Crick

We sped through Leicester, having decided that it was somewhere we would visit at a later date. The outskirts of the city were grim, graffitied, and very unappealing as with so many cities. However, the 'straight mile' did have some very impressive bridges spanning the canal. The canal passes the new Leicester City football ground as it comes out of the city centre and into parkland but even this is a bit tatty and littered with bottles, cans and assorted debris.

Leicester Litter

                                  Leicester graffiti at Lock 42

Sid and Jenny enjoying a much deserved ice cream as we emerge from Leicester. Kings Locks, Aylestone. 

We had planned to meet Sue and Pete at Foxton for lunch. It was so good to see them again after far too long. A very pleasant lunch was followed by a most enjoyable ascent of the Foxton staircase locks. Sue kept Sid company on Hunters Moon while Pete and Jenny worked the locks. Sue and Pete had walked here on  numerous occasions and watched boats passing up and down so it was a great experience for them to actually take a boat up.
There is a very particular order in which the paddles gave to be operated and Pete had a saying to make sure we worked them in the correct order: Red before white and you'll be alright but white before red and you'll be dead!

Pete lock wheeling at Foxton 

                            Sid, Sue and 'gongoozlers' at Foxton

Ice creams all round at the Top Lock and then a much needed cup of tea. A lovely afternoon in lovely company.

We had a visit ti the newly refurbished museum on Sunday morning then had a short afternoon cruise in the warm sunshine to a favourite mooring of ours at the top of the Welford Arm.

Well, the weather couldn't last and today we made our way to Crick in wind and rain. In much need of a good Internet connection so after a small shop found the Wheatsheaf and a good beer! Voila!

River Soar

It is a long time since our last post - yet again! We have travelled many miles and many of them taking us through contact less areas. It is amazing how many places don't even have mobile signals. We all take it so much for granted these days. No mobile means no data!

We are at present in Birstall a small village along the Soar. We have found this river beautiful-a smaller version of the upper reaches of the Thames.

We left you last time in Shardlow. From there we left the Trent and Mersey Canal and travelled a short way on the river Trent. This took us to the wide junction of the Trent, Soar and Erewash Canal. We planned to explore this canal despite being continually told about the big and heavy locks that have 'handcuffs'/ anti vandal devices on them for witch a special key is needed.

And so, first lock -Trent lock- big heavy locked gates. We managed them and continued with a bit of foreboding for the 14 locks ahead of us! We managed 2 more then decided to find a mooring. Having passed through  Long Eaton earlier in the day we were a bit concerned about town moorings! Sandiacre was nearest so we continued and moorings were shown on our Pearsons guide. Despite seeing no other boats all day these were very full and looked dismal and right by the side of a busy road and unsavoury looking pub and it being Friday we were wary. We pressed on and after trying to moor outside the town where we were thwarted by shallow water. We pressed on further and event u ally found a pleasant spot just below Pasture Lock.

Saturday dawned and the weather looked beautiful but we were dreading the further 11 locks ahead when heading in our direction was another boat. Jenny smiled broadly as did the lady walking towards her. She too had been dreading the journey up the Erewash. A very pleasant, if hard working Saturday developed as Esio Trot and Hunters Moon ascended the locks. The sun shone and Jane and Ian became good companions. They keep their boat in Mercia Marina but live in Hampshire -small world!

We made it to Langley Mill which is the furthest we could go. Our welcome in the Great Northern Basin was warm and helpful. Norman, the chairman of the association that manages the basin, was there-we think a jungle telegraph told him two boats were on theit way up-and he filled us in on all the local facilities. The natives were very welcoming as well!

We had planned to head off on Sunday but Jane and Ian had planned to stay till Monday. In view of the task ahead of us we decided to stay till Monday as well  and spent a lazy day and explored dome of the local area. Being ignorant we were unaware that D H Lawrence was born in the area so a short walk took us to his birthplace and Sid bought a broom handle!!! We then took the Broom handle for a beer!!

Monday dawned misty and we set off with Esio Trot down the locks. None of us knew how far we would get but good progress was made  and we got back down to Trent lock in 7 hours ( we stopped for lunch as well). Progress down was much easier with every lock  in our favour. It was a really pleasant journey with good company.

The following morning we parted company after enjoying a celebratory beer and meal in the Steamboat the previous evening. Somehow we know we will see Jane and Ian again. It was very misty as we waved farewell at Trent Lock.

Not knowing quite where the entry to the Soar was and the thick mist meant we decided to take on water and let the mist lift, which was a wise move because it was a bit tricky. The mist lifted and the beautiful River Soar opened up to us.

Leicester, Foxton and a get together with good friends , Sue and Pete lay ahead and hopefully a continuation of this beautiful Indian summer.

Shardlow

Since our last post we have enjoyed a real mix of weather with some cold evenings and rain so the stove has worked it's  magic and warmed us and dried us well.

From Fazeley Junction we continued up to Fradley Junction where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent and Mersey. En route we passed the Huddlesford Vintage Gathering. Sid was so engrossed with the beautifully turned out working boats and the sound of the vintage engines it was surprising he didn't bump into any. It was very tight in places. It was good to see so many people enjoying the sights and sounds of the gathering despite the grey day.

Fradley Junction is always buzzing a and it 21st good to have some cheerful volunteers to help us through the locks. We pressed on to Alrewas, pronounced ol-r-wus ( I think). We had been advised that there was a brilliant butchers  in the village and we also wanted to visit the National Memorial Arboretum.

Having found the butchers, yes it was brilliant, we decided to walk the mile to the NMA. It was raining a little but we pressed on. Little did we know what a horrible walk it was going to be! The rain git worse and worse and the pavement disappeared so we ended up walking through the long grass on the verge of a very busy road! It was quite a well worn route and apparently  the is a campaign to get the pedestrian route improved.  It needs to be. Needless to say we were like a couple of drowned rats  by the time we arrived. Thank goodness for our Rihanna waterproofs but we discovered we both need new walking boots! They leek ed badly!!!

The Arboretum covers a huge area and is a humbling and moving place. Neither of us were aware that so many service men and women had lost there lives since the end of WWII and it is a worthy of a much longer visit than we could give it.

We decided to get a cab back to the boat since there is no longer a bus service to the site. However, the company that the staff at the NMA gave us only had voice mail on their land line and mobile numbers  and the other nearest cab company we found on an Internet  search was in Tamworth! So, we walked! Yes,  we got even wetter. Thank goodness for  our central heating and stove! !!

When we reached Burton-on-Trent we just had to visit the National Brewery Centre. The tour was excellent as we're the beer samples.

Now at Shardlow, nearly at the end of the Trent and Mersey. We are going to explore the Erewash Canal before heading south towards Loughborough and Leicester on the Leicester Arm if the Grand union.

Fazeley Junction

We arrived back on board this afternoon in beautiful September sunshine.

We had paid a visit home to go to a good friends funeral, which was a moving and beautiful celebration of his life.
We caught up with lots of family and friends that we hadn't seen for too long a time. And of course my dear old mum.
Whilst home we also had the opportunity to check that the grandchildren were still keeping their parents on their toes.

We now continue up the Coventry Canal to Farsley Junction then turn right onto the Trentham and Merseyside which will take us to Alrewas ( pronounced ol-ree-wess) from where we hope to visit the National Memorial Arboretum.

Atherstone

In a pub at last and in touch with the world again!
We have spent a fabulous 5 days on the Ashby Canal. Although the weather started very cold it improved and have enjoyed some warm sun and  couple of BBQ on this little gem of a canal.

We also had a visit from good friends Dave and Val,  who came to see us at Cheyney Wharf. From there we had a lovely walk with their dog, Dylan, which took us to see the site where Richard III met his death at the hands of Henry Tur at Bosworth Fields.
We had a great day in great weather. Perfect!
 Arrived in Atherstone this afternoon and during our search for a good pub stumbled across Atherstone Motor Show in the market square. Had another spell of reminiscing at some beautifullying turned out cars.

Hilmorton, Rugby, Hawkesbury Junction and Coventry

On Friday we decided to moor up early because the wind g had picked up and we were both, yet again cold. A shirt walk down the Hilmorton locks and through the village warmed us a little but with rain threatening we headed back to the boat, having first stopped at the bus stop, where there was a convenient bench because we were aware that we could get an Internet signal at that spot. Only a very weak one but enough to get emails. Makes a change from finding a pub. The pub in the village was closed by the way.

After days with no locks we arrived at the 3 locks of the Hilmorton flight on a very chilly Saturday morning. A cheery CRT volunteer was on hand at the last of these duplicate locks. This is only the second time this season that we have seen a volunteer!  They must be avoiding us!

The old and the new at Hilmorton Locks

During the morning the sun shone through and it did appear to warm up a little but the north wind meant keeping fleeces on. We arrived at a very busy Rugby and fortunately found a 57 foot space just waiting for Hunters Moon. Tesco shopping to replenish dwindling stocks was on the menu for Saturday afternoon followed by some blackberry picking. Jenny had it in her head that a blackberry and apple crumble would be nice on Sunday.

We had not been back at the boat long before there was a tap, tap on the hull. A very anxious looking chap carrying a folding bike was trying to find someone to mind the bike for him. Apparently his wife had had an accident and the ambulance was waiting to take her to hospital and the chap was moored on the opposite side of the canal and it would take him too long to walk around and over the bridge to put the bike on his boat. Of course we agreed and quickly found out which was his boat so we could take it round there in the morning if he wasn't back. At the time we knew no more.

We were just readying ourselves to leave Rugby on Sunday morning, having prepared a little card to leave with the bike when we returned it to Mistol when the poor man appeared. He looked washed out having spent the night in the hospital. The good news was that nothing was broken and his wife had been discharged with a pair of crutches. Not the easiest of thing to manage on a narrowboat. Apparently she had been returning from a swim at the leisure centre by bike and a motorist had opened his car door in her path and knocked her off the bike. The road was busy with traffic so it could have been very nasty. So, a word of warning to drivers - THINK BIKE!

Sunday then turned into a beautiful September day, the sun shone, the temperature rose and Sid and Jenny wore a smile. We arrived at Hawkesbury Junction and relaxed for a couple of hours in the sunshine whilst the roast pork cooked. The delicious roast dinner was followed by apple and bkackberry crumble with ice cream. The perfect end to a perfect day.

Another bright day dawned on Monday albeit rather chilly again and we ventured down the Coventry Arm to the Coventry Basin. Warm and sunny again. We wanted to visit  the Cathedral and light a candle and pray for Terry a family friend who died last week. Whilst we were there a lovely lady approached us and we started to talk together. We shared our story and the reason for us being at the Cathedral and she then told us that she had had stage three cancer eight years ago and things looked very grim but here she was, now a Chaplain in the Cathedral. We lit our candles and prayed together and left that wonderful building feeling uplifted and blessed.

Sitting in the sunshine writing this rather long blog by the side of Hunters Moon. We have a connection!

I might even try some photos!

Sunny morning in Rugby

James Brindley working on his Great Plan 

with Hunters Moon in the Coventry Basin

'Cash's Hundreds'

Joseph Cash built these for his workerforce.

Ground floor and 1st floor as a dwelling and the top floor for the weaving looms. However, only 48 of the 100 got built!

Braunston

Well, what can I say?! Cold and wet but on the plus it is not windy.

As I said in my previous post the cold air is coming from the north so the fire has been lit each evening and the central heating is in use.

We have enjoyed a couple of very tranquil evenings with beautiful views across the Warwickshire countryside,  albeit watching through the rain.

We arrived in Braunston this afternoon and after Sid fixed some lighting issues and Jenny posting a couple of cards the rain started so we decided to stay put.

It is slow progress but we are not in a hurry!

Hunters Moon moored at Braunston

Harvest time

Fenny Compton Marina

Back on board!  Wet, cold and quite, quite miserable. Well what do we expect for a bank holiday Monday? !! We have lit the fire!

We set 'sail' tomorrow to cruise the Leicester Ring and just hope the weather improves. Northerly winds forecast for Tuesday, so cool but hopefully a bit drier.

We would like to wish  Mick and Mary all the very best for their new adventure and thanks for taking care of Jenny's begonias. The photo below is for you, mum. See they did grow eventually!

Beautiful blooming begonias

Banbury

Thrupp to King's Sutton. It rained and rained and rained so eventually called it a day at King's Sutton. We were both getting cold and miserable so decided to light the fire and batten down the hatches whilst  it continued to rain and rain and rain. It soon got cosy inside and after some lovely sausages bought from the 'pig farm' we were feeling a whole lot better.

Saturday morning dawned bright, dry but very chilly,  has autumn come early this year? It was just a short trip into Banbury and after doing our domestic chores at the Banbury facilities we were amazed to find several moorings in the centre where we had arranged to meet Wayne.

Sid was do excited to meet his great granddaughter Mia who at two and a half is a delight. Wayne was so proud to introduce her to us and although we had to keep a close eye on her both around the boat and on the canal side we had a lovely time. We also met Mia's mum, Sam and her other daughters. Quite a handful for her! We will put some photos on the site on our return to Chi when Jenny will update her tablet - not before time!

Sid decided to go and fetch the car from Reading today, Sunday with the train service from Banbury  being convenient. He has taken the bike so will train to Reading, cycle to the Thames and Kennet Marina, take the car to Fenny ready for our return on Tuesday/Wednesday then cycle from Fenny to Banbury!!!!

Jenny has promised him a roast dinner on his return so she better stop blogging and get back to the boat to prepare it!

From the Thames to the Oxford Canal

We left the Thames this morning via the Dukes Cut. This gave us two more manned locks on the Thames and a more picturesque departure from Oxford. It is always rather sad to leave this beautiful river but we know we will return in the future.

After many weeks of large locks it is strange to once again be negotiating the single locks of the Oxford Canal with just an inch or so to spare each side of Hunters Moon. We soon got back in tune with them and arrived at a very busy Thrupp where we moored in one of only two spaces left - at 1.00pm!! Very lucky!

We will slowly make our way to Banbury for Saturday where we are due to meet up with Sid's grandson, Wayne and his daughter, Mia, Sid's great granddaughter!

Lovely weekend in Abingdon

We decided to moor up on Friday and spend the weekend in Abingdon. This decision was taken just after we had arrived at Clifton Lock when there were a few little spits and spots of rain. As we maneuvered towards the lock the rain got heavier and Jenny picked up her anorak as she ran through the boat to prepare the forward line for the lock. By this time the rain had got even heavier! The lockeeper had put his brolly up as he kindly took the forward line from Jenny who remarked what bad timing this was. The rain got heavier and heavier. Sid had managed to grab an umbrella but could not save the River Thames Book from a soaking! The rain beat down as the lock filled! It was so noisy beating on the bow cover and although Jenny was trying to keep dry it was  impossible with it bouncing and splashing in at her. The lock was full, the forward line being bought on board  and yes, you have guessed it, the rain stopped abruptly as we departed the lock and the sun peeped through. Heigh Ho that's  summer weather for you!

We arrived at Abingdon at 13.15 and managed to squeeze into the very last mooring amongst the extensive free moorings. As it was it was in the perfect position with our stern amongst the bushes!

We then received a call from our good friend Ruth to ask if we would like to go to the Witney Steam Fair with them and other good friends  David and Julia.

Sawing up trees the old fashioned way and not a hard hat or high vis jacket anywhere!

We had a wonderful day with loads of catching up to do and enjoyed a great deal of nostalgia. The sun shone and the day ended with us sharing a tasty BBQ back at the Wilbraham.  David and Julia expressed their desire to see Hunters Moon so they drove us back to Abingdon. Our thanks to them.

Jenny and Ruth enjoying the carousel!

Sunday dawned cool and cloudy but did not deter Janice and Dave from coming to find us. It was so good to see them and as we enjoyed a picnic and relaxed by the boat Emily loved the freedom of the open space but was a bit hesitant of the splash pool. However, Nana (Jenny) and Grandad (Sid) had a great time trying to avoid getting wet and encouraging Emily to have a good splash about! It was a delightful day and it was good to see Oliver appropriately attired in his sailor suit.

Emily, 'sailor' Oliver and Janice

Emily having free climbing lessons from daddy

Nana and Grandad trying to stay dry!

We have now arrived in Oxford for Sid's weekly train ride to Chi and then on Wednesday we head of the Thames and start heading north on the Oxford Canal.

Wallingford

Firstly, my apologies for lack of blogs. Jenny has been technically challenged and many of our readers may have noticed Sid has not had many beers with Jenny for a while.

We left Hunters Moon in the Thames and Kennet Marina for a few days after we came off the Kennet and Avon Canal. We really enjoyed the K and A despite some of the bad press it gets from fellow narrowboaters.

On our return we headed to Henley for a couple of nights. This was an occasion when if we had known the Henley Festival was on we would not have ventured there. However, with a little manipulation of other boats we got moored and really enjoyed the buzz around the town. We were also treated to nightly fireworks. Sadly, the weather turned really wet and miserable which didn't seem to dampen the spirits.

It was a sight to behold on Sunday morning, as we  sat dry and cosy on board, watching the queue of boats trying to get back to their  home moorings in the pouring rain. At one time we counted over 20 boats and more joining all the time. We decided to stay until Monday!

From Henley we started our return journey up river.

Pangbourne, Goring then here to Wallingford. The weather is still warm but we have had mizzle a lot and a lot of cloud.

Abingdon for the weekend then Oxford for Sid to return to Chi fo4 his weekly blood test.

Just off for pre dinner drinks with Claire and Jeremy on Happy Chance.

Raindrops across the Thames.

News from Thatcham

Well, here we re back in the Swan with a good wifi signal. Since Devises we have had heat problems along with the rest of the country. I am not complaining but it has been very hot in our steel mode of transport and it has been tad hot for operating locks. So much so that Jenny lost her cool, Sid got overheated and all went a bit quite on board Hunters Moon!!! Normal service has now resumed with the onset of a lovely cooling breeze and we have arrived at back to Thatcham.

Mrs Moaner again. I am fed up with people moaning to me on the lockside about this canal and the lack of moorings! It is a bit of a problem but yesterday evening we found a really delightful wild mooring having been unable to moor where we had hoped.
Sometimes it is necessary to hack back a bit of undergrowth and the delights of the Kennet as and Avon are well worth persevering for.

We have shared locks with some great people and got to know many canal folk well. It is amazing how you keep coming across the same people time and again on this mainly to Bristol and back waterway. The lovely chap on Flying Pig was particularly helpful in remooring some boats in order to make room for us and it has been lovely to catch up with Richard on Clara Pay, along with Megan his border collie, as he makes his way back onto the Thames. Hopefully we will com cross him again as we see to have the same journey plan - roughly!

Thames and Kennet Marina is our next stop then him for a few days before setting off for our return to the Oxford Canal and back to Fenny.

Hunters Moon passing under Newbury Bridge

Devizes again

Jenny has real technological problems hence very intermittent communication! Or you can just put it down to age!
Not sure where we were last time but now back in Devizes having ascended the 29 lock Caen Hill flight today in the company of a hire boat crewed by a lovely family. Although hot and long the climb through the locks was a pleasant experience and with three young  and eager 20somethings ( 2 girls and a fine young chap) it was made enjoyable and fairly easy. It took just over 5 hours which we were delighted with.
Sid was glad to get back to Devizes so that he could revisit the brewery in order to stock up on beer!
Since Bristol we have had brief stops in Bath and Bradford-on-Avon and Jenny has had a Mrs Moaner day having followed some annoying youngsters on a hire boat who left every lock without closing the top gates and leaving swing bridges open. Poor Sid.
We have also noticed even more dirty dog owners not clearing up after their dogs. It makes mooring and walking between locks quite unpleasant! Some of the pavements in towns  also seem more fouled now. Moan over!

More photo

Problems again do will try another time!!!

Back in Bristol

Whistle stop trip back to Chi - a train from the amazing Bristol Temple Meads station, it must be one of the most striking looking stations, which took us straight to Chi in just under 3 hours. We then drove from Chi to Reading to collect 'the red car' from the Thames and Kennet Marina and managed a quick visit to catch up with Janice, Emily and Oliver on our way back. Then Sid had his bloods taken on Tuesday morning and then our main reason for returning home was a funeral late on Tuesday morning. We then dropped home to change  and catch our train back to Bristol. This got us into Bristol at 18.00. We were exhausted so after checking Hunters Moon was ok we went to have a bite to eat and a beer. Sadly, the beer was not great and the steak was very tough and ever so, ever so over cooked! After expressiing our disappointment we were given two complimentary beers. Better than nothing I suppose.

This morning we had one of those small world moments. We were getting ready to leave the boat when I realised Sid had disappeared for some time!
A Canal Club boat was moored behind us and Sid had got talking to the inhabitants who happened to be Helen Laurie, an old friend of Sids, with her partner Peter, her sister Stephanie and her husband Rodney.

We then spent the day being tourists. A visit to the SS Great Britain was brilliant. We thought it was one of our best visits to an historical site. With the help of some amazing 'props' the ship was bought alive and the setting was awesome. To be able to have access to the dry dock was great and Sid found it fascinating.

We then went over Matthew a replica of the 15th century merchant ship built by John Cabot.  This replica has crossed the Atlantic and still sails around the UK.

The M Shed - the Bristol museum was our next port of call. A fantastic building houses this local history trip.

Another day in Bristol tomorrow before we start our homeward journey.

Photos

Happy Sunday afternoon with Janice,Dave,Emily and Oliver

Hunters Moon in a turf sided lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Newbury

Lucky!

D

'Dragons Teeth' - a WWII defence in case the Germans invaded.

Pill boxes and these defences on bridges abound along the canal.

'The way through the woods' near Crofton.

Crofton Pumping Station

Sadly, closed!

(Only open on special steaming days)

Wonderful Wilton Windmill! A five floor brick built tower mill-still working! (But not on the day we visited!)

It just came off in my hand!

Fairy lights on Hunters Moon through the Bruce Tunnel.

New thatch on The Royal Oak in Wootten Rivers.

Unusual clock face on St Andrews Church, Wootton Rivers

A step back in time at the Pewsey Railway Station Waiting Room

Bristol

Wow! After weeks of tranquility we emerged onto the Floating Harbour on a buzzing Saturday afternoon. The noise of young people enjoying a Saturday summers afternoon in and around the harbour was an enjoyable shock to the system. We are looking forward to seeing some of the sights that Bristol has to offer including the SS Great Britain.

Since we left Bradford on Avon we have enjoyed a BBQ on the banks at Claverton on a lovely balmy evening and we have got foot weary whilst exploring the delights of beautiful Bath.

Bradford-on-Avon

We have just spent a most enjoyable time with Jenny's brother Chris and his wife Pauline at this delightful little town.

Sid was also able to get his blood test done at the local Health Centre this afternoon. The staff at the health centre were so helpful and the appointments receptionist was also so understanding and very efficient. We have always been thoroughly satisfied with our surgery and hospital in Chi but this was efficiency above and beyond anything we are used to. The temporary patient form was issued and completed in about 5 minutes. The form then had to go to the admin office for Sids details to be put on their system which took less than5 mins. Sid was then able to go to theappointments desk where he was offered an appointment for the afternoon. When he arrived t the health centre he was seen bang on time and in less than 5 mins he had had his blood taken, tested and been given the results. We were both very impressed and of course it saved Sid spending Tuesday travelling to Chi and back. So onward toward Bath and Bristol tomorrow!

Semington

Well, we did it! The Caen Hill flight! We descended the 29 locks with Richard and Simon( not our Richard and Simon) on Clara Pay in just under 6 hours. They drop the canal 237 feet in just over 2 miles. It was a wonderful experience, if somewhat of an endurance test, and the sun shone with a stiff breeze at times, the company was good and we look forward to the return journey! At the top lock of the main flight we came across Bob, the real deal when it comes to CRT help. He gave us a few pointers and sent us on our way. The flight was suffering from too much water so we ha to be cautious of not trapping the boat in front of us in the lock by letting our water out too soon. The views and the sight of Hunters Moon and Clara Pay going into and out of locks side by side in perfect harmony is one that will live with me for years to come!

Having emerged from the last lock with legs and arms aching we moored at the nearest spot then relaxed in the glorious late afternoon sun and enjoyed a few drinks and a BBQ. We felt very pleased with ourselves!

Next day we decided to have a non boating day. We got the bikes out and cycled up the flight back to Devizes ( they are electric so the route uphill was a doddle for two oldies!). Our destination was the Wadsworth Brewery Tour. It was brilliant! DAC, our guide, was entertaining and informative and after the 2 hour tour then delighted us with a beer tasting session. We were in seventh heaven!

A brilliant couple of days!

Now at Semington after a short journey today under overcast skies.

Bradford-on-Avon next but maybe a visit to Lidl for Sid tomorrow!

Devizes

Well, here we are moored just a few yards from the first lock of the Caen Hill Flight, one of the wonders of the waterways.

It was a relief today to do a stretch of the canal with no locks. We'll be making up for it tomorrow  (or Friday).

Where has summer gone? For the past few days the weather has been more March than June!

Today, although we were optimistic and started out in shorts, we both ended up in long trousers, several layers and gloves. Some boaters even had woolly hats on. It was freezing! And the wind! Oh, the wind!

The countryside that we passed through today was really stunning. We saw a couple of the white horses that the area is renowned for and also passed an isolated camping field, which we parked our motorhome in when we were searching for a narrowboat.

Lots of locks ahead of us tomorrow so we are girding our loins for our journey downhill by having a pint in The Silk Mercer in Devizes.

Crofton

Sadly the pumping station is closed so we decided to walk to find the windmill at Wilton. However, before we got to the windmill we found a pub, The Swan so guess where we re now? A sleepy afternoon now ahead of us! The beer is straight from the cask and beautiful!!!

Still trying to add photos for previous posts. Sorry!

Hungerford

Jenny is amazed to get a signal on board! She is perched at the corner of the galley with fingers crossed that she can stay connected long enough to finish!

We remained in Thatcham an extra dày after an early phone call from Janice and Dave  who fancied a run out to find us! After an excellent Sunday Roast in the Swan we enjoyed a walk  followed by tea and cake on board. Oliver was a really good boy and Emily enjoyed feeding the ducks and eating fruit cake! Dave had a little shut eye and Janice oversaw events. It was so good to see them all.

We had a very long day on Monday. We began the day sharing locks with Andy and Richard in their boat Carpe Diem. It is always so much nicer to have some company and it definitely eases the load. We said goodbye at Newbury but our paths will no doubt cross again. We ventured on with the aim of getting to Hungerford. However, the wind grew all afternoon and the rain started so called it a day at Kintbury. Jenny was much relieved because the locks seemed to be getting harder and heavier as time went on. Tireness and weakness set in! Hope it's not a sign of getting old!!

We left early this morning in very blustery conditions to get to Hungerford for Sid to get his train back to Chi for his weekly blood tests.

The wind is due to ease and we are forecast to get a spell of summer over the next few days.

Thatcham on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Having just enjoyed a delicious chicken tikka masala with all the trimmings and a very pleasant drop of Pedigree in The Swan at Thatcham I am ready to update our blog.

Since the last update we have left Hunters Moon in the Thames and Kennet Marina, returned home to do all the things we had to do at home including catching up with our lovely children and grandchildren and Jenny's dear old mum. We then returned to the marina and in the pouring rain left the marina, made our way onto the K and A and arrived at Thatcham this afternoon.

After the rain of yesterday and Sid getting another soaking the sun shone tody and we are both feeling happier. We passed through Reading hastily while the rain fell and it was not long before the beautiful Berkshire countryside began to unfold, even in the wind and rain and our adventure along the K and A began.

Today we have encountered 9 very big locks, several electric swing bridges, where Jenny felt empowered as she operated the bridges thus causing long queues of traffic while Hunters Moon cruised sedately through the open bridge!  I just hope none of our readers were kept waiting!!

On through Newbury tomorrow and on towards Hungerford.

It is lovely to be back on the water and back in touch with everyone.

Entrance to the Kennet and Avon

from the Thames, at Reading

Hunters Moon in a very BIG lock!

Jenny causing a hold up at Aldermaston lifting bridge!

Wallingford

Jenny is experiencing all sorts of technical problems! Her mobile seems to be working from a different planet and doing very strange things. Her lovely Hudl tablet has given up the ghost, so short of resorting to snail mail she has borrowed her lovely, brilliant, handsome husband' s tablet while he is posting Facebook messages on his mobile!l

What a difference a day makes! After getting drowned on Thursday the weather improved and yesterday (Saturday) was beautiful so much so that having moored at Abingdon for lunch it was so idyllic we not only enjoyed an ice cream but also had our first Thames BBQ. It was a glorious evening despite a slight chill in the wind.

Another but breezy morning greeted us on Sunday and we departed for Goring. However, the clouds built and the wind cooled so on approaching Wallingford we decided to call it a day, find a pub, warm up and have a beer, which enables us to resume internet contact!

Oxford

We spent a glorious summer evening on a tranquil and interesting mooring at Kirtlington Quarry on Sunday. The quarry now a nature reserve  has become a child's delight with places to climb, ride bikes, run free and explore. It is the sort of place that Jenny and her brother, Jon would have loved to find when they were children and on holiday. Ah! for days long ago when life was simple!

Monday morning dawned bright if somewhat breezy and we journeyed on to Thrupp where we were due to meet up with good friends David and Ruth. Quite a sober evening ensued which is surprising for us but it was good to catch up.


Tuesday was collect car day which entailed a couple of bus rides back to Fenny. Sid was then able to return to Chi on Wednesday for his weekly blood test, drop the car at the Thames and Kennet Marina Reading (ready for our return next week), then train and bus back to Thrupp.

Sid 'enjoying' driving in the rain!

Today, Thursday it rained and rained and rained! But we wanted to press in so donned our wet weather gear and travelled. It is definitely not jolly boating weather! It is miserable but at least we were dry under our 'very expensive' Rohan gear and now the stove is on we are cosy and warm and I think the forecast is better for the days ahead.

Banbury

Thursday 7th May
Our 10th wedding anniversary, election day (we did a postal vote), the wind has abated and the sun is shining.
Out of the marina at last and heading south towards Oxford. It is lovely to be travelling again.
A day of sunshine and showers brings us to Cropredy on a fine sunny afternoon.

Friday 8th May
Onto Banbury where we have arranged to meet 27year old grandson, Wayne. He contacted Sid through Facebook.

We were hoping to also meet his little girl, Mia (great granddaughter) but unfortunately that could not be arranged at such short notice. Maybe another day or on our way back through Banbury on our return journey.

We had a lovely afternoon catching up and meeting Wayne's girlfriend, Sophie who was not very happy on the boat but she stuck with and was much relieved when she stepped back on Terra firma.

Back on board

Wednesday 6th May 2015
Howling wind, pouring rain and sitting in the Wharf enjoying a beer! The start of our adventures for this season.

Since we left you last summer there have been moments of highs and lows, sadness and joys. But here we are with everything stowed, well provisioned and looking forward to some adventures, hopefully some sunshine, get together with friends and family and an altogether jolly good time!

Tomorrow Sid and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and we will start our journey heading south down the Oxford Canal. At Oxford we will go onto the Thames towards Reading where we meet the Kennet and Avon Canal. Then on to Bath and Bristol.