Wednesday 11th May (cont.)
Still on the subject of yesterday, we had even more fun later in the day, this time with the TV. Although this new set had given us no problems since we first picked it up at Swanley, just recently the signal strength had been getting weaker and weaker as we moved further towards wild and woolly Wales.
When we moored at Willymoor the signal kept breaking up, whilst at Grindley Brook we had nothing at all. So, after shopping and a well earned cup of coffee at Whitchurch we decided to have a go at setting it up again.
So, I set the aerial up, switched on, put the set to ‘Search’ and sat back and waited. Nothing! Not even on Analogue. This I thought, can only mean one thing, AERIAL!!!. Now, I know what you are thinking, ‘perhaps the old set was OK’, and you may be right. However, having borrowed Bob’s soldering iron, in an attempt to repair the tuner, I well and truly messed that operation up. At least, I think I did. But I’ll only know for sure if I remove it from under our bed and plug it in.
Anyway, with Wifey’s help, we took the aerial lead down, disconnected the two parts of the lead, got the AVO type meter out of the cupboard and checked for continuity. Not continuous in the section between the TV and the aerial lead.
Just to be sure I cut a length off both ends and checked again, still not continuous. The best thing here was to discard the recalcitrant lead and attach a new one, which is where we struck lucky because, inside the cupboard below the telly is the old amplifier, attached to which is a short length of co-ax cable, that still ran through the top and has been there since we ripped off the aerial that came with the boat.
After fitting that all up and tucking the cable into the its little tidies, Sheila took doggy out for a walk, leaving me to set the TV up which, I’m happy to say, solved the problem.
(Note to self. In future check the obvious and cheapest first, before lashing out more money).
Wednesday 1600
For the first time since leaving Mercia we haven’t been able to access the Internet. This is not surprising because we are unable to send or receive phone calls, except outside the boat. So far we can’t complain, but I do hope it doesn’t get progressively worse as we make our way along this canal.
Doggie has not been very well today. Aaaaahh! This is not an unusual occurrence in itself, but this is the second time in three days and we’re both becoming a little concerned. She’s been moping about for most of the day, very much like me when I have man-flu, you know, with that ‘I’m feeling sorry for myself and need some TLC’ kind of attitude? She’s been out walking more times than usual and has been eating lots of grass, which has caused her to throw up a bit. But she’s had absolutely nothing to eat at all today. Tomorrow we’re off to Ellesmere where we should be able to find a vet if necessary.
Thursday 12th May and, as expected, this neck of the woods has started with heavy cloud. In fact I do believe I heard rain during the night and, on top of that, we have about seven miles to go today, we’re heading for Ellesmere, where we’re hoping to pick up some coal at the boatyard.
Yesterday, as I’ve already mentioned, Rusty was feeling rather poorly. Ordinarily when she is like this, she’s over it by lunchtime and back to her usual, exuberant self. But this time, even by 1800, she was still moping about with her head hanging and her tail all floppy, whereas it would be erect and all waggy. She hadn’t eaten anything during the day; not even her usual snacks between meals; and that is really not like her at all.
So, we looked up the nearest vet in the First Mate Book and gave them a bell. Sadly, not only is the Internet non existent here, the mobile is pretty damn awful too. But we managed to get through and Sheila spoke to a Veterinary Nurse, who suggested we try to encourage Rusty to at least drink some water and, by warming up her usual food, see if she would go for that.
I have to say, our wee doggie is not easily persuaded. In order to get water into her we resorted to a squirty bottle, the sort walkers and such carry around with them. Whilst I held her mouth open, Sheila squirted, which worked a treat. Sheila then opened a pouch of food, warmed it up with hot water and stuck it under her nose. That obviously hit the spot, because she wolfed it down in short order and, after wandering around a bit, settled in her bed and slept until we retired for the night.
Finally, when Sheila prepared to take her out for her final walk of the day, she set up her normal barking row. We have no idea why she does this, after all she knows she’s going out. But she does it every time, much to my annoyance I have to say.
Anyway, all’s well that ends well and our pooch is all back to normal. Until the next time!!
From the top of Grindley Brook Locks there are no more to go through for about 19 miles, just a few lift bridges, so it shouldn’t take long for us to get to Ellesmere, which is where we’ll probably moor up until Saturday morning. Ellesmere now has a new Tesco, well who hasn’t? And, you’ll not be surprised to hear, that it has now started raining. Oh joy of yoys!
Saturday 14th May.
I’m not sure what we’re doing today and I have no way of letting you all know, because I would have to walk back to the bridge over the Ellesmere Arm of the canal just to get a signal on the mobile. So, we’ll wait until later and see what we decide.
The choices for today are either to stay here another day; and these are 72 hour moorings, rather than the usual 48; do a bit more shopping then continue up the Llangollen, or ditto but head for the Montgomery Branch and await the arrival of the lock keeper.
The navigable length of the Montgomery is only seven miles long, at the end of which is a very nice pub/restaurant. The locks are only operated between 12 noon and 2 pm and only a certain amount of boats are allowed through on any given day. This has something to do with reducing the amount of damage done to wildlife and the canal, or some such thing. If a boat arrives later than the appointed time of 2 pm, no amount of wheedling and cajoling will get them through and they will have to wait until the following day.
Yesterday we left our moorings at 07.30 and arrived at the marina near here about two hours later. Surprisingly for this time of year the visitor moorings outside the marina were full, but we did just manage to squeeze in before the bridge. We only needed coal here otherwise we would have carried on to our present moorings.
We were told by another boater that the Ellesmere Arm was also pretty full and expressed his surprise at the fact. Ordinarily you would expect a build up of boats around June and July, but for May to be busy is pretty much unheard of. However, once we’d bought the coal, Sheila took a walk to see if there were any space, by which time several boats had moved on and we moved in without problems.
As with the last time we were here, about two years ago, we managed to moor up opposite the cricket field and, whilst sitting here with our first cuppa, we watched the groundsman preparing the pitch so, hopefully, we’ll see some action, but that depends upon whether we stay or not.
Fortunately we have as much time as we need, even if the match is played on Sunday rather than today. Last time I do believe it was a school match so, if the weather is kind to them, it could be a good weekend.
For some reason mobile connection is impossible here on the boat but, as I have already mentioned, if I walk to the bridge I can send and receive calls. I therefore prepared my message yesterday before walking back and I said do not reply, because it had started raining.
I’m having a few problems with the Internet of late, and they are all to do with my pal Alan in Germany. For some odd and inexplicable reason, when he receives emails from me they appear to contain an additional file, but that file doesn’t have anything in it. Unless I am forwarding a joke from Sandra, which would go as is, I wouldn’t be attaching anything to my messages, so we are both at a loss as to what is going on here.
A few days ago Alan sent me a link to something that he was sure I would enjoy. Something to do with some Scandinavian squaddies carrying out some rifle drill that he considered to be quite exceptional. However, when I followed the link, all I got was an advert for BMW. Yesterday he re-sent the link and this time I was faced with some advert for a musician of some kind. Once again we have no idea what is going on, but he’s adamant that he’s sent the correct link.
There’s nowt as mysterious as the Internet!!
Yesterday, whilst reading an email from one of my contacts in the good old US of A, I was given a link to a Shareware programme called PhotoS. This programme is supposed to convert photographs to line drawings, which I though might be useful and, if it was of any use to me, I would invest the necessary $25. After careful consideration I have decided against such an outlay. This is because I already have a couple of far better programmes to do that job for me.
The Serif selection of programmes that Ian gave me I already know can work wonders in this respect. But I also have a another one called GMX, which I bought a couple of years ago, and this can do a pretty good job also. So I look upon this Shareware as an unnecessary addition to my list.
And that is that for today.
Now, yesterday I managed to get online without any problems and so, if the connection is as good this morning, I do believe I’ll post this latest blog.
Have a good weekend you lovely people.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Friday, 13 May 2011
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Shiralee Cruise 2011 #4
Thursday 5th May and, just because we are leaving Swanley Bridge Marina, the weather has taken a turn for the worst; it is heavily overcast with a wind building up and looks like rain. So, by the time we leave here we will probably be faced with a howling gale. Unfortunately we have to get to Wrenbury because I need to top up my medication and that is where we will find the nearest doctor.
Friday 6th May and after last nights rain, in which we were caught walking back from the village, it is still raining at 05.30 today. To us this is a very welcoming sight because, after all the recent dry weather, the Llangollen really needs it. The bottom end of the canal is fine but, as you approach the other end it can become rather shallow. When we cruised this canal a couple of years ago we found one or two shallow spots where we could feel the bottom scraping against rocks and shingle. So, come on the rain, well, only until we leave tomorrow morning, at which time it had better stop. Pronto!!
Yesterday morning we walked into Wrenbury in order to pay a visit to the local Medical Centre and top up my meds. For me such a walk is a fair stretch of the legs, but not a big problem now. However, having asked to see the doctor, I was told I would have to come back at 4 pm.
In the meantime my dear Wifey found a shorter route whilst walking our pooch. This route contained about four stiles, but I couldn’t see that as a problem either, until I met them, that is. I don’t think the landowner, through which the public footpath passes, is too enamoured with people wishing to pass through because, not only are these stiles placed in tight corners, they are also rather high and for me, pretty difficult to climb. However, being rough, tough, live-aboard boaters, we soldiered on and made it to the centre. Needless to say, after all that exertion, we returned via the village shop cum post office and treated ourselves to the second ice cream of the day.
After all that and having the very nice Dr. Roe prescribe the necessary, we found that there were not enough injection needles, which means a return visit today. No worries though, we can probably enjoy another ice cream! As for the rest of the day, with this rain I don’t suppose we’ll do much at all.
Saturday 7th May and, at last we’ve had some proper rain. It started last nigh, just before Sheila took Rusty out before bed, and it has continued for most of the night. Whether or not it’s enough to ensure a smooth ride to the end of the canal is a different gether altomatter.
Today, having used up our allotted 48 hours mooring allowance, we’ll be moving on. Hanged if I know exactly where to though, although Wifey did tell me yesterday, but you know my memory! I do know we’re stopping near some lock or other for the weekend because, as usual, it has a pub nearby. Anyway, you’ll know where it is because you’ will have received my text before you get this blog.
20.30 on Saturday evening.
As you all know, we have just purchased a new TV. We are currently moored at Willymoor Lock and to say that the TV reception is poor would be a gross understatement, it is absolutely non-existent.
So, having had my fill of reading for the day and being in possession of a number of DVDs that we have yet to watch, we thought we’d try one on for size.
Having first found it impossible to slide a DVD into the relevant slot, we decided to consult the manual, which of course is on a DVD. So, out comes the Laptop and in goes the DVD.
Having found the associated manual for our model of TV, a manual that runs to 65 pages, we then discovered that the operation of the DVD Player, which is an integral part of the TV, the pages dealing with the set up of same, come well after all the set up pages for remote units. You know it makes sense!!
Eventually, after scrolling down for about 30 of those pages – I wasn’t actually counting – we finally fount the DVD set up pages. Finally, having followed the set up procedure to the letter, we inserted a DVD and settled down to watch it.
And………………..nothing happened!! The DVD ran for a few seconds and stopped. We tried the Play button and achieved nothing. We tried a second DVD………..and achieved nothing. We tried a third DVD and, having once again achieved nothing, we took the hint and recognised, albeit belatedly, that we would not be watching a video tonight.
Bearing in mind the fact that arranging collection of said item was a wee bit difficult and also bearing in mind the fact that we disposed of the packaging after testing that the thing actually worked, we are now wondering what arrangements we will need to make for its return and, of course, the collection of a replacement.
As our kin across the pond would say, Go Figure!!
We have of course sent a message to the seller through eBay. The company we bought the item from do have a huge and high percentage of good feedback, so I am not too worried about getting satisfaction, and they do seem to have a good returns policy.
Strange to say, I have just received a message in my Inbox at eBay, and from eBay, asking me to answer some questions about my recent purchase. Hmmmm!
Sunday 8th May.
You’ve heard the expression ‘much ado about nothing’, Shakespeare and all that? Well, after a good nights rest and repose and at my good lady wife’s instigation, we decided to go through the DVD setup procedure again this morning. Fortunately I was most polite when I emailed the seller yesterday evening, despite my anger that such a thing could happen to me.
Anyway, we followed the instructions in the manual again, only this time, when we came to the section about ‘factory reset’, we did just that and lo and behold, the wretched thing now works perfectly. Naturally I contacted the seller again with profuse apologies. We are now set to watch a DVD this evening because television reception up here in La La Land, is pretty useless. Everything about the Llangollen is very special, with lots of great scenery and peace and quiet. Lovely.
Monday 9th May and, with the wind still howling, I don’t suppose we’ll venture very far today, probably just as far as Grindley Brook Locks, wher we’ll catch a bus to Whitchurch for shopping. Hopefully Tuesday will be calmer and we can go on to Whitchurch itself, where we can moor up for at least one night and go into town again to have a proper look around.
Tuesday 10th May has dawned bright, sunny and calm. Sitting here yesterday afternoon and evening, we both thought the rain would never stop. Mind you, at 06.20 the sky is becoming overcast and the forecasters have told us to expect showers in this neck of the woods. Hopefully we will at least get through the next six locks without a soaking.
We’re off to Whitchurch this morning, mainly for shopping, but I’m also hoping to find a lead for the 12 volt side of the TV. Talking about which, no reception at all last night and taking our lead from the houses by the locks, we should have a clear line to any transmitters, but we could raise nothing at all. At Willymoor we did at least receive the ITV channels, but nothing at all here.
Once again I checked the aerial lead, but that seems OK, I’m now wondering just how sensitive the tuner is in this new box and if, as I suspect, the aerial needs to be very precise in the direction in which it is pointing.
There is a small canalside shop that we have stopped at before, which is a short distance further on to Whitchurch, where we actually watched some of Wimbledon last time we were on this canal, so we can check it out from there. If we don’t find the channels there I shall start having some serious misgivings.
Wednesday 11th May.
The two mile trip to Whitchurch was almost without incident yesterday morning. We only had six locks to go through at Grindley Brook, so the trip should have gone smoothly, but……………….
The first three locks are spaced apart and are not a problem, whereas the second three are linked in a staircase and, from previous experience, I know that if the water level between them is not high enough, there is a possibility of grounding between locks.
So, fully expecting a small problem, as I drove the boat from No1 to 2, she seemed to be a bit slow, but we got through OK. Similarly between No’s two and three. But, when I attempted to exit No three, the same thing happened and that simply can’t be the case at the top of the flight. Obviously we had some rubbish wrapped around the prop slowing us down.
Well, we had to stop anyway to top up with water and dispose of our rubbish, so I pulled in at the nearest water-point.
Prior to having my knees done I would simply have lifted the small panel that covers the hatch, knelt down and did the business. But, I am not allowed to kneel on these new knees, instead I have to remove both sections of the engine bay cover and climb down inside, which is what I did.
Fate is strange, is it not? Had I not been obliged to climb into the engine bay, I would not have known that the oil filler cover had fallen off. Nor would I have seen the pool of oil in the well and the covering of the stuff over the top of the engine. Fortunately we had only lost a very small amount of oil, which is something I am going to have to deal with today, a mopping up operation is in hand.
After all that fun we finally arrived at Whitchurch at about 09.45 and settled in for the day. But first we had to go shopping, which meant a bus ride into town. This is something we had planned from Grindley Brook but, as our wee pooch seemed a bit under the weather, we decided to wait another day.
Strange to say, I gave no more thought to the oil spill, after all it’s not going to go anywhere. Today will be fine for that job.
About four miles or so from here is a canal-side shop, with moorings for a few boats alongside and it is something we have taken advantage of in the past. And in any case, we can’t pass it by because they do ice creams and, if it’s a bright day, which it doesn’t look like being at the moment, we can sit outside on our canvas chairs and enjoy a quiet moment. Lovely!
And that, as they say, is that, let’s get this one posted.
All abreast
Dave and the cast of HMS Shiralee.
Friday 6th May and after last nights rain, in which we were caught walking back from the village, it is still raining at 05.30 today. To us this is a very welcoming sight because, after all the recent dry weather, the Llangollen really needs it. The bottom end of the canal is fine but, as you approach the other end it can become rather shallow. When we cruised this canal a couple of years ago we found one or two shallow spots where we could feel the bottom scraping against rocks and shingle. So, come on the rain, well, only until we leave tomorrow morning, at which time it had better stop. Pronto!!
Yesterday morning we walked into Wrenbury in order to pay a visit to the local Medical Centre and top up my meds. For me such a walk is a fair stretch of the legs, but not a big problem now. However, having asked to see the doctor, I was told I would have to come back at 4 pm.
In the meantime my dear Wifey found a shorter route whilst walking our pooch. This route contained about four stiles, but I couldn’t see that as a problem either, until I met them, that is. I don’t think the landowner, through which the public footpath passes, is too enamoured with people wishing to pass through because, not only are these stiles placed in tight corners, they are also rather high and for me, pretty difficult to climb. However, being rough, tough, live-aboard boaters, we soldiered on and made it to the centre. Needless to say, after all that exertion, we returned via the village shop cum post office and treated ourselves to the second ice cream of the day.
After all that and having the very nice Dr. Roe prescribe the necessary, we found that there were not enough injection needles, which means a return visit today. No worries though, we can probably enjoy another ice cream! As for the rest of the day, with this rain I don’t suppose we’ll do much at all.
Saturday 7th May and, at last we’ve had some proper rain. It started last nigh, just before Sheila took Rusty out before bed, and it has continued for most of the night. Whether or not it’s enough to ensure a smooth ride to the end of the canal is a different gether altomatter.
Today, having used up our allotted 48 hours mooring allowance, we’ll be moving on. Hanged if I know exactly where to though, although Wifey did tell me yesterday, but you know my memory! I do know we’re stopping near some lock or other for the weekend because, as usual, it has a pub nearby. Anyway, you’ll know where it is because you’ will have received my text before you get this blog.
20.30 on Saturday evening.
As you all know, we have just purchased a new TV. We are currently moored at Willymoor Lock and to say that the TV reception is poor would be a gross understatement, it is absolutely non-existent.
So, having had my fill of reading for the day and being in possession of a number of DVDs that we have yet to watch, we thought we’d try one on for size.
Having first found it impossible to slide a DVD into the relevant slot, we decided to consult the manual, which of course is on a DVD. So, out comes the Laptop and in goes the DVD.
Having found the associated manual for our model of TV, a manual that runs to 65 pages, we then discovered that the operation of the DVD Player, which is an integral part of the TV, the pages dealing with the set up of same, come well after all the set up pages for remote units. You know it makes sense!!
Eventually, after scrolling down for about 30 of those pages – I wasn’t actually counting – we finally fount the DVD set up pages. Finally, having followed the set up procedure to the letter, we inserted a DVD and settled down to watch it.
And………………..nothing happened!! The DVD ran for a few seconds and stopped. We tried the Play button and achieved nothing. We tried a second DVD………..and achieved nothing. We tried a third DVD and, having once again achieved nothing, we took the hint and recognised, albeit belatedly, that we would not be watching a video tonight.
Bearing in mind the fact that arranging collection of said item was a wee bit difficult and also bearing in mind the fact that we disposed of the packaging after testing that the thing actually worked, we are now wondering what arrangements we will need to make for its return and, of course, the collection of a replacement.
As our kin across the pond would say, Go Figure!!
We have of course sent a message to the seller through eBay. The company we bought the item from do have a huge and high percentage of good feedback, so I am not too worried about getting satisfaction, and they do seem to have a good returns policy.
Strange to say, I have just received a message in my Inbox at eBay, and from eBay, asking me to answer some questions about my recent purchase. Hmmmm!
Sunday 8th May.
You’ve heard the expression ‘much ado about nothing’, Shakespeare and all that? Well, after a good nights rest and repose and at my good lady wife’s instigation, we decided to go through the DVD setup procedure again this morning. Fortunately I was most polite when I emailed the seller yesterday evening, despite my anger that such a thing could happen to me.
Anyway, we followed the instructions in the manual again, only this time, when we came to the section about ‘factory reset’, we did just that and lo and behold, the wretched thing now works perfectly. Naturally I contacted the seller again with profuse apologies. We are now set to watch a DVD this evening because television reception up here in La La Land, is pretty useless. Everything about the Llangollen is very special, with lots of great scenery and peace and quiet. Lovely.
Monday 9th May and, with the wind still howling, I don’t suppose we’ll venture very far today, probably just as far as Grindley Brook Locks, wher we’ll catch a bus to Whitchurch for shopping. Hopefully Tuesday will be calmer and we can go on to Whitchurch itself, where we can moor up for at least one night and go into town again to have a proper look around.
Tuesday 10th May has dawned bright, sunny and calm. Sitting here yesterday afternoon and evening, we both thought the rain would never stop. Mind you, at 06.20 the sky is becoming overcast and the forecasters have told us to expect showers in this neck of the woods. Hopefully we will at least get through the next six locks without a soaking.
We’re off to Whitchurch this morning, mainly for shopping, but I’m also hoping to find a lead for the 12 volt side of the TV. Talking about which, no reception at all last night and taking our lead from the houses by the locks, we should have a clear line to any transmitters, but we could raise nothing at all. At Willymoor we did at least receive the ITV channels, but nothing at all here.
Once again I checked the aerial lead, but that seems OK, I’m now wondering just how sensitive the tuner is in this new box and if, as I suspect, the aerial needs to be very precise in the direction in which it is pointing.
There is a small canalside shop that we have stopped at before, which is a short distance further on to Whitchurch, where we actually watched some of Wimbledon last time we were on this canal, so we can check it out from there. If we don’t find the channels there I shall start having some serious misgivings.
Wednesday 11th May.
The two mile trip to Whitchurch was almost without incident yesterday morning. We only had six locks to go through at Grindley Brook, so the trip should have gone smoothly, but……………….
The first three locks are spaced apart and are not a problem, whereas the second three are linked in a staircase and, from previous experience, I know that if the water level between them is not high enough, there is a possibility of grounding between locks.
So, fully expecting a small problem, as I drove the boat from No1 to 2, she seemed to be a bit slow, but we got through OK. Similarly between No’s two and three. But, when I attempted to exit No three, the same thing happened and that simply can’t be the case at the top of the flight. Obviously we had some rubbish wrapped around the prop slowing us down.
Well, we had to stop anyway to top up with water and dispose of our rubbish, so I pulled in at the nearest water-point.
Prior to having my knees done I would simply have lifted the small panel that covers the hatch, knelt down and did the business. But, I am not allowed to kneel on these new knees, instead I have to remove both sections of the engine bay cover and climb down inside, which is what I did.
Fate is strange, is it not? Had I not been obliged to climb into the engine bay, I would not have known that the oil filler cover had fallen off. Nor would I have seen the pool of oil in the well and the covering of the stuff over the top of the engine. Fortunately we had only lost a very small amount of oil, which is something I am going to have to deal with today, a mopping up operation is in hand.
After all that fun we finally arrived at Whitchurch at about 09.45 and settled in for the day. But first we had to go shopping, which meant a bus ride into town. This is something we had planned from Grindley Brook but, as our wee pooch seemed a bit under the weather, we decided to wait another day.
Strange to say, I gave no more thought to the oil spill, after all it’s not going to go anywhere. Today will be fine for that job.
About four miles or so from here is a canal-side shop, with moorings for a few boats alongside and it is something we have taken advantage of in the past. And in any case, we can’t pass it by because they do ice creams and, if it’s a bright day, which it doesn’t look like being at the moment, we can sit outside on our canvas chairs and enjoy a quiet moment. Lovely!
And that, as they say, is that, let’s get this one posted.
All abreast
Dave and the cast of HMS Shiralee.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Shiralee Cruise 2011 #3
Easter Monday, 25th April and we are still at Rode Heath. We can think of no good reason to leave whilst we still have such beautiful weather. Indeed, while it is still dry I can rub down some of the rust spots on the boat.
Yesterday I applied another coat of cream paint to the ends of our pole and will try painting other parts today. A couple of lengths of Green and Maroon should make it look rather pretty. Not surprisingly, after almost two years where nothing has been done by way of repairs, there are quite a few scratches and nicks in the paintwork, so it’s about time we gave them some attention.
Tuesday 26th April and at last this Bank Holiday weekend is over but, aren’t we lucky, we have another one next weekend and I predict that the streets and pubs will be pretty quiet, unless of course the pubs are showing the wedding-of-the-year??
Our television is, as you all know, up the Swanee. Also, I have been trying to find a suitable tuner with which to repair it. However, having searched eBay for similar TV’s, we have come across several for less that £100 and they have DVD players included and Free 24 hour delivery. So, forget the tuner, a new TV will soon be winging its way to us, assuming we can persuade a local Post Office to take delivery.
Actually, in purchasing a TV with built in DVD player, we can then sell on the DVD player/recorder with inbuilt HDD and reduce the total cost, not to mention save some space.
Today we’re off to Hassall Green., which is just two miles and, depending upon where we moor up, about five locks away. It also looks like we’ll be doing the trip is calm and dry weather. If we can arrange delivery of a TV to Hassall Green Post Office, we’ll stay a couple of days. Hey, we’re in no hurry!!
Actually, between this side of Harecastle Tunnel and the Middlewich Branch, there are 31 locks, which is why this stretch of the T&M is called “Heartbreak Hill”, but known to old boatmen as Cheshire Locks. Hassall Green boasts a Post Office and stores along with ‘limited’ boatyard services The stores incorporates a canal shop, which I suppose means canal memorabilia and such.
Wednesday 27th April and we’re hoping to get to Wheelock this morning, which is eight locks and about two miles away. We are getting rather low on water, most likely because we stayed in one place too long, Rode Heath.
I can’t say we’re impressed with Hassall Green, very limited moorings and the local, the Romping Donkey, is closed and up for sale. There is a very good little canal shop selling sweeties and a small range of general goodies, and a Brasserie next door, with plenty of seating outside. But, if the local traders can’t be bothered to ensure adequate moorings; and they are right beside the M6 Motorway; how can they expect to do business with boaters? Hmm! Perhaps they don’t!!
Anyway we ended up a couple of bridges away and it wasn’t until we visited the canal shop that we discovered the pub was closed. According to the nice lady running the shop the pub was forever changing hands. It obviously needs somebody who knows what needs to be done to make a success of it.
My good friend Alan Oxley, he of my RAF days who now resides in Germany, let me in on some scandalous news yesterday, or was it the day before? Sadly he, or rather his missus, has sworn me to secrecy, so I can’t pass it on. What a shame as it really was quite a juicy piece of gossip. I wonder if they would notice if I whispered it!
The weather has now turned pretty horrid and it’s cold and overcast this morning. However it is calm and peaceful and, with Wheelock being only a couple of miles away, we should reach it before the heavens open up and we must get there today. There never seems to be enough water points along the canals.
I mentioned our need for a new TV, well I think I have found just the thing. It has all the bells and whistles, including record and playback from external media, DVD player and. very important, three years guarantee. All I have to do is persuade them to deliver to a Post Office somewhere along our route.
Friday 29th April and it is another beautiful day. We had a small smattering of rain last night, but all is well now.
I spoke to the people at Swanley Marina on Wednesday and they agreed to accept the TV for us, so we have booked in to stay for a couple of days. The TV has now been despatched and should be there by the time we arrive on Tuesday.
The marina is only about two miles from Nantwich so, assuming there is a bus service, we’ll take a ride in, something we’ve done on a couple of occasions before.
Today we’ll move along a few miles and then, on Saturday, we’ll go to Barbridge for the weekend and on to the marina at Swanley on Tuesday.
We have overnighted at a beauty spot we have stopped at in the past and our journey, although rather long, what with the stopover at Middlewich for some much needed shopping, was very pleasant in blazing sunshine. Goodness knows when this fine weather will end, but you can bet your life it won’t be pleasant when it does.
Saturday 30th April and yet another sunny start to the day. The wind has also dropped, which is something of a blessing. All we have planned for today is to get down to Barbridge, which involves just two locks with a stop off at a boatyard for diesel.
Last night, or should I say early this morning, our wee doggy came and sat at the foot of the bed at 03.30. This is a recognisable sign that she wishes to go outside. In the best traditions of good Wifferey, Sheila volunteered to take Rusty out and who am I to object. One volunteer, etc, etc.
From Barbridge we plan on taking a bus ride into Nantwitch for a few bits and bobs. On Sunday we’ll move along a bit to just opposite the pub and have a few beers and we’ll probably stay until Tuesday morning, when we’ll make our way to Swanley Marina where, we hope, our nice new TV will be waiting for us. Not that we’ve really missed it all that much but, when the lousy weather does turn up, and you may be assured that it will, it will be nice to have something to do other than reading.
A light, following breeze has now sprung up and, just so long as it stays light, we won’t complain.
I’ve just been delving into the Serif programmes that Ian gave me. Hmmm! Seems to be a bit of a steep learning curve. Must set aside some time to read through the destructions!!
It is now almost 3.30 on Saturday afternoon and I have just received an email from Swanley Marina, our new TV has arrived. Hallelujah Brother!! The shame of it is, that we probably won’t get there until Tuesday, so I will miss another programme I would like to see. It’s all about a bunch of Canadians replicating the Bouncing Bomb as used by The Dambusters in WWII. No problem though, it will probably be repeated sometime soon.
This morning after our cuppa after arriving here, we caught the bus into Nantwich and simply wandered around for an hour. It really is a great town for shops and markets, especially on a Saturday, but we do find the produce on the market stalls to be very expensive. Perhaps we have been spoiled by the supermarkets, but a multi-seed brown loaf at £2.60? Jeez, someone is making a decent profit here.
Thus far in our exhausting travels, the Internet has been very kind to us, because we have almost always had all five bars up on our signal strength indicator. If, when we are on the other side of the Shropshire Union; which will probably be another month or so away; we still get such good reception, I will have no worries regarding emails and such. This will be a first since we bought Shiralee.
On our trip down from our moorings of yesterday, we met a tame female Mallard. She repeatedly landed on the bost, walked around a bit, stood very close to Sheila and posed for her photograph on numerous occasions. Only on one other occasion have we come across such behaviour and that was at Crick back in 2007, when I had one feeding out of my hand.
I am pleased to announce that, this morning, Monday 2nd May, at 08.20, n.b Shiralee gained access to the Llangollen Canal through Hurlestaon Locks and promptly moored up for water at the top of the locks.
From there onwards it gradually became more and more windy until, what with the current being against us, we decided to stop at Burland, which is a very small village boasting a new shop. Initially we thought we might continue to the marina, but playing with 15 tonnes of canal boat in a high wind, is not conducive to a good temper. So, we’ll stay here until the morning, when there should be less of a wind.
Now, you may be questioning my remarks about a ‘current’, but the Llangollen Canal is unlike any other in the UK, as far as we know. This canal is fed directly from the River Dee at Llantysilio, which is considerably further north at Horseshoe Falls, about a mile from Llangollen.
Sadly, having decided to stay here for the rest of today and tonight, Wifey has discovered that the marina is just around the corner from the bridge ahead of us. Still, I’d rather stay here than have to faff about with Shiralee in a high wind as she can be somewhat temperamental in such conditions
Here at Burland the shop has only recently opened and must be quite a boon for the boaters at the marina. Indeed, I suspect that the man running it, who is himself a live aboard boater at Swanley Bridge marina, must have spotted a golden opportunity. Not just for the marina inhabitants, but for those in the village. Good for him I say!
Tuesday 3rd May and still the sunshine persists.
This morning we leave at about 08.30 or so to get to the marina and we will stay for a couple of days. We can plug into mains electrickery there and fully charge our shiny new batteries. Not that they are suffering, indeed our solar panel is working wonders in this bright sunshine. So much so that we hardly have to run the engine, except when cruising and for say half an hour in order to give us hot water for the morning. But, even that isn’t always necessary, because we can run the heater, which uses less fuel than the engine.
So, with seven pages already written, I’ll post this one now.
All abreast for now.
Dave, Sheila and old Rusty-bucket
Yesterday I applied another coat of cream paint to the ends of our pole and will try painting other parts today. A couple of lengths of Green and Maroon should make it look rather pretty. Not surprisingly, after almost two years where nothing has been done by way of repairs, there are quite a few scratches and nicks in the paintwork, so it’s about time we gave them some attention.
Tuesday 26th April and at last this Bank Holiday weekend is over but, aren’t we lucky, we have another one next weekend and I predict that the streets and pubs will be pretty quiet, unless of course the pubs are showing the wedding-of-the-year??
Our television is, as you all know, up the Swanee. Also, I have been trying to find a suitable tuner with which to repair it. However, having searched eBay for similar TV’s, we have come across several for less that £100 and they have DVD players included and Free 24 hour delivery. So, forget the tuner, a new TV will soon be winging its way to us, assuming we can persuade a local Post Office to take delivery.
Actually, in purchasing a TV with built in DVD player, we can then sell on the DVD player/recorder with inbuilt HDD and reduce the total cost, not to mention save some space.
Today we’re off to Hassall Green., which is just two miles and, depending upon where we moor up, about five locks away. It also looks like we’ll be doing the trip is calm and dry weather. If we can arrange delivery of a TV to Hassall Green Post Office, we’ll stay a couple of days. Hey, we’re in no hurry!!
Actually, between this side of Harecastle Tunnel and the Middlewich Branch, there are 31 locks, which is why this stretch of the T&M is called “Heartbreak Hill”, but known to old boatmen as Cheshire Locks. Hassall Green boasts a Post Office and stores along with ‘limited’ boatyard services The stores incorporates a canal shop, which I suppose means canal memorabilia and such.
Wednesday 27th April and we’re hoping to get to Wheelock this morning, which is eight locks and about two miles away. We are getting rather low on water, most likely because we stayed in one place too long, Rode Heath.
I can’t say we’re impressed with Hassall Green, very limited moorings and the local, the Romping Donkey, is closed and up for sale. There is a very good little canal shop selling sweeties and a small range of general goodies, and a Brasserie next door, with plenty of seating outside. But, if the local traders can’t be bothered to ensure adequate moorings; and they are right beside the M6 Motorway; how can they expect to do business with boaters? Hmm! Perhaps they don’t!!
Anyway we ended up a couple of bridges away and it wasn’t until we visited the canal shop that we discovered the pub was closed. According to the nice lady running the shop the pub was forever changing hands. It obviously needs somebody who knows what needs to be done to make a success of it.
My good friend Alan Oxley, he of my RAF days who now resides in Germany, let me in on some scandalous news yesterday, or was it the day before? Sadly he, or rather his missus, has sworn me to secrecy, so I can’t pass it on. What a shame as it really was quite a juicy piece of gossip. I wonder if they would notice if I whispered it!
The weather has now turned pretty horrid and it’s cold and overcast this morning. However it is calm and peaceful and, with Wheelock being only a couple of miles away, we should reach it before the heavens open up and we must get there today. There never seems to be enough water points along the canals.
I mentioned our need for a new TV, well I think I have found just the thing. It has all the bells and whistles, including record and playback from external media, DVD player and. very important, three years guarantee. All I have to do is persuade them to deliver to a Post Office somewhere along our route.
Friday 29th April and it is another beautiful day. We had a small smattering of rain last night, but all is well now.
I spoke to the people at Swanley Marina on Wednesday and they agreed to accept the TV for us, so we have booked in to stay for a couple of days. The TV has now been despatched and should be there by the time we arrive on Tuesday.
The marina is only about two miles from Nantwich so, assuming there is a bus service, we’ll take a ride in, something we’ve done on a couple of occasions before.
Today we’ll move along a few miles and then, on Saturday, we’ll go to Barbridge for the weekend and on to the marina at Swanley on Tuesday.
We have overnighted at a beauty spot we have stopped at in the past and our journey, although rather long, what with the stopover at Middlewich for some much needed shopping, was very pleasant in blazing sunshine. Goodness knows when this fine weather will end, but you can bet your life it won’t be pleasant when it does.
Saturday 30th April and yet another sunny start to the day. The wind has also dropped, which is something of a blessing. All we have planned for today is to get down to Barbridge, which involves just two locks with a stop off at a boatyard for diesel.
Last night, or should I say early this morning, our wee doggy came and sat at the foot of the bed at 03.30. This is a recognisable sign that she wishes to go outside. In the best traditions of good Wifferey, Sheila volunteered to take Rusty out and who am I to object. One volunteer, etc, etc.
From Barbridge we plan on taking a bus ride into Nantwitch for a few bits and bobs. On Sunday we’ll move along a bit to just opposite the pub and have a few beers and we’ll probably stay until Tuesday morning, when we’ll make our way to Swanley Marina where, we hope, our nice new TV will be waiting for us. Not that we’ve really missed it all that much but, when the lousy weather does turn up, and you may be assured that it will, it will be nice to have something to do other than reading.
A light, following breeze has now sprung up and, just so long as it stays light, we won’t complain.
I’ve just been delving into the Serif programmes that Ian gave me. Hmmm! Seems to be a bit of a steep learning curve. Must set aside some time to read through the destructions!!
It is now almost 3.30 on Saturday afternoon and I have just received an email from Swanley Marina, our new TV has arrived. Hallelujah Brother!! The shame of it is, that we probably won’t get there until Tuesday, so I will miss another programme I would like to see. It’s all about a bunch of Canadians replicating the Bouncing Bomb as used by The Dambusters in WWII. No problem though, it will probably be repeated sometime soon.
This morning after our cuppa after arriving here, we caught the bus into Nantwich and simply wandered around for an hour. It really is a great town for shops and markets, especially on a Saturday, but we do find the produce on the market stalls to be very expensive. Perhaps we have been spoiled by the supermarkets, but a multi-seed brown loaf at £2.60? Jeez, someone is making a decent profit here.
Thus far in our exhausting travels, the Internet has been very kind to us, because we have almost always had all five bars up on our signal strength indicator. If, when we are on the other side of the Shropshire Union; which will probably be another month or so away; we still get such good reception, I will have no worries regarding emails and such. This will be a first since we bought Shiralee.
On our trip down from our moorings of yesterday, we met a tame female Mallard. She repeatedly landed on the bost, walked around a bit, stood very close to Sheila and posed for her photograph on numerous occasions. Only on one other occasion have we come across such behaviour and that was at Crick back in 2007, when I had one feeding out of my hand.
I am pleased to announce that, this morning, Monday 2nd May, at 08.20, n.b Shiralee gained access to the Llangollen Canal through Hurlestaon Locks and promptly moored up for water at the top of the locks.
From there onwards it gradually became more and more windy until, what with the current being against us, we decided to stop at Burland, which is a very small village boasting a new shop. Initially we thought we might continue to the marina, but playing with 15 tonnes of canal boat in a high wind, is not conducive to a good temper. So, we’ll stay here until the morning, when there should be less of a wind.
Now, you may be questioning my remarks about a ‘current’, but the Llangollen Canal is unlike any other in the UK, as far as we know. This canal is fed directly from the River Dee at Llantysilio, which is considerably further north at Horseshoe Falls, about a mile from Llangollen.
Sadly, having decided to stay here for the rest of today and tonight, Wifey has discovered that the marina is just around the corner from the bridge ahead of us. Still, I’d rather stay here than have to faff about with Shiralee in a high wind as she can be somewhat temperamental in such conditions
Here at Burland the shop has only recently opened and must be quite a boon for the boaters at the marina. Indeed, I suspect that the man running it, who is himself a live aboard boater at Swanley Bridge marina, must have spotted a golden opportunity. Not just for the marina inhabitants, but for those in the village. Good for him I say!
Tuesday 3rd May and still the sunshine persists.
This morning we leave at about 08.30 or so to get to the marina and we will stay for a couple of days. We can plug into mains electrickery there and fully charge our shiny new batteries. Not that they are suffering, indeed our solar panel is working wonders in this bright sunshine. So much so that we hardly have to run the engine, except when cruising and for say half an hour in order to give us hot water for the morning. But, even that isn’t always necessary, because we can run the heater, which uses less fuel than the engine.
So, with seven pages already written, I’ll post this one now.
All abreast for now.
Dave, Sheila and old Rusty-bucket
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Shiralee Cruise 2011 #2
Friday 15th April and we’re off to Weston or Stone. The final mooring spot for today depends upon whether or not we can get in at Weston. If we can then we’ll stop the night there and move on to Stone for the weekend. If not, then we’ll have to go on to Stone today and try to moor up on the five day moorings. But first we have to fill up with water and pay a visit to the local marina for gas and to empty our cassette loo.
Left Great Haywood at 0800 and arrive Weston at 1030. On previous occasions we’ve had problems finding a mooring spot here, but we are still in the early part of the boating season and, to our surprise, the place was deserted. Not a boat in sight.
Last time we visited; when I had my old knees; it was a bit of a struggle to walk to the local shop. This time, no problem at all. I really am getting rather good at this walking lark.
After our walk, with doggy in tow, naturally, it was simply a case of settling down for the rest of the day, with visions of Stone for the weekend.
Saturday 16th April and guess what, off we go cruising again. But we don’t cruise at weekends!!.
Anyway, we made an early start at 0730 and, with just two locks and six miles to go and not too many other boats about, we were moored up and drinking our first cuppa at Stone by 1015.
Now, whilst I have walked into the town before, it was only really to visit the pub on Sunday. There are two such within easy walking distance, one is The Star, which is right next to the lock and the other is The Swan, which is just across the bridge.
This time however we not only walked through the town, but right around to Morrison’s and did a good bit of shopping. And most enjoyable the walk was too.
Sunday 17th April and another lovely day, plenty of sunshine and as calm as can be.
On our previous visit we were so disgusted with the service at The Star that we had just one drink and crossed the bridge to The Swan.
This time was different, but only by good fortune. We left the boat a wee bit early and, in the belief that pubs don’t open until 12 noon, we sat by the lock for a while. However, much to our surprise we saw people already drinking at The Star and, since the place looked much improved, decided to give it another crack.
It seems the place has had a complete refurbishment since our last visit and, what’s more important, enough staff to cope, that we sat in the garden and whiled away a good hour and a half.
This was not such a good idea, bearing in mind my diabetes. On Sundays, if we are able to get to a pub, I usually take a reading before going out then, when I return, I take my Insulin. In this instance the reading was taken at about 1130 but, since we stayed a while longer than normal, we arrived back at the boat somewhat late and, as sometimes happens, I forgot my injection until about 2.30 or so. We then had a bite to eat, just a half sarni each and simply sat around for a couple of hours.
Around 5.30 we decide on an early dinner and that dinner was rather low on carbs. So, having taken another reading – I do this four times a day by the way – we had dinner and I again gave myself my usual dose of Insulin.
If you know anything about diabetes you can imagine what happened next. Yep! A Hypo and not just a minor one either. I broke out in an awful sweat and felt most peculiar. It took a few Jelly Babies and some Dextro Tablets before I was anywhere near normal again. What a bummer and what a plonker. And all because I injected only about three hours after my lunchtime one.
Monday 18th April and we decided to stay in Stone for another day. This is because we need to arrange to pick up some mail from the Post Office on Wednesday at Barlaston and also need to give Alan time to post it. The moorings there are only 48 hour so we’re leaving on Tuesday morning so as to pick up our mail on Wednesday.
Wednesday 20th April.
Left at 0800 yesterday morning and arrived Barlaston at 1130. The water point just past our moorings at Stone, which is just before the first lock, had two boats tied up there so no hope of topping up at that point. This is really infuriating. Everybody knows the rules. You do not moor up overnight at water points. Such ignorant pigs should be shot.
Fortunately water points are not scarce and we topped up at the next lock along our route. We also allowed a working boat to pass through that lock ahead of us. They had to get to Etruria that same day. (Don’t ask, I have no idea where Etruria is)
So, even though we had four miles and eight locks to go, and we had let another boat through the lock, and we had a holiday boat ahead of us as well, we still made Barlaston in 3 ½ hours. Not bad going at all.
I am getting so much better at walking long distances that I said I would go with Wifey to the Post Office. Had I known and had she remembered, that there was a pretty steep hill involved, I probably would have left it to her. As it was though, and much to my surprise, I made it there and back without difficulty. I can’t wait to get to the end of the Llangollen Canal and walk down to Horseshoe Falls and through the town as well.
Thursday 21st April and it looks like being another lovely day. I’m sure we’ll pay for it later, the weather people reckon we’re in for a very wet June.
Today, according to the resident slave driver here, we have six locks and eight miles to get to our next stopover at Westport Lake, which is about a half mile short of Harecastle Tunnel and about two miles north of Stoke on Trent. This should take about 3 or 4 hours, assuming we don’t have holiday boaters fouling things up for us.
The south side of the tunnel is clear water but, due to the rock strata which, I do believe contains lots of iron, the north side is a pretty orange colour. Also, with it being almost 3,000 yards long and not controlled by lights, it has an attendant at each end to monitor boats going through. When traffic is passing from one end to the other, a gate is closed so that boats are prevented from entering from the other end. This, presumably, is so that the tunnel keeper doesn’t have to stand around waiting for boats to clear the tunnel, before sending the next lot through. Anyway, we should be at the lake by midday.
Etruria, by the way, is just past the junction with the Caldon Branch of the T&M.
Friday 22nd April and today we are going to brave the rigours of the 3000 yard Harecastle Tunnel. The rigours of same because, being almost 1¾ miles long and with several fans extracting diesel fumes along the way, it can be pretty chilly going through there. Also, it being only just wide enough for one narrowboat, it becomes necessary to take it a wee bit slower than normal cruising. It can therefore – if my maths is correct – anything up to a half hour to pass through. Blooming ‘eck, one could go down with hypothermia in that time!!
Anyway, after the tunnel we have Kidsgrove with plenty of shops, including Tesco’s and, we hope, a DIY store. Having taken the back off the telly yesterday, I have decided to buy a soldering iron and solder and try to correct the problem myself. I’m pretty much convinced that the aerial socket has a dodgy joint. After all I was once a TV engineer and that, as you all probably know, is how I met Wifey. I was working for Granada TV and went round to her flat to repair her ancient B/W set, spotted she was not hitched up to anyone in particular and the rest, as they say, is history. We have now been together for over 30 years. A spectacular triumph of hope over experience!!
Saturday 23rd April.
Yesterday was a real fun day and, considering the fact that we are now enjoying a Bank Holiday weekend or, if you like, depending upon the cut of your cloth, a religious festival, the weather remains very pleasant.
We headed for Harecastle Tunnel at about eight am and, upon our arrival found that five boats had recently been sent through. This meant a wait of almost an hour before we could be on our way, along with the two boats that arrived soon afterwards.
During our enforced wait I had a chat with the Tunnel Keeper and mentioned that the boater behind us, who regularly used the tunnel, experienced problems with his boat ‘fishtailing’ through the part of the tunnel that narrows down a bit. His immediate answer to that was, “He’s going too slow. In order to prevent this happening in any tunnel, you should keep your speed to 3 to 4 mph”.
Now, we’ve been through many tunnels, including Harecastle, and we’ve never experienced this kind of problem. Perhaps we have been doing it right all along. Whooppee!!
Anyway, knowing that we were faced with parts of the tunnel that were a bit narrow and also with a lower ceiling, we removed our ‘window boxes’ and flower pots before going through and it’s just as well we did because, had we not done so, we would surely have lost them. As it was, we didn’t have much clearance above the top box.
All went well apart from me forgetting to don a decently warm coat. This tunnel, being almost a mile and three quarters long, is prone to some heavy diesel fumes, especially when several boats go through together. There are heavy duty fans inside that remove as much of the fumes as possible, as a result of which it can be pretty cold inside. It took us just 30 minutes to reach the other end and nobody was more pleased to see daylight than yours truly.
As I believe I mentioned earlier, we have been experiencing problems with the telly. In short, little or no reception, either digital or analogue. Yesterday I finally nailed down the problem, the aerial lead in the back of the set.
When we stopped off at Kidsgrove I had intended to walk to the nearest shops and try to purchase a soldering iron and solder, because I felt sure the problem was a dry joint on the socket. However, the shops were too far away for even me with my new knees, so we gave it a miss.
As luck would have another boat moored up behind us at Red Bull Basin and, later in the day whilst talking to Bob and Jane, I recounted our problem. What a nice man, Bob had a soldering iron and solder and, without further ado, he loaned them to me. Sadly, after stripping the wretched thing down and toching a wee drop of solder to the offending article, we ended up with no reception at all.
Bob then came up with an alternative plan that, he thought, might solve the problem, a Digi-Box. My experience with television repairs, which ended soon after I met Sheila, did not prepare me for modern electronic technology. However, our new friend offered to show me how it worked and, after much jiggery-pokery, discovered that his idea would not work.
Unfortunately, despite all the added plugs and sockets and scart leads that abound with media units these days, using the Digi-Box would still have meant using a co-axial lead as well, which also meant running through the TV tuner which, as you now know, is totally defunct.
Our only option now it seems, is to see if I can track down a new tuner, which may be a wee bit difficult. If that doesn’t work I’m afraid it’s a new telly. More expense.
Later in the evening we heard rumbles of thunder which, as you would expect, were followed by a smattering of rain. Indeed we were treated to quite a downpour for a while but, luckily for Sheila, it had stopped by the time she took Rusty out for her last walk of the day.
Today we are off to Rode Heath, which is just two miles away, on a stretch of the T&M that we haven’t travelled before, with a total of nine locks on the way. The weather is dry but a little overcast, so it should be a good trip and should take no more than a couple of hours.
Good morning good people on this Easter Sunday, 24th April 2011, I do hope you are having as enjoyable a weekend as we are.
We left Red Bull Basin at about 0745 and were all moored up, here at Rode Heath by 0945. That’s just one hour to complete two miles and nine locks. Incidentally, the formula for calculating the time it will take to get from point A to point B is locks + miles divided by 3, so 9 + 2 divided by 3 = 3.66 hours. Two hours for the trip yesterday is pretty good.
The pub for today’s lunchtime repast is called The Broughton Arms and is, according to my pal Alan’s wife Chris, the better of the two. This is just as well since we have no idea where number two is located. Lucky old us we are only a few minutes walk away from said watering hole and, judging by the noise coming from there yesterday evening, it’s a popular place. Hopefully, with it being Easter and the majority of family types are away with the kiddies, it won’t be too busy.
Apart from said pub the village of Rode Heath has a Post Office cum mini market and of course the other pub. It also enjoys a quite idyllic village setting, with a line of houses across from us on the canal side and a lock just a few yards further along. Indeed, this stretch of the T&M is the final stretch for us and, when we get to the Middlewitch Branch on about Wednesday, we would have completed the Trent and Mersey, at last.
I can’t say I’m particularly lost without the television, we really don’t watch that much anyway. But I have really been looking forward to watching ITV’s offering at 9 o/clock on Monday evening. The programme is called “The Suspicions of Mr Whitcher” and is a murder mystery base upon a true story, as recounted by Kate Summerscale in her eponymous book.
So now, having sought help in the matter from my dear brother who, in this instance has failed me miserably, is there anyone else out there who can record said programme for us???? We really would be most grateful. We might even grovel a bit.
Now, having completed nine pages of this marathon blog, I feel it is time to post. Please, please, do consider my plea for a recording of “The Suspicions of Mr. Whitcher” very seriously. The alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. We might even have to purchase a DVD of the thing, assuming ITV make one in the not too distant future.
Enjoy the rest of this holiday weekend.
Kind regards and all sorts of wonderful wishes.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Left Great Haywood at 0800 and arrive Weston at 1030. On previous occasions we’ve had problems finding a mooring spot here, but we are still in the early part of the boating season and, to our surprise, the place was deserted. Not a boat in sight.
Last time we visited; when I had my old knees; it was a bit of a struggle to walk to the local shop. This time, no problem at all. I really am getting rather good at this walking lark.
After our walk, with doggy in tow, naturally, it was simply a case of settling down for the rest of the day, with visions of Stone for the weekend.
Saturday 16th April and guess what, off we go cruising again. But we don’t cruise at weekends!!.
Anyway, we made an early start at 0730 and, with just two locks and six miles to go and not too many other boats about, we were moored up and drinking our first cuppa at Stone by 1015.
Now, whilst I have walked into the town before, it was only really to visit the pub on Sunday. There are two such within easy walking distance, one is The Star, which is right next to the lock and the other is The Swan, which is just across the bridge.
This time however we not only walked through the town, but right around to Morrison’s and did a good bit of shopping. And most enjoyable the walk was too.
Sunday 17th April and another lovely day, plenty of sunshine and as calm as can be.
On our previous visit we were so disgusted with the service at The Star that we had just one drink and crossed the bridge to The Swan.
This time was different, but only by good fortune. We left the boat a wee bit early and, in the belief that pubs don’t open until 12 noon, we sat by the lock for a while. However, much to our surprise we saw people already drinking at The Star and, since the place looked much improved, decided to give it another crack.
It seems the place has had a complete refurbishment since our last visit and, what’s more important, enough staff to cope, that we sat in the garden and whiled away a good hour and a half.
This was not such a good idea, bearing in mind my diabetes. On Sundays, if we are able to get to a pub, I usually take a reading before going out then, when I return, I take my Insulin. In this instance the reading was taken at about 1130 but, since we stayed a while longer than normal, we arrived back at the boat somewhat late and, as sometimes happens, I forgot my injection until about 2.30 or so. We then had a bite to eat, just a half sarni each and simply sat around for a couple of hours.
Around 5.30 we decide on an early dinner and that dinner was rather low on carbs. So, having taken another reading – I do this four times a day by the way – we had dinner and I again gave myself my usual dose of Insulin.
If you know anything about diabetes you can imagine what happened next. Yep! A Hypo and not just a minor one either. I broke out in an awful sweat and felt most peculiar. It took a few Jelly Babies and some Dextro Tablets before I was anywhere near normal again. What a bummer and what a plonker. And all because I injected only about three hours after my lunchtime one.
Monday 18th April and we decided to stay in Stone for another day. This is because we need to arrange to pick up some mail from the Post Office on Wednesday at Barlaston and also need to give Alan time to post it. The moorings there are only 48 hour so we’re leaving on Tuesday morning so as to pick up our mail on Wednesday.
Wednesday 20th April.
Left at 0800 yesterday morning and arrived Barlaston at 1130. The water point just past our moorings at Stone, which is just before the first lock, had two boats tied up there so no hope of topping up at that point. This is really infuriating. Everybody knows the rules. You do not moor up overnight at water points. Such ignorant pigs should be shot.
Fortunately water points are not scarce and we topped up at the next lock along our route. We also allowed a working boat to pass through that lock ahead of us. They had to get to Etruria that same day. (Don’t ask, I have no idea where Etruria is)
So, even though we had four miles and eight locks to go, and we had let another boat through the lock, and we had a holiday boat ahead of us as well, we still made Barlaston in 3 ½ hours. Not bad going at all.
I am getting so much better at walking long distances that I said I would go with Wifey to the Post Office. Had I known and had she remembered, that there was a pretty steep hill involved, I probably would have left it to her. As it was though, and much to my surprise, I made it there and back without difficulty. I can’t wait to get to the end of the Llangollen Canal and walk down to Horseshoe Falls and through the town as well.
Thursday 21st April and it looks like being another lovely day. I’m sure we’ll pay for it later, the weather people reckon we’re in for a very wet June.
Today, according to the resident slave driver here, we have six locks and eight miles to get to our next stopover at Westport Lake, which is about a half mile short of Harecastle Tunnel and about two miles north of Stoke on Trent. This should take about 3 or 4 hours, assuming we don’t have holiday boaters fouling things up for us.
The south side of the tunnel is clear water but, due to the rock strata which, I do believe contains lots of iron, the north side is a pretty orange colour. Also, with it being almost 3,000 yards long and not controlled by lights, it has an attendant at each end to monitor boats going through. When traffic is passing from one end to the other, a gate is closed so that boats are prevented from entering from the other end. This, presumably, is so that the tunnel keeper doesn’t have to stand around waiting for boats to clear the tunnel, before sending the next lot through. Anyway, we should be at the lake by midday.
Etruria, by the way, is just past the junction with the Caldon Branch of the T&M.
Friday 22nd April and today we are going to brave the rigours of the 3000 yard Harecastle Tunnel. The rigours of same because, being almost 1¾ miles long and with several fans extracting diesel fumes along the way, it can be pretty chilly going through there. Also, it being only just wide enough for one narrowboat, it becomes necessary to take it a wee bit slower than normal cruising. It can therefore – if my maths is correct – anything up to a half hour to pass through. Blooming ‘eck, one could go down with hypothermia in that time!!
Anyway, after the tunnel we have Kidsgrove with plenty of shops, including Tesco’s and, we hope, a DIY store. Having taken the back off the telly yesterday, I have decided to buy a soldering iron and solder and try to correct the problem myself. I’m pretty much convinced that the aerial socket has a dodgy joint. After all I was once a TV engineer and that, as you all probably know, is how I met Wifey. I was working for Granada TV and went round to her flat to repair her ancient B/W set, spotted she was not hitched up to anyone in particular and the rest, as they say, is history. We have now been together for over 30 years. A spectacular triumph of hope over experience!!
Saturday 23rd April.
Yesterday was a real fun day and, considering the fact that we are now enjoying a Bank Holiday weekend or, if you like, depending upon the cut of your cloth, a religious festival, the weather remains very pleasant.
We headed for Harecastle Tunnel at about eight am and, upon our arrival found that five boats had recently been sent through. This meant a wait of almost an hour before we could be on our way, along with the two boats that arrived soon afterwards.
During our enforced wait I had a chat with the Tunnel Keeper and mentioned that the boater behind us, who regularly used the tunnel, experienced problems with his boat ‘fishtailing’ through the part of the tunnel that narrows down a bit. His immediate answer to that was, “He’s going too slow. In order to prevent this happening in any tunnel, you should keep your speed to 3 to 4 mph”.
Now, we’ve been through many tunnels, including Harecastle, and we’ve never experienced this kind of problem. Perhaps we have been doing it right all along. Whooppee!!
Anyway, knowing that we were faced with parts of the tunnel that were a bit narrow and also with a lower ceiling, we removed our ‘window boxes’ and flower pots before going through and it’s just as well we did because, had we not done so, we would surely have lost them. As it was, we didn’t have much clearance above the top box.
All went well apart from me forgetting to don a decently warm coat. This tunnel, being almost a mile and three quarters long, is prone to some heavy diesel fumes, especially when several boats go through together. There are heavy duty fans inside that remove as much of the fumes as possible, as a result of which it can be pretty cold inside. It took us just 30 minutes to reach the other end and nobody was more pleased to see daylight than yours truly.
As I believe I mentioned earlier, we have been experiencing problems with the telly. In short, little or no reception, either digital or analogue. Yesterday I finally nailed down the problem, the aerial lead in the back of the set.
When we stopped off at Kidsgrove I had intended to walk to the nearest shops and try to purchase a soldering iron and solder, because I felt sure the problem was a dry joint on the socket. However, the shops were too far away for even me with my new knees, so we gave it a miss.
As luck would have another boat moored up behind us at Red Bull Basin and, later in the day whilst talking to Bob and Jane, I recounted our problem. What a nice man, Bob had a soldering iron and solder and, without further ado, he loaned them to me. Sadly, after stripping the wretched thing down and toching a wee drop of solder to the offending article, we ended up with no reception at all.
Bob then came up with an alternative plan that, he thought, might solve the problem, a Digi-Box. My experience with television repairs, which ended soon after I met Sheila, did not prepare me for modern electronic technology. However, our new friend offered to show me how it worked and, after much jiggery-pokery, discovered that his idea would not work.
Unfortunately, despite all the added plugs and sockets and scart leads that abound with media units these days, using the Digi-Box would still have meant using a co-axial lead as well, which also meant running through the TV tuner which, as you now know, is totally defunct.
Our only option now it seems, is to see if I can track down a new tuner, which may be a wee bit difficult. If that doesn’t work I’m afraid it’s a new telly. More expense.
Later in the evening we heard rumbles of thunder which, as you would expect, were followed by a smattering of rain. Indeed we were treated to quite a downpour for a while but, luckily for Sheila, it had stopped by the time she took Rusty out for her last walk of the day.
Today we are off to Rode Heath, which is just two miles away, on a stretch of the T&M that we haven’t travelled before, with a total of nine locks on the way. The weather is dry but a little overcast, so it should be a good trip and should take no more than a couple of hours.
Good morning good people on this Easter Sunday, 24th April 2011, I do hope you are having as enjoyable a weekend as we are.
We left Red Bull Basin at about 0745 and were all moored up, here at Rode Heath by 0945. That’s just one hour to complete two miles and nine locks. Incidentally, the formula for calculating the time it will take to get from point A to point B is locks + miles divided by 3, so 9 + 2 divided by 3 = 3.66 hours. Two hours for the trip yesterday is pretty good.
The pub for today’s lunchtime repast is called The Broughton Arms and is, according to my pal Alan’s wife Chris, the better of the two. This is just as well since we have no idea where number two is located. Lucky old us we are only a few minutes walk away from said watering hole and, judging by the noise coming from there yesterday evening, it’s a popular place. Hopefully, with it being Easter and the majority of family types are away with the kiddies, it won’t be too busy.
Apart from said pub the village of Rode Heath has a Post Office cum mini market and of course the other pub. It also enjoys a quite idyllic village setting, with a line of houses across from us on the canal side and a lock just a few yards further along. Indeed, this stretch of the T&M is the final stretch for us and, when we get to the Middlewitch Branch on about Wednesday, we would have completed the Trent and Mersey, at last.
I can’t say I’m particularly lost without the television, we really don’t watch that much anyway. But I have really been looking forward to watching ITV’s offering at 9 o/clock on Monday evening. The programme is called “The Suspicions of Mr Whitcher” and is a murder mystery base upon a true story, as recounted by Kate Summerscale in her eponymous book.
So now, having sought help in the matter from my dear brother who, in this instance has failed me miserably, is there anyone else out there who can record said programme for us???? We really would be most grateful. We might even grovel a bit.
Now, having completed nine pages of this marathon blog, I feel it is time to post. Please, please, do consider my plea for a recording of “The Suspicions of Mr. Whitcher” very seriously. The alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. We might even have to purchase a DVD of the thing, assuming ITV make one in the not too distant future.
Enjoy the rest of this holiday weekend.
Kind regards and all sorts of wonderful wishes.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Shiralee Cruise 2011 #1
Monday 4th April 2011 and it’s my 69th birthday.
With a little luck and a very light tail wind, we’ll be on our way this morning, just as soon as we have topped up with diesel and paid our extra mooring fees. We should have left on Friday, the last day of March but, with the strong winds, we decided to stay until the weather improved. At the moment it’s cool and calm out there, with a clear blue sky, so I’m hopeful. But, even if a wind does whip up, we’re going, even if that means mooring up at Willington, just for a day or two.
Tuesday 5th April
We finally left Mercia Marina yesterday at 09.30, having first topped up with diesel and paid our dues at the office.
Had I known it was going to turn into a really cold and windy day, I might just have decided to stay another day or two. As it is, we made the seven mile journey to Branston in just 3 hours. This is not a bad result considering the strong headwind and the two locks.
The real beauty of cruising at this time of year is the shortage of other boaters also travelling. We travelled for about 1½ hours before passing another moving boat. We were even more fortunate in that the rain kept off until we had finally moored up.
We had also intended to pay a visit to the local watering hole but, alas, this is one of those pubs that do not do food on Mondays. It being my birthday this was a small disappointment, which we will make up for today. We first intend to walk into the village – now that I have more or less full mobility, such a walk should not be a problem – and do a wee bit of shopping and, at the same time, size up the alternative hostelry, after which we will decide which to use.
Yesterday evening we decided to run the TV for a few hours, just to see what effect it would have on our new batteries. Before going to bed we checked the existing voltage, which then stood at 12.4. Considering the four hours of usage, this is a good sign that we made the right decision in having them changed. The next test will be to see if the heater will run and, if that comes on OK I’ll be a happy man.
Tomorrow promises to be a brighter day, according to the weather man, so we will stay her overnight and travel on in the morning.
Thursday 7th April and the weather is fine and dry with not a hint of a breeze. Hopefully it will stay that way.
Yesterday we took a walk into Alrewas for a little shopping and to remind ourselves of what the village was like. The first good sign was the William the IV pub, which we have used before and is very much deserving of a repeat call. The second good point was the butcher’s shop, which turned out to be far better than we remembered. The range of goods in his cold cabinet has to be seen to be believed. Not just joints and chops etcetera, but prepared bar-b-q and other meats, a veritable wonderland, we settled for some really tasty looking meatballs.
In this neck of the woods they are changing over to Digital TV and, as expected, we had some difficulty receiving the ITV channels and, since we really wanted to see the 2nd part of the Midsomer Murders, were pretty disappointed, especially since it was one we had missed on first showing. Yes, of course it was a repeat!! With the exception of the new series, and the new Barnaby, aren’t they all?
So, that almost put paid to watching any television at all, but not quite. We found a particularly interesting programme on BBC 4 about the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port, which ran for an hour and gave some very interesting info about that and the other one in Gloucester.
Today we will be walking into Alrewas again, but this time for a liquid lunch at the William IV.
Friday 8th April and it turned out sunny again, but just a wee bit chilly. Once we got moving though, we soon warmed up and, after just an hour and a half, we arrived at Fradley Junction, which joins up with the Coventry Canal.
We are just staying for one night then moving on to Handsacre, which is about 3 ½ miles and four locks away and still on the T&M. There we will stay for the weekend where, I hope, we will find a decent pub for Sunday lunchtime.
Meanwhile, on our arrival here, once we had enjoyed a coffee, we wandered through the nearby Nature Reserve, stopped for an ice cream at the shop, had another coffee outside the café and bought some cheeses from the very nice Canadian couple on Cheeseboat II.
We knew of one boat such as this, but we haven’t spotted this one before. Apparently they became friends with the people on Cheeseboat #1 a few years ago and, having fell in love with the boating, allowed themselves to be talked into opening another Cheeseboat, hence #2.
After lunch of our new cheeses and some Ryvita, we got stuck in to cleaning some of the boat, Wifey on the paintwork and yours truly on the brasses, of which we have quite a few, mainly plaques that represent all the canals, locks and tunnels we’ve been along, up, down and through. We are now chilling out for the rest of the day.
Saturday 9th April
We do not cruise at weekends but, having spent Friday at Fradley and wishing to get to Handsacre for the weekend, we had no choice. However, in order to beat the rush with so many boats about, even this early in the year, we made our way over to the water point by 8 o/clock this morning and were away by 8.30. With only 3½ miles and four locks to go, on a gorgeous day, we were moored up by 11 o/clock and ready for a cuppa, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
As soon as that was done we locked up and dragged Rusty on a walk to the shops, of which there are not many, just a chippy by the nearest pub; which is on the opposite side of the canal by the bridge; and quite a walk further up the road, a mini-market and paper shop.
From the noise coming from the local pub, The Crown, it’s a pretty popular place, so we’ll probably call in there tomorrow. If it’s as nice a day as today has been, we’ll be very brave and sit outside.
Sadly we are unable to receive full TV programmes, yet again, with ITV, Ch4 and 5 all failing miserably in their efforts to reach us. No worries though, we have loads of reading material and I have yet to test out the programmes donated by cousin Ian, so I could give that a go.
Wednesday 13th April and, with it being as black as pitch out there at 05.30, I have no idea what the weather is like. However, I do know it isn’t raining and there is no wind to speak of. Those nasty weather people did tell us yesterday evening, to expect rain this morning but, our next port of call is Great Hayward junction and, according to Wifey, that’s only about 1½ hours away, so we should be OK to cruise.
From Great Haywood we’re hoping to take the bus into Stafford, something we’ve not managed to do before.
Yesterday I had hoped to paint our pole; that’s the length of round wood we use when we get stuck and can’t move; something that doesn’t happen very often I’m pleased to say. I gave it a good sandpapering while we were at Handsacre but, when I tried applying an undercoat yesterday, the wind was so strong that it was blowing the paint all over the place, including me. At Great Haywood we’ll be more sheltered and so, if the weather is kind I’ll be able to start on that little job. We’ve only had the pole since we bought the boat!!!
We moved up to Great Haywood this morning and arrived about 09.30 although, because we were so closed in with trees, we decided to move through the next lock to an area that is more open. Not that the move did us any good TV-wise because, when we switched on and carried out a search, we had no Digital signal at all. It didn’t matter which way we pointed the aerial, there was nothing at all. Even the Analogue was missing ITV and the other four channels were weak.
Now, never having come up against this problem before, but being well aware that the TV companies are working on the switchover up here, I’m wondering if that’s all it is. If so, then we should know by tomorrow. If not and we still don’t get a signal when we move off on Friday, I will suspect the aerial first, after which we’ll be considering a new TV.
We have a little electronic gadget that is supposed to indicate which direction to point the aerial for the strongest signal. When I attached this to the TV, in line with the aerial, all I had was a weak signal, i.e. just one LED glowing and that was in all directions. So, we either have no signal available or, more likely, the aerial is naff.
On that note, since we have a very strong Internet signal, I will post this, our first blog for this cruise.
We all hope you are all hale and hearty and in good spirits.
Bye for now.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
With a little luck and a very light tail wind, we’ll be on our way this morning, just as soon as we have topped up with diesel and paid our extra mooring fees. We should have left on Friday, the last day of March but, with the strong winds, we decided to stay until the weather improved. At the moment it’s cool and calm out there, with a clear blue sky, so I’m hopeful. But, even if a wind does whip up, we’re going, even if that means mooring up at Willington, just for a day or two.
Tuesday 5th April
We finally left Mercia Marina yesterday at 09.30, having first topped up with diesel and paid our dues at the office.
Had I known it was going to turn into a really cold and windy day, I might just have decided to stay another day or two. As it is, we made the seven mile journey to Branston in just 3 hours. This is not a bad result considering the strong headwind and the two locks.
The real beauty of cruising at this time of year is the shortage of other boaters also travelling. We travelled for about 1½ hours before passing another moving boat. We were even more fortunate in that the rain kept off until we had finally moored up.
We had also intended to pay a visit to the local watering hole but, alas, this is one of those pubs that do not do food on Mondays. It being my birthday this was a small disappointment, which we will make up for today. We first intend to walk into the village – now that I have more or less full mobility, such a walk should not be a problem – and do a wee bit of shopping and, at the same time, size up the alternative hostelry, after which we will decide which to use.
Yesterday evening we decided to run the TV for a few hours, just to see what effect it would have on our new batteries. Before going to bed we checked the existing voltage, which then stood at 12.4. Considering the four hours of usage, this is a good sign that we made the right decision in having them changed. The next test will be to see if the heater will run and, if that comes on OK I’ll be a happy man.
Tomorrow promises to be a brighter day, according to the weather man, so we will stay her overnight and travel on in the morning.
Thursday 7th April and the weather is fine and dry with not a hint of a breeze. Hopefully it will stay that way.
Yesterday we took a walk into Alrewas for a little shopping and to remind ourselves of what the village was like. The first good sign was the William the IV pub, which we have used before and is very much deserving of a repeat call. The second good point was the butcher’s shop, which turned out to be far better than we remembered. The range of goods in his cold cabinet has to be seen to be believed. Not just joints and chops etcetera, but prepared bar-b-q and other meats, a veritable wonderland, we settled for some really tasty looking meatballs.
In this neck of the woods they are changing over to Digital TV and, as expected, we had some difficulty receiving the ITV channels and, since we really wanted to see the 2nd part of the Midsomer Murders, were pretty disappointed, especially since it was one we had missed on first showing. Yes, of course it was a repeat!! With the exception of the new series, and the new Barnaby, aren’t they all?
So, that almost put paid to watching any television at all, but not quite. We found a particularly interesting programme on BBC 4 about the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port, which ran for an hour and gave some very interesting info about that and the other one in Gloucester.
Today we will be walking into Alrewas again, but this time for a liquid lunch at the William IV.
Friday 8th April and it turned out sunny again, but just a wee bit chilly. Once we got moving though, we soon warmed up and, after just an hour and a half, we arrived at Fradley Junction, which joins up with the Coventry Canal.
We are just staying for one night then moving on to Handsacre, which is about 3 ½ miles and four locks away and still on the T&M. There we will stay for the weekend where, I hope, we will find a decent pub for Sunday lunchtime.
Meanwhile, on our arrival here, once we had enjoyed a coffee, we wandered through the nearby Nature Reserve, stopped for an ice cream at the shop, had another coffee outside the café and bought some cheeses from the very nice Canadian couple on Cheeseboat II.
We knew of one boat such as this, but we haven’t spotted this one before. Apparently they became friends with the people on Cheeseboat #1 a few years ago and, having fell in love with the boating, allowed themselves to be talked into opening another Cheeseboat, hence #2.
After lunch of our new cheeses and some Ryvita, we got stuck in to cleaning some of the boat, Wifey on the paintwork and yours truly on the brasses, of which we have quite a few, mainly plaques that represent all the canals, locks and tunnels we’ve been along, up, down and through. We are now chilling out for the rest of the day.
Saturday 9th April
We do not cruise at weekends but, having spent Friday at Fradley and wishing to get to Handsacre for the weekend, we had no choice. However, in order to beat the rush with so many boats about, even this early in the year, we made our way over to the water point by 8 o/clock this morning and were away by 8.30. With only 3½ miles and four locks to go, on a gorgeous day, we were moored up by 11 o/clock and ready for a cuppa, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
As soon as that was done we locked up and dragged Rusty on a walk to the shops, of which there are not many, just a chippy by the nearest pub; which is on the opposite side of the canal by the bridge; and quite a walk further up the road, a mini-market and paper shop.
From the noise coming from the local pub, The Crown, it’s a pretty popular place, so we’ll probably call in there tomorrow. If it’s as nice a day as today has been, we’ll be very brave and sit outside.
Sadly we are unable to receive full TV programmes, yet again, with ITV, Ch4 and 5 all failing miserably in their efforts to reach us. No worries though, we have loads of reading material and I have yet to test out the programmes donated by cousin Ian, so I could give that a go.
Wednesday 13th April and, with it being as black as pitch out there at 05.30, I have no idea what the weather is like. However, I do know it isn’t raining and there is no wind to speak of. Those nasty weather people did tell us yesterday evening, to expect rain this morning but, our next port of call is Great Hayward junction and, according to Wifey, that’s only about 1½ hours away, so we should be OK to cruise.
From Great Haywood we’re hoping to take the bus into Stafford, something we’ve not managed to do before.
Yesterday I had hoped to paint our pole; that’s the length of round wood we use when we get stuck and can’t move; something that doesn’t happen very often I’m pleased to say. I gave it a good sandpapering while we were at Handsacre but, when I tried applying an undercoat yesterday, the wind was so strong that it was blowing the paint all over the place, including me. At Great Haywood we’ll be more sheltered and so, if the weather is kind I’ll be able to start on that little job. We’ve only had the pole since we bought the boat!!!
We moved up to Great Haywood this morning and arrived about 09.30 although, because we were so closed in with trees, we decided to move through the next lock to an area that is more open. Not that the move did us any good TV-wise because, when we switched on and carried out a search, we had no Digital signal at all. It didn’t matter which way we pointed the aerial, there was nothing at all. Even the Analogue was missing ITV and the other four channels were weak.
Now, never having come up against this problem before, but being well aware that the TV companies are working on the switchover up here, I’m wondering if that’s all it is. If so, then we should know by tomorrow. If not and we still don’t get a signal when we move off on Friday, I will suspect the aerial first, after which we’ll be considering a new TV.
We have a little electronic gadget that is supposed to indicate which direction to point the aerial for the strongest signal. When I attached this to the TV, in line with the aerial, all I had was a weak signal, i.e. just one LED glowing and that was in all directions. So, we either have no signal available or, more likely, the aerial is naff.
On that note, since we have a very strong Internet signal, I will post this, our first blog for this cruise.
We all hope you are all hale and hearty and in good spirits.
Bye for now.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty.
Friday, 25 March 2011
Shiralee at Willington #14
Wednesday 15th March
Had a really great visit with John and Colin and Sue Yesterday and Monday, when we paid a visit to John in the Nursing Home.
According to Sue, John was much more lucid than of late, he’s just not happy there. He did have a friend there in the early days, about three years ago, but he sadly died, and now he has nobody to hold a sensible conversation with. When I asked him to tell me truly how he was doing, he almost broke down. This is a very sad situation for a, previously, very active man, to find himself in and I find it hard to believe he’s actually still suffering it after all this time.
There but for the grace, etc.
We were fortunate with the weather too, it was fine all the way there on Monday and, although it started out the same yesterday morning, it soon clouded over and cooled down. Pooch was very pleased to see us when we picked her up at the kennels. I’m a bit miffed though at the two day charge when we were only a few hours late in collecting her. We are already booked in again for the family do, but for next time we’ll find another kennels.
Wednesday 23rd March
Had a great afternoon with Alan and Chris Oxley, who took us to a place called ‘Taybarn’s’, which, as Alan suggested, is an up market ‘Macdonald’s’. Although I have to say, the quality of food was of a much higher standard.
This is a self-service licensed restaurant, with just one set price. For the over 60’s it is £4.15p for all you can eat. Soft drinks from the machine are free but, over the counter beer and mixers are charged at normal rate. Except that, in comparison with normal pub prices, the Stella was cheaper by 30p per pint. What a great deal and, being next door to a Premier Inn, the food quality has to be good. I can’t remember when I last enjoyed a pub lunch as much as this one.
The place was pretty busy when we arrived at about midday, or a little after but, even though there were quite a few families there, the noise level was not unacceptable. Sheila amazed me by eating a salad, followed by another plate of cooked food, followed by a pudding. I pretty much amazed myself by gobbling down a good plateful of chicken, chips, gammon and roast spuds, followed by a goodly portion of apple tart and custard. Wow! Did my blood sugar level know about that!!
Anyway, a thoroughly good afternoon out, enhanced by the most excellent company. Must do it again next time our visiting times coincide, but perhaps a little later, when the crowd has thinned out.
Today we are planning to take Shiralee on a shake-down cruise to check everything is running smoothly, with special attention on the gear box. Linden adjusted the linkages when he carried out the service, but I feel he’s tightened them up a little too much.
As you all know, our mooring time is up at the end of this month, so it will soon be time for you to get the maps out again. Hopefully the weather will be fine when we do leave, if not we’ll simply moor up in Willington until it improves.
Saturday 26th March
Today we are off to Harlow and staying with Alan, ready for the family bash tomorrow. First we are calling in on my colleague from my school bus days, that’s Les and her family, then we’re off to the town centre for a bit of shopping.
Now, I must tell you about our ‘shake-down’ cruise on Wednesday. We set out at about nine o/clock, intending to head for Stenson Lock, which is about a mile and a half away, where we would turn around and head back. After all, we only wanted to ensure the gearbox was OK.
Just past the marina and immediately before the lock, is a winding hole, well, it’s supposed to be a winding hole but, because it was so badly silted up below the towpath, we were unable to turn around.
We now had to go through the lock and head for the next possible turning point at Swarkestone Lock, another three miles away. This was turning into a rather long day, even longer than we would normally attempt on any given day whilst cruising.
On arrival at Swarkestone and just opposite the BW office, is a sign telling boaters, that they must not use the entrance to the moorings as a turning point. According to our book, there is a winding hole by this lock but, as we found out, there isn’t.
So, be dammed if I’m taking Shiralee through another lock, which would have made a full day of it, I girded my loins and used the entrance to the moorings. Fortunately nobody gave us any grief and so we headed back to the marina.
Now, on the way down to Swarkestone, we encountered a BW dredging team going the other way. Guess what? Yes, we found them again on the way back, only this time they were straddling the canal and we had to hover in place whilst they finished their bit of work, after which we carried on to Stenson.
We went through this lock on our way here from Pilling’s Lock Marina but, at that time, we were with Brian and Marian, so we went through the lock together. However, we had forgotten just how strong the incoming water was at this one and, when Sheila opened the first paddle, the water came gushing in with such force, that the boat swung across the lock to the other side. This is not good and can be most embarrassing when there are loads of people watching, as they were at this time, it being a nice, sunny day.
Eventually we passed through the lock and, with no further mishaps, arrived back at our moorings at two pm. What should have taken us a couple of hours had taken five. Phew!!
We now have just six days before we will be obliged to leave here and set out on our cruise and two of those days will be spent in Harlow. With my brother Alan accompanying us back to the marina and staying until Tuesday, it is unlikely that I will be able to find the time for further entries to this blog. So, I will sign off now and post this, our final blog at Mercia Marina.
We’ve had a great time here and made many friends, not least of all our friendly, neighbourhood engineer, Linden. We know you read this Linden and would like to thanks you for all your hard work and help.
We very much doubt we will find another marina quite like this one, so we have put in a reservation for the same mooring spot for the winter to come.
That’s all folks! Will keep in touch whilst cruising, both by text and blog.
Kind regards and best wishes.
Dave, Sheila and the pooch!!
Had a really great visit with John and Colin and Sue Yesterday and Monday, when we paid a visit to John in the Nursing Home.
According to Sue, John was much more lucid than of late, he’s just not happy there. He did have a friend there in the early days, about three years ago, but he sadly died, and now he has nobody to hold a sensible conversation with. When I asked him to tell me truly how he was doing, he almost broke down. This is a very sad situation for a, previously, very active man, to find himself in and I find it hard to believe he’s actually still suffering it after all this time.
There but for the grace, etc.
We were fortunate with the weather too, it was fine all the way there on Monday and, although it started out the same yesterday morning, it soon clouded over and cooled down. Pooch was very pleased to see us when we picked her up at the kennels. I’m a bit miffed though at the two day charge when we were only a few hours late in collecting her. We are already booked in again for the family do, but for next time we’ll find another kennels.
Wednesday 23rd March
Had a great afternoon with Alan and Chris Oxley, who took us to a place called ‘Taybarn’s’, which, as Alan suggested, is an up market ‘Macdonald’s’. Although I have to say, the quality of food was of a much higher standard.
This is a self-service licensed restaurant, with just one set price. For the over 60’s it is £4.15p for all you can eat. Soft drinks from the machine are free but, over the counter beer and mixers are charged at normal rate. Except that, in comparison with normal pub prices, the Stella was cheaper by 30p per pint. What a great deal and, being next door to a Premier Inn, the food quality has to be good. I can’t remember when I last enjoyed a pub lunch as much as this one.
The place was pretty busy when we arrived at about midday, or a little after but, even though there were quite a few families there, the noise level was not unacceptable. Sheila amazed me by eating a salad, followed by another plate of cooked food, followed by a pudding. I pretty much amazed myself by gobbling down a good plateful of chicken, chips, gammon and roast spuds, followed by a goodly portion of apple tart and custard. Wow! Did my blood sugar level know about that!!
Anyway, a thoroughly good afternoon out, enhanced by the most excellent company. Must do it again next time our visiting times coincide, but perhaps a little later, when the crowd has thinned out.
Today we are planning to take Shiralee on a shake-down cruise to check everything is running smoothly, with special attention on the gear box. Linden adjusted the linkages when he carried out the service, but I feel he’s tightened them up a little too much.
As you all know, our mooring time is up at the end of this month, so it will soon be time for you to get the maps out again. Hopefully the weather will be fine when we do leave, if not we’ll simply moor up in Willington until it improves.
Saturday 26th March
Today we are off to Harlow and staying with Alan, ready for the family bash tomorrow. First we are calling in on my colleague from my school bus days, that’s Les and her family, then we’re off to the town centre for a bit of shopping.
Now, I must tell you about our ‘shake-down’ cruise on Wednesday. We set out at about nine o/clock, intending to head for Stenson Lock, which is about a mile and a half away, where we would turn around and head back. After all, we only wanted to ensure the gearbox was OK.
Just past the marina and immediately before the lock, is a winding hole, well, it’s supposed to be a winding hole but, because it was so badly silted up below the towpath, we were unable to turn around.
We now had to go through the lock and head for the next possible turning point at Swarkestone Lock, another three miles away. This was turning into a rather long day, even longer than we would normally attempt on any given day whilst cruising.
On arrival at Swarkestone and just opposite the BW office, is a sign telling boaters, that they must not use the entrance to the moorings as a turning point. According to our book, there is a winding hole by this lock but, as we found out, there isn’t.
So, be dammed if I’m taking Shiralee through another lock, which would have made a full day of it, I girded my loins and used the entrance to the moorings. Fortunately nobody gave us any grief and so we headed back to the marina.
Now, on the way down to Swarkestone, we encountered a BW dredging team going the other way. Guess what? Yes, we found them again on the way back, only this time they were straddling the canal and we had to hover in place whilst they finished their bit of work, after which we carried on to Stenson.
We went through this lock on our way here from Pilling’s Lock Marina but, at that time, we were with Brian and Marian, so we went through the lock together. However, we had forgotten just how strong the incoming water was at this one and, when Sheila opened the first paddle, the water came gushing in with such force, that the boat swung across the lock to the other side. This is not good and can be most embarrassing when there are loads of people watching, as they were at this time, it being a nice, sunny day.
Eventually we passed through the lock and, with no further mishaps, arrived back at our moorings at two pm. What should have taken us a couple of hours had taken five. Phew!!
We now have just six days before we will be obliged to leave here and set out on our cruise and two of those days will be spent in Harlow. With my brother Alan accompanying us back to the marina and staying until Tuesday, it is unlikely that I will be able to find the time for further entries to this blog. So, I will sign off now and post this, our final blog at Mercia Marina.
We’ve had a great time here and made many friends, not least of all our friendly, neighbourhood engineer, Linden. We know you read this Linden and would like to thanks you for all your hard work and help.
We very much doubt we will find another marina quite like this one, so we have put in a reservation for the same mooring spot for the winter to come.
That’s all folks! Will keep in touch whilst cruising, both by text and blog.
Kind regards and best wishes.
Dave, Sheila and the pooch!!
Monday, 14 March 2011
Shiralee at Willington #13
Thursday 24th February.
Well now, I can’t say much has happened of any interest since Saturday. Sunday, of course, we visited our local hostelry but, for some reason; probably mass hysteria; the place filled up and became somewhat uncomfortable and, with so many people crowding the bar, difficult to get served, so I only imbibed 2/3rds of my usual intake. Still, I can always make up for it at a later date, perhaps when Alan comes to visit prior to us leaving for our cruise.
Ever since replacing the pump-out loo for a cassette we have been promising to remove the waste tank, which would give us a lot more storage space under the bed. On Tuesday afternoon, with nothing better to occupy our minds, we gathered the necessary tools together and headed for the bedroom.
Of course, this is not something that simply requires the removal of bedding and mattress, this also requires moving said items to another part of the boat, the mattress to the loo and the bedding to the lounge.
So far, so good. Next come the boards that cover the tank, which are quite easy to remove and stack up near the back door. The next thing to do would have been to remove any attachments, after which out comes the tank. Yeah! Right!
Have you any idea how much one of these tanks weighs? No, neither do we, but it must be quite a lot because, even by taking hold of one of the pipe outlets, I could barely raise it more than an inch or so and I couldn’t really see how we were going to shift it. Which begs the question, how the heck did the fitters get the wretched thing in there?
So, we are stuck with a tank we don’t want and not as much storage space as we would like. Hmmm! Hmmm!
Yesterday, whilst checking out my mailbox, I noticed an email from eBay thanking me for my donation to “Help for Heroes”. This was a very pleasant surprise since I don’t remember ever having received such a message before.
I should perhaps explain what this is about. As you know, I am selling language courses on eBay and, whilst I’m doing so, I’m also donating 10% of the final selling price to this charity. What a nice man I am. Not any more I’m not.
On taking a second look I noticed that the charity had received £1.00 for the French course alone. This, I thought, was not right. So, I checked back on my listings and, to my horror, discovered that the minimum donation id set at £1.00. Well, since the courses are up for Buy Now at just £2.25, with free post and packing; which alone costs very nearly £1.00, what with the cost of envelope, stamp, blank DVD and plastic sleeve; I’m left with just £0.25p profit.
And so it came to pass, that this silly idiot had to go back to my listings; the fee for which is £0.40p per item, so I’m now £0.15p out of pocket; and remove all 16 languages and re-list them without the charity donation, and I still have to pay the listing fees from my previous listings.
What’s really annoying about this situation is that, unlike those listing fees, which all come out of my Paypal account, the charity donations come from our Debit Card and so I had no idea, until the arrival of that thank-you email, that I was paying out all that cash. “Oh yes”, says Wifey, “I’ve noticed those payments coming out, but I assumed you knew about them”. Go Figure, as those damn Yankees say!!
Thus far, since first listing all 16 languages, I have sold 25 and have made not a penny. However, looking on the bright side, “Help for Heroes” has made £25.
Yesterday, knowing how little time we have before April 1st, which is when we intend to be on our way towards Braunston and Welsh Wales, we paid a visit to the local vet to book our pooch in for her annual jabs. We also asked for a few addresses of kennels because, on 14th March we’re paying a visit to my very dear friend, John Barefoot and his youngest son Colin and wife Sue, down in Somerset.
We’re also meeting for the family do later in that month and will need to kennel her again. What with the price of petrol these days those two trips are going to be a wee bit expensive. But, after all that and the past six months at this marina, we should be able to catch up on our savings, which, due to all the unforeseen expense of late, are looking sadly depleted.
Wow, three pages at one sitting. How’s about that guys and gals??
Sunday 27th February
On Thursday we popped along to one of our local kennels, this one is just before the small town of Mickleover. The place is laid out quite nicely and the dogs are allowed to run free in a compound, but only one at a time. This is just as well because our Rusty would have no trouble making a few enemies. At just £11 per night we found that to be pretty reasonable; we’ve paid £20 per night in some places. So, our wee pooch is now booked in for the two occasions necessary.
During the working week we like to watch the local BBC News at 6 o/clock in the evening. Just recently we’ve been hearing about countless job losses across the region, as I’m sure everybody else has. One of the items has been about one of the big vehicle windscreen replacement companies, the name of which has suddenly ceased to exist in my memory banks.
However, we have a boater on this site who works for said windscreen company and, whilst I was walking our little tearaway yesterday morning, I spotted him at his company van which, I assumed, he was clearing out in order to return it for the administrators to deal with.
So, being the nosy bugger that I am, I stopped by and asked what he was going to do now that the company had folded. I was amazed to hear that, no sooner had the news of closure been passed on to the workforce, than he received a call from a company who have offered to take over some of the depots and had asked him if he would like to stay on.
It seems that this company, an insurance group I think, have offered up several million pounds for depots up and down the UK, along with the company logo and have cherry-picked the people they want to stay on, including our man on this marina. He is, by his own admittance, rather chuffed with this, having been with them for over 20 years. Not only has he kept his job, but he also has a raise in pay. They are also returning to their old system of working; a five day week with just one night on call.
It’s good to hear some good news for a change. Mind you, there are still several hundred without jobs, but at least some have been saved.
As usual we’ll be off to the pub at lunchtime, but this will be just one of the final three Sundays before we leave for “Cruise 2011”.
Saturday 5th March.
Yesterday evening my good wife was surprised to see frost on the ground when she took the pooch out. Damned stuff is still here this morning, which means she will have to take her out this morning also.
On Thursday, for the first time since the op, I managed the walk around Burton without the use of a stick. This means it has only taken a little over seven months for me to be able to dispose of the stick, which bodes well for our fast approaching cruise.
On Wednesday as promised, Linden came along and replaced our batteries and carried out an engine service. Whilst down in the bowels of the engine bay he also gave the engine a good clean up and cleaned out the bay itself, which was looking somewhat dishevelled, to say the least.
Of course, with the removal of two batteries; we are now down to four domestics instead of six; the boat is somewhat lighter on the starboard side, with the resultant slight list to port. Of course, if we could remove the now defunct waste tank, we would probably return to an even keel, so to speak. Instead I will have to rearrange the ballast, which, hopefully, will even things up a bit.
Since removing the charity aspect of my language sales pages on eBay, we suffered a week of no sales. At first we thought perhaps the charity aspect had contributed to sales volume, but then I realised the schools were on half term, which can have a seriously detrimental effect. Now that the little darlings are back, sales have started to pick up again.
So, apart from rearranging the ballast sometime today, this Saturday is going to go the way of most Saturdays and be a lazy day.
Tuesday 8th March and, believe it or not, we’ve had frost now for two mornings running. Mind you, I remember when we first bought the boat and, after our first winter at Keckys’s Far in Sawbridgeworth, we left in April and about a week later we had snow.
Yesterday Wifey took the bus into Derby, ostensibly to purchase a new top, but came back with dog biscuits. It now falls upon my broad shoulders, to accompany her into Burton to see if she can buy the right thing. We’ll probably do that on Thursday, today we have to buy some more coal and logs and tomorrow I have an appointment with the nurse.
We have only three weeks before we are due to set sail and we are both quite looking forward to being on the move again. Happily, my legs will be able to cope, but I’m still a little concerned about the aching calf muscles, but he knees are fine now and I’m even sleeping much better.
Monday 14th March and we’re off to Weston Super Mare today to stay with my old friend John Barefoot’s son Colin and his wife Sue. The main reason for the visit of course, is to pay a visit to John in the Nursing Home before we set off on this years cruise. I haven’t seen John for well over a year, so I am really looking forward to the visit. Hopefully we’ll get to take Colin and Sue out for a pub meal in the evening. Last time I visited they took me out, so it’s our turn to pay. Rusty will spend the night in the kennels at Mickleover, but she doesn’t seem to mind the short break although, she does come home with a rather hoarse voice.
When we get back from Colin’s our first job is to give our chimney a clean. For this job we have long, black brush on the end of a much longer, heavy duty, spiral bound wire. It is always a bit if a problem removing the brush because, as you push it down the bristles bend backwards, making it very difficult to reverse direction, as the bristles are reluctant to bend in the opposite direction. The brush is a very tight fit as you can imagine.
Anyway, talking to our neighbour Chris, who was cleaning his chimney a few days ago, he reckons that, by pushing the brush right down into the fireplace; keeping the door closed of course; it is really quite easy bringing the brush up again. I’ve always been a bit wary about doing this for fear the darn thing got stuck, but I’ll give it a try this time.
Well, it is a little over two weeks now before we set off again. Having waited 18 months this time, we’re both quite looking forward to going. For the most part we’ll be covering old ground but, with luck and a tail wind we’ll manage the Avon and Severn, at least as far as Stourport. Of course, we may start at Stourport and finish at Stratford on Avon and this all depends on which way Wifey decides to go. She can be a bit fickle at times.
Well, that’s it for this posting.
See you all at the bash.
Dave, Sheila and Rusty
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