Being out of the water means we can suspend our CRT licence. They only refund you for full unused months. Mick went on the website and filled out the form. Soon afterwards I got an email saying that we would be refunded two months of licence, £197.62, this was back on our credit card by the end of the day. Not having to pay a licence for a few months makes the marina fees for a boat you can’t go anywhere on that bit better.
Tilly just out of shot at the Black and White cat Triad in next doors garden
On the train the other day Mick had a look at the Carefree Cruising website and our old shareboat NB Winding Down. There was a share in WD going quite cheaply, 4 weeks for £400, should we get a yellow share, so we could still go cruising? A look further down the list of shares for sale, £1 for a 24th share in NB Kingfisher an older boat than WD. Hmmm?! However the running costs are quite high for an older boat and then we’d have a share to get rid of when Oleanna is all bright and shiny back on the water. It was appealing, but we’ll cope being on land for a while…. hopefully.
What a stunning day for a beach walk
Mick has remembered that somewhere he has a 50m long cable. Suitable hook up plug and socket have been purchased from 12volt planet for him to make up a long cable so that Oleanna can have power again. This will mean he can keep an eye on the batteries, temperature onboard etc. Plus when we visit we’ll be able to make a cuppa with the electric kettle.
On Thursday afternoon Mick climbed back onboard a train heading towards York, then swapped to one going to Derby. A night at the Premier Inn close to California was called for as he had a 10am appointment Friday morning with the Ophthalmologist at the Royal Derby Hospital. Whilst he had his gammon and chips, I tucked into a prawn risotto, suspect mine was far nicer, plus we got to sit in front of the Dragon for the evening.
Everything crossed for a good outcome
This appointment had been made pretty soon after Mick had left hospital. His GP had also requested an appointment for him here in Scarborough, so far he’s been told he’ll be given an appointment in the future, but the wait may be up to 34 weeks! Thankfully Derby was much sooner. Tilly and I sat, everything crossed, waiting for news. Mick symptoms which had first taken him to Burton Hospital back in September had been blank spots in his vision, and bits that were like looking through a kaleidoscope. This led to him having a scan and being diagnosed as having had a stroke. By the time he was discharged from hospital his symptoms had nearly all gone. Now they have.
A good array of castles
Today he did a periphery vision test. On the stroke ward this had been done by nurses and doctors doing jazz hands at him. Today it was similar to those you have at the opticians, where you sit with your head in a box, you have a clicker for each time you see a dot of light. Mick got to do both eyes at once, first with his glasses on, then a second time without them. He was shown the results, this revealed where the frames of his glasses had been blocking out the dots. If you have four dots missing in one area then the DVLA won’t allow you to drive. The second read out showed that he’d only missed one dot on the whole test, everyone misses at least one. So this was very VERY good news.
There seem to be so many Egrets on the Trent this year
Mick showed me the old drive plate this morning. It’s not meant to turn, well only if something goes wrong and it’s designed to be the thing that breaks protecting the gear box. Turning it over we could see how much it was moving about sideways too.
With the hope of not getting wet we wanted to be off and away in good time, but as we pushed off it started to spit, this gradually increased to light rain as we headed up stream waving goodbye to Stoke Lock. That’s another lock on the River Trent where we’ve had an incident of some sort, we’re up to three now!
Goodbye Stoke Lock
At the 5km mark Mick radioed ahead to Holme Lock, the volunteer answered very quickly. He’d have the lock ready and waiting for us, ‘Come in on the green’. Walking through Oleanna I popped my waterproof trousers on, no point in getting soggy whilst penning up in the lock!
It was good to be back on the moveeven if we got wet!
Holme Lock is such a slow riser, but then again it is a big lock. Thankfully all the paddles at the top end work, you’d be there half a life time if they didn’t! More scaffolding was going up on the weir. No moving boats in sight, maybe we’d be the volunteer Lock Keepers only boat today.
A sign on a sunken boat made us both smile. I suspect the owner hasn’t found the situation amusing. You Sank My Battleship. Bankriver, Banksea’s lesser known cousin.
Two cranes were around parts of the new bridge, enclosures created up high and some welding going on. Formers were going together on both banks for concrete, the footings of the bridge soon to be poured. The local news suggested the bridge would be going into position next month sometime.
Trent Bridge
Under Trent Bridge and to County Hall Steps. Here hopefully we’d be far enough away from trees during Storm Amy. There are rings to tie to, which we’d need to keep an eye on if levels rise, these are quite high up on the steps and selecting the right rings for Oleanna’s length proved a little tricksy, but we got there in the end.
Not if they’ve any sense in this weather!
It was now raining pretty heavily. I suggested twenty minutes shore leave to Tilly. She managed to get two steps up the bank and endured twenty seconds before returning for some Dreamies. Rubbish, now I’ve got to use the on board facilities!
Yesterday I’d had a lengthy email from Chippy about the roses we’re aiming to make for panto. Four people had made around 20 in three hours, was this a practical idea? I know I can make at least 4 in an hour, if not 5 or 6 if I really got going. I’d made suggestions to lighten the load from volunteers, cutting the estimated number needing to made from 600 to 250, but we’d need to buy roses to fill the gaps. Jo the General Manager at the theatre had made another 10 at home last night, a bright pink star goes to her. It’s now down to those who hold the purse strings, that’s if they ever reply to emails!
The ducks were having difficulty swimming upstream against the waves and wind. Mick headed out to buy a few things and I walked around the block. This involved crossing Wilford Suspension Bridge. The bridge will be closed for a day next week to remove all the love locks, the owners have been asked to come and remove theirs. Walking along the north bank was quite blustery and I was always aware of the big trees.
I checked Meadow Lane Lock, it was still there, then turned to face the wind, blimey!! Crossing Trent Bridge I tried to keep to the outside edge, the wind pushing me towards the cars, then back along the bank to Oleanna. The wind too strong to have a longer walk today.
The locks
When we’d moored up today, Mick had used one of the new fender hooks, hoping it’s lower profile would mean that the pram cover could be poppered down all the way along, leaving little chance for the wind to catch a loose section. He’d used a buoy fender to keep us away from the bank more in the wind. However the weight of the buoy and the wind had meant the fender hook slipped off from the grabrail, thankfully the buoy floats and the boat behind had stopped it from being blown too far, so we didn’t loose the eye. We’ll try a more standard fender from it when the wind has calmed down, but so far it seems that they might be kind to paint work, but lack enough gripability.
Jacket potatoes went in the fire box, the coals not up to full winter heat yet so the potatoes cooked but didn’t get crispy skins. With them we had a chicken coleslaw using up the last of the roast chicken (from the freezer) and various bits of veg.
1 lock, 5.5 miles, 1 soggy morning, 1 far more soggy afternoon, 6 Egrets in flight, 1 NHS letter to London, 1 storm Amy not here yet, 1 noisy night ahead, 23 brisk minutes, 20 seconds, 1 slippy fender hook, 3 jackets, pair 105 knitted, pair 106 designed, 1 rose coup hopefully averted.
The early morning mist clung to the river early on. As the clock ticked closer to breakfast time the mist increased and the view of the cooling towers almost disappeared before the sun took over and burnt its way through.
An email from the printers arrived, the final adjustment corrected. At last everything was ready to be printed and the big red button could be pressed on the copy machine. It feels like it’s been going on forever! Maybe it has!!
Keeping an eye on Trent Junction
Tilly was given shore leave, rules recited and the reasons I call her home reinforced today!
NB Hereward
Part way through the morning a shiny boat came past from Redhill. NB Hereward was on its way from being repainted by Tom at Gibson and Kentwright. Very nice looking boat. She’d gone back in the water a couple of days ago. I wonder if the owners had much to clean up, I’ve heard that the grit from being grit blasted gets everywhere inside despite all openings being covered up.
Compass Squiggles
Time to think about illustrations for the Separate Doors book. I’d had an idea whilst on the train and squiggled it down. But now I realised it was actually two ideas rolled into one. I ended up with three versions sketched out to send to Vanessa for her to point me in the right direction for the style of the book.
This afternoon’s walk had me walking up the Erewash towpath, further than I’ve been of late. At the very tree covered bridge into Sheet Stores I could just make out the stern of NB Bargus, it looked like Kat was delivering to a moored boat in the basin.
After we’d seen her in Burton her stern gear had developed quite a big problem and was letting in water when the prop turned. Brian on NB Elk had breasted the boats together and taken her down the Trent, up the first lock on the Erewash to Sheet Stores where NB Bargus was lifted out to await new parts, some welding etc. Whilst she was out of the water Kat blacked her and put the base coats on the port cabin side to paint out the old livery and get her looking more like a Jules Fuels boat. Bargus was now back in the water and preparing to head back to the Trent and Mersey. I’d seen that Kat had planned her next coal run and sent her a message asking for a top up, but after hearing nothing back we’d assumed she was already on her way up stream, but we’d been wrong. Later in the day we heard from her and yes she still had supplies on board and would see us in the morning.
A busy line
I walked through the same boring estate I’d walked the other day, it wasn’t any more interesting walking in the opposite direction. Across and under the many railway lines. At one level crossing I had to wait for a train to pass and then almost as soon as I’d crossed the lights started to flash again, only a couple of minutes between trains.
Water park
I opted for a different path back to the river, this one I thought might be more interesting as it was between two lakes. However, the lake to the right was totally invisible because of trees and the one to the left I only caught a little glimpse of the water park before brown fencing cut off my view totally! Back to the river bank with its high foliage so no view there either. The best part of today’s walk was listening to the birds and spotting them all on the pylon and cables, singing their hearts out.
Tweeting birdies!
Back at Oleanna Tilly was hanging about, well you told me I had to come back when told to! That is when I noticed she was limping again. It’s not been noticeable for quite a few days, but was definitely back now. We’ll see what some sofa and bed rest does for a day or two, then see if we need to pay a visit to those people who wear green!
Chilli Turkey Sausage and Squash Risotto
Lurking in the bottom of the freezer had been four chilli turkey sausages. I decided to see what they would be like in a risotto with some roast squash. It turned out to be really rather nice. Recipe will be found here.
0 locks, 0 miles, 1 misty start, 1 big PRINT button pressed (I hope), 3 squiggles, 1 invoice, 1 coal boat, 3 railway crossings, 1 boring walk, 72 brisk minutes, 1 out of 4, 4 turkey sausages, 0.5 squash, 2 plates of yummy food, 1 chink of glasses for William.
Late last night a new annotated props list landed in my inbox. This morning it was time to arrange a meeting with Min the Props Maker and find out what the props budget is. This done, breakfast consumed and Tilly back on board we pushed off to drop down Derwent Mouth Lock. The Chestnut tree here producing some serious conkers, all glowing brown fresh from their shells, things of beauty. I picked up a few to enjoy for a while until they grow dull as they dry out. Long gone are the days when kids would be seen throwing sticks up into trees to bring down what might turn out to be a truly legendary conker.
M1 ahead
Now to cross where the Derwent meets the River Trent. I’d checked the level board this morning, the level had dropped by at least a bricks worth since yesterday, yet the push of the current coming down stream had us skidding to keep going straight ahead to Sawley.
Sawley
Through the flood lock, past all the moorings, space for visitors, but we didn’t want to stop. Volunteers were keen to help at the locks down onto the river, but we wanted to offload some of our rubbish as it was starting to take over the stern of Oleanna.
We managed to place some of it in the bins which were already quite full. According to the volunteer, they have problems with bin collections here at the moment. Between Sawley and Fradley there is now only Willington where there are bins, since we last did this stretch two bin sites have gone, no wonder these bins are getting overwhelmed. We kept some back to add to the next bins.
Down the lock and back on the river, no space on the pontoon today, but we weren’t wanting to stop there anyway, our second mate would complain about the lack of friendly cover and trees close by. Down to the junction of the Erewash, Trent, Cranfleet cut and the River Soar, we headed right, south, a kingfisher darting along in front of us and an Egret watching on.
Coming in to moor
Through the flood lock at Red Hill, named as the sandy bank behind the houses on stilts is very red. Then we looked for a space to pull in, just enough room for us. A lorry arrived with a narrowboat sat on its trailer, what looked like a fresh coat of paint above the gunnels, but old blacking below. The lorry nudged back and forth on the slipway getting into position for the boat to be lifted off.
We walked round and found the office. Mandy welcomed us in, we’d said we’d be calling in for a chat. Oleanna is booked in with Tom at Gibson and Kentwright for a repaint early next year and we wanted to sus out about coming out of the water early to wait for our slot on the hard, which will save us money on our CRT licence.
Lorry lining up for the boat to be lifted off
Mandy was very straight with us about the marina and their rules. It is a very busy boat yard, with boats moving around on the hard most days. Several builders and painters on site, so it’s not a place that suits everyone. No dogs or kids allowed, too dangerous to have them running around. They would need to know if we wanted to do any work on Oleanna whilst she’s out of the water so she’s blocked up appropriately. Would we want power? We’d need a long lead as the meter may not be next to the boat. Don’t expect them to drop everything should you want something moved as they are very busy. They also charge 6 months land storage when you arrive, then if there are any months unused when you leave you get them refunded. Our quote from Tom includes three moves, so we’d be adding another one. Coming out of the water, laying up and six months storage would come to just under £2000, all payable the day we arrive! Gulp!!
We chatted about dates, all possible. We chatted about being still on the water whilst we move off, then being lifted out, less stress for Tilly, also all possible. We left with a mooring contract to fill in and her quote.
Back we go
The boat on the lorry was now being lifted by the big crane, just high enough to get the lorry out, then it was lowered, ropes handed down to chaps waiting so that when the boat is back in the water they can move her about. We wanted to go back the way we’d come. Where to wind? Ahead not really enough room and with a narrowboat about to be launched we’d be in the way! A winding hole back through the flood lock, Mick reversed us back then did his best to wind in between the banks of pennywort.
Back to Trent Lock where we pulled in to try out the new mooring rings that have recently been added, much better spacing than of old and not too big a step off Oleanna. Tilly was given the rules and off she went to explore whatever lies behind the hedge. CRT notices came in regarding the South Oxford, Coventry and Grand Union Canals, these will not be opening yet, but they hope to open them for a window of two weeks at the end of October for boaters to return to their moorings. If we positioned ourselves well we’d be able to make it to Oxford or Banbury for me to commute from the boat to work on Panto. But then we might find ourselves getting stuck at the wrong end of the country and miss our paint slot. The CRT notice just reinforced the decision we’d made a couple of weeks ago, to keep the boat north and if possible I’ll have a long weekend back home, if not Mick might come to Chippy or London for a weekend instead.
After lunch Mick headed off into Long Eaton to pick up his prescription and I got myself ready for my meeting with Min. At 4pm the meeting started. Getting to know each other, how we both work, when things will be needed for rehearsals was one side of the meeting. Then there was the nitty gritty of each item, a long long list for a pantomime.
More panto lists
Mick arrived back a little after 5, we’d not got half way through Act 1. We jumped about a little, some props having things in common with items later in the show. 6pm, we’d not reached the interval. Tilly came home wanting food, Mick fed her. We could break the meeting and carry on some other time, maybe over the weekend. 7pm, Mick was happy to wait for food, he had a shower. Four hours after we’d started Min and I reached the end of the list, both of us with lists of questions for other people, but a very good thorough meeting. Thank you Min.
What to do for food? Emergency tuna pasta or see if one of the pubs was still serving food, it was possible it being a Friday night. We tried The Steamboat Inn first, no-one at the bar, a few people sat drinking, no signs of any food being served, we turned round and walked on to The Trent Lock.
Tonights naughty meal
Yes they were serving food, quite a few tables occupied, we picked up menus and ordered. A glass of wine to accompany a bacon chop, egg and chips, just a different name for Gammon really, but it was very nice and saved cooking late, just that bit more expensive than the dhal I had been going to make this evening!
Back on Oleanna we had another glass of wine and ended up as we quite often do on a Friday watching old music programs. Tonight there was one about great guitarists. Jimi Hendrix was playing something that sounded remarkably like Smoke on The Water. Had he written it? Or was it Deep Purple? Jimi died in 1970, Deep Purple recorded it around 1971. Mick checked on line and came across a forum, this had started a spat.
Jimi wrote the song and then the singer from deep purple found a tape laying on the ground, played it, and it was the song. so they learned it and gave themselves credit.
The “tape” as he specified was not considered an ideal medium to record music because it was too primitive be used for anything that requires detail. The cassette tape was primarily used for diction. It was not until ’71 that companies began to modify and tinker with the technology to make it suitable for different applications i.e. music recording.
Don’t try to bring logic and facts to this thread, Jimi Hendrix wrote Smoke on the Water, PERIOD.
No, I wrote Smoke on the Water. PERIOD. He stole that song from me, just as The Beatles took my idea for Sgt. Peppers, The Rolling Stones took my “Satisfaction”, and that prick Beethoven stole my Ninth. And don’t get me started on those bastards, Mozart and Bach. The Vienna Waltz? That was mine too. I dropped my USB key in Autstria, and the next thing I know, Strauss is taking credit for all my sh*t.
2 locks, 3 flood locks, 3.6 miles, 2 rights, 1 wind, £2k, 4 hours props meeting, 2 A4 sheets of notes, 2 late to make dhal, 5 minutes brisk walking! 2 bacon chops, 2 glasses of wine, 1970, 1971, 1972? 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.
A quick sweep through and tidy up this morning before logging into a production meeting for panto. Roses, frames, lists, all sorts were discussed, if anyone knows a drummer who’d like to be in Chippy over Christmas please send them our way!
Gemma and I carried on after the meeting, a few nips and tucks with the set builder should bring the budget back in line without me having to revisit elements of the set. Props meetings were lined up for next week so that our props maker Min can get cracking with purchasing things.
Mick had made himself scarce during the meeting, walking down to look at the garden centre and Swarkstone. He soon returned when the coast was clear for a bite of lunch.
BLUE!
The day went from bright blue sunshine to serious downpours. I chatted with Tilly, would she be willing to spend some of the afternoon asleep on our bed, so that a visitor could come on board called Rolo. They don’t normally ask, so I thought it was quite nice to be consulted and didn’t mind being ushered that way. However She closed the bathroom door! That’s not normal either!!
Rolo, he’s not quite got the hang of posing for photos yet
Bridget and Storm have been camping for a few days near Derby and popped over to see us, bringing their 16 week old mini Dacshund called Rolo. Okay so I hadn’t mentioned to Tilly that Rolo was a woofer! We thought that because of the changeable weather it would be nice if he could come and join us onboard too. Well what a boat guest! He sat and gradually nodded off whilst us humans chatted away, plenty to catch up on not having seen them since last year at the Cheshire Locks.
A woofer! His legs aren’t long enough to be a woofer!!
Then there was lots of paperwork to do. Yesterday we’d printed off forms for or Lasting Power of Attorney, these needed us to sign them, there to be a witness and then someone who had known us for two years who could advise as to whether we were doing this of our own free will and of sound mind. Bridget only had to sign each document once, Mick and I several times, but poor Storm was kept very busy witnessing signatures and writing out his address each time.
Storm, Rolo, Mick, Bridget, Pip and Tilly somewhere in the sideways trees
Tilly after a while wanted to see what was going on. I suspect knowing Bridget and Storm over the years helped along with that Rolo was a similar size to herself. I’d been expecting Tilly to cause a fuss, but she gave Rolo a look or two, Rolo woofed back (blowing his cover admittedly), no cartoon cat tail or arched back, Tilly just walked on by and headed out to the sideways trees. The only time there was a fuss was when Rolo was back on the towpath and Tilly decided to defend her boat, but that was short lived.
Blimey!
We had a lovely afternoon chatting away. One more visitor came to ear wig from across the way and sat whilst we all had a good look at his plumage and I managed to get possibly the best photos I’ve ever taken of a Kingfisher.
I walked them back to their van, one night left on the campsite before returning home. Lovely to see them both and hopefully it won’t be so long before we can get together again.
The causeway
I’d not been for a walk, so headed down to the bridge over the River Trent. Storm had mentioned the causeway that stretches off into the distance from here. The footpath not really of a suitable width to walk with cars zooming past, so I found a footpath through the adjacent field, which gave me quite a good view. I’d had my eyes on a 5.5 mile walk through this field, Stanton by Bridge, the outskirts of Melbourne to then cross back over the Trent on a disused viaduct getting me back to the canal above Weston Lock. But it was far too late to start on such a walk, so once my shoes were totally soaked from wading through the long grass in the field I decided to turn round and return getting them just that bit wetter. If I come back this way I’ll put my walking boots on as mud is starting to make a welcome return in the countryside.
A pleasant, if toe dampening, evening walk
Chilli Citrus Salmon this evening with baby potatoes and salad. Yum
0 locks, 0 miles, 11am meeting, 2 months ago I did that! 35,802 roses, 365 Microsoft playing silly b**s, 2 litre flask, 1 keen props maker, 3 visitors, 5 woofs, 1 well behaved Tilly, 1 proud She, 28 signatures, 1 big envelope required, 46 brisk minutes, 2 soggy shoes, 2 dripping socks.
With quite a bit of rubbish accumulated on board we decided to have a walk into Willington together. Mick is aiming to do more exercise, I slowed my pace, we still managed to do 21 minutes of brisk walking to the bins. I suspect if I slowed my normal walking pace a touch I’d achieve more minutes, but I’ve got used to my brisk pace now. Would there be any room in the bins for our recycling? A lighter load than the main bin. When we’d been moored opposite the bins we’d heard that they’d all been emptied on a Friday, so we hoped that would be the case today. No rubbish on the floor and space for our stuff, there’s not a recycling bin in the compound so unfortunately it all had to go in with the general waste, we were getting so we couldn’t move for it on Oleanna.
No rubbish on the floor!
Mick headed back to Oleanna along the towpath, I had a different route planned. First I called into the Co-op, then to the Chemists on Kingfisher Lane. Mick was wanting an additional pill box to add to his collection, plus he was after a urine sample bottle. I asked at the counter only to be directed to the GP surgery next door. For some reason in Scarborough you have to buy these at chemists, but here in Willington at the GP’s they have a big crate full of them on the reception desk, I was told to help myself. I did and tucked it in the bottom of my bumbag.
The other day on the towpath I’d spotted a sign ‘Willington Wetland Circular Walk’ The internet suggested it was 4.5 miles and takes in a stretch of the towpath which I’d already done most of walking to the bins, I just needed to find the right road into the Wetlands Nature Reserve. A long track brought me to a gate, one that gets locked overnight to protect the nature inside.
Signs had warned it might be muddy, stepping stones along the path weren’t needed today, it was just a touch squelchy under foot. I soon came across steps up to a hide overlooking a lake. A chap with a far superior camera told me that there were two Green Sandpipers. I zoomed in with my little camera, I think I got the right birds. Egret to the left, Green Sandpiper to the right, I think.
A pretty good view
There are a few more hides along the path, some with seats, one enclosed with three enthusiasts trying to identify a bird a bit like a Kestrel, but it’s tail wasn’t quite right. My aim was to walk and see if I could see anything with my little camera, so I didn’t bother staying long.
The Wetlands is where Beavers have been reintroduced, not that you could see any today in the early afternoon and I suspect that is why the reserve is locked off over night. However this is where the images came from up at the hospital yesterday from an infrared camera.
The route, I could hear the Lapwings but not see any
The circular walk doesn’t show on OS maps, nor Google. I eventually found an information board that I could take a photo of so I knew I’d be heading in the right direction now as I was leaving the reserve. There is a map on the internet but it’s not so easy to look at on a phone.
A walk to have time away from the last few weeks
Nettles don’t seem to have been affected by the drought, I needed my arms above my head to avoid getting stung as the path became narrower and headed towards the River Trent. This morning on the Try The Trent Facebook group levels had actually moved upwards by a few inches, at last there was some fresh coming down river. Here in Willington it was very obvious, the flow zipping along downstream, the level looking quite high. The recent rain rushing down stream and not hanging about to help top up reservoirs, the ground too dry to absorb sudden cloud bursts.
The path now cuts back across land between gravel pits, numerous signs warn of the dangers of swimming here, one being that you would loose your hands. The Cemex site then comes into view, industry making use of nature and when finished with returning it. A concrete road now takes you over the railway line, Willington Cooling Towers just in view on the horizon.
No trains though
Then back to the canal down a track, passing a posh travellers base, a vintage caravan peeking out from a modern barn, most probably built for it. I didn’t feel I could take a photo through the gate, it would be like someone leaning in through our side hatch to take a photo.
These two barked at anything!
Back on the towpath, the noisy A38 running close again, it was however drowned out by these two woofers who were working overtime on the off side. Back to Oleanna for a late lunch then an afternoon touching up more panto. Tilly explored, hopefully leaving the cat on the next boat alone. Mick retired to bed for 90 winks, whilst I was out he’d had a phone call from the hospital about his new medication and warning him not to get blind drunk and fall over!
Muddy boots
Broccoli Bacon pasta tonight.
0 locks, 0 miles, 2 cats on the towpath, 1 Tilly must learn to share, 21 minutes walking together, 2 bags recycling disposed of, 1 pill box, 1 sample bottle, 2 green birdies, 5 hides, 1 rushing river, 1 nice walk, 78 brisk minutes, 2 muddy boots, 2 woofers woofing, 1 side of the front cloth stretched and tidied.
When Mick had talked to the GP on Tuesday they had decided to change a blood pressure drug he was on. Unfortunately this drug wasn’t available in the stroke unit, but there was a prescription waiting for him at Boots in Burton which would mean he’d be able to take one today.
Tidying things up
I had the morning checking proofs for panto that had been sent to me. One looked like they’d used a version that I hadn’t touched up. Had they used the wrong file, I certainly didn’t want there to be water drops in the sky! Tilly had been given two hours shore leave. The first hour she really wasn’t interested, but then something caught my eye, that needed further investigation!
Bass on the pavements
Mick had seen the consultant this morning. Mr K (as he’s known on the ward) was happy with Mick’s stroke. However, some of the symptoms Mick had described to do with his eyes were not typical symptoms of a stroke. He’s definitely had a stroke, but could there be something else happening? He was referred to an Ophthalmologist in the hospital. After that he’d have his medications reviewed and be sent home! Great news.
Coopers Square
He also saw a Physiotherapist, who didn’t bother to even walk him around the room as his mobility hasn’t been affected, it’s just his vision. He was advised that he’d not be allowed to drive for a month, standard after a stroke. Then he’ll need to see a GP to be assessed before knowing whether he’ll have to revoke his licence or not. Looks like I’m going to have to put my big girls pants on, I’ve not driven for about 8 years!
Quite serious downpours of rain at times today, all quite short lived
Tilly had got herself busy. I called and called for her. I really wanted to head to the hospital. I waited, it’s not so easy waiting for a cat as it is the NHS! I started with some work again, chatted to a boater from up the way, then she returned, ‘AN HOUR LATE!!!’ Somebody needs to reset their internal clock!
Shobnall Stores is the closest shop to the canal, I bobbed in to see what newspapers they sell. They get one copy of our Saturday paper. Was I from a boat? He’d add another to his order for me. Brilliant, we can have a Saturday newspaper on a Saturday morning!
Traffic was chaos in town. I picked up Micks drugs and headed to the nearest bus stop. The bus took ages to arrive, some road works somewhere. But once on the bus it shot along the A38 depositing me back at the hospital.
Bran flakes for breakfast today with a banana I’d bought for him, then a ham and egg sandwich for lunch. He was still waiting to be seen by Ophthalmology. I took his box of new drugs to the desk and said I’d managed to score in town, paperwork was filled out, computers checked and a pill was dispensed.
Such a messy bed!
A chap across the way was refusing to sit in a very special chair, the most comfortable chair in the hospital. He was adamant. The lady across the way was sleeping, then got taken for a scan. The fourth bed had already had one patient overnight but they’d been discharged. A chap was wheeled in, then wheeled out again. Another fella arrived, lots of questions, it was a return visit for him. He chatted away to the nurses. A menu was brought for him, far bigger than Mick had been offered. This chap had missed the normal ordering of dinner. He selected, there was a comment of ‘we’re the NHS you know!’ Then a hostess arrived, said he’d been given the wrong menu. She reeled off the options, nothing was suitable for him. Eye’s rolled. More options were offered, a cheese and tomato omelette maybe. It sounded like he was expecting a glass of red wine to arrive with his meal!
Mick was informed that it was now unlikely that he’d be seen in Ophthalmology today, they might do a clinic on Saturday morning, but not guaranteed. However he would be moving again. He was in a room where people are kept under observation 24/7, he doesn’t need that and is very independent, so he’d be given his own room! Mick got things packed, then we waited. Dinner arrived, chilli, some veg in the rice. Not sure what the picky chap got in the end, maybe they’d had to send out for a Michelin starred chef!
A Team Leader arrived, Sister possibly in old language. She was going to move Mick as he was unlikely to now be seen until Monday, his bed was needed for someone else. He’d be moved to a bay. We asked if there was a possibility that he could go home and return to the hospital on Monday? This was swept away without comment. Okay then, his own room, great! Except she wouldn’t allow that! She checked her sheet. Had he been seen by a Physio? Yes, he was independent, no mobility issues. But as his problem was his eyesight she wasn’t going to allow him to have his own room. In a room he’d only see staff when they came round for drugs, food or obs. Should he have a fall he could be there for four hours before being spotted, then possibly end up needing to be in hospital longer than just the weekend! She wasn’t quite as stern as Hattie Jacques in the Carry On Films, but close.
Beware of the Hattie Jacques stare!
A bay it was, where staff come and go to see the four patients. His table, cupboard then his bed with him in it were moved from one end of the ward right to the other, no stopping off on the way to join in with the dancing session going on. None of his new neighbours seemed to be chatty, no machines that go BING! so that was good.
The bus took a different route back into town, a longer walk back to Oleanna. I cooked up a veg stir fry with yellow pea noodles whilst catching up with Frank who’d started his next lot of treatment today, he was quite buoyant about it all and kept going off on tangents as he does! Messages to catch up on, then a look at the artwork for panto. Somehow whilst I was thinking I’d scanned them to a higher resolution, I’d actually done the opposite. This weekend I’d best see if I can resolve it. Damn!
0 locks, 0 miles, 2 boats gone, 1 new boat, 1 paper on order, 2 buses, 1 box of drugs, 1 awol cat, 1 more move, 5th room in the hospital, 1 chair, 1 very excited Mick, 12 weeks not 6 months for Frank, at the moment, 1 glove to be kept handy.
Alarm set for 6am, cheese and pastrami butties made, laptop packed along with two pieces of panto model. Then I was off to the station to catch the direct train down to Exeter St Davids. Thankfully the train from Burton wasn’t that busy to start with and I didn’t feel the need to play seat hopscotch. I opted for my first reserved seat, then moved into my third one across the way a stop before hand.
I tried writing a blog post, but lack of space made that a touch hard, then I got on with some knitting. Gemma, the Production Manager for panto, joined the train at Bristol Parkway, her seat behind mine.
Pretty town hall
When I’d left Burton this morning it had been 10C, now the sun was out and I was heading for the south coast which would be the warmest place in England according to last nights forecast. I made sure to keep an eye out as we headed southwards from Bristol, did I spot Paul Balmer dancing around in his garden waving at trains?
Exeter St David’s
At Exeter St David’s we changed trains, a very seaside feel to those getting on and off the train. The train skirts along the River Ex, the tide seemed to be out and many boats sat on the bottom. Then the train turns along the coast of the English Channel, the sea bright blue today reflecting the sky.
The River Exe
Just a couple of minutes to enjoy being close to Dawlish beach before Jamie arrived to pick us up and whisk us along to his workshop. A quiet time in between festivals for Back Drop Design, a few TV things coming up and Chippy panto would fit nicely in between.
Sunny beach
Gemma had brought the model pieces for us to discuss. I have to say I was a little bit surprised that the finished model drawings hadn’t been forwarded to Jamie, nor the colour model storyboard. So various things had changed from the information he’d had, but at least there was time to go through everything and for him to make notes.
The last bit of model to discuss
A cuppa as we chatted. How was the budget? Well I’d been told a month ago we were fine, it looked like there’d be no need for any amendments then. But Gemma asked if Jamie could bring the build in for a couple of thousand less than he’d priced it up and a few extra bits had been added today. I wasn’t surprised at his reaction, ‘that’s my profit’. It’s a shame this conversation couldn’t have happened a month ago, but people are busy, maybe a bit too busy! Another hour sat with up to date drawings would have helped us find some savings, but Gemma and I were booked on specific trains back.
Good signs
Back along the coast, up the estuary, changing trains again. The train back north was two units, one would be stopping at Bristol Temple Meads the other one carrying on. Announcements were too quick, platform staff guided us to the front carriages, thankfully these weren’t as packed so tightly as those behind. We found seats a miracle, the previous train had been cancelled and there was suggestions from the passengers that tomorrow there is a strike. One lady said they had only just added four more carriages, so she’d quickly moved so she could breath. Then there was the announcement that meant we were actually in the wrong part of the train, but half an hour later another guard had been found so all eight carriages could continue onwards to Edinburgh, phew!
Because of overcrowding the train was delayed a bit. Gemma alighted in Bristol. Then there was a points failure, necessitating going into Gloucester to get round it. Then because of the train before having been cancelled they added an extra stop at Tamworth. All in all I ended up being over an hour late back into Burton, at least I’ll get some money back.
A well deserved glass of wine
Mick had planned to spend the day in the engine bay fitting a new bit of Victron kit. But another bad nights sleep had had to be made up for so he’d had a good afternoon kip. Tilly had had an inquisitive black Labrador come to visit her, but she’d spent quite a lot of the day on her throne under the pram cover. Three loads of washing were hanging about the place, so Mick had been busy for some of the day.
I got back to Oleanna around twelve hours after I’d left, I’d managed 2.5 hours in Dawlish. Now I’m waiting to see what adjustments are required!
Daffodils?!
0 locks, 0 miles, 4 trains, 1 production manager, 5 week out of date drawings, 2 attempts to write the blog, 1 sock completed, 5 reserved seats, 4 sardine carriages, 2 giant figures, 3 loads washing, 1 black lab, 1 hello, 10 C to 25C, 12 meatballs and spaghetti, 1 spring weather forecast!
Up early, we were in need of filing with diesel and to cruise around three hours today. Currently we have a destination in mind for my meeting on the south coast which needs us to keep moving, not too much, but a constant direction to move in. Once I’ve visited the set builders for panto the original plan was to start heading southwards to be around Banbury or Oxford by late October for me to go to work on panto whilst being able to return to the boat at weekends. Unless there is significant rainfall in the next month we really don’t see the waterways that will be closing on the 26th August or that are already closed due to low water levels reopening in time. So we need another plan.
This isn’t the miserable chap
Current thinking is to stay in the Trent/Soar area so that we don’t miss our repaint slot at Redhill. Originally we’d planned to be out until the New Year with at least one lodger already booked in for the Christmas show. But if we can’t get onto the Oxford we may see if we can come out of the water earlier than planned and very sadly curtail our years cruising, returning to Scarborough when our current lodgers leave. Well that is our current plan and almost certainly going to change for one reason or another, but we are almost certain we’ll be back in the house before Christmas.
No, only the moon!
Back to today. It was going to be hot, really quite HOT with little cloud cover, so we set off quite early for us , the first to leave the moorings. Paul from Waterway Routes had asked us to check if something wasn’t there, a photo was forwarded to him from the location to confirm that there was only blue sky.
Straight on to Nether Lock
A couple of boats had wild moored on the banks, the second one turned out to be a miserable chap on a cruiser who’d been plonked right in the middle of the high wall at Cromwell when we arrived yesterday fishing from his boat. He’d got miffed off with boats mooring around him. As we passed him today, his fishing line was out and he shouted over to us that he was waiting to be rescued as he’d got his rope around his prop. Somehow he’d managed to tie to the bank using his hook up cable. It sounded like someone was on their way to rescue him so we passed slowly and left him to continue to be miserable.
Under the railway
On the off chance, Mick radioed ahead to Nether Lock, a reply surprised us both from the Cromwell Lock Keeper who was at Nether, he’d already set it for us, the light would be green so we could go straight in. We’d been spotted by the Lockie on duty at Cromwell. As ever at the Trent Locks we were asked if we’d be continuing on to the next lock or not, this is so they can let the next lock keeper know there’s a boat on the way. Apparently all the locks are manned at the moment, 9 to 4. Handy to know as there are a couple of locks with sandbanks below them which makes it hard to drop crew off to operate them.
Not even the ducks noticed !
Mick rang ahead to King’s Marina, they’d just opened for the day, their diesel was £1.10 domestic. We’d considered on topping up enough to reach Shobnall where the price will be much lower, but for peace of mind we decided to top the tank up. Mick did a perfect manoeuvre onto their service pontoon, but nobody noticed! Paula the Harbour Master came down to serve us, 103 litres, yes we were welcome to top up with water and use their bins. She’s a very friendly lady and happy to help. The marina toilets and showers were being upgraded along with the installation of a dog shower, I think most Aquavista Marinas are getting these. There is also a pergola going up as a social space for the moorers.
Newark Castle quieter here today than in April
Back on the river Kiln Pontoon was just about full, several boats were moored on the low wall opposite. Town Lock opened up for us and a volunteer took our ropes and saw us up. Everywhere we go at the moment people say what a wonderful day it is, good boating weather. We have to disagree, we’d far rather it was chucking it down!
moo
Now along the meandering river heading for Hazelford Lock moorings. The Newark Crusader pulled out from Newark Marina and followed us. Mick radioed them to see if they wanted to pass, they’d see once we’d got out of town. Sure enough soon after the houses stopped they radioed back asking to pass on our starboard side. Starboard side, our starboard side? We did as requested, looked over our shoulders to see that they were adjusting course to pass to our port, which is the correct side to pass on. They had to adjust course again.
Under the cover
With the sun beating down on us we opted to raise the pram hood to give ourselves some shade. With the front window rolled up and sides off it wasn’t too bad, but we’d still rather not cruise with it up as it impedes visibility, plus if you catch it on a bridge, it’s a costly repair. Today we really didn’t want to get burnt and knew there’d be no low bridges.
Boats came towards us, almost a constant stream of them. We’d best get used to this as we’re on a busy river again, today it felt like we were on the Thames it was that busy. Some boats just out for the weekend, some for the day. Quite a few after the CRT notices yesterday doing their best to get back to their home moorings, some cruises having taken people three weeks to reach here and now they have 12 days to get back!
All the way the visitor moorings were just about empty, but would they be at Hazelford? We had our fingers and paws crossed for some shore leave for Tilly on the lock island. As we rounded the last bend we could see one wide beam on the moorings and our preferred space was free. We pulled in deployed the big fat fenders, opened the side hatch followed by the stern doors for Tilly. Two hours to start with, then another three would follow if she didn’t get too hot. We’d managed to moor up at lunchtime, perfect.
One of the Trent km markers
I did a bit more touching up of cloths for panto, then headed across the bridge below the weir to walk to Fiskerton. A nice riverbank walk. Plenty of fishermen set up for the weekend with their tents. Cows grazing the brittle yellow grass. Thankfully the sun had lost it’s heat so I had a pleasant walk, returning through the Blackthorn archway that in April had been so white, today most of the sloes have been picked.
Barbeque at sunset
Time to barbeque and make the most of the setting sun whilst sitting out on the big steps at the moorings. Burgers and veg kebabs with a glass or two of wine. We like this mooring, we all like it a lot.
Main Street Winding Hole to Retford and Worksop Boat Club
Such a lovely mooring
Mick put his overalls on this morning, ran the engine to get her a little bit warm and then climbed down into the engine bay. The Lidl electric pump came out again, connected to the starter battery, he’d thought about this, then it set to pumping out the old engine oil. It took time and was really quite noisy, but it did the job. A new Beta pump is on order and we’re awaiting a delivery. The filter was changed then fresh oil was poured in, all ready now for our trip out onto the Tidal Trent. *Thank you Tony for your suggestion re a dribble of oil, we’ll try that before we change the existing pump.
One happy happy cat
I spent some time weaving in ends of a pair of socks ready for their delivery over the weekend. Then Tilly and I had a bit of a walk along the towpath. What a lovely mooring this is. Thankfully the field we’re alongside had already been harvested, so no clouds of dust kicking up in the air as there was over in the distance where straw was being bailed up. I spotted a snake swimming across the canal, maybe that’s what I’d seen the other day, all far too quick to get a photo.
Lunch, then we made ready for the off, we’d be the only boat moving along here today. I walked ahead, only a mile to walk today, then some pacing out to do. Boats had moved about a bit on the boat club moorings, one boat had taken the space we’d had ten days ago, others had been out and winded. I was on the hunt for a suitably sized gap. 26 paces required for Oleanna.
Moving up
22, 24, ah ha! 26!! Mick put Oleanna’s bow in for me to get a rope, then we did an Andy spring line to bring her into the mooring which had just six inches spare. We rang the warden, Phil this week, who came riding along on a bike. Did we want to be here or further on, someone was leaving tomorrow so we could have their spot. We were quite happy where we were with some shade during the second half of the day, which might be handy. A key for the electric was found and we plugged in, we’d be seeing Phil later on at the Club to pay our dues.
Skin ‘ed!
An exploration of the sideways trees was deemed to be not quite as good as the last time we were here. Mick had a towpath haircut all whilst the batteries topped themselves back up to full.
Yesterdays leftover pie was heated back up and consumed along with some Jersey Royals and cabbage, very nice. Then we walked down to the club house for a drink.
Hello Claudia and David
Gosh it was popular, in the main room not a seat was to be had, so we took our drinks outside and got chatting to various people. Some have moored here for years, decades even, others a few months. Cruising tales were exchanged over beer and wine as the moon rose in it’s brilliant orange fullness. A very pleasant evening.
Not the best photo of the moon rising, I needed my camera really
In the latest Towpath Talk there’s an article on our friend Chris Stanbury who is well on his way back from walking from Lands End to John O’Groats and back. Not sure how many more days he’ll be walking for, I think the last time we caught up with his videos he was south of Tewksbury on day 127!
Chris! Click the photo for a link to his Just giving page
0 locks, 1 mile, 3rd space, 26 paces, 1 oil change, 9 litres, 2 outsides, 1 snake in the water, 102nd pair finished, 2 glasses wine, 2 pints of T, 1 bunged up nose, 1 familiar closeish neighbour.
