Last Few Days Catch Up

We are now back home - came down on Thursday after a quiet few days to recover after the rather compressed journey back from White Mills. The drive back down was uneventful - we charged up the car the day before so did not need a recharge on the way although we did call at Cherwell Valley Services as usual for a comfort break and to have our lunch rolls.

The diary after that was rather full - Christine had a Zoom meeting on the next day. Somehow, late on Saturday evening Mike realised that he was going down with a cold. Remarkably this was the first 'proper' one since we move up from Cornwall, over five and half years ago. Each one is different and this time the dominant feature has been a throaty cough. By Saturday morning he was not a happy bunny!

Sunday he failed to make it up in time to go to church along with Christine but had a very rare lie-in, almost until lunch time! He gathered sufficient energy to assemble some key items for the evening roast but it needed Christine to finish it. He also made a batch of mushroom soup for a meeting the next day.

Monday was a scheduled regular meeting of the Waterways Chaplains on the K&A which we host alternately with another couple in Hungerford. However, they have just had a parental bereavement and were not available for this day and so we had agreed (back on Friday when there seemed no reason not) to host instead. Hence the soup! By the time the cold emerged it was really not feasible to find Plan C! Nevertheless, Mike kept out of the meeting itself, dug a mask from the Covid era from the bottom of a drawer and mostly remained well clear.

Ironically, we had booked our winter Flu and Covid jabs for Tuesday - for some reason unlike last year they were  organised independently. The flu was being done by the pharmacy in Morrisons whilst the Covid was by our GP surgery. But on the day before, we had a text to say that Morrisons had run out of flu vaccines! At least this enabled us to address Mike's concern about asking his body to process two  vaccinations at the same time as fighting a cold. (The system does not seem to worry about it!) When Christine called our surgery to see about a new date they suggested that we move to a date next week when both can be done together!

None of that has much to do with boating and we have left Alchemy in the very capable hands of Brinklow Marina staff until we can next visit. At present, we have no plans before much closer to the next season although we have booked a blacking slot in late March not far away. So it seems likely that this blog will, as is usually the case, be in hibernation for a while. Of course, we continue to follow a number of blogs that are still active (see the blog roll on our website)

Storm Boelo

The start of the day was in between two storms : Austen and Boelo, with the latter being forecast as much the stronger and longer lasting. It seems possible that two or three days of high winds will be bookended by extended heavy rain.

The clock change meant an extra hour before we needed to be up but an almost empty water tank needed filling very soon. As it was still dry around 8.30 (new time) Mike thought it best to get the hosepipe out now as it could be very unpleasant later - he made the right call it turned out. We use extending hoses which are, in most situations, much the best and take up least space in our bow locker. The one exception is when we need to run the longest hose from the inlet on the bow deck it aft of the boat, along the roof. Although, when the tap is on, the hose is more than long enough to reach a tap aft of pur stern, it starts rather shorter and can be unwieldy as the pressure is turned up. Eventually we were connected and the tank started to fill. There was a false start when Mike failed to spot that the initial rush of pressure pulled the end of the hose out of the filler!

All was done just in time for our planned excursion to the parish church in nearby Brinklow village. We have been before and as always they are a smallish congregation, but making that up with a very warm welcome. There was a chance for a longer chat at the end over coffee and biscuits which they manage to serve each week. They do have a Cafe Church once a month in the village hall with a wider range of calorific eatables but that is the first Sunday in the month, not this week.

After we left we drove directly to Lidl in Rugby. We probably made the wrong call as the store in Coventry is a bit closer to the village but perhaps not so different as he distance between the one in Rugby and the marina. This store has an undersized car park so there was competition for each space (some of which are tricky to get into) but we were rather lucky when Christine spotted someone leaving about the easiest slot!

Once we had returned to the boat and transferred our haul, the outside door remained firmly shut for the rest of the day, apart from a few trips half a metre to the veg box in one of the stern lockers!

At times during the day we wondered what might happen but at least here we are some distance from any trees. The wind would have been intimidating if we had been needing to make a move any time during the day.

Slow News Day

As expected, we have spent all of today inside, out of the way of the strong winds and often heavy rain that has been the continuing weather picture here today. The forecast suggests that we may have more to come but we will have to venture out tomorrow (but not far!)

We did manage to do several loads of washing and also make a much needed trip to the disposal facility next to the main gate. Two elsans, two bags of segregated rubbish and a full ash pan all dealt with appropriately.

We should have also visited the marina office to finalise our renewed mooring contract but it turned out that the manager was not in today. Christine was much relieved that she could avoid that walk in the rain.

Back to Brinklow - At Last!

Today's Canal : Oxford

The final run back to Brinklow, not far but it was the Day of the Storm, as forecast. In addition we could not get going until just before 10 am with the three Hillmorton Locks locked overnight until then.

Whilst it has not been as ferocious a day as we were led to expect, it was still quite wet at times and windy, with combined effect of making everything feel raw. 

A lock keeper arrived at the top lock well before the due time but was disinclined to open up before the schedule. However, with about ten minutes still to go, he had a phone call with the volunteers at the bottom and learned that there was a queue building there so it was decided that since everyone was in place and ready, it made sense to remove the security locks straightaway!

We came down the flight quite speedily, helped by the fact they were all full. Only the middle lock was down to us although a volunteer arrived as we were just about to leave. If there is a vollie anywhere then it will be at the bottom and indeed so. In addition Mike spotted a colleague waterways chaplain. It transpired that she was in her chaplain's gilet as an experiment but really was on the next boat waiting to ascend. It was good to have the chance encounter as we do not often meet another chaplain when we ourselves are cruising.

Whilst Mike and Andrew brought the boat down the flight. Christine went to chat to the staff at the boatyard alongside the lower flight pound. We are in the process of planning blacking for the boat in the new year and also we want to sort out the oven which has now given up staying alight for more than two minutes at a time. He asked us to send a photo of the serial number plate so that he can investigate what options we might have, given that the model is at least ten years old and obsolescence looms everywhere these days. Are spares available? We arranged that as soon as we were tied up on our pontoon! It will be good to have these tasks booked in as soon as possible. Enquiries are in hand.

Level water now for the rest of the trip but as we set off a light drizzle generally made itself known, even if the main storm seems to have passed us just to the south.

But the conditions did not make for good photography, nor is the rain much good for the camera so only a couple of miserable pix today. This one is of Kents Road Bridge, the first after leaving Hillmorton.

On the outskirts of Rugby we passed the base for Clifton Hire Boats. Most of their fleet seem to be 'in' for the winter now, although we did spot at least one yesterday. In common with most hire bases alongside the canal, there is usually little more than a boat width available. Good thing that the wide beams that are allowed to navigate between Braunston and Barby Moorings  (including Dunchurch Pools Marina) are forbidden from coming this way (actually the narrowness of Hillmorton Locks generally keeps them away! But you know what wide beams are like these days ...)

We continued on, passing through the short Newbold Tunnel before arriving at the turn for the marina, on what was once the contour route. We pulled up at the service point and marina office (Christine had already advised them that we were expecting to get here today) We were very cheerfully greeted as we had been in frequent touch over the past few weeks as closures and plans kept changing, 

The staff were a bit busy at first but we wanted to fill the diesel tank for the winter so we stayed there and had lunch.

By the time we were filled up the weather was far less pleasant but the wind was at least in a friendly direction for us making the reverse turn onto our mooring (we are back where we were last winter!)

Of course, our car was still at White  Mills but Andrew very kindly offered to ferry Mike back there on his way back home. We had been very glad to have his assistance as the restricted opening times at all three flights today and yesterday could easily have led to one or two extra added to the journey time if we had not been able to make such efficient progress. At least we had stocked up enough food that we did not have to go shopping en route - but a trip to a supermarket tomorrow or Sunday is now looking somewhat urgent!

We are planning staying on for a few days - relaxation? - but unless the weather perks up we shall be entombed for much of it. But we did bring plenty of library books . . .

6.7 Miles - 3 Locks

Hillmorton

Today's Canals : Grand Union, Oxford

In sharp contrast with yesterday and tomorrow's forecast, today was bright and sunny with generally clear skies, albeit somewhat cold. With a Yellow warning for tomorrow, our main aim today was to make as much progress as possible. Andrew moved his car to Brinklow on Monday and he also needs to get home as soon as possible - he had hoped for tomorrow but that may be difficult unless he takes a taxi from Rugby or thereabouts. We, on the other hand, have plenty of time.

The sun was unhelpful for photos and we were concentrating on our primary aim, so not much else to include here! We did start to unmoor just after 8 with a hope of reaching Buckby Locks by 10:30. Both this flight and that at Braunston are on restricted hours, starting at 10am and last entry at 2pm.

In Weedon we spotted the splendidly maintained traditional working pair, Hyperion and Hyades.

There were many more boats moored along the route today which slowed us a little and it was 10:45 when we arrived at Buckby Bottom Lock. Alas it was set against us as were most of the flight. The bottom couple of pounds were full to overflowing whilst the upper half of the flight was very low, in one case we scraped large stones on the bottom quite a lot. It was 12:30 by the time we came out of the top lock.

At the junction we had noticed earlier this year that the 3 bed right half of the canal cottage was for sale at a guide price of £425K. The sign says that it has now been sold and a Google report suggests that it was bought close to that value.

Christine had already prepared a fresh batch of soup so we had that 'on the go' as we cruised through the long Braunston Tunnel. There was a boat just ahead of us so we had hopes of being able to lock share down the next flight. This indeed happened - they were a very competent crew so that Andrew could go ahead to set each lock ready for the two boats to come side by side down the short intermediate pounds.

It proved a very smooth and efficient operation and we emerged at the bottom 50 minutes later - we had arrived at the top only a quarter of an hour before the flight was due to close.

At the bottom, the other boat moored up close to the marina and we continued on, soon turning onto the north Oxford Canal. On this stretch we were also surprised by the number of boats on the move, coming towards us, many of them bhire boats from local bases.

The former toll house that was controversially sold at auction on 2024 for £210K, is now undergoing extensive renovation and work seemed to be progressing apace.

As it was still a bright sunny late afternoon, Andrew was keen to make it as far as possible which we happily let him do. As there are no locks until the three at Hillmorton, level cruising allows good progress. We tied up just on five o'clock, just short of the locks - Andrew did take a look to see if there was room nearer but the only space was not as good as where we moored at the start of the long line of moored boats.

19.5 Miles - 13 Locks

Bugbrooke

Today's Canals : Northampton, Main Line, Grand Union

We were up bright and early, well before day break. During the night it seemed as if the water level was unchanged but by the time we could see properly, we were convinced that it was up at least 400mm, enough to hope that we could get away from Lock 17 at least. It seems that another waiting boater may have preempted CaRT by letting water down from several pounds further up.

It was a cold, but very bright day once the sun was up, despite the forecast for heavy rain and strong winds to come later in the day.

Just after 7 we set off - very, very slowly at first but, as the last look at Lock 17 shows, quite a bit higher than yesterday, especially when we could not even reach the bank. Unfortunately we were facing in quite the wrong direction for the sun so that, at best, out photos all look a bit 'arty'!

We might have been moving only slowly but it was a great relief to pass through the narrows (former bridge hole) where we had come to a dead stop two days earlier.

We had not gone very far before it was obvious that the mass of detritus above Lock 17 had left us with something around the prop that was slowing us down even more and also making quite a noise. We stopped to clear it - although we took a lot - a lot - of weed from the prop we did not actually find the culprit making the clonking sound. We presume that it dropped off once some the the weed was removed. Whatever, when we finally resumed progress it was much smoother even if, as yet, not a lot faster. No change in the air temperature but the sun and sky were very bright.

One more photo that, if we had been using a 'real' camera, might well have looked a 'proper picture'.

The former Express Lifts test tower, not far from the canal at this point, caught the sun as well.

To our surprise, we passed at least three abandoned e-scooters on the towpath. It is an odd business model that can stand to lose so much of its expensive capital, either for financial or regulatory reasons.

The next boat coming up was able to progress a bit faster than us along the long, slow pounds and caught us up at Lock 14 - at least they offered to close up for us.

So far the pounds had been shallow but absent of many reed banks. That now changed and for the next few pounds we were hampered by only a narrow channel - even with more water, progress would have been fairly slow.

At last we could see a goodly flow of water in the bywashes - the bottom few pounds had yet to see much of it but it will reach there eventually.

Lock 12, under the motorway, is the start of the section that was being locked up to avoid unsustainable demand from the Main Line of the Grand Union, but specially opened for this transit. About this time we spotted that a Notice had just been issued that, because of the disruption caused by the Police Incident, the open period was being extended to Friday (no mention of the fact that no water had been fed down to the bottom few pounds to make them navigable!) We were now making good progress and sped well ahead of the following boat.

There were once a number of lift footbridges below some of the locks but all, apart from one, are no longer maintained. However, here - and a couple of others - the principal components have not been destroyed but abandoned nearby. Perhaps the Heritage lobby harbours ambitions for their eventual restoration even if that would require a very different financial climate for it to happen.

The promised rain not arrived, but only, at this stage, a light occasional drizzle - with an odd heavy patch, especially when Christine  took to the bank to assist with a lock. However, it was enough to keep the camera dry in the locker.

Just after midday, some five hours after setting off, we reached the top lock and risked taking the camera out, just to record what was a sense of achievement. We had passed only one boat on its way down - but it was in perhaps the shortest pound!

From here it was a short distance to the service block just before Gayton Junction. One of our more frequent nightmares as we languished at the bottom of the flight was what we might do if we ran out of water - in the tank as well as in the canal! At least that one should not recur. We also made the elsan and rubbish disposals.

By now the rain had arrived in the full force predicted together with a  very chilling wind. We were keen to make as much progress as possible, especially as the forecast give Friday as a complete write-off. Andrew volunteered bravely to take the first steering stint allowing the rest to have their lunch on the go.

Mike then took over - at which point the rain and wind increased in ferocity (or so it seemed). The first available armco mooring was alongside the West Coast Main Line. Mike soon began to wonder if he had made the wrong call in turning it down in favour of finding somewhere just a bit quieter. It seemed that others were all feeling likewise and the next armco stretch was fully occupied, with the last two slots just being taken as we approached! Finally, just before the entrance to Heyford Fields Marina, a great expanse of mooring presented itself and could not be ignored. The weather made sure that, as we made the boat secure for the night - and put the chimney on for the first time this autumn, we left in  no doubt that this was definitely the right time to call it a day! Still, we feel a sense of achievement that we had reached this far.

8.5 Miles - 16 Locks

Lots of waiting!

Today's Canal : Northampton Am, Grand Union

We were awake quite early (before 7) and as soon as sunrise was beginning there was someone about to empty the lock. They then realised that we were in the way. Mike dressed quickly and went out to     explain the situation - they had not heard about the low water. The promised rain had already arrived and continued all day, quite heavy at times.

Other boaters waiting below came up from time to time in the day but no-one was going anywhere.

At 8, Christine called the East Midlands Customer service and spoke to Sharon, the same person as yesterday (Christine felt that she was now on someone's watch list!)  She did not have any new information but promised to call as soon as she could find out today's plan.

It was a while before she called but by then boats were being admitted to the flight at the top. However, the empty pounds at the bottom of the flight seem to have caught the bankside staff on the hop. Not long after this update a member of the team arrived to check the bottom lock. The water level where we were had dropped a little overnight but not enough to suggest more than the usual leakage around the cill of the top gate. However, he felt that there was something preventing the towpath-side paddle from fully closing so he went off to find a keb, returning a while later.

By this time there was police activity two or three hundred metres up the canal and a walker told us that a body had been found in the water. (So even if we suddenly had water we would not be allowed through just yet anyway)

Keb in hand, the CaRT person was able to explore the suspect paddle (we had not used it yesterday when we came up) Apart from a lot of weed, he eventually pulled out a long branch that had become wedged underneath the paddle, (part in the canal and part in the culvert) He was then able to drop the paddle fully down. Even so, the leakage into the lock chamber did not seem to have changed very much. He indicated that it might day a day and half to bring down enough water for us to make progress but it was on its way.

Andrew walked up the first few locks in the flight and found that the level in at least the first three or four pounds was well below the bywash overflow so our pound would not see any for some time yet.

By now a couple of formal Notices had been posted online - the first gleefully announcing that the flight was open and the second to say that because of a Police Incident the transit was now ceased for the day and and an update would be posted tomorrow. In between we did learn from Customer Services that it was expected that we should be on the move early in the morning but if necessary the temporary opening would be extended to ensure that all the boats waiting made it through.

Andrew's walk extended into town and, although there was little to excite him he did find a Turkish bakery that makes its own cakes. He returned to the boat bearing a large box inside which was a delicious and impressive gateau. The impressive bit was immediately obvious but delicious judgement came when we rounded off lunch (mainly one of Christine's famous soups) with a proper cake tasting session.

Mid afternoon, Andrew went on another walk and this time discovering that the police cordon was not lifted and also that one of the down passage boats had made it to Lock 14. Comparing photos with this morning he could see that water was definitely coming but that the pound above us is yet to overflow into ours. Hopefully, CaRT will continue to send water during the night so that we can expect to move quite soon after daybreak. (Another early alarm as the boats below will be champing at the bit if it looks possible to make progress as they cannot do so until we are out of their way)

Otherwise we passed the day staring at the stone wash walls to see if there was even the slightest change in water level. Alas almost nothing other than a small further drop!