The weekend at Brinklow was perfect with wall to wall sunshine. A boat near us had invited friends for a barbeque and somewhat unconventionally lit a bonfire smack in the middle of the towpath, on the gritty bit where everyone walks. The nettles were high enough to get the ankles of those who side-stepped the bonfire and the tent between fire and boat ensured that all walkers took the nettle route. But it was just perfect for an event that took place later in the day.
The day’s peace and tranquillity was broken by the sudden appearance of several children riding mini motorbikes along the towpath. Not expecting to meet a party sitting around a fire
they looked a little perplexed and one by one proceeded to dismount and push their bikes through the nettles. They never returned. One naughty boy spoilt it for another naughty boy. Result.

Sunday saw Claire and Ter join us at the table. Lovely company, latest news and a mail delivery was even further enhanced by a special consignment of Italian coffee from France (thanks Sam). I wondered if I’d ever get to taste Lavazza again at French supermarket prices.

Monday 23rd April 2007
With the weekend over we’re off again, up north along the Coventry Canal with a brief stop at Stretton Wharf to check out the chandlery.

Through Hawkesbury, we turned right and plodded through the linear moorings until we hit open country again. It turned cold which suited the environment. Passing the Ashby Canal we kept going until we’d cleared Nuneaton.
Scenery changed to 1950’s houses, detached and terraced with immaculate gardens down to the water’s edge with a few new housing developments sandwiched between them.

For those without bad backs there were plenty of allotment gardens.
Runner beans are on their way up the sticks and apple trees trained along wires are already in bloom.
Low-tech bird scarers are very much in evidence as dangling CDs give way to rows of newspaper strips hung like fairy lights.

Scored five points by spotting nb.Moonspinner with its crisp shiny paintwork, sporting a number in the 5150xx series. Spotting the latest boats is just a hobby, I like to see who is fresh out of the boatyard and on their first cruise.

We parked up with woods on the left, fields on the right and, of course, a railway. There’s always a railway.

As I was fiddling with the fire nb.Remedis caught up with us and, just to get one up, moored ahead ready for a fast getaway in the morning.

Tuesday 24th
Someone else was up early this morning, nb.Ursula was cruising before we’d had breakfast. Trouble with going opposite ways there’s very little time to exchange news before you’re out of voice range, particularly with an engine running. They must have done the Ashby and had time to explore further up the Coventry Canal before returning to Leicester. See you back there soon!!

We set off under grey skies with the occasional spit. Caught the couple on nb.Remedis preparing to cruise again so I threw greetings at them. Replies returned across the water, her husband’s got a funny sense of humour and cracks me up with his comments.

Caught sight of what must be one of the last remnants of our pre microwave telecoms era. This telegraph pole has to be worth preserving if only for its insulators. Insulators like bridge name plates are fair game to lads carrying BB guns and air rifles. No one sees them doing it but day by day china insulators disappear and paintwork takes on a mottled appearance as practise makes perfect.

Still pleasantly surprised by the peaceful setting of green hills on one side and a valley on the other, the tow path reverted to grass which meant we were miles from towns and villages and unlikely to see another soul.

The remains of stone quarries were mostly hidden behind steel fences and razor wire, probably a safety feature rather than an attempt to spoil a child’s urge to explore.

A mobile farrier was at work behind the hedge with the clang of his hammer preparing horseshoes. Smoke rising from the tiny furnace and the memories of burning hoof took me back fifty years to the forge in the little village of Northiam. Many days I’d be late home from school through watching the blacksmith bend horse shoes on the anvil or lift a smoking iron rim onto a wooden cart wheel.

Pulling in at Atherstone we left the boat in the company of a couple of youngsters fishing in the canal. A short walk into town and a rummage through the market stalls didn’t do much for me so I consoled myself with a cheese and onion pasty. Back at the canal one lad was called home by his mother from the bedroom window in one of the terraced houses while the other pulled a handsome roach onto the bank. Struggling to remove the hook because he hated holding fish, I helped him and with a smile on his face he let the blighter return to its watery home. Thanks mister, came the words as we got up steam and headed north.

We’d heard about Atherstone Locks from other Blogs so we weren’t surprised to see the famous lock keeper. There are humorous touches around the top lock like this pretend well with dummies, possibly telling a story? “I only asked for a pay rise” was written on one of them.

What is all the yellow tape for? I asked as I queried yards and yards of barrier tape round the lawn outside his house. To stop the ducks walking on the grass, he replies, me not sure if he’s joking or not.
With the Atherstone locks behind us and a sense of relief after meeting so many octogenarians winding the paddles ever so slowly, we cruised until the railway came into view.

We’d just fallen back indoors, wondering what we should do next when we heard a call from outside. “Balmaha, we’re coming to see you” floated across the waves as nb. Rivendell sauntered past. A few minutes later and we were joined by Terry and Pam out on a cruise.

We got to know this lovely couple as they told us their plans for a narrowboat and a new life aboard the canals and rivers.
We wished them well as they left and I recalled my feelings during those months of waiting for the finished product and the final days before launch when I hoped we’d thought of everything.

A ‘new boat’ seems so far away when you’re still looking at boat builders but we found there was hardly enough time to gather all the knowledge and fix the plan before the build got under way. Time rushes along and there’s no going back once the money changes hands.

Wed 25th
The “green corridor” continues with the occasional break for a town or village. I’m surprised there’s so much farming alongside the canals in the Midlands, we even lose sight of the railway at times and there’s hardly ever a main road within earshot. Such a peaceful bit of canal, wonder what it’s like hanging around here in the winter?

Looks like acres of strawberries on our left. Gangs of lads work together forking the soil under rows of polybags. Mimicking their stoop and step they laugh at me and we cheer each other with pretend glasses.

Picked up a white vest on the prop just at one of those awkward moments, when coming out of a bridge-hole with a boat heading in from the other direction. Little could be done but apologise for losing steerage and jabbing the bow thruster button to avoid collision.
Whoever lost his vest must have been at least extra, extra, extra large because this one must have been ten feet across.

We bumped into Pam and Terry again, at Fazeley Junction and received a box of chocolates, wow, thanks you guys. Makes keeping a blog worthwhile if we get sweeties too.
We’ll look out for you further down, just as soon as we eat these. Aren’t they kind.

Leaving the Coventry Canal we join the Birmingham & Fazeley for the remainder of the day. Not a lot of difference, the water is still a horrid shade of brown but the bridge numbers have changed to names.
Everything reverses a few miles further on as the B&F changes back to the Coventry Canal. There’s a story to this and it goes back a couple of hundred years but that can wait.

Scored five points for spotting Granny Buttons at Streethay Wharf, no sign of Andrew so can’t tick all the boxes in the EyeSpy Bloggers book.

Arriving at Fradley Junction we were embarrassed to see our red faces in the mirror. Wind and sun had turned us scarlet and this was well before the key was released for the drinks cupboard.

Couldn’t pass Fradley without calling on nb.Belle. Looking like she was straight out of the paint shed, her finish looked perfect and the interior is absolutely smashing. Not a thing out of place and still room for more storage, well that will change.

Not all was well though, because she’s having her prop changed. Someone’s been chucking solid stuff in the canal and bent one of the blades. I shan’t complain about the polybags and clothing again after hearing what it takes to change a propeller.
Spent some time with Chris and Stelle comparing fit outs and sharing useful tips on electro-mechanical things. We wish them well with their life on the water and hope they find the time for extended cruising.

Thursday 26th
Swinging the swing bridge we enter Fradley Junction and it’s goodbye to the Coventry (north section) and hello to the Trent and Mersey. We’re eastbound, heading for the River Soar, and eventually Leicester.

Tis a little busier up here, queues of one or two for the locks and always someone to natter to. There’s always something to learn from the local boaters and with so many people about there’s often someone to help open the other gate at the locks.

There are plenty of signs that spring is truly here – not only are the fields full of the yellow rape flowers and the May trees that throw their petals across the moored boats but hayfever has started, at least I think that’s what it is. I’m usually a July/August person but this close to nature throws up some funny pollen and I’m streaming already.

Other signs are the growing numbers of insects getting inside the boat. Large but sleepy mosquitoes sit on the walls watching us, not biting yet, just watching. At least they’re easy to catch and squeeze. Hundreds of tiny flies have come in from nowhere and mix with the dandelion seeds floating through the stern doors looking for a corner to settle in. Queen wasps have come and gone and crane flies have started their evening dance across the grass, onto the stern deck and down into the saloon.
Spiders had almost vanished over the winter but now they’re back, small bodied with long brown slender legs or round black spiders, the sort that grow and grow and send girls screaming. I warn them (spiders not girls) three times and if they don’t disappear they go over the side. Most spiders going over the wall manage to skip across the water and climb back up the sides but occasionally a grateful fish sees them and they’re gone for good.

After a few weeks of spotting ducks with their new brood it’s lovely to see the first of the swans with cygnets.

Not wanting to hit Burton on Trent just yet we stop at Branston Water Park. Heavy industry is behind us and the constant hiss of the A38 is far enough to the east to let us hear the birds tweeting.

First thoughts are this is a busy part of the canal/river network, boats like buses appear in threes, mostly Canaltime and Shakespeare hire boats and usually in a hurry. We’re sat on the bank without the benefit of piling clips so it’s fraught with concerns over pins pulling out. Tying a spring line hasn’t helped because the trucker’s hitch relies on something solid to pull on. The river bottom is gravel, in fact there are gravel pits all around us so it’s not surprising that we hear crunching noises as the boat moves back and forth, sounds like hailstones on the roof.

Close to Branston with its famous pickle we are on the edge of the water parks and situated within the National Forest, says the wooden bench seat outside the boat.

Friday 27th
Reading No Problem’s blog is pulling at the heart strings. Sue and Vic have two boats to move and we’re too far away to help. Sorry you guys, we would love to have joined you and tied three boats together for the trip up the Thames, it would certainly give the gin palaces something to worry about seeing three narrow boats charging into those Thames locks.
If we didn’t already have a boat we’d be considering the old No Problem (only £44k). We hope she goes to a good home (Ebay URL).

Parp–parp during the afternoon meant nb.Rivendell had caught us up. Stopping on the river bank a few hundred yards further on meant we could visit Terry and Pam who had been joined by their daughter Kerry (sp?) and boyfriend. It took us 2 seconds to learn Pam was celebrating her birthday so we charged in, bottle in hand, and helped them through the next couple of hours.

Talk covered many subjects including, yes you guessed it, ‘loos’ but also doing justice to ‘places’ and ‘people’ on the cut and before we knew it time had gone. What had been weathered red faces going brown turned back into red faces again as we finished the bottle and parted for the night.

I’ve said it before but what lovely people they are. We hope to see them again on the canals and one day in their own pride and joy, a brand new narrowboat.

Monday 16th April 2007
It’s agreed, we’re going to do the Leicester Ring, clockwise. Up without a rush we take the now very familiar cruise to Foxton, buy our customary two gallons of oil from Foxton Boat Services and continue up to Debdale for diesel (gone up to 46p/ltr), enough to see us round the ring.

Back to Foxton for the crawl onto the summit and we’re away “darn sarf”.

Nice to see some progress on towpath repairs outside the boat basin’s winter water point below the locks. About time too, the mud that gathers here during the winter rains is a real danger to boaters.

It’s another sunny day and there’s no shortage of onlookers during the ¾ hour climb to the summit. How some of them don’t fall in as they peer down to check the gap between boat and brick wall I’ll never know.
Otherwise nothing much to report about the lock flight transit apart from a rescue.

Toad in the hole
Second lock up from the centre pond I spotted a toad swimming around between Balmaha’s stern and the lock gates behind. Not wanting to be the one who turned the waters red with our prop I lifted the toad out and placed it on the grass away from the walkers, or so I thought. A French couple came to have a look, I joke not, and shouted at it when they realised it wasn’t a frog, whereupon the creature leapt back into the lock. Pulling it out a second time I took it to the pond and set him/her free. After one or two failures it makes a change to pull something out of the canal and see it breathing when I let it go.

A quiet run south saw little change in the countryside from a week ago, that is apart from the bluebells. We’ve heard reports that they’re out on the K&A but they’ve only just bloomed up here.
Bosworth tunnel was practically dry, which is more than can be said for Crick’s tunnel further on.

With time on our hands we swerved left into the Welford Arm, something we’ve promised ourselves many times to do. A beautiful little lock at the end lifted us into the quiet wooded stretch that leads to the terminus with its small marina, boat yard, limekilns and pub.

Bumped into a familiar boat here, nb.Eva, which until recently was based at Raynsway Marina north of Leicester. Hi to you two, I can almost remember your names. Roger and Judith?
What a peaceful place this is when the wind is in the right direction. But to keep you awake at night there’s a huge fish in the water that goes “plop” under the boat during the hours of darkness. I am told he hides under the marina pontoons during the day.

Tuesday 17th
We’ve booked a new cupboard for the utility room. Welford’s Neil will do the job that we nearly had done by the original boat builders and it looks like Neil can fit us in after the Crick Boat Show. As a result this new cupboard will either mean a reduction in the existing clutter or permit further hoarding, I’m not clear in my mind which is more important.

Back on the road we head out of Welford towards Crick and spot the same swan’s nest that everybody else has seen. Yes well here it is again.

[swansnest]

And just before the swan I saw the pheasant that’s also been reported. I think he was as surprised to see me as I was to see him because he was rooted to the spot. If only he’d let me stroke his neck.

Arriving at Crick we found plenty of empty moorings alongside a respectable towpath. BW’s greedy “winter plan” is over and the moorings have reverted to visitor use.
Trying to justify my existence I slapped a coat of black paint on the chimney while V went to the shops. Off again, we skipped the services and disappeared inside the tunnel. On reaching daylight we found a plastic cruiser sitting outside waiting for a gap in the traffic. How he manages to get through the tunnel with all those steel hire boats coming the other way I can’t imagine.
We finally called it a day at the last corner before Watford Locks so that we were well situated for tomorrow’s scramble for a good position in the first bunch going down.

Wed 18th
Even with an early start three boats passed us before we could get the tiller arm fitted. Just what time do they get out of bed? Can’t they sleep with all the excitement? Half of ‘em haven’t even shaved and the others are pigging their breakfast on the move.
We make number four and there are two behind us. It took two hours to clear the place and a bit or arjy-barjy from one guy coming up who didn’t know “the system”. It pays to shut up and watch or just go and ask the lock keeper.

Turning right at Norton Junction we made for Braunston Tunnel and a few more drops of water down the neck. Three boats coming the other way meant we’d timed it wrong. Should have arrived at lunchtime for an empty tunnel.

Saw a notice posted at the entrance saying “Landslide outside western entrance”. By the time we got there I’d forgotten all about it and went straight onto the mud as we came out into the light. The bank hidden by the bushes on the left of the picture has slipped under the water surface and reduced water depth to a few inches, enough to stop a boat dead in the water.
Tipping to the left but spinning sharply I managed to get away with it because nothing fell off the shelves.

Sharing Braunston Locks with a lovely couple on nb.Locksley I was so intent on improving my bollard lassoing technique that I didn’t reverse enough and met the bottom lock gate sooner than expected and loads of stuff fell off the shelves. I always think it pays to confess a blunder like this so I told the fella next to me and he was gracious enough to pass it off.

Calling at Wharfhouse Narrowboats’ shop for water filters and red paint for the chimney I encountered a new canal saying. “No alcohol onboard then?” I was asked. Didn’t like to show my ignorance so made light of it and left the shop determined to find out the meaning later.
But after asking around I can’t find the connection between a red painted chimney band and alcohol-free boating. Can anyone put me straight on this?

It’s been another longish day. We cleared Hillmorton and taking Molly May 2’s advice we rested up next to the golf course just before Rugby. Got a call from Mike and Pat to say they’re taking out a boat next week but unfortunately not coming in our direction. Happy cruising you two, you deserve it. And thanks for the news that another “Pat” has got nb.Hyperion and what a coincidence that she’s based back at Kate Boats.

Thursday 19th
The last mile or so into Rugby didn’t take long and leaving Balmaha next to the park we did the Tesco run (V = groceries, me = Ray Charles, Mavericks and Chris Rea CDs, still no Ted Nugent). Unbeknown to us Dot and Derek were in the vicinity on Gypsy Rover but we saw nothing so she must have been “cloaked”.
Finally, pulling into Brinklow, we rested up. It was cold enough to light a fire once the sun had gone down but what a glorious day it had been, again. Who wants foreign holidays when we’ve got weather like this?

Friday 20th
Chill-out day. Washed the boat, polished the brass and gave the chimney its red stripe. As if that wasn’t enough we started sanding the floor and varnishing ready for the summer.
Actually I didn’t chill out, I worked most of the day but it was nice to be stuck on the bank for a change.
Painting the galley floor with two coats meant no-one could walk through it. There is a way to get through but it means climbing over the dinette and sliding along the worktops with a final jump into the bathroom. I tried it once, someone had to put the kettle on.

Spotted nb.Ursula heading north to the Ashby, our friends from the only OUCS meeting (Old Union Canal Society) that we ever attended in Market Harborough. Being on boats all the time doesn’t lend itself to canal society meetings otherwise we’d be there. Does that sound like an excuse?

Saturday 21st April 2007
Today it’s the turn of the dinette area, two coats of varnish and a slightly easier climb through to the galley.

We see some contrasts on the canals, one minute there’s a young peoples’ boat passing with head-banging stuff radiating out of the windows and the next moment there’s a boat going the other way with a chap on the piano accordion (nb.Annabelle – if you’re reading this, why did you stop playing?).

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Wed 11th April 2007 Market Harborough
The weather is brilliant, sun most of the day and warm enough to sit outside in shorts. Feel sorry for the poor blighters on holiday on the east coast of the USA with freezing temperatures and snow.

Felt it was time to start on those little painting jobs and managed to waste a whole hour scraping the coke and rust off the chimney cap. Had a go at pulling the chimney off its pipe but it’s seized solid.
Tugging on the chimney brought plenty of comments from walkers and boaters who weren’t short of advice. But nothing I could do would shift it.

Thurs 12th
Easter holidays over, it’s time for Kass to return home with Maisy. Tears in eyes, waving goodbye and turning the boat northwards we headed out of town to our countryside moorings between Harbro’ and Foxton.

We moor at an isolated spot looking over the A6 valley, 30 minutes from the nearest village and apart from hire boats on Thursdays heading back to base and Fridays heading off on their adventures it is usually very quiet. But there’s an easterly breeze and we can hear every motorbike and every car with dodgy exhaust using the A6 and to make matters worse the train drivers have to dee-dah twice as they approach Market Harborough. But it’s either put up with that or go without the sunshine and stay inside. We sit out because it is nice to feel the warmth on our backs again.
The evening was a sultry one (15 Deg C) so put the rod over the side and caught two fish, little ones, a perch and a roach. Anything that isn’t a perch is a roach to me. Can’t remember the differences between roach, dace, chubb and all those fishes without vertical stripes. Must get a book sometime.

Fri 13th
It’s a nice day again and V is off to Great Bowden village to meet Claire at Welton’s Post Office/café/corner shop.

While she’s off the boat I ripped the bed apart and started fitting a gauge in the waste tank underneath. It must have looked funny to passing walkers as I dangled over the boat side dipping the sensor in the canal while I calibrated the gauge.

With the blanking plug off it was obvious that the tank was three quarters full and I couldn’t work fast enough fitting the sensor unit.
But it worked just perfectly and we now have two little meters, LED lit at night of course, on the cupboard side. The trouble with new meters is that they give a measure of satisfaction, knowing how much or how little is left, but one is desperate for them to move in order to prove they are working. It’s like a toy that lives in a glass cabinet and can’t be played with, most frustrating.

Nearly called out a boat engineer this week. Thought the water tank had a leak, we’d been losing water at an astronomical rate and I couldn’t find an explanation. Called a specialist on the phone and explained we had suddenly lost a lost of water and he put a couple of questions.
He asked if anything was different this week to last week so I told him nothing apart from having our daughter stay on the boat over Easter. He asked if she had long hair, so, a little mystified I replied she did have longish hair. He asked if she spent a lot of time in the bathroom and I replied, no more than she used to when she lived in the house.
He said he’d heard enough, he didn’t need to visit us, all would return to normal when she’d left, she was obviously washing her hair.
Sure enough, water consumption returned to normal.
(K – only kidding)

Got a call from nb.Megan, Roger and Babs are out on the cut, heading through Braunston towards the tunnel. Rather them than me with all the Easter hire boats about. Pity we are so far north, would love to meet up and talk boaty things like generators and LED lights (I know two wives who’d disagree with that).

Caught five fish tonight. Bait on the bottom about ten feet from the stern. When not pulling fish out I spent the time watching woodpeckers flit between tree trunks. Odd looking birds with a shape like three stumpy sausages. The only bird that never lands on a branch. Knew it was time to go inside when the bats and the midges came out and anyway, I couldn’t resist the attraction of a log fire and an aperitif.

Sat 14th April
Poked my head out from under the sheets this morning and found the canal cloaked by mist.

This could either turn into a cold damp day and a lie-in or it could herald an even hotter day than yesterday.

It soon turned into the latter and the inevitable words drifted through the boat, “It’s only half an hour’s walk to Bowden and you need the exercise”.

Two rape fields later (smelt a bit like daffodils), a short country lane and we’re in the village.

There’s a grocery store right in the centre of the village with all kinds of things in it and outside it, run by friendly Phil who chats to everyone.

Opposite is a post office and deli (Welton’s) that sells all sorts of food and gifts. There’s a super café extension on the side of the shop doing everything from morning coffee to upmarket evening dinners (by arrangement).

What a pleasant village this is, busy but peaceful, all locals I guess. Asked a guy how old his house was and he said he hadn’t a clue. Looked hundreds of years old to me (it not him).

The sign outside the Parish Church of St.Peter and St.Paul reminds us that we stand in the Diocese or Leicester but it feels like a million miles away.

Clues as to how friendly this place is can be seen in the lack of graffiti and the things people leave outside their houses.

For now it’s back to the boat, a sticking chimney is calling.

Pushing and pulling, beating with fists and hammers, levering with mooring spikes produced nothing. But then I recalled Mike (ex nb.Hyperion) saying that tree branches never failed to knock the chimney off his boat so I swiped ours with an oak log and off it popped. Thanks Mike.

Now I can’t decided whether to lacquer the brass bands or include them in the fortnightly brass-cleaning routine.

Not a single fish this evening – word has got around, don’t eat the worms.

Sunday 15th
Another beautiful, sunny day. Up early and sat on the stern deck with a coffee, sprinkling bread crusts on the water (preparing for tonight’s fishing session).

A few boats passed us this morning, all very sedate, thank you. Even saw a little plastic, sorry, a cruiser with a young family enjoying the sunshine. Don’t see many in these parts.

I’ve discovered the answer to acquiring a super fast sun tan - grow the skin of a 58 year old. Getting a bronzy is dead easy when you’re old. You might have to stretch the wrinkles to get an even tan but the face and hands go brown the moment the sun appears. Being old has its advantages.

Tomorrow we’re off. A new adventure - doing the Leicester Ring. A quick call at Foxton Boat Services for parts and a visit to Debdale for liquids and then we’re off up the Foxton flight heading south. Might call at Welford, we’ve passsed it so many times perhaps we should now pay them a visit.

Apologies to Del and Al who we saw on nb.Thema last week. We assumed you were those named on the boat, it never crossed our minds that you’d nicked it for a jolly. Sorry. We’ll be watching your Blog from now on.

Apologies for lateness are due but we have excuses. Kass and Maisy are with us and we’ve a week to get to Crick, meet more people and get back to the Harbro Arm. Busy, busy, busy.

Sun 1st April 2007 – evening.
No one got me on April Fool’s day, or if they did, I didn’t notice.
Fished and caught the tiniest roach I’ve ever seen. He’d swallowed the hook and worm and I didn’t even feel him on the line as I wound it back in. Did the right thing, kissed him, placed him gently back in the water, rubbed his nose and let him go.

Mon 2nd April
Same place, Harbro’ Arm with sounds of the A6 in the distance and an occasional RAF plane (still using Harriers?) just missing the hedge as the pilot mocks our narrow boat. Why don’t they fit them with a horn so we can parp at each other?
Turns out to be a nice day, sunny enough to scratch off dodgy paint and redo in green. It’s a strange shade of green, fades dark rather than light.
As predicted Mucky Duck was seen heading back to base, in a straight line this time, all the lads quiet, clutching their heads. Serves them right.
Pat (ex-Hyperion) brought an interesting website to our attention. “Nice Narrowboat” is a story of a boat buyer’s nightmare and serves as a warning to anyone considering a bespoke boat.
Though it’s unlikely anyone will now get involved with JM Clarke there will always be others who will take advantage of customers who don’t/can’t make frequent visits to see where their money is going.

Tue 3rd
Moved on to Harbro’ and struck by the sudden appearance of primroses, daffs and dandelions in the gardens along the way. Trees and hedgerows have yet to show any green in these parts but ground cover has kicked into gear. Almost got caught on stinging nettles as I unhooked the piling clips and they weren’t there on Sunday.

Today we are mostly shopping. I could see the back of the fridge so I knew it was time for a “walk”. And didn’t we shop, Ray Mears would have been horrified, we bought enough for an expedition.

Wed 4th
Just time for one of us to go to the supermarket again before Kass arrived with Maisy (the cat).

We’re off on a week’s cruise over Easter. If our timing is right we’ll be at Crick while the canals go crazy over Easter and be back here just as things quieten down again. Tezzer dropped in for elevenses and our precious mail-drop, thank you, thank you, thank you.
And a treat for me, found two lump hammers in the skip. Both need a simple repair job and I’m simple enough for that. Couldn’t get right down to the bottom of the bin but I’m happy with these finds. Oh the joy of sorting through Canaltime’s rubbish.

Thurs 5th
We quit Harbro early on, heading for Foxton. Passing nb.Simba Dada we couldn’t resist asking if this was the same boat mentioned in Adrian Rayson’s article in April’s Canal Boat. I’m Wes and Sharon is down below, he said, confirming our suspicions.

A quick stop for “free” wood meant we were guaranteed warm evenings in front of the fire.

Rounding Foxton’s boat basin we bumped into Derek from nb.Gypsy Rover, and chatted outside the shop and Tony's "Bridge 61". Our paths may cross again next week as we return and they head south for the summer. The crowds were massing as we slipped under the bridge and into the locks, cameras in our faces and faces in our windows.

Heading up through Foxton’s lock flight we grounded several times in the top five, talk about mean with the water. I was asked my draft as if it was my fault. Anyone could see we weren’t reaching the top of the slime on the walls so it wasn’t me being difficult.

We’d just reached the top lock and were marvelling at the crowds so early in the day when I was asked if we were going down the flight. It was tempting to take him up to the pointy end and explain the general workings of a boat but I let him off and told him another would be along in a minute and he could watch that if he wanted to.

They said it would be warm but no one was expecting a scorcher, I was in T-shirt and shorts by lunchtime as we pulled over for a bite and to let Maisy stretch her legs.
Sure it went cold again in the evening but what a pleasant change after 5 months of winter.

Husband Bosworth was K’s first tunnel experience, a relatively short one at 1166 yds and nothing exciting happened like scraping the wall or bumping another boat.
The carpet of yellow flowers south of the tunnel gave a lift to what is usually a dark and somewhat dismal canal cutting. There are fishing tags on the trees but we’ve yet to see an angler or walker in these parts and besides, the trees help to impart a dark and spooky sensation.

Passing North Kilworth Boat Services we were reminded of the rumour they were closing down. If it’s true then the place will be shut by the end of May. Bloomin’ shame I say, there’s few enough diesel, water and loo stops on the Leicester Line as it is.

We did well to pass the Welford Arm and stop while the sun still poked over the hedges. Spilling out onto a quiet tow path we pulled a cork and ate crisps like kings. Maisy took to the roof, the path and a fence before we pulled her in. Something long, brown and sausage shaped ran through the grass and I didn’t fancy chasing Maisy across the fields. She had to go indoors before she got all nocturnal.

Fri 6th April
An early-ish start saw us finish our journey in Crick. Hundreds of boats heading north, presumably out of Crick Marina and some from further afield, claiming origins in Hampshire and Dorset (oh yeah). Surprised at the empty towpaths opposite the marina, where it was packed over the winter months (by BW selling off the 14 day moorings to inactive boaters) we could pick any spot we wanted. Another sunny day and the girls walked off in the direction of
Crack's Hill while I cleaned the brass. This brought several cries of derision from passing boaters but I was past caring, I like my mushrooms shiny.

Sat 7th
It’s delivery day, a nice man from MSC delivered my poo tank gauge, and he refunded the postage. What a gentleman. Off on his boat over Easter it was a lovely coincidence that he was at Crick the same time as us. That’s a job for later on, dismantling the bed and running in the wiring wouldn’t go down too well just now.

Mike and Jo on Sarah-Kate pulled in for coffee and cake before heading off into the countryside.
Compared leaking water stories and Mike won hands down.

Sat outside catching the rays when a boat load of lads (and lassies we discovered later) pulled in behind us.
Milling around as they do, on one of their bank approaches, my eye caught the steerer’s dinette cushion balanced on the taff rail. Watch that cushion, said I, and a second later it was in the water. Seeing the funny side but being polite I laughed silently which considerably reduced the enjoyment. To make matters worse the button came off in his hands as he pounded water out of the cushion on the boat’s roof. More stifled laughter.

Where can we get a case of beer? he said, as they headed off towards the village. Try the Co-op on the high street says I, and do you mind if we move your boat while you’re gone? Don’t worry, we’re very quiet, says he, and you’re welcome to join us for poker later if you want. Lovely lads, shame about the soggy bed someone will have to sleep on tonight.

A cheery hello turned our heads as Keith and Pat on nb.Thema trundled past. Apparently they read our blog so “Hi you guys”, from V and me, thanks for those kind words.

Ter & Claire called in for dinner on their way back from Grandma's.

Sun 8th
Mark and Debbie called in today on their way back south from west Wales (no, it’s not a direct route) and we caught up on loads of family news and recalled Bournemouth experiences, particularly the VE Day street party and a supermarket trolley on the roof.

Now that they’re proud grandparents to a lovely little baby girl (well done Poppy) we can prove they are much older than us, although we might have all the wrinkles and grey hair. It was a lovely day, the weather was kind and we now owe them one for scaring us silly by leaving a giant spider in the bath.

Mon 9th April
What a scorcher of a day.
It’s time to head north and I’m hoping most boats have turned and are heading back south. I don’t mind them coming at me, I’d rather they didn’t hang around in front when I want to get on.
We pass and get passed by three boats from Braunston travelling together. Nice people, loads of cats on one of them, big furry things with curious faces. Nb.Tickey was faster off the piling than us and we recalled Dave’s comments a few weeks ago regarding Harbro’s long stay residents. He knows the area and could be a mine of information on all sorts of things.

When I wasn’t looking at the bridge hole ahead I was staring at the gliders in the sky. Towed up by several aircraft the sky was full of them doing stunts and racing from one horizon to the other. The buzzards didn’t seem to be bothered by it as they circled ever higher in the same thermals. Back through the tunnel I made a mental note to add another searchlight on the bow.
Totally dazzled by an oncomer I had to slow to tick-over to be sure I was anywhere near the wall. In contrast the second boat had such a dim light that at one stage I thought it was a canoe. Brilliant steering skills is what he must have had to trust himself to our lights.
Pulling over just before bridge 60 we settled down for the night and watched dark clouds creep upwards from the western horizon.

Tuesday 10th April 2007
Arose to see clouds everywhere, what a contrast to yesterday. Planning to be at Foxton Locks second thing, we’ll let the early birds queue for the first transit of the day.
We arrived to take second place in the second batch and with six coming up we had time for a cuppa or two.
Nb.George chugged out of the lock ahead sporting a boing, boing, boing from its single cylinder Bolinder. Beautiful sound. Glad there’s guys like them who keep these old working boats alive.

Dave on nb.Tickey was hanging around so we chatted while he washed down in readiness for a spot of sunshine and some serious painting. The café at the top is open again, in new hands and the bacon sandwiches smelt wonderful. Dave couldn’t resist and came away with a whopper disappearing into his mouth.
What a surprise, half way down the flight we passed nb.Gypsy Rover waiting in the centre pond. Exchanging greetings with Derek and Dot we continued down to the boat basin and a right turn to bridge 8/9 on the Harbro Arm.

Another surprise – we saw our first clutch of ducklings, fifteen in all and we hadn’t even seen the mother nesting. Things are moving fast and spring is popping up all around us.

The sun never made it today, it was warmish but the slightest breeze sent us running for a coat. Boats are still going crazy up and down the GU, mostly private and mostly names we’ve never seen before so the marinas must be empty. We’re just thankful this isn’t Napton Junction, it must be another world down there.

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Tues 27th March 2007
Still sat on the steel piling next to Fleckney, figuratively speaking. Walked into the village for a spot of shopping and well pleased with the facilities. A larger than expected Co-op next to the chemist, chipshop, pub doing two steaks and wine for £15 on Mondays, I think, plus Post Office and doctors. All within 10 minutes of the boat.
The morning mist eventually lifted and it turned into a fine sunny day.

Sad to relate the news that somewhere south of the tunnel in front of us a tractor was in the canal as the result of a tragic accident in which a 12 year old lad died.

Wed 28th
Must have had a frost last night, the roof hatch frames have ice on the insides.
Pulled stakes and headed for the tunnel. Out the other side we bumped into Mike on Sarah-Kate so heaved-to for coffee. Discovered that Mike and Jo had visited nb.Hyperion at Kate Boats during her build and like us had been impressed by the fit-out quality.

Weather looks like it could go either way so we continued on to Debdale for diesel (44p/ltr), coal (£7.60/25kgs) and gas (£16.50). Once again prices have held for which we are very grateful.
Further on we saw marks in the field where the tractor and roller had ended their journey in the canal and were reminded how uncertain our lives can be in this world.

We tied up at Tony’s Turn, our name for a favourite spot far enough from Foxton not to be bothered by casual walkers and close to the place where Tony turns ‘Vagabond’, the trip boat that operates in the warmer months.
Did some calculations and discovered that our diesel consumption averages 0.82 litres/hour if Eberspacher boiler running hours (35) are lumped together with engine hours (189). Didn’t think that was out of the ordinary and it works out around £900 a year, but we’ll somehow have to find another £1080 a year when red diesel turns to white. I feel another look into solar panels coming on.

Thursday 29th
Decided not to wait any longer for feedback from other users on MSC’s waste tank gauges and went ahead with ordering one. MSC’s water tank gauge was easy to install and once ‘trimmed’ to the full and empty ‘scale ends’ has given no trouble. Self installation is booked for the week after Easter when we’re somewhere out in the countryside again. Don’t need a hot day if I’m taking the lid off the tank, cold and breezy will do.

We were going to move today but the rain couldn’t make up its mind what to do so we stayed put.
Wandered down to the locks to deposit a couple of bags in the car park (yes I know, in the skips) and check on BW’s refurb’ progress.
The Inclined Plane Arm is nearing completion, heavy equipment out, water in and the concrete around the mooring rings to set. The new swing bridge across the Harbro’ Arm is in place, just the tow path side to finish off.
We were told there will be a dedicated mooring for boats using the facilities (there’s a flashy new brick building by the car park for boaters and car park users).

To get right up to date we stopped at Bridge 61 pub and listened to the local banter, not really getting to grips with the current stories but enjoying the atmosphere anyway.

It was good to see some progress with improvements outside ‘Bridge 61’. New piling has been added to the old, chippings spread over the puddles and rumours are that we’ll be able to step from the boat onto the same footpath surfacing that has sprung up on the top approaches to Foxton locks. About time too.

Friday 30th
Moving again we trundled through Foxton’s boat basin, admiring the ‘arm’ and new bridge, stopping for oil and filters at Foxton Boat Services and sailing onwards towards Market Harborough.

Couldn’t resist picking up a couple of logs or three for the fire and moored in the usual spot between bridges 8 and 9. Lo and behold we see Sarah-Kate on a lunch break so we gossip over a cuppa and let Mike go on his way to Foxton.
It’s almost too warm for a fire but it quickly turns cold in the evenings so we keep the fire going through the day, opening the windows to keep cool. It’s easier to do that than clean the fire out and relight it on an evening.

We were rudely brought to the surface this evening by the boat pitching and rolling. Just as well we poked our heads out because, a Canaltime – oops sorry, Tillerman Boats, hire boat ‘Mucky Duck’ was heading our way. It looked to be mine-sweeping as it zig-zagged back and forth across the canal, raising mini tsunamis as it went.

Shouts of glee from pirates sprawling around her stern warned of likely collision so I hailed a crew member (with a plastic parrot on his shoulder) who had leapt ashore during one of the boat’s bank approaches.

“We’re just a bunch of students out for a few days and no one knows how to steer” said he.

“Try getting in some practise before opening bottles”, I suggested.

I really thought we were going to have to move as she careered towards us and met the bank again but she missed us and continued up the cut with lads leaping on and off every few minutes.

I warned Sarah-Kate as I knew she wasn’t far away.

Maybe it’s my suspicious mind but have Canaltime renamed themselves Tiller Boats in order to shake off the impression their boats are dangerous after someone fell off and died?
I suggest they get another name ready, just in case.

Sat 31st
Thought I’d have another look at Yahoo GeoCities’ free website offer. Tried adding some ships pictures to a new webpage the other day and it all crashed. Spent the whole of today messing about with it until I was ordered to quit the computer and give the batteries a rest.
What a way to spend a day. I believe it was sunny outside.

However, one mystery was cleared up. Dogs kept stopping and sniffing the grass under the bird feeder that I had hung in the bushes, as is my custom.
Then, I remembered putting the remains of Maisy’s cat pellets in with the bird seed and I suppose that the birds that don’t like them, pick them out and drop them in the grass. It goes to show how refined dogs noses are for food smells.
Apart from the usual birds, we’ve seen our first wren of 2007 and a reed bunting, one of those sparrow type birds with a black hat and a white collar.

Sunday 1st April 2007
Sat at the dinette recalling the week’s events for the Blog when Dot and Derek arrived from Harbro’ on Gypsy Rover. Tap-tap, “Hello, anyone there?”

A very pleasant hour or two was spent comparing notes on boats, people and places. Names like Sue and Vic (nb.No Problem), Pat and Mike and many others meant we had much in common, as if it wasn’t enough to be cruising the same way of life.

A lovely couple, hope to see them again in a few days time before we all leave Leicestershire to explore other parts of the canal network.