Almyne 2009
Wed, 1 Apr 2009
Catkins
First Heron This Year
5 miles
Leisurely start to the morning, David
cooked breakfast at about ten, after being roused by Kenny. I had been up and creeping around for an hour or so.
We all sat on the stern for a couple of hours, soaking up the sun and watching the world go past until David decided that it was time for them to set off, back to the bungalow.
I pottered around for a while, clearing up after my guests and packing all the bedding in Almyne Too before spending a couple of hours doing internetty stuff.
Eventually set off on my journey towards Welton just after two and moored up a couple of hours later within sight of the junction.
Took a walk towards Welton to see what the moorings are like along the arm, I seem to remember from last year that they are few and far between, I was right. Having said that, there have been improvements since then and the moorings that are available are very good.
Back at Almyne I scouted around for some wood for the fire tonight, not a lot available, I might have to use a little coal.
While I was cutting the few sticks that I had collected a guy called Geoff wandered along from his boat with his dog and we got chatting. He was an environmental scientist and professes that all the publicity we hear about climate change is a load of old balderdash. We chatted about the subject, and others close to it, for an hour or so before I got a little chilly and excused myself to have some dinner, light the fire and settle in for the evening.
Thu, 2 Apr 2009
2 miles 1 lock
Motored down towards Welton. Stopped off at the lock to collect timber for the evening, I missed all the good stuff on the way down, too interested in travelling.
Through the lock, helped by Geoff from yesterday, and moored up. Walked along to the turning and facilities point.
Back at Almyne I unhitched Almyne Too in preparation for the trip to the facilities. It is much easier to 'wind' without Almyne Too.
Tried to contact David, but his phone was 'temporarily out of order', so what's new.
Cooked dinner for myself, if they turn up they will just have to get their own.
If I don't hear from them by the time I am ready to go tomorrow I will just set off towards Market Harborough and they will have to catch up with me as best they can, I need to get to a place where the signal is good, not this flaky one I have at the moment.
Fri, 3 Apr 2009
Yellow Tow Path
Lamb On Tow Path
4½ miles 1 lock
OK, we're off. After a lazy start to the day I set of just after midday, negotiated the first (and only) lock of the day with no problems. Motored along the Welford arm to the junction and turned right (north) towards Market Harborough. About a mile further on I pulled over at the boatyard at North Kilworth Wharf and topped up with diesel, Elsan Blue and changed a gas cylinder.
Got some advice on the Morse controls for Almyne as well. It seems that the return spring on the throttle may be a little too strong, which is why it keeps throttling down all on it's own.
Motored on through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel and about a mile further on spotted nice place to moor up, so pulled over.
To one side there are trees and bushes and to the other are open fields as far as the eye can see, not another human being in sight anywhere. The thought crossed my mind that here you could go sky clad, if that is your want.
I think I might just light a log fire on the tow path this evening and have a can of beer and/or a glass of wine while the sun goes down.
I've travelled about five miles today so probably need to travel some more tomorrow, on the other hand.
While collecting wood for the fire a woman walked past and said hello to D'fer
. Why do so many people know D'fer? We chatted briefly and apparently we had met a few days ago the other side of Welton. She was off on her daily two hour walk with her dog. Asked if she would like a cup of tea on her return, which she thought was a good idea.
Wood collected, I was throwing a ball for D'fer when Heather returned. She decided that a beer would be good, so we both sat on the tow path supping a beer and enjoying the sunset. We chatted for nearly an hour before she went on her way.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Sat, 4 Apr 2009
3½ miles
Just looking for somewhere that David can get to easily by road, so stopped off close to bridge 57, which is accessible by road and fairly easy to describe how to get there.
As is my want, when mooring up somewhere new, took D'fer for a walk to see who and what might be about. One boat moored up about half a mile away was occupied by a guy with a bitch on heat. Ooops, D'fer got the smell and decided that this might be a good place to hang around. Chatted to the guy for a while (he is keeping his dog in a cage for the duration as he doesn't want puppies yet).
Walked back to Almyne with D'fer with no problems but after about twenty minutes he decided to take off. I watched him pelting down the tow path with me yelling and shouting at him all to no avail.
Another walk. Collected D'fer and dragged him back to Almyne and shut him inside for the evening, it was dark by now.
Sun, 5 Apr 2009
A pleasant place to be, so stayed put for the day, waiting for David to contact me.
A staffie from another boat along the way came along to play with D'fer and they chased each other around for a couple of ours till they were both exhausted. I though that this might mean that D'fer would stay put, but no. A ten minute rest and he legged it off down the tow path again. Guess where I found him. WE had another long chat and I gave the guy a fishing float as he had lost his.
Back at Almyne I tied D'fer up and spent the afternoon basking in the sun, reading and doing a little fishing.
David turned up around five ish, cooked an evening meal and we spent the evening watching TV and playing cards.
Mon, 6 Apr 2009
2 miles
Up early, well I was. Unhitched Almyne Too, motored down to the winding hole at Foxton, turned around and came back to Almyne Too. Hitched them both together and did some internetty stuff.
David eventually came too early afternoon.
Tue, 7 Apr 2009
Nice leisurely day doing not a lot. David fished most of the day and caught quite a lot of fish. I just mooched around tidying up and trying to do internetty stuff with a really bad connection.
Wed, 8 Apr 2009
Had a quiet morning waiting for David to wake up, which he managed to do before midday. He did a little fishing, but with loads of debris on the water and a slight breeze he gave up and we set off to Wiltshire about four ish.
Arrived with no major problems and settled in for the night.
Thu, 9 Apr 2009
Left Burbage in time to get to my appointment in Devizes and get some LPG at Catleys (a gas supplier). Unfortunately their gas dispenser was out of order, so had to give that a miss.
Got back to Almyne in time for a leisurely evening meal and an early night.
Fri, 10 Apr 2009
Kingfisher
6½ miles 10 locks
Off to Market Harborough today, set off bright and early and arrived at the flight of ten before noon. The lock keeper let me straight in but told me to wait at the hallway point as he has seven coming up in the other direction.
Lots of people wanted to help with the gates, which was good, but I would not let them help with filling and emptying the locks, too much chance of them getting it wrong and damaging Almyne.
Waited at the halfway mark for about an hour, time enough for a cup of tea and a bite to eat.
When the last of the seven on their way up was past I continued on through the bottom flight of five.
Made a right mess of leaving the last lock and turning right into the Market Harborough arm as D'fer decided that he was not going to get on Almyne, which meant that I had to turn left instead of right when left the lock. This left me stuck on the left hand bank trying hard to manoeuvre to the right amongst many other boats and in a restricted are anyway. Made it in the end, and then had to negotiate a swing bridge that has the operation o the opposite side to the tow path. Persuaded a passer by to do it for me.
One more swing bridge (again I got someone else to operate it for me) and into the MH arm proper.
Motored for a mile or so and took a break for tea and toast.
Off again and arrived at my designated destination just before six, good timing.
Sat, 11 Apr 2009
11 miles
Took a trip from Market Harborough to Foxton locks and back, just for the hell of it. Mostly overcast for most of the day but the sun did try and break through late afternoon.
Met Chrissie
and Richard
at Foxton, they have some relations with them and are going up through the flight, but there is a three hour wait at the moment. They won't be back till tomorrow.
Sun, 12 Apr 2009
4 miles
Hitched up Almyne Too and set off towards Foxton to see if I can find a better signal so that I can update the site and do some internetty stuff.
The change from day to day at the moment is striking. Today there were a couple of trees that were laden with flowers that were not there yesterday. Doing the same stretch for a few days shows just how quickly spring races up on us.
Checked the signal while I was travelling and stopped as soon as it looked good.
Quick bite to eat for lunch and 'back to work'.
Got a fair bit of internetty stuff done and found some wood for the fire.
Mon, 13 Apr 2009
3 miles
Up early and let D'fer out for his morning perambulation. Did the engine checks, tidied up and had breakfast. No D'fer.
Set off anyway as I suspected that I would find him somewhere along the tow path and he could do with a good shock.
I hadn't been going for more than ten minutes when my phone rang. "Have you lost a dog?'
Someone had found him wandering around at Foxton locks, a mile and a half away. Arranged to get there as fast as I could. Just approaching Foxton junction and a guy appeared walking along the pow path with D'fer on a lead. They jumped on board and I gave him a lift back to Foxton. Carried on along the Leicester arm for a couple of miles and found a good place to moor up.
From now on D'fer is on a lead for a few days, he won't like it much but I do not want to lose him again.
D'fer did some swimming in the afternoon and we both went for a long walk. I want to learn the names of the flowers and trees along the tow path and although I have a couple of books they do not seem to be much help. I think I might need 'The Observers Book of Waterside plants' if it exists.
Pleasant evening just mooching about doing a bit of this and a bit of that.
Tue, 14 Apr 2009
A really nice spot, loads of wood about for the fire and a nice big field for D'fer to play in as well as a spot where he can go swimming.
Everything I need to chill out for a few days, as if I don't spend most of my time chilling out anyway.
Wed, 15 Apr 2009
With the weather improving on a daily basis my requirement for wood is diminishing, but it is still good to have it available. Just mooched around, looking for a piece of bark would you believe. I have enrolled on a couple of courses over the internet and one of then requires that I find a piece of bark about seven inches by fifteen inches. Not much chance of that as all the big bits of wood get taken by boaters of the fire. But it was fun looking.
Thu, 16 Apr 2009
My First Ducklings Of The Year
4 miles
Another lazy day. Took a trip along the canal to turn round, ready for the trip back through Foxton locks. At the winding hole I was accosted and quizzed about Almyne Too. The gentleman was very interested and wanted to buy her. I considered and gave him a price, which he did not baulk at. If I can sell her, for a profit, I think I will. Don't really need her any more.
Fri, 17 Apr 2009
3 miles 10 locks
Up early, time to move on.
Motored along to the bottom of Foxton locks and checked with the lock keeper if it was OK to carry on. I was lucky and started off straight away.
Because Foxton is a set of staircase locks, boats can only travel in one direction. If more than one boat sets off from either end they get to a point where they just cannot pass each other.
Anyway, did the first lock on my own and then one of the lock keepers came along and assisted me by operating the paddles for me, made the trip much easier.
Once through I motored along to where the ambulance is parked and went into market Harborough to do some shopping. Got every thing that I wanted except for some candles and Maple Syrup.
Back at Almyne I remembered why I had moved the other side of Foxton, the signal here is atrocious. I will move the ambulance the other side of Foxton and go back down again in the next day or so.
Put dinner on and walked back to the ambulance to get a bag of stones. On the way back to Almyne got chatting to a guy called Merrick. He is walking the canals. Today he has gone from Northampton to here,quite a way. He is practising for a long walk, Scotland to London and then a walk called 'The Walk of Death' from one side of Holland to the other in a week or less. About seventy miles a day. Good luck to him.
Sat, 18 Apr 2009
D'fer
Such a gorgeous day I didn't go anywhere, soaked up the sun, cleaned Almyne from front to back, varnished some stones, chopped some kindling. Doesn't sound much but it kept me busy all day.
Unhitched Almyne read for the trip down the flight again tomorrow, need a better signal.
Late afternoon I moved the ambulance to a spot about half a mile from the flight at Foxton, ready to collect tomorrow and move to Debdale Wharf, my eventual destination.
Walked back, ate dinner and went to bed.
Sun, 19 Apr 2009
Foxton Turning At Night
Didn't Know Coots Nested In Trees
5 miles 10 locks
Back through the flight again. With Almyne Too unhitched I went down to the winding hole, turned around and back to pick up Almyne Too. Then set off to the flight at Foxton. Wile waiting for a slot in the queue (there wasn't a queue actually but it fits my purpose to pretend that there was) I filled up with water.
Once topped up I set off down the flight. Completed without incident, with the lock keepers assistance for the first five and on my own for the second five.
Pulled over just around the bend from the junction, almost within sight of the flight and had a bite to eat.
Set off to collect the ambulance. It was where I left it. Drove to Debdale Wharf bridge, by an extremely circuitous route. Another way of saying I got lost again.
With the ambulance safely parked I walked back to Almyne, with D'fer I might add, and prepared dinner. Although the signal here is much stronger it seems to be affected by atmospherics as it cuts me off for no reason at all from time to time.
Mon, 20 Apr 2009
Absolutely gorgeous day, so I stayed put enjoying the peace and quiet. Breakfast on the stern just after eight set me up for a good day.
Having done the flight at Foxton so many times and no photos to show for it I decided to walk back up the flight and take some piccies.
Took one from the top of the flight looking down which gives some idea of the steepness of the drop.
The other is a view of the inside of one of the staircases but not enough room to get it in today's, so it appears in tomorrows section.
Tue, 21 Apr 2009
Inside A Staircase
Foxton From The Top
1 mile
Thinking about the impending journey from here, down to Worthing, across to Burbage , over to Devizes and then back here I decided that I would make it a three day trip. Today to Burbage, Wednesday to Worthing and back, Thursday. Devizes and back to here. Seems sensible.
Motored up to where I had parked the ambulance and moored up opposite the marina and boat yard. Called in to the boat yard to enquire about getting the bottom of Almyne blacked, it needs to be done this year. Wonder of wonders, they have a slot for the week after Rockingham festival, so it is quite convenient. Booked Almyne in.
Jumped in to the ambulance about midday and set off towards Burbage. Checked the water a couple of times and it was fine, but just after Newbury it started getting very hot. The radiator had sprung a proper leak. Topped up and drove carefully and nursed it to Burbage.
David immediately set to and had a look at the ambulance radiator and cured at least one leak. Between us we looked at the starter motor for the Morris but nothing going there, I need a new one.
Blynda
arrived while we were doing this and between us we decided that David would go back to Blynda's for the night so that he could sort out some paperwork and appointments and then look for a starter motor for the Morris on Wednesday. They would return Wednesday evening, so off they went.
Early night for me as an early start in the morning.
Wed, 22 Apr 2009
With the ambulance playing up yesterday I set off early to go to Worthing, six o'clock. Got to Hungerford and topped up with water. Carried on to Newbury and topped up again, but less this time.
Got to Worthing about half ten stopping several times o the way to top up with water. The really bad leak seems to have been cured, but it still leaks enough to be a pain in the butt.
Sorted out the various bits and pieces I need to do in Worthing and returned to Burbage for an early night and to prepare for the journey back to Almyne tomorrow.
Thu, 23 Apr 2009
Delivery By Dray
Up early, packed up the ambulance and off to the doctors. I'm booked in for the 'take a break from smoking clinic' in a fortnights time, just to see what help is available.
On to Devizes. upgraded my phone and then back to Almyne.
Due to meet Kath
at Market Harborough station at 4:16, but with the way the ambulance is playing up I'm a bit worried about getting there on time.
Made it with ten minutes to spare in the end.
I think both Kath and I were a little apprehensive about the meeting but it went off much easier that I had expected.
Then I had to find my way back to Almyne along the little country roads that I have only travelled on twice before, and got lost both times.
Chicken and mushroom pie, with mashed potatoes and carrots for dinner. I think I overcooked everything because we were so engrossed chatting to each other that I completely forgot about food.
Eventually got some shut eye in the wee small hours.
Fri, 24 Apr 2009
6 miles 6 locks 1 tunnel
Kath loves travelling as much as I do so we set off northwards just for the hell of it after a bacon butty for breakfast. Anyway, it felt a bit crowded moored up at the wharf.
Brilliant sunny day, shorts and sandals weather, which made for really nice travelling. Through Saddington tunnel, which looked a lot shorter than it's 808 yards from the entrance, and on to the first of five locks. Kath took Almyne through while I did the lock wheeling. I was surprised that the locks here are wide locks as up until now they have been narrow. Don't remember that from last year.
Did all five, turned around and back through one of them to moor up for the night. Very pleasant evening chatting and finding out about each other.
Sat, 25 Apr 2009
Relaxing In The Sun
4 miles 4 locks 1 tunnel
Overcast and cloudy and a little rain to start the day with, so we had a lazy morning. About midday a boat came along going in our direction, so we set off to share the locks with them. The boat was called Kingfisher, and I have a funny feeling that it was the same one that rammed me last year.
Shared the next four locks with them and let them shoot ahead once we left the last one as they were in a hurry (surprise surprise).
They were heading off to Debdale Wharf to have some work done on their boat. Apparently, someone rammed them last year and on initial inspection there was no damage, but the collision split their diesel tank and it now lets in water.
Kath took Almyne through the locks while I and the guy from Kingfisher worked the locks. I should not have been surprised at how well Kath
managed as she does have her own boat, Destiny, nearly twenty feet longer than Almyne.
Through Saddington Tunnel, which seemed a lot longer this way round, and moored up just after the aqueduct where there is a tiny offshoot to the west. Just big enough for a single boat and I am sure that nothing over 45 ft would be able to negotiate the turn into it. Anyway, pulled over and moored up for some lunch and a little bit of relaxing in the sun, well that was the intention, but D'fer had other ideas, an ideal place for him to swim. He kept leaping in the water, swimming across to the other side and then barking at us to go and get him. Great game.
Started off again about five ish and got to our destination about half six, a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Kath did chicken breasts roasted with a maple syrup coating, with mashed potatoes, butternut squash, cauliflower and broccoli. Fairly early night as we have to be up early in the morning to get Kath to the train on time.
Sun, 26 Apr 2009
2½ miles
Off just after eight. Down to Foxton junction, turned around and back to Debdale Wharf.
Refreshments sat on the back of Almyne while waiting to take Kath to the train station for her train. Kath
took some pictures of Almyne Too so that Scott
could see them.
Half ten, set off to the station so that Kath could get home in time to see Scott and Kaia
before bed time this evening.
Said goodbye to Kath and went into Market Harborough to do some shopping. Stocked up on meat for a few days and also got a butternut squash, I so enjoyed the one that Kath cooked for us.
Spent most of the afternoon updating the web site and saying goodbye to my dating site friends, after all it would not be fair to continue on the site if I am going to get serious with Kath .
Got to about six and I realised that the batteries were running a bit low, so moved off along the cut about three hundred yards to where I could run the engine without bothering those people who live aboard at the marina and settled in for the evening. I admit I have bought some junk food for this evening, a pizza from the supermarket, but I don't eat junk food often.
Mon, 27 Apr 2009
1 mile
Or maybe not even that. Woke up to the gentle pitter patter of rain on the cratch cover, so decided to not bother waking up after all and went back to sleep.
Eventually roused myself sometime after midday to listen to the rain again. Not that it is unpleasant, it's just that I cannot do much outside when it is raining. The good thing about it is that it washes the air clean, so it should be fresh and wholesome tomorrow.
Spent most of the afternoon doing some research and have come up with a possible plan, I like having plans.
About five, the rain having subsided, I decided that I would move on, even if not very far, so set off under a breaking sky, the sun trying to peek through. It didn't make a very good job of it though. Moored up after about a mile and put dinner on, liver and kidneys with bacon cooked in onions, celery and basil leaves with a glass of red wine, accompanied by potatoes, butternut squash and carrots. I forgot to put the cauliflower and broccoli on, still I can have that tomorrow.
Dinner over I lit the fire, as it was getting a little chilly, and settled down to an evening of Radio Seven and some more research.
Tue, 28 Apr 2009
5 miles
See, the rain did wash the air clean. Lovely day and I spent the morning just enjoying the outside, fishing. Caught a few, but it didn't matter.
During the afternoon I went up to the winding hole, turned around and motored back to the boat yard, popped in and paid for the bottom blacking, which is due to be carried out next week.
From there I carried on to my favourite mooring point in this stretch of the canal and settled down for the evening.
Lunch was half a quiche with chips, and dinner was half a quiche with mashed potatoes, butternut squash, carrots and this time I remembered the broccoli and cauliflower.
Wed, 29 Apr 2009
2 miles
Down to Foxton junction again, topped up with water and got rid of the accumulated rubbish.
While I was there I wandered up to the locks to try to find someone who could tell me the name of this canal. Now that may seem a strange thing to want to know as all the books and canal side information boards refer to it as the Leicester arm of the Grand Union Canal, but all the mile posts and markers have 'G J C Co' on them, rather than 'G U C Co'.
For a long time I thought that there was a mistake on the casting of these markers and that the top of one arm on the U had got chopped off.
Now G U C Co stands for Grand Union Canal company, but G J C Co stands for Grand Junction Canal Company. So which is it?
Anyway, no one there seemed to know, so that will have to wait for another day.
From there back to my favourite spot for the afternoon and then about five off to the boat yard to get ready to go to Rockingham tomorrow and make sure that they have a set of keys in case I am not back in time on Tuesday for them to start work.
Liver and kidneys cooked in onions, celery and tomatoes with some fresh basil and a little garlic salt accompanied by mashed potatoes butternut squash and carrots and broccoli.
Quiet evening updating site and an early to bed.
Thu, 30 Apr 2009
Today is the start of Rockingham preparation. Richard
is due there at about ten, so up early, breakfast and ready to go by eight. Got a call just after ten to say that he would be there mid afternoon.
Mooched around for a while trying to prepare Almyne for guests, Kath Scott
and Kaia
are joining me for the weekend and I am due to collect them from the train station about twelve minutes past four.
Richard rang with an updated ETA, nearer four than two, so decided to collect the guests and then carry on to Rockingham.
As it turned out, there were two trains leaving Leicester, one at three fifty nine, going express to London and one at three fifty three going to Market Harborough, both from the same platform.
Unfortunately the three fifty three was late and there was no announcement to that effect, so my guests suddenly found themselves being whisked off to London where they had to catch the next train back to Market Harborough.
Having had a phone call to that effect (it is not often I say this, but thank goodness for mobile phones) I went to Rockingham, by way of the supermarket to get some food, (Richard usually forgets to feed the troops in the heat of the moment) to help Richard and co assemble the marquis.
Some of you will know Don Kie, a big lad, and Taz is nearly as generous in proportions, and it is their task to do the heavy work. I just swan around moving this and that so that it is accessible when needed and being Richard's 'memory' for all the little thing that need doing. My other task is to make sure that everyone is happy with food and drinks. The marquis was nearly complete when I got a call to say that my guests were arriving at MH at six twenty, so hot footed it to the train station again (the troops had been fed).
Collected my new 'family' and went shopping, for food for the evening.
Back at Almyne we settled in and went over the days disasters had something to eat and re-arranged Almyne to accommodate four, quite a task.
Catkins
First Heron This Year
5 miles
Leisurely start to the morning, David
cooked breakfast at about ten, after being roused by Kenny. I had been up and creeping around for an hour or so.
We all sat on the stern for a couple of hours, soaking up the sun and watching the world go past until David decided that it was time for them to set off, back to the bungalow.
I pottered around for a while, clearing up after my guests and packing all the bedding in Almyne Too before spending a couple of hours doing internetty stuff.
Eventually set off on my journey towards Welton just after two and moored up a couple of hours later within sight of the junction.
Took a walk towards Welton to see what the moorings are like along the arm, I seem to remember from last year that they are few and far between, I was right. Having said that, there have been improvements since then and the moorings that are available are very good.
Back at Almyne I scouted around for some wood for the fire tonight, not a lot available, I might have to use a little coal.
While I was cutting the few sticks that I had collected a guy called Geoff wandered along from his boat with his dog and we got chatting. He was an environmental scientist and professes that all the publicity we hear about climate change is a load of old balderdash. We chatted about the subject, and others close to it, for an hour or so before I got a little chilly and excused myself to have some dinner, light the fire and settle in for the evening.
Thu, 2 Apr 2009
2 miles 1 lock
Motored down towards Welton. Stopped off at the lock to collect timber for the evening, I missed all the good stuff on the way down, too interested in travelling.
Through the lock, helped by Geoff from yesterday, and moored up. Walked along to the turning and facilities point.
Back at Almyne I unhitched Almyne Too in preparation for the trip to the facilities. It is much easier to 'wind' without Almyne Too.
Tried to contact David, but his phone was 'temporarily out of order', so what's new.
Cooked dinner for myself, if they turn up they will just have to get their own.
If I don't hear from them by the time I am ready to go tomorrow I will just set off towards Market Harborough and they will have to catch up with me as best they can, I need to get to a place where the signal is good, not this flaky one I have at the moment.
Fri, 3 Apr 2009
Yellow Tow Path
Lamb On Tow Path
4½ miles 1 lock
OK, we're off. After a lazy start to the day I set of just after midday, negotiated the first (and only) lock of the day with no problems. Motored along the Welford arm to the junction and turned right (north) towards Market Harborough. About a mile further on I pulled over at the boatyard at North Kilworth Wharf and topped up with diesel, Elsan Blue and changed a gas cylinder.
Got some advice on the Morse controls for Almyne as well. It seems that the return spring on the throttle may be a little too strong, which is why it keeps throttling down all on it's own.
Motored on through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel and about a mile further on spotted nice place to moor up, so pulled over.
To one side there are trees and bushes and to the other are open fields as far as the eye can see, not another human being in sight anywhere. The thought crossed my mind that here you could go sky clad, if that is your want.
I think I might just light a log fire on the tow path this evening and have a can of beer and/or a glass of wine while the sun goes down.
I've travelled about five miles today so probably need to travel some more tomorrow, on the other hand.
While collecting wood for the fire a woman walked past and said hello to D'fer
. Why do so many people know D'fer? We chatted briefly and apparently we had met a few days ago the other side of Welton. She was off on her daily two hour walk with her dog. Asked if she would like a cup of tea on her return, which she thought was a good idea.
Wood collected, I was throwing a ball for D'fer when Heather returned. She decided that a beer would be good, so we both sat on the tow path supping a beer and enjoying the sunset. We chatted for nearly an hour before she went on her way.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Sat, 4 Apr 2009
3½ miles
Just looking for somewhere that David
can get to easily by road, so stopped off close to bridge 57, which is accessible by road and fairly easy to describe how to get there.
As is my want, when mooring up somewhere new, took D'fer
for a walk to see who and what might be about. One boat moored up about half a mile away was occupied by a guy with a bitch on heat. Ooops, D'fer got the smell and decided that this might be a good place to hang around. Chatted to the guy for a while (he is keeping his dog in a cage for the duration as he doesn't want puppies yet).
Walked back to Almyne with D'fer with no problems but after about twenty minutes he decided to take off. I watched him pelting down the tow path with me yelling and shouting at him all to no avail.
Another walk. Collected D'fer and dragged him back to Almyne and shut him inside for the evening, it was dark by now.
Sun, 5 Apr 2009
A pleasant place to be, so stayed put for the day, waiting for David
to contact me.
A staffie from another boat along the way came along to play with D'fer
and they chased each other around for a couple of ours till they were both exhausted. I though that this might mean that D'fer would stay put, but no. A ten minute rest and he legged it off down the tow path again. Guess where I found him. WE had another long chat and I gave the guy a fishing float as he had lost his.
Back at Almyne I tied D'fer up and spent the afternoon basking in the sun, reading and doing a little fishing.
David turned up around five ish, cooked an evening meal and we spent the evening watching TV and playing cards.
Mon, 6 Apr 2009
2 miles
Up early, well I was. Unhitched Almyne Too, motored down to the winding hole at Foxton, turned around and came back to Almyne Too. Hitched them both together and did some internetty stuff.
David
eventually came too early afternoon.Tue, 7 Apr 2009
Nice leisurely day doing not a lot. David
fished most of the day and caught quite a lot of fish. I just mooched around tidying up and trying to do internetty stuff with a really bad connection.Wed, 8 Apr 2009
Had a quiet morning waiting for David
to wake up, which he managed to do before midday. He did a little fishing, but with loads of debris on the water and a slight breeze he gave up and we set off to Wiltshire about four ish.
Arrived with no major problems and settled in for the night.
Thu, 9 Apr 2009
Left Burbage in time to get to my appointment in Devizes and get some LPG at Catleys (a gas supplier). Unfortunately their gas dispenser was out of order, so had to give that a miss.
Got back to Almyne in time for a leisurely evening meal and an early night.
Fri, 10 Apr 2009
Kingfisher
6½ miles 10 locks
Off to Market Harborough today, set off bright and early and arrived at the flight of ten before noon. The lock keeper let me straight in but told me to wait at the hallway point as he has seven coming up in the other direction.
Lots of people wanted to help with the gates, which was good, but I would not let them help with filling and emptying the locks, too much chance of them getting it wrong and damaging Almyne.
Waited at the halfway mark for about an hour, time enough for a cup of tea and a bite to eat.
When the last of the seven on their way up was past I continued on through the bottom flight of five.
Made a right mess of leaving the last lock and turning right into the Market Harborough arm as D'fer
decided that he was not going to get on Almyne, which meant that I had to turn left instead of right when left the lock. This left me stuck on the left hand bank trying hard to manoeuvre to the right amongst many other boats and in a restricted are anyway. Made it in the end, and then had to negotiate a swing bridge that has the operation o the opposite side to the tow path. Persuaded a passer by to do it for me.
One more swing bridge (again I got someone else to operate it for me) and into the MH arm proper.
Motored for a mile or so and took a break for tea and toast.
Off again and arrived at my designated destination just before six, good timing.
Sat, 11 Apr 2009
11 miles
Took a trip from Market Harborough to Foxton locks and back, just for the hell of it. Mostly overcast for most of the day but the sun did try and break through late afternoon.
Met Chrissie
and Richard
at Foxton, they have some relations with them and are going up through the flight, but there is a three hour wait at the moment. They won't be back till tomorrow.
Sun, 12 Apr 2009
4 miles
Hitched up Almyne Too and set off towards Foxton to see if I can find a better signal so that I can update the site and do some internetty stuff.
The change from day to day at the moment is striking. Today there were a couple of trees that were laden with flowers that were not there yesterday. Doing the same stretch for a few days shows just how quickly spring races up on us.
Checked the signal while I was travelling and stopped as soon as it looked good.
Quick bite to eat for lunch and 'back to work'.
Got a fair bit of internetty stuff done and found some wood for the fire.
Mon, 13 Apr 2009
3 miles
Up early and let D'fer
out for his morning perambulation. Did the engine checks, tidied up and had breakfast. No D'fer.
Set off anyway as I suspected that I would find him somewhere along the tow path and he could do with a good shock.
I hadn't been going for more than ten minutes when my phone rang. "Have you lost a dog?'
Someone had found him wandering around at Foxton locks, a mile and a half away. Arranged to get there as fast as I could. Just approaching Foxton junction and a guy appeared walking along the pow path with D'fer on a lead. They jumped on board and I gave him a lift back to Foxton. Carried on along the Leicester arm for a couple of miles and found a good place to moor up.
From now on D'fer is on a lead for a few days, he won't like it much but I do not want to lose him again.
D'fer did some swimming in the afternoon and we both went for a long walk. I want to learn the names of the flowers and trees along the tow path and although I have a couple of books they do not seem to be much help. I think I might need 'The Observers Book of Waterside plants' if it exists.
Pleasant evening just mooching about doing a bit of this and a bit of that.
Tue, 14 Apr 2009
A really nice spot, loads of wood about for the fire and a nice big field for D'fer
to play in as well as a spot where he can go swimming.
Everything I need to chill out for a few days, as if I don't spend most of my time chilling out anyway.
Wed, 15 Apr 2009
With the weather improving on a daily basis my requirement for wood is diminishing, but it is still good to have it available. Just mooched around, looking for a piece of bark would you believe. I have enrolled on a couple of courses over the internet and one of then requires that I find a piece of bark about seven inches by fifteen inches. Not much chance of that as all the big bits of wood get taken by boaters of the fire. But it was fun looking.
Thu, 16 Apr 2009
My First Ducklings Of The Year
4 miles
Another lazy day. Took a trip along the canal to turn round, ready for the trip back through Foxton locks. At the winding hole I was accosted and quizzed about Almyne Too. The gentleman was very interested and wanted to buy her. I considered and gave him a price, which he did not baulk at. If I can sell her, for a profit, I think I will. Don't really need her any more.
Fri, 17 Apr 2009
3 miles 10 locks
Up early, time to move on.
Motored along to the bottom of Foxton locks and checked with the lock keeper if it was OK to carry on. I was lucky and started off straight away.
Because Foxton is a set of staircase locks, boats can only travel in one direction. If more than one boat sets off from either end they get to a point where they just cannot pass each other.
Anyway, did the first lock on my own and then one of the lock keepers came along and assisted me by operating the paddles for me, made the trip much easier.
Once through I motored along to where the ambulance is parked and went into market Harborough to do some shopping. Got every thing that I wanted except for some candles and Maple Syrup.
Back at Almyne I remembered why I had moved the other side of Foxton, the signal here is atrocious. I will move the ambulance the other side of Foxton and go back down again in the next day or so.
Put dinner on and walked back to the ambulance to get a bag of stones. On the way back to Almyne got chatting to a guy called Merrick. He is walking the canals. Today he has gone from Northampton to here,quite a way. He is practising for a long walk, Scotland to London and then a walk called 'The Walk of Death' from one side of Holland to the other in a week or less. About seventy miles a day. Good luck to him.
Sat, 18 Apr 2009
D'fer
Such a gorgeous day I didn't go anywhere, soaked up the sun, cleaned Almyne from front to back, varnished some stones, chopped some kindling. Doesn't sound much but it kept me busy all day.
Unhitched Almyne read for the trip down the flight again tomorrow, need a better signal.
Late afternoon I moved the ambulance to a spot about half a mile from the flight at Foxton, ready to collect tomorrow and move to Debdale Wharf, my eventual destination.
Walked back, ate dinner and went to bed.
Sun, 19 Apr 2009
Foxton Turning At Night
Didn't Know Coots Nested In Trees
5 miles 10 locks
Back through the flight again. With Almyne Too unhitched I went down to the winding hole, turned around and back to pick up Almyne Too. Then set off to the flight at Foxton. Wile waiting for a slot in the queue (there wasn't a queue actually but it fits my purpose to pretend that there was) I filled up with water.
Once topped up I set off down the flight. Completed without incident, with the lock keepers assistance for the first five and on my own for the second five.
Pulled over just around the bend from the junction, almost within sight of the flight and had a bite to eat.
Set off to collect the ambulance. It was where I left it. Drove to Debdale Wharf bridge, by an extremely circuitous route. Another way of saying I got lost again.
With the ambulance safely parked I walked back to Almyne, with D'fer
I might add, and prepared dinner. Although the signal here is much stronger it seems to be affected by atmospherics as it cuts me off for no reason at all from time to time.
Mon, 20 Apr 2009
Absolutely gorgeous day, so I stayed put enjoying the peace and quiet. Breakfast on the stern just after eight set me up for a good day.
Having done the flight at Foxton so many times and no photos to show for it I decided to walk back up the flight and take some piccies.
Took one from the top of the flight looking down which gives some idea of the steepness of the drop.
The other is a view of the inside of one of the staircases but not enough room to get it in today's, so it appears in tomorrows section.
Tue, 21 Apr 2009
Inside A Staircase
Foxton From The Top
1 mile
Thinking about the impending journey from here, down to Worthing, across to Burbage , over to Devizes and then back here I decided that I would make it a three day trip. Today to Burbage, Wednesday to Worthing and back, Thursday. Devizes and back to here. Seems sensible.
Motored up to where I had parked the ambulance and moored up opposite the marina and boat yard. Called in to the boat yard to enquire about getting the bottom of Almyne blacked, it needs to be done this year. Wonder of wonders, they have a slot for the week after Rockingham festival, so it is quite convenient. Booked Almyne in.
Jumped in to the ambulance about midday and set off towards Burbage. Checked the water a couple of times and it was fine, but just after Newbury it started getting very hot. The radiator had sprung a proper leak. Topped up and drove carefully and nursed it to Burbage.
David
immediately set to and had a look at the ambulance radiator and cured at least one leak. Between us we looked at the starter motor for the Morris but nothing going there, I need a new one.
Blynda
arrived while we were doing this and between us we decided that David would go back to Blynda's for the night so that he could sort out some paperwork and appointments and then look for a starter motor for the Morris on Wednesday. They would return Wednesday evening, so off they went.
Early night for me as an early start in the morning.
Wed, 22 Apr 2009
With the ambulance playing up yesterday I set off early to go to Worthing, six o'clock. Got to Hungerford and topped up with water. Carried on to Newbury and topped up again, but less this time.
Got to Worthing about half ten stopping several times o the way to top up with water. The really bad leak seems to have been cured, but it still leaks enough to be a pain in the butt.
Sorted out the various bits and pieces I need to do in Worthing and returned to Burbage for an early night and to prepare for the journey back to Almyne tomorrow.
Thu, 23 Apr 2009
Delivery By Dray
Up early, packed up the ambulance and off to the doctors. I'm booked in for the 'take a break from smoking clinic' in a fortnights time, just to see what help is available.
On to Devizes. upgraded my phone and then back to Almyne.
Due to meet Kath
at Market Harborough station at 4:16, but with the way the ambulance is playing up I'm a bit worried about getting there on time.
Made it with ten minutes to spare in the end.
I think both Kath and I were a little apprehensive about the meeting but it went off much easier that I had expected.
Then I had to find my way back to Almyne along the little country roads that I have only travelled on twice before, and got lost both times.
Chicken and mushroom pie, with mashed potatoes and carrots for dinner. I think I overcooked everything because we were so engrossed chatting to each other that I completely forgot about food.
Eventually got some shut eye in the wee small hours.
Fri, 24 Apr 2009
6 miles 6 locks 1 tunnel
Kath
loves travelling as much as I do so we set off northwards just for the hell of it after a bacon butty for breakfast. Anyway, it felt a bit crowded moored up at the wharf.
Brilliant sunny day, shorts and sandals weather, which made for really nice travelling. Through Saddington tunnel, which looked a lot shorter than it's 808 yards from the entrance, and on to the first of five locks. Kath took Almyne through while I did the lock wheeling. I was surprised that the locks here are wide locks as up until now they have been narrow. Don't remember that from last year.
Did all five, turned around and back through one of them to moor up for the night. Very pleasant evening chatting and finding out about each other.
Sat, 25 Apr 2009
Relaxing In The Sun
4 miles 4 locks 1 tunnel
Overcast and cloudy and a little rain to start the day with, so we had a lazy morning. About midday a boat came along going in our direction, so we set off to share the locks with them. The boat was called Kingfisher, and I have a funny feeling that it was the same one that rammed me last year.
Shared the next four locks with them and let them shoot ahead once we left the last one as they were in a hurry (surprise surprise).
They were heading off to Debdale Wharf to have some work done on their boat. Apparently, someone rammed them last year and on initial inspection there was no damage, but the collision split their diesel tank and it now lets in water.
Kath
took Almyne through the locks while I and the guy from Kingfisher worked the locks. I should not have been surprised at how well Kath
managed as she does have her own boat, Destiny, nearly twenty feet longer than Almyne.
Through Saddington Tunnel, which seemed a lot longer this way round, and moored up just after the aqueduct where there is a tiny offshoot to the west. Just big enough for a single boat and I am sure that nothing over 45 ft would be able to negotiate the turn into it. Anyway, pulled over and moored up for some lunch and a little bit of relaxing in the sun, well that was the intention, but D'fer
had other ideas, an ideal place for him to swim. He kept leaping in the water, swimming across to the other side and then barking at us to go and get him. Great game.
Started off again about five ish and got to our destination about half six, a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Kath did chicken breasts roasted with a maple syrup coating, with mashed potatoes, butternut squash, cauliflower and broccoli. Fairly early night as we have to be up early in the morning to get Kath to the train on time.
Sun, 26 Apr 2009
2½ miles
Off just after eight. Down to Foxton junction, turned around and back to Debdale Wharf.
Refreshments sat on the back of Almyne while waiting to take Kath
to the train station for her train. Kath
took some pictures of Almyne Too so that Scott
could see them.
Half ten, set off to the station so that Kath could get home in time to see Scott and Kaia
before bed time this evening.
Said goodbye to Kath and went into Market Harborough to do some shopping. Stocked up on meat for a few days and also got a butternut squash, I so enjoyed the one that Kath cooked for us.
Spent most of the afternoon updating the web site and saying goodbye to my dating site friends, after all it would not be fair to continue on the site if I am going to get serious with Kath .
Got to about six and I realised that the batteries were running a bit low, so moved off along the cut about three hundred yards to where I could run the engine without bothering those people who live aboard at the marina and settled in for the evening. I admit I have bought some junk food for this evening, a pizza from the supermarket, but I don't eat junk food often.
Mon, 27 Apr 2009
1 mile
Or maybe not even that. Woke up to the gentle pitter patter of rain on the cratch cover, so decided to not bother waking up after all and went back to sleep.
Eventually roused myself sometime after midday to listen to the rain again. Not that it is unpleasant, it's just that I cannot do much outside when it is raining. The good thing about it is that it washes the air clean, so it should be fresh and wholesome tomorrow.
Spent most of the afternoon doing some research and have come up with a possible plan, I like having plans.
About five, the rain having subsided, I decided that I would move on, even if not very far, so set off under a breaking sky, the sun trying to peek through. It didn't make a very good job of it though. Moored up after about a mile and put dinner on, liver and kidneys with bacon cooked in onions, celery and basil leaves with a glass of red wine, accompanied by potatoes, butternut squash and carrots. I forgot to put the cauliflower and broccoli on, still I can have that tomorrow.
Dinner over I lit the fire, as it was getting a little chilly, and settled down to an evening of Radio Seven and some more research.
Tue, 28 Apr 2009
5 miles
See, the rain did wash the air clean. Lovely day and I spent the morning just enjoying the outside, fishing. Caught a few, but it didn't matter.
During the afternoon I went up to the winding hole, turned around and motored back to the boat yard, popped in and paid for the bottom blacking, which is due to be carried out next week.
From there I carried on to my favourite mooring point in this stretch of the canal and settled down for the evening.
Lunch was half a quiche with chips, and dinner was half a quiche with mashed potatoes, butternut squash, carrots and this time I remembered the broccoli and cauliflower.
Wed, 29 Apr 2009
2 miles
Down to Foxton junction again, topped up with water and got rid of the accumulated rubbish.
While I was there I wandered up to the locks to try to find someone who could tell me the name of this canal. Now that may seem a strange thing to want to know as all the books and canal side information boards refer to it as the Leicester arm of the Grand Union Canal, but all the mile posts and markers have 'G J C Co' on them, rather than 'G U C Co'.
For a long time I thought that there was a mistake on the casting of these markers and that the top of one arm on the U had got chopped off.
Now G U C Co stands for Grand Union Canal company, but G J C Co stands for Grand Junction Canal Company. So which is it?
Anyway, no one there seemed to know, so that will have to wait for another day.
From there back to my favourite spot for the afternoon and then about five off to the boat yard to get ready to go to Rockingham tomorrow and make sure that they have a set of keys in case I am not back in time on Tuesday for them to start work.
Liver and kidneys cooked in onions, celery and tomatoes with some fresh basil and a little garlic salt accompanied by mashed potatoes butternut squash and carrots and broccoli.
Quiet evening updating site and an early to bed.
Thu, 30 Apr 2009
Today is the start of Rockingham preparation. Richard
is due there at about ten, so up early, breakfast and ready to go by eight. Got a call just after ten to say that he would be there mid afternoon.
Mooched around for a while trying to prepare Almyne for guests, Kath
Scott
and Kaia
are joining me for the weekend and I am due to collect them from the train station about twelve minutes past four.
Richard rang with an updated ETA, nearer four than two, so decided to collect the guests and then carry on to Rockingham.
As it turned out, there were two trains leaving Leicester, one at three fifty nine, going express to London and one at three fifty three going to Market Harborough, both from the same platform.
Unfortunately the three fifty three was late and there was no announcement to that effect, so my guests suddenly found themselves being whisked off to London where they had to catch the next train back to Market Harborough.
Having had a phone call to that effect (it is not often I say this, but thank goodness for mobile phones) I went to Rockingham, by way of the supermarket to get some food, (Richard usually forgets to feed the troops in the heat of the moment) to help Richard and co assemble the marquis.
Some of you will know Don Kie, a big lad, and Taz is nearly as generous in proportions, and it is their task to do the heavy work. I just swan around moving this and that so that it is accessible when needed and being Richard's 'memory' for all the little thing that need doing. My other task is to make sure that everyone is happy with food and drinks. The marquis was nearly complete when I got a call to say that my guests were arriving at MH at six twenty, so hot footed it to the train station again (the troops had been fed).
Collected my new 'family' and went shopping, for food for the evening.
Back at Almyne we settled in and went over the days disasters had something to eat and re-arranged Almyne to accommodate four, quite a task.
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