Canal 2014
As last year we have decided to have two weeks on the boat this year.
Day one - Thursday 1st May
We set out just after 10.30 and traveled via the A34, M40 and M42. Then cross country to Burton and Willington. Traffic was light, though we had a really heavy downpour on the last section of the M42. We arrived at about 13.45 and the boat was ready.
We are using Ophelia again this year. After loading the boat and going through the usual checklist we set sail about 15.15 for Branston. Unusually Ann was able to unpacked all the food etc before we left marina.
We left in heavy rain, but unlike our previous early April trips, it was not cold. The rain passed and we got to Branson about 18.00 and unpacked all our cloths in to the drawers and wardrobes. Edward then went to the Chinese for a beef and tomato, chicken chop suey plus fried lice and spring rolls takeaway.
TV reception was good, though we did not watch any. We surfed the net then, relatively for us, had an early night.
Internet reception was good (Vodafone).
Day two - Friday 2nd May
We got up at about 7.45 and made some tea. Edward had his breakfast then washed up all the dishes. We finally got away at about 9.45. Weather wise it was overcast but mild.
The canal was very quiet with few boats on the move. We followed a single hander who nattered to Ann and appreciated her help. At Wychnor Lock Edward had to wake up another boater in Whirligig who seemed to have gone to sleep waiting for his turn in to the lock. Whirligig was also doing the Leicester ring and we would see more of them in the future. We pulled over in Alrewas for lunch at about 12.45. We had ham and hard boiled egg sandwiches with tea.
We started off about 13.45, the first two locks, Alrewas top and Common lock were uneventful.
At Fradley Locks, the first lock was manned by the same volunteer, John Ash, who helped us through last year. He also helped us through the 2nd lock too, though we had the impression that he had delayed a boat coming down. At the next lock Ann thought there was a second volunteer as there was someone in a yellow jacket and the upper lock gates had been left open. It transpired that he was not a volunteer and we had waited unnecessarily for a boat to arrive from the fourth lock.
The volunteers work four days per week, Friday to Monday from spring to autumn under the supervision of the Canal Trust. They hope to recruit more volunteers so they can operate a seven day week service. The idea is to establish the scheme at the various bottlenecks throughout the canal system.
After turning left on to the Coventry canal we arrived at Huddlesford at 16.40, where we tied up near the Plough Inn. Later on, at the Inn, Ann had sirloin steak and chips then chocolate caramel cheese cake with cream while Edward had home made tomato soup, chicken and gammon pie with salad and then the same pudding.
Overall the day remained fine, if a little cloudy at times. Both TV and Internet reception were good.
Overall we are surprised how few boats are on the move given the time of the year and the coming bank holiday, perhaps the late Easter has effected things somewhat or maybe peoples financial state is taking its toll.
Day three - Saturday 3rd May
We were away by 9.30. The weather was bright and sunny from 6 am in the morning and stayed that way until 8 pm. We were the first to leave, every body else seemed to be lying in. From Huddlesford to Fazeley Junction should take only 2 hours according to the books, but in practice it takes 3 hours. I am not sure why, it twists and turns more than the maps would have you believe, its shallow at the start of Whittington and by the large poly tunnels and there are quite a lot of moored boats. The temperature was just warm enough not to need a coat.
We arrived at Fazeley Junction at about 12.40 and went straight to the water point. We then pulled the boat back a few metres and tied up. We wandered to the local Tesco Express for a few supplies. On our return we had lunch with chicken and corned beef sandwiches.
We were on the move again at 13.40 with a view to getting to spot just short of bridge 49, between Polesworth and Bradley Green in the middle of nowhere. We stopped there in 2012. Unfortunately Ann's spot was taken by another boat, the bloke said it was his spot in May as he had been staying there for the last 20 years.
It took about 3 hrs to reach our destination. We were a bit slow through the two Glascote Locks as we waited for a boat coming down. People were out walking the canal towpaths taking advantage of the sun shine. When we came through last time it was wet and miserable.
We ate on the boat, having sausage casserole with bread rolls then fruit and cream or rice pudding.
We did not check TV reception but last year it was good. Internet was good.
Day four - Sunday 4th May
Another bright and sunny day. Ann woke early at 6.45 and couldn't get back to sleep again so put the kettle on. Thus we got away just after 8.35.
We were soon at the Atherstone locks. Lock 10 had only one paddle working so it was extremely slow filling. With the remaining locks there was a sufficient number of boats coming down that all of the locks were set for us. A volunteer was at lock 5 who offered to help us with the rest of the locks, but Ann declined the offer. Overall Ann had plenty of people to natter too.
A volunteer at the top lock said it was extremely quiet for the time of the year, which of coarse suits us.
We stopped just short of the Anchor Inn in Hartshill for lunch at 12.30. Edward had chicken while Ann had ham and boiled egg sandwiches.
We set off at about 13.15 and arrived at Hawkesbury Junction at about 16.00 after an uneventful journey. A boat broke down in the lock which caused a minor queue until it was pulled clear. We then moored up using pins.
We went to the Greyhound Inn for a meal. It was packed and rather warm and noisy inside so we decided to eat outside. We both had pork tenderloin wrapped in parmesan ham with Gorgonzola cheese sauce and potato leak gratin. It was very good, we had not expected too much as the pub appeared somewhat rough.
TV reception was good initially then some pixelation. Internet was good.
Day five - Monday 5th May
Again another bright and sunny day, though the wind was a little colder requiring a fleece jacket. It started to cloud over at about 18.00.
We left Hawkesbury Junction at about 9.15 and had an relatively uneventful cruise to just past Newbold tunnel arriving just after 13.00. At Stretton Stop there is a small rotating foot bridge across the canal. As we approached a woman closed the bridge, which pivoted on the opposite bank to her, using a length of pipe with a pipe elbow on the end acting as a hook. She left the bridge closed, totally oblivious to us approaching. Ann was about to get off the boat when a man appeared from the shop and opened the bridge, he said the same thing happened to him yesterday.
Shortly after Stretton Stop we caught up with a day boat which kept loosing control, ending up pointing across the canal. It appeared to happen when a boat was approaching, I suppose the helmsman put the boat in to reverse to slow or stop the boat having lost his nerve with the space available on his side of the canal. It happened, in one instance, at the end of the Newbold tunnel eventually passing an oncoming boat on the wrong side. He then pulled over suddenly at Newbold water point leaving us very little room to pass him while simultaneously clearing another oncoming boat.
After lunch we were on the move again at about 14.15, planning to stop at Hillmorton Locks. There is not much mooring available before these locks and with the usual problem of other boats mooring with large spaces in between we suddenly found ourselves at the water point. There was now no real prospect of reversing so we decided to press on through the three locks.
The moorings the other side of Hillmorton were full so we continued on to just short of bridge 79, out in the middle of nowhere. We stopped here in 2012, its the first suitable mooring place after Hillmorton as most of the canal has rough sloping stone sides.
We ate on the boat, having sausages, bacon, mushrooms, tomato's and toast. Edward had a tin of fruit.
It started raining at about 21.15.
The Internet was good, we did not try the TV.
Day six - Tuesday 6th May
It was sunny at 8.00 but by the time we moved, just after 9.00, ominous clouds appeared and a suggestion of rain. It was cold enough for a heavier waterproof coat. The sunshine soon reappeared and we had a pleasant trip to Braunston. The countryside is very attractive and often the ancient methods of farming are still visible in the form of ridges and furrows running down to the water.
At Braunston locks we paired up with a very pleasant youngish couple to go through the six double locks. She was very energetic rushing up and down the locks to see who was coming down. Whenever possible we put the two boats in and out of the locks together, that is side by side. This is both quicker and less bumpy than operating the boats independently.
Both boats pulled over for lunch at the top lock, at about 12.25, just short of Braunston tunnel. For lunch we had tinned salmon sandwiches with various pickles.
We were on the move again by 13.30, straight in to the dark and gloomy tunnel. We followed another boat in and could see it about 500 metres ahead. Our boat has a fairly ineffective headlamp, which mostly illuminates the roof of the tunnel, and we also open the curtains and put the cabin lights on which illuminates the walls of the tunnel, particularly near the stern of the boat. Steering is still quite difficult, the aim is to try to keep to the centre of the tunnel.
The tunnel is about 1800 metres and took about 20 mins to pass through. We then carried on to Norton Junction, in bright sunshine, where we then turned left up the Leicester Section. We reached the Watford locks at about 15.05.
Watford locks comprises two normal locks then four in a staircase arrangement then a further normal lock, under control of a lock keeper. Because a group of boats were coming down we would have a wait of about an hour. We took the opportunity to fill up with water and then move up through the first lock to a pound where another boat was waiting to go up.
Once all the boats had come down we moved up the locks quite quickly getting to the top at about 17.05, we being the last of three. We disposed our rubbish at the waste bins then moved on towards Crick tunnel and Crick itself. Crick tunnel is shorter than Braunston, taking about 15 mins to travel through. However the roof was quite leaky at the far end and soaked the roof of the boat, fortunately I had removed the camera and closed the hatch a few minutes earlier. We moored in Crick just after 18.00.
We had a great meal at The Moorings restaurant in Crick. Edward had tomato soup then baked cod on risotto. Ann had roast chicken on a cabbage base with potato's. We both had a fruit meringue mess sweet, mostly fruit and cream.
The Internet was 2G, but useable.
Day seven - Wednesday 7th May
The gas ran out halfway through boiling the water for tea. The hose connector on the gas bottle had been done up so tight, it needed careful persuasion with the 2lb mallet. There's no need to do them up that tight.
We went shopping first thing for bread, milk, eggs, onion, cherry toms and potato's from the Crick Coop. Apparently this is the last place for supplies for a considerable distance. We moved on about 10.25.
It was warm and sunny to start with but then it rained at 11.30, turning cold for half an hour. The countryside is quite pleasant. We pulled over for lunch at 12.30.
We were on the move again at 13.30. We reached Welford Junction at 14.38, we turn left for Leicester rather than go down to Welford. We had decided to go through Husbands Bosworth tunnel (1071 metres) and stop at the village but our information regarding mooring there was wrong so we continued on.
Thankfully for the third time no one was coming through the tunnel in the opposite direction, although boats can pass there is very little clearance for them to do so.
We moored up just after bridge 50 on a sweeping bend at 16.15. Quite a pleasant spot with a good view across the countryside. Just after tying up it poured with rain and turned somewhat colder. The rest of the evening was mostly sunny.
Ann cooked a potato quiche.
Internet reception was 2g. No TV reception.
Day eight - Thursday 8th May
Rain was forecast for most of the day, well at least until 18.00. We set off at 9.15 in the pouring rain and arrived at Foxton Top Lock at about 10.20. We found the lockkeeper at the top cafe.
We were on the move down the locks at 10.30, another boat, Whirligig, went first with a couple of characters onboard we first met at Wychnor Lock, they too were doing the Leicester ring.
The lockkeeper mostly helped Whirligig, though he set the lock for us at the passing pound. Ann found the locks relatively easy as the gates were well balanced and the paddle mechanisms were double geared.
Foxton comprises two set of staircase locks (where boats pass directly from one lock to next without going through a pound). There is a passing pound after the first five locks but it is very short and the two sets of locks are not directly in line, requiring a turn of a few degrees.
Crossing the passing pound, with the lockkeeper watching, the boat went off course so there was some bumping. The lockkeeper said it catches many out as there are quite strong eddy currents in the pound. I think he was being polite.
We finished the locks at 11.30, quite remarkable for ten locks. We pulled over at the visitor mooring, visited the shop and then had lunch. When we removed our waterproof cloths we found out where they were failing. With coats it was on the inside of the elbow joints, I suppose the arms are constantly flexing and weakens the coating. We also really need waterproof shoes. Our hats and gloves were fine. As to drying the cloths the truly waterproof cloths dry much faster than the breathable variety.
We decided to stay put as it no fun boating in heavy rain, we are on schedule. Edward decide to try the 3 Mobile sim and it had a 3G signal. With a little difficulty he put 3 gigabytes worth of credit on the account.
Just after 15.00 the rain stopped and Edward went out to take a sequence of picture of the locks and surrounding area. It was too wet to take pictures while we were coming down. Twenty five minutes latter it started to rain with heavy downpours later.
On key at 18.00 the sun came out as did a large number of flying insects on or just above the canal surface (I assumed they were Mayflies, but I am not certain of that). They attracted many birds (swifts) and some fish.
We had a pleasant meal at the Foxton Locks Inn. Edward had whitebait starter then gammon steak with egg and salad followed by lemon meringue and cream. Ann had ham, egg, peas and chips then toffee caramel cheese cake with cream followed by an Irish coffee.
Internet reception was 2g with Vodafone and 3g with 3 Mobile.
Day nine - Friday 9th May
The day was sunny, though quite windy. We walked the boat back to the water point and filled up. We were on the way by 9.35.
The wind did not present any problems until we arrived at the locks. A boat, Ruby, was waiting at the first lock for two oncoming boats to enter. Tying up our boat was difficult as the only available bank was overgrown and with nothing to tie up to. With the help of the other boater, Neil, we managed to hammer in two pins to hold the boat against the wind.
When the oncoming boats had cleared the lock we paired up with Ruby through the next twelve locks. Neil soon announced he had Parkinsons disease but was quite able to steer their boat and operate the locks.
On the fourth lock, I think, the wind caught both boats as we left the lock. We headed for a waiting boat, the owner managed to push us off and we carried on. Ruby hit the bank just in front of the waiting boat, Neil's wife Val managed to reverse the boat back in to the lock and then successfully exited the lock with no further mishap.
Part of the problem in exiting locks is picking up the lock crews, later on we took both boats out together which seemed to work well in these windy conditions. We completed the fifth lock at about 13.00 so both boats decided to pull over for lunch. Just as we completed mooring a heavy shower arrived, the only rain of the day.
After lunch we continued with the remaining seven locks in sunshine. It was uneventful except on one occasion Ann had to persuade Neil to not to jump from gate he had just closed to the gate Ann was trying to close. Thankfully a hiker appeared from nowhere and helped Ann with the gate, Neil walked the long way round across the upper lock gates.
It struck me how Parkinson's was depriving a fit strong individual of judgement regarding taking risks and wanting to be helpful to those around by rushing about trying to help everyone. Val got him to steer the boat for a while.
We arrived at Kilby Bridge about 16.15, there was plenty of mooring space. Edward walked to the pub to see if they were serving food, but there was a notice outside saying the restaurant was closed for the evening.
We ate onboard tonight, sausages, potato's, mushrooms, onions and beans. Ann finished her pears and custard while Edward had tinned fruit.
TV reception was good and Internet (3 Mobile) 3g.
Day ten - Saturday 10th May
The day started overcast and rained heavily when Edward took the rubbish to bins on the other side of the canal.
We were on the move just after 9.00, and paired up with same boat as yesterday, Ruby. Weather wise the rain held off but the wind again caused the usual locking problems if one was not careful.
They say things come in three's, well for the other boat that was true today. Neil misjudged a bridge and ripped the canvas cratch on the front of the boat. Val thought it would be a write off, they cost upwards of £2000, though I think it could be repaired.
In dropping Val off near a lock they went aground. We tied our boat up and went to help push the boat off with our barge pole. It took about ten minutes of pushing and rocking the boat, Neil broke his barge pole in the process.
We pulled over for lunch at about 12.30, on a nice spot just before Blue Banks locks. We had ham and egg sandwiches. When we were ready to move on a rain squall arrived, up until then the journey had remained cloudy but dry. We moved on about 13.45 in bright sunshine.
The third event for Ruby was at Aylestone Mill Lock. In going in to the lock the boat picked up some anorak type clothing. Neil tried to remove it, with a serrated knife and hacksaw, while in the lock but eventually the boat was manually walked from the lock to allow another boat heading for Kilby Bridge to pass through.
Neil worked on it for some time, Edward also tried briefly. Edward said he had never seen clothing so tightly wrapped around the stern shaft. Normally one can turn the propeller but in this instance it was tightly locked.
We left Neil and Val still working on the problem. We moved on through the last two locks and moored on a floating pontoon in the centre of Leicester. We moored against two smaller boats, one of them being Whirligig, had they moved closer together along with a third boat we could have moored directly to the pontoon.
The pontoon is fenced off and needs a Canal Trust key to open the gate. It is relative secure and gives direct access to the castle park.
Edward went to the nearby Tesco store, again it poured with rain and he got soaked. When he got back Ruby had arrived and moored alongside us. It took Neil two hours to free the propeller.
Ann cooked on board tonight, pork chops, potatoes and carrots. Edward also had peaches and cream and a glass of red wine donated by Ruby's crew.
TV reception was not tried and Internet 3g (3) good.
Day eleven - Sunday 11th May
We got up a little earlier this morning as one of the boats we were moored to wanted to leave around 8.30. They left, along with another boat, and we simple tied the stern to the pontoon directly with the centre and forward ropes remaining tied to the Whirligig. Later Ruby moved from alongside us to the pontoon as they were staying until Monday and we then moved back to the pontoon to let Whirligig out.
There were many rowers out training on the river, I think they were part of the De Montfort University's rowing club.
The day started overcast and windy once we cleared the centre of the city. We left twenty minutes after Whirligig, by the time we reached the first lock they had just finished going through. At the second lock Whirligig had been slowed up waiting for an oncoming boat but left as we arrived. An elderly man Ann had been talking to at the first lock talked to her again at the second. He had suggested to Whirligig they wait for us. At the third lock they were waiting for us and we paired up for the next six locks.
The weather was a mixture of sun and showers, the latter not really wetting us much. Much of the countryside is very attractive. Besides the wind the river currents, particularly near the weirs, added difficulty to piloting the boat.
We kept on going until about 14.00, when at Sileby Lock, a soaking squall opened up. Another one of those testing your waterproof moments. After the lock we pulled over for a late lunch while Whirligig continued on. Edward had a Mackerel sandwich with pickles and cherry tomato's and Ann, pilchards sandwiches.
After lunch, at about 14.40 we moved on to Mountsorrel lock. The lock had been left open by the oncoming boat we past five minutes before, so we went straight in. As we left the lock a day hire boat approached full of young people much the worst for alcohol one assumes. The boat was all over the river and with the youngsters jumping ashore an accident waiting to happen.
We moved on to Barrow upon Stoar and filled up with water and disposed our rubbish. The water point is not really visible until one has passed it. We then moved up to the mooring area just short of Barrow deep lock, taking the last available space.
Again we eat on board, having beef burgers, tomato's, mushrooms and beans and tinned fruit and cream.
Internet reception was 3g, TV reception was none existent.
Day twelve - Monday 12th May
The day started sunny(ish) then went overcast with a little rain. The wind was not as strong as in the past few days. By late afternoon/evening it was sunny most of the time.
We set off at 9.45, the first lock Barrow Deep was open so we motored straight in. As Ann was using only one paddle an elderly woman, who lived in the house adjacent to the lock, came out and said Ann would be there all day if she didn't use the second paddle. Ann proved her wrong a few minutes later.
The second lock, Pillings, was permanently open at both ends, so we motored on through. The lock is closed only in periods of peak water flow after very heavy rain. The river Soar, like most rivers, is a mixture of wide open stretches and narrower more canal like areas. Sometimes the narrow areas carry the full flow, other times the bulk of the flow is diverted over weirs bypassing the locks but, in a sense, creating the need for the lock so boats can travel along the river safely.
We stopped in the northern outskirts of Loughborough, by the Boat Inn, to do some shopping. We then moved on turning a sharp right toward Zouch and Kegworth rather than left to Loughborough centre.
We pulled over at Zouch at about 13.10. We had hotdog's in fresh buttered bread rolls.
We were on our way again just after 14.05, another boat had recently passed us going in our direction. By the time we got to Zouch Lock they had it set up with both gates open.
We continued on alone to Kegworth, the other boat pulled over to exercise their dogs at the lower lock landing. We passed through Kegworth deep lock then on to Kegworth Shallow Lock, the latter is another of those permanently open locks. We moored up for the night on what is effectively the locks landing space. Two other boats were moored up here. It was a pleasant sunny evening and very quiet, no boats passed other than a plastic on an evening trip up and down the river.
We had dinner on board, we are close to pub/restaurant but they only serve evening meals Thursday and Friday. We had Faggots with potato and peas and tinned fruit and cream or rice pudding.
Internet reception was 3g (3).
Day thirteen - Tuesday 13th May
The day started sunny. The gas ran out in the early morning, but as it was mild, Edward didn't change the bottle until 7.30. He also noticed that the Kegworth Shallow flood lock was closed whereas yesterday they were locked open. He heard voices at maybe 5.30, the Canal Trust were probably setting locks up for the rainfall we have had or were expecting.
We were on our way at about 9.00. The weather had both sunny and cloudy periods but we managed to miss the rain.
We were soon through the Ratcliffe and Redhill locks, the latter is a flood control lock and was open. However it was showing a red light, technically we should not have proceeded past the light.
At Ratcliffe locks we meet a couple who had just come from Sawley, apparently the levels on the River Trent had been high yesterday and they were unable to proceed. Only today were they allowed through. We took the view with our red light that if they could be on the river then so could we.
There was about a two mph current against us on the river trent, but as our boat make about six mph at normal throttle setting on a wide deep river we were able to make good progress.
The lock at Sawley had one gate open, as a boat had just left, so we went in then moved over so that a boat following us could also get in. The locks are automated and needed someone to be on the shore with a key to open the second gate.
Talking to the other boater, who entered the Trent from the Erewash Canal, thought the red lights were somewhat premature, he had seen conditions quite a lot worse before they closed the river. When we left Sawley the water level indicators were showing only amber (proceed with caution).
My take on the red light is that most river signal lights only show green or red while some others show amber or red (with no light at all implying green). The Redhill light was a green red signal so could not display amber.
We filled up with water at Sawley then proceeded through the flood lock and along the Trent river to the Derwent Mouth Lock, the start of the Trent and Mersey Canal. There was a similar head current on the Trent as before and some whirlpools at the meeting of the Trent and Derwent rivers.
At Derwent Mouth Lock a large group of men appeared who watched us through the lock and opened and closed the gates for us. The were all John Player's workers who took early redundancy, but who still meet up every three weeks or so for a get together and outing. We proceeded up the Trent and Mersey Canal to Shardlow, arriving at about 12.30.
We ate at the Clock Warehouse in Shardlow. Edward had soup then salmon, potato's and veg then apple pie and cream. Ann had Lamb chops, potato's and side salad then Irish cream and caramel cheesecake with cream. Because of the slow service and a mayonnaise over Edward coat incident we had two free large glasses of wine and an Irish coffee for Ann.
Internet reception was 3g (3).
Day fourteen - Wednesday 14th May
We were on the move by 9.35, the weather was bright and sunny. The first lock we did on our own though at the second and third locks there were oncoming boats who helped with the paddles and allowed Ann to get on board and leave the gates open.
At lock two Ann got carried away with the nattering and Edward had to do some unnecessary maneuvers in the lock to pick her up before exiting.
After lock three we caught up with the boat that had previously left lock three as we arrived. They turn out to be slow coachers which forced us to follow them to next lock at only just above tick over speed, taking about 20 minutes longer than is should have.
We doubled up with the slow coacher at the fourth lock and volunteered to leave the lock first to get ahead of them. I managed to get Ann on board prior to leaving the lock as she was in natter mode again.
We went through the fifth lock, Stenson, by ourselves. This is a deepest lock of the five (3.76m) and requires Ann's paddle management skills as otherwise the water flowing in can be really vicious. Also with all of this series of five locks Edward got off the boat, by climbing up the lock ladders, and tying the boat to a bollard using the centre rope. This keeps the boat from moving about in the swirling water.
We stopped for lunch just short of bridge 20A at 14.10 and had a bacon and egg sandwich. We were on the move again by 14.45 and arrived outside Willington Marina at about 15.15.
We went to the Green Man for a meal. The place has been taken over and refurbished with a better menu. Ann had Haddock and chips while Edward had Chicken Tikka (oddly a tomato based sauce) and rice. Overall it was mediocre but inexpensive. We spent the rest of the evening packing.
Internet reception was a good 3g (3).
Day fifteen - Thursday 15th May
We vacated the boat just after 9.15 and arrived at Ann's Aunt at about 10.10 having stopped for petrol. We had lunch at Griff House. We visited Jon and Brian in the afternoon for a couple of hours and got home about 19.30.