C.L. Peache's Blog, page 30

Day 57 – Tues 12th Sept – The Digital tidy continues

Not sure what happened but this blog was scheduled to go out tomorrow and tomorrow’s was scheduled for tomorrow night! ((I can make a very educated guess Peachy but it’s not very PC to say certain things nowadays…))

to the blog…
((let’s have a guess what you’re doing today Peachy)) yep, you guessed it! Although a big tick off the list as I refreshed my website and I must admit I’m pretty proud of my digital bookshelf. I’ve updated my contact details, books page, about me, buy me a coffee ((Wait a minute. Buy you a coffee? Don’t you think you drink enough coffee?)) patreon account and a general check over and tidy. It meant going through all my documents to find all the links, blurb and images for my books. I did kinda wonder why I’d written so many books, as i’ve said before it creates a lot of documents!

Anyway, it was very satisfying to get it finished. I also managed to get Sunday’s vlog edited and uploaded. Get this though… it took me 5.5 hours to upload it to YouTube. I reckon with a decent connection it would take about 30mins – the joys of living on the water. I’m a bit disappointed as I thought we would have sorted it with the new router. My only hope is that it’s my O2 network which is the problem!

If you fancy a look at my website here is the link. If you spot any errors I would be grateful if you can let me know!

www.clpeache.com

until tomorrow… x

Day 56 – Mon 11th Sept – The Digital Tidy

The first morning waking up on the boat home alone. Thankfully the weather is cooler today and we even have some heavy rain which is a welcome relief from the heat of the past week.

I enjoy a coffee in bed with a new book I’m reading for book group; venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman which is a sci-fi novel. So far I’m really enjoying it… there is a link at the bottom if you fancy taking a look.

Then it’s time to crack on with sorting my messy digital footprint. It’s a bit like a big clean of the house but online. I thought I was pretty good at keeping everything organised but my emails and documents are out of control.

I have content for creating 4 vlogs so I’m going to try and get those organised whilst it’s quiet on the boat….

By the end of the day I do finally catch up with my blog and schedule all of them so that’s another box ticked. It feels good to finally get everything sorted; at least for this part. I still have loads to do and want to try and update my website as well this week. Once we get cruising again i want to focus on enjoying that so it will be great to have all the online stuff sorted. Funny isn’t it that we never used to have a ‘digital profile’ maybe an email address and now i have 5! ((That’s all your split personalities!)) Rude! After writing 13 stories which have been published and many more waiting to come alive it creates a heck of a lot of documents!

In the evening my friends arrive and we go to the Lotus Restaurant which on the marina complex for a meal and catch up. It’s one of those random times when everyone is free! I don’t know about anyone else but as you get older it’s harder to pin everyone down to date we can all do and it doesn’t help now i have no fixed location now! It was a fab night and one of my friends stayed over which was lovely as she was the first guest on the boat! I was intending to take some videos for a vlog but totally forgot as we were having such a good time.

Right, that’s it for today. No boaty stuff to report today!

Until tomorrow… x

Book link

Day 55 – Sun 10th Sep – Mercia Marina & Vlog day

It’s taken me nearly all week to get the latest vlog published due to a dodgy signal but hey ho. The joys of boating along with cruising and it’s too hot to do anything. We saw an update on the Erewash and it had been closed for a few days again which isn’t surprising due to what it was like when we came down and also how hot it’s been. I’m not sure how much it effects the levels but heat like we have had cannot have helped. I’m so glad we decided to leave when we did otherwise we wouldn’t have made it in time and enjoyed some lovely cruises.

This morning Chris fills the boat with water, empties the toilet and generally gets the boat ready for me as he’s flying to Ibiza later tonight so I am boat alone! It’s not the first time but last year when he was away I was at work so didn’t really get to enjoy my time. I cannot wait to finally catch up!

After he leaves I set to trying again to get my vlog uploaded and finally manage it. I uterlise my time by cleaning the oven and fridge/freezer as well as faffing which also included spraying the windows with spider spray. Normally Chris’s job is to remove the spiders but as he’s not here I’m seeing if this spray works by keeping some of them out. Honestly, last night when I looked out just before it went dark there were so many on the boat next to us! I generally don’t mind them ((Other than the other night when one dangled down right into your face!)) don’t remind me again. 60 foot of boat and it chooses where I am sitting!

It’s 21.29 and I’m watching Murder by Numbers; fab film with Sandra Bullock whilst I have a bit of a signal I’m uploading videos into Canva so I can create my next vlog and get ahead. Even though I’ve been writing my blog every day I still lose track of the days ((I’m mean, who knew??)) . Tomorrow is Monday and as I’ve said before I used to work in education and September is always the most stressful of months and I’m taking a moment to enjoy the fact that even though I’m ‘working’ ((Come on Peachy! Working!)) pretty much all of the time on something, I bloody love it!

I have to live it before i can film it, write it, edit it and publish it right

Until tomorrow… x

Day 54 – Sat 9th Sep – Mercia Marina

Wow the weather is bonkers at the moment! Honestly this country, the other week we were thinking of putting the heating on and this week we are stuck in a steel tube boiling! Although we cannot grumble ((I’m sure you will be able to find something to moan about!)) as we have had some sublime cruising days with perfect conditions. It’s just a shame as we wanted to get some jobs done but it’s way too hot!

We take an early morning walk from Mercia Marina into Willington before the heat goes apocalyptic. This marina is beautiful, so many facilities. I mean I have a café boat 2 seconds from our pontoon and I can see where i’m going to be writing at some point this week enjoying a cappa and possibly the odd bacon sandwich since Chris is away.

As we cross the foot bridge onto the canal path we spot a gap and walk into the most beautiful wooded area. The sunlight is lasering through the canopy of trees. It’s beautiful and cooler so we follow this path as far as we can go until we have to return back onto the canal path and into Willington. We pass the boating facilities we used last summer as we passed through this area and spent a pleasant few days moored up.

Willington is a lovely little village and importantly it has a co-op which we get some supplies for the days ahead as we plan to have a few days hiding from the baking sun and watching MotoGP whilst we fight over who is going to sit in front of the fan.

The nights are really starting to draw in now even if it is hot and we wonder about how our first winter on the cut will be after the comfort of the marina last year. We are getting as prepared as we can.

Whilst checking my reviews for my thriller Power of Nature I spot some amazing ones i’d missed! It’s amazing to see all these 4 and 5 star reviews and some of the comments have really given me the confidence for working on my next novel which is another mystery/thriller based in Jersey which is like a second home to me. I’m planning to visit again later this year as I have some more research to do. ((Oh, what a coincidence Peachy that your book is set in a place you like to visit!)) I know Brackets but then again we are told to write what we know. I’m hoping to receive the edits back from my publisher so I can work on it this week whilst I have some peace and quiet as Chris is going to Ibiza tomorrow. I also have over 200 videos to check, edit, upload and sort so I’ve got plenty to do.

Right, that’s it. Until tomorrow… x

Day 53 – Fri 8th Sept – onwards to Mercia Marina

It’s up early again after a rubbish nights sleep due to the hot weather and adopting the same plan as yesterday we cruise early to avoid the hot midday sun. I decided to email the marina and see if our space is free for another night as we have about 3.5 hr cruise to get there and then will end up mooring on the cut outside the marina anyway so we might as well go straight into the marina.

We wave goodbye to our neighbours as we cruise by on this misty morning and it’s another stunning morning cruise watching the dragonflies dart around and we spot the odd pike and other fish in the water. Yesterday I spotted a baby pike with a fish in its mouth! Something I’ve never seen before.

The first lock today is Swarkestone lock which I really like. It’s very easy to operate and it just has a pleasant feel about it even if it does take a while to fill. There is building work being done on a canal side building and if you like the sound of boats and locks then it would be a lovely place to live. We cruise past the water point as we headed into the lock having only filled with water that morning we decide to break our rule of stopping at every water point.

We receive an email to say our space is free in the marina so that has worked out well. As we are heading towards Stenson Bubble and a pretty ferocious lock we spot a couple we met last year who were visiting Kings Marina in Newark, we then saw them moored up not that far away last summer when we cruised. Either they haven’t got far or they are returning from their adventures. It’s lovely that we are staying to build a boating community and are seeing people we know on our travels. Although we are still pretty close to home as the crow flies so not surprising.

We tie up at the landing lock and I go to check out the situation with the lock. A stroke of luck as there are some guys volunteering, well it turns out they are with an historic boat which is on its way to the Shardlow boat festival so they have come ahead to set the lock but they very kindly offer to do it all, so I skipped ((come on now, you haven’t skipped since you were about 12!)) so I could enjoy the lock with Chris. As we are waiting for the gates to open another boat comes along which is great as it means we won’t get bashed about in the lock quite as much, although when I’m filming in the bow the boat ends up getting a bit of a wash when the power of the water pulls us forward despite the fact I can hear Chris reversing the boat.

It’s out the last lock and no more locks now before the turning in the Marina. It’s been another fabulous cruise and we are both grateful when we arrive into the marina. The visitor spot isn’t free so as the marina had already told us our pontoon for the week Chris executes the perfect reverse, which of course no-one sees! You could guarantee if he messed it up a tourist coach would have just turned up with camera’s flashing!

We wander over to the office to check in, get our fob for the security gate. Get a card topped up for electric and laundry. We have sort of decided that we might aim to have a night in a marina every few weeks to do bit loads of washing like towels, duvets etc and then we can use our little twin tub to keep us going. We’ve thought of using a launderette but generally the price does seem to be cheaper in a marina. The cost here is £3.50 for a wash and £1.20 for a dry and I’m sure the ones I’ve seen in a launderette can be anything from £7-£12. I know we have the cost of a nights mooring but it’s like a mini-holiday in a holiday and I might start sharing the facilities etc which might be useful to other boaters thinking of using a marina. ((I bet you thought up that excuse last minute so you could live the high life! Authors!))

The promised heat arrives so we don’t do too much more other than having a littler wander around the marina and commenting on the fact that this is where we bought The Plot from. It was strange as we cruised in as the last time our boat came to Mercia Marina, the owner brought it here to put her up for sale and now we are coming in as visitors having spent the last year and a few months renovating and decorating to make her our home. It seems the fitting place to really start our cruising adventure.

We are reaching the point where we have to decide where we are going to go next. Since we left Kings Marina on Wednesday 19th July we have been settling into our new life but also we have had places to be at a certain time and things to do. When Chris gets back from his holiday we then need to decide where to go with nowhere to be! Very exciting!

Until tomorrow. Xx

Miles/Distance: 6
Locks: 2
Tunnels: 0
Swing Bridges:0

Day 52 – Thurs 7th Sept – On the move again.

I apologise if the format of this blog is a bit all over the place! My internet went weird, again and in a bid not to lose my mind and time, i’m not faffing with it anymore! You might need to imagine punctuation, spacing and ignore any errors ((Just a standard blog then Peachy!)) What an absolutely idyllic cruise. Thedecision to get everything ready last night was a good one as at 7.30am..ish…we head out as the hazy sunrise promises another searing hot day! Now, just incase any other boaters are reading this. I know that strictly speaking theproper etiquette is to not cruise from 8am but it’s going to be 28-29 degreeslater and it really isn’t nice to cruise in that weather and all we needed todo this morning was to take the cratch cover off, start the engine and off we went.I bet no-one even noticed we had gone. Our engine is quiet as boat engines go. ((Morelike people were glad to see you go. Oh here comes another bloody narrowboarvlogger!))Anyway, what a beautiful, beautiful time toleave and it was a sublime cruise. Our first stop was Derwent Mouth Lock and Idiscover what awaits the early morning boater at the time of year… the whole ofthe lock was covered in spiders. Now, let’s just get this straight if you’regoing to live on a boat they are going to be living on it with you, that isjust a fact. I am working on spider proofing the boat but I couldn’t believethe amount which were on the locks. I opened the first paddle and then bravely andvery, very carefully walked across the gate trying to avoid them all.Job done I managed to empty the lock andChris cruised in. There was a photographer taking picture the boat and locksand I’m not surprised ((Oh think your boat is special now it’s been paineddo you?)) well actually I do but this had more to do with the amazingsunlight. Simply stunning. I’m sure it must be the golden hour for pics. We aresoon through this lock where people where foraging.I’m currently sitting on the stern ((Thereis a surprise, your favourite pastime!)) writing this. It’s 13.11 and aperfect temperature as we are moored under a canopy of trees. The internet is abit dodgy and I don’t think it’s strong enough to edit my vlog so I thought Iwould attempt to finish the blogs. There is a very slight breeze, in thedistance I can hear the motorbikes at Donington Park, there are dragonfliesdarting about and boats cruising past every so often. It really is a moment toenjoy. ((There is also some muppet shouting in the distance but you blockthem out Peachy. They haven’t reached your level of zen. Actually they havejust shut up – the power of Brackets! What would you do without me))What with one thing and another life has beenstressful over the last few years and once you’ve hit a level of stress, evenwhen those problems are hopefully resolved and you can move on. I believe ittakes a good bit of time to lower those levels back to what they were. I’veoften felt like my stress levels were so high the slightest thing would push itright back up and that’s when you realise you’ve not really recovered fully. Iwould say the last week or so the past stress has finally left me and what arelief it is. Although to be fair, although this life can be physically toughand challenging in other ways, if you cannot de-stress living this life thenit’s a trip to doctors and a prescription for anything they will give you. Justbeing near water and canals has a healing effect.Right, back in time to the next lock… justhad to share that moment Derwent mouth lock was also the first lockand we are officially off the River Trent/Sawley cut and on the Trent andMersey canal. It feels good to be back on here and I’m looking forward totackling these locks again. Next we arrive at Shardlow Lock and I sadly missout as the pubs aren’t open. These gates seem so easy to open, maybe my musclesare finally lock ready after their workout on the Erewash canal. ((or maybethey have just had a year of being use and have been greased recently… justsaying))Aston Lock soon comes along and it’s at thispoint you really feel like you’re in the countryside ((well you can seeacross fields from here Peachy so you know the clue is in the view and allthat)) I struggled with the locks before but although the ground paddlesare a little stiff I smash though them, well not actually smash them becausethat would criminal damage – I mean I find them easier. Same when we come toWeston Lock, last year I wasn’t feeling well and nearly had a disaster as Istayed with the boat on the landing lock and chris did the lock but thestrength of the by-wash and from emptying the lock meant I couldn’t hold theboat. ((I tell you, Peachy has the muscles of a mozi!))Weston Lock is very deep and the gates arereally heavy so as luck would have it another boater is on route to the lock sothey come and help and between us we manage to close the gates and fill thelock. I get chatting to a couple of women off the boat and as you do you talkabout the boating life and what’s you’re doing etc and I say the words whichmake you want to run away and hide once they are said ((Oh god you didn’ttell them about that time you went to prison did you? Or when you killed thosepeople???!)) Haha Brackets! That might happen in one of my books but notme. No! when one of them asked what I did, I said, ‘’I’m an author” Even afterwriting 13 books and now having a publisher those imposter syndrome feelingscome but they were so lovely saying they love reading and asked me my name andabout what I write so that was lovely. ((You better get better at promotingyourself Peachy, I mean your mum is the best marketing manager you could everhave. She never misses a chance to tell people and you need to do the same.))I know, I know. I’m trying.Soon after we find the perfect spot to mooras I’ve already mentioned. We find a stretch with no other boats on it and lowand behold before we have even finished tying the ropes another boat turns upwhich only turns out to be our neighbours from our old mooring in Kings Marinaat Newark! So lovely to see them. I think they left about May time to go fortheir cruise and they have covered some distance and had many adventures andare slowly making their way back to winter at the marina. Was great catching upand so lovely when you see people you know. They were fitting out their boat aswe were renovating ours so it’s nice to hear they’ve had a great time andmanaged to do a lot of the places they wanted to do. I’m going to go and plug my laptop in now asthe battery is about to give up the ghost and then clean the shower room. Beingunder these trees is bliss as we can at least get some jobs done as it’s muchcooler. We might even wash the roof which we have been threatening to do. Therest of the afternoon will be faffing and hopefully we will find a mooring spotwith a better signal tomorrow so I can get my vlog edited and uploaded forSunday.Until tomorrow. xxx

Miles/Distance:Roughly 10 miles (I think!)Locks: 3Tunnels: 0Swing Bridges: 0

Day 51 – Wed 6th Sept – Sawley visitor moorings

((I cannot believe it, you’ve actually started cruising and now stopped again! You do know what you’re supposed to do with a boat don’t you??)) Cheeky! We had good reason to stay put as we had so much work to do on the boat and then there were the stoppages which caused an issue. Also the whole point of a narrowboat is not to go quickly so we stop when we can. Also, must explain before i go any further that the dog in the picture is Max, he’s Pete’s dog who we buddied up with down the Erewash. As well as running is Towage business Pete ((And Max!)) are involved with The Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust. I’ve added a link at the end to find out more.

Today is a chilled day. As we have been so busy lately and it’s so bloody hot! I mean of course it is, as the schools have gone back so absolute standard to be the best weather. ((Come on admit what you’ve just said!)) It’s too hot for me. I like it a nice 19-21 degrees. I think today it must be easy 26-28 degrees – so so hot! I wanted to go and wash the otherside of the boat but I would literally melt. ((They say those hot sauna things are great for losing weight Peachy)) Hey, what do you mean?? ((Well, you know you keep moaning about not losing weight maybe you ought to sit in the stern with the covers closed. You will be half the woman when you come out – unless you lose it in height instead of weight then that could be a problem)) Bloody cheek! But sort of true. I’m blaming the middle-aged spread. I thought it was a myth but it’s true it’s three times as hard to lose weight. Anyway, enough of that.

Also, we did plan a chilled day with a few little boat regular boat check. We nee to get Chris’s case from under the bed and this means we can check the couple of dehumidifier tubs we put in and turns out they are almost full so we replace them. These capture any moisture from under the bed. In one of my vlogs, ((Link at the end – do i have to do all the promotion around here!)) I explained we found a leak from the shower which went under the bed and so we like to keep an eye on it.

Checking the engine, cleaning the boat, admin work, blog and vlogging. I’m really struggling to upload my videos to icloud – I have enough space and signal but its taken almost a week and they still haven’t updated. Any ideas would be gratefully received to make it quicker.

Also, if there are any experienced vloggers reading this if you can tell me how you video stuff and upload/download and store more effectively i would be grateful and what editing software you use? I’ve been using Canva which i like but wondered if there was an easier/quicker way of getting the videos off my phone, uploaded to canva, downloaded to YouTube etc etc…

Chris decided to do a check of the engine after it had been put to the test on the Erewash with the low water and weed. He checked the engine mounts, the prop coupling and a general check and found a few were loose. It’s just the nature of the engine shaking when in use that does it so if you have a boat and don’t already then make sure you check everything regularly to avoid further problems. We now have a check list of items for the boat including things like the shower pump etc as we know the issues you can have with them when they break and at least if you’re on top of checking it minimises any damage.

In the roasting, searing, desert heat ((Drama queen)) we braved it as we headed up the canal path and over to Sawley marina. It was strange to be back, as although we’d never bought our boat from here we did come and visit and look at a few boats for sale so it’s odd to be here now on our own boat. We pop in as we needed to buy some clips for the cratch cover as one has been damaged and a hook on a pole for dragging weed out. Luckily, because we went down the Erewash with Pete we were able to use his as when the lock starts emptying it drags all the weed to the gates and then they are difficult to open! ((They also bought ice=creams)) Oi! We needed them for the heat exhaustion…

It’s then back to the boat as I have a zoom call with Sara from Newark Book Festival for a catch up. The signal is a bit rubbish as we need to get a new sim card for the router we bought. Always something to do and pay for. After this its dinner and then luckily we find a water point right outside the boat! This stretch of visitor moorings opposite Sawley marina is brilliant as they have loads of water points so we decide to fill up now. As the sun is setting we also take the rubbish and the cassette to empty at the Elsan so in the morning we can put the cratch covers down and get cruising before the day gets too hot!

We also managed a little walk to the river as we like to try and have a wander and explore around any area we stay.

That’s it. Until tomorrow. Xx

Click here to watch the vlog where we found the leak.

Click here to find out more about Forcesvetsafloat and Ballinger Towage and Steerage Services.

Day 50 – Tues 5th Sept – Erewash drama!

We actually set our alarm again today to make sure we were up early and we were so pleased we did! Chris spotted that a couple of the other boaters were already in the lock at about 7am. We thought the plan was to wait for CRT but to be fair there was a lot more water in the pound and apparently there we some boats on their way up and I know at least one of the boaters was desperate for the services.

Anyway, we prepped the boat ready and when the CRT chap ((Canal and River Trust who looks after the canal and river network)) arrived it seems we were very lucky as he was about to chain the gate and paddles to stop any boats moving for the day so they could try and level them out! He was happy there was enough water though and we were happy to give it a go.

The first three locks and pounds were very tricky due to the low water the boat kept grounding out ((This is where the bottom of the boat is touching the bottom of the canal)) and when we arrived at one of the locks Chris had to go into the weed hatch again and take out loads of weed and bags which were making the steering etc impossible. But all sorted in the end and the CRT chap followed us down on his pushbike to help at the locks and make sure everything was okay – great service and I had a lovely old chin wag with him. ((Of course you did Peachy. A writer’s dream talking to all these people!))

I will say we have learnt so much about the boat during this time. These things play on your mind wondering what you will do when the boat grounds out – luckily for us we weren’t stuck but it was a close thing. Chris has nailed the weed recovery from the weed hatch and we have learned more about how the water flows in and out of the canals, how the weirs work and many other snippets of knowledge which will hopefully help us in the future. It also gives us a frame of reference for how tough the locks and canals are.

Its 10.30am now and as we seem to be moving okay and the water is good, so I’ve snuck inside to try and catch up with the blog. We have been so busy since probably Tuesday 22nd August when we first started cruising up the Erewash and then the blacking, boat jobs and getting off the canal and it’s been a struggle to keep up with the blog and vlog. ((I’ve just snapped the strings on my tiny violin!)) I really need a good day ((sitting on her backside – Peachy’s favourite pastime. It’s the only reason she became a writer. She thought what job can I do which means I can have a legitimate reason to sit down all day. Then of course she added blogging, which was obviously the best thing she ever did because now I’m here – I’m sure you’ll agree. And then… if Peachy hasn’t flattened her backside enough she decides to vlog as well! )) are you finished?? ((for now, Peachy. For now)) The problem is at the end of the day I’m knackered and really cannot be bothered to open my laptop ((Oh the strain of opening a laptop… Peachy you must have the muscles of a gnat!)) You are on one today! I am pushing closer to fifty you know! It’s well known that things break on a boat on an almost daily basis, well, it seems the same happens with the body as well.

Anyway, moving on…

I’m hoping that we will be able to get a little spot on the pontoon at Trent Lock and then I can spend the day catching up. The signal wasn’t great there but it means we can try out the new router we have bought so it will be a good comparison.

Later that day…

We get to the end of the Erewash but sadly there is no room on the pontoon so we carry on and go through Sawley Lock. Luckily there is a lockie on and he puts us on the shady side of the lock – wow it’s a scorcher today! Once through we moor up and empty the Elsan, fill the water bottles and then carry on but within moments we find a 48 hour visitor mooring spot and so grab it to finally get out of this heat! It’s a fab little spot right across from Sawley marina for the bit’s we need to buy, so perfect all around.

We are both shattered and sun worn but glad in a nice way we are off the Erewash for the next stage in the adventure and grateful we didn’t listen to the people who told us not to do it. As I said earlier we have learnt so much and met some wonderful people. Although looking on the stoppages the water levels haven’t improved so we are pleased we left when we did but we really hope to go back one day.

Until tomorrow. xx

Miles/Distance: 6 miles
Locks: 7
Tunnels: 0
Swing Bridges: 0

Day 49 – Mon 4th Sept – WE ARE LEAVING!

Today is the day we leave Langley Mill and try our luck going back down the canal as we head for our 10 day stay at Mercia Marina. It’s been absolutely brilliant here and we have achieved so much. A few of the jobs like the painting of the stern and the bow have been on the list to do since we bought the boat at the end of May 2022. They were always going to be the jobs that waited until the engine was right and the boat was comfortable to live in. We still have a huge amount to do but now we are at the stage where nothing ((Unless it breaks Peachy)) Do not temp fate Brackets! needs doing and everything is a nice job to do.

With sorting the fire, again still more jobs to do on it but the hard work has paid off! Yesterday’s vlog might well have been the blacking and boat painting one so you can have a look at how The Plot looks now she’s had a makeover. Again, we prob need a couple of days just to get all these jobs finished and highlighted off the list but they are all nearly there!

We were up early as I wanted to wash the side of the boat as it was so dirty where we’ve been doing the other jobs and I didn’t want to get in trouble as the blacking was covering in a fire layer of dust! Once done we move over the other side of the canal to the water point and swap places with the boat which is moored just past there, so that was good timing. We use the other boat services as Pete sets the lock and we finish what we are doing and join him. Vikki and the kids are there from the boatyard so it gives us the chance to thank them again for everything and then we are soon down and out and it’s goodbye Langley Mill.

You might have to watch the vlog when it comes out for more information on everything which went on today ((Space/Time/continumummummm coming up)) it’s three days later and I cannot remember everything that happened without checking my videos but my internet connection is terrible. Which has been a theme over the last week.

We manage a total of eight locks before the promised problems with the water levels strike. Pete has already been told whilst we were on route that the stoppage was in place so we moored up just outside Hallam Fields Lock to wait and see if tomorrow the pound ((That’s the area of water between two sets of locks)) would be high enough for us to travel through.

We ((Royal we)) have already been down the weed hatch a few times today as some of the canal was low and it means we just end up dragging up old bags ((I’m saying nothing!)) which is mixed in with weed and gets trapped around the prop slowing the boat down.

We also had to avoid ‘the bath’ as that was still in the water and I saw another one somewhere else. It’s a shame people chuck stuff in the canals but people will be people!

I have a moment at one of the locks when I walk over the gate to close the paddle and see a face peering out of the water ((Was it like Frodo when he was walking to Mordor and saw dead people?)) something like that. For one split second I thought it was a baby but then realised it was a doll! I managed to get it out when I closed the lock gate so at least it doesn’t scare someone else to death or get trapped in a prop or gate!

We finally arrive just outside Hallam Fields Lock and moor up and wander over to chat to Pete. There are 2 other boats in front of us waiting to go down. After a look at the pound ahead I can see why we cannot cruise. There is barely any water and so many tyres and rubbish in there if you were to get your boat in it would soon get stuck on something!

Anyway, we are ready to stop as it’s been a hot day and we didn’t stop for lunch so just had a cheese sandwich on the go. ((Oh you poor things. How did you cope??)) as we wanted to get as far as possible.

Canal and River Trust have been out and are trying to send some water down to fill the pound so we can get through so we will see how things are in the morning. Absolutely nothing we can do about it so we settle down to faffing and wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Until tomorrow… xx

Miles/Distance: 5 miles
Locks: 8
Tunnels: 0
Swing Bridges: 0

(another old picture of when we were moored at Stoke Lock i think this was!)

Day 48 – Sun 3rd Sept – Getting ready to cruise

Today was all about getting the boat ready to cruise. I finished cleaning the main area of the boat whilst Chris put another coat on the bow. I think I quite possibly snuck in a power nap. ((It’s not a power nap though is it really? I mean ‘power’ nap suggest a high flyer. I suggest we change the name of your to something like… ‘lazy nap’ or ‘middle aged nap’ I will have a think. If anyone has any good suggestions let me know…)) We enjoy the last evening in this area as it gifts us the perfect temperature on the stern so it’s chairs out and a drink in hand to enjoy the beautiful sunset and we spot the familiar flash of the kingfisher and heron as well as watching the fish in the crystal clear water.

We end up chatting to Pete as he goes to walk his dog Max. Pete runs a towing and everything in-between to do with canal boats for his job and he needs to get to the end of Erewash tomorrow so we come up with a plan to go together. Not only does it make sense because it will be quicker for us all with having more hands to help with the heavy locks but also saves the boat moving in the lock as they are much more stable with two boats in them and probably the most important saves on the precious water on this canal.

A short one today! Until tomorrow. Xx
((P.S. don’t forget the Vlog should be live later today if Peachy gets around to uploading it! Click here)) It’s not my fault Brackets. The internet hasn’t been good enough for streaming and downloading vlogs. I’m hoping once we get the new router sorted it will be better although that’s not been the greatest!