Category Archives: Houses For Sale

Closing Up. 30th May

Wallingford to above Sonning Lock

A calmer nights sleep last night, however the refurbishment works happening over at The Boat House kicked off at 7:45am. A couple of boats had already moved on, it used to be that the lady from the Council would come round about 8am to collect mooring fees, wonder how long it will be before people sus out which days District Enforcement come round?

Just as we were untying a chap from the cruiser in front of us came out. Yesterday evening I’d noticed that its stern was loose. Mick had gone out to check on it, the cleat the stern line was attached to had detached itself from the boat. Some creative mooring was needed involving the ladder to bring the boat back in line with the bank. I mentioned this to the chap who asked how loose the cleat had been, he then worked that out for himself as by now I’d untied and the bow of Oleanna was wanting to follow the current downstream, I hopped on board very quickly as the river turned Oleanna round for us.

**Umbrella no longer required at Cleeve Lock**

We zoomed along the river, sunshine, moody skies, sun again! First lock of the day, Cleeve Lock. A boat was just leaving another waiting below, a day boat from somewhere. They zig zagged into the lock. I checked to see if anyone wanted to press the buttons, they felt they should stay on board, I suggested they pass a rope around a bollard so they didn’t biff about the lock as it filled.

A surprise to find a Lock Keeper at Goring Lock, first one since Osney Lock. We penned down and passed the almost empty moorings where Mick once spent some time waiting for the river to come out of flood with Carol and George from WB Still Rockin.

More zoomy pootles passing Beale Park another stretch of river that has lost signs to do with mooring. Have they been taken down by landowners or by boaters wanting to overstay for free? A pause here would have been nice, but we have places we need to be so kept moving.

Then approaching Pangbourne the Seven Deadly Sins on Shooters Hill came into view. I tried, I really did try not to take photos but really couldn’t help myself. I think my favourite is the first one heading downstream as it has a balcony tower looking upstream. The next to last one however warranted a photo as it was for sale!

Round now to pull in along the top of the weir for Whitchurch Lock. In the lock a widebeam. They worked their way down, opened the gates and then climbed back on board leaving the gates wide open and no boat approaching from below. Oh well I was closing gates for a narrowboat on the Oxford Canal the other day I might as well do it for these guys too!

***He keeps stopping and starting. What’s a cat to think?***

A couple more miles downstream to Mapledurham, here we paused to dispose of rubbish and see if the widebeam would close the gates behind them. No! On some rivers it’s acceptable to leave the gates open no matter which way you are going, but the instructions on the Thames locks ask you to close them and it isn’t as if it’s too taxing to hold a button and be picked up by your boat.

Down towards Caversham lunch on the move. Our plan had us stopping here for the day so we decided to go round the back of the island to see what the park moorings were like. One space available, but for obvious reasons as the bank at one end was no more than a paddling pool for the geese. As we’d had lunch we carried on descending Caversham Lock which was manned, not a surprise as this is one of the two locks after turning off the Kennet and Avon Canal to buy a licence.

Our luck was in, there was space on the Tesco mooring. This used to be crammed with boats, then enforcement was brought in and space was available, then the enforcement signs disappeared and the moorings filled up quickly. Today I think we were just lucky in finding a space as most of the boats there seem to have moved in. Mick popped to Tesco for some cat litter, then we decided to push on that bit further, the atmosphere around the moorings not a comfortable one.

On past the end of the K & A and down to Sonning. Here new bollards have been added extending the moorings, we pulled in on the furthest from the lock. The doors were opened and Tilly was given a couple of hours shore leave. At Pawing last! Treeeeessss!!!! She didn’t half shout about it. Luckily she was too busy to notice me walk down to the lock to enquire about moorings and fees. First night free, the next two £6.50 each then we’d have to move on.

A walk around Sonning might have been nice, but the weather kept switching between sunshine and torrential rain, so instead I got on with catching up with the blog now we had internet again.

5 locks, 19.3 miles, 1 straight on, 10 litres cat litter, 1 clean pooh box, 1 button averse widebeam, 2 Lock keepers, 7 deadly,1 night free, 1 altered schedule, 1 booking confirmed.

PS. Thank you Julie for your comment about the department store in Wallingford. The building used to house Pettits, which was established in 1856. The big store was split up into several smaller shops housing different departments from 2015 onwards. For more history about the company which includes the Rowse family of honey fame follow the Link

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NgihFHrZ5cWBjZCy9

Anchor, Check. Life Jackets, Check. Escape Pod, Meow! 28th May

Jericho to above Days Lock, River Thames

Guaranteed to get wet today so it was hard to muster ourselves for the ready, a passing boat helped jolt us into action. We took the opportunity of being near a tap to top up on water and also empty the yellow water whilst in Isis Lock. The fresh water tank took a similar amount of time to fill as the lock took to gradually drain down to be level with the Sheepwash Channel. A hire boater walked past with a rucksack full of washing, she’d spied a washing machine just a little bit further along the cut, we warned her that her key of power would most probably not work as the services there were for the Agenda 21 moorings. She was still hopeful, but also had sussed out a laundrette a walk away.

With tanks emptied and filled we turned into Sheepwash Channel, passing under the railway and then a left to head downstream onto the Thames. The flow was quite fast through Osney Bridge and as we approached the lock we could see a Lock Keeper setting it for us, we pulled into the layby and waited for the gates to open.

As we pulled into the lock the Lockie asked what we’d done with the weather and that she’d be adding a tenner to our licence because of the rain. We needed a licence so tied up in the lock gave the Lockie our vital statistics (length) so she could fill out the paperwork. Just as she pressed the button to open the sluices we got a hint of sunshine, she said she’d refund our tenner.

Round and under Folly Bridge, we’d driven over it yesterday, slowly in traffic. Then past all the college boat houses, several rowers out on the river, an eager pair trying to overtake us but having to pull back as a trip boat approached.

Iffley Lock, my favourite on the Thames. It’s the position of the lock cottage and it’s gardens that even today smelt of lavender, not normally a favoured smell, but right in this setting. The sluices wouldn’t lift, a walk to the far end required to close them there, then we could work our way through.

The artwork under the big bridges have changed since last year, no longer knights but a dragon and on the other bridge a reclined cigar smoking fat cat from Thames Water. Round a few bends we came across a Dutch barge that looked to have slipped it’s stern mooring line, bow into the bank, stern out towards the channel. The engine boards were up and someone was very busy.

At last we’d reached Sandford Lock, only a day late for our Leckenby lunch. The chamber was empty so I walked down spotting a couple of boats heading upstream. I signalled to Mick there’d be boats coming up and went to open the bottom gates. The open sluice light was a fixed green, meaning the lock was empty and I could open the gates. However it was lying! I could see the sluices were up and the lock was empty. I closed the sluices then opened them again, the whole emptying process has to be gone through despite the lock already being empty! This took forever and a while longer. Luckily the crew from one of the boats had had the same problem a couple of days ago, a Lockie had been around who did just as I’d done. Thankfully the gates now opened and we penned the boats up.

Now our turn. Oleanna in the lock, sluices open button pressed. This all seemed to be taking a long time. As the sluices raised I could see the far side one was lagging somewhat behind. I lowered them again, then lifted them, the far one kept up this time. By now the Dutch Barge had arrived behind us, the skipper came to thank us. He’d got grounded after picking up a lot of stuff in his cooling system and had been trying to clear it as we came past. Our movement lifted his boat enough to free them. He then quickly needed to put pipes back in place so that he could avoid being pulled onto the next weir!

Now the long reach to Abingdon. Boat houses I could live in, trees clinging onto the banks, all the normal moored boats had moved to the opposite bank and the boat that had been sunk for some years has now gone. We wanted to stop for lunch and hoped for a space above the lock, but this was all full, new paving displaying hazard striped edges.

**Only NB Escapology and one other in the whole of Abingdon**

We pulled in to make use of the elsan and skips as a pirate boat crewed by children came up through the lock. Our turn next, they’d closed the top gate and the level had dropped an inch, the top sluices had to go through the whole thing of lifting carefully before the gates would open. I think I’m going to get used to this as many of the locks will be unmanned this year. 8 minutes to fill, 4 to empty.

**House for Sale hidden out of view, click photo for details**

Only two boats moored in Abingdon, we headed for the rings through the bridge and really should have winded to have more control coming in. We managed to tie up and sat down for a quick lunch before pushing off again. Normally we’d have stayed for the rest of the day, but we wanted to be further on today if we could.

**An improvement as month ago it took an hour to fill!**

Out the other side of Abingdon we turned away from the weir and onto Culham Lock Cut away from the danger. Another lock that needed to be reset. A note stuck to the control panel warning to be patient, it may take 20 minutes to fill! I will get used to this. Plenty of time to sit down and reply to some messages.

15 minutes later the flashing green light became solid and I could open the gates, thankfully the lock didn’t take so long to empty. What seem like new instructions on the control panels suggest the lower sluices should be left open. I don’t remember this from when we’ve headed upstream in the last few years and several of the locks have had them raised when we’ve arrived. So I left them up, stepping onto Oleanna I looked back a cruiser just arriving behind us, sorry.

A long sweep round to Clifton Lock, much shallower and far far quicker to do anything. A shame in a way as I was busy admiring the plants in the garden and the long line of wheelbarrows. This would be our last lock of the day. We now passed excessively long gardens, some of the houses so far away they felt like they were in a different country.

A new development of two quite ugly executive houses. I grew up in a house with wood cladding and rather like the natural silvering that happens to it, but here it looks like the wood has been treated with what I call ‘paint on poo!’ coloured varnish. You can see some details in the link, but I haven’t been able to find any mention of price!

We headed to the field moorings above Days Lock. Here the river runs north to south and when nestled into the bank you can enjoy sun sets on one side and sun rises on the other. A new hedge seems to have been planted recently and then the occasional tree. No signs about mooring, two years ago there were signs informing you of a website to log onto to pay. There were also no NO MOORING signs, so when we saw a length of clearish bank we winded and pulled in, facing upstream to moor.

The wind was quite strong, Tilly not too keen. Well the trees were a long way off! We checked on the river level on Gaugemap 0.07m, a look around outside to try to find a reference point (hard to do when there are no bricks to count), we’d have to keep an eye on the internet. As the evening progressed the wind grew, whistling around us, this was soon followed by torrential rain. By the time we went to bed the river had risen 2 inches, how much further will it rise by morning? A quick check to make sure our ropes had some slack before shut eye.

7 locks, 17.2 miles, 1 full water tank, 1 empty wee tank, 0 rubbish, 1 soggy day, 1 lock keeper, £79 licence, 1 right, 1 left, 1 laboured attempt at mooring, 1 expert execution of mooring, 0 signs, 15 minutes to fill! 10 minutes shore leave, 4 wheelbarrows, 0 stoats.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CTRMzTwNHSnbZVYh7

No Fanfare. 25th May

Aristotle Bridge

As we were enjoying our cuppa in bed a couple of boats went passed, the first one we didn’t recall having been moored on the quiet moorings yesterday. However the second one we did, a few boat lengths up which would mean Tilly would be allowed shore leave if we moved there. We got up and dressed, pushed off and pulled back into the gap two boat lengths on. The doors were opened and Tilly was given an hour of exploration. We knew she wouldn’t like it, but she had to make her own mind up otherwise we’d never hear the end of it!

The trees and sideways trees had serious potential, just a shame about the mini Shes and Toms playing on the squeaky swings!

A few more boats came past, were they heading away from the Thames having come up stream? Or had they been waiting for the river to go down and given up?

Across the way from us was a Willow tree, signs of branches having been pruned in times gone by suggests it gets in the way. We certainly felt like we were on a narrow bit of the canal as boats squeezed past us. Not ideal but as there were limited moorings we had little choice.

**The bough in the water on the left used to be upright**

The next boat to come along was maybe going a touch too fast passing moored boats, but that didn’t end up being the main concern. It was more that the boat hit the tree, we could see a couple of the bows rear up, the tree possibly being moved and certainly one bough broken off. Mick opened up the hatch to check if everyone was okay, the chap at the helm saying ‘I didn’t see that tree!’ Crew at the bow seemed to think they were alright as they continued onwards. Mick and I looked at the tree when we could see it all. One bough in the cut, to the side so not a hinderance to navigation, but several cracks could be seen on the remaining boughs. As soon as there was space elsewhere we’d be moving!

**Cracks and rottenness waiting to give way more**

We only had to wait a short while before another boat moved off the moorings. We pushed off and pulled in again two more boat lengths along. Mick got the what3words of the tree and called it into C&RT. It being on the offside we’re not sure what they could do about it, but we felt they should know there was an unstable tree. When Mick got through to the area he thought we were in, he checked with the chap on the phone. This chap was covering everywhere today not just London and Oxford. He’d pass our report onto the relevant team, no more we could do.

A walk into Oxford took us along Kingston Road. A variety of houses to admire. Buying a house in this part of Oxford you’ll require around £1 million for a two bedroomed terraced house with a garden. One house has it’s front door on the side of the house, a very narrow set of steps lead up to it. Any kitchen white goods would require lifting over the railings to get in and occupiers would need to be of a certain shape and size to gain entry.

A walk around Gloucester Green Market, lots of vintage stalls today plus many food outlets. We considered having an early lunch, but it was way too early, so we just looked and then carried on across town. A click and collect order from M&S then a look around John Lewis to see if they had a suitable tablet for use out on the stern of Oleanna. Mick is wanting a rugid one that will withstand being rained on, but the selection was quite poor, birthday money would stay unspent.

We headed to the lower floor of Westgate where several street food outlets offered Mexican, Chicken, Burgers and Noodles. We chose the noodles as it was easy to identify their gluten free options. Very nice, lacking a touch on my chosen protein, but still tasty and a nice sit down.

A top up shop at Sainsburys, then Mick requested we got the bus back to Oleanna. As he stepped onto the bus he produced his brand new shiny bus pass for the first time. No fanfare, no recognition from the driver that this was a landmark moment in someone’s life. We however smiled and the S1 will mark the start of Mick’s free bus travel. I still had to pay £2!

A quiet afternoon back on board. Tilly came and went not liking this outside. The tree still stood. By the end of the day we were one of two boats left on the quiet moorings. A chap opposite looked like he was setting up for drinks at the end of his garden, but despite clearing leaves and rearranging his sun shade sails the garden remained empty all evening.

0 locks, 0 miles, 4.5 miles walked, S1 bus home, 2 out of 3 bows still vaguely upright, 1 very much in the water, 1 bumped and scraped boat, 3 moorings in one day, 2 outsides, 2 pots of noodles, 1 sister in law present, 1 cinnabar moth, pair 21 nearly finished.

Supportive. 15th May

Bridge 41 to Former Bascote Railway Bridge 26A

Time of departure was checked this morning with our neighbours, the boat between us had already departed before 8am, we’d not be so early! It was decided to see how I fared at the locks, crossing lock beams with a wobbly head was not on the cards so that would be left to Graeme.

As we passed through Leamington Spa I waved to old work colleagues who live close to Europa Way Bridge. The murals here have been changed, the kingfisher that had been tagged is now a seagull and the not so hot painting on the side of the steps is now a rather good wolf. Unfortunately there was no time to slowly walk up to take a look at the new mural influenced by Alphonse Mucha, next time I will definitely go and find it. Leamington Mural Festival is worth stopping to take a look at if you have the time, sadly we didn’t.

The moorings at Radford Smelly were busy as ever, there feels to be more boats here, most probably due to the landslip near Brinklow. I wonder if the Hillmorton Locks will hold the record for most used lock on the system this year?

In the parking area below Radford Bottom Lock there were lots of vans, men in high-vis. There were pipes laid along the floor and the divers helmet gave away their purpose. Bridges are being surveyed along the Grand Union today, we’d forgotten about it having other things to concern us, but luckily we’d come across them as they were finishing up here and moving on to the next location.

A boat was just coming down in the lock, nicely resetting it for us. Just enough time to dispose of rubbish before entering the chamber. Only opening one gate at the lock meant ending up on the wrong side to get back onto Oleanna, but with both boats stopping just above the top gates I could walk across the sterns, far better than crossing the gates for me today.

We pulled in for NB Lottie Jane to fill with water at Fosse Wharf and for us to dispose of yellow water. A cuppa was had along with some date slice Clare had made whilst the hose filled their tank. One boat came down and another two went past us heading uphill, oh well we’d be resetting the locks now. Well that’s what we thought, but both boats ahead of us pulled over for a lunch break so we could carry on.

At Wood Lock there was activity. The lock having started to refill itself was still in our favour and the crew set it for us and opened the gates. Time to have a chat as our boats arrived and worked uphill. One boat was a hire boat with a lovely Doberman Rottweiler cross, the other had been planning on a trip to Cambridge, but due to Salters Lode being silted up they have decided to do the Warwickshire ring hoping that they’ll be able to head to the Great Ouse later in the year.

HS2 is progressing. Huge mounds of earth to the north of the canal, a pile driver busy here getting the supports in place. There was a bird kite flitting about in the wind, was this here to assist the crane driver with the wind direction?

Now to Bascote. As the boats entered the bottom lock I looked up ahead. Oh blimey the next pound looked to be down by at least three feet! Would there be enough water to get us over the cill. Mick explained to Clare that if she couldn’t get out of the lock it would be best to reverse back into it until the level could be sorted. Mick led the way, we reckoned Oleanna would have the deeper draught of the two boats. Sticking to the middle Oleanna got about two thirds of the way across the pound slowly, then stopped, aground.

**Very low pound and Lottie Jane stuck for a while**

The next lock was already empty, so I opened a top paddle and let some water down. Thankfully the wave lifted Oleanna just enough so she could carry on. However the wave pushed Lottie Jane’s bow over, pushing her stern onto the mud. Clare let the wind help, pushing the bow back once the water had calmed, a supportive shove from Graeme also helped to get the stern off and we were on our way again, thankfully without having to let too much water down.

**Safely in the bottom of the staircase**

Bascote staircase was set ready for us, meaning one of the two chambers must leak. In came the boats and up they came, the middle paddles taking quite some winding! We were soon up the top, below I could see the next boats arriving, hope they’d looked ahead and seen the low pound, at least they’d have our lock full of water to add to it.

The lock cottage is under offer. What a nice cottage, with a mooring! Click the photo for details. I think I’d have plumped my sofa cushions up for the photos though.

Time to find a mooring. Once through Bascote Bridge 27 we decided to pull in. We normally pull up on the aqueduct, but with so many boats about we opted for the first mooring big enough for two boats. Plenty of room when we arrived, but within a couple of hours we’d been joined by several more boats.

Tilly had four hours and made pretty good use of them. They kept chatting to the Kwiwis and distracting my self catering attempts! An afternoon followed of sussing out how to embroider crotchets, minims will come tomorrow.

During the day I’d received an email from a lady at Dementia UK thanking me for my fund raising. So far I’ve raised £885 which is brilliant as that will cover the cost of a 12 week training course for a new Admiral Nurse, developing their dementia expertise so that families at breaking point receive the tailored support they desperately need. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. There are still more pairs available for sponsorship!

10 locks, 5.9 miles, 1 missed mural, 1 deep canal diver, HS2, 4 cuppas, 4 hours! 2 supportive crew, 0 widebeam in Leamington, 2 scoops, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRuTAHTNs7F7Gtu7A

Forty Minutes With Darth. 13th May

Cape of Good Hope Moorings to Lidl, Myton Road Bridge

Time to put long trousers and jumpers back on, time to move on again. Saying that and actually managing it was another thing. Boats just kept coming, some pulling up on the waterpoint which we also needed. Yesterday Mick had done two loads of washing and there was another in progress, so we’d need a tank refill today for sure. Handily there is a tap below the Cape Locks as well as above so we opted to use that one, we just had to find a gap in the traffic.

A gap spotted we staked our claim on the lock before anyone else appeared behind. We worked down the two locks swapping with a Carefree Boat, lots to chat about with the lady onboard. Then we waved our locking partners on NB Lottie Jane farewell, not goodbye. They were off to stock up on shopping and go sight seeing in Leamington Spa. We would be topping up with water and getting close to Warwick station, any more would be a bonus.

We pulled up a little before Bridge 49. Now where was Tilly? She usually is excited to see what the outside looks like and asks to be let out. But none of that today. Just where was she? Not on her shelf, not the sofa, not on the Houdini shelf. I looked around the bed as best I could with the airer laid on it full of socks and pants, out of the way. No Tilly! Oh blimey, had she got out? I called for ages, and then a little meow came from between our underwear. She was perfectly camouflaged, on lovely clean things!

**Poor signage for those coming the other way on foot**

I had an early lunch before heading for the station. On arriving I didn’t seem to be able to find Platform 1. I went under the tracks, the steps to the platform were cordoned off. At the main approach to the station I couldn’t get onto the platform so went into the ticket office, still no way to reach the trains. I asked a member of staff who directed me round lots of fencing, all the signage pointed towards those either leaving the station or having arrived by car!

Half an hour later I was arriving at Birmingham Moor Street Station. It felt like walking into a heritage railway. All painted in Great Western Railway colours, lovely old signage, what a treat.

**Might have to have a go at making these**

I had an hour on my hands, I’d hope to spend it wisely buying birthday presents, but those requested were not available at M&S in Brum! I paused for a sit down outside the library, maybe I could get things sent to the Leamington Spa branch for tomorrow, first delivery would be a day later, we were not wanting to hang around for a whole day. Maybe a rethink, maybe a delivery further along our route would work.

Normally I approach my dentists from the canal, today I walked along the other end of Sheepcote Street. This meant I got to see Old Union Mill, which was constructed in 1810 by Birmingham Flour and Bread Company, it remained in operation until 1927 and has recently been used as office and artist studio space. A redevelopment is planned to convert the mill into office units and buildings that had been built to the rear in the 1990’s, these will be demolished and new apartments built in their place. However right now it is an all day car park.

Crescent Theatre was also passed. Earlier this year we’d had a look to see if we might be able to make it to Birmingham to see their production of Alan Ayckbourn’s House and Garden. Two linked plays, played simultaneously by the cast in two separate auditoria, one the house the other, you guessed it, the garden. I worked on the original production in Scarborough in 1999. Alan likes to set challenges for himself and his staff. In Scarborough the actors had to run up and down stairs between the auditoria, certain sound cues would be held until actors arrived, a dogs bark signalling the plot could continue. It was very hard work to create both House and Garden sets especially when on the opening weekend there was also a wedding booked on the House set with photographs in the Garden. We still had things to do, so hid in the dining room waiting for the wedding guests to leave so we could finish painting things before the evening show and then followed them into the garden to do a touch of pruning! A production was mounted at the National Theatre in 2000, adjustments had to be made as the journeys for the actors were longer, the curtain call was most certainly longer. So it would have been great to have seen the show here in Birmingham, but we didn’t make it.

A hygienist appointment with Thomas, or as I know him Darth Vader. He was the hygienist I saw after lockdown when he had to wear a full mask whilst inflicting cleaning pain to my gums and teeth. Thankfully this was my last visit to the dentist and once I’d paid up I was on my way back to Moor Street Station, walking past Ozzie at New Street Station, time to say goodbye for a few months.

**Goodbye Brum until later in the year**

Back at Oleanna Mick had news about our faulty battery that we’d returned, we were needing a new one, but to receive this we’d require an address. We put our thinking caps on, maybe a friend could take it in for us, or perhaps a boat yard we’d be passing.

It was only 4pm, so we decided to move on a touch and get stocked up with food before we head to more rural waters. A space showed itself at Lidl so we pulled in. A joint of pork was popped in the oven to roast whilst we filled a trolley full of shopping. Tilly wasn’t impressed as it meant she’d be staying in, no shore leave today. Just a shame she wasn’t still pooped from yesterday!

***I wonder if the buses deliver dingding, or do they take you on a ride whilst dining?***

This afternoon the rain returned, here’s hoping the tree we’re part moored under doesn’t keep us awake all night.

2 locks, 1.6 miles, 2 trains, 40 minutes with Darth, 0 bumble bee table cloth, 1 boat in Brum, 1 farewell to Ozzie, 1 very bored cat, 1 joint of pork, not enough carrots!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ySnAStTChoHEnbYn9

Embankment Congregation. 10th May

Bridge 14, Stratford Canal to Rowington Embankment, Grand Union Canal

No relaxing in bed this morning, there were miles to cover and locks to work. Just ahead of us and a little bit quicker at getting away this morning was a hire boat. A stool and music stand to aid the helm. On the music stand was an enlarged version of a Pearsons guide, laminated and clipped on so it wouldn’t blow away.

We followed and pulled in at Lady Lane Wharf to top up on deisel, we’d hoped we’d be able to buy some more charcoal from them as we did last year. It was very cheap and good stuff, but this had been a one off sadly so we’ll have to restock by other means.

Pootling along under the tree cover was very pleasant, plenty of blasts of reverse needed as the lack of depth meant we had the potential to pick things up on the prop.

Up ahead in a dappled spot a blue boat, no sign writing. We always look carefully at such boats because it could just be….. The licence in the window faded but ……. Blue, then a person busy doing the washing up……. it was! Graeme on NB Misty Blue!

We pulled in for a chat and a catch up, we’d last seen him in Thrupp last year. He has plans for later in the year which sounded interesting, maybe we might want to join him? Maybe! As ever it was lovely to see the man who can’t help but smile, just too early in the day to stop for longer, after all we’d only just got started.

Now the two lift bridges, time to flex those muscles, the first one a doddle to wind up, but winding it back down took far more effort. The second one goes on and on forever.

Narnia Lock (Lapworth Top Lock), one of our favourites. I managed to get a photo from a different angle today, it may just end up being a painting.

**For Sale on the Lapworth flight, click photo for details**

The first four locks of Lapworth are spaced out and by the time we reached the bottom two boats were coming towards us. NB Hunky Dory that had been at the Electric Boat Show, because of the landslip on the North Oxford their lock count to get there had risen from 40 locks each way to 120, quite a lot of effort for a couple of days at the show.

After Lock 5 we paused, hammering in spikes, for lunch. On a normal trip this way this would be an overnight stop, but not today much to Tilly’s disgust.

Now to the flight proper, another fifteen narrow locks all down hill. No uphill boats to swap with, photo opportunities, no volunteers. We soon got into our rythmn. I’d open up a lock, walk down to the next one to set it whilst Mick brought Oleanna in, close the top gate and a paddle, he’d then lift a bottom paddle and return to the helm, as I walked back up to lift the second paddle and open the gates. Mick then closes the off side gate with a boat hook.

**At the bottom of the thick of the flight**

Then it’s repeat, until there are no more locks.

We made good progress. A boat was filling it’s water tank so no stopping there to do ours, down we continued. Taking the left hand lock towards the Grand Union I spied the nice new paintwork on NB Red Wharf, very smart.

Right onto the Grand Union, locks finished for the day, we just hoped the water point at Tom O The Woods would be free, it was. As the tank filled I had a shower, so that there would be enough hot water for Mick to also have one later when we’d moored up for the day.

Now there was a race on for moorings. This morning NB Lottie Jane had moved to the embankment above Rowington, our rendez vous point. Also we’d heard from Chris The Pink Hat Man, he was working his way up Hatton today teamed up with a hire boat. We’d checked Chris’s webcam at various points during the day to check on their progress. It had been good and topped off with a pint before they set off towards the embankment. Would we get there first? Clare and Graeme had been primmed that they may not hear Chris arriving, but they’d certainly see him!

***I wonder if that pink boat has pink food inside?***

NB Lottie Jane sat on the prime mooring on the embankment, a boat arrived just infront of us, pipped us to the next best spot, we pulled up infront. Our ropes were just about secured and Tilly given shore leave when up ahead NB Elektra came into view followed by NB Pip the hire boat Chris was travelling with. All four boats managed to moor up together. Introductions crossing three continents, then it was time for tea.

Out came the chairs and conversation over a cuppa and a slice of cake whilst Tilly checked out the friendly cover close by. That pheasant didn’t really want to come and play! Then we had a tour of NB Elektra, I impressed myself that my socks matched the interior colour scheme, just as pink as the exterior. It was very good to finally see his boat in person, Mick and Chris have known each other since their teenage years and we’ve followed his travels over the last couple of years. If you’d like to follow him cruising he quite often has a live feed via youtube. Just a webcam, slow tv from your armchair. We quite often tune in to have a guess at where he might be.

Time to settle down for the evening. So we all retired to our boats for food and the comfort of our sofas. I also had a bit of melting, mixing and baking to do ready for tomorrow and the Hatton flight.

19 locks, 8.4 miles, 1 leftish, 1 right, 2 lift bridges, 66 litres, 0 charcoal, 1 music stand, 2 Graemes, 1 rendez vous, 4 boats, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp, but please could I have another three days here!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rTa9rGpZQDkwbVaG7

But Which Way! 1st May

Above Longford Lock to Penkridge 48hr mooring

Only half a mile to travel today as we needed to be in Penkridge for a couple of reasons. Pootleing in towards Penkridge Lock we were surprised at there only being one boat moored here. The mooring directly below the lock can be a bit bumpy when the paddles are lifted, but it’s handy for town.

We passed another house for sale, only over 55s can purchase this one, a bit different from yesterdays house by the M6.

**Not much foot space on the back today**

With not much space available at the stern due to the bully boy battery I was glad to get off and get the lock ready for us. No-one on the water point! Are we really in Penkridge? Where is everyone?

Once up the lock we pulled in at the services. Set the water filling, emptied the yellow water, disposed of rubbish etc. A chap came along from the moorings with a wheelbarrow to empty his cassettes, he was very chatty. We chatted away and lifted the bully boy battery box off the stern of Oleanna. That was one task achieved, now to get the battery to a UPS access point in town. That wheelbarrow looked handy! But we didn’t ask as we had another solution in mind.

By the time the water tank was full there was a boat waiting in the lock and another had just pulled up below. We were in Penkridge! A queue forming for the services, it’s just we were at the front of it for once. Mick pushed Oleanna off and over to the moorings opposite whilst I stayed to guard the battery, it may not be working and be exceptionally heavy but we still didn’t want anyone to struggle away with it. Once Oleanna was secure Mick came back and called for a taxi, £5 to the access point, I left to have an early lunch and get myself ready for an afternoon in Birmingham.

The station is a bit of a walk away, but nice to walk through town. The Co-op has moved, there are two now at opposite ends of town. I walked up through the church yard filled with graves and blossom. The 12:45 had me passing alongside the Wolverhampton flight, no boats in view. In to Birmingham New Street, I just needed to find my way out now! Easier said than done!! I thought of following directions on the bright sign post, but the direction of Brindley Place was blocked by red and blue lounges! I ended up walking out of the wrong exit and taking quite a while to get to somewhere familiar, thank goodness I had an hour to spare.

**Is this just art or a useful sign post?**

Not one boat on the Oozles Street loop and only five moored by Lego, loads of room. I walked the now regular route up onto Sheepcote Street to my dentist, a regular check overdue. After my emergency visits to a dentist in Leeds six weeks ago I’ve known I still had a problem. Colin started with his friendly chat asking about our travels, but I knew time was short and this wouldn’t just be a see you in six months visit.

5 xrays later, I had a choice to make, keep a tooth and spend money on it, or loose it. It’s one of my main chewers so at the moment I’ve opted to keep it, just could do with a set design fee to pay for the work! Three new appoitments in the diary, hopefully coinciding with us being in Birmingham or an easy train journey back. I suspect there will be more once the first stage of treatment is done.

It’s easy finding your way into New Street Station, I just wish it was simple coming out of it. I was soon back alongside the Wolverhampton 21, one boat spyed going down. Recent reports from NB Alchemy and NB Bonjour have been that the majority of the locks were empty as they came down the flight, which will be good for us when we go up.

Mick had moved a touch further on, not very far but away from where he felt we were on the end of the lock landing. I’d noticed he’d been on the move with messages coming from our Nebo link, even if it didn’t show an actual journey as he’d only moved 50 yards or so.

A catch up between ourselves. A chat about possible places for me to return to the dentist from and did we need to have a trip to Scarborough to fill up our compost bins. An email was sent to somewhere we’ve made deposits before to see if they still take them. After finishing off the chilli I’d made last night, we settled down to watch the next episode of Narrow Escapes. No need for the stove today as the temperature had risen. Infact we had the side hatch open until after 8pm listening to the moorers enjoying their first evening sitting out this year.

1 lock, 0.4 miles, 2 budges up along the way, 1 full water tank, 1 load washing, 1st in the queue, 1 empty yellow water tank, 1 bully boy on its way, 2 trains, 1 expensive tooth, 1 membership signed up to, 15% discount not to be missed, 7 more lemon biscuits, 1 broken down boat heading to Ireland? 1 miffed off cat.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tFXgHbWvbBmwXc3o6

Through The Arched Hedge. 30th April

Broken Ankle, Great Haywood to above Longford Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

**Swans nests are way better than those made by geese**

Windy but sunny this morning, the world would be filled with green and blue. We considered going across the way for a cooked breakfast, but stuck to our cereal as that would be quicker.

We turned right onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, passing the Anglo Welsh hire fleet. Yesterday we’d put off coming round the corner and heading for Tixall Wide due to the wind and wanting to visit the farm shop. Arriving at 10/10:30 would mean having more chance of grabbing a mooring with a view of Tixall Gate House, this morning there were several up for grabs, but we needed to be further on today. The newly surfaced towpath looks good, but the armco still looks like it’s the same, only one stretch has had sandbags added to raise the bank from the water a touch.

At Tixall Lock we rose up infront of the nice lock cottage, a possible for a painting, if we ever stay put long enough for me to get one started! The next length of towpath has also been upgraded, a cyclist proved it was ride worthy.

By now we both realised we were over dressed, big coats no longer required, the strong wind was almost warm. It was warm enough for me to bring my knitting out onto the stern to work my way towards a heel turn and still be able to keep an eye on things passing us by. This is another stretch of canal I’ve rarely seen in the last few years as there are several miles on the flat so I’ve been working below.

Around Stafford, the land to our west was exceptionally boggy and brown, a flood plane, but far browner than we remembered. I wonder how long it’s been under water for this year? A fisherman sat with his kit neatly tucked away by the hedge where there was an arched opening for him to pass his rod through. On closer inspection all the fishing pegs were marked out thus, grass neatly trimmed both by the cut and the hedge and an hedge opening at each.

Once up Deptmore Lock we pulled in for lunch, a nice sunny spot but would we ever get off the bank due to the wind? This took quite a bit of doing and thankfully we could hold our line without going too fast past moored boats. We were now being followed by a hire boat, Shutt Hill lock the lady came up to help, but hardly said a word. As we pulled away she closed the gate and ran back to the bottom gates, maybe they were trying to do the Four Counties Ring in a week!

At Park Gate Lock we’d just about caught the boat ahead of us up, only one top paddle working on the lock meant it took a long time to fill. As we worked our way up a boat came out from the wharf, took it’s time to wind blocking off the canal for a while. Was this a new boat, boxes covered where the mushroom vents would be, the paintwork looked new, apart from below the gunnels. Bourne Boats used to be based here. There were no signs and two rusty shells sat out on the hard were not really a good advert for them. Does anyone know if they are still trading?

The hire boat caught up with us again and this time there was chance for a chat. Four Counties in ten days. We watched as the new boat was manouvered back into the wharf and then under a crane. As it was lifted it was obviously not positioned quite right and was brought back down to the water to find it’s balance.

Should we stop early? The wind was one thing, the depth below us another making our progress really quite slow. This of course would be no different tomorrow, but the wind may have died down. As we passed under the M6 we made the usual comments about the house alongside, lovely gardens, but maybe the need for noise cancelling headphones. Then we spotted it was for sale! Blimey! Just how much would it go for if they didn’t have the motorway as a next door neighbour? *The agent has removed the house from their website, but you can still get a shaded look at it from the link.

The M6 stays with the canal for quite a way. Once up Longford Lock we decided to pull in with the motorway opposite, here Tilly would have more fun even if there was a fence cutting the school off from the towpath. Straight out, then the complaints started . But there’s a fence! It’s high! Things look great on the other side. Mick went out to check on her, there she was on top of the fence, wire mesh variety. I was practicing my tight rope act! Thankfully she made it down by herself rather than by us wrestling our way through the hawthorne hedge.

Time to pack the faulty bully boy battery up. The Shed was emptied, steps removed and the battery pulled out. It was put on the stern deck so as not to be in our way overnight and hopefully I’d be able to pack it up out there.

Originally I’d thought of making boxes to surround it in the original box, but these would have to be so strong to hold the batteries weight. Instead I opted to cut widths of cardboard, stick them together and then these would help keep the battery away from the sides of the box. Tilly came to help, but kept a beedy eye on the woofers as they walked past. It took a while to have packing strong enough, but then the box was taped up ready to be sent off tomorrow. All we need to do now is actually get it to a drop off place for UPS, easier said than done!

4 locks, 9.7 miles, 1st Lollipop, 0.5 pair of socks, 1.5 cardboard boxes cut into strips, 6 layers for strength, 1 tight rope walking cat, 1st proper sunny day without coats.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aF59KqrCjJUBbGVw6

Stone Crew. 28th April

Barlaston Winding Hole to just off the end of Stone Visitor Moorings

Bacon butties were enjoyed before we joined the Geraghty zoom. Topics covered today were Peanut Butter grouting, news from the north was ‘murcky’ and parasitic worms.

Our aimed for departure was 11am, we were slightly later than that, hopefully my guestimate based on travel times on the Waterway Routes maps would have us arrive at the locks at a suitable time to meet our extra crew for the day. There was also time to pop down below and roll up balls of biscuit dough I’d made last night, roll them in two types of sugar and pop a tray in the oven for ten minutes. The Lemon Crinkle biscuits were left to cool as we approached the top of the Meaford Flight.

This lock was in our favour and just required a top up. You can only see ahead if you either walk over the bridge or once the lock gates are opened, no boats in sight.

As we approached Meaford Road Lock I could see that there was a boat ascending the lock below and coming along the towpath were our extra crew for the day, Bill and Lisa. Windlasses were handed out and instructions given. We lowered Oleanna down to the next pound and left the gates for the uphill boat. Below however the gates had been closed and the lock was refilling.

When we got down to the next lock there seemed to be plenty of crew, eager to close the bottom gates behind the uphill boat, however none of them had windlasses. They were just gongoozlers pleased to lend a hand. We helped the crew out lifting paddles and pushing gates, then it was our turn.

Bill and Lisa picked up what to do and when very quickly and were quite happy to stand and watch as the locks emptied and filled, marvelling at the engineering and how it’s not been bettered. We all hopped on board and caught a lift down to Lime Kiln Lock.

**Click photo for link, it’s rather a nice house**

Lisa grew up in Stone, we passed where one of her teachers used to live, one of the houses for sale. Then just before the lock there is a short line of modern houses, this when she was a kid was The Rising Sun pub. Her Dad used to drink in there and she was allowed to play around the canal, yet she didn’t really remember any boats on the canal at that time (mid 80’s). This was the first time she’d got to work a lock.

The locks are pretty into Stone with their stone curved steps to push the lock beams along and their bridges. They are also easy locks to work, no real need for extra crew today other than spending time with friends and sharing what we do.

A lady heading to the shops with her trolley opened up top gates for us at one lock. One of her two dogs refusing to cross back over the lock bridge ended up crossing over the back of Oleanna, Cheeky! Obligatory photo taken. The chandlers will soon reopen as something completely different, presumably the new owners are the ones who don’t want the boaters rubbish point. At Yard Lock it was being emptied, boat movers moving a boat up to the Macc.

On to Star Lock the last for today. A Mum mallard was trying to encourage her ducklings out of the water where the bank was quite high, so for a while I lost our extra crew. Then it was time to find ourselves a mooring. There had been space above the lock but that wouldn’t have been so good for Tilly, now there were no spaces, just a long line of boats. We pootled on, a new length of armco going in, after this we pulled in. Here the bank was so soft you could almost just push the mooring spikes in by hand. Mick double pinned us, but we weren’t convinced this would last too long.

Time for a cuppa and sit down with some of those biscuits. Tilly was given an hour and thankfully she returned just as we’d finished our drinks. She was left in charge whilst we walked back into town.

We paused to find our friend Bens Dad’s birth place just down Adies Alley. No 28 was the place, photo taken to send to Ben. Then on to find a pub, Crown Wharf was chosen. Blimey it is a huge pub and very popular on a Sunday. We quickly found ourselves a booth to take over, the general hubhub from the pub adding atmosphere yet we could all hear each other. Sadly no gluten free beer, I was a little surprised at Joules, but hey a glass of wine on a Sunday afternoon was nice enough.

It was soon time to say goodbye to our friends, what a lovely Sunday afternoon with very good company. Hopefully we’ll see Bill in a few months time as he’ll be a lodger for a couple of months in Scarborough.

Back to the boat via M&S for something to eat this evening, pies. Sadly my gluten free version was really rather crispy hard. The mooring spikes were only just still holding in the soft ground, one was exchanged for a chain.

We were just settling down for the evening when a phone call came from Scarborough. A strong smell of gas in the pantry and it was getting stronger! Landlord mode kicked in, the leak was reported to the gas board, our lodger opening doors and windows, leaving the house until an engineer arrived. Thankfully someone was there about half an hour after we’d reported it. The tap that turns the gas off and on at the meter was the culpert and once it was replaced the problem solved. You can get quite a good flow of air through the house so thankfully the gas cleared quickly and Georgia could relax for the rest of the evening, as could we.

8 locks, 4.1 miles, 2 extra crew, 1 lovely afternoon with sunshine! 12 lemon cakey biscuits, 2 pints, 1 coke, 1 large wine, 2 pies, 2 jackets, 1 lodger and house still in tact.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dC52TNvw8mZZ15sm6

This Way Out, Me Duck. 27th April

Between Locks 44 and 45 to Barlaston Winding Hole

No need to be up at the crack of sparrows to be through the tunnel at the first opportunity to get to see a matinee or catch the gas suppliers in Etruria, both these had been sorted on Thursday. However we were wanting to cover some miles. Our schedule had us mooring below Stoke Bottom Lock, not the nicest of places. Plus if we wanted to have some time with friends on Sunday it would be worth cracking on today.

Artwork on the hut between the paired locks at Plants Lock

Just as we rolled up the covers a boat came up the lock behind, it would be very rude to pull out infront of them, so we took our time and followed. Both of the paired locks were empty so the lady opened up the offside lock for us as she waited for her boat. Not many of the Cheshire Locks you can do this on at the moment as so many of the pairs are reduced to just one working lock.

We pulled in at the services, water, yellow water and rubbish dealt with before walking up to the next lock. A single hander was coming down with the assistance from another single hander, a young lady who was headed for Chorley and was covering as much ground as she could in a day. She asked how many more locks there were on the T&M, Thirty odd not a problem. I suggested she made that cuppa she’d planned on making before she got too far down the locks.

**Last lock up to the summit of the Trent and Mersey**

Up the last two locks to the summit. As Oleanna got within stepping off height for Mick I headed to Lidl. A few things required but mostly a copy of our Saturday newspaper as we needed to check if Mick’s letter regarding the Fund Britain’s Waterways had been published. I’d timed things very well, one copy left in Lidl and when I got back to Oleanna Mick had moved her out of the lock so an oncoming boat could use it, then he’d backed up to the towpath entrance to pick me up, he’d not even had to step off with a rope to wait.

Straight on! We passed a boat coming from the tunnel. The helm said we might be lucky as two boats had been waiting, we might be able to tag onto the back of the south bound passages. I put Oleanna into tunnel mode. All cabin lights on, curtains open, life jackets and waterproofs on, torch to have at the stern.

As we approached we could see no waiting boats, just a C&RT Tunnel Keeper. As he looked up I beeped our horn and turned the tunnel light on, A quick chat with him to make sure we remembered the horn signals should we breakdown, we’d obviously been through before and a warning to mind our heads. Straight in, another bit of perfect timing.

Into the tunnel at bang on 11am, following two boats ahead of us. Wet and chilly in there today. As navigator I make sure that we know which way is the closest should we need to get out of the tunnel ( a game really). In most tunnels this is just conveyed to the crew with ‘That way Out’ behind us or ‘This way out’ ahead of us. Mick confirms that he has heard, which means he is still stood behind me at the helm and hasn’t fallen off. But Harecastle always deserves the recognition that we are passing between the north and the south, after all the River Trent historically marked the divide between north and south. So here my wording is that bit different. ‘Tha’ knows!’ to the north and ‘This way out, me duck’ to the south.

At about 1km still to go we could see the doors at the southern portal open up to let a boat through. Harecastle has no ventilation shafts, so to deal with the fumes that modern boats produce there are doors closing the entrance at the south end. Then big fans are used to suck the air and fumes through the tunnel. As they kicked in the atmosphere in the tunnel became foggy and very noisy. At about 100m to go the fans were turned off and the doors opened letting light flood in.

**Cup of strong tea? Or Heinz Tomato Soup?**

Lots of people don’t like Harecastle and it seems to have been given a nick name, which we don’t really understand, Scarecastle Tunnel. It is one of the few tunnels were someone actually knows you are in there. If you have probelms you beep your horn once every 30 seconds and they will come and rescue you. You just need to face forwards so you know when to duck.

Onwards past Westport Lake, Stoke boats, and Middleport Pottery. Maybe one day we’ll have time to moor up and have a look around the pottery, on our way back? A pause for lunch on some handy rings and then onwards towards Summit Lock.

We’d thought about mooring at Festival Park when we’d wanted to go to the theatre the other day, all moorings were full today. Inside the pub a lady was waving with great enthusiasm, Mick waved back. A minute or so later I got a message, it was Helen from NB Avalon 2, she was the waving lady. Hello!

As we approached the lock someone was opening the top gate, no boat in the lock, how nice of them. Then we realised their boat was coming from the services, Mick backed away and let them come round the steep bend and into the lock. We helped them down and then followed on after them. I went ahead and helped them to close up at the lock below, then lifted a paddle to start filling it as Mick lifted a paddle on the top lock.

We worked our way down the Stoke locks. Some new graffiti and wall art to look at as we went. Not much was new until we came to Goods Yard. Here a new neighbourhood is being developed, 174 homes, hotel, workspaces, bars, shops and a green public space. The building closest to the canal looked like it had been an old warehouse and behind it a new build in rusting metal had echos of a red brick mill. The site used to be a goods warehouse where goods were craned between the railway and canal. For more info go here.

Past Shuffelbottoms, past the shingled boat which seems to becoming greener every time we pass, then the shooting range where you can see all the dints in the metal surround created from people missing the targets!

At Trentham Lock a couple were walking their parents dogs, they were walking as little as they could, so the chance to help with the lock was a good distraction. Rain was forcast for 5pm and sure enough just after we’d pulled in before Barlaston down it came. It wasn’t too much to put Tilly off a good explore. This is where I rounded up a fox once, they don’t think I remember places, but I do!

Some baking preparation for tomorrow was needed, a recipe I’ve been wanting to try for a little while, required a rest in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight, perfect. We settled down to Turkey Schnitzel and tomato spaghetti infront of the stove. Quite a long day, a bit reminiscent of our boating holidays and shareboat days.

10 locks, 11.9 miles, 1 tunnel, 1.65 miles underground, I hate tunnels! 3rd boat through, 1 letter, 30 minutes lunch, 1 damp descent, 1 waving woman, 1 hour only! 0 fox, 0 time to find one! 7.5 hours cruising, 1 bowl of lemony mix, pair 17 cast off.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dgQT4VE1xdeYun8cA

Narrowboat Oleanna

Travels of Narrowboat Oleanna