Winter 2016: Crick

Saturday 24^th October to Saturday 6^th November

 Saturday 24^th October

 Well, we are now back at Crick marina and the first thing we did upon arrival; even before enjoying a cuppa; was to pop across to the office to collect our mail and car keys.

 The very next thing was to move the car down to our nearest car park. Only one thing stood in our way and that was that the key fob wouldn’t work to disable the alarm, which suggested to me that the car battery was flat.

 Ordinarily, in such circumstances I would ask Noel, the site manager, to give us a jump-lead start. Unfortunately he wasn’t around at the time, so I gave Malcolm at the local garage a ring. He came about 45 minutes later and got me started. He also suggested I give the car a run, up past his garage and on to the next couple of roundabouts. So, off I poodled for what turned out to be about 20 minutes run.

 Having returned to the car park I switched off the engine and then tried to re-start it, but the battery still hadn’t topped up enough. Well, to cut a long story short, I finally found Noel and he loaned me a battery and jump leads and I finally got the car started. This time I went for a drive to Daventry and back, turned off the engine and re-started. Et voila!!

 Hopefully we’ll be able to start it again this morning.

 Now, we didn’t leave here for our regular summer cruise around the system until almost the end of July, due to finishing our painting of the stern deck. Several weeks prior to that, I spotted an ad in the Mail for a FREE model of a Mark II Jaguar, which turned up a short time later.

 Of course I looked for the catch! I’m always wary of freebies. There was no paperwork with this particular freeby, so I tucked the model away in a safe place and thought no more of it.

 You know what’s coming, don’t you?

 Yep, in amongst the mail were two demands for payment of £18.99p. These didn’t come from the company, Atlas Editions though. Oh no! Said company had automatically put the matter in the hands of a collection agency.

 I have now Googled Atlas Editions for their address, which is, of course, a Box Number and will be returning the car and demands to them this morning. It wouldn’t be so bad had Atlas sent me further models, but there was nothing of that kind at the office.

I suppose my name has now gone onto a black list of debtors. Tut, tut, at my age who gives damn?

 Tuesday 27^th October

 Since upgrading our WiFi last February, we’ve tried adding an external aerial, which was as much use as a chocolate teapot. Since that time I’ve tried attaching the WiFi unit to a pole on the roof, but that meant having to go outside to switch the thing on. Not an ideal situation from my point of view.

 Signal strength only seems to be a problem in this marina; out there on the canals we have no problems at all and the unit sits there, hanging on the window with no need to move it while we’re travelling.

 This morning I decided to take the unit with us and called in to ‘3’ and had a chat with the sales person. What I would have liked, was a new unit that I could mount on a pole, but one that automatically came on when it was plugged into the laptop. But he couldn’t help me with that. Instead he suggested an updated version of the WiFi we already have, but on a monthly renewable contract. Going with his suggestion meant stumping up almost £40.00, but it meant that I was simply purchasing the new WiFi unit and then all I have to do is phone ‘3’ tomorrow and cancel this new contract.

 In effect I’ve simply been sold a new unit and all I have to do is insert my old SIM card and carry on as normal.

 Now, since arriving home we’ve tried the new unit and it certainly seems to go online easier and, when Wifey used it she thought it was somewhat faster. Hopefully I won’t have to resort to using the external aerial. Only time will tell.

 Wednesday 28^th October

 Well, it’s been raining for most of the night and, apart from when I took Alex out at 6 o’clock, it’s still coming down heavy.

 The good news is that the new WiFi unit seems to be working much better than the old one. What I want to know is, why don’t the Mobile companies offer these new units to existing customers? Even if they charged for them, surely we should be made aware of the new technology coming on the market!

 Thursday 29^th October

 At the suggestion of the nice man at ‘3’, I attempted to phone their office and cancel this new, monthly agreement. I own up to becoming rather frustrated with these ‘for so and so press 1, or 2 etc’ and, after just a few minutes of trying, I gave up and returned to the boat. What really got my dander up was the request to enter the number of the phone I was making the enquiry about. But I don’t have a mobile phone with ‘3’, only a WiFi unit.

 So, what to do now. Well, when I got back to the boat I had a scramble through all the gumph that came with the unit and, after much searching and muttering certain blue stuff, I found it on the card that held the new SIM. Now, since I was not using that SIM, but using my existing one, I consider myself lucky to have found the number. Therefore, later today, after taking the car to the garage for the aforementioned service and repair, I’ll try again.

 Friday 30^th October

 I took the car to the local garage yesterday morning and, after carrying out the service, Chris phoned me to say that the windscreen wiper mechanism has broken and needs replacing. I’ve been looking around for quotes for this and have received just one so far, and that will cost £169.00, including VAT and delivery. Other dealers are still checking their stock; which probably means there’s nobody about just yet; so I’ll have to check back later.

 Meanwhile, we are enjoying lots of rain, and our pooch does not like rain!! So, short walk, quick cock of the leg and back to the boat to await more clement weather.

 Tuesday 3^rd November

 The weekend went very much as usual, although we did suffer quite a lot of fog.

 On Friday morning I ordered the windscreen stuff for the car and that should be arriving today. Meanwhile I collected the car from the garage for use over the weekend and, On Saturday we popped over to Curry/PCWorld and bought a new printer.

 Today I’ll return the car to the garage and hope the parts turn up today and we get the car back later today, or, more likely, tomorrow.

 Thursday 5^th November

 I finally had the windscreen wipers repaired and have the car back. With the new mechanism fitted and the first service for quite some time, we shelled out over £450.00!! The blooming car isn’t worth that!! Ah well, not much point trying to trade it in now, because it’s running so well.

 Over the past few days we’ve noticed a distinct lack of heat coming from our solid fuel burner and the fan on top hasn’t been spinning quite as fast as it should. Our first thought was that the lousy coal we’ve been using wasn’t up to much, until last night, that is.

 Even by having the top and bottom vents wide open, that fan still refused to spin as it should. And then came the smell!! A horrible chemical smell. So, our next thought was that the chimney needed sweeping – again. We only did it a short while before leaving back in June or July.

 The final indicator that the chimney needed sweeping was the Carbon Monoxide alarm sounding off. It’s pretty damned obvious the chimney needs sweeping now, you pair of idiots!!

 It’s been raining quite heavily overnight and, even after emptying most of the coal out of the fire last night, it’s still glowing. So, we’ll just have to damp it down with water – and enjoy a sauna at the same time – after which we’ll get to the chimney; assuming it doesn’t rain in the meantime. Ye gods and little fishes, what else can possibly go wrong?

 At least we have booked our dear, sweet Shiralee in for a bottom blacking. All we need to do now is find a suitable holiday cottage for a few days in March. No problem.

 Friday 6^th November

 Yesterday morning, immediately after walking up to the Post Office for The Mail, we set about cleaning the chimney. We were pleasantly surprised to find that, unlike previous occasions, this time it was pretty easy. So the fire is now lit alight and keeping us warm again.

 Now that we have the bottom blacking booked in, I set about finding a short stay holiday cottage somewhere near Rutland Water. Booking early and for just three days in the middle of March would, I would have thought, be relatively easy. But, nope, not easy at all. In the first place, even though I found a list that included minimum three nights stay, those that were available didn’t allow pets and, those that did allow pets wanted at least £100 a night and a minimum of 1 week booking. The boat is only costing us £550, and that includes the use of the dry dock. At this rate we’ll be looking at over £1000, just to have the bottom blacked.

 I’ve now given up my search and have left it to Wifey carry on searching.

 And, on that happy note, I’ll sign off and post this blog.

 Take care folks and enjoy your weekend.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Summer 2015: Crick 10

Saturday 10^th October to Friday 23^rd October

 Sunday 11^th October

 Well, we’re now at Hawkesbury Junction, the weather is fine and all’s well with the world; except for those war-torn place of course.

 Unfortunately there’s very little worth watching on TV, except perhaps for Pointless Celebrities, so we usually content ourselves with Radio 2 and noses in books.

 Today we’ll spend an hour at The Greyhound at lunchtime and set off tomorrow for bridge 26 on the North Oxford canal.

 Monday 12^th October

 I do believe the summer is no longer with us; this morning has started out quite chilly.

 Yesterday I suggested to Wifey that we might take the bus to Tesco to get some bread as we’re running a bit low and the local shop doesn’t sell decent bread. However, I think it would make more sense to be on our way, because the sooner we get back to Crick, the sooner we can have our heating sorted out.

 Tuesday 13^th October

 After walking to the shop for paper and milk, topping up with water and disposing of our rubbish, we passed through the lock and entered the North Oxford canal. From there it was about two hours and six miles to our next mooring spot at bridge 23.

 Today we’ll make our way to Newbold, which is another five miles away and, when we get there it will be straight to the Co-op for the Mail and some bread, a commodity we are fast running out of.

 The good weather still seems to be holding up, although there’s certainly a nip in the air first thing in the morning.

 Tomorrow morning we’ll catch the bus into Rugby and, after a wee bit of shopping, indulge in a coffee and scone at our favourite café.

 Thursday 15^th October

 We took the bus into Rugby yesterday morning and shopped at Asda but, after walking through the shopping centre and looking at printers, we decided against calling in for a coffee and, instead, caught the bus back.

 After running the engine and having our usual coffee and biscuits, we decided to take Alex for a walk around Newbold Quarry Park. This took us about an hour or so and, much to our dismay, we discovered that we had forgotten to turn the engine off before we left. This has never been done before in the nine years we’ve been on the cut.

 Today we’ll toddle off to Hilmorton and may or may not go up the three locks there. We don’t want to be in Braunston until Saturday, so we may moor up at the bottom of the locks and go up them on Friday morning.

 Monday 19^th October

 We went through the locks and moored up at the top, spending all day Thursday and Friday there.

 On Saturday morning we set off for Braunston nice and early, arriving there at about 10.30 am. After walking up the hill to the shop for the Mail and other bits and pieces, we settled in for the weekend.

 On Sunday we had intended to walk up the hill to The Plough pub but, since we didn’t know if they allowed dogs in there, we walked along the towpath to the Lord Nelson instead, and sat outside watching the boats go through the nearby lock.

 This morning, after once again walking up that pesky hill to the village for the paper, we too will venture through the six Braunston locks. Whether we’ll also venture through the tunnel is another gether altomatter! We might just stay at the top of the locks and go through the tunnel tomorrow morning.

 Tuesday 20^th October

 After passing through Braunston tunnel and cruising for about 1 ½ hours, we arrived at Welton Hythe marina, which is on the Leicester Arm of the GUC. We are now just five miles and seven locks from Crick and should be there for Thursday morning. We’ll stay here tonight and go through Watford locks tomorrow morning and then, since Wifey wants to delay going into Crick marina, if only for one more day, we’ll find somewhere to moor up a short distance from the top of the locks.

 This evening; and for the first time since we left Crick on 31^st of July; we’ll dine out at The New Inn, which is about half a mile or so from these moorings.

 Wednesday 21^st October

 ….and a most enjoyable meal it was. I would rather we had moored somewhat closer to the pub, which would have negated the necessity of stumbling along in the dark for 20 minutes, but it was still well worth the effort. In case you’re interested, Wifey enjoyed fish and chips, with a glass of red, whilst I had half a roast chicken with chips and peas, with a pint of Guinness; what else.

 Unfortunately the weather man was correct in his forecast of rain today, so we might be staying here for another day. However, should the rain stop sometime today, we’ll move on and up the Watford Locks; all ten of them!

 Thursday 22^nd October

 Yesterday was pretty naff weather wise, so we stayed put opposite Welton Hythe marina. Spending a whole day in one spot due to bad weather can be pretty boring, but we managed.

 This morning has dawned dry and calm, so we should get to and up the locks at Watford. We’ll moor up about a mile short of Crick tunnel and go through that and into our moorings on Friday morning.

 Friday 23^rd October

 This is the final day of our cruise for 2015 and we’ll be back at Crick sometime this morning.

 Where we would normally cover over 400 miles during the summer months, we’ve only just completed 200, because we left Crick much later in the year due to getting the stern deck repainted before leaving.

Still, it’s been a pleasant few months and the weather has been kind to us for the most part.

 So, since I’ll be starting a new winter blog tomorrow morning, I’ll post this and wish you all a great weekend.

 All the best to you all from Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Summer 2015: Crick 9

Friday 25^th September to Saturday 10^th October

 Saturday 26^th September

 Yesterday was just gorgeous in terms of weather and so we took a gentle stroll up to the town of Market Bosworth. All we really needed was bread, milk and the paper and, whilst I took it easy on a bench by the memorial, with Alex by my side, Wifey visited several shops. These included the newsagent, Co-op and butcher. How she managed to fill two bags full of shopping is a complete mystery to me, but she did!!

 The weekend looks set for some more fine weather and we’ll be off to Shackerstone this morning, but only after we’ve climbed that pesky hill again.

 Sunday 27^th September

 Yesterday I was furious, today I’m just angry. Why might that be? Well, I heard that news item regarding the hospital in Margate who, when admitting an RAF sergeant to casualty, moved him to another area ‘just in case his uniform offended other patients’.

 Can you believe that? I suppose in this god-forsaken day and age it’s just what you would expect from certain sections of society. But, and here’s the rub, why didn’t the person concerned WAIT until somebody complained and then, moved THEM to a different area, so that they couldn’t be offended by an Englishman doing his duty. There’s only one word for people like that and it begins with a capital ‘B’. Nuff said?

 We’re now at Shackerstone and, although the mornings have been on the chilly side, the past couple of days have been glorious. However, because of those chilly mornings, we’ve had to keep the fire alight and have used rather more coal than we expected to. So, this morning I looked up the name of the coal barge ‘Victoria’, which is used by Royalty Fuels, to see where it’s at. Sadly the last reported sighting was in Broad Street Basin, Birmingham, where it was being topped up with coal. So, we won’t be seeing him anytime soon.

 The above info means we’ll have to turn around tomorrow and make our way back to the farm shop at bridge 23, because they not only sell meat and other produce, they also sell coal. We would have bought some earlier, when we stopped there on the way up here, but they were waiting for a delivery. The lady running the shop did tell us that, if it was urgent her husband would go and get some for us, but we were OK at the time.

 Our heater? Well, we haven’t had that serviced yet, so we’re relying on the fire. I have still to repair our fan, which will spread the warmth about a bit and I suppose I’d better do so today some time.

 Tuesday 29^th September

 Yesterday morning we made our way to the end of the navigable Ashby canal, to Snarestone and, much to our surprise there were no other boats moored there. Of course, that situation changed later in the day but, unlike most years when we’ve moored here, when we would sometimes have a problem, we were free to choose where we moored up. With the weather promising to hold good for the rest of the week, we’ll probably stay here today as well.

 The Ashby canal is in the process of being extended and should finish up at the town of the same name in due course. However, since we were last here the powers that be have extended the canal by almost a mile and there are now only eight miles to go. However, before the full extension id completed, the stretch between here and Measham will be completed, which is part of a five year plan. Things are looking up in this neck of the woods.

 Wednesday 30^th September

 Yesterday lunchtime we walked along the towpath from the limit of current navigation, back to The Globe Inn and stopped in for a drink and snack. Now, compare this: in the club at Crick we usually have a pint of Guinness, a J20, a packet of crisps and a packet of mini cheddars; which costs us less than £5.50p.

 At some places along the canals we expect to pay more than that in just about any pub we stop at. After all, pubs do not run as a non-profit making organisation. We understand that. However, at The Globe Inn at Snarestone we consider £7.95p for those same products to be something of a rip-off. Goodness knows how much the Guinness cost, but it had to be very close to £4.00 per pint. I only had the one, of course. I didn’t want the shock of seeing the price.

 Thursday 1^st October

 After disposing of rubbish and topping up with water yesterday morning, we left Snarestone at 08.30 and made our way to Shackerstone, arriving at 10.00 and slotting into the spot we left on Monday.

 Later in the day Wifey managed to get some more painting done.

 This morning we’ll head on back to Market Bosworth and take that long slog up the hill again. We’ll probably stay until Saturday morning, after first taking that long slog again for the Saturday Mail.

 Saturday 3^rd October

 Thursday and Friday mornings we slogged up the hill to Market Bosworth, where we bought a trolley full of shopping on Thursday and just a few bits and bobs on Friday.

 Also on both those days, since the weather was still being kind to us, we managed to get some more painting done.

 This morning we’ll slog up that hill again, this time just for the Mail, after which we’ll make our way to Stoke Golding and stay for the weekend. This means another slog up hill, although not the mile of it at Bosworth. Thank goodness for that.

 Yesterday evening I had a nice long chat with my sister Carole and she seemed chipper enough, I'm happy to note.

 Hopefully we’ll get some more painting done this weekend, assuming the weather stays dry, of course.

 Tuesday 6^th October

 We spent the weekend at Stoke Golding and a pleasant hour in the pub garden at the George and Dragon. This pub belongs to a small, independent brewery and, as a consequence, offers its own brand of stout, which is somewhat sharper than Guinness. I had a couple of pints of San Miguel lager instead.

 On Monday morning we were treated to quite a bit of rain and although it did ease up later in the day, we decided to stay put. With a bit of luck it will stay dry enough for us to head off to the farm shop at bridge 23, which is only about a mile from here. After a wee bit of shopping there; to include a piece of lamb; we’ll probably go on to Hinkley Wharf and, either today or tomorrow, take the bus into Nuneaton, where I’m hoping to buy a new printer. Our one refuses to scan and, when printing a photo in black and white; which I need to do for my cartoon portraits; it smears the ink and leaves the result all green looking. 

 Wednesday 7^th October

 Well, we didn’t go on to Hinkley Wharf, but I’m one very happy chappy as result of our decision to stay at bridge 23. After first walking up to the shop at Stoke Golding; and that’s another steepish hill; we didn’t leave there until about 8.45 and arrived at bridge 23 about half an hour later. Unfortunately the farm shop wasn’t yet open, so we moored up and had a cuppa and wandered over there at about 10 am.

 Whilst enjoying my cuppa and a read of the paper, I happened to look out of the window and spotted a whole load of unpicked blackberries, which Wifey immediately went out to pick. Then, when we finally walked down to the farm shop she bought some eating apples, amongst other things.

 Now, instead of tea and cake at 8.30 this evening, it will be another bowl of apple and blackberry crumble, with crumble, of course. After that bowlful we’ll have enough left over for a repeat on Thursday evening. Yummee!!

 This morning we’ll poodle along to Hinkley Wharf, only a couple of miles away, and will probably take the bus to Nuneaton tomorrow morning.

 Thursday 8^th October

 Since it was only two miles away from Hinkley Wharf, we waited until almost 9 am before leaving the Farm Shop moorings. We arrived at the wharf just after 10 am and found two boats moored there, leaving enough room for us to moor up too. So, that’s alright then!

 In fact, soon after we arrived the boat behind us left, so we pulled Shiralee back so as to be a bit further from the bridge and the traffic noise. At the moment though, there isn’t any traffic crossing the bridge, because it’s been closed off due to roadworks.

 Now, a couple of days ago; well, the weekend actually; we found a Staples leaflet in the Sunday Supplement and amongst the articles for sale was an HP Officejet 7500A Printer, which does A3 and A4 printing. Having checked at the Argos site and found that they don’t stock it, I’m doubtful that we’ll find one in Nuneaton today, but we’ll look around anyway.

 This printer would be very useful, not just for my Cartoon Portraits, but for other projects, such as pastel or watercolour arty things. Our Epson doesn’t work on our current Wi Fi unit – when it did on the old one – and it has now stopped scanning, so we really do need a new one, and the HP would be ideal. If I can’t find one in Nuneaton I’ll order one online when we get back to Crick.

 Saturday 10^th October

 As I suspected, there was no sign of that printer in Nuneaton, not even at Curry’s/PCWorld, so I guess I’ll just have to wait until we get back to Crick.

 Yesterday morning, after stopping at Lime Kilns for water, we made our way to bridge 3, our usual last stop before the Coventry canal. The day was absolutely gorgeous and I suppose we could have done some more preparation work on the damaged paint, but we decided instead to chill out for the day.

 Today we’ll mosey along to the end of the Ashby and turn left to Hawkesbury Junction, where we’ll stay for the weekend and a couple of drinks at The Greyhound on Sunday.

 Take care folks and have a great weekend.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Summer 2015: Crick 8

Monday 7^th September to Saturday 25^th September

 Tuesday 8^th September

 We made our way to Fradley Junction yesterday morning and, yet again were caught behind two slow moving boats, which meant a longer journey than normal. Of course this was our own fault again, because we walked to the shops for the Mail before setting off. Still, it was a very pleasant morning for cruising, so we weren’t complaining.

 There was an interesting ad in the Mail though, a full page spread about books on Tablets and iPads and, since I still know nothing about these things, I have emailed for more info.

 Today we’ll be off to Whittington where, if the weather is kind to us, we’ll stay for two days and get some more painting.

 I received an email from another person enquiring about my Cartoon Portraits yesterday morning. Unfortunately I didn’t see it until much later in the day. The request was for a cartoon for his wife on their wedding anniversary. I asked him to send me the usual details asap, but have not received a reply as yet. He wants the cartoon for this coming Saturday, which is pushing it a bit, but I said I would do my best for him, even though I would normally need seven days in order to create a good cartoon.

 With Cartoon Portraits it is necessary to concentrate on the person’s face, before adding it to a cartoon body and then filling in the rest of the cartoon with other objects, which all depend upon the person’s likes and hobbies etc. Still, perhaps he’ll get back to me today, although I’m not really expecting him to now when he had all day yesterday to do so.

 Friday 11^th September

 Yesterday dawned bright but misty and, when it came to leaving Whittington the sun was just about ready to emerge from the mist. Unfortunately, as seems to be our habit of late, we found ourselves behind two slow boats and spent an extra half hour in getting to Fazeley. Thank goodness we had no locks to contend with. Apart from a visit to the shops and Wifey doing a bit more painting, we had a pretty restful day.

We’ll stay here today and, if the weather holds good, get some more painting done.

 Saturday 12^th September

 Well, Wifey did rather well with the boat painting yesterday, going all over the outside of the bow and some of the inside. Now, you may be wondering what I’ve been doing whilst she’s been slaving over a mucky paintbrush. The problem here is that we can’t both be in the same place wielding a paintbrush and, since she does such a good job of it, I seem to be somewhat redundant. Have no fear though, because I have no doubt my turn will come.

 Today, with nasty, threatening skies, we made our way through five miles and two locks, to Polesworth, getting a pretty good dousing along the way. However, it looks like the rest of today is going to be a mixed bag; one minute rain and the next sunshine.

 We’ll stay here tomorrow, of course, because it’s Sunday and the pub is a short walk away.

 Wednesday 16^th September

 We spent Saturday and Sunday at Polesworth and came through to Atherstone on Monday morning. Unfortunately, with the weather being so bad, we’ve been unable to get any more boat painting done and, looking at the forecast for the rest of this week, it’s unlikely we’ll get anything done soon.

 Last year when we stopped her at Atherstone, we did notice a few problems with TV reception; we do have a railway line running close by. This year it has been a much bigger problem, because there seem to be many more trains; especially freight trains; passing through here at all times of the day and night. So, next time we come through Atherstone, we’ll stop for shopping and carry on through. This must be just about the worse place on any canal for interference of TV signal.

 Today we’ll go up a few locks and head on to Springwood Haven Marina, where we’ll top up with diesel and buy some more coal and a gas bottle.

 Friday 18^th September

 On Wednesday morning we set sail for Springwood Haven but stopped off at Hartshill instead. This is because we were fortunate to meet up with the diesel barge along the way, and we topped up with diesel and bought a gas bottle and three bags of coal. So, instead of going on to Springwood Haven; where we originally intended to do likewise, we stopped short at Hartshill and spent the night there.

 In the afternoon on Wednesday we took Alex out and made our way across the bridge, with the intention of walking up to the local pub. However, since this seemed to be quite a busy road and had no footpath, we decided against that idea. We simply wanted to see what the local pubs were like so we could possibly pay one of them a visit next time we come through.

 We left Hartshill at about 08.00 yesterday morning and made our way to the Ashby Canal, where we stopped at bridge 3, where Wifey managed to get a bit more painting done later in the day. We’ve had some rain overnight, so I’m not sure that she’ll be able to do any more today.

 Sunday 20^th September

 Yesterday morning dawned with a thick fog, so we had to delay our departure from bridge 3. Thankfully we didn’t have to delay it by much and were at Lime Kilns by about 10 am. Upon arrival we took a walk to the local BP garage for the paper and milk. Later in the day, once the boat had thoroughly dried off, Wifey got stuck into some more painting.

 This morning we’ll do the garage walk again and then we’ll pay a visit to the pub which, strange to say, bears the same name as the place we’re now moored at.

 Tuesday 22^nd September

 We took the bus to Nuneaton yesterday and shopped at Asda. We desperately needed bread and, since we prefer uncut, looked through the rack to find a large wholemeal. We came away from Asda’s minus bread because the latest ‘Use By’ date we could find was for the 22^nd. With the best will in the world, Wifey and I would never devour a whole loaf in two days. So, off to Gregg’s where we can at least expect the bread to be fresh on the day.

 Friday 25^th September

 Yesterday morning, after a short walk to the shop for the Mail and milk, we left Hinkley Wharf and headed for Market Bosworth, stopping off at Sutton Wharf for water and the disposal of rubbish.

 There is a new marina being constructed at MB, which is just past the road bridge, and the long term moorings before the bridge are now 48 hour, where they were long term moorings last time we came through. Unbeknown to us the first few spaces outside the marina have now been turned over to long term and, when we arrived at about 11 am, all the 48 hour moorings were already taken, so we had to moor up at the new long term moorings. We’re hoping we’re not asked to move along today, because we really do need to stay here until Saturday morning, when we will walk into town for anything we need, but especially the Mail.

 We’ve not really had enough good weather for painting of late and, now that autumn is officially here, I suppose we can now expect even more damp mornings. Still, we do still have a few weeks to go so we might be lucky.

 Alex takes a dive:

It was never advisable to let Rusty off her lead, because we couldn’t guarantee she would come back at our call. With Alex though, we have found that while we’re moored up along the canal, he will make a run for the boat when his lead is released.

 Yesterday afternoon Wifey took him for a longish walk and, when she came within sight of the boat, she let him off his lead. As usual, he took to the sprint and raced towards the stern deck, which he was approaching from the bow end. Sadly our wee pooch misjudged his leap onto the stern deck and went head first into the canal. By the time Wifey had hauled him out he was shaking like a leaf and she even had trouble coaxing him onto the boat.

 I suggested to Sheila this morning that, now that he’s discovered what it’s like in the canal, perhaps it will be safe enough to leave him off his lead whilst we’re cruising. After all, he’ll make the effort to stay away from the edge of the deck now that he’s suffered his first soaking.

 And, on that happy note I’ll see if I can post this blog.

 Have a great weekend folks.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

 

 

 

 

Summer 2015: Crick 7

Friday 21^st August to Monday 7^th September

 Saturday 22^nd August

 Yesterday morning we made our way to Fradley Junction, which takes us from the Coventry canal to the Trent and Mersey canal. Later in the day we took Alex for a walk around the Wildlife Park and then sat outside the shop and enjoyed an ice cream. After that it was simply a case of chilling out for the rest of the day.

 This morning, after disposing of rubbish and topping up with water, we’ll make our way to Handsacre, where we’ll stop for the weekend.

 Tuesday 25^th August

 Saturday and Sunday were spent at Handsacre and we managed to enjoy the sunshine with our drinks at the local pub.

 Monday morning saw us meandering our way to the Pig Farm, which is just a few miles from Great Haywood. After spending the night there, we topped up with diesel from the diesel barge, which lies alongside the farm, and we finally made it to Great Haywood by about 10.30 am.

 We’ll stay here today and tomorrow, and then we’ll move on to Weston. After that it’s just a few more miles to Stone, where we’ll stay until Monday morning. In between times we’ll be meeting up with Alan and Chris Oxley on and will probably enjoy a pub lunch with them.

 I had a pleasant surprise this morning, in the form of an email from a lady in Crick, asking me to do a Cartoon Portrait for her Father-in-Law’s upcoming 65^th birthday. At least my ad in the local Post Office seems to be attracting attention.

 Friday 28^th August

 On Wednesday we stayed at Great Haywood and did some shopping at the excellent Farm Shop. Their sausage rolls and scotch eggs are to die for, as are their pork pies.

 Yesterday saw us arriving at Weston by about 10.30, where we almost had a bow-to-bow crash with another boat coming towards us. At the time we were about to move over to our left and moor up. Unfortunately the other boater chose that moment to come round the bend, so we were crossing paths. All was well in the end, but it was pretty close.

 I have almost finished the Cartoon Portrait for Susie, but I’m waiting for her to reply to my email asking what she would like as a birthday message. Once that’s done I can add the message and email the final cartoon to her.

  Today we’ll be moving on to Stone, where we’ll stay until Monday.

 Monday 31^st August

 Saturday was a pretty good day, all things considered. The weather stayed fine for our trip to Stone and, after our usual cup of coffee, we sat and waited for a text from Alan. We only sat for a short while and then walked over to the town, did a bit of shopping, then sat at the bus stop to await the arrival of Alan and Chris.

 Alan reads mostly factual books, which range from autobiographies, through factual adventures and on to crooks and maths. I think you’ll agree that that’s a pretty eclectic mix. Sheila and I read mainly novels and the occasional biography. However, since we were running somewhat short of reading material, Alans shopping trolley full of books was most welcome, although some of them had to be stored in the bedroom cupboard until needed.

 Later in the day we all repaired to the Weatherspoon’s pub for lunch, then back to the boat coffee and a chat, after which we walked them to the bus stop and said cheerio, until next year.

 Yesterday was a relaxation day, but only after more shopping, this time at Morrison’s, because we hope to leave here today, except that it’s now coming down in bucket loads.

 Tuesday 1^st September

 It rained all day yesterday and it looks set to do so again today. Unfortunately we really do need to get back to Great Haywood and we also need to top up with water. So, whatever the weather, we have to get moving today.

  Wednesday 2^nd September

 We set off from Stone yesterday morning at about 8 am and, after reversing back to the water point, we topped up and made the six miles to Weston by 11 am. Along the way we met other boaters coming through the locks, one of which told Sheila that the little shop in Weston was now closed. So, no Daily Mail for that day.

As the boat was still pretty wet from all that rain yesterday and overnight, no painting could be done. In fact we haven’t managed any painting for a week.

 For the rest of the day, apart from taking Alex for his walks, we chilled out until it came time to run the engine again at 5 pm. Which is when I got something of a nasty surprise, it wouldn’t start. You know that noise you get when trying to start the car, the one that’s a click and nothing else? Well, that’s what I got. Obviously we now have a Starter Motor problem. Still, I persevered with it and the engine finally started. Phew! That was close.

 This morning we should be going on to Great Haywood but, if we have a problem starting the engine again, we’ll have to call out River and Canal Rescue (RCR), with whom we have an account. Whereas they won’t come out for domestic issues; such as problems with power or appliances; this is very much up their street. Hopefully it won’t be necessary, because we are running short of coal, and we still haven’t had our heating sorted out.

 Watch this space.

 Thursday 3^rd September

 Well, we were lucky, the engine started first time and we made it safely to Great Haywood. We had been hoping to be able to pull in to the water point when we arrived, but all the spaces were full up. However, as luck would have it, the coal and diesel barge was among them, so we pulled alongside and bought three bags of coal, after which we found a mooring spot just past the junction.

 The engine also started yesterday evening, so we’re hoping it was just a wee Gremlin at work.

 We’ll be staying here for today and will pay another visit to the farm shop. We’ll move along a few miles to the pig farm tomorrow morning.

 Friday 4^th September

 After walk to the local shop for the Mail, milk and crumpets, we set off for the pig farm at about 08.45. Being only three miles and two locks away, we should have made it by 10.15, or so. However, as is sometimes the case and because we had left later than normal, we came upon a backlog of boats waiting to go down the second of those two locks. To make matters worse, there was also a boat and butty waiting to come up. In the event we arrived at the pig farm 11.15.

Other than the delay going through that lock, we arrived in good fettle and settled in for our coffee and biscuits; in this case well deserved.

 Saturday 5^th September

 When we arrived at the pig farm yesterday morning, we were met with a whole line of boats, all members of the Boaters Christian Fellowship. These people have a meeting here every year; possibly more than once per year; and we happened along at the wrong time. However, we did manage to find a mooring spot, so we were pretty lucky.

 This morning started out with a fine drizzly rain, this is just about the worst possible weather for cruising, if you discount heavy rain and snow of course. But, it’s now almost 07.30 and the sky seems to be clearing, so we should be OK for our run to Rugeley for shopping and then on to Handsacre for the weekend.

 Monday 7^th September

 We were lucky with the weather again yesterday and were able to spend a pleasant hour in the pub garden. Other than that we simply chilled out for the day.

 This morning the weather is supposed to be warm and dry although, looking at the bright red sky earlier, I’m not too sure. Hopefully we’ll be able to make our way to Fradley Junction.

 And, on that note I’ll wish you a very good week.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.