Our trip as detailed earlier is very much make it up as we go along. Our grand plan was to be away 9am each day and cruise for about 4 hours moor up relax. Of course that is dependant on being awake at 9am and we were not this morning. Rachel stirred at 9.20 am and exclaimed the time. I heard no boats passing or people on the tow path... unusual for Gnosall I would have thought.
Last night the boat in front sportingly ran his engine till 9.30 pm, he waved as we passed this morning I didn't wave back. It's not a big issue more the fact the cat will not venture out if there is any noise - a downside to town mooring - we don't normally preferring rural billy no mates places - and that is where we are tonight - opposite the mainly deserted caravan park between bridges 16 and 15 about a mile from Brewood. Depth for the boat to get right in and not under trees, not moored here before, nice.
A strange work party was clearing leaves from the towpath in Gnosall - seemed such a waste of time.
It was as is the case a slow trip today due to leaves in the canal - boaters will know this time of year leaves around the prop slows progress and it can be quite impressive. To the point Rachel called me while I was walking ahead as she feared the boat was struggling - a quick blast of reverse sorted it.
It allowed three boats cruising in convoy to overtake and we passed them about 20 minutes later tying up in Wheaton Aston. In fact we had seven boats come the other way today again in a convoy heading towards High Onn - one asking if there were moorings in Gnosall he was aware of the fishing match.
We serviced the boat at the facilities in Wheaton Aston, I think we will stop here on the way back as the pub was nice last time and better visited in the week. On my way to set the lock I had a lovely chat with the waterways Chaplins who have a boat above the lock and live in the village they told me . They knew Halfie and Jan from NB Jubilee via the boaters Christian fellowship - nice to have that connection
Tomorrow is given 70% chance of rain all day so we will be staying put and relaxing - not something we do often. If the rain breaks a walk into Brewood will be taken.
The observant will notice the chimney is just a liner - the double skinned one does not make it to the seal both sides of the cowel so we get the tar that condenses in the chimney onto the boat - I use a wet rag to catch it but I'd prefer it to burn off. If we turn left at the junction I'll call at the Tedderesly chandlers if it is still there ( I know Midland Chandlers vacated it but last time we past there was another Chandlers in situ)
Internet is good we have empty cassettes coal and full water..... boaters will know that feeling also.
Finally saw Sue and Vics boat No Problem up on the hard at Industry Narrowboats Stretton by the Viaduct - looked well. Sad Sue is off the water now but she did a decent shift for sure.
A video of Rachel bringing Percy through the autumn colours.
Right a beer is calling me ...
No comments:
Post a Comment