I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will be back on-line in January. Take care and have a peaceful one......
Wednesday 19 December 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Susan, Pete and Mazey will be leaving me tomorrow alone for Christmas. I am a bit upset but I am surrounded by other boats so not completely alone. There are some boats here who are already celebrating, with lots of pretty fairy lights..... I do not have any. Perhaps I will be decorated next year. The only decoration I have is inside me - a cloth christmas tree that Susan purchased in Warwick at a craft fair....... and a few christmas cards.....
I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will be back on-line in January. Take care and have a peaceful one......
I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will be back on-line in January. Take care and have a peaceful one......
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Roydon Marina - Home at last!!
Friday-Monday, 14th/17th December 2012
Susan has worked out that I have completed 410 miles and 461 locks since going on our adventure on 23rd June 2012.
Mazey seems to be getting better - Susan and Pete are keeping their fingers crossed!!
Susan, Pete and Mazey leave me alone, resting, for 4 days as they get in the car and go visit their friends in Southwold. They stay with Pauline at 'Home @21' North Parade. A fantastic B&B overlooking the pier and the sea. Susan and Pete said that it was a great weekend and thanked Pauline for her wonderful hospitality!!
Thursday, 13th December
Susan gets on a train at Roydon to Stratford and goes Christmas shopping in Westfield with her sister, Lorraine.
Wednesday, 12th December 2012 (12-12-12)
Freezing fog makes the trees sparkle and so white. So stunning.
Mazey goes on a trip to the vet, as still unwell and now refusing food...... She has more tests which prove to be OK and from the x-ray no obvious obstruction in her stomach. She is sent home with 3 different types of medication. Poor Mazey!!
Susan meets her sister Lorraine in the marina cafe and has a couple of wines. Pete out with mates in Bishop's Stortford for a Christmas drink too........
Monday/Tuesday, 10/11 December 2012
Cold again today. Mazey unwell again but not as bad as she had been. Pete goes and gets the car whilst Susan cleans me on the inside and does a couple of wash loads.
Susan goes Christmas shopping in Harlow and gets to visit the dentist who puts in a temporary patch to the broken tooth - which happened in JUNE!!!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
A grey dull morning greets us but at least it is not too cold today. Mazey has been unwell again and I overheard Susan and Pete discuss getting her to a vet once in Roydon.... once Pete has collected another vehicle of transport - a car!!
It is a pleasant journey to Roydon Marina. Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do.
Once we get to Roydon Marina lock, Susan remarks to Pete that she had forgotten about the go-carting track which she can hear 'droning' in the distance and the train line. It starts to get more breezy and Pete decides to take the boat into the Marina alone so that Susan and Mazey can help him tie up, if necessary, at the services pontoon. No help required....
The marina has lots more boats here than in June. Some very large ones too. There is also a business boat offering hairdressing and an engineer. One other change is that the marina cafe has a licence to sell alcohol.
Once moored in the correct slot, Susan and Pete quickly get changed and go and meet Lorraine and Pat in the White Hart for their Christmas Meal together...
Total 3 miles, 5 Locks
Susan has worked out that I have completed 410 miles and 461 locks since going on our adventure on 23rd June 2012.
Mazey seems to be getting better - Susan and Pete are keeping their fingers crossed!!
Susan, Pete and Mazey leave me alone, resting, for 4 days as they get in the car and go visit their friends in Southwold. They stay with Pauline at 'Home @21' North Parade. A fantastic B&B overlooking the pier and the sea. Susan and Pete said that it was a great weekend and thanked Pauline for her wonderful hospitality!!
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| Southwold Pier |
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| North Parade |
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| Beach Huts |
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| Southwold Pier Clock Tower |
Thursday, 13th December
Susan gets on a train at Roydon to Stratford and goes Christmas shopping in Westfield with her sister, Lorraine.
Wednesday, 12th December 2012 (12-12-12)
Freezing fog makes the trees sparkle and so white. So stunning.
Mazey goes on a trip to the vet, as still unwell and now refusing food...... She has more tests which prove to be OK and from the x-ray no obvious obstruction in her stomach. She is sent home with 3 different types of medication. Poor Mazey!!
Susan meets her sister Lorraine in the marina cafe and has a couple of wines. Pete out with mates in Bishop's Stortford for a Christmas drink too........
Monday/Tuesday, 10/11 December 2012
Cold again today. Mazey unwell again but not as bad as she had been. Pete goes and gets the car whilst Susan cleans me on the inside and does a couple of wash loads.
Susan goes Christmas shopping in Harlow and gets to visit the dentist who puts in a temporary patch to the broken tooth - which happened in JUNE!!!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
A grey dull morning greets us but at least it is not too cold today. Mazey has been unwell again and I overheard Susan and Pete discuss getting her to a vet once in Roydon.... once Pete has collected another vehicle of transport - a car!!
It is a pleasant journey to Roydon Marina. Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do.
Once we get to Roydon Marina lock, Susan remarks to Pete that she had forgotten about the go-carting track which she can hear 'droning' in the distance and the train line. It starts to get more breezy and Pete decides to take the boat into the Marina alone so that Susan and Mazey can help him tie up, if necessary, at the services pontoon. No help required....
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| Roydon Marina Lock |
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| Pete cruises me into the marina |
Once moored in the correct slot, Susan and Pete quickly get changed and go and meet Lorraine and Pat in the White Hart for their Christmas Meal together...
Total 3 miles, 5 Locks
Saturday 8 December 2012
Broxbourne - nearly home!!
A sense of excitement today as we cruise the last part of the journey before resting for the winter. I am pleased that I will be resting in Roydon Marina, until end January, as it can be a difficult task driving through ice and snow. The wind is even worse as it makes it so difficult for me to manoeuvre even with Pete's expertise. So I will be happy once I get there. Susan especially will be happy as we will have access to water, as long as it doesn't freeze over like last year and the year before!!!!! Also, I will be connected to a supply of electric which means she can charge all appliances and not worry about exhausting my batteries.
Update on Mazey - she is still not completely recovered from her infection and may have to be taken to the vet next week. I'll keep you posted.... She finished her last antibiotic today with the help of a bit of peanut butter....... On the river this morning there were 2 swans, 3 cormorants and a heron..... No partridges in a pear tree.... Yet again we did not meet any moving boats on the way to Broxbourne. There were a lot of children learning how to row at Broxbourne which meant I had to be steered carefully to ensure I did not drown anyone.........
At the moment there is a strong current on the River Lee and I need a bit of 'welly' to cruise through it in the opposite direction. There is also a very good towpath along this stretch of river and so there have been loads of dog walkers, runners and cyclists.
We stop near The Crown pub in Broxbourne. After Pete checks that he can get a TV signal, Susan and Pete pop in for a late lunch. Susan wants to watch the X-factor final - "Come on Jahmene and James...." she shouts at the TV....... Pete pops out for a late 'cheeky' drink with friend Gerald whilst the X-Factor is on......
Not able to post images again due to weak signal......... Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do tomorrow.
Total 3 locks and 4 miles
Update on Mazey - she is still not completely recovered from her infection and may have to be taken to the vet next week. I'll keep you posted.... She finished her last antibiotic today with the help of a bit of peanut butter....... On the river this morning there were 2 swans, 3 cormorants and a heron..... No partridges in a pear tree.... Yet again we did not meet any moving boats on the way to Broxbourne. There were a lot of children learning how to row at Broxbourne which meant I had to be steered carefully to ensure I did not drown anyone.........
At the moment there is a strong current on the River Lee and I need a bit of 'welly' to cruise through it in the opposite direction. There is also a very good towpath along this stretch of river and so there have been loads of dog walkers, runners and cyclists.
We stop near The Crown pub in Broxbourne. After Pete checks that he can get a TV signal, Susan and Pete pop in for a late lunch. Susan wants to watch the X-factor final - "Come on Jahmene and James...." she shouts at the TV....... Pete pops out for a late 'cheeky' drink with friend Gerald whilst the X-Factor is on......
Not able to post images again due to weak signal......... Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do tomorrow.
Total 3 locks and 4 miles
Thursday 6 December 2012
Photos added from Paddington, London journey
Below are photos from Paddington and the journey through London out onto the River Lee, Stonebridge - not able to add them yesterday due to slow internet access. Hope you enjoy them.
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| Tight squeeze - Pete steers out of mooring |
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| Willowtree Marina - still reversing out |
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| Paddington Arm on the right and Little Venice ahead |
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| Paddington Basin |
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| Paddington |
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| Little Venice |
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| Floating Chinese Restaurant - Regent's Park |
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| Camden Locks |
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| Hamstead Road Lock |
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| The dreaded St. Pancreas Lock |
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| Hertford Union Locks - Ducketts Cut |
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| Olympic Park - River Lee |
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| River Lee Moored Boats |
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| Approaching Tottenham Lock - Automated |
Stonebridge Lock to Waltham Town 11 Lock - River Lee Frozen
What a day..... Yet another chilly one.... The River Lee froze today!!!
Pete steered me through 3mm of solid frozen ice for miles and miles and miles. Susan and Mazey decided to walk as the sheer noise of the ice cracking and popping on my hull rattled on their nerves. Both still recovering from the traumas of yesterday!!!
No boats moving today either.... Pete and I thought it was exciting... No scarring - not even my blacking was scratched. Pete did say if the ice had been thicker we would not have travelled.
Water was also frozen in the water pipes and in other places the taps had been removed from water taps along the river by vandals. Thankfully, when we reached Hazelmere Sanitary Station near Waltham Abbey the water tap was working. I am now full of water which will last them till they get to Roydon Marina. As we headed further to Waltham Town Lock there was evidence of lots of snow falling here yesterday.
Now moored above Waltham Town 11 Lock which is 0.5 mile walk into Waltham Abbey. Susan and Mazey exhausted as walked the entire 6.5 miles together.....
Total 6.5 miles and 5 locks (some part automated)
Pete steered me through 3mm of solid frozen ice for miles and miles and miles. Susan and Mazey decided to walk as the sheer noise of the ice cracking and popping on my hull rattled on their nerves. Both still recovering from the traumas of yesterday!!!
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| Pushing through the Ice!! |
Water was also frozen in the water pipes and in other places the taps had been removed from water taps along the river by vandals. Thankfully, when we reached Hazelmere Sanitary Station near Waltham Abbey the water tap was working. I am now full of water which will last them till they get to Roydon Marina. As we headed further to Waltham Town Lock there was evidence of lots of snow falling here yesterday.
Now moored above Waltham Town 11 Lock which is 0.5 mile walk into Waltham Abbey. Susan and Mazey exhausted as walked the entire 6.5 miles together.....
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| Waltham Town Lock 11 |
Wednesday 5 December 2012
WillowTree Marina, Paddington, Stonebridge Lock on the River Lea
It has been a very busy few days. Poor Mazey was taken ill whilst in WillowTree Marina Sunday night, early Monday morning. Thankfully, at the suggestion of a fellow boater, Susan and Pete found a vet not too far away who was able to see her as soon as they could get there. A taxi dropped them all off. Mazey was kept in and had a thorough examination. Turns out not to be pancreatitis but a nasty infection. Mazey was picked up again and brought back. She was feeing really sorry for herself so Pete and Susan decided to stay another night in the marina to look after her - also they were both tired at getting up at 5:30am with Mazey. Amazingly next morning, although not perfect, she was a lot better which prompted Pete to make the decision to get moving again. Mazey likes having chicken and rice rather than her normal Winalot......... BUT she does not like the antibiotics and keeps trying to spit them out.....
Susan said that it was lovely being in the marina and having electric on demand. So she kept switching lights on and keeping them on. She also used the TV, charged all telephones, camera batteries and laptops as well as used the microwave too.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Pete managed to reverse me out of the 'tight' mooring..... We leave Willowtree marina and wave goodbye to new friends we met on Sunday night whilst drinking around the bonfire. Not one boat was moving until we got into London - then they were only getting water. It is like a ghost town and quite spookey on the way in to Paddington Basin. No locks to do. It is chilly!!!
Once in Paddington Basin the last mooring is free in the visitor moorings. Lucky us. Pete does a brilliant piece of mooring yet again into another tight spot.
Total 10 miles
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Today was nearly a DISASTER on three occasions.....
We left Paddington Basin at 8:00am. It is snowing around London but not through it. Susan did not want to go as it was raining - being psychic she must have known what was about to happen....
After going through Little Venice and Regents Park, we go through Camden Locks. One of the pounds is very shallow and Susan drags my bottom on some rocks......
Pete was steering when he needed to go to the loo, Susan took over the helm. I was going fast and as Pete walked down the stairs he knocked the tiller out of Susan's hands..... Approaching was the side of a bridge...... Susan pushed me into reverse and I honestly did try to stop... Managed to slow down a bit but, unfortunately, I pranged the side of the bridge..... Oh dear....... I'm OK thanks for asking.
St. Pancreas Lock is where I was nearly submerged - seriously!! I got caught on the cill on the back gate as the water was being emptied out of the lock. I was tilting dangerously..... and could not be pulled off. Every boaters nightmare..... Both Pete and Susan were on the towpath, Mazey was panicking inside. I will not go into detail other than to say that Pete blamed Susan and Susan blamed Pete. BUT they did manage to get their act together, got me afloat again and saved me from drowning..... It all happened so fast as accidents do..... I did hear Pete pray at one point in this awful potential disaster scene. He must have been heard. I am so grateful for that as I am here to tell the tale and so are my little family. All very shaken!!!
We pass Zygnema which is moored on the River Lee. There are so many boats now on the River Lee. They weren't here in June when we came through last time.
At Tottenham Hale Lock, disaster 3 occurred. Susan was cruising the boat in. Pete jumped up onto the lock, because Susan could not jump that high off the boat. This lock is automated. Pete used the BW key to set off the process and closed the doors OK. THEN PRESSED THE WRONG BUTTON to fill the lock with water - I was buffeted around in this really huge lock with Susan shouting to Pete to "let go of the bloody rope" as I was tilting over at a very dangerous angle. Thankfully he did!! As the rope was released of pressure I bashed sharply up against the opposite side of the lock. Bounced about a bit before finally settling in an upright position. Poor Susan and Mazey were shaking with fear. Pete did confess to Susan later that he head pressed the wrong button..... It says on the panel of the automated lock to only press the button on the side that the boat is laying in to fill with water - for safety!!!! Needless to say that Susan insisted on doing the next lock at Stonebridge which is also automated. All went smoothly. We are now moored above Stonebridge lock. Everyone is resting and calming their shattered nerves. Boating can be dangerous.......
Total 15.5 miles and 13 locks
Susan said that it was lovely being in the marina and having electric on demand. So she kept switching lights on and keeping them on. She also used the TV, charged all telephones, camera batteries and laptops as well as used the microwave too.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Pete managed to reverse me out of the 'tight' mooring..... We leave Willowtree marina and wave goodbye to new friends we met on Sunday night whilst drinking around the bonfire. Not one boat was moving until we got into London - then they were only getting water. It is like a ghost town and quite spookey on the way in to Paddington Basin. No locks to do. It is chilly!!!
Once in Paddington Basin the last mooring is free in the visitor moorings. Lucky us. Pete does a brilliant piece of mooring yet again into another tight spot.
Total 10 miles
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Today was nearly a DISASTER on three occasions.....
We left Paddington Basin at 8:00am. It is snowing around London but not through it. Susan did not want to go as it was raining - being psychic she must have known what was about to happen....
After going through Little Venice and Regents Park, we go through Camden Locks. One of the pounds is very shallow and Susan drags my bottom on some rocks......
Pete was steering when he needed to go to the loo, Susan took over the helm. I was going fast and as Pete walked down the stairs he knocked the tiller out of Susan's hands..... Approaching was the side of a bridge...... Susan pushed me into reverse and I honestly did try to stop... Managed to slow down a bit but, unfortunately, I pranged the side of the bridge..... Oh dear....... I'm OK thanks for asking.
St. Pancreas Lock is where I was nearly submerged - seriously!! I got caught on the cill on the back gate as the water was being emptied out of the lock. I was tilting dangerously..... and could not be pulled off. Every boaters nightmare..... Both Pete and Susan were on the towpath, Mazey was panicking inside. I will not go into detail other than to say that Pete blamed Susan and Susan blamed Pete. BUT they did manage to get their act together, got me afloat again and saved me from drowning..... It all happened so fast as accidents do..... I did hear Pete pray at one point in this awful potential disaster scene. He must have been heard. I am so grateful for that as I am here to tell the tale and so are my little family. All very shaken!!!
We pass Zygnema which is moored on the River Lee. There are so many boats now on the River Lee. They weren't here in June when we came through last time.
At Tottenham Hale Lock, disaster 3 occurred. Susan was cruising the boat in. Pete jumped up onto the lock, because Susan could not jump that high off the boat. This lock is automated. Pete used the BW key to set off the process and closed the doors OK. THEN PRESSED THE WRONG BUTTON to fill the lock with water - I was buffeted around in this really huge lock with Susan shouting to Pete to "let go of the bloody rope" as I was tilting over at a very dangerous angle. Thankfully he did!! As the rope was released of pressure I bashed sharply up against the opposite side of the lock. Bounced about a bit before finally settling in an upright position. Poor Susan and Mazey were shaking with fear. Pete did confess to Susan later that he head pressed the wrong button..... It says on the panel of the automated lock to only press the button on the side that the boat is laying in to fill with water - for safety!!!! Needless to say that Susan insisted on doing the next lock at Stonebridge which is also automated. All went smoothly. We are now moored above Stonebridge lock. Everyone is resting and calming their shattered nerves. Boating can be dangerous.......
Total 15.5 miles and 13 locks
Sunday 2 December 2012
Harefield to Hayes, London - ICE, ICE BABY
BRRRR. It is so cold. I am all iced up. Inside the well deck the awning is stiff with ice.... Even the canal, in places, is iced up this morning - only a few mm but the birds and waterfowl can walk on it.
A stunning bright sunny morning. Mazey and Susan walk the mile to Denham Deep Lock. The path glistens and sparkles in the sun. A young adult swan sits 'steaming' on the towpath - even the locks steam when the sun gets on them. The cafe at Denham Deep lock is open throughout the winter but has reduced opening times. Susan and Pete notice that there are not as many boats here as they thought. More boaters seem to enjoy being closer to Harefield Marina, along this stretch, as there are places to park their vehicles here.
Pete tells Susan that he enjoyed cutting his way through the ice leaving a path behind. Personally, I now have a cold bottom..... brrrr!!!
At Cowley Lock we have many gongoozlers watching us go through the lock. Only a couple of boats moving today - mainly for water... Loads and loads of boats after Uxbridge Lock......
Pump-out and water at Willowbridge Marina in Hayes. We manage to manoeuvre into the allocated spot for tonight - very tight. Hope it is not windy tomorrow as it will be interesting on the way out!!! Staying in the marina tonight as safer to be here than on the towpath - according to Pete. Susan and Pete going to the marina restaurant for food. Heading to Paddington Basin tomorrow.
Total 11 miles and 3 locks
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| Harefield Marina |
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| Mooring opposite Harefield Marina |
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| Birds walking on ice |
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| Steaming young adult Swan |
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| Denham Deep Lock |
Pete tells Susan that he enjoyed cutting his way through the ice leaving a path behind. Personally, I now have a cold bottom..... brrrr!!!
At Cowley Lock we have many gongoozlers watching us go through the lock. Only a couple of boats moving today - mainly for water... Loads and loads of boats after Uxbridge Lock......
Pump-out and water at Willowbridge Marina in Hayes. We manage to manoeuvre into the allocated spot for tonight - very tight. Hope it is not windy tomorrow as it will be interesting on the way out!!! Staying in the marina tonight as safer to be here than on the towpath - according to Pete. Susan and Pete going to the marina restaurant for food. Heading to Paddington Basin tomorrow.
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| Willowtree Marina |
Total 11 miles and 3 locks
Saturday 1 December 2012
Rickmansworth to Widewater Lock, Nr. South Harefield
Friday, 30 November 2012
Very frosty and cold but a bright sunny morning. The top of me is covered in ICE and the ropes are stiff and frozen almost solid.....
On the way from Rickmansworth there are hundreds of boats all moored now for winter in winter moorings. Such a surprise to see so many. Also, worth noting, many of the visitor mooring spots have also now been turned into permit only winter mooring spots. Makes you wander where the boaters who choose to continue cruising the network in winter are supposed to moor......
Pete and Mazey prepare the locks and Susan has warned Pete not to step on top of me today as he could slip and fall in. When the sun goes in it gets really chilly. We are lucky to get the last mooring available after Widewater lock and opposite the marina. The boaters behind us tell Pete that from tomorrow (1st December) this area will also be winter moorings only. There are no signs up yet - so we will stay until Sunday when we head off towards Paddington Basin.
As Susan and Pete eat a late lunch, Pete spots the Kingfishers playing in the opposite scrub and both dash to get cameras. It is very dark and Susan manages to take the photo below - not brilliant but at least they can be seen.
Susan was kept awake during the night by the music from the pub which is about 1/2 a mile away.......
Total 5 miles and 5 locks
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Susan wakes up with a 'BANG'...... I have been hit by another boat that was manoeuvring back into its mooring - two boats tied together. Pete rushes out to help out.
A sunny chilly morning and having a rest day.
Very frosty and cold but a bright sunny morning. The top of me is covered in ICE and the ropes are stiff and frozen almost solid.....
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| Frozen stiff ropes |
On the way from Rickmansworth there are hundreds of boats all moored now for winter in winter moorings. Such a surprise to see so many. Also, worth noting, many of the visitor mooring spots have also now been turned into permit only winter mooring spots. Makes you wander where the boaters who choose to continue cruising the network in winter are supposed to moor......
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| Miles of boats moored for winter |
Pete and Mazey prepare the locks and Susan has warned Pete not to step on top of me today as he could slip and fall in. When the sun goes in it gets really chilly. We are lucky to get the last mooring available after Widewater lock and opposite the marina. The boaters behind us tell Pete that from tomorrow (1st December) this area will also be winter moorings only. There are no signs up yet - so we will stay until Sunday when we head off towards Paddington Basin.
As Susan and Pete eat a late lunch, Pete spots the Kingfishers playing in the opposite scrub and both dash to get cameras. It is very dark and Susan manages to take the photo below - not brilliant but at least they can be seen.
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| The Illusive Kingfishers |
Total 5 miles and 5 locks
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Susan wakes up with a 'BANG'...... I have been hit by another boat that was manoeuvring back into its mooring - two boats tied together. Pete rushes out to help out.
A sunny chilly morning and having a rest day.
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| The boat that bashed me |
Wednesday 28 November 2012
Watford to Rickmansworth - Swan Attacks
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Yeh... It's not raining this morning. Only a short journey to complete today. Great excitement as Susan spots a Kingfisher...... No time to get a photo..
It is a strange journey from Common Moor lock to Rickmansworth. Loads of different types of boats line the waterways mainly prior to Batchworth Lock. Some have seen better days. Some are amazing..... Some have left loads of litter in the countryside!!! We see green parakeets in the trees too.
Once in Rickmansworth, some of the visitor moorings have also been changed to permit holder winter moorings only. Luckily we find a mooring almost opposite Tesco's.
Total 1.5 miles and 3 locks.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
The stove went out overnight. Susan puts the gas heating on to get us warm..... Condensation was soon dripping off my windows........ Susan notices there is a damp patch by the bed.... she pulls the mattress away from the side and hopes it will dry out. Pete assures Susan that I am not leaking.......
Mazey still in bed at 9:50 - snuggled up under the duvet. It is raining again!!
We are moving from Grove to Cassiobury Park, Watford, today. We are going to have dinner with Cheryl, who lives alongside the Grand Union canal - she says she has put up a union jack flag in her bedroom window... Susan and Pete are looking forward to dinner!!
Before we set off from The Grove, Susan notices the M25 noise as she steps off onto the towpath. Two fisherman have already setup their equipment and the brollies are up.
It starts to rain heavily and gets very breezy in places. They share the locks between them as, once again, the lower gates are heavy due to water pressure. Within two locks, Susan's new 'waterproof' gloves are soaked. She is freezing so pops in to get another pair and these are soaked by the next lock. Susan does the lock without any gloves on and her hands are now wet, red and ice cold....
It would be a very pleasant journey through Cassiobury Park which is mainly woodland if it weren't for the rain. Another tree has fallen and is obstructing the towpath.
At the last (Cassio Bridge) lock, a man comes out of the cottage and tries to clear the wooden twigs and leaves gathered by the gates of the lock. He said that the towpath by the lock had recently been flooded due to the leaves and twigs. He tries to shove them back into the lock. Susan helps to pull them out of the lock, off the gates and completes the task whilst the man goes back into the warm........
Pete fills me with water as I was thirsty again. A swan comes over and Pete feeds it. As Pete puts the pipe thingy back into the hatch on the front, the swan decides to attack Pete. It keeps pecking at his shoes and his trousers. I think it wants more food........ When Susan comes back it tries to do it to her too.... Mazey barks at it and it hisses back.....
After filling me up at the other end, we continue on to just before Common Moor lock. Susan notices the flag and we moor up opposite it.
During the night, I get caught up on the ledge in the early hours of the morning which makes me tilt over. Pete got up and relaxed the mooring ropes. All chilled out!!
Total 2 miles, 4 locks
Yeh... It's not raining this morning. Only a short journey to complete today. Great excitement as Susan spots a Kingfisher...... No time to get a photo..
It is a strange journey from Common Moor lock to Rickmansworth. Loads of different types of boats line the waterways mainly prior to Batchworth Lock. Some have seen better days. Some are amazing..... Some have left loads of litter in the countryside!!! We see green parakeets in the trees too.
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| Susan's favourite Boat |
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| Squirrel feeding post on side of floating house boat |
Once in Rickmansworth, some of the visitor moorings have also been changed to permit holder winter moorings only. Luckily we find a mooring almost opposite Tesco's.
Total 1.5 miles and 3 locks.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
The stove went out overnight. Susan puts the gas heating on to get us warm..... Condensation was soon dripping off my windows........ Susan notices there is a damp patch by the bed.... she pulls the mattress away from the side and hopes it will dry out. Pete assures Susan that I am not leaking.......
Mazey still in bed at 9:50 - snuggled up under the duvet. It is raining again!!
We are moving from Grove to Cassiobury Park, Watford, today. We are going to have dinner with Cheryl, who lives alongside the Grand Union canal - she says she has put up a union jack flag in her bedroom window... Susan and Pete are looking forward to dinner!!
Before we set off from The Grove, Susan notices the M25 noise as she steps off onto the towpath. Two fisherman have already setup their equipment and the brollies are up.
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| Fisherman - The Grove |
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| Strange looking boat |
It starts to rain heavily and gets very breezy in places. They share the locks between them as, once again, the lower gates are heavy due to water pressure. Within two locks, Susan's new 'waterproof' gloves are soaked. She is freezing so pops in to get another pair and these are soaked by the next lock. Susan does the lock without any gloves on and her hands are now wet, red and ice cold....
It would be a very pleasant journey through Cassiobury Park which is mainly woodland if it weren't for the rain. Another tree has fallen and is obstructing the towpath.
At the last (Cassio Bridge) lock, a man comes out of the cottage and tries to clear the wooden twigs and leaves gathered by the gates of the lock. He said that the towpath by the lock had recently been flooded due to the leaves and twigs. He tries to shove them back into the lock. Susan helps to pull them out of the lock, off the gates and completes the task whilst the man goes back into the warm........
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| Leaves and twigs |
Pete fills me with water as I was thirsty again. A swan comes over and Pete feeds it. As Pete puts the pipe thingy back into the hatch on the front, the swan decides to attack Pete. It keeps pecking at his shoes and his trousers. I think it wants more food........ When Susan comes back it tries to do it to her too.... Mazey barks at it and it hisses back.....
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| Nice Swan |
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| Attacking Swan |
After filling me up at the other end, we continue on to just before Common Moor lock. Susan notices the flag and we moor up opposite it.
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| Union Jack Flag |
Total 2 miles, 4 locks
Monday 26 November 2012
The Grove - Watford - Rain and more Rain
Susan wants a 'duvet' day - not a boat moving day!!! Pete tells Susan to get a 'wiggle on'.....
We set off at 10:30 in the rain but, thankfully, no wind. Susan, Pete and Mazey are all in wet weather gear. At the second lock of the day, Susan helps a boat in the lock moving in the opposite direction. His wife has broken her wrist 3 days' ago. She slipped at a lock.... She said it was painful. They also said that Paddington Basin's visitor moorings are now full of winter moorers.... Susan and Pete need to decide what they are going to do now as they had planned on staying in the basin over the weekend until Tuesday (note: winter moorings take effect from 1 November until 31 March). Whilst in this second lock I get extra water..... It takes ages as Pete forgets to put the nozzly thing on the end of the pipe onto full power..... Do'h.
Most of the locks have their bottom gates open which need to be closed before the lock can be filled with water - some idiot has left them open when exiting - Grrrrr. Pete and Mazey prep most of the locks after the second lock as the bottom gates are very heavy to open due to water pressure. We go under the M25 and pass only 1 other boat moving today. There are many available mooring spaces from North Grove lock to Lady Capel's lock - which is where we are. We arrive at 3:00 and overlook The Grove golf course. Very pretty along here but also muddy. Mazey is caked in mud and gets a brisk rub down. Sitting in the dark at 4:00 - batteries not on full charge yet.....
Total 9 locks, 4 miles
We set off at 10:30 in the rain but, thankfully, no wind. Susan, Pete and Mazey are all in wet weather gear. At the second lock of the day, Susan helps a boat in the lock moving in the opposite direction. His wife has broken her wrist 3 days' ago. She slipped at a lock.... She said it was painful. They also said that Paddington Basin's visitor moorings are now full of winter moorers.... Susan and Pete need to decide what they are going to do now as they had planned on staying in the basin over the weekend until Tuesday (note: winter moorings take effect from 1 November until 31 March). Whilst in this second lock I get extra water..... It takes ages as Pete forgets to put the nozzly thing on the end of the pipe onto full power..... Do'h.
Most of the locks have their bottom gates open which need to be closed before the lock can be filled with water - some idiot has left them open when exiting - Grrrrr. Pete and Mazey prep most of the locks after the second lock as the bottom gates are very heavy to open due to water pressure. We go under the M25 and pass only 1 other boat moving today. There are many available mooring spaces from North Grove lock to Lady Capel's lock - which is where we are. We arrive at 3:00 and overlook The Grove golf course. Very pretty along here but also muddy. Mazey is caked in mud and gets a brisk rub down. Sitting in the dark at 4:00 - batteries not on full charge yet.....
Total 9 locks, 4 miles
Sunday 25 November 2012
Apsley - Lunch in the Paper Mill
What a night!! Pete got up twice to sort out the TV arial and anything else on the roof that the wind might drag off, as the wind built up and the rain pelted down, throughout the night. I was swaying in the wind which lulled Susan back to sleep quickly.
A sunny but breezy morning. No rain yet!!
Pete and Susan had a lovely lunch in the Paper Mill pub with Lorraine and Pat. There was a huge Christmas tree and a two piece band - saxaphone and keyboard. It was very busy. It has been 3 months since Susan saw her sister Lorraine and misses her terribly. Susan's hair was a tad frizzy due to lack of a hairdryer or straightening irons.......
Tomorrow, after a day's rest, we will be moving on. Pete says if too windy we won't be going anywhere. I got 'banged' again today by another boater just passing by - the wind caught them and forced them into the side of me!!! Hey ho - boating is a contact sport!!!!
A sunny but breezy morning. No rain yet!!
Pete and Susan had a lovely lunch in the Paper Mill pub with Lorraine and Pat. There was a huge Christmas tree and a two piece band - saxaphone and keyboard. It was very busy. It has been 3 months since Susan saw her sister Lorraine and misses her terribly. Susan's hair was a tad frizzy due to lack of a hairdryer or straightening irons.......
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| The Paper Mill Pub |
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| Apsley |
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| Lorraine and Pat |
Saturday 24 November 2012
Cowroast, Berkhamsted, Winkwell, Hemel Hempstead and Apsley
Apologies for the interrupted service which is due to Susan having watched 3 X-factor music videos last Saturday. No TV signal was her excuse!!! She could not believe how many megabytes they ate up.......... Susan and Pete have been into Hemel Hempstead to try and buy more megabytes. No luck!!! They have now purchased a MiFi (mobile WiFi). Don't ask me what it is but, hopefully, we will have an uninterrupted service from now on....... I don't like not being able to chat to you and let you know what I have been up to.... So here goes...
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Yet another grey drizzly day. Pete and Susan try out their new thermal waterproof gloves and fleeces.
After completing Boxmoor lock, Hemel Hempstead, the towpath is obstructed by a fallen tree. Susan and Mazey get back on. More locks completed without too much trouble. We arrive in Apsley which is a popular place to moor as there is a marina here. We find a mooring. Susan goes shopping to Sainsburys which is a few minutes walk from here over the bridge.
Susan gets the mobile wi-fi sorted whilst Pete watches the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Total 1 mile, 3 locks
Friday, 23 November 2012
As we leave Winkwell mooring, Susan and Mazey head off and prepare the swing bridge. A British Waterways key is required. The barriers come down and this stops the cars going across. Then the bridge swings out of the way. Whilst this is happening a goose decides to check Susan out and crosses the road.
Susan makes sure that the bridge is closed correctly and she does not want to pay a penalty...
Once through, we get pump-out at the boat yard - Middx & Herts Boat Services. Susan and Mazey then prepare the next lock. All goes well until they have to open the bottom lock. No hope!! Pete has to climb out of the boat by jumping onto the top and then hoisting himself up onto the towpath and help push it open. It takes ages. Susan resorts to the giggles as she keeps slipping in the mud. After a lot of swearing and pushing the gate finally opens.
At the next lock, Susan pulls out a wooden pallet..... This lock takes even longer to open. Again Pete helps. The lock after this takes even longer and Susan and Pete realise they are wasting their time as well as hurting their backs through sheer effort. It has taken 2 hours to do 1 mile and 3 locks. No other boats have moved in either direction today. They decide to moor up prior to Boxmoor Lock near Hemel Hempstead shopping centre which is a 10 minute walk across the cricket pitch. Susan and Pete go shopping and agree to stay for the evening.
Total 1 miles, 3 locks
Thursday, 22 November 2012
A grey, breezy day. Weather warnings!!! Pete is recovering from a night out with pals in London. Susan went to the Rex cinema in Berkhamsted to see Anna Karenina. The Rex is a privately owned art-deco refurbished cinema. Susan said it was an amazing experience sitting in plush red velvet seats. Mostly full of groups of women drinking wine..... Downstairs there is a seating area with tables so that guests can sit in groups and drink whilst watching the film.....
Pete's ex-work colleague and friend Peter joins us in Berkhamsted today. He puts his bike on top and then we set off in the rain.
After two locks they fill me up with water again. Susan shops in the garage and gets pre-made sandwiches, and basic provisions for lunch.
Mazey and Susan walk and prepare a few locks whilst the two Peters finish the locks. The lock gates are really heavy due to strong water pressure. After the third lock the weather brightens.
Getting very windy late in the day and lots of rain!!
Total 2 miles and 7 locks
Monday, 19 November 2012
A very cold morning - brrrrrrr. Pete takes me into Cowroast Marina for pump-out which takes a lot of manoeuvring in the wind. Another boater in the marina informs us that it is closed on a Monday!!! Decide to continue on to Berkhamsted and get pump-out from Middx & Herts Boat Services in a few days. On exiting the marina a fuel boat, Phil, arrives just behind us. We share the locks with them into Berkhamsted. Phil's father-in-law helps Susan and Mazey prepare the locks whilst Phil and Pete chat.... Two swans decide to escort us into Cowroast Lock.. Susan frantically tries to discourage them... Do they have a passport!!!
Susan is a bit fed up as the fuel boat is 70 feet long and Pete keeps bumping me into it...... There are a number of Canal and River Trust helpers along this stretch of canal. There is a problem with some of the locks due to lack of water in the pounds below the locks - believe it or not!! They are trying to allow water to flow from Tring Summit to the lower levels.
The fuel boat is heavy and has a deep stern - so keeps dragging on the bottom and gets stuck at Bushes lock. The Northchurch lock pump is broken, so the helpers are opening the bottom paddles to encourage water to flow down the locks.
On the way Susan spots a donkey - she is very excited about it!!
We meet another lady boater travelling in the opposite direction to us who has decided to leave Berkhamsted as she does not like tilting at an angle......
Once we arrive in "Berko" (Berkhamsted), I get more water again but not before we are attacked by a Weeping Willow tree....... Pete fights back... Susan decides to go and get food shopping in Waitrose over the bridge and leaves us to it....
Once the shopping is done and water levels are full, we find a mooring prior to Raven's Lock and Susan keeps her fingers and toes crossed for days that the water levels stay OK.
Total 2.5 miles, 8 locks
Sunday, 18th November 2012
A beautiful, bright, sunny, frosty morning. Fisherman are already set up for the day around the corner to our mooring. Everyone up early. We leave the Wendover basin and head to Cowroast.
After filling me up with water, we arrive nr. Cowroast Lock at 12:30.
There are lots of rowers out today with their coaches on bikes shouting out instructions and encouragement.
A pair of swans visit us late at night and peck the plankton off the side of me. A quick clean-up service - thanks.
Total 4 miles, 0 locks, slow going due to silt along the canal.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Yet another grey drizzly day. Pete and Susan try out their new thermal waterproof gloves and fleeces.
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| Nr. Boxmoor Lock - Hemel Hempstead |
Susan gets the mobile wi-fi sorted whilst Pete watches the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Total 1 mile, 3 locks
Friday, 23 November 2012
As we leave Winkwell mooring, Susan and Mazey head off and prepare the swing bridge. A British Waterways key is required. The barriers come down and this stops the cars going across. Then the bridge swings out of the way. Whilst this is happening a goose decides to check Susan out and crosses the road.
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| Winkwell Bridge |
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| Penalty |
Once through, we get pump-out at the boat yard - Middx & Herts Boat Services. Susan and Mazey then prepare the next lock. All goes well until they have to open the bottom lock. No hope!! Pete has to climb out of the boat by jumping onto the top and then hoisting himself up onto the towpath and help push it open. It takes ages. Susan resorts to the giggles as she keeps slipping in the mud. After a lot of swearing and pushing the gate finally opens.
At the next lock, Susan pulls out a wooden pallet..... This lock takes even longer to open. Again Pete helps. The lock after this takes even longer and Susan and Pete realise they are wasting their time as well as hurting their backs through sheer effort. It has taken 2 hours to do 1 mile and 3 locks. No other boats have moved in either direction today. They decide to moor up prior to Boxmoor Lock near Hemel Hempstead shopping centre which is a 10 minute walk across the cricket pitch. Susan and Pete go shopping and agree to stay for the evening.
Total 1 miles, 3 locks
Thursday, 22 November 2012
A grey, breezy day. Weather warnings!!! Pete is recovering from a night out with pals in London. Susan went to the Rex cinema in Berkhamsted to see Anna Karenina. The Rex is a privately owned art-deco refurbished cinema. Susan said it was an amazing experience sitting in plush red velvet seats. Mostly full of groups of women drinking wine..... Downstairs there is a seating area with tables so that guests can sit in groups and drink whilst watching the film.....
Pete's ex-work colleague and friend Peter joins us in Berkhamsted today. He puts his bike on top and then we set off in the rain.
After two locks they fill me up with water again. Susan shops in the garage and gets pre-made sandwiches, and basic provisions for lunch.
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| Pete and Pete at water point |
Mazey and Susan walk and prepare a few locks whilst the two Peters finish the locks. The lock gates are really heavy due to strong water pressure. After the third lock the weather brightens.
We moor near Winkwell Spring Bridge. The humans decide to go and have a quick pint at the Three Horseshoes Pub. This pub pre-dates the canal by 3 centuries..... and allegedly has not one but two resident ghosts in the bar we sat in....... Thank you Peter for your help.
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| Three Horseshoes - Quick pint |
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| Winkwell Spring Bridge No 147 |
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| Winkwell Moorings |
Total 2 miles and 7 locks
Monday, 19 November 2012
A very cold morning - brrrrrrr. Pete takes me into Cowroast Marina for pump-out which takes a lot of manoeuvring in the wind. Another boater in the marina informs us that it is closed on a Monday!!! Decide to continue on to Berkhamsted and get pump-out from Middx & Herts Boat Services in a few days. On exiting the marina a fuel boat, Phil, arrives just behind us. We share the locks with them into Berkhamsted. Phil's father-in-law helps Susan and Mazey prepare the locks whilst Phil and Pete chat.... Two swans decide to escort us into Cowroast Lock.. Susan frantically tries to discourage them... Do they have a passport!!!
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| Swan Patrol |
Susan is a bit fed up as the fuel boat is 70 feet long and Pete keeps bumping me into it...... There are a number of Canal and River Trust helpers along this stretch of canal. There is a problem with some of the locks due to lack of water in the pounds below the locks - believe it or not!! They are trying to allow water to flow from Tring Summit to the lower levels.
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| Cowroast Lock - Fuel boat |
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| Fuel boat exiting lock |
On the way Susan spots a donkey - she is very excited about it!!
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| Donkey |
Once we arrive in "Berko" (Berkhamsted), I get more water again but not before we are attacked by a Weeping Willow tree....... Pete fights back... Susan decides to go and get food shopping in Waitrose over the bridge and leaves us to it....
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| Willow attack |
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| Water point |
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| Totem pole in Berkhamsted |
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| Raven's Gate - Mooring |
Sunday, 18th November 2012
A beautiful, bright, sunny, frosty morning. Fisherman are already set up for the day around the corner to our mooring. Everyone up early. We leave the Wendover basin and head to Cowroast.
After filling me up with water, we arrive nr. Cowroast Lock at 12:30.
There are lots of rowers out today with their coaches on bikes shouting out instructions and encouragement.
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| Rowers |
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| Cowroast mooring |
A pair of swans visit us late at night and peck the plankton off the side of me. A quick clean-up service - thanks.
Total 4 miles, 0 locks, slow going due to silt along the canal.
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