Great Haywood Marina

Back on board after a busy week at home. Sid's cardioversion went well and we just hope his heart keeps ticking normally from hereon in.

Sophie and Gavin's wedding was a lovely day, the sun shone for the happy couple and it was great to catch up with lots of 'old' friends.

We also managed to catch up with the Paynes, the Battens, Jenny's mum and brother.

We decided to have a quiet day today and have done a few on board chores and Jenny has planted her rooftop garden.

Tomorrow we start to head south down the Staffs and Worcs canal which takes us towards Birmingham,  Wolverhampton,  Stourport and Worcester.

Shugborough Hall

We journeyed to Great Haywood today to be close to Great Haywood Marina for Saturday morning where we are  leaving Hunters Moon whilst we returned to Chichester for Sid's procedure next week.

Shugborough Hall across the fields from our mooring

Having arrived early we took the opportunity to visit Shugborough Hall and  the Staffordshire County Museum. A real treat was in store for us! Not only an amazing house, formerly the residence of Patrick Lichfield, with some beinderful architecture and beautifully maintained interiors but also a living museum where we transported back to the kitchens, laundry and farm yards of the Victorian era. The gardens are a tantalising mixture of colours and aromas and such a pleasure to stroll through as well as the most amazing Wisteria we have ever seen. Too much to be seen in just one visit.

This is possibly one of the most delightful times of the year to be on the water with the countryside changing with every passing day.  I have mentioned the trees, now nearly in full leaf and even the ash trees are catching up, but now the hedgerows are coming alive  and are thick with may blossom, looking as though we have had a snow fall! The aromas of blossoms and emerging wild flowers fill the air and cygnets, duckling, baby moorhens and coots (not sure if they have a special name) can be seen and heard all along the way. Mother nature at her best.

Majestic Horse Chestnut

Visitors

A short trip on Tuesday morning took us to Fradley Junction where, not only were we able to dispose of rubbish, fill with water and empty toilet cassettes but also we had arranged to meet good friends, Dave and Val together with Dylan, their working cocker spaniel.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon with a good lunch,  a good walk and tea and cake to follow and look forward to seeing them possibly on the next leg of out journey.

Hunters Moon at Fradley Junction

The next day after heavy overnight rain and under threatening rainclouds we turned onto the Trent and Mersey heading towards Rugeley. Having had erratic mobile signals for a couple of days and in need of arranging transport for our return home at the weekend, Rugeley, although not the most appealing town, was at least connected to the outside world!  And there is a big new Tesco right by the side of the canal! Easy shopping!

The Canal and River Trust cater for all!

We decided to hire a car to take us to Fenny to collect our car. It was cheaper and obviously quicker than a rather convoluted train journey. We are leaving the boat at Great Haywood for the week whilst we return to Chichester for Sid's hospital visit and also to go to a wedding. We will also catch up with the family and hopefully some friends during our time at home.

Lichfield

What a little gem!

Having decided not to cycle from Whittington to Lichfield we jumped on a bus to take us to explore, for us, this unknown city.
A most delicious egg, bacon and sausage sandwich from 'Tasty The Cafe' in Conduit Street (we thoroughly recommend this little cafe), set us up for our exploration.

Sid at 'Speakers Corner', Lichfield

We discovered a fascinating  city full of characterful buildings, pretty public gardens, a lake (Minster Pool), lots of history, thanks to the city museum and, of course, a stunning Cathedral.
A busy but most enjoyable day and definitely a city to revisit some time in the future.

Lichfield Cathedral across Minster Pool

The Library, Lichfield

From a chilly morning it had turned into a beautiful afternoon so, since the engine needed running on our return to Hunters Moon, we travelled a short way down the canal to Huddlesford, where we found a lovely mooring to enjoy the pleasant evening sunshine.

Cold Saturday!

Saturday 14 May
Cold!

It was very  cold today. 10° down from last week!  A very cold north wind! Shorts off and thermals on!  Jenny had her gloves on! Hope it is warmer tomorrow!

The first signet sighted

Still cold on Sunday so stopped early, in Whittington, and went to the Bell to update this!

An observation - Old Wives Tales?

It looks as though we are due to have a good summer. You may wonder how come  a non-meterologist can predict this. Well, the oak is out before the ash! However, that may not be difficult with the ash trees struggling but at least they are just beginning to turn a bit green now.

The Ash

The Oak

So, just to reinforce the forecast of a good summer we can confirm that there are dandelions everywhere in abundance.

Dandelions and dandelions clocks

So, there we are oak and dandelions equals great weather! Fingers crossed!

A challenging day!

The sun is shining again with a chilly northeast wind but it is so much better than the past couple of days.

After filling, very slowly,  with water, disposing of rubbish and emptying of chemical toilet we are underway heading towards Nuneaton along the Coventry Canal.

Just before we reached Nuneaton we were hailed by a fisherman. He had got the 6 foot end of his very long pole caught in the foliage on the opposite bank and it was floating in the canal. He asked if we could get it for him. This involved much manoeuvring of a 57 foot narrowboat in a tricky wind and in very shallow water! However, ever the hero Sid, managed to position the boat in such a way that between the two of us we were able to retrieve the pole and then manoeuvre back to the towpath side to return the pole to the very grateful angler. Apparently we saved him £30.00!

As we continued through Nuneaton we noticed the engine sounding not so good to point where  didn't want to go any further! Obviously there was something wrapped around the prop! Not good! Sid managed to get Hunters Moon to the towpath where Jenny could hold her while the offending article could be removed. In the past we have had plastic bags, bits of rope, fishing lines and even a pair of overalls causing the problem but this was something quite different!  Lots of huffing and puffing later involving a crowbar, a screwdriver and side cutters and we were underway again. The culprit was a length of aerial cable!
By this time the day had really warmed up and despite the challenging wind progress improved.

The offending cable! 

 Leaving Nuneaton behind we journeyed through some beautiful countryside with fields if yellow on all sides.  Shortly after lunch we came across Springwood Haven, a little marina with all services including a gift shop and Chandlery. Sid needed a piece of string!         ( Fancy Sid nor having a piece of string on board!)  The piece of string was purchased together with yet another map and also two ice creams! We felt we deserved them!

We moored at Hartshill where we enjoyed a walk up the narrow country lane, flanked by bluebells, to the village where there are some amazing views over the Warwickshire countryside. Another beautiful evening took us onto the towpath yet again for a tasty bbq.

Hawkesbury Junction

Decided to stay put and cycle into Coventry today. Sid needed to have a Machine Mart fix! Good towpath, if a little puddly but ok. Quicker by bike than boat!

Jenny and Sid in Coventry 

Got back to Hawkesbury but had to cycle past The Greyhound,  which we didn't!
Had discussion, tea on boat or beer in Greyhound.

In the Greyhound having a beer. And very good beer it is!

What a difference a day makes!

As forecast the rain came. All day!  And we are back to waterproofs after two days of shorts and t-shirts.

Still, we completed the journey from Rugby to Hawkesbury Junction in fairly good humour!  Sid drove snd Jenny did some house work, thus keeping dry - unlike poor Sid!

There is supposed to be a photo of poor, wet Sid here but Jenny was too wet to take it

Quite a lot of folk travelling today and we nearly had a case of boat rage at a water point! We were definately closest to the point, in fact, Jenny was all ready with rope in hand when the boat heading directly towards us started tooting his horn. After some glaring looks peace was restored thanks to the arrival of a duck family with about a dozen ducklings. Much oohing and aahing was expressed by both parties.

Lazy Sunday

We really are making slow progress. We woke to another stunning day and made the decision to go to the Family Service at All Saints which doesn't start until 11.00. This meant we could have a very lazy breakfast before strolling, to the sound of the bells ringing , up the hill to the church. As always, we were greeted warmly into this rather special building, the Cathedral of the Canals . The lively Ascension Day service was lead by the Rev Sarah Brown, who once again gave a thought provoking talk which started with a riddle, always a good opener  and some of the children were encouraged to join her to help with the visual aids. It is always so good to see the youngsters involved with the service.

We emerged from the church into the gloriius sunshine feeling uplifted and with a spring in our step which took us back to Hunters Moon via Wharf Narrowboat,  where Sid needed to buy some paint and brass restorer!

After a good lunch we set off. Then low and behold a familiar face appeared walking along the towpath. It was Richard and Megan, his dog from nb Clara Paye who we had descended the Caen flight at Devizes with last summer! We had a catch up chat as we motored and he walked on the towpath beside us. We are sure to cross paths again somewhere along the way. Small world the narrowboat world!

We only moved just out of Braunston to a pleasant mooring where we hoped to catch the afternoon and evening sun. Our mooring in Braunston had been partly under a tree!  We were also under a bird's flight path to this tree! The results of which were all over the front of Hunters Moon! Hence,  Jenny spent much of Sunday afternoon cleaning up the bird's mess. This done, she decided it was time to sit, relax and enjoy the beautiful afternoon.

Now, many of our readers may know that Jenny isn't the greatest of dog lovers! Well, what happened next does not endear her to dogs, or should it be their owners?  Jenny sits taking in the sun when suddenly a huge dog bounds up to her. Startled by being accosted by this panting dog who seemed determined to jump into the bow of the boat her first thought was to shout for help, that is "Sid!" The dog appeared lost and was bounding about and just wanted to jump on board!  Sid shut up the boat and left Jenny outside with this obviously,  young and slightly crazy dog. We expected to see it's owner appear along the towpath but the minutes ticked by and no one appeared. The dog bounded back and forth a short way along the towpath and eventually we heard someone calling. The dog did not respond. After about 10 minutes a man came up to us and claimed ownership of said dog. Apparently, the owner had last seen him chasing pheasants in a field and he thought that was what dog was still up to! We were astonished, particularly with there being so many sheep in the fields, How irresponsible,! And my afternoon had been disturbed! How thoughtless of the owner who just seemed unconcerned.  His narrowboat was moored some way back from us.

Peace restored to our mooring in the last of the evening sun

Docile four footed neighbours

You haven't got beef on that bbq have you?

Imagine our consternation when, as we were enjoying our bbq later, there was the sound of paws and panting coming along the towpath. We both jumped up, to protect our food and drinks, expecting to see our friend from earlier! Fortunately it was not and after a chat with this dog's owner, who had him well under control, we were able to resume our peaceful evening.

Sky blue pink!

Beautiful sunset!

The next morning as we were preparing to leave Jenny heard Sid talking to someone.  Guess what? It was the chap who's dog had bothered us the day before. He wanted to know if we had an inverter because his was not working and he couldn't charge his mobile. Sid kindly agreed to put it on charge for for 30 minutes which would give him enough charge to get through the day. Somehow we have a feeling we may see him again!

Saturday 7th May - Our 11th Wedding Anniversary

A very warm and muggy day for a short journey into Braunston,  where, although very busy, we did manage to find a mooring, after doing our chores in the morning. So, we now have a full tank of water, all the rubbish has been disposed of and the toilet cassettes are empty and sweet smelling!! Sorry, maybe too much information!

Braunston across the fields, of sheep!

Mother duck and her huge family 

Gongoozlers abound in and around the busy junction at Braunston where there is always something for them to gawp at. Boats of all sizes negotiating the locks, turning in the winding hole and passing back and forth looking for moorings. There is also a boat from which the owners make and sell glass jewellery, moored along the towpath today. Some of their wares looked beautiful but we didn't make a purchase!

No bbq tonight as we are having a meal and a beer or two in the Boathouse to celebrate our anniversary.

Thunderstorms are forecast for this evening but hopefully we will dodge them.

Having had a very slow start to our journey I suspect we will start to clock up some more meaningful miles over the next few days. But then again we may just continue to do just short hops! We will see!

Fields of yellow

Meandering through Warwickshire

Another beautiful spring day dawned and Hunters Moon gracefully glided through the calm waters of the Oxford Canal with fields of yellow on either side and the sound of lambs bleating to attract the attention of their ever vigilant mums. The sight of field after field of sheep and lambs makes me wonder why we import New Zealand lamb and also why we have to pay such a high price for British lamb- which in our opinion is far superior to the imported stuff.

The birds busy feeding their young and singing in the tree tops is a delight. Haven't heard a cuckoo yet.

Interesting crochet art on the lock gates 

The countryside is turning greener by the day but the poor old ash trees are struggling and are often the only brown trees along the way.

Poorly ash trees along the towpath

Our progress is slow but sure and we are enjoying another lovely mooring, where we intend to have another bbq very soon after decsending the Napton Locks earlier and stocking up with buffalo burgers from the Folly shop.

Hunters Moon entering Bottom Lock, Napton

The next day was just a short hop to yet another of our favourite moorings in this area. It took us through field after field of sheep and lambs and yet again we are left to wonder why we don't see more British lamb in our shops and where does all our lamb go? To France?

From our mooring we had a lovely walk, in the glorious warm sunshine, to Braunston. Sid needed a Midland Chandlery fix and we both felt we deserved a beer - purely to pick up any emails etc - having not set foot in a pub since the start of our voyage.
Another bbq on yet another lovely evening brought our day to a close.

Stunning sunset!

The first day of our travels

After weeks of anxiety and uncertainty we are on Hunters Moon and raring to go.

Farewell Fenny

Beautiful, warm, spring sunshine encouraged us to 'set sail' late in the afternoon in order to get to one of our favourite 'local' moorings. The birdsong was magical and a huge bumble bee kept us company as we enjoyed our first bbq of the season sitting outside on the towpath.

It never ceases to amaze us how we seem to attract the oddballs on the waterways and once again, on this tranquil mooring, we were approached by a chap, complete with hi - viz jacket,pith helmet and little jack russell, Sophie, to have a chat! Having heard his life story, where he lived, about his two 'late' wives, where he had been moored, his motor home and where he was heading, which is the Lancaster Canal via  the Ribble he bids us good evening and returned to his boat, Harry. Somehow we know we will see him again on our travels.

The sun is setting and it has grown cooler but we have a stunning sunset to close a most pleasant day 1.

The start of our 2016 season on the inland waterways

Here we are again on our adventures.

An April weekend shakedown cruise.

We were lucky enough to have a short shakedown cruise with fellow narrowboat friends, Sara and Pete. Just a little trip down through Claydon Locks. We felt the 5 locks were enough to help us remember how to work a lock. It must have been taxing because we then stayed a couple of nights on the very pleasant and very quiet moorings just south of the locks before venturing up the same 5 locks on our Sunday morning return!

Sara and Pete and Annimishka

The four of us gathered on Hunters Moon on Friday evening for a Burrows chicken casserole and a few drinks or three! ! Although very cold and frosty outside the boat was toasty and warm.

 

Hunters Moon and Anni moored on the Oxford Canal                          


We had a most enjoyable towpath walk on Saturday morning to Cropredy where, guess what, we had more beer at the Brasnose Inn together with a much needed lunch before strolling back to our mooring. A relaxing afternoon followed before further beer and wine were consumed over a very pleasant pasta bolognese, this time courtesy of Sara and Pete.

Hunters Moon squeezing in to Claydon Bottom Lock

Well done Sid for the start of the season!

A great start to our cruising season. Good company, good food, cold but bright weather and the boats behaved well as did the crews!