Cruise 2016 # 12

Wednesday 5^th October Thursday 13^th October

Thursday 6^th October

We took the bus into Rugby yesterday, as planned, and did a bit of shopping. After that, we walked around to the bakery, which is just around the corner to Brooke’s café, but the bakery was closed and, according to the new waitress at Brooke’s, had been for some time. Not only that, but our favourite waitress had left Brooke’s. I just don’t know what’s going on her. We turn our backs for a few months and everything goes cuckoo.

Still, we did enjoy a latte and a cake, with me having the fruit scone and Wifey having a lemon drizzle.

Our day was further spoilt at the bus stop. A young couple sat downwind of us and he produced one of those, foul smelling, imitation cigarettes. I think I prefer the original variety. Yeuk!!

Back to my old VAIO. I downloaded this huge programme yesterday, which is supposed to set up that laptop back to its Window 7 configuration. Having done that, I then, as per instructions, downloaded another programme, which was supposed to allow me to burn the first programme to a USB drive, so that I could load Windows 7 onto the VAIO.

So far, so good, or so I thought.

This morning, intending to carry out this further operation, I plugged in my new USB drive and clicked on the new programme, with which I would be able to burn Windows 7 ISO onto the USB. This programme came up with a message, asking me for the ISO details. Hmmm?

Now, this programme now sits on my hard drive and, according to what I am reading, it is called VLan, which is a media player. Hmmm? Again. I’m not too sure now, if I’ve downloaded the correct programme and, since it took an age to do so yesterday, I’ll have to wait until later today to have another go.

This I will do while we’re at Hillmorton.

Friday 7^th October

Yesterday morning, prior to leaving for Hillmorton, we took a walk to the shops, for the Mail and other odds and sods. Along the way we met up with another boater, who said, “I’m leaving early today, because I don’t want to be stuck here while CRT remove the car from the canal.”

As we rounded the bend and walked under the bridge, sure enough there was a Ford Fiesta in the water, and it had been dropped in so that it was pointed across the canal, which could give some boats a bit of a problem getting past it. Fortunately, we were facing in the opposite direction, so it should be gone by the time we return that way today.

We eventually decided that, rather than go through to Braunston, we would turn around at the bottom of Hillmorton locks and moor up at the golf course, about a mile back from there, where it’s nice and peaceful.

Today we’ll head on back to Newbold and, after popping into the shop again, move along to bridge 26. Hopefully that Fiesta has been removed. That’s the second time we’ve been faced with a car in the canal. The last time was on the Huddersfield Wide, just after coming out of Huddersfield, when we found a car in a lock and couldn’t pass through until it had been removed, about 3 hours later.

After arriving at the golf course and after coffee and reading the Mail, I set to to make the bootable USB for the VAIO. However, when I had done so, a message came up telling me that a certain part of the process had not completed. But, when I checked the USB, that part had been included. Strange, or what? Anyway, just to be on the safe side, I’m now creating a bootable DVD. Clever Forsythe!!

Saturday 8^th October

We left our moorings at the golf course at about 8 am and made our way back to Newbold, where we intended to do a bit of shopping, before carrying on to bridge 26. Along the way another boater, heading in the opposite direction, waved us down and told us that the car was still in the canal at Newbold. The mind boggles, it really does. Not only is this obstruction a nuisance to boaters; it’s on a bend where other boats are moored; it’s also a danger to wildlife, especially the large group of swans that congregate there, (They do so, because some fool comes out and feeds them every morning)

You would have though, wouldn’t you that, instead of sending a tender, with a small crane, which would normally be used for dredging, they would have arranged a real crane with which to do the job. Well, at least there was somebody from CRT in attendance. So, that’s something, I suppose.

Another odd thing that happened on our way to Newbold, was the lady walking her Spaniel. This dog was clearly getting on in years and, by the owner’s own admission, was stone deaf. And yet, not only was it walking along off its lead, she was unable to call it back when it jumped into the canal, swam to the other side and clambered out, only to disappear through the undergrowth and into the field.

The last we saw of her, was when she stood on the nearby bridge that ran alongside the canal on the towpath side. I think she had a good half mile walk, to the nearest bridge that spanned the canal. She then had to find her way back to where her dog had disappeared. There are some strange people about and no mistake.

This morning we’ll be heading for Hawkesbury Junction again, where we’ll spend the final weekend, before taking up our winter moorings at Market Bosworth.

Sunday 9^th October

Arrived at Hawkesbury Junction at 10 am and, after topping up with water, Wifey popped across to the local shop for the Mail and a bottle of milk, whilst I made the coffee. Works for me!

Later in the day, having already created a reboot disc for my old VAIO, I set about getting the thing working and, yippee, it’s all running nicely now. Mind, you, it’s so old that I have no idea what I’m going to do with it. But, at least it’s up and running again.

Monday 10^th October

We’ll probably be at our new moorings before the coming weekend, so this is probably the last blog for our 2016 cruising.

I have been searching for a programme that will allow me to recover my daughter’s password. Most of what I’ve seen has not filled me with confidence. However, and finally, I found Lazesoft and have downloaded their free software and made a bootable DVD. Hopefully, when I finally get to visit Teresa, I’ll be able to get her back into her laptop.

Meanwhile, despite the dodgy looking clouds out there, I think it’s time we took our pooch for a walk.

Tuesday 11^th October

Well, we took that walk and, although rain threatened, we made it back without getting wet.

Today we have several things to do, the first of which is to walk down to the shop for the Mail. After that, it’s a quick read and then catch the bus to Nuneaton, where we’ll do a full shop, so that it won’t be necessary again until we reach Market Bosworth marina.

In addition to the above, I’ll have to give Chris at Market Bosworth a bell, just to ensure that our pontoon is clear for our arrival later this week. When we booked our winter moorings, sometime before leaving Crick, we said we would probably be arriving on the 1^st of November and, since these pontoons don’t stay empty during the summer months, there could well be another boat in our spot, and that would never do.

Now, having burnt the necessary Password Recovery software to a DVD, I decided, just to be on the safe side, to also burn it to a USB. Surely one of them should work? Now, when I get my car back and an early opportunity presents itself, I’ll be able to visit my daughter and sort out her laptop.

Unfortunately, she’s still having problems with EE and her non-working iPhone. This has been going on for at least the past 10 days and should have been sorted by now. In desperation yesterday, her mum took her into their shop in Bedford and, after a right old bull and a cow, she was given a temporary, Pay as You Go phone, to keep her happy until her new, working iPhone actually arrives. She’s been reluctant to cancel her contract; despite her right to do so, after being let down for so long; because she’s been with them a long time and, up until now, hasn’t had any problems with them. Hopefully, once this temporary phone is online, we’ll be able to continue texting by mobile, rather than using her house phone. Texting, I have found, is so much simpler.

Wednesday 12^th October

Yesterday was a mixture of fun and frolic. After walking Alex down to the paper shop and buying the Mail, we walked him back to the boat – naturally – and had a quick read of the paper. After that, we caught the bus into Nuneaton for a big shop.

Upon our return and after supping a well-earned cup of coffee, I booted up the laptop and continued my search for a low mileage, Jaguar X Type. There are quite a few about, so I shouldn’t have a problem finding the right one.

With nothing much else to do, I put the laptop away and, later on, after dinner, out it came again. Only, this time, I ran into a wee problem when I accessed the Internet. Because, up popped a message from 3, my ISP, telling me I had exceeded my monthly allowance and that, in order to continue using the Internet, I would need to log into my account and upgrade to a new monthly plan.

Now, I keep all my Internet info, such as web sites and passwords, in a programme called Typitin. So, when called upon to provide a password, I know where and what it is. Unfortunately, 3 did not recognise my password, so I attempted to ask for it to be reset. And this is where the fun started.

My main email provider id a company called Absolute Email and, I have set up Outlook to automatically download my messages. However, by the time 3 had sent me the necessary link to change my password, I could no longer get online. Great!! They want me to upgrade and pay more for their service, but they’re not willing to allow me the time to reset my password and o through that process.

At the moment I am without Internet access. I phoned my brother, Alan and asked him to do this for me, simply by providing him with my login details at Absolute, so that he could then click on the message from 3 and reset my password for me. But, unsurprisingly, that didn’t work either.

For the rest of the evening, I wracked my brains to find a way around this problem, without actually paying 3 any more money per month and I think I’ve found the answer. It all depends on whether Market Bosworth marina has free WiFi. If they do; and I shall phone them later to find out; I’ll be able to use that for the first six days, which is when my next month’s allowance with 3 begins. Simple!!

This still doesn’t help with the password problem, but that can be sorted by phone. Although, I’ll be asking 3 to call me back, because theirs is a pay by the minute line, and that gets expensive when calling from a mobile phone. The alternative to this, would be to wasted part of today, taking the bus into Nuneaton again and paying a visit to the 3 shop. Nah!!

Today, we’ll walk down to the local shop again, but we’ll leave here a little later than usual, because we want to stop off at the local marina for diesel and coal. We also want to call into the Farm Shop at bridge 23, for some meat, which they have a fair range of.

The weather out there is not looking too clever this morning, but we do need to move along to Stoke Golding and then, tomorrow morning, take up our moorings at Market Bosworth, because I have now arranged with Dave and Malcolm, to collect my car from Crick Garage on Friday morning.

I don’t expect much excitement over the next couple of days, so I’ll keep this blog going until we reach our moorings. It will be a long, final blog entry, but it will give you all some bedtime reading over the weekend.

Later……

Since we’re quite likely to be without Internet access for the next 8 days, as a direct result of me using too much data with my “Three” account, we decided to pay a visit to their shop in Nuneaton. Unbeknown to me, until the staff at the shop told me, their system was being updated yesterday, which is why I couldn’t access my account and change my password.

Now, if I had been told that in their onscreen message, I would have been aware of the problem. With the level and sophistication of 21^st century, this simple piece of advice should have been equally simple to include in that message. I despair of the ignorance and stupidity of big business these days. Mind you, the owners of “Three”, a company called Hutchinson’s, are Australian. Nuff said!!

Having sorted my Internet problem, by the simple expedient of purchasing a £10 SIM from the shop, I should be OK until my next month’s allowance pops up an about a week’s time. So, all’s well that ends well.

We are now at Stoke Golding and, after topping up with fuel and coal at the Ashby Boat Company wharf, we arrived here at about midday and will stay until tomorrow morning, when we’ll stroll up the hill for the Mail and then head off to Market Bosworth Marina.

Thursday 13^th October

Well, here we are at last our final day of Cruise 2016. If there are any downsides to this year’s trip, it’s been the weather. Watching the 6 o/clock news every weekday evening, and the Countryfile “Weather for the Week Ahead” on Sundays, we’ve noticed a distinct disparity between the north and south of the country. Lots of rain in the north and heatwaves in the south. Other than that anomaly, it’s been a pretty good five and a half months.

Up until yesterday; and we still have about six miles to go to Market Bosworth; we’ve cruised for 216 hours, passed through 235 locks and traveled 317 miles. During this time, we’ve traveled along parts of the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry, Ashby, Trent and Mersey, Staffs and Worcester, Shropshire, Middlewich Branch, and we’re now back on the Ashby, heading towards our final destination.

Bearing in mind, the fact that, in years past we’ve left our winter moorings at the beginning of April, and returned to them at the beginning of November, I think we’ve done pretty well this year.

Now, just in case something untoward happens on today’s final leg, I’ll wait until later today, or maybe tomorrow morning, before I post this blog.

Friday 14^th October

Yesterday morning, at about 8.45, we set off for the final six miles to Market Bosworth marina. Thankfully, the weather stayed dry for us, because we had no choice, as I’m meeting Dave Hull this morning and going over to Crick for my car.

The only thing that struck us as odd, especially considering the really cold wind, was the appearance of a Painted Lady butterfly. This beautiful creature landed gently on the rear hatch and sat there, wings wide open catching the warmth of the sun. It stayed with us for about half a mile and then, having warmed its wings, off it flew. Sadly, with the weather so cold, I doubt if it would have survived for much longer. Nice of it to hitch a lift though.

So, we arrived at the marina at about 11 am and, after sorting things out at the marina office; card for electric, codes for the various security gates etc, we settled in for our coffee and then took Alex out for a walk. The rest of our first day here went as usual.

This morning, around about 9 o/clock, Dave should be picking me up and, hopefully, he’ll have room for Wifey.

And, that’s it. Cruise 2016 is over and done.

Thanks for joining us on our trip. Your presence is much appreciated. Naturally I’ll keep the blog going whilst we are here, although there probably won’t be as much to report.

Take care folks and enjoy your winter.

Kind regards from Dave, Sheila and Alex.

Cruise 2016 # 11

Monday 26^th September to Wednesday 5^th October

Monday 26^th September

This morning, before leaving Polesworth, we walked into the village and, on the spur of the moment, I called in to the Medical Centre, to enquire about these red patches that have been coming up on my arms. I originally thought it was just liver spots, as afflict many older folks like me. However, having taken the belated trouble to read the leaflets that come with my medication, I discovered that two of the pills I am taking for my diabetes, have side effects that can cause this problem.

Anyway, I was fortunate enough to have called into the centre at just about the right time, because a doctor agreed to see me immediately. Not only that, but the nurse was also able to carry out a blood test, the results will be texted to me if there is a problem. Otherwise, all OK.

We eventually left Polesworth at 9 o/clock and, after three miles and two locks, we moored up just past bridge 47, where we’ll stay today and, if the weather is OK tomorrow, we’ll go through another nine locks and two miles, which will see us at the top end of Atherstone.

Tuesday 27^th September

This morning has dawned quite windy and with the smell of rain in the air. Should the rain come down and/or the wind increase in strength, there’s a pretty good chance we’ll stay where we are. At 7 am it’s not looking good.

If we do go on, then we’ll be going through nine locks in a little under two miles, and will moor up at the top end of Atherstone. Normally, when we come through here, we would moor up about half way through. Unfortunately, there’s a railway track running just behind the moorings, which plays havoc with TV reception. So, just for a change, we’ll push on through to the top of the Atherstone locks. We’ll still be within striking distance of the shops, but we’ll have better TV reception.

I’m currently looking for a newer car. So far I’ve narrowed my choices down to just three, which are: Jaguar X Type, Mercedes C Class and SAAB 9-5. I’m still pretty much undecided but, if value for money was my only consideration, it would have to be the SAAB, simply because a 2007 plate would be the newest model that I could purchase with my limited budget. For style and sleek lines, it would have to be the Jaguar and, I could probably pick up a 2006 plate for the same money. However, this would come with pretty high mileage. Then there’s the Merc. Great cars, highly recommended by a very good friend, but I would only get a 2004 for my money.

Decisions, decisions!!! Now doubt something will turn up. Of course, there’s also the question of servicing and repairs, which does vary considerably between the three choices.

Wednesday 28^th September

Yesterday was rather blowy, so we decided to stay put and walk into Atherstone. Looking at our Nicholson’s guide, this appeared to be about 2½ mile round trip. In the event, after walking there along the towpath, traipsing along the High Street, stopping at two shops and then stopping off at the Co-op before returning the same way, the whole trip took us just over an hour and 45 minutes.

We have three puzzle magazines that we like to buy every month. I like Sudoku and Suguru, whilst Wifey prefers Killer Sudoku, which I simply don’t have the patience for. The Suguru magazine is always the most difficult to come by. Even Smith’s rarely have it in stock. So, since I hadn’t been able to find the latest copy anywhere, we tried a Newsagent along the High Street. Still no luck.

I also wanted a new external hard-drive, which I found at the local computer shop. This I need, in order to copy stuff that I’m not currently using, onto. Somehow, I just don’t trust the iCloud for saving my stuff securely.

Today we’ll be moving along to the top of the remaining nine locks, and we’ll be mooring up at the top end of Atherstone, rather than our usual spot, which is roughly in the middle of those locks.

Thursday 29^th September

We arrived at the top of Atherstone locks, none the worse for wear and, quite naturally, made ourselves a lovely cup of coffee. We then strolled into town, for shopping and to see if we could find some more T-Shirts; those with short sleeves and button-up collars. In the event, all we found were two such shirts for me, but nothing that Wifey fancied.

Today, if this rain desists, we’ll make our way to Hawkesbury Junction, which joins the Coventry to the Oxford canal. This is a 10 mile run, so the weather had better be in our favour. If we can make it to Hawkesbury today, then we can spend the weekend at Newbold, where we can catch the bus into Rugby, and where Wifey might be able to find her T-Shirts. We could also visit our favourite coffee shop.

Friday 30^th September

Well, that’s the end of another month and winter will soon be upon us.

After returning from the shop yesterday morning, the rain had already stopped, although the sky was looking a bit bleak. There were really heavy looking clouds scudding across the sky, but they were going our direction and, coming up behind were blue skies. So, we set off at about 8.30 am and had high hopes of reaching Hawkesbury Junction before lunchtime.

Now, one of my pet hates; and I do have a few where boating is concerned; is having to rely on the boat in front, to keep up a sensible pace. I know, I know, the speed limit is only 4mph on canals. However, when the berk in front crawls along at just above my tick-over speed, I do get a bit irked, to say the least.

Anyway, on a bright and sunny morning, and hoping to reach Hawkesbury Junction, 10 miles away from Atherstone, we had just reached Springwood Haven marina, when another boat pulled out ahead of us. We had only completed three miles of our trip by then, so I was somewhat dismayed at noticing the smoke billowing from his engine. So, not only was he just puttering along at a snail’s pace, we were going to be subjected to the stink of diesel fumes, quite possibly for the next seven miles.

Yes, you guessed it, we pulled in and stayed at Springwood Haven and will go on this morning. This means that, instead of spending the weekend at Newbold and going into Rugby on Monday, we’ll be staying the weekend at Hawkesbury Junction and Newbold on Tuesday.

We’re hoping to reach Braunston by the following weekend, giving us time to turn around and reach Market Bosworth by the middle of October. We have nothing else planned and we do need to register with the local GP and I do need to retrieve my car from the garage at Crick.

Saturday 1^st October

Well, the day started out dry and bright but, by the time we left, it was looking decidedly dodgy, weather-wise. However, we managed to get to Nuneaton OK, but, by the time we were part way back on the bus, down came the rain and it’s been raining ever since. Still, it is supposed to be brighter tomorrow. So, that’s OK then!

Sunday 2^nd October

A bright, but cold start to the day. Should be good to sit in The Greyhound pub garden lunchtime. Probably the last chance we’ll get before winter closes in.

We took the bus into Nuneaton yesterday, initially to find a new winter bed for Alex, which we did. It’s somewhat bigger than his summer one and, of course, much warmer. He did look a wee bit perplexed when we took the old one away and put the new one down, but he soon got the hang of it.

Wifey also wanted to find some new tops for herself, but, after visiting several shops, she came away with nothing. A wee bit fussy, methinks.

Tomorrow morning, all being well weather wise, we’ll turn onto The Oxford canal and make our way to bridge 26, which is well out of the way of any group of houses and we’ll stay there for just one day. Then, on Tuesday morning, we’ll make our way to Newbold, where we’ll stay a couple of days and take the bus to Rugby.

Ah, Rugby, where we know of a really great, friendly coffee shop. Latte and sticky bun coming up.

Monday 3^rd October

It’s getting much colder now. This morning we had the first frost of autumn, so it will be thicker coats when we get going later on. That will be after a walk to the local shop, for the Mail and milk.

To be honest, I won’t be sorry to get snuggled down at our winter moorings. It looks set to be a cold winter. Even sitting in the sun yesterday, in The Greyhound pub garden, here at Hawkesbury Junction, we could still feel the chill in the air. Still, I am getting a bit long in the tooth now and, having lost quite a bit of weight over the past five months; I have now cracked the 13 stone mark; I suppose I’m bound to feel the cold more. Not enough fat stores to keep me warm!!

Tuesday 4^th October

My daughter, Teresa, hasn’t used her laptop for quite some time. As a result; since she didn’t think to write it down somewhere safe; she’s forgotten her password and, since she’s also having problems with her iPhone, regarding the Internet and emails, I’m trying to help her sort out the laptop. With me so far?

Looking around on the Internet myself, I discovered various ways of recovering a password, none of which is easy. So, since she’s not desperate for the password; doing most Internet stuff with her phone; I thought I would sort my old laptop out first and, at a later day, loan her that while I endeavour to recover that password.

I, eventually, found a programme online, whereby I can get my old VAIO back to normal. At present it’s telling me that my version of Windows 7 is hookey, which it should not be, because I’ve had it for several years without problems. It was only when I tried; many months ago; to update it to Windows 10. But, that’s another story.

So, the first thing needed for my VAIO, is a copy f the 64bitISO, which I’m downloading now. But, trust me, I’m in a place where the download speed is a wee bit slow. Hopefully this process won’t take me past breakfast time.

Further news later.

Today we’ll be heading for Newbold, where we’ll take the bus into Rugby.

Wednesday 5^th October.

Yesterday went very well. We left bridge 26 at 8 o/clock and, with just one small problem, arrived at Newbold at 10am. That small problem? Well, just before entering Newbold, there’s a short tunnel. This tunnel takes two boats, side by side, one heading one way and the other going in the opposite direction.

Now, we’ve never had to go through this particular tunnel, whilst facing a boat coming towards us. Normally, this is not a problem with other, similar tunnels. But, where most tunnels; of whatever length; usually have boarding running along the sides, so as to avoid damage to paintwork, this one has, what appear to be, old railway lines. Either that, or just thick, steel strips.

As a result of this stupid system, we have now suffered considerable damage to the starboard side of the boat. So, next time we come through here, we’ll make sure nothing is coming the other way. If there is, well, we’ll just have to wait until they are through, before we proceed.

Right, different subject. As I mentioned earlier, I have an old VAIO laptop which gave me so much trouble, that I went out and bought this Acer Aspire, which, so far, has given me very little trouble.

My eldest daughter, Teresa, has a laptop that she hasn’t used for quite some time, and she has forgotten the password. So, since she’s not in a hurry to have it sorted, I’m trying to get the VAIO to behave, and then I can loan her that whilst I try to recover her password. This is all for a few weeks’ time.

The VAIO is almost beyond redemption because, since trying to get it to work properly, when I bought a programme that would reset Windows 7, I now have a message, telling me this version of Windows 7 is illegal. How this has happened, goodness knows. But it has, and so I have to do something about it. And besides, it gives me something interesting to do.

I have now looked around on the Internet and have found another programme which, when burnt to a USB Drive, should reload Windows 7, with the result that I have a legitimate version of the programme. Of course, any programmes already on the VAIO, will be wiped off, but that’s not a problem, because I intend to upgrade it to Windows 10.

Today we’re taking the bus into Rugby where, amongst other things, we’ll enjoy a latte and sticky bun at Brooke’s Café.

Tomorrow, on to Hillmorton, where we’ll either turn around, or go up the locks and stay for two days, proceeding on to Braunston on Saturday morning. That’s the plan anyway.

Meanwhile, with six pages already done, I think I’ll post this blog.

Take care folks. It’ll soon be Christmas!!

Dave, Sheila and Alex.

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.