Steve Carter – Page 23 – Narrowboat Adagio

Summer Cruise#1 – Fradley

A longish day today – we didn’t set off until 11 – we’d phoned ahead to Streethay Wharf and yes, they did have a replacement radiator cap – yippee! They also would have a look at the busted bow thruster. So we set off, through Fazely junction, the delightful Hopwas . . the very slow and shallow section (Hopwas onwards!) and then past the Kings Orchard marina until we reached Streethay. Quite an Aladdin’s cave and full of helpful people. We picked up the new cap (£8 and not the £16 note RCR) and had a few head scratchings about the BCS bow thruster. Yes, they could have a look (£48/hr) but in their experience, the bottom pin usually goes and not the top one. Hmm, and they didn’t have any pins either, so onwards. Skipper will take off the motor head and see if the top shear pin is indeed sheared, then at least we will know what’s what. Meanwhile, we is sat at the delightful mooring just before Fradley junction. Rain tomorrow, so will stay put for a while – anyone for a pint in the Mucky Duck?

Here’s your choice! Fradley & the North or Birmingham.

And our final resting place for today – end of the queue at Fradley junction.

A well earned pint of Shefford Plum mild in the Mucky Duck

Viv’s treat from M&S, chocolate “quail” eggs

A rare pic of Steve! Sunday now – all seems very quiet for Easter Day. Rain is forecast but not much in evidence. Managed to get the bow thruster motor off. All these somewhat magical and alien bits of kit no longer hold their allure once you’ve “had a go at them” with tools. Just 4 allen bolts and the motor was off . . . then I heard the dreaded noise of a “bit” falling down, down, down into the void that is the bilge. Hmm, that must be the motor bush. Yep, it was. And I saw within the sheared pin. The shaft linking to the propeller still rotates, so hopefully that bit – below the water is OK. All I need now is to replace the shear pin and all will be well. So, what is a bow thruster, you ask – it’s a sideways propeller in a tube at the front, making you go, er, sideways and on a 65 foot boat, it comes in handy at times! Steering round corners and getting into a lock on a windy day etc.

This a similar beastie – the top motor unscrews and is above the sealed-in propeller bit . . .

Here’s my kit – under the seat at the front. Showing the motor removed – just 4 screws! You can see the sealed horizontal tube and all the heavy duty cabling (takes 250 amps you know) and the bush – normally held on the motor by the shear pin – the remains of which can be seen in the photo. Still that’s sorted. Half the problem is knowing exactly what the problem is . Ok let’s put it all back together and head over to the pub for lunch . . . . a nice carvery . . . good idea says Toby:

This pub has had mixed reviews over the years but a new couple have run it for 18 months or so and it’s really good – 4 or 5 beers on plus a huge variety of food. They also travel up to Grimsby on a Tuesday to shop for fresh fish – indeed monk fish kebabs and a fish stew were on t’menu.

Summer Cruise#1 Day 10

A murky start. No bow thruster and no replacement radiator cap but we bimble on. Water point Bradley Green. Then fuel at Alvecote but no cap, alas. Lunch at Tamworth then on to the aqueduct – closest point to the exciting Ventura shopping park/mall/hell-on-earth. Lots of pix, including the Muppets on Jacob’s Creek II, a wee yoghourt pot,, breaking two rules – don’t moor in the short lock pounds and don’t moor on the lock bollards!

We set off from Lock 10 but there was a wee boat in the way – boat AI says “viable target”

Yep, Jacobs Creek II, illegally and dangerously moored.

We cope by being considerate. Smoke gets in yer eyes.

And under the M42 – best way, I think. Nice murals on the walls

Stopped at Alvecote – I did phone em just in case they had a rad cap but no. They had fuel and we topped up 66 litres (75p basic). Checking our logs and yes, we consume 1.5 litres per hour. Not bad.

On the outskirts of Tamworth, we pass Adagio (again)

Glascote locks – in the rain! And no, they didn’t have a rad cap either!

On and on to the Tame aqueduct. Moored just beyond and off to the shopping place for Halfords.

The aqueduct over the river Tame. A very scenic spot.

On the walk in . . . Tokyo or Tamworth? Some glorious cherry blossoms.

You often go past boats which one could describe as skanky or worse and how that would never apply to us but with a lot of kit now inside the boat . . . it’s beginning to look a bit, well, skanky! With the bow thruster kaput, we may spend Easter taking it apart. Such fun!

Summer Cruise#1 Day 9

No pix today see blogs passim, on from Springwood Haven to Atherstone. Slight pause as a Skipper Steve found that the radiator cap came apart in his hands when checking the coolant level. Hmm, they are not all the same. The adjacent marina couldn’t help,us as there were too many to chose from. On to Atherstone. Luckily, the auto shop helped as they scratched their heads and ordered one. Be here 0830 tomorrow. Oh good. It took me a two mile walk to get there and back. So, same again tomorrow. Luckily, the Angel was open (N. Warks. Pub of the year last year) and made it worthwhile. Still, it is a nice spot between locks 9 and 10. Viv did good by driving ALL the locks. Unfortunately, I think she has had enough and this may well be our last . Me too. I’m not finding this enjoyable and having a partner who hates it doesn’t help. So anyone want to buy a boat?

And then my tooth fell out – looks like an old crown plus bits underneath, yuk. Is there a dentist in Atherstone?? Tis Thursday now (Maundy Thursday) and Viv admits it was a bit of a Black Dog day, yesterday, when there were toooo many boats coming towards her and the wind kept pushing the boat away the lock she had expertly lined up! So maybe not sell up just yet then? 🙂 The nice chaps at Denplan (for which I pay nearly £1 a day) said they’d help, even though we are (unbelievably) less than 40 miles from our home surgery. So all good – ish then. OK here’s some pix then . . .

Not too early for bluebells?

The best view when approaching a flight of locks – volunteers at the ready and paddles up! The top of Atherstone flight of 11 locks – with help through the top five.

And on to the long gap between locks 9 and 10 – ideal mooring spot

Very quiet but also a fair way back . . .!

A few passing boats – including this friendly, single-hander . . .

And just for completion . . . the offending items – radiator cap in 3 pieces plus tooth!

Well, the end of Maundy Thursday, some success today; I walked the long walk into Atherstone but the “auto equip” order was toooo small. Shame. Denplan came good. A nice Jordan phoned around and got me an appointment for 1230 and even though we are less than the stipulated & won’t pay, 40 miles, they agreed to cover us as we couldn’t easily jump in a car and get back to Long Buckby! And I can say, it all worked. Dentist saw me 10 minutes early (a first ever in 40 yrs) and did a bit of drilling then put a dressing on . . .10 minutes and £20.60. I think Denplan can manage that. Hopefully we can find a supplier for my radiator cap – Alvecote yard (a few miles ahead of us) couldn’t help but were very friendly. If we moor near the Tame aqueduct tomorrow we can walk to Halfords in Tamworth – such excitement!

Talking of excitement – we just seen the Easter bunny, no not really, just about 6 boats all full with scouts, then guides . . . a bit late (1900?) and with 9 locks above them, a challenge! Steamed salmon fillets, fresh greens and homemade savoury rice (basmati, chinese 5 spice, peas, mushrooms, red pepper and fried egg!).

As my TV keeps telling me . . . Life’s Good!

Summer Cruise#1 Day 8

0930 start – Ansty thru Nuneaton and on to moor near Springwood Haven marina.

We pass Gordon on Cut Loose, back from the Ashby and on his way back to Yelvertoft.

The long straight, approaching Hawkesbury junction

If you know the area then you’ll recognise this – it’s the beginning of the super grid and pylon city!

After a complete balls up of turning at the junction, which I normally do in one smooth action, I bashed the nose and the stern this time, Muppet! No, photos thankfully. We move on to Nuneaton:

We have never stopped here before but fancied a pie & a pint. I notice a small sign showing that this project was part financed by the EU – you can kiss this goodbye Brexiteers!

We found the Three Horseshoes, 300 yds west of bridge 20. An Everards pub but nicely run and with 6 beers on plus some home cooking, brilliant! Steve had 2 pints of Plum Mild (3.8% from Stefford) and Viv had a nice Ruby ale.

Less than an hour on and we get out into lovely countryside and approach Springwood Haven Marina. A nice spot to walk the dog and chat to the Onboard Energy guy about new batteries, solar power and the vagaries of the Victron invertor/charger! They also do ice creams too!

And here’s Adagio and that over-used star filter !

Captain’s Log 1719 11/04/2017: 11 miles +1 lock+ 4.3 engine hours

Summer Cruise#1 – Day 6?

Getting a bit behind here, what with staying put from Friday thru to Monday morning but it was soooo nice to not to move when it was soooo hot. And being a weekend a lot of the world chugged by but not us, neither Hodma’dod nor Twelve and a bit moved at all. Anyway, Monday came and we all moved off. We met up at the Rugby visitor moorings (not very welcoming – toilet block all boarded up and only just room to fit in for water), where the crew of all boats tramped off to Tesco’s et al,

Not as well taken as David’s from Hodma’dod but here’s my bridge 69 pic!

More of bridge 69 – seen better days . . .

All stop at the Rugby visitor mooring for water and vittles . . . (i.e. more gin!)

The lovely avenue of trees at All Oaks Wood – a great place to stop but we didn’t and couldn’t as it was stuffed full of “permies”, so we chugged on.

I actually like this straight bit – under the M6 and then along by the railway line plus you get some odd flora – here there be Butter Burrs!

Is he enjoying this? Well, vest, shirt and two tops on! Def. a change in the weather.

Our destination – Ansty. Here’s a view from the pub garden – we did’t, nay couldn’t go in as they don’t allow dogs in. It is a rather foodie place and doubtless fantastic but not for us.

Hmm, Steven tries out the star filter on the camera. It will take a lot to enhance Ansty in our opinion. Somewhat highly coloured by our non beer experience.

With the engine running we can use many electrical appliances (up to 3.5 kW!) and one of our favourites is the Slow Cooker – here is the Morphy Richards one, note how the heater/controller fits neatly inside – handy to pack on a boat.

And here it is unpacked. The pan is removable – handy for using on the hob to brown meat and get things boiling and also for washing too.

. . . producing a beef curry (cooked for 6 hours!). No need to brown the meat or do any frying – all the meat, onions, potatoes and sauce goes in at the start – bring to the boil and set for 6 to 8 hours.

Captain’s Log 1700 10/04/2017: 11 miles + 4.5 engine hours

Summer Cruise#1 Day 4 – HOT!

Our quieter mooring but in the sunshine – we were right to stop over as there’s been a constant stream of boats all day.

A stroll up to the pub – some 20 mins away. A pub we have been past many times as it’s next door to the vets! And despite it’s rather plain appearance, is very well appointed inside with a good range of beers and a restaurant. The garden was amazing too – lots of room, dogs welcome.

Plenty of tables and the menu looked really good – they even do breakfasts!

Aah! Ickle ducklings, oh, count them again, only seven now 🙁

Meanwhile back in the boat – 28 degrees in the cratch and over 25 inside! Phew! Hotter tomorrow.

Summer Cruise#1 Day 4

So nice to hear birdsong, albeit a blackbird at 0428 this morning and then skylarks! It’s Saturday and probably a busy boating day with hirers setting off. It’s also set for a cloudless, warm day, so we’re staying put, soaking up them rays, well the PV cells are. We may skedaddle off to Hillmorton later for a stroll.

Meanwhile, we made a list of the boats on the move yesterday, which was a quiet day really:

Clent, Cape Warbler, Eliza, Horus, Dragonfly, The Andrew, Phyllis May II, Penarrow, Olivia, Apprentice, The Bowman, Brendon, Pandeford, Vanyar, Solitude, Barleyadola and our friends on Hodma’dod.

Not staying put . .

Very typical of us – not staying put . . . well, the forecast today was a bit cloudy and then the weekend was set to be “Scorchio” so we planned to move on to the visitor mooring below Hillmorton locks. Tie up & set the solar panels for a 2 day rest. So another 6 miles and 3 hours later, we end up being the closest spot to our marina! But a nice spot anyway:

Magnificent display of blossom this year

The Onley marina (Dunchurch Pools) looks a long way from it’s opening date of next month but a lot of work going on.

Fellow Yelvertites, Sarah & David are escaping too!

Viv drives through the unusually quiet and deserted duplicated, Hillmorton locks

Another tiring day of 6 miles, 3 locks and 3 hours chugging.

Well, TV’s out – no signal. Odd isn’t it – on the outskirts of Rugby and next to what was the world’s biggest radio station and nada, oh well, I might just align the satellite dish tomorrow, or not . . . meanwhile we have full 4G data signal so let’s surf for some stuff . . . like this video, not new but fun . .

Summer Cruise#1 Day 2

It’s all torment for me – when’s dinner?

Despite the forecast – brilliant sunshine and the may blossom is brilliant – chugging down the wide canal and in to the dreaded Braunston tunnel. Unusually, we meet not a soul inside.

Little companion greets us as we tie up near Braunston locks

We met Paul on Rhiannon and agreed to share locks. Nice chap, on his way to Rugby to meet family.

Skipper Steve sinking slowly in Braunston lock

Skipper Paul leaps into action. Rare to get pictures of yourself when you’re doing all the filming. His family are hiring a boat for 3 days from Rugby – so I guess we’ll see them all in convoy soon. Have fun.

And even more wildlife in the boat getting her reward – the last hot-cross bun. Looks like El Toro is watching with envy?? She did do well – all those locks! Marvellous for her age. 😉

The Huawei gadget we use to keep connected with the web. Hard to make phone calls but 4G all the way with this.

After a brief stop over in Braunston – more meat from the fab butchers then we chug on just a bit further to a quieter spot by bridge 87. Forecast looks set to be brilliant – even 19 on Sunday! Might just stay here . . .

Captain’s Log 1600 06/04/2017: 6 miles + 6 locks + 3.5 engine hours

Summer Cruise #1

Got a bit stir crazy and needed to spread our wings – doing what we bought the boat for – escaping out onto the canals! Boat is stocked, dog food has arrived. Why put it off any longer – let’s go! Our Summer Cruise#1 is to do the Leicester Ring, clockwise with a big spur off to the Trent: Nottingham, Lincoln & Boston. Contains a wee bit of tidal Trent (i.e. nothing between the boat and the North Sea but that is 50 miles away) but only for 5 hours. Here’s a map – X is where we started . . .