Today was a typical English Bank Holiday, cold, windy and damp. We left Hopwas in light rain and stopped off at Fazeley Junction to pick up water. Another boat was already picking up water so we breasted-up and waited. As we waited, three Sea Otters arrived to empty “elsans” making it quite a busy spot.
We went up Glascote Locks in brighter weather and then stopped for lunch near Alvercote Priory. The afternoon was drier and we had a reasonably good journey up the eleven locks of the Atherstone flight although most needed filling, and they fill slowly. Half way up the flight we had a confusing period waiting for boat to come down the flight. They turned into Baddesley Wharf so we had to close up the lock we had left ready for them.
It was very quiet near the flight with no walkers, joggers or cyclists. Maybe the residents of Atherstone were all indoors watching TV. Under grey skies, we continued to Hartshill and moored up just short of the village. Low level GPRS again tonight.
To Hopwas (May 3)
The weather had changed overnight. Although the new day was dry, it was windy and the temperature had significantly dropped. It was a little difficult leaving our moorings, because overnight Albert had gone aground (penalty of having 30 inches draught), but also because of the wind. We reached Colwich Lock about 9:30 and found that the ground paddle on the top gates was out of action. Given the density of boat traffic through this section, this probably caused delays later in the day. There was quite a lot of northbound boat traffic but little going our way.
When we reached the “opened-out” Armitage Tunnel a boat was coming south so we paused. In reply to the usual “anybody behind”, he replied “not for at least 100 yards”. Well that might have been true but when we got out of the narrow section, there were at least four boats waiting for us. One hire boat appeared to have particular trouble because of the moored boats by the Plum Pudding inn.
We passed the Armitage Shanks Sanitary Ware factory and then headed into the country. Although it was cold and windy at least the sun was shining. Knowing the difficulties that can occur at Fradley Junction over busy periods such as bank holidays we pressed on. Fradley was indeed busy, but not as busy as in August. It did however live up to expectations when a local resident at Shade House Lock had an argument with a boater who had not moved up on the lock moorings and in the wind had caused a hire boat to be blown across the canal. “Bad boatmanship” was among the words exchanged. To which the comment “get a life” was used in response. We have to admit that the local resident was correct and there was not much consideration being shown. However, the root cause of the problem is the paucity of the lock waiting area and the number of boats permanently moored close to the locks. Still it all adds to “life’s rich tapestry” as somebody is alleged to have said.
We turned into the Coventry Canal and found that we could not take on water without blocking the navigation because two boats had moored on both water points and the crews were not onboard. Perhaps they were in the pub oblivious of the problem, or perhaps they could not care less.
We had a pleasant trip through Streethay, Huddlesford and Whittington and moored up by Tamhorn Park Bridge near Hopwas.
Streethay Wharf
We went for a walk up the wooded hill into the Hopwas military area in the evening sunshine. Maggie had to be convinced that the red flags were not flying. The views over the Trent valley were impressive and the visibility was good. Later on the wind dropped and the canal became like a mirror. It will be cold tonight. Our coal fire is on.
Moonlight at Hopwas
Tonight the light on our O2 dongle is not showing green as it has for the past week, indicating the lowest level of GPRS, but tonight is showing lilac; the second level of connection - EDGE. There are two more levels before we get to HSUPA. I must admit that tonight our internet connection is quicker, but it is not very quick and even downloading emails is too slow. So once again no images. We have quite a backlog now.
Note images were added later.
When we reached the “opened-out” Armitage Tunnel a boat was coming south so we paused. In reply to the usual “anybody behind”, he replied “not for at least 100 yards”. Well that might have been true but when we got out of the narrow section, there were at least four boats waiting for us. One hire boat appeared to have particular trouble because of the moored boats by the Plum Pudding inn.
We passed the Armitage Shanks Sanitary Ware factory and then headed into the country. Although it was cold and windy at least the sun was shining. Knowing the difficulties that can occur at Fradley Junction over busy periods such as bank holidays we pressed on. Fradley was indeed busy, but not as busy as in August. It did however live up to expectations when a local resident at Shade House Lock had an argument with a boater who had not moved up on the lock moorings and in the wind had caused a hire boat to be blown across the canal. “Bad boatmanship” was among the words exchanged. To which the comment “get a life” was used in response. We have to admit that the local resident was correct and there was not much consideration being shown. However, the root cause of the problem is the paucity of the lock waiting area and the number of boats permanently moored close to the locks. Still it all adds to “life’s rich tapestry” as somebody is alleged to have said.
We turned into the Coventry Canal and found that we could not take on water without blocking the navigation because two boats had moored on both water points and the crews were not onboard. Perhaps they were in the pub oblivious of the problem, or perhaps they could not care less.
We had a pleasant trip through Streethay, Huddlesford and Whittington and moored up by Tamhorn Park Bridge near Hopwas.
Streethay Wharf
We went for a walk up the wooded hill into the Hopwas military area in the evening sunshine. Maggie had to be convinced that the red flags were not flying. The views over the Trent valley were impressive and the visibility was good. Later on the wind dropped and the canal became like a mirror. It will be cold tonight. Our coal fire is on.
Moonlight at Hopwas
Tonight the light on our O2 dongle is not showing green as it has for the past week, indicating the lowest level of GPRS, but tonight is showing lilac; the second level of connection - EDGE. There are two more levels before we get to HSUPA. I must admit that tonight our internet connection is quicker, but it is not very quick and even downloading emails is too slow. So once again no images. We have quite a backlog now.
Note images were added later.
To Great Haywood (May 2)
After a good night’s sleep outside the Wedgwood factory at Barlaston, we woke at around 7:00 and Steve murmured, “that sounds just like a hot-air balloon burner”. Peering through the curtains we found that it was. Before we left our moorings seven balloons had crossed over us from the direction of Trentham and landed somewhere near Barlaston Hall. One even appeared to attempt a landing in the field next to the canal but discovered that there were power lines across the centre.
The weather was warm and sunny. We got to Meadford flight just before another boat that followed us down the flight into Stone. Maggie chatting to one of the crew, proffered the thought “It’s going to be nice day” “Yes” he said, “I’ve brought my shorts with me!” “Some people wear shorts all year round, like our postman but I think he just likes to show off his legs.”Maggie replied. “ As it happens,” he replied, “We’re all postmen on this boat-but we don’t walk the streets, we drive 20 tonnes of mail around in big red lorries.” By the time we reached the next lock, he had indeed got his shorts on. “And a fine pair of legs he had too!” said Maggie.
Roger Fuller's Boatyard at Stone
Joules Brewery Building, Stone
When we arrived in Stone, it was far busier than when we passed through in March. After stopping for water below the bottom lock, the only mooring we could manage was breasting up alongside the Postmen. When we reached the town centre, we realised one reason for the congestion. The monthly Farmers’ Market was being held in the main street. The place was buzzing. There was almost a carnival atmosphere with the stall-holders’ good-natured banter over a wonderful array of produce; bread and cakes, farm- produced meat and cheese, a whole stall of various mushrooms, plants, and much more. Who could resist? As we were entertaining our friends Anne & Edward Winter aboard Albert that evening, we returned to the boat heavily laden.
Stone Farmers Market
As we left Stone Steve said hello to Brian Holmes (In the Pink) from Narrowboat World. His boat is unmistakable.
The journey towards Great Haywood was uneventful except for meeting a father with his young son on a hire boat at Sandon Lock. As the boy did not yet have the strength to operate the lock mechanisms, he was learning to handle the boat in the lock. It was quite a touching scene.
Shugborough Hall from the Trent and Mersey Canal
We met up with Anne and Edward Winter just north of Haywood Junction. They came down from Sheffield to meet us and helped us through Haywood Lock, fitting into their usual roles when they come boating with us. They also came laden with gifts, mostly edible or potable. We had a convivial meal moored in front of Shugborough Hall in a re-enactment of another memorable meal when they were boating with us on Albert. On that occasion, it was warmer and we were able to eat on the bank, but it was much more difficult to find a mooring.
The weather was warm and sunny. We got to Meadford flight just before another boat that followed us down the flight into Stone. Maggie chatting to one of the crew, proffered the thought “It’s going to be nice day” “Yes” he said, “I’ve brought my shorts with me!” “Some people wear shorts all year round, like our postman but I think he just likes to show off his legs.”Maggie replied. “ As it happens,” he replied, “We’re all postmen on this boat-but we don’t walk the streets, we drive 20 tonnes of mail around in big red lorries.” By the time we reached the next lock, he had indeed got his shorts on. “And a fine pair of legs he had too!” said Maggie.
Roger Fuller's Boatyard at Stone
Joules Brewery Building, Stone
When we arrived in Stone, it was far busier than when we passed through in March. After stopping for water below the bottom lock, the only mooring we could manage was breasting up alongside the Postmen. When we reached the town centre, we realised one reason for the congestion. The monthly Farmers’ Market was being held in the main street. The place was buzzing. There was almost a carnival atmosphere with the stall-holders’ good-natured banter over a wonderful array of produce; bread and cakes, farm- produced meat and cheese, a whole stall of various mushrooms, plants, and much more. Who could resist? As we were entertaining our friends Anne & Edward Winter aboard Albert that evening, we returned to the boat heavily laden.
Stone Farmers Market
As we left Stone Steve said hello to Brian Holmes (In the Pink) from Narrowboat World. His boat is unmistakable.
The journey towards Great Haywood was uneventful except for meeting a father with his young son on a hire boat at Sandon Lock. As the boy did not yet have the strength to operate the lock mechanisms, he was learning to handle the boat in the lock. It was quite a touching scene.
Shugborough Hall from the Trent and Mersey Canal
We met up with Anne and Edward Winter just north of Haywood Junction. They came down from Sheffield to meet us and helped us through Haywood Lock, fitting into their usual roles when they come boating with us. They also came laden with gifts, mostly edible or potable. We had a convivial meal moored in front of Shugborough Hall in a re-enactment of another memorable meal when they were boating with us on Albert. On that occasion, it was warmer and we were able to eat on the bank, but it was much more difficult to find a mooring.
To Barlaston (May 1)
After yesterdays rain it was great to have a day when at least the morning was sunny. We left Denford at around nine o’clock and climbed Hazelhurst Locks in bright sunshine. Just as we got to the top of the flight a Black Knight hire boat came out of the Leek Arm. We followed them down the flight at Stockton Brook.
Caldon Canal, Hazelhurst Top Lock and the junction with Leek Branch
Swing bridge pivot obstruction, Caldon Canal
We moored up for lunch by the electrified lift bridge (11). As we went through Hanley we met two boats who had also just moored up for lunch. They were in the process of casting off but very kindly indicated that we should overtake. They then followed us down the Bedford Street Staircase. The weather remained sunny until we got to the Trent and Mersey main line at two o’clock when the clouds rolled over, the temperature dropped and it rained; another front.
At Etruria, we turned onto the Trent & Mersey mainline and under grey skies; we went down the Stoke flight. After the flight we went over what felt like a supermarket trolley; the joys of urban boating.
Incinerator, Stoke on Trent
We moored up for the evening at Barlaston just by the entrance to the Wedgewood factory. We moored here back in 1999 when we visited the factory. Then we were on our way back from Ellesmere Port.
Tomorrow evening we plan to meet up with Edward and Anne Winter, probably at Great Haywood.
Still only (very) slow GPRS. Maybe someday soon we will be able to upload images.
Images added later
Caldon Canal, Hazelhurst Top Lock and the junction with Leek Branch
Swing bridge pivot obstruction, Caldon Canal
We moored up for lunch by the electrified lift bridge (11). As we went through Hanley we met two boats who had also just moored up for lunch. They were in the process of casting off but very kindly indicated that we should overtake. They then followed us down the Bedford Street Staircase. The weather remained sunny until we got to the Trent and Mersey main line at two o’clock when the clouds rolled over, the temperature dropped and it rained; another front.
At Etruria, we turned onto the Trent & Mersey mainline and under grey skies; we went down the Stoke flight. After the flight we went over what felt like a supermarket trolley; the joys of urban boating.
Incinerator, Stoke on Trent
We moored up for the evening at Barlaston just by the entrance to the Wedgewood factory. We moored here back in 1999 when we visited the factory. Then we were on our way back from Ellesmere Port.
Tomorrow evening we plan to meet up with Edward and Anne Winter, probably at Great Haywood.
Still only (very) slow GPRS. Maybe someday soon we will be able to upload images.
Images added later
To Denford (April 30)
We set for Froghall with cloudy skies but very soon it started raining hard and that pattern continued all day. In fact, from the point of view of the weather, it was a miserable day. We occasionally saw the sun but each time it was followed by a downpour. Our plan was to go to Froghall, and then return to Cheddleton, and meet up with Maggie’s brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Gail Cannon, who live in Matlock. However, it was clear that a journey to Froghall would be just too long, and in the rain, probably a bit too wet.
The descent of Hazelhurst Locks was delightful and we noted the Hollybush Inn at Denford as a possible venue to meet up with the Cannons.
Cheddleton Engine Shed
We appreciated how delightful the Churnet Valley could be, but in the rain, our appreciation was a little dulled. We lunched at Consall Forge and decided to turn there and then returned to Denford and the Hollybush Inn to meet up with the Cannons.
Squeezing under a low bridge on the Caldon Canal
We turned by weir close to the limestone kilns. It was not that easy although Pearson indicates that it is suitable for turning seventy-foot boats. In the process, we managed to break a shackle on the bow fender.
Consall Forge in the rain
The Black Lion, Consall Forge receiving deliveries in the rain
(There is no direct road access everything has to cross the railway line - see their web site)
On our return journey, we noted that two BW men were logging boat details to check for licence evasion. They were getting quite wet. We moored up outside the Hollybush just in time for the first bright spell of the day. A passer-by proffered the comment that we would not normally be able to moor outside if the weather was good.
The Hollybush Inn, Denford
The Hollybush turned out to be a fine pub and we had a good evening meal. Thursday is music night and they had a “group”. It was actually a duo and some backing tapes but they were very proficient. Earlier in the evening, it was amusing when two groups turned up to play – confusion over dates! The pub was full by the time we left at around ten (yes, we are lightweights). It is good to see a pub apparently flourishing in these difficult times for the licence trade. We will have to return to the Caldon in good weather and, next time, go all the way to Froghall.
The descent of Hazelhurst Locks was delightful and we noted the Hollybush Inn at Denford as a possible venue to meet up with the Cannons.
Cheddleton Engine Shed
We appreciated how delightful the Churnet Valley could be, but in the rain, our appreciation was a little dulled. We lunched at Consall Forge and decided to turn there and then returned to Denford and the Hollybush Inn to meet up with the Cannons.
Squeezing under a low bridge on the Caldon Canal
We turned by weir close to the limestone kilns. It was not that easy although Pearson indicates that it is suitable for turning seventy-foot boats. In the process, we managed to break a shackle on the bow fender.
Consall Forge in the rain
The Black Lion, Consall Forge receiving deliveries in the rain
(There is no direct road access everything has to cross the railway line - see their web site)
On our return journey, we noted that two BW men were logging boat details to check for licence evasion. They were getting quite wet. We moored up outside the Hollybush just in time for the first bright spell of the day. A passer-by proffered the comment that we would not normally be able to moor outside if the weather was good.
The Hollybush Inn, Denford
The Hollybush turned out to be a fine pub and we had a good evening meal. Thursday is music night and they had a “group”. It was actually a duo and some backing tapes but they were very proficient. Earlier in the evening, it was amusing when two groups turned up to play – confusion over dates! The pub was full by the time we left at around ten (yes, we are lightweights). It is good to see a pub apparently flourishing in these difficult times for the licence trade. We will have to return to the Caldon in good weather and, next time, go all the way to Froghall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)