Managed to get some joy from the Dongle tonight! Took ages though. The Smallest Bridge?

Coventry Canal Artwork

The Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction

Ah! Note the Mountain Goat!

Light Show in Newbold Tunnel

Off to the Ashby Canal

Unfortunately we're still having trouble with the dongle so unable to upload the promised photos yesterday- and we are still in the same boat today.... in more ways than one.
However, we are on a different canal, having left Coventry Canal Basin at 0755 in lovely sunshine. Weather ok; stopped at Bridge 10 to go to the nearby PO/General Store.We entered in to the Ashby Canal about 11 o'clock. It is a lovely quiet canal- great! Moored near Bridge 15 and after lunch we walked all the way into Hinckley, had a coffee and then got a taxi back! Tonight we are going to sample the delights of the Lime Kiln pub.

Catch up time!

Unfortunately, we have been having Dongle trouble recently but it seems to be ok at the moment so here goes.....
Back to Monday, when we set off from our idyllic spot at 8am, with the temperature rising fast. Suitable weather for a strappy top even at that time in the morning. What a change! The canal passes through a very peaceful, rural area for quite some time. The Hillmorton locks are duplicated, so we went through quickly and then continued on to Bridge 58, where we tied up and walked the short distance to Tesco's for a couple of items. As it was lunchtime and there was a cafe, we decided to have a panini, which was very tasty and also reasonable. Although it was extremely hot and humid, and looking as if it were going to rain any second, we were very lucky and missed the terrible weather which many places endured that afternoon.
The Newbold tunnel- only 250yards - gave us a surprise with its unusual coloured lights display, some of which can be seen in the photograph. We moored at 5pm near Bridge 14 at Ansty, where we later went over the bridge to the Rose & Castle and enjoyed excellent meals! Two different sea bass main courses -and both superb!

Yesterday we set off at 9am for the Coventry Canal. Soon afterwards, we saw some animals at, and on, a haystack in a field. There were lovely, kid goats and some donkeys and they made a very pretty picture. As I was watching, one kid jumped on the back of a donkey and walked along it!
We continued along to the stop lock to the Coventry Canal, where we had quite a delay as a crane had been transferring a wooden bench from one side of the canal to the other. Eventually there were four boats waiting at each side to use the lock when the operation was finished. (We were the third on our side). The Hawkesbury Junction was very pretty with its two iron bridges and the renowned Greyhound pub. Haven't tried it yet...
As we cruised down the Coventry canal we noticed a lot of artwork, including metalwork on bridges, sculptures along the canal side and decorative fencing. Photos enclosed.
We passed through the urban area before squeezing under Bridge No. 1 and into the Coventry Canal Basin. This bridge is the smallest one in the canal system- and we had to bend down to almost the same height as the boat in order to avoid serious damage to our heads. Even holding the camera up to take the photograph was a bit of a risk!
We tied up there at 1pm; there are about eight or nine available moorings in the Basin but there were only four boats here when we arrived.
Later on we went into the town, only a few minutes' walk away, and had a look round the old cathedral ruins. We were impressed with the way in which the craftsmen, artists, parishioners etc. had worked together to make the theme of reconciliation and forgiveness so visible to visitors. It was rather too late to visit the 'new cathedral' by that time, so we managed to find one of the two Pizza Expresses and enjoyed a good meal, before returning to the boat and sitting out in the lovely evening sun. We met the owners of the boat moored next to us- Herbie- who also write a boating blog.

Today, Wednesday, we went into town again and visited the modern cathedral. I had heard about this very new cathedral all those years ago, from a College Lecturer who was fascinated with it. The students were shown many colour slides and we were told so much detail about it that I felt I knew it. All those years ago and today was the first time I'd seen it. We loved all the old buildings here too and were glad we decided to make this a part of our trip.

Braunston Junction

Sunday 26th June
Half packed the car on Saturday evening, in preparation for our forthcoming trip on Tranquility. Completed the job on Sunday morning and we left home at 10a.m. for our second trip down to Calcutt. Had only travelled for twenty minutes down the motorway when the car ‘informed’ us that something was wrong and that we should ‘go to the workshop’. So, we went back home and transferred all our gear into our other car and by the time we left, for the second time, it was 11a.m. Not the best start for our two-week holiday but the journey to the boatyard passed without further incident, fortunately.
It was extremely hot when we arrived at Calcutt and inside the boat it was sweltering. Not easy getting everything unpacked again and put away in the right places!
We set off into the lock at 4:15p.m. in the direction of Braunston Junction. We were told that it was still very busy there; a boat rally had been held there this weekend and 120 boats had taken part in a parade. Most boats were of the old cargo carrying type- very interesting, with Fellows, Morton & Clayton boats, GUCC etc. The canals were indeed very busy all around that area.
We continued on down the Oxford canal and moored in a very quiet, peaceful area about 7p.m. Only the cows with their little calves, sheep, coots, flying geese and other birds with their songs kept us company- it was beautiful. We had a meal outside on the boat and we sat there in the wonderful tranquillity until after 10pm. Super!!

...And home again. (KLT)

A very pleasant journey from Middlewich to Elton Moss in brilliant sunshine, in fact the best day weather wise for our entire holiday. Arrived at E.M. around 11:30 and unloaded TQ while the quayside crew did their service schedule. By the way, a pump out here is £20.00  + VAT @ 20%. That must be the most expensive anywhere on the cut, it's certainly the most we've ever paid. Especially when you consider Sherborne Wharf in Birmingham charge only £9.00 inc. VAT...
Then its the quick sprint down the M6 and M5 to Somerset, for about three hours.
Well, that's it for this holiday, thanks for reading my drivel, so until the next time...

And so to Middlewich. (KLT)

Today we came down through Malkins Bank, Wheelock, Etilly Heath, Elton Moss and ended up in Middlewich. Moored up on the PVM along side the main road :( and cleaned and polished TQ to within an inch of her paintwork, from roof to just below the waterline. Once we'd done the port side I winded TQ in the wide bit and moored up in the same spot facing the other way. We then cleaned and polished the starboard side, and now TQ shines like a star.
Couldn't resist a visit to Kings Lock Chandlers while we were here, and only went in to have a look, and came out with a self pump out kit to save on the extortionate cost of a boatyard doing it for you. Will put it to the test when we are on board next.
So the point in coming to Middlewich was not only to polish TQ and visit Kings Lock Chandlers, but to again sample the wonderful fish and chips from across the road. And again they didn't disappoint.
Tonight is our last night aboard, we have to cut our holiday short by one day as TQ is needed back at Elton Moss to have a new gas regulator fitted and also there is going to be a viewing for some potential customers of Carefree Cruising.
Pix of today:-

What a poser! Lin lock wheeling in Wheelock

Cob seeing us off.

 The pen was on her nest at the end of a garden in Wheelock and the cob was hovering nearby. He was quite angry when we passed and he followed us for some considerable distance. I splashed him by opening the throttle but he was not perturbed by this and kept on at us. Lin distracted him with some bread and we managed to disappear around the corner. For him it was mission accomplished and a meal to boot.

Our base at Elton Moss.

Shiny TQ in Middlewich.

Today...

...and from earlier times.

More tomorrow...

An early start and an early finish! (KLT)

The alarm went off at 05:30hrs this morning, but I was awake well before then. By 07:05hrs we were on our way out of Stoke and heading for the Harecastle Tunnel. We filled the water tank while we waited, about forty minutes and then we were allowed in for the thirty-five minute journey through to the other end. It started to drizzle while we were waiting for the tunnel, and by the time we got out it was drizzling quite heavily, so we made our way to the moorings near the BW depot at Red Bull, and moored up to wait for it to stop which it did very soon. Tonight we're moored between Hassall Green and Malkins Bank, the wind is from the North-ish and we thought to be North of the M6 is a good idea as the wind direction will reduce the noise overnight.
Were going to Middlewich tomorrow to clean TQ inside and out, and have fish and chips for tea and then on Saturday we'll wend our way back to Elton Moss for the turnaround checks and to have a new propane gas regulator fitted as the one we have at the moment has developed a leak.
As for the early finish bit, we planned to go home on Sunday, but we'll probably finish up on Saturday instead as the turnaround can't be done on Sunday.
More tomorrow, in the mean time some pix:-

Taking on water while waiting for the tunnel.

The old original tunnel entrance.

A second tunnel was built because the amount of traffic caused considerable delays. The two tunnels ran together for some years until the original one collapsed by which time trade had dropped off and reinstatement of the old one was unviable.

Lin locking in the drizzle.

Plenty of water in the Trent and Mersey.

Locks 49, duplicated along this stretch.

Sunset from our mooring.

Fred Dibnahs double decade at Etruria

We had a lovely time last night in the China Garden with Steve and Sheilagh from NB Harlequin and some friends of theirs joined us and we all had a meal together. Great carvery, Lin and I had the roast beef, it was delicious and very tender.
This morning Steve and Sheilagh left us to head back to Chester and we went to the out of town shopping centre behind the China Garden. Its quite large with many sheds containing Toys 'R' Us, Muck Donalds, Mothercare, PC World et al. We popped into Halfords to see if we could get some spare belts for TQs engine, but even though I had the part numbers they were unable to help. Then we went into B&Q to get a cassette hose, and they too didn't have what I was looking for either. So it was back to the China Garden for lunch and then we walked down to Etruria to visit the Industrial Museum. It's only £3 to get in and its well worth a visit. It shows the process how bone china used to be made and there's some machinery which is working and in steam once a month.

Yep! It just so happens dear old Fred was here twenty years ago today.

We've moved out of the marina today and moored just North of the China Garden. Brass polished this afternoon and the engine 'ole gutter cleaned of debris to stop it flooding into the bilge when it rains.

A busy day with just one lock (KLT)

First thing was to fill up with diesel and have a pump-out as we're going to Stoke on Trent to the China Garden for an evening meal. So through Hall Green Lock, all twelve inches in depth, over Red Bull and Poole Aqueducts, at Hardings Wood Junction turn right and head for the Harecastle Tunnel. We had to wait three quarters of an hour for a boat to come through, and then it was our turn. Once through the Tunnel (35 mins.) we headed on down through Longport, Middleport, and then to Festival Park where there were loads of moorings all taken up so we asked if we could stay the night in the marina. No problem, they said and at £6 a night for 58ft, a bargain. I bet a Premier Inn would be a bit more expensive.

Some pix from today:-

Harlequin is last out.

Steve aboard NB Harlequin

More pix from today:-

Lots to do and an early start (KLT)

Well, early for us, so we took on water at the top of Bosley Locks and then made the descent through the locks, all of which were in our favour. Had a stop in Congleton for some shopping (Morrisons is about 15 minutes walk), and then back to TQ for lunch. The rain wasn't as bad as forecast but its been quite cold and breezy, and by the time we moored up the rain had stopped. I took advantage of the weather window and polished the brass, and then I found some matt black paint and touched up some of the scrapes along the gunwale. I just need to do the port side, and it'll be a job well done.

Railway viaduct from the canal aqueduct/embankment in Congleton

Our mooring for the night

Taken from Bridge 81

More tomorrow when we'll be going through the Harecastle Tunnel.

Back to Bosley in appalling weather (KLT)

It had been raining just before we set out this morning, and when the sun shone it was really quite warm. It wasn't to last and the storm clouds gathered and it turned cold and then it began to rain. And the heavens opened, heavy rain, 'kin' hail, and thunder and lightning. Lin went inside the cabin and left me to it, and with just an umbrella as a meagre defence against this, I had to find a bridge 'ole to shelter under. Once the rain had slowed we took a chance and tried to make some progress, but it wasn't to last and another bridge 'ole needed to be sought. Anyhow, we arrived at the top of Bosley Locks, still raining, and moored up.

Shrouded in cloud.

This is the view from our front door this evening, at the top of Bosley Locks after the rain had stopped.

Back on the Macc. (KLT)

Had a late-ish start today, and our first stop was to pick up water at the entrance to Bugsworth Basin, then its moor up at the junction with Whaley Bridge and visit Tesco for some groceries. It's very handy being right on the canal (not literally), if you can find a space to park yer barge. Two swing bridges and two lifting bridges later and we're back at Marple Junction, a turn left and we're on the Macc. Tonight we're moored South of Higher Poynton and North of Bridge 16.

TQ in the dark.

We've come to the conclusion we like the Peak Forest Canal, there's certainly some very nice scenery along here, with stunning views and some quaint little properties.

Still here. (KLT)

Just a short one today, as we've had a lazy day. (Too much overindulgence last night).
Its been very windy and rainy here in the basin this morning, but as the day has gone on it has abated some. The sun even showed its face for a short while.

Sporting new livery.

More tomorrow when we go back to Marple and head South on the Macclesfield Canal.

Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth Basin - a fascinating place. (KLT)

Moved up to Marple and filled with water at the Junction. This tap is really slow, I think they hope you'll get fed up with waiting and only part fill the tank.
At the Junction we turned right onto the Peak Forest Canal and headed for Whaley Bridge. BW have really got to get the mooring situation sorted out here, nearly all the mooring is for long term license holders only with room for two or three visitor moorings which have collapsed into the cut and can't be used, and there are no visitor moorings near Tesco. WHY?
So for us it was wind at the end and come straight out again. Over to Bugsworth Basin, then. Plenty of mooring here, pick your spot. This place is amazing, they were absolutely right to restore this area. It's all about lime shipment and limestone quarrying and kilns. I won't spoil it by saying any more, you'll need to discover it for yourself, and there's no substitute for actually being here. The only thing that knocks the edge off it a little is the close proximity of the main road.
The weather has been pretty windy today with a little rain, but it hasn't made things difficult manoeuvring TQ as most places seem to be sheltered. We're taking a beating in the Basin, though as the wind seems to come in gusts.
We patronised the Navigation Inn (as it would be rude not to) and we both had steak with all the trimings. It was all rather yummy.
Todays pix:-

Approaching Disley

Rail viaduct in the distance

Pretty cottages at Furness Vale

Whoops! I cut off its finger tip

In Bugsworth Basin

More tomorrow...

Not far today. (KLT)

Bollington to Grimshaws Bridge No. 18. It's been a miserable day with regard to the weather, so we decided to walk into Bollington and do a bit of shopping. A newspaper, batteries for the camera, a loaf of bread and a whole roasted chicken. I don't know how Lin managed to carry it all back to TQ. Just as we got back it started to rain and it rained for most of the day. Then some water dripped onto the seat next to me. It came from the loudspeaker in the ceiling, so it seems we have a leak. We placed a basin there to catch it. Luckily it has stopped raining now and the sun has come out.

Our location taken from Bridge No.18

The Boat That Guy Built is on telly tonight - Don't miss it!

Bosley, Bollington and a breakdown! (KLT)

Arrived in Bollington after the twelve Bosley Locks, and a very pleasant days cruising. The weather held good and at one point it was rather warm. We filled with water at the top of the locks and continued on our way through Macclesfield and on to Bollington. Nearly in Bollingtonand a change in engine sound was noted. A slight metallic rattle. Didn't sound serious enough to stop so we waited until we moored. On investigation I found the alternator securing bolts had dropped out into the engine bund and was on the verge of becoming detached fron the engine. I recovered the nuts and bolts and secured the alternator to the engine, adjusted the belt tension and tightened the retaining bolts. Tested - OK.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) the weather forecast looks dire so we might hole up for the day and explore the town. We may move on if the weather brightens up later.
Todays pix:-

 Us in Bosley Locks

Alternator nut and bolt missing (centre of picture)

Nut and bolt found in the engine bund. (Which needs cleaning)

...And on to the Macc. (KLT)

Woke up late this morning, I won't say what time, but understandable when you consider the long day we had yesterday. Opened the curtains and we were cloaked in a thick blanket of fog and I could barely see the other side of the canal. Later the sun burnt it off and it turned out to be a nice day.
We made our passage to Hardings Wood Junction and turned right heading off to Hall Green Lock where the Trent and Mersey Canal becomes the Macclesfield Canal.
It's been surprisingly busy today, with many boats heading South looking for an escape from the forecast weather, perhaps.

Pool Lock Aqueduct. That's where we'll be going. Under and over.

Hall Green Lock

A rich mans retreat,  just outside Congleton

...And on the other side...

Tonights location

A milestone just in front of TQ tonight

More tomorrow.

An early start, and a new colour scheme. (KLT)

The alarm bleeped its pesky racket at 04:30hrs this morning and bearing in mind the clocks jumped forward an hour overnight, we had packing to finish, although we did most of the packing yesterday. By six o'clock we were on our way to Sainsburys to fill up with petrol and I have never spent so much on one tank full at £78.00 and I'm told its the cheapest fuel for miles. Had a good journey up to Sandbach, no hold ups or road works, although we stopped in Michael Wood Services as the trip computer was telling us to check the oil level. I did check it and it showed nearly full but not low. I bought 4 litres of Castrol GTX which added £20.00 to the £675.00 service bill of last Tuesday, and poured in about a litre. That stopped it. Arrived safely at around 09:00hrs and proceded to load TQ. We were soon ready to go and headed South along the Trent and Mersey Canal, and twenty locks later we've stopped at Church Lawton just South of Church Locks on Public Visitor Moorings. Its very pleasant here and there's excellent TV and 3G reception. Here's some pix of the new livery:-

Todays location, Church Lawton

New livery

Moored just above Church Locks

  

Near Hassall Green

Oh! By the way, unlike our last trip, everything is in good order and working well.

More tomorrow.

Off again soon. (KLT)

TQ has been repainted and with a change of colour too. We've decided on Brunswick Green as the main colour and Cream for the panel and roof. There'll be some photos soon as it's our turn on TQ near the end of this month.

As usual the weather has been good for the last fortnight, and I'm sure it'll be good for the coming week, but after that I fear it's going to break down (according to the Countryfile Weather forecast). We decided to take our holiday earlier this year to coincide with the better weather which has preceded our holidays for the last six years, but it looks like it has beaten us again by peaking even earlier. I'll be viewing the latest BBC monthly outlook when it appears tomorrow. It would be nice to have some fine weather for a change, but as long as TQ performs well and the Webasto keeps us warm I don't mind too much.

Not sure where we're taking TQ this time, but it looks possible that we're going oop Naath. However, if the weather forecast looks poor, then we could be heading dan Saaf.

Spring has sprung?

This sailed past my works when I was having a lunch break yesterday. The last time I took a photo of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal was back when it was frozen over and there was snow on the ground. See the video in the previous log below.