Norton Junction and Nether Heyford

On Saturday we left Hillmorton for Braunston. The weather was windy and cold but it wasn't raining. We stopped off at Midland Chandlers to pick up some bits and pieces, notably a gate valve so I could balance the hot and cold feeds to the shower mixer valve. We moored up alongside a friendly crew who were consulting the staff over "leisure" batteries - sounded like it could be expensive.

We moved slowly to Braunston Bottom Lock hoping to meet another crew to pair up with but were disappointed. There were crews coming down the flight in pairs but none going in our direction. The waiting area by the bottom lock was as usual busy with Union Canal Carriers hire fleet waiting to go out.

Braunston Bottom Lock

The Admiral Nelson

As we made the Top Lock a crew appeared behind us but by then it was too late to pair up. We headed for the tunnel and found it completely clear all the way through. We had a very rapid transit and then reached Norton Junction around 2:30 PM. We dropped down the one lock and called it a day. As Maggie went to visit Anchor Cottage to purchase a watering can for the garden, I fitted the gate valve on the shower cold feed. It turned out to be one of those rare jobs that was completely straight forward and also successful.

That evening we ate at The New Inn (Fish & Chips) and then took a stroll up to the junction as the sun went down. The weather had improved.

Norton Junction

As we stood on the bridge by the tollkeepers cottage we realised that all the years we have passed this way this was the first time that we stood on the bridge looking over the Grand Union.

The next day the plan was to pick up our grandson Hugh at Weedon and for him to have a sleepover on the boat before we returned to Yardley. Gobion.

We left fairly promptly (for us) and teamed up with Wild Marigold a hire boat from Calcutt. They had a helpful crew and we made good progress down the locks. The weather was showery and blustery.

This season's ducklings at Long Buckby

Replica tug at Dodford Wharf

Just after Dodford we began to realise that since we had been away there had been significant progress with the construction of the bridge over the canal for the Flore Bypass. A new concrete span was in place across the canal and a colossal crane was on site. An furtherspan across the canal and two others across the railway appear to be needed.

Modest crane for lifting narrow boats and colossal crane for constructing bridges

Crane for constructing the Flore Bypass Bridge

In the afternoon Hugh joined us for a trip down to Nether Heyford where we moored up for the night close to Heyford Fields Marina. On the way we picked up water by Stowe Hill and Hugh made friends with another five-year old boy called Max - they played in the woods together.

A happy Hugh boating

Our neighbours for the night were Moriarty. When the boat belonged to Bob & Lyn Doyle we spent some happy days together on the River Nene in 2006. 

Hugh ready for sleep in the back cabin

On Sunday morning we headed south towards Stoke Bruerne to meet up with the family for lunch and take Albert down the flight to our home moorings. The tunnel was very wet with sheets of water descending to canal level in several places and not just by air shafts.

Blisworth Tunnel Northern Portal

The moorings at Stoke were very quiet and we could select where we wanted to tie up. We had lunch at The Boat Inn and then went down the Stoke Flight with NB Hera who were planning to stop overnight at The Navigation at Cosgrove. We finally got to Kingfisher Marina at around 4:30 PM and then had the task of picking up cars and unloading the boat - never as much fun as packing up - none of the anticipation.

Hillmorton

David Owen in his 1986 book "Exploring England by Canal" discusses "When to Cruise" - I have a copy on board Albert. It's a not often discussed topic. 

With the wet and cold weather we have having recently I decided to reread it. He discusses boating at Easter and points out the vagaries of the weather even when the holiday falls in late April. He points out that snow is not uncommon, but he is keen on Easter boating. As positive aspects he points out the usually plentiful supply of water, lack of weeds and wonderful spring flowers. Today was definitely a day to enjoy Easter boating. The weather suddenly changed from yesterday's heavy cold rain to today's bright cloudless skies. What a difference a day makes!

Shepherd's Hut & "Mini" Ruston Bucyrus near Trusses Bridge

Interesting Poly-tunnel At Stretton Stop

Pussy willow in bloom

Ash trees with their black buds emerging

All Oak Woods

Newbold Tunnel

Just after Newbold we had a bacon butty whilst on the move. There were a number of hire boaters on the move from several of the usual companies (Alvechurch, Napton, Clifton Cruisers, Black Prince etc.). They must be relieved by the change in the weather.

We made Hillmorton at around 2:30 and used what must be the worst water point on the system - difficult to moor up with the slopping stone bank, poorly positioned rings that can only suit a 70 ft working boat and water pressure that means it took over 30 mins to top up Albert from half-full.

We finally moved off and then joined a mini queue waiting to go up the locks. I pulled Albert in front on Nick Wolfe's mooring and we had a chat whilst waiting. A friendly cat took a shine to our boat.

Cat Aboard!

Daffodil display between the locks

 We moored up for the night just above the top lock and then walked down the flight to the cafe for afternoon tea.

Badseys Wharf Cafe

Afternoon tea at Badsey's

We also explored the dry dock and other facilities. Around 18 years ago we had our first boat painted in the facility. The dock is very much the same as then but the personnel are different.

Grantham's Bridge Dry Dock at Hillmorton

Lock beams with poem

Sutton Stop

We woke to good weather on Wednesday and made use of the facilities at Sutton Wharf. Free hot shower followed by coffee and a bacon bap for breakfast. This made it a relaxed start to the day. We didn't depart until 10:30.

It was at this point that the heavy rain showers started. We followed a boat that had moored up just ahead of us and was also going south. Just by Dadlington the steerer pulled over. I asked if he was OK and got the response - "I'm giving up mate!" - I know how he felt but I told myself  that I was made of sterner stuff.

All the way through Stoke Golding and Hinkley it rained. At Marston Junction, where we turned onto the Coventry Canal towards Hawkesbury Junction, we had a dry interval, but then we had heavy downpours all the way to Sutton Stop. Once again we passed through the stop lock in the rain and then tried to find a mooring on the Oxford Canal.

Most of the moorings at Hawkesbury Junction were taken and were we were forced to moor up on a curve against some large sheet piling and use mooring pins. It took a range of pins, ropes, and fenders to get the bow and stern in a reasonable position - canal boats are not banana shaped. This included "springing" the bows and using some floating wheel fenders I purchased after mooring problems on the Shropshire Union.

Still we had a good night's sleep and the boat was secure in morning.

No photos - gives you an idea how wet it was!

Attleborough

We are at Attleborough - no not the more familiar town in Norfolk, where we have friends, but the village in Warwickshire near Nuneaton - at least that is what the weather forecast on my phone says. We have been looking at our phone weather forecasts a lot recently. Tonight it's raining but unlike yesterday we had a period of dry weather from dawn until 2 o'clock.

Tonight's weather forecast 

(The warning is Yellow for snow)

We left our muddy mooring at Hillmorton about 9 o'clock. An hour before we left, Roger Alsop passed us with cheery comment as he went south on NB Comet. Later we got a text to say he had made it all the way to Cosgrove - quite a journey. 

A view of the towpath from our saloon window

We dropped down the three double locks at Hillmorton in parallel with another boat. It was interesting to see how much quicker the locks with ground paddles emptied. Through Rugby we met a few boats going south and as always we met a few at bridge holes where boats had moored. Just north of Newbold we met a Rose Narrowboat's day boat going south. Unfortunately they appeared oblivious of the fact that they should slow down where the canal narrows and we had to push off their bows before we had a collision. Maybe it will be a "learning experience". 

Approaching Hawkesbury Junction (Sutton Stop)

(with threatening clouds)

By Sutton Stop it was pouring with rain. Not for the first time we went through the lock in heavy rain. We met two boats going south. 

Sutton Stop Lock seen from the Coventry Canal

Hawkesbury Junction

The rain abated for a while but by the time we turned off onto the Ashby Canal it was raining again and temperatures were dropping. 

We moored up by the visitor moorings near Bridge 5. Tomorrow we are committed to moving on to meet family. It looks like we will boating in the rain all day.

Easter Cruise

We are currently on an Easter Cruise to the Ashby Canal, although judging by the Yellow Weather Warning for snow issued for Northamptonshire, I think the weather hasn't yet realised that its holiday time.

Taking on water at Norton Junction

On Tuesday Albert was examined for its Boat Safety Certificate by Roger Alsop. This is the fourth time Roger has carried out an inspection so he knows his way around our boat. Albert passed OK.

We picked up Albert from High House Wharf on Wednesday morning in fine but cold weather but then conditions went downhill rapidly. By the time we reached Weedon it was cold and wet with heavy showers and very soon, despite lots of layers, I was soaked. This continued all the way to Welton where we stopped for a pump-out, fuel and lunch in the Lockside Cafe. I had an excellent variation on their mini-breakfast - the variation being black pudding. I particularly liked the bubble and squeak.

Mini-breakfast

We went up the Buckby Locks with a another crew and progressed reasonably well but the weather didn't really improve much so we gave up for the day just below the Top Lock - a little earlier than anticipated but we had some "work" to do - putting back curtains, and fixing some small fittings that were removed during the painting.

"New" curtain between the engine room and back-cabin

(Modified from a curtain bought on eBay)

We then just had to visit the New Inn. It continues to impress us with its food and beer. The sign referring to the tragic story of Matilda and the Buckby Can is still there.

The story of Matilda and the Buckby Can

 Today started with temperatures just around freezing with clear skies but by 9:30 we had the first of the rain showers that just got heavier as the day progressed.

Braunston Tunnel

(Clear right through)

The trip through Braunston tunnel, with only one boat coming through in the other direction, was easy. As we entered the tunnel Maggie asked if any boats were coming through the other way - as I responded "not yet" a boat appeared at the far end. We went down the Braunston flight with a single-handed boater and then moored up a Midland Chandlers for some "bits".

The trip to Hillmorton was quiet but the rain just poured down and showers appeared to come from every direction - crazy. We passed a couple of boats that we are familiar with. The first was the boat of fellow blogger who now goes under the name of The Museum of Thin Objects, we met them at Cropredy some years ago. The second was another Albert that we have passed many times - we got a cheery wave as we passed by.

Ex-BCN boat Eileen

Another Albert at Barby

Tomorrow we head towards Rugby, Coventry and the Ashby Canal.

Braunston

On Sunday the rain had passed over and we had good weather for our short trip down to Braunston. Although it was quiet there was a volunteer lock keeper on duty at Hillmorton. The pounds were quite low so I let down an extra "lock-full".

Hillmorton Locks

As the day progressed the canal became more busy although relatively quiet compared with summer. I think a number of hire boats were out for the half-term week. We managed to find a good 14-day mooring in Braunston and tidied up Albert. Visits to the excellent Gongoozler's Rest for lunch and The Boat House for dinner followed. At the weekend we have to move Albert through Long Buckby Locks before the winter closure that starts next Monday so we can get to our home berth at Yardley Gobion.

Newbold on Avon

On Saturday it rained and rained. It was one of those days when, because we had to get south on a timetable, we just had to "grin and bear it". We left Atherstone under cloudy skies but no rain. However, it quickly degenerated and by the time we reached Nuneaton the rain had really set it for most of the day.

I noticed that at Mancetter, just out of Atherstone, there was an interpretation panel concerning the site Boudicca's last battle. As a resident of Northants I still go with the Dan Snow theory that it is more likely to be Cuttle Mill, near Towcester.

Hartshill Wharf

Passing along the section of canal between Atherstone and Nuneaton you are greeted by a site that once must have been familiar, a telegraph pole with a plethora of cross beams and conductors. I have photographed this item before, but passing by this time I wondered if this structure was actually worthy of listing. In a few years only a small proportion of the population will remember these iconic structures which lined railways, roads and canals. Is there (or should there be) a Society for the Preservation of Telegraph Poles?

Telegraph Pole nears Hartshill

We reached Hawksbury Junction (Sutton Stop) by lunch. Maggie optimistically suggested that the rain might be easing. Unfortunately within half an hour we had a deluge. With Albert's tradition stern the stern doors can be closed, the hatch drawn back. With the engine doors also closed warm air keeps your lower half cosy but the upper half is another matter!

Impending heavy rain near Ansty

Of course rain does eventually ease and by the time we reached Stretton Stop it was only drizzling. For some time I had noticed a boat in front with a steerer wearing a bright yellow fluorescent jacket. He stood out in the gloom as it got darker. By the time we got near to Cathiron we had caught him up and he was hailing us. His engine had quit in a cloud of smoke and he wanted a tow the moorings at Newbold; the other side of the tunnel. We obliged by hitching up his 60 ft Harborough Marine boat behind Albert on "short straps". It was getting dark as we approached the tunnel and for safety we waited until no boats were coming north. The tow was fine with Albert coping well at modest speed. Amazingly we managed find a mooring just south of the tunnel where both boats could moor so we avoided having to manhandle the disabled boat. 

Towing a broken-down boat near Newbold

That night we repaired to the Barley Mow in Newbold.  We both had a good meal of steak and chips. As we left for the night I decided to visit the gentleman's "facilities". I just had to take a photo of piano! I gather it does occasionally get played. The waitress moaned that the Ladies was quite boring with no musical instruments. Do the locals use "tinkling the ivories" as a euphemism for going to the lavatory. 

Urinals and Piano!

Cosy in Coventry

We left Chathiron this morning in blustery weather with sunshine. Unfortunately it also rained and we had hail! Still, compared to yesterday the wind was benign. We made Hawkesbury Junction (Sutton Stop) by lunch and then turned left (west). Yes, for the first time we explored the Coventry Arm. We have passed this way often but always found ourselves pressing on towards our destination. However, we haven't totally neglected Coventry before, having visited the Herbert Gallery and the Canal Basin back in 2010 (not by boat).

James Brindley looking out over Coventry Basin

After turning onto the Coventry Canal we stopped for lunch and then made our way past the Ricoh Stadium and the outskirts of the city. 

Maggie giving Martha some TLC 

(Hawksbury junction)

Ricoh Stadium

New Footbridge

Cash's former factory, Coventry

(now cottages)

I was taken by the former Cash's factory alongside the canal which has been converted into cottages. I think that many of our age will have had Cash's name tapes sewn into their school clothes. 

This area is not unknown to me. Back in 1968, whilst studying for my bachelor's degree I worked for a year as an assistant chemical engineer for Courtaulds whose headquarters were in Coventry. I was based in the research laboratory which was opposite the main factory on the Foleshill Road close to the canal. 

Courtaulds' buildings on the Foleshill Road 

(modern scene from Coventry Message Board)

Courtauld's main building from the canal

 However, before we got to Bridge 3 where the Foleshill Road crosses the canal we passed by a huge empty site that was being redeveloped. Machines were moving earth and test bores were being carried out. It suddenly dawned on me, just after we had gone by, that we were passing the site of Courtaulds Little Heath works. I spent a little time there carrying out some routine measurements for one of the senior staff. It was an acetate production plant and I remember clearly the high solvent concentrations that pervaded its atmosphere. I mentioned this at the time to one of the process workers who said, without irony, what smell son? I presume he and most of those directly involved with the process were desensitised.

We moored up in the delightful basin at the end of the arm.  It is busier than in 2010 and Valley Cruisers are operating from part of it. The only negative of our journey along the arm was the amount of rubbish in the water. I managed not to "get a prop-full" until the last few yards. I winded in front of the statue to Brindley, reversed into our mooring and as I put on power to stop we collected a mix of polythene bags and other debris. Another exciting (?) trip down the weed hatch in cold water.

Coventry Basin

Tonight we are warm and cosy in the basin and we have good satellite reception although tonight's choice leaves much to be desired. Tomorrow I will try and get some pictures of the Little Heath site as we return down the arm and head for Atherstone.

Gales at Cathiron

Cathiron is a small hamlet near Brinklow on the North Oxford and is near All Oak Wood. We moored up here for 24 hr because of the weather. With winds in excess of 40 mph, and a relatively slack schedule, we decided that we should hunker down here for the day.

NB Monarch moored up just outside Braunston

Yesterday we left Braunston and made for Hillmorton. It was bright and sunny but also breezy. The water points in Braunston were busy so we decided to wait till later but we managed to pop into Midland Chandlers for some bits & pieces (Brasso, anti-freeze and a Muddy Waters book - more of which later). The journey to Hillmorton was straightforward and we arrived around lunchtime.

Poetry on the lock gates

The day before we had listened to a BBC Radio 4 programme on Landscape Poetry which had by  happy coincidence, featured Hillmorton Locks. Also, I had just read that Hillmorton Flight is the busiest flight on the system with 10,781 movements last year. A volunteer  lock keeper was on duty and provided helpful and friendly assistance all the way down the three double locks.

We decided to pop in to the cafe which is half way down the flight. The cafe is very much a homage to the owners' historic narrowboat Badsey but is more correctly called the Canal Chef. They produce delicious meals every day from March to October from 9am to 2pm in querky surroundings with loads of boating memorabilia. We had a great lunch with Maggie taking on board the fish cakes and I went for one of my favourites - liver and onions.

Enjoying Lunch at Badsey's, Hillmorton

Motor Badsey and butty Angel at their moorings at Hillmorton

After lunch we decided to take on water at Hillmorton but the tap was very slow. As we waited Halfie passed by and gave us a cheery greeting. We later saw Jubilee moored up at Rugby but no sign of the crew.

Approaching Newbold Tunnel we heard from passers-by that there was a problem ahead. It turned out that there was a medical emergency at bridge 50. An air ambulance was in field opposite the Barley Mow and a number of paramedics were on hand.

Emergency at Newbold

We learned later that a man had fallen from the bridge but fell onto the steeply sloping bank on the offside not into the water.

Congestion at Newbold caused by the medical emergency

The weather continued blustery and wet and we finally called it a day at Cathiron. We hunkered down for the night in heavy rain and then heard a tap on our window. It was Halfie. They came on board and had a natter and a glass of wine. Good to finally meet up. Because they were on a schedule they moved on but we stayed put.

Last night was very bumpy and the planks on the roof kept lifting kepping us awake. I went out to check our mooring lines - luckily everything was secure. The farm opposite was lambing way into the night.

Cathiron moorings, Brinklow

Today we faced the full force of the gale. Our daughter, son-in-law and our grandson Hugh visited us and we had lunch on board. Hugh's first reaction to the boat was "It's lovely here", which amused us all. Hugh enjoyed feeding the ducks and exploring the boat. We had great fun and Hugh and I read Muddy Waters. Hopefully on his next visit conditions will be suitable for a trip

Hugh & Steve reading Muddy Waters