Narrowboat Aussies

Category: Grand Union Canal

  • Around London September to November 2019

    Around London September to November 2019

     

    We had ventured south on the waterways to enjoy London again by boat, rather than our many hurried trips by train to attend to health or other appointments. This trip did not disappoint as we got to visit new places and revisit familiar and much-loved ones.

    Our journey

    It was late in September when we turned off the main Grand Union Canal at Bull’s Bridge onto the Paddington Arm and we were excited to get through suburbia and into the moorings at Paddington Basin. There is currently a mixture of both pre-booked and casual moorings here and we took advantage of using both to enjoy our time in the middle of London beside the famous Paddington Railway Station.

    By the beginning of October we were back off the Paddington Arm and heading north along the Grand Union Canal to reach our moorings in Dunchurch Pools Marina in late November. We were in no rush and had a number of social events and other matters to attend to along the way.

    Sight-seeing and Culture

    Whilst moored in Paddington Basin we took advantage of our close proximity via public transport and on foot to visit a number of venues including two visits to the theatre.

    Along with Jim and Chris, and their friend Marian, we went to see The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. It certainly had me mesmerised from the very beginning and soon I could only see the animals rather than the puppets and operators. Stunning performance and very well recommended.

    We also took the opportunity to see the longest-running show in the world, The Mousetrap, at St Martin’s Theatre. Although this was written and published by Agatha Christie in 1952, and has been running in London continuously for over 67 years, it still entertains and engages the audience with all the twists and turns. Of course, I’m not allowed to tell you whodunnit!!!!

    Bob and I decided to take a walk through the beautiful Hyde Park to visit and take a tour through the stunning Royal Albert Hall. The Hall was opened in 1871 following many years of planning and fundraising and named by Queen Victoria for her husband Prince Albert who died before his idea of a permanent series of facilities that could be enjoyed by the public was realised. He wanted this built on the site of the Great Exhibition which was held in 1851 in Hyde Park. The Albert Memorial commissioned by Queen Victoria stands across the road from Royal Albert Hall. The tour inside was magnificent as we got to see the interior in all its splendor including the Royal Box and the acoustic diffusing discs (also known as mushrooms or flying saucers) which were installed in 1969 to rectify the previously appalling acoustics. We were also present to witness the tuning of the massive pipe organ and the light and sound check for a concert to be held that night by George Ezra – unfortunately, tickets were sold-out!!!!

    Our other major excursion was to revisit Kew Gardens and the amazing Dale Chihuly glass exhibition there. I had gone there in June with our cousin Denise and absolutely loved it. This return visit was shared with Bob, Jim, and Chris and did not disappoint. Despite it now being Autumn rather than the height of summer the displays were breathtaking and inspiring. Kew Gardens remains one of my favorite places.

    Socialising

    In October we were blessed to be invited to join our good friends to celebrate Christopher’s 70th birthday at Baldock. It was very much a family affair with his sister Jan, and brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kendra, coming from the USA to share with him. Along with Christopher and Sue’s children – Richard and Sam – and very good friends, Jeff and Diana, we had a lovely few days culminating in an intimate dinner at The George at Baldock. During the visit we also went to explore the nearby Shuttleworth Museum – home to a range of vintage aircraft and vehicles and the very charming Swiss Garden. Despite the weather, we all very much enjoyed the few hours spent there. We also ventured to Cambridge for the day enjoying a relaxed walk around this historic University city.

    We also had a few days moored near to our friends Jonathon, Mija and their gorgeous son, Leo. Its always a pleasure to be in their company and we consider them friends who are family. I enjoy my temporary role of Bronma to Leo and his unique way of observing the world is a delight.

    As Jim and Chris were still in London, their daughter Cassie and her son, Dylan came from Devon for a visit and we were invited to join them for a day. We got the Underground into Paddington where we met them and walked to Camden for lunch in a vegan restaurant and a walk around the famous markets there. Lunch was amazing and the walk back along the Regents Canal invigorating. Despite getting drenched in the rain we had a great time with this friendly family, as we always do.

    Another of Bob’s cousins, Mick and Cheryl came to visit us at Harefield where they stayed in their Cathargo Motorhome in a nearby campground. We were fascinated to be learning lots about this aspect of life as we were considering purchasing one to see more of Europe. We had such a good time in their company and I know it won’t be the last of our catchups.

    A little further up the Grand Union Canal we arrange to spend a day with Mick’s brother Stephen and his wife Maggie at Wroughton on the Green. This has been our first opportunity to meet up with them since we came to the UK due to the very busy nature of all our lives. However, we hope that now they have both retired we may just be able to sneak in some more time with them.

    Next plans

    Well….. that would be telling, wouldn’t it?!?!

    Kew Gardens, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, United Kingdom

    The Rolling Bridge, Westminster, Greater London, United Kingdom

    London Paddington, Westminster, Greater London, United Kingdom

     

     

  • Cruising South July to September 2019

    Cruising South July to September 2019

     

    Holt Bridge, Wychavon, England, United Kingdom

     

    We returned from our Greek Odyssey tired but happy, and ready to continue our waterway journeys.

    Repairs and Maintenance

    Prior to our holiday we had arranged for a new gearbox to be fitted to Celtic Maid in the Marina where we had left her. The very leaky and noisy old gearbox was a reconditioned one which we had fitted way back in 2014 on the River Thames at Abingdon very soon after we began our journey. The first attempt at replacement was foiled because it didn’t fit without modifications but the very next day the job was successfully completed, and we were on the move again – quieter but poorer.

    We then had to get across the Middlewich Arm to Nantwich in time to get our Boat Safety Survey (BSS) done. This a certification that is required every four years to make sure that your boat meets the safety requirements for gas fitting, ventilation, fire extinguishers, etc. and for licensing and insurance purposes We passed of course!!

    Friends and family

    Our first joy, one cruising again, was catching up to Jim and Chris who had their great-nephew and his mother, Joseph and Catherine, visiting them from Australia. We had a lovely couple of days cruising, stopping for ice-cream and enjoying a happy hour or two before they left to enjoy the last legs of their holiday in Paris and Singapore.

    My sister and her husband Juergen caught up with us again in early August, and finally got to travel with us for a few days on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, joining us just out of Worcester and returning to their camper, Bertita, in Stoke Prior where we bid a very sad farewell. It has been such a special pleasure to be able to share my love of narrowboating with my sister and spend some quality time with her before we part to pursue our individual lifestyle pursuits.

    We also had a multi birthday celebration at the Two Boats Inn at Long Itchington in late August, where Michael and Jane Moody drove to meet up with us. When the 6 musketeers get together fun follows!!!!

    Later as we headed south towards London, Bob’s cousin Julie came for a visit – sadly her Dad was unwell and couldn’t join us. We enjoyed a jazz and cider festival at The Barley Mow and Angie (Bob’s cousin’s wife) joined us for breakfast the next day. A big part of this lifestyle has been meeting up with relatives that we have been unable to spend time with whilst living so far away in Australia.

    A little further south and a friend of Jim and Chris’s, Marian, who we met a few years ago on her narrowboat, came to visit them to cruise for a while from Aylesbury to Hemel Hempsted. We thoroughly enjoyed her company and our towpath evening happy hours together.

    Our last, and thoroughly pleasing social event for this part of our cruising was a much-anticipated catch up with Jonathon, Mija and baby Leo, who met us outside Tesco at Bulls Bridge Junction where Sylph and Celtic Maid had moored on our way into London and Moody Blues had met us coming out. Despite a few hiccoughs with timing, a lovely afternoon was shared in a somewhat unusual social setting and much laughter and story-telling accompanied the eating and drinking.

     

    Waterways both new and old

    During this time, along with friends Jim and Chris on NB Sylph, our journey took us on the Shropshire Union Canal from Middlewich to Barbridge Junction and then south through Nantwich, Market Drayton, Gnosall, and Brewood before turning south onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal at Autherley Junction. We have done these sections before and enjoyed stopping off in these small towns to explore, get provisions and enjoy the many pubs en-route.

    From Aldersley Junction near Wolverhampton, we were in new territory for us and it proved to be a delight meandering through cuttings and villages, farmland and city outskirts, conquering 29 locks and 25 miles before reaching Stourport on the River Severn. Along stretches, we passed cliffs forming one side of the canal – some sheer rock faces and others covered in greenery. At times it was disconcerting to see minor rockslides but given the age of this canal perhaps not surprising. So many cottages, pubs, buildings, and landscapes to experience in what is a relatively short stretch. We were so pleased to have decided to come this way.

    Once through Kidderminster, we came to Stourport-on-Severn where we navigated through some very deep locks to begin a journey southwards on the River Severn. Three years ago, we came north from Gloucester to the Droitwich Canal on the Severn, which we both agreed is a rather boring stretch of waterway. This time was very different as the river is treelined and interesting rather than feeling like navigating a deep ditch.

    Our first night was spent moored outside the Hampstall Inn, site of the Hampstall Ferry Disaster which occurred 100 years and one day prior to our visit. Nine of the seventeen people aboard the ferry were drowned when the overloaded boat capsized as a result of the wash from a passing steamer. New memorial plaques on the site had been erected on the site to commemorate the centenary of this disaster. Lunch and drinks from the pub were enjoyed in the afternoon sunshine.

    The following day we moored on the River Severn at Worcester before leaving the river to cruise up the Worcester and Birmingham Canal – another waterway new to us until it reaches the junction with the Droitwich Canal. Continuing on, we conquered the Tardebigge 30 Lock Flight (again), and on the outskirts of Birmingham turned onto the Stratford-on-Avon Canal at King’s Norton Junction.

    Once away from the built-up suburban areas the landscape is again beautifully rural but once through the Lapworth Lock flight we were back onto the Grand Union Canal at Kingswood Junction – familiar waterways again.

    From here we continued down the Hatton flight and through Warwick, Leamington Spa, and Braunston before turning south again at Norton Junction to take us toward London. Both Sylph and Celtic Maid had a near mishap at the Reservoir near Marsworth Junction where the wind was so strong that both boats ended up sideways across the canal. Fortunately, a few people walking by helped us to pull them in until we could safely and securely moor up. A trip to the nearby Angler’s Retreat pub was required to steady our nerves.

    We moored briefly by Stocker’s Lake at Rickmansworth and again above Denham Deep Lock to enjoy walks through the Colne Valley parklands. After a short stint near Cowley to replenish supplies and a social gathering at Bulls Bridge Junction we were ready to embark on our London excursions.

     

     

     

     

  • Back on the cut April May 2019

    Back on the cut April May 2019

    Back to our Boat life

    Fortunately, we are very well supported in our life In England as evidenced by the willingness of our good friend, Michael, to collect us, yet again, from Birmingham Airport on our safe return from Australia. His wife Jane had got us a few supplies and Michael assisted us further by stopping off at a supermarket on our way home to collect a couple of days groceries so that we didn’t have to think much as we overcame our inevitable jet lag.

    I can’t deny that it felt fabulous to step back aboard Celtic Naid and find her in peak condition despite our neglect of her for almost 5 months. Again Michael and Jane had been to the rescue and ensured that the electricity supply had been maintained to keep the heater going and condensation to a minimum. I think we might have finally got this boat winterising art down pat!

    Health, friends, and residency

    Once recovered we had to quickly focus on logistics. Bob had two appointments for his eye in close succession in London and I had to undertake a Life in the UK test as a requisite to gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK status. We decided to combine these with a good catch up with our friends Christopher and Sue in Baldock, and a long awaited visit with friends Mija and Jonathon to meet their beautiful baby, Leo.  The trip started well with a positive result for a stable eye and a very enjoyable catch up with our friends. However it soured “slightly” when Bob’s second appointment was canceled the morning of it, and I was unable to undertake the test due to not being able to provide the correct proof of address due to difficulties with our bank. This was later remedied via a complaint to the bank and followup that finally remedied the problem. This did take quite a few weeks, however.

    So we returned to Celtic Maid a little frustrated but ready to prepare for our next weekend staying in a lovely converted barn with Julie and Phil in Upper Boddington near Banbury. This was our catch up with them following our return and a pre-Easter celebration. On one of the days, Phil drove us to Bourton-on-the-water, which is a gorgeous village with the River Windrush flowing through it and stunning stone bridges enabling residents and visitors to stroll freely on both sides. It is a bit of a tourist trap and there were plenty of visitors and the day we were there. But we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Bakery and while Julie and I visited the Model Village, Bob and Phil went to the Cotswold Motor Museum.

    The weekend was over very soon but we did have the opportunity to go to Rugby before they left to pick up some groceries and purchase a new outdoor table for our anticipated afternoons on the towpath in the summer!!!

    We spent the next few days making sure that Celtic Maid was ready to go and then finally left the security of Dunchurch Pools Marina, and the close proximity of Michael and Jane’s support, and headed south along the Oxford Canal to Braunston and then onto the Grand Union Canal to meet up with our friends, Malcolm and Julia, near their marina close to the Napton Junction. This was over the Easter weekend and coincided with Bob’s birthday, so we had a little party at The Folly Inn at Napton with Julia, Malcolm, Jayne, and Michael. We had planned to do this last year but we were still on the Kennet and Avon Canal at that point – too far away!!!!

    Again it was fantastic to enjoy a leisurely Sunday ritual with Julia and Malcolm as he prepared an excellent full English breakfast for us aboard NB Figment, the men retired to the pub for a few ales while Julia and I had ice cream and played Rummikub, and then Bob cooked a roast dinner. What a great day we always have when we get to share it with these two.

    We moved on a little way on Easter Monday preparing for Julia to drop Bob at Rugby train station on the Tuesday morning for his very long-awaited eye appointment. Sadly it too was canceled on the morning it was due so we bid farewell to them and continued along the Grand Union Canal toward Birmingham.

    Lovely to see our family and friends but a little frustrated that our health and residency issues could not be progressed.

    Through Birmingham 

    We decided to approach Birmingham by completing the Grand Union Canal through Leamington Spa and Warwick, up the Hatton Flight of locks (where Bob finally caught up with our friend Andy), and continuing on at Kingswood Junction where we had previously turned left onto the Stratford-on-Avon Canal. This took us through some very pretty rural countryside before mooring at Catherine De Barnes in preparation for our final leg into Birmingham to arrive at Cambrian Wharf.

    In truth, I must confess this was not my favorite stretch of canal cruising, given the poor state of some of the locks and my discomfit with the intent of some of the gongoozlers along the way. We encountered no real trouble aside from some difficulties leaving one lock where we seemed to have to go over an obstacle to get out ( I won’t ponder its nature!!). We took advantage of being in safe moorings in Cambrian Wharf to venture into the city center for supplies and have the battery replaced in Bob’s phone. Have to say that our service at Apple there was very good, as was the amazing bread we picked up from a bakery nearby.

    We were then off along the Birmingham Level Main Line – which is, I admit, totally boring – until we detoured to moor up and visit the Black Country Museum at Dudley. This museum has been built to provide a glimpse of life in the region over several periods of time. It was a very interesting wander through time but I do believe Bob’s favorite bit might have been the pub where he enjoyed some refreshment!

    The following morning we were off again to tackle the final section of the Birmingham Level Main Line through Wolverhampton and its lock flight onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. But not before a snapped gear cable temporarily stranded us 5 locks from the end requiring a callout from the River Canal Rescue who had us on our way within a couple of hours.

    Finally, we were out of Birmingham and heading north along the Shropshire Union Canal. Our first night was spent at Brewood although we didn’t have time to look around as we had made arrangements to get some repairs done to our canvas covers at Shebdon. Once these were completed very professionally and with friendly service by Tony, we headed to Market Drayton to avail ourselves of access to supplies. Finally, we made it into Nantwich in time to prepare Celtic Maid for visitors. By the end of that week, our first onboard visitors for the year arrived. But more of that in the next blog!!!!

  • July cruising 2017 7/8/17

    July cruising 2017 7/8/17

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have spent the last month or so retracing our steps, fare-welling travel companions, visiting friends and family and preparing to leave Celtic Maid for a while to pay a visit to Australia.

    Leaving Peterborough, heading back toward Northampton, with NB Sylph, we revisited many of our favourite moorings from previously. For some reason the locks seemed easier this time – probably because the norm on the River Nene is to leave the bottom (often guillotine) gate open while leaving the lock. This meant we could go straight in, fill the lock and then leave with one boat remaining to open the bottom gate again. We got into a pretty good rhythm this way with Bob and Chris sharing the button pushing!!!! And occasional wheel turning!!

    Highlights along the River Nene included the Virgin hot air balloon flying over us at Thorpe Meadows, revisiting Fotheringhay, a glimpse of Lilford Hall amongst the trees, lunch (again) at the King’s Head pub at Wadenhoe, a bit of shopping at Wellingborough, the horses at Earl’s Barton Lock, reversing through the blanket weed to moor at Weston Favell Lock (that was hard going but Bron made it!!!), and finally arriving at Northampton.

    We availed ourselves of a night in the Northampton Marina before heading to the moorings near the footbridge where we had previously moored. Both Sylph and Celtic Maid had experienced electrical issues over the last few weeks and this gave us the opportunity to access the services of a marine electrician to start the process of sorting them out.

    We also shopped for new outdoor chairs, and cushions to brighten up our saloon area. Of course we also went for an anniversary celebratory lunch at Prezzo. Stunning gluten free pizza and delicious wine went down a treat!!!

    Leaving Celtic Maid in the safe hands of Jim and Chris, we took a trip to visit our friends Max and Jenny in Youlgreave. Max recently achieved a major milestone birthday and had invited Bob to join his celebrations in Derby with his rowing friends. Despite our well placed fears they made it back by train safely and reasonably sober. Meanwhile Jenny and Bron visited nearby Caudwells Mill for a delicious lunch and a little gift shopping.  We also spent an entire day exploring the Bradford Dale near their home. Absolutely beautiful views and along our walks we met a couple of cavers who held us captive for half an hour with tales of the local caves and disused mine pits, and singing a few folk songs!!! A little later we were provided with a further 30 minute lecture/Q&A on the maintenance of the electricity hardware system in England!!! We think Max organised both “chance encounters” for our edification!!!!!

    A quick turnaround on the boat and we were off again to Maldon to visit Julie and Phil. We were very fortunate to have Jim and Chris still prepared to take care of Celtic Maid while we were off visiting. It was a good visit with us taking the time to have a big walk along the sea wall near Maldon as well as having a big catch up. They drove us to Baldock a few days later so we could visit with Sue and Christopher as well as fit in a doctor’s appointment and collect medications. Then too soon it was off back home, via an eye hospital appointment in London for Bob. Whilst the pressure in his eye is very good, a spike of inflammation meant we have had to set the alarm to remind us of medication requirements – starting off with hourly!!! But thankfully it has improved quickly with treatment.

    We arrived back in Northampton in time to throw our bags aboard and join Jim and Chris on NB Sylph, along with Michael and Jane from NB Moody Blues for a few farewell drinks. We finally got to bed in the wee small hours of Friday after a brilliant night of eating, drinking, singing, reminiscing and laughing. Our social life has been very busy indeed.

    After an early run to Morrison’s to stock up, and a quick farewell coffee, Sylph and Celtic Maid left Moody Blues behind and tackled the 17 locks of the Northampton flight before getting diesel, gas, and water and disposing of refuse. Thus tidied up we moored ready for an early night and decent night’s sleep. But we were ready for another farewell night with Jim and Chris on Saturday night with food, wine, music, dance and of course laughter, before they left us on Sunday heading towards London while we headed toward Braunston.

    Within a couple of days Moody Blues had caught up with us and we tackled the Buckby flight together before spending a couple of nights at Norton Junction and getting a new inverter fitted. Alas that has not been the end of our electrics worries but we are working on it. The good thing is we will have enough power to run a hair dryer!!!!! Bonus!!

    Once into Braunston we kept our date with Days Afloat who took a look at our Webasto heating and gave us the very sad news that it was terminal. So we cleaned out the bank account and got a new one fitted that now works perfectly – we are almost looking forward to winter so we can try it out! Almost!!

    And all too soon we said goodbye to Michael and Jane as Moody Blues headed to their new marina for a quick visit before going south for the rest of their summer. Celtic Maid headed to the beautiful rural setting near Bridge 100 between Braunston and Napton, to spend some time cleaning up and polishing our home. Once that is done we will get to our marina to settle in before a flying visit to Maldon and then a much anticipated trip to Australia to celebrate our son’s wedding, a few birthdays and to see our cherished and missed children and grandchildren.

    Don’t worry we have many more adventures planned…..

     

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  • Finishing the Leicester ring 19/5/17

    Finishing the Leicester ring 19/5/17

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Unlike most good boaters we have not completed the Leicester Ring of canals and rivers in one smooth journey. Instead we have completed it in parts – in a generally anticlockwise direction we have done the Norton Junction to Braunston Junction, and Braunston Junction to Fradley Junction sections several times. But we have now finally completed the anticlockwise section between Fradley Junction and Norton Junction.

    After celebrating Bob’s birthday in Loughborough, we headed south towards Leicester, which involves sections of both the River Soar and canal making up the Leicester Navigation. We have really enjoyed the rural parts of the Soar and were surprised by how picturesque it all was. Arriving in Leicester is slightly different, but there is still enough rurality about the Watermead Country Park  and various gardens to camouflage the buildings, graffiti and polluted waterway.

    However we had convenient moorings at Friars Mill with close proximity to the city’s shopping district and very good security. Shame about the pigeon invasion and construction works nearby!!!! Despite warnings from other boaters that the southern section of Leicester should be traversed as quickly as possible, we found it rather beautiful. But we had carefully chosen to leave on a Monday morning rather than travelling over a weekend – a mistake we did not care to repeat from an earlier experience with bored youth using Celtic Maid as target practice for their rock throwing!!

    We were fortunate in finding a couple of lovely rural moorings between Leicester and Market Harborough, where we would have liked to tarry had we not set our sights on tackling the Rivers Nene and Great Ouse this summer.

    On arrival in Market Harborough we found secure moorings and then left to visit Julie and Phil in Essex. A couple of factors led to us staying there a few days longer than anticipated but we had an enjoyable catch-up and returned to find Celtic Maid waiting for us – although in great need of a good wash as a result of being moored under trees for a week!

    Upon leaving Market Harborough we rejoined the Grand Union Canal and tackled the Foxton Locks. These consist of two staircases of 5 locks each and take about an hour to get through. Because of the complexity in water management there are Canal and River Trust volunteers on hand to assist, making sure that no-one starts at the other end when boats are already on the flight (there is nowhere to pass), and that the water is managed safely. We did have to wait  about an hour and a half for 6 boats to descend before we could start our ascen,t but the ice cream at the top was well worth the wait. This is a popular spot for visitors and on a beautiful day like we had, the towpath was full of gongoozlers.

    The last section before we reached the end of the Leicester Ring involved 2 tunnels of less than a mile each which were achieved without incident, thankfully, although one oncoming canal boat was fitted with headlights that would do an Aussie spotlighter proud – but blinded Bob! We did do a detour down the Welford Arm to meet up with friends Jane and Tim (who are Norfolk Broads boating friends of Julie and Phil) in the historic Wharf Inn. A great night was had by all and we were thankful that they were able to catch up with us.

    We had been in frequent contact during this time with Jane and Michael from NB Moody Blues, hoping to catch up with them before they got too far ahead of us on the River Nene. Luck was on our side – if not theirs – and they were delayed slightly in Braunston for some repair work but arrived at Norton Junction just as we were about to head down the Buckby Lock Flight. After a brief chat, NB Sylph and NB Celtic Maid headed on and they caught up with us the next day at a great mooring near Weedon Bec. This gave us time to stop off at Whilton to get new brighter interior lights for Celtic Maid and lots of plants for Sylph. Happiness all round!!!!

    Once NB Moody Blues caught up with us we celebrated Australian Mother’s Day with a picnic party on the towpath in the sun – just the loveliest day.

    Our last leg of this journey was to descend the 17 locks into Northampton before locking down onto the River Nene for our next big adventure. This was achieved in rather efficient time with only a few scary moments when the water from the pond above the lock that Bron was skippering Celtic Maid through, started flooding over the top gates. Some rather loud shouting alerted Bob to the requirement to shut down the lock above and let us progress a couple of locks ahead to save a repeat performance. All safe and well in the end.

    Once in Northampton the three men took a day to retrieve Jim and Chris’s car while their wives worked diligently on their respective boats and avoided the deluge that fell from the sky. A planned women only lunch was postponed to another time. Of more importance was getting our laptop back in action following a Windows failure a few days before. It seems we have had some success in this and have lots of body parts crossed to avoid a repeat performance.

    After stocking up and cleaning up we were ready by the 19th May to venture onto the River Nene – NB Moody Blues had set off the previous day as forward scouts. Let the adventure begin…..[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Our journey continues 21/4/17

    Our journey continues 21/4/17

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It has been 4 months since our last blog sharing our narrowboat journey through England. But we have not been hibernating through the Northern winter months! Our trip to South America has been detailed in three previous blogs – Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina.

    Unfortunately, poor health kept us tethered in Bosworth Marina for far longer than intended, with just a few trips out to stay with narrowboating friends, Julia and Malcolm, nearby, our friends Sue and Christopher in Baldock (one of our other homes in this country!) and the odd foray for supplies.

    However on Monday 21st March, we finally untied our mooring ropes and headed back out onto the Ashby Canal to revisit the head of the navigation at Snarestone (and for Bob to enjoy the offerings at The Globe Inn!!) before heading slowly back down the canal to the Marston Junction where again we headed north up the Coventry Canal. It felt so exhilarating to both of us to finally be out on the cut again enjoying the crisp air, the emergence of spring and the wonderful sensation of freedom. Couldn’t help but provide health improvements as well!!! Whilst we have done this canal before we always enjoy cruising it – no locks, beautiful rural setting, lots of wildlife and serene peace.

    We had set a goal to be at Fradley Junction by the end of March to meet up with our traveling companions for the summer – Jim, Chris, and Gina aboard NB Sylph. But first Bob had another of his eye appointments in London so we made for Atherstone and moorings very close to the train station. Benefits of this location included access to shopping for supplies and extra little creature comforts for Celtic Maid, clearing up our mounting laundry at a nearby laundrette (we had become very accustomed to the laundry at the marina where Bob spent many an hour catching up with people via skype or phone), purchasing carpet for our decks and enjoying an amazing lamb shank lunch, best coffee and stunning bacon sandwich at Cafe Resta. A very positive sojourn and good outcome with the eye appointment too.

    As we continued our way north we discovered via texting that NB Sylph was moored only half a mile down the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal from the Fazeley Junction that we were fast approaching. So it seemed the obvious thing to do to meet up with them and commence our summer journey together. What a lovely catch up over a drink or two, sharing the separate experiences of leaving Gloucester and transiting Birmingham. However, we are none too happy that Jim now refers to us as “seasonal boaters” given that for the last 2 summers we have left Celtic Maid in a marina whilst we headed to warmer climes in the Southern Hemisphere. For some reason, he just isn’t buying our need to see our family!

    Our journey together continued the following day to Fradley Junction where we remained for a few days, taking the opportunity to visit our friends in Baldock to establish a relationship with the medical clinic there. Jim and Chris also had a few things to do so this was a good spot to rest a while. We were delighted to spot our new friends Brian and Suzy from NB Mustang Sally, enjoying a beverage at The Swan on our return from Baldock, so the six of us sat in beautiful sunshine sharing stories. Even as the sun sank lower we enjoyed the hospitality on board NB Mustang Sally before finally calling it a night.

    The next stop was Alrewas where we walked the 2 miles from our moorings alongside busy highways, to experience the National Memorial Arboretum. This is a truly beautiful memorial to those who have served Great Britain not only in the armed forces but all levels and areas of public service. A mix of planted woodlands, sculptures and structures, and manicured gardens make this site is a must see. We only had a short time there so took the guided train tour with commentary but hope to return some day and meander through it all.

    We were nearing the end of a few very sunny and warm days, so took the opportunity of enjoying it by making a short cruise to the Branston Water Park and mooring up to spend the afternoon in the sunshine on the towpath. We enjoyed a very healthy shared repast and a few thirst-quenching beverages to celebrate the short-lived visit of sunshine. The next morning, our walk around the lake (a regenerated gravel pit attracting a range of birds and other wildlife), required the wearing of our winter coats as the wind was again very cold and the sun refused to show its face.

    After a couple of short stops going through Burton Upon Trent to get supplies (requiring a comic taxi ride back to the industrial estate near where we left the boats, with the back full of too much food, wine and beer and none of us really knowing where we were headed) and a diesel pickup to keep Celtic Maid and Sylph going, we finally moored near Willington so that Jim could do his car shuffle again.

    Our goal was to get to Shardlow by Thursday lunchtime before Easter so that we could pick up Sue to spend the weekend with us. Christopher had a busy weekend photographing cars at Silverstone but joined us Sunday night. We were unlucky with the weather for all of Easter but Sue got a good rest, and the chance to identify many birds, and we got to pamper her with lots of love, food and of course our sparkling company. We did a small amount of cruising making it to Nottingham before Christopher joined us.

    Jim and Chris’s daughter, Kim and her husband Lawrence, also caught up with us in Shardlow, bringing Bella for a visit with Gina. It was great to have a quick catch up with them as well. We regard the families of our friends as our family too. And we were lucky to have skype contact with some of our family over Easter as well. Very blessed.

    After the early departure of Sue and Christopher on Monday morning, we went to the shopping precinct of Nottingham for a quick look around, before relocating to the conveniently located Sainsburys supermarket ready for an early morning stock up. It does sound a little like all we do is eat and drink on board but anyone who has ever spent time with Bob in a supermarket knows you can’t come out loaded lightly!!!!

    That done we ventured back to the junction of the River Trent, Erewash Canal, and River Soar, turning south to continue our journey around what is known as the Leicester Ring. This joins the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, through Braunston, up the North Oxford and Coventry Canals and then along the Trent and Mersey. Some keen boaters achieve this ring in breathtaking time – we are somewhat slower!!!

    The River Soar is a refreshing change – in parts very rural, winding its way past the power station near Ratcliffe on Soar and its many connecting power lines, with some sections between locks becoming more canal like particularly as you pass through the larger towns and cities. We enjoyed a rural mooring one night just south of Kegworth but aimed to moor in Loughborough by Bob’s birthday on the 20th to celebrate at a nearby Italian restaurant with Jim and Chris, and surprising him with a visit by Malcolm and Julia.  We found 2 moorings in the less than salubrious surroundings of the Loughborough Wharf but with close proximity to eateries and supermarkets, as well as the all important services (water, rubbish and waste disposal) we made the most of his birthday and the quiet moorings.

    On Friday morning – having celebrated, supplied and serviced, we headed south towards Leicester and whatever new experiences await us along the way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • October cruising 31/10/16

    October cruising 31/10/16

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]October has now come to an end, Autumn is in full swing, our clocks have gone back an hour and we’ve covered the most waterways in any blog yet!!!!

    We are now comfortably moored on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal near Rea Bridge, still traveling with NB Sylph and enjoying new waterways. The past month has gone by fast, but with the cooler weather and much shorter days we are now slowing down in anticipation of winter.

    We passed through Kingswood Junction onto the Stratford-on-Avon Canal enjoying the new sights, narrow locks and interesting architecture. The barrel roof cottages beside the locks are just beautiful. First stop was Lowsonford where we enjoyed the hospitality of The Fleur-de-Lys pub. Very pleasant atmosphere and refreshments. It might sound as if we are on a giant pub crawl but we do have to put something into the local economy!!!

    This canal runs through some very rural environments and certainly fills your soul with its peace and tranquility. The small towns are welcoming and historic and great to wander around. St Peter’s Church at Wootten Wawen, our next stop, was well worth the visit with some very interesting history of both the church and its environs on display. There is also a great farm shop,craft centre and retail shops offering all manner of interesting things just a short walk from the canal. A new hat and short wellies have been a very welcome and much-needed addition to the cruising wardrobe!!

    Getting diesel at the marina whilst perched on the aqueduct over the A34 road is an interesting experience, but was really only a practice run for the Edstone Aqueduct which we crossed just over a mile later. Nowhere near as high or long as the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in Wales, this one is still challenging as it crosses over both a road and railway in the valley below.

    Mooring at Wilmcote, we took advantage of the close proximity of Chris and Jim’s car and did a run to Stratford-on-Avon to catch up on some washing. Despite having our twin tub, it is sometimes a bit of a treat getting the washing and drying finished on the one day. Not a cheap exercise though!!!

    After dropping down the 11 Wilmcote locks we moored in Stratford-on-Avon the next day (Saturday) to take advantage of the nearby supermarket and get in much-needed supplies. Unfortunately, the moorings were opposite the Golden Arches and beside a motel so the noise level on a Saturday night was just a tad too high for restful sleep.

    But we headed bravely into Bancroft Basin right in the centre of Stratford-on-Avon on Sunday morning and got onto a great pontoon mooring opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The market was there in the basin and we took the opportunity to have a look around the area, blending in with all the Sunday sightseers.

    We had several interesting and enjoyable experiences whilst in Stratford-on-Avon. First the annual “Mop festival”. All of the high street and surrounds are blocked off and all manner of rides and stalls take over the town. This event has its roots in the era when people of all trades and skills would gather to get hired for the next year, carrying a symbol of their specialty area. So the maids would carry mops, field workers may carry a rake and so on. They also had the opportunity 10 days later to gather again to be rehired if they didn’t like their first placement!. The current festival is more of an opportunity for ride operators to assist members of the public to part with their money thus keeping one sector of the economy working.

    Another, of course, is that this is William Shakespeare’s birthplace and much is made of the cottage in which he was born, where he lived, his mother and wife and so on. This, of course, brings many tourists from around the world and their money so the coffers of this great town are being filled, securing a robust future.

    We also had some health appointments in London resulting in Bob being discharged from one of his eye clinics. And as we returned to the boat from the train station at 11.00pm we waded our way through the detritus of the Mop Festival back to our boat. So we saw a little of the hangover from the festival.

    And we had a short but brilliant visit from Bronwyn and Peter Forward (Bob worked with Peter previously) who were traveling through the UK visiting sites of engineering significance and medical friends of Bronwyn’s from her time here. I don’t think any of us were quiet for the four short hours we had together discussing aged care, health, rail and canal engineering, 4wheel driving, conservation volunteering and anything else that cropped up. A great time was had by all.

    We left the basin on Saturday morning, descending through the lock to the Avon River with a very large entourage of gongoozlers (spectators) observing our every move. We moored adjacent to the last working chain ferry in England, which carried foot passengers across the Avon with the captain turning a wheel which propelled the vessel along the chain connecting both sides of the river. Intriguing.

    On Tuesday we finally started cruising the River Avon, enjoying its width and narrowness, twists and turns, and stunning views of the rural landscape.There are locks on this river which are large enough for both our narrowboats to navigate, but they are accompanied by weirs which must be avoided at all costs. These are well marked and blocked by large buoys but one can imagine the danger in trying to navigate when the water is high and flowing fast. Of course, one should be safely moored up then!

    Another major difference in being on a river is the scarcity of moorings. Unfortunately, these are usually right outside a pub or in the middle of a town necessitating an investment of some type into the local economy. We do our best. Enough said.

    So our first mooring was right by the Fish and Anchor Inn necessitating a visit to pay our respects to the landlord/lady and our dues to the barkeeper. A couple of pints usually hits the spot.

    Our next stop was Evesham, which has a lovely stretch of riverfront flanked by beautifully kept gardens and a reasonable high street not too long a walk away. The town itself is not exciting but our stay was picturesque and uneventful, thankfully. Upon leaving the following morning we finally availed ourselves of the very well hidden water point (in an unmarked wooden box requiring the usual BW key). Following the long U-shape of the river we made our way to lovely moorings at Craycombe Turn – just enough room for 2 narrowboats (once we had chased off the 3 fishermen in their plastic boat). As the weather was calm and mild (we certainly had very mild weather for October), we decided to have our happy hour on the bank. As darkness fell early we made our way back inside but were happy we had been able to have one last sit in the great outdoors this year.

    As we neared the interestingly named village of Wyre Piddle the following day, we noticed a drone hovering overhead. When we moored up by The Anchor Inn, the operators of the drone, Paul Bell and his sons, arrived and shared the video they had taken with us. Very different view of our activities. The Anchor Inn also serves just about the best egg and chips around – rosemary on the chips!

    A short trip to the Georgian town of Pershore for an aborted attempt to use the laundrette – we arrived at 1.00pm on Saturday and they close at noon. So what else to do but meander around the shops and find a good pub for lunch on Sunday. Chris’s school friend, Marion, came with her partner Andrew on Sunday and we had earmarked The Angel Inn for a nice roast lunch. All turned out to be a lovely time for us all – it is so good to meet more of our friend’s friends.

    Another short hop on Monday to Comberton Quay. Again just the space for two boats and a quick walk up the hill to the village to check out the library/book exchange in the phone box! Great idea and I believe there are a few around the country now. We also picked some blackberries (this is the last of the crop) and windfall apples. Chris knocked on our window a little later to deliver stewed apples and blackberries with custard. Just lovely!!

    After availing ourselves of the lovely services at Tewkesbury Marina – they really are a most polite and helpful lot – we headed to the moorings just before the lock. Gina, Chris and Jim’s dog, had recently had surgery and they have had to take a few trips back to Warwick for follow-up care. This mooring was convenient to the town centre and for their car. It also had no signs up in regards to any mooring fees payable. All went well until we were in the lock on Friday morning to drop down onto the River Severn and the lockkeeper “requested” the required fee of £3 per night. Despite our protestations we were captive in the lock until payment was made so we finally succumbed.

    The River Severn is different again. It may have been the weather but it has an almost sinister feel. There is clearly a current and a few days earlier there had been a spring tide. This part of the river is not tidal except on these high tides coinciding with full moons. Evidence of it could be seen along the edges where the river level appeared to have recently dropped and much more obviously when we moored up at Ashleworth Boat Inn. The deck was completely covered by about an inch of clay which was slowly drying but still very sticky and slippery. After carefully mooring together, the publican came down to apologise for the mud which they usually leave to dry and then sweep off. He then produced a rope tied at the top of the bank to assist us in making the slippery steep climb up to the pub. After a light lunch and liquid refreshments, Bob borrowed a shovel and cleared a path to the mooring and along the deck while the rest of us set off to explore the huge Tithe Barn, cemetery and very old buildings in the small village behind the pub. We returned to find Bob chatting to other patrons and lubricating his throat. On the upside, they served 18 different types of cider on tap – Chris and I thought we were in heaven!

    We made an early start the next morning to get through the Gloucester Lock and up into the docks in readiness for our journey along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. It is a little treacherous getting into this lock unless you call the lockkeeper beforehand so that he can prepare and open it for your arrival. Otherwise, it is a bit of hit and miss trying to secure to chains along a very high wall. We got through easily and were moored up in the beautifully restored docks by 10.00am – quite an achievement.

    We availed ourselves to a little shopping here before heading off on Monday to moor near Chris and Jim at Rea Bridge, stopping along the way to make arrangements for our Celtic Maid to be fitted with a hospital exhaust by the end of this week. Apparently, we won’t know ourselves with how quiet she will be.

    Safely moored on a quiet stretch we settled to catch up on a few jobs, get in supplies and enjoy the rest for a few days.

    And on rolls November………

     

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  • Was that September! 4/10/16

    Was that September! 4/10/16

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What a busy and thoroughly enjoyable month September was. Only now as we rest for a couple of days at the top of the Hatton Lock Flight on the Grand Union Canal, can we stop for a short time to catch our breath and reflect on the month that was.

    After our first visitors (Julie and Phil) left us and we relocated to Thrupp, we prepared for Bob to have his third, and we hope final, surgery on his eye. This time to remove the suture from inside his shunt to keep the eye pressure at a good level. The good news, of course, was that this coincided with a catch up with Mick, Kendra and Rose from the USA visiting Sue and Chris in London. So we travelled on Thursday to Edgware and caught up on all the news before heading off to Northwick Park Hospital early Friday morning. Everything was going well until the theatre experienced a power failure! Not a huge issue but without a UPS available all surgery was cancelled eventually. However, given that Bob’s was minor and he is a brave soul, they performed it in the consulting room very successfully. The eye pressure immediately dropped and stabilised within an hour to a good, controlled level. Can’t thank the staff enough for the calm and measured way they handled everyone and rescheduled appointments, ensuring minimal distress to all.

    Chris and Sue had kindly dropped us off and picked us up again so we returned to their home and awaited the USA gang to come for dinner. Another great night was had by all and we planned a trip to visit Liz at Buckingham Palace on Saturday. Despite the rain, it was a very enjoyable day with one minor mishap – I misplaced my Oyster Card just as we were getting onto the Underground for our trip home! So I bought a new one and once they calmed me down I found it – right in the place I had stored it!!! Not sure what happened there but I am still apologising to the general public for the frustrated display and language they all had to endure!!!!

    After a restful day on Sunday (Mick, Kendra and Rose headed off to Scotland while the rest of us chilled out) we returned to the hospital on Monday for a check up (all very positive) before returning back to Oxford where we were met at the station by Max and Jenny who had come to visit for a couple of days. Once the supplies were in we quickly settled into the routine for the next couple of days – eating, drinking, chatting, relaxing and a little cruising up to Lower Heyford. The weather Gods were with us and we enjoyed a spectacular evening BBQ outside followed by a fireside chat. So sad to see them leave on Wednesday after a flying visit but we hope the next one can be for a little longer.

    Jim and Chris on NB Sylph had gone on ahead of us to get some work done so we set off on Thursday to meet up with them by the following Monday in Banbury. There being no rush, we enjoyed the beautiful rural scenery of the Oxford canal as we slowly made progress. And it gave us a chance to get Celtic Maid shipshape for the impending visit by Bob’s sister, Judy, and her husband Ted from Canada on Tuesday.

    Banbury is a large centre and we took advantage of the availability of shopping to get a few things to make our life more comfortable. But of major importance was the purchase of three new blinds from Dunelm for the galley and lounge area and, after much research (and at Max’s suggestion) a kit drawer unit for the kitchen from Wickes. These purchases were made only after Judy assured us that Ted wanted to be very busy whilst aboard. And he sure was…..

    They arrived Tuesday afternoon having made excellent time from the airport via coach and train. Ted smiled as we broke the news to him of both the 45 locks over 35 miles that we were going to cover, and his construction duties. But we had carefully staged progress with a visit to a pub every day in the afternoon to sample the English ales so bribery won him over.

    Once we had all our purchases aboard (and ample supplies of refreshments!!), we set off on Wednesday for Cropredy where we not only met up briefly with Julia and Malcolm on NB Figment but also the Hoskins crew (Mick and Kendra and Rose and Chris and Sue) who met us at the Brasenose Arms for dinner. If the other diners at this pub were hopeful of a quiet dinner we certainly didn’t let them. A fantastic night was had by all and we were sad to bid them a very fond farewell – until next time.

    Our next stop was Fenny Compton. Somehow Figment and Sylph had taken off much earlier than us and had managed to have lunchtime drinks in the Wharf Inn before we arrived. How rude!! But after arranging to have dinner aboard Figment that night, we headed off for a swift pint or two. (Meanwhile, progress had been made on installation of the blinds).

    The hospitality aboard Figment was great as always and after much fun and laughter, and too much food we settled for a good night’s sleep and a shorter trip to a lovely rural mooring the next day. The view from here was brilliant and Sylph finally caught up with us after Jim and Bob and gone back to Banbury with Kim (Jim and Chris’s daughter who had been staying with them for a couple of days) to move Jim’s car and order a piece of glass for our window which had mysteriously leapt to its demise in the canal the day before!!! No names will be mentioned. We had enjoyed a lovely happy hour with Figment by the time they arrived and since it was getting dark we all retired to our respective boats.

    We said goodbye to Julia and Malcolm on Saturday and headed for the Napton lock flight. Judy, Chris and I decided to walk the four miles picking blackberries along the way. By the time we started to descend the flight the wind had picked up and it became tricky work. But we got there and found moorings quickly so that we could sample the delights of The Folly Inn.  And yes, you have all guessed correctly – this has been a carefully planned pub crawl!!! (By now the blinds were up and we were well into the construction phase of the drawer unit!!)

    Sunday saw us turn off of the Oxford canal at the Napton Junction onto the Grand Union again, heading for Leamington Spa by Monday to bid farewell to our guests on the train on Tuesday. But not before we stopped another night and they all went down to The Two Boats Inn atLong Itchington, to see if the standard of pubs was up to scratch. Apparently, it was. And before we knew it we were moored in Leamington Spa, the miles and locks were covered, the blinds and drawers were done and beautiful and it was time to say goodbye. But I have it on good authority that Ted has instituted regular happy hours into his daily routine and is busily planning both his retirement (at last) and an extended visit next year. We promise – no more building work!!

    And so, back just with Jim and Chris on Sylph, we made our way through Warwick, shopping (again) and then conquered the 21 lock Hatton flight. We finally arrived at a mooring very near Hatton and have had a couple of days catching up on general maintenance, blog and sleep. If that was September, what will October bring???

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  • Paddington to Thames 2/7/16

    Paddington to Thames 2/7/16

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The last three weeks has brought us great joy and immense sorrow.

    This post has been delayed because of living our adventures and life fully and the need to grieve for the loss of Bron’s father from afar. Sometimes, although it is hard, we need to accept that we can’t be everywhere and while we are here in England living our dream, our family have been dealing with a great loss first hand and working hard to ensure we have been included and cared for. Much love and thanks go particularly to Bron’s three children – Corey, Tarik, and Thaao – for their care, love and support during this time and always.

    But there have been some very happy moments along the way.

    It started with a surprise visit on Friday three weeks ago, from Bob’s sister and her husband from near Toronto, Canada – Judy and Ted. We were so excited to see them and to share our London experience with them – albeit briefly. We took in a long stroll down Portobello Road for its Saturday market, a cruise into Paddington Basin (where we moored for a week right next to the Paddington Railway Station), a fleeting visit from Mija and Jonathon, a visit to the eye specialist while Judy and Ted went shopping on Oxford Street, a night at the theatre seeing the musical Beautiful (the Carole King story and worth every moment), and a sad farewell at the station on Tuesday. We don’t think they wanted to leave because the first train they took was going the wrong way. But they will be back in September again to have another taste of life aboard Celtic Maid.

    After a couple of days catching up on domestic tasks, Bron shopping on Oxford Street with Chris, and Bob visiting museums with Jim, the four of us made the pilgrimage to Greenwich – home of the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Mean Time. We had a great cruise down the river on a riverbus (Bob and Jim both took turns at the wheel – before we set off!!) and spent the day exploring all that this historic site has to offer. Well worth the visit for the views alone but the cost of admission to some of the features is prohibitive. We still enjoyed the day although returned to our moorings by bus a lot later than expected.

    All of a sudden it was the weekend again and the much awaited arrival of Australian friends – Monica and Jo and her sister Morag and husband Trevor – who are on an extended tour of places of origin in Italy, Switzerland and UK with stopovers in Monaco and France. Whilst in Australia earlier in the year we were privileged to be a part of their planning for this trip and despite a few hiccups along the way we were delighted that we could welcome them aboard Celtic Maid. Fortunately, we were able to make room for them all because Chris and Jim let us sleep aboard Sylph for three nights – excellent hospitality!!

    We caught a bus (eventually) to Portobello Road so that they could also experience this iconic market. Both Jo and Monica snared a new jacket from here setting themselves up for their trip to Scotland.  We reluctantly left Paddington Basin on Sunday as our allowed one week was up and we moved back near to our previous moorings in Westbourne Park.  A quick stop off for water along the way and we moored in time for Monica and Morag to meet their cousin in a nearby pub. This was the first time they had ever met as both arms of their family had migrated – one to Australia and the other to South Africa. This has been a very emotional trip for our friends – but one of fulfilling dreams of a lifetime.

    Our guests went off for a day of touring London while we attended to some health issues but we reconvened in the evening for a yummy Indian takeaway and the DVD, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Bron and Monica exited for a walk through Meanwhile Gardens and a long chat on the deck. Too soon their time with us was over and we farewelled them for their Scotland leg.

    On Wednesday Jim left for some surgery in Devon, Bob took care of numerous domestic duties, and Bron and Chris experienced a cruise up the Thames to Brentford and an afternoon wandering through the beautiful Kew gardens. This was a much needed and very peaceful interlude until we made the poor decision to catch the underground back to the boats in peak hour! Sardining is the verb used to describe this awful phenomenon. But even the buses would have been packed at this time.

    On Thursday we were back for yet another eye appointment and made the decision to set off on Friday morning back towards Bull’s Bridge Junction and picking up Jim returning from Devon along the way. We finally made it and did a shop at Tesco’s there deciding to pick up some Indian food for a shared meal aboard Sylph. it was delicious but a lot of messing around – we have decided to do Indian takeaway in future.

    Our last leg to Brentford, in anticipation of moving out onto the Thames at 6.00 am on Sunday with the incoming tide, was uneventful save for large amounts of debris floating in the water. This is always disappointing to see – so many bottles and cans and balls and shopping bags – inevitable that some ends up around the propellor necessitating a visit to the weed hatch to clear it all. Not only does it slow you down but puts additional strain on the drive train and uses much more diesel. And of course looks, and often smells, appalling.

    Mija and Jonathon joined Sylph on Saturday night to assist them with the passage from Brentford to Teddington – along a tidal section of the Thames. We were all up and ready and a little bit excited on Sunday morning awaiting the sign from the Lock keeper that we could move into the lock. The trip itself was smooth and easy with some lovely scenery along the way. Once through the lock at Teddington we moored and immersed ourselves in a lovely cooked breakfast followed by Prosecco and then a cream tea (for the non English – tea with scones, jam and clotted cream) washed down by more Prosecco. And suddenly it was 4pm and Mija and Jonathon had to leave us but it was a brilliant day and we were now on the Thames – again.

    There were two more visits to the eye specialists this week but the final news is that we are now being seen by three clinics but the inflammation and pressure are currently stable. We have been given a break of about five weeks before the next appointment so we are reveling in this comparative freedom.

    On Tuesday we made our way to moor right in front of the golden gates of Hampton Court Palace and spent all day on Thursday exploring both the gardens and palace itself. A wonderful piece of history very well cared for and worth a visit to understand more about the various reigns and periods of the last 500 years. But we were absolutely exhausted by Thursday night and needed an early night.

    Friday dawned sunny and bright but was soon overtaken by cloud and rain interspersed with sunny periods – a typical English summer’s day! You will note that this has been my first reference to the weather – I did try not to mention it. Despite this, we persisted and finally picked up moorings at Weybridge right at the junction of the Thames and Wey rivers with a weir directly opposite. This reminds us of the constant sound we had while living at Lock 5 on the River Murray at Paringa, and we both slept soundly last night as the gentle roar of the weir acted as a lullaby.

    So we will rest here for a couple of days and catch up a little. As the sun shines through the window we are thankful for the wonderful life we are blessed to lead.

    This post is dedicated to my Dad (9/2/32 – 16/6/16) who wanted us all to dream big and live fully.

    Rest easy knowing you are loved.

    Dad is 88[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Almost to Paddington 9/6/16

    Almost to Paddington 9/6/16

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The weather is a common topic of conversation/complaint amongst the British and after a couple of years here we can see why. It is so totally unpredictable, other than on any given day you are likely to get almost anything. So we are intermittently rugged up, stripped off, sweltering under wet weather gear or cursing the wind. But it keeps life interesting….

    After a couple of wet and rather miserable days, a lovely catch up with Jim and Chris’s daughter, Kim (Bron’s new adopted daughter – Kim wants an Australian passport!!), and disappointing service at The Globe Inn, we started moving in earnest last Friday 3rd June in a bid to reach Croxley before our need to catch the Underground to Northwick Park Hospital for Bob’s eye appointment on Monday. This was a trip of some 29 miles and 53 locks which we somehow managed to achieve in just 4 days – quite a success story. And we had to stop for supply shopping, diesel and water fill-ups, and refuse removal. We were very fortunate in finding pretty good moorings along the way and even had a great catch up with Jim and Chris’s friend Gilbert along the way. We were stopped a couple of times while C&RT staff refilled the low water in the pounds between locks (it seems some people either accidently or deliberately leave paddles or gates open overnight causing havoc for both moored boaters and those needing to use the locks), or cleaned the lock gates (not sure why this occurs during peak travelling times). But we made it, through some beautiful countryside, and found a spot in the sun at Croxley in time to share dinner aboard NB Sylph Sunday night.

    We returned to NB Celtic Maid in good time and good spirits on Monday afternoon, following a rather successful appointment, and set off to catch up with NB Sylph who were car shuffling, shopping and laundering in nearby Rickmansworth.  We moored alongside them watched over by a boater who seemed a bit worried about our actions. We happened to be under a tree that several parrots had made their home, and both our boats became parrot toilets and rubbish bins overnight!!!! Thankfully good rains a couple of days later cleaned up most of the mess.

    Tuesday’s goal was Cowley Lock and an eagerly anticipated dinner at The Malt Shovel with Jane and Michael, our friends from NB Moody Blues. Just as we reached the lock under a downpour and thunderstorm, Michael wandered along and  gave us a hand to moor in front of Moody Blues. They had just been through London both ways and we were keen to hear from them about their experiences on the Rivers Lee and Stort, which we hope to cruise sometime soon. Dinner, wine and company were all brilliant and we were laughing so hard at our (mis)adventures that we were crying. We managed to get back to our boats just before another rather loud and bright thunder/lightning/rain storm hit us. Cleaned Celtic Maid up a treat and sounded awesome!

    We said our farewells to NB Moody Blues on Wednesday morning and made our way to Kensal Green – a trek of some 15 miles without locks. A stop for water and yet more shopping at Bull’s Bridge delayed us a little but we still wouldn’t have arrived without being hit by yet another rain deluge followed by bright sunshine once moored. What wasI saying about the weather.

    Today, with Jim off to Devon for his medical appointment, Chris on NB Sylph led us to our current moorings at Westbourne Green – very close to Little Venice and the Paddington Basin that we hope to call home for a week very soon. But for now we are getting very excited to welcome guests aboard for the weekend Bob’s sister Judy and husband Ted from Canada!!!!  We can’t wait and hope we get a little sunshine for them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row]