Watford (Gap)

Today's Canals : Grand Union Main Line, Leicester Branch

Today was a generally grey but with some very brief sunny spells and no rain.

As our overnight mooring shows, there had been quite a bit of rain since we moored up yesterday but by the time we were out and about it had stopped.

We have photographed the former lock cottage alongside the Top Lock (just poking into the left of the photo) many times before but until not really noticed that the cottage behind., Based on its house numbering, this was also a canal company property at one time, perhaps for a lengthsman as well as the one for a lock keeper. Just before we set off, Christine noticed that one of the volunteer lock keepers hse had had a unfinished conversation with yesterday was just helping boats through the top lock so she went to have a bit more of a chat. It transpired that he was once taught about handling a canal boat by Jack Monk, one of the last Number Ones. We knew him when we moored our tiny Fiona alongside Bishop Meadow Lock in Loughborough in the late 1960s. We too found him very willing to pass on his experience and expertise.

We were off just after 9:15 and soon after arrived at the entrance to Braunston Tunnel. This is a two way tunnel - unless a wide beam boat is booked (they are restricted to an early morning slot!)

The entrance sign suggests a transit time of 37 minutes (nearly always noticeable optimistic, some more than others) so it was no surprise that we emerged at the southern end some 25 minutes after setting off. We met only one boat coming the other way which we both managed to negotiate without incident! The tunnel is fairly dry apart from just one drenching only 50m from the exit!

The tunnel approach from the south is a straight tree-lined section which is very pleasant.

Forty minutes later we arrived at Norton Junction where we had to make a very sharp turn left to face almost the same direction in which we had just come! We were  now entering the Leicester Section of the Grand Union. A former Toll House stands guard over the junction, catching boats in every direction to pay their dues.

Passing under the modern A5 road bridge we had one of the better sunny spells of the day.

The former pub, now South Asian Restaurant, by the Welton Station road bridge now features 'pod dining'. Their futuristic eating spaces (a development from former Covid measures?) cost £35 to book (on top of the costs of the meal!) Presumably they are a good source of income but, judging by some reviews, not everyone is convinced.

We were now fast approaching the noisy M1 our first glimpse is just a small field away from the canal.

And so we arrive at the bottom of the Watford flight of locks. Nearby is the famous Watford Gap Service station where in the early days of motorway driving, many folk came to see what the first of this new generation was like in 1959. It became for a while a place to spot famous rock and pop groups. Alas, it did not take too long before the glamour wore off and it was realised that this was just a way of charging high prices for very ordinary fare and most drivers will stay here only as long as it takes.

Christine went to book in with the lock keepers - woe betide any boater that tries to transit without so doing! The bottom two and the top lock are conventional single locks, albeit with short intervening pounds, but the middle four form a staircase and are all designed for narrow boats (ie max 7 ft beam) Boats cannot pass each other in the staircase and may also have difficulty in the short pounds. Hence the lock keepers operate a strict flow control trying to minimise the waiting times whilst also allowing as many boats through as possible. At busy times long queues can form. Whilst waiting our turn we managed to catch a small patch of blue sky in the background of the former bottom lock cottage.

We had to work through the first lock on our own but as as soon as we set off for the second lock we could see that a volunteer lock keeper was already opening the gates for us. He was able to make life a lot easier for us all the way to the top.

The staircase locks have side ponds to maintain a proper supply of water to each chamber as boats pass through. There are two paddles at each of the intermediate gates that connect the lock with its side pond. The red paddle must be opened first - "red before white and you'll be alright - white before red and you'll soon be dead" or at least in serious trouble with the lock keeper for wasting water and potentially flooding the towpath and lock surround.

At one time the locks were left for boater use when the keepers were not on duty but now they are locked up so boaters must make sure they arrive in good time or they will have qa night in the shadow and sound of the M1.

After completing the seven locks we stopped at the top for a 'full service'. Officially the toilets have now been closed in accordance with the new facilities policy (to avoid funding expensive features that are not really CaRT responsibilities, such as showers, toilets, laundry machines and dog bins) but there has been a delay in changing the door lock as the toilets are still needed for the volunteers!

Immediately after the locks we passed under the M1 which now gradually moves away to the west of the canal.

A couple of bridges later, just far enough for the road noise to diminish - it takes some distance for it to disappear altogether - we moored for lunch and the rest of the day.

5.9 Miles - 7 Locks

Braunston Tunnel

Today's Canals : Oxford, Grand Union Main Line

As soon as we awoke and peeked outside, just before 7am, we could see that our view was largely of a thick mist! Last night we could see the 

iconic landmark of Braunston Church spire straight ahead of us. 

However, by the time three hours later when we eventually set off, the mist had cleared and there was once again a bright blue sky. A little more cloud now which gradually took over the whole sky by early afternoon.

Shortly after leaving we had a better view of the church which sits on the top of a small hill that gives it its priominence for some distance around.

Soon we were at Braunston Junction with the impressive double arched bridge and cast iron sides. On our last trip we turned onto that section of what is part of both the Grand union Main Line and the Oxford Canal.

The A45 road crosses the canal twice in quick succession either side of the junction which is on a long bend. This was the second - its modern concrete slab design scored more on function than the aesthetics of the earlier cast iron bridges!

For a long time this former toll house hailed the entrance into Braunston, a major place for working boats. The building gradually lost any usefulness to CaRT and, we understand, was sold off not long ago. Barely visible in this photo but there were a couple of yellow planning notices on the far right hand end of the building. Of course, without stopping, we could not read what they said!

Gongoozlers Rest (a café boat) has been refreshing visitors to this popular site for as longas we can recall.

The bridge at the main entrance to Braunston Marina marks the point at which the original line of the Oxford Canal took a lengthy contour route towards Napton but which was also eliminated ion the Oxford Canal straightening project.

Nuneaton and Brighton looked resplendent in the sunshine - they belong to the Narrow Boat Trust whose members often take them to canal festivals.

These three equally distressed boats are moored up just after the second entrance to the marina. We recall that the one in the middle, the very short tug boat, used to be on the opposite bank and looked well cared for. Unless something happens quite soon, it will not last much longer.

Another change in recent times was the closure - sadly - of the well stocked chandlery shop immediately before the bottom of the Braunston Locks. It has now gained a new life as an Art Supplies shop.

Waiting below the flight for a couple of boats to finish rising up the bottom lock was the manager of Brinklow Marina, out in his boat for the long weekend. They suggested that we could share with them which made the first two locks very easy.

We spotted this maker's mark in the brickwork around the bottom gate of Lock 2. We may well have reported on this maker before but here is a very comprehensive review of his life's work.

Alas, our lock companions find it impossible to pass the Admiral Nelson pub (alongside Lock 3) without stopping to be reminded of their excellent fare. Since there was plenty of mooring space (not guaranteed as it can get very crowded at times) we had to continue on our own.

We knew there was another boat behind us but they seemed not to be making much progress so, despite waiting a little at the next lock we had to make a move as boats were heading down. However, the second pound below the top was almost half a metre down so we thought it best to avoid unnecessary waste of water and this time let them catch up and share the top two locks.

Our plan was to moor before the tunnel as we have found in the past that there is not a lot of usable mooring between the tunnel and Norton Junction. On several occasions we have had to resort to deploying our gangplank to get from shore to boat! So we were tempted by the sign that designated most of the bollards above the lock flight as a 2 day mooring. It proved to be a good mooring but for the small factor of not having a mobile phone signal! Hence we could not load up this blog entry until a later date. This evening will have to be a music and reading time.

2.5 Miles - 6 Locks

Braunston

Today's Canal - Oxford

This morning began as a brilliantly bright day with completely clear skies. Later in the day, well after we had moored, cloud arrived and we understand that the Bank Holiday weekend may, as often the case, is not going to have especially sunny weather.

Our overnight mooring had been quiet, probably more passing boats than walkers. Shortly after we moored yesterday we were a little concerned as there was a distinct 'agricultural' smell but this disappeared by nightfall and was not apparent this morning. We did not see its source - perhaps a nearby farmer had been  muck spreading - OS and Google do not indicate any nearby sewage treatment works.

Just before we set off, we discovered that the formerly misbehaving 12V circuit breaker had enjoyed its good night's sleep and managed to latch in the on position today. Christine rang the boatyard to say that we would not now need their assistance.

It was under 30 minutes cruise to the Hillmorton flight of three locks, claimed to be the busiest on the system. As a result there are usually some volunteer lockies on duty here and as we arrived one of them beckoned us straight into the left hand lock. This meant we completed the first lock of this cruise almost effortlessly!

We paused before the next lock to empty the elsan. At least that part of the customer services here has been re-provided (albeit in a temporary form) but the main block seems no nearer completion than when we passed here a month ago.

We were on our own for the other two locks - the middle lock had one chamber already empty so it did not take long. We thought that we could see a boat preparing to descend the top lock so we left the middle one open and ready for them. Not much then seemed to happen and we wondered if we had made a mistake but after dropping Mike off at the lock landing, Christine hovered. Eventually the boat came into the lock and started to empty it. It turned out that they were very new to the canals - he had bought the boat at Whilton and, with just a short instruction, set off we think on hos own to meet hos partner just a few minutes cruise from Hillmorton. He was trying to pass on his experience (of 13 locks and 1 tunnel!) as she had never worked a lock before. They were heading to Brinklow Marina so we told them to report that they has encountered nb Alchemy as that was where we had just come from! At least they were being sensible and taming their time to be safe - unlike another boat that arrived just as we were coming out of the lock, determined to break Sebastian Sawe's record!

As we came this way on our recent short trip there was not too much to spot that we had not seen before, but the sunshine and rural scenery made for some good pictures. The lambs were now all gaining some independence from their Mums.

Even the two railways bridges, carrying the electrified West Coast main line, looked splendid. Wonder how many bricks were laid in their construction.

Just before Barby Moorings (an offline mooring with limited facilities) is a series of small plots of land, most with boats moored alongside. Their condition varies but most have been carefully tended. Another blogger had recorded that they spotted a few days ago a scrawled hand written poster advertising land for sale. Today there were 'proper' estate agents signs so we were able to find out a bit more about the sale. Google indicates that the plots for sale comprise about half of those on this particular well established development.

The brochure states that there are 7 plots for sale at £90,000 for a pair, freehold. This at least answered one question we had from out last time here as the plot width is insufficient for a typical modern narrowboat and some appeared to be linked together, one boat sharing two frontages. Water and electricity are available for connection at a charge but no sewage or rubbish disposal. New owners will have to negotiate mooring permits with CaRT as the existing ones are not transferable, it seems. There is no doubt more of a story behind this sale and we wondered how the current occupants feel about it. They obviously have no protected right to their lease beyond its current term and the plots are offered with vacant possession. The brochure is coy about planning status for living aboard. Whilst the plots do give their owner more than just a mooring, it does seem that the price is optimistic in comparison with a typical £3k-£4K per annum for a full service marina mooring. We wait with interest (as 'they' say)

On the land by the entrance to Barby Moorings, we spotted a new class of moorer!

Barby Straight is another result of the straightening project and oncoming boats can be seen long before they are passed. Alas it also was constructed with the sloping slabs rather too common around here which means that there are few casual mooring opportunities along its whole length.

After Dunchurch Pools Marina the towpath is more conventional and some 8 spots are noted on Waterway Routes maps. We knew from past experience that they are generally good moorings but in summer can be quite popular. Occupancy today was variable but all had some space available. We wanted to be as close to Braunston as we could manage, to make a good start on the locks in the morning. It was thus a game of playing chicken: how far should we press on knowing that it the last of the eight was full we were not in a good position!

In the end, a little after Bridge 87, we opted for a good space at the start of the armco for the seventh marked spot. We are less than a quarter of an hour from `Braunston Junction. Mooring is possible between there and the locks - we have managed it in the past - but going in this direction the consequences of not finding a space include having to do all six wide locks and probably a long tunnel before being able to stop for the night. Alas, assurance is more important to us than land (water?) speed records these days!

6.8 Miles - 3 Locks

Hillmorton

Today's Canal : Oxford

We drove up from home yesterday - traffic was much easier than at the start of our last trip and we arrived at the marina just before 1 o'clock. There was even no queue at the A34 - M40 intersection. Most times there is a lengthy queue on the A34 northbound but thankfully not today.

As a result we arrived before having time to eat our lunch rolls in the car. As we knew that unpacking the car and loading onto the boat was going to take a while, we sat down to lunch almost as soon as we arrived. 

Then it was time to unload the car. We took our time but even so there was still a lot to stow away by the time the car was empty. Our plan, as usual, was to do most of our food shopping after arrival rather than attempt to bring it all with us. Some items, like meat from our good local farm shops and cheese from the market stall, generally come in he cool box, along with perishable contents of the home fridge.

We so much stowing to do, Christine despatched Mike into town to do the shopping at Lidl and also recharge the car. As the two places are in different parts of the town, Mike opted to return to the  marina from the supermarket and drop off the food - especially a couple of ice cream items that needed to go into the freezer asap. He then returned to the Gridserver EV Charge Station which happily is next to a Starbucks. he is now well versed in making a medium latte stretch out until the car is fully charged - just under an hour.

New arrangements for parking cars whilst away cruising have been introduced - not sure why but it feels as if there have been some minor turf wars! This time there is also a complication that the main area used for this purpose has to be kept clear for an exhibition of electric boats later in May. Although we received an email about this just before we left home, it did not tell us where to park! As the main office is closed on Wednesdays, we had to wait until this morning before we could settle the car into is hibernation spot. Even so we were away by 10:30.

There was still quite a breeze blowing - not as strong as yesterday - so steering out of our mooring and across the open space of the marina was challenging!

Once we had turned out onto the main canal we were generally sheltered. Only a few short blasts sideways occurred on the few occasions when there was a gap in the hedges.

The next stretch is quite familiar but we still found some points of interest that we had not picked up on before. For example, Jacks Bridge 44 looks substantial enough to carry are reasonable load of traffic but on the ground is merely an accommodation bridge with a muddy unmade track. Old maps help unravel. The road passing the marina is called Cathiron Lane and we use this quite often on the way to and from Rugby. At one point it takes a sharp turn left and passes over a modern bridge over the railway (we assume dating from when the line was electrified) Cathiron Lane at that point turns into a farm track and emerges on the main road as the access to Falls Bridge Wharf where Armada hire boats are based. Only a short distance along the lane now carries traffic from that end.

When we arrived yesterday we discovered that one of the 12V circuit breakers would not latch in the On position. Fortunately it only serves the horn and headlamp. Christine arranged yesterday for us to call out the helpful boatyard at Hillmorton so they can take a look at it. the main use of the headlamp is in tunnels so it was fortunate that today's tunnel, Newbold, is very short and we could see well enough to know that nothing was approaching (it is a two-way tunnel) and light from either end helped us to steer without hitting the walls!

On the edge of Rugby we moored for a short while to visit Tesco (luckily we could slot in at the closest point to the footpath down to the store) to complete our start-of-voyage fill of the larders. Every cranny is now stuffed full!

By the time we returned to the boat it was 1 o'clock so we had lunch before setting off again. Our trip plan is currently based on a laid back scheme, only moving for half a day at a time and with options for a few says off cruising. We hope that by accepting a much less ambitious target compared with the days of even a few years ago, we shall be able to elongate our canal career just a bit more!

In between Rugby and Hillmorton is Clifton upon Dunsmore and we later unravelled the history of a couple of seemingly insignificant former railway bridges.

Just before Clifton New Wharf is an arm, now used for mooring but originally the main line of the canal when first built until the straightening project aimed at reducing travel times for carrying boats.

For the most part this comprised cutting out long loops that were the product of the need to follow contours for the original navvies. As construction technology improved, the ability to create cuttings and embankments allowed shorter routes - hence the opportunity to cut out long loops such as the one now seen at Clifton.

There is little of the original left at the wharf - it is properly called Clifton New Wharf as the original - renamed Clifton Old Wharf - was located about half way along this loop, close to the actual village. Another reason for some poof the loops was the early focus of canal carrying on quite local trips and it was the development of longer distance trade the meant that journey times became more important than than direct service to every small community.

Just before the wharf is the first of the two former railway bridges. This carried the Rugby and Stanford branch of the London and Birmingham Railway Company (later the L&NWR) which linked Rugby and Stamford via Market Harborough. It was quite and early project, opening in 1850. It joined at Rugby Station to what is now the West Coast Main Line.

Once the line was completed around 1878 and traffic increased significantly, causing problems with scheduling train movements at Rugby Station. Also, the original line was only intended to provide services that terminated here, using platforms to one side of the main line. new traffic wanted to proceed further north and so parliamentary permission was sought to build a flyover to take trains directly onto the upline and platform.

This involved a new loop line from close to the Old Wharf and around to approach the main line from the south. This was the purpose of the second now abandoned bridge which we passed just after Clifton New Wharf.

We did not want to tackle the Hillmorton Locks today, not least because the boatyard is mid flight. Mooring spaces immediately below the flight can be a bit scarce so we grabbed a good piece of armco bank about ten minutes before.

5.2 Miles - 0 Locks

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