Cruise 2016 #2

Monday 9^th May to Monday 23^rd May

 Wednesday 11^th May

 We stayed at Hillmorton yesterday, because it was raining when I got up at 5.45 am, and continued to rain for most of the day. This morning it isn’t raining, but it certainly has overnight, so we’ll have to wait and see. We’re in no hurry though, because, when we consider that we usually average three miles per day, we’ll still arrive at Middlewich before Alan and Chris get here from Germany.

 Now, I haven’t mentioned our low calorie diet lately, but it still seems to be doing its job. I weighed myself on Monday and I had lost another 2 lb and am now down to 13 stone eight pounds. Also, after talking to the practice nurse before we left Crick, she agreed that, while my blood glucose readings continued to be low, I should only take my evening shot of Insulin, but that I should split it between morning and evening, to make it more effective. So, although this is taking much longer that Dr Mosley’s eight weeks, I’m in no hurry and, just as long as I get below 13 stone, I’ll be a happy bunny.

 Thursday 12^th May

 I’m sure that many of you saw the news item regarding new ‘treatment’ for diabetes sufferers, aimed primarily at losing weight. Instead of a gastric band, they now insert a long tube, that looks like it’s made from flimsy plastic sheeting and, as far as I could tell, does a similar job to a gastric band.

 Now, I’m not blowing my own trumpet here, but many of you know about my attempt at beating diabetes, simply by following good advice from a respected Doctor, and reducing my calorie intake. I know it works, and so too do hundreds of other diabetes sufferers. So, with the NHS really strapped for cash, why spend £3,500 on people who simply won’t control their eating?

 I know, I know, there are some who simply can’t control their eating and who would struggle with a calorie controlled diet, but shouldn’t all the other, overweight diabetics, at least try? Nuff said!! I am now off my soapbox!!

 Yesterday morning, rather than walk around to the shop for our Daily Mail, we decided to get away earlyish and get down Hillmorton locks before the rush. I’m so glad we did because, when we arrived at the bottom we found a chaotic situation. Boats were milling around, mostly near the water point and, if they were all planning on going up the locks, they were going to take quite some time. When we took a walk down those locks on Tuesday, we noticed that, of the six single locks; which are doubled up at each of three levels; three of them were out of action. This can be a very busy area, especially at peak summer times, so the six locks are essential for a smooth flow of traffic. However, with a CRT tender lying idle at the bottom of the locks, we are hopeful that the CRT crew are about to make a start on necessary repairs. Happily, we won’t be back this way for a while, so the shortage of workable locks isn’t going to affect us any time soon.

 Anyway, we made it to Newbold by 10 am and had a coffee prior to walking down to the Co-op for the paper and some milk. Job done.

 Today we’ll take the bus into Rugby and shop at Asda’s, then have our final coffee at our usual café.

 Friday 13^th May

 We took the bus into Rugby yesterday morning, did a bit of shopping at Asda and had our final coffee at our favourite café. The weather was great and this morning is still dry. This is just as well, because we’ll be moving on, to Bridge 26, one of our usual stops along this canal. We’ll only stop one night, because we want to be at Hawkesbury Junction for the weekend.

 Sunday 15^th May

 A great day yesterday. Fine and sunny, although with a chilly wind.

 We left bridge 26 at about 8 am and had arrived at Hawkesbury Junction, on the Coventry canal, by 10 am and that included topping up with water. Luckily for us, and most unusual, we managed to moor up in the nearest spot to the Greyhound pub, so just a short walk for our Sunday drink. If the weather stays as it is, all bright and sunny, we’ll be able to sit in the garden.

 Now, some time ago I built a new top box using decking. It’s the same square size as the old one, but is slightly taller. So far it’s been fine going under bridges, but I’m rather apprehensive about some of the narrower ones, and especially the one on the Ashby canal, that leads to the Trinity marina. (That’s the one before our one at Market Bosworth).

 This particular bridge is rather flat and somewhat lower than most. Indeed, we find it prudent to lower our heads when passing under it. In short, will our new top box make it under there? Well, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so we won’t know until we try.

 However, since I didn’t glue the sides together, it should be pretty easy to dismantle and leave it as a single decking height. In fact, when we get to our first mooring on the Ashby, we might just do that anyway. The box would still have enough room for all the stuff that’s in it, but the cover would bulge upwards in the middle.

 Meanwhile, we took a couple of longish walks yesterday, making the most of the sunshine. But, we were disappointed that the local newsagents didn’t have a Daily Mail. So my dear Wifey bought an Express. Not our favourite newspaper, but fairly acceptable in the circumstances. We were rather late in going to the shop yesterday because, above all other considerations, we always have our coffee before venturing forth for unimportant things, such as newspapers.

 Monday 16^th May

 It looks like it’s going to be another fine day, so we’ll be off to the Ashby canal after we walk to the shop for the paper.

 Tuesday 17^th May

 Arrived at bridge 3 on the Ashby at 10 am yesterday morning and did absolutely nothing for the rest of the day.

 Today has dawned bright and sunny, although, if that pesky Shefali, on Midlands Today has her way, we’ll see lots of rain later. But, should it stay fine enough, we’ll be off to Hinkley Wharf and will take the bus into Nuneaton. I am now in desperate need of new jeans, because my lightweight trousers are so loose around the waist, that I have to pull my belt in really tight for them to stay up.

 Wednesday 18^th May

 I’m pleased to say that we passed through the bridge safely. No problem with the new top-box. Hallelujah!

 As Shefali, of BBC West Midlands predicted yesterday, it’s raining this morning. But, like it or not, we have to go into Nuneaton for some shopping. We spent a couple of hours there yesterday, looking for new jeans for me, but no joy there.

 I tried on Wranglers size 36, but, even though they fitted me OK, they didn’t feel comfortable. I suspect it’s because they were new and I haven’t worn jeans for quite some time. I also tried a pair of trousers, that were lighter in weight, also size 36, but they were too baggy around the bum. I then tried a pair of Jasper Conran jeans, also size 36, priced at £76 a pair, but I couldn’t even do the button up. I’m so glad because I didn’t really fancy paying the price.

 So, no jeans as yet. However, my favourite and, on previous occasions, the ones that fitted me properly around the bum, are Lee, or Lee Cooper, so I’ll be looking online for those, just to see where I can get them. Who knows?

 Thursday 19^th May

 Yesterday was a complete washout, with rain just about all day long. But, since we had to go into town for shopping, off we went and strolled across from the bus station to Asda.

 Remembering that Asda do a range of clothing called George, we took a look around for my jeans before doing the shopping. Now, I’m no skinflint and, had those Jasper Conran jeans been a comfortable fit, I would probably have forked out the £76 asking price. Also, had the Wranglers been comfortable, the same goes for their £38 price tag. But, at just £12 per pair of well-fitting and comfortable jeans, I decided to buy two pairs of Asda's own make. All I have to do now, is await Wifey’s pleasure to dig out the sewing machine and alter the leg length.

 Today, after our 48 hour stay, we’ll move along and stop off for diesel and a gas bottle at the nearest boat yard, which just so happens to be the Ashby Canal hire company.

 When it’s time to turn the telly on; around 3.45 pm; we also have to switch on the Inverter/Charger, otherwise, no 240-volt system. Also, in order to save on battery power, Wifey turns it off prior to taking Alex out. Last night she forgot this, most basic of duties and I forgot to check and make sure she had done so.

 So, when I noticed that the I/C was still on this morning, when I took Alex out, and fearing the worse, I checked the battery power and, much to my amazement, the main panel was still showing 12.3 volts. With our earlier bank of six domestics, that figure would probably have been down to 11 volts, maximum. Which all points to Dave’s advice to have only four domestics as very sound indeed.

 Monday 23^rd May

 We moved on from Hinkley Wharf on Friday morning and, after stopping off at the boat yard for a gas bottle, we made our way to Stoke Golding. We didn’t bother with topping up with diesel, because they were sorting out a boat for a holidaymaking couple from New Zealand, and their boat was across the diesel point. If possible we’ll do that on the return trip.

 We stayed at Stoke Golding on Friday and Saturday, then moved on to Shackerstone, for our Sunday tipple, which we enjoyed sitting in their garden.

 Today we’ll move on to Snarestone, which is the end of the navigable stretch of this canal. We may stay there for the full wo days and, if the weather is kind to us, we’ll get some painting done.

 All that needs to be done now, is to post this blog and, with a really good signal here, that’s what I’ll do.

 Take care folks and enjoy the coming week. We certainly will.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise 2016 #1

Cruise 2016 #1

 Sunday 1^st May to Monday 10^th May

 Sunday 1^st May

 Oh what fun we’ve had already.

 We left the marina yesterday morning and moored up a short way from there. As usual, we took a walk through the village, had some lunch and then, at about 5.30 pm we ran the engine, to charge the batteries.

 At about 7 pm Wifey noticed that, although the starter battery was being charged alright, the four domestics weren’t, and this can be a real problem first thing in the morning – no power equals no hot water, etcetera, etcetera.

 Now, along the cut here at Crick, mobile reception is pretty poor, as any boater will tell you. So, after taking a look inside the engine bay and noticing no lights on the Sterling Alternator/Charger, I searched for any loose wires and, not finding any, I then walked up to the main road and phoned our engineer, Dave, who didn’t happen to be in the area.

 Just a couple of hours before all this happened, a carpenter called Neil, had fitted a new engine cover – ours was looking the worst for wear after 10 years on board. Anyway, Dave suggested I contact Neil and see if he could help. Luckily for us he had a petrol generator lying around and we brought that round to the boat and plugged it in and off we went.

 Unfortunately, the time limit on running engines and chargers is up until 8 pm, so I had to my nearest neighbour if he would be Ok with running the generator a bit later, which he was OK with. But, we still only had about an hour of charging, so I’ll still have to take another look for a loose wire. We’re hoping that’s all it is, because we dread to think what it will cost to repair the Sterling.

 Meanwhile, Neil, who has access to landlines in their small marina; which is devoted to keeping boats that are for sale; will be coming along later this morning and, if necessary, will take us over there until Dave comes on Monday.

 What a great start to our 2016 cruise!!

 Meanwhile, we’ve decided to stay here until Wednesday morning, because we need to go into Rugby for some shopping on Tuesday.

 Monday 2^nd May

 Yesterday morning, before Neil came around to move us onto a landline, I decided to take another look in the engine bay, because Wifey seemed to remember a loose wire causing this same problem some time age. After much searching I finally found a small, bayonet fitting that appeared to belong under a sticky bit of black tape and, when I reattached it, Bingo, job done. Who’s a clever boy then? Phew! But, what a relief!

 We also took the WiFi out of its cover and removed the Instruction book for further reading. Would you believe it; it doesn’t record direct to the inbuilt CD unit. Alan and I bought this some time ago and, according to the blurb in the advert, it did do. Now we find that it records vinyl in MP3 format, which is not really what we wanted. Still, it’s too late now to return it, so we’ll have to make do, I suppose. I’m not sure how though.

 You see, we had intended to do away with the TV during this cruise, and sit the Hi Fi in the place where the TV sits now but, since that is not an option; because we have to record to the laptop first; the only solution would be, to remove the TV, replace it with the Hi Fi and lay the laptop on the floor.

 Ah well, such is life!!

 Tuesday 3^rd May

 As I type this entry, Wifey is outside cleaning the starboard side of the boat. By the sound of all the scraping she’s doing, I would imagine that the bird pooh is pretty difficult to remove. Well, we have been under these trees since Saturday morning. Never mind though, we’ll be moving along tomorrow and, if we moor up at the same spot as usual, she won’t have that problem.

 We’re aiming to spend the weekend at Braunston where, although we can get a TV signal and the Internet, the mobile is another gether altomatter, unless we walk into the village, which is up a long path.

 We’ll spend tomorrow outside Welton Hythe Marina, Thursday we’ll go down Watford Locks and head towards the top of Braunston Locks, where we’ll stay the night. Then, on Saturday morning, we’ll go down those locks and into Braunston.

 We have been thinking about heading straight for the Llangollen Canal, but we may instead go on the Peak Forest canal, which we haven’t seen for a few years. In fact, the last time we saw that place was when we had the boat blacked at Mercia Marina, and spent a week in a cottage in the Peak District. Had we not left the cottage on the Friday, instead of Saturday, we would have been snowed in for several weeks. As it was, when we left the cottage and hit the main road, we slotted ourselves in behind a snow plough. How lucky was that??

 Wednesday 4^th May

 At last, we’ll be leaving Crick today. We took the bus into town yesterday and picked up a few bits of shopping and had a coffee and sticky bun at our favourite café, and that will be the last time, unless we also go into Rugby when we reach Newbold.

 Thursday 5^th May

 For the first time ever, we made an early start yesterday morning. Why? Well, as much as I enjoy my cruising, two-way traffic through a tunnel is not my cup of tea. Oh, it’s fine if the boat coming towards you is being run by a professional, i.e., someone who knows what they are doing. But, when it comes to some of these holiday boaters, well, they don’t have clue. And, of course, until they bump into you, you have no idea. So, in order to avoid such a confrontation, I walked up to the Post Office for the paper; at about 6.30 am and we left Crick immediately after that, without bothering with breakfast, which we sorted out after going through Crick tunnel and mooring up at Bridge eight.

 This morning we’ll make our way to Watford Locks and, after checking in with the Lock-keeper, will descend them and find a decent mooring spot. And, unless we make a specific point of visiting Crick again, we won’t be going through those locks, or Crick tunnel anytime soon.

 Later…..

 There doesn’t seem to be much canal traffic about so far, but just to be safe and avoid any hold-ups at Watford Locks, we left our moorings a little earlier than normal. When we arrived there we found one boat waiting to come up and, since we had to top up with water, the lock-keeper decided to allow him to do so. As soon as we had finished, we entered the first lock and, once through, waited for the one coming up to pass into the top lock, at which point we continued on down all seven locks, arriving at Welton Hythe Marina and Norton Junction by 10 am.

 So far it’s a lovely, sunny day and we have all doors and windows open. Lovely!!

 We might even pretend it’s Sunday and walk around to The New Inn at lunchtime.

 Saturday 7^th May

 Later on Thursday we did indeed pretend it was Sunday and spent a very pleasant hour sitting outside The New Inn, taking the opportunity to do a bit of gongoozling.

 Yesterday morning, we made our way to Braunston and, after passing through the tunnel without meeting any boats coming the other way, we moored up at the top of Braunston Locks. Then, after the obligatory cup of coffee, we walked into Braunston village for a few supplies. From the top of the locks, all the way to the shops, is not a short walk and, after shopping and walking back to the boat; stopping on the way for an ice cream; the walk took well over an hour.

 This morning, at about 8 am, we made our way down the six Braunston Locks and, after the first one teamed up with another boater to go down the last five. These are double locks and are much easier to negotiate with several hands helping.

 On exiting the final lock, we were surprised at how busy the canal was for that time of morning – about 9.30 am – and had a pretty difficult job finding somewhere to moor up. Then again, after the obligatory cup of coffee, we, once again, took a walk up to the shops. This time it was just for the paper and milk.

 After lunch we took another long walk, this time to the local chandlery for a new glass front for the fire, along with sealing tape and heat resistant rope. We also bought a couple of non-slip pads for the new plank that Alan knocked up for us.

 Where mobile reception is concerned, Braunston is worse that Crick. However, we are normally OK for the TV and Internet. So we can at least communicate by email from here.

 Tomorrow morning we’ll take another walk into the village, which entails a slog up a long hill. The coming back, of course, is easier. However, our favourite pub here, The Admiral Nelson, is yet another long slog along the towpath. But it’s always worth the effort and we’ll do that tomorrow lunchtime.

 Sunday 8^th May

 It’s a really good start to the day, bright and sunny and according to the forecast, it should stay that way for the rest of the day. Hopefully, we’ll enjoy an hour, sitting outside the Admiral Nelson this lunchtime.

 Tomorrow, assuming the weather is reasonably kind to us, we’ll be off to the top of Hillmorton Locks, where we’ll stay for two days.

  Tuesday 10^th May

 We left Braunston on Sunday afternoon. Not because we were in any particular hurry to get anywhere special, but just because it was such a nice day. We only cruised for about an hour and then pulled in somewhere, but have no idea of exactly where we were. Who cares, right?

 Yesterday morning, we upped sticks and continued on to the top of Hillmorton locks, walked to the local paper shop and then settled down to a coffee. Or, did we have the coffee before going to the shop? Dunno!!

 Our intention this morning is/was, to continue on through the locks and then moor up outside the golf course, which is just a couple of miles away. However, at this moment in time the rain has turned up, as promised by those good people at the BBC. Why don’t they find a decent job??

 Of course, should the rain stop some-time this morning, we’ll do just that. Otherwise, we’ll stay put for another day. Again, who cares??

 Now, since this first blog of the season is now five pages long, and, since I have nothing better to do, and, since I don’t know if I’ll have Internet access at our next stopping place, I guess I might as well post this offering.

 Take care folks and have a great week.

 

Remember this: ‘If you love everything you have, then you have everything you need’. How true.

Dave, Sheila and Alex