Few....What a day to travel

What a wild night. Wind picked up in the wee hours of the morning and sleep was impossible what with the  hull banging against the side. No fenders on board AGAIN, and Ian was not going to brave the elements to do a makeshift rope fender. Tried to sleep but gave up as a bad job. Early breakfast instead and then waited for daybreak. No point in heading off while it was still dark. In the end it was 8.30 before we pulled pins but there by we had a problem. Merlin was firmly glued to the bank by the wind. Loads of revs and Ian pushing the bow for all his worth,  just about got us off the side. Then with the first lock in sight Ian legged it to get it set. Was I relieved to see the gates opening. No trying to hold the boat in the middle battling the wind on this lock. In fact every lock today was with us, which is a blooming miracle as this doesn't happen very often.Then, on the exit, more often then not I failed to get Ian back on board. Just couldn't hold the boat at the lock mouth and going on the lock landing would have meant being pinned again. All I could do was either pick him up at a bridge 'ole or get as close to the side as I dare and hope Ians leap of faith got him safely onto the deck. As for going in a straight line, forget it! It was crab fashion all the way.

Penkridge was full of boats and on both sides. Last time we did this section I struggled to see one hand in front of my face the fog was that dense. Today I struggled to avoid hitting boats as that wind was determined to push me against them and I had to move a tad faster than normal to get out of trouble. No one shouted at me but that could be because they thought we were private boaters not a hirers. No sign writing as yet, you see. In fact we even had our licence number taken by a C&RT enforcement officer, not something usually done with hire boats.

 At Otherton lock a sudden loud crack made me look toward the M6 just in time to see a huge branch come crashing down. If it had gone onto the motorway...well carnage would have ensued.  We did have small trees and branches down across our path but none that stopped us dead in our tracks.

At Gailey we stopped for water. The hire boats as usual were half way across the canal and I did wonder how I would cope getting past, what with the wind an all. A space had been left on the towpath side which thankfully meant I could squeeze past without incident.

Because of our luck with the locks we made better time than we anticipated. In fact we pushed on so we could get onto the Shroppie. Very nearly gave up and stopped before the narrows on the Staffs & Worc though, 'cause by now the drizzle had turned into rain. The wind was head on driving the rain into all those unmentionable nook and crannies on ones person and it was only the thought that the extra time done today would mean less miles to do in the days ahead. The R turn onto the Shroppie, what with the wind and rain, wasnt easy but I'm pleased to say I didn't hit the bridge or the lock. Even got a 10 out of 10 from Ian. Praise indeed! We finally stopped before Pendeford, earlier then we wanted but we were very wet and starting to get chilled.

12.9 miles, 9 locks

A few more photos from the journey

Even Santa stops for boats

Different....

Removing debris (large log) from behind the gate

What gives you the idea that someone doesn't approve of winter moorings. Seen below Gailey

And on route,

Buzzard peeking out

Do they think it's Spring??

He was really cross at his girl being taken advantage of and told him in no uncertain terms!! Good on him..

Isn't she pretty.

Merlins return to Bunbury.

Wet and very windy, that's what was in store for us and what a day to start the move! We arrived at Anglo Welsh's yard at Great Hayward mid morning, loaded all our belongings onto the boat and was then treated to an interesting departure. With the yard being like a giant winding hole, all the boats were secured stern onto the bank with only bow ropes tied to each other to stop the front from swinging. Merlin was nestled between two boats, and as Carl released the bow rope the wind took hold of the boat next to Merlin and it shot off across the water. We followed suit but at a more controlled exit, well if you call putting the power on rather rapidly, a controlled exit. Last we saw was Carl wrestling with the wayward boat trying to bring it back under control.

So being very aware that Merlin has nice new shiny cabin sides the last thing we wanted to do was scratch it. Well I'm sorry to say we failed miserably!!! Not the cabin side thank goodness but along the nicely painted gunwale. Ian had to move over when another boat appeared and a low branch  sticking out from a overhanging tree scraped along part of it. Having berated him for not taking care I then went and took more paint off the bow when I touched the brickwork on the lock approach. A particularly strong gust of wind blew Merlin away from the entrance, and there was I going in so nice and straight as well. This being only day one I'm bit worried what the rest of the trip will bring! We need the wind to drop but according to the met office, that's not going to happen any day soon!

Leaving Anglo Welsh at Great Hayward.

Wet and windy Tixall Wide.

Tixall lock

Nice new paintwork

I couldn't believe my eyes. A new born lamb seen in the field by Tixall lock. It's still December for goodness sake.

More funds please.

Happened to be by Sandiacre lock the other day and on the farmers gate, a big banner. Standing by a small table next to the gate, two C&RT workers, Anna and Andrew.. Me being nosey I walks up to them and asks inquisitively what it was all about. Well turns out they are on a 'recruitment drive' to make the public more aware of the merits of the canal network, imparting news that C&RT is a charity and needs funds to make the canals a better place for walkers, cyclist and boaters and to try and make them part with a little cash every month to keep the charity healthy. Having spent a good 30 minutes chatting I came away knowing a lot more of what they were trying to achieve, although I didn't always agree with what was said especially over cyclists and towpath improvements. Andrew also mentioned that government funding was to stop in the near future so the more people signing up the better. This bit of news I wasn't aware of. So, before you all ask, no I didn't sign up to become a member. I wanted to speak to Ian first but I did say that as a boat owner paying over £850 a year I felt we were already contributing to the coffers.

Anna and Andrew

An unwelcome visitor on the bird feeder yesterday. Being a plastic container there is a sizable hole in the side! Need something squirrel proof to replace it.

Exciting news of the Derby Canal

Heard a snippet of information the other day that got me quite excited. It seems that things are starting to move on the reinstatement of the Derby Canal. This would link the Erewash canal above Sandiacre lock to the T&M at Swarkstone, effectively cutting out the need to travel along the River Trent. Soil samples have been taken from above the bridge ready to be analysed and, if okay and the funds raised, the lock will start to be excavated next spring. To read all about it click here

Picture shows the team at work with the excavation of soil and the subsequent in-filling to ensure public safety. (photo taken from Derby and Sandiacre web site.)

We also have had more good news this month. Ian's consultant is very pleased with his progress and has signed him off for another 6 months. Long may it continue!!!

December has turned out to be a busy month. We've had a winter BBQ (who in there right mind would have a BBQ in winter? Well the ECP&DA bods would, thats who!) Although the evening turned out a bit drizzly, it was ever so mild for the time of year and most of us women stayed inside  the cottage leaving the men to face the elements and do the cooking.

Cooking done and back in the warm

At least some shelter was had.

  Then there were babysitting duties to do back at Milton Keynes over the weekend, visiting Ian's brother for a few days in Worcester, a Christmas 'do' with the society members and friends and meeting in Nottingham today with our boating friends Roger and Pat, Lisa and Fred and Janice (no longer boating but had Nb Jandai). Having met up in Wetherspoons in the Market Place for a quick pint we then all moved on heading towards the Fellows, Morton and Clayton pub by the Nottingham canal. Not that we ate there mind 'cause a decision was made to eat in the Canal house next door instead. The meal was excellent, good pub grub, the company second to none with us all chatting nineteen to the dozen trying to catch up with all the news and what a great way to round off a brilliant day. Looking forward to the New Year now when we all hope to meet again.  

Inside the Canal House, two narrow boats nestled side by side. Mooring costs may be high but what a great mooring....right inside a pub!!!

L to R Me, Pat, Lisa., Janice, Roger and Fred

 And walking round the Market we came to the ice rink.

Tomorrow yet another meal with daughter Christine and family, Thursday more of the same with a Christmas meal at Eastwood joined by our boaty friends, Dave and Heather and Dennis and Margaret and then it's the run up to Christmas taking Merlin back to Bunbury for Anglo Welsh. Phew.... roll on January for a rest.

 

Oh and congratulations to Tim Peake being the first British astronaut to be sent on a mission to the ISS 

5 long year wait, over.

 Let the bells ring out and the trumpets sound because finally....after 5 long years..... Hallem Fields lock on the Erewash has had the towpath side ground paddle reinstated. Not only that but the offside ground paddle (which had been operational when we left last April but was gaffer taped on the way back up this October) was also replaced. Life should be so much easier now, especially when ascending. It took forever for the water to equalise coming up on just the gate paddles. So hooray to C&RT for finally getting something done about it. Shame it took 5 years before the work was started but hey ho at least within a matter of days we will have a perfectly functioning lock and one we will look forward to using when we leave Langley Mill in March.

These photos of the offside paddle being put in. Not the best photos but this time I had to stay behind the barrier so couldn't get close.

Today we have also taken the Christmas tree out of it's box. Nearly didn't bother seeing as we are boat moving again at Christmas but I suppose, with the festive season upon us, one should show willing!

Waves lash Dawlish railway tracks once again. And fancy dress outfit revealed.

A very blustery day was on the forecast today (3rd Dec) and by 'eck the met office were right for a change. This being Boxing day on the Turkey and Tinsel calendar, a trip had been arranged to Teignmouth and Dawlish. Only problem was the lack of time. A lunch had been arranged for us all back at the hotel for 1pm, With only two hours to do both places we opted out of going back to the hotel by coach, deciding to forego the lunch and decided to take the South Devon Railway local train along the coast road instead.

Teignmouth (or Tinmouth as the locals call it) is a small fishing port situated on the north bank of the estuary mouth of the river Teign ( pronounced Teign not Tin! Confusing isn't it) With no urgent need to rush we took a walk to the fishing port along the sea wall where I took great delight in getting our mob to pose for a photo. Didn't quite get them being deluged by the wave but it was close!!! Think my name would have been mud if I had succeeded..

Dam.....it missed them.

Also called The Grand Pier it was built in 1865 and completed in 1867. The 212 metre long pier became a dividing line between the bathing machines. The ladies would bathe on the long stretch of coastline on the eastern side of the pier, and the gentlemen would bathe on the western side. The open promenade deck was a place to enjoy a cool beverage or a bite to eat. Locals would sit on the pier and gaze out to the sea watching the ships come in and out of the harbour. During this time there would be changes to the structure. After the renovation in 1875 a 75.5 metre Castle Pavilion was completed in 1890. Like most piers around the world, Teignmouth has had its ups and downs. In 1904 the kiosks at the entrance collapsed on the beach for no apparent reason. In the late 1900’s the Castle Pavilion caught fire and was destroyed. Because the bridge section at the end of the pier was removed it shortened the pier by 22.7 metres. (exert taken from the pier.co.uk)

Fishing port

Anyway, after a Wetherspoon stop for coffee and cake, we made our way to the station to catch the train. Train was crowded and it was only just midday but with only 2 carriages it was never a wonder. Within minutes (one stop later) we arrived in Dawlish station. Blooming 'eck I was totally blown away by what I saw. Wow!!! The waves were huge and breaking over the tracks ( nothing like the storm of February 2014) but now I can understand why and how the track was left hanging in mid air. Next two photos were taken from the web so I could refresh memories.

Todays storm. Tame after the 2014's

The new section of concrete being bombarded.

One mad idiot was walking along the wall. Highly dangerous considering how large the waves were.

Having spent loads of time watching and photographing the ferocity of the waves, we only had 40 minutes left before catching the train back to Exmouth. Just enough time for a coffee and tea cake and a walk through the park. Thinking we would be back in under 30 minutes I was amazed at how long the journey took. Just over an hour and stopping at 13 stations. In fact I was completely thrown when after pulling forward into Exeter the train then departed backwards, the way we came in! Thought we were heading back to Dawlish again but no, just to where the line branched off toward Exmouth.

Back at the hotel and after dinner, we first listened to the excellent singer before heading to our room so Ian could get changed. Margaret and Dennis also joined in the fancy dress competition  Margaret  dressed as a mermaid and Dennis the fisherman that caught her.

Ian as Pete the pirate and Dennis happy with his 'catch of the day'

Pirate Pete (Ian) strutting his stuff

 There were loads of entries and you could have knocked me down with a feather when they called Ian's name in third place. Next photo is of Ian claiming his third prize, just a kiss and a box of dominoes mind, but he did sooooo enjoy that brief kiss!

 As the bingo started straight after the judging we headed off to the pub for a final drink. Staggering back a shade before midnight we had hoped for a decent nights sleep. Those bl**dy elephants were at it again even at that time of night. It did quieten down eventually only to start again at 5.30am!!!! After a while we managed to get back to asleep but then brrriing...... what a shock when the alarm went off at 6.30am reminding us to put the cases outside the door for collection.

So today (4th) it was farewell to Exmouth and by 9am the coach was on route for Langley Mill. Much better journey home and even the holdups were short lived. So another T&T done and dusted. Next on our agenda will be moving Merlin back to Bunbury after her paint job before the New Year. Will the weather be kind??? I do hope so.

This Wagtail was so tame we could have fed it by hand.

And along the resort in Dawlish.

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