tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417234968779491502023-11-16T10:39:49.026+00:00NB WindsongRoger http://www.blogger.com/profile/00915233941488497424noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-26715768416669339862016-01-28T14:48:00.001+00:002016-01-28T14:48:20.666+00:00Windsong is sold!<p>The end of a era - a sad day for us, as Windsong has today become the property of a new owner. </p> <p>We enjoyed every second of designing her, watching the build take shape and then cruising in her for the last six and a half years. We had hoped it would be for longer, but sadly that has not been the case. Thank you Ally and Neil, for building an exceptional boat. </p> <p>We hope Peter, her new owner, has as much fun with her as we did. Give him a wave if you see him out and about on the cut.</p> <p>We have made some great friends over the years, some we will probably never see again, some we will always be in touch with, and a few we will see on a regular basis. And we do intend to hire a boat from time to time when we feel the need for a ‘canal fix’, so there may well be more entries on the blog from time to time. However the name of the blog may change, in case Peter wants to write one too, but the address will remain the same.</p> <p>And lastly, thank you to all our regular faithful readers who have put up with my ramblings and bad grammar for so long.</p> <p>So, farewell for now, as Arnie says ‘ I’ll be back’.</p>Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-6852022626678720492016-01-09T12:26:00.001+00:002016-01-09T12:26:06.820+00:00Nb Windsong is for sale…..<p>Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, we have had to make the difficult decision to sell Nb Windsong. If anyone out there is interested in buying her, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please put a comment on the blog with a phone number or an email address (no comments will be visible to anyone else) and we will get back to you to arrange a viewing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfjsP-JW9X7OhUzlYUw9OEJZfYcAV1LJJKM5Xal-lJEoo384ef1OrSm4sFjY9V2VMhnNUnlcOayNDsxb6YOyjc3uR80oBYHWJXPVComuUtRQE7aQ4jLn8hroZNa-kHCtN-OILC86BXU4/s1600-h/430562_3265127065685_1453713477_n4.jpg"><img title="430562_3265127065685_1453713477_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="430562_3265127065685_1453713477_n" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC96nt8kFWIhb1_pkn5LMzizEbfuCB3hfncoV9KAeBkG8UOCLHT5JPpUmysn3gP3zXc5nkbHFRvSc8_IwCXdnQhVz2oVUpP6lPtU_Gi1nu13vlyfw9nhSk_ys1MrVBxfjVD7JMyR1jSs//?imgmax=800" width="570" height="289"></a></p> <p>Some internal pictures follow, plus a description and a short list of equipment.</p> <p><strong><u>The galley</u></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lH6C3nAVzKkQljHyDVRULM4LKjw78ua-JiQPPmPZILvlTnMZY6HOvAyfHEjAn6MFNt9DaITULZ2cdhedzCY7ZsFIsbGLOd-Vr73TA2Ay5BE4SG5sO6RBQlveUjLin2nOq0f33V9nh18/s1600-h/1016037_orig5.jpg"><img title="1016037_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1016037_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU-SVfQrpnX5E68YQVzVUAmjiwSTqeqHlCFkc-PESHoVjcDQ7j8nSmjOpb_oVMOQ7rt6bMJuS7XHZIps3MujYk9auPhYUEbzJxEAsOxdqybINJlXYlZ3xRmuyy7FLxqCBc8RMyQ81Cug//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HcDb43hOwmPpyFvIVIsc7O2gOTJ0fcTVhK6U58ljJB6BhkR_QSvAobvaiNaywT7iTNCp1reVgIdu4q5_VlM2K-S2qBF6vRpM4uYffW6YS9Z63v-V4_pQ66jXjI_cOsvIGSDStbkUM2c/s1600-h/9825814_orig8.jpg"><img title="9825814_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="9825814_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVAq8-SbAQa2JgfXm-58961j6MTzradY6XiHNsdDOYQ6gJwQuuXuqo_Ks83Lf4uszYFYI0abaavqbmJFJEceiK3kAljbn_rUSOUH2uFMyJBa0bIibWag9hbnFqs81yHbuO_u28jBJf2Y//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5qk_XI5evkTkLm_myplJM9hEUQPLvgY5qigQUVussLT1ZPBqTKenMnwRNDEVKYhNcB11dvrHdo5kfMcbbv1VBjquWOewSvQAMtxeboAM4mYvhgPi_nC0C5nMxd_3yCc79mWUNP_POZc/s1600-h/8526177_orig4.jpg"><img title="8526177_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8526177_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqEcL5SsSxVxY7HDKlWbkbp_K31WzmEJDVNU1LQ3sM4Sh_D1VqNvxZQeX4A9PRkSPUoCkgfPjQtCvhOBuHFeI9i2B1w1XnlGzWpZZ1KWFpFAlDrdWvWa_EXZvyaLBt2ZGonGXLdq2Wis//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left"><strong><u>The saloon (redesigned from the original)</u></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5jsjHP1I7y-6fgzMM-YdU7WhqfdfMAY6rrzD_VqY18QigPPBRG4sn5ivqwtW_DcJxQctwACjECQ4jDece_ZUdDqhigVpjQR1GXNX_DZzhGDrYlS1f2eGGMY9lValar-7qGA97g0XOA4/s1600-h/PC070003_thumb27.jpg"><img title="PC070003_thumb[2]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="PC070003_thumb[2]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUraEl5mgJcz9gDT11agEtuc3bjM_sMQRhxQ_IUFX32mPZtaQr1FSht-puYlJ1q_mxlwWWFlllLNQdRpOjGYtXbqXtW_RMpgNgr5LBvvI6c-hc88LVyUdjnaW3IbQDZCCs5JS1va_JhM//?imgmax=800" width="488" height="368"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSzeNha9z_jbKJ2yQbfYIYo7EASU0HfmoIwuRW2B3VU8fIDaxBrdLFRh3LYDSsLsr6hhOugkpq1tkyh_P4tppe5_COrPOx2U-EAqW-I2I0uoBhzfS6K7V3dpb7fmVIu_1gsZVFmDLqGU/s1600-h/PC07000543.jpg"><img title="PC070005[4]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070005[4]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljyr5cWALTAzrqoRhd4ed0EwT8nKVC3GLo6Dj66AejILyjam7J6MrKsdK-6X5pbEdK_I1hHpDVND18QjqiAFLOfxDhTK91fuFDyReADeS-HZ6BwvP7VRTTJ_uL2oEf7WHkuqfFsywJfg//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHgohnw-Mgs5o_BJ-Ce53BIgB1s2YzUn6e3VjUsy0xByQmkMuVSUOpEOoZdKnct0EHlyIFsga-hJZVqan1pWevzDshySTXtnBCPssGm0ib7MgCGU7WKE9QI_5BwLI_qXSWh2mCXOfHFQ/s1600-h/PC07000743.jpg"><img title="PC070007[4]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070007[4]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_YpXvAPB4YFJtUE1GkQ_Cn6ZuPtyEzwjwnoK1Ki5LE-zDPH8TUbW5vNVX6Hg9qfO0Yhn9IGSO4gMrIFE2_x-9Bwm79Y5lILayqtJ-S_ElTAsX6C9QEyBtwJsQrtDyPX_dYq5slVzdwA//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7BusZ1EJcspT-D6_DaMrkCwEjIsibUjK2lvIwsBf0ZiR70T78__ZRiYeUPm84eXh4Q4MJtIcdbX0cnd9S2do9Km2BMgHv5Kr8awZoMe0U-elYKdTTCN0DIAeXAZSYbLSNRIA7hif3RE/s1600-h/PC070008_thumb13.jpg"><img title="PC070008_thumb[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070008_thumb[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bbJ1YxrHqwIEdmjQaInbnj6ngNrry3UcN25CuLnEUZlBheEEdxhxZDFc98_yqqeWGqD71krV8n2LKqh-_EkLtzNJ6YzTCrSXfl8c3zvwWCqMfpY6tCVm8_2AAW1OB8jf21YBN2jKgNU//?imgmax=800" width="488" height="368"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Shower room</u></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW4QjUoaQU854pQNgNyTAzu2-58lL10sr9h5TUUEW8g2qOe9rIyZow2F0vRgH1GfJNH4QeksVU_yYuWjrZYTiWSL8fQzzeLNRNG18rAKYAvq6xA6_D2eJUEPoh6xU5Gf_3WpM-h7cyE4/s1600-h/4196330_orig4.jpg"><img title="4196330_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="4196330_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oAhfrgoSii8d9LlaJtRex_K9DmSswwGtMRD8ZVBp_YyuQXH7pmrMWbph5lu1bMspj-VjLAyj1uSPziEjZc7ERYMcqKrEiqt3L6gCxzhFqtrdIs1g8On-vE1Cm4ng7giiS93uD3DKlcU//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmg8Ky2OtCS6OVDdaDtGLkJmZ12wHHSlz05mtU38qCFNONBrQeNNPYL6Q_o8nxfRWOZAWl5QDfJcc-jkjmR74rjMEw9UMUmBLu2FmshL_rUr6ZaLq2oTnwMhbmF16HMtUKI7zgtyXWLI/s1600-h/7633751_orig4.jpg"><img title="7633751_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="7633751_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sD7gk52ljc9qODM-YpCRbsVfZlOS4eGTksBPHY2o2Nw_jxk4tTIM1x5ED-s1Q5xCv2Ov6PbaGhfWMpdIt6SY1NPJf1j35VLqRnTFj8ZcIGNomedx_gj2gLtNN4zGyI5NFfMHZCeV8iM//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><u><strong>The bedroom</strong></u></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzPiC0zhLUnku_Rg97OLckXsPlj8_cKn4tvEgH06c3eWTxcZHAjGPxNqnm-eBEJ2t5_vfRaMiBqgSx_RcWwyD3ZR3hFFdaq2lnRlZxHodRBPVv-adCy7wCJZVEa4KJ6D2ox_hDE_5_hs/s1600-h/8044863_orig4.jpg"><img title="8044863_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8044863_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqYhVMEbwyk3Y8ZI3NSWsUaaTv-IffBW5CFSHPrUcX3VtPsR_obZ1vZtETUztaxWXNIZA-E_WoEhUyFAkixdKY8-9HE1o0iTLa3SENgaQtfq3UsiZIQECoX2ExTaLjjRtAK1dLw0ABYk//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxe9rQajnyV1oQ5LArJpyNaOtqTnjoI4bGbvydpBbPrB40ZTrHPwwAe6wjb9zzYWA2S5TAbEwifSrGDYi7QtTlHxo3n17fLAE3dd5dvAFoPecPPhuStTs64r6uRcUVavEXVJde56qgfo/s1600-h/8314669_orig9.jpg"><img title="8314669_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8314669_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmUqpsjfPRb6oiAMtU2_b6ir5tLewFHtKe4d9Oj04m25j2NDDqCOX8O1ZGCPFnbvxM318hDVBXbhc1Lr3gsp0I04pGmU1E65Y1ITM9xBhT0Xro3BvNujzeIm8iJeghI_fPDjviHtEw-k//?imgmax=800" width="494" height="397"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoChBzx3hPjod14tOiLeOVKpKC0VYymo6sNLf2A6n79oTh69QiR7g6u-IDE4C9UZD-tzdOAvW2fFLvvlnahzGlC6mA2TJtF0Ap8ZAo_K-MIJlnfFH8AUiCCYPPigJBAbQOIBUdW8BiKs/s1600-h/9453125_orig6.jpg"><img title="9453125_orig" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="9453125_orig" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibSPXMwNwU6bEJdHFzzoRsD0q3Ds4dx4QNK-gOvKPZ7pdTXr9EZ41RAr6ZBBgRQkKv6XK_hJgAb-9Pw9fh_a1XGQIpEZLwn_i1d27iSP1NYy-RhAx_P3r_jAAMkZswTfYb93xwkRPPpM//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="389"></a></p> <p>Windsong is a 2 berth, 58’ Semi-trad narrowboat, on an XR&D shell, with a Beacon Boats fitout. A bespoke boat, suitable for live aboard or long term cruising, launched June 2009. </p> <p>She is built in ‘reverse’ layout, so galley at the stern, then dinette, saloon, shower room and bedroom at the bow.</p> <p>The rear deck has 2 storage lockers, one of which houses 2 x 6kg gas bottles with cushions for seating, and a pram-hood cover.</p> <p>Steps lead down to the galley.</p> <p>The internal fit is in Maple and Oak. </p> <p>The worktops in the galley are granite, with under mounted sink. The galley has loads of storage. It has under floor cool storage as well as 3 kick board drawers. There is a large low level double cupboard, a stack of 5 drawers, 2 smaller shallow cupboards ideal for food storage, a deep cupboard with 3 shelves for crockery and pots and pans as well as sundry other items. Also 2 overhead cupboards, and one over the oven, and a small corner cupboard at eye level. The full size washing machine, separate condenser drier, and fridge are neatly hidden away behind doors.</p> <p>There are 2 side hatches, one .ust forward of the galley and one in the dinette area. Also 2 ‘Houdini’ hatches in the roof.</p> <p>There is one dinette bench, with a Shoreline freezer in a pull-out drawer, and a table with a desmo leg. Stools or fold-away chairs could be used for extra dinette seating. </p> <p>The saloon has a full height corner cupboard, with the upper door glazed and a solid lower door, a bookcase, and entertainment cupboard with TV, and a FreeSat receiver. The stove is a Bubble corner diesel stove. Central heating and hot water is provided by a separate Webasto system. The engine also heats the calorifier. The bubble stove and the Webasto share a separate diesel tank. </p> <p>The shoower room houses a Vacu-flush toilet, with remote cassette tank (3 cassettes), and shower and vanity unit with sink.</p> <p>The bedroom has a king size cross bed, built with 3 sliding sections for easy single-handed operation, and again, storage abounds. Under the bed is a drawer and 2 pull-down locker doors with storage space behind. Each bedside table has a stack of solid wood drawers behind its door. A corner cupboard was made for a laundry basket, and doubles as a dressing table. There is also a hanging wardrobe with shelves above, and a separate storage cupboard. The heating is fin-rads.</p> <p>The bow area, which has 2 storage lockers, has a facility to put a table on a desmo leg, and is covered with a cratch. A courtesy light is also fitted. </p> <p>The engine is a 42hp Isuzu, with 3.5kw travel pack, AGM battery bank and Smartguage fitted. There is also a 3kw pure sine inverter charger onboard, and ‘Sidepower’ Bow thrusters.</p> <p><strong><strike>We are looking for around £75,0000 or nearest offer.</strike></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">PRICE NOW REDUCED TO £69,950 OR NEAREST OFFER</font></strong></p> <p>As you can imagine, we are very sad to be selling, however, circumstances dictate that we will no longer be able to use her to full advantage.</p> <p>Only serious enquiries please. With a sick mother at home, we can ill-afford the time to travel to the marina for frivolous viewings. We hope all our readers understand.</p> <p>If no buyer is found, we will be moving her to brokerage sometime in the New Year.</p> <p>Can our blogging friends please put the word out and share this with as many people as possible. Thank you.</p>Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-73910291431685812132016-01-01T14:53:00.001+00:002016-01-03T12:44:06.955+00:00NEW YEAR SALE…..<p><font color="#ff0000" size="5"></font> <p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="5">SPECIAL OFFER………. BAG YOURSELF A BARGAIN</font> <p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbhSOwYL9yDe99Mi33Ukc6zAzQC1x4SweD4G65gTR4hd_maOOsjhv3yz6RJO7cbBLVIh4Ypjlvm1cWgfdyoH-qdaLvth364iyj46Udu51hZpT_OqsiW6RwTW0_J5Iz62GMdXubR7oHZw/s1600-h/SDC10846%252520jun_thumb%25255B7%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="SDC10846 jun_thumb[7]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="SDC10846 jun_thumb[7]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcpPfi0v6H1rS1xuJrvP4W5nehmiCLTfqn8adV2pNCCVjFu8qBd2iEbhLNpCvzYFxllFlBzTHsiZ3wcQRx-AcwCrIe-R1BOiC2EqLeSITGkToyyGZWWhrhf85n5oO_66_DXd-jooY4uU//?imgmax=800" width="550" height="435"></a> <p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="5">PRICE REDUCED….NOW ONLY £69,950</font> <font color="#ff0000" size="5">ono</font> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4">If anyone is interested, please get in touch via the Comments box – your comments will not be published on the blog, so please include a phone number so we can call you.</font></p>Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-47241763792331277152015-11-23T16:42:00.001+00:002015-12-08T16:05:25.001+00:00Nb Windsong is for sale…..Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, we have had to make the difficult decision to sell Nb Windsong. If anyone out there is interested in buying her, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please put a comment on the blog with a phone number or an email address (no comments will be visible to anyone else) and we will get back to you to arrange a viewing.<br />
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EDIT: Comments were 'hidden' for some reason, back on now!!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66JFt3JIIJkiB3mB3Eq9vQdDDXLq-OY0i_mlu5Oq9GXMD17DtsAAVrEdzybDElESK_LArYG_SUx9suT9kL0reQMw_hez2r3oDAMM6W4rWQkJRM5Y8I8MdtOSaidsB_0wnYRnTldlh6WM/s1600-h/430562_3265127065685_1453713477_n4.jpg"><img alt="430562_3265127065685_1453713477_n" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzl9Iv7JenlaEr2owCsN7BzLeu7K48FGY7Os6tlMGK2XZdON7ynrVhDpSlY-xF3Tc4NKP517qJ6zKZtGbxPKzbrbRbXFTZyGCcmVAeIsMgyWQXV5yehUZoB3XVVv0y3Udyxj3tleO2eA//?imgmax=800" height="289" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="430562_3265127065685_1453713477_n" width="570" /></a><br />
Some internal pictures follow, plus a description and a short list of equipment.<br />
<b><u>The galley</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms1wFY0_2tAvytvgzpDfzx4uDQ93V0wSt_Z1zyPqz-H3yp9LgS27KfcbRddYI2WBLKzbww8hXIMFlUzC06CtfT-HrZiYcogUKlwU0p34IVGV6UvFZhgSTKg3eSCA6iU0beERiCDNySrs/s1600-h/1016037_orig5.jpg"><img alt="1016037_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaA-I2N1EV3yVNGx9dVuwIxVs-GDLMOwLPKPWKSH_lVIASup9HDjfl-l8YBGtf1C5zRIVuP9ta_dKIaUkRx6_lG4KvbP6LylEtNygKenQGlkXCr54H6DtcTV1Pmcha-Bk5chyOE6TCRY//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1016037_orig" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HSjQ67LAM5TumpOkDuJb0gGM6xaAck71vfyV7ufut17Q1yM2EJnU-pEptobNlbeDWSyoCGSERARw3YyLuCleDDO1wxBI0SghMOC12S26ShiIyOjKEQfxhnMLV9eczSaqOIssjdtwHgY/s1600-h/9825814_orig8.jpg"><img alt="9825814_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX59FFOQUgIEc9vwgEVWKcJGHQtmpQZJvVW8TM1gJwunODNu5G3wUHV4II_RcwqBEhVmaHGrShPiBsjgxE2JRb-gRvKmm_BHIQErCpRuKkZVIQUo95Mzss8N3SeW6bx9yCws7govDLBOQ//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="9825814_orig" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4RXf42FsPxCY-afUdu_NZif2hGaD6VQJggnF9S8LbamBfXTncoyHhNCvQ6x1xgJUW1sMZ8UzqOA4TMNjHQkdz-hj6zMjC0E9CNXdkPaiZOCaQSNE02XCuKwr5uGz928kbo94ECJcT4Q/s1600-h/8526177_orig4.jpg"><img alt="8526177_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kHT9JB6BFnrkxmlwLl8iJEaoRFreQmcXVSIUdDRuUeGlr5ukN0c4n2-9Oex4KGrwbiIzXbhf5FKmgmdJYTVs_mqGMlmQdkSlpwz1dIUa8cwpPH2_b0x94uCsXIC1heHpFH-14mDbDzU//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="8526177_orig" width="364" /></a><br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<b><u>The saloon (redesigned from the original)</u></b></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSJwGlO8wZDddyI-GdrPEVWZXtwq1S4h2fcA6GlsfcUlQcouqgZzTJWfgC3p6p9u57PYpmNmDcpJJ6PK1ye9s0Epurs328Awwr9on41Nidrr4lBLShg5neP-UKL3a4QDt1n0FdJmFs1E/s1600-h/PC070003_thumb27.jpg"><img alt="PC070003_thumb[2]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJta5QduPU594GuxbHbIeAT-ftRsjzwTdxj4rqszL5y4jnwXUm0NR6XeurGgImop2xhwx2KDBhHVL629dLPZ9sV49CLBrYHHxymvgqTN0Rv6le4jgLlvkUkqOsCBasSRIshEbQdW8QXE//?imgmax=800" height="368" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PC070003_thumb[2]" width="488" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO9erwp54L-6TEg1r-pmVIKaBNTuJ53o0MDmQl7qQguw-8djTg0KWhV1wWD1GJdpmAwrrlWGpUgYdLnuPMiTrsSslvCjkl6PW99nA0Kr6plIO5HUKVkOMb1iOZyNUBFMnsXjdtTES5R8/s1600-h/PC07000543.jpg"><img alt="PC070005[4]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYVaayUge1_fWI-1t-o-7bmZdWKAaIFyTeehpVGRDWUHtQYSgOPZ5n3YzysVYJ4Mx9RhLgNqVFkYEKZDDHQ7vN7uxClinik1YiXc4Faj969MZPsHtJ0uqVDb82tQOGnjId09NGvi5ciU//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PC070005[4]" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiDkL5VmetGdtEVCpeNwcXG9w8UBWVwrIkixctuPh1yQAigAGXp4fr1SAFXg12B6m7ixls74Tc0Ok2grineabkUBIRGBNE83QlxF4nEXuTUo3Oz0uYdDa1asPXeHgunk7jkg3I1W6RYQ/s1600-h/PC07000743.jpg"><img alt="PC070007[4]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDYGfRAc8xUrzgj0NstBr62Bt4QGdvORuBOTyc0YGnkUx8AfMTxGL-JARWd7XaHyiN5UoabVxhs5StfgOlgrvQNpNottgT7yuU-PmUgFCeIW_ylVV_QXCl1E_DhmGbn6j5oWJjFrs6hI//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PC070007[4]" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27hnsdNuP1XE5BwV4sDjOmn6e9GCotqFOfYeF0P1MuZjS2fOg03wr4xPmtAKCikb3r-p_rMlsup_goeqx1JYuMWL7lgr9IslljWlubBELekETDKrAFu-OenmGgRuS_KqSPmf_DKkTpws/s1600-h/PC070008_thumb13.jpg"><img alt="PC070008_thumb[1]" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbcxxGC4tggG7K3wHznqNHyRxLV62aVKsSmzXe5c37KBSppBlYPIYhrbePLk06rrkk-D_VKb1P3sGd7jPXH2bIiSh1BGkH4_OlkyGW7dodTHSPvIvkfayA0IiOBYpETbU-vKrgNV7gko//?imgmax=800" height="368" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PC070008_thumb[1]" width="488" /></a><br />
<b><u>Shower room</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HOTzxGQHfcDTtri0LKSmqyzEw84gmzcKsogjGZr8ZRvdfKYX2zIeugzA7E83yyQuJk_Od2iTo30ZL3BFE-X_6Zt3tzXOydGTckIN4anVuQKGiRDm39N4W-nJ116bQiPQ1c7W0Y1Bv_E/s1600-h/4196330_orig4.jpg"><img alt="4196330_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaSW2mSID4cG652_ucOl_by6BEPPIBQSkxRLRd9Gqj-iu4JZhrv7ycTu0UEhmI7TiR4tHemVw5sOeZxnBRDC8pf1ciMykobwWpzbOu0BJAAqIMz6aA3FuN1cMpRsS94ODFkoPTXVEt6k//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="4196330_orig" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC70QkP_mYdTsA1XXVl2l8yZ-NKLJFWgZnwVruS43W6X2a5_9Xym7Svyh5lLh4iiLmCAlffw7FxY4zGoDBXnDpQPBaFWSql12vQmY4mUIqD5lOgjNfI4uHSZ7wxmmJEf4jvf-9U4ZKSg0/s1600-h/7633751_orig4.jpg"><img alt="7633751_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwCkKGUjnVJgXZ6wWM5srl-SiSJcQT56ZXzZFq5HJ8UX9WQxbWh18EsbtRD-TiQ0LaSsOdh3KDpqVJGN_-kXmiDtvft6_APq_AA7KWxTI4FLGVov3lGGB9iGnk3MsF_5TFzTpLptDQAc//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="7633751_orig" width="364" /></a><br />
<u><b>The bedroom</b></u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCwlvRGB9WY2oJtamBl7nG7vRN7ukARKnllTJRwdo0qix7BrsRF_ShS3iKoW1hpnDdhRIT6ZNyGvnETj8pQaSLzsueyW1R1kmOE2ZTAP_QOe88ja6FO9FzCJHBuY42YZvaQ4JiWaYzrg/s1600-h/8044863_orig4.jpg"><img alt="8044863_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3kagmDA5Q0o65qmwwcp4PIoxZSDI_2eI3iraD2I8sYj1agPzjPBbU_yjgrpk3EqfZ2taqBFGkjVqhn3hc_2GtCD1FewQ8w9fkDp6LAnUNbDfS2T9uP6hGSW28DsHUyTwlk8Rm5CpgmY//?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="8044863_orig" width="364" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiVDdghEKzsE6g2sUde3blugXbap5EKD1c6bz0In3cinSOsk2IQTeE1e-zwg99gW01vBht4WkDB0SIw8vEH2d-fnoh4UOlDGP5hyphenhyphenlKZT1OmyKoTkfuw6ckfoEnvwqOQ58OM6GghaTO5Y/s1600-h/8314669_orig9.jpg"><img alt="8314669_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiVysieahuCORJXoirHgg_bRUjfS-iRu9CDAO2HToVwsj-VqnC-duJQ8Qn87D7VROM9ysOpdoqnO2kYTsno1LGuaZ5OEdcEbOJgmGsE_uXylO1UoDc39zjvvC2b3W1r0lV2X8n4G72pg//?imgmax=800" height="397" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="8314669_orig" width="494" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLz-Gv5q72UmwuGh7tG13T0r6g56pwEJ_EDn3GKmRarJTPnivUrT6gnl4-Yk-BJDr4t26CwtDXZifp00jMinzZ5UFrpFkuIdtjr7qMDzY7JvOk2ngbtzlzZ708zMXWKYhE7FVfOf3czg/s1600-h/9453125_orig6.jpg"><img alt="9453125_orig" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DgSXIKExqQWmzd7ZDTI0v2nathJfvuDRsdljMhKbzirWDV86DVlyoi0xMYSpZoKhTwGWZRpLjAlbhnXEWWQZrI2xE-T_fElX8L4uCo427xoLSU06iclbOEnPFKCos0sq74S5-napOOY//?imgmax=800" height="389" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="9453125_orig" width="500" /></a><br />
Windsong is a 2 berth, 58’ Semi-trad narrowboat, on an XR&D shell, with a Beacon Boats fitout. A bespoke boat, suitable for live aboard or long term cruising, launched June 2009. <br />
She is built in ‘reverse’ layout, so galley at the stern, then dinette, saloon, shower room and bedroom at the bow.<br />
The rear deck has 2 storage lockers, one of which houses 2 x 6kg gas bottles with cushions for seating, and a pram-hood cover.<br />
Steps lead down to the galley.<br />
The internal fit is in Maple and Oak. <br />
The worktops in the galley are granite, with under mounted sink. The galley has loads of storage. It has under floor cool storage as well as 3 kick board drawers. There is a large low level double cupboard, a stack of 5 drawers, 2 smaller shallow cupboards ideal for food storage, a deep cupboard with 3 shelves for crockery and pots and pans as well as sundry other items. Also 2 overhead cupboards, and one over the oven, and a small corner cupboard at eye level. The full size washing machine, separate condenser drier, and fridge are neatly hidden away behind doors.<br />
There are 2 side hatches, one .ust forward of the galley and one in the dinette area. Also 2 ‘Houdini’ hatches in the roof.<br />
There is one dinette bench, with a Shoreline freezer in a pull-out drawer, and a table with a desmo leg. Stools or fold-away chairs could be used for extra dinette seating. <br />
The saloon has a full height corner cupboard, with the upper door glazed and a solid lower door, a bookcase, and entertainment cupboard with TV, and a FreeSat receiver. The stove is a Bubble corner diesel stove. Central heating and hot water is provided by a separate Webasto system. The engine also heats the calorifier. The bubble stove and the Webasto share a separate diesel tank. <br />
The shoower room houses a Vacu-flush toilet, with remote cassette tank (3 cassettes), and shower and vanity unit with sink.<br />
The bedroom has a king size cross bed, built with 3 sliding sections for easy single-handed operation, and again, storage abounds. Under the bed is a drawer and 2 pull-down locker doors with storage space behind. Each bedside table has a stack of solid wood drawers behind its door. A corner cupboard was made for a laundry basket, and doubles as a dressing table. There is also a hanging wardrobe with shelves above, and a separate storage cupboard. The heating is fin-rads.<br />
The bow area, which has 2 storage lockers, has a facility to put a table on a desmo leg, and is covered with a cratch. A courtesy light is also fitted. <br />
The engine is a 42hp Isuzu, with 3.5kw travel pack, AGM battery bank and Smartguage fitted. There is also a 3kw pure sine inverter charger onboard, and ‘Sidepower’ Bow thrusters.<br />
<b>We are looking for around £75,0000 or nearest offer.</b><br />
As you can imagine, we are very sad to be selling, however, circumstances dictate that we will no longer be able to use her to full advantage.<br />
Only serious enquiries please. With a sick mother at home, we can ill-afford the time to travel to the marina for frivolous viewings. We hope all our readers understand.<br />
If no buyer is found, we will be moving her to brokerage sometime in the New Year.<br />
Can our blogging friends please put the word out and share this with as many people as possible. Thank you.Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-65061623352058909882015-06-05T16:37:00.001+01:002015-06-05T16:49:05.651+01:00It’s days like these…..<p>that remind us why we do it! On Thursday morning we left our mooring near The Bridge. It was bright and sunny, with wall to wall blue skies. We started off in T shirts, and that’s how we remained until later on in the afternoon.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINyezl_zHHiai5cy-j3moglDZk5RU45HEEla4x9x6M8M4Zuojf5n60epj5xubPBoB38Gsh9JhqRZ6-X5yglWodWd86DfWXEbGKm6J31OeD3eBUs8w8FSBNOxEIbB5_8as6N3_u1WGV0o/s1600-h/P6040001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P6040001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P6040001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrhLrPtwVl-18lworc_fEXOO0y3itj_CKGdqc0A6J6734R1QLwLuAEcayQe_IX8DrsPxEUagT7T_h7LZr17Q9TU3Ti0GGQIjZS10HXfe6WN9Ov1kj-4pt1bJxzgsQc7Cfs0zv-mJ8I1k//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3MF2A-cjuCVILRehR8_SRFIOzKEpvNxpiM8oD3mVnuJxVFBxHTiVwLU1HUmvofk_G6TZbsqK4boageo42dmcgoqSgmRYi0AfL-d4SjfRQvbGwqqHmw5k95KMG1qzUk_PMKtd1j7S2GU/s1600-h/P6040002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P6040002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P6040002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPd5-bYqoBCgm9RSAK0-UeWS3-Vt13fp1dfftrsVbLhtkuuiFgQ7Cs_5rC77g5xApOrInwkSRPTPkYloXTGNJ1ZHJ98Fqz0nFnTjHeIcli5gkf2MYRqAwkV6glxlJ5RvOt8VcObXd6Nc//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>We decided that we would moor short of Hillmorton and then carry on to Brinklow today. We came through Braunston without the usual jinking about around other boats, and then moored at the same place near Willoughby that we moored on the first night out. As we were tying up, Ozzy did his usual leap straight off the boat and charged up the towpath towards another dog, which looked somewhat familiar! I then looked at the boat moored some way in front off us, and then at the couple sitting in chairs on the towpath. Meanwhile, they were also looking at us! It was Moni and John on nb Holly, that we met last year and spent some time with. What a lovely surprise! We hadn’t expected to meet up with them on this trip. Needless to say, we spent the afternoon with them. They had planned to continue on to below Hillmorton after lunch, but they changed their minds.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RrazjhkqBlMz6TE1Ae2s4EnFTXrVg0FYpF8BxKJVrL3JPNOqOWFFT1YgbmNyb8dC98fR_hV87j3viUbE0e2tb3XvNZ9QMzpF0GTxbUWABFtxHnT8CUUHFG5oE_0wMp-5SdhnwVg2zTU/s1600-h/P6040003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P6040003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P6040003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmpe90smWH206HTjFEcYvSF0ZxymfzHq6L433Klc-45e9GMYHQc6ZLfkIY23hC9TGgH4OYXelDRXRmeIrrmkBznjdNKkyoTkhvFu1BO5fcVzJfs52XJO_rLLOddzHZHtJfjEFk9v0O3w//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuse74vuj6pyRkG6SgNlyZlWOeMEI_RQ4GUvxsdHrKXL2oPF-sRLeFLY1tkv6PSvWTXI0wIi36t3XslGvrscDg_E2yWtvqSso3mlsRvP7d479J5tV1gufoShQ1mtpxLtrc5fMNq9a91T4/s1600-h/P6040004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P6040004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P6040004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88pDAMQt-SAo8IsTt8mQjV2qaJ_ppxNSCdNOH7hrwfcbfEnoWQomtYLGtKb3c0R1DicWj8H67H2P4S5Y4hH68R8CUvC-nLpo8ni9tYjwtbLjZ9pqnLDAAm6O-uvAEX-y0agAHTfmQl5k//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>We sat on until late afternoon, by which time we were in the shade, and the wind became a bit nippy. Today was very cloudy when we first left our mooring, Moni and Ollie came with me and Ozzy for a walk for a little while, and then returned to Holly when Rog picked me up. They then continued on their way – we had another brief word when they arrived at at Hillmorton Top Lock as we left.</p> <p>We carried on to Brinklow our mood getting gloomier and gloomier. Although there was no real rush for us to come home, my foot is playing up so much that I really do need to try and get it sorted. It’s not a lot of fun, limping around the locks, although Rog did his fair share, standing on the back of the boat steering was painful for me too!</p> <p>We are back at home now, and will go back to the Marina tomorrow or Sunday to collect the stuff we couldn’t fit in the car today.</p> <p>So, here endeth our 2015 cruising – at least for a while. Hopefully if my foot improves with some medical treatment, we may get out again later on in the summer or early autumn.</p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-62511950604260657822015-06-03T16:42:00.001+01:002015-06-03T16:42:04.886+01:00An unexpected meeting…..<p>Having left Twyford Wharf on Sunday morning, and moored just short of Cropredy, we continued on yesterday to Fenny Compton. The wind got increasingly strong during the day, and we got caught in ne or two heavy showers. As we arrived at Fenny, the heavens opened once more, the wind rose to gale force and we had horizontal hail! While we were mooring a couple walked by with suitcases. Suddenly, the chap turned and said ‘Roger’? It turned out to be a very old friend (and his wife) that Rog had met on his Air Traffic Controllers course in 1986! A short chat, and we found that they were loading up their boat for a few weeks out. Needless to say, an arrangement was made to meet a bit later on in the pub. 2.30 saw us all safely ensconced out of the foul weather. A great deal of beer, chat and laughter later, we decided it would be rude not to take advantage of the pub’s 2 meals for a tenner, so we did! Sara and I left the pub at just after 8 pm, with the men following shortly after – they had decided that they had had enough beer already and didn’t succumb to the temptation to have just one more pint. I can’t remember the last time we spent all afternoon in the pub!</p> <p>The wind still being horrendous on Tuesday, we decided to stay where we were for the day. Pete and Sara are continuing with their preparations for leaving on their trip, so they came for a coffee, and then went off in the car. We planned to meet up again later.</p> <p>After another few beers in the pub we said our goodbyes. We did think we might see them again today (Wed) but we were away earlier than them, and they have stopped at The Folly below Napton Locks, and we are moored 10 minutes further on at the Bridge pub. It’s been a lovely day today, a little cloudy at times, but hot when the sun has come out. A little chilly in the breeze still, but it’s great to see the sun! Even better tomorrow, so the weather forecast says.</p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-49056146605604737742015-06-02T12:14:00.001+01:002015-06-02T12:14:53.484+01:00A week with the girls…..<p>We set off on Monday morning and stopped at Aynho Wharf for fuel, water, loo emptying, postcards for Flo to send and souvenirs of Flo’s trip – she bought a key ring with a boat that she thinks looks a bit like ours. Flo and I then continued up the towpath to give Ozzy a walk whilst Rog finished off at the Wharf.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVCihPZybJp1F3Rg4NXd1NMQuWYneJlcYxkEEqn3tq0DB4EDfz2SN1LvFaCOSgjiGj8yeETsFZPgFfZboZsE-Bn_LFmkgY30ughqeVqSMHgy00XD1J0Oigg1PorQNxdi2hyphenhyphena3r7ZFmao/s1600-h/P52500024.jpg"><img title="P5250002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5250002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LKaGpXu8pXweG21BznOdEAJfnRLAhAR7vZ-VeOpff5M2qfE4Iz0UYH4uxb1hGTwuuJG4b1gCEEc8isSaiHokkRThmP1FV7bGINv0qp8KhdSfDGjsTK9Ew3Soxq-DzOp6NO5sVNl-nW4//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeceq3LVXrics8JMgRyC06Pqa4ghRPSx4wvfJIiDLSpP75N3aisSHpKcwRLCHcSzZhU1dvzrF0HmdH2te5ND0iGTwXCn5hdeDa_KJ8riYu5iBZeCAY8DCEAwmqPhGTNFm0rwUZ-Bs9YdM/s1600-h/P52500034.jpg"><img title="P5250003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5250003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wQjE2ddvmazCXb6a72pwDe6msM9DLOTtuFzFoSGZHXAfCbotfQsKqtXlpQuQ35OeZGPgE7XxqbfKXsBTT3rZjUZIe5trsS4cxdeMRLjE-HGREFEUEaAyf8i6JaD5w4buw-9KhcIQmrM//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Waiting to be picked up</p> <p align="left">First lock was Somerton Deep Lock – we were 4th in the queue, so quite a long wait</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EvjxM8SW-CYKPBCm2wuwXG3XIlmSVzClTdAB6HsxZV6i6tbviLQh6jUazRyoB57NjQYB-K0K_0kCzVsvIbZSuy0lc9kbnjX1bzWlQwxhmXWqTj2jaJJR07UjYX9tjeYemWknH9vaUmI/s1600-h/P52500064.jpg"><img title="P5250006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5250006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tRmWJWzWx4VYjUHRxnK7gakV_EjNY7WU_jW2uzjneqSFRjQLsW0y3Haj3jpiawYoUW6IZgox97joPENgInGq2gYVDUTHBnOQ-I-39FEcMDzV6ftYVFnGHzLVQuvszQFihsDIJmy3kK0//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEccw_o4FtzGLt5j2wxMVD_Bo_WWn4Cv5-BsQ2-HXs7osYE0nNbUK181V2-HXT_DfLuMSYjhSBmIzKyZFhusC60g8udKguY8DCdhQdQMKrr53V69yjaSL2vPyIfpBLdgMZezaRkz9VxIM/s1600-h/P52500084.jpg"><img title="P5250008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5250008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErvJX4rjBxjG-wuqNxRjirRU91vGjAm_ZE9bQCriCwYtL2GxGJqhjCuh5WINyMEga3CUmVvKmzy_uXs7wFaFmnqvuSNsFm8I-WMDE5IZ9rYS3WV0lAjkqhEHs0blIRy1C1618sOGiEHk//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>I love this lock, it’s so pretty with Clematis growing all over the bridge and gypsophilia (probably spelt that wrong!) along the wall.</p> <p align="center">Flo opted to stay with Rog and go down with the boat.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEetErEWGMZAM24iF39MPV6xmoj3wCbMNdg1TnCS-ztkgqfzD_lwbDzfBFMxZIUNyKE-KpUniMh0lzh6G_fxT_ldHbqigDO-ay17mGWy3mQCfaBUONNiGd6d92VSI1LkBBlTq_1_OlNjc/s1600-h/P52500094.jpg"><img title="P5250009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5250009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmTPnhRkxHg-NTk0tAv9pHQJg6JN7obwA2QHbLgYXLQmVBKzaunjvxAGyrAq5jp_NVWsPlU6F3sp7omIPYnkTIU4P70gXRoCi_hGU5WHJ8qb4tNiGV5JAL9Q4oErHZe55QQwkrN_SITo//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">About to exit the lock</p> <p align="left">Bacon butties were in order afterwards and we continued on towards the Heyfords – we stopped a bit earlier than planned as we found a decent mooring spot. Flo played with Ozzy for a long while, then we had a game of Scrabble which Flo didn’t really enjoy!</p> <p align="left">Tuesday turned out to be a longer journey than expected as we’d planned to moor around Lower Heyford but it was skanky, so we continued on. Unfortunately there was nowhere to moor between there and Thrupp, so we ended up on the visitor moorings at Thrupp – the first time we have been able to moor there. Of course it would have been rude not to sample the pub, so we took Flo to The Boat for a very late lunch. It was excellent – in fact we couldn’t eat it all, so we brought some chips back to the boat, re-heated them on the oven and had chip butties for tea – yum</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pBdlxfp4oNND8WM9ZwmIZJ8D48zu1aPt7pQ3MpEkMXsl5ixPgbaS00SB-iUInCK4nVgOFXsxVKGetpoVkj8e-rgexNWs58nqfCBCPHOtFXDg7-aqTNPoFMa7Wj_kxn3708stefXzSz0/s1600-h/IMAG0174---Copy4.jpg"><img title="IMAG0174 - Copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMAG0174 - Copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxXh3D9LzwgG2yzEAMnpiqmrJyy1m4NjbJgebybJdDNjTn6ShtS2KcsKoo0xUxwDTI4cDxjabsFg8GfChWj-PAO9iS-X0MYpZhV-oBOUj37170ZC2KRxaPqIBA2FJyka8Y7L1wITKgL0//?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6a-SIXhpYkntODvgx27DejgEoIbDRUKDOH_a_585i-ZgPSGeRZz6o3RTquRy5Akjrqip3RfyeNm0fsimt5yyvGeU6MtCXLciPrz-Ls8f3GwKwoGcAkdT1Ud8IJrd7xY4K65TymCwmII/s1600-h/P52500044.jpg"><img title="P5250004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5250004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntiJL0iFEAQFRvv9c8VE3tWJaxw0GSkyv48KbmFoMR8P6FVu2ZuT2w_om4zLi08Zq6W7-naSkofVlx2hKJNqZIKuBGx9a7A3mtEcscuqd_EaPFVbMiIfL3FIHZCi7ROOJjUF9dVXJ9ao//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoWLUS9Nyo9geDxNDGhjSQpTI4gxmt9kVdEWMZwWnozrP4sRj8UiK9po8tgIT73KcWiJB539bq5W_IK7TGURGRuy9fzKu_cmPeOx8MVpb1oFKDje1untANTyy-LGbozRwG-SNTGn-mg0/s1600-h/P52600034.jpg"><img title="P5260003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5260003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD7J9PK1Qn4eTgAF-8tGb0btsrgHjGCgmRSYFsQf4nZm1Vyi9MXxYymc4KW3hLj6XNuxtRaQDnS8jDvbUyrn19HJOjSK2Cb7myk6iwjkWA_dFr2gfsxoLK9YwjIl_tei3S6XYYqhA7z0//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnXaHAffvtFFxaWX88rByT_YJa8bhgpgG398mKxv0Qc7esmPT2uC5-oHRy4uLqEnQZD0do1IEYfD3fpAzQbu3FL7kwQO-Z3AVYlpgPMiJBdXwqzHZEXZeQlJ7EgYJf_Bqydulqa1OMc8/s1600-h/P52600044.jpg"><img title="P5260004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P5260004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSGToGCc4Wt43oshMZv9q8nMRDQ6w47_IXA_UOxxat5FtTRvMl6OFpNKMuEcA2ia0Jcy69sBgVMEpCZR98mqW0Qhs1-ZqbFEo2g_b0rVIkQt2kCAMwspR0vB_l1ztEjrtq0AKocEQjGQ//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Handy to have a lock buddy</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X5Yu4sTPdHp2pqcRb-2Vc8A-DXbchcWQrjvpiBG0py5UA3YOATBnag3RZOc1kWdBC_MoqVApEsgcOkJMg56tOPYpKsVPH9BMbUNb-4pgh-h3LLVl3Lr7TrUcG358TFTQTqll_S_ScHg/s1600-h/P52600064.jpg"><img title="P5260006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P5260006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoDNLB8p1efhKZw99or4GEkKgTQaiItWK8Jj9_YpEynZNWSQVrROljlawyezuGlIVbPruZUuebtQj8U5n0xLl3d6a7n4T_OaV5BNu4j4zgGWhdp-p_jyA8sVWTrsHawvQKOYcZWwAi6c//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Moored at Thrupp</p> <p align="left">On Wednesday morning we reversed back to the lift bridge at Thrupp and then moored on the services to fill with water, empty the loo cassettes (it’s amazing how quickly one little girl can fill one!). Emma arrived shortly afterwards with Milly and Lizzie, and we did a quick turnaround as we didn’t want to hog the waterpoint for too long. We said goodbye to Flo and welcomed Milly on board. Again we had quite a long trek back to decent moorings for the night, moored where we were on Monday night.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9yoLFn_C4OizWiqurT8mHp641ePMJqVtNsJLFx_NS05XKHmoQCxuO58NqJP9RtSM_vZhCjKWb_Pvc4FGtzCKyAI5TEtOkDMNUaXjjMLA-8fvwLe_4M9hEnrzdstWIvN1KT0PXl4SmTg/s1600-h/IMAG0176---Copy4.jpg"><img title="IMAG0176 - Copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMAG0176 - Copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo3ZGtyejis1bABHpSxwplywwMdoohBHIK7q6O9uNEU3qx3Z73t_bl51AJz6KcV3_1VBJWqqsSTkFb77CISZaFgj5_DHkAdDgbZZLUG_fG0keWra3FDWF2wqYk-451vE4EM9nopGKpuY//?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left">Milly did so want to help with the locks, but she wasn’t quite strong enough, so she sat and ‘supervised’ Grandad!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTO7RDhWuZXx55_24OAUhYmLpOwqcEBVw_YreE3pU5_t-k29uRnycIR39_oOmQo_30H22Si0FHb4rNK-xISPXi_JRq4vSHsqThIK80ycPZETXANFP1edJheISyolfTTmydS0fS3WeROM/s1600-h/P5270010-0014.jpg"><img title="P5270010-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5270010-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B8l9QznQwaHPuc2eDZ5RlFM138mkmyY41yiGQ19i1K3Nxpyrj_dfW0uxmT_uXCE2AEjNg07KvOm2TUhQoEkK9oAwL-B7Wnilp3h3XZGjPPX9KueLTZRCuz1qEUnmraGhaYzBwStZ7do//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="354"></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWjc2MvUfWjVuN7Mm8MGfJjxCJlSgQZZ0hAKLMCtgxKM1CPCqxQ775fef3krmZWcrIouqCcYJkw_-swUrcyVHt3wusNTf0BWp5ZiRkqYfNt2FiXGLrBNwab39DLoHIjn1a7xXljT4f8/s1600-h/P52700114.jpg"><img title="P5270011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5270011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6iENgiZV9c5Ynkzxo2xlGlrY6fDe89tPsvXiA0m-0uIlR9gsMSPZwTofJxnPGy4q-XZJ1kf0FWSiF2LZGaNOK2HW3iY7GeHSkW0MVPPm3aMzSB0ktABCvlGhk5hWj4eh3qDoUp1Zz2Y//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="left">On Thursday we headed for Aynho, where we did what was necessary to service the boat yet again! We managed to get a mooring quite near the bridge, and went to the shop so Milly could take her turn at buying souvenirs. Then of course, we just had to go to the pub for lunch – again! Back at the boat,Milly and I played Scrabble (she didn’t enjoy it either!) so we dug in the cupboard to see what other games we could find, and settled on Yahtzee – we played the best of three games and I won 2 of them. But she determined to beat me again before she left.</p> <p align="left">On Friday we headed for Twyford Wharf where we had arranged to meet Emma and Ben to hand Milly back. The weather was foul – cold and windy with torrential rain showers, and poor Milly had to remain inside the boat – Rog and I got absolutely soaked just doing the locks. Luckily it was a shortish journey and by lunchtime we were moored and inside drying off. We had dashed to the Farm Shop at the pig farm and treated ourselves to some of their delicious bacon from the farm’s Tamworth pigs, so we had bacon butties for lunch. Milly then insisted that she get her own back at Yahtzee, and beat me at all three games!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrBUcGI9UfvOK1Ki97b5PdCZybc7JmUMjoupivQg1dy9IXL0gmB3QBqGrEahjZTHrID2dJvLqaK2gCbwjYpV-HGU70te5BX5_WkWKskWN-_ai3tlE5QYkbJQVthBPHourYsI9QGGDWgA/s1600-h/P52900018.jpg"><img title="P5290001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5290001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmwQT1txbi38n-L2JEtH7zEBuEyaYCWQm-0uFZzv-K646JV2lF59Qx_sUILo78XYRu8YbuCCy5DCRblM2pG0mYqLHhM61ou2mNohF0PgM1gIBtnNQC2GNDal73-7mWcOS-nFzqakL-cQ//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw622DK1CiML8Ea8zGXDL-55MKReF0lVN-HMhRGf9SaPQXhWqEf-VmOhgUK79E92ra8DF17B9GAsoPbW6bM3xIdZm8eu2AM3ua7egP5okDB1A4bst1N8v7CKRG0AAjwSeIESjbDTxSgE/s1600-h/P52900034.jpg"><img title="P5290003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5290003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYuKPt4EsexgzTF-atktm3eyWO8wmQ-h_8Lr-nDjOsadXT4GFeXbohYR-aM0mockwURqFEc0vZ7QU5nzpwbV8pcBe-7Wo1EmBWzCF4B46iRTmrQfOZVOetX5CH0qMPpqhyPhxLkQOClo//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4XAGTwtsirH2x3aHkqoW1aR4K3zgYyK2sGrOsk7CCpYjelTN3DimzLFdwj0qrxkye9JsJVQekDYm82bbimfsDO5XrDt-nkB1Tb4NqaV0iFKMNQSUJcyXMa_wL11b-fT9lqSlbZ0NtB4/s1600-h/P52900044.jpg"><img title="P5290004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5290004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd8N8DYc84oEcvT3TZ0ctNpWMsyb1W8LAR8QvRfUpY6-n4sYYjZSzw6ri2usv9P3m5OYwdyJ7PFrHBCdxPKoIpP0jx7Wo5UzRTEoQRQD9KEuky5Nh9VMtv7Z6X4ztPEOS3ctD17NKfvw//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="left">The sky was pretty spectacular most of the afternoon with continuing heavy showers.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCI5geE6w5YQt-A7viBux0Q0o2xOnjN3ym5KgIGByLaoFYiIY0dTLr1liKCOGr4mCtxGovhER8Wiuho0MdFDzFUMpjyV_hzoxx20baRMy81y0EZ-Qz3AGDJHr4iwwb8sN0KQUBbakcPM/s1600-h/P53000064.jpg"><img title="P5300006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5300006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVKQbDrg0PlJ4wLuPFZWNL_i5Z4orS_tUdtZffQMkNvyxSixWpuBlhCpI3ZSVDn3OsKs2_oYbbEzP8SDaaeb52Xrk4kZnCf12Afh2B0Zk0HrHh7dZU1_7BXcLqFUXTRAyaztmDubXlDk//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="left">The weather was much better this morning, still breezy and chilly, but at least we had intermittent sunshine. The rest of the family arrived around mid-day and Emma and Ben had brought lots of yummy goodies for lunch. We sat and had a picnic on the towpath, and a good old natter, which was lovely, and the girls ran up and down with Ozzy. All too soon it was time for them to head back home. The boat feels very quiet and empty now, and Ozzy is sunk in a deep depression that he’s lost his playmates. I keep catching him standing staring up the towpath in the direction they went, hoping that they might return.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYxwXd4seOZ4F29oTQf-SbEUxaCi5lfWOCrulY6ppt9TKBlUb6_atRkOEQhJta6GjuXfs2zFBHc3XVsbnLWVXpl28MRjuO8RKw6u7yLk6EuwozWgKr2uCDgnF9qo9pKSyy6rKYxPZ04I/s1600-h/IMAG01775.jpg"><img title="IMAG0177" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMAG0177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0aUcyqVqqpESFTuZLqQvIGQ2zg2MbOrftwMEpvVlBzDMxw4HmbRpzs472DD1dPYGKr6MR0Nz6NVxWKJU17IGj3kTdKWubsT7IgBrI8O2WPAOH_22C2ds49mcqa2vpXn0pvwvmwcRgCY//?imgmax=800" width="323" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left">We’ve had a lovely week and I hope the girls have too – Emma says we have to have them both together next time, she’s seen far too much of the M40 this week! </p> <p align="left">We are now about to turn on the telly and Rog will suffer through the Cup Final, in the faint hope that the Villa will beat the Arse!</p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-12480594225089838562015-05-31T15:42:00.001+01:002015-05-31T15:43:39.571+01:00Still here.....We haven't disappeared off the face of the planet - we've been busy entertaining 2 of our granddaughters. I've done a blog on LiveWriter, but somehow things have got screwed up and I can't publish it from there. It's a long blog so I really don't want to have to use up all our mobile internet data by re-doing it in Blogger. I'll publish it when they sort the problem out.
We are heading home now - I've been suffering with Plantar Fasciitis since last summer, and my foot is really painful so we've decided to cut our cruise short, and go home so I can attempt to get some proper treatment on the good old NHS - but I'm not holding my breath!Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-40489802111237980822015-05-24T17:10:00.001+01:002015-05-24T17:10:34.678+01:00Lunch at Aynho…..<p>At 12.00 today we met the family in the Great Western Arms at Aynho – they were all there, daughter Emma and son-in-law Ben, Flo, Milly and Lizzie, and son Russ and daughter-in-law Nat. After a lovely lunch we all tramped back to the boat for a cuppa – it was a bit of a squash, but we got the chairs out and the men sat outside while the girls ran in and out, and the ladies sat and chatted. About 4.15 they all left, leaving a very excited Flo with us. It’s all calmed down a bit now!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicnZx6EQQgPoV034845joxga5kAVaahEb6hh_7SzRXWiRiQLOUfp2_-Sx4X_y4QmhNnp9Bd2iwWwRKyV7flc3i2iw8bXXgTxzg50rR9T6PwT65jKPTLhVMsjQfzQe8Bocn0qmYPYV2VQ/s1600-h/P52400014.jpg"><img title="P5240001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5240001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7LINA9BFF0J7P_f6IMppXBIep33HkTeJvfI8MZGPHWPoBonX0bxsVHXswvVCMP_5cDyj8XfcIT45D4-_IBcw6tDWdxiWrwptXEkmxBVCUVGGYn_nfnqZ9kq6HJ_EXWFSdOn5fTzjP0Q//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we will head southwards towards Thrupp where we will exchange Flo for Milly on Wednesday.</p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-39549479695542193662015-05-24T17:09:00.001+01:002015-05-24T17:09:49.617+01:00The ambu-boat…..<p>On Wednesday lunchtime, whilst at the pub, we decided on a slight change of plan for picking up Flo on Sunday. We were a bit concerned about finding a mooring space in Banbury, so we decided that Aynho was a better bet. However, we didn’t want to sit still for 4 days, so on Thursday morning we tootled of down to Aynho Wharf, turned the boat and headed back in the direction of Banbury. The plan was to stop at Twyford Wharf, then continue to Banbury on Friday to top up supplies at Morrison’s, turn and go back to Twyford and then back to Aynho on Saturday. Thursday was a beautiful hot and sunny day – we spent the afternoon at Twyford sitting in the sunshine watching the world go by.</p> <p>We had a little excitement for an hour or so. Mid afternoon the Twyford Wharf day-boat came by, carrying 2 NHS paramedics. They had had a call from a boater moored not all that further up from us. We found out afterwards that his wife had been playing with their dog, a hefty staffy, when it slammed into her and injured her leg. They managed to get her onto the day-boat, which then reversed back towards us and the wharf. This little day-boat was a pig to reverse and it took a long time, having to be fended off from every boat they passed. Eventually reaching the winding hole just behind where we were moored, they turned and immediately got stuck in the mud! This poor lady was sitting on the back, obviously in a lot of pain. Moored at last, they brought the ambulance into the drive of the Wharf, putting her leg in a blow-up splint, they got her off the boat and into the ambulance.</p> <p>Later on in the evening, we caught up with her hubby – it turned out that her leg was broken! Anyway, the story in pictures follows:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOwDLkDuybjBThecdTIedMhSf3wO77KScNsdqAwYe1cl4t9OmXu4Sj3KO7Gg7ydsmLIzRb4_83NDrsvdSa9s9fL6swf7FiqINYnCumjkgRu6gU75eflulWHEx3yhak9AMd21mqLqgsi0/s1600-h/P52100054.jpg"><img title="P5210005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5210005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVIYp2x3i306httYxCjqBaBfrrDMnnhBVdoUlaTXIXe4dOkUjKIt6EKJX5qP8JPMkWxbNOlBQxUgrng8nSAliQQ4S3khK-mPl7mfm21SzXjqrNpEfPXmThVbdYRZSOvyq3w9LKzh95LA//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Our mooring on Thursday afternoon</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp3-71lo0LRAC-a_J6xUyHIHQulyl7rVWK7LRTV9Pbugur-gEBtdgoE9yetMIlbQeTNAfwI4fLqJMnHscZP3sdo7-dW_ko-6uiYQyAWGm3V4XXR3WxcuQadh7Dgu-BOJq-FUxDw3DnhQ/s1600-h/P52100064.jpg"><img title="P5210006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P5210006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EOVIuFKH92RUAEt6h6vPecq8dT0w5bfX2RhoyND6H82psO1hfFW1fH4h0ZGYGTE_AGDAJ-2Wfe0ZF6Rblqu1JSWyZLOuqujo0H2hdXIGp05bVRKyxYicfThE0JVNagSonaoylpCm2Xc//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="356"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaFqIe2rC8udP5YEBrfOCGT79TnHinrG0y4IBjVazsINkBkuVEsoz2pCGgaon79yqAWbEeBxbInRgSKURYltlRayXc3x_I4zXIXJWZWiOEjXlnX2JJIqOB0Xoh0CnWmCUel87hPE3J6Y/s1600-h/P52100074.jpg"><img title="P5210007" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5210007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBjJJFzriJYyawBf-g2k3MKprdXvbozsjhf_8hE1nbIi48m9J4xZsNGRc5QewlxwLV-BsLGQ8doFZWIJ9e6H53uAH-j3F_A_hasuCjyP8yGvFC4Q5UjbJz27dyik8KA1dzZgkQeJXJdI//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="343"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtldnwprBGaTjb4oS330XANbmAniFqIGH7VzAjixjAuLFOZI1lpj5GKA6bJb9KzYucll9xaa_E3rw9CAD5n0n1i2jIfi31jVExfzWz63o3jwgQYwGnK7xlTLjIyQpat4MlN8f_die38bM/s1600-h/P52100084.jpg"><img title="P5210008" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5210008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mutaPhPenSI9gfLVsVFOjc97kF4VVQNARXHsqHQ-xkLqEkriJ2vJpZaRNb2pcglOrcw78LKl4hYng6uCiY3AYNePmR9wtR3VGY1L1ZpSfbK3TxKrqGwQVpsuCdEheh_FtfyhuYJvLgs//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="338"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MVa2QsBdXaOueHQIBNL2ZM7gajH-N_Ojn-xBKdLi0glBHOi8JuhquGIU4cLeI7mP8DzTD8wuNOk1klukQwElc1JTfFMJcUqbikaz8x87xLxk1qKS7YrF4KdVL5xHQQpj2a9T2sAgV0w/s1600-h/P52100094.jpg"><img title="P5210009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5210009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwroumrb_gwSesaclsErDlD1aVKx8VDHjaXW_GZzcN1D1fP_Nb1uQ29O2R9AJf6VIvy4b9D_GkjVJHck56TiRJ2JEKxfWxlt5-SzsqdeL9iZbJlcWgcSskxQfER-AujaOkHSJN_72khc//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="350"></a></p> <p>On Friday morning we continued on to Banbury, filled with water and emptied a loo cassette, then went up the lock, through the lift bridge, through the town centre, past all the moored boats and turned at the winding hole past Spiceball park, and returned to the lock. A boat pulled out just ahead of us from the moorings opposite the shopping centre, so I went to the lift bridge with her crew (the Mrs) to lower the bridge after both boats had passed through, to enable her to go and prep the lock. She nearly clonked a poor old lady with a zimmer frame on the head with the beam (the old dear hadn’t realised where she was standing, and Mrs hadn’t a clue what she was doing! They mucked about a bit and a boat came up the lock meanwhile. There was then a domestic between the boat that had come up the lock and the boat preceding us, as they hadn’t left enough room for the boat to exit the lock and turn to the right to negotiate the lift bridge. The woman helming the boat which had come up the lock was furious, being very precious about her paintwork, and it wasn’t at all a smart boat, just bog-standard tatty. I do love a domestic – especially when it doesn’t involve us!</p> <p>Eventually we got to Morrison’s and Rog went to get the few bits that we needed, and then we returned to Twyford for the night.</p> <p>This morning we have come back to Aynho and moored in the same spot that we had on Wednesday. We went for lunch at the pub and just after we returned we had a ‘Chance’ encounter! We knew that Doug and James on nb Chance were heading towards us, just not when we would meet them. They hovered mid canal for a bit while we had a chat, and then had to continue on – they didn’t want to get stuck behind the day-boat which was coming up from behind them. Lovely to see you both, hopefully we’ll catch up again for a few pints at some point.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmHaYw770m5tzeCLTGFULeG5Ochr9mZvDPbHc_ZzPssjo2gP5ugHM0Y2hBdov_-jHLl0IezsSxdbQgaZA6I92X-SKoMSckA-zulVJ1Ow-FPKsJFtdCujAvPRbGoO5rB3fh0ynvc-ASrQ/s1600-h/P52300104.jpg"><img title="P5230010" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5230010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4pSXjdNA7hlXiSfj2pFwFygj36tuGSAqwSH6IF_MEDlCAT087g_PurfLYEgR22bqFOaB7vNQylQTmBsn4YZijSfxVsEz4ept4XYkBIx-kdNetZoVmtu4rHVb1oVKmK0IzLl_mOMN09I//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgtCiQeCv3GoJxb_w4lUO3K0icsCrl8RjIgD8nWQtuoFrYKEug-if037AhuqA4k9638P7AlwGPmGT0si86-UIZI3mBAFxv5VLUBQs71B3AxniOH0QR-XUfIUNyChYRafR3AEiO932X3A/s1600-h/P52300114.jpg"><img title="P5230011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5230011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7Eif7UAS2-FsozlWNBDf8uO8oEuN5PvQdz5sC0mKEgsvgemjlrCIXiQQPnXv63Br9l-p5CIQEhzegfHlr0TCcCyWciJw7_MkItAlPUo4kUReB5r2RdteU6G1aj4KDPebSX9a2IsJRzg//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>And last but not least – there are tons of runny-babbits (sorry, family slang for rabbits) in the field opposite our mooring – just a couple of pics,seeing as I missed photographing the urban fox we spotted lurking in some bushes canal-side just on the outskirts of Banbury</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV8Gx7mBYg5FdRrHq1fR3PTkgJNayyySkWiOXO7OkIVJi0AgsiFQzy2ooNI2y1nsIcuITJaAra3UOJ1dV8oBBsAHR70bXHV4PPtAv5TeDXfRyotRpdQfATW6j5zktF3h5f2TgxXnuhJw/s1600-h/P52000024.jpg"><img title="P5200002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5200002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWHkTeae8iSgBt1UcFhB2yciDoDEyFf_sZ5ws-bIUKXgL0TxH8Ks0mePGzcix20ZL3c26Tzu2FpGoZZTpyQ77-Tca4V4P8EIRBDz8GKfj1c2_9fCNtIAOBNMILIhCQmh-kKFA-KsYWYo//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="347"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitaDqOTeg5YsM_OKdySifoNcO3EjLqQbNre8-8pgKpuWhO8XUtFyGewXpV-Qs0zjeRtkJwTLKUmtfeA44T3dShKrZKzGn2gSoj8YB87YvegYw2W6Q8oAGQWq5g0fLfpzum4vill_lPto/s1600-h/P52000043.jpg"><img title="P5200004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5200004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv-OSbsHQZq6xupb8zTB3cKw05opRE-KUeEh5X6O-KWCdSJU1XGq1Z_2Ft1LSbP5DUIFLWtJKGNLpdJkP9kHpfPrpxtxRpmDxr5bSzSkWDoD97hSChf4GeTYumgGtTSnITxJPtONuZ0U//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="286"></a></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-68263059982657120582015-05-20T16:58:00.001+01:002015-05-20T16:58:57.830+01:00Cropredy to Aynho<p><font color="#ff0000"><em>Tuesday 19th May</em></font></p> <p>Having sat out the bad weather on Monday, we set out again towards Banbury. The wind was still very blustery, as soon as we reached the first lock, the heavens opened. And so it continued all morning. We had a very slow trip down the 3 locks north of Banbury, being 4th in the queue at each, and getting rained and hailed on at each. Between showers the sun came out, the wind dropped a little and it was quite pleasant. Unfortunately it didn’t last for more than 15 minutes. </p> <p>Eventually, around lunch time we reached Banbury. Continuing through the visitor moorings, the swing bridge and the lock, we stopped to fill with water at the services below the lock. Then on a little further, a shopping stop at Morrison’s, and then on out of the town to find a mooring. Moored now just past the outskirts of town. It’s now slinging it down yet again.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em>Wednesday 20th May</em></font></p> <p>It was still very cloudy when we left our mooring, but the wind was quite so strong and the temperature slightly higher. It did, however, stay dry for our journey to Aynho. Not much traffic going southwards, I think they must have all stopped or turned around at Banbury, but quite a few Black Prince and Napton hire boats queuing at the locks heading northwards, to be back to base on Saturday, I presume.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTh4CSIwmeGeaZHK5gLG8aQwAJRYxa8x9lzFm0B_UPrc5PpKowHIH1oA193yxwGk-xUrxyvXRHomTeXwSjOX2mVkdtu2wiHZtCl6USSetMTNFjqile8JijHZlBQxj101fof7k9tbJslg/s1600-h/P5200001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P5200001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5200001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncLbwSGI2zmF9Z6dhJjp0C_QcuRVIb7gTf9eikVRAA3SpTc6hVSZuV0E7H9PzJCDNQlE8Za8FZxdAgaK3beufocaDmLG0wimqbaNCe5zsoMk_y8nVd-1fAfsCu1qDhj1vzxKLqHxIwp4//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Aynho Weir lock, diamond shaped to allow more water through onto the lower levels – it’s only about 2 feet deep, but a struggle to get the gates open with bent beams. And so many turns of the windlass to raise the paddles!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6Hk5wwXAJI-dMrECAuz074xhGiIO_zP5wLfznwWodFN6XuW6ZjVcExOvCK8eyG35t38dwqPW3hGqfxfxeMDAsnXkimTdacz0YLPRYF5lBzB-6rKkjqzvVv_jpWGANqLeR1-_nefW_xs/s1600-h/P5200002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P5200002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5200002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad6372Fm-Gulcy7noLYVyVH6jCJXCeITEyte0Tam2Y4EJsZRmHyK0ie-V6Jl-j_jYPmK3zzqbk5qaB9zlTZi0ME1et_14XiXBy6jylcOY01Wu3ENeJLReDaSrUG7STMwjKunpFHytIrc//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Moored now on the 14 day moorings just before Aynho wharf – we’ve been to the pub, but sadly not for lunch as they stopped serving food half an hour before we got there. The reason being that after we slotted into the only space left, on a bend, and not very easy for Ozzy to jump on and off, we found that there was a day-boat several spaces further back, so we waited a couple of hours until they left and reversed back into the space they had vacated.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em>4.8 miles and 4 locks</em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-24383278280569989672015-05-18T12:58:00.001+01:002015-05-18T12:59:19.478+01:00Marston Doles to Cropredy……<p><font color="#ff0000"><em>Saturday 16th May</em></font></p> <p>We left our mooring about 9.30, to wend our way across the summit of the Oxford canal. Eleven miles of twists and turns and almost meeting ourselves coming back! Across country, with a compass, the same trip could be accomplished in 4 miles!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE1YXg_F-TYaNOGM2vHIjE7cKCdalifPpSgdwTdOhPtKRDxWdxQBcNIeSylgZrwAJXyb4ByYNUQKkU0WOGgsTvwJ2o9_i-UnW4VeKR7tFmuHCe5QW5AwyqL1GRNbIc7jl3LxuCkVUCKs/s1600-h/P51600034.jpg"><img title="P5160003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5160003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrZyrkkaRHFv9lajh8XmV4DVu4u_qJH4WdA3FqXwk87Nctg2Oig_Cd-XSX0izFzZQnl7tfgNeQgMrqGYc9VGYDqKipNitnsak-T_SxhceFGh3z1yJ_gcPlY8DinZl-T-lbIVIb76hK7k//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">The Magic Mast – this mast keeps appearing in the strangest of places, sometimes on the left, sometimes on the right, sometimes in front and sometimes behind, then in front again</p> <p align="left">A fairly uneventful trip, apart from an almost coming together with another boat on a bend – we kept expecting them to turn but they didn’t – full reverse was in order to prevent a collision! I think they were hypnotised by the somnambulistic nature of the scenery – we wondered whether they would have just kept on going and hit the bank if they hadn’t suddenly become aware of our existence a few feet from their starboard bow!</p> <p align="left">Moored now on the visitor moorings at Fenny Compton, and lunch partaken of in The Wharf pub – well it would have been rude not to!</p> <p align="left"><font color="#ff0000"><em>7 miles and 0 locks</em></font></p> <p align="left"><em><font color="#ff0000">Sunday 17th May</font></em></p> <p align="left">We left Fenny at our usual time of about 9.30. It was another blustery morning, warm in the sheltered spots, but the wind was very chilly when the spots were not so sheltered. The sun was making regular appearances between the clouds, which were sometimes dark and threatening, but it stayed dry. </p> <p align="left">We started to descend the five locks at Claydon sandwiched between two hire boats, the crews of neither of which knew what they were doing. I spent the time waiting for our turn in the queue explaining what the procedure was. I was a bit puzzled by their lack of even basic knowledge, considering that they were out of Wigram’s Marina, and Napton Narrowboats, and they had both come all the way up the Napton flight. Still, maybe it was the fact that they would now be locking down that confused them. Anyway, they all managed ok, and we didn’t get any calls for help so they must have got the hang of it. </p> <p align="left">Having completed the Claydon locks we had a short rest until the next 3 locks heading into Cropredy. On arriving at Cropredy we were amazed that the visitor moorings were completely empty, all except for one boat. However, we spotted on the sign that the moorings were 24 hours only. I’m not sure how long that has been in force, but I’m fairly sure that we’ve stayed longer than that in the past. Perhaps the fact that the weather forecast for Monday was fairly wet, had decided boaters not to stop. </p> <p align="left">For that reason we continued on through Cropredy lock and stopped on the service point to fill with water and empty the necessary. A quick nip across the bridge to the shop was disappointing. The two previous times we have come this way they were selling delicious pork sausages. locally produced, in a variety of flavours, apple and red onion being our favourite. However the shop has now changed hands and they aren’t selling them any more – just a normal bog-standard pork produced by another company. What a shame, I was looking forward to some of those! The ones looked good and meaty though, so I bought some for dinner, and good they were! That’s two meals ‘off plan’ this week, perhaps that’s why I have stayed the same and Rog has only lost 1/2 lb this week! </p> <p align="left">We continued out of Cropredy at the usual slow crawl due to all the moored boats and found a quiet spot to sit out Monday’s rain. It’s coming down in stair-rods at the moment. Due to clear this afternoon, but we are staying here as we are a week early for our rendezvous at Banbury which is only a couple of hours away. We will go through tomorrow (Tues) and do a bit of shopping at Morrison’s then carry on southwards for couple of days before turning back to Banbury to collect Flo next Sunday.</p> <p align="left"><font color="#ff0000"><em>6.7 miles and 9 locks</em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-25202147992020566922015-05-15T16:26:00.001+01:002015-05-15T16:26:10.751+01:00Week 1…..<p><u><font color="#ff0000"><em>Wednesday 13th May</em></font></u></p> <p>Just a short hop today as we aren’t sure of the moorings near Napton. We didn’t want to do all the Napton Locks today. We planned to water and empty the loo at Braunston, but the water point our side of the junction is awkward, and there were two boats on it already, so we didn’t bother to wait. It wasn’t vital, and we can get water at Napton. We also planned to pop into Midland <strike>Diddler’s</strike> Chandler’s as well, but their mooring was also taken so we didn’t do that either.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIjj7lUNsZ6YYMvlMyvPoeVfs95lBwIhQ5aFZvvKnYhM0TMArk1un5FrL367LLdS2xMrZUSV6fJKmLAo0ItNykQaEBrax5KsEdwAsMrz9Q-jWe6nFxBYqE-SWd_hFQM4aa3Qnn-Neq-E/s1600-h/P51300014.jpg"><img title="P5130001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5130001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw8iS9UVUNTt7VDlplfMPam4uFsavHtmNdp_eZqBY7OyDUifSfn3z0DCoqixgwOCJabQ7Ka5fb2SrlysedmTKD67PJTVsEQ7BOuYzOQNdEY3UhQNviMJWnZNCjddSOJP_nsZJzt4_kWc//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>We turned right at the junction to continue on the Oxford/GU section, and have found a lovely mooring with views across the countryside. If the weather is as forecast tomorrow, we will stay here until Friday.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU0jAJpmkAz2COOv9bBuu4CEMQDE-n-Ra_h9VHgFXGEyFBaLFbnx0R0qaIhUETlpVam1qCbG8ANvQRNy1pjN5mGQiZK027GjNIzvNQurtKBQ1nrrmhtgW-9pMLbD-Nan4yK2JNbWe3SY/s1600-h/P51300028.jpg"><img title="P5130002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5130002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvUa9Ppty1WRXvbZalx07hwmwwSCfVzl71ox-taqTsxmnj6yEJ5HFYn_U5X2PrZ6cK__HgTjW9PNHDmriAVBVoiwDjMRsLzsY5th7N8JNfyWaXa-96urbl90fJ90-w1S9Ea6zZPQ2yR0//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKqV2Iz3OtQ5ATMRaGTHqK_ZFi-At2wbsYNvuCu_EFkQinVpko5KbMPd-hFOjADdgVGMUnRn95p30KKx6x-ZPilhGKDglkMRg9wFwZCvPj9cdcWwkCRZyxnPL18LKqwB50kIgudIqLQA/s1600-h/P51300034.jpg"><img title="P5130003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5130003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBVUyNnWtiwRZn9QEqOUmZ7FeQGOmZlEPeZOz4rxtRLxAcX6oyETmdhrDV0m2U6JkrCDKc0i6gwm9atb4lR6KjtQpQVXusljyT9viABc4AvKKy2qj_pBBmC3hVWgkr90osgzz9Q9_iEk//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <em><font color="#ff0000">4.5 miles and 0 locks</font></em></p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em><u> Friday 15th May</u></em></font></p> <p>We sat tight yesterday through the wind and rain, and set off this morning at about 9 o’clock. It was a much better day than yesterday, although dull and cloudy and quite nippy. Shortly after we set off, fellow bloggers Jo and Keith on Hadar passed us heading to the Leicester Arm. We had a few shouted greetings, but no photo as I was on the towpath walking Ozzy with no camera. We knew they were heading our way and did expect to see them today, although maybe not quite as early as we did.</p> <p>We stopped and filled with fuel at Wigrams Turn Marina, and they kindly allowed us to empty a loo cassette and also to fill with water. Really friendly people – pity it’s so expensive as it seems a nice place to have a permanent mooring – too rich for our blood though! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG6axc5f57b7Fo9unfmHVIjTXntOXbIg3WF1kNUh3S4xkYLjQDfAAANYP_ztEkVTMgUjRbmT10eYMEQ3iPj4asNDyl7jGwIaXG6XO4OAS4ckf4exeYOaHeBww5NgNqpoLezO69RsNu00/s1600-h/P51500014.jpg"><img title="P5150001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5150001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiDOYBlOymKnwKXVyJb63PZnhgEOo1VhVACq10GnzGA7U1D46KKjMdPeUrpb3fbcZg5onrYe8xOPmiRZu2rh9qEU4fivk1fAM9wguGd6c__kjjy9rJi7mdqz1W5lltvBoaeQA_usI6K4//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Napton Windmill</p> <p>When we reached the bottom of the Napton flight of locks we had a very short wait as there was a boat in front of us about to go into the first lock, but it wasn’t long before we were on our way again. The locks were not particularly busy, we passed a few boats coming down but not many – there were more heading our way. We were at the top of Napton, heading for Marston Doles by about 1.45, and through the two locks there by about 2.30. At the top of Marston Doles we encountered our second bloggers of the day – Chas and Ann on More-2-Life. Unfortunately we couldn’t chat as there was no room to stop. More shouted greetings and we were past! We continued on our way for about 20 minutes and are now moored in the middle of nowhere between Bridges 121 and 122.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em>8.3 miles and 9 locks</em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-20819672994832258202015-05-12T16:09:00.001+01:002015-05-12T16:09:00.932+01:00And we’re off…..<p>Having loaded up the boat over the last few days, cleaned and polished it to within an inch of it’s life, we set off this morning from Brinklow Marina. It was raining when we awoke (oh, what a surprise!) but by the time we were ready to leave the sun was peeking through the clouds. We struggled against the howling wind to leave our pontoon without crashing into the boat moored opposite – we were warned before we moved to Brinklow that it was very windy, and it is! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppurRMlV7AQcgb3HyayjWeZ2wwxOZ10TPLwohuRKuMg79mX8vsUzdiFy1IozimjMz3mTGGrdPLvZPm5vJjyxzqjBPSviYUA4cjjp8Fa5bAbA0ITWF21N2wOZOWdV_sUxFwg5sxFqkPCY/s1600-h/P51200014.jpg"><img title="P5120001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5120001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYmZrxXBpZHyUuceWi6aG3d31sr1PN7lqMhz1FT-QI3HfKVnj7zBTqB9lQ3et_qsUko3vgtqqQtn80pptnsCLx92ybjBBRUV1kPprXb70IFevbEyxsoWZPyRAyToz_BsiK-S6OKNVQgg//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Once out on the cut the wind was only breezy. Ozzy was happily in his usual place on the locker, with lots of new smells and sights to keep him interested.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kg9cypJLXiYC_dCbSzaS47gsO7EKGgXMt2lWqMv2lIg-EzpaQQehwZzjjifIpz1cPmjMvrQAiCYu_teQ-6n_XucuI_BHx2OGJv3mKbJ8W0hNOFW0DckjSh3M2mAHru1T0vr8W8vgCt8/s1600-h/P51200028.jpg"><img title="P5120002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P5120002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxZkN1blS-7MRUG0iLTRK-mmTe23vi5_Im-SSpwwamSeQsYZfD3LufJSBrp-r46ntXiujnmGqwPWLau_D5B3nKXvzvL5vO1B9PNclepNHIbkaMyTMLrZs-4xep8B0_mW-p4xcLWZ16JM//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Through Rugby and eventually to Hillmorton Locks where only one of each of the 3 duplicated locks was in operation – it took rather longer to get through than usual with a short queue building up going our way, and quite a long one to go down.</p> <p>Soon afterwards we had a heavy shower of rain lasting about 20 minutes, Rog got a bit damp, but Ozzy and I went inside.</p> <p>We are moored now near Willoughby on some familiar moorings, about an hour out of Braunston.</p> <p>I probably won’t blog every day this trip. I’m finding it difficult to keep it interesting these days, so I’ll probably just blog once a week or so unless there is something of interest to report.</p> <p>We are heading to Banbury on the Oxford canal to collect a new crew member, our eldest granddaughter Flo, who is coming out on her first trip with us during half term week. Just for a few days, without Mum and Dad. If all goes as planned, we will return to Banbury mid-week, and swap her for our middle granddaughter, Milly, returning her to Banbury on the Saturday. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, and they won’t be too bored!</p> <p>10 miles today, and 3 locks.</p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-51637445816738079772015-03-07T13:22:00.001+00:002015-03-07T13:22:49.325+00:00New boots and cruising plans…..<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrldf2tfDCAnS9V7p7Y9HwKw4DOxUXssuwz3uWhnghdTG_y0yYwoXqTfWo1yUv180kDaXWoelWak4kNiBAN-b8yFZsuI4C76gzVbHV9GSB2ftk5YGQd9N4bv112hjg16rvEi1M5L1nGcc/s1600-h/IMAG0169%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMAG0169" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMAG0169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDJITor3DBMyyjiIb1eXZsGsqesyLiAp78o5pS4DP2iE7YxtyQiTtPRHrJdlQesH5rRmBuvyFAN1XjZMxam51LtJpg2M8UeKwuQJ_GJ-jRgHztVI70ZNYEq-3oKsAy6fcy9kwIYUbJLo//?imgmax=800" width="550" height="376"></a></p> <p>I have new boots! My old faithful Brashers have begun to fall apart, but that’s not surprising since I’ve been wearing them every day for the last 5 or 6 years! I had a great deal of trouble buying them in the first place as I have extraordinarily wide feet. Unfortunately Brasher don’t make that style any more so I’ve had to buy their replacement. Not looking forward to breaking them in though, they feel rather tight! But then the old ones did too, when I first bought them – my toes used to go numb for a while before they stretched to accommodate my weird shaped feet. The old ones are still just about wearable though, good enough to change into when my feet need a break from the new ones.</p> <p>Rog had an op last Wednesday to remove the cataract that had developed in his left eye. He has a follow-up appointment mid April, so, as long as everything is as it should be, we can start our cruising year shortly after that. No real plans as to where we are going this year yet, only that we need to be on the South Oxford at either the summer half term, or the beginning of the school summer holidays as we’ve promised to take our eldest granddaughter Flo, for her first trip as crew for a few days. At nine and a half now, we think she’s ready, and, if all goes well we may swap her for middle granddaughter Milly who will be eight by then. Can’t cope with them both at the same time yet, as they get into all sorts of mischief together!</p> <p>So, watch this space – we’ll be back soon. </p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-9537812725047911202014-12-24T17:15:00.001+00:002014-12-24T17:15:08.219+00:00<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">To all our readers, a very</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPxiX5vIhiSw7Mf4FLyApUwLnrH1DXWTGc5pmm4yqtOKCQZToceEqopJoA8hI9HT4b-JENG16I7iBTUbadpDXPLvHGz0b7fTxdV0tH8YC4eUwb5_E3Na4aBe7fmNRAY3KNBC43wkoN6w/s1600-h/christmas-greetings2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="christmas-greetings2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="christmas-greetings2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q8f0Bc81ejSYMlmyzbK9uGrms2sofKMZ2o6II_bmkxRO2XStSqP9DhBwie8mOD739XuW3u2N2r3xpR5IBx4cI6hedvtVMKIY9oPw2mp5HxyfsHoLV8q0AvfKMYJgLazH4kOFINwNCBI//?imgmax=800" width="584" height="386"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">and a Happy New Year</font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-72697480949938775542014-12-07T16:20:00.001+00:002014-12-07T16:25:44.875+00:00Redesigned saloon…..<p>During our summer cruise this year we decided that we were fed up with not having enough room in the saloon, and, as we rarely have visitors, that we could live without the dinette. It’s all my fault as I first designed the boat with an L shaped dinette. That proved to not be very comfortable to sit at, so, after our first summer’s cruising, Neil changed it for a raised Pullman dinette.</p> <p>This was the original dinette – lovely to look at but not very comfortable to sit and eat at:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WDmY8By9ped25YT7kemEouWfOMCFNHkVaaDeQzXBWYbnXicfaELZTXKEjuETeXAkeHpXpbgBPUnjLXquCiHd9N-XX6Z_wFG0H1islEY20VcB-3TxpcuaTIK5UjAfivtbu-CdFmDicbg/s1600-h/pic_6%25255B4%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="pic_6[4]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="pic_6[4]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZBHAHZgD49b5E0oS3dnyrK1REF1JUaBCzxpVYyqrevn_FvjrvPTapyAeA1JTZm6o2tab0xY3Pgf46LkejmfUBcQ_PZTfzGl8EjOgvGOr9gOsJ4Ukmr6_WAA6mTu3Su-zIQat40C9DS0//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>We then changed it to this, comfortable to sit at, but it cut down the space:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKGMVI4Z7snsLesf5Q4CVHxL-ai9wxqL5FHjAnZvrlAS7rnUhW-4X98nHP9T22YZmm9RJFiPR4ggDHmKGQcvx_lTHRR_Yhcp-gopXCn8FGJBojczcSkEzMG_LHi8R9fkCTYXx9ReTXSE/s1600-h/DSCF0008_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCF0008_thumb[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0008_thumb[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPILmqKqKw32o-eGKRjk9jkT9tFEE6mjJ5KQH5kDsshJQJzLJ5xTcx_HcnMNOtBWHHGpVOC1MuB0BAmx0yPSa61XlVuOVKjIFfAK7A66lf4m_E4FGLAXNjucFSSdB9SGJich2J22QtPUA//?imgmax=800" width="488" height="368"></a></p> <p>So we have now redesigned the saloon without the table and one bench. We have had to leave the other bench as it houses the freezer, and we have decided to keep the table in it’s storage rack under the gunwhale, and refit the desmo socket in the floor. With a new, slightly longer leg, and a couple of folding dining chairs it will still be a functional dining table. We usually eat off trays on our laps whilst watching TV so it will only be used occasionally. The plan was to buy a small drop leaf table with chairs stored inside the centre, but I don’t think that will be necessary now.</p> <p>We are very pleased with the results of the refit. We have had the TV cabinet moved to the opposite side of the boat, and swapped with the bookcase. We can now sit further away from the TV for more comfortable viewing and both be facing up the boat rather than across – the TV is on a swivel arm inside the cabinet and pulls out for viewing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa4UUospY5veU4PeW2PDdyuUGMWjnh0kRCDw_8wm2vQkzt1cgF_30eAmBwdCNL6ZVl-_EtnEQa470d0ifWHEJQsFL_Nf-cgtLUTX-L42ZS-BVAn4cblkHK6TirGP85Boh2LTqNLDXKRY/s1600-h/PC070003%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="PC070003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae4HhQ0CZT35BPRfj0d7kRBVRuYsayqpGr-JL9Kr89EWcKi-ZNyiZngO-iHneUxACDLo0yT68y_VWzDaayhoYfPLSTxY45x-HdOKpw5XozN1Ng7UAW9-ycR6Pja9ZTYHOGi50L7Nl66Q//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrP3edtAzpmnjDbzPAwNjDxLk-h6Y6nuC1QVi79g9nudIG6go5sIP5rzFCbDZzFMp5NhNj5SDDwn-bmuz459gKolW1dtv6OG5B2ZWGI5qsOMfHrBcQdCNxW0QciOQlOhf0y7gLujVlpKU/s1600-h/PC070005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PC070005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZcxo1bAKzTNj479IoWld6_gyX7MAF3f9nOdRM329q7NB1fuviBeViwFpfKr65EjAwKN7ki3CylswGx42eVH5DdypVH0Esioh9EvILTkiemzKvC2v4yGFCpm6gr4E3grYakxhMdFrRr4//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ90oiMpdaNi-GiQsH4RFkqySOGdZ1g3ieb9ORWaejdA-9rqA6s0sA8CLcpfJpwddQd6opw9OT9vN1d7W7F4f4GPNoZc9f6TCST1cMKXt9X044zSoVGrJp1wwW0YaKe25lGh-eOzuOJeM/s1600-h/PC070007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PC070007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BW2tSJZDs65fn11bfkE-Dm9XtVC6vCoVyU4HxUU0UKtriB6gDbLFQne2nGNWbNt9XKT2zZOZSEF5KZKToRNVUUVE4mQ2ltR_AdIGVr_xMujfe0sPZxrQZivXzPMVDbta8NPDV7a08ZQ//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFrTVs5UxOdBgj6HPrhEXWK8Pn4-EyhhH6cgAU7jitmeDeRdile9zB97MsfPLeGeTNJLsH2oNjYb0UQwQ68cygBGagboE5Ojc2XxaoIq30OJbPDKjoEWefU63kf-S13nZJhShbqwb4xk/s1600-h/PC070008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PC070008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv8yu7KEmXZP6NGZKbM9v44TwVKCbnFF9ILipeWbZmmXG6fhaHGW6HA3rkXYbfREwoANdh2MlGZHIfGYrtjMhiXF17_fKPhgskgGKMOcz5F7HTuWSl-WAjoMOg8_WaNN7kF1DoKLJKZw//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>It’s given us tons more space, and we now have room to store the footstools beside the chairs during the day, which will avoid us having to try to scramble over them when moving through the boat! All we need now is a slightly larger rug.</p> <p>If anyone needs any interior work doing on their boat, I’d thoroughly recommend using David Ritson – link to his website >>><a href="http://dwr-narrowboats.co.uk/">HERE</a><<<. He lives and works at North Kilworth on the Leicester Arm of the GU, and will usually travel within a 30 miles radius to work on a boat – he says that he finds that any further and the travelling costs become prohibitive. He’s done a lovely job adapting the TV cabinet to fit the new space and replacing the flooring where the dinette was – if it weren’t for the fact that the new boards still have the lacquer shine on them you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The new boards, which I sourced, were ever so slightly thinner than the original, and he re-machined them all to fit. It is fairly obvious what has been moved and to where, as the maple ply is a different colour where it has previously been covered, but we hope that it will change colour to match the rest over the next couple of years.</p> <p>So, there we go! I’m sure Neil from Beacon would be pleased with the result – if he’d been able we would of course have asked him to do the job. Ally, if you are reading this, please show Neil the pics and let us know what he thinks.</p> <p>And lastly, a photo of Windsong on her new mooring at Brinklow Marina. At last, a full length pontoon!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxFP7WniCwK4ISD4_2qreKfO9uq28pWlQJz_jxPNlfG7yiq4A0blgnKliZeRIu57mM3mpxAE0nWXWSiz7aAz6Ok5ihJPBh7upNJwz5V0yZ4rEUyymiCgxHv3JjJzjmlaYALiKYrJ2iNg/s1600-h/PC070011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PC070011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="PC070011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl72MPUx7SiA5yJhNgKBDfsFun96D84HQe1EyNvzCAmc9e25sRBnCSX0LZXBo1uClqgnY1l8qhxeAVDMW96aYixFtTD48XPRHhC4e5UF2nPDCkH2R5DF5FwGLcFu4UBXuzqwuEXXAi-o//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-3296024528817393342014-10-30T15:32:00.001+00:002014-10-30T15:32:18.104+00:00Relocation, relocation, relocation…..<p>On Monday morning, bright and early due to our body clocks still being on British Summer time, we waved goodbye to Gayton Marina for the last time and set out for the short trip to Brinklow Marina, which is to be Windsong’s new home. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PPGJAulaWoaeOsqgnfeihleWT0AllfgEB6ul4ArzGcybqKC558F9jAgC4bRBN7zMBkLz02xpqAl-zQPOrj6tYqO_BW7CMd1qTxcTEMoUKknZilOLWxfXcI64Su0H9rk1gQ7eL1amChE/s1600-h/IMAG0158-002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMAG0158-002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMAG0158-002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pV109vqsQgNnoDksQosMcHD2nMcZOTS7HvkO6hHqPm_kC5gPuMG2Du3f6ryvFq2l7uuD1PCCEpIcVwBKaHkSaePQ2BRuiFVdi4mfOk-Ik49AJyI1oS_vlAxrwkt_vyEAGcukUXLbhi0//?imgmax=800" width="410" height="530"></a></p> <p align="center">A last sight of Gayton Marina on the left through the bridge, and the Northampton Arm of the GU</p> <p> It was a beautiful morning, if a little on the windy side, and we made good time, sharing the Buckby lock flight with a charming couple who’s boat name escapes me now! We managed to bag our favourite spot at Norton Junction, just past the water point on the Leicester Arm, and moored up just after 3 pm</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRryJ2Il6oHKd_dIhkkqAjsEA2PrXaCQm6LNQ1ZVGdNo9HD3zeDfWoPprJnnAffUqpA6bJ8rdJFc8se9GYtNIDzvQ18CFEqsqp4BICbZ3HFYCslCNrXu5BxGzHp21c93pHuyVvurKeLIE/s1600-h/IMAG0159-001%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMAG0159-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMAG0159-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjal8OVVpHblG6NordiG3qYr4J_SL9vsTXVKa1QZ57W8TDwAktmfEwww-W1wQZ9CRdlk26TUxfidURGsI34IBPXTm4hk86RcTsaV-sLyra8O4P-H-vGY5X2N5jOzrxZjBqf8dOzc7SJEdA//?imgmax=800" width="482" height="337"></a></p> <p align="center">Our mooring for Monday night</p> <p>On Tuesday morning, we again set out reasonably early (for us!) with Braunston tunnel and locks ahead of us. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaTuPFbcYNEI3SsfECb0D-B8PXvjlrUmvblajFGkKcHVvHg2tIppYusZV3cw-RxlK-3vqhqZx-WjisEQ67tq6r1eMtuPDCoZ2X6O0Y4ljJtFLVw9PjQOomjEph-8AmxaSxqKVO9zmZgY/s1600-h/IMAG0160%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMAG0160" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMAG0160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOnDVdI_TGSeq5jAi0eAs8w9pjkwhpk18yzpEXhHs7rrvTutNG223Fy3YxucFYD2izJ1sO0jQEtXt_ZwytxWMEeHY05slDAV3pliDsQmM82fQgCGdtDUSCv-9WqHYzw3s7iRTzif9aaY//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323"></a></p> <p align="center">Norton Junction</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQlNLZ7BukB7HO5MQo1ep1qe070G4DQQPJ_61skGyUJNg77Lp91xwpZDFAlZ4OJThusGFkTVofz3mogytyAKIu0bVNUDi5VzqORk4_qKMmTbxNfcekbAvzhao3PoFvaAYDpxLDMuH9Ww/s1600-h/IMAG0161-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMAG0161-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMAG0161-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2SqHi88XbrXS6JGfBP7XWvZkp-NIQdx1LeQZY14ls-YZ62tHQI7-19VtqUucC4DoFiBVvYA9LVQ3OO7M8Xz025FX5cA83MROjxml47pDBMKiCXUAQlCcqLmihqZybhMI7FFyZUxprRU//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="323"></a></p> <p align="center">Rog reversing out of the junction</p> <p>Another glorious day, and again we made excellent time, down Braunston Locks in record time. We contemplated making the most of the weather and cruising on until we reached Brinklow. Just north of Braunston that all went for a bag of rats! Having turned onto the north Oxford, and stopped at Midland <strike>Diddlers</strike> Chandlers for a new TV aerial, we rounded a bend and were confronted with this:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xsdalDPGqKsoszFyuBAU6AmwAASCmGyiJ3xFSbhH4zLZ_ZcMpamuH0fCcDN6PkaBR4YaRm2impegG47RAfvH_d97w_Uyr-_wubl82gDsFZxuo-UpZe197w_lRQF0qpipCL6bAvdpPGY/s1600-h/DSCF0103-001%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCF0103-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0103-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRx2dbQb_3pOnPzfbXFyVJdzwZndgjEoe74f4IESmnk4go76ekj-K9RRApj8k2EdbsJAkVjTFX3YdtqEJ45rg5ESbyhcCf3Ch2Hm728xLSq63y3F0i7zyCMsW7vhB4X4-0gRMfw3Vg8E//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Nb Boudica was stuck fast across the full width of the canal, having tried to turn a 65 foot plus boat in an ‘unofficial’ winding hole, only big enough to turn a 45 foot boat!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6Ql7YhtJ2CMpr0LQ_9GR4FF2C6ce_EyLsQq9FthV2VIaeQjkdHD5M7YZ3cQB1omNRM97-wrWm7FpsfcLnSSJrLmzIO6dZwjJAUUCRGnTZRHaYaEDQMQTD_XYRxAIoqHWM9dooSNWP-I/s1600-h/DSCF0104%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCF0104" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNYqNLK0IqWLqg7A1idKfYnk6D3qXOfB6c_GTPPevc0gu5vOSMKXg8F6ZHhbPfddW9DCZGhivujh9RjWn3iJAG8vO5-3NZnjs7P52Ask9_U56Tme1UODcWfwOOxZ7YXp4AHhyE_41zUE//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>There were boats everywhere, pulling, pushing and trying in vain to shift her. Apparently she’d been there since 8.30, and it was now heading for 12 noon. The very embarrassed skipper had been assured that it was an official winding hole – he’d had only had the boat since the day before. He’d been trying for several hours to get hold of C & RT and only managed to get someone to answer a phone shortly before we arrived! As you can imagine it was chaos, with one very officious lady trying to direct all the other boats to move backwards by waving her arms at us all. Those of you who know Rog will know how well that went down!!! We couldn’t moor where we were as we couldn’t get anywhere near the bank, so, after about half an hour with no sign of going anywhere any time soon, we reversed back several hundred yards and moored up. C & RT arrived about an hour later, and with the help of a couple of boats moored close by, managed to direct operations and jerked Boudica free. By the time the logjam was cleared – 14 boats heading southwards and 8 heading north, it was about 3 o’clock and as we had a nice mooring, we couldn’t be bothered to set off again so we stayed where we were.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjvFxJjFtz87Fw0RZ3sNonCZ0yh9usYLPZJIlPRg6lu6UaKhEqb4I7jdynum50q7F9Su2CD7sX0_8hyJAVCbAjz62P3_6nU4hkk7wh9hS1fbpvrSV5RY7QUkfkZjw47XDnO0JG2bbzPw/s1600-h/DSCF0105-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCF0105-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0105-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissP1OMJ17BFkjp55EWUJOfqPdwG7JpHvKuz5qv3wzmYeLhVcX8aHqJInLAWfPTMh5qmINy4zzO49lUOMaSMl1Ya5LJCkFFEqkXswlsunN6Tfga4mbviotS0U1KkJqW_tkYfJj1QSv9U4//?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center">This was the view from our side hatch – the iconic Braunston Church with it’s accompanying sheep – what a lovely pastoral view!</p> <p align="left">On Wednesday morning we set off in drizzle which soon turned to persistent rain. By the time we reached Hillmorton locks it had stopped though, so I managed to keep dry whilst working the locks. Through Rugby and we reached Brinklow Marina around 1 o’clock – just in time as it turns out. We got moored up on our pontoon, and the heavens opened yet again. We lit the fire and snuggled down for the afternoon.</p> <p align="left">This morning at 9 o’clock Rog got a lift into Rugby, caught the train to Northampton and a taxi back to Gayton Marina and collected the car. He was back at Brinklow by 11.20. Meanwhile I played host to David Ritson who is going to do our saloon alterations starting mid November. He came to check that the flooring we had found would be a good match with what is already there, and ended up taking all the skirtings off before he could check the thickness! But it’s all good, so now we just have to order it.</p> <p align="left">So, that’s it for this year’s cruising, folks. See you next year.</p> <p align="left"><font color="#ff0000"><em><strong>Trip totals</strong></em></font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ff0000"><em><strong>30 miles and 16 locks</strong></em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-61832067176531253082014-07-24T16:15:00.001+01:002014-07-24T16:15:44.957+01:00Back home…..<p>Yesterday we had a pleasant trip down Buckby Locks, sharing with a lovely trio on a share boat. We moored near Nether Heyford for our last night on board for a while. This morning it only took us a couple of hours to get back to Gayton Marina. A bit depressed, we packed up the car and set off home. We arrived to find the lawn had turned into a hay field, so this afternoon was spent strimming it all down and raking it up. It will take weeks to recover. Next time we go away, we’ll have to arrange for someone to come in and cut it. </p> <p>So, that’s all folks, for the time being. We will hopefully get out again in September.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em><strong>12.5 miles and 7 locks</strong></em></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000"><u>Total Trip Stats</u></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">341 miles and 190 locks</font></strong></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-26913530462967619432014-07-22T17:29:00.001+01:002014-07-22T17:29:33.593+01:00Mayhem and madness at Braunston bottom lock…..<p>A pleasant run into Braunston this morning. A little misty, but that soon burnt off and it became very hot.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW5hP6FR2JXBvJT91B8fcFG32C8RjBm4bkDQ_3qiSA1ZIeyvUYQt0yqo9BYsGPx-wj6OYwYSELB1WPm9XkpQlInh0DEOrf6sAEmq4uecAK8KcgJRyBV41xrBpLdVjnfseMNnXjUXa3Ew/s1600-h/P7220002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yk72_8G7aEOmxKElyflg_j19tsymBqtDKVfX1y7e0Ajy-lViol8PZof9CJ9YOpOrYMZIpElI87Tb3IIB7PaP5omW2vRHDn55dh7ISADsOeXebu4gOFg75S2Cdflg5bcS5RYrDbTZnig//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>A lovely pastoral scene – sheep in the field with the spire of Braunston church behind.</p> <p>As we approached the junction with the GU we wondered who we’d see that we knew this time. No sooner had we spoken than we came across fellow bloggers on nb Epiphany. We said hello and had our photo taken.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay12Gwt1-FjjnJiy1gzk7xc1qtg8FhT4OU3syRoOsOip20_3EJQjF1NiwO1gMHgYRirk3Fo7LNyfYQqsOUNB4Tuc_wS3spEayK_9QWlbxwI7HS6uBB-ySj2xwmpk241w9bcjE7Ohyphenhypheny5I/s1600-h/P7220003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcpWj_NWDcNd7XsUtx5HT6Iyd7qfKlYZe-Vts6mscCvnZd5rqeciJ1tu42rA2F-y8CGDRgESqlU3CaDTEjj66riKAihS1_maijpzakuvRK4aZWWqrQRo2H94GAfrS81Q_5T7WJ-5ShVc//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> As we got closer to the bottom lock it was obvious that it was as mad as usual. Two boats had just entered the lock and we were then 5th in the queue. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpm2VRmr1csb4Hay-5p8lKQw82ooeajl74eZjZYad9O2Q6y3qAMY5UAgMtsrblJjHk-vAS476o262rDZ48W3SOdOftbis1EMPb85te_DbXcEGl0xzQ4aZTeqoXUtLFEYic-oC9FCQPx0/s1600-h/P7220004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cpCrCnpIE3gDRT97pMlyNq_EYyzJEHr9r0ADNkgECbb_GbGVcoQOadlmLkyUdi09ivEabff-1EO_xOXVDSX2uH0_VNzvGX6J5LjgX9nnLl0g6AR3yxBU1sON8pEGWDwAJxSt24kdTsE//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>While we waited we had a front row view of nb Yarwood and her new steelwork – looking good. Unfortunately we were not able to see Lesley and Joe as they are away visiting family.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtevhOcw71WKOLG04xj9rVK00eTp_wu8FNo6J-wDRGR7-375taIEQvRl__G6yhRvxMpOWJ057_4qjgBcGUkStWgMLMjJrsZSF2mEJflvNm-tFP63KcvBkp-yqDee6MNSYhhYs9laEL3tU/s1600-h/P7220005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L6IVVL4N-D4SChDcTrcVlOsrR2p3atXeozeedxGeuRtSoouAgByszUdBs3Uv1cWygparxRXU-E8U1c8mTfuVwdvhfgNF5k2KYvNd9khudO6gqs8-WNknWsDl4l7y-VW_9ztzILTr5L4//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> </p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWIqcgxvFoJ0pogO0IYqdU4opJZbqdhyphenhyphenKescZrDTqP0rOxnhVJ1ApWqR1QM4A9lFxvotpRrW7BCIQ_-VvSb6SmUbyfQTEjSeyZEETELlhFHLPtXUnVg7Wlfo3A_tff7MulhdC9pUaFnk/s1600-h/P7220007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMa6EARmwG8J1B4k0-aF-gRbd7xaH65RB8aW6TLhYM66stZ4a0sXIs_inIuH74UVloBdIoc8u9i7WdVckEXUPIBoil1O0lSNW2nGEZf7WZ7R8HuoQ5Pr5StgjB8uoU_ZxPGJ2gP2Vkyg//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Just needs a few coats of paint now.</p> <p align="left">By the time we entered the bottom lock 45 minutes later, there were at least another 6 boats behind us.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW5ML_ohrfErdsVal9C93WXnRdAWpuPsKa4XeYTqPdqnFjm82Xvm3BvaNQXjy_AaOSefsoi-6-7ZiT1jEhZU9hhrOX1O8Z9hDHExED4DjBTs23YjWQYPu8hZ8SglV7QpvE_d4wImluPE/s1600-h/P7220008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvka7IHZUOklXvclTe3R5ewNCU4NCqbomZmQeeSh_9EQxuOSsCWGisZh2uj7nznUXcZyGqm5LngAmV58cqiCy1BRVoOgeq6hvo07e2nRYCnWpdn9C9jXhK4W2Z6lgLrEmLLfBaAbUND0Q//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>The locks seemed like hard work today, it being so hot – we were sharing with a couple who were not too keen to converse. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw48TPqYDJjknztRhWhat3kvjZF5OJpsV9hyphenhyphenCGz58BBnkplpqEglwpkWkgFNSZ4SvwJ7vbrDj0i-kV6UJwHguRyb-PnNxezZBjO7Geu9AdaSNbiAoyCucoOzFdKCH1KGiYEIz-_QiYvkQ/s1600-h/P7220009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7220009" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7220009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiJc_f12dkj9Dwkx04UpkCx4bAsKYbhlBc40oDYUXaGVUR2mV0fizhU1hh2OHaOsZ49cVOxkVbsQ-HiFxyXdjyV1djIv9c_NWVGfOnmTVLhmKkhAvKaBYvpZVrt8xyDF8xr1KrdsyaOE//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Three down and three to go</p> <p>By the time we got to the top we were looking forward to the cool of the tunnel. It was a welcome relief, but not as cool as we expected. We continued on to Norton Junction where we are now moored, just into the Leicester Arm, our usual mooring spot. It’s a shame, but a lot of the boats here now seem to be ‘continuous moorers’, with their accompanying paraphernalia spread all over the towpath. We felt lucky that we managed to squeeze into the spot just before the water point. We decided that lunch in the New Inn was a good idea, not least to get out of the dust from the harvesting that was going on in the field adjacent to the towpath.</p> <p><strong><em><font color="#ff0000">7.7 miles and 6 locks</font></em></strong></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-49569808537494154302014-07-21T15:34:00.001+01:002014-07-21T15:34:50.718+01:00All Oaks to North of Braunston…..<p>A slow trip through Rugby this morning and on to Hillmorton Locks. It was fairly busy there today, with two lockies on duty, one at the bottom set of locks and one at the top. Traffic flow was hampered by one of the middle locks being out of action, with a C&RT workboat in it, re-pointing masonry around the lock ladder. But, nevertheless we we through reasonably quickly.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMVY8iDEetP2FxBxjGn8ShV-68NNN9imJuO1mtbgyHRaElZ0XHsMh0xJ57yizQoHIlt1uDwDdL9Y-jTl6v8JfSlJIJSgCGQPdzLh0GH7r4O8lY7bIJ4rQ0tZ5Fix1Uec4Xtr7m6YvCb4/s1600-h/P7210001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7210001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7210001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW49NJBotRBzobfyPI1rZAMgAcOoTaEf23nreBLzm8-gfq_deK4rGIxvj12TcaZyQE2SfMJxbDT_FlvpBnR1LAJ53bqqyCZTNFyN2hIJCvvGslJ-dVghXooYynagvN7H5D4PD3dYOsLkU//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Just exited the bottom lock – one in the other lock coming up and one waiting below</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN7PuMhdBfi-1vjgCpNRPwLv_lXZS6V4jJ3APtBI0FN8ofVymKGRciZQOwzVIGYXPosWFZ-AcR-Wus8hdqmxgxgHXwb3wY5olyGZxvHli5AxkYc1Q9qEZlfliZLqBE6DdjGaMTmS4XSQ/s1600-h/P7210002-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7210002-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7210002-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqhTx6sKE040w63jWiRt4wGxmNs5tR9Z37GJ2abZkU3ShhbdQMeQu-k8jayDD3xb3_MWnO0i_It6cbZ_tJoOJ5qLCmTbBvQG-hdAe1QauR61F5M5bvyZzmIThOEtdauLHWr4fkAQvuGk//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="367"></a></p> <p align="center">Top lock</p> <p align="left">We continued on for about an hour and a half and are now moored between Bridges 80 and 81, about an hour north of Braunston, where there are long stretches of good mooring. Working boat Monarch came by earlier, and has just come back and picked up a small boat, just behind our mooring, towing him to Braunston. </p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxhHg6CCqDzOMC8WsNf29jssu8TK82QmttTwQH-gVfxj-zVm64Ye5mPurBfkdVNTvF1t7lmqtUuFSy6r2l-GfwbkIgOfm-9ux7ifxe0NobFFZtqQC55Y227XnsWHq4aYYyAroN9fNSPo/s1600-h/P7210003-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7210003-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7210003-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr9NPoIqZCHcZtqKsOoAT_M6bOux3zP7LDdC2MHzsUjQ3xWarNMZ7eBIZrI0IoxN7sPjmaQUcOIzHOFso4WRaaTovKF728BXxftUHgFeh-5s3p2QHICzJ7Xny3G25qPnpZZ0MhQqc8Og//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="365"></a></p> <p align="left">We are hoping to meet up with Lesley and Joe on nb Yarwood tomorrow in Braunston, where Yarwood is undergoing some alterations.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c-QR5YicpVS_hCPeX2tCktvvkCRtLnDNS1BwOSb1ehcAsjIpiS1Bb9p3N3QKF9d3J_nzC9q37zc9Y1cNcHXoSV0VCMWOCwijWVt_h7R2zBuOJKb28frvOHi1VU5LnxWjT3MX3W2dSEM/s1600-h/P7210004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7210004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7210004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5FUZG6HR9C_0CHs8HwxytmhDz88PX9d9iHdevU4zDHQDIVApQVdRXqUyQsW_RZC_ww5qE7H7BEuE2GdoH0wLwsYyDb08jxgBF2CT5l2BELQwLY4Godxk2OYRmXhQUisRuEIdLHasaWw//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">Tonight’s mooring</p> <p align="left"><strong><em><font color="#ff0000">11.1 miles and 3 locks</font></em></strong></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-57519524081847576022014-07-20T16:36:00.001+01:002014-07-20T16:36:33.274+01:00Hawkesbury Junction to All Oaks Wood<p>Having got thoroughly bored sitting out the rain yesterday (and it really did rain!) we were determined that whatever the weather, we were moving on a bit today. We set off under heavy overcast this morning, still hot and very humid. We filled with water and emptied loo cassettes and rubbish at the junction then through the stop lock onto the North Oxford. We made fairly good progress for a while until we caught up with a Valley Cruises hire boat. They only seem to have 2 speeds – very fast or very slow! We had a hard job staying behind them, we kept having to come out of gear and just drift, they were so damn slow. And a good job we did as they didn’t seem to be able to judge whether they were closest to a bridge, or to narrows or whether a boat coming towards them was closer. Twice the boats coming towards them had to take rapid evasive action as they just kept on crawling through. How they got away without ramming something, or having a boat ram them, I’ll never know. There were plenty of places where they could have pulled over and let us go by, but they steadfastly refused to make eye contact or acknowledge in any way that we were almost up their arse! After an hour and a half crawling along behind them we were getting really pissed off. They then pulled in far too early for the Rose Narrowboats swing bridge, and just sat there! Nobody went down to the bridge to open it, consequently 4 boats came through in the opposite direction. I was just thinking of getting off and going ahead to open the bridge, but due to the stones at the bank we couldn’t get near enough, when they cottoned on and moved. Thankfully, they then discovered the water point and pulled in again, which allowed us to pass them and go through the narrow bit – we even had the bridge opened and shut for us by a couple of Rose Narrowboats chaps. Result! We continued on a little, through the cutting and found that the visitor moorings at All Oaks Wood were practically empty so we decided to stop for the day.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEXTv4kwrDKkUNlvJtH-xL2HVYcE1or51aeS9ZqKLDsR9VVBbrzcO-OwzQS4O_L8XT5zSxYiOAjKYW1pjdfqe7VBeiRsp0dGO4frB9sUJBQ-Zdzo6pUhHL_Q53NGymy5daKFQmbVEIPo/s1600-h/P7200005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7200005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7200005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g4ggHHytkRRsSWOAHxQFqYQC7JjXrV_3FqgHy-udeVfRPDdrBFmaznqQ_Tvk_h84Jxh8LVOZJskVUoPind8ALW5YAacW9rd9pqLPNIFzORdqIMN8JUaoMx3spuVSxLDEEbS4UN5zxeY//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZYCHnQRJGv8BgtdUhtnwdbihPhIwXHcdiGSg9FQI9dTcRKDCTif_yaXwkVtveaLewEv-1TPInf8k5zqlxy17v9nrmI_oFArtdaeN0LGThwqXbA1ouYWGHmmDtmVKSBlXJSy7MFbLuQ0/s1600-h/P7200006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7200006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7200006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhPvlsnqbgX-gGc7fxJVuay8UqzEpJn0oR97q2gnN3uMkp6aCMNRJZA9fTPcBvfhvJj-GNOwD_n1JjmLhYQVkCqTsiS5A_zFwbMbQCnUs-s4vvObYCNfk-T4eTGk7dOEuinOg902N-cM//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfIWKRpbCY7dG1NmNmTm-wDL_QE3RK7HTgGjcBIWXm7Mk5AvW4bVzL1fVRgluHt-97jLyRxPL3O0hT84mSNA3oRjxAZ6tM6kQQuQyecGl3uAcJL7Q10_dLVpB2BalzlDD0ScUD4UTqJ4/s1600-h/P7200007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7200007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7200007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBVka07uuCSsnYaDMI65aBWboo0O-tSEFgFvghHTlQNFJ27nCiiwK2bCwPHvkgrneHYfByMDFP7q_cpFbiEIE8hlg7RKspG3j9J1Vaueyrbimf9Kxlp_ArD_0bAhg6oroJgCvHA5evGQ//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p align="center">A very pleasant mooring</p> <p align="left"><strong><em><font color="#ff0000">8.6 miles and 1 lock</font></em></strong></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-31051695598196081482014-07-18T16:00:00.001+01:002014-07-18T16:00:12.781+01:00Too bloody hot…..<p>Yesterday afternoon was spent dozing in the sweltering heat. At one point we had some scrotes on motorbikes come tearing along the towpath. A bit later we heard them coming back so Rog got his camera ready. As they came around the bend, Rog lifted his camera and snapped a photo or two. When they spotted the camera, the lead motorcyclist yelled to his mate to turn around quick, and, as they rode off, seemed to be shouting something about Rog being a ‘Barclay’s banker’ – at least that’s what Rog thinks he heard!!! Ozzy also decided to see them off, but I doubt being chased along the towpath by a black and white woolly teddy-bear would have alarmed them much.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YYDw8jYO75SZ_nQaGzaJQOZM7zGeix2KwYCCbf6UUxRiuLARNhUu-ge8OO0PIL87S_w7nOFAoeGQ94DUWEvDlg_msijx28ZJRvffP8syaT6E3X1-i7VYMoH0dfjAgIMykJhvrjk312g/s1600-h/DSCF0101%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCF0101" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkAyB-rpDgVS6EFIoUnkftHW4CtQcac7ldnlIoi686XGqk6fktuTY-dScoVFqorDmxZIWpgKTCHWHFxtntLDHTSre7VKOvSQyE3lMB-UMU8Ih3vBG3bYh3WnZIZK-vPlG5QbmZXWl3rM//?imgmax=800" width="564" height="432"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBde0fL1OnJrOw33vn-ro6b7MV17GcBpUbzLFEIj5q0-25_RLS69PRqX_0jVgpISqDwm_vw0RDOltN9qQLiheKg2Ba6ufg1E5Gw_AAwblTj2hAhi9ou6v6r8_92yeyTM2yV_gMG_h_sY/s1600-h/DSCF0102%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSCF0102" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ih2AFIkIO3dYP65Mkj-TndggW_FwItvLUzPswpW_pNfXvdvWPffLuSdsI6w_YqOKXN6mugNYoFPGYV4Gnmwepz5hNGZv2m6x2ykPKR-57jMqQhV4gas5G6qynGbpECAF2wdlth7046E//?imgmax=800" width="568" height="435"></a></p> <p>We did wonder whether we’d find our ropes cut and us drifting all over the canal this morning, and in fact Rog thought he heard someone outside the boat not long after we turned off the lights last night, but, when he looked out of the front there was nobody about – I think he might have dreamt it! Not enough in the photos to identify the culprits, so no point in contacting the local police, but at least it got rid of them.</p> <p>This morning when we set off it was already hot with 70% humidity. As we were coming through Nuneaton we had an unexpected heavy shower of rain – heavy enough for Rog to put on his waterproof, but it didn’t last more than about 15 minutes. The thermometer we took out onto the back deck this morning registered 34 deg C as we arrived at Hawkesbury Junction and we could hear the Greyhound pub and a nice cold cider calling, so we decided to call it a day – it was just too bloody hot to be standing on the back of the boat. Lunch and the aforesaid cider was consumed at the pub, which means I don’t have to cook again tonight. The weather forecast for tomorrow is thunderstorms for most of the day, so I think we’ll be staying put.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em><strong>7 miles and 0 locks</strong></em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-11702405184871859442014-07-17T14:55:00.001+01:002014-07-17T14:55:00.596+01:00What a scorcher again…..<p>The forecast was correct yesterday, we had some fairly heavy rain yesterday evening, but it had stopped by about 9 o’clock – and we were rewarded with a lovely rainbow.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJNAYwUBqGC02piDtN-pKQMLmXHE6oy3VHzWNemQO14w4_Ho0bZTAdi_8gGH2niwbWKjOfzhckQ9fxtwU7MvPq0V9DcfkOgGz7Vs5OqPvVZac5ShLRus7pN9mPmabIm-eQRykyUXSbHw/s1600-h/P7160001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7160001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7160001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9XJIekATiZRUoHdrFAiKswm3n0Ggfw4q3oLRJ0mRkHWzq9hZmu6ZxrAUPUxDZGrIEFn4pAOECv-uBlDCi5dQ3eM7sGKoMxby2x1UcHs1tWV6xApZMmTxZtvRz_RYSpk1lmPaslDrMrY//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>There was a lot of mist around this morning when we got up at just after 7am and by 7.45 we were on our way, determined to get the 11 Atherstone locks under our belt before it got just too hot. And so we did – we had a reasonably quick ascent, and in just 2 1/4 hours we were at the top. We used the service point to fill with water and and get rid of rubbish, and Rog popped to the shop for milk and a few other items. It was very hot by this time and we were glad to get moving and create a bit of breeze. The original idea was to push on to Hawkesbury Junction today, but by lunch time we’d had enough of the heat and have moored up just past Springwood Haven marina.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1ZLCZxvJD9RdkoVIiwxjs5wHq8Yn2iEyScQrlXYuFLi1fewZFQ9OLiJ5PQyfUbA-n1jCKciMRKmhskASNXPAI3q-sf6J7EHPQLDhZlWx-KBzr6Z6dRLD_rnqdKmVJY1kxRgFC6fqxK4/s1600-h/P7170002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P7170002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7170002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33U0RViW0Dx9d2te_gGGLOh8BYqSxI1ksUB8KkmH4Nxy4mWduVdYGYSUbfkJBFGDtT86l2mf62X4tGcEqicPryWGW0ep8cjPLlEW45EA9My6pt4bvFMJrKRKi-MbuhVt6PVmz3ACcb6I//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em><strong>5.7 miles and 11 locks</strong></em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741723496877949150.post-28966128361738778782014-07-16T15:01:00.001+01:002014-07-16T15:01:47.896+01:00What a mess!!!!…..<p>We discovered late yesterday that we had a split tin of blacking in one of the front lockers and did what we could to minimise the mess, but decided on just a short cruise today so we could do a proper clean up job, so we left Alvecote this morning went through Polesworth, and moored at the bottom of Atherstone locks on the visitor moorings there. Neither of us felt like tackling the locks today as we are still suffering the after effects of our colds so we set to and emptied the front locker, putting aside all the stuff that needed cleaning up, and putting the stuff that was just too covered in blacking to save in a black bin bag. Next using a scraping stick and copious amounts of kitchen roll, Rog scraped up as much of the blacking as he could, leaving just a thin covering of it in the bottom of the locker, which we have left empty and open in the hope that it will dry enough to replace stuff later today. After we had cleaned up the rest of the stuff with white spirit, we cleaned ourselves up – that blacking gets everywhere! We then rewarded ourselves with a cup of coffee and sat in the sunshine and watched the world and his wife queue for the bottom lock!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5zq242P6XrtO0dUzMcB39ps0yqfeSWReTJMvstb20oEPaj1GNJ2spo-pdZS2hCgRvZHj2OdUdS0OqoNcwbqDoQYE6S-2rG1p6BOTRFAytqVEVSGFBu-jR930ewpGDqEBaSOlfiuFc58/s1600-h/P71600014.jpg"><img title="P7160001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7160001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwRCKBNxttwK3PwsW3BJzx9YAe4NunvZBy3VF3w3ZD2Ck4Tit8Vvviu8rrS_Zhz6nLngHGO6eG6tqrhMQezhkQRmLbZDiHRJ5lioAjTA1Vt_SHntpUnmNGezMJRqTJh_XEoA8RmPUvWo//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Pretty meadow full of poppies and other wild flowers that we passed on the way today.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUuQ5sjGyKYpfsic3geTj8ANmt6fCV5djDlJvQ8TP-odRSaDS1nzHRRQj6NPvay7KNvBsFdVzhBcYcuoGyYyPMkbthY4N742ClXFmZglkC28mSItmeg-oIKHAhTekwVxdWb0k7yUzOmc/s1600-h/P71600024.jpg"><img title="P7160002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="P7160002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn3sevcs1RhyW5i8dcnebw_RSZQt-0w7BUnFuNXUQZG8-fgcV1NsZ_oceWSjLirfmCZFDWaZtoWEFcVagE1xXKWKzYiOl7dhLbHLxk_MBc39SJpWnyw4aOjevmszE9RMKsBonPV_dGb8//?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Queue for Atherstone bottom lock, one in and 3 waiting – Rog decided to do his good deed for the day and went up and helped 2 single handers through the lock. Shortly afterwards our German ‘friends’ on the Anglo Welsh that we encountered yesterday appeared – there were at least nine of them on board, possibly 10! The chap we spoke to yesterday asked Rog why everyone was opening the top paddles only half way at first and he explained about the surges of water that pull the boat backwards and then shoot it forwards. The chap just shrugged and said ‘But you have an engine’. They then proceeded to make a right hash of the lock, forgetting to shut the bottom paddles before opening the top ones, and wondered why they weren’t going up! Did we laugh? Of course not!!!</p> <p><font color="#ff0000"><em><strong>4.6 miles and 0 locks</strong></em></font></p> Piphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029641649487627752noreply@blogger.com0