Almyne journeying in 2008
Mon, 1 Sep 2008
1/2 mile 1 lock
Finished all the internetty stuff that I needed to do and set off just after two. Still raining, well drizzling, so it was not too bad, but when the wind kicked in as well I decided to give up and pull over, so now I can catch up on the web site.
Tue, 2 Sep 2008
9 miles 3 locks
Set off bright and early to make the most of the little sunshine predicted for the next few days. Only three more wide locks before we reach the narrow system again. The first went fairly well, although it was a little fierce. At the second, I only opened one ground paddle, and that only half way, but it was so fierce that it ripped the mushroom of the top of Almyne. Inside, the main cross member supporting the mushroom broke in two and the other pieces of timber that 'spread the load' also shattered and flew in all directions. Rosanne came rushing out because she thought that I had fallen on to the roof of Almyne and was laying there with a broken back. With the way that Almyne was being thrown around the lock she could easily have fallen in, but neither of us was harmed.
Finished filling the lock and moored up just past the lock operation moorings to assess the damage, and to take the opportunity to top up with water, since we were there.
Found a piece of timber stout enough to 'spread the load' and fix the mushroom back on with so set about doing emergency repairs. A couple of hours later with the mushroom jury rigged we continued on to the next lock. After a few minutes Rosanne came out back and said the she could smell burning - not good - so we pulled over again and switched everything off to have a really good sniff.
Sniff, sniff, sniff, Hmmm, sniff sniff sniff - yes definitely something, but difficult to identify, a bit like burning rubber. Up with the floor boards and checked the fan belt - no - that's fine. Sniff, sniff, sniff couldn't find the source and it seemed to be fading, so replaced the floor boards, started the engine and set of - again.
Got to the next lock, which was deeper and therefore likely to be even more fierce than the previous two, and started to fill it, very gingerly, opening the ground paddle on the opposite side just less than half way. By opening the opposite paddle the inrush of water keeps Almyne against the lock side, rather than throwing her over to the opposite side. Took about ten minutes to get enough water into it to open the ground paddle fully and the opened the ground paddle on this side. Filled quite quickly after that and with no problems.
From there it was just a couple of miles on to Willington where we could get rid of all the accumulated rubbish and empty the porta pottie at the facilities there. I had just finished doing all the good stuff and stuck my head inside the cabin when the heavens opened, and they really opened, rain drops as big as golf balls and hails stones not much smaller for twenty minute or so. Well, even if we were moored up at the facilities there was no way I was setting off in that, so we settled down for a cup of tea and a snack.
An hour later, when it had all subsided, we moved on to proper moorings just around the corner and I set off into the village to get something for tea at the local shop. The only thing that they had was sausages, so got some, and a pint of milk as we were running out.
By the time I got back to Almyne the rain was settling in for a steady drizzle and looked as if it was here to stay for a while, so no more travelling today.
Crane Wed, 3 Sep 2008
4 miles 0 locks
Quick run through to Burton upon Trent, where all the beer comes from. Apparently the gypsum content in the water makes it ideal for beer brewing and it is also where 'Coors' have their re-hydrating plant for the beer that they dehydrate and ship over here from the US of A. I am told that Coors gets its extra special flavour because of the water they they use to brew it over there, so somehow dehydrating it and re-hydrating it when it gets here seems a bit of a sham, but who am I to know anything about beers.
In need of provisions we stopped off in Burton upon Trent and walked over a mile into town where we found a 'Lidl'. Stocked up on all the stuff that was running out, like orange juice, beans, tomatoes, kidney beans and wine. We seem to keep running out of wine but I cannot think why.
On leaving Lidl the rain started again so we decided not to travel for the rest of that day and hunkered down for the night.
Thu, 4 Sep 2008 8 miles 6 locks
Through Branston, where the pickle comes from and into the country side again.
Between Wychnor lock and Alrewas lock the canal actually shares its course with the river Trent and even though the safety boards were well into the green and safe to travel there was quite a lot of water running, which meant that the engine was working as lot harder to maintain way than it would normally do.
Got through Alrewas lock and once again the heavens opened so we pulled over and moored up.
Fri, 5 Sep 2008
Wychnor Church
Going nowhere, rain and more rain. The spot where we are moored up is quite nice with only a couple of other boats in view, even though we are right next to the bridge that leads in to the village. Walked into the village and found a really good butchers, who also does bread and vegetables and a cooperative, so all our needs should be catered for all the time we stay here. They also have a dentist and as Rosanne has been having trouble eating because a set of three caps she has have been working loose, I am going to see if I can pull the 'We are only here for a few days, can you fit in an examination and a treatment session while we are here' trick on Monday, if that's OK with Rosanne.
Alrewas has a festival of Arts going on all week, six or seven activities each day, including instruction on painting 'Roses and Castles'.
When we went along to the booking office, which was actually the Methodist church, we spotted the Alrewas Sheep outside. These were made for the last festival and caused a great deal of comment at the time. We are told that they have a surprise for them this year.
Picked up a program to take back to Almyne so we could see if there was anything worth staying for.
Alrewas Sheep Sat, 6 Sep 2008
Going nowhere, this time because of the rain. Overnight the river rose so high that it is well into the red (danger) mark on the safety board, not that we are going in that direction anyway, but it gives us a good excuse to stay put.
Looked at the festival activities to decide which ones would be the most appropriate and Rosanne has booked in to both the 'Roses and Castles' sessions and also one on Calligraphy. The only one that I was interested in was the willow bending, but that was an activity that had been in preparation for the festival where they built a twenty foot high willow man, quite something.
After checking out the activities we spotted the Morris dancers in the car park of the pub opposite, so watched them for a while.
There was meant to be a street market during the afternoon, but with the rain as bad as it was, this was relocated to the school hall.
Everything was a little cramped but it was still amazing to see the extent of talent in such a small village.
Back at Almyne we watched the boats arriving to go through the lock and finding it closed. The queue started building. One boat 'Muddy Paws' went past us and I shouted out to them that there was no room, but they carried on. Half an hour later they reversed back and moored up just behind us.
The guy on the tiller was delivering it to Burton upon Trent, just an hours travelling form Alrewas. The rest of the crew were the owners and we found out later that they have never owned a boat before and were a danger to themselves and others on the water.
Morris Band
Morris Dancers Sun, 7 Sep 2008
Checked the safety marker again this morning, it was still well into the Red so no one was going to be travelling today, again.
Took another walk into the village during a brief respite to the rain and spotted the 'willow man', a figure of a man sat with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. You cannot really see his head in the picture but the figure sat in his lap gives some idea of his size.
One of the boats in the queue was a plastic cruiser with a man and his three sons on board. They had no toilet facilities and no sleeping facilities. They spent a very cold night, mostly drinking beer and trying to sleep with no blankets and occasionally peeing in the bushes. I think that they decided not to wait it out till the level went down and later on in the day someone arrived with a car to take them home. Again, they had not far to go by canal (river) but were blocked by the stoppage.
The people on the boat just behind us were much better catered for, except that they had little food with them as they had planned to get off their boat at Burton and they decided to try to stick it out and see if the river got opened on Monday as they were booked in to a boat yard for the bottom to be blacked during the week.
There was a jazz evening at the Crown Inn, so we wandered along there and got chatting to John and Joanna, a couple of the organisers of the festival. Had a very entertaining evening with them, chatting and listening to the music.
Willow Man
Mon, 8 Sep 2008
Checked the safety marker again this morning, it had disappeared. The landing stage for lock operation was completely under water and the contractors spent the first half of the day lifting their porta cabins up with the crane and putting more baulks of timber under them to keep them out of the water which had seeped in and covered the floors.
Definitely no travelling, the BW guys thought that it would be unlikely that the river would be opened before the coming weekend. They told all the boats heading downstream that they would collect rubbish and empty porta potties each morning till the blockage was cleared.
We were facing the wrong way for this service, but when I asked if I could carry my rubbish up to their van they offered to take it away anyway.
Walked in to the village again. The butchers here if famous for his sausages so we purchased some, along with some liver for tea tonight.
TheLandingStage
Tue, 9 Sep 2008
River still rising and there is still a light drizzle of rain most of the time. Today the road is covered with water, not enough to stop determined cars from passing but most are turning around and going back where they came from just in case.
As there is no water traffic I decided to do a little fishing. The guy on the boat in front of us told me that there are a lot of chub in this section and they will go for anything meaty, so put a chunk of sausage on the hook. After a very short time I caught on about two pounds in weight, a nice fish. The next one took a little longer to catch but was just as big and just as worthwhile. After that it tailed off so I gave up and did a little internetty stuff. There is not a good signal here so everything takes much longer than it should and because of that the batteries run down more than I would like. I have to keep the engine going for at least two hours a day to maintain the batteries and supply electricity to run the computer.
The Road Wed, 10 Sep 2008
The rain has eased but the river level is still high. There is some feeling that the worst is passed and the levels might start to drop, but I think that this is likely to be wishful thinking on the part of those who are anxious to travel.
James is an entertaining and knowledgeable guy and had many suggestions as to how we can get a hull on to which we can build a Vardo (gypsy caravan) and told us to look out for a boat manned by an old guy with his two sons who have a cut off narrow boat that they tow behind them, just to see what sort of thing can be done.
Sat on the back of Almyne I was surprised to see a dog jump aboard and started to make s fuss of D'fer. It was Jack and at first I did not recognise him. Just then Ellie
appeared with Matt, her partner. Ellie is the woman that I had chatted to way back in June (Monday 16th to be precise) when she asked if D'fer
might teach Jack to swim.
Had a long chat and found out that they are moored up at Fradley Junction, where we are headed for next. Tentatively arranged to meet up with them when we get there.
QueuedUpForTheLock Thu, 11 Sep 2008
Wow, the river has dropped and there is an inch of the yellow showing. The BW guys are going to open the navigation but are going to monitor each boat as it starts off and check its progress past the point where the main river joins the canal just past the lock. The water is still running very fast.
James decided to let a few other boats go first, just to check that they get through. He is just delivering the boat he is on so really does not want to get into trouble.
Watched the first few boats through and when they reached the river they took off like a bullet out of a gun. We said our goodbyes to James and Rosanne set off to her 'Roses and Castles' class.
I helped most of the people through the lock as I was sure that none of them would want to wait to close the gates after them and risk getting pushed around by the current as they left the lock.
James got through all right and that last I saw of him was as he flew past the river and disappeared round the bend. He did ring later on to let us know that he made it OK, which was nice.
Well, about an hour after James left, who should go past but the guy that James had been talking about yesterday. I wandered down to the lock to chat to them and decided that what they were towing was really not for me, but chatted anyway. It turns out that the two sons make Vardo's and could easily adapt one to sit on top of a hull. It would also be cheaper than the complete thing as the most complicated bit of a Vardo is the wheels on which the whole thing sits. Got their telephone number so that when I find a suitable hull I can contact them for a quote on the top sides.
Fri, 12 Sep 2008
A nice quiet day, all the excitement of the swollen river has subsided and we are reaching the end of the festival. We had thought about moving on in the morning if the weather is fine but the local populace have persuaded us to stay for the 'party in the park' on Saturday.
On wandering in to the village to get some more shopping, a steak pie from the butchers which comes highly recommended, we spotted this years crop of festival lambs.
Alrewas Lambs
Sat, 13 Sep 2008
The traditional working boat is coming to the village today for people to view it so we wandered down the tow path to have a look. Rosanne was amazed and delighted with the interior, at how compact it is and how much is packed in to such a small space.
Went to the party in the park for the evening and had a thoroughly good time listening to the music, watching the lantern parade, chatting to people and finally seeing the firework display.
See all the pictures images.pl?page=AlrewasPartyInThePark
Sun, 14 Sep 2008
2 miles 4 locks
7 miles 1 swing bridge
Today's the day we say goodbye to Alrewas. Having spent over a week here, the longest we have moored up anywhere, it is good to be on the move again, but it is also a little sad to be going.
Just past the first lock we spotted Ellie and Jack walking down the tow path, she was off to Alrewas to do some shopping.
Continued on our way and as we arrived at Fradley facilities Ellie arrived back and cam on board for a cup of tea. We decided that we would take a short diversion down towards Streethay to get some gas and turn around so that we are facing the right direction when we get back to Fradley.
Got the gas and returned to Fradley where we moored up next to Matt
and Ellie. Ellie was of to work for the evening so the rest of us built a little camp fire and sat outside enjoying the evening air. About half nine we accepted Matt's offer of a pint at the pub (The Swan at Fradley) so wandered up there. A couple of drinks later and the pub closed so we all walked back along the tow path together. I think Rosanne enjoyed some female company for a change as she has been stuck on Almyne with only male company for nearly three months now.
Mon, 15 Sep 2008
Hung around for the day. Ellie worked for the day while the rest of us just chilled out. During the morning the BW guy came along the tow path checking the boat numbers so Matt
set off to Streethay to get a new gas cylinder, but not before he was clocked.
Tue, 16 Sep 2008 9 miles 3 locks 1 swing bridge
Set off at nine, it is going to be a long day to get to Rugeley for shopping and then on to the Hobbit Hole for an anniversary barbecue. Although overcast the trip was very pleasant and we arrived a Rugeley just after four. A quick dive into Morrisons for essential supplies, beer, wine, butter and bread, and the makings of a barbecue. Off to the hobbit hole - where another boat was moored up at our spot.
Pulled over and moored up and explained that we were staying for an anniversary barbecue and we hoped that they did not mind. To be honest I did not care if they minded or not we were staying, but it is polite to make contact. Invited them for a glass of wine, but they declined.
It was beginning to get dark so we assembled all the bits and pieces we wanted to get the barbecue going and arranged everything. Started a gas lamp and in the light of the fire and the gas lamp we spent a wonderful evening eating and enjoying a mild evening in the open. I was going to say the first for a long time, but we spent a nice mild evening in front of a camp fire with Matt and Ellie just a few days ago.
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16 miles 12 locks
This is likely to be another long day. The intention is to try to get to Penkridge in time for the market, but we realise that we will be pushing it. Set off at nine, Rosanne was still asleep, and stayed that way through Great Haywood junction , past Tixall Wide and on into Baswich, where she woke up. The timing was good as from then on she could take Almyne into the locks while I did the lock wheeling, which made life so much easier.
I have forgotten to say that a lot of the time we are travelling Rosanne is doing the cleaning and polishing inside and when she is not doing that she is making waterproof cushions for the two gas locker lids so that we have something soft to sit on outside. She has finished the first and nearly finished the second.
Arrived in Penkridge too late for the market, so continued on for another hour so that we were out in the countryside again.
On a more sober note, I had a text from Danu today informing me of ARFUR's demise. ARFUR is Richard
's dog and has been around for a very long time, he will be missed by many including myself, D'fer and Rosanne.
Thu, 18 Sep 2008 2 miles 3 locks
Woke to brilliant sunshine, the first for a considerable period of time. With the batteries at full charge and no rush I spent most of the day updating the web site and going over previous days to bring them more up to date.
As I was reading over last months pages I started to remember more and more of what had happened and what I had missed out, so it will be worthwhile looking back over August and September to see the new stories and pictures.
There was a BW working boat moored just along from us on the opposite side to the tow path and beside that was a whole bunch of wood neatly cut and stacked waiting for boaters to come and take it away so the guy on the next boat along and I went over and loaded up with firewood. I only collected about six logs, each nine inches in diameter and about three foot long. Doesn't sound a lot but I reckon that it will keep the fire going for nearly a fortnight of evenings, if not more.
Set off towards Autherley junction just after three and stopped just after five, not far but a pleasant journey. Should make the last few miles and no locks to Autherley junction easily tomorrow.
Rosanne has rung Jim
to see if he wants to escort us through the Wolverhampton 21 on Saturday, so that we can moor up in Wednesfield for the weekend and a few more days so that Rosanne can get to the doctors and collect some stuff that she wants and organise her life for the next few weeks on the trip along the Llangollen.
Still not a very good signal so I am still putting off placing the flags on the Google Map but I will catch up one day, if I can remember exactly where we moored up.
Some places will start to have two (or more) flags as I am beginning to go over old ground on the way to new canals.
Just as we were preparing to moor up we went past a hire boat and the guys on board were chopping up little sticks for a fire. One of them shouted over "Want some of that" pointing to the logs on top of Almyne.
Once we were moored up I chose a few of the smaller bits of timber I had (no more than 1½ inches in diameter) and walked down to their boat to give the sticks to them. They were pleased and delighted when I explained that they would never be able to chop the big logs, which was why I had given them the smaller stuff. Apparently their little chopper is a bit blunt.
Lovely sunny evening and and when the light started to fade (about eight) we retired to the salon for a game of cards before retiring for the night.
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 6½ miles
Woke to brilliant sunshine, again, looks as if we might have a bit of summer at last. Lazy start to the day spent mostly updating the web site again, still lots to do but I will get there in the end.
Getting ready to set off and the coal boat arrived, or more properly went past. I hailed him and he pulled over. Five bags of coal at £5.90 each, about two pound a bag cheaper than Devizes and the other boat yards that I have called at.
Set of towards Autherley junction just after midday and had an interesting run down as it was sort of familiar, having done this section before.
On this section there is a narrow cutting, that is about one foot wider than Almyne which goes for just over half a mile. There are several passing points along the way and they are needed. It is this sort of section that gives rise to the expression 'the cut' as it is literally 'cut' into the surrounding rock, shear walls either side covered with moss and some sparse vegetation on the non-towpath side and a narrow towpath with a shear wall beside that.
We passed a couple of boats that had very kindly pulled in to the passing points to let us passed, maybe they spotted us as being beginners!!.
Got to Autherley junction about half three to be greeted by the heron on the signpost again, he seems to spend a lot of time there and is quite unbothered by all the passing people and boats.
Moored up in front of the same boat that we had moored up in front of last time around and got chatting to the guy. It seems he is having troubles with the benefits agency.
Restful evening and early to bed as up early in the morning to do the Wolverhampton 21.
Sat, 20 Sep 2008 5 miles 21 locks
Last time we made this journey it took just over six hours, lets see how long it takes this time.
Jim arrived just after ten and we set off at half past. We managed to sneak in front of several other boats going up the flight, which was a blessing in disguise as we felt a little bit pressured to hurry.
Most of the time we managed to go at our own pace but occasionally the boats behind sent their crew ahead to help us - I am not sure if it was actually to help us or to hurry us up, whichever way, there was no way that they could overtake us so they might as well have slowed down a bit themselves.
Jim walked on ahead setting the locks while Rosanne and I worked the current lock, Rosanne taking Almyne into the lock and holding it there while I worked the paddles and gates.
All this time D'fer was rushing from the current lock up to the next lock to see Jim and then back again to make sure that Rosanne and I were OK. By half way up D'fer needed a rest, but only for a few moments before he was off again.
The system worked well and we were clear of the 21 by twenty past one, when we stopped for lunch, corned beef and tomato sandwiches. Set off again at a quarter to three and by half past we were moored up at Wednesfield , just three and three quarter hours travelling, a vast improvement on last time.
Jim set off to get his car while Rosanne and I did a little shopping in the local supermarket for some salady stuff since the weather was so good.
Sitting in Almyne we heard some youngsters outside jollying each other to jump on to Almyne. I popped my head outside and started chatting to them and the young lad admitted that his companions (all girls) were encouraging him to jump on. They started asking questions about living on a narrow-boat so I checked with Rosanne if we were giving guided tours. She agreed so the lad and two of the girls umped aboard for a guided tour by Rosanne. As usual, they were amazed at the extent of the accommodation and comfort and facilities aboard.
By the time Jim got back tea was ready and we all enjoyed chicken and salad, washed down with a glass of wine. Rosanne and Jim went home and I had an unusually early evening, just after ten, and slept in the following morning till ten, nearly twelve hours solid.
Mind you it was a fairly disturbed night with D'fer alternately jumping on to the bed and snuggling up to me and sitting by the back doors howling for Rosanne to come back.
Sun, 21 Sep 2008
Up late after and early night, I really must have needed the rest. Woke with the sun pouring in the window and got up for breakfast of Marmite on toast.
Did a little fishing and a lot of chatting to passers by who wanted to know what it was like living on a narrow boat, keeps me occupied for ages. The audience included the local community constable who was asking as many questions as the civilians about life aboard. I think he will keep an eye on Almyne while I am in the area.
Rosanne left a book on Almyne about Korean Knot craft which I got a bit involved in and tried the first knot in the book. Looks good but I could do with some decent cord to do the knots with.
Took D'fer for a walk into the shopping precinct where I found a 'Hobby Craft' shop but the still do not stock macrame string, or any other decent cord.
Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11 miles
Leisurely journey from Wednesfield to Sneyd junction to charge the batteries, top up with water and empty the porta pottie, and back.
All this in preparation for my trip to Burbage to collect the Morris and sort out one or two bits and pieces.
Tue, 23 Sep 2008
In to Wolverhampton today, by bus.
I don't do busses very often and it reminded me that bus drivers are trained to accelerate as soon as you are on board and then, just as you are getting your balance again they brake hard. The trip from the front of the bus to the back, where the only vacant seat is, comprises a series of lurches backwards and forwards desperately trying to keep your balance.
Succeeded in getting to a seat unharmed and was thrown into it where I languished in relative comfort until Rosanne told me it was time to alight. Now alighting a bus sounds easy but there is some preparation that needs to be done. First you need to got out of your seat at least two stops before you want to get off. This is to make your way along the length of the bus apologising to all and sundry along the way for bumping and jostling them. The real trick is to arrive at the front of the bus as you are approaching the alighting point, too soon and the driver tells you to get back and not to disturb him, too late and that's it, you've missed your stop. Fortunately Rosanne knows the ropes and we got off at the right stop at the right time.
Wolverhampton market is really rather good. It did take me some time to recover from the bus journey before I could start enjoying it but once I had settled down I threw myself into the throng and joined in with the retail therapy.
The journey back was a little less traumatic having experienced it already today but the bags of purchases caused some difficulty even though the bus was less crowded on the way back compared to the way in.
Rosanne had purchased some mutton at the market and made a mutton stew for the evening meal, it was wonderful, much more tasty than lamb, and there was enough left over for Richard when he arrived.
Richard turned up about half eight and we sat chatting and drinking till the wee small hours.
Wed, 24 Sep 2008
Jules and Conrad popped along to see us and left us a present of a painted stone and a smudge stick that Jules had made. Chatted for a while before Richard and I set off to Burbage via The Eagle. Danu may be changing pubs soon.
Arrived at Burbage before nine and had another natter with Richard before he went on his way and I retired to bed.
Thu, 25 Sep 2008
Picked up the Morris and all the documentation. It has passed it's MOT so should be no problems, except that the brakes are non-existent. Funny really, since the Ministry of Transport no longer exists is it possible to get a certificate of noteworthiness from them?
First job is to get the brakes fixed.
Spent the rest of the day mowing the lawn with the strimmer.
Glyn
and Cath
turned up around four and we caught up on the news from both ends.
Another early night after wishing them well and seeing them on their way.
Fri, 26 Sep 2008
Set off early to Devizes to get the brakes fixed in time to see mum
and Peter
before they set off to a tractor pull.
Got to Kwik-Fit and arranged for them to look at the brakes. The guy there was helpful but had not come across a Morris before and spent the first five minutes looking around under the bonnet. I eventually relented and asked him what he was looking for, was it the master brake cylinder? Yes, he said so I pointed it out to him, in the floor well of the drivers side. Then he jacked the car up and checked all the brake pipes, nothing amiss there. Another five minutes under the bonnet and he asked me where the brake fluid reservoir was. In the floor pan at the drivers side. He topped that up and then turned to me and said that he did not think he could do anything as he has no experience of a Morris and does not have any documentation either. I tried to persuade him to wait and let Peter have a look at it but he told me that company policy would precluded this.
I reversed the car off the ramps and was pleased to find that the brakes worked fine, all they needed was a top up of brake fluid.
Went to see mum and Peter for a while and after they had left to go off on their journey I decided that I would head straight off to see Church in Worthing.
Along the way I called in to all the places that I thought I might find Norkie
, Sharon
, Mitch
and Chrissy. Eventually found Sharon and spent a few minutes chatting and catching up on news there before Sharon went off to work.
Continued on towards Worthing, calling off to see Les and Joan
on the way, spent half an hour or so with them.
Called Gail and as she was in I arranged to spend the night there. Arrived with a bottle of white (Gail likes white) and a bottle of red (I like red) and stayed up till four nattering. Greg went to bed about two, he is much less of an old woman than I am.
Sat, 27 Sep 2008
Late start, but got to see Church before noon. Collected my new computer and sorted out one or two bits and pieces for Church and then set off to Wednesfield . I had been calculating all the way down how many days it would take me to get from Worthing to Wednesfield and reckoned that I would be able to make it in two days, stopping off at Oxford perhaps.
I really do live on canal time don't I.
Left Worthing just before two and took nearly two hours to get to Chichester. The A27 was closed and all the traffic had been diverted along the A259, what a drag. After that It went smoothly until just north of Oxford. I had planned to avoid all motorways but somehow the only way I could find of getting from Oxford to Banbury was by motorway. Predictably the traffic slowed to a total standstill while two police cars, a couple of ambulances and a couple of fire engines fought their way up through the traffic to an accident further up.
Fortunately it did not cause nearly as much of a hold up as I expected it to. At Banbury I checked the maps and decided that it would be easier to head across to Stratford-upon-Avon and then up the A3400 to Birmingham, where I could get on to the A38 to Wednesfield.
So much for planning. The trip to Stratford-upon-Avon went without hitch, as did the section to Birmingham. Then the signposts disappeared and after driving around in circles for nearly an hour I succumbed and got on to the M6 to Wolverhampton, arriving at Almyne just after nine.
All in all quite a good journey in the Morris.
Sun, 28 Sep 2008
Lazy day, recovering and packing all the goodies I had brought with me away. Set up the new computer, but due to low batteries did not do too much with it yet.
Did a little shopping and prepared to set off towards Llangollen.
Mon, 29 Sep 2008
4 miles 21 locks
Had arranged for Ady
to accompany us down the Wolverhampton 21 but just as we were due to set out he rang and told us the he could not make it due to a bad tummy. While this call came in I was chatting to a guy on the tow path about D'fer , Almyne and life in general.
When I got the news about Ady I jokingly said to this guy, "How would you like to do the Wolverhampton 21 with us"
He leapt at the opportunity and threw his bike aboard and jumped on.
Off we went and fairly flew down the 21 with Richard
operating the locks, Rosanne taking Almyne through, me preparing the locks up ahead and D'fer just mucking in all around, getting under everybody's feet. He just loves to play with your laces when you are in a hurry.
Got to Autherley junction just after five and caught a couple of busses back to Wednesfield to collect the Morris.
KFC for tea - much too tired to cook and an early night.
Tue, 30 Sep 2008
Holed up for the day. Well actually went in to Wednesfield to stock up on basics for the journey to the Llangollen.
Twelve tins beans, twelve tins spaghetti, twelve tins plum tomatoes, six tins chilli, six tins chicken supreme, six tins stewed steak, six tins minced beef, six tins peas, six tins beans, six tins carrots, six tins kidney beans, six cartons orange juice, tea, coffee, long life milk, boxes of tissues, toilet rolls galore and anything else we thought might come in useful where there are no shops for miles around. (Must remember to get dog food before we finally set off).
Top
1/2 mile 1 lock
Finished all the internetty stuff that I needed to do and set off just after two. Still raining, well drizzling, so it was not too bad, but when the wind kicked in as well I decided to give up and pull over, so now I can catch up on the web site.
Tue, 2 Sep 2008
9 miles 3 locks
Set off bright and early to make the most of the little sunshine predicted for the next few days. Only three more wide locks before we reach the narrow system again. The first went fairly well, although it was a little fierce. At the second, I only opened one ground paddle, and that only half way, but it was so fierce that it ripped the mushroom of the top of Almyne. Inside, the main cross member supporting the mushroom broke in two and the other pieces of timber that 'spread the load' also shattered and flew in all directions. Rosanne came rushing out because she thought that I had fallen on to the roof of Almyne and was laying there with a broken back. With the way that Almyne was being thrown around the lock she could easily have fallen in, but neither of us was harmed.
Finished filling the lock and moored up just past the lock operation moorings to assess the damage, and to take the opportunity to top up with water, since we were there.
Found a piece of timber stout enough to 'spread the load' and fix the mushroom back on with so set about doing emergency repairs. A couple of hours later with the mushroom jury rigged we continued on to the next lock. After a few minutes Rosanne came out back and said the she could smell burning - not good - so we pulled over again and switched everything off to have a really good sniff.
Sniff, sniff, sniff, Hmmm, sniff sniff sniff - yes definitely something, but difficult to identify, a bit like burning rubber. Up with the floor boards and checked the fan belt - no - that's fine. Sniff, sniff, sniff couldn't find the source and it seemed to be fading, so replaced the floor boards, started the engine and set of - again.
Got to the next lock, which was deeper and therefore likely to be even more fierce than the previous two, and started to fill it, very gingerly, opening the ground paddle on the opposite side just less than half way. By opening the opposite paddle the inrush of water keeps Almyne against the lock side, rather than throwing her over to the opposite side. Took about ten minutes to get enough water into it to open the ground paddle fully and the opened the ground paddle on this side. Filled quite quickly after that and with no problems.
From there it was just a couple of miles on to Willington where we could get rid of all the accumulated rubbish and empty the porta pottie at the facilities there. I had just finished doing all the good stuff and stuck my head inside the cabin when the heavens opened, and they really opened, rain drops as big as golf balls and hails stones not much smaller for twenty minute or so. Well, even if we were moored up at the facilities there was no way I was setting off in that, so we settled down for a cup of tea and a snack.
An hour later, when it had all subsided, we moved on to proper moorings just around the corner and I set off into the village to get something for tea at the local shop. The only thing that they had was sausages, so got some, and a pint of milk as we were running out.
By the time I got back to Almyne the rain was settling in for a steady drizzle and looked as if it was here to stay for a while, so no more travelling today.
Crane Wed, 3 Sep 2008
4 miles 0 locks
Quick run through to Burton upon Trent, where all the beer comes from. Apparently the gypsum content in the water makes it ideal for beer brewing and it is also where 'Coors' have their re-hydrating plant for the beer that they dehydrate and ship over here from the US of A. I am told that Coors gets its extra special flavour because of the water they they use to brew it over there, so somehow dehydrating it and re-hydrating it when it gets here seems a bit of a sham, but who am I to know anything about beers.
In need of provisions we stopped off in Burton upon Trent and walked over a mile into town where we found a 'Lidl'. Stocked up on all the stuff that was running out, like orange juice, beans, tomatoes, kidney beans and wine. We seem to keep running out of wine but I cannot think why.
On leaving Lidl the rain started again so we decided not to travel for the rest of that day and hunkered down for the night.
Thu, 4 Sep 2008 8 miles 6 locks
Through Branston, where the pickle comes from and into the country side again.
Between Wychnor lock and Alrewas lock the canal actually shares its course with the river Trent and even though the safety boards were well into the green and safe to travel there was quite a lot of water running, which meant that the engine was working as lot harder to maintain way than it would normally do.
Got through Alrewas lock and once again the heavens opened so we pulled over and moored up.
Fri, 5 Sep 2008
Wychnor Church
Going nowhere, rain and more rain. The spot where we are moored up is quite nice with only a couple of other boats in view, even though we are right next to the bridge that leads in to the village. Walked into the village and found a really good butchers, who also does bread and vegetables and a cooperative, so all our needs should be catered for all the time we stay here. They also have a dentist and as Rosanne has been having trouble eating because a set of three caps she has have been working loose, I am going to see if I can pull the 'We are only here for a few days, can you fit in an examination and a treatment session while we are here' trick on Monday, if that's OK with Rosanne.
Alrewas has a festival of Arts going on all week, six or seven activities each day, including instruction on painting 'Roses and Castles'.
When we went along to the booking office, which was actually the Methodist church, we spotted the Alrewas Sheep outside. These were made for the last festival and caused a great deal of comment at the time. We are told that they have a surprise for them this year.
Picked up a program to take back to Almyne so we could see if there was anything worth staying for.
Alrewas Sheep Sat, 6 Sep 2008
Going nowhere, this time because of the rain. Overnight the river rose so high that it is well into the red (danger) mark on the safety board, not that we are going in that direction anyway, but it gives us a good excuse to stay put.
Looked at the festival activities to decide which ones would be the most appropriate and Rosanne has booked in to both the 'Roses and Castles' sessions and also one on Calligraphy. The only one that I was interested in was the willow bending, but that was an activity that had been in preparation for the festival where they built a twenty foot high willow man, quite something.
After checking out the activities we spotted the Morris dancers in the car park of the pub opposite, so watched them for a while.
There was meant to be a street market during the afternoon, but with the rain as bad as it was, this was relocated to the school hall.
Everything was a little cramped but it was still amazing to see the extent of talent in such a small village.
Back at Almyne we watched the boats arriving to go through the lock and finding it closed. The queue started building. One boat 'Muddy Paws' went past us and I shouted out to them that there was no room, but they carried on. Half an hour later they reversed back and moored up just behind us.
The guy on the tiller was delivering it to Burton upon Trent, just an hours travelling form Alrewas. The rest of the crew were the owners and we found out later that they have never owned a boat before and were a danger to themselves and others on the water.
Morris Band
Morris Dancers Sun, 7 Sep 2008
Checked the safety marker again this morning, it was still well into the Red so no one was going to be travelling today, again.
Took another walk into the village during a brief respite to the rain and spotted the 'willow man', a figure of a man sat with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. You cannot really see his head in the picture but the figure sat in his lap gives some idea of his size.
One of the boats in the queue was a plastic cruiser with a man and his three sons on board. They had no toilet facilities and no sleeping facilities. They spent a very cold night, mostly drinking beer and trying to sleep with no blankets and occasionally peeing in the bushes. I think that they decided not to wait it out till the level went down and later on in the day someone arrived with a car to take them home. Again, they had not far to go by canal (river) but were blocked by the stoppage.
The people on the boat just behind us were much better catered for, except that they had little food with them as they had planned to get off their boat at Burton and they decided to try to stick it out and see if the river got opened on Monday as they were booked in to a boat yard for the bottom to be blacked during the week.
There was a jazz evening at the Crown Inn, so we wandered along there and got chatting to John and Joanna, a couple of the organisers of the festival. Had a very entertaining evening with them, chatting and listening to the music.
Willow Man
Mon, 8 Sep 2008
Checked the safety marker again this morning, it had disappeared. The landing stage for lock operation was completely under water and the contractors spent the first half of the day lifting their porta cabins up with the crane and putting more baulks of timber under them to keep them out of the water which had seeped in and covered the floors.
Definitely no travelling, the BW guys thought that it would be unlikely that the river would be opened before the coming weekend. They told all the boats heading downstream that they would collect rubbish and empty porta potties each morning till the blockage was cleared.
We were facing the wrong way for this service, but when I asked if I could carry my rubbish up to their van they offered to take it away anyway.
Walked in to the village again. The butchers here if famous for his sausages so we purchased some, along with some liver for tea tonight.
TheLandingStage
Tue, 9 Sep 2008
River still rising and there is still a light drizzle of rain most of the time. Today the road is covered with water, not enough to stop determined cars from passing but most are turning around and going back where they came from just in case.
As there is no water traffic I decided to do a little fishing. The guy on the boat in front of us told me that there are a lot of chub in this section and they will go for anything meaty, so put a chunk of sausage on the hook. After a very short time I caught on about two pounds in weight, a nice fish. The next one took a little longer to catch but was just as big and just as worthwhile. After that it tailed off so I gave up and did a little internetty stuff. There is not a good signal here so everything takes much longer than it should and because of that the batteries run down more than I would like. I have to keep the engine going for at least two hours a day to maintain the batteries and supply electricity to run the computer.
The Road Wed, 10 Sep 2008
The rain has eased but the river level is still high. There is some feeling that the worst is passed and the levels might start to drop, but I think that this is likely to be wishful thinking on the part of those who are anxious to travel.
James is an entertaining and knowledgeable guy and had many suggestions as to how we can get a hull on to which we can build a Vardo (gypsy caravan) and told us to look out for a boat manned by an old guy with his two sons who have a cut off narrow boat that they tow behind them, just to see what sort of thing can be done.
Sat on the back of Almyne I was surprised to see a dog jump aboard and started to make s fuss of D'fer. It was Jack and at first I did not recognise him. Just then Ellie
appeared with Matt, her partner. Ellie is the woman that I had chatted to way back in June (Monday 16th to be precise) when she asked if D'fer might teach Jack to swim.
Had a long chat and found out that they are moored up at Fradley Junction, where we are headed for next. Tentatively arranged to meet up with them when we get there.
QueuedUpForTheLock Thu, 11 Sep 2008
Wow, the river has dropped and there is an inch of the yellow showing. The BW guys are going to open the navigation but are going to monitor each boat as it starts off and check its progress past the point where the main river joins the canal just past the lock. The water is still running very fast.
James decided to let a few other boats go first, just to check that they get through. He is just delivering the boat he is on so really does not want to get into trouble.
Watched the first few boats through and when they reached the river they took off like a bullet out of a gun. We said our goodbyes to James and Rosanne set off to her 'Roses and Castles' class.
I helped most of the people through the lock as I was sure that none of them would want to wait to close the gates after them and risk getting pushed around by the current as they left the lock.
James got through all right and that last I saw of him was as he flew past the river and disappeared round the bend. He did ring later on to let us know that he made it OK, which was nice.
Well, about an hour after James left, who should go past but the guy that James had been talking about yesterday. I wandered down to the lock to chat to them and decided that what they were towing was really not for me, but chatted anyway. It turns out that the two sons make Vardo's and could easily adapt one to sit on top of a hull. It would also be cheaper than the complete thing as the most complicated bit of a Vardo is the wheels on which the whole thing sits. Got their telephone number so that when I find a suitable hull I can contact them for a quote on the top sides.
Fri, 12 Sep 2008
A nice quiet day, all the excitement of the swollen river has subsided and we are reaching the end of the festival. We had thought about moving on in the morning if the weather is fine but the local populace have persuaded us to stay for the 'party in the park' on Saturday.
On wandering in to the village to get some more shopping, a steak pie from the butchers which comes highly recommended, we spotted this years crop of festival lambs.
Alrewas Lambs
Sat, 13 Sep 2008
The traditional working boat is coming to the village today for people to view it so we wandered down the tow path to have a look. Rosanne was amazed and delighted with the interior, at how compact it is and how much is packed in to such a small space.
Went to the party in the park for the evening and had a thoroughly good time listening to the music, watching the lantern parade, chatting to people and finally seeing the firework display.
See all the pictures images.pl?page=AlrewasPartyInThePark
Sun, 14 Sep 2008
2 miles 4 locks
7 miles 1 swing bridge
Today's the day we say goodbye to Alrewas. Having spent over a week here, the longest we have moored up anywhere, it is good to be on the move again, but it is also a little sad to be going.
Just past the first lock we spotted Ellie
and Jack walking down the tow path, she was off to Alrewas to do some shopping.
Continued on our way and as we arrived at Fradley facilities Ellie arrived back and cam on board for a cup of tea. We decided that we would take a short diversion down towards Streethay to get some gas and turn around so that we are facing the right direction when we get back to Fradley.
Got the gas and returned to Fradley where we moored up next to Matt
and Ellie. Ellie was of to work for the evening so the rest of us built a little camp fire and sat outside enjoying the evening air. About half nine we accepted Matt's offer of a pint at the pub (The Swan at Fradley) so wandered up there. A couple of drinks later and the pub closed so we all walked back along the tow path together. I think Rosanne enjoyed some female company for a change as she has been stuck on Almyne with only male company for nearly three months now.Mon, 15 Sep 2008
Hung around for the day. Ellie
worked for the day while the rest of us just chilled out. During the morning the BW guy came along the tow path checking the boat numbers so Matt
set off to Streethay to get a new gas cylinder, but not before he was clocked.
Tue, 16 Sep 2008 9 miles 3 locks 1 swing bridge
Set off at nine, it is going to be a long day to get to Rugeley for shopping and then on to the Hobbit Hole for an anniversary barbecue. Although overcast the trip was very pleasant and we arrived a Rugeley just after four. A quick dive into Morrisons for essential supplies, beer, wine, butter and bread, and the makings of a barbecue. Off to the hobbit hole - where another boat was moored up at our spot.
Pulled over and moored up and explained that we were staying for an anniversary barbecue and we hoped that they did not mind. To be honest I did not care if they minded or not we were staying, but it is polite to make contact. Invited them for a glass of wine, but they declined.
It was beginning to get dark so we assembled all the bits and pieces we wanted to get the barbecue going and arranged everything. Started a gas lamp and in the light of the fire and the gas lamp we spent a wonderful evening eating and enjoying a mild evening in the open. I was going to say the first for a long time, but we spent a nice mild evening in front of a camp fire with Matt
and Ellie just a few days ago.
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16 miles 12 locks
This is likely to be another long day. The intention is to try to get to Penkridge in time for the market, but we realise that we will be pushing it. Set off at nine, Rosanne was still asleep, and stayed that way through Great Haywood junction , past Tixall Wide and on into Baswich, where she woke up. The timing was good as from then on she could take Almyne into the locks while I did the lock wheeling, which made life so much easier.
I have forgotten to say that a lot of the time we are travelling Rosanne is doing the cleaning and polishing inside and when she is not doing that she is making waterproof cushions for the two gas locker lids so that we have something soft to sit on outside. She has finished the first and nearly finished the second.
Arrived in Penkridge too late for the market, so continued on for another hour so that we were out in the countryside again.
On a more sober note, I had a text from Danu today informing me of ARFUR's demise. ARFUR is Richard
's dog and has been around for a very long time, he will be missed by many including myself, D'fer and Rosanne.Thu, 18 Sep 2008 2 miles 3 locks
Woke to brilliant sunshine, the first for a considerable period of time. With the batteries at full charge and no rush I spent most of the day updating the web site and going over previous days to bring them more up to date.
As I was reading over last months pages I started to remember more and more of what had happened and what I had missed out, so it will be worthwhile looking back over August and September to see the new stories and pictures.
There was a BW working boat moored just along from us on the opposite side to the tow path and beside that was a whole bunch of wood neatly cut and stacked waiting for boaters to come and take it away so the guy on the next boat along and I went over and loaded up with firewood. I only collected about six logs, each nine inches in diameter and about three foot long. Doesn't sound a lot but I reckon that it will keep the fire going for nearly a fortnight of evenings, if not more.
Set off towards Autherley junction just after three and stopped just after five, not far but a pleasant journey. Should make the last few miles and no locks to Autherley junction easily tomorrow.
Rosanne has rung Jim
to see if he wants to escort us through the Wolverhampton 21 on Saturday, so that we can moor up in Wednesfield for the weekend and a few more days so that Rosanne can get to the doctors and collect some stuff that she wants and organise her life for the next few weeks on the trip along the Llangollen.
Still not a very good signal so I am still putting off placing the flags on the Google Map but I will catch up one day, if I can remember exactly where we moored up.
Some places will start to have two (or more) flags as I am beginning to go over old ground on the way to new canals.
Just as we were preparing to moor up we went past a hire boat and the guys on board were chopping up little sticks for a fire. One of them shouted over "Want some of that" pointing to the logs on top of Almyne.
Once we were moored up I chose a few of the smaller bits of timber I had (no more than 1½ inches in diameter) and walked down to their boat to give the sticks to them. They were pleased and delighted when I explained that they would never be able to chop the big logs, which was why I had given them the smaller stuff. Apparently their little chopper is a bit blunt.
Lovely sunny evening and and when the light started to fade (about eight) we retired to the salon for a game of cards before retiring for the night.
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 6½ miles
Woke to brilliant sunshine, again, looks as if we might have a bit of summer at last. Lazy start to the day spent mostly updating the web site again, still lots to do but I will get there in the end.
Getting ready to set off and the coal boat arrived, or more properly went past. I hailed him and he pulled over. Five bags of coal at £5.90 each, about two pound a bag cheaper than Devizes and the other boat yards that I have called at.
Set of towards Autherley junction just after midday and had an interesting run down as it was sort of familiar, having done this section before.
On this section there is a narrow cutting, that is about one foot wider than Almyne which goes for just over half a mile. There are several passing points along the way and they are needed. It is this sort of section that gives rise to the expression 'the cut' as it is literally 'cut' into the surrounding rock, shear walls either side covered with moss and some sparse vegetation on the non-towpath side and a narrow towpath with a shear wall beside that.
We passed a couple of boats that had very kindly pulled in to the passing points to let us passed, maybe they spotted us as being beginners!!.
Got to Autherley junction about half three to be greeted by the heron on the signpost again, he seems to spend a lot of time there and is quite unbothered by all the passing people and boats.
Moored up in front of the same boat that we had moored up in front of last time around and got chatting to the guy. It seems he is having troubles with the benefits agency.
Restful evening and early to bed as up early in the morning to do the Wolverhampton 21.
Sat, 20 Sep 2008 5 miles 21 locks
Last time we made this journey it took just over six hours, lets see how long it takes this time.
Jim
arrived just after ten and we set off at half past. We managed to sneak in front of several other boats going up the flight, which was a blessing in disguise as we felt a little bit pressured to hurry.
Most of the time we managed to go at our own pace but occasionally the boats behind sent their crew ahead to help us - I am not sure if it was actually to help us or to hurry us up, whichever way, there was no way that they could overtake us so they might as well have slowed down a bit themselves.
Jim walked on ahead setting the locks while Rosanne and I worked the current lock, Rosanne taking Almyne into the lock and holding it there while I worked the paddles and gates.
All this time D'fer
was rushing from the current lock up to the next lock to see Jim and then back again to make sure that Rosanne and I were OK. By half way up D'fer needed a rest, but only for a few moments before he was off again.
The system worked well and we were clear of the 21 by twenty past one, when we stopped for lunch, corned beef and tomato sandwiches. Set off again at a quarter to three and by half past we were moored up at Wednesfield , just three and three quarter hours travelling, a vast improvement on last time.
Jim set off to get his car while Rosanne and I did a little shopping in the local supermarket for some salady stuff since the weather was so good.
Sitting in Almyne we heard some youngsters outside jollying each other to jump on to Almyne. I popped my head outside and started chatting to them and the young lad admitted that his companions (all girls) were encouraging him to jump on. They started asking questions about living on a narrow-boat so I checked with Rosanne if we were giving guided tours. She agreed so the lad and two of the girls umped aboard for a guided tour by Rosanne. As usual, they were amazed at the extent of the accommodation and comfort and facilities aboard.
By the time Jim got back tea was ready and we all enjoyed chicken and salad, washed down with a glass of wine. Rosanne and Jim went home and I had an unusually early evening, just after ten, and slept in the following morning till ten, nearly twelve hours solid.
Mind you it was a fairly disturbed night with D'fer alternately jumping on to the bed and snuggling up to me and sitting by the back doors howling for Rosanne to come back.
Sun, 21 Sep 2008
Up late after and early night, I really must have needed the rest. Woke with the sun pouring in the window and got up for breakfast of Marmite on toast.
Did a little fishing and a lot of chatting to passers by who wanted to know what it was like living on a narrow boat, keeps me occupied for ages. The audience included the local community constable who was asking as many questions as the civilians about life aboard. I think he will keep an eye on Almyne while I am in the area.
Rosanne left a book on Almyne about Korean Knot craft which I got a bit involved in and tried the first knot in the book. Looks good but I could do with some decent cord to do the knots with.
Took D'fer
for a walk into the shopping precinct where I found a 'Hobby Craft' shop but the still do not stock macrame string, or any other decent cord.
Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11 miles
Leisurely journey from Wednesfield to Sneyd junction to charge the batteries, top up with water and empty the porta pottie, and back.
All this in preparation for my trip to Burbage to collect the Morris and sort out one or two bits and pieces.
Tue, 23 Sep 2008
In to Wolverhampton today, by bus.
I don't do busses very often and it reminded me that bus drivers are trained to accelerate as soon as you are on board and then, just as you are getting your balance again they brake hard. The trip from the front of the bus to the back, where the only vacant seat is, comprises a series of lurches backwards and forwards desperately trying to keep your balance.
Succeeded in getting to a seat unharmed and was thrown into it where I languished in relative comfort until Rosanne told me it was time to alight. Now alighting a bus sounds easy but there is some preparation that needs to be done. First you need to got out of your seat at least two stops before you want to get off. This is to make your way along the length of the bus apologising to all and sundry along the way for bumping and jostling them. The real trick is to arrive at the front of the bus as you are approaching the alighting point, too soon and the driver tells you to get back and not to disturb him, too late and that's it, you've missed your stop. Fortunately Rosanne knows the ropes and we got off at the right stop at the right time.
Wolverhampton market is really rather good. It did take me some time to recover from the bus journey before I could start enjoying it but once I had settled down I threw myself into the throng and joined in with the retail therapy.
The journey back was a little less traumatic having experienced it already today but the bags of purchases caused some difficulty even though the bus was less crowded on the way back compared to the way in.
Rosanne had purchased some mutton at the market and made a mutton stew for the evening meal, it was wonderful, much more tasty than lamb, and there was enough left over for Richard
when he arrived.
Richard turned up about half eight and we sat chatting and drinking till the wee small hours.
Wed, 24 Sep 2008
Jules and Conrad popped along to see us and left us a present of a painted stone and a smudge stick that Jules had made. Chatted for a while before Richard
and I set off to Burbage via The Eagle. Danu may be changing pubs soon.
Arrived at Burbage before nine and had another natter with Richard before he went on his way and I retired to bed.
Thu, 25 Sep 2008
Picked up the Morris and all the documentation. It has passed it's MOT so should be no problems, except that the brakes are non-existent. Funny really, since the Ministry of Transport no longer exists is it possible to get a certificate of noteworthiness from them?
First job is to get the brakes fixed.
Spent the rest of the day mowing the lawn with the strimmer.
Glyn
and Cath turned up around four and we caught up on the news from both ends.
Another early night after wishing them well and seeing them on their way.
Fri, 26 Sep 2008
Set off early to Devizes to get the brakes fixed in time to see mum
and Peter before they set off to a tractor pull.
Got to Kwik-Fit and arranged for them to look at the brakes. The guy there was helpful but had not come across a Morris before and spent the first five minutes looking around under the bonnet. I eventually relented and asked him what he was looking for, was it the master brake cylinder? Yes, he said so I pointed it out to him, in the floor well of the drivers side. Then he jacked the car up and checked all the brake pipes, nothing amiss there. Another five minutes under the bonnet and he asked me where the brake fluid reservoir was. In the floor pan at the drivers side. He topped that up and then turned to me and said that he did not think he could do anything as he has no experience of a Morris and does not have any documentation either. I tried to persuade him to wait and let Peter have a look at it but he told me that company policy would precluded this.
I reversed the car off the ramps and was pleased to find that the brakes worked fine, all they needed was a top up of brake fluid.
Went to see mum and Peter for a while and after they had left to go off on their journey I decided that I would head straight off to see Church in Worthing.
Along the way I called in to all the places that I thought I might find Norkie
, Sharon , Mitch and Chrissy. Eventually found Sharon and spent a few minutes chatting and catching up on news there before Sharon went off to work.
Continued on towards Worthing, calling off to see Les and Joan
on the way, spent half an hour or so with them.
Called Gail and as she was in I arranged to spend the night there. Arrived with a bottle of white (Gail likes white) and a bottle of red (I like red) and stayed up till four nattering. Greg went to bed about two, he is much less of an old woman than I am.
Sat, 27 Sep 2008
Late start, but got to see Church before noon. Collected my new computer and sorted out one or two bits and pieces for Church and then set off to Wednesfield . I had been calculating all the way down how many days it would take me to get from Worthing to Wednesfield and reckoned that I would be able to make it in two days, stopping off at Oxford perhaps.
I really do live on canal time don't I.
Left Worthing just before two and took nearly two hours to get to Chichester. The A27 was closed and all the traffic had been diverted along the A259, what a drag. After that It went smoothly until just north of Oxford. I had planned to avoid all motorways but somehow the only way I could find of getting from Oxford to Banbury was by motorway. Predictably the traffic slowed to a total standstill while two police cars, a couple of ambulances and a couple of fire engines fought their way up through the traffic to an accident further up.
Fortunately it did not cause nearly as much of a hold up as I expected it to. At Banbury I checked the maps and decided that it would be easier to head across to Stratford-upon-Avon and then up the A3400 to Birmingham, where I could get on to the A38 to Wednesfield.
So much for planning. The trip to Stratford-upon-Avon went without hitch, as did the section to Birmingham. Then the signposts disappeared and after driving around in circles for nearly an hour I succumbed and got on to the M6 to Wolverhampton, arriving at Almyne just after nine.
All in all quite a good journey in the Morris.
Sun, 28 Sep 2008
Lazy day, recovering and packing all the goodies I had brought with me away. Set up the new computer, but due to low batteries did not do too much with it yet.
Did a little shopping and prepared to set off towards Llangollen.
Mon, 29 Sep 2008
4 miles 21 locks
Had arranged for Ady
to accompany us down the Wolverhampton 21 but just as we were due to set out he rang and told us the he could not make it due to a bad tummy. While this call came in I was chatting to a guy on the tow path about D'fer , Almyne and life in general.
When I got the news about Ady I jokingly said to this guy, "How would you like to do the Wolverhampton 21 with us"
He leapt at the opportunity and threw his bike aboard and jumped on.
Off we went and fairly flew down the 21 with Richard
operating the locks, Rosanne taking Almyne through, me preparing the locks up ahead and D'fer just mucking in all around, getting under everybody's feet. He just loves to play with your laces when you are in a hurry.
Got to Autherley junction just after five and caught a couple of busses back to Wednesfield to collect the Morris.
KFC for tea - much too tired to cook and an early night.
Tue, 30 Sep 2008
Holed up for the day. Well actually went in to Wednesfield to stock up on basics for the journey to the Llangollen.
Twelve tins beans, twelve tins spaghetti, twelve tins plum tomatoes, six tins chilli, six tins chicken supreme, six tins stewed steak, six tins minced beef, six tins peas, six tins beans, six tins carrots, six tins kidney beans, six cartons orange juice, tea, coffee, long life milk, boxes of tissues, toilet rolls galore and anything else we thought might come in useful where there are no shops for miles around. (Must remember to get dog food before we finally set off).
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