doing, which was organise the whole event, I volunteered to drive it for her. With the last few tables moved I now felt completely pooped, so returned to the boat to feed dog and cat. Jo is just finishing off helping direct stall holders to their allocated spots. I think both Jo and I will be sleeping very soundly tonight, to be bright and fresh for tomorrow.

We just hope the weather is going to stay reasonably dry for the weekend.

Foxton Locks Festival Takes Shape

2011-09-15T08:47:00.001+01:00

Bright start to Thursday morning, and the Festival site is taking shape nicely.

Keith.

Another Day Visit to Harborough

2011-09-12T15:48:00.001+01:00

With some post to pick up and other stuff to do in Harborough, we set off on the bus again. Amongst the post were the U bolts I ordered so we can attach the post box to the post, another step closer.

Jo had to visit the Royal Mail Sorting office to pick up a parcel she had sent but was never delivered.

Then we had another superb meal at Shagorika for lunch before catching the bus back to Foxton, via the Petrol Station!. Yes it was running out of fuel so we had to make a divert to the petrol station, to top up, a definite first for either of us.

Last night we went to the Foxton Locks Inn for a meal to celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary, we both had the Sunday roast which was pork, which was very good.

Keith.

Foxton Top Lock Cottage needs Demolishing!

2011-09-08T09:32:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we moved Hadar about 100ft closer to the top lock at Foxton. Later in the day we switched the TV on, and our signal had all but gone. We adjusted the aerial, no joy, checked all the connections, still no joy. So we moved back to where we had been, perfect. The reason, the top lock cottage is in the way, so needs knocking down! or a huge hole drilling through it .

I doubt they will do either. So here we stay for now. Any one know where I can get some dynamite from? Cheap dynamite of course.

Now that’s better, more of the excellent view across the countryside.

Keith.