Atherstone to Rugby

I cannot believe how early we set off this morning. 6 30 am is a ridiculous time to get going, but  two boats had come down the locks late in the evening so we knew they would all be in our favour if we set of early. The sun was up, the fields were awash with yellow and with the fragrance in the air from the rape flower, it really wasn't a bad time to go. Various incidents made me smile going up the flight, The moorhen feeding her chicks in the side pond, and the horse that clearly found it to early to get up!
 

6.30am



Atherstone lock 9 in the distance.

  


Not quite camouflaged!!!

 


Wind turbine lording it over the fields



Made the top by 8.15am although the last three locks were all against us, but all in all, we didn't make to bad a time. Moored at the top,and on the water point , was President and butty Kildare. They are off to join the Canalway Cavalcade Festival in Little Venice before joining the Queens Diamond Jubilee flotilla on June 3rd. We knew they had been at Fradley hours before us when we went through yesterday, so really didnt expect to catch up with them. Shame they had no steam up! Love the sound of the whistle when they get going.

After travelling a few miles,  suddenly Nb Triskaidieka came from the opposite direction. We both realised that we were fellow bloggers at the same time, and after a laugh and a quick hello, they disappeared into the distance. Another time we might be able to say more then just hello.  We sailed past Valley Cruisers and someone who painted this obviously has no idea what a dog looks like!  Made me chuckle but I suppose it gets the point across..


Who else thinks this sign looks like a tortoise defecating?

Onwards into Nuneaton which seemed much cleaner then when we came through a couple of months ago. The sunken cruiser was no longer there and someone has cleared away all those bikes  fished out from the canal. ( either that or they have all gone back in!!)  Cruised past the sunken hull of a working boat in Bedworth, with a swan having made herself a comfortable nest. Good to see the old boat still comes in useful.

Went past Marsworth Junction and the Ashby canal and then about 2 miles further on, did the sharp left hand turn at Hawksbury Junction. Talk about busy!! I followed 2 boats into the junction from the Coventry canal, two boats were moored by the pub and boats were queueing up on the Oxford to join the Coventry. Absolute bedlam considering most of the boats were hire boats. Mind you just before it was our turn to enter the lock and while I was holding the gate open for a Cliffton cruiser, the lady from the hire boat walked over to me and said she was waiting for another boat. I asked if they were friends of theirs  "No" she said "The notice tells us to share a lock with another boat so that's why we are waiting". I nearly fell about laughing and then explained that it was impossible to get another boat in with them. She went bright red and apologised for her ignorance. I just had to show you the lock in question, and the BW notice!




Sutton stop, Hawksbury Junction ( narrow lock )




I appreciate this is a standard BW notice but BW havent taken into consideration that newbie hirer's wouldn't have a clue!!

As the forecasted rain held off all day, we pushed on to see how far we could get by 4pm. Happened to be Rugby. So moored up and I shopped at Tesco while Ian prepared dinner. Miles travelled 24.1,  Locks 10 and cruising time 9.5 hours.

Mercia to Aherstone but not in one go.

 Ian arrived back from his quad bike jaunt yesterday with aching muscles and a heavy head. (No sympathy from me!! All self inflicted and at his age should know better ) .He then had to  return our car to Sandiacre before we left Mercia. Usually this means a good 2 hour trip for him, 20 minutes drive to drop of the car then a good 1 hour 40 minutes on the bus back to Willington. Out of the blue Richard, one of our boater neighbours, offered to drive Ian back. I had only known him less then a week and already he was prepared to help. It confirms my theory that most boaters, if they can, will try and help each other out. After returning with Richard and then, with our farewells said to our new found friends, we left our mooring on Redshank pontoon in the wind and rain and headed for Alrewas. My biggest concern was if the river was up, so I encouraged Ian, who wanted to stop at Branston Water Park, to push on and if possible make Alrewas that night. By 7pm we entered Alrewas river section, which was well into the green even after all that rain, and was moored up by 7.15. Total hours 5.25. 12.5 miles and  6 locks.



At Branston Water Park.  I'm sure I photographed this bunny last year. It's colouring is different from the rest





Bridge 30 on the T & M. I still don't know why this bridge should be so narrow.



Sunshine and showers produced this rainbow.

Today we couldn't possible leave Alrewas before visiting the famous butchers to get some sausages, so before pulling pins, made that our first port of call. We were lucky that nearly all the locks were with us or at least had a boat approaching, so we sailed through in no time. It was a great day for a cruise with the sun shinning and winds light and everything greening up nicely. We reached Atherstone bottom lock 11 and decided to go through the first 2 There is a long pound before lock 9 so moored up just before the landing. Would you believe that no sooner had we settled down to dinner when we were hit by a private boat coming into moor behind us. It's not as if there was any breeze or even any other boats moored on our section. No! The lady on the helm cut the corner at 'to sharp an angle' and rammed into our side . She apologised but her hubby was a different kettle of fish. When Ian poked his head out to see what was going on the man swore at him and said 'what you gonna do about it?' Ian only went out to see if the lady was in difficulties. Ian felt it wasn't worth a reply but noticed that they carried on going instead of mooring by us. Some people are just plain grumpy, Total miles travelled 21,5 Locks 8 and 1 swing bridge, Time 9 hours.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       


Goldfinch







The swans on Redshank Island

Redshank Island is at the end of Redshank pontoon (obviously) and has this pair of nesting swans. I felt honoured this afternoon to witness the 'change over' duty's of the pair.




At the other end of the island is a nesting pair of Canada Geese. I was never able to get close enough to them to take a photo. I only managed to take this after we left the mooring.

The 8 legged beastie in the ladies loo!

Every morning very early I take Jade out for her first 'Hurry ups', and every morning I visit the same loo in the toilet block. Last Monday morning as I entered the toilet cubical, a spider followed me in. Very disconcerting especially as I have a phobia about them. I kept my eye in it whilst sitting and pondering but  what I would have done if it had started to come towards me, is any ones guess. Anyway, I finished what I had to do, pulled the chain and keeping my back against the wall sidled past it. Would you believe the thing  followed me out!!! After washing my hands I noticed the beast had disappeared, so I hastily made my escape through the front door. Thought no more of it until Tuesday morning when, taking the dog first thing and again entering the loo cubicle, who should follow me in? Yep, the same spider. "Okay", I thought. "Don't panic, stop hyperventilating, it will be fine"!! I went through the same procedure as before, only for it to follow me out again when I had finished!!!!! I started to think this quite uncanny and then, when it happened again on Wednesday, I now started to freak out! So, on Thursday I nearly didn't go into the same cubical, but feeling quite inquisitive as to see if it would happen again,  in I went. No spider followed, thank goodness, so I started wondering if it was just coincidence. Anyway on Friday, now brimming with confidence, in I go once again only to find it waiting for me right by the loo! That was it!!! Out I rushed convinced that it was some voyeur coming back in the form of a spider. I didn't use that loo again until Sunday morning when..... there, dead with its little legs folded back against its belly, was the spider. I felt quite sorry for it and started thinking how it might have met an untimely end, when, as I was drying my hands, I just happened to look up and see another spider directly above my head. That was it!!! With thoughts of I'm never going to use this loo block again, but wanting proof of this weird tale, I just had to go back to the boat and grab the camera and show you the...Beastie in the ladies loo!

Finally found 'Sanity Again'!

I was beginning to wonder if my task of finding nb Sanity Again would be like looking for a needle in a hay stack. All I had to go on was a picture Bruce posted at the beginning of the year, giving a rough idea which part of the marina he was moored in. I eventually found  the boat very near to a mooring we had used last year.  No one appeared home when I knocked but just as I was about to leave, Shelia walked toward the boat. We had met several times before but fleetingly, so it was really great to have a decent conversation. Before I left, Shelia told me Bruce was out walking with Elanor and Sally. I made my way to the field and as I approached the entrance I nearly jumped out of my skin when a car started honking his horn right behind me.Turned out to be Christine, Kev and Josh coming for a surprise visit. So I gave them the boat keys, told them where I was moored and gave them instructions to put the kettle on. I then walked over to the field just in time to see Bruce, Elanor and Sally walking toward me. Jade and Sally circled each other, sniffed to say hello but in doing so both Elanor and myself had a  'knit one pearl one' situation with the leads. In the end Elanor took Sally away otherwise I'm sure we would have ended up tied together.It was great meeting Bruce. You don't get to meet fellow bloggers very often but when you do its like greeting an old friend. After all we choose to share our lives on the Internet so its inevitable that we get to know a lot about one another.




Bruce, Elanor and Sally



I came back to the boat to chaos!!! No, that's a bit strong really but Josh decided that every one of my possessions belonged to him. To be fair he had only just woken up (he's only two and a half) and was in a very grumpy mood. He didn't want to give anything back but, no matter, I still love him to bits regardless of what mood he is in and can forgive him anything.

Tomorrow is the day we leave for Milton Keynes. Colin would like us to arrive by Friday, but so many things are working against us. The river may be in red at Alrewas and the restrictions are still on at some of the locks, but we will try are best and see what happens.

Here one moment, gone the next!

Last night Ian arrived back from Sweden . Although I was looking forward to him coming home, the thought of the drive to East Midland airport, in the dark and in the rain, made me very apprehensive. In my younger days I would drive anywhere, night or day, but since moving onto the boat and traveling at no more then 3- 4 mph, I have somewhat lost my nerve. Some might say the journey from Mercia to the airport is a doddle, but what I found disconcerting was the massive roundabouts leading onto, and also off, the A50 with the numerous junctions leading from them. Trying to get into the correct lane with the cars zooming up right behind, trying to hurry me on, was terrifying. Put it this way, if I had had a car on my bumper when I left the A50 then I would have turned onto the M1 instead of following the signs for East Midlands!! I was totally in the wrong lane! Thankfully at the last minute I was able to swerve into the correct lane and somehow found myself heading in the right direction. Needless to say, after I found Ian waiting at the garage situated on the approach road to the airport, I vacated my spot at the wheel and let Ian take the driving seat for our return journey to Mercia.

So this morning Ian packed his backs for a second time and has just left for his 'boys' weekend away quad biking. In the meantime he left behind a mountain of dirty washing for me to tackle. (no doubt I will have another load to do when he comes back tomorrow with all the muddy clothes from zooming round fields etc.) After my epic boat clean I'm going to enjoy today, doing the things I want to do. First off was taking Jade for a decent walk. There are two good sized fields attached to the marina for dog walking. After all the rain we have had both are saturated to the point of needing wellies. So how did I set off for the walk this morning? in trainers!!! The only way to avoid the mini lakes was to hug the field perimeter and that's when I found the holes, loads of them, all, no doubt, occupied by rabbits. Jade had the time of her life. If she had been any smaller I'm sure she would completely disappeared..

Reminds me of those headless ornamental dogs found in gardens!

Bumble bee enjoying a drink.

I'm going to watch a weepy film later this afternoon. Can sob to my hearts content without Ian making fun of me. But first I'm going off to see if I can say hello to Bruce and Shelia on nb Sanity Again. They arrived back at the marina yesterday but I have no idea which pontoon they are on! It will be fun searching.

Why is a ship called a she?

A ship is called a "she" because there is always a great deal of bustle around her;

There is usually a gang of men about; she has a waist and stays;

It takes a lot of paint to keep her good looking;

It is not the initial expense that breaks you, it's decking her out;

It takes an experienced man to handle her correctly;

And without a man at the helm she's absolutely uncontrollable.

She shows her topsides and hides her botton and, when coming into port, always heads for the buoy's.

Extract from ECP&DA Erewash Outlook magazine Spring 2012.

The arrival and launching of nb Potteries

Waiting for a lull in the showers this morning, I was a little later taking Jade out for her second walk. I um and ah'd whether to take the camera but I'm very glad I did. I had just left one of the fields and was slipping Jades lead back on, when this came slowly past.




Looked very precarious coming off the lorry..

 




All went well and not long after this picture it was safely in the water.


My epic spring clean is nearly at the end. All that is left to do is to tackle the oven, clean inside the fridge and wash all the floors. Thank goodness the big clean  is but once a year.because I wouldn't want to face all that again!

The barometer keeps dropping.

Rain, rain,and more rain. Glorious wonderful rain. We need a month or more to have any hope of bringing the reservoirs up to normal levels but at least this is a start. I thought we were in for a soaking when I noticed the barometer dropping. Yesterday evening we had some very squally showers but luckily they were all in the distance.



Yesterdays showers




With the rain lashing down this morning I really didn't relish the thought of getting up and taking Jade out for the first walk of the day. Today was one of those days when she wouldn't hurry up!! By the time she finally performed I might as well have stood under the shower fully clothed I was that wet. Today was also the day of the dreaded dentist appointment. Scale by the hygienist and then a check up by the man himself. Unfortunately I have a 'deep pocket' on one of my upper molars which has given me gyp for months.  (Cant bear anything hot or cold to touch that tooth and,what is worse is, it even gives me pain when I eat any chocolate or sugary stuff.  Groan!!) I had the usual spiel of "you must floss and use mouth wash" all of which I have very good intentions of doing at the time but slowly but surly goes by the wayside. No mention though, of being able to get rid of the pain. I even mentioned removing the tooth but he categorically stated that that would be the last resort!! . So the suffering continues!!

I haven't even attempted to do any cleaning on the boat. There is always tomorrow and as Ian doesn't need picking up from the airport until Friday night, I still have plenty of time.

The big spring clean.

Its times like these when I cant get it through to people just how time consuming cleaning a boat is. I have a friend pat who keeps asking me to come and stay while Ian is away. She cannot grasp the concept that spring cleaning a boat isn't just a 5 minute job, not if its done properly. All the wardrobe, clothing  draws, kitchen cupboards and utensil draws all have to be sorted, cleaned and then everything put away again. The larder took nearly all day. (I don't know why I call it a larder seeing as only 2 shelves out of the 5 have food on them) Of the other items, I had a plan to get rid of quite a lot, but the thought that, "it might come in useful one day", keeps me from disposing of them. Anyway, bedroom is finished. All bedding changed, walls and ceiling washed and carpet cleaned. Most of the kitchen has been done. I have yet to start on the bathroom but it is the lounge area I'm really not looking forward to. All those books and DVDs to sort and dust. Then there's the fire and tile surround to clean and all while the blooming thing is still lit!! Some warm weather would be appreciated and then I can turn the thing off! So Pat, If your reading this, then you know why I cant come and stay!! On the other hand, you could  always come lend a hand with the cleaning. All those books and DVDs........

 

   

A goose at sunset



7 pm yesterday just as the sun was going down. Taken through the rear porthole.



Anyone want to buy a doggie floatation jacket?

There comes a time when one has to finally get rid of everything that belonged to a beloved pet. That pet was Judy our most faithful and wonderful dog. Her basket, collar and lead went not long after we had her put down and the only thing remaining was her life jacket. Its no use to us any more so if I can place an advert either in the laundry block or in the shop then I might be able to get rid of it here. Judy only wore it once and that was when we ventured out onto the tidal Ribble so I feel that £12 seems a reasonable price to ask. I'm open to offers though! Here is Jade doing an awful job of modelling the jacket. I think she thought I was making fun of her. (Which I was!)



Aw mum, this is not my best side.

   Mercia Marina is huge. The whole place is immaculate especially the facility blocks. Considering it has been open for a number of years, it's been very well looked after. We came into the marina yesterday morning and was directed to the mooring on R Block ( Redshank). The boaters on this block flocked out to greet us, even offering help when we failed miserably to reverse to our allocated pontoon. The wind was just to strong and blowing directly onto the side of the boat, which acted like a sail, pushing us away from where we wanted to be. In the end we went in bow first, which made it a little awkward for plugging into the electrics. Thankfully Ian carries an extension lead so the matter was resolved. After we settled in I went exploring and not 10ft from us was this pair of swans, the Penn on her nest and the Cob keeping guard.

I then took all my curtains to the laundry for a long awaited wash, and was surprised to notice various goods just left on the table. Apparently it is practise here, to leave any unwanted items for other people to have. Which means it's a good chance for me to have a good clear out of my unused kitchenalia. How does the saying go? What is one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Today I drove Ian to East Midlands Airport. It's been several years since both of us have visited there and we were shocked to see that we had to pay a £1 to drive into the 'rapid drop off' area. ( 10 minutes stay only ) The airlines make enough from us without charging us for a couple of minutes while I dropped Ian off. I'll have to pay again when I pick him up Friday night! Anyway, for 5 days I am on my own and, without hubby to get in the way, I can knuckle down and start the spring cleaning. I'll leave you with some more photos round the site.



On Redshank moorings





Chaffinch




Coal tit??



I think this is despicable!

Last night Heather, Dave and ourselves joined Dennis and Margaret on Nb Icing for a game of Mexican train. We were thoroughly enjoying the game when around 9 pm a certain boat came up from the river and back onto the Erewash. The distinct sound of its engine gave him away and smoke was billowing from his exhaust filling the basin with rancid air. Anyway we fully expected to hear the roar of the engine on its way back in the 'wee hours' of the morning. He never showed up!! Early this morning and before the lads filled the dock, I took Jade for her usual constitutional. Then I saw this!!!!

 

Before (3 days ago)

 


And today

    
                   
                                                                              




Totally unacceptable!

These pictures have been sent to BW. The camouflage boat should be removed from our waterways!   

I'm sorry, but today is going to be a day of moaning. Aston Lock bottom gates refuse to stay shut. I had to sit back on one of the gates while Ian lifted a paddle at the top. Then he had to run back to shut the other bottom gate. Nightmare!! Then, at Stenson lock, we discovered that the contractor's barge was still tied to the lock landing(over 2 weeks now) making it extremely difficult for any boater, whether experienced or novice, to get their crew on or off!. Another email to BW with photos are on its way! 



Only the front rope could be tied on. I would have sat out in the middle and waited for Ian to set the lock but, 2 boats were coming down and I had a canal time hire boat on my tail!

 



It's not even tied on properly!!

 I should say that there have been some lighter moments. Like the ducks on the roof making mine look quite pathetic, the road traffic island sign we saw on the riverside (how on earth did it arrive there???) and the Moorhen with its own hazard warning lifebuoy And of course, our boat looking its best before we entered Trent lock.



No longer looking quite so good after scraping the side at Sawley lock, Shardlow lock, Aston lock, Weston Lock, Swalkstone lock and, of course, Stenson lock!! Hey Ho such is life.


We are now moored outside Mercia Marina, Willington. The fire is lit, glass of red wine by my side, A beer in Ian's hand and a perfect TV reception. What more could we want!