Nothin' doin'

Today, Sunday, we stayed at Hawkesbury Junction all day so that we could meet up with Harvey and Helen in the afternoon. Also there were one or two church matters that I needed to follow up, worship online, usual boat chores and a general tidy round. 

The weather was pleasant in the morning and moved on to, what the weather people call light, rain in the afternoon. Didn't feel that light to us! 🌧️ 

We've also been looking at where we go next and have come up with three options. However, most of our choices depend on how we feel when we get to the next junction. Turn left or right? We realised that we probably didn't want to be in the middle of Birmingham for the coronation - could be a bit noisy! So we'll probably head towards Great Hayward on the Trent and Mersey and hang about around there for a day or two, watch the telly on Saturday, and go to church on Sunday to a church we know well from previous visits. After that, probably head down the Staffs and Worcs and see what happens next.

So, no pictures today but normal service will be resumed tomorrow. 

Newbold to Hawkesbury

Our first obstacle today was Newbold Tunnel. Having said that, it's only 250 yds long, dead straight and you can see if anyone's coming before you enter.  

When we first came this way, many years ago, there were lights in the tunnel but the cost of running them meant that they disappeared.

All the way along the Oxford Canal there are these iron bridges over short lengths of water. These are all that remains of the loops of the old canal before it was straightened out. 

Now that's inspiring. Hope he didn't mind me taking a picture of his work.

Just past the artist is a small hire boat company and service yard. They are lovely boats and well cared for.

I must say that many folk complain about what C&RT don't do on the cut but along this stretch they have put in a lot of effort to build up the canal sides using coir matting.

At the moment it's not safe to stop there but it will have settled down nicely in a year or so.

Today we have seen a few heron, pied wagtail, the usual pigeon and magpie and a couple of buzzard. But when we looked up above them we could see another 7 circling way up high.

Red kite are also around in this area.

Ah, Stretton Stop, the home of Rose Narrowboats. Every boat that passes this way has to stop and open the gate and then close it behind them. In former times there used to be gates here to stop the water if there was a breach in the canal. Then it became a toll stop and now it gives access to the workshops for Rose Narrowboats.

Evidence of yet more work being undertaken by C&RT. All slow as we slide past.

We decided to stop for lunch in Ansty. I've written about this before but in the old days we would moor here, walk across the bridge and visit the pub opposite. Regrettably, the bridge fell down and it's now a long walk round. Needless to say that we lunched on board.

The photo above is a side arm which is the home of the Coventry Cruising Club.

Up near Tusses Bridge, the back garden of one of the houses is full of old cars. They've been there years.

Mainly VWs.

You always know when you're getting near the junction because of all the pylons.

They are all converging on this distribution centre right next to the canal.

And here we are, journey's end for the day.

All that's left is for the captain to take advantage of an unexpected spot of sunshine - not forecast, I might add.

Quite a warm evening, perhaps we won't have to light the fire. 

Newbies get locked in

It's amazing how a drop in the wind speed changes everything.

It's still overcast and the clouds are moving across quite fast but the wind's gone and it feels much warmer.

And this morning we saw our first family of baby geese. Together with a duck and 12 ducklings. Spring has certainly sprung.

After a few miles traveled we arrived at the top of Hillmorton locks. My intention was to include as many pictures as possible of us going down through the locks. However, best laid plans and all that, as we approached the top lock a boat was just coming out so, a nifty pirouette around and in we go. Into auto mode, Brigid closes the top gate and I go forward to open the bottom paddle. By the time I think of photos, I'm out the bottom and heading for the next lock. Looking ahead we can see another boat coming up through the 2nd lock so we leave our gates open and ready for them to enter. 

I get to the 2nd lock and nothing seems to be happening. Water is being let in but the lock doesn't seem to be filling up. It should have been quicker than that!

After a couple of minutes I tie the boat up and walk down to the lock to see what's going on.

It's a hire boat and they hadn't fully closed the bottom paddles so water was coming in at the top and draining out at the bottom. A bit of strong arm work, paddles closed and the newbies were released from their prison. 

While we were working the lock a volunteer lock keeper appeared to find out why there was so much water in the bottom pound. All was explained. But, another thing I couldn't understand was why, when we'd left the lock ready for them to use, they emptied the full lock alongside and entered that instead!? 

After all that excitement we thought 'it's lunch time' and we stopped to pop in the canalside café. We can see Polgara from our table.

And look at what we had.

A jacket and tuna for the captain and jacket and beef stew for me. Just what the doctor ordered.

In the window behind us is a model narrowboat - it's truly amazing.

The detail inside is fabulous. We were talking to the café owner and she told us that it was made by a gentleman and his wife fitted out the interior. They had to sell it because they were downsizing but were pleased to know that it would be in a place where children would be able to see it. Trouble is, some children don't seem to know when to grow up 😂

And here is, at last, a picture of the locks (and our boat, of course).

And here I am entering the bottom lock. 

A few miles further on and the sun is shining as we enter Rugby. Plenty of moorings available today when we don't intend stopping.

And when we do stop we head for this bridge because just down the road is a large Tesco. (Other stores are available but they're further away!)

Then, just around the corner, a nice mooring at Newbold upon Avon. Amazing, we don't usually get in here either. There have been loads of boats out today so where have they all stopped?

No peace for the wicked! There's always something to do on a boat. When we were pottering along past moored boats there was a sound like a chain rattling around in the engine room. Luckily I recognised this sound and thought that I knew what was the problem. And I was right. Doesn't happen often so please make a note! I was right! 

Now this is where it gets technical - sorry but follow if you can. 

On back of the engine is a rod that goes out the back of the boat and turns the propeller (so I've been told). And on this rod is a thingy that connects to another bigger thingy by a rubber belt. The bigger thingy drives a water pump that cools the gearbox. Still with me? Well the thingy on the rod propeller shaft (I knew it had a name) had come loose so under the back step I go and tighten it all up and off we go - tomorrow, that is. 

Now it's time to pop into Newbold for some fish and chips. Yummy 😋🤤

Look at that - and that's only a quarter of the chips they gave us.

It's a grin and bear it day today

Sorry, not many pictures today, it's overcast, the wind's blowing, and instead of lying in we woke up early. 

So it's grin and bear it day.

Mind you, at 6:17 I thought that it was a promising start to the day but that didn't last long. 

We decided to do some washing to cheer ourselves up!?

We bought a mini washing machine some years ago and I insisted that we dug it out of mothballs and fired it up.

We've got it standing in the shower which makes it easier to fill and empty. But it is small. Much against the captain's wishes I filled the tub with clothes and water and then watched as it did an impression of an old man doing the twist. Everything wobbled about but nothing actually moved. Out with half the load and off it went.

I strategically retired to the engine room to polish the brass work. 

We tried the spin dryer but everything came out as wet as when it went in. Oh well, peg it all on the airing rack and see what happens. 

Thought we'd cheer ourselves up by having lunch at the Gongoozlers Rest, a floating café. Seems everyone else had the same idea so, back to the boat, cast off, fill up with water and set off towards Coventry.

Found a nice quiet place to moor, had lunch, battened down the hatches, lit the fire and watched it rain. (Not for long)

I started work on installing a 12v USB socket which means that we won't need to switch on the inverter to change the odd phone or tablet. 

Tea time and a picture!

The captain insisted that I take a snap before it miraculously disappeared. There's only one problem, that's the last piece of Ann's cake. Je suis désolé!

A last picture for today, the installed socket.

It's the little black box with the blue light. 

That's all folks!

Having fun and fond farewells

Wow, two days of the blog to write up. Well, that's what happens when you're having fun. 

Tuesday we set off from Gayton Junction and look, not a cloud in the sky. Surprisingly we had no problems with mooring overnight, the junction was almost empty.

Not so with some of our favourite mooring places.

They are even breasted up in places. And you can't say that the sun has brought them out as they've obviously been moored there overnight. 

Still, the sun's shining and look who's steering.

The captain's in charge, time for me to go below and make a cuppa. Also had to dig out the woolly gloves again, that wind's really chilly.

Passing our marina - waved at the car - it looks quite safe.

Sun's out, ensign's out. 

Anyone interested in a canal camping holiday? Who you gonna call? Inland Navigators!

Further along the canal and we keep a lookout for Harold and Hilda (my name for them). Every time we pass they are dressed up in a different outfit.

Not sure who they are this time round but the folk living there must have fun coming up with new ideas.

And now we are literally a stone's throw from the M1. Wouldn't want to be stuck here overnight.

And now, on our right the M1.

And on our left, the railway. And the other side of the railway the A5 Roman road, Watling Street. 

No stopping here either, it was straight into the locks and up the flight to Buckby top lock.

I must have one of those - front of the boat - coming through - boom! 

Managed to find space in our usual place just below the top lock.

Right opposite the field of sheep.

And what better way to end the day than a barbecue with Malcolm and Ann.

We even had a bottle of Crouch Valley Rosé to celebrate the occasion.

A perfect end to a perfect day.

Wednesday and we cast off to go through the top lock and then on to Braunston. 

I know I keep saying 'each time we come past' but it's true, each time we come past these new estates seem to be getting closer and closer to the canal. There, I've said it.

Shiver me timbers! The entrance to Hades. Not quite but Braunston Tunnel is not top of my favourites because it has a kink in the middle. OK if noone's coming the other way but we lost a navigation light once when passing near the kink. Any other boats around at this point and I stop until they squeeze past - it's the safest way. 

Coming down the locks after the tunnel (all lights intact) we passed Narrowboat Escapes on a training session. It seems that I was doing the right thing through the locks so, another course I don't need to go on.

Now what's going on here? Well we are coming along the canal and, all in good time, a boater was turning into the marina entrance. Unfortunately for him, another boater was coming out of the marina and he had right of way. Now remember that unlike cars, boats don't have brakes! Neither do they have steering wheels at the front. So for a couple of minutes or so it's a case of all stop and then a slow waltz around each other. Friendly waves all round, nothing dented but pride.

We tied up just before Braunston Marina and, coincidentally, just before lunch. A short walk to the pub seemed to be just the proper thing so that we could show Malcolm and Ann all the historic sites. 

We visited the church.

Saw the old windmill.

Went to our favourite butchers and did a bit of stocking up of the larder.

After that a cup of tea together and then farewell to Malcolm and Ann as they set off towards Napton and we prepare to go on towards Coventry tomorrow.

Which means that we sat down, had another cuppa and a piece of Ann's cake that she left for us. Which reminded me that I haven't put up any pictures of food so far.

Well, here you are.

Sorry, too late, I ate it. Thanks Ann, too good to waste time taking photos!