Cruise 2016 # 4

Tuesday 7^th June to Tuesday 28^th June

 Wednesday 8^th June

 Another sweltering day yesterday and we took the bus to Ventura Park. We had hoped to buy some new jeans for Wifey but, unfortunately, Dorothy Perkins didn’t have the ones she likes. So, apart from other shopping, a wasted journey.

 This morning we’ll be going into Tamworth, this time to buy my puzzle magazines.

 Thursday 9^th June

 Diet update: It has been two weeks since we weighed ourselves and so out came the scales. Once again I am 2 lb lighter, which means I am losing an average of just 1 lb per week, which suits me very well. I now weigh 13 stone 4 lb and, at the rate I am going, I will be down to 11 stone 12 lb by the time we reach Market Bosworth. However, my normal fighting weight is about 12 stone 8 lb, so I will see how that feels when I reach it and make a decision about how much more I want to lose.

 As for the diabetes, well, I’m still taking a low jab of the long term Insulin, both night and morning. Whether I will be able to dispose of that also, remains to be seen.

 After our trip into Tamworth yesterday morning, we decided to move the boat along a bit, top up with water, dispose of rubbish, and moor up again opposite the water point.

 We had quite a lot of heavy rain later in the day, but all is calm and quiet this morning, so we’ll probably make our way to Whittington.

 Saturday 11^th June

 We travelled up to Fradley Junction yesterday morning, after walking in to Whittington shops for the paper and milk. Arriving at Fradley at about 10.30, we sat down for a coffee and then took Alex for a walk around the Nature Reserve, after which we sat down outside the café and enjoyed an ice cream.

 Later in the day though, the weather changed to a right downpour. Happily, it looks OK this morning, so we’ll head off to Handsacre this morning and stay there for the weekend.

 Sunday 12^th June

 We had lots of rain yesterday, but not until after we arrived at Handsacre and walked to the shops.

 A couple of weeks ago, we met up with Annie and Dave, who live on their boat and are moored at Crick. During our brief visit, Dave loaned me a book called, “Red Notice”. The book is about a guy named Bill Browder and what happened to him and his colleagues when he upset Vladimir Putin. If you can get your hands on a copy, I would seriously recommend that you do so. This book will really open your eyes to the true nature of the Russian regime.

 Today we’ll stay here at Handsacre and, hopefully, it will be fine enough for us to sit in the local pup garden. Cheers!

 Tuesday 14^th June

 We left Handsacre yesterday morning and, after shopping at Rugeley, we went on to the Pig Farm; one of our usual stopping off points. Sadly, the day turned into a disaster weather-wise, so we watched tennis at Queens.

 This morning we have more rain, so we could be stuck here today also. However, if the weather brightens up later, we head off to Great Haywood.

 Thursday 16^th June

 Well, we’re half way through ‘flaming’ June and it still ain’t ‘flaming’. Like most of the West Midlands and beyond, we had plenty of rain yesterday, although it was still mild. We did manage to get to the shops and take a couple of long walks, without getting wet, but it wasn’t a very pleasant day at all.

 Today, after getting The Mail, we’ll be off to Weeping Cross, or Acton Trussel, whichever of them has a space. Sometimes Weeping Cross is full, so we carry on to Acton Trussel and moor up outside the main village.

 On Saturday morning we’ll move on to Penkridge, which is a very big town, with several pubs and Market Day on Saturdays, so we’ll stay there for the weekend.

 Friday 17^th June

 Yesterday we made our way from Great Haywood to Weeping Cross and, along the way, managed to get another soaking. Passing the fields just outside Weeping Cross, we noticed that much of the land was flooded. Just short of where we moored up, there’s a wooden bridge, which seems to be there so that people cutting through that field, and on to the town, don’t get their feet wet. This is, in fact, a very long walkway and is raised well above the grass, so we assume that those fields are a flood plain.

 This morning we’ll take a walk up to the nearest shops and buy The Mail, then it’s on to Acton Trussel, where we’ll stay the night and then, on Saturday morning, we’ll continue on to Penkridge.

 Saturday 18^th June

 Yesterday passed almost without incident. We left Weeping Cross at 9 am and, after a couple of miles and one lock, arrived at the outskirts of Acton Trussel. We had no problems with bad weather along the way, which made a pleasant change after recent downpours.

 At about 1.30 pm we switched the TV on, to watch the tennis from Queens Club in London.

 Now, as you are probably aware, we have one of those new-fangled oblong shaped box aerials, which requires a 12-volt DC supply. Up until recently this unit has given us very little trouble. However, yesterday was a nightmare, with the slightest thing; such as passing boats and overhead helicopters; breaking the picture and sound up.

 Past experience has shown, that the problem might lie in the connector to the 12-volt unit that connects to the back of the set. Indeed, I tried re-wiring these connectors, all to no avail. So, we watched what we could under these difficult circumstances, trying all I could think of to improve the reception.

 Later in the evening – still trying to improve matters – I decided to take a look at the other end of the system, the aerial and, lo and behold, the co-ax cable at that end was ever so slightly loose. Why I hadn’t thought of this earlier, after dragging our old, spikey aerial out of its hiding place, I can’t imagine, but I had completely forgotten that part of the system. But, better late than never, I suppose, and the rest of the evening remained reception good, stress levels down. Hopefully, that’s another problem solved, in my usual roundabout way.

 Tuesday 21^st June

 The weekend went as well as can be expected, although, for some strange reason, there weren’t many boats moored at Penkridge. Anyway, we paid a visit to the local market on Saturday morning, and spent a pleasant hour in the pub garden on Sunday. Other than that and the persistent rain, all went well.

 This morning, since every boat imaginable turned up yesterday, we’re hoping to get away early and be the first one through the first lock.

 Wednesday 22^nd June

 In a huge break with our normal practices, we left Penkridge yesterday at 6.45 am and didn’t bother with breakfast. Why did we do this? Well, we had seven locks to go through before reaching Gailey, and the first one was immediately ahead of us. What’s more, during Monday almost all available moorings had been taken and most of those boats were pointing in the same direction. In addition to those reasons, above the first lock are the facilities; such as water and waste disposal; and we didn’t want to have to wait whilst someone else used them. So, a really early start.

 In light of our early leaving, we arrived at Gailey at 9.15 am, still having time for breakfast. The rest of the day remained dry and calm but, with tall trees on both sides of the canal, we lacked sunshine. However, we did enjoy a walk back to the last lock and the Roundhouse, where they sell all sorts of goodies, including ice creams. Yeah!!

 Today we’ll move along to Cross Green and walk into the village for the paper and other stuff.

 Thursday 23^rd June

 I’m disappointed. My weight has only fallen by 1 lb in the past two weeks. I’m now down to 13 stone and 3 lb. It must have been the roast chicken on Tuesday evening. Gotta try harder!!

 We watched some more tennis from Queens yesterday and it looks like our girl, Jo Konta is going to go a long way. Unfortunately, the BBC, in its infinite wisdom, showed her match against Kvitova last, so we only saw part of the first set. This means we won’t know the result until we get the paper today. It’s not really the BBC’s fault, but the way the matches are fixture for the day. Still, it’s a shame not to be able to see it all.

 Today we’ll be heading for the Shroppie and stopping a short way before Brewood. Ordinarily, we would go into Brewood and moor up there, but the moorings are so dim and dingy, that we now stop outside and pass through on the following day.

 Friday 24^th June

 A great day today, the UK has voted to leave the EU, but by a very narrow margin. But, will the powers to be overturn the decision, by the electorate, and decide to remain in the EU? Only time will tell.

 Saturday 25^th June

 Yesterday was a good day weather-wise, well, for the most part it was. A short spell of rain in the afternoon, but nothing to worry about. We left our wide open moorings just after 8 am and arrived at Wheaton Aston at 10 am, after five miles and just one lock.

 Today we’ll top up with diesel and then head off for Gnosall, where we’ll stay for the weekend. The village boats several pubs and other shops, including a very good butchers, so we’ll shop for a decent meat pie and bread. An hour in one of the local watering holes on Sunday, will round off our weekend quite nicely.

 Sunday 26^th June

 We arrived at Gnosall at about 10.30 and immediately trotted off to the local shop for bread. This is one commodity that we have to be wary of running out of. We have to be aware of where we might be when it does run out and time it so that there’s a shop where it can be bought. We then have to ensure that we arrive there early enough to buy some before they run out. We only buy solid bread, not those packets of cardboard that most people seem happy with. Even thick sliced stiff still seems inedible to us.

 On the way to the shop we intended to drop in on the local Butchers shop, but that has now closed. Gnosall is quite big for a village, with housing spreading out around the centre, so they were probably getting enough trade. Perhaps they decided to retire and couldn’t find a buyer for a going concern. Who knows?

 Tuesday 28^th June (Wifey’s Birthday and our 36^th Wedding Anniversary)

 Yesterday we left Gnosall for Norbury Junction, which was only two and a half miles away. We left a wee bit later than usual, say around 8.45 or so, and arrived just at the right time to brew a cup of coffee.

 A short while after that, who should come cruising by than none other than Bill and Babs, our old friends from Keckys’s Farm in Sawbridgeworth. We only saw them a few weeks ago, so it was a pleasant surprise to see them again and exchange gossip. There’s nothing we boaters love more than a good chinwag.

 Today we’ll probably celebrate our special day by walking down to the pub for lunch. Bon appetite, as they say in Swaziland, or is it France. Don’t remember. We’re so used to foreign languages in Britain now, that it’s hard to tell them apart. LOL.

 Ah well, six pages now, so I’d better post.

 Cheers one and all.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

 

 

 

Cruise 2016 # 3

Monday 23^rd May to Tuesday 7^th June

 Monday 23^rd May

 Today has dawned bright and sunny and, since there’s nothing much we want to do here at Shackerstone, we’ll move along to Snarestone. While we are there, and assuming the weather is kind to us, we plan on emptying the bow section, rubbing down and priming all the green paintwork, readying it for a couple of topcoats of green. This is the most important area to get painted, although the maroon panelling on the outside, all needs doing too.

 Unfortunately, all red colours seem to fade more quickly than other colours. This means that, although we already have the correct shade of red, rubbing down and repainting those areas that are damaged, still won’t blend in well. What those sections really need, is a complete re-paint, preferably by a professional. So, all we can do, is rub down and treat with a good rust preventative and wait until we have the cash to get it all done properly.

 From Snarestone, we’ll make our way back to the Coventry canal and make our way up to the Macclesfield canal. Alan and Chris don’t arrive in Blighty until the end of June, and we know they have things to do when they get here, so we’ll just have to wait and see how that goes before we can meet up.

 After that, and although we had planned to go on to Birmingham, we won’t really have enough time, so we’ll probably save that for next year and do the Llangollen instead. We missed it last year and we do like that canal. I don’t think we’ll get to Llangollen itself, but we’ll be happy if we make it as far as Ellesmere, before we have to turn around and make our way back to Market Bosworth for the winter.

 There’s one huge bonus to staying on the Ashby canal; the Internet and mobile phone signals, are both good and strong.

 Tuesday 24^th May

 We had a really glorious start to the day, with wall to wall sunshine. So, after disposing of rubbish, we made our way back to Market Bosworth, where we settled in for a cup of coffee. After which we strolled up to the village for supplies of comestibles and the strolled right back to the boat.

This certainly seems to be the best time of year for cruising the Ashby, because there aren’t too many boats out there yet. Come next month I dare say that state of affairs will change, by which time we’ll be long gone.

 Thursday 26^th May

 We didn’t bother walking into Market Bosworth yesterday morning, because we were going to head for Stoke Golding, where we knew we could get the Mail. Instead, we set out at 8 am, topped up with water and arrived at Stoke Golding at about 10.30, when we had our usual cup of coffee and then walked into the village for the Mail, bread and milk.

 Most surprising to us was the fact that, when we arrived there was only one boat moored there. Any other time of year, we would expect to just about find a mooring spot. Which just goes to show, that this time of year is best for cruising the Ashby.

 Now, back in February, I embarked on a diet which, I hope, will eventually see then end of my Type 2 Diabetes. However, as I explained at the time, I had no intention of following Dr Michael Mosley’s recipes (Yeuk) and neither was I going to weigh myself every couple of days, as he also suggested.

 The result so far, of following the hairy Bikers recipes, along with other light snacks is that I have lost a total of 17lb. I am now down from 14 stone 9 pounds, to 13 stone 6 pounds. However, although my blood glucose readings are much lower on average, I am still taking my long term Insulin, but, instead of taking it at night, before bed, I am following my nurse’s instructions, and splitting the dose between morning and night.

 Obviously, I still need to lose more weight, which I am continuing to go for. But it is taking longer than expected. But, I did have quite a lot to lose and, considering that my normal, healthy weight is about 12 and a half stone, I still have some way to go.

 Saturday 28^th May

 Yesterday was fine and bright all day and, after another bus trip into Nuneaton; this time for loads of dog food; we managed a couple of good walks and ate very lightly.

 Today we’ve moved along to Lime Kilns, only about half a mile away and which gives us the opportunity to visit the eponymous pub, which sits across the canal from our mooring point. This is a really welcome pub and it has a large garden to whit.

 We’ll stay here until Monday morning, when we’ll top up with water and head off to Bridge 3, from which point we’ll head for the Coventry canal, turn right and head for Atherstone. The difference this time, will be that we’ll moor up above Atherstone locks and walk into town from there.

 Tuesday 31^st May

 On Sunday we stayed at Lime Kilns and took advantage of the pub garden, where we sat and enjoyed a couple of drinks, on a warm and sunny lunchtime.

 On Monday morning, after topping up with water, we headed off for the five miles to bridge 3, which is a very quiet spot, about a mile from the end of the Ashby canal. So, this morning, assuming the wind doesn’t turn gale force and, of course, it doesn’t rain, we’ll set sail for Springwood Haven marina, which is about another five miles, but on the Coventry canal, heading for Atherstone, which is where we’ll be tomorrow, all being well. Phew!! Some sentences do get rather long, what with all the commas dotted here and there.

 Thursday 2^nd June

 Atherstone moorings were virtually empty when we arrived yesterday morning. Only three miles from Springwood Haven, this trip took about one and a half hours, mainly due to lots of boats moored along the route. It’s only polite, when passing moored boats, to slow down, so as not to rock them and thus shatter sleep, or delicate ornaments.

 So, we arrived at Atherstone at about 10 am and settled in for our usual cup of coffee. Soon after that, we noticed another boat, that had just come up the locks, had pulled in in front of us. There was a woman at the bow of their boat, tying off the mooring line and she was wearing a red jacket; very much like the one worn by a fellow boater named Annie, at Crick Marina.

 So, I said to Wifey, “Who does that look like, mooring that boat. It looks very much like Annie, to me.” “Yes,” she said, “That’s because it is Annie.” After big cuddles and handshakes, we soon joined them for a cup of tea and a gossip. It’s really great when we come across someone we know, and with whom we can have a good old chinwag.

 After our chat, we walked into town for some shopping and, later in the afternoon, off we went again, this time for a long walk and an attempt at buying a new radio aerial. Unfortunately, the first place we tried didn’t sell them, and the second place; which was way down at the other end of the High Street; sold them but, since they didn’t sell many, they had to order them in. So, not much luck there.

 Yesterday afternoon I tried setting up the TV aerial and tuning in. Of the 200 + channels that are normally available on Freeview, we managed a grand total of 39, and none of them was a BBC channel. The top of these locks is not where we would normally moor up. We would usually stop off about five locks down. But, as experience has shown us, TV reception is marred by the constant interference from passing trains. At the top of the locks, the situation is much worse and that could be because there’s a huge, great, monstrosity of a building, across the other side of the canal. We just can’t win here. However, we do have to stay another day, because we have booked Alex in for his booster jabs, with the local vet.

 Some weeks ago, soon after we left Crick, I received a message from Annie. In it she told me that they, too, would be leaving Crick, but not until much later in the year. However, she did ask me not to reveal this to anybody else. That’s OK by me, and I told her so and, since we haven’t seen anyone else who might be interested, that particular secret was easily kept. However, unfortunately for Annie, the secret already seems to be no longer a secret. Apparently, Noel, the manager of Crick Marina, has already spread the word. So much for keeping secrets. As one wise person once said, “A secret is only a secret, if just one person knows it.”

 Sunday 5^th June

 Up until yesterday, June was not living up to its name of “Flaming”. Yesterday however, after leaving our moorings at the bottom of lock 9, we arrived at Polesworth to glorious sunshine, and there it stayed all day.

 After our usual coffee and walk to the shops, we settled in and opened all windows and other orifices, so as to allow the boat to cool down. It didn’t make a lot of difference, but we at least gave it a try. We also made the decision to allow the fire to go out, something for which I suffered this morning, because it was quite chilly in here when I got up. However, rather than put the heating on, I donned my new cardigan; that’s the one I bought when we spent a few days at Rutland Water.

 We also watched the Ladies Final at Roland Garros, in France. To see Serena Williams lose in two straight sets, was something to behold. Having also watched her in the semis, it was plain to see that she was not playing at her best. Still, that doesn’t detract from the skill of her young, Spanish opponent yesterday, who played a real blinder of a game.

 Today we’ll stay here at Polesworth and, since there is no time restriction here, we may stay on Monday and catch the bus into Tamworth.

 Monday 6^th June

 It’s a funny thing about the canal system because, depending upon where you are moored, and if there’s a breeze, depends upon how hot the inside of the boat will be. Yesterday morning, when I got up, it was quite cold, but not really so cold as to need the heating turned on. Instead I wore my cardigan.

 This morning however, and despite the high temperature during yesterday, the heating definitely needed to be turned on.

 Now, we’ve moored here at Polesworth on numerous occasions, and we’ve never had a problem with TV reception. Last evening was really quite awful and, despite re-tuning the set, we had constant interference. Sometimes this was on account of aircraft flying overhead, at other times it was passing boats. We even noticed the picture braking up when people walked by.

 The thing is though, our TV aerial; which is one of those oblong, flat box things; is supposed to eliminate such problems. Plainly, it doesn’t.

 Anyway, instead of going into Tamworth this morning, we’ll be going on to Fazeley Junction and taking the bus into town from there. 

 Tuesday 7^th June

 After walking into Polesworth for the Mail, we left there at 8 am and headed for Fazeley Junction. This is five miles away and includes two locks at Glascote. Now, these two locks are, for some reason, really slow to fill up and empty. However, our progress through these locks took much longer than normal, due to the fact that there was already one boat going down the top lock and another waiting to follow. We also discovered that, when the one already in the lock had left it, the next one to come up didn’t have an engine. Which meant that the people on that boat had to tug it along, with bow and centre lines, until they finally lugged it into the lock. All of which took up quite a lot of time.

 So, the trip from Polesworth to Fazeley took about an hour longer than the expected two hours and we arrived there at 11.30.

 Today we’ll be taking the bus into the big, out of town shopping centre. Sheila will be looking for a couple of pairs of jeans, whilst I will be hoping to find a new radio aerial. On Wednesday we’ll be taking the bus into Tamworth for shopping and then, on Thursday morning we’ll be moving on. Somewhere in between we’ll try to get the chimney cleaned, now that we’ve let the fire go out.

 And that, dear friend, finishes this blog.

 Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

 

 

Cruise 2016 #2

Monday 9^th May to Monday 23^rd May

 Wednesday 11^th May

 We stayed at Hillmorton yesterday, because it was raining when I got up at 5.45 am, and continued to rain for most of the day. This morning it isn’t raining, but it certainly has overnight, so we’ll have to wait and see. We’re in no hurry though, because, when we consider that we usually average three miles per day, we’ll still arrive at Middlewich before Alan and Chris get here from Germany.

 Now, I haven’t mentioned our low calorie diet lately, but it still seems to be doing its job. I weighed myself on Monday and I had lost another 2 lb and am now down to 13 stone eight pounds. Also, after talking to the practice nurse before we left Crick, she agreed that, while my blood glucose readings continued to be low, I should only take my evening shot of Insulin, but that I should split it between morning and evening, to make it more effective. So, although this is taking much longer that Dr Mosley’s eight weeks, I’m in no hurry and, just as long as I get below 13 stone, I’ll be a happy bunny.

 Thursday 12^th May

 I’m sure that many of you saw the news item regarding new ‘treatment’ for diabetes sufferers, aimed primarily at losing weight. Instead of a gastric band, they now insert a long tube, that looks like it’s made from flimsy plastic sheeting and, as far as I could tell, does a similar job to a gastric band.

 Now, I’m not blowing my own trumpet here, but many of you know about my attempt at beating diabetes, simply by following good advice from a respected Doctor, and reducing my calorie intake. I know it works, and so too do hundreds of other diabetes sufferers. So, with the NHS really strapped for cash, why spend £3,500 on people who simply won’t control their eating?

 I know, I know, there are some who simply can’t control their eating and who would struggle with a calorie controlled diet, but shouldn’t all the other, overweight diabetics, at least try? Nuff said!! I am now off my soapbox!!

 Yesterday morning, rather than walk around to the shop for our Daily Mail, we decided to get away earlyish and get down Hillmorton locks before the rush. I’m so glad we did because, when we arrived at the bottom we found a chaotic situation. Boats were milling around, mostly near the water point and, if they were all planning on going up the locks, they were going to take quite some time. When we took a walk down those locks on Tuesday, we noticed that, of the six single locks; which are doubled up at each of three levels; three of them were out of action. This can be a very busy area, especially at peak summer times, so the six locks are essential for a smooth flow of traffic. However, with a CRT tender lying idle at the bottom of the locks, we are hopeful that the CRT crew are about to make a start on necessary repairs. Happily, we won’t be back this way for a while, so the shortage of workable locks isn’t going to affect us any time soon.

 Anyway, we made it to Newbold by 10 am and had a coffee prior to walking down to the Co-op for the paper and some milk. Job done.

 Today we’ll take the bus into Rugby and shop at Asda’s, then have our final coffee at our usual café.

 Friday 13^th May

 We took the bus into Rugby yesterday morning, did a bit of shopping at Asda and had our final coffee at our favourite café. The weather was great and this morning is still dry. This is just as well, because we’ll be moving on, to Bridge 26, one of our usual stops along this canal. We’ll only stop one night, because we want to be at Hawkesbury Junction for the weekend.

 Sunday 15^th May

 A great day yesterday. Fine and sunny, although with a chilly wind.

 We left bridge 26 at about 8 am and had arrived at Hawkesbury Junction, on the Coventry canal, by 10 am and that included topping up with water. Luckily for us, and most unusual, we managed to moor up in the nearest spot to the Greyhound pub, so just a short walk for our Sunday drink. If the weather stays as it is, all bright and sunny, we’ll be able to sit in the garden.

 Now, some time ago I built a new top box using decking. It’s the same square size as the old one, but is slightly taller. So far it’s been fine going under bridges, but I’m rather apprehensive about some of the narrower ones, and especially the one on the Ashby canal, that leads to the Trinity marina. (That’s the one before our one at Market Bosworth).

 This particular bridge is rather flat and somewhat lower than most. Indeed, we find it prudent to lower our heads when passing under it. In short, will our new top box make it under there? Well, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so we won’t know until we try.

 However, since I didn’t glue the sides together, it should be pretty easy to dismantle and leave it as a single decking height. In fact, when we get to our first mooring on the Ashby, we might just do that anyway. The box would still have enough room for all the stuff that’s in it, but the cover would bulge upwards in the middle.

 Meanwhile, we took a couple of longish walks yesterday, making the most of the sunshine. But, we were disappointed that the local newsagents didn’t have a Daily Mail. So my dear Wifey bought an Express. Not our favourite newspaper, but fairly acceptable in the circumstances. We were rather late in going to the shop yesterday because, above all other considerations, we always have our coffee before venturing forth for unimportant things, such as newspapers.

 Monday 16^th May

 It looks like it’s going to be another fine day, so we’ll be off to the Ashby canal after we walk to the shop for the paper.

 Tuesday 17^th May

 Arrived at bridge 3 on the Ashby at 10 am yesterday morning and did absolutely nothing for the rest of the day.

 Today has dawned bright and sunny, although, if that pesky Shefali, on Midlands Today has her way, we’ll see lots of rain later. But, should it stay fine enough, we’ll be off to Hinkley Wharf and will take the bus into Nuneaton. I am now in desperate need of new jeans, because my lightweight trousers are so loose around the waist, that I have to pull my belt in really tight for them to stay up.

 Wednesday 18^th May

 I’m pleased to say that we passed through the bridge safely. No problem with the new top-box. Hallelujah!

 As Shefali, of BBC West Midlands predicted yesterday, it’s raining this morning. But, like it or not, we have to go into Nuneaton for some shopping. We spent a couple of hours there yesterday, looking for new jeans for me, but no joy there.

 I tried on Wranglers size 36, but, even though they fitted me OK, they didn’t feel comfortable. I suspect it’s because they were new and I haven’t worn jeans for quite some time. I also tried a pair of trousers, that were lighter in weight, also size 36, but they were too baggy around the bum. I then tried a pair of Jasper Conran jeans, also size 36, priced at £76 a pair, but I couldn’t even do the button up. I’m so glad because I didn’t really fancy paying the price.

 So, no jeans as yet. However, my favourite and, on previous occasions, the ones that fitted me properly around the bum, are Lee, or Lee Cooper, so I’ll be looking online for those, just to see where I can get them. Who knows?

 Thursday 19^th May

 Yesterday was a complete washout, with rain just about all day long. But, since we had to go into town for shopping, off we went and strolled across from the bus station to Asda.

 Remembering that Asda do a range of clothing called George, we took a look around for my jeans before doing the shopping. Now, I’m no skinflint and, had those Jasper Conran jeans been a comfortable fit, I would probably have forked out the £76 asking price. Also, had the Wranglers been comfortable, the same goes for their £38 price tag. But, at just £12 per pair of well-fitting and comfortable jeans, I decided to buy two pairs of Asda's own make. All I have to do now, is await Wifey’s pleasure to dig out the sewing machine and alter the leg length.

 Today, after our 48 hour stay, we’ll move along and stop off for diesel and a gas bottle at the nearest boat yard, which just so happens to be the Ashby Canal hire company.

 When it’s time to turn the telly on; around 3.45 pm; we also have to switch on the Inverter/Charger, otherwise, no 240-volt system. Also, in order to save on battery power, Wifey turns it off prior to taking Alex out. Last night she forgot this, most basic of duties and I forgot to check and make sure she had done so.

 So, when I noticed that the I/C was still on this morning, when I took Alex out, and fearing the worse, I checked the battery power and, much to my amazement, the main panel was still showing 12.3 volts. With our earlier bank of six domestics, that figure would probably have been down to 11 volts, maximum. Which all points to Dave’s advice to have only four domestics as very sound indeed.

 Monday 23^rd May

 We moved on from Hinkley Wharf on Friday morning and, after stopping off at the boat yard for a gas bottle, we made our way to Stoke Golding. We didn’t bother with topping up with diesel, because they were sorting out a boat for a holidaymaking couple from New Zealand, and their boat was across the diesel point. If possible we’ll do that on the return trip.

 We stayed at Stoke Golding on Friday and Saturday, then moved on to Shackerstone, for our Sunday tipple, which we enjoyed sitting in their garden.

 Today we’ll move on to Snarestone, which is the end of the navigable stretch of this canal. We may stay there for the full wo days and, if the weather is kind to us, we’ll get some painting done.

 All that needs to be done now, is to post this blog and, with a really good signal here, that’s what I’ll do.

 Take care folks and enjoy the coming week. We certainly will.

 Dave, Sheila and Alex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise 2016 #1

Cruise 2016 #1

 Sunday 1^st May to Monday 10^th May

 Sunday 1^st May

 Oh what fun we’ve had already.

 We left the marina yesterday morning and moored up a short way from there. As usual, we took a walk through the village, had some lunch and then, at about 5.30 pm we ran the engine, to charge the batteries.

 At about 7 pm Wifey noticed that, although the starter battery was being charged alright, the four domestics weren’t, and this can be a real problem first thing in the morning – no power equals no hot water, etcetera, etcetera.

 Now, along the cut here at Crick, mobile reception is pretty poor, as any boater will tell you. So, after taking a look inside the engine bay and noticing no lights on the Sterling Alternator/Charger, I searched for any loose wires and, not finding any, I then walked up to the main road and phoned our engineer, Dave, who didn’t happen to be in the area.

 Just a couple of hours before all this happened, a carpenter called Neil, had fitted a new engine cover – ours was looking the worst for wear after 10 years on board. Anyway, Dave suggested I contact Neil and see if he could help. Luckily for us he had a petrol generator lying around and we brought that round to the boat and plugged it in and off we went.

 Unfortunately, the time limit on running engines and chargers is up until 8 pm, so I had to my nearest neighbour if he would be Ok with running the generator a bit later, which he was OK with. But, we still only had about an hour of charging, so I’ll still have to take another look for a loose wire. We’re hoping that’s all it is, because we dread to think what it will cost to repair the Sterling.

 Meanwhile, Neil, who has access to landlines in their small marina; which is devoted to keeping boats that are for sale; will be coming along later this morning and, if necessary, will take us over there until Dave comes on Monday.

 What a great start to our 2016 cruise!!

 Meanwhile, we’ve decided to stay here until Wednesday morning, because we need to go into Rugby for some shopping on Tuesday.

 Monday 2^nd May

 Yesterday morning, before Neil came around to move us onto a landline, I decided to take another look in the engine bay, because Wifey seemed to remember a loose wire causing this same problem some time age. After much searching I finally found a small, bayonet fitting that appeared to belong under a sticky bit of black tape and, when I reattached it, Bingo, job done. Who’s a clever boy then? Phew! But, what a relief!

 We also took the WiFi out of its cover and removed the Instruction book for further reading. Would you believe it; it doesn’t record direct to the inbuilt CD unit. Alan and I bought this some time ago and, according to the blurb in the advert, it did do. Now we find that it records vinyl in MP3 format, which is not really what we wanted. Still, it’s too late now to return it, so we’ll have to make do, I suppose. I’m not sure how though.

 You see, we had intended to do away with the TV during this cruise, and sit the Hi Fi in the place where the TV sits now but, since that is not an option; because we have to record to the laptop first; the only solution would be, to remove the TV, replace it with the Hi Fi and lay the laptop on the floor.

 Ah well, such is life!!

 Tuesday 3^rd May

 As I type this entry, Wifey is outside cleaning the starboard side of the boat. By the sound of all the scraping she’s doing, I would imagine that the bird pooh is pretty difficult to remove. Well, we have been under these trees since Saturday morning. Never mind though, we’ll be moving along tomorrow and, if we moor up at the same spot as usual, she won’t have that problem.

 We’re aiming to spend the weekend at Braunston where, although we can get a TV signal and the Internet, the mobile is another gether altomatter, unless we walk into the village, which is up a long path.

 We’ll spend tomorrow outside Welton Hythe Marina, Thursday we’ll go down Watford Locks and head towards the top of Braunston Locks, where we’ll stay the night. Then, on Saturday morning, we’ll go down those locks and into Braunston.

 We have been thinking about heading straight for the Llangollen Canal, but we may instead go on the Peak Forest canal, which we haven’t seen for a few years. In fact, the last time we saw that place was when we had the boat blacked at Mercia Marina, and spent a week in a cottage in the Peak District. Had we not left the cottage on the Friday, instead of Saturday, we would have been snowed in for several weeks. As it was, when we left the cottage and hit the main road, we slotted ourselves in behind a snow plough. How lucky was that??

 Wednesday 4^th May

 At last, we’ll be leaving Crick today. We took the bus into town yesterday and picked up a few bits of shopping and had a coffee and sticky bun at our favourite café, and that will be the last time, unless we also go into Rugby when we reach Newbold.

 Thursday 5^th May

 For the first time ever, we made an early start yesterday morning. Why? Well, as much as I enjoy my cruising, two-way traffic through a tunnel is not my cup of tea. Oh, it’s fine if the boat coming towards you is being run by a professional, i.e., someone who knows what they are doing. But, when it comes to some of these holiday boaters, well, they don’t have clue. And, of course, until they bump into you, you have no idea. So, in order to avoid such a confrontation, I walked up to the Post Office for the paper; at about 6.30 am and we left Crick immediately after that, without bothering with breakfast, which we sorted out after going through Crick tunnel and mooring up at Bridge eight.

 This morning we’ll make our way to Watford Locks and, after checking in with the Lock-keeper, will descend them and find a decent mooring spot. And, unless we make a specific point of visiting Crick again, we won’t be going through those locks, or Crick tunnel anytime soon.

 Later…..

 There doesn’t seem to be much canal traffic about so far, but just to be safe and avoid any hold-ups at Watford Locks, we left our moorings a little earlier than normal. When we arrived there we found one boat waiting to come up and, since we had to top up with water, the lock-keeper decided to allow him to do so. As soon as we had finished, we entered the first lock and, once through, waited for the one coming up to pass into the top lock, at which point we continued on down all seven locks, arriving at Welton Hythe Marina and Norton Junction by 10 am.

 So far it’s a lovely, sunny day and we have all doors and windows open. Lovely!!

 We might even pretend it’s Sunday and walk around to The New Inn at lunchtime.

 Saturday 7^th May

 Later on Thursday we did indeed pretend it was Sunday and spent a very pleasant hour sitting outside The New Inn, taking the opportunity to do a bit of gongoozling.

 Yesterday morning, we made our way to Braunston and, after passing through the tunnel without meeting any boats coming the other way, we moored up at the top of Braunston Locks. Then, after the obligatory cup of coffee, we walked into Braunston village for a few supplies. From the top of the locks, all the way to the shops, is not a short walk and, after shopping and walking back to the boat; stopping on the way for an ice cream; the walk took well over an hour.

 This morning, at about 8 am, we made our way down the six Braunston Locks and, after the first one teamed up with another boater to go down the last five. These are double locks and are much easier to negotiate with several hands helping.

 On exiting the final lock, we were surprised at how busy the canal was for that time of morning – about 9.30 am – and had a pretty difficult job finding somewhere to moor up. Then again, after the obligatory cup of coffee, we, once again, took a walk up to the shops. This time it was just for the paper and milk.

 After lunch we took another long walk, this time to the local chandlery for a new glass front for the fire, along with sealing tape and heat resistant rope. We also bought a couple of non-slip pads for the new plank that Alan knocked up for us.

 Where mobile reception is concerned, Braunston is worse that Crick. However, we are normally OK for the TV and Internet. So we can at least communicate by email from here.

 Tomorrow morning we’ll take another walk into the village, which entails a slog up a long hill. The coming back, of course, is easier. However, our favourite pub here, The Admiral Nelson, is yet another long slog along the towpath. But it’s always worth the effort and we’ll do that tomorrow lunchtime.

 Sunday 8^th May

 It’s a really good start to the day, bright and sunny and according to the forecast, it should stay that way for the rest of the day. Hopefully, we’ll enjoy an hour, sitting outside the Admiral Nelson this lunchtime.

 Tomorrow, assuming the weather is reasonably kind to us, we’ll be off to the top of Hillmorton Locks, where we’ll stay for two days.

  Tuesday 10^th May

 We left Braunston on Sunday afternoon. Not because we were in any particular hurry to get anywhere special, but just because it was such a nice day. We only cruised for about an hour and then pulled in somewhere, but have no idea of exactly where we were. Who cares, right?

 Yesterday morning, we upped sticks and continued on to the top of Hillmorton locks, walked to the local paper shop and then settled down to a coffee. Or, did we have the coffee before going to the shop? Dunno!!

 Our intention this morning is/was, to continue on through the locks and then moor up outside the golf course, which is just a couple of miles away. However, at this moment in time the rain has turned up, as promised by those good people at the BBC. Why don’t they find a decent job??

 Of course, should the rain stop some-time this morning, we’ll do just that. Otherwise, we’ll stay put for another day. Again, who cares??

 Now, since this first blog of the season is now five pages long, and, since I have nothing better to do, and, since I don’t know if I’ll have Internet access at our next stopping place, I guess I might as well post this offering.

 Take care folks and have a great week.

 

Remember this: ‘If you love everything you have, then you have everything you need’. How true.

Dave, Sheila and Alex