Walking Down The Locks. 21st December

Bridge 126 to Marston Doles Visitor Moorings

Windy this morning, but with possible rain later on we decided to move earlier rather than later. No need to push off today, once the bow was untied I had to pull it back in to jump onboard before Oleanna was blown back out, no hoping on at the stern today!

Only an hours cruise for us today all grey and windy. The hot tub by the teepee has been removed and sheep installed in the field. The boat in the middle of the field has been levelled out, it must have been on a list for some time (the muddy mark still evident on the hull).

The visitor moorings at Marston Doles have been turned over to Winter Moorings. Two boats were tied up with permits in their windows, space at the end possibly for us. The washing machine was put on as we approached the water point and ran as we filled up. The tank was full before the machine had finished, but nobody was coming past so we waited for the final rinse before topping up the tank again.

In the mean time I had a walk down to see if there was any space below the second lock to moor. One cruiser sat there, but the towpath was rather muddy so we decided to use up the space left on the winter moorings instead. One of the winter moorers commented that we were the first boat he’d seen in months. We knew there was a boat ahead of us somewhere so we weren’t the first boat to pass him.

After lunch we decided to walk down the flight to check on progress at Lock 9 of the Napton flight which had been closed since 5th November to more or less be rebuilt. The stoppage notice had said that it would re-open today at 4pm, we wanted to check if that was the case. With a bag of rubbish each we set off hoping that the big black clouds would find a route around us. We were fortunate and only had a light bit of drizzle for a few minutes, the bins were getting on for two miles away.

On our way down we made note of where else we could moor should we need somewhere. In the long pound a section of the towpath had disintegrated so much that it was fenced off with orange netting. But this had left no space to be able to walk, so the towpath sideways trees had had a severe cutting back. The black area on the ground is how far they used to encroach.

Lock 14 was open, no signs suggesting that the flight was still shut and as we rounded the bend before Lock 13 we could see NB Wol, the boat that was in front of us, just entering it heading down the flight.

We walked on ahead and at the last bridge before Lock 9 there were a lot of builders bags of sand and aggregate, either too much had been ordered for the works or it would be used on the towpath. There was no fencing around the lock, just orange mesh to keep you off the newly laid earth. The site was clear, the bottom gates of the lock wide open and boats were sitting in the pound below.

Lock 9 is where NB Tyseley got stuck this summer. Numerous ropes, a boat pulling and flushing through of water had to be used to get her unjammed. The lock had been gradually getting narrower and any older boats with a touch of spread had been getting caught. The stoppage notice said that they would ‘Take down and rebuild the towpath chamber wall. Take down and rebuild the offside approach walls. Carry out localised repairs throughout. Please be aware the end date of this closure is outside our published winter stoppage period due to the extent of the works involved.’

The works were certainly finished. The towpath side chamber wall is 7/8th new brickwork, the off side about 1/5th. We did wonder why some bits of old brick work had been left, but there must have been a reason. The large stone on the bottom off side of the lock looked like it had been shaved back and put back in place above new brickwork, the corners having been chamfered off. One thing we were very surprised about was the use of breeze blocks as new coping stones on the towpath side. These are normally large bricks or stone (as on the off side). Will they be able to withstand the beating from boats entering the lock to come down, especially as in the summer months many will be at the helm for the first time on hire boats. Will the gritty texture do wonderful things to gunnels as boats rise encouraging more use of fenders in locks?! The use of them does suggest one thing, that Lock 9 is not a listed structure so cheaper materials could be used.

On our way back from the bins we quickly closed the bottom gates for the chap coming down hill, the bywash in the pound above was blocked so at least the water could run over the gates and start to fill the lock for him. He was making good progress down the flight, if it hadn’t been so late we’d have offered him a hand, but with no torch and a muddy towpath ahead we carried on.

The lock must have been reopened today early on. The site had been cleared. A bit further up hill we could see where C&RT had had access to the site, a temporary road across the field had been laid, now removed leaving yellowed grass beneath.

If we’d known the flight would open early would we have moved along the summit quicker? Maybe, maybe not.

Up north on the Middlewich Branch, NB Halsall and NB Bargus look to have been the first couple of boats through this morning at just gone 9am. NB Harnser went up Wardle Lock after they’d come down. The canal looks a touch sterile from the photos, but once grass has seeded and nature has weathered the concrete it will soon mellow. But what’s more important is that the branch is now open, linking two routes north again. Middlewich has boats back and C&RT and Keir have worked wonders in getting this done before Christmas.

9 locks walked down, 9 locks walked up, 2.34 miles, 1 blowy day, 2.5 hours they said, 2 hours on account, 1 boat going down, 3/5ths of lock rebuilt, 1 no longer skinny lock, 1 clogged bywash, 1 full water tank, 2 bags of rubbish, 0.5 of a sock to go.

https://goo.gl/maps/G3aoNGC96g32

Have They Started Already? 20th December

Lower New House Farm to Stoneton Bridge 126

As we had breakfast Tilly was allowed an hour of shore leave. She’s not often allowed this, it’s only on days when it doesn’t matter when we move or we’re staying put. She trotted back on board spot on an hour. Today we planned on moving, but not very far. Just as we were putting on the extra layers a narrowboat came past, pulling in a distance ahead of us. Their three dogs all came off for a wee before being individually picked up to get back on board. As we passed by their TV aerial was being adjusted, I think they were settling in for the day, we’d leave them in peace with the view.

As we approached bridge 128 I took this photo.

It’ll be interesting to see how things change through the coming years.

After bridge 127 the canal makes a boot shape. At the toe end is where HS2 will pass the canal quite closely.

Up on the hill we could see what looked like big work lights, a dumper truck was heading down the hill and a man in high vis was busy close to the canal. Had they started work here already? Maybe there were only two of them, hence the 2 in HS2. If so it would take a long time for them to reach Birmingham.

A large corrugated pipe, possibly a culvert was flanked by sandbag walls at a gap in the trees. Later on Mick checked the plans and it looks like they were working on moving a footpath slightly, giving it a kink before it will dip under the new railway as it nears the canal.

Along the towpath were several blue plastic barrels on stilts. Suspended under them what looked like  small troughs for animals to eat from. Were these barrels to help feed some beasts? What creature other than human is partial to Mango Chutney?

Just past the heel of the boot and we pulled into the mooring we’d come across on our way south three months ago. The sun was out, what a beautiful day again. Tilly took her time pouncing on possible friends hiding just behind the armco, making us slightly nervous in case she over leapt into the canal!

We settled down and pottered away the remainder of the day. The sun disappeared and was replaced by torrential rain.

Further north, at the Middlewich Branch things are getting very exciting. Back in March there was a breach which washed away a large portion of the canal. Works have been on going and the hope was that the canal would be reopened before Christmas. Brian and Diana on NB Harnser are loitering at the east end at Middlewich and NB Halsall and NB Bargus (both coal boats) are waiting at the west end to go through. Late on this afternoon we had a C&RT notice saying that the branch would reopen tomorrow. The Middlewich Branch is part of our home patch (as it were) and if we were anywhere nearby we’d also be waiting to go through, so we shall be watching facebook and blogs tomorrow for the first boats to pass thorough.

0 locks, 1.21 miles, 3 woofers, 1 footpath on the move, 45kg, 1 pot of gold, 1 food list, 0.5 sock knitted, 4th Luther, 1 hour 7 minutes to the next tap, 37 pounces, 4 soggy paws. 

https://goo.gl/maps/YyT4N8pyfdS2

HS2 View. 19th December

Fenny Compton  to over looking Lower New House Farm

The sun came out today, what a difference. Tilly immediately started to try to find a way to sit in it, she will always find a sunny spot to sit in unless they are only on vertical surfaces, but she’ll still try to give it a good try.

Todays decision was which mooring to stop at. If there was space would it be at a gap in the hedge with a good view, or a few more wiggles to the mooring we found on our way up that we really quite liked by a bridge with sheep in the field. Neither of them that far away, we’d see what space there was.

This section of the summit pound has the biggest wiggles in it due to following the contours. We set off heading North East, then northwards, then west followed by east just to get around Wormleighton Hill. On the off side in a wood was a fenced off area with water butts and small shelters, we wondered what animal was kept here, hogs? The medieval village of Wormleighton more noticeable than before with the low sun picking out the highs and lows of the old settlement, the more modern village now sits high on the hill above.

Wormleighton Grange sits on the end of the biggest loop the canal does. What views they must have from up there, just a shame they planted tall trees so you only get the occasional glimpse, not enough for a photo. Sheep wandered from one field to the next in front of the house, separated by a stone haha. The trees were most probably planted to help cut down noise from the busy A423, if it had been us we’d have invested in double glazing and kept the view.

The radio mast came into sight, so we knew we were close to the first mooring. Not one single boat was moored here, we pulled in at the first big gaps in the hedge, could we get views from both the dinette and bedroom. We pulled back and it was almost possible. If we’d have carried on a touch further the gaps in the hedge are longer, but we were happy with where we were. What a view stretching on for miles.

The low sun was so strong that the galley blind had to be pulled down so that I could see anything to make us some soup for lunch. Then I could get on with making a wreath for the cratch.

Tilly busied herself finding friends (one a little bit too big!) and helping to prune the sideways trees. We were surprised when she didn’t venture off down into the huge field below, I was saving that for tomorrow.

With enough day light left and a cat indoors we decided to take a walk up to bridge 128. In a few years time the view we were enjoying will be very different. HS2 will cross the canal at Bridge 128 (link to maps) and cut across the valley we have a great view of. Mick found a map of the planned route so we could trace out where it will go. Some work will go on around here, a viaduct will replace the (Lucky Sods) bridge to cross the canal and it looks like embankments will take the tracks across the valley. Now the world up here is calm, faint noise from the A423 and today only one boat passed us, but that will change.

Looking things up later I came across a petition to Parliament from Lower New House Farm regarding HS2. Only having had a quick read through it looks like part of their farm will become a temporary works compound (Oxford Canal North Compound) whilst construction takes place. This works compound will operate for five years and accommodate between 90 to 170 workers with temporary living accommodation. The road leading to the farm will be upgraded and they have concerns about the safety of the radiofrequency beacon on their land and it’s protection whilst works are on going (another petition here about the beacon, part of the Marine Beacon Differential Global Positioning System network, covering 50 miles around the UK coast line). Storage of their own topsoil and noise levels of the works are also a concern to them. This was all written in 2013, another document showing homeowner protection zones was published in 2016 with the route remaining the same.

Our mooring today will change in the coming years, the view will be different and high speed trains will cross the valley at regular intervals. A massive amount of upheaval will happen as the construction takes place, but once everything has settled down and nature restored around the new line it will become like any other railway line crossing the canal and valley. How many of us marvel at the viaducts built in Victorian times, here’s hoping that HS2 has it’s own structures to marvel at. Here’s also hoping that all the upheaval will be worth it in the long run.

But the biggest question is, will this mooring still be worthy of a Mrs Tilly stamp of approval?

0 locks, 2.76 miles, 2 boats moving, 1 sunny winters day, 4 root veg soup, 1 GF homemade biscuit topped pie! 1 wreath, 1 large friend, 1 field yet to help dig up, HS2 to come, Ep 3 Luther, 0.5 sock, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

https://goo.gl/maps/tUv4Z3UPXHv

Another Wrong Forecast. 18th December

Fenny Compton

Awake early for a change, brilliant! Our plan to get up and get going to beat the weather, mooring up for breakfast before the rain started, sadly didn’t happen. We were woken by strong winds that hadn’t been forecast to start for a few more hours. Only one thing for it , stay in bed a while longer with our cuppas.

By the time we were up and dressed it was rainy too, should we stay put or battle with the elements to get to a better view. An easy decision, stay put. The storm that we’d hunkered down for a few days ago was nothing compared to today. The winds were far stronger throwing rain at the starboard side for much of the day.

A walk to see if we could find some milk took us out for a short while in between downpours. There is a Co-Op about a mile away in the village, but we decided to see if the shop at the pub had any first. At The Wharf Inn they have a launderette with large machines and then if you go into the pub at the rear there is a small shop. They stock pasta, rice, pop, cleaning things, fire lighters all none perishable goods. If we were stuck I’d have been able to put a reasonable meal together from their supplies. But did they have milk? A lady came through from the bar and went into the kitchen to get us a litre bottle. This will see us through to a big shop at the weekend, hopefully.

Having the milk there was no need to walk down to the village, an explore for a finer day. We scurried back to the warmth of Oleanna instead.

Tilly wasn’t that impressed by the day. Her first look out the back brought on her morning snooze, not stirring for a couple of hours. Then she sat at the back doors waiting to be let out, only to disappear off the back and re-appear at the side hatch a matter of seconds later hoping to be let back in. A few Dreamies and then she’d be asking to go out again. This got quite tedious and the thought of a cat flap was appealing.

Whilst watching an Australian film I made another loaf of bread for Mick. This time I had the oven turned down a touch, but the top of the loaf still came out a good sort of brown! In the evening we watched the first two episodes of Luther, several years behind I know. But with every episode on demand at the moment we will try to catch up to be able to watch the new series which starts New Years Day.

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 litre milk, 1 dark brown loaf, 1 pair socks finished, 2nd pair started, 2 Luthers, 1 resigned cat who would far prefer to be sprinkling glitter at the top of the BT Tower!

Soaring To The Summit. 17th December

Elkington Winding Hole to Fenny Compton Wharf Bridge

Despite a small amount of ice on the cut this morning in shaded parts we had a easy cruise up to the summit of the Oxford Canal. Every lock was in our favour, most probably they’d emptied themselves overnight as we’d not noticed a boat come past us. A few top gates needed an extra bit of a nudge to get them open, so two pairs of legs were needed rather than one.

At Claydon Top Lock work men were busy moving machinery about, a couple of diggers and small dumper truck. As the lock filled a workman came for a chat. The slightly wonky cottage and out houses are being converted into two holiday lets. New roof lights were evident in the main house already. Apparently full planning permission hasn’t been given as yet so there is only so much they can get on with. Access to the site has been none existent up to now, so the chaps with the diggers were busy building a temporary track. Once the works were complete some other arrangement needed to be made for access. The cottages certainly will have great views to the west and over the lock.

On we pootled, now on the summit pound winding it’s way towards Marston Doles and Napton. There is no rush at the moment as Napton Locks are not due to reopen until 4pm Friday, we’re hoping it might be slightly earlier.

Under our last lift bridge with a wonderful blue sky. Then an old railway bridge where there was plenty of good ivy hanging about. I hopped off whilst Mick kept Oleanna in what had been the bridge hole. Shears in hand I chopped away at the ivy filling a bin, hopefully I’ve got enough for a wreath for the bow now. Then on we continued to Fenny Compton Tunnel, here there was a touch of ice again. Maybe it was still hanging about from a few days ago, the tunnel more of a cutting keeping the water in the shade. As we passed the ice just rippled on the water and moved aside for us.

On the two occasions we’ve passed this way before, all the moorings in Fenny Compton have been taken and meeting another boat on the narrow stretches meant having to squeeze through. Not today though, plenty of room. There were a few boats before the water point and then four after the road bridge. Here we pulled in, hopefully a cats safe distance from the road. Tilly had a short explore but it didn’t seem to inspire her to stay out long, maybe there was a lack of anything to hunt.

This evening we decided to try out The Wharf Inn and it’s large portions. We needed an excuse, so decided that it should be our LTS Christmas do. Mick used to work for LTS in York as a telephone engineer and I was handed down some of his old t-shirts to use as painting shirts. LTS now stands for Leckenby Theatrical Services, so my fee from Chipping Norton would pay for our food tonight.

The pub for a Monday night, with not many boaters about, was quite busy. After hearing about the portion sizes we avoided having a starter and launched into the main courses. The pies sounded very good and a waitress said the latest batch had just come out of the oven, Mick opted for a Steak and Cheddar Pie, whilst I had a Rump Steak. My steak was fine, not as good as The Red Lion in Crick and not a patch on the one near Bugsworth, but Micks pie well and truly made up for anything it lacked.

What looked like a quarter of a large pie took over his plate with mashed potato, swede and carrot and peas with just enough gravy. The filling was ever so tasty and certainly not been skimped on, I did have a couple of tastes, yummy.

We decided that as our Christmas do might become a touch rowdy that we’d retire back to the boat and refrain from pudding in the pub (not enough space for it). We had plenty of wine on board so no need to spend my hard earned cash in the pub.

5 locks, 4.14 miles, 1 roofless tunnel, 1 last lift bridge, 2 slices toast with mushrooms, 0 access, 8 boats in Fenny, 1 disgruntled cat, 0 good trees, pah! 1 pint, 1 glass wine, 1 huge pie, 1 steak, 1 card, 1 Christmas do done, maybe we should have another one.

https://goo.gl/maps/QuhQQ9TR6Qp

One Co-ordinate Out. 16th December

Cropredy Wharfish to Elkington Winding Holeish

A top up of water at the service block before we carried on  our way towards the summit of the Oxford Canal. As we were about to reverse out from the awkward water point/winding hole a group of canoeists pulled in at our stern waiting for a boat to come out from the lock. The boat cleared followed by the canoes and we then reversed doing a several point 90 degree turn to be facing north again.

I was pleased to see that the guard dog at Cropredy Lock Cottage was still on duty at the picket fence. His surroundings considerably less green than they were three months ago. The local ducks and swans squabbled over apples in the water, large chunks being swallowed and slowly descending the swans necks.

As Cropredy Marina came into view we kept our eyes open to see if we could spot NB Herbie moored up for the winter. Well it wasn’t that hard as they were the first boat you see! We waved and said hello even though we knew nobody was at home. Neil has just started his Herbie awards for 2018, these range from their favourite moorings, pubs gadgets etc from this years cruising. We nearly stopped at the winning rural mooring the other day and will be sampling one of the nominations for food this week. Well worth an amusing read.

At Broadmore Lock there was a boat a distance away from the lock that was either tying up or just starting to set off. I paused but still couldn’t tell, so set the lock for us. The chap had been untying, but wasn’t too bothered that I’d turned the lock as he was a single hander and not going far today, just doing his fortnightly move. His boat The Three Pigeons had a map and advertised a pub in Banbury. The pub is nominated for a Herbie award so we’ll try it out next time we pass through Banbury.

A couple more boats were moving and our arrival at Varneys Lock worked well for us and the single hander coming down. The pumpkin farm had very neat looking fields. I wonder if they grow another crop earlier in the year or just stick to squash. We wound our way just past Elkington Winding Hole to where we’d moored on our way down. One other boat tied up here and not much footfall. We could carry on up the Claydon Flight or stay here for the night, the latter was decided on and Tilly was let out to explore.

We tied this outside up before, except it was on the other side. Last time I only had enough time to climb the fantastic trees, today I made sure I left time to find some friends too.

Oh but where to start?! The sideways trees are big round here and have big proper trees growing out from them, just which way to go? I managed to climb most of them. A good dig around in the field behind and then a hunt for some friends. She came out for a while and I helped try to find some ivy for a wreath, but apparently even though there was lots of ivy it wasn’t the right sort. I left her to it and found lots of friends to play with, they don’t seem to swim too well!

With a wide towpath and the temperature not too chilly Mick had a Christmas haircut all of his own. If only he could cut a straight line in my hair!  With both of us now looking respectable for the festive period (not that many are going to see us),Oleanna needed decorating. No suitable ivy was at hand here for a wreath, I’m hoping Fenny Tunnel might be better, but more lights and the Christmas Tree came in doors.

Our tree has loved this year and grown somewhat about four inches. Despite me turning it round in the cratch quite often to try to straighten it, it has continued to grow at it’s jaunty angle, which is very handy with the tumblehome of the cabin. If it survives another year I wonder if it’ll still fit inside, not bad for a fiver at Newark market three years ago.

What a day! First the great trees outside and then they brought one tree inside for me to play with. So many balls to bat around and chase. There are also big things in the windows that I can play with, hours of fun to be had. Except when I was trying one of them out she stamped her way over and shouted in my face! Apparently they are called ‘BAD’ and you have to say it very loudly, I think they must be deaf.

4 locks, 2.21 miles, 4 boats moving, 21 canoes, 1 pair of very cold toes, 1 full water tank, 0 pumpkins, 2 ducks and 2 swans loving apples, 1 co-ordinate different to three months ago, grade 3, 2 possible ways up, 2 many to choose from, 1 tree inside, 2nd set of lights, 0 ivy, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.