Summer Madness

It seemed like summer yesterday, until later in the afternoon when the clouds became dark grey in colour and the temperature dropped again. We were up at seven this morning - the rain was quite heavy and looked as if it were in for the day. We decided to wait and see if there might be any change, but there wasn’t…. and we decided, madly, to go anyway.
We left the mooring about quarter past twelve and were in Rothersthorpe Top Lock shortly afterwards. The photo was taken at that lock of the glossy TQ (and of a house being renovated. Will be nice in the sunshine.) I didn’t manage to get any other photos because of the rain and the numb fingers.
We haven’t been down the Northampton Arm before and I’m sure it would have looked much better in the sunshine! Obviously we were slower than normal as we had to be very careful because of slippery ground/lock gates etc. Also there were lots of bundles of reeds near the locks, which the captain fished out. Having to unlock each side of the last few locks was a nuisance at a time when we were very wet and cold and could have done with a drink- even of the non-alcoholic type. We got down to Lock 17 about 7pm and then had to make a very tight turn around. Didn’t look to us as if there was enough room for a 65-footer! We were very glad to moor alongside the flats at that spot, (with rings provided), and get changed and have something to eat. As I said, we must be mad, but at least we are facing in the right direction to be off tomorrow.

Summertime…. and the living is not so easy…...

What a beautiful morning! We left our quiet mooring spot and made our way to Buckby Locks. We got into the first lock with another boat at 0915 and we worked our way down together. There was quite a lot of traffic and often it worked well with the boats crossing over, so gates being left open, etc. Some of the lock gates were extremely difficult to open/close, one of them taking three adults to move it and a few of them taking two. However, the weather was gorgeous by then, so that helped! At the last lock there were two boats full of sea scouts, enjoying themselves greatly on a two-day trip. We said goodbye to Steve, Meg and dog Tasha and continued on to Weedon Bec, where we arrived at 1pm. I made lunch while the cap’n nipped down the 48 steps towards the village in search of his newspaper.(Fortunately there were some left in the One-Stop shop.)
We cruised on then and although quiet at times, it was the same as usual: first, it’s always at the bridges that you meet a boat- or actually four, at some times today- coming the other way; secondly, that you can travel along without seeing another boat for ages, except at the narrow stretches of canal, then you meet one at exactly the same time as you are both passing a moored boat. I’m sure all boaters get used to that happening all the time.
Gayton Junction was very busy and as we waited our turn for the water, another came along to wait as well. At the same time three boats came out from the Northampton Arm and another just went straight on past. Last time we were here it was very quiet. We moored further down the Arm, ready to take on the 17 locks tomorrow.

A 'New' Village

We were up at 7a.m. and were glad to see that there was no rain! However, there was still quite a strong wind, which was very cold. It was lovely to turn out of Wigrams Marina at 0920 into the peace and beauty of the canal once more. We cruised along to Braunston; it was rather busy there as it usually is, 'though probably very quiet compared to how it's going to be in two weeks' time, when the Vintage Boat Rally takes place! We shared five of the six locks, three of them with a small private day boat, with husband, wife and little boy on board. They had only bought the boat two weeks ago, so it was a new experience for them and they were managing fine. We moored for lunch not too far from the exit of the tunnel, in a lovely quiet spot and afterwards, hubby went to reconnoitre - hopefully to find the White Horse pub. Fortunately, he did - and we later had a lovely sunny evening's walk, about 15 minutes, from Bridge 6 towards Welton. This village was new to us and we enjoyed seeing all the lovely old houses and tidy gardens. We had a good meal at the White Horse, which is just past a pretty church. There is a very sad gravestone close to the roadside- photo enclosed. We met some residents walking along then and they told us that the story goes that the parents concerned had brought their family to the area for a picnic. Unfortunately, the poor boy got lost and the parents and rest of family went home without him. How sad.

Is this really June?

We arrived back on TQ about 1.30 yesterday afternoon and it’s great to be on board again. Not so great is the weather, unfortunately, and that is why we decided to stay put at the marina while all the heavy rain and high winds get out of the way. It wasn’t easy getting all the luggage aboard, whilst holding the big Windbrella at the same time. However, apart from the brolly getting blown into the water, all went well, including the recapture of it.(Oh what a shame, I should have nipped out to take a photo!) Everything is unpacked and put away and we had dinner on board as we didn’t fancy putting up with the rain again. This morning someone came to see to the bow thruster, as it hadn’t been working since Tuesday. He discovered that it is,in fact, working now.
Unfortunately I couldn't send the blog last night because of technical problems, so writing now when it is possible.
As it's the Captain's birthday, we are going to brave the winds and rain and venture ashore.

...And back to base.

Spent the morning polishing the starboard side and preparing to go home. TQ shines really nicely, at least on one side. I'll do the other side tomorrow morning on the jetty. We had a leisurly journey back to Wigrams and with a moderate wind making things a little difficult I almost got into our mooring at 2F when someone came out and said we were to move to 1F. OK, fine, it made things a little easier as there is large amount of space to manoeuvre in. Once moored we unloaded all the stuff we didn't need into the car ready for tomorrow.

Heading back to base

Had a lazy morning just doing some odds and ends. It was frosty and foggy so going anywhere early would have been a little less enjoyable, but we're in no hurry, so waiting 'till after lunch was the decision. N B Serendipity moved off before 08:00hrs to our surprise so no gossip - shame. I finished off the draught excluding and touched up some paint which peeled off when I glued the tunnel light in place.



Early morning fog

 

Approaching Braunston

 We took on water just before Braunston Junction and I spotted Halfie on N B Shadow going back to Wigrams Marina.


Spotted just outside Braunston, from my home town. What's it doing here?

 At first we thought we'd go into Braunston and find a mooring, but after the number of boats heading this way decided against it and headed out toward Napton Junction. Now moored about two miles out in quiet countryside, but it's been very busy along here, with many hire boats heading back to their bases after the Easter break.

Another day of Maintenance

I put my overalls on and got down and dirty in the engine 'ole this morning, there's been a fault with engine starting, and reports have been coming through to wiggle the red wire and try again and usually the engine will start. I found an insulated connection with some considerable corrosion and so I went about taking it apart to clean it. First things first, isolate all the batteries so no accidental shorting can occurr, then verify by trying to start the engine. Then, if all is well, procede with loosening the offending connection. I managed to get the nut off and found the connected terminals were very corroded. I cleaned them up with abrasive paper, gave it a squirt of Wobbly Wee 40 and re-assembled it. I switched on the isolators and tried it out and success, it starts with no problem. Only time will tell!


Terminals, all a little corroded




This is the starter motor connection. Maintenance done here too.

 While I was down the engine 'ole I drop tested the starter battery, and it's in top notch condition.


Lin said...

 ..."I've got some more maintenance for you". "What've you broke?" I asked. "Nothing, the coat hooks are loose". "Well come on", I said, "You can do this one". - "This is a screw driver..."

We moved up a bit this afternoon, all of about two miles and moored near Willoughby. We got ouselves nicely parked and N B Serendipity moored up in front of us. I feel some gossip coming on!
More tomorrow.

Four Seasons in One Day

Yes, we've had it all today, rain, snow, hail, wind and even some warm sun. We cruised our way up to the winding hole just after Bridge 74 on the North Oxford Canal, did the obligatory 180 and ambled back to just North of Bridge 79 when there was the most spectacular flash of lightning (sorry, I wasn't quick enough with my camera) and the heavens opened. I was desparately hoping to find a nice stretch of pilings to moor against before the storm came but the wind kept me away from them and then there appeared to be some sheltered water next to a hawthorn hedge. So in with the bow and then the stern, hey-up where's the bow going now? I grabbed the Luby line (that's the centre rope) jumped off the boat and heaved as hard as I could and eventually TQ came into the pilings. By now the rain/ice (rice) was hammering down and I was struggling to get piling hooks temporarily installed. I got TQ sorted and went inside for shelter and discovered I was covered in ice fragments. This is where we'll stay for the night, and as I'm writing this it's calm outside and is rather a nice evening.

In our lunch time spot, then it rained.

The contraversial Barby Marina

Entrance to Barby Marina

It's ricing down

Both Bridges 79 and 80 have had considerable damage done to them, apparently it happened a few years ago so I expect there are some arguments over who is going to pay.

And the maintenance continues.

Today has been better weather wise, but not quite so much work has been done. We've moved to Braunston, taken on water and done a self pump-out. Phew, it's hard work pushing sh!t up hill. Then we had a late lunch in the Boathouse and rather than crash for the afternoon we went for a walk toward the locks. There were some bits we needed for TQ so we went in the chandlers there and picked up some grease for the stern gland and some sealant to stick down the tunnel light which had come adrift - job done.
There's not been many photos so far and I'll edit some of the blogs later and put some in.



Braunston - last lock of the day, and it's only 3pm

 Some considerable time ago, when TQ was blue and red, we met up with someone Lin knows through crafting/Facebook etc., Anne and Dave from NB Kernow. We bumped into them today on the bridge where the above photo was taken. What a coincidence, it was great to see them again and have a natter.
Back in the Boathouse for our evening meal tonight, and as yet, even after extensive discussion, we're undecided where to go tomorrow. Ahh! I love this life!

Not quite a total write off.

The weather is what I mean, yes, it has rained nearly all day, but I've managed to get quite a lot done. The first job I did was actually yesterday while we were in the marina. I had to find out why there was no mains shore power and it didn't take long to find a fault. The live connection had become severed in the inlet socket and now I've reconnected it, all is working as it should be.

This is as I found it.

We now have a Carbon Monoxide alarm fitted properly instead of it knocking around in the boat somewhere.
There is some draught excluder fitted to the front doors, though I couldn't find a way of making them easier to close, they appear to be warped a little and the door frame being a very close fit doesn't help.
The bathroom light switch - we have a new one.
Oh! And the all important dog lead ring - fitted.



Here's one I made earlier.

 TQ will be brand new by the end of the week!

At Last...

...We've waited six months for this, and such a lot has happened in that time. We (our Syndicate) has decided to go down the self managed route, and it's proving to be pretty good so far. TQ has had a new paint job and is looking sparkling. As always there is work to be done and I, as maintenance manager, have decided that this week will be dedicated mainly to maintenance. So we're not going far, and sticking to the pound between Braunston, Hillmorton and Napton. We'll not be going through any locks, saving water for the Summer, as we're heading into the wettest drought on record. (Just a thought, I wonder what would happen if (as we do) everyone paid £x for their car tax only to find we can only navigate through traffic lights from 10:00 to 16:00). Ouch!
We're moored in a quiet country spot, somewhere between bridges 111 and 112, but there's quite a lot of canal traffic about. Tomorrow looks like a write off weather wise, heavy rain and gales and I think we're going to hole up for the day.

Return to Base

ECB Memorial

Daventry

Have had trouble with the blog the last few nights as we don’t get a signal very often in this area. (Now writing on Friday 16th).
Last night we went over to the Boathouse at Braunston and enjoyed a good meal.
This was our last cruising day this trip, unfortunately, and after taking on water we had a quiet ’run’ to the marina. It was colder still today, but at least we had no gales or rain. We took our boys back to their car in Weedon and they left for home before noon. On the way back from there to the marina we decided to go to Daventry; hadn’t been there before so it was a change. Spent a little while there as the walking was slow! It was good to get a signal on the phone again. Back to TQ mid-afternoon, then out to the King’s Head pub at Napton for a very nice meal.
So, time to end the blog for this time. Posting photos- hopefully- of the memorial at Daventry to Edmund Charles Burton, a ’True English Gentleman’ and a building we liked. Hope to be back on the blog in June!

Assisted Return Journey

Waterfall

Norton in the Mist

Our son and Grandson arrived safely last night and it was great to see them. We were all awake quite early and ready to start the day. What a lovely morning we had too- the weather had improved greatly and we even had to take our coats off! We made our way through the seven locks of the Buckby Flight with another boat; four men on that one, hiring a narrow boat for the first time and enjoying it. They stopped for lunch at the last lock of the flight but we continued, through Braunston Tunnel, with a quick break afterwards before working the six Braunston locks. Hard work, (but not for me), with all those difficult gates today! And that’s it for locks this trip….. Just the couple of hours back to Napton tomorrow morning. Oh, I almost forgot- this afternoon the weather got very grey and VERY cold again. One of the Buckby locks was overflowing and looked like a waterfall, hence the photo. At Norton Junction conditions were just right for a reflective/reflecting photograph.

Stoke Bruerne

Unfortunately we had problems with the signal yesterday and the blog just would not be sent; tried quite a few times until it was bedtime. So the blog published earlier this evening was last night’s.
This morning we took it easy; fortunately my knee pain was not so extreme as yesterday, so I managed to hobble down to the Canal Museum near the lock at 11 o’clock. We enjoyed the visit there, in spite of the stairs which were rather difficult under the circumstances. Quite a few schoolchildren there on a day trip- memories of the past!
After a quick lunch back on TQ, Cap’n reversed all the way to the winding hole just before Blisworth Tunnel, much to the delight of the children. The tunnel was as wet as ever and still as fascinating in that you always think that the light at the end of the tunnel is a lot nearer than it is. I took a few photos of the different stages but won’t bore you with those, shall just post one taken not too far from the end and the second taken just before exiting. Had a quick stop for water at the edge of the Nottingham Arm, then continued on. We moored at 1730 and are looking forward to seeing our son and grandson before too long!

Oh dear.....

St. Peter's, Weedon Bec

Some Interesting Buildings


Up at 0630 to greet another grey day, while much of the country is enjoying lovely weather like we had at the weekend! At least it’s not raining or blowing a gale, both - or either- of which would be far worse than cloudy weather when we’re on our boating trip.
We set off at 0810 for the very short trip to the next bridge, so that we could go to Weedon Bec village for newspaper and milk. We tied up by 0830 and all was well - but not for long, unfortunately. Somehow, during the short exercise of getting off TQ, I managed to wrench my knee, with a big crunch! Not really very funny and I’m not sure how I managed to get down the very convenient steps near the boat to get to the village. (Only with help from the captain).
We walked through the churchyard of the pretty church, St Peter‘s, (well, limped in my case), and enjoyed seeing the old cottages and houses, some of which are included in the photographs. There is a P.O. and a One Stop shop in the village. We were back at TQ just after 9.30 and away not too long afterwards. The Captain then had to manage the boat single handed all day, as any movement on my part was agony. I had to sit down for as much of the time as possible. We navigated Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest presently navigable tunnel in Britain, during the afternoon; it was rather wet in parts.
Moored at Stoke Bruerne after exiting the tunnel, about half past three and I stayed on board while a bit of reconnoitring was done.
We realise that if the situation stays the same tomorrow, operation of locks will be impossible so we are going to retrace our ‘steps’ and will look forward to the assistance of our elder son- and our darling little grandson!- as we near the Buckby Flight again. We’ll see…

Surprise!

We had been led to believe that the excellent weather was to continue in the same vein for a few days at least, so were very surprised to wake up to a foggy day at 7 o'clock this morning! The mist changed to a dull greyness and it was quite cold out on the aft deck. We set off at 0840 and by 9 o'clock we had started on the Braunston Locks- six double locks, with very tough gates. Fortunately we met a couple on a working boat, so were able to save water, which is even more important than usual at the moment, with restrictions likely to come about before too long. We also teamed up with the same boat for the Buckby Flight of seven locks - again, very tough gates and some of the paddles weren't easy to get going either!
We tied up at Whilton Marina at 1pm. We had been told when we were at the lock that a new cafe was open there so went across to see if we could get a sandwich. However, the cafe was due to open tomorrow actually; they were just finishing off getting everything ready. The lady told us that her husband grows all his own vegetables and they keep chickens, so are going to use mostly home-grown food. The cafe is part of the chandlery building at Whilton Marina. Fortunately the small chandlery near the lock had a few newspapers for sale... The usual type of chandlery crammed with everything you need for the boat, plus a few more things you need anyway, like milk, biscuits and chocolate!
(We had a home-made sdandwich on TQ).
We set off about quarter to three, by which time the sun kept trying to get out, but not always succeeding and it was still rather cold. At four o'clock we moored in a quiet place at Weedon Bec, not too far from a pub, funnily enough. We had a little rest and warm-up then after a quick reconnoitre of the area and in spite of aching joints managed the three minute walk to the Heart of England pub near the bridge 24. We enjoyed a delicious meal there

Back to TQ!

Arriving at Braunston



Well here we are again on TQ, with the weather rather different from when we left three months ago. It was a beautiful day today, just like summer. We arrived at the marina, which we hadn't been to before, at 1045 as we knew the boat had been available since Thursday. The staff in the marina office were friendly and helpful and there were no problems with the boat.
We left just before 2pm and enjoyed a leisurely cruise to Braunston, passing many moored boats on the way. Most of their owners were sitting out enjoying the fine weather! We were lucky to find a mooring spot quite quickly and we decided to have our meal on board tonight (Thanks M&S!). Since then we have been looking at canal guides and working out alternative routes for this week from what we had originally planned.(JIC). Looking forward to tomorrow....

Our New Website

Good News! Our new website has been launched in preparation for our transfer to Self Management on 1st March 2012. It's bare bones at the moment and there's more to be added, but it's an excellent start. We can be found at www.nb-tranquility.co.uk/. Feel free to take a look.

All the preparation work is fast approaching completion, but some work will continue as the year progresses. Tools and spares are being sourced, I bought these recently...

Some tools for TQ

...to go in our tool box:-



It's not quite as vivid as it appears.

And donated these:-

Should prove useful one day.

Together with some spare parts...

Three drive belts for the engine alternators/generator.

Things are beginning to fall into place.

Our first Committee Meeting...

...Held at Napton Village Hall today (8/1/12),was very productive. The date has been set for the official transfer to self management, and the Agreement and Schedules have been discussed and modified and will be put forward to the membership for approval.
After the meeting we went to Wigrams Marina where we met managers Gillian and Kerry and made our choice from the available berths. We'll be bringing TQ here from Elton Moss within the next few weeks, but first there are some minor issues with the paintwork that need to be finished off, and some "I"s crossed and "T"s dotted.

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal on BBCs Countryfile

This is my local canal, such a shame its landlocked. I'd love to park my barge on the banks of my works back garden.
Don't miss next weeks thrilling installment on Sunday 15th January when the B and T Canal will be featured. Can't wait? Check out the preview here.