Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 13

 

Friday 27^th June to Saturday 7^th July

 Friday 27^th June

 When we took that walk into Whitchurch on Wednesday, we shopped at Tesco, where we found a nice, new Logitech Wireless Mouse, which has now replaced that other piece of vermin. This one only takes one battery; which is easier to replace; and which is supposed to last a year, guaranteed.

 Saturday 28^th June

 Wifey’s birthday and our 34^th wedding anniversary today and to celebrate we’re taking the bus into Shrewsbury.

 Yesterday morning at about 9.30 we left our moorings at bridge 50 and made our way to Ellesmere, fully expecting to find plenty of spaces but, once again, we were lucky to get in and almost at the back of the line. However, once we had had our cup of coffee, and just as we set out to walk into town, we noticed a space nearer to the marina, so we turned back, untied the boat and moved it forward.

 You see, at Ellesmere some idiot thought it perfectly o.k. to spread thin, grey gravel – more like dust – along the towpath. This stuff is bad enough when it’s dry, but it tracks all over the place when wet, which it was by the time we arrived. So, the less walking we have to do over this stuff, the better.

 After walking into town we stopped off at the marina on the way back and bought two more tins of green paint. Not the same as before, but a different make. This is because the two tins we used on the roof didn’t match up. With the two new tins, mixed together in a paint bucket, even if they are from different batches; as we suspect the previous ones were; we shouldn’t have a problem.

 With the heavy rain we had yesterday it’s doubtful if we’ll get any painting done today. Besides, it’s the weekend and we see no reason to work. I don’t suppose we’ll get much done on Monday either, not even if the weather is fine, because we’ll be taking the bus into Oswestry.

Sunday 29^th June            

 Well, that’s our anniversary over for another year; the next will be the 35^th. Imagine that, Wifey and I have been together for 35 years. For some reason or other; best known to the powers that be; we managed our trip to Shrewsbury without getting wet. On the way there we ran through quite a bit of rain, and so too on the way back, but stayed dry in between. We had rain during the rest of the day, Wimbledon was rained off and it’s raining again this morning. I suppose it’s being on the border with Wales that’s doing it; they do seem to enjoy lots of rain around here!!

 I bought something online a few days ago and, as you all know, our mail is sent direct to Alan in Harlow. Sometimes, if we want something sent on to us, Alan will post it under the Post Office’s Poste Restante system and we collect at the nearest branch. Alan tried his best to post this item yesterday; zipping around all over town; but was thwarted every step of the way by long queues and he eventually texted me to let me know the problems he was having. Well, since we’re staying here until Tuesday anyway, I told him to leave it until Monday morning.

 Thanks Bruv, your efforts are always much appreciated. Who luvs ya baby??

 Monday 30^th June

 This morning, unlike yesterday and Saturday, I’m having problems with Internet connection. Outlook is still at Work Offline mode and I’m unable to switch back to normal mode. But I should still be able to send messages by clicking on Send/Receive All, then Send All but, for some reason that I can’t fathom, my messages won’t go out. Then, after all the fussing and fighting, my Internet connection has dropped out altogether.

 We’re here until Wednesday morning but, since I really don’t need to worry about emails for another couple of days, I’ll just have to do without. I’ll try again later, maybe!!

 Yesterday we tried a different pub and called into The Ellesmere Hotel, where I was pleasantly surprised at the £2.80 they charged for Carling. That’s about 40p less than The White Admiral on a Monday evening.

 Today we’re off to Oswestry, where I’ll be taking our WiFi unit to the ‘Three’ shop to see what it will cost to upgrade to 4G. I’m also due an upgrade of my mobile with O2, so I might just kill two birds etc.

 Tuesday 1^st July

 Well, summer is marching on and we’re already into July, with weather to suit, which is more than can be said for Wimbledon yesterday.

 We took the bus into Oswestry as planned yesterday morning, but there were no Three or O2 shops about and, since we didn’t have much to buy whilst there, we only stayed an hour.

 Today we’ll be walking into Ellesmere again, this time to collect mail from the post office and I also want to call into the local computer shop. The battery on our laptop only seems good for about 1 ½ hours, which is not much good for first thing in the morning. I can’t plug in to the 240 volt outlet for too long, because the Inverter/Charger tends to drain our batteries too much, so I usually have to switch off the laptop sooner than I want to. What I really need is a solar panel charger, just for the laptop, but they aren’t cheap. So, advice as to the need for a new battery would be useful.

 Wednesday 2^nd July        

 Well, having called into the local computer shop, I have discovered that our laptops battery capability is about right and, on top of that, I’m told that these small solar panels are pretty useless for laptops. Money saved, yippee!!

 Thursday 3^rd July

 Yesterday, after travelling the four miles to the top of the Montgomery canal, we decided it would be too hot for working on the boat. Instead we watched tennis, which is looking all rather interesting this year. We’ve lost two top men’s players and three top women’s players, so the up and coming, new generation can have a go. It should be pretty exciting with Murray, Nadal, Sharapova and the William’s sisters all out.

 That tall Australian with the Greek name; which I’ve forgotten how to spell; knocked out Nadal and then, yesterday afternoon was knocked out by a Canadian; whose name I can’t remember. Hey, it’s only slight memory loss, so don’t go casting nastertiuns, OK?

 Friday 4^th July

 Most of the UK was bathed in sunshine yesterday, not so the north-west and Wales, where drizzly rain and cold winds were the order of the day. However, we girded our loins and set sail at 8 am for St. Martin’s Moor, a long stretch of open moorings about four miles from the top of the Montgomery canal. And, here we sat for the rest of the day, reading and catching up with the tennis.

 On the way out of Ellesmere we got talking to some Aussies at the water point. Apparently the Aussie tennis player lives near to them and is quite the show off. He seems to like tearing around the neighbourhood in his flashy, red Ferrari. Hey, he’s only 19 and comes from a rich family, what can you expect?

 Sadly, since the boat was wet, it wasn’t possible to do any painting. Instead, and to pacify ourselves for another wasted day, Wifey set to and made a bread pudding. Bread puddings, as most people are aware, are made from unused bread and mixed fruit etc. Some folks add sugar, but we rely on the fruit for sweetness and the added spices for extra flavour. We also like it nice and soggy. Good old fashioned stodge is the way to go, at least in this Chamberlain family.

 We usually allow ours to go cold before eating, but, at the veiled suggestion from Alan, we ate some soon after it came out of the oven. Later in the evening we sampled it cold and I can state, without reservation, that it tastes just as good either way. Yummee, is the word that comes to mind.

 Saturday 5^th July

 With the weather looking pretty yukkee yesterday morning, we hesitated for about half an hour before finally deciding to move on. We had hoped to be in Llangollen for the weekend, but we decided it would be too much trouble, so we stopped off just outside Chirk, at a pub called The Poacher’s Pocket. We’ve stayed here overnight in the past, but we’ve never used the pub, so today will be a new experience.

 The pub itself is just inside England, but, within about a mile; much of which is uphill, as you would expect on the Welsh border; you are finally in Wales. So, whilst we waited for the weather to settle down a bit, we indulged in our usual coffee, after which we took a stroll along the towpath as far as Chirk Bank, then it was a short downhill walk and onto a half mile of uphill toil.

 It was still drizzling with rain on this walk but, since much of the uphill walk is sheltered by overhanging trees, we didn’t get too wet. The village of Chirk has all the amenities usually found in bigger towns but, when we looked in the usual spot for the Post Office, there was no sign of it. Unbeknown to us it had been moved to the local Spar shop, which had been almost doubled in size since last year.

 We will take that walk again this morning but, whilst you folks down south enjoy all the sunshine, we will have to suffer more rain. Even so, this won’t prevent us from enjoying the tennis.

 Since this is only 48 hour moorings; and we noticed a CRT man checking licences yesterday; we will have to move on tomorrow, which will mean going over Chirk Aqueduct and through the tunnel. In fact we’ll have two tunnels to go through because we want to moor up at a long stretch of open moorings about three miles from here.

 We’ll probably be in Llangollen for Monday or Tuesday, depending upon the Welsh weather of course. Meanwhile, since I have a good signal here I’ll post this off.

 Enjoy your weekend and whatever you do during the following week. If it ain’t enjoyable, try something else.

 All the best

 Dave and Sheila

 

 

Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 12

 

Sunday 22^nd June to Friday 27th June

 Monday 23^rd June

 Well, it’s downhill all the way to autumn now, since Saturday was the longest day. However, we’re still enjoying some brilliant weather and, according to Countryfile, we will do so for the next few days.

 Meanwhile I seem to have now taken on the fight against hay fever. Never suffered from it in the past and it is now becoming a nuisance. So much so that I’m now looking out for a Holland and Barratt store so that I can buy the same stuff Alan used to use. He seems to have grown out of it now, whilst I’m now having to suffer it. Blocked nose that simply won’t clear, not even with Sudafed spray. Blah and Bah I say!!

 Our nearest H&B is in Shrewsbury and we won’t be able to go there until we reach Ellesmere, by which time summer will probably be over and I won’t need any pills or potions. Forever the optimist, that’s me!!

 Yesterday we sat in the garden of the local pub, The Cotton Arms, which also has a campsite behind it. I say sat in the garden, which we did for a short while, and then transferred to the front of the pub, which was shadier and away from the little female thug, who was throwing a rubber bone for her dog, missing us by not a very great distance.

 Walking back to the boat we first looked ahead of the lift bridge, just to see if there were any spaces. By the looks of things there was enough space to take about four boats, so we moved our boat through the first lift bridge; which joins two fields each side of the canal; then through the electrically operated road bridge. But, during the 20 minutes or so that this movement took, three other boats had pulled in and we were just lucky to fit in between two of them.

 We moved the boat yesterday because we didn’t want to cause a hold up with traffic on a Monday morning.

 Today we’ll be off to Grindley Brook and will moor at the bottom of the locks. These moorings are on our starboard side, so I’ll be able to finish painting the roof.

 At last, my driving licence has turned up and I’m now allowed to drive for another three years. But, in with the bumff that came with it was a notice telling me I can apply to have previous categories re-instated. In the past, if a lorry driver or bus driver has to go on to Insulin in order to control their diabetes, they those categories were revoked. However, it now seems that this has changed, so, if I wanted to take up bus driving again (?), I could get that category put back on my licence. How great is that? I wonder, how would a part-time job driving school kids about, suit me? Nah! Had enough of those little towrags!!

 Monday 24^th June

 Yesterday we poodled along to the bottom of Grindley Brook Locks and settled in for the day.

 With it being yet another fine and sunny day, we set to with more painting and varnish stripping. Well, I finished the roof and found that the paint doesn’t quite match the parts I did earlier. Whether it needs time to ‘weather’ and blend in, I don’t know, but it’s quite possible that the unfinished tin I used earlier is from a different batch. We’ll check it out later today and, if it still looks odd, I’ll go over the earlier stuff with the newer paint. This means even more work of course.

 Even after re-tuning the TV last night, we still couldn’t get Quest and missed Outback Truckers. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch up at a later dates; there are always plenty of repeats around, as everybody knows.

 Wednesday 25^th June

 From the bottom of Grindley Brook locks, to the moorings at Whitchurch, is just over a mile, with six locks in between. We left our moorings at a little before 8 am and, with the locks in our favour, we saved quite a bit of time going through them.

 The facilities here are better than some places and include four water points, which is just as well because, as usual, there was a holiday boat moored at one. Goodness knows why these people do it but, even though they are advised against it by their hire company, they still flout the rules and moor there overnight. They always have an excuse ready too, and in this case it was, ‘well, we’ll be topping up soon and leaving early’. This was at 9 am, and he called it early. What was wrong with topping up the previous afternoon/evening and moving along to proper moorings?

 This person was moored in such a way as to make it impossible for boater; who was moored on the other side of the canal; top up with water, without having to reverse up in order to do so. And they wonder why holiday boaters have such a bad name!!

 Anyway, after disposing of rubbish and filling our water tank, we made it to Whitchurch by 10 am and, after the obligatory cup of coffee, we wandered over to the local bus stop and waited for a bus to turn up. It should have been there by 25 past the hour but, while we were waiting a local woman advised us that she didn’t think the service ran every day any more. So, we checked the timetable and found, much to our dismay that the 205 now only ran on Saturdays. This seemed rather odd because we know from experience that quite a few people do use the service.

 We now had two alternatives, either walk into town, or stroll around to the local Co-op. We chose the longer walk into town and, after a walk up and down the high street; we did some shopping in Tesco. When we were checking out I mentioned the lack of 205 service to Chemistry, but he was sure that it still ran. He suggested we talk to one of the bus drivers, which we did, and he produced a timetable that plainly stated that the service still ran, but with a few alterations. Obviously some idiot, either at their own office, or at the local Council office, had put the incorrect information at the bus stop, and probably at all the associated bus stops along that route.

 Can nobody be trusted these days??

 We’ll be staying here for today and, with the weather looking set fair, we’ll probably get some more wood staining done, Sheila on the back bar and me on the pole. No, not up it!!

 Thursday 26^th June

 Yesterday morning I emailed the bus company that serves Whitchurch and informed them of the incorrect timetable at their Chemistry bus stop. Later in the afternoon I booted up the laptop, for reasons that escape me and I found, much to my surprise that the bus company had replied to my email and were going to advise the local Council if this mistake. Obviously there are some companies out there who care about their passengers.

 After breakfast Wifey asked if I wanted to accompany her to the local Co-op and I agreed to her request but, by the time we got back from this monumental hike, I sincerely wished I hadn’t bothered. We might just as well have walked into town again, it was that long. Still, we both need to keep up the exercise and, to be honest we’re not able to do so every day, because we’re not always close enough to a town or shops. We must, most definitely find another dog when we return to Crick.

 There was loads of activity yesterday, here at the Whitchurch moorings, with boats coming and going for much of the day. Inevitably and irritatingly, we sustained a bump and nudge here and there, but nothing to really concern us. The final boat of the day arrived quite late in the evening, but they were fortunate enough to fill the spot in front of us, because the boat that was there left only a short while before they arrived. Some folks do their cruising much later than we do, and that’s for sure.

 We’ll be heading towards Ellesmere later this morning, but the only place we simply must avoid this time, is the site of the old shop, because there’s no mobile or Internet reception there.

 Friday 27^th June   

 As everybody knows who reads this blog, we don’t usually travel more than a few miles a day, much less eight miles. Perish the thought!! But, since we want to be in Ellesmere today and want to take a bus ride to Shrewsbury and Oswestry this weekend, we made the ultimate sacrifice, but only after Wifey had walked all that way to the local Co-op for the paper. She’s a game old bird, don’t you know? With me lagging along beside her this walk would take about 40 minutes, there and back. On her own she did the return trip in 20 and we managed to get away by 8.30.

 Our aim was for the moorings just past bridge 50, which we would have made in much less than the 3½ hours it took us, had it not been for the slow-coach ahead of us. It is sometimes possible to pass on the cut, but in this instance; despite the long stretch of straight canal past the Preese Branch; we still couldn’t manage, because there always seemed to be another boat coming towards us.

Well, upon arrival at said destination; by now it was already midday; we settled in to read the paper and enjoy a cup of coffee. Soon afterwards Sheila went off to give another coat of wood stain to the back bar, but she returned within a couple of minutes after it started raining. So, there was nowt else to do but settle down and watch Wimbledon, which took us right up to 9 pm, when we switched channels to watch Body of Proof.

 A day well spent wethinks! This is the plural of methinks, an old English word, sadly no longer in general usage, except by a few devotees like me.

 The Internet signal is not very strong here, but I’m going to try posting this blog today, and for a very good reason. Tomorrow will be a very special day in the Chamberlain calendar, it’s Wifey’s birthday and our 34th Wedding Anniversary. For those of you; both friends and family; who wouldn’t normally send email or text greetings; this is your chance to do something completely unusual.

 Go on, go for it, you know you want to!!

 Have a great weekend, we certainly will.

 Dave and Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 11

Wednesday 18^th June to Sunday 22^nd June

 Thursday 19^th June         

 Yippeee! We actually got some painting done yesterday, with me painting more of the roof and Wifey beavering away with a scraper on the stern deck.

 We’re now at Burland, on the Llangollen and will stay here for today and, hopefully get some more painting done. But, if it gets to be as hot as yesterday, not much will be done.

 Friday 20^th June

 This boat painting is a pretty slow job. I had hoped to finish painting the port side of the roof yesterday, but we still had the patches to cover with undercoat, so that was our first job. However, later in the day the weather looked set to change for the worst, so the next stage was left for the rest of the day. I did manage to finish sanding down our boat pole and give it a coat of mahogany wood stain.

 Saturday 21^st June

 Had a great day yesterday. After topping up with diesel at Swanley Bridge Marina, we headed off towards Wrenbury but, instead of going all the way through; which is our normal practice; we stopped at the moorings just after bridge 12. There, once we had our coffee, we set to on the boat work. Whilst I completed the port side of the roof, Sheila removed the old and flaking stain and varnish from the top wooden bar on the stern deck. Well, she removed about a third of it; in the fine and hot weather we’re enjoying now, the task became very tiring. Anyway, that’s some of it done.

 I’m still having problems with this wireless mouse. This morning while typing into this blog the darn thing just stopped working. After re-booting the laptop it still didn’t work, so I switched to the old mouse and checked in Devices and Printers section and, lo and behold, it’s not there, whereas the old one is. The tailless is now working again, but it still doesn’t show in Devices and Printers!! Strange!! Guess I’ll have to buy a new one asap.

 Sunday 22^nd June

 Having travelled the two miles and three locks in just over an hour yesterday morning, we are now at Wrenbury.

 Prior to leaving our earlier moorings and whilst I was preparing brekky, I happened to spot a fox in the field alongside the canal. There’s nothing unusual about this but, what was unusual was seeing another fox following the first one. I assumed the second one was the vixen, simply because she was a little smaller. What was odd about this sighting was that the vixen suddenly stopped and turned away. She then trotted towards the trees on the other side of the field and flopped down on the ground. She sat there for a few minutes, got up, wandered towards the trees again and then flopped down again. The last I saw of her was when she finally gave up and trotted into the trees. I kept a lookout but the dog fox didn’t return. I wonder if they’d had a row!!

 Anyway, we’ll be staying here today and will visit the local watering hole at lunchtime.

 Important Message

 Maybe not to the landlubbers following this blog, but very important to us boaters.

 Wrenbury is a beautiful village on the Llangollen canal, which runs for about 44 miles and already has four, good sized marinas, the nearest of which is only five miles away.

 Last year when we passed through the village; as we do every year; there was no mention of a new marina being built here. However, when we walked into the village for some shopping, we spotted notices pinned up all over the place. It seems that, following objections to the earlier submission, which was obviously rejected, the plans have now been re-submitted for a 200 berth marina.

 Sheila and I do not believe a marina here would be necessary or advisable, since there are already four along this canal, all of which regularly advertise empty berths. Besides which, a huge marina would disrupt this village and would prevent boaters from stopping here on their travels and, as a consequence, the local shop and pubs would lose a great deal of business. This is because the current moorings along the towpath would be mostly lost to the marina.

 We object most strongly to this new marina and, we hope that anybody reading this blog, will click the following link and voice their disapproval too. Please go to www.savewrenbury.co.uk and read what the organisers of this petition have to say.

 Most boaters are not against new marinas, simply because they do like plenty of choice as to where they have their home base, or wish to moor up for the winter, just like we do. However, some canals already have an abundance of marinas, and the Llangollen is one such canal.

 Your help would be much appreciated.

 On that plea I will now post this short blog.

 Take care and enjoy your week, whatever you may be doing.

 Dave and Sheila

Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 10

Sunday 8^th June to Wednesday 18^th June

 Monday 9^th June

 It’s been raining quite heavily this morning, but has now stopped and the sky seems to be clearing. With a bit of luck and a tail wind, we’ll get down the five Adderley Locks without getting wet. I was hoping to get some painting done when we get there but, with the downpour we’ve just had, that’s looking doubtful. It only needs the roof to be ever so slightly damp and laying on paint would be a total waste of time.

 The weather was kind to us yesterday though and we spent a very pleasant hour sitting in the garden of The Talbot, here at Market Drayton. We were a wee bit later than usual, having walked into town again for yet more shopping. This Hairy Bikers diet does seem to cost more than normal, simply because we’re buying stuff we wouldn’t normally buy, and because we’re organising our meals a week ahead.

 Wednesday 11^th June

 Will this nasty rain ever stop? For goodness sake, we’re trying to get some paint repairs done, and all it seems to do is rain. Yesterday, for example, having arrived at Audlem and walked into town, I thought I might get on with it, having nothing better to do at the time. But then I looked at the sky and thought, ‘hmm, is it worth it? Should I wait until tomorrow’? Yeah, no point taking chances, I’ll leave it for now’. Then after I would have spent less than an hour out there, down it came by the bucket-load.

 Today, according to the lovely Shefali on West Midlands Today, it’s supposed to be dry and warm. Indeed, it’s supposed to stay warm and dry throughout the weekend too. This morning after we’ve read the Mail and had our coffee, I shall get stuck in.

 Tomorrow we’ll be leaving here later than usual, because we have mail to collect at the Post Office. We have four locks to do and then we’ll moor up just past Overwater Marina and, with a bit of luck, get some more painting done. We could probably stay there for a couple of days, because we don’t want to be in Nantwich until Saturday.

Friday 13^th June

 I missed a couple of calls from Alan yesterday, so I didn’t realise that he was unable to send our mail. We took the boat down three of the locks quite early, so as to miss the rush later and then Wifey walked around to the paper shop. By this time I had switched my mobile on and had a message from Alan about mail.

 We then went down the final lock at Audlem and continued on to Cool Pilate, one of our regular mooring spots. The weather was great; if anything a wee bit too hot and humid; so I got some roof painting done, whilst Sheila sat on the stern deck and scraped away a mass of loose paint.

 We’re staying here today in hopes of getting some more work done. I will probably finish the starboard side today, but we’ll have to wait until we’re on the Llangollen to do the port side. Sadly, my legs don’t take kindly to me balancing on the gunwale for any length of time and, if I were to attempt the port side today, I’m rather worried about taking a swim unintentionally. Let’s just call that half of the roof that’s not done, ‘work in progress’.

 Saturday 14^th June

 Yesterday was another brilliant day, but we had to get started on the paintwork early, because Thursday was too hot to do anything in the afternoon. However, we managed some more repairs to the roof. Having taken off the top box and flower boxes, we found more patches of lifted paint, so, before those bits could be painted, they first had to be sanded down and undercoated, by which time the temperature had risen to the point where the roof was too hot to touch.

 Opposite the Cool Pilate moorings lies a field full of heifers. On Thursday afternoon, after we had finished all we could do to paint repairs, we heard a terrific splash and, when we got up to investigate we found a heifer standing in the canal.

 Now, along that side of the canal, just like the mooring side, is a long strip of corrugated metal, into which we boaters insert our hooks and tie up. This strip makes it impossible for any unfortunate animal to haul himself out of the water. However, just a short way away from where he had fallen in is a gap, through which he could easily clamber out, and he did so after much prompting by his fellow heifers.

 Yesterday afternoon the same thing happened, this time to a different animal. Only, this time, instead of walking towards the gap, he wandered over to our side of the canal and just stood there between our boat and the next. We tried to shoo him over to the other side, without success. We then tried to find the nearest farm online, no luck there either. Wifey was just about to walk up to the nearest bridge to see if she could find the farm, when the beast decided to walk back to the other side of the canal.

 We thought perhaps, that he might head for the gap that the other animal had used, but, no, he walked off in the opposite direction and, from where we were looking, he seemed to have a long way to go before he could climb out. Eventually, having come to the end of the field in which he should be living, he turned around and slowly made his way back and clambered out at the right place, all the while being egged on by the rest of the herd. And we call them dumb animals!

 Now, did those two animals actually topple into the canal whilst taking a drink? Or, did they jump in because the water looked so cool and inviting? We will never know!!

 Sunday 15^th June

 Today we’re at Nantwich, having passed through two locks and travelled four miles yesterday to get here.

 Now, having arranged with our surgery for a further three months’ supply of medication; mostly mine; we had to walk into town just as soon as we’d had our coffee. However, not only did we have to collect the medicines, we also had to do some shopping, especially now that we’re back on the Hairy Bikers diet. We had a shopping trolley and two roll-up bags, the trolley and one bag used for the shopping. The Co-op Chemist managed to squeeze the medicines into two plastic bags.

 This ability to order medication in advance, and get three months’ supply, does have its problems, not least of which is finding storage in our fridge for the Insulin. As for the rest of the stuff, well, that’s in a separate cupboard and, what can’t be put in there goes under the bed.

We were pretty fortunate with the weather yesterday, which is more that can be said for this morning, where it’s already been raining. Still, we hadn’t planned on doing any paint repairs today, so it can rain all it likes. Hopefully it will stop for long enough to allow us to visit the chandlery and walk into town at lunchtime. Hey, it’s Sunday!!

 Monday 16^th June

 As per instructions from Wifey, we did no work yesterday, despite the fine weather. Instead, we popped into the nearby chandlery and spent £50 on essential stuff for the boat. This included oil and filter for our oil change, which I’ll do when we’re on the Llangollen in a few days’ time. We also bought a small bottle of Diesel Bug Treatment, which mixes with the diesel when we top up.

 Whilst we were in the chandlery, I happened to mention that it seems impossible to buy an ordinary, wooden broom handle these days. This was after Wifey had already paid for the other stuff. The nice man then walked to the other end of the shop and brought back one and gave it to me for free.

 What, you may ask, would I possibly want with a broom handle? Well, I don’t want to attach our other, flat aerial to the aluminium pole, just in case the metal interferes with the incoming signal and I don’t want it fixed to a long pole either. So, for while we are travelling around, I want a short pole, i.e. the wooden one, which I can cut to the required length. For when we’re at Crick; which doesn’t enjoy a very strong signal, I’ll use what remains of the broom handle. Simple!!

 Darned wireless mouse has just packed up again. Grrrr!!!

 We walked in to Nantwich yesterday morning and bought a few bits that we’d forgotten on Saturday and then enjoyed an hour in The Red Cow. We won’t be returning there though because, at £3.70 for a pint of Carling, we think the owners are just downright greedy. Alan suggested they’re thieves because, Ray and Les, at the White Admiral, enjoy a couple of good holidays a year, and they only charge £3.20, plus, they only charge £2.00 on Monday nights. He does have a point.

 Tuesday 17^th June

 Took a slow cruise down to Barbridge yesterday morning; only three miles and no locks; and found the place to be almost empty of boats. Most unusual!! Those that were moored there were outside the pub, on the opposite bank. I don’t think any other boats moored here at all last night.

 We took the bus into Crewe and found it to be much like any other big town. However, I did manage to find a pair of Cargo Pants with a stretchy waistline. All I need now is for Wifey to alter the length. Couldn’t find the denim jacket I’ve been looking for. Looks like an Internet job.

 Wednesday 18^th June

 We took the bus into Chester yesterday morning, strolled around the shopping centre, had coffee and scone, walked around some more and I still haven’t found a decent denim jacket. In fact, we only saw one shop that sold them, but they only had those common blue things. The one I wear at the moment is a grey one and that’s the colour I’m after. I’ve actually saved a search on eBay, so I’ll probably buy that one and send it to Alan for safe keeping.

 For the rest of this summer we’re going to use the local buses much more than usual. For example, from Ellesmere we’ll go to Oswestry and Shrewsbury. We’ve already seen Chester and Crewe as you already know. We’re doing all this now, just in case we get another pooch during the winter, and we wouldn’t be able to leave him/her alone for such long periods.

 We think we know why there were no boats here at Barbridge when we arrived on Monday. We reckon it’s because those who had to return their holiday boats had already left, and those picking their boats up hadn’t arrived yet. Besides which, we’re normally here at the weekend, so as to enjoy a Sunday drink at the local. Yesterday boats began to arrive and, by the time we had returned from Chester, these moorings were really filling up.

 We’ll be climbing the Hurleston Locks up the Llangollen this morning and, with a bit of luck we’ll get some more painting done.

 Take care folks

 Dave and Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 9

Saturday 31^st May to Sunday 8^th June

 Sunday 1^st June

 Yesterday morning, after topping up with diesel, which totalled over £120, we made our way towards Gnosall Heath, where we hope to take the bus into Telford on Monday. But, since there’s a limit of 48 hours mooring there, we stopped off about a mile short of the town. We’ve been all alone here for all of yesterday and last night. It’s a beautiful spot, the sun was shining; and still is; so I managed to get a bit of rooftop painting done. A lovely day was had by both of us.

 This morning we’ll go on to Gnosall, take a walk into town for the paper, get some more painting done and chill out at the local watering hole at lunchtime. It looks like being another great day. So, why the heck are we even considering buying a park home? Dunno!!

 Our friends back at Keckys’s Farm in Sawbridgeworth put themselves down for a council flat a couple of years ago, but they did so because Bill had some issues with his heart, so we can’t blame them for that. But we do wonder if they’ve now been allocated one yet. We’re not quite ready for the knackers’ yard, so we’ll keep on boating, at least for another year or two.

 Monday 2^nd June

 We had to sit around until about 09.30 yesterday, so as to give other boaters time to leave Gnosall and leave a space for us. This trip only took us ½ an hour, but we still had to pull in behind a line of about six boats. It seems that everybody just loves Gnosall!

 At lunchtime we strolled down to The Royal Oak pub, which is in Gnosall proper, as opposed to the moorings, which are at Gnosall Heath. All boaters just call it Gnosall.

 Later in the afternoon out came the green paint and I finally got to paint over the grey undercoat patches on the port side of the roof. We now have to find a suitable spot; preferably near a winding-hole; where we can paint the whole roof. Alternatively, we could get the port side done tomorrow when we get to Norbury Junction; where we do just the port side; then wait until we’re through Market Drayton, where we’ll be able to do the starboard side. Yeah, I know, all a bit confusing, but I know what I mean.

 This morning we’ll be taking the bus into Telford, where I’m hoping to find a box for our other aerial. This is a small, stubby in-car TV aerial which, according to boaters who have one, is much better than the normal TV aerial. The proof, as they say, is in the final result. I’m looking for a suitable box, so as to protect it from the weather. I have seen quite a few just attached to a pole without protection of any kind, but I’m reluctant to do that.

 Wednesday 4^th June

 We took the bus into Telford on Monday morning and, after touring the whole of the county, arrived an hour after setting off.

 From the bus station it is but a short walk to the main shopping area, but goodness knows how a visitor find his/her way to the other parts of the town centre as there’s so much building and road-works going on, it’s impossible to know. We wandered around for about an hour, missed the bus back by just a minute or so, and had to sit around for another half hour for the return trip. Maybe we'll go again on our way back from wherever we end up this year.

 Yesterday we paid a visit to the butcher’s shop in Gnosall before trundling through to Norbury Junction, where we discovered that the canal to which the junction refers – the Shrewsbury and Newport canal – is being restored. It runs from Norbury to Shrewsbury, a distance of 24 miles. There’s only one problem with this, under the bridge that takes this canal onwards, there are loads of boats moored on both sides of the canal. There’s also a Dry Dock standing across the canal. Obviously the local boatyard has taken advantage of the dereliction and set up shop there, so they’ll probably have to relocate.

 Today, weather permitting, we go on to Shebdon Wharf and spend the rest of the day there.

 Thursday 5^th June

 Yesterday morning whilst enjoying breakfast, I asked Wifey if there was a dentist in Market Drayton, as we should be there by Friday and my loose tooth was really giving me gyp. Would you believe it, no sooner had she confirmed the existence of that local butcher, than the tooth came out and rattled around inside my mouth? Hmm, another £30/40 saved, Marvellous!!

 Soon after that happy event we disposed of rubbish and topped up with water. After which we headed off, in a light drizzle, to Shebdon Wharf where, judging by the signpost attached to the bridge, the local pub is now defunct. Well, the poster had been scrubbed over with black paint, so we drew the obvious conclusion. However, it’s possible that local morons had vandalised the thing, but we won’t know for sure because it’s the wrong time of the week for us to go boozing.

 Friday 6^th June              

 Shebdon Wharf is not quite the place for spending more than one night, so we left there at about 08.30 and made our way to Goldstone Wharf, about four miles away. Goldstone does at least have a pub but, as it was only Thursday, it would not figure in our ‘things to do’ list.

 As is my normal practice when arriving at moorings, I switched the mobile on and then remembered that there’s no signal here. No matter, we’re only staying for one night and then on to Market Drayton, where we’ll probably stay until Monday morning, despite it being only 48 hour moorings.

 Of course, I’d also forgotten that we don’t get a WiFi signal either, so we’re totally incommunicado for a whole day and night. However, since we so rarely receive any phone calls whilst cruising, this is no problem.

 Normally, my early mornings consist of catching up with emails and then watching and listening to my Ukulele course, but the first bit is out and it’s far too early to be plonking away on the uke, which I leave until Wifey has her cuppa. Sadly the maid is away on holiday at present; gone home to Italy I think; so I’ll have to carry out that chore myself. Don’t you just hate being interrupted when you’re in full flow?

 Just as I was getting into full flow on this blog, my wireless mouse has packed up again. This is getting to be a flaming nuisance so I’ll be looking for a new one when we get to Market Drayton. Meanwhile I’ve had to re-install the one with a tail.

 There, wouldn’t you know it, I’ve just removed the batteries from the wireless mouse, rubbed them between my hands and the darn thing is working again. I can’t believe the batteries have run down already, they’re those long-lasting ones for heaven’s sake!!

 Ah well, get out those ukulele discs and at least do something useful.

 Saturday 7^th June

 Yesterday we took about two hours to cover the five locks and four miles to Market Drayton, where we will stay until Monday morning. After our coffee we walked into town for a bit of shopping. A bit of shopping!! A trolley load and a bag full! Wifey wants to go again on Sunday morning, this time to Morrison’s, which is just about as far as you can walk in this town without leaving it.

 I had 33 emails this morning; no Internet yesterday; most of which were junk. For some strange reason, best known to themselves, people keep trying to give me money. The amounts vary, some a couple of hundred dollars, others in the thousands. It has been said countless times before, especially where money-making opportunities are concerned, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is’. So, I don’t answer them, but I do make a new rule for each one by simply asking Outlook to always bin them. I still get them though and they are all from different people. What a bore!

 And…… just as I wrote that last sentence, the words jumped a few lines up the page and the wireless mouse went dead again. Infuriating. Gotta buy a new one, but first I’ll try new batteries again, but I doubt if that will make a difference.

 Sunday 8^th June

 We walked into town again yesterday and got back before the rain came, and boy, did it rain? It thundered down, to the extent that, even though we’re on a canal our ropes tightened up. They still had some slack in them, but the water certainly rose a bit.

 We’re staying here at Market Drayton today, just so we don’t miss our lunchtime treat at the local watering hole. We’re also doing some more shopping, this time at Morrison’s. This is because we’re now back on the Hairy Bikers diet book and we need to get stuff for this week. We’ve been on it for the past week but, if I’m honest about it, I haven’t lost anything.

 Here’s a useless piece of info for all Brits,  courtesy of my pal Alan Oxley, who resides in that country, it’s a public holiday in Germany on Monday.

 Take care and enjoy your week.

 Dave and Sheila

 

 

 

 

Shiralee: Cruise 2014 # 8

 

Friday 23^rd May to Saturday 31^st May

 Saturday 24^th May

 Today we’re in Penkridge, having travelled the five miles and four locks from Weeping Cross yesterday morning, despite the threat of rain. We were expecting really nasty weather this morning, but it’s now dry. Anyway, we’re here now and we do plan on visiting the market this morning.

 The one thing that stands out as different from recent years is the amount of boats moored at some places, where they would not normally have been. Weeping Cross had just the one space when we arrived there on Wednesday, but we put that down to our late arrival. However, when we arrived here at Penkridge at 10.30 yesterday, once again we were lucky to find a spot. Had the two boats that we followed here not decided to keep going then we would not have been able to stay.

 Just ahead of us is a lock, which leads to much more open aspect moorings but, when Wifey went off to have her hair cut, she noticed that all spaces were taken up there too. This is most unusual and quite worrying.

 Sunday 25^th May

 We walked into town yesterday morning and paid a visit to the market, where we bought a few bits of food, such as cheese and a bacon joint. We then called in at the local Co-op for the rest of our stuff.

 The good news is, that there’s a Dentist here in Penkride. The bad news is that they are closed at weekends and Bank Holidays and we’ll be gone from here tomorrow. Not sure where the next one will be but, if this darned loose tooth would just fall out, I wouldn’t need one.

 We were intending to take a walk around the nearby park home site, but the weather has put a stop to that and besides, we’ve still got lots of paintwork to repair, so we’re in no position to sell up and buy one just yet. I suppose it must be the boredom of sitting around in a marina during the winter months, which gets us thinking about a move. But, once we’re out on the cut and visiting all these different towns and villages, we’re both much happier bunnies. The pace of life is so slow and relaxing when cruising; as it is in the marina; but cruising is not so boring.

 Monday 26^th May

 After a peaceful weekend we’ll be off to Gailey this morning. We’ve had plenty of rain these past few days, but the sky is clear this morning. Trouble is, it’s not yet 6 am so, by the time we’re set to leave, anything could happen. We have six locks and about four miles to go, which will take the better part of 3 hours.

 We popped into The Boat yesterday lunchtime and it no longer even looks like a pub, more like a Bar cum Restaurant. The layout is all wrong too; no longer do they have proper pub seating, just a scattering of tables with armchairs. The décor also leaves something to be desired, battleship grey and white walls and, in the bar, only one item on one wall, a sign that states, ‘A meal without wine is called breakfast’, how droll.

 So, having consumed one pint of Stella, and having no wish to deny myself the second, we walked into town to The Star, much better, a proper pub with proper seating and sensible décor, Sunday lunch for only £5.99. I know where we’ll be dining when we return this way.

 Tuesday 27^th May

 Yesterday morning we intended to go through to Gailey; just six locks and about 3 miles away but, as we came through Bloggs Lock, the moorings there looked so peaceful that we decided to pull in. Sometimes, even though we stop at the same places most of the time, it’s nice to have a change of scenery.

 We watched Pointless in the evening, as we do most days, but were disappointed in their use of Martin McGuinness in their question about Favourite Martins. Surely there are a few more Famous Martins out there, rather than resorting to a still living murdering thug. What happened to common decency? There must be hundreds of people out there; both here and in Northern Ireland; who watch this show and will be similarly outraged and, sadly, be reminded of their lost loved ones.

 I’ve actually been onto the BBC website but, not only are we not able to contact the presenters of the show, Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman, but in order to contact the BBC it’s necessary to sign up for an account. Bah!!

 Now, since we topped up with water and disposed of rubbish yesterday morning, it won’t be necessary to stop at Gailey for those chores. Instead we’ll be able to go on to Cross Green, another of our usual stops.

 Wednesday 28^th May

 Despite warnings from forecasters that we would have rain yesterday morning, we still spent about 40 minutes walking to the shops and back with no sign of it. The rain didn’t turn up until much later in the day, and then it was only slight. Last night and this morning however, a totally different story, buckets of the stuff. This is a pity because we want to take the bus into Wolverhampton this morning.

 I don’t know why, but I’m having a wee problem getting into my jeans. Last time I wore them I had no trouble at all, nice and snug around the waist. However, I obviously need to lose some puppy fat from around my waist but, in the meantime I’m wearing those lightweight trousers that have umpteen pockets, all down the legs and such. Cargo pants, I think the Yanks call them, which have elasticated waistbands.

 Talking about which, we walked around the market at Penkridge on Saturday and spotted a stall that sells these things. But they don’t have proper sizes on them. They now go by small, medium, large, extra-large, etc. So, since there was nowhere to try them on; except inside the trader’s van; no sale. What’s going on in the Rag Trade these days? Is it because these trousers have elasticated waistbands? Perhaps I’ll find what I want in Wolverhampton today, assuming we get there what with this weather and all.

 Thursday 29^th May

 It’s really chucking it down this morning and I’m hoping it stops before we get going. We’ve been here at Cross Green for two days so far and we want to be in Wheaton Aston for the weekend. With just one stop in the middle of nowhere in between, we really do need to move on today.

 We took the bus into Wolverhampton yesterday and wondered why we bothered. The town centre is much like any other big town or city, clothing shops, fast food, banks and not much else. There’s not one really useful shop in these places, except perhaps Gregg’s and other bakeries. And yet, there always seems to be masses of people shopping there!! Confused.com.?

 Friday 30^th May

 Once again we made it to our next stop without getting wet, well, apart from a little drizzle. We’re now on the Shropshire Union canal between bridges 7 and 8 and, compared with other years, these moorings are a mess. It’s not like the Shropshire Union Canal Society to let these moorings become so overgrown. Although, Wifey reckons she remembers having to lift Rusty over the long grass last year. However, when we came through Autherlry Junction lock, it soon became apparent that nothing was being done to tidy up the towpath. There are a couple of stretches of the Shroppie that look as though they narrow down to just one boats width, but it’s only where the foliage on both sides is encroaching on the canal. Take that away; as they should be doing; and there’s a big difference.

 Today we’ll leave later than usual because we’re only going a couple of miles to Brewood, and we want to leave enough time for late starters to leave us a space. It’s not that we need much at Brewood, except perhaps some of the really great bread pudding from the local bakery. It’s just that we don’t want to be in Wheaton Aston until Saturday morning. The moorings there are only 48 hours and we want to top up with diesel on Monday morning. There’s a garage by the side of the canal; only higher up at road level; but they do have a pipeline down to the canal, through which they supply red diesel and, at about 78p per litre, they’re just about the cheapest on the cut. We could save as much as £20 there because we have about 150 litres to put in.

 Saturday 31^st May

 For those of you who know nothing about our Inland Waterways, there are many private landowners; especially farmers; who rent out their canal side land to boaters. On our way here to Wheaton Aston yesterday morning we passed such a place and, in amongst the line of canal boats was the smallest one we had ever seen. Sadly Wifey didn’t have her camera with her, so I can’t include a photo here. Let’s just say that the boat in question was much lower in height, no more than 15ft in length and nowhere near the 7ft 10inches in width. We’ve seen short boats and some normal boats that sit low in the water, but this tiddly thing really took the biscuit!!

 Actually, we didn’t intend coming all the way through to Wheaton Aston yesterday. We were going to stay at Brewood, but the moorings there are pretty dark and dismal, besides which the towpath there is prone to mud after even a short spell of rain. So, we walked into the village for essential shopping and then came on to Wheaton Aston. Sadly no bread pudding this time.

 Had we stayed at Brewood, then we would have spent the weekend here. Instead we’ll top up with diesel, buy a couple of bags of coal and wend our merry way to Gnosall Heath. The moorings there are also 48 hour, but we’re going to chance our arm and take the bus into Telford on Monday morning.

 And that’s it for this time.

 Take care and have a great weekend.

 Dave and Sheila