First snow of winter

The cold spell is well and truly with us. Ice and snow met us when we woke up this morning. Unfortunately it has come at the wrong time. We were due to travel up to Langley Mill today as we had arranged for a secure mooring there. We were also due to pick up the coach from Langley to take us to the Isle of White . So.... we set of at 8.30.am or tried to!!!!!! It took us nearly 15 minuets to get away from the side. The ice was thicker then we had imagined. Once we got moving I wish I could say we made good progress but after 45 minutes of very slow going and only having managed about a mile we gave up and reversed all the way back.Luckily the coach taking us to Portsmouth for the crossing to I O W on Monday also stops at Sandiacre so all was not lost after all. The weather forecast is for this freeze to continue for the next 10 days or so. I wonder if we will be able to leave for Milton Keynes when we get back!!! If not our Christmas will be a bit lonely as our son expects us there for the festive season.

Back at Sandiacre

The stay at Zouch was everything I hoped it would be. Hardly any fireworks and those that did go off were out toward Redhill and far enough away for it not to bother the dogs. One to remember for this time next year.



We left for Sandiacre on a glorious sunny afternoon on Sunday. Our barometer was dropping toward stormy and all the weather channels gave out weather warnings for Monday. Originally our plan had been to stay at Zouch Sunday because unfortunately Guy Fawkes night doesn't only fall on 5th November ( mores the pity ) but because of the forecast for gales and heavy rain we came back a day early. I'm writing this feeling warm and cosy with rain beating against the sides and roof of the boat thanking our lucky stars that we made the right decision to leave on Sunday. Our plan is to stay in this area for a few weeks tiding our hedges on our bungalow and getting ready for the trip to the IOW toward the end of November.

Another good fish

We have arrived at Zouch and will stay for a few days. As the dogs hate fireworks we are hoping that this small village will be quieter then most. I'm seriously considering putting the washing machine on tonight to drown out the bangs as well as turning the TV up really loud. No doubt both dogs will be hiding in the bathroom again as this seems to be their bolt hole when it all gets to traumatic for them! The fishing here has been excellent. This looks like a roach but although this picture doesn't show it the fish had a golden colour to it. I wondered if it could be a golden Rudd. Maybe someone could put me right. Good news!!! Its raining. Maybe the fireworks will be abandoned tonight. Lets hope it continues to rain for the next few days!

Autumn

A bit windy today and by Jove we have suffered because of it. Leaves are carpeted across the canal making our progress very slow. Every few minutes we are having to reverse hard just to clear them from around our prop. On a lighter note the trees look amazing with the rich colours of Autumn. Its a lovely time of year.
How many of you have been through Saddington tunnel? and how many have seen the bats? I was honored to have them circling the boat just before we exited the north portal. What with seeing 3 kingfisher, a monk jack, buzzards, quail, loads of pheasants and numerous squirrels all in the space of two days, I cant think of a better way to spending my time.

Our new Buckby Can

On our way to Milton Keynes in September we stopped between Buckby flight to a small canal- side shop selling original Buckby cans. I had always hankered after one but none of those on display took my fancy. The owner of the shop said she would paint one in our boat colours and my only stipulation was the roses had to be blue and cream not the traditional red. The can looks stunning and the shop owner liked it so much she is going to paint a few more in these colours for next years trade.

Mysterious leg

This bush appears to be pushing the boat away from the side. It is actually the work of some clever person doing a bit of topiary.

WHAT THE ????????

No I'm not seeing things!!! It really does say Goats Eggs £1.50 a dozen

Huge Perch at Bugbrook

One of the biggest caught so far. It got its own back when it pierced my palm with one of its spines. Blood everywhere!
After catching this fish the diesel boat arrived to diesel the boat in front. Completely ruined the rest of my fishing.

Family again

As we have been moored in Gifford Park for several days we decided to move the boat back to Cosgrove. Our niece Elizabeth came over from Australia and as she has never been on a narrow boat we gave her the tiller and with some trepidation told her to get on with it. A very good job she made of it too!. Christine, Kev and Josh came along for the ride.

Goodbye jeep

Had the call from the garage, today, that I was dreading. Our new car Peugeot 206 would be ready to collect at 3pm today. Its like losing a reliable friend, okay not so reliable this last year, but for 9 years now she has been a good old workhorse!

Burnt boat

Travelling toward Gifford park we saw this sorry looking sight. I wonder what sort of boat this was?

Ian finally allowed me to do a lock. Although my wrist ached afterwards I felt pleased that I could manage again. Now if only my knees would stop hurting............!

The dogs favourite place when we travel.

The first picture was taken on our way back from Marsworth and the second picture is also on our way back but 5 weeks later.

Wendover restoration

Top left is Ian and woofits standing at the end of the new restored bit of canal . Top right speaks for itself. Bottom left shows the work to have almost reached the rest of the canal and bottom right is one of the new bridges. The sides and steps are full of plaques of those that have helped in some way to make it all possible.

Wendover

At lock 45 we had a VERY sharp right hand turn into the Wendover Arm. Like most of these little used waterways the water was very clear ( lots of fishes swimming by ) and extremely shallow In fact if another boat had come toward us I'm not sure what we would have done. Try to reverse probably!!!










The Flour mills in the picture above were full of pallets of bread flour ready to be loaded onto a lorry. Shame we couldn't grab a few as we cruised by.

This mooring was about as far as you could go. We had already turned round at the end of the arm. The fishing here was brilliant. Perch, Bream and plenty of rudd.

Marsworth flight

Nearly hidden from view. Lock 42 on the Marsworth flight.

Marsworth facilities

We had a lovely run to Marsworth. The sun shone and we met some lovely boaters on our way. Just before we got to the junction we met a couple on their boat Oakfield who like us are "continues cruisers". I found out they are also bloggers so I will add them to my blogger followers.



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Can you see me? Ian was looking to see if an other boat was coming. As we had another 5 locks to do it would have been easier if another boat could join us. Unfortunately there wasn't.

To Eastbourne ( finally! )

Finally made it to see my dad and step mum on the 7th of October. This time our journey down was free of any mishaps and we had a wonderful visit. I took my camera but forgot to take any photos. This picture was taken on a previous visit.

On Saturday 9th we set of again after dropping the car back at Colins and decided to head for Marsworth to cruise down the Wendover arm.

Pigeon at Fenny Stratgford

Before we left to go shopping at Fenny Stratford, a cat chased this pigeon into the canal. I hoped it would get itself out and when we arrived back a couple of hours later there was no sign of it. Then while we were sitting enjoying a nice cup of tea, we heard a commotion outside . When we went to investigate the pigeon was still in the water and trying desperately to get out. I grabbed my fishing net and managed to pull it out. Poor thing was exhausted and very cold. We had lit our fire so I brought it in to try and warm it up. By 10pm it still was only just hanging on but we had to go to bed and I couldn't leave it in front of the fire, so with some trepidation I put him in the well deck and hoped he would survive. Unfortunately on getting up in the morning he was only just alive and an hour later gave his last breath. Not everything turns out as one would hope but we did give it a proper send off Dug a hole in the hedge bottom and gave it a decent burial.

Thursday 30th

Went shopping and stopped off at a Peugeot garage to see about changing our Jeep. Found a nice 206 estate which we took out for a test drive. The offered price on ours as part exchange seemed okay so we have put a deposit down on the 206.

When we arrived back to the boat Ian had a go at sorting the brakes out. He shaved a small amount off the pad and tomorrow he will take it for a good run to see if the problem is solved.