Category Archives: Christmas

Calculations. 29th December

Henry Knibb Bridge 3A to Shardlow 48hr Visitor Moorings

Both of us had checked the river levels during a conscious moment over night, so neither of us were rushing to get going this morning. As we had our cuppa in bed we checked again, both the Government website and Gaugemap, levels were still going up on the rivers. Cranfleet flood gates would remain shut today.

Time to make use of those nice field mushrooms I’d bought in Alrewas along with the bacon. Once breakfasted we made ready to move into Shardlow, away from the traffic noise and to see if there was space by the pubs to put a supermarket order in for delivery.

**Didn’t the cottage used to have something like Wisteria on it?**

A slow pootle to Shardlow Lock past all the moored boats. The lock was full and a grassy island sat just above the top gates waiting to make it’s way down with us. Despite Mick trying to discourage it’s descent it won and entered the lock with Oleanna. A Grandad with pint in hand brought his grandsons over to watch us at the lock, just in time to help close the off side gate.

A top up of water was needed, a load of washing and the dishwasher had been at work already. Tilly’s pooh box got a refresh then we were ready to find a space. As we passed the moorings outside JD Narrowboats I spotted a very shiny NB Hunky Dory, was this THE NB Hunky Dory the owner having got in touch with us years ago at their planning stage. This was to be a boat with not one but two incinerator toilets, high spec kitchen appliances. This was all pre-pandemic, was this their winter mooring, or was the boat only just finished? Both very possible.

Two boats were on the moorings before the bend, we hoped there might be room for us at the far end, but rings hadn’t been used with others in mind. A glance up to the pubs, three boats were nicely spaced out there too, it didn’t look hopeful for a delivery so we reversed back to the first mooring ring. Yes there is a git gap in front of us, but we are on the last ring. Mick walked up to check on the pub moorings, there were four boats, no room for us.

A cuppa and a shopping list were put together then Mick headed over to Leicestershire in the bike, across the River Trent, to pick up a few things to keep us going for the next few days.

Tilly came and went for Dreamies. There are calculations going on with the hope of being able to reach the top of the brick wall alongside our mooring. The C&RT wooden posts may just assist. The mortar between the bricks is too new to get a good grip. Depending on how long we are here, she may discover that she can walk just a few yards along the towpath to an open gate to see what’s on the other side of the wall! There’s no fun in that though!!

An enforced stop means I need to get on with some work. Props for #unit 21 will be needed soon into the New Year and I have quite a lot of materials on board to get started.

I unwrapped a couple of the yoga mats I’d bought. These are cheaper than plastizote, come in a good colour but are a touch softer than I’d thought. Making certain things from them won’t be a problem, but the biggest prop may need extra support. I spent the afternoon measuring the mats and working out how best to cut them up. I’d not taken into account their rounded corners, but as the thicker mats are bigger than advertised this shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Next I measured all Oleanna’s doors, hatch and windows. I need an opening of at least 60cm for the big prop. Oleanna has a maximum opening of 54cm! If I took the front door frame out then maybe, just maybe there’d be enough room. This would mean making the prop in our bedroom as the bathroom doors are narrower. Hmm, maybe I’ll cut everything out and assemble it in Huddersfield when I get there.

The door openings did make me wonder how deep our washing machine is. It’s not a full depth machine so maybe it would fit through the doors sideways? Was it brought in before the doorframe was fitted? Now what about the cooker? One day we’ll have the joy of finding these things out!

As the day progressed the river levels have risen further. Our bookings on the Trent are looking like we won’t be able to use them.

Last of the Christmas duck was added to some fried rice this evening. That’s the end of the duck and birthday cake, just the ham to finish off tomorrow.

1 lock, WE 0.65 (will this be our last journey recorded on Water Explorer?), Pip’s Nebo 0.8 miles, Mick’s Nebo 0.7 miles, 1 load washing, 1 dishwasher load, 1 clean pooh box, 1 clean pooh bucket, 2 many git gaps, 1 mathematical cat, 2 yoga mats, 1 sheet of calculations, 1 boat going nowhere for a while.

https://goo.gl/maps/P3TN186TzVZ1ev9P7

£7 Protection. 28th December

Stenson Lock 6 to Henry Knibb Bridge 3A

Last night we had discussions about our rate of progress. Yesterdays cruise had been cold and bordering on the not so pleasant. Should we slow our progress somewhat to less than 4.5 hours a day? Would we then be able to make our booking at Cromwell? Should we keep up the hours with the hope that we’d still make Stoke Lock for the last bookable passage between Christmas and the New Year? Would todays forecast rain scupper all our plans anyway?

It was decided to continue as planned, river levels were still coming down, slowly. It would be daft not to be in a position to be able to do the next hop on the river to a safe mooring. Our current mooring was also not suitable for Tilly with the occasional train going past only 50 yards away, plus the trees creaking overhead in the wind! So layers of waterproofs were put on, we’d brave todays rain.

Father Christmas had brought me some new knickers in my stocking, little did he know that he was also providing us with means to keep the navigational phone dry at the stern. It rained for much of the morning, but nowhere near as heavy as we’d expected. It was also far warmer than yesterday, although the wind was quite strong at times bringing the temperature down.

**Coal settling in for the days cruise**

Ragley Boatstop moorings should have been our mooring last night, just as well we’d stopped early as it was full. A chap warned us about the level below Weston Lock as something yesterday had happened to a paddle at Aston meaning the pound between the locks was draining, they had difficulty, but hopefully all had been sorted by C&RT.

Along the stretch where cars are warned not to fall into the canal. We approached Swarkstone Lock. The Winter Moorings above the lock would have had space for us yesterday, but we’d have been really miserable by the time we got there. A couple of familiar boats NB Still Waters whom we’d seen a few times over the summer and the boat with an owl, Solar Afloat and chilled medication.

We dropped down the lock and just as I opened the bottom gates a hire boat arrived to drop their crew off below no need to close the heavy gates.

The next stretch of towpath is in the process of being upgraded. Pristine tarmac, mud no longer stretches out along the side of the canal. This will have some boaters moaning about a speedway for cyclists.

Weston Lock was next, another line of winter moorings. A quick look over the bridge showed that the water level was fine below. Here the bottom gates can be an absolute b****rd to close, the offside in particular. I worked the lock, avoiding the big steps up onto the beams to help protect my calf muscle and walking round the lock instead. As I lifted the first bottom paddle a boat appeared below. Hooray, I’d not have to close the gate! Result.

Aston Lock, it was now really quite breezy. As Oleanna descended, the wind hitting the sides if the chamber pushed her across the lock. Here I did have to shut the bottom gate.

We pootled on towards Shardlow deciding to stop short where Tilly might have a better couple of hours shore leave, unfortunately it’s quite noisy from the A50. After a couple of visits to outside it became obvious that Tilly was far more interested in receiving the catnip Dreamies on her return than actually being outside! These Dreamies are now rationed to 2 a time and if she keeps on at this rate they will be reduced to 1 a time! That means they’ll last longer!

With a late lunch out of the way Mick phoned C&RT to make our booking through Stoke Lock for the 31st. The lady who answered the phone had to be talked through where we meant, then she tried calling the local team for us to make the booking. Adrian was already on the phone, she’d get him to call us back.

Another look at river levels, it was now looking like the trend was in the upward direction, some stations predicting a sharp rise. This morning the strong stream section of the C&RT website had said that at Cranfleet flood gates was Amber, proceed with caution. However the stoppage notice of the floodgates being closed had not been rescinded.

We didn’t have long to wait for Adrian to call us back. He asked if we’d be able to get to the lock for the hour window on the 31st, we would as our current plan was to moor above the lock the night before. He booked us in and said someone would call that morning to confirm our passage. Mick asked him about Cranfleet floodgates, the strong stream section of the website wasn’t working now.

Adrian was the man to talk to. He is the person who decides on the closing of the flood gates in the area and sends out notices accordingly. The gates may have been opened by someone tampering with them, but they should actually be closed. River levels would be checked in the morning to see what effect todays rain had had. If the level was still going down the gates would be opened, we may get a phone call if that is the case.

Next years licence was bought, not a gold one this time as we’re likely to be staying on C&RT waters in 2023.

Ham with jacket potatoes, onion sauce and red cabbage tonight, a replay of Boxing day. The red cabbage is now used up, but there is still some ham left for another day.

3 locks, WE 7.97 miles, Pip’s Nebo 8.3 miles (including walking round locks), Mick’s Nebo 8 miles (static on the boat), 1 wet day, 1 blowy day, 1 more booking made, 4 now booked, 16 Dreamies, 20 the maximum in one day Tilly! 1 noisy mooring, 2 boaters watching the levels, 4 fingers crossed.

https://goo.gl/maps/8wurXtJcPfum8aME6

Don’t Trust The Locals. 27th December

Branston Water Park to below Stenson Lock 6.

Grey today. We’re keeping an eye on the weather forecasts and river levels. Todays trend was levels are gong down, but with an expected upwards movement due to the coming rain! Not what we want, but we keep moving in the right direction hoping that things will have improved when we get to the River Trent.

Going down Branston Lock we had a boat on our tail. Might this be a boat that we could share the wide locks with? We’d see.

Shobnall Marina was sadly not open today, their price for 50 or more litres of diesel is now £1.12, the lowest we’ve seen for a very long time. A cluster of boats sat along the next stretch, being close to the marina and shops a good thing at this time of year.

We’ve never really explored Burton-upon-Trent, it’s somewhere we head through in spring or autumn on our way to other places. Next time we’ll do our best to stop and have a look round, but having said that the Bass Museum is sadly no more, having closed it’s doors earlier this year.

At Dallow Lane Lock a boat was just pulling in below, the lock in their favour. I walked up to help with the bottom gates. I asked where they were headed today in the rain. They’d been to fill with water and were returning to a mooring close to the marina. Their plan had been to be in Alrewas for Christmas but the cold weather had put them off.

I was then asked where we were headed. My answer was ‘Hopefully Swarkstone today then if the river is behaving, we’ll be heading on to get through Stoke Lock before the new year.’ She responded with ‘Well it’s all shut off up there!’ We talked for a couple of minutes at crossed purposes, me thinking she was meaning flood gates on the river being closed, until she mentioned the Railway Bridge.

Bridge 20A had been closed for maintenance presumably by Network Rail and had been due to reopen on the 23rd December, this is why we didn’t hightail it up the T&M earlier. The lady was quite adamant that it was still closed as it was still on the C&RT website and no notice had come through saying that it was open again. I thanked her, took note and reported back to Mick. He and I were of the same opinion, we’d go and see for ourselves. Of course there was chance that industrial action had slowed down works and it being a third party maybe news hadn’t come through to C&RT.

Winter stoppages, in our experience when finished on time do not get an advice notice to say they are open. Notices come through if there is a delay, postponement, over running of works. Or on some occasions when the maintenance work is completed ahead of schedule, even by one day. So because we’d not seen anything regarding the railway bridge we assumed it was now open.

We dropped down Dallow Lane, the boat behind us now right behind us and able to open up a bottom gate for us. They were only heading to Willington today, so lock partner. Waving goodbye to the last narrow lock on the T&M. Our next one, if we stick to the current plan, will be in Middlewich maybe in about six months time.

Coming in to Willington there was a boat come a drift at it’s stern. I walked up to the front of Oleanna and pushed it out of the way. We stopped in the bridge hole just ahead, I held onto the centre rope whilst Mick went back with mallet and a boat hook. By now the bow was also adrift. Gradually he pulled her back to the towpath, hammered in the spikes. Her position not the best close to the bridge especially as we’re now back in the land of widebeams.

Talking of widebeams we passed WB Tardis. Wonder how much that pram cover cost them?! Surly it can’t be any bigger inside!

Plenty of walkers on the muddy towpath. We were wet and getting really quite cold by now. Our schedule had us mooring near Swarkstone Lock today, but we wanted to call it a day sooner than then. We pootled onwards.

First one railway bridge, then Bridge 20A. As thought it was open, from our side the only noticeable thing was a fresh coat of paint had been applied. On the other, there had been works done to the embankment and off to the side was a large compound. We’re very glad we go with our instincts and not word on the towpath, as we’d have pulled up in Willington for the night if we had.

Nowhere to moor until Stenson Lock. Here there was one gap, which was two fenders too short for Oleanna. Nothing for it but to go down the lock, at least some activity would warm us up! I took a windlass and walked ahead, I’d find out if my calf could cope with wide lock beams today.

It took forever to fill the chamber, at 12ft 6″ it is really quite deep. The ground paddles are strong but the gate paddles almost non existent. In came Oleanna, bottom gate paddles lifted, down she went. Today the sign inviting us to have an ice cream on the cafe wasn’t as enticing as normal!

We pulled in past the lock landing, enough depth for a mooring, pins went in, then second ones as the ground was a touch soft. Too late and too close to the railway line for any cat shore leave today, so we had to put up with complaints from Tilly for several hours.

Leftover bubble and squeak with duck today. We’ve still stuffing, cabbage, duck and ham to finish. What something can I make tomorrow?

3 locks, WE 9.48 miles, Pip’s Nebo 7.7 miles (operator error), Mick’s Nebo 9.5 miles, 1 railway bridge OPEN, 1 boat adrift, 1 calf coping, so far, 1 cat not coping, 4 trains, 2 wet boaters.

https://goo.gl/maps/aBgxGLekMhX8fGeS8

50% of Lorry Drivers. 26th December

Bridge 47 to Branston Water Park

Sandy tapped on the roof this morning to wish us well before we were on our way. Good to meet her, hope she enjoys the rest of the winter and our bows will surely cross sometime in the future. We have a vague plan for next year, she still has yet to decide which waterway to explore.

**Goodbye Alrewas, thank you for Christmas**

We pulled up at the water point to fill the tank, all the washing up over the last few days meant it would take a while to fill up. Other boats had started moving long before us, in both directions and we were passed by a boat heading towards the lock.

With windlass in hand I walked down to the lock, the boat ahead of us motoring off into the distance, it’s speed increased with the flow on the river. Plenty of walkers about, one chap stood and watched as I emptied the lock, then he walked round with his dog, I thought I was going to have some assistance, but no.

A glance back towards the gauge, just in the green. Our speed increased to 6mph as we passed the weir then dropped again to 2.5, no change to the throttle. After Wynchnor Lock we were off the river section and up alongside the A38. When heading south we always wave to the lorries as they pass to see who responds. Today I had to stand looking behind us, straight towards the sun. It being Boxing Day there weren’t so many lorries, but we gave everyone a wave. 50% responded with a honk of their horn and a wave.

At Barton Turns we could have stocked up on chutney or jam from an honesty box. This is where I got our strawberry plants from a couple of years ago. The shadows were long at the locks, seeing Mick’s confirmation to wind a paddle up was tricky, a bigger thumbs up required.

A pause by the cafe before the canal turns away from the A38 to dispose of rubbish. Then we were back in the land of narrow bridges, breathing in hoping Oleanna would fit through!

Tatenhill Lock, still as chocolate boxy as it is in the spring and summer. Here we had gongoozlers appear from left and right. It feels odd there being so many walkers after you’ve just cruised past lorries driving back and forth with gravel on one side of the canal and a large builders merchants on the other. But all around are lakes, which today were attracting the Boxing Day walkers.

Not far now to Branston Water Park where the visitor moorings were empty, we pulled in as soon as we could hoping Tilly would have a less interrupted shore leave. Now either the number of woofer walkers was too much for her or maybe it was the alure of catnip Dreamies that kept bringing her back inside! She did have a good length of time outside just before cat curfew, returning with 5 minutes to spare.

Today was far chillier than yesterday and the cloudless sky gave us a rather lovely sunset.

4 locks, WE 4.98 miles, Pip Nebo 5.5 miles ( I worked the locks today), Mick Nebo 5 miles, 1 none complaining calf, 1 big wave, 1cm of green, 7 boats moving, 5 out of 10, £3 for chutney or jam, 3 jackets in the stove, 2 big slices of ham, 1 lovely sunset.

https://goo.gl/maps/GazxeWNSZb6VLbFA6

The Big Day. 25th December

Bridge 47, Alrewas

**Smoked salmon and scrambled egg breakfast**

After stockings came a glass of Bucks Fizz and breakfast, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, using a bit more of the parsley mountain now in our freezer. A festive chat with the London Leckenbys who were about to sit down to ham sandwiches and presents.

**VHF for tidal waters and Trent Locks**

Next Christmas presents. Thankfully delayed deliveries hadn’t managed to spoil our main presents. Tilly and I had clubbed together to buy Mick a new VHF radio as ours had gone faulty on the reflections flotilla, we’d ended up having to borrow one. Now that we seem to go on slightly more adventurous cruises we went for a better handheld radio than before. This should cover a larger distance. Mick put it on charge straight away and then had a go at turning down the squelch.

I got a cordless sander. I should also be able to get other tools that will use the same battery. When working on panto, Jo the props maker had a very small hand friendly cordless electric drill, so I’m hoping that might be the next tool to be added to the collection. We got plenty of other goodies too.

Time for a Christmas walk before any more booze was consumed. The last two years we’ve headed down to Scarborough sea front to have the wind clear away any cobwebs. This year we’re back on the canals, not quite the same as the north east wind making your cheeks ruddy, but just as good.

We chose to walk into the village, turning up Post Office Road. The Crown pub seemed to be popular as families turned up for a pint and lemonade.

The model cottages sitting facing each other both had wreaths on their front doors. At first I thought it a shame that they hadn’t consulted each other and gone for the same. But when I spotted the wreath on the red door, it made me laugh.

Baubles hung from a tree, this needed investigating. It is a memory tree for Mums and Dads, some of the baubles have messages written on them. Below there was a tin with a couple more baubles, were these for anyone to use or sat waiting for particular offspring to come and hang them on Christmas morning.

There was a nice looking house for sale, £620,000 for a five bedroom house, not bad. Although it feels lovely and light inside I think it’s lost some of it’s period character with the modern cupboards everywhere.

Back to the canal and a walk to look at the river levels. In the amber, Mick said it had gone down since yesterday, if it carries on in that direction that would be good. We walked down to the weir a short distance further on. The river swirled confused under the walkways and sped it’s way to the weir. Mick thought with enough umph we’d be fine going past.

A look inside the church, still warm from the mornings services. A big tree stood to one side, this with the smell reminded me of Christmas Days in the 70’s when we’d head to The Homestead for drinks with the Rowntree family in York. There in a hallway stood a tree as tall as the room, it’s base swathed in cotton wool. Trains, sledgers, animals decorated the snow below the poor tree that strained under the weight of SO many decorations. The sight kept my brother and myself transfixed, the coloured lights twinkling in the oak panelled hallway as the hubbub of adults came from the library where sherry and mince pies were handed out. At ten to one Peter Rowntree would call everyone silent, there would be a toast to Christmas and then a round of Happy Birthday for me. Today stood in All Saints I glanced up at the clock, ten to one, the time I was born.

In the churchyard many of the gravestones have been moved to the sides, this was done in the 70’s when the grounds had a change of layout. In the nearest corner to Oleanna stand the three wise men and their camels, followed by a donkey. His tail had been pinned on several times before.

Back to Oleanna, a few more Catnip Dreamies for Tilly had her gazing into nowhere for quite some time. I think she was just that little bit off her face!

The duck was pricked, stuffed and popped into the oven. Timings worked out for everything else. Bread sauce and cabbage put on top of the stove to reheat. Veg peeled ready to roast or steam. Sausages wrapped in blankets to keep them warm. It was as if we’d done Christmas dinner on the boat before! Well it’s actually easier here than in the house believe it or not.

Not normally one to watch the Christmas Day speech, lunch is normally timed to clash, but this year we thought we’d give Charles a chance as the pigs in blankets went in the oven. I think normal timings will resume next year.

Two plates brimming full were dished out, some roast potatoes had to be put back to make space for all the extras. All very nice, although my experiment of using oat milk for bread sauce won’t be repeated, it was okay but a little porridgy.

Full to the brim, Snowman was watched before the day moved to Birthday. Cake, candles a cup of much needed tea and then presents.

I got a gluten free recipe book, some waterproof thermal work gloves, some magnifying work glasses to help with model making and illustrations and a box of Pantomime yarn from Riverknits. I’m not sure I’ll knit the pattern the yarn came with or something else, not decided yet.

Another glass of wine accompanied Morecomb and Wise. A very good birthday and Christmas.

0 locks. 0 miles, 3 stockings crammed full, 5 bedoingee balls, 5 chocolate oranges, 2 styles of quality street wrappers, 1 vhf radio, 1 sander, 1 bottle of English fizz, 2 bottles wine, 1 packet of serious crack for cats, 1 spaced out Tilly, 15 pairs socks, 3 cans of beer, 4 spices, 7 silicone lids, 2 boxes matches, 1 pair of glasses, 1 book, 1 wifi camera, 2 plates only just big enough, 2 slices cake, 2 rather full boaters, 1 lovely day.

He’s Been! Christmas Day

Alrewas

The big man has visited Oleanna and he’s been most generous, we must have been good this year. Mick even got an award winning hose tap in his stocking!

Wishing all our readers, family, friends both near and far

A Very Happy Christmas.

Best Wishes

Pip, Mick and Tilly

xxx

See you all in a couple of days

Destination Christmas. 23rd and 24th December

Common Lock 14 to Gallows Bridge 43

‘Rain, proper rain’ Shefali had said last night and she was right. We could have stayed put until it stopped but that could be most of the day and we had Destination Christmas to reach and things to get sorted when we arrived. So after breakfast we put layers of waterproofs on, rolled and folded the covers, they were already soaked and so were we.

**At least our lights brightened up the morning a touch**

No photos as it was peeing it down. My phone came out from the Nicholsons shelf so that I could record the locks as we went through them, then it got tucked away again in the dry. Come the 1st January this will be the way we record our journeys on our phones. We’ll wait until we have more time to alter the way the trip computer works before using it again.

A long line of moored boats didn’t boad well for being able to moor up in Alrewas, that was until we realised these were boats on C&RT winter moorings. Bagnall Lock gave Mick the run around the bottom gates preferring to stay open as always. It took a while to get the masses of water leaking in through the top gates to hold one gate shut long enough to be able to close the second one without the first one reopening.

Now we just needed a space to pull into.

No boats moored round the bend or on the narrow section. Sandy’s boat came into view, moored all alone. We carried on, our preferred mooring to be near Alrewas Lock, but from a distance that looked quite full. We reversed back close to the footbridge, leaving 2 boat cat lengths between us and Sandy ( Jezebel and Tilly could hopefully have stretches of the towpath each). We had reached our chosen place for Christmas.

Once tied up, we unanimously decided to head straight off in the pouring rain to do our collections. A couple of months ago we’d been thinking of where to spend Christmas this year. Alrewas jumped to mind. A pretty place to be, plenty of mooring, most suitable for Tilly. But also, possibly more important was Coates the Butchers. A month ago I’d placed our order for a duck and a gammon joint via their website, payment had been taken. This morning whilst grimacing at the rain from bed I’d had a phone call saying that our order was ready for collection, very reassuring. We headed off to the butchers.

**The main reason for coming to Alrewas**

We’d been told to go to the click and collect under the canopy, no need to join the queue. The click and collect had been pushed to one side to give the queue some shelter from the rain. Chatting to the chap in front, he’d moved to Alrewas when he retired mainly because of the butchers. Then the lady behind started to chat, she used to own a narrowboat until a few years ago. Her son-in-law was part of the butchers family and for several years she used to make sausage rolls for them from November to Christmas Eve, 3000 of them!

Our order was brought to us after a while. We still wanted a few things so stayed in the queue. Fresh veg, bacon and a pork pie. Thankfully the veg outside the shop was replenished. We possibly spent as much as we would have done for big bags of veg from the Co-op, but I won’t have to make soup for the next week to use it all up.

Next a visit to the Co-op for the last few bits. All done apart from some parsley, hopefully they will have new stocks in the morning.

By now we’d started to dry off, so had the weather, the queue at the butchers was longer.

On our first ever visit to Alrewas I’d spotted a knitted narrowboat in the window of an old shop. Today the Alrewas Knitwits have a big display. By the War Memorial where Post Office Road meets Main Street has been taken over by them. Penguins ice skating, a tenth birthday cake, Father Christmas taking refuge in a phone box with a large plate of cakes, an Eskimo fishing next to their igloo.

Then across the road there are wall hangings for the twelve days of Christmas, each one made with applique. I especially liked the pipers piping being girls in gingham with recorders.

Back at Oleanna we dried off and let Tilly explore for the afternoon. Although two big gun dogs did curtail her exploration for a while. She puffed herself up to almost their size! There was an extra shore leave rule today, ‘No digging in the graveyard’ That simply wouldn’t be good!

Christmas Eve.

Mick was sent on a mission for some parsley this morning. The butchers with only a couple of people in the shop came up trumps with the biggest bunch I’ve ever seen for 50p! Surplus is now in the freezer.

The day has been all about cooking whilst Tilly came and went avoiding the local woofers. Stuffing made. Bread sauce milk infused with flavour and garlic roasted to be added tomorrow along with bread. Red cabbage braised, only cranberry sauce to add. Cider gravy stock bubbled and reduced.

Christmas Eve sausage rolls were delayed as I’d forgotten to defrost the pastry last night! But they were enjoyed with a cuppa before cooking continued.

**I wonder who’s birthday it might be?**

As Mick did secret things in the bedroom I baked a birthday cake. Lemon and Almond Damp Cake, well that’s what my Mum used to call it.

The day has been much much brighter than yesterday. Plenty of people stretching their legs along the towpath and others visiting their relatives in the grave yard next door. Several boats passed a couple stopping nearer the lock.

Mick walked down to check the level below the lock, the next section is joined by the River Trent. As yesterday, it was Amber, the rain may still be on it’s way downstream, we hope the level drops over the next couple of days so that we can carry on our way. The next couple of weeks we are very much at the mercy of the River Trent.

A notice came through yesterday afternoon regarding Stoke Lock on the River Trent. There has been a winter stoppage which was due to be finished today. The notice said.

We are very sorry to advise that we need to put in place a navigational restriction over the Festive period. The repair works are complete, but unfortunately the testing and commissioning needs further work meaning we cannot return the lock to user operation as we are unable to open and close the gates automatically. The lock can be operated by a Trust colleague to allow boats to pass through and any boats wishing to transit through the lock will be able to book a passage between the hours of 11am and 12 noon on 28^th 29^th 30^th and 31^st December.

**The churchyard Christmas Tree made from rubbish**

We made a phone call to C&RT to make a booking. The chap Mick talked to read the notice a couple of times. He took it to mean that we’d only be able to ring to make a booking during the hours mentioned, on the dates mentioned. He was about to send us away to ring back on the 28th, but thankfully called his supervisor first. Unfortunately it turns out that the people we need to book it with had already broken up for Christmas, so we need to call back on the 28th. So if you were wanting to cruise the Trent between Christmas and New Year, you won’t be able to do it on the 28th as 24hrs notice is required.

Fingers crossed all calms down on the Trent quickly and our journey northwards can go ahead as planned with the tides.

The stockings are out ready and waiting for the big man in red. We’re all ready for tomorrow.

2 locks, WE 1.16 miles (not including reversing), Pip’s Nebo 1.4 miles, Mick’s Nebo 1.3 miles, 2 very soggy boaters, 1.85kg duck, 1.75kg gammon joint, all the veg, 1 last red cabbage, 2 woofers woofing, 1 bowl of stuffing,1 tuperware of milk, 1 pan of cabbage, 1 jug of stock, 1 plate of cake, 1 gammon the best ever, 2 much cream in the dauphinoise potatoes, 1 river to come down and stay down, 1 numpty, No 4, 1 rubbish Christmas tree, 3 stockings ready and waiting to be filled.

https://goo.gl/maps/z5mNXn7TtgUYhpVD7

Christmas On A Bike. 21st, 22nd December

Sutton Road Bridge to King’s Orchard Marina, Coventry Canal to Common Lock 14, Trent and Mersey Canal

Mick headed off with the bike this morning to see if he could find some engine oil no luck. But he did return with one of the B&Q Christmas Trees, possibly the smallest one they had. This morning they had been reduced again to £3! Bargain. It stands at about the same height our old tree had grown to, but has been potted in a very haphazard way. The old tree had one side that was angled in line with Oleanna’s tumblehome (angle of the cabin sides), the new tree has only one face that looks straight, any movement to one side and it has quite a lean. If it copes with life onboard, when it gets repotted I’ll try to straighten it up. But then I don’t want to encourage it to grow too much otherwise it won’t fit inside next year and may have to be retired after one festive season!

All this meant we had a later start than planned, but at least we now had Christmas on board with us. Time to pootle along the long pound towards Fradley.

Very few boats were in Hopwas. We passed where we normally stop, I’m sure Tilly was looking longingly out of the window at all the trees, but stopping here wouldn’t get us to our Christmas bird in time. A lady passed by on her horse. We were surprised to see a boat moored along the length opposite the danger zone. Here a wide concrete edge tends to put most people off mooring, maybe it was intentional. But this boat had taken it’s ropes a good three foot in on the towpath to find somewhere to hammer into.

The clouds cleared and we soon had blue skies, lovely if a touch chilly. Fields are newly ploughed and sewn, some with shoots of a few inches high, obviously enjoying the wet weather.

Approaching Whittington I waited for the weathervane of the Grey Fergie. It has to be one of my favourites and today I got to see how much detail there is on it.

Just before the bend under Whittington Bridge there is a tree half way across the cut. This of course is where we met a boat coming the opposite way, Mick had just enough time to slam on the breaks to let the other boat through. Phew!

Past the Lichfield Canal the sun making the house at the junction look so picturesque. Behind it soon appeared the works for HS2. Red piledriver, Yellow piledriver, not the same as lorries but just as hard to say.

We don’t remember the huge pile of earth that must have been here a while opposite Kings Orchard Marina, it must be more to do with HS2. We pulled in just after the marina entrance and as soon as our ropes were tied I was inside reciting the shore leave rules to Tilly. She didn’t listen or care. JUST OPEN THE DOOR!!!!!

Sadly within two minutes of her paws touching the towpath a chap and his dog came from under the bridge and Tilly was straight back inside the boat. Then a walker too! So not fare! Tilly was good, came and went a few times and was back on board cleaning between her toes a little before 4pm, cat curfew.

It was too late to start putting the Christmas lights on the outside of Oleanna, well that’s the excuse Mick used. However there was plenty of time to bake the Lebkuchen and decorate the Christmas tree.

The Christmas hamper was released from the top shelf of a cupboard. Lights and baubles and silver ribbon hung and wrapped round. A star popped on the top of the tree, Lebkuchen iced. As soon a they were deemed dry enough it was time for a cuppa and biscuit. Christmas has just about arrived on Oleanna.

0 locks, WE 6.63 miles, Pip Nebo 6.6 miles, Mick Nebo 6.6 miles, 1 sad gits Christmas tree, 0 ice, 2 hours! 1 happy cat, 1 disgruntled cat, 250ml evostick,1st tidal stretch booked, 15 biscuits, 2ft decorated.

https://goo.gl/maps/x4yVgc9niYpSprNT6

Thursday 22nd.

A grey drab day compared to yesterday. Padded trousers and layers with the top one being waterproof. We pootled our way towards Fradley Junction.

Signs on the towpath suggested there was work going on. Then two sections of fencing lay on the ground suggesting that the towpath had been closed. This was where there had been a closure recently due to a leaking culvert under the canal. The off side field had a muddy track through it and where the leak had been there was even more mud and a new manhole cover on each side of the cut. A couple of chaps were busy putting in new fencing along the towpath.

A short distance further on a group of chaps stood around one of those small tractor hedge cutters with big huge tyres, suitable for most terrain. Well apart from terrain that had recently been dredged to use as back filling behind some new wooden piling. The tractor had sunk on one side up to it’s belly. To get it out the chaps were digging the back filling out and dropping it back into the canal. Wonder how long it took them to get it out?

Now should we stop for water before the junction or after? The tap at the services is extremely slow, the one before not so, but it is a longer walk away from the bins. As we approached the swing bridge was being opened by some paddle boarders, they left it open for us, so we carried on to the junction.

I stepped off, leaving Mick to close the gate and walked up to set Junction Lock. No queues, no boat coming from the next lock up. Mick pulled Oleanna in, a handy post box had caught his eye right by the lock landing, the last Christmas card popped in the post. Then Oleanna dropped down in the lock to the services.

Water, bins, shore based facilities, Santas, Christmas suits, present hunts, onion slicing and frying, bread chopping, plenty of time to get things sorted as the water tank filled.

Mick and I swapped over. Below Keepers Lock a boat was coming into the next lock, Mick waited to empty our lock until they were filling theirs. Our lock emptied quicker than theirs filled and they took their time exiting the lock, pulling in to the landing. Below a moored boat had come adrift and needed pulling back in before we emptied our lock. Mick headed down with the other crew to see what they could do.

The bow rope was still attached, the centre line passed to Mick and then the stern line, the boat pulled in. The mooring pins were thankfully still attached to the ropes (handy those loops on some pins) and somehow they were pushed back into the ground. We don’t think they’ll hold for long.

We dropped down Hunts Lock, our intention had been to do Common Lock too and moor up in the next pound for the night, but the lock landing had a boat length of armco before it, so we pulled in to make use of it rather than cling on with spikes below.

1pm, 3 hours shore leave for Tilly. Pastry rolled out, filling mixed together (I don’t like the new sausage skins Sainsburys are using, they’re like jelly!), rolls rolled and cut to length, then baked. Warm sausage rolls for lunch, yum.

Whilst Mick attached our Christmas lights, I did secret things inside and Tilly made the most of the friendly cover and sideways trees. She also made the most of having very wet paws to trample all over the boat when she came in! Why can’t cat’s learn to wipe their feet! Because they have PAWS!!!

No photo today of the finished lights, I’ll try to get one tomorrow.

3 locks, WE 4.16 miles, Pip Nebo 3.1 miles (operator error), Mick’s Nebo 4.2 miles, 1 swing bridge swung, 3 paddle boarders. 1 all terrain vehicle stuck in the terrain, 1 canal being filled up, 1 water tank full, 8 sausage rolls, 2 more tidal bookings, 1 long line of lights, 5 presents wrapped, episode 2 of season 2 Happy Valley.

https://goo.gl/maps/UjwatfdDeTpSUXyT8

Ice! What Ic…. Ooh! 20th December

‘Avecoat Marina to Sutton Road Bridge, Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

Alarm set just in case we slept in. Breakfasted, water tank filling and rubbish disposed of as the first boat came past on the canal heading towards Tamworth. This boat, a short while later returned and pulled in on the towpath opposite us.

Just before we rolled back the covers the chugging of an engine started up, NB Capricorn was about to reverse out from it’s mooring. There she went, no problem, no ice. None what-so-ever. Covers rolled up and ready for our departure I tapped on NB Mr Blue Sky’s roof to wish John a Happy Christmas. He then stayed to watch our departure, which thankfully went well.

Reversing out and turning there was just enough room. Then the steep right to the entrance and left to the service area on the towpath. NB Capricorn was moored up chatting away, they pulled forward having topped up their tank. Time to fill ours and pay for our extra days in the marina. We’d originally planned to stay for ten nights and ended up staying seventeen. Out of those the marina was frozen for twelve nights.

We could have carried on to top up the diesel elsewhere where it may have been cheaper, but we didn’t want any detours today, there was shopping to do. As Mick headed off to pay a lady arrived to see how big the queue was, she’d pulled in some distance away and was wanting a top up and coal. We chatted away, it turns out we may be neighbours for Christmas as our destination is the same. Sandy has only been living afloat for 14 weeks, the last ten days iced in at Polesworth. Her journey so far today had involved some pretty thick ice. As we pulled out she ran back to get her boat, we think she was next in line.

The plan had been to follow NB Capricorn along the canal as they were heading the same direction as us, but they seemed settled for a while and we wanted to be off. I pushed the bow out and off we set, free from all the ice. What ice! It was as if there had never been any.

Okay, so in sheltered places we came across cat ice that crackled itself out of our way, someone had already been through it. Past the house where they must hoover the lawn. Past the end of garden mooring where we got to know the owners when Tilly was a very new boat cat and had to have her vaccinations. No boat here today. The supermarket trolley that Mick had seen on the ice a few days ago was now visible on the bottom of the canal. Thankfully it was to one side so not a problem for us. If we’d tried to pull it out it would only end up back in the canal and most probably in a worse position for passing boats.

Glascote top lock came into view, no boats on the Co-op moorings. I decided to work the locks, hoping my leg was recovered enough. I filled the top lock, walked down to lift a paddle on the bottom lock so it could fill as we emptied the top lock. Paddles lifted lock emptied, gates opened, then closed, yep my leg still had a problem, more evident when pushing and pulling gates. I walked down opened the bottom lock where Mick and I swapped roles.

Just as I brought Oleanna out of the bottom lock I could see the bow of a boat coming round the bend and under the bridge ahead, we could leave the gates open.

More patches of ice gradually getting that bit thicker. Large sheets of it, the surface melted in places creating an undulating surface. A few boats were moored near the Tame Aqueduct, here the ice was the thickest, maybe about an inch, someone else had already broken it up. We slowed right down, a boat coming towards us, the ice chinking against the armco and moored boats.

At Fazely Junction we headed right to Fradley and the North. Two boats sat at the water point filling up their tanks. From here on it felt like we were the first boat through. Thankfully what ice we came across wasn’t too thick, but it did sound like we were surrounded by a primary school assembly every child with some rudimentary percussion instrument.

We counted the bridges to where we hoped to moor, there was space. Tilly was very very excited. Trees!!! Sideways trees!! Friendly cover!!!!!!!!!! But things needed to be done which would mean we’d be out for the afternoon, so no shore leave. Boring b***********!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another day added to the eighteen she’d already endured without stepping off the boat wouldn’t hurt.

Lunch, NB Capricorn came past and then Sandy pulled up behind us. At least we now knew someone else would be breaking the ice ahead of us.

Time to tick off the last Christmas shopping and things for work. First B&Q who had some possible small Christmas trees, reduced to half price. Still twice as much as I paid seven years ago in Newark, but the trees were twice the size. Asda had some very dinky trees, not worth the effort. The tree purchase could wait for tomorrow.

I walked to the furthest shop I wanted to visit, M&S. Then crossed over the queues of traffic to Hobby Craft. Here I had a long list of things to buy for work. Some things needed rethinking due to what was available, a £1 canvas bag and stuffing would go together to make a pregnancy bump. Could I make chip cartons from sheets of A4 card? Would the 4 sheets of A1 foam cor fit in an Ikea blue bag to aid carrying them back to the boat. Sadly no!

It appeared as if the population of the Midlands had all decided to come out in their cars to sit in traffic jams to go slowly round the round abouts in the retail park. So many people and so few ways to walk from place to place with streams, fences, walls in the way. I nearly got run over walking the wrong way through the McDonalds drive through, did you know they are open 7am to 11am on Christmas Day!

Mick had popped to Sainsburys. I visited Pets at home, successfully buying Tilly a present for Christmas. Then we made our way back to Oleanna in the dark, the fairy lights on her wreath guiding us home. Finding places to stow things on board is getting quite hard.

2 locks, WE 4.45miles, Pip’s Nebo 4.9 miles (including walking between locks), Mick’s Nebo 4.5 miles, 1 ice free marina, 66 litres, 7 extra nights, 0 to 1 inch ice, 1 new Christmas friend, £600 not £5,000, A1 things, 250grams stuffing, A4 card, 6 secret things, 2 boxes wine, 10 litres litter, 7+gravy food, 2 boaters and 1 boat cat free again!

https://goo.gl/maps/FHCfNPRqsjiFCczd9

Last Of The Ginger. 19th December

‘Avecoat Marina

The view out the back was very different this morning, water! Water everywhere! But it was still on top of a layer of ice! Would we be able to move today? Maybe, but the wind picked up quickly, making any manoeuvring in ice even harder. We’d be waiting another day.

We’re quite used to seeing steam rising from the canal early in the morning during warmer months. Today it was as if someone had put Dried Ice into the canal. Smoke/steam rolled off the top of the ice, blown about in the wind. I tried to take a photo but it just didn’t come out.

Cracks in the ice could be seen, along with sticks sitting on the surface. As the day progressed, with the wind heading straight for us we would get these almighty crunching, grinding noises down the sides of the boat.

Oleanna was being pushed towards Victoria by the wind and the ice between us was breaking up. Tilly really did not like this! Some thing was Grrrrrrring outside my boat!!!

Things were found to wash, the drawer emptied. Lists for shopping were written out. If we can get a mooring near the retail park I’ve a lot to pick up for work and then some present shopping.

A batch of gf puff pastry was started. Dough ingredients mixed together and butter bashed flat before going back into the fridge to rest. Six roll fold and turns followed each after an hour in the fridge, the last turn being just before 10pm. We shall have sausage rolls!

Then maple syrup, treacle and butter were melted. Flour, spices including the very last of my homemade ground ginger from two years ago were mixed together to form a sticky dough. That’s a batch of Lebkuchen sat waiting in the fridge to be cut out and baked. The boat smells sooo Christmasy when I make these.

Activity came from across the way on NB Capricorn. A car was being unloaded their chimney smoked. Then later on the engine was started up. Were they going to make an attempt to leave the marina tonight? No just turning the engine over checking things.

More ice got blown into Oleanna, was this all breaking up or just grinding it’s way along to fill the gap between boats? Nothing could be seen in the dark or prodded with a boat hook. It was breaking up.

As I’d been hanging our wreath on the cratch in the afternoon someone walked past saying how yesterday the ice had been at least two three inches thick by their boat. They were astonished that now it was only half an inch, no trouble pushing through that.

Tomorrow we’ll do our best to be up early. There are chores to be done, then we will hopefully head for freedom!

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 wreath hung, 2 steel cable ties, 1 very noisy day, 1 windy day, 1 big batch of puff pastry, 1 batch of Lebkuchen at the ready, 2 boaters at the ready, 1 neon green bunny leg.

Narrowboat Oleanna

Travels of Narrowboat Oleanna