Sad to read two more bloggers are handing in their boat keys for yet to be detailed adventures off the cut.
Tom and Jan from NB Waiouru are returning to the penal colony after a five year adventure cruising the canal system. A blog that will be missed by many as Tom's wit is engaging and entertaining. Sadly we never met, they were 'out' when we walked past their boat moored above Shadehouse a couple of years ago now.
Doug and James also have their boat Chance up for sale. Not live-a-boards but they cover a decent spread of canals each year. Met once at Fradley but live locally to us so we should meet up in our shared city of Chichester ......
Not all sad news as my neighbour Mandy is off on her blogging travels again on NB Don't Panic and Bruce and Sheila on NB Sanity Again are off from their lodge confinement covering a decent spread of water again.
Plus there are all my other vicarious cruising suppliers over there on the right giving their details of journeys and thoughts aplenty.
Hopefully now life is settling down again for us I can get out a bit more, but not quite yet, I have a couple of European motorcycle trip I will record - not for you canally people but for my own dear diary entries to look back on when I am old(er) and infirm(er).
So keep cruising and keep blogging please .
Tuesday, 9 May 2017
Thursday, 4 May 2017
The newest and most precious crew member
Percy has a new crew member and I am now a grandad and I could not be more pleased !
Meet Theodore George or Teddy Wells to his friends.
He was born Saturday 29th April 2017 8.19am and weighed 7lb 3oz.
Hopefully when he is a little bigger and stronger he will be able crew for NB Percy and many many trips will be taken.
Meet Theodore George or Teddy Wells to his friends.
He was born Saturday 29th April 2017 8.19am and weighed 7lb 3oz.
Hopefully when he is a little bigger and stronger he will be able crew for NB Percy and many many trips will be taken.
Monday, 1 May 2017
Come for a walk with me
One of the joys of the canals is exploration of a new area, especially if you have a dog to exercise. I find the police are called a lot less often to me when I am walking and talking to Leia than when walking on my own !
So whilst not on the boat at the moment I (we) have plenty of exploration of the myriad of local footpaths (and canal tow paths) within walking of the new cottage.
Despite the cold snap a bigger walk was requested by Leia so off we went ....
I'll save you the trip into the Valley but it takes us about 12 minutes to the river/railway/canal that all share the valley bottom. The river Churnet will be a delight to fish - lots pf pools to explore, but I need to know who if anyone has the fishing rights.
Then we arrive at the canal - a little walk up from the river as it runs as anyone who knows this stretch almost on a shelf - I think moved there to accommodate the railway
I quite fancy that walk - from Froghall to Etruria - about 18 miles - it's on the bucket list !
Now we get the railway joining the canal - this is a great place to see the steam trains come by
There is some history here from when the railway company moved the canal to accommodate the railway. The bridge is made up from railway track !
This branch was a little challenge, when I walked the route in reverse the next day it was gone - well done CART
One of the locations the trains have to whistle as they approach - we can hear them from the cottage - very atmospheric.
On the lane back to the cottage, looking back into the Valley and the mist rolling from the village of Ipstones.
You might be able to see the route we walked in red. 2.5 miles and we did it one night in 50 minutes and today in reverse in 45 minutes, not too shabby if you account for the steepness that gets us both a decent blow on !
This mornings walk was across the fields..... Leia had a decent run, I did not.
So whilst not on the boat at the moment I (we) have plenty of exploration of the myriad of local footpaths (and canal tow paths) within walking of the new cottage.
Despite the cold snap a bigger walk was requested by Leia so off we went ....
I'll save you the trip into the Valley but it takes us about 12 minutes to the river/railway/canal that all share the valley bottom. The river Churnet will be a delight to fish - lots pf pools to explore, but I need to know who if anyone has the fishing rights.
The river being crossed by the Churnet valley railway.
Then we arrive at the canal - a little walk up from the river as it runs as anyone who knows this stretch almost on a shelf - I think moved there to accommodate the railway
Looking up from where I walked from - there is a falconry centre there
All to myself, only noise was nature
Leia was in her element - lots to sniff and no other dogs to worry about - she does not socialise well with other dogs.
Now we get the railway joining the canal - this is a great place to see the steam trains come by
There is some history here from when the railway company moved the canal to accommodate the railway. The bridge is made up from railway track !
Another wood to explore - another day. I think this is the route to Ipstones
This boat has a very remote and rural mooring
This branch was a little challenge, when I walked the route in reverse the next day it was gone - well done CART
Leaving the canal here at Consall
The pub is round that corner and a bit
Back across the railway and river ready for the climb out of the valley through the woods
One of the locations the trains have to whistle as they approach - we can hear them from the cottage - very atmospheric.
Did I mention I like woods ....all you can hear is nature, it is very peaceful
On the lane back to the cottage, looking back into the Valley and the mist rolling from the village of Ipstones.
You might be able to see the route we walked in red. 2.5 miles and we did it one night in 50 minutes and today in reverse in 45 minutes, not too shabby if you account for the steepness that gets us both a decent blow on !
Plenty more to plan and walk in the future - cheaper than any gym
This mornings walk was across the fields..... Leia had a decent run, I did not.
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