Devizes

Tuesday/Wednesday, 22/23 July 2014

Hot, hot, hot.  That's all I want to say really....... Only joking.  Unusually hot.  So many  little insects too.  Pete and Susan seem to be constantly swatting at insects in the evening.......  Mazey is constantly panting...  Poor dog.

It was such a shame to leave our lovely spot at All Cannings but we have to move on as I was getting full and needed pumpout and thirsty for more water.

Mazey and Susan walked to the first swing-bridge and then got on board as it was too hot to walk.

Swing Bridge on Kennet and Avon

The canal narrowed in places due to extensive reeds...  Susan to her delight saw lots of large dragonflies flying around.  Also a few herons.

After completing two swing-bridges we arrive in Devizes marina for pump-out and water.  There are no overnight vacancies here.

We carry on to the Wharf at Devizes.

Devizes Wharf

No spaces here.  Susan has to leap off the front and go ask another boater if he would kindly move his boat forward a few feet so that we can tag on the end.  Susan even offered to do it herself - as he was bit old...  NO!!!  He was not going to move no matter what Susan said.  It's the first time that I have heard Pete raise his voice in annoyance...

Susan even asked a hotel boat if we could moor alongside them.  They were more polite but also said NO as they had customers on board who would not like it.

So we eventually moor up against a work boat.

The Work Boat we attach to

Pete has to stay to look after me just in case the owners of the work boat arrive and want me to move.  Meanwhile, Susan walks to Sainsbury's and gets loads of shopping and hauls it back about 1/2 a mile.  THEN she goes back again in the searing heat.  She was exhausted when she finally made it back.

Whilst Susan was away the second time, Pete convinced another boater to help him move the working boat up a few feet so that I could squeeze in behind the hotel boat and the working boat.  Everyone, except the old man, was very helpful.  Eventually, I wedge my huge body into the space.  Susan was happy when she got back to find out that we had a proper mooring for the next 72 hours.

Total 6 miles and 2 swing bridges


Another warm day.  Pete decides to move me again as some of the boats have now moved on.  I like my new mooring.  More space to breath.

Second mooring in Devizes

Later, Pete was praised by another boater for the way he handled me by reversing into the winding hole and then placing me into the new mooring.  I do try to do my best......

Susan and Pete go for a walk into Devizes and visit the Wadworth Brewery.  Since 1885, when the brewery was built, Shire horses were being used.  Susan loved seeing the two shire horses Monty and Max.  Apparently, every time Susan went to walk away from Monty he kicked his stable door to get more attention and cuddles.  Susan found it hard to leave him.  Max was asleep.

Lovely Monty

Name Plates for Max and Monty

Monty and Max are used to deliver beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks to the local Wadworth pubs and customers around Devizes.  There used to be 40 horses but sadly now there are only two.  Monty is 6 feet (18 hands and weighs 1 ton - pretty heavy as I weigh 16 tons) and is 10 years old.  Max is 11 years old (18.2 hands) and even taller by 2".  There are a number of different carriages (work and show drays) that are used and harnesses depending on whether they are on local deliveries or competitions.

At 6:00pm Pete switches my engine on to replenish the batteries.  When he switches off at 6:45pm a couple of people sitting up on the balcony opposite shout 'Thank You".  We have been warned about some people who live on the canal who are upset by boaters switching on their engines and this is the first time we have come across it.  Why live there if it worries them?  Humans can be so odd!!!

Looking forward to moving soon and completing the 29 locks in the 2.5 mile stretch through Caen Hill.  Probably will do this on Friday.  Come back and see if we have.  Night night.

Honey Street and All Cannings

Saturday, Sunday and Monday - 19th July-21st July 2014

It's been a busy weekend.  The family very nearly purchased a new puppy.....  However, sense returned   and they decided that a boat was not the right place and it was probably the wrong time to raise an 8-week old Border Terrier despite him being gorgeous.  We hope he finds a lovely home.



Friday night and Saturday night were terrible with electric thunderstorms......  So bright that Pete had to put a pair of sunglasses on to watch the storm...  Mazey was upset so Susan cuddled her and sang songs.  Not much sleep was had on either nights.  I was concerned too.....  so many bright streaks in the sky with loud bangs.......

I got to leave Pewsey on Saturday morning.  Pete spots another Kingfisher.  Once again, Susan missed it as she was cleaning inside......

The canal is now getting busier with lots of boats moored in non-visitor moorings.

We arrive at Honey Street in the moorings next to The Barge Inn (rebuilt in 1858 following a fire).  The Vale of Pewsey overlooks the pub and they can see the White Horse at Alton Barnes in the hillside (cut in 1812).  This pub has a reputation for attracting crop circle enthusiasts as this area is a 'hotspot' for such activity.  For more info visit: http://www.the-barge-inn.com/cropcircles.php

After being moored for a short while, a narrowboat 'DRIFTER' arrives and it is another boater from Roydon Marina (Ian and Jill).  Everyone chats and greets each other.

Barge Inn, Honey Street

The White Horse, Alton Barnes

Next to the pub there is a camping area which is getting very busy due to a wedding party, motorcyclists and crop circle enthusiasts.  Loud live music is played in the evening and does not finish until 2:00 am.  Then the campers carry on partying until 4:30 am.......  The family do not get a lot of sleep.

Dreamer Mooring - Honey Street - Barge Inn

Total 4 miles

Sunday morning another narrowboat 'DISA' from Roydon Marina arrives.  Susan and Pete meet Rob and Madge for lunch in the Barge Inn.  Rob tells Susan about the sheer volume of boaters moored along the canal from the bottom of Devizes/Caen Hill locks into Bath.

Monday we set off again after a water top-up.  I cruise through 8 feet high reeds and pretty countryside.  I get to moor prior to bridge 127 at All Cannings.  Another pretty village which has it's own shop and pub.  It is less than 1/2 mile from the canal.

It is a nice mooring and not long after we arrive all the moorings have been taken........

All Cannings Mooring

Full-up at All Cannings

The White Horse in the distance

Total 2 miles

Pewsey

Thursday, 17th July 2014

A very warm and humid day greets us all.  Great last night when Mazey was let out for her last walk in the dark, Pete saw a small frog next to me.  Susan jumped in excitement and got her camera to hand.  Pete picked up the little frog so that Susan could take a picture before putting the stunned baby frog back onto the towpath.  Pete hopes he found his way to where he wanted to go......

Baby frog!

On the move again!!!  As Susan finishes the lock, two gentleman come up to help and tell her to make sure she puts on a long-sleeved top as it is REALLY BAD from here to Pewsey with horseflies.  Susan tells Pete this as Mazey jumps on board.  Pete is prepared and has long trousers and long-sleeved top on.  Susan covers herself in that 'Jungle' insect repellant again.

Susan then goes inside and closes all the windows and doors.  It is a 2.5 mile stretch to Pewsey (no locks or swing-bridges) so Susan decides to do the ironing.  It is very, very hot.....  Pete makes Mazey go inside too as she has started to have horseflies land on her.  Pete is busy swatting them as he cruises me.....  It is dreadful.  I am thankful that they do not affect me but I do feel sorry for Pete especially.  So determined......

Thankfully, there is a 48-hour mooring available just prior to Pewsey Wharf.  It is busy here with lots of private and long-term moorers.  Artists from Marlborough College Summer Camp are painting views of the river and the bridge.  Susan gets excited as she watches them.

Pewsey Wharf

At the wharf a building has a pub upstairs and a bistro downstairs.  Pete and Mazey walk in to find out where the bistro is........  meanwhile, Susan takes a photo of the strange models overlooking the river...  this place is odd!!!

Waterfront Pub and Bistro 

Strange models on the River

Pete has a pint of Skinners Ginger Tosser, Cornish brewery, but drinking it in Wiltshire......

The family walk into the village (a mile away) to get a few supplies and stop for lunch in the Royal Oak.

Welcome to Pewsey Sign

When they get back a very strange thing has occurred.......  I must have been resting and in a deep sleep 'cause I did not notice that someone had stepped onto me and untied, then retied all the mooring ropes, in a totally different way.  Pete and Susan are concerned and thought it BIZARRE....  I am not sure what to make of it either.......  Pete undid them and retied them in the way he likes.  He also checked my roof and well-deck area - nothing has been stolen.  I feel bad..... like I have let my family down.  I should have protested and I must have amnesia 'cause I do not know who, why or how it was done.......

Catch up soon.

Total 2.5 miles and 1 lock

Wotton Rivers

Tuesday/Wednesday, 15//16th July 2014

I get to move again.....  Susan does the cleaning as we journey to Wotton Rivers.  I get to go through a tunnel - Bruce Tunnel which is 502 yards long.  We are at the summit now 450 feet.

There are lots of horseflies here - doesn't bother me but poor Pete is getting attacked by them.  There are mooring signs before and after the tunnel but nowhere to moor as the towpaths are full of nettles and weeds.  Burbage Wharf is in the same condition.  Like it has been left to rot.  How strange that the humans do not cut all the weeds here.

At the first lock, there is a very strange boat coming out of it "Looks like a shed" says Pete.  No engine and the guy on the front is using a pole to propel it along.  I feel very privileged that I have an engine - so are Pete and Susan - must be very slow and hard work to move.

Boat with no engine

We go through two pretty locks: Cadley Lock is our first downhill lock and Susan likes the pretty cottage and gardens.  Then we go through Brimslade lock which is in the middle of farmland and attractive old buildings.  Susan notices that the locks have sign posts with their names on and not just numbers now...

Cadley Lock - gardens

Brimslade Farm and Lock

We moor up prior to Wotton Rivers above Heathey Close Lock.  Pete tells Susan that he wants to go for a walk to see a place called 'Cuckoo's Knob' - they both giggle and I do not understand why?  Must be a human thing.

They also go for a walk into the canalside village which won 'Best village' award in 1984.  Susan spots an amazing cat in a field by the St. Andrew's church and it poses for her.

Total 3 miles and 2 locks

Pete decides that we need to move to get water which is below Heathey Close Lock.  Lots of spaces here today - 24 hours mooring.

Mooring at Wotton Rivers

Once I am full of water, Pete and Susan go for a walk to the village and visit the Royal Oak pub (built in the 16th century) for lunch.  Both of them said that they were disappointed with lunch - although Pete enjoyed the Wadworth beer.

Royal Oak Pub

They did enjoy seeing the 13th century St. Andrew's church with the strange clock.... and the village is lovely with mainly timber-framed, thatched houses.  The George V Coronation Clock made by villager Jack Spratt had on its face letters in place of numbers spelling out: Glory Be To God.  The mechanism has been made from a collection of cast-off agricultural implements and household paraphernalia.

St. Andrew's Church Clock

Glory Be To God Church Clock

Thatched Cottage

Pretty gardens too.

Total 1 lock

Bridge 103 - Wolfhall Bridge on the Kennet and Avon

Sunday/Monday, 13th and 14 July 2014

Friday and Saturday evening Pete enjoys getting his tackle out.....

How big?

That's more like it!!

After a lazy Saturday where the family walk along the Roman Road to Wilton Windmill and have lunch in The Swan, we move on.

Wilton Windmill

Crofton Mooring

Shame to leave the pretty moorings here but they are only 48 hours maximum.  After the first lock we queue for water.  Susan and Mazey are on the wrong side of the lock, so they sit for nearly an hour waiting patiently to re-join us.  She said that she enjoyed watching the Swifts dive bombing in to the canal for food and water.

Susan and Mazey walk the mile and complete the 6 locks fairly easily.  The only downside is that Pete seems to be attacked by the huge horseflies.........

Pete finds us a pretty mooring prior to bridge 103 (Wolfhall Bridge) - mooring amongst the nettles again!!

Mooring in the nettles - again!!

Curtesy of Pete - our overnight mooring

The family go for local walks to seek out photo opportunities.  Pete sees a Barn Owl and Susan sees a lot of bugs - even an orange ladybird.

I think we are moving again tomorrow.  Come back and you will find out.

Bye for now.

Total 1 mile and 6 locks

Crofton Bottom Lock

11 July 2014

Another day cruising along the canals of the Kennet and Avon.  Not sure about the weather though, looks like rain.  Susan had a bad night what with all her joints hurting.  Pete rubs 'Deep Heat' into her back.  He told me he was worried about her - said that we would not go far today......

I spend an anxious morning waiting to go to the pump-out and get more water.  There is a wide-beam filling up and another boat waiting.  I am not going to argue with the wide-beam as twice my size.  All very thirsty!!!  Once sorted we head off through Great Bedwyn Church lock.  Can't see the church but we have a few gongoozlers on the bridge watching as we share the lock with a Black Prince holiday boat.  The couple are from Inverness which  Susan said is a very long way away.

Great Bedwyn Church Lock

Susan and Mazey walk again!  I have great fun playing hide and seek with the dog.......  She tries to beat me but I am supreme......

As we are sharing the locks we get to Crofton Bottom lock in no time at all.  

Meanwhile, Susan is having great fun helping another boater get his 72 foot boat through the lock (72 foot also).  Jammed in behind the gate.  She has to pull him to one side so that he can exit the gates before we can enter!!!

Boat very tight in Crofton Bottom lock

We find a pretty mooring for the night - even though we are adjacent to the railway line (48 hours).

Crofton Bottom Lock - safely in

Local signs

Swan family

Pete goes for a walk to take photos on the last bridge of anti-tank placement bollards.  Then they go to the Crofton Pumping Station to look at the 2 Beam Engines (earliest steam engines in the world apparently) on display here.  They 'fire' them up once a month.  Pete would like to be here when they do but the timing is all wrong.  Susan sits outside and takes photos whilst Pete goes in.

Blackbird

Crofton Pumping Station

View from Crofton Pumping Station

Happy to be here sharing the excitement of the local geese as they chase each other.  I see lots of Swallows and Kites too.  I think we will be resting here tomorrow as I overheard that the family are planning on walking to the only working Windmill in the Wessex region in Wilton and the local pub for lunch (more photos on the way apparently).  Check back on Sunday and you may find an update.

Total 2 miles, 4 locks

Great Bedwyn

10th July, 2014

Yesterday was a chilling out day for the family.  I enjoyed touching bow and stern to other boats as we discussed where we have been.  Susan has a painful back so was resting whilst Pete went shopping.

In the evening, Susan cooked some biscuits which Pete loved.

We set off again today to Great Bedwyn.  On the way Pete finds out that the tokens for the BW sanitary pump-out can be purchased from the local post office.  Susan and Mazey walk nearly all of the 5 miles today.  Susan says there were lots of butterflies and a few Kites.

Swing bridge and church at Hungerford

There were 2 swing bridges; one of which went across the lock (similar to the one experienced at Stansted Abbots).  Susan had a problem returning the last bridge into place at Hungerford Marsh Lock.  It took all her effort to push it back into place.  I did hear a lot of swearing.

Luckily, after a few locks I get to share the lock with another boat.  This always make me happy as I do not bounce about so much if there is another boat in the lock.  I like sharing!

Hungerford Marsh Lock

I also enjoy trying to outrun the trains from the Great Western main line that escort us along this stretch.

Dreamer and Great Western train

At Cobblers Lock Pete chats and chats and chats........  Could he have forgotten I am here?

Cobblers Lock

Just as we arrive in Great Bedwyn, Pete asks Susan to jump off the front into the reeds and then to run up the towpath to check if there is an available spot at the visitor moorings.  Whilst this is happening Pete ends up getting me stuck in the silt.  Pete is angry and annoyed.  I am not happy either.  Try having your bottom stuck in mud and other horrible stuff.  Pete tries to use the pole to push me off from the edge.  No luck.  Susan cannot help as she is too far away on the towpath.  Thankfully, she doesn't laugh......  Eventually, luck is in, my stern moves away from the edge and Pete moves me into the space.  I am exhausted and not entirely happy but perhaps I will feel better tomorrow.  I am sulking!!!

Pete walks into the village and buys BW tokens at the Post Office.  There are lots of monuments featured on the front and side of the Post Office building......  

Post Office

Pete fishes and catches LOADS of little fish.  We are now 51 miles from Bristol and have travelled 31 miles from Reading.

Great Bedwyn Mooring

Night night.

Total 5 miles, 10 locks and 2 swing bridges