We maintained our tradition of travelling from Lechlade to Cirencester on the bus to the large Tesco store. The atmosphere is that of a village hall; everyone speaks, greetings are exchanged as new people board as they all know each other. We were pleased to see that Bert was there in his seat at the back. He cheerfully told us that he was now 95 and a half. Well, the half is important when you get to that age!
Rucksacks filled and carrier bags deployed, we returned to the boat and cast off.
We stopped for supper near Newbridge and stopped for the night by throwing mud weights front and back into the reeds near Tenfoot bridge. We were a bit tired by then; the Tesco bus had been 30 minutes late; Tesco have stopped the Monday buses and of course the Thursday ones are busier and the drivers now have an unrealistic schedule to maintain. I can feel and email coming on................
Friday saw us moored once again at Pinkhill and once again chatting to Tim and Daphne Brown. There was one of the EA men that we had spoken to in the past helping at the lock. He was receiving 'training' to enable him to help out at weekends. He has worked for the Thames Conservators and the Environment Agency since 1967, and was a boatman. As he said, 'If I don't know how to work a lock in safety by now, it's a bit late to be telling me'
Health and safety; the best job creation scheme since MPs began to receive a wage (sorry - salary)
Frances and grandson David are joining us today for a week, the blog may not be updated regularly, it depends how busy we become.
Saturday 31 July 2010
Wednesday 28 July 2010
THE BENDS (AGAIN)
...but not as bad. The Thames has a few more tricks for the unwary; another series of bends between Rushey and Radcot locks. There are a couple of shoal spits on the inside of the bends and one has a port hand marker buoy. When we passed this section in the opposite direction last year following a shared ownership boat, he proved that the buoy was needed. He ran at a fast speed onto the shoal whilst attempting to pass the on the wrong side. He could not get off by reversing and using the pole, so we threw him a rope and with both engines in reverse, managed to extricate the boat.
Arriving at Radcot lock, both bottom gates and both sluices had been left open, this made it a bit easier as the lock was still in Self Service mode.
Both fine examples of topiary were in excellent condition as usual at this well tended location.
We refilled the water tank above Grafton lock and moored near Kelmscott, the village noted for the occupancy of the manor house by the artist and poet, William Morris and the occupancy of the main visitor moorings for at least the past four years by two boats that have both seen better days.
Next morning, we arose to find a mist shrouded landscape. Having eaten, we moved away into more bends and a we passed by large field of Maize. This field does not seem to have benefited from rotation of crops, as we can only remember seeing Maize growing there on every visit since 2001.
We moored near Buscot lock to chat to John, the lock keeper and to catch up and swap our news.
Approaching the lock on foot, I glanced up and saw an AVRO Vulcan V bomber. As far as I know, there is only one in flying condition, XH558 so it must have been that one!
We then visited the nearby village of Buscot which is now in the care (or clutches) of the National Trust; to conduct a quality control exercise on the cakes and tea in village tea room. I am pleased to report that both items passed.
Arriving at Radcot lock, both bottom gates and both sluices had been left open, this made it a bit easier as the lock was still in Self Service mode.
Both fine examples of topiary were in excellent condition as usual at this well tended location.
We refilled the water tank above Grafton lock and moored near Kelmscott, the village noted for the occupancy of the manor house by the artist and poet, William Morris and the occupancy of the main visitor moorings for at least the past four years by two boats that have both seen better days.
Next morning, we arose to find a mist shrouded landscape. Having eaten, we moved away into more bends and a we passed by large field of Maize. This field does not seem to have benefited from rotation of crops, as we can only remember seeing Maize growing there on every visit since 2001.
We moored near Buscot lock to chat to John, the lock keeper and to catch up and swap our news.
Approaching the lock on foot, I glanced up and saw an AVRO Vulcan V bomber. As far as I know, there is only one in flying condition, XH558 so it must have been that one!
We then visited the nearby village of Buscot which is now in the care (or clutches) of the National Trust; to conduct a quality control exercise on the cakes and tea in village tea room. I am pleased to report that both items passed.
Monday 26 July 2010
MOVING ALONG NICELY.......
We were, until we reached Shifford lock. There were three narrowboats in front of us; gentle enquiries revealed that the first boat was taking it slowly. In fact very slowly at just above tickover; I wondered why the second one did not overtake, but it was travelling with the third one.
We shared the lock with number three who was going to fill the water tank above the lock, so we carried on after the gates opened. The stretch up to Rushey lock will always sort out the men from the boys, as it is a never ending series of bends, sharp bends and hairpin double bends. In other words, it is not straight and produces good arm muscles.
Soon after the start of these twists, is Tenfoot bridge. Yes, you have guessed it; the headroom is 12'2". The name comes from the ancient flash weir (the earliest form of basic lock)at this point, the opening of which was 10' wide. We spent five days tied securely to this bridge in early April 2005 owing to the Thames being in flood. The water level reached the foot of the handrail support just at the right hand edge of the photo, well above the stockade piling.
We caught the first and second boats about two miles before Rushey lock, and followed them as we were tying up above the lock and in no mad rush. We moored where there is just room enough for one boat, so no generators or yappy dogs for us - just peace, perfect peace!
We shared the lock with number three who was going to fill the water tank above the lock, so we carried on after the gates opened. The stretch up to Rushey lock will always sort out the men from the boys, as it is a never ending series of bends, sharp bends and hairpin double bends. In other words, it is not straight and produces good arm muscles.
Soon after the start of these twists, is Tenfoot bridge. Yes, you have guessed it; the headroom is 12'2". The name comes from the ancient flash weir (the earliest form of basic lock)at this point, the opening of which was 10' wide. We spent five days tied securely to this bridge in early April 2005 owing to the Thames being in flood. The water level reached the foot of the handrail support just at the right hand edge of the photo, well above the stockade piling.
We caught the first and second boats about two miles before Rushey lock, and followed them as we were tying up above the lock and in no mad rush. We moored where there is just room enough for one boat, so no generators or yappy dogs for us - just peace, perfect peace!
Sunday 25 July 2010
LOCK KEEPERS OLD AND NEW
Leaving our mooring west of Dukes cut, it was good to feel some water under the boat; the steering is lighter and it just handles that much better.
We arrived at Eynsham Lock and having tied up above, we went back and passed the time of day with Graham, the lock keeper. Some of the long serving lock keepers that we knew have retired this year and we will have some new ones to meet.
Moving off and heading for the moorings above Pinkhill Lock, we noticed that there were more unlicensed, slightly down at heel boats moored around than was the case last year.
Could these be the reason for the drop in similar boats on the southern end of The Oxford canal? Answers on a postcard please to the following address...........
Arrived at Pinkhill to find Tim Brown the lock keeper on form as usual; we went back after mooring up and swapped news and general chat. We had an easy day, doing not much at all.
SUNDAY.
Moved up to a peaceful mooring near Hart's weir bridge, and had another easy day.
The weather allowed lunch to be taken outdoors; but relented before supper and the wind was a bit too chilly for comfort so back inside we went.
We arrived at Eynsham Lock and having tied up above, we went back and passed the time of day with Graham, the lock keeper. Some of the long serving lock keepers that we knew have retired this year and we will have some new ones to meet.
Moving off and heading for the moorings above Pinkhill Lock, we noticed that there were more unlicensed, slightly down at heel boats moored around than was the case last year.
Could these be the reason for the drop in similar boats on the southern end of The Oxford canal? Answers on a postcard please to the following address...........
Arrived at Pinkhill to find Tim Brown the lock keeper on form as usual; we went back after mooring up and swapped news and general chat. We had an easy day, doing not much at all.
SUNDAY.
Moved up to a peaceful mooring near Hart's weir bridge, and had another easy day.
The weather allowed lunch to be taken outdoors; but relented before supper and the wind was a bit too chilly for comfort so back inside we went.
Saturday 24 July 2010
THE THAMES!
We could see small circles on the water as we had breakfast, the sky was a uniform grey colour. We were not put off, today we will be on the Thames; which is probably our favourite boating area.
Arriving at Thrupp, Myra went to operate the recently mechanised lift bridge. This lift bridge was a classic example of something working well that was just waiting to be changed and for money to be wasted yet again. Previously, it was easy to operate manually and well balanced. Now it has broken down almost every day during the first week and once, a council transit was driven on to it in an attempt to bring it down when it stopped in the 'up' position. I have seen more substantial hydraulic rams fitted to engine lifting cradles than the one on this bridge.
The locks are not too bad at this end of the Oxford canal, and soon we were dropping in Dukes lock ready to turn right and enter the Thames via Dukes cut lock. It is a very inauspicious entrance to the Royal River, but in our opinion, still to be preferred to the alternative Isis lock.
As we made our way along towards the river proper, there were two Roe deer and a Buzzard on the meadow to our left, a lovely welcome. We paid our licence fee to the Relief lock keeper and headed away from Kings lock.
I could see a long tug style narrowboat moored some way in front, it was Nb.Herbert, the lovely Roger Farrington built boat belonging to Andy and Annabel. We came alongside and woke them up, well, it was 9.45am! After a suitable interval, we joined them on board; it was the first time that we had seen the finished article as Andy had ben fitting it out by himself. He has done a beautiful job, of which he can be justly proud.
As we went aboard, we were immediately struck by what a relaxed, homely feeling the boat posessed. We spent the morning chatting and left them at lunchtime as they were heading back up the Oxford canal to Crick.
Arriving at Thrupp, Myra went to operate the recently mechanised lift bridge. This lift bridge was a classic example of something working well that was just waiting to be changed and for money to be wasted yet again. Previously, it was easy to operate manually and well balanced. Now it has broken down almost every day during the first week and once, a council transit was driven on to it in an attempt to bring it down when it stopped in the 'up' position. I have seen more substantial hydraulic rams fitted to engine lifting cradles than the one on this bridge.
The locks are not too bad at this end of the Oxford canal, and soon we were dropping in Dukes lock ready to turn right and enter the Thames via Dukes cut lock. It is a very inauspicious entrance to the Royal River, but in our opinion, still to be preferred to the alternative Isis lock.
As we made our way along towards the river proper, there were two Roe deer and a Buzzard on the meadow to our left, a lovely welcome. We paid our licence fee to the Relief lock keeper and headed away from Kings lock.
I could see a long tug style narrowboat moored some way in front, it was Nb.Herbert, the lovely Roger Farrington built boat belonging to Andy and Annabel. We came alongside and woke them up, well, it was 9.45am! After a suitable interval, we joined them on board; it was the first time that we had seen the finished article as Andy had ben fitting it out by himself. He has done a beautiful job, of which he can be justly proud.
As we went aboard, we were immediately struck by what a relaxed, homely feeling the boat posessed. We spent the morning chatting and left them at lunchtime as they were heading back up the Oxford canal to Crick.
Friday 23 July 2010
WORMLEIGHTON TO SHIPTON, CHAPTER TWO
Leaving Wormleighton, it was back to normal with the steering heavy and anything above tickover producing a wash at all of the bends. I was pleased to reach Claydon top lock, as the depth is better usually until the outskirts of Banbury. Nothing was moving and it was peaceful and the air had that wonderful good early morning smell.
We stopped for the day above Slatt Mill lock and watched as the showers came and went.
We left the mooring at 7.30am heading for Banbury; an unusual hanging basket was at the Bourton lock cottage, some boaters have bought the cottage; it will be good to see it lived in once again. On the outskirts of Banbury, another cottage on a bend has a new weather vane in the shape of a tractor, since last year. Gerald, our neighbour has a similar one (the tractor, not the weather vane) so I thought that a picture was in order.
At Sovereign Boats, we filled the diesel tank, exchanged a gas bottle and bought some oil for the engine oil change. After the lift bridge and the lock, I filled the water tank and emptied the Portapotti. We are once again self sufficient for a few weeks.
Passing under the M40 motorway we arrived at Grants lock, which is fairly deep at 9'6". The last time that we went down this lock, there was a boat at the bottom which has nearly sunk. The lady steering it was waiting too close to the narrow bridge hole as her husband lifted the bottom gate paddles. The boat was drawn rapidly through the bridge hole toward the gates and the power of the water held it there whilst it flowed into the front well and through the open cabin doors. They were bailing it out with a dustpan. We stopped and rigged up our power drill driven pump. This will move 5 gallons per minute. Eventually, after two and a half hours, only a tiny amount remained and we could continue our journey.
Passing Twyford wharf we were pleased to see that the restoration of the buildings was almost complete, it has taken a few years and they do look good with some nice original architectural touches retained.
We moved away from our overnignt stop at Chisnell lift bridge, south of Aynho at 6.30am. A boat had passed us at 6am as we were having breakfast, we caught them up at
Heyford common lock. As they were travelling quite slowly, we decided to stop for a few hours above Dashwood lock.
By the time that they had left this lock, another boat approached, also heading south. They took even longer operating the lock, and by the time that they were leaving, there was a queue of five boats behind them. This queue eventually numbered eight boats.
By the time that they had all cleared the lock and the first boat approached with no queue, three hours had elapsed! We had lunch and moved off at 1.30pm, enjoying a clear run almost all of the way to our planned stopping place at Shipton weir lock; where the clouds were spectacular, very dark and at sufficient distance to cause us no problems.
We stopped for the day above Slatt Mill lock and watched as the showers came and went.
We left the mooring at 7.30am heading for Banbury; an unusual hanging basket was at the Bourton lock cottage, some boaters have bought the cottage; it will be good to see it lived in once again. On the outskirts of Banbury, another cottage on a bend has a new weather vane in the shape of a tractor, since last year. Gerald, our neighbour has a similar one (the tractor, not the weather vane) so I thought that a picture was in order.
At Sovereign Boats, we filled the diesel tank, exchanged a gas bottle and bought some oil for the engine oil change. After the lift bridge and the lock, I filled the water tank and emptied the Portapotti. We are once again self sufficient for a few weeks.
Passing under the M40 motorway we arrived at Grants lock, which is fairly deep at 9'6". The last time that we went down this lock, there was a boat at the bottom which has nearly sunk. The lady steering it was waiting too close to the narrow bridge hole as her husband lifted the bottom gate paddles. The boat was drawn rapidly through the bridge hole toward the gates and the power of the water held it there whilst it flowed into the front well and through the open cabin doors. They were bailing it out with a dustpan. We stopped and rigged up our power drill driven pump. This will move 5 gallons per minute. Eventually, after two and a half hours, only a tiny amount remained and we could continue our journey.
Passing Twyford wharf we were pleased to see that the restoration of the buildings was almost complete, it has taken a few years and they do look good with some nice original architectural touches retained.
We moved away from our overnignt stop at Chisnell lift bridge, south of Aynho at 6.30am. A boat had passed us at 6am as we were having breakfast, we caught them up at
Heyford common lock. As they were travelling quite slowly, we decided to stop for a few hours above Dashwood lock.
By the time that they had left this lock, another boat approached, also heading south. They took even longer operating the lock, and by the time that they were leaving, there was a queue of five boats behind them. This queue eventually numbered eight boats.
By the time that they had all cleared the lock and the first boat approached with no queue, three hours had elapsed! We had lunch and moved off at 1.30pm, enjoying a clear run almost all of the way to our planned stopping place at Shipton weir lock; where the clouds were spectacular, very dark and at sufficient distance to cause us no problems.
Thursday 22 July 2010
WORMLEIGHTON TO SHIPTON
Owing to poor signal strength, I have some photos to upload and some words to keep the journey up to date. I hope that I will have a good signal tomorrow evening on the Thames to remedy the situation.
Monday 19 July 2010
NEAR WORMLEIGHTON
As we climbed up the Napton flight today, boaters coming down said 'Very shallow on the summit'; we have found that for our 30" static draught it is always shallow and hard to steer. Looking at the overspill weir above Marston Doles locks, it was a couple of inches down which caused a few more course corrections but too bad at all.
Our progress would be more accurately described as 'Royal' rather than 'Commercial'
At least it is still open unlike the Leeds and Liverpool canal which will be closed after 2nd August.
We were able to get right into the edge at the Wormleighton moorings looking back at Napton, so that is where we stopped and Myra managed to get all of the washing dry quickly in the strong wind and sunshine.
Our progress would be more accurately described as 'Royal' rather than 'Commercial'
At least it is still open unlike the Leeds and Liverpool canal which will be closed after 2nd August.
We were able to get right into the edge at the Wormleighton moorings looking back at Napton, so that is where we stopped and Myra managed to get all of the washing dry quickly in the strong wind and sunshine.
Sunday 18 July 2010
FRIENDS REUNITED
What a day we have had already; we moved down to Rugby and whilst Myra went off to boost the profits at Tesco, I refilled Martlet's water tank. Mooring between the bend and the road bridge, it was not long before the contact sport began.
A dredger travelling from Hillmorton was pushed sideways into a moored boat by a boat in the other direction who failed to give him room on the bend - words were exchanged and then calm returned.
I went to collect Myra and act as pack mule with the goodies; we were able to moor on the straight away from the bend on our return.
We walked over the road bridge to where Gypsy Rover was moored and to have a chat with Dot and Derek, who have sold the boat and are awaiting the delivery of a block of flats with wheels. It is of necessity a three axle motorhome: the size dictated by the need to display the name: Autotrail Frontier Arapaho. It looks to be a really nice one and we wish them both many hours of safe and happy motoring in it. As is so often the case when in good company, the time simply flew by and all too soon we were saying our farewells.
We had just finished our lunch and were about to move off when we spied Phil (Nb Huffler)and Michelle Nb.Loopy Lou, walking on the other side of the canal. They had seen Martlet moored and came across for a cuppa and to arrange for a Chinese meal for this evening. We moved off having agreed to meet later at Bridge 69.
Approaching Clifton wharf, we saw Ragamuffin moored and reversed alongside to say hello to Mick and Crystal. They put the kettle on and we started to catch up with each other's news. Mick told me in passing that Pricess Elizabeth was due in at Rugby station at 7.25pm on a special train.
We had to leave them in order to meet Phil and Michelle, and had moored at Hillmorton when I heard the sound of the Stanier Pacific. I climbed on the roof and managed to get a couple of pictures as she passed Hillmorton junction. At the tail end of the rake of carriages was a class 47 diesel which Network rail usually insist upon in case of failure of the steam loco, as the safety valves were lifting on the loco, the added 115 tons of the diesel did not worry her over much, although the gradient is falling towards Rugby at that point.
Soon afterwards, the meal delivery team arrived and we spent a lovely evening in the company of Phil and Michelle playing news catch up once more.
A dredger travelling from Hillmorton was pushed sideways into a moored boat by a boat in the other direction who failed to give him room on the bend - words were exchanged and then calm returned.
I went to collect Myra and act as pack mule with the goodies; we were able to moor on the straight away from the bend on our return.
We walked over the road bridge to where Gypsy Rover was moored and to have a chat with Dot and Derek, who have sold the boat and are awaiting the delivery of a block of flats with wheels. It is of necessity a three axle motorhome: the size dictated by the need to display the name: Autotrail Frontier Arapaho. It looks to be a really nice one and we wish them both many hours of safe and happy motoring in it. As is so often the case when in good company, the time simply flew by and all too soon we were saying our farewells.
We had just finished our lunch and were about to move off when we spied Phil (Nb Huffler)and Michelle Nb.Loopy Lou, walking on the other side of the canal. They had seen Martlet moored and came across for a cuppa and to arrange for a Chinese meal for this evening. We moved off having agreed to meet later at Bridge 69.
Approaching Clifton wharf, we saw Ragamuffin moored and reversed alongside to say hello to Mick and Crystal. They put the kettle on and we started to catch up with each other's news. Mick told me in passing that Pricess Elizabeth was due in at Rugby station at 7.25pm on a special train.
We had to leave them in order to meet Phil and Michelle, and had moored at Hillmorton when I heard the sound of the Stanier Pacific. I climbed on the roof and managed to get a couple of pictures as she passed Hillmorton junction. At the tail end of the rake of carriages was a class 47 diesel which Network rail usually insist upon in case of failure of the steam loco, as the safety valves were lifting on the loco, the added 115 tons of the diesel did not worry her over much, although the gradient is falling towards Rugby at that point.
Soon afterwards, the meal delivery team arrived and we spent a lovely evening in the company of Phil and Michelle playing news catch up once more.
Friday 16 July 2010
A DRY DAY!
Hungerfield, Friday 16th July 2010.
It did not rain today. The one small shower could not be defined as rain, even by a Politician; on second thoughts, forget that bit, we had only one small shower.
(The photo of Glascote lock and the Fore ends at Alvecote were taken yesterday)
We started early and had a great run as far as Ansty, when we were at the end of a conga line with three in front. The next hour was spent at slightly above tickover; fortunately, we were stopping at Hungerfield and made it before the showers.
I had plenty of time to photograph a Freightliner 66 hauling the Network Rail high speed ballast cleaner near Hopsford valley aqueduct. Wake up at the back there Clare!
We had been tied up for about 30 minutes, talking to a hire boat crew on their way back to Rose Narrowboats, when I saw a familiar boat approaching. It was Marten, with Pete and friend on board. They moored up in front and joined us for a cuppa.
They will stay there tonight, coming aboard later and no doubt some alcohol will be consumed as the sun must be over the Yardarm by now. (Thank you, clouds!)
It did not rain today. The one small shower could not be defined as rain, even by a Politician; on second thoughts, forget that bit, we had only one small shower.
(The photo of Glascote lock and the Fore ends at Alvecote were taken yesterday)
We started early and had a great run as far as Ansty, when we were at the end of a conga line with three in front. The next hour was spent at slightly above tickover; fortunately, we were stopping at Hungerfield and made it before the showers.
I had plenty of time to photograph a Freightliner 66 hauling the Network Rail high speed ballast cleaner near Hopsford valley aqueduct. Wake up at the back there Clare!
We had been tied up for about 30 minutes, talking to a hire boat crew on their way back to Rose Narrowboats, when I saw a familiar boat approaching. It was Marten, with Pete and friend on board. They moored up in front and joined us for a cuppa.
They will stay there tonight, coming aboard later and no doubt some alcohol will be consumed as the sun must be over the Yardarm by now. (Thank you, clouds!)
FINE WEATHER BLOGGER
With the rain, I have not been taking many photos, as they seem a bit lifeless when the light is low. I did manage to sneak a few in between showers as we headed for Stone.
I have always liked the row of canal side cottages at Barlaston, so I have included a picture of them.
Having gone down the first two locks at Meaford, we could not believe our eyes. The bank on the road side had collapsed into the canal many years ago and the surrounding orange safety fencing had been severely bleached with age. Now, no fencing and a lovely straight length of new piling. No more playing chicken with the traffic in the lane when walking to the next lock, thank you BW!
At Stone, as I was entering Newcastle Road lock, there was a Rover 3500 coming out of a side lane; this is my favourite car of all time. Plenty of power, great handling and a nice reassuring heavy feel to the car. It is also the vehicle in which I have travelled the fastest on a road - an indicated 130MPH on the M2, July 1974. You don't forget things like that. (Yes it was legal, but that story will keep for another day)
At Stone, we became part of a four boat locking convoy; back to helping other boaters and passing the time of day talking. A good day, we tied at Tixall wide with a view of the Gatehouse about an hour before the rain started in earnest.
I have always liked the row of canal side cottages at Barlaston, so I have included a picture of them.
Having gone down the first two locks at Meaford, we could not believe our eyes. The bank on the road side had collapsed into the canal many years ago and the surrounding orange safety fencing had been severely bleached with age. Now, no fencing and a lovely straight length of new piling. No more playing chicken with the traffic in the lane when walking to the next lock, thank you BW!
At Stone, as I was entering Newcastle Road lock, there was a Rover 3500 coming out of a side lane; this is my favourite car of all time. Plenty of power, great handling and a nice reassuring heavy feel to the car. It is also the vehicle in which I have travelled the fastest on a road - an indicated 130MPH on the M2, July 1974. You don't forget things like that. (Yes it was legal, but that story will keep for another day)
At Stone, we became part of a four boat locking convoy; back to helping other boaters and passing the time of day talking. A good day, we tied at Tixall wide with a view of the Gatehouse about an hour before the rain started in earnest.
Monday 12 July 2010
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