tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14907449063548802552024-03-13T10:02:50.541-07:00Densie's voyagesThese are the voyages of Mike & Denise cruising the British waterways on their 57 foot narrowboat Densie.Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.comBlogger478125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-85676175892494556012023-08-15T07:22:00.007-07:002023-08-15T08:33:20.019-07:00Out of the water - end of trip<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdqVUhw5MYRGmCaqidFYSaDTvovZ79b1FPo7F8Ks29MPFxM1mpxd3Ng7oM02Ufs6u6YkCM9OPg0Azb2gxVKfOWJ6HmKrbR91zKlslKg1QXI0tc6AJA5829Cp2rig1yHuaAw6bpwqK4gw9l_gt2RXDtmJpGqHnYVRzk8fEJBLUOS6YCoO470prv8CiT6mG/s4000/P1020647.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdqVUhw5MYRGmCaqidFYSaDTvovZ79b1FPo7F8Ks29MPFxM1mpxd3Ng7oM02Ufs6u6YkCM9OPg0Azb2gxVKfOWJ6HmKrbR91zKlslKg1QXI0tc6AJA5829Cp2rig1yHuaAw6bpwqK4gw9l_gt2RXDtmJpGqHnYVRzk8fEJBLUOS6YCoO470prv8CiT6mG/w400-h300/P1020647.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Densie being carried to the engineering wharf.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey8Ss36joJworHb62kOInunuO8x-cbkCoIatT0apmlZm9jANyqtAFf07gpKpn8Ih2dRYozDxDvsFyvuWzGMEQLpKqx9OyXx17jQRjTbTT9ucnQrB7lsuCYZZqGCfaVdePp2U847tHEMwEFh87lG2-mb_gj9JqJ_yQKs7i5tL6ISHfbwnN-1oWWBpyjSUD/s4000/P1020650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey8Ss36joJworHb62kOInunuO8x-cbkCoIatT0apmlZm9jANyqtAFf07gpKpn8Ih2dRYozDxDvsFyvuWzGMEQLpKqx9OyXx17jQRjTbTT9ucnQrB7lsuCYZZqGCfaVdePp2U847tHEMwEFh87lG2-mb_gj9JqJ_yQKs7i5tL6ISHfbwnN-1oWWBpyjSUD/w400-h300/P1020650.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We were up early at 7 am to fill the car with the clothes, food etc we need to take home from the boat and empty the waste tank in preparation for Densie to be taken to the engineering wharf for repair.</p><p>The second picture shows The Hole after the patch was removed. The white stuff is the adhesive from the tape used to cover the hole.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-32969316076564419412023-08-13T08:40:00.000-07:002023-08-13T08:40:21.814-07:00Back in the marina<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k9zWsAcnhu6ZnuSOlwv7RlBE3FAysxqHd0XeA4AwWzYm9P2cwJaqRltT05Bz_G55eC43TCPRCufgONKD7SWUTxhfKaZqAWxievPx8Rg6tqsLc6Ph9cZqt1RMr1KaLofIWI42AKaOp68UjaNklK3a3IqXy645p7BQOMSZoUtFL-OwhEwx2J6xCtzRieWG/s4000/P1020642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k9zWsAcnhu6ZnuSOlwv7RlBE3FAysxqHd0XeA4AwWzYm9P2cwJaqRltT05Bz_G55eC43TCPRCufgONKD7SWUTxhfKaZqAWxievPx8Rg6tqsLc6Ph9cZqt1RMr1KaLofIWI42AKaOp68UjaNklK3a3IqXy645p7BQOMSZoUtFL-OwhEwx2J6xCtzRieWG/w400-h300/P1020642.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Densie back home</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDvk1HPcVrjjnPymStwhD4YAcVACNvIjAwtRjdQ8WmO5DvWqSpfakWTZtx-SsM-lEpBbohfKhqoBATUGDaL8SK-IVefMbEihWWZ_0vDdIF-HP0lyK3bfAanbk5AFlqwMjRKoUYOGj1jRIAjpKOgLvQW7X7GmKLPDQiF9n-GUn71xtaRy94IzsCf8SYqbk/s4000/P1020643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDvk1HPcVrjjnPymStwhD4YAcVACNvIjAwtRjdQ8WmO5DvWqSpfakWTZtx-SsM-lEpBbohfKhqoBATUGDaL8SK-IVefMbEihWWZ_0vDdIF-HP0lyK3bfAanbk5AFlqwMjRKoUYOGj1jRIAjpKOgLvQW7X7GmKLPDQiF9n-GUn71xtaRy94IzsCf8SYqbk/w400-h300/P1020643.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patched hole</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Our concern yesterday was about the winds due today making mooring difficult. So after dinner when conditions were calm we started to make a quick cruise home at 7pm. However as the dusk turned duskier we moored up again and waited for the morning.</p><p>This morning we set off at 7am before breakfast and were able to get to our berth by 8am just as the wind began to increase followed later by a drizzly shower.</p><p>The next step is for Densie to be lifted out of the water. This is planned for Tuesday and so tomorrow we will need to make detailed arrangements and clear the boat. The next report will be on Tuesday when I hope to have pictures of the lift-out and possibly of the hole after the patch has been removed.</p><p>Weather: blustery, showery</p><p>2.39 miles, 55 minutes cruising</p><p><br /></p><p>Total journey statistics</p><p>73.66 miles 126 locks 54.5 hours cruising in 16 days<br />average lock-miles: 3.66 lm/hour<br />average cruising time 3.41 hours/day</p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-33680194684019929052023-08-12T10:02:00.003-07:002023-08-12T10:02:37.338-07:00Nearly Home<p>Today we were prepared for some hard work, as we had to ascend the 2 locks at Long Itchington followed by the 8 lock Stockton flight and with a push we could hve been able to complete the 3 Calcutt locks as well. How far we would be able to get would also depend on the forecast rain. However it all worked out far better than we could have hoped for.</p><p>We set off early at 8:35. Fortunately the first lock was aleady in our favour and once we had entered another boat turned up and we worked through both Long Itchington locks together. The other boat then stopped for water but a further boat, Slimline Tonic, joined us and together we worked though all 8 Stockton Locks helped very much by a CRT volunteer lack-keeper who walked on ahead of us to ensure every lock was open when we arrived.</p><p>After completing the Stockton flight Slimline Tonic left us to find some diesel. We carried on up the 3 Calcutt Locks. Again all the locks were in our favour being set by boats coming down.</p><p>We stopped at 12:30 having ascended 13 locks and cruised for 4.7 miles in just under 4 hours. We would have considered that a very fast speed even if we had not needed to travel cautiously. </p><p>But our day was not over. By 3pm we realised that the very gusty winds forecast for the time we planned to enter our marina could cause real problems. So we off again reaching the North Oxford Canal beyond Braunston at 17:15 after about 2 hours of lock free cruising. Fortunately the forecast rain never materialised. </p><p><br /></p><p>Weather: some sunshine, but cloudy later on. No rain.</p><p>10.1 miles, 13 locks, 6 hours 10 minutes cruising.</p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-23332249499844540522023-08-11T08:55:00.001-07:002023-08-11T08:55:10.118-07:00Long Itchington<p> Set off at 9:25 in bright weather. We ascended the first lock on our own and were joined at the second by another boat. They were happy to accept our careful approach and we stayed together for a total of 8 locks including the 2 lock staircase at Bascote. All the locks operated without any excess splashing or turbulence, which was a pleasant relief.</p><p>We parted company when we moored up at Long Itchington for lunch. The next task is to climb the 10 stockton locks but we thought there was not enough time to complete them before late afternoon so we will leave that until tomorrow morning.</p><p>We continue to remove water from the cabin bilges but the amounts now are very small.</p><p>Weather: bright and ewarm with sunny perionds</p><p>4.38 miles, 9 locks, 3 hours 30 minutes</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-15745081018156214832023-08-10T09:54:00.001-07:002023-08-10T09:54:16.553-07:00Drying out as we leave Warwick<p> Yesterday’s meal at the Cape of Good Hope in Warwick was very tasty as were the local draught beers. We would highly recommend the pub.</p><p><br /></p><p>After writing yesterday’s blog the water seepages we hoped were minor turned out to be very worrying. This morning we were able to determine that the water was coming from the small amount of bilge space below the wood flooring which is mostly filled with ballast of concrete blocks. After taking out a couple of these blocks from an accessible area below the bed the space was completely replaced by water which was easily removed with hand pump and sponges.</p><p>After perhaps 90 minutes work the water is down to a quarter of its previous level and areas of the boat which had been damp ever since the water leak was found last Friday are drying out.</p><p>Between sessions of water removal we moved the boat in hot sunny weather from near the Cape of Good Hope, down the two Cape locks and on to Tesco at Leamington Spa. There we stocked up with groceries. After lunch on the boat we continued our journey out of Leamington and up the large ascending Radford Bottom Lock. This lock was worked slowly and carefully as we were concerned that swirling waters could cause further leaks from the patched hole in the front of the boat. The ascent went smoothly and we moored up for the night at 16:10.</p><div>Weather hot with blue skies</div><div><br /></div><div>5.40 miles. 3 locks, 3 hours 30 minutes</div>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-3469235358543831312023-08-09T08:52:00.002-07:002023-08-09T08:52:36.318-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzJ1gnZaV2e84z4gcaEc8ygoC5efCNJDtBzyCYwNg7dYgMJ6GKnbuxnpj3QMpDvKeclfBPh2kDW-Wbdjo0g1qubXGydP7T0Mw7gSBqhMs7a7D8hRj576f9LO95AC7hDwmEhBNVWPG2WWOTw5LNcyGFdIqIXHUIyXiYnFHmOr5wn5zq-YJVDMTuuX53PQF/s4000/P1020636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzJ1gnZaV2e84z4gcaEc8ygoC5efCNJDtBzyCYwNg7dYgMJ6GKnbuxnpj3QMpDvKeclfBPh2kDW-Wbdjo0g1qubXGydP7T0Mw7gSBqhMs7a7D8hRj576f9LO95AC7hDwmEhBNVWPG2WWOTw5LNcyGFdIqIXHUIyXiYnFHmOr5wn5zq-YJVDMTuuX53PQF/w400-h300/P1020636.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Densie in Hatton flight</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8l9kmPcHMHirV5YB2XAHo9DlW7e2J3bIt4jycwmAe-IctaHiCGq_pAXQsykbgLW4T8dx2o59w4tDp1prFgdSloGX001EhFy5DsbNm09yb95egguDZHbe9myFJ5KDnsBUWrI2Do3BTIWklbAjqp0OOt8zoMaeK8Lw28o5CcjtR7H0j8bL9l0g-x46DSzT/s4000/P1020637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8l9kmPcHMHirV5YB2XAHo9DlW7e2J3bIt4jycwmAe-IctaHiCGq_pAXQsykbgLW4T8dx2o59w4tDp1prFgdSloGX001EhFy5DsbNm09yb95egguDZHbe9myFJ5KDnsBUWrI2Do3BTIWklbAjqp0OOt8zoMaeK8Lw28o5CcjtR7H0j8bL9l0g-x46DSzT/w400-h300/P1020637.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the flight<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div>We left Hatton at 8:50. The weather was sunny, dry and warm, at last! On reaching the top of Hatton locks we half filled our water tank, not wishing to put too much weight in the front of the boat in case the hole got close to water level.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>Then began the descent of the 21 large Hatton locks. A CRT volunteer lock keeper offered to help us down the full flight and of course we gratefully accepted. He and two corporate volunteers ensured that every lock was set ready for us to enter and all we had to do was to lower the paddles and close the gates when we we left. Many thanks to all involved.</div><div><br /></div><div>A mile further on we moored in Warwick for the night at 13:45 near to the Cape of Good Hope pub which we plan to visit tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until this afternoon we thought our water leak problems were all fixed and the wet wood was drying out sufficiently until we can get the boat back to our marina. However we were disappointed to find further evidence that a small amount of water was seeping into the cabin. Hopefully this is just water in the bilges being disturbed as the boat moved around in the locks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weather: Warm, dry and sunny</div><div>3.91 miles, 21 locks, 4 hours 55 minutes.</div><div><br /></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-87476908516392887222023-08-08T07:15:00.000-07:002023-08-08T07:15:35.654-07:00Visit Stratford Upon Avon<p> Today we should have descended the 21 Hatton locks. But since the weather forecast showed rain for much of the day we decided to visit Stratford upon Avon by train instead.</p><p>We moved the boat a short distance further on to Hatton railway station in time for the 2-hourly train to Stratford at 9:50. The problem then was how to buy a ticket. The station is unmanned and the only way of buying a ticket there appeared to be a very old coin operated machine with a label indicating that "new" coins would not be accepted! Not having £12 in old coins the only way of avoiding a £100 penalty for travelling without a ticket was to use the online facilities of Chiltern Railways. We finally sorted out how to do this whilst sitting in the train as it left the station.</p><p>When we arrived in Stratford the weather was grey and drizzly. The town centre is uninspiring with many charity shops, restaurants/cafes and "attractions" for the tourists though the tourist information centre is some distance away near the river.</p><p>We were able to buy some herbs for our dinner recipes at a Tesco Express but were unsuccessful in finding suitable glasses to replace those broken in our crash although we did try most of the charity shops. Also we visited Bancroft Basin where we would have been moored had it not been necessary to return home. After 2 hours wandering around the town we called it a day and caught the 12:33 train back to Hatton and returned to the boat. The rain continued for much of the afternoon.</p><p><br /></p><p>Weather: Damp</p><p>1.41 miles, 40 minutes cruising</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-43901515075959173202023-08-07T08:58:00.003-07:002023-08-07T08:59:28.827-07:00Back to the Grand Union<p> <br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe6nPs8jZquuzQN-_SMHnqjQZXLx0oWe4ab6mYQW87COdzpSA_NMykPtXE_9zs9uuOIZs8XOfdJZQPMHAp1IE5DGo7iQ6a7fPRvqeKELC9c9wDi_9JvYROAtjWY8qo6aFJ5InJLyhsTt-u5OR9T1xUXgEYJKAsY04sd6ZFP4PKPiEprKoCPG2Dc-1KM26/s4000/P1020632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe6nPs8jZquuzQN-_SMHnqjQZXLx0oWe4ab6mYQW87COdzpSA_NMykPtXE_9zs9uuOIZs8XOfdJZQPMHAp1IE5DGo7iQ6a7fPRvqeKELC9c9wDi_9JvYROAtjWY8qo6aFJ5InJLyhsTt-u5OR9T1xUXgEYJKAsY04sd6ZFP4PKPiEprKoCPG2Dc-1KM26/w400-h300/P1020632.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stratford Canal in the sun<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div>My last posting took us to the end of Sunday 5th August 2023….</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, confident that the boat was as safe as it could be under the circumstances we started our journey back home. We will keep the speed down to engine tickover, say 2.1 mph and raise the paddles slowly when ascending locks avoiding excess splashing near the damage to the hull.</div><div><br /></div><div>After shopping at the nearby village shop and pumping out our waste tank we left Wootton Warwen at 11:30 and stopped for lunch near Preston Bagot. In the afternoon we ascended 6 locks mooring for the night at 15:30. Overall the time taken was not very different from what would be expected if we were not taking extra precautions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today the weather had much improved with blue skies and no rain which helped make this an enjoyable trip. 11 ascending locks took us back to Kingswood Junction where we stopped for lunch. In the afternoon we left the Stratford Canal to join the Grand Union mooring just north of Shrewley Tunnel only 3 miles from Hatton Locks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weather 7th August: Sunny and almost warm</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 6th August:3.58 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 20 minutes</div><div>Monday7th August: 5.49 miles, 11 locks, 5 hours 15 minutes</div></div><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-67534259511136560372023-08-06T09:27:00.001-07:002023-08-06T09:27:57.782-07:00A sinking feeling<p> Apologies for no news. The last 3 days have been very difficult. Now that we and understand and are coping with the situation I am able to write it up…..</p><p>On Thrsday 3rd I hit a bridge – a very solid hit that knocked a few cups and glasses out of a cupboard but apparently had dcaused no other damage.</p><p>So we set off happily on Friday morning reaching Wootton Wawen at lunchtime. When we had moored up Dense stepped down into the cabin to find it an inch deep in water and getting deeper. When I looked in the front hold of the boat I found about 1 foot of water. This area was in theory completely isolated from the rest of the boat.</p><p>Fortunately we had a hand pump on board so we spent about 4 hours pumping out perhaps 100 small bucketfulls of water. Oddly there was no evidence of any further water leaking into the boat. There is a boatyard at Wootton Wawen so we asked for help and one of the staff came over and ckecked everything he could think of. But he could find no obvious reason why the boat would leak in so much water which would then stop. At this point Denise’s sister left us as there was no further help she could provide.</p><p>On Saturday, after talking on the phone to a local narrowboat engineer we decided to carry on towards Stratford where there were facilities to carry out further investigation. However within a mile water was pouring into the front hold again. It was clear the boat only leaked when travelling at a reasonable speed. So we returned slowly to Wootton Wawen.</p><p>Back there Denise found the there was a small hole punched in the front of the hull about 2 inches above the waterline, which suddenly explained everything. At this point we called out River Canal Rescue (RCR) who sent an engineer equipped with a drysuit to get into the canal and patch the hole with tarpaulin and strong sticky tape held in place with large magnets. We were advised that this would enable us to get back to base where the boat could be properly repaired.</p><p>We are now on our way back, keeping to a low speed and being very careful when using the locks.</p><p>So ends our planned 6 week summer holiday.</p><div><br /></div>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-63785836562587505542023-08-03T09:52:00.002-07:002023-08-03T09:54:38.931-07:00On the Stratford Canal<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EfJ2cqLjRmwf7XTPG9TR6xdCOXxp3HPtJWjVsb7VPP4s6N9L6Xn3gCnPuOcIIyhUPp-IqxR_uOM_qlgBL_cYX-6IKiVogmyhBcfHA2kMA_5lal2acn7DnqRnCH2tVJjyA9PCLZvhWFqWUhZuOMuupoDnyLVwOkQG_Lmd99Q8uylO96_S4lgBtW46g0uL/s4000/P1020613.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EfJ2cqLjRmwf7XTPG9TR6xdCOXxp3HPtJWjVsb7VPP4s6N9L6Xn3gCnPuOcIIyhUPp-IqxR_uOM_qlgBL_cYX-6IKiVogmyhBcfHA2kMA_5lal2acn7DnqRnCH2tVJjyA9PCLZvhWFqWUhZuOMuupoDnyLVwOkQG_Lmd99Q8uylO96_S4lgBtW46g0uL/w400-h300/P1020613.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge 62 on the Grand Union</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v9VEelrODsRdZyRPiuVmSPqV3ZCDNJAs7GZUpALpXGjXE2icTjs3DxWZA01tkGi0AnzuDWEdwK_dJqEw3wIHdNlaQs_qS_wfPczFwXfWDtLCB5Y4Qm7_gX_ENQ5K4wgwTM6Y3NGYo6UkdwAg5xJkX-NskxzMHuLUkW52ZzwlCTlBuaJYvI1PDuyWcu57/s4000/P1020616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3v9VEelrODsRdZyRPiuVmSPqV3ZCDNJAs7GZUpALpXGjXE2icTjs3DxWZA01tkGi0AnzuDWEdwK_dJqEw3wIHdNlaQs_qS_wfPczFwXfWDtLCB5Y4Qm7_gX_ENQ5K4wgwTM6Y3NGYo6UkdwAg5xJkX-NskxzMHuLUkW52ZzwlCTlBuaJYvI1PDuyWcu57/w400-h300/P1020616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning off the Grand Union at Kingswood Junction</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vUqqTadOWXi-EMGd7gVaJwsz9Yw1Ajut9St1buy3G_4xuWSCsUOR7TvzMeBjnPDfV4OcYv6wntBjjFOIjr_xFlANDnym44uh75uqAPpsUtlLBt0J4wWdJsDpsIveSyGk0rAaRvE61gWb_LUvJJ6faXOdI_W0qluXbF__mcQu6O_aYdR6sqLAG83T2SJv/s4000/P1020619.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vUqqTadOWXi-EMGd7gVaJwsz9Yw1Ajut9St1buy3G_4xuWSCsUOR7TvzMeBjnPDfV4OcYv6wntBjjFOIjr_xFlANDnym44uh75uqAPpsUtlLBt0J4wWdJsDpsIveSyGk0rAaRvE61gWb_LUvJJ6faXOdI_W0qluXbF__mcQu6O_aYdR6sqLAG83T2SJv/w400-h300/P1020619.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In lock 24 on the Stratford Canal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbWLJ9XfCru-dmW7r4EzV2IYFqx4WIfzF61OjbbpyUuPhL_AhpjSPNS6bFvKp4kaKHlQ-O7IQuaqtQP2MfN0sZT8hiQfqBzYG6ITokjpb_LiTYISvJvwHRQioWdhvhtW5k8OcI7-k-l9K5xdRj6ECniCg7AkplhHfmr49Z2Xvq8zTAvfInHHIGhlH_7lu/s4000/P1020622.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbWLJ9XfCru-dmW7r4EzV2IYFqx4WIfzF61OjbbpyUuPhL_AhpjSPNS6bFvKp4kaKHlQ-O7IQuaqtQP2MfN0sZT8hiQfqBzYG6ITokjpb_LiTYISvJvwHRQioWdhvhtW5k8OcI7-k-l9K5xdRj6ECniCg7AkplhHfmr49Z2Xvq8zTAvfInHHIGhlH_7lu/w400-h300/P1020622.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock on Stratford Canal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjEhRraFciXkiAOyOa86nsQnOHgpR0Ezp-0345WZQ3kUBU0KJTy3DsLw6bZB-S-ybGnrHOmd93uyH5Sq2OshxGgMqGSpky-zQYyeu5k6PvvDVyzq4NQlZKD84AQCA1XLpDFACQ3FysC8uqbBH28izfoWdOZK-JDtiC4uHYDTNdKCReduyy4l09dvjOXPR/s4000/P1020623.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjEhRraFciXkiAOyOa86nsQnOHgpR0Ezp-0345WZQ3kUBU0KJTy3DsLw6bZB-S-ybGnrHOmd93uyH5Sq2OshxGgMqGSpky-zQYyeu5k6PvvDVyzq4NQlZKD84AQCA1XLpDFACQ3FysC8uqbBH28izfoWdOZK-JDtiC4uHYDTNdKCReduyy4l09dvjOXPR/w400-h300/P1020623.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Stratford Canal lock-keeper's cottage </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We set off in sunny weather at 9am and stopped a mile later at the village of Hatton where Denise’s sister joined us. Our journey up the Grand Union ended when we turned left at Kingswood Junction onto a short channel that brought us to the Stratford Canal. </p><p>The canal is very attractive with some features not often seen elsewhere. In particular the photos show an iron bridge with a gap in the middle to allow horse drawn boats to pass through without it being necessary to disconnect the horse. Another photo shows the interesting barrel roof design adopted for the lock keepers cottages.</p><p> Now travelling south we will be passing through 35 narrow locks which will take us back down to the Avon. Today’s journey accounted for 9 of these. We stopped for lunch after 6 locks and completed the remaining 3 in the afternoon mooring in in the village of Lowsonford where we will spend the night.</p><p><br /></p><p>Weather: Varied, sunny, cloudy, occasional heavy showers.</p><p>7.17 miles, 9 locks, 4 hours 35 minutes</p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-44219193826411826982023-08-02T06:46:00.002-07:002023-08-02T06:46:45.256-07:00A day off at the top of Hatton flight<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAAz2zU7t2UrCMC_jrtAUT1eVONCtK9UyC6rEiK2zRWRbgenWAp30pc01edvXyNkdeWkXd2pWi9B_gWzpNtkMXM6HjiQsMg0lSktBHxym-OZ1lQRJMUv31He6QNW09Aw_KPXUtTrpAKuc_IO1HLzRSUf-EzIrOaHJI6NLwPnV-SnuZptiJxKdxTFtToGT/s4000/P1020612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAAz2zU7t2UrCMC_jrtAUT1eVONCtK9UyC6rEiK2zRWRbgenWAp30pc01edvXyNkdeWkXd2pWi9B_gWzpNtkMXM6HjiQsMg0lSktBHxym-OZ1lQRJMUv31He6QNW09Aw_KPXUtTrpAKuc_IO1HLzRSUf-EzIrOaHJI6NLwPnV-SnuZptiJxKdxTFtToGT/w400-h300/P1020612.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored above Hatton flight</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After the hard work of the past 2 days we are not moving today. We walked a mile or so up the canal to check where we can pick up Denise's sister who will be joining us for 3 days</p><p>Weather: better than forecast but some showers and rather cool.</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-43636334761955987302023-08-01T08:51:00.001-07:002023-08-01T08:51:44.410-07:00The Hatton flight<p> </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Today we ascended the 2 Cape locks in Warwick followed by the 21
locks of the Hatton flight. We had planned to do this tomorrow but
brought it forward because of the forecast of heavy rain. That
forecaset had changed with rather less rain but today still looked
much more hopeful.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFi8bj6pw5EAPQXl3D-9AADRMlTxh8VxoFDHwExBnh16FPwAisKbmeHbFv1GmTUIlZDzIyp-TtXRyiUGPgpdRsomNScqyAiiPYtncwbNc6mdBM682i1KryMeyuLMu215xMaiSakOXKXONnBUnmEujEEpok_MmMF-dxbxEtUnS7WtG0JOsDF5VzOI1iciR/s4000/P1020604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFi8bj6pw5EAPQXl3D-9AADRMlTxh8VxoFDHwExBnh16FPwAisKbmeHbFv1GmTUIlZDzIyp-TtXRyiUGPgpdRsomNScqyAiiPYtncwbNc6mdBM682i1KryMeyuLMu215xMaiSakOXKXONnBUnmEujEEpok_MmMF-dxbxEtUnS7WtG0JOsDF5VzOI1iciR/w400-h300/P1020604.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Hatton 2nd lock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYHQ8P95S1C0_H9tAFVcrOBopJTrzZum8wIRCKw8ybI7UB6_5fSPeEEeSJKxRT2RJfNdupj7hKJu9AlnO7SHh_uZwa8X4IvbWzfiixY27Yx6G6XmguAzupyVsF0OsQOYEQrkR4fXTOVWdRe3wFw_0wMNDWjqBVGWGfhP5VPVgI-ceVOFV32Bzr40Ct594/s4000/P1020605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYHQ8P95S1C0_H9tAFVcrOBopJTrzZum8wIRCKw8ybI7UB6_5fSPeEEeSJKxRT2RJfNdupj7hKJu9AlnO7SHh_uZwa8X4IvbWzfiixY27Yx6G6XmguAzupyVsF0OsQOYEQrkR4fXTOVWdRe3wFw_0wMNDWjqBVGWGfhP5VPVgI-ceVOFV32Bzr40Ct594/w400-h300/P1020605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Densie and Awyganna sharing a lock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KFY627EN3kCH0o2RdNKnPifQ1V799nMTwJVlJ63FpWoTPH8AOhomfUmhjNfYn9pwZQJSqDPsSf0En9Tu9H__3JWsyudOxdBJAYMPxoXggEKZV7dV9lJiu4vKMNm-piGPlH_frxFeK3PfhlshqCwS3Gehd07xV9PIvq1e0JNCOQ4lOs1WK5wvTDzjlHsv/s4000/P1020606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KFY627EN3kCH0o2RdNKnPifQ1V799nMTwJVlJ63FpWoTPH8AOhomfUmhjNfYn9pwZQJSqDPsSf0En9Tu9H__3JWsyudOxdBJAYMPxoXggEKZV7dV9lJiu4vKMNm-piGPlH_frxFeK3PfhlshqCwS3Gehd07xV9PIvq1e0JNCOQ4lOs1WK5wvTDzjlHsv/w400-h300/P1020606.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for a lock to empty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQsaWg5eySvA363UfXbCs5etmzkCqYwwyu3NTgu4d4iBlCixfB_ucvDktSV6tNQv4Y3wJa44tA5fPr06DL56THITGheBXQ6gmhKlBeDYnZISQUsFZuR7g-WUON8GZqCc_QjYjdO8Q1W7MLTndRM_6YOdDcuutTs5yeNfSfb67IEm7z32dNPpsjpjWNvG6/s4000/P1020608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQsaWg5eySvA363UfXbCs5etmzkCqYwwyu3NTgu4d4iBlCixfB_ucvDktSV6tNQv4Y3wJa44tA5fPr06DL56THITGheBXQ6gmhKlBeDYnZISQUsFZuR7g-WUON8GZqCc_QjYjdO8Q1W7MLTndRM_6YOdDcuutTs5yeNfSfb67IEm7z32dNPpsjpjWNvG6/w400-h300/P1020608.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise driving Densie alongside Awyganna</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">We set off at 8:50 from our Warwick mooring passing through the Cape locks on our own and reaching the bottom of
the Hatton flight an hour afterwards. Fortunately there was another
boat, Awyganna (Durham dialect for “Are we going?”), waiting to
go up. So we partnered with them for the whole of the flight.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">We reached the top
of at about 14:00, filled up with water and moored up for the night
immediately afterwards as we were too tired to travel any further.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Weather - dry cool, some sunshone, breezy</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">3.75 miles, 23 locks, 5 hors 40 minutes</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-41346571643971648372023-07-31T09:31:00.002-07:002023-07-31T09:31:14.904-07:00Long journey to Warwick<p>Change of plans today. Originally we had intended to reach Warwick on Tuesday so we could ascend the 21 locks of the Hatton flight on Wednesday. Unfortunately the weather forecast is showing heavy rain all that day Working 21 wide locks is hard work, working them in pouring rain was an oiption we did not want to consider. So we have had no choice but to combine today’s and tomorrow’s journey into one day.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5w9omrkRYR-wSH-JWRXo_Fnz4f_cHBFhSklMFU-UCIoVvXnaL3cqZF9DTg3sfuyk9uiGVnEjrtyTO9txGLHVIkRraiI5zLwye5FENoxfhFViCJK3BJDseHJokQiXxaMvZwhzB3t5yw2eszt2y2pTV7nyPaMPzaOGb73hSeFTDv7myDdHooMAjHBSftxX/s4000/P1020598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5w9omrkRYR-wSH-JWRXo_Fnz4f_cHBFhSklMFU-UCIoVvXnaL3cqZF9DTg3sfuyk9uiGVnEjrtyTO9txGLHVIkRraiI5zLwye5FENoxfhFViCJK3BJDseHJokQiXxaMvZwhzB3t5yw2eszt2y2pTV7nyPaMPzaOGb73hSeFTDv7myDdHooMAjHBSftxX/w400-h300/P1020598.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Bascote staircase locks</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We started early at 8:30.The first point of interest was the Bascote staircase lock where the bottom gate of the top lock forms the top gate of the second lock. Operating such locks require some thought as before the boat enters the top lock the bottom lock must be empty so it can receive the water released when the top lock is emptied.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW51HgMM-9Uwh9bh4vS9Y6W8gGVW_ih5Z_CD2XgBPGh20UTRk_BgBxZH-JaR-P7_BCTbEWNb8QnVlt4PdSPmhG3qpGtj_3SX_JKUesflYB31s8DO8OJ4esDVy-MmYs0IHuYYQ6hOZVY7in7Ah9AaTbMZJiXZF_AP2zAF34wpTA31Q5aXSl7DiPjJ2zSVe7/s4000/P1020599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW51HgMM-9Uwh9bh4vS9Y6W8gGVW_ih5Z_CD2XgBPGh20UTRk_BgBxZH-JaR-P7_BCTbEWNb8QnVlt4PdSPmhG3qpGtj_3SX_JKUesflYB31s8DO8OJ4esDVy-MmYs0IHuYYQ6hOZVY7in7Ah9AaTbMZJiXZF_AP2zAF34wpTA31Q5aXSl7DiPjJ2zSVe7/w400-h300/P1020599.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new HS2 railway will cross the Grand Union</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs0dDOOS6rLnsUgi4-Df_cf-XFkgqEluvlROtOPv98XekJGHgv24zXS1tVhUhMp6kuSzDuctrcSwpg1aKKh7Zjcht__5YkvzlRodvAd1L-FWLNYquE6w9a8g8L4mILLS58vPZ3PluMVeHfGe3p1-OxPdB80RzmtNSPop8HxuaXPgaFYbjOlulY_ITJkWe/s4000/P1020601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs0dDOOS6rLnsUgi4-Df_cf-XFkgqEluvlROtOPv98XekJGHgv24zXS1tVhUhMp6kuSzDuctrcSwpg1aKKh7Zjcht__5YkvzlRodvAd1L-FWLNYquE6w9a8g8L4mILLS58vPZ3PluMVeHfGe3p1-OxPdB80RzmtNSPop8HxuaXPgaFYbjOlulY_ITJkWe/w400-h300/P1020601.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radford Railway Bridge, now disused</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFDIZJQpOfkz_UH5TvUtLU1R17OoICaMQOjllebG5imEUD6zQ6Y-nW0mYDOGLgyQNCsBntuwgaUPUH_a9cz9X5AhWauDuQEJirzl88VATLjJVS3b9QHSo6ceQldNohQ5amkLMwPQ-Qkr7MZ9or1U_s_RxXDauDOlH_Dq9v7c_kKpfU0EL9eOiWMMsZ3lQ/s4000/P1020602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFDIZJQpOfkz_UH5TvUtLU1R17OoICaMQOjllebG5imEUD6zQ6Y-nW0mYDOGLgyQNCsBntuwgaUPUH_a9cz9X5AhWauDuQEJirzl88VATLjJVS3b9QHSo6ceQldNohQ5amkLMwPQ-Qkr7MZ9or1U_s_RxXDauDOlH_Dq9v7c_kKpfU0EL9eOiWMMsZ3lQ/w400-h300/P1020602.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Avon</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The staircase lock is immediately followed by two normal locks. When we were setting the first one another boat, Otter, started descending the staircase. We waited for them to arrive so we could descend all the following locks together speeding up our passage as we did yesterday. We quickly descended a further 6 locks together arriving in the large town of Royal Leamington Spa at lunchtime.</p><p>Here we split up as we needed to shop for groceries for the next 6 days. After shopping at Morrisons only 5 minute walk from the canal we set off again, crossed over the River Avon on a high aqueduct and moored up in Warwick at 4pm. It is a bit frustrating to realise that we will be ascending and descending160 feet before we meet the Avon again in Stratford.</p><p><br /></p><p>Weather: some rain but mainly dry, cool and cloudy.</p><p><br /></p><p>8.96 , 10 locks, 4 hours 55 minutes cruising</p><p> </p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-86282567544039678142023-07-30T08:24:00.000-07:002023-07-30T08:24:06.822-07:00Stockton Locks<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLIOvOfCwWH1IdREFdpMUKtEE-mD-BL99dhMi7rjABygxZLZhmkP1cG267sZ5pH7YwbZsqsRbxiVUFybUNFmO6BfXr5fOmTdCYiZX5gq8fN7brVhPJP6s9ja8teb1l0PH2wOkxIPkE-wWClFlsGvapm2D4YygdiXCi40kttL9KuT1hctC9vdAELZHorYv/s4000/P1020595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLIOvOfCwWH1IdREFdpMUKtEE-mD-BL99dhMi7rjABygxZLZhmkP1cG267sZ5pH7YwbZsqsRbxiVUFybUNFmO6BfXr5fOmTdCYiZX5gq8fN7brVhPJP6s9ja8teb1l0PH2wOkxIPkE-wWClFlsGvapm2D4YygdiXCi40kttL9KuT1hctC9vdAELZHorYv/w400-h300/P1020595.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Densie and Florence descending the second Stockton flight</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>There was heavy rain overnight but by 9:00 when we set off the weather was sunny and dry. after a mile we reached the top of the double width 8-lock, 54 foot, Stockton flight. We had just entered the top lock when hireboat Florence arrived with a crew of 5 and entered the lock next to us. It was great to see them as as not only would we have help working each lock, sbut omeone could go ahead and prepare the next one greatly speeding the descent.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgSWkUxR016d1MtCEVQ-uUvk5lAdd8bNTij-y0UJ9KvRvI_8q8LBwd6LmRSF6xTWbKkq5pbX5j1kW-BVQPGGdqwbvP8khnQZAEj5JhVGAuVVVUyhLNLQieUXPO8xJzmwaJ-GgGjXkCNIow7-nH1E_Xun3_ntzpQo1oIXnglTsoymC4Pgz5_LtzmNopocp/s4000/P1020597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgSWkUxR016d1MtCEVQ-uUvk5lAdd8bNTij-y0UJ9KvRvI_8q8LBwd6LmRSF6xTWbKkq5pbX5j1kW-BVQPGGdqwbvP8khnQZAEj5JhVGAuVVVUyhLNLQieUXPO8xJzmwaJ-GgGjXkCNIow7-nH1E_Xun3_ntzpQo1oIXnglTsoymC4Pgz5_LtzmNopocp/w400-h300/P1020597.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored in the rain at Long Itchington</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The 8 locks were quickly followed by 2 further locks. Thanks to the fast passage we were now ahead of plan so we stopped for the night half a mile further on at 11:50 near the village of Long Itchington. After lunch the weather deteriorated and it started to rain.</p><p>Weather: bright and sunny in the monrng with a slight breeze, wet and cool in the afternoon</p><p><br /></p><p>2.93 miles, 10 locks, 2 hours 50 minutes cruising</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-23507050266375861612023-07-29T09:41:00.005-07:002023-07-29T09:46:25.624-07:00Start of Summer 2023 Expedition<p> </p><p>Our Summer 2023 trip will take us through Stratford upon Avon, down the Avon, up the Severn to Stouport and then into Birmingham for the IWA Festival of Water. The nwe go back to our home marina as quickly as possible.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0YAohbiIdz0U-4wkMynNdRdqJK9Kwv09FC8qY39CgcRFKPFpl7V_fyL5JyuCJRpAmujg0-t-fXdVUnZFBzIJgc3URj-CpV8lobrvp9BwDtZDRK1v7r9MBHX24cunFgpy4OlwyjRJfXXJEnu-sZWv7ueFcagCskdpSDpnxvyL1iRJhbQ8aU5q1aqloEnr/s4000/P1020430.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0YAohbiIdz0U-4wkMynNdRdqJK9Kwv09FC8qY39CgcRFKPFpl7V_fyL5JyuCJRpAmujg0-t-fXdVUnZFBzIJgc3URj-CpV8lobrvp9BwDtZDRK1v7r9MBHX24cunFgpy4OlwyjRJfXXJEnu-sZWv7ueFcagCskdpSDpnxvyL1iRJhbQ8aU5q1aqloEnr/w400-h300/P1020430.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many moored boats as we enter Braunston</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTvsMDiHZH_Az5Iv4tfoPcb4juWPIcud_ey8pOJ0haPdyoPRP_jYwax1vOxhOHraYkk1hMR_hcR7KQXroOj0HQee3OX9gTUpYPyh4-ipAE7d9ktxyNezhEOmJHK8HMnxNxZuLI2NFWGHRz946Jtie2OPzJI01OridBCt5ebaxFISThYCZbdUaYGuOFhZZ/s4000/P1020590.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTvsMDiHZH_Az5Iv4tfoPcb4juWPIcud_ey8pOJ0haPdyoPRP_jYwax1vOxhOHraYkk1hMR_hcR7KQXroOj0HQee3OX9gTUpYPyh4-ipAE7d9ktxyNezhEOmJHK8HMnxNxZuLI2NFWGHRz946Jtie2OPzJI01OridBCt5ebaxFISThYCZbdUaYGuOFhZZ/w400-h300/P1020590.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braunston Junction</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6twXiK1nHNQzGpWoBhTYH3bjtM4BNmbtF4Byb05QTJrMvVYdbFrNIJPQhj7i4FSydnKu-6CghSk_URbzZvxD_ZJ3Ye3us7CRkrEnF41azAbPXVSXhWwRDH4jB9YtJmJQN6sbMXfLdlWMmbE40xWK4vZdoy0UY3KD47Xq4Xo4kjBqsBEmt6dKhYnlsT_Sz/s4000/P1020591.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6twXiK1nHNQzGpWoBhTYH3bjtM4BNmbtF4Byb05QTJrMvVYdbFrNIJPQhj7i4FSydnKu-6CghSk_URbzZvxD_ZJ3Ye3us7CRkrEnF41azAbPXVSXhWwRDH4jB9YtJmJQN6sbMXfLdlWMmbE40xWK4vZdoy0UY3KD47Xq4Xo4kjBqsBEmt6dKhYnlsT_Sz/w400-h300/P1020591.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing below the A425</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After spending last night on the boat at our berth we filled up with diesel and left the marina at 11:15 turning south towards Braunston down the North Oxford Canal. Before the village there are clear signs of ridges and fsurrows in the fields presumably dating from medieval times. At Braunston Junction the Oxford Canal joins the Grand Union Canal leaving it some 5 miles later at Napton Junction. There our route continued on the Grand Union towards Birmingham.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM3no9jiiO55DEVc6zdsRDBxLy1ehp6xE9VNdJfDQaMxzlGc_c1nWGI3N79mR4O5tA44UZdoUI7XUTxDtBSUFpOsRYNdxzuT-o8YLArvNNZQsJ163Ctd3jlTo6c98zwX78oSxY0vKEb4MUPzgdpTSFBeJ-lgDwI3luasenka_6_-RQ0PMkkkMaD3l0-9a/s4000/P1020592.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM3no9jiiO55DEVc6zdsRDBxLy1ehp6xE9VNdJfDQaMxzlGc_c1nWGI3N79mR4O5tA44UZdoUI7XUTxDtBSUFpOsRYNdxzuT-o8YLArvNNZQsJ163Ctd3jlTo6c98zwX78oSxY0vKEb4MUPzgdpTSFBeJ-lgDwI3luasenka_6_-RQ0PMkkkMaD3l0-9a/w400-h300/P1020592.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting below Calcutt top lock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKViapEVYKzKlG679CtrhSHFDdk8XBZniEqXreR8yECbdZsQZgoYe-4PrIGwRqVOf23F6C2KMQVXnfqgpyiwnhanlzdoDA8FJxYoTbmvBKJRwtCdiJ7q6N7eDTpc_QJBzvuzsIvvwqUkxQm5aTQRzfRZAyyC4bbK0KvymE-sfP5Zl7jmJ7XOiijNEBBu6c/s4000/P1020594.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKViapEVYKzKlG679CtrhSHFDdk8XBZniEqXreR8yECbdZsQZgoYe-4PrIGwRqVOf23F6C2KMQVXnfqgpyiwnhanlzdoDA8FJxYoTbmvBKJRwtCdiJ7q6N7eDTpc_QJBzvuzsIvvwqUkxQm5aTQRzfRZAyyC4bbK0KvymE-sfP5Zl7jmJ7XOiijNEBBu6c/w400-h300/P1020594.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored beyond Calcutt Locks</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We had planned to stop for the night just above the three lock Calcutt flight. However there was no satisfactory place to moor so we had to continue down the locks. Fortunately we were accompanied by another narrowboat, "Out of the Blue" which halved the work Denise would otherwise have done on her own. Not so furtunately we were delayed by a hireboat crew being trained on how to work locks and by a boat coming up the flight. We had hoped to then moor at the bottom, but again we could not find anywhere suitable and so had to carry on for anothe mile where we were able to tie up for the night, the whole journey taking 5 hours when we had only planned 3.</p><p>Weather: blustery showers and sunny intervals, fairly warm.</p><p>9.93 miles, 3 locks, 5 hours travelling.</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-3699604871796029932023-06-24T09:25:00.000-07:002023-06-24T09:25:39.652-07:00Braunston Historic Boat Rally<p> Not really a voyage of Densie as she was not there. However we were so....</p><p>The rally of historic boats is an annual event taking place at Braunston. This small village in Northamptonshire is seen as the centre of the English canal system as major canals from the south, north, west, and north west meet in the area.</p><p>Commercial traffic on the canals cased in 1970 but there are dozens of boats from that era still afloat being maintained by enthisiasts. The Braunston Rally gives them the opportunity to how off the results of a great deal of hard work and expense.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qeek5iiR9cjkKR0G8Nhu0fbyT4IZ8B5MF-uxCPlbdyJmXzLasq8Jp46pEBzOJnMeFuxr_q5UhcVINGgSDEn_1wgK0qs2oRQzkLJrpuGajQcKW9Kq07jRdbQ92nGE8FHkgMulybjR8XERYNeYKqJdP8fQ1XGO43ubAiXEWtEeMSJSEU70gNhJE_XwuRzn/s4000/P1020572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qeek5iiR9cjkKR0G8Nhu0fbyT4IZ8B5MF-uxCPlbdyJmXzLasq8Jp46pEBzOJnMeFuxr_q5UhcVINGgSDEn_1wgK0qs2oRQzkLJrpuGajQcKW9Kq07jRdbQ92nGE8FHkgMulybjR8XERYNeYKqJdP8fQ1XGO43ubAiXEWtEeMSJSEU70gNhJE_XwuRzn/w400-h300/P1020572.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic boats at waiting to pake part in the twice daily parade<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><br />Twice a day at the Rally many of thehistoric boats parade along the canal. Clearly they need to turn around at the end.....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJJSEl85980-QPM92kPxZNLqnjgm-SKneK6s-BEQE-4P5yeAnm118S9tM2goF_3nrd1Vk1oOEUBGP-EsaVdcNmyv7Cpi7bpgNSjBCbn0ClbuQ8IQGWrrtT_pHj5eDMyC4Z9vYPfapspJdH2NPbhovNVBsHwMhlyEwpQ-HbjUPVP284wC1jFxqjaIqT_aQ/s4000/P1020546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJJSEl85980-QPM92kPxZNLqnjgm-SKneK6s-BEQE-4P5yeAnm118S9tM2goF_3nrd1Vk1oOEUBGP-EsaVdcNmyv7Cpi7bpgNSjBCbn0ClbuQ8IQGWrrtT_pHj5eDMyC4Z9vYPfapspJdH2NPbhovNVBsHwMhlyEwpQ-HbjUPVP284wC1jFxqjaIqT_aQ/w400-h300/P1020546.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrowboat and Butty pair approaching Braunston Junction</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JIC-N8dXT-8V-scuwxWd2nnbSWfAEdZqTH-XrNYPrc6Ls58Gs74dApbhqjfXmI17bbqZdKLmyYxY-DLuBKqCMatDOsUPzUzhDd4X6TogMjvBYnM1QAH4BauXiIOWEhNNOJDuXDUxQFCkiZvYBLrhRi4xOerYJKyRxeOP12iE0AwrP2kT1IgsSoULBW-E/s4000/P1020547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JIC-N8dXT-8V-scuwxWd2nnbSWfAEdZqTH-XrNYPrc6Ls58Gs74dApbhqjfXmI17bbqZdKLmyYxY-DLuBKqCMatDOsUPzUzhDd4X6TogMjvBYnM1QAH4BauXiIOWEhNNOJDuXDUxQFCkiZvYBLrhRi4xOerYJKyRxeOP12iE0AwrP2kT1IgsSoULBW-E/w400-h300/P1020547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning left at the junction</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtjUQVfT4bAql3Mp5YF6UUpRD4mJ5uGBVY-H32ZzRXBKmf_sMsn43SjgUCciITHfl7DFztQqhj560Jv7XdCs9zbLQz8pG2VgF95YumQqnG7MafRbSyO49eq7DzGIrhe3FNhCsAhLto4FqXxpbI4k-hMEqjykUO4UUj-pnLeTqSJta9PKtiA-vy90u4ntF/s4000/P1020549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtjUQVfT4bAql3Mp5YF6UUpRD4mJ5uGBVY-H32ZzRXBKmf_sMsn43SjgUCciITHfl7DFztQqhj560Jv7XdCs9zbLQz8pG2VgF95YumQqnG7MafRbSyO49eq7DzGIrhe3FNhCsAhLto4FqXxpbI4k-hMEqjykUO4UUj-pnLeTqSJta9PKtiA-vy90u4ntF/w400-h300/P1020549.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse to the right and side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbocYxApxv0EmD2CjQC5svzFAz6OSfj8RJvZc-K78MVSsU7TLOtGzHtVWBij9vjZE0Xocvj5Czirrw5xsNQLpxopOlOoP7onpYRFYHgTqpK25rRl5HCmkE-NTAI4OE_JKrCZ_v5jAp89JQayRVgSkTxpT2AG7W8oN5IcenY9lyqDphJwc8kvNLyOW6FCC/s4000/P1020553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbocYxApxv0EmD2CjQC5svzFAz6OSfj8RJvZc-K78MVSsU7TLOtGzHtVWBij9vjZE0Xocvj5Czirrw5xsNQLpxopOlOoP7onpYRFYHgTqpK25rRl5HCmkE-NTAI4OE_JKrCZ_v5jAp89JQayRVgSkTxpT2AG7W8oN5IcenY9lyqDphJwc8kvNLyOW6FCC/w400-h300/P1020553.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse around corner</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>These pictures show how to turn a narrowboat and unpowered "butty" around at a T-junction. Each boat is 70 foot long and weighs about 30 tons. Manoeuvering such a pair takes significant skill by the two crew, especially when as we see here there are several other moored boats around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6B0MzyNxmGtnLC4cSAGUQ5_koU1pTaceuKlyvnFDmJze5LNFpXCS3uz0ZV_ZnHP6awL1UaKQBjwCf5M4tcXxbAwlQOLwgz3jgtd9uIlBEJs5NI32fP7Om2QCxAm4WzBNLYHXEz9bPqxK3V0mveaRv3djWd6krOLlWjT6WuYwKAiXlPhaXBMVX_U44LWf/s4000/P1020568%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6B0MzyNxmGtnLC4cSAGUQ5_koU1pTaceuKlyvnFDmJze5LNFpXCS3uz0ZV_ZnHP6awL1UaKQBjwCf5M4tcXxbAwlQOLwgz3jgtd9uIlBEJs5NI32fP7Om2QCxAm4WzBNLYHXEz9bPqxK3V0mveaRv3djWd6krOLlWjT6WuYwKAiXlPhaXBMVX_U44LWf/w400-h300/P1020568%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of historic Braunston Boatyard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k1ZJzs2YTDXylmdla--7VrT8-UcMzci_s7ynULD9HhYNBv0fXjXfzJljAHXYMkTEhjGfjowDhO9tT452HpIwep51lUOVZVzkDLWDrf0kEwSVpxjV3KkUwop8pVLOoBnv-U3f6pPJZ10ryMtbVIjC9LKsiGt1-BDFlLKU3aplLG5wyqolbl7_fCfLyDKA/s4000/P1020563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k1ZJzs2YTDXylmdla--7VrT8-UcMzci_s7ynULD9HhYNBv0fXjXfzJljAHXYMkTEhjGfjowDhO9tT452HpIwep51lUOVZVzkDLWDrf0kEwSVpxjV3KkUwop8pVLOoBnv-U3f6pPJZ10ryMtbVIjC9LKsiGt1-BDFlLKU3aplLG5wyqolbl7_fCfLyDKA/w400-h300/P1020563.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old crane at BRaunston Boatyard</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The boatyard at Braunston was once the mainentance yard for a large fleet of commercial narrowboats but is now part of Braunston Marina.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUwdvP7buqAzZOZWH2CN_6xJQDjsTtqIh8fniQXUZsJj3SXLPDp7QLoX719Ex0MTivuP4npXhgbrFwkzq-xQNJYSTJ0yyBA6j4w19eRZRx93FK8u-vFuh4Vlwo8yj8TZe5H2xIqaCWHuZfIOlKSybHIBhtpn9lKEwim8BuOUwoRmzJjiSV7y_nO1xZsNX/s4000/P1020566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUwdvP7buqAzZOZWH2CN_6xJQDjsTtqIh8fniQXUZsJj3SXLPDp7QLoX719Ex0MTivuP4npXhgbrFwkzq-xQNJYSTJ0yyBA6j4w19eRZRx93FK8u-vFuh4Vlwo8yj8TZe5H2xIqaCWHuZfIOlKSybHIBhtpn9lKEwim8BuOUwoRmzJjiSV7y_nO1xZsNX/w400-h300/P1020566.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steam narrowboat Hasty</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Originally from the unception of the canals in the 1770s all narrowboats were pulled by horses. This method of propulsion was in use right up to the end of commercial carrying. From the early 1900s diesel engines egan to take over.</p><p>However for a short time some boats were fitted with steam engines. They were never successful for commercial carrying since the coal fuel required too much space that would otherwise be used for cargo. However they did find a use as tugs in the docks. Steam engines of that period, if any survived, could probably not be used now because of far more stringent safety checks.</p><p>However some boats have been reconstructed with modern steam engines. One such seen here is "Hasty" and another "Adamant" was also at the Rally. Steam boats unlike those with diesel engines require 2 crew, one to steer and the other to keep the boiler running. I did ask Adamant's driver how the he coukd speed up or slow down the engine. I was told this was done "digitally" with the steerer using his index finger to push a buzzer. Perhaps one buzz meant speed up and 2 meant slow down, I dont know.</p><p>Our first ever visit to the Historic Boat Rally was great fun and it is something we hope to do again.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-84648948034780429082023-06-23T07:44:00.003-07:002023-06-23T07:44:42.959-07:00Back in the marina<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77pHzEZPKpA67PgQlvj_CKkx-J0GKH0WRrQkVHKs_dIe5QYi2k6JKs6V53aZ1X4y-GpsbIWAQvTl_1DILWd9DmIUWZw2R3IH2WGxjFA-4DPzbaY79Eg1XFWpIpRutvQekDlyF7Q4nwKwbIDhKvOougB8JEvOCl6XwgCLzOFvs-ABOFRJOqgSxSGn01RDC/s4000/P1020534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77pHzEZPKpA67PgQlvj_CKkx-J0GKH0WRrQkVHKs_dIe5QYi2k6JKs6V53aZ1X4y-GpsbIWAQvTl_1DILWd9DmIUWZw2R3IH2WGxjFA-4DPzbaY79Eg1XFWpIpRutvQekDlyF7Q4nwKwbIDhKvOougB8JEvOCl6XwgCLzOFvs-ABOFRJOqgSxSGn01RDC/w400-h300/P1020534.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ascending Hillmorton bottom lock<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWTgFZAXAbswAwhd4IuOBlhYvfjThrY-4PKhxoUJwE8zG9yEHF6TZzD-ZgOUc7dMf1AaL9OTB_rij2pFrYV_gSkfNv9NZ3HqBhsfD213-9X7AWrmBlsAnoukrGXlBNM3Bc9xc5KTALOgVwiELGZfND3HPgPoQ4kl8AQQGBq0BvvugUdtBatKwb32Cit1P/s4000/P1020535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWTgFZAXAbswAwhd4IuOBlhYvfjThrY-4PKhxoUJwE8zG9yEHF6TZzD-ZgOUc7dMf1AaL9OTB_rij2pFrYV_gSkfNv9NZ3HqBhsfD213-9X7AWrmBlsAnoukrGXlBNM3Bc9xc5KTALOgVwiELGZfND3HPgPoQ4kl8AQQGBq0BvvugUdtBatKwb32Cit1P/w400-h300/P1020535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild orchids growing at Hillmorton bottom lock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-eoo3QzsrMM2ZhDztk_zVb9u9XP3Wg60lR-uUPw4DBp1khOBume6CphvJCoSQux7kB0nigJ27Z8clLa6x5Eg7D3EVD3IyFa8cQEyA43a7pGM0EhqEx3EwQgP2gXvgcrTLLl1xb8mnPKQI49jxXwCNvTdNc7vMW9pvJV65QN_aE5Cf2SreIESE6P8IdmU/s4000/P1020539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-eoo3QzsrMM2ZhDztk_zVb9u9XP3Wg60lR-uUPw4DBp1khOBume6CphvJCoSQux7kB0nigJ27Z8clLa6x5Eg7D3EVD3IyFa8cQEyA43a7pGM0EhqEx3EwQgP2gXvgcrTLLl1xb8mnPKQI49jxXwCNvTdNc7vMW9pvJV65QN_aE5Cf2SreIESE6P8IdmU/w400-h300/P1020539.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored in the marina - Densie is 4th from the left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Back in our marina at lunch time after a pleasant journey in sunny but breezy weather. It was good to see that many more of the orchids at Hillmorton Locks have come into bloom since we were there 13 days ago.</p><p>The picture shows a small part of the marina with about 1/6th of the total number of boats visible.</p><p>3 hours 25 minutes, 3 locks, 6.84 miles</p><p>Overall the statistics for our trip are:<br />14 days<br />43hours 55 minutes cruising<br />96.08 miles<br />8 locks<br />2 swing bridges<br />average distance+locks+swing bridges/hour 2.42 miles<br />average hours/day cruising 3.14</p><p><br /></p><p>Tomorrow I will publish pictures of the Historic Boat Festival.</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-2063365858727605302023-06-22T07:32:00.003-07:002023-06-22T07:32:42.732-07:00Rugby again<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8Kt563eJBoJAgOj0MOaNAhAT0KXhHpe_AH42mulhwKhgn9qF_EDwFkNV4F4RqYqzlq_UsYo_0SAeTTWAQyHlMT0szbLcRKZFK-cE5Gxln80Fe4sw5qUJcrLkrBqOpi179J_Ag6MwJbPGuODc8L_HXcrPyJJ31CpwR1anRGx3tOZ3OiB7ZXBUziNoI8Yl/s4000/P1020527.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8Kt563eJBoJAgOj0MOaNAhAT0KXhHpe_AH42mulhwKhgn9qF_EDwFkNV4F4RqYqzlq_UsYo_0SAeTTWAQyHlMT0szbLcRKZFK-cE5Gxln80Fe4sw5qUJcrLkrBqOpi179J_Ag6MwJbPGuODc8L_HXcrPyJJ31CpwR1anRGx3tOZ3OiB7ZXBUziNoI8Yl/w400-h300/P1020527.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting a boat between Brinklow and Rugby</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7tQCe6YEJ4rquCfnDsyfK5Q4bx5-FLEnk2FvvfsezEfNzsvQJDIQC8nqXMD5sbOARnj0y6wH4czZGi5IRRfRHnEOyxkOHctGAF2SltIynDymwSg3kE2AB_D7uwhu37P4kGJYWXAKWW-vMUMF2d37YKPMeTw48RMch9O8-FgoSHpZkGpZk9Dh4SkPZIdj/s4000/P1020528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7tQCe6YEJ4rquCfnDsyfK5Q4bx5-FLEnk2FvvfsezEfNzsvQJDIQC8nqXMD5sbOARnj0y6wH4czZGi5IRRfRHnEOyxkOHctGAF2SltIynDymwSg3kE2AB_D7uwhu37P4kGJYWXAKWW-vMUMF2d37YKPMeTw48RMch9O8-FgoSHpZkGpZk9Dh4SkPZIdj/w400-h300/P1020528.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same boat approachingWest Coast Main Railway<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ioXJkafjiTGJBRbtQtg2ALUB6e5PmUHRwWDx73S82DpClIsWgHWUvBayUtODxKOB-urkE-pr1DanY9IA8htSrBHjfqh9iy4HgjhHqlH_EAdW9KwXUKNV364f1Lo34KQANZRcEmGQh8faTZXi00tY3tkk_uRgBw5e6vdtz2wGleDAfsphanZsn96jVcus/s4000/P1020531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ioXJkafjiTGJBRbtQtg2ALUB6e5PmUHRwWDx73S82DpClIsWgHWUvBayUtODxKOB-urkE-pr1DanY9IA8htSrBHjfqh9iy4HgjhHqlH_EAdW9KwXUKNV364f1Lo34KQANZRcEmGQh8faTZXi00tY3tkk_uRgBw5e6vdtz2wGleDAfsphanZsn96jVcus/w400-h300/P1020531.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored nose to tail at Rugby<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcpB6e4X_Bnfla8ueYcL1yeUUYOJu7bCr1WYr8-ojtA9bVLic1fpg_ULe3-kpWLsg9pCrATEoq_YHX-sOf0kcAdg7wXy4usaqfo6dVE314FoYP7AXvCUQu_zM5VNmsn8NvErEJ4_7aTPFmiCgwBOpCcYBOdqx-zPA4TcLeuwLoeIirHHB70SnWRd7Itmg/s4000/P1020532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcpB6e4X_Bnfla8ueYcL1yeUUYOJu7bCr1WYr8-ojtA9bVLic1fpg_ULe3-kpWLsg9pCrATEoq_YHX-sOf0kcAdg7wXy4usaqfo6dVE314FoYP7AXvCUQu_zM5VNmsn8NvErEJ4_7aTPFmiCgwBOpCcYBOdqx-zPA4TcLeuwLoeIirHHB70SnWRd7Itmg/w400-h300/P1020532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old working boat passing our mooring</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">We have now stopped for the day at the very busy Rugby moorings. When we arrived at 11:15 there was only one gap about 58 foot long into which I was able to just squeeze the 57 foot Densie.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our short ourney today started at 9:30 and was uneventful. One point of interest was the unexceptional bridge where the 150mph main line trains cross over the canal. Sadly none turned up in time for the photo. Another was the short 750 foot Newbold tunnel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Several historic ex-working boats dating from before cargo carrying on the canals ended in 1970 have passed us on their way to the Rally at Braunston to be held over the weekend. We will be going to the Rally by car and I will add some better pictures later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 hours, 4.87 miles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-51423325546953744182023-06-21T08:15:00.000-07:002023-06-21T08:15:26.255-07:00Back to Brinklow<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw0cOpKVbbhEQwg1hdx8Q3jO1PlMfjmkxtwkMR5GO-TyrT01Z4_3Iicv9YqJrI0E-gWFB0pAMPh4YGNOsvEUn7U-Qz7E2USLmr8EnoRdaxl1GMbAuq7pCkQKvR2pFTKSsYG28UK64gdce2vGkQWJBkHu4RYGaB6fjK_qd9Ub9yfZAgK_dYwBqBhlaW913/s4000/P1020519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw0cOpKVbbhEQwg1hdx8Q3jO1PlMfjmkxtwkMR5GO-TyrT01Z4_3Iicv9YqJrI0E-gWFB0pAMPh4YGNOsvEUn7U-Qz7E2USLmr8EnoRdaxl1GMbAuq7pCkQKvR2pFTKSsYG28UK64gdce2vGkQWJBkHu4RYGaB6fjK_qd9Ub9yfZAgK_dYwBqBhlaW913/w400-h300/P1020519.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge 21 on the North Oxford</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bUm4zBrqxHqxu45wqZ3H2V2wz8Yy9x9DLUJHiNW5gfd2zTgIOYCjri6JpTs6NDYWO2YXSOYXScAxVxB75a3KycSaOu0Q64kC1gjf23PZ6I4A-YMeMdr3YD11_FvT83-uwnIaDchTc1CWD7nf7iSc6oQpjLTU6W27BUMqawrliydFIi09XjWcedrrGYj2/s4000/P1020524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bUm4zBrqxHqxu45wqZ3H2V2wz8Yy9x9DLUJHiNW5gfd2zTgIOYCjri6JpTs6NDYWO2YXSOYXScAxVxB75a3KycSaOu0Q64kC1gjf23PZ6I4A-YMeMdr3YD11_FvT83-uwnIaDchTc1CWD7nf7iSc6oQpjLTU6W27BUMqawrliydFIi09XjWcedrrGYj2/w400-h300/P1020524.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boatyard and hireboat centre at Stretton Stop</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhcdrtldlUOe3qFsji0jcW8CwBMHe9J3KTrwRrwzXTchA0hdsiWPne3N4WNy0uSGH1MQuupt3UMxruUhfpRNaCOTGYX1o2i5lbHptBqv6W3tAqnPfS-x9teqMa9EqoaAREj3DqCMAcWIb7FDWodyt_apMo5Azt7f-0nw02vG1Y6pT7a11x8cEVP6rPqgz/s4000/P1020523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhcdrtldlUOe3qFsji0jcW8CwBMHe9J3KTrwRrwzXTchA0hdsiWPne3N4WNy0uSGH1MQuupt3UMxruUhfpRNaCOTGYX1o2i5lbHptBqv6W3tAqnPfS-x9teqMa9EqoaAREj3DqCMAcWIb7FDWodyt_apMo5Azt7f-0nw02vG1Y6pT7a11x8cEVP6rPqgz/w400-h300/P1020523.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congestion near bridge at Stretton Stop</td></tr></tbody></table></p>Still on our way back home, stopping at much the same places as on ur journey out. We left Ansty at 9:25 and stopped for the night at Brinklow woods 2 hours later. We have no wish to get back to our marina before Friday and so are spreading out the remaining journey over the time available.<div><br /></div><div>The photos show a couple of points of interest not mentioned on the previous description. The very high bridge shown in the first photo looks like it was built for a railway in Victorian times. However our map shows no reference to any line crossing the canal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stretton Stop was so called as working boats had to stop there, I guess to pay toll fees. It is now a small boatyard and also hires out narrowboats. The following rather dark picture shows us passing one narrowboat to go under the single boat-width bridge after Stretton Stop meeting another boat coming in the opposite direction. It is a well known rule of the waterways that if you are to meet another boat it will always be at a narrow bridge or a tight bend.</div><div><br /></div><div>2 hours 5 mins cruising, 4.54 miles</div>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-45986929806975621362023-06-20T09:09:00.002-07:002023-06-20T09:09:27.509-07:00Ansty<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF45q2R8B44hZV8x9t4ht6v4U19MgZkfL5LTI_fngc-7s88q8scp4nTkqwfK7ZdsuKBLQX_65sdVfc_8k-aKETrPQSEKGmrAXLb25AYTpzQrhWsnbnjIyQAkezUAhNR9NaUMu25R1c8Ae9O7rzuHP8YGdzMdki7aGQj9L3R3c4wK0q1nkG48McVRrz-bPC/s4000/P1020515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF45q2R8B44hZV8x9t4ht6v4U19MgZkfL5LTI_fngc-7s88q8scp4nTkqwfK7ZdsuKBLQX_65sdVfc_8k-aKETrPQSEKGmrAXLb25AYTpzQrhWsnbnjIyQAkezUAhNR9NaUMu25R1c8Ae9O7rzuHP8YGdzMdki7aGQj9L3R3c4wK0q1nkG48McVRrz-bPC/w400-h300/P1020515.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawkesbury Junction - turning off the Coventry Canal </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgip2R5lxsPxxSn2N4vWbTH6fD3p7jvR-I3qoSk5hU8DMSMXloDEFuajrL1mDLzVPVVX79M389A0iiLLFwL0k_dEO_FKMMCSedatGAJEsmqHnDewSBsfYjdB9SyZqdHJAkLGfZbkclNYXVy8C3AODtJUTUq2B5f8YSEK6h4417xTIsT_TeuygsZh0vM3Vbc/s4000/P1020516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgip2R5lxsPxxSn2N4vWbTH6fD3p7jvR-I3qoSk5hU8DMSMXloDEFuajrL1mDLzVPVVX79M389A0iiLLFwL0k_dEO_FKMMCSedatGAJEsmqHnDewSBsfYjdB9SyZqdHJAkLGfZbkclNYXVy8C3AODtJUTUq2B5f8YSEK6h4417xTIsT_TeuygsZh0vM3Vbc/w400-h300/P1020516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored at Ansty on the North Oxford Canal</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>There was heavy rain most of this morning but it stopped soon after lunch. As we needed to run the engine to charge the batteries we decided to move on, filling up with water at Hawkesbury, ascending the 1 foot stop lock, and travelling a few miles back along the Oxford Canal to the canalside village of Ansty.</p><p>2 hours travelling, 3.58 miles</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-86596833212533719132023-06-19T08:12:00.004-07:002023-06-19T08:12:54.906-07:00Return to Hawkesbury Junction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpIQv-SzWx6HjnifAlarHElxdnlXkpHTff_FlYFZggrrYm0v6n520FgD7pgyuHcn4re4KioYwfn0YLD7BoRy8PUEQugmmbS5iawn05v_tf5avrfhw-WIwx0sorSb3n178kXT_Zaxg2Lzx8KgFN_V1A2ivvxVt_g-Y0hY4__amFjR0R7dD48Vg2t4CwJes/s4000/P1020514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpIQv-SzWx6HjnifAlarHElxdnlXkpHTff_FlYFZggrrYm0v6n520FgD7pgyuHcn4re4KioYwfn0YLD7BoRy8PUEQugmmbS5iawn05v_tf5avrfhw-WIwx0sorSb3n178kXT_Zaxg2Lzx8KgFN_V1A2ivvxVt_g-Y0hY4__amFjR0R7dD48Vg2t4CwJes/w400-h300/P1020514.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newdigate Colliery Arm junction with the Coventry Canal near Hawkesbury</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Yesterday I mentioned that the forecast thunderstorms had not appeared. As soon as I shut down the laptop we had a torrential rainstorm that lasted for several hourse.noticably raising the level of the canal.</p><p>This morning was dry but overcast. After setting out we turned right at the junction with the Coventry Canal to travel two miles through the industrial town of Nuneaton to empty our waste tank at a small boatyard there. No pictures of Nuneaton I am afraid as the canal scenery, mainly of estate houses and allotments, is of little interest. We then turned the boat around and headed towards Coventry, mooring back near Hawkesbury Junction at lunchtime.</p><p>This was a coal mining area and there were canal arms that went to indivual collieries. The photo shows the end of the blocked and abandoned Newdigate Colliery Arm. The colliery itself closed in 1982.</p><p>The weather forecast for tomorrow is heavy rain for most of the day so we may not move. We are a day ahead of schedule so there is no point in getting wet.</p><p>3 hours 20 minutes, 9.08 miles</p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-86145742517452072662023-06-18T07:51:00.000-07:002023-06-18T07:51:40.021-07:00Back to the start of the Ashby<p> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w46TsuLM1A2iSIjzYa76biMGORoBe7JzrQ_G2osOUzCmZX8dx45IVIyfIp5N81Jmk3mAiq8gVQPeBf8W1F5-R71XUHjCb2CeJdBZ7YrPDrpW5lJrQAXrJHvWg2Hl7VukI4O3qFVesi2IrUZyy4ZbwDOGRu9Ch1o-WEldm-Cd4NUMZrOk4C4zmulZ_A/s4000/P1020510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w46TsuLM1A2iSIjzYa76biMGORoBe7JzrQ_G2osOUzCmZX8dx45IVIyfIp5N81Jmk3mAiq8gVQPeBf8W1F5-R71XUHjCb2CeJdBZ7YrPDrpW5lJrQAXrJHvWg2Hl7VukI4O3qFVesi2IrUZyy4ZbwDOGRu9Ch1o-WEldm-Cd4NUMZrOk4C4zmulZ_A/w400-h300/P1020510.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former working boat built in 1935</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHw1aDd-IY7VylOU0yLOWD2m10H_xvrqqXuoGSHioB7CGZc2egnJDvwH_mMThxITPzz98weH4CkgR4LIRRDhwkPZkxYkFrYcX5w0tzG_4X_KvcftaS8yYFt904upgfUl-EMKty7y5zU5XoVdedFpKMD62n_cyYgIKTcEDZpI8hQ76EZfMQLPTes3oZQ/s4000/P1020513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHw1aDd-IY7VylOU0yLOWD2m10H_xvrqqXuoGSHioB7CGZc2egnJDvwH_mMThxITPzz98weH4CkgR4LIRRDhwkPZkxYkFrYcX5w0tzG_4X_KvcftaS8yYFt904upgfUl-EMKty7y5zU5XoVdedFpKMD62n_cyYgIKTcEDZpI8hQ76EZfMQLPTes3oZQ/w400-h300/P1020513.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored at Birdge 3 on the Ashby just north of Coventry</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>An overcast day with occasional showers. We continue our journey back home reaching Bridge 3 on the Ashby about half a mile north of Marston Junction where the Ashby Canal meets the Cooventry Canal. We arrived at 12:45 an hour before a forecast thuderstorm but this afternoon there has only been a few rumbles of thunder and barely any rain. </p><p>We had planned to empty our waste tank at Trinity Maina in Hinckley but found it closed until Tuesday. So tomorrow we will need to take a small detour up the Coventry to find somewhere else. As we are a day ahead of schedule this will not disrupt our plans.</p><p>3 hours 45 minutes 8.35 miles</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-25016585765260670492023-06-17T07:55:00.004-07:002023-06-17T08:00:12.942-07:00Stoke Golding<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZW7IlOZ0Nz02Xv2U674ifeMmB52aGSWDA7dPrrOV6hJz-gzpjoRQRETKAAPEbmBkI91y7sAVlST1ZiAyJKHQe5UPrhNbf67OiJ2m8WV7Lj53gL3ch83frip5YXhcLOZmC4bMzDWSFg9_NV01OjZRFC8lHWrzy4n_kLmW2vJ6gdCVUVF9X0qdB7CGEQ/s4000/P1020509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZW7IlOZ0Nz02Xv2U674ifeMmB52aGSWDA7dPrrOV6hJz-gzpjoRQRETKAAPEbmBkI91y7sAVlST1ZiAyJKHQe5UPrhNbf67OiJ2m8WV7Lj53gL3ch83frip5YXhcLOZmC4bMzDWSFg9_NV01OjZRFC8lHWrzy4n_kLmW2vJ6gdCVUVF9X0qdB7CGEQ/w400-h300/P1020509.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Shenton aqueduct</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The very hot weather seems to be over. We awoke to a cool and cloudy morning with some light rain. We set off at 8:25 as soon as the rain stopped retracing our journey through Market Bosworth and on over Shenton Aqueduct where the canal crosses over a country lane. I was not able to get a satisfactory photo on the way up so did not mention it last week.<p>Soon after the aqueduct we stopped at the services at Sutton Wharf to fill up with water. By this time the rain had returned, heavier than before. Luckily there was a cafe nearby so we had a coffee there whilst waiting for the rain to stop, which it did in half an hour.</p><p>The final stage of today's journey took us to the village of Stoke Golding where a blue plaque records that Henry 7th was crowned after his vistory at Bosworth. More usefully for us it has a very good farm shop where we stocked up with fresh veg, 3 pubs which we did not visit and a highly recommended Indian restaurant where we may eat this evening.</p><p>4 hours 15 miutes cruising, 8.16 miles</p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-77003113480392813952023-06-16T08:36:00.001-07:002023-06-16T08:36:28.627-07:00Congerstone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L3MdIzelo0lmTjL4_b4ItMQhR7-2i82S_ulxOIlRqZDnMV6peG6zdSmth1aTqB7eTrm3jg3k7sK-FIErn_P0paiYC_1BmiiQm24_iHV_1GEeK6W0qhyb-cyV6BM28nnkrHsBncBg7gKhWJe2_l44AnFbctC8u8jRB42RcmJ26QyMIhlZJcGBOe98oA/s4000/P1020495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L3MdIzelo0lmTjL4_b4ItMQhR7-2i82S_ulxOIlRqZDnMV6peG6zdSmth1aTqB7eTrm3jg3k7sK-FIErn_P0paiYC_1BmiiQm24_iHV_1GEeK6W0qhyb-cyV6BM28nnkrHsBncBg7gKhWJe2_l44AnFbctC8u8jRB42RcmJ26QyMIhlZJcGBOe98oA/w400-h300/P1020495.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can go no further</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5M5CEsIeJPd7pRxKB5tP31riDQ0_MRge6VHMG8Y1RhvATKLZ4gw31WNObbXfo-z6-SomBsROAN1jjR6tYNUoTvPb_0uzyoDEC_3Nam7n3_MNqyY1OGU4x5ZGFVKKAjclPXwZ7h23oZqCzuMh4CDIUcx1VT1bEmDqX9Ff6rLs-TPaNGsZhT08iSDMnA/s4000/P1020497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5M5CEsIeJPd7pRxKB5tP31riDQ0_MRge6VHMG8Y1RhvATKLZ4gw31WNObbXfo-z6-SomBsROAN1jjR6tYNUoTvPb_0uzyoDEC_3Nam7n3_MNqyY1OGU4x5ZGFVKKAjclPXwZ7h23oZqCzuMh4CDIUcx1VT1bEmDqX9Ff6rLs-TPaNGsZhT08iSDMnA/w400-h300/P1020497.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the navigation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-lwKZ-LliRMEdXVdqYoo4fcFKej6f-A4A-_6P4FRf4YwZkPkDaMNzAI3qrCSBcSUoEF4dUSybz3vA_4eFR7w-s7v_LxB-YFNl0dIOMG8dBIChIfA0Oo6H6YilIM0Gr3DGmlLjxpeJM93ANDgDwUnFneoG-2C6LcMBkg1xqKJxGg8466R6uDSw0KJeg/s4000/P1020498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-lwKZ-LliRMEdXVdqYoo4fcFKej6f-A4A-_6P4FRf4YwZkPkDaMNzAI3qrCSBcSUoEF4dUSybz3vA_4eFR7w-s7v_LxB-YFNl0dIOMG8dBIChIfA0Oo6H6YilIM0Gr3DGmlLjxpeJM93ANDgDwUnFneoG-2C6LcMBkg1xqKJxGg8466R6uDSw0KJeg/w400-h300/P1020498.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day the canal will be extended</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvXFXEIHFKxvryl3LzVZaRRajfYc6eaaOHcPoy4p4ItOMK8sTHxk0DPFfudFZSXdN-MEeg52osTvlKm9lCqmHjeIPbXG3Z2YKBZVoNMkUyvOYXrDxsBFxtJqdPs-zEiJW1GbBwI_zyF35rdTuXyqJ1pyBjIath53ccNqcFXhWzPwRefytp0b3rmcUEA/s4000/P1020500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvXFXEIHFKxvryl3LzVZaRRajfYc6eaaOHcPoy4p4ItOMK8sTHxk0DPFfudFZSXdN-MEeg52osTvlKm9lCqmHjeIPbXG3Z2YKBZVoNMkUyvOYXrDxsBFxtJqdPs-zEiJW1GbBwI_zyF35rdTuXyqJ1pyBjIath53ccNqcFXhWzPwRefytp0b3rmcUEA/w400-h300/P1020500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After turning round - more Ashby scenery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbR-r-ewyfomHaBdroJ5wa4Ti5BFVYExsezb6VbJseFJVV2Gj_w95pAoMeEcWjzPJPngIyCL9gYEOK6D3Gm47x8hrhXOTID18HvbK3FoyAV0HX_wZxkwFTaXOSJhL0cbMqSdK27Ek0FHvTmfxhbaGw5udjxahpTj0jOkPvVitAf-gQIp271Ur7FBqlA/s4000/P1020504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbR-r-ewyfomHaBdroJ5wa4Ti5BFVYExsezb6VbJseFJVV2Gj_w95pAoMeEcWjzPJPngIyCL9gYEOK6D3Gm47x8hrhXOTID18HvbK3FoyAV0HX_wZxkwFTaXOSJhL0cbMqSdK27Ek0FHvTmfxhbaGw5udjxahpTj0jOkPvVitAf-gQIp271Ur7FBqlA/w400-h300/P1020504.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to leave Snarestone tunnel traveling south</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbR-r-ewyfomHaBdroJ5wa4Ti5BFVYExsezb6VbJseFJVV2Gj_w95pAoMeEcWjzPJPngIyCL9gYEOK6D3Gm47x8hrhXOTID18HvbK3FoyAV0HX_wZxkwFTaXOSJhL0cbMqSdK27Ek0FHvTmfxhbaGw5udjxahpTj0jOkPvVitAf-gQIp271Ur7FBqlA/s4000/P1020504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div><p></p><p>Last night we had a good meal and beer at the friendly Globe Inn in Snarestone. Well worth a visit.</p><p>After starting at 9am this morning we passed through Snarestone tunnel into a section of canal that has been restored after having been abandoned in 1966 following the loss of the northern part of the canal to mining subsidence. This is somewhat ironic since the canal was first built in the 1790's to carry coal from the Leicestershire mines.</p><p>We moored at the Ashby Canal Association's visitor facilities located at the furthest point we can take our 57 foot boat. Shorter boats can be granted permission to travel on for a half mile to the true end of navigation where there is a winding hole to turn small boats. We had to walk there and could see where the canal will be further restored to eventually return to its original terminus in the village of Moira.</p><p>The ACA's facilities include a water tap where we filled our tank and a small shop where we bought a couple of cartons of excellent local ice cream. There is also a winding hole sufficiently large to accommodate all narrowboats where we turned the boat around to start our journey back home.</p><p>So back through Snarestone tunnel and Shackerstone to the village of Congerstone where we moored up in the hot sun at 12:55.</p><p>3 hours 15 minutes, 5.69 miles.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490744906354880255.post-52581392099520345892023-06-15T08:56:00.001-07:002023-06-15T08:56:45.204-07:00Snarestone<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH5aX2C8lsU9kgsVRkPhm3y7dzZxyVkhInCJRmbOgnVfOo7GlZ2sPccehQMr2uyQcRUAC982XolWNkmCwWcsSfa69roUGkCbFtZo2ui9TQCyOExBJJ23o0eUC5CVF4OlhakoBFzZDkyyzt5OsrosyH_EZmZJKmcDO2aiEOHUhju8z3A4UHMJmVjMHIA/s4000/P1020487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH5aX2C8lsU9kgsVRkPhm3y7dzZxyVkhInCJRmbOgnVfOo7GlZ2sPccehQMr2uyQcRUAC982XolWNkmCwWcsSfa69roUGkCbFtZo2ui9TQCyOExBJJ23o0eUC5CVF4OlhakoBFzZDkyyzt5OsrosyH_EZmZJKmcDO2aiEOHUhju8z3A4UHMJmVjMHIA/w400-h300/P1020487.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising past the reeds<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHJ2zxmbwgqOXAhKNPvvSmnhW3mtmxe1Q4G00EOWYwhxgHiBargJ0Y_WcYrmbCqRBfGCbsR98n_qzQQausy9v_2arrJRlhZ0R8Vz85jGubzOt7MARTuNYEgMtmrHGnVboiFNvdFKBVksoyare7uDDFz_yeXUfnU_2HB5AfVOdThgrI7lKDF4EhkNA4g/s4000/P1020491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHJ2zxmbwgqOXAhKNPvvSmnhW3mtmxe1Q4G00EOWYwhxgHiBargJ0Y_WcYrmbCqRBfGCbsR98n_qzQQausy9v_2arrJRlhZ0R8Vz85jGubzOt7MARTuNYEgMtmrHGnVboiFNvdFKBVksoyare7uDDFz_yeXUfnU_2HB5AfVOdThgrI7lKDF4EhkNA4g/w400-h300/P1020491.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ashby Canal is narrow in places</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMt7VT-dEXmucIEYVop7PWM-YAbh1EghSIJzWVKm7soRcAfes5pNZdRP_5YerhEHnWRGDUVkR3oYuUJuJdihy6yGBE7Ar5jgHZ3-yI62Y0geWj453axGKaWWGds223_e95HjLbXmQVc90LoPva6dHKJzcOYZYY3haebZ_Pym7qjLNspOP7xsKu9potw/s4000/P1020492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMt7VT-dEXmucIEYVop7PWM-YAbh1EghSIJzWVKm7soRcAfes5pNZdRP_5YerhEHnWRGDUVkR3oYuUJuJdihy6yGBE7Ar5jgHZ3-yI62Y0geWj453axGKaWWGds223_e95HjLbXmQVc90LoPva6dHKJzcOYZYY3haebZ_Pym7qjLNspOP7xsKu9potw/w400-h300/P1020492.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mooring near Snarestone tunnel</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Another hot day tmade more comfortable byh a cool breeze and plenty of shade from the trees along the canal. </p><p>We set off at 8:40 intending to finish by lunchtime and so avoid the heat of the day. The journey took us past the Bosworth Battle field Heritage Centre located on the hill where the battle was believed to have taken place. Here there is a visitor centre (not visible from the canal) with a highly regarded exhibition and the normal restaurant and gift shop. Unfortuately research by historians and archeologists in the 2000's proved that the battle site was actually 2 miles away not far from our mooring last night.</p><p>Then on past the road leading to the town of Market Bosworth about 1 mile away. It looks like we will have to make that walk when we return as we have limited supplies left and shops are very scarce along the canal.</p><p>At lunchtime we reached the very small village of Shackerstone where we planned to stay for the night and have a meal in the local pub. However, we went there whilst exploring the village and were disappointed to hear that they were no longer providing meals.</p><p>As we have not eaten out so far on this trip the only solution was to carry on up the canal for another couple of miles to Snarestone near the end of navigation. There are good moorings next to the tunnel which takes the canal uderneath the village.</p><p>This was the longest day on our journey so far:</p><p>5 hours 15 minues, 11.83 miles</p><p><br /></p>Densiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822380486647464404noreply@blogger.com0