Great weekend larking around in Brighton

The lack of boating activity over the winter period is not nice, so we were delighted to receive an email a few weeks ago inviting us down to Brighton this weekend for a 'boaty gathering' by our friends David & Lisa from nb 'What a Lark'. 

We travelled down on Friday evening after John had finished work and joined the happy band of gathered folk - David & Lisa (obviously), their friends and 'boat sharers' David and Amanda and Joe and Lesley from nb Yarwood whose blog we have followed for sometime but we had never actually met.

We had a lovely evening getting to know each other (and drinking) with only a brief discussion on toilets (compulsory amongst boaty folks). 

After breakfast on Saturday we headed into Brighton by bus. One of the first buildings we came across was The Prince Albert pub with a fantastic mural of musical legends covering the outside wall. Having named many of the faces, it dawned on us that they had all passed away !! The pub wall is also well known for a 'Banksy' picture of two kissing policemen which you can just make out bottom right of the picture

Mural of musical legends

We soon found ourselves in a pub (due to the weather of course) and the ladies decided to sample some of the 40 different gins on offer before heading into town to do some retail therapy, leaving the chaps to fend for themselves in the pub. When we met up again we had an interesting wander around The Lanes and we have never seen such a concentration of jewellery shops which the girls found most interesting !!

The girls enjoying a gin - Amanda, Lisa and Lesley

And off to the shops outside Brighton Pavillion

We then returned back to base camp and watched the rugby on TV as England saw off Scotland on a terrible pitch and Wales got thumped by Ireland which went down quite well too. This was followed by a battle of the sexes game of 'Articulate' which wasn't competitive at all and which saw the boys come out on top :-)

A great host but it was all a bit tiring !!

Today we headed for the seafront for a very pleasant and very bracing walk, including a bacon butty and mug of tea halfway round, before we returned over the top of the cliffs. The wind was certainly fresh, and the sea very lively, but it was a lovely way to spend the morning.

Group shot - Joe, David, David L, Amanda, Lisa, Lesley and John

Waiting patiently for breakfast - Amanda, Lisa and Louise

Seafront with Brighton Marina in the distance

Sadly, after being treated to a lovely roast pork dinner and the most wonderful homemade Bakewell Tart (coming from Derbyshire we know our Bakewells and this was REALLY good) we had to say our goodbyes for the trip home. 

We really have had a cracking weekend. Great hosts, great new friends and all due to the power of 'the blog'.

Heating problems

Another month gone in the blink of an eye and the boating season getting ever closer. Hopefully the rain will stop soon, but at least the white stuff has pretty much stayed away so far.

One problem which has raised it's head for us recently is that the header tank on our Webasto system has started to leak quite badly. PTFE tape was unsuccessful in stopping the problem and enquiries on the various forums seem to suggest that our type of tank, with brass fittings, was soon discontinued due to the same type of problem we were experiencing. 

A bit of web surfing led me to Kings Lock Chandlery and having spoken to Steve their Webasto expert on the phone, I nipped up in the car on Saturday to try and solve the problem. Steve was extremely helpful, discussed the options and supplied all the bits and pieces required to do the job including re-routing some of the plumbing.

So yesterday it was off down to the boat to do the job and in no time at all it was all fixed and up and running just fine. 

The new header tank and plumbing

So if you have any queries or problems with your Webasto heating, give Steve a call and I'm sure he will be able to help.

One point worthy of note regarding heating......talking to my neighbour at the marina yesterday re-enforced the importance of a carbon monoxide alarm. His had been recording readings and after a bit of investigation, he found his chimney was quite badly blocked with gunk. At least he was able to tell the tale thanks to the alarm doing its job. 

Remembering loved ones and a bit of an assault course

It is difficult to believe that it is a year ago tomorrow that we lost John's Mum. The year has flown by with all that comes with losing a loved one and sorting out all the legal things that come with it too. 

Happier times on The Grand Union in 2010

Today we have visited the place where her ashes are scattered together with those of John's Dad at Millers Dale in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District. They used to travel here by steam train when they were courting years ago and the place was special to them. Today the old train line forms a lovely walk through the hills.

We were lucky with the weather, especially with what we have been seeing on the news. We had a quiet reflective walk to the bridge over the River Wye which marks 'the spot' and then, after a few tears, we continued along the trail to enjoy the views. There are several tunnels along the route and it felt strange walking through instead of boating through. 

Chee Tor Tunnel

The other end

When we arrived at Blackwell Cottages, we decided to follow the river course back along Chee Dale. Jasper had the time of his life as he waded through thick mud, paddled in the river and sniffed out all sorts of imaginary animals. We saw several 'Dippers' - river birds which seemed to behave very much like kingfishers but are far less attractive, but a first for us. 

Blackwell Cottages

Chee Dale and the River Wye from the trail

As we got further along the path, the going got tough in places due to the mud and rocks and on a couple of occasions we lost the path all together and had to use the stepping stones under the over hanging rocks which was an interesting experience. It felt more like an assault course than a quiet walk, but it was good fun.

Stepping Stones were the only route..great fun

Who's that trip trapping over my bridge ??

Chee Dale

We had a lovely time. Sad that we were remembering loved ones but a comfort knowing that they are resting in such a lovely part of the world.

Bringing the curtain down on 2013.

First of all, we must take a very heavy slap on the wrist for ignoring our blog for the last three months. Is it really that long since we tied up after our last summer trip? Granted, boating has taken a back seat since September, but not to have blogged for over three months is poor......

We are just back from a couple of days away on Blue Moon to round off the year. A bit of peace and quiet and short trips between pubs was the order of the day. Sunday was a lovely day with blue skies and sunshine, although the temperature could have been a little warmer according to Louise who unearthed her winter boating hat to keep her ears warm !!

'Komrade' Louise doing her impression of Deputy Dawg

Fradley in the winter sunshine

We spent Sunday night down at Huddlesford at enjoyed a lovely Sunday dinner in friendly surroundings. We stayed put as the wind and rain dominated Monday morning although John braved the weather and took Jasper for a three mile 'mud run' along the towpath which Jasper thoroughly enjoyed !!

A wet and happy Jasper

The weather improved on Monday afternoon and so we 'pub hopped' back to Fradley and moored above Shade House Lock. It is good to see that CaRT have been busy chopping back the trees on the non towpath side along the Coventry which was much needed. We came face to face with a kingfisher near to the new Kings Orchard Marina where we could almost reach out and touch it and then had very close encounters with a buzzard and a sparrowhawk perched in a tree approaching Brookhay Cottage.

The Swan

We spent the evening in The Swan at Fradley together with John & Pauline from nb Kali 2, who also moor at Kings Bromley. The pub was full of boaters and dogs and together with a cracking meal and a few good pints of real ale, what more could you ask for. You just can't beat the place. We were very tempted to hang around and go to the new years eve party planned there for tonight, but we have other plans in place so will save that for another year.

Jasper doing his impression of a ram, he's a Derby fan at heart.

So after mooring up for the last time this morning, another year comes to an end. The festive season has been a quiet one for us remembering those close to us that are no longer here. Our boating this year has been most enjoyable and we have met so many wonderful people whilst out on the cut, forming some great new friendships and meeting up again with others from previous years.

Our plans for 2014 are under way but not yet confirmed, but we hope to explore some parts of the BCN which we have not seen before, head back down to the Avon which we really enjoy but have not been back to for a few years and make time to re visit the Ashby and Macclesfield / Peak Forest. 

So to all our friends out there who read our blog, best wishes to you all for 2014. We hope to meet up somewhere along the way and enjoy the best that our waterways have to offer. Happy 2014 !!!!!

Lots of comings and goings

We have had a very enjoyable and busy week since we last posted. We have welcomed several guests on board, visited relatives and thoroughly enjoyed the company of new found friends.

We said our goodbyes to James and Doug on Tuesday morning and headed off towards Mountsorrel. At the lock we met up again with David and Sheena on nb Tombee Too and cruised the remainder of the day with them, unfortunately in some quite heavy rain, although it did brighten up later on.

Unusual development at Mountsorrel with moorings

Jasper checking out the scenery

We travelled as far as Zouch cut and that evening we were visited by Johns friend Nick and his seven year old twin boys Jack and Hugh. They spent a bit of time with us and explored the boat and then we went and worked out how a lock raised and lowered a boat.

Hugh & Jack

Wednesday saw us head down through Kegworth, past the imposing Ratcliffe on Soar power station and onto the Trent, where surprisingly enough we met up with David and Sheena again at Sawley Locks. We travelled with them again and decided to call it a day just above Weston Lock as the biting wind finally won the day. They came aboard for a drink to round the afternoon off before we were joined by our friends Dean and Denise for the evening. It was great to catch up with them after some time.

Ratcliffe Power Station

Our mooring that evening was actually right opposite the end of the garden of Louise's Auntie Jean and Uncle Barry. Thursday morning was forecast to be windy and wet and it duly arrived right on cue. So off we went for a coffee with Jean and Barry and we returned a couple of hours later laden with some freshly cut runner beans and a big bag of plums.....well worth the little visit. We had so much produce, we shared it with David and Sheena and then arranged to travel up to Findern with them and have a meal at Nadee Indian Restaurant beside Bridge 21.

Stenson Lock

The weather really picked up and we had a decent afternoon trip. We enjoyed a drink aboard Tombee Too before our youngest son Luke and his girlfriend Annabelle also joined us....never ones to miss out on a free meal !!! The evening and the meal were excellent.

This morning we said our goodbyes to David and Sheena as they headed off before us. The last five days with them have been really good fun and it is scary how many things we have in common. We have thoroughly enjoyed their company and hopefully we will get the chance to do it again sometime soon.

David & Sheena nb Tombee Too

We then walked up to Mercia Marina and had breakfast at The Willow Tree coffee shop before meeting another of Johns workmates, Paul, and his partner Jane who were very excited as they were actually picking up their first boat, Lady Mellisa. It is quite similar to ours being an Aqualine and we had a good look round it with them before leaving them to settle in before they sail it back to Kings Bromley over the weekend. Best of luck guys !!

We finally set off late morning and have had a very pleasant cruise in some good weather. We passed Bruce and Sheila on Nb Sanity Again at Horninglow as they headed back towards Mercia Marina. We have moored for the night just above Wychnor Lock on the river section towards Alrewas, our last night before we head for home tomorrow. 

Leicester and a Chance meeting

We were up and about early on Monday morning for our eagerly awaited trip through Leicester. Over the years we have heard all sorts of stories about this particular stretch....none of them particularly good and so we were delighted to be doing the journey with David and Sheena on nb Tombee Too.

After we both shuffled across onto the services at Kilby Bridge, we set off soon after 7.30am and enjoyed the run down through South Wigston and towards Aylestone. The countryside was pleasant and everyone we saw was cheerful. There weren't many boats moving at all and the majority of the locks were pretty much in our favour.

BM and Tombee Too at Kings Lock

We were surprised to find two volunteer lock keepers at Aylestone Mill Lock, but they were very busy as they locked five boats through in the space of twenty minutes.

Boooo hisssss..The King Power Stadium. Home of the enemy.

On into the city.....

The Mile Straight

and out the other side.....

Belgrave Lock and Space Centre

The northern side of the city was probably the 'worst' around Abbey Park, with a number of lager drinking folk occupying benches by the lock at Limekiln Lock, not that they were bothered with us. Surprisingly, we spotted four kingfishers between here and Belgrave Lock. 

Overall, the run from Kilby Bridge was most enjoyable, undoubtedly helped by travelling with David and Sheena and we certainly wouldn't have second thoughts about doing it again. 

We arrived at our intended destination at Watermead Park mid afternoon where we had arranged to meet James and Doug from Nb 'Chance'. They are at MGM boats at Thurmaston administering some TLC to their boat. We moored opposite and Doug was soon over to say hello and invited on board for drinks, soon to be followed by James taking a well earned rest from rubbing down the paintwork. We chatted for a while and Louise introduced James to 'Cheeky Vimto' a concoction of port and blue WKD. We arranged to meet later for drinks and a meal. 

We were welcomed aboard their lovely boat later before heading off out for a meal. Our first choice didn't do food on a Monday, so off we went to Paprika a huge Indian restaurant nearby. We had a lovely meal and a great time despite seeming to be the only ones eating. Not only was the restaurant huge, but the portions were so overwhelming that none of us got close to finishing. We ended a terrific night with coffee on board BM.

James, Doug, Louise & John. 

We had a thoroughly enjoyable time guys....it was great to finally meet up and we really hope we have the opportunity to do it again very soon. 

Lazy days at Welford and Foxton.

We decided to spend a few easy days on this peaceful stretch of canal and make the most of it. Friday morning was bright and still and we enjoyed the run up to Welford Junction, sharing the steering and dog walking as we went. We turned onto the Welford Arm which we haven't done for about three years, and soon were at the end on what is the highest point of The Grand Union Canal. We used the services and walked into the village to do a bit of shopping. By the time we got back, the skies darkened and the rain soon followed and so we decided to stay put. 

Welford Lock

It seemed as though everyone else had the same idea and by late afternoon there wasnt a mooring spot to be had. We ended up having a meal in the Wharf Inn - a good old boating pub if ever there was !!

Mooring at a premium at Welford. 

We had a meeting arranged with our friends Chris and Gratz on Saturday at Foxton around midday, so we left in the drizzle in good time, enjoying breakfast on the move. We only met three or four boats on the run to Foxton and couldn't quite believe how quiet it was when we arrived. We met up as arranged and enjoyed a drink and chat on the boat before we decided to descend the flight. We were able to go straight in and the lock keepers happily did all the paddles (probably to stave off the boredom of there being hardly any boats) whilst Louise and Chris did the gates and Gratz and I put the world to rights on the rear deck and discussed our respective retirement plans (she's got 11 days more to do than me which I kept reminding her of)

The obligatory Foxton snap

We had a very nice light lunch in the Bridge 61 pub, another proper boaters pub, and a very nice pint of Langtons Inclined Plane before Chris and Gratz joined us up as far as Debdale before we said our goodbyes. We continued on and were joined by an abundance of kingfishers. We must have seen five in the short time it took us to reach Fleckney where we moored just before Kibworth Top Lock for the night.

Today we have travelled down as far as Kilby Bridge. We did the trip with nb Tombee Too and crew David and Sheena. It made the trip very enjoyable and made light work of the locks. Unfortunately the weather gradually deteriorated, although the promised rain didn't materialise as badly as predicted, but the wind was difficult at times. 

The medieval church at Wystowe

Tomorrow we will travel with them again as we head through Leicester. It will be a first for us to travel through the city by boat and although we know it is a long day ahead of us we are quite looking forward to the challenge.