Cleaning and Home

Yesterday was assigned as a cleaning day. We did not do a deep clean when we left the boat at Brinklow last August as we were hoping (against all the evidence!) that we would be returning sometime in the year. That, of course, did not materialise with the closure of the South Oxford extending until the end of October (and an early warning that it might not be until the following Spring) and us not wanting to risk setting off for Cropredy only to have another closure imposed in front of us. We might then find ourselves without a mooring and having to wonder where we could safely leave the boat for the winter. That was why we remained at Brinklow.

We are now scheduled to stay with Brinklow as our official Home Mooring until the autumn and we have a slot reserved for us back at Cropredy after that. Both marinas have been excellent and supportive - they are very similar in some respects but in others they are each distinctive. After all, neither were developed by Aquavista but acquired from previous owners. The only reason for moving back is the principal one that took us to Cropredy in the first place - a relatively doable journey from home and now that we have an EV the distance needs to be assessed relative to our range otherwise we might have to stop and recharge part way, adding to journey times. As we related in our last trip to the boat a few weeks ago, despite fairly careful planning, it is easy to find ourselves a little concerned when the range left is close to the distance remaining, especially after failing to get charged at several places we stopped at! Cropredy is much more within the range of a full charge to the car.

So when we arrived at the boat this time it was disappointing to realise that the passage of time (and the absence of an end of season clean) meant that the boat was not pristine. We did not feel inclined to take a day out before setting on this journey so we had to live with what it was. As a result, we were determined to be as through as we could and energy levels (and creaky joints) permitted.

So, yesterday, at the crack of dawn (well not quite!) we both tackled our mental lists of things to be done. We washed and polished etc etc time and again. Each time we had to change the water in the bucket it was not surprising to see just how dirty it was. However, by the time we had finished we were rather satisfied that everywhere seemed so much brighter. The only part we did not tackle was the outside. That is quite a task in itself although that has normally been part of the shakedown process. Let's see how things pan out but it did not look too bd (well, if not looking too closely . . .)

Today, the morning began with loading up the car. Somehow, it seemed that we were returning with a fuller car than when we arrived. In the end we managed to get away just after 11. Christine wanted to take the route which we given in the past by Google Maps sat nav - more recently we have been over-riding its initial advice and coming via Newbury and Oxford as Mike prefers that rather than too much of very unstraight single carriageway cross country roads (and a very long part of the Fosse Way) So we agreed just to go with the sat nav - which immediately told us that our route avoided a closure - one what turned out to be part of the Fosse Way.

We just accepted pot luck so did not check what route it was giving us but it turned out to be the one via Oxford that we have been using. Fortunately there were no delays other than a couple of temporary traffic lights with no queues. 

We did make the mistake of taking a comfort break at Didcot Services - as the sign ahead of the junction on the A34 said that it had toilets. However, this so-called Services is tiny and totally overwhelmed by the evident demand. Cars were even parking on the approach roads and the only toilets we could find were in the quite small McDonalds. At least they were very clean and tidy. After that it was an uncomplicated and familiar road home.

Late Rise, Shopping and Fixing a Clock

Not a lot of boating to report today as we have been firmly tied to our pontoon all day - or at least the boat has. As the title suggests, we did not rush to get up this morning and it was around 11:30 when we were ready to drive into town. 

Our main plan had been to visit Lidl, mainly to fill in holes in the inventory of our food larders - the usual stock items that complement whatever we have for a specific recipe. However, Mike spotted that there is a Hobbycraft store in Rugby. We may have mentioned in a previous blog that our main cabin clock had failed - over winter the battery compartment had corroded and no amount of trying a different battery would persuade it into life. We are rather keen on the clock (even if not an expensive one!) and had discovered online that the battery clock mechanisms are quite standard Plan A had been to order one on line to fix it when back home.

Fortunately Hobbycraft did have just one on its copious shelves - the range of crafts and supporting items was amazing. We noticed even a mug decorating machine that will imprint whatever colour or design you come up with! Special mugs are needed but once processed they are claimed to be dishwasher proof (more than set that `Christine acquired from home on the internet! At around £2.50 each in small quantities that seemed reasonable but, of course, special paints and transfers are needed. Alas, we were not tempted.

Our trip to Lidl found almost all of the items on our larder list and we returned to the boat with several rather heavy bags. A long lunch break followed.

Eventually Mike stirred himself to take a look at the clock. Although at first sight the new item looked a dear ringer for the original, it was only after removing the non-working part and starting to re=assemble that it became clear that the spindle on the new one was rather shorter than the old one and did not protrude through the cork face enough to allow the fixing nut to engage with the spindle thread.

As luck would have it, Mike found in his toolbox a suitable grinder to fit onto his power drill. Working very carefully, he gradually reduced the thickness behind the spindle enough to catch the nut and then he could fit on the hands. With some trepidation he fitted in a new battery and was somewhat amazed to see the second hand merrily ticking away. This was even a  bonus because previously the clock only had hour and minute hands even though the mechanism could have driven one.

The main cabin now has its 'proper' clock back in its place. Of course, this meant that the clock we bought as a temporary measure now had to be hung in place in the front cabin where it was intended to live.

Another task on Christine's 'little list' for Mike to while away his spare tme with was to re-black the multi-fuel stove. A messy job. 

Fortunately tonight's meal was planned to be a simple one.

And now, by special request, Christine's list of spring flowers and things in the hedgerows that we have already spotted this year, but no time to source pix, alas (the stove blacking calls . . .)

Daffodils
Coltsfoot
Celandines
King cups
Butterbur
Dandelions

Blackthorn white flowers
Cherry blossom
Catkins (some variety or other, forgot to make a note)
and some other as yet unidentified flowers on other trees

Back to Marina

Today's Canal : Oxford

Today felt as if a late Spring had arrived. Despite a forecast of very low temperatures overnight, it was already quite warm by the time were about. The sky was bright blue and everyone (well, almost  but we won't talk about the exception!) was feeling very cheerful.

We set off from our overnight mooring just above Sutton Stop by about 9.45. Before long there was close to a consensus that we would aim to be back in the marina - the office is closed tomorrow and we wanted to fill up with diesel on arrival. £1.47 a litre, base price. Chatting when were filling we learnt that Aquavista buy their fuel centrally so all their marinas charge the same price.

The bright sunshine brings out the best of wildflowers - this long line of white blossom was rather impressive.

We met an surprising number of on-coming boats. At first almost all were from either Clifton pr Willow Wren in Rugby but later predominantly private boats. between Ansty and Stretton we passed around 20 - perhaps the busiest stretch we have seen for a very long time. The part of the Oxford also has narrow channel with much depth so that passing is tricky especially if one steerer is nervous of getting too close. We scraped the bottom on numerous occasion despite being almost 2 metres from the towpath. 

A little before passing underneath the M69 at Nettle Hill, a hire boat caught us up. Whilst they remained quite patient, perhaps realising that there were no suitable places to let them by, what with excess vegetation on the off side and shallow waters by the towpath.

We did know that the motorway offered the best option with a full depth and width under the bridge. We waved them on and they passed with ease - they seemed suitably pleased. In fact it as only at Stretton that they were able to gain any great distance on us.

The little footbridge at Stretton Stop was left open for us so we only had to close it after we had passed through.

We paused for lunch a short distance before our destination, surprised to find a great mooring with armco at Old Oaks Corner. This gave Mike a chance to tackle a well-overdue oven clean. Fortunately we do keep a good set of cleaning materials on board, especially those for the oven. All went well until Christine came to inspect an found that front glass plate had slipped out of position. This is a known problem as is the fact that correcting it not at all easy. One of those tasks that looks as it it should be a 10 second job but which defies finding the 'trick'. In the process Mike managed to unhook the dropdown front door out of its hinges - which have very strong springs to help balance the weight of the front glass. After struggling for at least ten  minutes, Mike ceded defeat for moment as we were running near to the office closing time at the marina.

We came into the marina around 3:20 and pulled at first onto the fuel wharf where we took on 97 litres of liquid gold - thanks Mr Trump! This was also a chance to check one of the maintenance jobs that Mike did yesterday. When the boat was repainted, an identification plaque on the transom has been removed and the painters forgot to put it back. Unfortunately this left two small holes through the hull into the fuel tank right at its top. We had found almost as soon as the boat was handed back to us by the painters that when filling the tank to the brim there was a slight escape of fuel, readily visible on the water surface. We called at the next boatyard but they could find nothing amiss. The problem only manifested when we filled right up - if we left just a small headroom it was OK. We remained puzzled until last autumn when we were accepting that we had to remain in Brinklow Marina for the winter and came up to winterize. Whilst there are two views on this, we usually opt to leave the tank full for the winter period. As we were just completing the fill, Mike spotted a small spillage and knew that it was not his lack of care and, in any case, it was on the opposite site from the filler hole. he could also see a tiny flow when he tilted the boat in that direction. A later investigation revealed why we had these two tiny holes and how to fix the problem has been on Mike's mind ever since. Sourcing a new number plate was the easy part and we were only ready to try to fix it on this trip. Mike planned to use pop rivets - we did not know what was used before - but found that our store only had ones that were two large in width. We tried several places in Coventry city centre to no avail but did pick up some external No Nails lookalike = exterior sealant had also proved elusive. In the event a couple of screws did the job yesterday so today was the acid test. When we filled up, nothing seemed to spill. Hooray - all we now need to see is if it is permanent!

There was no wind at all today but just as we arrived at the marina a feisty breeze made mooring just that bit trickier!

Oh, and whilst Christine was sorting out a problem with the electricity card and the bollard (Sonia from the office kindly came to check it out for her) Mike re-visited the oven door. After several fruitless approaches he finally worked out a way of getting the hinges and their catches to engage properly - so our planned jacket potatoes for dinner tonight are safe!

9.2 Miles - 0 Locks

Hawkesbury

Today's Canals : Coventry, Oxford

Time now to leave Coventry and wander slowly back to Brinklow Marina. We have been able to give the new battery a good test and let it go down to 37% overnight, not having cruised for the past couple of days. One of the factors that persuaded us to make the upgrade was the ability to have a couple of days off cruising without great concern about battery power.

Alongside where we moored was once a swing bridge. OK, so the bridge is actually still intact but has not been used for some time, leaving more room for visiting boats.

We have probably shown the surviving wharf crane before but have included this shot to show that the weather today was very different from the weekend. Althiugh is was expected to be very cold at night by the time were were about the clear skies and sunshine had already taken the edge of the chilly air. By the afternoon it became definitely warm!

As we set off so did others - we think at least five left today - good news for the couple of boats we passed coming into the city no doubt hoping for a good mooring in the basin. Just after setting off, looking back, it is clearer how the basin is divided on to two arms.

Neither elsan nor refuse facilities were accessible in the basin so they will have to wait until we reach Hawkesbury but we were almost out of water so only went out of the basin to the the couple of water point just after the entrance bridge (originally built as a security feature to control entry of boats and local miscreants! `The roadside edge of the basin is now quite open to provide an amenity access for visitors and local people. It certainly seemed quite popular. We were not the only leaving boat to need to fill.

The arched footbridge again - here with a bright blue sky and a few wispy clouds.

Not too slow a tap - not quite the fastest but even with two of us filling at the same time we reached 'full' sooner than we expected and were able to continue on our way.

Another of the converted buildings at Electric Wharf. This building is known as Cable Yard and was part of the original power station but other than what might inferred from the name we have not really found out much about its particular role. The letters LE on the end were once part of CABLE. It is now a mixture of offices and apartments and was specifically designed with eco credentials in mind.

Cash's Houses once again - just 'cos we can!

We continued to retrace our steps back towards Hawkesbury. We did not spot anything specific of note but it was a pleasant morning for cruising. We had a slow boat ahead so it was just as well we were not in a hurry! The section of canal was once not one of the finest as detritus from canalside industry and poor housing marred the experience but for some years now it has been very different even if it is taking time to throw off it past reputation.

Another view of Exhall Basin looking very different from a year ago.

We called at the service block immediately before the junction for much needed disposals. In the process Mike discovered that one of the cassettes had developed a small leak around the vent fixing but fortunately we have some spare part. With luck they included a new o ring that seals the unit from leaking to the outside.

We then made the sharp turn under the splendid cast iron footbridge. Fortunately we judged it correctly as there were several unhelpfully moored boats in places where they should not be, including two on a lock landing with a very clear No Mooring sign - it is nit even necessary to be able to read words to know what it means! A couple of other boats were tied up outside The Greyhound pub which seemed yo be doing a good trade today. Just made it that bit trickier for unwary boats coming to the stop lock just after the junction. Christine managed to operate the lock - it may be only a small rise but still needed some effort! Her first this year, but then we have only worked 9 locks in total so far.

5.9 Miles - 1 Lock

Cathedral

As planned we walked down into the city centre to visit the cathedral for it Easter Day main service. At least it was dry - not quite so afterwards!

We were in good time but the nave was well occupied by the time the service was ready to begin. Whilst they match most other cathedrals for the sense of drama and formalities,  they have the ability to make it feel much less formal than in some places. Dean John is shortly to retire after 13 years at this cathedral and brought a very real sense of joy and welcome in his manner.

The new Bishop, Sophie Jelley, preached an excellent sermon and also added to the sense of celebration that the Dean had created. She was able to announce that afterwards there would enough eggs for every one to enjoy - especially as the usual refreshment people were taking a break this week. 

The famous tapestry behind the main altar seemed to be especially fitting for today and as we all turned westwards for the final dismissal, sunlight was streaming through the huge window.

The only downside to this building is its acoustics - it was designed perhaps just a decade before there was a better understanding of how to allow speakers to be well heard. Those of us with less than perfect hearing are challenged to follow what is being said against a powerful echo repeating it all. Fortunately those accustomed to the place know to leave sufficient gaps to allow the echoes to dissipate.

Although the sun was shining brightly as we came out and set off back to the boat, it was also slightly raining! Fortunately it did not amount to much until we were over the footbridge and the boat was in sight when hail arrived! We were close enough to not really wet.

Shopping and Eating

We had planned today as a chance to visit the shops in what is a quite compact city centre - there are, of course, several retail parks dotted around the suburbs but these are not easy to reach without a car or a city tram system. There are plenty of buses but it is not easy to work out how to use when start and finish points are pre-determined.

We also wanted to repeat last year's experience with a visit to the buffet restaurant Smokin' Hot. As an 'unlimited courses' buffet we discovered that it is a good idea to eat mid afternoon and then saunter back to the boat where we can chill our for the rest of the day with barely a snack later on.

Marks and Spencer was Christine's main target as she had researched ahead of time and knew what she wanted. She sent Mike off to investigate the nearby malls with an agreed time to meet up again. 

Fortunately M&S has the foresight to stock up the right items in the right size! Two clocks on the boat had given up during the winter lay-off, the main cabin one as well as a small illuminated alarm clock that Mike had fitted above his head when in bed. This makers it easier to check the time when he awakes as there is nowhere to place any items on his side (Christine does have such a facility)

The cabin clock is faced in cork and fits in well with the overall colours - we have found that it should be possible to replace the mechanism but only by ordering on line. So that will have to wait until we are back home. However we both found our selves looking at the space where the clock should be. In addition Christine would like a wall clock in the front cabin - a favourite place to sit and read when the weather is warmer. We thought that we might by a wall clock for there now but temporarily locate it in the cabin. In a Poundland-lookalike Mike spotted a plain wall clock, right size, for just £2. Even if it is not long-lasting it surely must be worth a punt! We failed entirely to find the alarm clock as nobody seems to use them any more, mobile phones do the job just as well (that is what Mike does at home) so that will also have t o await an online order. 

We continued to wander around the city centre. It is soon obvious that this is not a place for those seeking more upmarket purchases from retailers who still have happy-to-serve-you staff on hand!

Although the morning had thus far been overcast and fairly cool, there was a break when some sunshine broke through so we found a seat (they are not abundant) in one of the public open spaces between retail centres and people-watched,

The Body Shop we eventually found but it was a disappointment mainly, as Christine was told, because their new owners have yet really established what their USP is going to be. Some sections in the shop were sadly depleted. Luckily as quick return to Boots yielded success.

It was by now almost 2.30 so we opted to head to the restaurant a little earlier than planned. Just as well as there was lull in their bookings and could find us a table. (They said that they had over 500 people booked today!)

It seemed that they have slightly enlarged their range of choices (in a time when many are going the other way). There was no shortage of options and we ate well! This is not fancy cheffing but is well presented and with very friendly staff (well, Luis our person was excellent and keen to make sure we were OK - you have to understand that we were breaking social conventions by not having a suitably young person to guide us! The whole set-up is clearly aimed at families and younger groups where the wide choice is a particular asset. They now have become so busy that they offer only 90 minutes table slots and we had to crave a few minutes over so that we could also fit in a dessert!

We walked back to the boat feeling very full and crashed out! Much, much later, we had a tiny snack but snoozed and read and did not mind that there seemed nothing interesting on broadcast tv!

In order to give the new battery a bigger test we did not turn on the engine all day. So fare all seems well and we were able to take it down to 46% overnight (our previous setup did not support much below 80%) Our electrician advises not to go below 30% as a matter of course even though the manufacturer claims 20%.

Coventry Basin

Today's Canals : Oxford, Coventry

Today the weather was back to grey, almost always dry but very windy. Despite this it was not, at first, especially chilly but as the wind gradually worsened, so it felt colder. About half way into Coventry, fleeces were needed.

To start we had to complete the last few metres of the Oxford Canal. Our overnight mooring was only four boat lengths from Sutton Stop Lock, an important lock to prevent one canal from benefitting from another's water, only drops down about 300mm so does not take long.

Once through - another boat was just coming round Hawkesbury Junction so took advantage of the open gate, we paused for a few minutes to empty an elsan cassette. The service block here is now completely closed -it has gradually deteriorated over a number of years and is now deemed  unsafe to use at all - but the basic facilities of a service stop are still available. The main issue was the lack of an elsan disposal unit (it was still in the closed block) so a 'temporary' enclosure has be built whilst CaRT work out a plan for the longer term. Alas it has no wash down hose, just a flushing hole in the ground!) We wonder if it will be here long enough to become a listed building, characteristic of 21C canal management!

We turned left towards the city centre. Just after the junction is Exhall Basin, part of the imprtant former collieries that produced the coal for the canal to transport efficiently into the city and its surroundiny industries. Last year we noted that it was sad to see it still neglected but this time we can report that a lot of work has been done to tidy it up and it is now full of boats! It looks as if diesel and gas are planned to be available but that is work in progress. It is operated by a company that also run New Islington (Manchester) and Lady Lane (North Stratford) moorings. Exhall is currently offered just as residential moorings

This handful of balloons seems to have escaped only to be captured for an indefinite detention in the treetops. We have noticed in the press recently that there is a growing campaign against balloon releasing, not only because of the harm that the balloon material causes to wildlife but also because helium is and important industrial gas and gradually become scarcer. We can sympathise with those views even if countless children and adults parties find them irresistible. 

Last year we were disappointed to see that a set of good moorings had been removed - all the rings cut off at ground level - disappointing because hey were the only official moorings for quite a distance and also close to a bridge and a retail park. Whilst it is good  that all of the canal from Hawkesbury into Coventry is a good foot and cycle path, it was created before the recognition that a hard surface from hedge to water left nowhere for casual moorers to put in pins.

So it was good to see that in the last year, the bank has been piled, armco added and moorings rings installed that are low profile to avoid tripping up towpath users.

Just after Bridge 3 we could see through the hedgerow a mart conversion of a former industrial building. After a bit of searching we later found that it is now called Tower Court, somewhat of a pun, maybe unintentional, on the fact that it was part of the one-time Courtaulds site where the spinning of viscose yard was started at the outset of the twentieth century. Another, larger, of the buildings has also been adapted on the opposite side of the canal although that appears to be less successful having failed to attract long term tenants for some while.

When we pass the well-known Cash's Houses we know that we are then only about 15 minutes away from the final basin.

The former original Victorian power station for Coventry at Electric Wharf is now entirely re-developed and the whole area given new life, mainly with high density housing. Although we have watched the replacement of the former rather depressing derelict industrial sites over the past few years, it now seems to have matured quite well - and the developers moved on to other projects!

We reached the basin and we relieved to see some free spaces although almost all of the 7 day moorings just outside the basin were empty. After having been given incorrect advice from CaRT Customer Services when Christine enquired before we left home (that all the moorings were 2 days only) it was helpful to see that a new sign at the entrance clearly says 7 days! This was also confirmed by the cheerful volunteer welcomer who greeted us as we looked for a mooring and pointing to the best option. We also met him last year!

By now it was lunch time. In the afternoon we only ventured as far as the Tesco Local just over the footbridge - not our favourite! The wind howled down the straight main road into the city centre and almost blew us over. We easily decided to beat a quick retreat having bought the main essential larder items that we needed immediately. We can take our time tomorrow to explore a wider selection of shops.

5.8 Miles - 1 Lock