Marlow to Windsor

Miles 13.6 Locks 4
We have reached Windsor and as we passed the station approach a train from Slough came in.
This is the grand entrance to the station now a shopping centre and the railway reduced to one platform and line.
I said in the last post that there were no other views to snap of Marlow. The lock entrance view proves the point.
We will be spending a few days at Windsor so a daily update may not be necessary. If anything exciting happens then I may post a report.
End Post

Reading to Marlow

Miles 16.4 Locks 6
It is hard trying to get another shot of Marlow from the moorings than this scene. I am sure that it is very similar to last years picture.
The regatta course at Henley, there was a regatta taling place on the lower part for lady rowers.
Here they are waiting to be called forward for their race
We have not mentioned red kites so far this trip and as we have been seeing them since Lower Heyford they have become quite ubiquitous but at Henley there were at least a dozen circling the centre of the town so out came the camera and out of view went the kites as you can see only one in the picture.
End Post

Pangbourne to Reading

Miles 7 Locks 2

Today's post was only going to be a quick position report. Rain most of the day kept the cameras inside. Just as I was getting the computer out to make the post we had this visitor.

We are mored on Kings Meadow outside the Reading Tesco store. There are buses into the town centre from here (no 41) and we managed to spend a couple of hours in town between showers.
Once again we travelled with the cover up - it dosn't half make a difference. Just heared from R+R on DICSOVERY No1 who are at Clifton Lock as all the moorings on Oxford and Abingdon
are full because of the weather - no one seems to want to move in the rain.

End Post

Wallingford to Pangbourne Meadow

Miles 10.6 Locks 3
we have been travelling with out hood up again as the rain started just as we were setting off. This is what it looks like. Taken at Cleeve Lock
The weather cleared up as we arrived at Pangbourne meadow so we went for a walk into Whitchurch. Seen below from the toll bridge.
Not much in Whitchurch other than two fine looking pubs so we didn't stay long. We made our way back across the toll bridge into Pangbourne where most of the shops and facilities seem to be. It has pubs too one of which is shown below
End Post

Abingdon to Wallingford Via Dorchester

15/6/2011
Dorchester to Wallingford
Miles 4.2 Locks 1
A short run into Wallingford for our first trip to the laundrette. Moored on the opposite side to the town as we did last year. Shortly after lunch we had a quick chat with C&D from San Seriffe who were travelling upstream hoping to get to Abingdon today.

Wallingford Bridge looking downstream.

14/6/2011
Abingdon to Dorchester
Locks 5 Miles 10.5
Before we left Abingdon we went up the lock for water and then turned to go back downstream.

The trees have been pollarded along the river giving a view seldom seen.

We had hoped to moor above days lock and walk into Dorchester but they were full. We found a spot bu the junction with the River Thame wich proved to be a shorter walk into the town.

Our Secluded overnight Moorings

End Post

At Abingdon. Visit to Didcot Railway Centre

Its not often tht we find the moorings alongside the swimming pool full when we arrive at Abingdon but is was yesterday. Todays boaty pic shows us moored on the eastern bank for a change.

And now on to the visit to Didcot Railway Centre. As you can guess or already know it has a very heavy bias to all things GWR so imagine my suprise when this dedicated LNER follower spotted this loco outside the shed.---- TORNADO 60163 in Brunswick Green even . What a treat.

A close inspection of the running lamps will show that all things on this modern loco are High Tec --- LED parafine lamps
I will post a set of pictures on Photo Bucket later today and attach a link to this post for you to see more of Tornado and some of the GWR locos in the running shed and restoration workshops.

Photo link Here http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg209/Gralyn2008/Didcot%20Railway%20Centre/?start=all

End Post

Battened Down in Abingdon

Osney to Abingdon
Miles 9.2 Locks 4
As the post title suggests after a morning trip in the rain we moored at in Abingdon, put the remaining covers on, lit the fire and settled down to weather out the rain. I have loosened the mooring ropes in case the river rises, had dinner and will watch a DVD this evening. We travelled with the cover up for the first time today and it had earned its keep. With the sides off and the front and back windows rolled up we stayed relatively dry. Rope work at the locks was easy to do but I will have to wait for a wet day moving up river to see how well it works then. The forecast is for AM drizzel tomorrow so I will get the bus to the Didcot Railway Centre. There will be plenty of pictures I am sure. Most will be posted on Photobucket with a link from the blog.
This chap was seen by Newnham Rail Bridge http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/cormorant/index.aspx
and later on one of these.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/tuftedduck/index.aspx

End Post

Thrupp to Osney

Miles 5.5 Locks 6
At last we are on the Thames. Moored at Osney. A short bus trip from the centre of Oxford. This afternoon we went for a look round the shops and sites.

One of the "Dreaming Spires"


Leaving Godstow Lock

The upstream and downstream views of the lock on Dukes cut.

Nearly lost the chimney when I went to get my camera to take this shot.

End Post

Nell Bridge to Thrupp

Miles 15.7 Locks 10
I am writing this blog update in the Jolly Boatman at Thrupp. For those of the Canalworld Forum, Maffi and Bones are sat at the table opposite talking with friends. We were away early from Nell Bridge to get to Ahyno wharf for diesel and water. The rest of the run down was in showers and sunny spells. After Pidgeon Lock M remembered we had some cherries left so we ate them and scattered the stones along the off side bank - so if there are a row of cherry trees there in 20 years time remember "Gralyn was here". Thrupp Visitor moorings were chocker so we had to squeeze in just past the pub as you can see in tonight's picture.





End Update

Banbury to Nell Bridge

Miles 5.2 Locks 3

As the title says we are at Nell Bridge which is about 5 miles south ob Banbury. After one and a half days in Banbury we decided to carry on towards the Thames. It got us away from the shops ( we were moored about 50 Yds from BHS) and as we want to stop and refuel at Ahyno tomorrow we did not want to go too far.

Tonight's picture is of the Lock at Banbury looking back at the Castle Quays shopping complex.

End post

Napton to Cropready to Banbury (Plus Pic Catchup)

Wednesday 8/6/2011
Miles 4 Locks 3
We arrived in Banbury at 9.0 am this morning after a quick run down from Cropready. Each of the three locks was full and the top gates were open so we were able to just sail in, close the gate and top paddles and start down. Last time we were in Banbury I posted a picture of the Lady on th White Horse. This time you get the Cross itself.

Tuesday 7/6/2011
Napton to Cropready
Miles 15.7 Locks 18
A day dominated by the windy top level of the southern Oxford Canal summit. At least the weather was fine for the rise up the Napton locks but it the turned into instant heavy showers all the way down to Cropready. The evening is being spent in Glorious sunshine doing nothing.

Napton Bottom Lock
Travelling alonside the West Coast Main Line Near Ansty
The Welcoming Pipe Band at Hawksbury Junction

End Post

Brinklow to Napton

Miles 21.3 Locks 3
Woken at 3.30am by the invertor alarm going off, there is deffinately something wrong with the batteries - after changing the invertor it was the same Found one battery with bulging sides and ends so that could be the culprit. Removed the dud and set off towards Braunston where we hope to get two new batteries. We stopped breifly at the southern portal of Newbold Tunnel to dispose of our rubbish and as it was planned as a "Flying stop" I hauled up in the nearby bridgehole. Lo and behold there on the moorings not 20 Yds away was Roy outside his boat DISCOVERY No.1 so we stopped for longer and exchanged news. Hillmorton locks were all in our favour after bidding Roy and Ruth farewell. At Braunston we managed to get two new leisure batteries and stopped by Br 99 to fit them and then had a charging run to the visitor moorings below Napton locks.

Still poor signals so will have to wait to catch up on pictures.

Atherton to Brinklow

Miles 20.6 Locks 10
A good cruise on the top level of the Coventry Canal with a welcome at Sutton stop (Hawksbury Junction) of a Scotish Pipe Band. We didn't stay long however as we wanted to get to Brinklow tonight. Poor signal tonight, I will upload today's photos when I have a better signal.

Barleston to Atherton Lock 2

Two days again as there was no signal last night. This update is being done at Fazely in the afternoon as I am not sure where we will be tonight. Those of you who know the canals will notice we are no longer on our way to Lincoln but have decided to go to the Thames instead.

Saturday 4th June 2011
Armitage to Atherton Lock 2
Miles 23.1 Locks 7
Not so hot today. we had a quick passage through Fradley and stoped at Streethey wharf for diesel and managed to get a decent photograph of "Milton Maid" now being used as a floating pontoon, a real climbdown from her pottery carring days on the Caldon Canal. At least she is still in use, we passed the sites of the factories she served a few days ago and they are either demolised and having housing built on the site of brownfield sites awaiting development.
Friday 3rd June
Barleston to Bridge 56 just south of Armitage.
Miles 23 Locks 15
The picture for today is the cafe alongside Heywood Lock

The Caldon Trip

Thur 2nd June 2011

SBC to Barleston

Miles 13.2 Locks 15

A nice sunny day and we come to the end of our short trip on the Caldon Canal. After a stop at Etruria services we finally set of down the Trent and Mersey canal towards our goal of Lincoln and Boston. Th Caldon canal must be a dream for hire boaters, we counted up the features that one would hope to meet on a canal holiday and the Caldon ticks all the boxes except one – there atr no Swing Bridges. It does have Lift bridges both automatic and manual, staircase and normal locks, a tunnel, an aqueduct both under and over and a river section. Beat That in 17 miles. Oh and a Steam Railway running alongside if you get boored.

The staircase at the start of the Caldon Canal

1^st June 2011

Constall Forge to Stoke on Trent Boat Club.

Miles 6.6 Locks 7

The first day without rain on this trip. We made a short run up the River Churnet to Cheddleton to watch the 10.30 departure on the Churnet Valley Railway. Then up to the summit level of the Caldon Canal to stop by the Stoke Boat Club Arm at Endon. They have invited the visiting NCCC crews to join them on their weekly meeting. They had visited the NCCC at High Lane just after Easter.

10.30 departs Cheddleton

31 May 2011

Holly Bush to Constall Forge

Miles 4.7 Locks 4

Although we managed to get the covers down and set off in the dry it soon started to rain again. It didn't stop until we had passed through the two locks a Cheddleton but the weather managed to improve as we made our way down the River Churnet to Constall Forge where a very pleasant afternoon was spent outside the Black Lion Pub. We also had our evening meal in The Black Lion, quite enjoyable too. The pic is of us moored near the Black Lion at Consell Forge.

One for the watchers from RMRM, there is a prototype for everything. Seen on the CVR at Consall

30 May 2011

Engine Lock to the Holly Bush Pub

Miles 6.4 Locks 8

A day of rain. There are some interesting sculptures on the side of some of the Stockton Brook locks that were not there when we last came up the Caldon in 2007. I had never noticed th working side pound paddle on the lower of the Hazelhurst locks and couldn't resist trying it out. The lock is also unusual as it fills from the side rather than with a rush from the top end. The Top lock of the flight is the same as is Engine lock which was the last lock we did yesterday.

Moored Above Engine Lock

Br 86 Macclesfield Canal to Engine Lock Caldon Canal

28 May 2011
Miles 8.1 Locks 1 Long Tunnels 1
An early start today as we both were awake by 6am so we decided to set off early. After taking on water at Hall Green we carried on to the North end of Harecastle Tunnel where we were told that there would be a wait of about 40 mins for the northbound passage to emerge. Almost spot on time the tunnel was ready and we set off only to get a fisherman's keep net round the prop before we had even entered the tunnel. Quick work down the weed hatch and we were away loosing two places in the southbound convoy. The passage went smoothly but it was raining quite hard as we emerged from the southern portal. A quick scramble into our wet weather gear was rewarded by the rain stopping and we moored up close to the Toby Restaurant at China Gardens. Pictures tonight are of our mooring at Bridge 86 on the Macc with Mo Cop in the background and the northern end of the Harecastle Tunnel.

29 May 2011

Miles 6.5 Locks 4
Another relatively short day but not without incedent. I had to clear the bottom lock of the Bedford St staircase of 3 ducklings before we could use the lock, I also took the oportunity to take down the chimney in anticipation of the low bridges just before the Ivy House lift bridge, it turned pout to be unnecessary we got through with plenty of clearence. Down the weedhatch once again as we pulled up at the lift bridge - this time a piece of someone's zipper jacket.

Todays pic is of the lift bridge above Engine lock on the Caldon.

High Lane to Br 86 Macclesfield Canal

Miles 22.4 Locks 12
We have set off on our summer cruise. the first part is with the NCCC Commodor's cruise to the caldon canal. the higlight of today was the decent of Bosley locks in a decent tim of 1hr 50 Mins and a cruise in the late evening sunshine to bridge 86. Tomorrow will take us to China Gardens in Stoke on Trent after the passage of the Harecastle tonnel.

Notebook Test

Just having a Senior Moment. I couldn't remember if I had tested the blog update on this notepad using the Vodaphone dongle - so this is it and it seems to be working o.k.
I have used this image again as it had already been reduced to a pratical size to fit the blog.

Getting Ready

Only five days to go B4 we set off. :-) I have done an oil change including the filter and even bought a replacement (lesson learnt from May day hol, even got spare fuel filters). We are busy packing cloths and getting other things that will (I hope) make us self sufficient on our cruise (we will have RCR as a backup). I also hope to get the gunnels painted black rather than Middle Green as they have been ever since we bought the boat. It should make it easier to keep tidy. I have just received the NCCC Commodores Caldon Cruise itinerary so it looks like we will be at Bridge 85 on the Macc on Friday night all going well!.

Easter and May Day Bank holidays

EASTER
We sailed from our moorings in Highlane to Bugsworth Basin on Thursday in the main to get a mooring as we knew there would be lots of boats there as the Nccc were having their annual competitions and would be putting on two evenings of entertainment. Both events were well attended as there was an open invitation for all boaters to attend the events as a fund raising effort for IWPS the group that look after and develop the basin.

Boats in the Middle Basin by the small arm.
Gralyn Moored in the Lower Arm
Boats in the lower basin

The weather stayed fine all the weekend and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There was also contingents of boats from Tudor Boat Club ( Ashton Canal) and Stoke Boat Club (Caldon canal).
MAY DAY
Like most, for us the May Day Holiday started with the Royal Wedding and a BBQ at Highlane followed by a cruise to Whiteley Green by bridge 24 on the Macclesfield canal. After our BBQ on the Friday evening , Saturday was spent on an earlier than planned pre-summer maintenance session as the engine died at the start of the battery recharging session with fuel problems. Both water trap and engine fuel filters were filled with gunge. These were eventually replaced and the bottom of the fuel tank cleared of sludge and water ( not much as expected though we think that what there was had been moved as a result of the boat sitting on the bottom at its moorings). Still lesson learn, keep spare fuel filters on board and check them more frequently.

This Years Cruising Plans

We are joining the NCCC cruise to the Caldon Canal on the Spring Bank Holiday and then heading South and East to Lincoln and Boston with the intention of making a "New Run" on the South 40 ft Drain or Black Dyke as I think it is also called. The return will also include the River Soar and the GU Leicester section to Norton Junction (also a New Run). Once at Braunston plans are then open - depending on how we feel as the Thames is only a 3 day cruise away and we do like the Thames.

Next Blog entry should be as we set off on the Caldon trip