What a Difference a Day Makes

Well, we were told that bad weather was coming and it should come as no surprise to anybody that it did.

We awoke this morning to about an inch or so of the dreaded white stuff. Personally I love snow, but for Gail it is the cause of sleepless nights and hours of constant worrying. Probably because she is determined that she will get to work and that I know that you cannot teach inexperienced learners to drive when all that they are thinking about is that snow is very slippery.

I did pick up my intended victim, sorry, pupil, on time today for a scheduled three and a half hour lesson. We bravely carried on mastering the "The Turn in The Road" and "The Left Reverse" before calling it a day after about three hours. The snow was beginning to settle on the roads and I was getting concerned that I might have a problem getting back on to the marina.

The return journey took me nearly two hours. Two Hours to do about 30 miles. Admittedly the roads were white, but most of the extra time was incurred because either people were driving at ridiculously slow speeds or breakdown trucks stopping traffic to collect their next fare.

OK rant over. I did get back to the marina and as expected Gail had done everything perfectly. Stove ticking over nicely and dogs fed and watered. Next Job for me. Walk the dogs.

 

The best part of my day, and what a beautiful place to be in. Same old walk, but made so different by a little bit of snow

 

That's "Crack Hill"

 

And that's not, but it is the beginning of a great sunset.

 

Gail is staying at her mothers tonight (late finish and early start) so I am forced to look after myself. Its cold pork, mashed potatoes and baked beans, with lashings and lashings of ginger beer, no, that's Branston Pickle. Just slipped into Enid Blyton mode there for a second.

 

Thats it for today folks. Another day that just confirms my belief that Gail and I have made the correct life changing decision to move on to the cut

 

 

 



Silly Hats and Sundays

 

Today went pretty much as planned actually and bloody good it was as well. We didn't start moving much before 9-00am and then it was a slow start. Cups of tea all round dogs fed and then off for the first walk of the day. Just a quick one around the marina to allow the dogs to do the necessary. 

 

Back on "Jolli". Gail did a little boatwork while I cleaned the windows outside and filled the water tank. We have 150 gallon tank and it lasts us about a week, depending on showers and the amount of washing we do in our Candy washing machine.

 

We decided not to take the dogs to the pub but went in the car for a couple of pints instead. Well I had three and Gail had a half of cider so that she could drive back, bless her, she is good to me.

 

Then it was back for dinner. The huge piece of "Leicester Old Spot" (pork), from the local village butcher, was launched into the oven and then we were off to take the dogs for their promised walk.

 

 

 

The photograph above shows Gail indulging in her favourite part of any walk. She just loves picking up after the dogs and then carrying a bag full of dog sh*t around for a couple of miles. It makes her so happy, but at least in this weather it help keeps her hands warm

 

 

Yesterdays purchases proudly shown off for the camera. Silly Hats and Snow Boots.

 

 



 

 Tam showing that he can be a good boy if he puts his mind to it.

 

We went about a mile along the cut and everything was going fine until the temptation became too much for Tam and he launched himself off the towpath and into the canal after a particularly tempting piece a of bulrush. At least the silly bugger was sharp enough to dive in near a suitable getting out point this time and I didn't have to drag him out by this scruff of his neck. The damage was done by now so I found a decent stick and chucked it in for him to retrieve a couple of times. We now have a very wet and very tired old dog laying in front of the stove, steaming gently.



 

After about an hour and a half we returned to "Jolli" and had our dinner. Roast Pork, Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings. Very nice too.

 

Thats it for today folks. Both of us are working tomorrow, although Gail is starting late and I shall be back by 2-00pm. Its good when it is like that as the dogs are not left on their own for too long.

 

The weather forecast for tomorrow is looking pretty horrendous people so take care out there and if it is bad in the morning don't even get in the car. I know I bloody well wont.

 

 



Nothing very exciting to report from the last few days I'm afraid. I started back to work this week after a glorious 6 weeks off, getting to know our (now) beloved "Jolli".

I took a lad to test from Pertenhall on Tuesday and he passed. I was really pleased because now I only have a couple of pupils that are on a weekly pay as you go basis. It is my intention to only teach intensive courses from now on. That way I can work less and spend more time on "Jolli" with our dogs, Tess and Tam, and our lovely canal system.

Gail and I went shopping in Daventry and Rugby today, and spent a small fortune on clothes for the predicted cold weather and some esential food stuffs. We both bought a pair of snow boots. Gail also bought a pair of Jeggings, after I accidentally shrunk her favorite pair by putting them in the marina dryer on too hot a cycle. That'll teach her to let me do the washing, she wont ask me to do that again. I was only tring to help. She also bought a rather nice, warm looking woollen long cardy type thing. Yours truly bought a lovely warm hat that makes me look like a right idiot, a smashing jumper and a rugby shirt that will do for both leisure and work. God knows where we are ging to stow it all.

We haven't got this minamalist life style down to pat yet, and "Jolli" is beggining to groan at the seams. We'll probably have sunk the bloody thing by Easter. All of our cupboards, wardrobes etc are full. Gail will just have to chuck some of her stuff out. I'll put that solution to her later. (About 8 cans of Guinness later)

We both have the weekend off and tomorrow we are having a proper Sunday. Late from bed and early to Pub, followed by a roast, and then a snooze in front of the telly. Some where along the way we have to get in a reasonable walk for the dogs as they have been rather badly done by today with only the bare minimum of excercise. Just enough to prevent accidents on "Jolli"

Gail is watching some inane progamme on the telly and the dogs are both asleep.

 

I did try and prod Tess into action but as you can see she is not all that keen

 

The stove is all fired up for tonights cold weather and the telly has a good signal. There is a new Ken Follet on Channel 4 "The Ends of The Earth" I believe its called which I am looking forward to.

 

Anyhow all is well with us. Blog again soon.

 

Chris, Gail, Tam & Tess

 

 



 

 

Not bad only one day this time went by without a blog.

It came to me that I have been talking about Jolli and the few trips that we have made so far and that I have mentioned things that some readers may know nothing about. OK so lets put that right now. (and also try out my techno skills in loading photographs from my new camera.

Here's a picture of our much loved narrowboat, "Jolli"

 

For those interested she's 57 ft long with a 37.5 bhp Beta Diesel Engine (Naff pic I know, they should get better)

 

Here's a picture of our home marina on a rather overcast morning. We're booked in here until the end of March, and then, weather permitting we'll be off to live like real "River Gypsies"( as the brother-in-law so eloquently put it)

 

 

 

 

A picture of the particular "Hi-Tec" unit that provides all the heat (and more) that is necessary to keep all four of us warm in even the most inclement weather (we hope). It ahs a back boiler that powers radiators throughout Jolli and we use about 25kg of coal every 4 days.

 

 

 View of the interior of Jolli looking aft from the saloon

 

And looking forward from the galley (note all nautical terms are beginning to come quite naturally now0

 

From the "Pullman Dinette" which doubles as a guest double bed

 

The next few photos were taken yesterday on a typical morning walk with the dogs. The black one is Tess and has now reached the grand old age of 14. The yellow loon you can see is Tam, he's 12 going on 2. Every bl*&dy time we get near the water he's in. I wouldn't mind, but as I say he is 12 yrs old and the water temperature cannot be much above freezing at this time of year. Still short of keeping him on his lead all the while he'll keep going in. He doesn't look too bad on it though, does he?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not much else to report at the moment. I did actually go to work today for the first time since we moved on board, and strangely enough it wasn't too bad. Well the lad passed his driving test anyhow, and he seemed pleased. (I'm an ADI, specialising in intensive courses.

 

 

Hope your all well, speak soon.



 

 

 



 

 

Can't believe its been 7 days since my last post. I really must be more disciplined and keep to my promise of a daily blog. Well here's the news since the 29th December. We didn't actually make it to Stoke Bruerne for the new year, the weather on the 29th put paid to that. Much too windy and wet to make the effort.  However the following day looked a little better and we decided to turn  right out of the marina and head to Foxton Locks. The cruise took us approx. 5 hours and was pretty uneventful. Unlike last time we only had one kingfisher sighting, compared to seven on our previous trip to Foxton. I love these bright and colourful little birds and take enjoyment from watching them fly off just before the boat draws level with them.

When we arrived at Foxton we wimped out of tackling the flight and decided to moor at the top lock. We had a couple of drinks in the big pub at the bottom before going to Bridge 61. If you have never visited this place, you must make the effort to do so. It is as though time has stopped and you are in a pub at the beginning of the last century. The white washed walls are heavily covered with wood smoke from the open fire, which as usual was kicking out enough heat to toast crumpets on from about 50 feet away.

We met some interesting characters both boating and non boating before returning to Jolli for dinner.

We spent all of the 31st at the top lock. and the day was pretty uneventful really. Took the dogs for a walk along the cut and had  a couple of pints at lunch time in good old Bridge 61.

We decided that we would spend New Years Eve at, yes, you've guessed it, Bridge 61. What a mistake that was. I've been to wakes with more party atmosphere. We weren't expecting Time Square, but by the time ten thirty came and apart from the owner and the barman, we were the only ones there we decided to call it a night and return to Jolli for the night.

The next day, New Years Day 2013, and incidentally my 54th birthday, dawned overcast but dry. Having made the decision to break our return journey at Welford Wharf we set off. My task was to keep Jolli between the banks of the cut and Gail's was to do the boat work as we cruised. When we lived in a house Gail used to spend hours each week just to keep the house clean. Now she can do a whole weeks "Boat cleaning" in just a couple of hours. I know that this time saving gives Gail immense pleasure and satisfaction as she can know spend more time doing the things she wants to do. Although as yet she hasn't decided what it is she wants to do.

Seven kingfisher sightings today including two pairs. Love 'em, and never get tired of spotting them. We arrived at Welford Wharf in about three hors and moored just before the marina winding hole, only about 150 yards from the pub.(Bonus). Had lunch in the pub, before spending a lazy afternoon on the boat.

That evening was the highlight of the cruise as far as I am concerned. Gail missed her footing as we set off for the pub and slipped into the canal. Laugh, I am still smiling now as I write. When I say slipped in, it was actually only one leg but it was enough. Poor old girl didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she had in fact given her leg rather a nasty knock. However, full of concern for my spouse I carried on to the pub (I couldn't wait to relate the story to anyone who might listen) while Gail changed her boots and trousers.

We met a lovely chap in the pub. Jonathon. Who is a liveaboard with his wife Helen and their two small children.

Another day and the cruise was rounded of by returning to our home marina for a while. We have to work sometimes you know. Three kingfishers sighted, including one just outside the marina. I shall keep an eye out for him as his patch seems to be on my regular dog walking route.

I hope you all had a lovely New years Eve and that this year sees you as happy as Gail and I are now that we are living our dream.

So, its 29th December 2012, and today was to be the start of our second cruising adventure. We had intended to cruise to Stoke Bruerne for The New Year, but have you seen the weather out there.

Last night was the worst nights sleep we had, since moving on board. Not because of the wind (should that be howling gale) and the various increase in noise that the wind brought, but because of our wimpy dog, Tam. What a poof. The whole night was spent reassuring him that the world wasn't going to end within the next two minutes. With a 5 stone dog trying to leap onto our 3/4 size bed every 5 minutes so he could lay in between Gail and I, shivering and slobbering, (Tam not Gail, that is) I soon gave up and resigned myself to a sleepless night on the reclining chair in the saloon.

So the question now is, do we go for it in the wind and rain, or do we sit it out for a day in the marina hoping for more clement weather. Gail is dead set against going, so I guess that answers that question. Hopefully the wind will die down a little later on and we can at least make it to Norton Junction.

So with nothing planned for the day I might suggest we nip into Daventry to get some cheapie reading glasses for yours truly as I've managed to loose two pairs in the last two days.

I'll let you know later what happens

Here you go folks, the long awaited story of our first epic adventures on The Grand Union Canal(Leicester Section). I’ve only just managed to get a decent internet connection and we’ve been that busy with getting the boat to our liking and work as well. Eventually I hope to write a daily blog as every body wants to know how we our doing, so you’ll be able to follow the daily happenings.

 

 

 

 

Yes we finally made it and so far we couldn’t be happier.

 

 

We picked the boat up from Braunston Marina on Friday 30th November, “a day that will live in infamy”. Oh no, sorry that was Roosevelt after Pearl Harbour. But we have had our disasters along the way. We can look back on them now and smile, but at the time they seemed pretty serious. In fact if you have a minute:

 

 

 

 

On the first night we stayed in Braunston Marina, it being too late to move. We had to nip into Daventry to get a couple of bits and pieces, so before we did I really banked the stove up to get the chill off the boat. After a successful shopping trip we returned to the marina. As we walked back to the boat, Gail remarked. “Listen, can you hear a couple of fire alarms going off?”. Not being deaf, I thought that was a pretty stupid bloody question, as I sprinted in the direction of our new home. The whole boat was absolutely full of steam, not smoke, thankfully, but steam. The pipe thermostat that controls the CH pump was buggered and had not circulated the hot water to the radiators. It just boiled the water in the header tank and  liberally spayed it all over the walls at the front of the boat. We obviously had to allow the stove to cool overnight, so the first night on board was reminiscent of Scott’s last night. Bloody cold. Morning came and the Marina sorted our problem. I have to say they were very good about it and did not make me feel too much of a plonker.

 

 

Putting this problem behind us, and finally grinning like Cheshire cats we left the marina at about midday.  And travelled the fantastic distance of about 1 mile before somehow, and this is kind of spooky, Jolli had moored herself up just before Braunston’s small flight of locks and we found ourselves in the Admiral Nelson Pub. A couple of pints of Guinness and a large red wine later we continued our epic journey to Yelvertoft Marina. Convinced that we were now experienced boaters we happily managed to almost empty most of the middle pond at Braunston. almost flooding the canal below us. That was our first lesson, always check that the previous boat has lowered the paddles and closed the top gate. Never mind, onward and upward (literally). After running aground in the middle pond and sitting there like a beached whale, a kindly, more experienced boater opened the next lock and allowed us to carry on.

 

Carrying on we got through the Braunston tunnel and with light fading fast moored up at Welton Wharf for the night. Both of us being too hyped up and knackered at the same time we decided to walk into Welton and grab something to eat at the pub. Very nice it was to.

 

The next day was pretty uneventfull really. We negotiated the Watford Flight with only a small amount of help from a CaRT worker and arrived at our home marina about 2:00pm.

 

There we discovered that our inverter/charger had packed  up, and we had no hot water for various reasons. Both these problems have now been sorted and at not too much expense either.

 

We did cruise up to Foxton Locks last weekend and spent Saturday night in Bridge 61 where we had arranged to meet friends from our old life and met new friends from our new life.

 

The return to Yelvertoft was again uneventful and we are now on our home mooring for the winter. However if we do get a convenient break in this God awful weather we intend to go to Stoke Bruerne for the New Year.

 

So far I haven’t hit anything with the boat and my helming skills are getting better all the time. Gail is enjoying the new life enormously, even the long journey for her into work does not seem too bad. She is just happy not having to worry about money every month. She stays with her mum a couple of nights a week when she finishes late and starts early. Saving both petrol and time. I am quite happy with the dogs and my own company, and the local pub, I hasten to add.

 

Tam took a while to get used to all the different noises and settle in but even he seems to like it now. Tess just got on board and fell asleep, so shes happy enough.

 

If you like you can follow our journey in more detail using the following link. Just go to plan a route and start at Braunston Marina and finish at Yelvertoft Marina.

 

 

http://canalplan.eu/