MONDAY. Br.9, Leicester Section, Grand Union Canal
The 2008 trip thus far: 472Locks; 859.5 Miles; 74 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 36
The railway was waking up after the weekend possession of the Engineers, a couple of container trains went by as I was moving off. No mist, a few thin clouds and that wonderful fresh morning smell.
We had the canal to ourselves, which was probably owing to our start time of 6.40am; the first boat approached as we entered the historical section of canal below Stretton stop. I use the historical description, as the east side of the cutting has suffered from subsidence and resulted in the canal one way system past the worst area of slippage.
It has been in this state to my certain knowledge for 9 years. I will avoid the expression that was made popular by Blur and his cronies; suffice it to say that BW are not doing their job. I wonder if there is anyone left who cares at all for the canals; anybody with the ability to put this section right. IWA used to use the slogan ‘Caring for Britain’s waterways’; I feel that BW could borrow it and change it slightly – ‘Uncaring for Britain’s waterways’ would be nearer the truth.
Yes, dear Barry Clark (who has been a colleague and friend for 35 years); that was my Victor Meldrew moment for today! Oh, and Myra does buy pies when we know that they are good!
At Hillmorton locks, all paddles and gates worked well, almost a record. Passing along Barby straight there was a stream of oncoming boats, but it was later in the morning. Braunston was very quiet, only two boats moving and surprisingly for this area, at a reasonable speed. We stopped to fill with diesel at Union Canal Carriers. I had the nozzle in the tank and started to fill it. Myra asked the man what their price was, he said ’95 pence’. I released the trigger immediately.
We paid for 14 litres and made our way to the bottom lock. We had the flight to ourselves and the locks against us.
We caught up with a canaltime boat in the tunnel, fortunately we had done more than half as we were on tickover behind him. He waved us past after the tunnel, just before it started to rain. We went straight up Watford flight in 45 minutes behind an efficient pair on a private boat and then spent some time chatting at the top to Mr & Mrs Andy, the summer lockies.
We moored at bridge 9 as our regular spot nearer bridge 8 was covered in soft mud from dredging; I just wondered why it was not placed on the fields on the non towpath side as was past practice.
Weather – Dry and sunny until Myra said ‘We have had 10 dry days’, then showers.
TUESDAY into Crick Marina and home mooring.
Martlet had been away since 21st February; we had picked her up from the wonderful repaint by Andy Cain at Kegworth on 12th April and started our wandering on Monday 14th April.
The 2008 totals Locks 472; Miles 861.5; Swing\Lift Bridges 74; Bus pass journeys 36
Total fuel purchased 759.4 litres
Total fuel cost £608.27
Average cost of fuel 80.0 pence
Total engine hours 455.0
This blog will be rested until such time as Martlet moves again from Crick marina.
Thank you for reading these jottings; thank you to all the people, boaters and others, that we have met along the canals and who have helped to make our wanderings special.
Myra and Iain.
