Boating anniversaries coming quickly My Heaven and Hell cruise

Another one to talk about on Sunday but I've just been reminded of my Heaven and Hell cruise arriving at our moorings on the 23rd October 2018

Worth a read

So we've had an association at Shebdon farm moorings for 7 years now... we had a sojourn while we explored Great Haywood marina and a few months on Bobs moorings the other side of Bridge 44. But as I was reminded when we moored up yesterday back at Shebdon farm moorings how beautifully peaceful and just nice they are. 

I also re read my opening text from my testing solo cruise from Fradley to Shebdon back in 2018. 

Well, where do I start this rather large blog post ? I guess picking up the opening sentence, something I reflected on while moving Percy single handed from Fradley on the Trent and Mersey to Shebdon on the Shropshire Union canal..... I'm 56 now and I don't really know how I got to that age so quickly.... quickly but 56 years quickly. The same as going along the canal at 3mph, the destination seems distant based on the speed and stop starts at locks, bridge holes and moored boats but you arrive at that evenings destination and ultimately you arrive at your final destination. So the conclusion is the destination while important is not by a large margin the prize, the prize is the journey so we should all enjoy it as much as we can.

Reviewing the blog post and the text above gave me a shot of  'reality' in those 7 years I have become a tad more anxious  - I've pushed myself more but the anxiety is ever present. I wish there was an anti anxiety pill but there is not and if there was I think I'd give it a miss and carry on with the odd metaphorical smack across the cheek I give myself. 

Back to base - a pit stop

We ate in the pub last night - not the best food sadly. We had a nice walk through the village back to the boat via dirty lane and a bit of a fractious night sleep due to the cat insisting  on sleeping where my legs wanted to be.

Up and away for 9.45 (we are getting better) and a lovely cruise back to our mooring. It's always nice to know you have a guaranteed mooring for the night. Even if the silt bar bumped Percy off her approach, not helped as two boats were passing the mooring so I could not go in at the required sharp angle. 

The day was notable for the number of times we had to hit reverse to clear the leaves from the prop.  A small price to pay for the lovely wooded sections that were ever more raining leaves into the cut. It did occur to me I wonder if C&RT put any extra 'scores' to the dredging of this canal due to the leaf harvest each year..... 

Looking up and down the canal from the engine room after doing the morning lube ! 

Our overnight mooring looking onto Dirty Lane Bridge

I do like this canal  - can't fail to be impressed by the ambition of Telford in planning the cuttings and the embankments. Even more so the hard grafting navvies who dug it out by hand. 

Norbury was a small busy bit of the day with two hire boats loitering for the water point. Thaksfully the secodn was competant and held back to let us through. Diesel here is 85p better than the 89p we paid at Turners, but it was easier to service the boat at Turners. 

Soup and Ciabatta on the go follows by coffee and Cherry liqueur chocolates! 

Back on her mooring. We noticed a tyre fender missing and dug it out of the mud before mooring up - I suspect I knocked it off on leaving  - could have been disaster iff the prop had picked that up !! Another job to get it reattached  - you can see the tyre 'resting' after its recovery 

The return home was predicated in one part by the boiler at home locking out - it's an oil boiler that on its tenth anniversary is good to its word - or the manual that advises most of the burner parts need replacing - I spoke to the manufacturing company that is in Telford and they advised rather than chasing the problem by replacing parts I buy a complete new burner which was on my radar. So on arriving at the mooring I swept the roof and jumped in the van to Telford to get said burner for the local plumber to fit as and when.

Talking of the roof we have been getting soot from the exhaust this trip... I suspect it's a combination of older diesel and not running the engine so much this year  so what is in there is easier to blow out - softer if you like. Another job will be to take off the exhaust manifold and clean that ( inside) then clean the exhaust stack with the chimney brush... winter work.

One thing I did see today on the trip back was a boat that has one of those cheaper diesel heaters retro fitted... got me thinking of putting something similar in the fore cabin to give some instant heat for diy trips over the winter - another project maybe 

So back for a bit but the boat was left to be reoccupied when we are able ..... 

A failed wind to beat the wind and diesel and hours recording.

We've been watching the weather forecast whilst dealing with some family stuff. Anyhow we decided to wind this morning to get back to our mooring before the Thursday 'low' comes through. After that we may just stay on the mooring or may venture up to the winding hole at the top of the Adderley flight, we'll see.

Anyhow we were off at a sprightly 10.15 am this morning with a destination of Wheaton Aston visitor moorings for a pub treat tonight. Our target was Lower Hattons winding hole just past the three mile marker and just before the M54 motorway bridge. 

The astute will notice we are winded and heading back up the canal but the wind at Lower Hattons was a fail... the off side was far too silty and the bow just stuck, I was fearful of swinging round and getting jammed on the shelf or worst the rudder lifting out of the cup. So common sense prevailed and knowing the canal a bit we opted for the much larger Pendeford Hall Lane winding hole and Rachel did a smashing job of swinging Percy round. Percy is a slow boat and takes some winding but we got there and she was rewarded with tea and cake ! I'll send C&RT a note but I doubt much will be done sadly. 

Then it was slow time back up to Wheaton Aston but with the south westerly at our backs a much nicer cruise. A few reverses to clear leaves and we were soon dropping down our second and same lock of this cruise. 

Services again - I walked down to see what if any moorings were available and was surprised there was only one with nothing on the southern side of turners garage. 

We took diesel and a fresh bottle of gas from the nice fella at Turners then slipped into the end mooring just before Dirty Lane Bridge - great name, be interesting to understand the history of that name !

Booked a table at the Hartley Arms for food later. We will have a walk into Wheaton Aston in the morning for a few supplies before we head off back to Shebdon to sit out the worst of the weather - or Rachel will I have to be elsewhere for a while. 

For the records 61 litres of diesel put in and the engine hours counter was on 1209 hours. Last top up checking the blog was 14th October 2024 when we were returning from our trip to  Buxworth basin and the Macc canal. The counter was on ........ wait for it 1177 hours so we have run Percy's donk for just 32 hours in a year !! That has truly shocked me.  

I can't imagine the costs per hour or would rather not. Suffice to say we need to do better or..........

I can't use the hours and litres as a consumption calculation as this time I brimmed the tank. 

The shortest cruise....

I've been dithering and uncertain about this cruise where to go how long to cruise etc etc.... I thought leaving it open ended would be more relaxing, turns out it's not (for me), it seems I need an itinerary.  Today we deliberated, again before deciding to just hop to the other side of Brewwod to a favourite mooring just past bridge 9 and the winding hole. Its a snuggler free spot only allowing enough space for one boat  - great for the cat.

As soon as we arrived we made a picnic having been away late again - that is not helping our travel plans.  A nice 4 mile walk was plotted picking up parts of the Staffordshire way and the Monarch's way.... 

An explanation from AI land 

The Monarch's Way is a 625-mile footpath in England that follows the approximate escape route of King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The route starts near Worcester, goes through the Cotswolds, Bristol, and Yeovil, and ends in Shoreham, West Sussex, passing through diverse scenery and historic sites. It is a long-distance trail that requires careful planning due to its length and varied terrain.   

Back on the boat at 4pm and some jobs were done and a early tea for us was taken - thats still 7pm 

We opened the bow doors and listened to a Tawny owl first then a juvenile screech of a Barn Owl. Tomorrow we wind and head back for a pit stop back at the mooring as I need to be somewhere on Thursday that nicely coincides with wind and heavy rain again - if we can trust the various weather guesses. 

A rare slow day 800 quid in the cut and another inconsiderate boater

It was always planned to be a go nowhere today  - heavy rain forecast which didn't arrive until 10.30. We'd decided to have an early'ish vitamin D walk to Brewood for bits and bobs so actually set an alarm.

We were off by just after 9 for a lovely walk in the dry to the nice village of Brewood... the first/last on the Shroppie before Wolverhampton. It is a well to do village. I've stopped here before when searching for pubs with friends on the boat. 

Nice walk but same old issue with dog poo... which I was sporting on my boot as we got back to the boat just as the first spits of rain started. It was while trying to wash off the last bits that my phone and connected battery bank plopped into the canal. Last time I did this it was at Fradley when I was living aboard, thankfully then my phone was supplied by work  (24 hour on call 365 days a year for 20 years, least they could do was provide a phone and pay for my calls !!) The fact we were able to easily get to the bank signalled a deepish hunt and I was lucky I have my landing net which after three of four sweeps found the phone and battery bank. The phone I was expecting to be working and it was as it is waterproof, the battery bank less so but it seems to have survived, Both are in a bag of rice by the fire just in case. 

Just got in and enjoying a cuppa when the fastest and I mean full bore hire boat went past - Pulling the pins. It was ridiculous  - obviously a four counties in a week boater but never had a boat go past that fast before. So bad I actually emailed the hire company to advise they may want to have a word  - he is going to upset a lot of people.

Used yesterday evening to catch up on blogs, prompted by seeing Sue and Vics No Problem at Industry   - sad to read of Jo and Keith selling Hadar but pleased they seem happy in their flat. Also Debbie from NB Tickety Boo with a slightly sad update. Also the move back to land for Pip and Mick from NB Oleanna albeit for the winter I think . I  spend some time in silent reflection on how much the blogging community helped me and entertained me from Andrew on Granny Buttons Mike on Snecklifter, Jaq and Les on Valerie, John and Jan on Jubilee  .... all sadly no longer blogging and or boating. Ironically as I was thinking this Rachel brought the  very out of date little bag of chocolate buttons Andrew left on Waterlily's stern many years ago - asking to throw them away - 'no they stay on the boat' ... was the answer

Pinging it down now so more tea and rest .....

Slow progress an inconsiderate boater and a new mooring

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.

I love this part of the Shroppie in Autumn and winter the cuttings have such a spiritual feeling.  The history of the construction and early use feels like it is a turn of life's page away. 

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 ...

To beat the fishing match

Ok, this is real'ish time blogging. We or rather I got to Percy 15th October to have another go at the stove, this time with some liquid PTFE  or pipe thread seal. Got the rear 28mm ( future boat owner should know they are 1 inch BSP to whatever the imperial is of a 28mm compression fitting  -inch and an eighth is such a thing exits? ) suitably connected. I sealed the flue into the stove with some black stove putty and wiped a smooth finish on it with a wet pad. Then sealed the flue to the cowl with the black heat proof silicon stuff...went home 

16th October we were due on the boat and I was the advanced party to refill the back boiler and pipes via the expansion tank. Then light the stove, I came with the garage fan to blow any fumes or smoke from the curing new black paint from the refurb. There was a leak on one compression fitting that I was able to nip up. The stove didn't emit much by the way of smoke or much smell. So I was able to give Rachel the green light to follow me with the cat and we eventually had a nice Sweet potato and Halloumi curry in a warm boat.

This cruise has been delayed and cut down, it was due to be up the Llangollen  in September but other things got prioritised as they should and we had to decide where to go. In the end we have put it down to how we feel and the weather and aiming to get back before the clocks go back or maybe just after. We are headed to cut end and may got left or right - might even be on the toss of a coin who knows.

Anyhow this morning we had a lazy start, I know I'm fighting off some virus as I am quite tired. I did some pottering jobs charged the Ecoflow back up from the genny got the boat prepped. I then at the last minute cut the bank down as it was something Rachel wanted to be done once a year. On the last few visits I've noticed diesel in the water around our boat and I and another moorer walked our moorings and concluded it was coming down the canal with the lock flow. I reported it the C&RT and they responded promptly saying they'd passed it on to their local team to check - see later 

I double checked the stoppages list before we agreed a route and saw there was a massive 'event' between Tyrely top lock and Gnosall  - I'd seen two blokes pegging out a fishing match earlier - that is going to be one very slow cruise for anyone getting involved in it. So we planned to be away and clear past the match today the 17th. We struggled a bit to get out but that is just these moorings and were on our way at 3pm. 

I'd have liked to have made it past Cowley tunnel but by 5.45 pm we were past the start of the match so moored up just before bridge 35. On the cruise we didn't meet any other boats. In fact I think I've only seen four past our mooring before we set off. 

I reported back to C&RT the diesel was in the water all the way to Norbury so I guess a boat there either has a very oily bilge and/or  a leaking diesel tank. 

We've moored here before and looking at the weather may well make progress to Chilington bridge tomorrow or the earlier Wheaton Aston then sit out Sunday as the weather looks wet ... we have the option which helps the thinking and planning 

A nice cruise on empty canals. The old boat by the Anchor has gone  - not sure if it was towed away or craned out.... it's been there years. 

Fire lit cleaned up ( us) and food and a quiet evening I suspect  -  I hope 

This extension was in progress when we were last here and that must have been a year ago. Rachel pointed out it looked like an upside down narrowboat 

Yet another shot of this iconic bridge - it is subject to road works on it as a large hole was found close by and some big trees removed

 

These mooring just before the  Anchor always appeal due to the fact they are private owned and have land beneath them. If I  were to be a live aboard with a base it would be these moorings that I would target