Rest Day

After a slow start we drove into Rugby for a top-up shop in Tesco

We had planned that Mike would come back in the afternoon to charge the car whilst Christine finished packing and cleaning. We completed our shopping a little quicker  than  expected - not quite noon - so we opted to go to GridServe (the one that eventually worked for Mike earlier in the week) All went well on this occasion but the earlier experience did help as the GridServe system does not seem quite as tolerant of odd user behaviour (like leaving the car door open when going to the terminal to close the charging before it reaches 100%!)

After lunch we finished preparing for tomorrow's return  to home but Christine 'forced' Mike out to go and read his book sitting at some of the chairs around the site, whilst she mopped the floor!

Later, Christine walked around the marina to discover what was happening in a couple of container cabins at the far end. It seems that one is a small coffee shop whilst the other - according to the person running it - is being developed as a small scale community hub. Christine was able to tell him about Waterways Chaplains and promised that Mike would bring some leaflets next time we visit.

Canons Ashby

A substantial change in the weather. Gone were the intermittent heavy showers, some thundery, of the past few days, and back to the bright blue skies and quite warm sunshine. 

This was the view from the front of our boat, just as we were getting up this morning. Our plan was to set off in our car about 10:30 and drive to Canons Ashby, a National Trust property about 20 miles away.

Thankfully we have satnav as the route was rather complex, some main roads, Fosse Way and A45, but much on narrow country roads and lanes. We arrived within two minutes of the original prediction. After parking and ostentatiously presenting our membership cards at reception, we walked through the grounds to the main house.

It was clear to see from the outset that this place is much better tended than the one we visited last week. OK so there has been some rain but not only was the grass green and in better condition, but also all of the borders were much better stocked. All this is quite surprising because when the property came into the NT management in 1980s the garden was largely overgrown, trees and topiary not maintained and plenty of weeds. But first we opted for coffee - Christine also reserved a couple of Cornish pasties as we thought that we might be on the late side for lunch!

This is the view of the front of the house largely as it was after a new owner did a lot of work in the early 18C. We did not actually see this view until much later as the visitor entrance to tour the house is through a courtyard at the side. When the land and house came into the Dryden family in 16C, the only part of the building, a farm house, was the wing to the right of this picture. The 18C development began with the central tower followed by the wing to the left. Only then were the two parts joined together to form a single dwelling.

This may look as if it is the formal entrance but actually this is the courtyard and posh visitors an their coaches would arrive on a wide drive way to the front of the previous picture.

On one of the courtyard walls we spotted this small decorative stonework. Only at the end of our visit did we discover its origins.

And so we entered the house. We were immediately greeted by the first of a succession of excellent guides who were not only very welcoming but also especially knowledgeable. They did not simply stick to a fixed script. One gentleman proudly told us he had been a guide here for almost 15 years but then introduced us to a lady with 35 years service! Many of the rooms are substantial but in proportions that make it difficult to take good photos!

This is the main dining room from the 18C development - the house generally is laid out as it might have been in the 19C.

The room is much longer than wide and the guide here pointed out to us the mirror over the fireplace which is carefully angled downwards, barely visible, so that those seated with their backs to the windows (right of the picture) could still see out into the gardens!

We were somewhat 'amused' in the Tapestry Room to see this doorway where the chosen location for the door required a large section of the tapestry to be cut out! Philistines!

In the large room above the Great Hall is a similar space that is thought to be perhaps the best featiure of the house, especially its ceiling. When the National Trust took on the building they found that the outside wall and the ceiling had parted company and both were in danger of imminent collapse. The conservators managed to form a support structure in the loft space just above so that now all is quite safe! But the long term distortion of the fireplace is till very visible.

In a small guest room off this room conservators had another surprise. The room, as they received it, had wood panelling everywhere but it too was in poor condition. When they started to remove it for repair they discovered earlier wall paintings.

Well, we did try to capture the ceiling but it needs a much more expert photographer, a room empty of people and an expensive camera todo it real justice. This is the best of our poor bunch!

We were told that from the later 19C onwards the house had about five live in servants. The senior one was the Cook, appointed when only 25. Her status was signified by the size of her room which is quite large alongside many of the family rooms, albeit with simpler furniture. She, along with the other staff, had one day off a month.

By the time we reached the last room, the kitchen, it was well after 1.30 and we did not want the staff in the tea room to think we were not coming back for our pasties. So we left but with permission to return through the exit door when we were ready (and replete) 

Lunch was excellent and it was well warm enough to sit outside, even needing the parasols to shade us. after a good post-prandial relaxing sit we returned to the kitchen and yet another good chat with the guide for that room.

We then turned our attention to the formal gardens to the front of the house. These are laid out in four tiers, with a large kitchen garden at the bottom.

The National Trust gardeners found a number of established topiary shrubs, all of which were rather straggly. Once they started to trim them back they found underneath the 'real' shape from when the garden was originally laid out!

The gardens give a wonderful view of the distant landscape, made all the better in today's sunshine and blue sky.

Right at the bottom is the kitchen and flower garden which would, no doubt, have kept the Cook well busy! It is still kept alive with all sorts of food for the kitchens and a good assortment of flowers. Large enough to cover several standard allotment plots!

And so to the Priory Church which came to the National Trust at the same time as the main house and land. At the time of the Dissolution this was as large and substantial as a small cathedral but only a small part of it was left for the benefit of the local villagers! As a result it is really all out of proportion once inside.

Inside are numerous memorials to members of the Dryden family and their successors. The more recent of the tablets clearly indicate the relationship of the family with southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). They usually lived out there for most of the year, only making occasion short holidays back to Canons Ashby. In the post Second World War period for over two decades the house was leased out to tenants who were unable to maintain much of the property. When the owner in the 1980s died, the family could not afford to keep the property and it was handed 'to the nation' in lieu of death duties (inheritance tax as now) By this time the National Trust were being wary of such gifts, mindful of the increasing costs of ownership and only agreed to accept it once a suitable endowment had been negotiated.

Two tablets record the loss of family sons, killed in the First World War. This is the elder brother.

In a display showing the timeline of the Priory Church we eventually learned about that decorative stone we saw right back at the start of our tour.

And so for our third visit to the tea room for cups of tea and delicious cake and scone, before retracing our steps back to the boat.

Boat as a Holiday Cottage

We still cannot go cruising and no end to the lockdown is in sight, So, we opted to visit the boat for a few days and, if the weather is as forecast, may make use of our National Trust membership to visit one or perhaps two places not too far from Brinklow.

We drove up yesterday - we had a hair appointment at 8.30 (not our choice as we re-arranged at short notice!) but it did mean that we were able to get away before 10:30. Not only was the traffic flow quite smooth but we also had no rain. As a result we arrived at the marina within two minutes of the original ETA.

The marina office is closed on Wednesdays so we could not retrieve our key set. We had left it, not only for the marina's benefit but also because we had arranged for an electrician to visit to make some checks. However, we had a phone call when we were back at home to say that the key ring did not have a boat door key on it! We were most surprised as we have two full sets of keys one of which we use to leave at a marina. Fortunately we do also have another way of remotely giving someone access so the electrician was able to do his checks.

However, we were really intrigued by the lack of a door key but sorting that out will have to wait until tomorrow.

That apart, all seems well and although the route back to Cropredy remains blocked (the first stoppage is at Hillmorton) Brinklow Marina is on a long pound and they have not had to put stop planks in (unlike Cropredy and Calcutt) The level in the marina is much as we would normally expect.

In the afternoon the predicted rain showers arrived, interspersed by bright sunny spells. Some of the showers were very heavy and one brought a loud thunderclap. Although this rain is very welcome it is far from enough to allow CaRT to lift the restrictions any time soon

Back Home

Although we were all but ready to pack the car for departure last evening, it still took us until 12:30+ before we got away. Late in the morning we were asked to move our boat onto the pontoon we had by then been allocated. Took a little longer than usual to tie up firmly as the rings on the pontoon were not well placed for our length! (At this marina the pontoons are double length and we are on the outer end) We had hopes that we would have left before the marina had worked out where we were to go - they promised us on Friday that if that happened then a harbourmaster would move the boat for us, but we were too slow in getting away!

We had to fool Android Auto to give us a route that avoided Stow. From past experience, that road is especially frustrating at this time of year and even on standard timings only offers about two minutes advantage.

Instead, we routed to Oxford but called at a Warwick Services for some sandwiches - we had failed to keep back enough ingredients to make them ourselves before leaving. The service station was very busy and Christine found it a bit frustrating with empty spaces in many of the slots for the sandwiches she wanted!

Whilst Christine was foraging, Mike reset the satnav to take us the familiar route on the A34 towards Newbury and then along the A4 via Hungerford and Marlborough. We were home just after half past three.

Our planning now is open ended - we can be reasonably sure that any section of the network that is closed for water shortage will not re-open this month with the prospect of much longer. It may be a slight exaggeration, by CaRT have said that at least three weeks of continuous rain will be needed to replenish the canals and the reservoirs to a point at which re-opening will be considered.

Of course, there are still many miles still available but we will probably err on the precautionary side to avoid being trapped away from Cropredy when it becomes available for us to return for the winter. We have booked for at least three weeks at Brinklow and other diary entries will be made on that basis.

Preparing for departure tomorrow

About four o'clock in the morning, Mike awoke (usual trip to the loo!) but noticed that, as well as a completely clear sky, there was a full moon. No doubt with better preparation the photo would be improved but . . . 

This morning we went to church in Brinklow - there are several village churches at much the same distance as Brinklow (the marina is not actually in Brinklow parish) but we opted for St John's Church mainly as we went there before in 2018. not long after we had acquired Alchemy. At least we could drive there this time.

It was a lay-led service and the leaders were a little disappointed in the numbers. Including us there were 14 of us, normally a bit more and often with young children - but of course it is school holiday time.

Overall the atmosphere was very welcoming and the roles included as many members as possible, including two young students who are about to go off to university (medicine and drama). Everything felt very genuine but unpretentious.

Over coffee were were told about the display of poppies and memorials in the grounds around Brinklow castle, next to the church, as part of VE 80th Anniversary events in the village.

The silhouette statues are all very much the same - but this seems to make a poignant point that in war, individual tragedies become merged into one. Nevertheless, each represented a specific villager that lost their life in conflict and a short summary of their personal story is shown alongside.

In the background is the display of poppies (that looks inspired by the famous one at the Tower Of London) but here they are mostly knitted, a few fashioned from fabric. Members of the congregation have added strings of doves, which also decorate the church inside.

When we returned to the marina another boat unable to get to their home mooring had come in and tied up behind us. They have been at Crick (another Aquavista marina) for the past 23 years so, like us, they are refugees here until after a good bit of rain falls and restores navigable levels. They mentioned that they needed to collect their car from that marina and as it is only half an hour drive away, we took them over this afternoon.

The boat electrician resident here came for an initial chat earlier than expected and we went through all the gory details of our history with batteries! (even the short version is complicated . . .) Whilst he has not had to troubleshoot a Mastervolt system before (the equipment seems to be very reliable and so not many boaters need work doing on them after the initial installation) he will make enquiries and see if any of his contacts can help. Yes, we can just replace as we have done before but this time they have started to a fail after only a year which is really not good) so if possible we would like to take this enforced delay to see what can be found, even perhaps a cause.

After the trip to Crick (just a hour in total) Mike took up room on one of the many outdoor seats around the marina and comfortably spent the better part of two hours just sitting, reading, dozing and internet browsing in the rather warm sunshine - rather different from the past three weeks. (Meanwhile Christine finished off her cleaning routine and then also read)

The sky was almost entirely clear and bright blue but at one point Mike looked up and noticed a very singular cloud.

Of course, the daffodils have long since come and gone for this year but although the poor cloud kicks off Wordsworth's perhaps most famous poem, the cloud is soon overlooked by the almost equally transient but more picturesque flowers. If only the clouds had behaved themselves properly this year and remembered to bring the rain they are supposed to deliver, things might be different. Still, this one definitely looks lonely - like many a single boater - so for both, let's spare a quick thought. 

Cleaning, Laundry and Maintenance Day

We had allowed ourselves today, partly as a spare in case we fell behind with our trip plan, but also so that we could possibly catch up on one or two chores which never seem to be fitted in when on the move.

First task for Mike was to re-attach the fuel cap: last time we filled up, at Sawley, the cap had come detached from the chain that secures it in case it is dropped when off the tank. We tried to mend it then, with the help of a piece of wire gifted by Black Swan, but the small piece of metal that actually holds the end of the chain had deteriorated beyond use. This is not a problem when the cap is in place.

We did later find an old cap (not sure how we came by it!) and planned to cannibalise it for the holder. Today we did just than and in the end it did not take too long, even though the retaining bolts were not the same size! Indicated is the offending tiny piece of metal. The idea is that the cap can rotate without twisting the chain. 

After coffee, the next task was the bathroom washbasin plug which, for several weeks, has not been retaining water. We did ask Black Swan to look at it when doing the other tasks but not a lot changed. So, it was over to the fount of all wisdom, Google, where we did found a very useful video on how to replace this type of click-clack plug. Unfortunately the one thing we did not find out was what can lead to this kind of failure. 

The way to operate the plug is to push to close and push again to open.  But it is obvious that the seal is not made by the top disc. Not until this morning did Mike work out the answer (probably!) but also what the chap at Black Swan meant when he said he had fitted a new o-ring but not the right size. It was never going to work!

Looking Google Maps we spotted City Plumbing on the edge of Rugby, about 12 mins drive away. When he arrived at the service desk, Mike immediately professed his total lack of knowledge, so please help! The chap was most obliging but said that they do not stock parts, only a complete replacement. Gulp, but at £18 inc VAT it is obvious why they do not stock parts.

He also explained fully the process of replacement. Ideally, it needs a particular type of spanner for basin fittings. (To tighten the black part at the bottom of the long threaded part) They did not have one in stock so directed Mike to a nearby Tool Station. They too were very helpful but only had smaller sizes in stock. Try Screwfix (they were opposite City Plumbing) Again, exactly the same story but try Wickes. This store is different in that customers browse the whole shop rather than have the requested item brought from shelves  behind the front desk. Nothing apparent - they did have tap sized ones but not basin ones . . . Well, we do have a large Stilson wrench, perhaps we might use that and it may not need much more than finger tightness anyway.

Back at the boat, Mike took a good look at what he had bought and found that it was the same design as the original and he could unscrew the top from the new unit (which does have a seal at the bottom of it)  and fit it instead of the old one. Yes, it fitted! Time for the consumer test - does it hold water? (as it were, sorry for the pun) remarkably, for the second time YES.

Meanwhile, Christine had made a start on cleaning and laundry - one load of washing complete and now for a second one. She also discovered that the marina have large dryers - £4 a go, that would take both wash loads at the same time - but she needed Mike to be the pack horse and carry the large bag across to the service block. The laundry is coinless - either an app (especially for permanent moorers here) or a contactless device on the wall. 

Time now for lunch and then back to collect the well-dried laundry. It was also bed change day, the previous set of sheets having gone in to the wash.

Christine had been pressing for at some window cleaning. Mike was reluctant (not just because he's idle) after seeing how dusty the care windscreen was following a week's stay here since the car shuffle. However, he did admit that by far the worst were the top hopper panes which at least are removeable from the inside. When left unclosed for some time they do come to resemble an insect graveyard! So he cleaned them.

Meanwhile, Christine completed the clean of the front half of the boat - the rear section is best left until tomorrow or even first thing on Monday just before we leave.

Brinklow Marina

Today's Canal : Oxford

A much warmer and generally sunny day with clear blue skies for the morning. By the afternoon, the temperature was definitely on the up side with the result that the sky was now quite hazy.

After we had our breakfast and completed all the usual preparations for departure, we looked at our main cabin lock and saw that it was only 8:40. So, Christine encouraged Mike to take a look at the closed service block. The roof has warped and the general repair of the eaves is not good. It seems that there are other structural issues inside that raised the concerns leading to its current closure. It has been a problem for CaRT for a while - the refuse disposal facility in the building was replaced by a separate enclosure (last year?) and we have felt for some time that the whole site has been under-maintained and looking rather sad inside and out. There has been no real place for boats to pull in as the previous spot has now been designated for work boats. At this time, there is no indication of what will happen here for the future.

As Mike was walking back to the boat he realised that the time was now 9:40 - surely it could not have taken him an hour to walk this short distance? We he arrived back he was greeted by Christine telling him that the clock had stopped! It had been OK at 7 am so the battery had only just run out. We do keep spares on board!

The run from here to the Marina is quite familiar and although mostly scenic we did not spot much new that we have not noticed on previous passages. So mostly we will show you pretty pictures with plenty of blue sky!

Perhaps we can also report watching the new short video from CaRT with three experts discussing the present water situation and the problems  around that. With more of the canal being closed even today, the prospect for boating in the rest of the year is rather bleak. Certainly we saw far more moving boats today than for a long time - this is one of the parts of the network that is still fully accessible. A tad frustrating that we ended up behind extremely cautious and very slow moving boats on two long stretches. They were so slow that we frequently had to slip into neutral and still were catching them up!

Being cautious when learning how to steer is one thing, stopping mid-stream to feed the swans and cygnets is quite another!

We have must have mentioned the Wyken Arm before, now a long established narrow mooing for the Coventry Cruising Club. It originally gave access to an important colliery,

The towpath alignment just before Bridge 9 is noticeably strange.

A little easier to see from a distance. This is the result of one of the straightenings that considerably shortened Brindley's original contour canal. His line came on a loop to the left of the picture but directly in line with the towpath just under the bridge.

Ansty Golf Course lies partly to the south and partly to the north of the canal. Players walk this path to go under the canal. It is possible that, again, this was the original line of the canal.

Stretton Stop (once a gauging stop) was snarled up with a traffic jam today. Several slow and hesitant steerers added to the delay - as we arrived one boat was going through in our direction just after waiting for two to come the other way, one of which was obviously very frustarted with the one in front of it, unsportingly sounding its horn several times. As there are moored boats on both sides there was not a lot that the leading boat could do to let anyone pass. When it was our turn, several boats were waiting on the other side and one that was not sure what to do ended up in the wrong position so graciously waved us through whilst they sorted themselves out. We wondered how many of the people aboard had come on a canal holiday to escape the traffic!

A few of the early cast iron towpath bridges have been retained where the canal once meandered away. This loop was part of the canal that originally served the village of Brinklow. We wondered what consternation there was when their service was withdrawn - just like some villages when a new bypass takes away 99% of their trade! The next one marks the entrance to the marina where we were headed,as

Yes, the towpath around the site of a slippage is still closed, pending slow, tortuous negotiations about access to repair it. 

The site was made safe and the canal navigable but the towpath remains unsafe.

We stopped for lunch on the Old Oaks mooring that is normally very popular and spaces at a premium. As we arrived at the start we could see that there were several gaps further on but we were unsure whether we would fit in so we did the brave thing and stopped right at the start where two thirds of our boat could rest against armco but we did need a pin for the stern line. This photo was just after we set off again and, yes, the gaps would have accommodated us and we were back just around the corner, just out  of sight from here.

Only a few minutes later (behind yet another very slow boat!) we arrived at the entrance to Brinklow Marina and turned sharply in. The first hundred metres were once the start of yet another loop, mostly now dried up. We, and another short term arrival a bit later, were asked to stay on the visitor moorings until after the weekend (we are leaving on Monday to return home) We do have an electricity bollard and parking alongside!

Our batteries are again causing a little concern and we managed to contact a local boat electrician who happens to live in the marina - he will come and suss out the situation, hopefully, on Sunday afternoon. No-one really believes that having a boat is a cheap way of life!

9.2 Miles - 0 Locks