Category Archives: Birds

Line Astern. 1st April

Keadby Lock to Cromwell Lock, River Trent

The alarm went off before the dawn had even started to show us her colour. A cuppa made and consumed whilst we rolled back the covers and did our final checks. Woofers were being walked, life jackets added as the sun came up in stunning oranges.

The light at the road swing bridge ahead of us turned to green, time for the first six boats to push off and get ready to go through. One boat seemed very quiet, NB Aladin, I pointed this out to one of the Strawberry Island crew, a loud knock on their roof brought Alan to the stern, they were up, but a message late last night had made them think we wouldn’t be pushing off for another half hour, however the Lock Keeper thought differently.

It would take a little while for the crew of NB Aladin to be fully ready, so we ended up taking their place, joining with the second locking boats, NB That’s It and NB September Sapphire.

First three boats went into the lock, second three came through the road bridge behind them, the bridge closed to let the morning traffic through. Then the second three nudged back so the top lock gates could be closed. I lost count of how many Lock Keepers there were silhouetted on the bottom gates.

We all waited, the tide was still to turn. We all waited some more. We’d pushed off at 06:28 and by the time the tide was coming in, the first flood gone past and the level deemed suitable for the first locking to exit the lock onto the river it was 07:35. NB Rum A Gin exited first keeping to the right, followed by NB Tonka, the third boat NB Purple Emperor. They in turn, turned with the tide and kept their engines to just about tick over, just enough to keep steerage so that the rest of us would be able to catch them up.

The bottom lock gates were closed, the lock refilled, then we entered the lock and were soon descending to the river.

First out NB That’s It, then NB September Sapphire, then us, the sand bar below the lock far less of a worry now. We needed to catch up with the first locking boats and hope that the last two ( NB Aladin and Cruiser Amourouse ) had enough umph to catch up with us all before reaching West Stockwith where more boats were set to join us.

The sunrise had promised us a wonderful bright day, the Forecast had promised us not much wind, yet the weather was making it’s mind up. The river was misty as we turned out onto it. Once under Keadby Bridge the sky was turning black. Extra extra layers of clothing were required as we plunged into a bank of fog, nav lights a definite requirement.

Oh Blimey would this fog be with us all the way to West Stockwith and through Gainsborough?! We hoped not as photographers and TV crew were going to watch us as we passed under Gainsborough Bridge. Thankfully it passed after about twenty or so minutes everyone nithered to the bone!

By 08:33 we’d caught up with the first locking of boats. A glance over our shoulders every now and then to check if anyone else was insight. We’d heard on the radio that NB Aladin and Cruiser Amourouse had left the lock. Mick on Amourouse had slowed for sometime and not answered his radio. Was there a problem? It turned out that Mick had cleaned his filters yesterday and forgotten to turn the water back on to cool his engine, therefore he was overheating as soon as he put power on to leave the lock. A problem soon fixed when he realised.

Then from behind we could see them both catching us up. As they got closer we could do-ci-do to get into the correct order. Except the boats joining us from West Stockwith had been told that the cruiser was Tail End Charlie, so we had to swap with Mick again.

The line of boats was in order all at a good distance from each other as we were approached by two boats from West Stockwith pushing the tide to reach our stern.

Crowds stood on the bank as we passed the lock, 4 drones were spotted above, one having just filmed our bow as we passed. Oleanna’s horns were tried out fully for the first time!

Once we’d passed the lock another two boats joined on behind, then possibly another two. Were we twelve, thirteen or sixteen boats now?

Getting a little close at times in line, I was reminded of the best tip given out at a Tideway Cruise briefing by St Pancras, keep checking behind you. On the Thames there are so many boats all moving at different speeds and directions you really need to have eyes in the back of your head.

Rounding the final bend towards Gainsborough Bridge we all got into line as best we could. Plenty of people up on the banks to wave and the boats cruised by with the tide beeping their horns. NB Rum A Gin led the way, camera crews on the bank, more drones, Nick Roberts who’d joined from the Chesterfield Canal was tail end charlie with a camera crew on board.

No time to stop, the tide rushing us all towards the bridge. A lapse in concentration, too busy waving, one boat narrowly missed a bridge peir, the following one gave it a bump, Mick quickly adjusted our position as the currents tried to push us sideways towards the peir too, we got through without touching.

Now the crowds disappeared, but the tide still had it’s power. The hope of stretching the gaps between boats before the next tight bend didn’t happen, you had to keep your wits about you. But then as the excitement of the crowds at Gainsborough waned the flotilla managed to jostle itself some space between boats. Time for breakfast.

I ducked below to rustle up some bacon for butties and a warming cuppa each, maybe today would have been a good day to wear our padded winter trousers and a few extra layers!

The boat with Nick and the camera crew sped up as we approached Torksey passing several of us and then turned in towards the lock, leaving the majority of us to continue at around midday.

Blue skies, vapour trails, the grassy banks of the river. We followed our red line on our charts. Past the Landmark Trust house. Pylons stretching across the sky.

At Dunham boats pulled in for a woofer comfort break, Tilly just tucked herself behind our pillows. Does Tom really have to move the outside SO fastly!?!

Lining up with pylons and white markers on the banks, the river gradually got more meanderous. NB Purple Emperor came past, ‘I’ve got a head of stem up, might as well keep going. The Lockie knows we’re coming’. Our speed was more than those in front of us, so we passed when a suitable time came. Only one downstream boat was passed, it’s existence radioed back for others to be aware of.

With a couple of kilometres to go Mick radioed Cromwell Lock, the lock was ready and waiting for us, nice to have the conformation. Round the final bend, the weir in front of us, a green light, round to the right and into the long lock.

**Heading into the lock to get off the tide**

The Lockie decided to pen up the first five of us, then drop the lock for the remaining three. Four abreast in the lock, ropes holding us all together. The Lockie asked me to tie my rope off as we were next to the wall. This of course now meant that NB Tonka’s rope was below ours and when the time came to untie it took a bit of undoing as everything had tightened ascending the lock. At times like this somewhere else to tie off to would be good, two new T studs will be added to the bow before Oleanna’s repaint. It would have saved me walking onto the bow to release ropes as others were starting to move they’re boats forward!

A quick chat, if the pontoon was free it would be best for those with dogs to moor there, we’d be happy with a low section of wall. Others tucked themselves in around the pontoon which was empty before we arrived. It was a while before the second penning of boats arrived, a bit of sorting out to do for ease of getting off boats, then we could all relax.

Hazel arrived at a picnic table just above Oleanna’s mooring with a box of bottles. Time for survivors drinks. Gosh what a selection! Whisky, Rum, Gin and thankfully wine.

Everyone was wind blown, tired and now getting a little bit sozzled through lack of food all day and it was only 4:30! After a glass of wine I decided that today would be the first day when I wouldn’t achieve my 40 minutes brisk walking, I also wouldn’t get anywhere near to 10,000 steps breaking a streek of 72 days. Well it had to happen sooner or later and today was a suitable day to let it slip.

We retired, the stove lit to try to warm us up and some left over bolognaise heated up with a good serving of pasta, with another glass of wine. Then we were early to bed to rest up before another day of beeping our horns tomorrow.

2 locks, 44.6 miles, 1 right, 1 straight on, 8 boats into 14, 2 horns getting a good blasting, 1 bump, 2 near misses, 1 fog patch, 2 cats, 5 woofers, 15 crew all survived, 7 drones, 2 bacon butties, 2 nithered boaters, 1 glass and sozzled, 0.49 miles walked, 0 brisk minutes, 9 hours on the go, 1 long fulfilling day.

https://what3words.com/tarnished.flamenco.skewed

Goole Green. 27th March

Doncaster Visitor Moorings to Bramwith Junction

A few little gaps in our larder needed filling, we moved Oleanna up to the water point and I left Mick topping up with water as I walked into town. A few stalls were open in the fish market along with a couple of fruit and veg stalls outside. I toyed with trying to buy everything at the market, but I still would need a supermarket for a few bits and another visit to Boyes was required.

**Goodbye Doncaster we may see you again soonish**

Back at Oleanna the development next door was having some piles driven about 2ft away from the gate to the moorings and more importantly 2 ft away from the piling holding the bank back. Mick just wanted to make sure CRT knew about this, so gave them call.

Yesterday a small black narrowboat had arrived towing a small cruiser. The chaps had chatted to Mick asking if he had a guide to the area. They were planning on towing the cruiser and a second one down to Keadby and out onto the Trent and up stream to Nottingham, their main concern was would they be able to breast up one cruiser and still get through the locks. This morning they were manoeuvring themselves round to the other side of the pontoons to collect the second cruiser, neither of which have working engines.

We pushed off wishing them well and headed back down stream. Todays mooring should be one suitable for Tilly to have some shore leave and hopefully one where we’d be able to do some jobs. As we approached Long Sandall Lock we clocked the boat that had been at Bramwith Junction, maybe our mooring would be available?

The amber light at the lock turned red. Ah, the VHF radio had been coming to life on and off and news that Eastwood Lock up at Rotherham was now open suggested to us that maybe Exol Pride was on its way, maybe we were to meet it here? The top gates opened and the light turned green. A chat with a chap in blue, they were here to clear bywashes etc, then up to Doncaster to check things out there too along with the development site. No news of Exol on the move.

Below the lock there was more activity at the pontoon for the flood defences. Numerous chaps in orange were gesticulating to a crane operator. A short distance further on another band of orange people were on the river bank erecting fencing and measuring things out.

At Barnby Dun Lift Bridge I had another prat go through on the red wigwag lights necessitating me lifting my finger to stop everything. Once through I counted the cars, 21 including a funeral cortege, I hope I didn’t slow them down too much.

I now opted to walk to the junction whilst Mick took Oleanna on ahead. Our favourite space available, thankfully the wind that is always present here helped to hold Oleanna to the bank today. Tilly when shown the outside wasn’t too enamoured due to the breeze, so the front door outside was checked, it was slightly better!

After lunch it was time for jobs. I dug out the drill for Mick whilst he dug out buckets for me. Mick would be having a more concerted effort with the stern light today. Our passage through Keadby next week is at 7am, there may be fog on the river and with so many boats in convoy it would be handy to show a white stern light.

I got the boat washing things out. Goole for five months leaves it’s mark on boats, a greening and general layer of dust, time to give Oleanna a scrub up for the Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign Cruise. I decided to split the job into four, starboard side today, both roof and cabin side. The covers will have to wait!

Tilly came out claimed the towpath as hers, ran around like a loon for a while then sat on the gunnels, chewed the tasty bits of grass alongside the boat then went on duck duty, Can’t have ducks making nests on Oleanna, the outside needs to keep changing! Just keep away from the wet side of the boat please!

Ten more minutes of walking were required so I decided to walk round the ‘block’ as it were. From the opposite bank I got a few nice shots of Oleanna and Mick looked like he was nearing completion of the stern light wiring. Along to the Don Doors, a boat just approaching from the last bridge of the New Junction. Across to Bramwith Lock, people from the permanent moorings were sitting out enjoying the early evening sunshine. By the lock there is a cupboard for fresh eggs. Not just chicken eggs, but if you are lucky you can get Turkey and Guinea Fowl eggs too. I’ll look again when we come through, see if we’re lucky enough to try a Turkey egg.

On returning to Oleanna some wiring was happening in the electrics cupboard. After a short while there was a cheer, the stern light was working! Brilliant.

A while after dark we paused what we were watching on the TV, lights and voices could be heard on the canal. It was the black narrowboat breasted up to one of the cruisers, thankfully they weren’t towing as well! Will they have got through Bramwith Lock breasted up? Hopefully where ever they got to they got there safely, we just wonder how much research they’ve done for the Tidal Trent?

1 lock, 5.7 miles, 1 lift bridge, 21 held up, 1 prat, 4.43 miles walked, 52 minutes briskly, 1/4 washed boat, 1 stern light working, 1 loony cat who’s forgotten about the trees over there! Where?!

https://what3words.com/speeded.loans.kingdom

Lifting. 23rd March

Site of Smallhedge Swing Bridge to before St Oswalds, Kirk Sandall, Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigations

On the day we were loading the van in Scarborough we heard the first Woodpecker giving itself a headache. Back in the house this signalled the start of Spring to us. This morning from somewhere in the hedgerow we got to hear our first ChiffChaff of the year. Here on the boat this signals the start of Spring. Just a shame the sun didn’t make an appearance!

Tilly was given shore leave whilst we had mushrooms and poached egg on toast for breakfast. A full cooked breakfast will be a very rare treat for us this year. Sausages and bacon to be kept at arms length, although I have purchased some chicken cumberland sausages which are sitting in the freezer. Not tried these yet, so we’ll see.

The Geraghty zoom is still going strong five years a week or so since we started it at the beginning of the pandemic. All five siblings were present today, nieces and nephews are too busy doing other things, but we do get updates regarding grandchildren and trips abroad that they make. Todays topics included, Grandma put downs (social services not required!), Revenue Control officers, Richard II and distant relatives, and lifts this coming week.

Tilly came home part way through the zoom with a friend expecting to be let in through the side hatch, this of course was not granted. Herfjoke newieds a secihgond stabmlihymp of apprbjbjgchoval She said something but no-one knew what she was saying as her mouth was full!

**The new Rugid tablet, waterproof and able to show both Waterway Routes and Victron VRM which shows battery, solar etc statuses.**

Another day of not going too far, we pushed off, I caught a ride to the first lift bridge, otherwise it would have been a very long way round walking back to the lock to get on the official towpath side. I hopped off at the bridge landing and waited to cross the road, cars zoomed past and over the bridge, all far to quick for my liking.

Key of power in the control panel. I listened hard, let a few cars cross the bridge before I couldn’t hear anymore. Turned the key and pressed the lift button. The lights flashed and the barriers were just starting to come down when I heard a car zipping along out of view, no obvious slowing down, just more acceleration! I took my finger off the button and stopped the barriers just above where contact would be made, What a Prat! As he sped off I was able to continue pressing the button and lift the bridge.

Two more bridges along the New Junction, I walked between them. One a lift bridge the other a swing, vehicles obliged and stopped. I then got back on board for us to go under the Don Doors crossing the River Don.

Bramwith Junction, one of our favourite moorings around here was occupied, the narrowboat taking advantage of views to both sides of the canal and a clear sky to top up on solar. We weren’t going to stop here today, instead we carried straight on to Barnby Dun, pulling in at the services. The offcuts of cardboard box were put in the bin then we were ready to continue on our way.

Waiting for a gap in traffic at Barnby Dun takes some patience as it’s such a busy road. It took a while for no vehicles to be in view, I turned the key and pressed the button. The driver of the first car to pull up on my side of the bridge sat and stared straight at me, as if that would make me stop the process and let them through!

I now elected to walk to where we planned on mooring, just short of Kirk Sandall. All the chilled medication vans have gone from the house by the bridge, now there is a Morris 1000 and a selection of other cars. I caught Mick up as he was stepping off Oleanna hoping to tie up. Not quite into the side at the bow, we wondered if we’d bash whatever it was under the water. We needn’t have been concerned as today we didn’t see one boat moving.

Tilly was given the rules and some extra guidance, beware of the bicycles and woofers. I kept my eyes peeled and there they were bicycles, TWO of them. I ran away and gave up on this outside after two minutes! No point in even asking to go out until they’ve moved it again.

Lunch followed by a need to top up my walking for the day. Our mooring was right next to a footpath that runs into the woods and up to The Glass Park. Years ago we walked some of the paths round here, but I don’t think we got up to the playing field as I did today. Up ahead of us on the canal used to be Pilkington Glass, Pilks to the locals, the pipe bridge still exists. There is a rather good blog post here, hopefully I’ll get chance to read it fully and more about Doncaster in the next few days.

I walked through the park and down past the station, turning onto Pilkington Road to head back to the canal. A new housing estate that has grown up around St Oswald’s Church, Kirk Sandall is called Silica Court. The church is looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust and is rarely open, we however managed a visit years ago, so if you are interested here’s a link to the post from that day. The rather wonderful old barn has been converted into living accommodation, so the church no longer stands by itself.

With 60 minutes brisk walking under my belt I decided that not reaching 10,000 steps today didn’t matter. The last few items were stowed away on board. Coats, hats, gloves, drill sander put under the dinette seats. There was now room to breath. Time to sort out the mess I’d made on my latest pair of socks last night as I fell asleep in front of the TV mid row, my fingers continuing to knit without guidance!

0 locks, 4.7 miles, 4 bridges, 19 held up, 1 straight on, 2 outsides, 1 really really good, the other 1 pants, 3.86miles walked, 60 minutes briskly, 1 sock sorted, 1 van load of stuff fully stowed.

https://what3words.com/basket.relatives.refreshed

UB40 For Breakfast. 20th September

Limekiln Lock 42 to the Dane Aqueduct, Macclesfield Canal

Today had a touch of a musical theme to it.

UB40 with There’s a fish in mi bed what am I gonna do?

This morning a notice came through from C&RT, the locks at both ends of the Macclesfield Summit were to reopen this morning at 9am the level on the summit pound having been restored. Volunteer Ken had been right yesterday, in that it wouldn’t be long before they opened up again. Cruising Plan A31 could now be put into action. Just a shame that by early afternoon we’d had another notice from C&RT saying that due to vandalism and pounds being drained the Huddersfield Narrow was closed between locks 4E and 6E. We hope this will have been sorted by the time we get there.

We pushed off a little after 11am, there was just one more of the Cheshire locks to ascend. I decided to work the lock and let Mick bring Oleanna up. Then it was the 90 degree right hand turn at the junction.

Last time we came along here, we still had covid restrictions, a group of friends sat outside on their balcony bundled up in coats. Today as we turned towards the Macclesfield Canal autumn arrived. Wind and the fluttering of leaves from the trees, we’ll soon be commenting on leaf porridge/soup.

The boat yard just before you turn to go over the Trent and Mersey has gone, the buildings look quite dilapidated and no boats are moored outside. Looking down across to where we’d come from, no-one had taken up our mooring yet. A giant weed island was tethered to the offside bank by rope, just where we were to pass an oncoming boat.

ABBA with Thank you for the burping the wind you’re giving

A Heritage Hire boat was just going up Hall Green Lock, all 1ft 3″ of it. With double gates at the top the chap walked round to the other end of the lock to open both gates and then when closing them he did the same. A very long way round when you can just walk over the stern of your boat to close the other gate, but that’s one of those things you pick up. They had difficulty moving off, would we?

I reset the lock, the woofers in the lock cottage woofed away as I clicked the paddles up. Should we stop for water here, no we’d do that in Congleton instead.

Hall Green Bridge 92 is the first with the Macclesfield shaping. The bottom of the arch curves inwards towards the water and the sides of the bridge curve outwards to meet the ground. Lovely, just annoying that someone has moored their boat right in front of it!

Teapot Hall is for sale, and Rosie the boat that used to moor close by is nestled on a mooring a touch further away. I wonder if the tea pots are part of the sale? The first time we ever came this way we had another boat right up our stern, they soon asked to over take us hire boaters. We didn’t catch up the Heritage boat ahead, they were returning to base anyhow and I suspect our progress through bridge holes would be slower than theirs.

Tilly railings came into view, so did Ramsdell Hall. There was space for one more boat at the 2 day mooring, but we’d not travelled far enough yet to stop for the day or lunch. We carried on another mile or so before pulling over for a quick lunch, our stern not wanting to meet with the bank. Will this be the way of the Macc?

Beatles with Being for the benefit of Billy Tights

Onwards slowly. We always forget how slow the Macc is for us. Coasting through bridges is often quicker than under power. The big white wall of Congleton came into view, only two boats moored up. Over the aqueduct.

**Do you ever feel like the odd one out?**

Now we had boats coming towards us, just as the bridges increased in number. These must be boats that had come from the locks this morning. I think by the time we’d moored up I’d counted ten.

The first and second roving bridges of the Macc. The first has a little grace with one path curving round. The second tries but has two corners to it’s shape, a touch too blunt. Maybe these were the first roving bridges on the Macc and they got better and better the closer they got to Macclesfield and then excelled themselves at Marple.

We refrained from topping up with water on the long straight and continued onwards under bridge after bridge after bridge.

We passed boats on moorings with views, we passed boats with reputations made this summer, we passed the mooring we’d stopped at for a trip to York Hospital in 2020 which was cancelled at the last minute. We were checked out by cows. The Cloud hill now in view, dark moody clouds surrounding it.

Did we dare carry on to the aqueduct, or should we stop before, there might be lots of boats wanting to go up the locks after they’d been closed for a few days. We chanced it and found plenty of room to pull into. The sun even came out and so did Tilly for an hours shore leave. Washed bedding hung on the whirligig making the most of what was left of the days warmth, then the stove was lit and we got cosy inside whilst wind blustered around us.

2 locks, 10.4 miles, 2 canals, 1 right, 1 island, 1 shallow canal, 1 hour shore leave, 0.3 of a sock knitted, 1 happy cat, 1 stove lit, 1 blustery night.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FhZRuq1GCy6ie1Dp8

To Devil’s Garden. 10th September

Moorings above Saltersford Lock to Devils Garden

A wet morning and my back had a twinge, last thing I wanted to do was get down on the floor to do my exercises, they could wait for another day. One thing that couldn’t wait for another day was a cruising plan. A joint effort was required and a touch of maths.

We both opened up Canal Plan. We worked out when we need to be back in Yorkshire, a mooring has already been found for Oleanna. Then specific dates when we need to be elsewhere, the number of days when Oleanna won’t be moving, which stops require a train station, which a marina. The way Canal plan works is that if you add in some stationary days then the end date of your cruise gets added to. We didn’t bother with this, instead we deducted the number of days Oleanna would be stationary from the full trip and kept a tally on how this affected trip days. I understood my method, Mick just had to go along with it and see if it worked. Thankfully it did. Yes we could have adjusted the trip on Canal plan and added in the stationary days but that would then be a touch ridged.

Three possible routes to try out and see if the dates would work.

Firstly the Huddersfield Narrow, the shortest cruise. Plenty of stations to choose from, if we got stuck by flooded rivers it would be the easiest to move the boat at short notice when levels came down. Marinas not so plentiful, but a slight adjustment to cruising hours made it work.

Second choice the Shroppie, the longest cruise. This would mean not doubling back on ourselves too much. Stations not so good, some buses would be needed. Cruising days on the Tidal Trent have some leeway and the tides look favourable to CRT working hours at the locks. Some adjustment required for a marina, but that would be manageable if they have room.

Third choice the T&M, in between the above cruises, retracing the way we’ve just come back to Fradley. The Tidal Trent on the same days as the Shroppie, better stations too.

The final choice is still to be made, but at least we could let friends know the two possible locations we’d be at for a rendez vous. About half an hours drive between them so at least they’d know where abouts to head in the first place.

We checked the radar. More rain due overhead. Two boats moved off, a while later they were replaced with another two. We were going to wait until after lunch, hoping the rain would subside. The two boats that had arrived headed off again in a lull in the showers.

At 2pm we decided to make a move whether the weather was good or not. Waterproofs on we winded and headed down stream to Saltersford Locks. On arrival there was a boat moored on the lock waiting pontoon, where was the Lockie? We hovered for a while, then Mick rang the Lockie. The lock would be ready in about 15/20 minutes, the boat on the landing moved off and we could pull in to wait. Sure enough the lock took forever to fill, the Lockie set it filling and headed off for a while.

This is the only downstream lock we went through back in 2011, it holds 660,000 gallons of water and I think it was estimated back then that it could hold 27 Winding Downs. It sits alongside a smaller lock, but that hasn’t been used since the 70’s. We passed our ropes around bollards towards the back of the lock. The bow just by a set of disused centre gates. The lock was set emptying, this would take time too.

Just below the lock was a water point we pulled in to fill up the tank. An end of terrace cottage, formerly a Lock Keepers cottage, is for sale. The pressure was pretty good so we were on our way again soon.

We didn’t remember the journey to Dutton Locks from 13 years ago. Houses sit close by. Some leading up to Acton Bridge have pontoon moorings sticking out into the river, one of them for sale!

The moorings by Acton Bridge were full. We wanted to be further on anyway and the mooring certainly wouldn’t be cat friendly. Mick took the advice of the Lockie back at Saltersford and called ahead to the next lock, it would be set ready for us when we arrived.

Above Dutton Locks the moorings were full. The sunk vessel we’d seen 13 years ago has degraded a lot! Maybe on our way back I’ll get a closer look, today we wanted to head on further. We pulled into the lock, the gates closed behind us and the water started to drain out through sluices in the side of the lock.

Now on totally new water to all of us. Back in March 2011 the locks had been on winter opening hours meaning they had to be booked, we only had limited time on the river anyway so hadn’t ventured further, today we could carry on.

Dutton Viaduct came into view, dark against the rain laden clouds, sun streaming through where it could. The river has views, next to no flood banks. Open views, then tree lined banks. We had our hopes on a mooring a mile or so further, a little m on our map meaning we’d need spikes.

As it came into view it had great potential and there was only one boat moored up, space for us. We winded and pulled in a short distance up stream with trees to our bow and stern, our own slot. We’d found the Devil’s Garden mooring, both of us had heard of it before, a favourite for many.

Tilly was allowed out and we all had a little explore, checking signs and fences avoiding stepping in the cowpats. Tilly stayed out and played for a while, but it was blustery, rainy and she was wanting dingding.

Mick lit the stove, we’d be needing one for our jacket potatoes to accompany a pie each. Yarn was selected for the next pair of socks, pair 37 I think. Thank you to those who’ve sponsored a pair this week I’ve now only got to find two more sponsors to make 52 pairs for the year and I’ve beaten last years total too! It may be that as the nights start drawing in I may be able to knit a few more pairs, after all why stop at 52, I’ve still got a mountain of yarn to use.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pip-leckenby-1704636205453?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fpip-leckenby-1704636205453&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

2 locks, 5.8 miles, 2.2miles of new water, 30 minutes for one lock, 1 full water tank, 1 damp blowy day, 2 pies, 2 jackets, 0 cows, 37 in 4 shades of blue, 1 cosy boat, 1 lovely mooring.

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m17!1m12!1m3!1d7260.5534387613325!2d-2.6748082668054605!3d53.28409690096703!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m2!1m1!2zNTPCsDE2JzU3LjUiTiAywrAzOSc1My45Ilc!5e1!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1726061794294!5m2!1sen!2suk

End Of The Line. 22nd August

72A to Ingestre 48hr mooring Trent and Mersey still

Waterproofs just in case for a walk to the Post Office this morning. Thank goodness we had them as it was just spitting on our arrival, then between there and the Farm Shop the heavens opened. Soggy legs!

We didn’t really need anything, but maybe some nice sausages, I suggested four, Mick suggested six, he’d not realised that they were quite so huge and would be over £1 each! A huge cauliflower, some treat cheeses, gluten free oak cake mix and a pork pie for Mick. We refrained from picking up a punnet of strawberries (£3) and a tub of chilled medication, the freezer would need rebuilding around a big tub.

Thankfully the rain was stopping so our walk back along the towpath was a dry one. The sign post at the junction with the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal was hit by lightening last week, the large splinters of wood that had been shot off it are now tied back on with tape, I suspect some glue was used too. Plenty of room on the moorings above the lock and still lots of room below where we were.

We decided on an early lunch, hoping that others would stop for lunch as we set off, therefore we’d miss queues. A kingfisher darted back and forth behind Oleanna, too quick for a photo from inside and if I’d gone outside it would likely not have returned, it’s high pitched call making sure we’d get to see the streek of electric blue.

A boat was just coming down the lock ahead as we were rolling up the covers, but the lock had been reset by the time we got close. Another boat had arrived above so Mick had help with the bottom gates and then he could hop on board, the moorings now filled up.

Blimey the junction was busy, my photo doesn’t show half of what was happening. A boat was pulling onto the water point to join another. A boat was heading straight on up the T&M, possibly having just turned out from the Staff and Worcester. Another came towards us from the T&M as one more was appearing from under Haywood Bridge wanting to turn up the T&M. We were wanting to pull into the services so waved the last boat onwards. One of the boats on the services were just pulling off so we grabbed the opportunity and pulled in to fill up and empty.

Chores done we could continue on our planned route, up the T&M.

Passing the polytunnels of the Farm Shop we could see they still had plenty of strawberries and elsewhere pumpkins were starting to expand, I wonder how much they sell for?!

Arriving a Hoo Mill Lock we tagged onto the end of the queue, our plan for everyone to be having lunch hadn’t paid off, we were forth! Mick managed to pull is in to the side and hopped off with a rope, I got my knitting out!

A boat came out, enquiries for where there might be a mooring, they could try by the entrance to the marina only one boat on the armco there when we passed. In went the first boat from the queue. Out it came, in it went. Blimey what a list! Back out and another attempt, finally getting past the open gates. Was there something submerged in the lock to have caused them to list?

**A few blackberries were picked, I left the rose for someone else**

The next boats turn, they didn’t have a problem getting into the lock, the first boat must have had its fenders down! Hopefully they hadn’t lost any that could cause a gate to jam. The boat in front of us moved up, the chap at the helm tried to flick a rope over a wooden post, it didn’t work, he stayed treading water. Finally we could move up and be on a bollard, Mick went up to help with the boat in front, the crew as handy with a windlass as the chap with his rope skills.

Our turn, no-one waiting behind or above, just us, the end of the line.

We’d planned to cover at least one more lock today, but the wait below the lock had eaten away an hour, maybe we should find a mooring sooner rather than later. Waterway Routes had various moorings marked, several we’ve used in the past. When half of the 48hr mooring before Ingestre Bridge was free we opted to pull in for the day, a more concerted effort required tomorrow.

Two hours Tilly! It wasn’t me who pushed the post over! Maybe it was that man in Rugby!!

The internet was checked, photos uploaded nearly instantly. I could finish off blog posts.

To warm the boat we had some of the sausages from the farm shop, roasted with the remaining root veg we’d bought for our Sunday roast. Four of the sausages were the equivalent to six normal supermarket bangers, so I saved two for a breakfast. The sausages were nice, the veg could have done with a touch longer sadly, but it was still nice.

Before we got settled in front of the TV Mick went round and checked that everything on the roof was secured. With Storm Lillian on her way we’d not want to be kept awake with things rattling on the roof or flying off. Job done, the windows would need closing too before we turned off the light.

2 locks, 2.1 miles, 1 straight on, 4 soggy legs, 6 sausages, 2 treat cheeses, 2 pairs of socks on their way, 6 boats at the junction, 1 full water tank, 1 empty wee tank, 1 clean pooh box, 0 rubbish, 1 doorless fridge, 8 bottles of warm wine, 4th in line, 1 hour wait, 4 instead of 6, 1 wet windy night ahead.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6pCArLHXoufasdGY9

How Much Of A Half Would You Like? 21st August

Before Iron bridge 72A to after Iron Bridge 72A

Mick walked up towards Haywood Lock to see if there were any spaces available for us to move up. The internet coverage where we were moored was poor, therefore annoying! He’d checked on a map and we seemed to be sat in a little hole, further along the signal should improve.

A space behind one boat and another in front, but this was under a leaning oak tree. With gusts of wind this mooring wouldn’t be so good. We needed to act quickly before the first mooring was snatched up, so as I finished my exercises Mick pushed us off. Have to say doing lunges whilst Oleanna was moving was very wobbly! However I was ready to help moor up, as close as we could to the boat in front which just so happened to be NB Winding Down, our old shareboat.

Breakfasted, we got ourselves ready for a day out, just as a breasted up pair of Jules Fuels boats was pulling out, we decided to move up and not be that annoying boat a touch too close to a bridge hole. As we moved I spied people onboard Winding Down, we had to at least say hello. Just as well we did as it was Paul and Aileen Jordon one of the last few original syndicate members. We last bumped into them in Braunston a couple of years ago before WD moved base to Aston Marina.

It was great to have a chat and reminisce, only one other original owner left, Roger. They had two of their grandchildren with them and more were expected shortly for a picnic before the youngsters were heading home.

Time for us to have a day out!

**The plaster of this ceiling was carved by the artist laying on his back and took 2 years. Hope he got paid well**

Back in June 2015 we spent several days at Shugborough, then ran by Staffordshire County Council and the National Trust. We’d had a tour of the house at break neck speed back then, little could be remembered so we decided to visit again, dust off the cobwebs on our National Trust cards. In 2016 the management of the Hall was handed back to the National Trust, so today we could get in for free.

There were plenty of people about, lots for kids to do in the park. At the front door of the house we showed our cards and were let in to walk around the house at our own pace. As with most NT properties the house has been laid out with the story of it’s occupants, here it is the Anson brothers who travelled the world. Also as with many NT properties we didn’t get to find out much about the actual house. Plenty of information boards about the brothers, a huge map with interesting facts about their voyages and how they started off with 1900 crew, arriving back in England with just 188! But I’m interested in the house too, I’ll have to look it up.

Once we’d looked round the ground floor, walked through the red drawing room and the library with disguised door and taken note of how quickly Elizabeth and Betty had grown we then could climb the back staircase to look round the rooms upstairs where Lord Patrick Lichfield had lived and taken many a photograph. This is the part of the house we remembered most, the kitchen, the deep deep baths, the photographs. Here you’re not allowed to take any yourself.

One room which had been Patricks bedroom had photographs he’d taken. Another couple walked round ahead of us. She said ‘That looks like him. That looks like Sophia Loren’ He said, ‘No it won’t be’. I wondered who he’d think were in the royal family photographs when they came to them, and yes that was actually Mick Jagger!

Time for lunch, we hunted out the cafe. Chock-a-block, but we’d timed our arrival very well as just about everyone was finishing. Jacket potatoes were finished for the day but we could have potato wedges instead with a filling on top of our choice, a little bit of a strange combination. Sat next to us was a family, the teenage daughter had just gone to get them pudding. Three scones and a huge slab of carrot cake with a good layer of cream cheese frosting. She said how she’d not been able to decide on a scone or the cake, Mum offered to go halves with her, half a scone for half the cake. ‘How much of that half would you like?’ came back the answer from the daughter!

Back in 2015 there were carriages to look at. The house kitchens were in working order with a cook baking scones and ginger biscuits. Sadly today these areas are closed, I think the collections have been moved elsewhere as they belonged the Staffordshire County Museum. Such a shame, but at least we’d seen them last time.

Time for some chilled medication, we joined the queue and selected our flavours, Devilishly Chocolate and Rolo, basically the same ice cream but one with mini rolos and a swirl of caramel added. As the medication level had been topped up we walked round to the formal gardens at the back of the house. Past the Chinese House built in 1747, crossing the red bridge and onto the island to look at the Cat Monument. Why does that cat have a moustache?

The monument (c.1750) possibly commemorates a cat which travelled around the world with Admiral Anson on the ‘Centurion’. Or that it was built as a memorial to Kouli-Khan, a Persian cat kept by Thomas Anson. He also kept a heard of Corsican Goats which feature around the base of the monument.

We then returned to Oleanna, enough walking for today and time to let Tilly out. She wasn’t that enamoured with it this afternoon, even if we had a chatty parrot for a neighbour. Well you’d told me I wasn’t allowed to talk to it!

0 locks, 0 miles, 2 bridges crossed, 1 Georgian Mansion walked round, 1 formal garden, 2 years, 1 ceiling back to front, 35 Weetabix, 1,313,843 pieces of 8, 2 brothers, 0 carriages, 0 puppets, 2 far to go to the farm, 1 odd cat, that’s not me!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/odPiG95YvgNVPTBr7

Casper The Cormorant. 16th August

Tamhorn Park Bridge to Fradley Bridge 90, Coventry Canal

A lovely sunny morning, Tilly was allowed an hour whilst we did all our morning things. Then with her back on board we made ready to push off. I was just about to untie when a boat came into view, we waited. I untied, another boat came into view, followed by two more! We pushed out quickly before the next one could come into view.

Approaching Whittington a lovely old car came past, too quick to get it’s photo. Then the row of terraced houses ‘Sunny Side’ followed by my all time favourite weathervane the Grey Fergie.

Two new houses stand by the canal. One for sale the other for refurbishment. Refurbishment? It’s only just been built!

Reeds encroach on the canal, some bridge holes hard to see through. At one bridge on a bend we narrowly avoided a head on collision. Neither boat had seen the other one, both going at a slow speed, but both boats having to slam on the breaks to avoid contact.

We passed the boundary stone between the Birmingham and Fazeley and the Coventry Canal. Then on to Huddlesford Junction. Here we slowed, a handy post box just by the pub suitable to pop a couple of pairs of socks in. Mick loitered in a bridge hole whilst I did the honours, a lull in canal traffic meant Oleanna had stayed put.

I got my knitting out the hope of getting a heel turned today, plus I needed a photo of me knitting for Dementia UK. Out of several that Mick took this is the best, however you can’t see what I’m knitting, which is the whole point! We’ll have another go tomorrow when there is more of a sock to see, hopefully the sun will be out again.

Pretty soon we had company, a cormorant. We’re quite accustomed to Terns following our wake diving for fish, but this is the first time we’ve had a cormorant doing the same, but at water level. It dived into the swirling water, bobbing back up really quite close to our prop at times. Was it aware of the danger our prop posed to it? Obviously the possibility of catching fish was far too good.

Sadly I didn’t manage to get many photos, as it would only surface for about 10 seconds before diving again and you have to play a guessing game as to where Casper would reappear.

The long thin garden, fenced off from railway and canal towpath, it’s four foot width stretches on for ages before it widens out towards the house. It’s obvious where they stop cutting the grass. Casper continued to follow, only Bell Bridge getting in its way requiring him to fly on ahead of us. But soon he was back to fishing in our wake. Two, no three fish caught in quick succession. Surely that was enough food for a while, but no he carried on diving.

A long length of armco, a track to some houses, one boat moored up. We pulled in, quickly Casper realised his fishing companion was stopping, he flew on into the distance looking for another boat. The bottom was too close to the top. A lady came from the moored boat walking her woofer, they’d be moving off in a few minutes if we wanted their spot. We tied up and waited for their departure then back up, much better, we were into the side more or less.

Almost four hours of shore leave for Tilly and a late lunch for us. Time spent selecting a foodie Congratulations on getting into Uni and extra Happy 18th Birthday present for Josh. He may have to survive on baked beans whilst being a student but at least he’ll be able to jazz them up!

Our mooring wasn’t quite so good. Boats passing at more than tickover made Oleanna grind on something below despite having the wheel fenders out. Oh well at least when it got dark there’d be no boats, apart from a cruiser who was going slow because it’s light was pretty poor!

0 locks, 6.1 miles, 1 straight, 2 pairs posted, 2 miles being followed, 3 fish at least, 3.75 hours, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval, 1 whinging woofer, 1 big woofing woofer, 1 boat moving on in the morning.

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m17!1m12!1m3!1d2408.2211448936696!2d-1.7703327568764968!3d52.715509727076586!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m2!1m1!2zNTLCsDQyJzU1LjMiTiAxwrA0NicwNS4yIlc!5e1!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1723886171386!5m2!1sen!2suk

Dreamie Deficit! 5th August

Near Bridge 88 to near Moores Bridge 72

Boats boats boats! So many moving boats this morning, maybe this is where everyone is. It’s always busy in these parts as there are so many marinas and not many locks. Clifton Cruisers also seem to be doing a good trade compared to most hire bases, we’ll see how many boats they have in when we pass their base.

With supplies surprisingly low for breakfast Mick cooked us up some eggs and mushrooms on toast instead of the normal porridge oats. We need to do quite a stock up of basic things when we reach Rugby. Tilly took up residency within the airing rack which at times gets positioned on the sofa for ease of getting past, well it’s not much of a climbing frame when it’s on the sofa, but I may as well make use of it, plus there’s nothing better than freshly laundered socks and pants to sit on!

Time to move off ourselves. We managed to pull out without having to wait for too many boats to come past, but soon found the boat in front was slow. A boat soon showed itself behind us, we all kept to a reasonable distance and headed northwards.

Some stretches of the North Oxford were straightened to cut journey times and the bridges were kept wide, Widebeams are allowed to cruise up to Dunchurch Pools Marina if they have booked passage, an email to warn narrower boats is sent out so you can stay put as the canal wasn’t really built for widebeams. Past Dunchurch Pools the bridges are that bit narrower.

I scanned in on the pump at the marina, it could have said £1.01 a litre, but I couldn’t be certain. We’ve heard that it’s a good price, maybe it’s better than Rugby Boats now.

We followed on behind the slow boat. All the way down Barby straight, a good idea to keep your speed down, especially when passing a breasted up pair, they didn’t need to alter their speed as they’d be going at tick over all the way.

A chicken has joined the witch and skeleton on the wishing well and the tree house has been totally taken over by the tree. A lovely vintage car now sits on manicured grass, it’s been a while since the vintage ambulance was last seen surrounded by long grass. The new house at the end is still being built. Electric cables hang from the ceilings and areas of exterior wall still need cladding, will they be wood or render?

Coming round the bend by Wharf Farm the boat ahead met a rather faster moving boat, they made contact and then spent time sorting themselves out. The mound of rubbish by the boat yard, is it getting bigger, it’s certainly an eye sore.

We’d considered carrying on to find a mooring near Tescos in Rugby, but the going had been so slow we abandoned it. Pulling in where The Wasp (NB Lilliyanne and NB Blackbird) had moored ten years ago below the railway embankment. It’s not as noisy as you’d imagine and proved to be a good place for Tilly as fairly soon after we arrived her catch was confiscated!

Time to look up some reference for the next pair of socks, a touch of colourwork required for these. I worked out a pattern then selected the yarn, pair 32 ready for casting on, just the rib at the top of pair 31 to finish. There’s still 7 pairs of socks up for grabs, ideal Christmas presents in aid of a great charity, just saying! And talking of Christmas, today we’ve had our first enquiry for digs from someone in the Christmas show. If we end up with two people wanting digs then we shall stay on the boat till the new year, better have a look at the winter stoppages!

Tilly came and went, Well I was looking for something! She came and went so much that the Dreamie pot became empty. Just what am I going to come home for now! Don’t worry a new pack of Beef Dreamies was opened and someone stuck their face in the pot straight away. Fresh Dreamies, that extra crunch!

***How can the Dreamie pot be empty!?!***

0 locks, 5.6 miles, 1 very slow boat, 2 near misses, 1 direct hit, 4 hours shore leave, 4 shades, 1 background, 1 prescription alteration requested, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval, 1 vanishing bird.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RNNmoTpwp7yWo4DD6

A Flat Day. 28th July

Fenny Stratford to Linford Manor 48hr Mooring

Time for knee exercises. This morning I decided to have a go on the bed before it was put away for the day as the majority of stretches are done lying down. Most worked, although I wonder whether a firmer surface would be better as they seemed a lot easier this morning than when I’d done them in front of the sofa. One however required using the bed diagonally as other wise my foot was trapped under the gunnel. They take time, the time I usually spend writing the blog! I’m currently chasing the blogs tail and am a few days behind. Just need to sort a new routine.

As I stretched away half an hour Mick got to work in the galley with breakfast. We’d not quite finished when the Geraghty zoom started. Subjects, 2024 Olympics, The Last Supper, Strawberry eating Squirrels for the third time, swarf, and Romanians falling off things.

**Tim on Sola Gratia heading off as Mick crosses the lock gates**

As we were about to get ourselves sorted to move off NB Sola Gratia’s engine was started up, their pram hood lowered and they pushed off. Perfectly timed as a boat was just coming out of the lock. Next it was our turn, we pushed off and got ourselves ready to wave.

Back in 2014 the end house opposite the moorings had a very well kept garden and sat behind the French windows two people waved at us as we came past. Such an enthusiastic wave we obviously reciprocated. Ever since whenever we pass we wave with the hope of getting one back in return. The garden isn’t quite so immaculate as it was and who knows if the same people live there, I hope they do, a medical looking table/trolley sits by the French window obscuring our view. From a few feet into the darkness we could just see an enthusiastic wave back and maybe even a thumbs up! I so hope other people wave to them to help brighten up everyone’s day.

**Heel turned now onto the home straight**

I got my knitting out to carry on whilst we cruised along on the flat. The trip to Scarborough and visitors for a day meant despite starting this pair of socks early, I would need to do a sprint to get them finished before the end of today.

Past familiar sights, the bridge that kept us south during winter 2015, lots of familiar boats, a friendly heron taking advantage of a good perch. Before one bridge there was a breasted up pair that had come past earlier, they were breasted up to another narrowboat. Turns out they were there to mend someone’s cratch cover, plenty of space to get past them. Red Lion Cruising club where we’d watched a Mikron show a few years ago. There was space at Campbell Park if we’d wanted it, but we were hoping of a much better mooring.

Under a couple of bridges, there on the offside was a space we’d been hoping for, Linford Manor. The first space has notices saying that it is reserved for Electra the community boat, but that is only on Tuesdays. The second space is still a 48 hour mooring we pulled in there, shame not to have the view across the park, but instead we had some shade. Tilly was given a few hours shore leave and we settled in.

***Glad they’ve left a bit of it untidy***

With our shopping I got a chicken, too hot to roast it so it was jointed, the majority heading for the freezer. I diced up one breast ready for some kebabs, marinaded it for a couple of hours before threading it onto skewers. Veg and haloumi kebabs were also prepared. The kebab rest would be used to it’s full capacity today.

Another boat arrived and moored behind us. Tilly and one of their dogs had a slight altercation through the side hatch. But we all soon settled down to cook our food outside. What a lovely evening.

0 locks, 6.6 miles, 9 exercises, 1 diagonal, 1 smelly stretchy band, 1 stool, 1 Tilly getting in the way, Well she doesn’t know how to do cat yoga! 14 rows left, 48hour garden mooring, 2 chicken kebabs, 4 veg and haloumi kebabs, 2 sniffy woofers, 2 bowls of chilled medication, 2 hot for a stamp.

Narrowboat Oleanna

Travels of Narrowboat Oleanna