Cruise 2016 # 10

Friday 16^th September to Monday 26^th September

Sunday 18^th September

On Friday morning we took the bus into Lichfield but, having visited all the shops that sell coats, we weren’t able to find what we wanted. Sheila is not quite as fussy as me; for a start she doesn’t mind hoods on coats, I hate them. Even having said that, she wasn’t happy with the coats on offer. Perhaps it’s too early for the full range of winter warmers to be in stock. Whatever the case, nothing suitable was found. Not to worry though, we’ll be at Fazeley Junction on Tuesday and will be able to take the bus to Ventura Park, where there’s a Black’s clothing store.

Now, yesterday was a pretty fine day and so, after walking to the paper shop; which has been closed for a while, apparently; Sheila popped next door and found that the Mini-Market had taken over newspapers. That done, we headed back to the boat, where, much to my surprise, Sheila volunteered to get down the engine bay and remove all that spilled oi. I have to confess, I wasn’t looking forward to that particular task. My back is still aching from my last foray into that place.

Anyway, since some of this spilled oil had been contaminated with odd particles of other muck, we decided to remove at least some with old tea towels and cloths, putting those she collected into an old paint kettle. However, after a while she thought perhaps the amount of oil there was too much for just old cloths, so out came the oil remover thingy. This is a bowl, with a thin tube attached, that can be pressurised and, with the tube shoved down the dip-stick hole, engine oil can be sucked up under pressure.

That idea became a non-starter almost immediately, because the tube became clogged up. So, more cloths and more time and, eventually, all the oil had been removed. We now have a paint kettle full of oil and soggy cloths, along with more oil soaked rags, all in a black bin bag. In fact, since leaving Great Haywood we have accumulated three bags full of rubbish, which we’ll dispose of when we get to Fradley Junction, probably tomorrow.

Anyway, thanks to my thoughtful wife, job done.

This morning we have a clear sky and no wind, so we may be lucky and be able to spend an hour at the local watering hole.

Monday 19^th September

Supposed to be going on to Fradley but, as it’s raining, and very well may continue to do so for the rest of the day, that may not be the case. However, it was a great day yesterday and we did manage to enjoy our usual hour at the pub. So, that’s alright then!

Wednesday 21^st September

We finally made it to Fradley Junction yesterday morning and, much to our surprise, found very few boats moored on the Coventry arm. That soon changed later in the day though.

Anyway, as normal when we’re at Fradley, we took a walk through the Wildlife Park and, on the way back, called into the local café for ice creams. Other than that, we spent a peaceful day.

This morning, bright and early, we made our way to Whittington, where we enjoyed a cup of coffee and then walked to the shop for a few odds and ends. We’re now resting our weary bones.

Tomorrow, we’ll go on to Fazeley Junction where, on Friday morning, we’ll take the bus to Ventura Park, where there’s a Black’s store and where we hope to buy winter coats.

Thursday 22^nd September

It’s the Autumn Equinox today, which means that the daylight hours are the same as the night time darkness.

We should be going on to Fazeley, and will probably do so, if the rain stops. Otherwise we could be here for an extra day. Whittington is fine for a couple of days, so it would be no hardship to stay and we could still get to Ventura Park on Saturday.

I’ve spent a lot of time recently, searching for my next car. The Alfa is now 14 years old, so I’m hoping to find something younger. It’s a habit some of us get into, trading in for a newer model!!

 Now, as a hard and fast rule, I hate diesels, simply because they are so damned dirty. However, for the sake of economy, I have set aside that hatred and have narrowed my search down to the Jaguar X Type, Classic, SE, or Sport 2.0 diesel, all of which are pretty economical on fuel and all of which have only £145 Road Tax.

Then there’s the SAAB 9-5 Vector Sport 1.9 TiD, which has slightly better fuel consumption, but a higher Road Tax, at £185.

The trouble is, I also like the Mercedes C180 and the Jaguar S Type, so I’m twixt a rock and a hard place. In years gone by I’ve ignored running costs and have simply gone for what I like or fancy. However, since this will probably be the last car I buy, I’m being a bit picky.

Of course, the other consideration, is the age of the car. With the Mercs and jags, I’ll be lucky to find one with an 04 plate. Whereas, with the SAAB, it’s not uncommon to find an 07 plate. That’s probably because SAAB are no longer in business. But, that should not be a worry, since there are quite a few mechanics out there who specialise in SAABs.

Well, it looks like the rain has stopped, so we might get away this morning.

Friday 23^rd September

Lucky old us, no rain to spoil our trip to Fazeley. In fact, the day turned out rather good, all bright and sunny.

One unusual happenstance occurred on our way here though. As we were approaching Hopwas, a fellow boater, who was coming towards us, called out to be aware that there was a dead body on the towpath ahead, and that the police were there. Sure enough, as we came out of the other side of the village, there was a blanket lying there and the shape of a body underneath it. Of course, there were police everywhere, some of which seemed to be conducting house to house enquiries.

Today we’ll definitely be taking the bus to Ventura Park to see about warmer jackets. There’s a definite chill in the air this morning, so Autumn is approaching. Thankfully, our fire is throwing out the heat, so we should have no problems on that score. In fact, now that the fire ropes have been replaced; courtesy of my good wife; the coal is burning much more slowly, or so it seems and, provided we clean the chimney on a more regular basis, it won’t get blocked up again.

Later……

Managed to find the ideal winter coat at Black’s. I’m right chuffed with this coat, for three very good reasons. One, only one zip-catch at the bottom, where most of these have two, ostensibly to allow for riding a bike!! Also, no Velcro, instead it has press-studs and, finally, no hood. I hate hoods on coats. All in all, a bargain at just £42.00p.

From Black’s we went across to Sports Direct, where we found a coat for Wifey. All the bells and whistles, including fur-lined hood, which she just loves, although she’ll probably remove the furry bit. At just under £50.00p, another bargain. Bring it on!!

Tomorrow, Polesworth for the weekend.

Sunday 25^th September

Yesterday, thank goodness, dawned bright and calm and so, after topping up with water and disposing of rubbish, we headed off for Polesworth. This was a straightforward trip, and was only broken by stopping off at Alvecote for coal and a 5ltr. container of engine oil. Now, since we’re probably staying here tomorrow too, perhaps the weather will be kind enough, to allow me to change the oil again.

Yesterday, after arriving at Polesworth and imbibing the obligatory cup of coffee, we took a walk into the town for groceries, and then settled in for a lazy day. We had planned on taking Alex for a walk around the local park, but the wind blew up quite strong and rain threatened, so we decided against it.

This morning, well, at the moment it’s raining but, when I got up, it was teeming down. It eased off just long enough to get the pooch out for a pee.

Monday 26^th September

Thankfully, the rain did stop yesterday and we had a very pleasant day, although the wind did spring up quite strong later. Unfortunately, that meant we had to sit inside the Bull’s Head for our Sunday tipple.

This morning started out dry and cloudy, but it has now progressed to wet and cloudy. We had intended to move along a few miles and up a couple of locks today, but we may not be able to. We just hate cruising in the rain, even though we do have waterproof gear.

Well, I think that will do for this blog. Have a good week folks.

Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Cruise 2016 # 9

Cruise 2016 # 9

Thursday 8^th September to Friday 16^th September

Thursday 8^th September

My sincere apologies for forgetting to include the finished colour cartoon of my daughter, Teresa. This I will do when I post this one, Promise!!

Teresa's Cartoon Portrait

I do believe we had some rain last night. Although, I didn’t hear a thing if it did.

Yesterday we took Alex over to the field for a run around, which he thoroughly enjoyed and which wore him out. The field in question spans the two rivers that run by the canal and, as far as we are aware, serves as a flood plain.

Today, weather permitting, we’ll be off to Tixall Wide again and will take a walk into Great Haywood later in the day. We might even stay there for the weekend and then, on Monday morning, take the boat along to the marina, where we can top up with diesel.

Now that the warm and sticky spell has broken, we’re expecting it to cool down, so I suspect we’ll be lighting the fire soon. At least the chimney is clean, Now, all we have to do is reseal the door.

Later…..

After walking down to the nearest newspaper shop; sits just opposite the entrance to Queens Shopping Centre; we got back to the boat, only to find it started raining. So, rather than travel in the rain; especially with the building wind speed; we sat around for an hour and finally left at 09.30.

Fortunately for us, the rain stayed away and we arrived at Tixall Wide at 11.00. We have no great rush to be anywhere in particular; well, not until the 1^st of November; so we’ll probably stay here for the weekend.

Tomorrow we’ll walk into Great Haywood for shopping and, on Sunday, we’ll walk I again for the pub.

Monday? Who knows? Who cares?

Saturday 10^th September

As expected, we had high winds later in the day. However, it did stay dry for the most part. During the night we had rain, but that has stopped now and so has the wind. After brekky, assuming the weather is still on our side, we’ll take a walk into Great Haywood for some shopping.

Whilst we’re still OK for diesel, we’ll probably leave topping up until we get to the pig farm, outside of which is a fuel barge. This is just the other side of Rugeley and we should be there for Tuesday.

We are planning on taking the bus into Litchfield, but that won’t be until we reach Handsacre, on Thursday or Friday. We’re hoping to find a couple of decent winter coats. Ours are now too small, due to some success in losing weight. I also want to get a new strap for a watch.

Later……

Immediately after breakfast, we took a walk into Great Haywood for stuff. Our walk took us past the rubbish tip, where we did just that, then on to the paper shop and Post Office, then back to the Farm Shop, where we, once again, spent lots.

Once back at the boat we enjoyed a cup of coffee, and a well-deserved one at that.

After coffee, out came the laptop. Now, saving emails is a fairly straightforward procedure. However, when following that procedure, as set down by Microsoft’s Outlook programme, the resultant emails must still be opened with Outlook. But, being the ornery cuss that I am, I don’t want to do that. I would rather simply save them and open them, without having to also open Outlook. So, I looked online and, lo and behold, all that’s required is to make a new folder somewhere on the laptop, and drag the email that needs to be copied, into the new folder. It’s then a case of simply double clicking on the email that’s been saved.

Why do I want to save emails once they have been read? Well, many of them, especially from my RAF pal Alan and Sheila’s Sister-in-Law, Sandra, contain jokes, photos and links that I wish to keep. Saving them all in separate folders means I can then delete them from Outlook, which has the added benefit of speeding up the loading process.

Monday 12^th September

A pretty good weekend, with fair weather yesterday, which allowed us to walk along to Great Haywood and enjoy an hour in the pub garden. Other than that little outing, Sundays are for resting. Although, Wifey chose Sunday to replace the fire bricks and seal the doors on the solid fuel burner. Job done! Now, after this week’s fine weather, we’ll probably be lighting the fire. It does get rather chilly inside the boat in the mornings, and again once the sun goes down.

We’ll be moving along and making a call into the local marina for diesel and then, if we can do so, moor up in Great Haywood.

Tuesday 13^th September

Yesterday was interesting, for several reasons. We left Tixall Wide at about 8.15 am and made our way to Great Haywood and we were fortunate enough to get in on the water point.

After topping up with water and disposing of rubbish, we then carried on the Great Haywood Marina, where we were again very fortunate in being able to go straight on to the diesel point.

After filling up with diesel, we left the marina and made our way back to the Great Haywood moorings. We noticed as we passed under the bridge, on our way to the marina, that there was a mooring space there and hoped to moor there. Wouldn’t you know it? Just as we were approaching that spot, another boat pulled in. So, we carried on and under the bridge.

That boat, that stole our intended mooring space, actually did us a favour because, as we passed under the bridge, we spotted a much better mooring point, just past the water point and junction. This is an ideal spot, for two very good reasons. Firstly, we have our stern to the junction, with nobody behind us, so we can virtually run our engine without disturbing our neighbours. And, secondly, the Wi-Fi transmitting tower is directly opposite, ensuring a strong signal.

After the obligatory cup of coffee, we took a slow meander to the local shop and then on the way back from there, called in at the Farm Shop. As mentioned before in these blogs, they do sell some pretty yummy goodies.

The rest of the day was spent doing much of nothing.

Today we’re expecting the start of a mini-heatwave. We’ll see!!

Wednesday 14^th September

Yesterday started out bright and sunny and we managed to go for a couple of walks. However, later in the afternoon, we had severe thunderstorms with lots of really heavy rain. Apparently, so did the rest of the West Midlands. OK, this morning though, so perhaps we’ll get to the pig farm without a soaking.

Friday 16^th September

A few weeks ago, I don’t remember where, we bought oil and filter for the boat, in preparation for a pre-winter oil and filter change. We usually have a proper service carried out, by a professional – Dave Hull – prior to leaving for our summer cruise.

Anyway, this Wednesday just gone, was the day I decided to get down into the bowels of the engine bay, and do right by this boat. All went well and, having run the engine to check for leaks, I was happy to run it again in the evening, as usual. We lifted the lid yesterday morning, prior to setting off for our current moorings, at Handsacre. All was well and no additional oil was found. Happy days! Or, so I thought!

Having only a short way to go before our shopping stop at Rugeley, we left somewhat later than normal but, within about 20 minutes, on cam the oil pressure warning light and on went the accompanying siren. Oh bugger, I thought.

So, we pulled in just as soon as we could, lifted the engine bay lid and were confronted with a great pool of oil. Not quite the five litres I had poured in, but not far from it.

On went my grotties and down I climbed into the engine bay. After emptying that nice, new oil and removing the nice, new filter, I then felt around the holding screw thread and, lo and behold, out came the o/ring from the old filter.

Now, this o/ring is solidly fitted into a slot and, were you to try removing that o/ring from a new filter, even with a pair of long-nosed pliars, you would not find it easy. However, this one had come adrift, when I removed the old filter, and I didn’t notice it. So, no amount of tightening of the new filter, was going to prevent a leak. The trouble her is, that I had only run the engine on tick-over and I really should have run it under pressure.

So, be warned, anybody who hasn’t done so before. If you’re doing this for the first time, do check that the o/ring comes away with the old filter. Because I didn’t do so, I not only have an engine bay swimming with oil – now being soaked up with sundry, soft items – I also have a mixture of old and new oil in the engine and will have to buy some more oil, remove that mixture and refill with new oil.

In my defence I must say that, for all the times I’ve done this simple task, I’ve not had this happen to me. We live and learn.

Now, on to today’s events. We are; assuming we don’t have to suffer those predicted heavy rains; taking the bus into Litchfield, to see if we can find some new winter coats. Due to some weight loss; I am now down from 14 stone 9 pounds to 12 stone 12 pounds, and Sheila now sits at a little over 9 stone; we find our coats are too big. So, a shopping we will go.

And that, as they say, is that. Another blog completed and ready to post.

Ta ta for now and enjoy your weekend, whatever you have in mind to do.

Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Cruise 2016 # 8

Friday 26^th August to Thursday 8^th September

Saturday 27^th August.

We arrived here at Stone on Tuesday, planning on staying just a couple of days. However, it’s now Saturday and we’re still here, with no plans to move along any time soon.

After seeing Alan and Chris on Wednesday, and because we’re on 14 day moorings, we decided to see the Bank Holiday weekend out and turn around on Monday or Tuesday morning. We’ll have to turn around on Monday anyway, because we’ll probably run out of water by Tuesday, and that wouldn’t be at all funny.

Stone is a really busy Staffordshire town and this weekend; or rather on Monday afternoon; there’s a parade on to welcome home their Gold Medal Winning Olympic Champeen. So, it’s got to be worth staying. Besides which, there are a few decent pubs here, where we can enjoy our Sunday lunchtime drinky poos.

When we do leave here, we’ll be heading back to Great Haywood and then taking the Staffs and Worcester canal through to Stourport on Severn, where we’ll turn around and make our way to Market Bosworth for the winter.

Tuesday 30^th August

We’ve spent the entire Bank Holiday weekend here at Stone, and very pleasant it has been too. In fact, we arrived here last Tuesday, so we’ve been here a whole week, which we have never done before. I suppose we just wanted a lazy week.

After seeing Alan and Chris on Wednesday, we kinda chilled out for the rest of the week. On Sunday, of course, we paid a visit to the nearest pub, The Star, and sat in the garden with our drink and snacks.

Yesterday, since we knew we were getting low on water, we moved down to the water point and topped up our tank. Then, since Wifey will insist on doing at least one wash per week, we took the boat up a couple of locks, but, because somebody was already on the waste disposal point, we continued up another two locks; which we would have had to do anyway, because we wanted to turn around; Turned around at the nearest winding hole, and came back down two locks, once again to use the waste disposal facilities. After that, another two locks down and back to our previous mooring point. And, here we stayed for yesterday.

Yesterday was a very special day for Stone, because their hero Kayaker, Joe Clarke, was being paraded through the town and being taken to the big field just behind the moorings. This field, is, essentially a playground, with a Gymnasium, tennis courts and kiddies play area. This was all roped off for that special welcome only we Brits know how to conduct.

Further away from that particular field, is another big field, which we used on several occasions to let Alex off his lead. He does enjoy a good run around when he can. Sadly, those opportunities don’t present themselves very often but, when they do, he goes potty and wears himself out from running in huge circles.

I can happily state, that we’ve quite enjoyed our stay at Stone.

Today we’ll be moving along to Weston, but that won’t happen until we’ve done a bit of shopping. We particularly like the local baker’s multi-seed G.I. bread. Yummee!!

Wednesday 31^st August

Yesterday, after popping into town for some of that GI bread and the paper, we headed off to Weston, at about 9 am. After five miles and two locks, we settled in and moored a short way before the village.

The day was really quite hot, so we didn’t do very much exciting. However, I did finish off Teresa’s pastel cartoon portrait. All I have to do now, is mount and frame it and it will be ready for posting.

Our next stop from here, will be Great Haywood, where we’ll buy a new gas bottle and then turn onto Staffs and Worcs canal, stopping off at Tixall Wide again. We’ll probably walk back to Great Haywood for the paper.

Tomorrow, assuming the weather is kind to us, we’ll make our way to Weeping Cross and, from there we’ll take the bus into Stafford. Our wee pooch is moulting quite heavily at present and, despite regular brushing, he continues to do so. Whilst out cruising, the only way to remove his hairs from the carpets, is on one’s knees with a dustpan and brush.

Unfortunately, using our hoover is out of the question, simply because it draws too much power from the batteries. So, off we go to Stafford to see if we can buy a carpet sweeper at Argos. We would prefer a cordless one, that can be charged up whilst the engine is running. It should then be easier to sweep up those hairs.

Later:

Arrived at Great Haywood at 10 am and, luckily for us, there was a space open on the water point. So, having topped up with water and bought a new gas bottle, we decided to head for Tixall Wide. However, before we could do so, we spotted a boat that was about to leave the nearest mooring point to the junction, so we slipped in there. This meant we could go and get the paper and, later in the morning, take a walk up to the Farm Shop and spend some more cash. Fruit, sausage rolls, pork pie, etc.

So now, tomorrow morning, we can go on to Weeping Cross and visit Queens Shopping Centre, where I’ll pay another visit to Hobby Craft and, if the Asda Home Store stocks them, we’ll also buy that new carpet sweeper. If they don’t, then we’ll take the bus into Stafford later, or the next day and call in at the Argos store.

Today, after a cloudy start, the weather has turned really warm and, just as soon as Wifey has finished brushing up dog hairs – for the last time, we hope – I’ll make us a cuppa. Goodness knows that lady certainly deserves one.

Thursday 1^st September

Well, according to those BBC weather people, today is the first day of Autumn. Now, I do like Autumn weather. Misty in the morning; like this morning; and plenty of colour in the trees. However, it’s only the first day of Autumn for those weather people, but since the trees haven’t started shedding their leaves yet, I’m still on Summertime, so there. And besides, the clocks don’t go back until the last weekend in October, so that’s when my Autumn starts.

Whatever the case, it looks set to be a fine day today, so we’ll be off to Weeping Cross. We’re hoping to get as far as Stourport, but will turn around when necessary and head for Market Bosworth for the Winter.

Friday 2^nd September

Did you know, the weather forecasters work in 3 monthly blocks and, as far as they are concerned, Autumn started yesterday. Similarly, Winter starts on 1^st December, Spring starts 1^st March and Summer starts on 1^st of June. Me? I like to think that Autumn starts on 1^st of November, which is when we moor up for the winter months. What’s more, our Summer starts on 1^st of April, because that’s when we like to leave the marina. Spring and Autumn don’t exist for us. So there!

Today, we’ll take the bus to Stafford and then, if the weather is kind to us, move along to Acton Trussell.

Saturday 3^rd September

Well, we moved along to Acton Trussell, and then we carried on to Penkridge, arriving at about 10 am.

Coffee was first on the agenda, then a short walk for Alex, then a walk into town, initially for some ‘dirt’ for the top boxes; which we bought from the farm shop. In addition, we called into the Butcher’s, naturally, and also bought a big, padded envelope from the Post Office, in which to post Teresa’s cartoon portrait. I know, I know, far too much information. But, such useless info does help to fill the pages.

For the rest of the day, we did absolutely nothing. Today will be a different story, because we will visit the market and, in order to make use of the dirt we bought yesterday, Wifey will buy some plants for the flower boxes on our roof. We’re also hoping to buy a new, winter coat each. If not, then we’ll take a bus ride into Stafford on Monday.

On Sunday, assuming the weather is kind to us, we’ll spend an hour in the pub garden.

Sunday 4^th September

Wifey settled on violas for the flower boxes and, with a little help from yours truly, she emptied out the old, stagnant soil and planted them. Our rooftop now looks much prettier.

Today is pretty dismal, with heavy clouds and very little sun. But, so long as it stays dry, we’ll have our hour at the pub.

Tuesday 6^th September

It is now exactly 10 years since we took to the water. Happy Anniversary to us. We still haven’t covered all that the Inland Waterways have to offer. But, we’ve done a fair chunk of it.

We took the bus into Stafford yesterday, again, and I managed to find a new, shower proof jacket, whilst Wifey found her carpet sweeper and, after getting back to the boat, put that item to good use.

Today we’ll be going up one lock, here at Penkridge, and turning around, to head back towards Great Haywood. (We changed our minds about going on to Stourport.) We’ll stop at Acton Trussell, assuming the weather doesn’t put a stop to that plan.

Now, instead of buying a new frame for Teresa’s cartoon portrait; which I couldn’t find in Stafford anyway; I have ordered one from eBay, which will be sent directly to her. All I had to do yesterday, was post the picture to her. Job done! Now I’m looking for another project, which will probably be a landscape.

Thursday 8^th September

Yesterday was yet another of those, rather scarce, hot, summer days. We arrived at Weeping Cross at about 10 am and, after supping our usual cup of coffee, we set out for the new C0-op, up that steep hill. After a bit of shopping, we decided to try a different route back, feeling pretty sure of our bearings, Wrooong!! What a mess we made of that! We finally ended up three bridges short of the boat and must have covered a good two miles.

Today we’re staying at Weeping Cross and will be taking a walk down to Queens Shopping Centre, where there’s a Hobbycraft shop and where I’m hoping to buy some oil pastels. I’ve been advised by my pastel expert, Emma, to only purchase a small pack and to experiment, which I’ll do.

After that and a cup of coffee, we’ll take our wee pooch for a run around the local field.

Tomorrow morning I’ll do my best to post this blog and will include a copy of Teresa’s colour, cartoon portrait.

Later………

We finally took that walk to Queens Shopping Centre and found a box of 25 oil pastels, for the princely sum of just £3.00p. Now, assuming they are easily blendable, that’s a bargain. If not, then we’ll wait until we get to Fazeley Junction, where we can catch the bus to Ventura Park, where there’s another Hobby Craft and where I can probably buy a much better set.

And that, as they say, is that.

May I wish you all a very pleasant weekend to come.

Dave, Sheila and Alex

Cruise 2016 # 7

Tuesday 9^th August to Friday 26^th August

Thursday 11^th August

Yesterday we cruised the five miles to Wheaton Aston and, because we couldn’t see as far as beyond the pub bridge, we were obliged to moor up just after the previous bridge. This line of moorings is overshadowed by trees, on the towpath side, and by houses on the other side, thus making it rather dim. However, we later spotted another space, just a few yards further along, and we moved along there, simply because a little more light shines through.

The weather still hasn’t improved much, even though the forecaster had predicted elevated temperatures, into the high 20s and even 30 degrees plus. This morning, for example, is quite windy and overcast and I still had to put the heating on when I got up.

Today we’ll stay here, walk to the shops for the paper and then enjoy our usual cup of coffee. Later today I’ll have another go at Teresa’s cartoon portrait.

Friday 12^th August

After spending time with the cartoon portrait, I suddenly realised that I had been doing something wrong. So, rather than carry on and make a complete hash of it, I’ve decided to start again from scratch.

Yesterday was an OK day as far as the weather goes. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a certain fellow boater. There seems to be some misunderstanding regarding the period of time allowed for the running of engines. In order to allow boaters ample time to charge batteries, the powers that be have set a limit of between 8 am and 8 pm, for this task.

We bend over backwards to ensure that we don’t antagonise nearby boaters, and don’t start up until well after 8 am; unless we’re moving on; and always run the engine no later than 7 pm. OK so far?

Now, the boater behind us seems to be resident of the house opposite, where a new pontoon was being built. They finished about 7.30 pm and he decided to take the opportunity to move his boat across. What we didn’t expect, was for him to then leave his engine running until 10 pm, which is when we like to retire to bed. It took a heck of a lot of hollering to grab his attention, and it didn’t help that his house is on a hill. Eventually he came down and, after much mumbling and cussing, turned the engine off. He wasn’t content with that though. Oh no. He then claimed that engine running is allowed until 10 pm.

Some people!!

Anyway, this morning we left early and pulled in to the garage for diesel. Yes, garage. The local garage owner has had red diesel available to boaters for some time now. He has a hose that reaches down to a jetty below the garage and we boaters simply pull alongside and top up. Simple. What’s more, he’s the cheapest on the cut at the current price of £0.519p per litre. Eat your hearts out folks.

After leaving the garage we headed along a-ways to the water-point, topped up with water, disposed of rubbish and then made our way to Brewood, where we did a bit of shopping at the excellent butcher’s and baker’s. After that, and only because the moorings at Brewood are so dim and dismal, we made our way to bridge 8, about 2 miles further on.

Tomorrow we will go down just one lock at Autherley Junction, turn left onto the Staffs and Worc canal, pass through the narrow cut and stop at Cross Green, where we’ll take a walk into Coven for the paper.

Monday 15^th August

It’s the middle of August; supposedly summer; and yet it’s still pretty chilly in the morning and I’m still turning the heater on before I get up. Still, at least it’s dry and there’s no sign of clouds in the sky.

Yesterday went the same way as most Sundays. We strolled down to the village of Coven for the paper, returned to the boat for a coffee and read the paper and did our puzzles. Well, actually, we attempted to do our puzzles.

At lunchtime, of course, we poodles on down to the local pub and sat outside with our drinks, our snacks and our pooch, Alex. He likes his beer and snacks too, although I do have to restrict his beer consumption to the occasional lick of foam off my finger.

Today we’ll be off to Gailey but, instead of mooring up at Gailey itself, we’ll stop short and moor up in the open. Gailey moorings are rather dark and dismal, with trees on both sides of the canal and, since we won’t have a paper to buy; cos we will buy one here before we leave; we prefer to be where it’s more open. On Tuesday morning, we’ll continue into Gailey, top up with water and dispose of rubbish. After which we’ll make our way to Penkridge, where it will be Market Day and where I’ll be looking for a frame for Teresa’s Cartoon Portrait.

The Cartoon Portrait for Teresa, will be in pastels, something I’ve not done before. As a consequence of it being my first pastel, I’ve already made a few cock-ups and have had to start again. This was supposed to be a birthday present, but that day is long gone.

Wednesday 17^th August

Well, we made it to Penkridge without problems and, as luck would have it, we found a mooring spot above the final lock. This area is much more open than the stretch of moorings below that lock.

W first enjoyed a coffee and then walked into town for some shopping. A visit to the Butchers was a must. Today is market day, so we’ll be taking a wander around that this morning. Hopefully I’ll find that frame I want, otherwise I’ll have to wait until we hit a bigger town with a Wilkinson’s.

It looks like being another scorcher today, so we’ll make the most of it. I’ve been complaining long enough about the bad weather, so I’m certainly not going to moan about this fine stuff.

Thursday 18^th August

Well, it was a really warm and sunny day, here at Penkridge. Sadly, I didn’t find a frame for the Cartoon Portrait, so I guess I’ll have to wait until we visit Stafford again.

Today we’ll be off to Acton Trussell, which is a mooring area way outside the village and really peaceful.

Friday 19^th August

Our trip to Acton Trussell involved four locks and 3½ miles, taking us almost two hours. But, that was OK, and we soon settled in for a coffee. The rest of the day was bright and sunny but, having been warned of rain to come, we weren’t too surprised when it came down this morning. We were hopeful that it would stop and we could move on but, as from midday today, it’s still persisting. So, for the rest of the day we’ll be staying put. Tomorrow, with luck and no rain, we’ll move along to Weeping Cross, where we’ll probably catch the bus into Stafford.

Unfortunately, we are not very fond of the pub at Weeping Cross, because the last time we tried it we were expected to line up, just as you would in a Post Office or Bank. We’ve given it a miss ever since. So, if we’re to get a drink on Sunday, we’ll have to get ourselves to Great Haywood. This assumes good weather. It’s not that we don’t cruise in the rain, because we sometimes do. But we do try to avoid heavy rain and strong winds, which make for a very unpleasant journey. We’ll just have to see.

Monday 22^nd August

Apart from the persistent rain, the weekend went well. We didn’t bother with the bus to Stafford while we were at Weeping Cross. Instead, we walked down to the Trading Estate and called in at Hobby Craft, where I managed to purchase a frame for Teresa’s Cartoon Portrait.

Today we’re hoping to get to Weston. The skies seem to be brightening up, although we do still have fairly strong winds. But, as the wind will be at our backs, we’ll manage OK.

Wednesday 24^th August

Yesterday was the warmest day that we’ve enjoyed so far this summer. In fact, it was bordering on the uncomfortable. Apart from shopping at Morrison’s, we didn’t do very much.

Today, at some time this morning, we’ll be meeting up with Alan and Chris. Stone is one of only a few places at which this is possible. No doubt we’ll enjoy a pub lunch and plenty of chat.

We’re on five day moorings here, so I don’t suppose we’ll leave here until Friday morning, stopping at Weston and then on to Great Haywood for the weekend. After that, well, it’s just a matter of making our minds up as to where we go from there.

Thursday 25^th August

Yesterday was great. Alan and Chris arrived at about 11 am and walked with us to the boat, where we had coffee and a chat, as usual. We then took a walk into town and had lunch at Wetherspoons; me for the All Day Brunch which, naughty me, also included chips. After lunch, back to the boat for more coffee and more chat. At about half past three we sent them packing to the bus stop. Well, we just don’t have room for overnight couples to stay.

Today, after some rain, it’s now bright and sunny. Whether it will stay that way, remains to be seen. But, if so, then we might just make our way back towards Great Haywood. Whatever happens, we have decided to spend the rest of this summer cruising the Llangollen.

Friday 26^th August

I have to say, I’m thoroughly disappointed with our summer so far. Apart from the odd one or two days of sunshine, it’s been mostly rain this year. A case in point would be yesterday when, after a bright start; which saw us walking up to the chandlery, and then the town; we had lots of rain later in the day. Last night, at around the time Wifey takes Alex out for his final ‘business venture’, it absolutely thundered down.

This morning we have a clear sky and it must have been pretty chilly outside, because our windows were steamed up. It is supposed to stay bright and warm today, which gives us an opportunity to turn around and head back to Weston. And then, tomorrow morning, with all being well weather-wise, we’ll head back to Great Haywood and round to Tixall Wide, where we’ll spend the weekend.

So, first thing this morning, after breakfast, of course, we’ll pop across to the town for the paper and more bread. There’s a really good baker’s there, from whom we bought a great, multi-seeded loaf that was all burnt and crusty on top. Hopefully we’ll get another one today.

Meanwhile, I’m gradually wading through Teresa’s Cartoon Portrait. However, as she wants it in colour, I’m undecided as to which medium to use. I have my pastels, of course, but I also have water-colour paint blocks and some rather good, waxy coloured pencils. According to the blurb on the tin, these can be mixed and built up, so I’m keen to give them a try. I will, of course, post a copy when I’m done. Which should be in my next post – I hope!

Now, with five pages done and a reasonably strong Internet signal here at Stone, I’ll attempt to post this blog.

Cheerio for now and have a great weekend.

Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Cruise 2016 # 6

Tuesday 26^th July to Tuesday 9^th August

Tuesday 26^th July

After yesterday’s rain, we have a somewhat clearer morning and, since we should be in Barbridge today, we may have a longish trip today. We’re trying to keep to a schedule, so that we arrive at Stone before the end of August, at which time we can meet up with Alan and Chris again. What we’ll do after that will be decided upon later.

Thursday 28^th July

Yesterday was quite warm and, unbeknown to us until we arrived, it was also the Nantwich Show, but just for the one day.

We walked into town for shopping and managed to find an A3 Watercolour pad, which will come in useful for the Cartoon Portrait I’m doing for Teresa.

Today we’ll be taking the bus to Crewe, because that’s the nearest place where we can buy new boots and guitar strings. Yes, I’m going to have another go at learning that instrument. I had intended to star again a few days ago, but I discovered that one of the strings was broken, and I don’t have a spare set. So, off to Crewe we go.

Saturday 30^th July

Our trip to Crewe was pretty uneventful, although we did manage to buy our boots, so that was a result. Unfortunately, the music shop was too far to walk from the bus station, so I didn’t get my guitar strings. No matter, there are a few music shops in Stafford, which we will visit from Gnosall next week.

Meanwhile, I’ve been busy producing a pastel cartoon portrait, for my daughter, Teresa. This has taken quite some time and I won’t be able to deliver it to her for her birthday next week. But she will get it eventually. I’m doing this one on A3 watercolour paper, so it’s taking somewhat longer than expected. It’s also the first one in pastels and I want to get it right.

We were planning on going on to Audlem today, from our current moorings, which are at Cool Pilate. Alas and alack, there’s a working boat festival, which means the chances of getting moored there are pretty remote, so we’ll be stuck here until Monday, at the earliest. Unless, of course, we move along about a mile, to the marina, which is still a longish walk into town.

This is not a big problem, as we do sometimes sit in one spot for a few days. We should make up the time though and still be able to meet up with Alan and Chris at Stone.

Sunday 31^st July

Walked into Audlem yesterday morning, just for a bit of shopping and to see how many working boats were there. The whole place was chocker block with them, and some were double moored.

The walk into Audlem is about a mile, give or take. So, by the time we’d finished shopping and walked back to the boat, we probably covered two miles or so. Not a bad stretch of the legs at all.

Today, if the weather stays kind to us, we’ll walk in again and get the Mail on Sunday and sit outside one of the pubs for an hour and then walk back. And, if I haven’t lost another couple of pounds in weigh by Monday, I’ll want to know why.

Monday 1^st August

We walked into Audlem again yesterday, but we left it until about 11.30, so as to be able to do some shopping and round it off with an hour outside a local pub. Luckily for us it stayed dry and sunny.

This morning we’ll do the same, but miss out the pub, and we’ll walk around a bit, to see if there are any spaces for us to moor at. Hopefully, all those working boats will be gone.

Tuesday 2^nd August

Yesterday morning, we managed to grab a space just above lock 14, and there we stayed for the rest of the day.

This morning, after shopping for a few things, we moved up above lock 14, topped up with water and set of for the bottom of Adderley locks. This took us three hours, but we managed to complete the 2½ mile run without getting wet.

Tomorrow, depending on the weather, we’ll go up those six locks. We hope.

Wednesday 3^rd August

At first sight, this morning looked to be a day full of rain. But, by the time we had had breakfast, and although it was quite windy, it was still dry and so we headed for the first of the five Adderley locks. We were in Market Drayton 10.15 and, after our obligatory cup of coffee, off we went for some shopping.

We’ve been to Market Drayton almost every year since we bought the boat, and yet, we still forget that Wednesday is market day here. As a result of this I enjoyed a pork pie for my lunch.

Now, while we were in Audlem, we got talking to a couple of locals, who were sitting on a bench watching the boats go by. On the off chance that they might know Market Drayton well; since they did mention the town; I asked if they knew of a decent pub here. Not only did they know a decent pub, they also knew the local brewery, that also has a pub attached. How come we hadn’t found this place on previous visits? Well, it’s because we never have reason to walk along the street where it is situated. So, next time we’re here, we’ll be paying it a visit. Wifey has made a note of it in our Nicholson’s Guide, se we won’t miss it.

We’ll probably stay here for tomorrow and move on to Norbury Junction on Friday morning.

Saturday 6^th August

From Market Drayton, we passed through five locks and four miles, taking 2½ hours to reach Goldstone Wharf. From the top of the locks, right up to Goldstone, there’s a narrow cutting, which is very high on both sides and, should it pour with hard, consistent rain, can be liable to land slip, or trees falling across the canal. This happened to us a couple of years ago, when we came across a fallen tree and had to reverse all the way back to the wharf.

Yesterday evening, as I was charging my phone, I received a message from my pal Alan and, as I opened his message, another message popped up, telling me it was too hot to continue charging. I’m assuming the phone was overheating, though why this should happen is a mystery to me.

Anyway, I mentioned this to Wifey, who then told me that, while she was doing the washing, our remote Sterling panel popped up the same message. It would be just our luck, after a pretty clear run so far, to now have a problem with the Alternator to Battery Charger. WE really could do without that kind of problem.

This morning, before we trot off to Norbury Junction, I’ll be checking out our domestic batteries. I’ve checked them several times since we’ve been out, but haven’t even had to top them up as yet. But, as a result of those mysterious messages, we think it might be a good idea.

Other than that, the weather looks fair for the weekend, so we should be able to spend a pleasant hour at the pub on Sunday.

Sunday 7^th August

It took us three hours to cover the 8 miles to Norbury Junction yesterday, but we found a good mooring spot when we arrived. Whilst I made the coffee, Wifey popped across to the Chandlery cum café for the paper. Later on we popped across there again, this time for oil and filter and an ice cream. When we find an out of the way spot, sometime next month, I’ll be diving down into the bowels of the engine bay and doing a small service.

Today we’ll spend an hour in the pub garden because, just like yesterday, it promises to be a real scorcher.

Monday 8^th August

Well, yesterday didn’t turn out to be the scorcher I expected. In fact, it was pretty chilly sitting in the pub garden. But, at least it stayed dry.

This morning, after waiting for the papers to be delivered to the chandlery cum café, we’ll poodle off to Gnosall, which is only a mile or so distance. Tuesday morning we’ll take the bus into Stafford where, with a bit of luck, I’ll find the music shop and we’ll meet up with Alan and Chris.

Tuesday 9^th August

Arrived at Gnosall at about 10 am and, after our usual, boring coffee, strolled along to the local shop for bread. We didn’t do much else for the rest of the day, other than Wifey giving the stern deck a good clean and we three taking a long walk in the afternoon.

Once upon a time, a railway ran through here and across the bridge, just behind where we are moored. The lines were removed quite some time ago and, in their place there’s designated cycle track. From the bridge the track runs roughly east to west and we turned eastwards, which took us down to the main road and into the village. Not wishing to pass the local shop without purchasing something, Wifey popped in for ice creams.

After that, we rested for the rest of the day.

This morning, as already mentioned, we’ll catch the 09.40 bus into Stafford and, providing Alan and Chris have finished their carpet laying, they’ll meet us there outside Sainsbury’s.

And that, my friends, is that for this blog.

Wishing you a very pleasant week to come.

All abreast from Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Cruise 2016 # 5

Tuesday 28^th June to Tuesday 26^th July

 Wednesday 29^th June

 We are having some pretty awful weather lately, cold enough in the morning to put the heating on, but not cold enough to light the fire during the day. Besides which, before we light the fire, we need to clean the chimney. And that’s best done when, as now and into Market Drayton today, we’re moored up with the port side against the towpath. Hopefully we’ll get that done today or tomorrow.

 But first, and as soon as we get to Market Drayton, we need to visit the local quack for some of my pills. Being diabetic invariably means damaged nerves in the feet, and they can play up quite a bit, especially at night. So, I have pills to ease the discomfort. Trouble is, I seem to have run a wee bit low on those and we won’t be contacting the surgery in Crick until the end of July. This will be three months’ supply of all medication. They’re good like that.

 The dark red side panels on Shiralee are looking pretty tatty and both sides really do need a paint job. The problem we have is that, neither of us has the foggiest idea as to how best to go about it. Employing a professional would be too expensive and besides, we’ve managed to repaint the plain old green roof and such. However, the red panels have lots of writing on them and, getting around the writing, not to mention the Shiralee figure, would be rather difficult.

 Ah well, these things are sent to try us, or so my mum would have said.

 At the moment – 07.10 on Wednesday morning – the weather is dry and calm. Hopefully it will stay that way for our run down the five locks and three miles to Market Drayton.

 Monday 4^th July

 Today would have been my old Oxford friend, John Barefoot’s birthday, who passed away a few years ago. Very sadly missed and a lovely man.

 We’ve been at Audlem for the weekend and, although we’ve had some rain, it didn’t spoil our visit to The Shroppie Fly yesterday lunchtime, nor did it spoil our tennis watching on TV. That’s only the 4^th time in Wimbledon’s history that the middle Sunday has been used for catch-up due to bad weather.

Today we’ll be moving on to somewhere out in the sticks and will enjoy a relaxing day and more tennis.

 Wednesday 6^th July        

 On Monday morning we left Audlem at about 8.30 and, after passing through the four remaining locks, carried on for another couple of miles to Cool Pilate, a very straight stretch of the Shroppie, with 48 hour moorings and picnic benches with BBQ stands alongside them, all supplied by the Shropshire Union Canal Society. Many thanks for that.

 Spending just one day there, because we’re on a time schedule for meeting Alan and Chris, we then headed off for Nantwich on Monday morning. With heavy cloud above, along with a strong headwind, we fully expected a thorough soaking, but we arrive at Nantwich after just one and a half hour, two locks and four miles later, none the worse for wear.

 After the obligatory coffee, we then took a walk into town for a few odds and sods, such as T-shirts for me and new jeans for Wifey, all bought at M&Co, where Nantwich is one of the few places on our travels that they have a store. After returning to the boat, we then settled in for more tennis.

 Today we’ll be walking into town again, but this time for proper shopping. Having put ourselves back on our Bikers diet, we need to stock up on enough stuff to see us through to Middlewich.

 Thursday 7^th July

 Off to the Middlewich branch today. Shopping again yesterday in Nantwich, bought new duds. Spent too much and now we have to discard useless duds.

 Friday 8^th July

 Moved on to Venetian Marina yesterday and spent the night just above the lock. Walked down to the marina chandlery, but couldn’t see anything we wanted, apart from an ice cream each, with some for the pooch. He likes just about anything we like, but he can’t have everything we like. Tough.

 Today we moved along for five miles and stopped just after bridge 17, where all we can hear are the birds twittering and passing boats. Semi-finals day for the fellas, so we’ll be watching all that. I’m hoping for a Federer/Murray final, but the other two semi-finalists are pretty good, so we might have another upset today.

 Sunday 10^th July

 Friday was great, all peace and quiet and lots of tennis on TV.

 Saturday was not so good. Lots of rain on our 1½ hour, 3 miles and 1 lock to Middlewich. We were soaked through by the time we moored up. And, it didn’t end there. It continued raining, on and off, for most of the day.

 On top of that, when we arrived at Middlewich, we had to pass under almost all the bridges, and just managed to find a spot, before having to go down the next lock. Phew! That was close.

 We have the pleasure of Carole and Bob’s company today. They’re on their way back to Glasgow and are taking a detour to be with us, which is much appreciated, as we’ll get a pub lunch for a change.

 Monday 11^th July

 A great day yesterday. Carole and Bob took a detour to us, from their route to Carlisle. After walking over to The King’s Lock pub and finding it wasn’t doing food, we took the car and drove up to The Big Lock pub instead. Really good food and a very pleasant chat, filled with lots of laughs and gossip. Smashing stuff!!

 Today, what with this awful rain, I have my doubts as to whether we’ll be going anywhere this morning. Maybe later in the day, if it brightens up.

 Tuesday 12^th July

 Well, we didn’t bother moving yesterday. Instead we stayed for a third night at Middlewich.

 We left there early this morning; about 7.45 am and, with six miles and six locks to do before reaching Wheelock, we expected a journey of three hours plus. Of course, we were not surprised to find it raining as soon as we set off. Then there were the holiday boaters in front of us, which all added an extra half hour to the trip. All in all, not a bad run and we didn’t get too wet. Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us tomorrow, because if, as I suspect, we are unable to moor up at Hassell Green, we’ll have to go on to Rode Heath, which is four miles and 14 locks away; about four hours away.

 Monday 18^th July

 At last, we’ve had some good weather. Yesterday was bright and warm and enabled us to sit outside The Red Bull pub at lunchtime. The rest of the day became pretty humid and allowed us to throw open all the doors and windows and the, after lunch, we sat back and watched some Davis Cup tennis. A very pleasant day indeed.

 This morning we have to move the boat up a couple of locks, then pay a visit to the local Lloyd’s Pharmacy, followed by Tesco shopping. And then, depending upon whether we get all the medication we ordered, we’ll either turn around and go back the way we came, or continue up another lock and cruise along the Macclesfield canal until the rest of our medication. Don’t ask, this has become something of a nightmare, but we’ll get there eventually.

 Wednesday 20^th July

 Much like the rest of the UK, we’ve had some pretty hot weather over the past couple of days. Yesterday morning, after spending just one night a couple of locks up from the services at Red Bull Basin, we went up another lock and turned around in order to retrace our route. We are now a few locks further down, where we spent last night in really uncomfortable conditions. Looking out of my window this morning; it’s now 6.45 am; I can see the clouds building up and, if the forecasters are right, we’ll be cooling down pretty soon, with the help of a few splashes of rain.

 About three years ago, whilst cruising the Llangollen canal, we got talking to a young boater by the name of Andy. He was in the process of painting his boat and just cruising up and down that canal. During our initial conversation, he mentioned that he had run out of coal, so, while he was out shopping, we bagged some of ours up and left it on the front of his boat. We’ve been sort of passing acquaintances ever since.

 We, that nice young man passed us while we were moored at Red Bull Basin and is now just a few boats in front of us. He intends moving along from here on Thursday, but we haven’t decided what we’re doing yet. However, if we leave today, I have no doubt we’ll meet up with him later. If we leave tomorrow, we probably won’t, because Andy doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet and tends to cruise for much longer than we do. Still, since he’s heading back to the Llangollen, we may see him again later.

 Incidentally, after discovering that some, if not, all of my usual blog readers have not been receiving them, I have now delved into the dark dungeons of Blogspot and set that problem to rights. If you have missed out and want a copy of those listed so far, please email me and I’ll attach them by return. They’ll give you some bedtime reading and, I hope, help you to nod off.

 Friday 22^nd July

 Yesterday we had the company of our friend Andy, who helped us down the six locks to Hassel Green.

 Today we’ll pass through the 10 locks and two miles back to Wheelock.

 Tuesday 26^th July

 Blooming heck, the time has flashed by again and I’ve neglected this blog, again. Sorry folks, I’ll do today’s one and post.

 After spending the weekend at Middlewich and spending an hour outside the King’s Lock pub, we did a final shop on Monday morning, before heading for Aqueduct Marina, which we didn’t get to because of the following, heavy clouds.

 Carole and Bob? You wouldn’t have been happy in that pub, honest!

 Anyway, while heading for the aforementioned marina, and noticing those nasty clouds, we pulled in sooner than intended, so as to avoid a soaking. Sometime afterwards a boat, named Just Billie, passed us and moored in front. The couple on that boat were none other than Roger and Wendy, who we last saw at Kegworth Lock back in 2007, our first year of cruising.

 It was Roger who, after spotting our boat gradually rising in ever rising water, came across and suggested we back up and into the lock. Which we did and remained stuck there for 10 days. Had we not stopped here yesterday, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to say ‘hello’ and thank them for their timely rescue and the ‘garden party’ that followed. It’s a small world indeed.

 Now, after almost a month, I’ll get this blog posted.

 Cheers to one and all.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.