C.L. Peache's Blog, page 7

More cruising, more locks…Day 277

Wednesday 24th April Day 277

After the long day yesterday, I stay at the dinette for the morning cracking on with work whilst Chris faffs with a few bits and bobs and after lunch we set off.

It’s funny how we don’t bat an eyelid at doing a flight of locks and today we have the Buckby flight of 7 to do. It’s a short cruise and we are at Norton Junction where you can go up the Grand Union Leicester line or the main line to London which is the way we are going. We moor up just before the top lock and first lock of the day to empty the Elsan and find lockies ready to see us through the first one. ((Do you ring ahead or something – there always seem to be lockies on!)) just lucky, although it’s just the first one they help us through – we are always very grateful. Then it’s not long before the next one. Pretty uneventful flight which is what you want really and we meet a couple of boats here and there so some are set in our favour and some against. The last lock is a devil! Another boater comes up to help as they are coming up as we are going down and I tell you it was a real struggle to turn the mechanism. By now, I must be on around 100 locks this year give or take lockies helping and me doing a few locks multiple times to help others and this one is hard.

We are soon through and pass Whilton Marina which is a place we looked at boats when we bought the Plot. We have found out some very interesting things about our boat from the couple we met the other day. Hi to Jane and Tim if you’re reading – we will see you on the cut for a drink or two! Same to Amanda and Wayne on Narrowboat Spudley – we were going to try and meet them at the junction but with the lockies on we decided to crack on and make some time on our London trip and i’d had some two bits of bad news and so wasn’t feeling up to the pub. ((You okay Peachy?)) Yes thanks, Brackets. just sad when you hear lovely people are going through difficult times.

Moored up, it’s time to get this blog updated as I’ve neglected it for a few days with all the cruising and other work. We might have a few days of no locks so you can rest your winding arm for a bit. Day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 5 miles / 7 locks
London bound totals: Cruising Miles: 96/198 Locks: 112/174 Tunnels: 5

WHAT A DAY! Day 276

Tuesday 23rd April – Day 276

What a day! Where to start! ((At the beginning is preferable, although I like the bit where you get in trouble!)) This is the day I warned you about so make sure you have an extra drink and some snacks to read it.

We set off early and quickly moored up to fill with water, empty the toilets and bins and then cruised a little further along and turned into Braunston Marina to fill up with diesel, buy a new gas bottle and a bag of coal. There was another boat filling with diesel so we had to slot in behind them which meant the stern was sticking out into the path of boats leaving the marina and under the bridge and junction onto the canal.

Of course, another boat wanted to come out, so I let go of the rope and let the boat float over to the other side so they could get out all whilst having a natter. Then as we are waiting, Tim turned up ((they didn’t know he was called Tim until after of course!)) and told us he used to own our boat! So, of course, we had a good old chat with him and showed him the boat. He seemed impressed with what we had done and shared interesting info about the life of the boat which I won’t add here else this blog will need more than that bottle of wine ((It’s okay Sandra bought a crate of wine ready!)) I will add more into the canal book. Then Tim’s wife Jane came over and another chat and another tour. It was lovely to meet them and we have arranged a catch up when we are next this way or meet on the cut ((by catch up, Peachy means a drink as it seems only certain types of people own this boat hence the name))

Anyway, diesel, coal, gas sorted we set off and meet another YouTuber – narrowboat Spudley at the locks-  Amanda and Wayne. We first watched their vlogs when Wayne shared an update on the Oxford landslip. They joined us in the first lock which lucky for us had lockies on. Of course, we got chatting ((Of course, repeating yourself Peachy)) and they followed us on YouTube and he did a little video of us – it’s weird being filmed by someone else! I bet we looked like right muppets! ((I have no doubt)) but they are going to promote us and help us get more followers and we will do the same in case any of our viewers are not watching them.

It’s a pleasant journey doing the six locks with a volunteer helping us who has her own boat and we chat ((There is a theme here)) as she has cruised her boat to London and then Thames before so again, it’s reassuring for us. At the end of the locks and with the rain starting at lock six, we tackle Braunston tunnel which is just over 1,800 metres long. Luckily, we are prepared ((No, I don’t believe it!)) and the light works and we have an umbrella just in case! We meet two boats but we all passed each other with no issues. The tunnel was amazing – again I will save some info for the canal book and it will be on YouTube. We moor up not long after and I get to the desk to check emails as we are in the final stages of getting the brochure ready for print so lots of things to tie up and sort. ((it’s not over yet folks!))

We then decide to go into Daventry as we need some shopping and miss the bus by about 1 minute so walk in, which is about 30 mins maybe. Then I buy some emergency jigsaws from the charity shop and get some shopping and sneak to the pub for one. Then Jane messages me who owned our boat and said they will try and look for the paperwork for the plot as we had nothing when we bought it. Then Wayne & Tammy messaged and we have arranged to try and catch them for a drink in the next couple of days.

On the way back from Daventry we catch a bus which doesn’t drop us near where the boat is. Chris finds a route on google which takes us through a housing development under construction. Well, we get a security guard shouting and running at us telling us we cannot go that way! We ended up having a bit of a laugh with him as he said it happens all the time. I did suggest a sign to tell people – although makes you wonder if that is really a public footpath they have blocked off!

Anyway, we find another route and actually spot one of the vents for the tunnel which was quite cool. Then it was back to the boat, dinner consumed and then I cracked on with another proof of the brochure. It’s 9.15pm now and this day had felt like a weeks worth of stuff and this blog is the edited/highlighted version. ((I’m exhausted!)) right, laptop off and day most certainly done!

Cruising: 2 miles / 6 locks / 1 tunnel
London bound totals:
Cruising: 89/198 Locks: 105/174 tunnels : 5 (not sure how many to London!)

Rain means a work day… Day 275

Monday 22nd April Day 275

I worked pretty much all day today as the weather was rather grotty so I try and take the opportunity to get stuff done so I can be on the stern during our cruising days and enjoying the scenery. It’s getting to the point where everything needs to come together for the book festival – the programme needs to be finalising, the designer is creating the brochure, then this goes to print and somewhere along the line we add the information to the website and the links from the Palace Theatre so people can book. It’s great team work to get it to this point. If you fancy checking out the website it should be live on the website when this goes out or nearly about to go live!

Chris made some pastries which were delicious and a butternut squash and feta pie! ((You don’t deserve him!)) hey, I was working at the dinette so it meant he was designated cook and he is a better cook than me. ((That wouldn’t be difficult!))

At one point Chris moves the boat up a little as we are staying here another day and we don’t want to be cleaning the bird poo off the boat again tomorrow morning.

Day done. Until tomorrow x ((P.S. tomorrow is the day where you might need to pre-make breakfast, lunch and dinner and make up a flask… it’s a long one!))

Narrowboat, author and YouTube adventures / Mon 22nd – Sun 29th April / Day 275 – 281

Monday 22nd April Day 275

((in real life it’s Chris’s birthday today – he deserves all the cake and all the medals for putting up with you!)) I worked pretty much all day today as the weather was rather grotty so I try and take the opportunity to get stuff done so I can be on the stern during our cruising days and enjoying the scenery. It’s getting to the point where everything needs to come together for the book festival – the programme needs to be finalising, the designer is creating the brochure, then this goes to print and somewhere along the line we add the information to the website and the links from the Palace Theatre so people can book. It’s great team work to get it to this point. If you fancy checking out the website it should be live on the website when this goes out or nearly about to go live!

Chris made some pastries which were delicious and a butternut squash and feta pie! ((You don’t deserve him!)) hey, I was working at the dinette so it meant he was designated cook and he is a better cook than me. ((That wouldn’t be difficult!))

At one point Chris moves the boat up a little as we are staying here another day and we don’t want to be cleaning the bird poo off the boat again tomorrow morning.

Day done. Until tomorrow x

Tuesday 23rd April – Day 276

What a day! Where to start! ((At the beginning is preferable, although I like the bit where you get in trouble!)) This is the day I warned you about so make sure you have an extra drink and some snacks to read it.

We set off early and quickly moored up to fill with water, empty the toilets and bins and then cruised a little further along and turned into Braunston Marina to fill up with diesel, buy a new gas bottle and a bag of coal. There was another boat filling with diesel so we had to slot in behind them which meant the stern was sticking out into the path of boats leaving the marina and under the bridge and junction onto the canal.

Of course, another boat wanted to come out, so I let go of the rope and let the boat float over to the other side so they could get out all whilst having a natter. Then as we are waiting, Tim turned up ((they didn’t know he was called Tim until after of course!)) and told us he used to own our boat! So, of course, we had a good old chat with him and showed him the boat. He seemed impressed with what we had done and shared interesting info about the life of the boat which I won’t add here else this blog will need more than that bottle of wine ((It’s okay Sandra bought a crate of wine ready!)) I will add more into the canal book. Then Tim’s wife Jane came over and another chat and another tour. It was lovely to meet them and we have arranged a catch up when we are next this way or meet on the cut ((by catch up, Peachy means a drink as it seems only certain types of people own this boat hence the name))

Anyway, diesel, coal, gas sorted we set off and meet another YouTuber – narrowboat Spudley at the locks-  Amanda and Wayne. We first watched their vlogs when Wayne shared an update on the Oxford landslip. They joined us in the first lock which lucky for us had lockies on. Of course, we got chatting ((Of course, repeating yourself Peachy)) and they followed us on YouTube and he did a little video of us – it’s weird being filmed by someone else! I bet we looked like right muppets! ((I have no doubt)) but they are going to promote us and help us get more followers and we will do the same in case any of our viewers are not watching them.

It’s a pleasant journey doing the six locks with a volunteer helping us who has her own boat and we chat ((There is a theme here)) as she has cruised her boat to London and then Thames before so again, it’s reassuring for us. At the end of the locks and with the rain starting at lock six, we tackle Braunston tunnel which is just over 1,800 metres long. Luckily, we are prepared ((No, I don’t believe it!)) and the light works and we have an umbrella just in case! We meet two boats but we all passed each other with no issues. The tunnel was amazing – again I will save some info for the canal book and it will be on YouTube. We moor up not long after and I get to the desk to check emails as we are in the final stages of getting the brochure ready for print so lots of things to tie up and sort. ((it’s not over yet folks!))

We then decide to go into Daventry as we need some shopping and miss the bus by about 1 minute so walk in, which is about 30 mins maybe. Then I buy some emergency jigsaws from the charity shop and get some shopping and sneak to the pub for one. Then Jane messages me who owned our boat and said they will try and look for the paperwork for the plot as we had nothing when we bought it. Then Wayne & Tammy messaged and we have arranged to try and catch them for a drink in the next couple of days.

On the way back from Daventry we catch a bus which doesn’t drop us near where the boat is. Chris finds a route on google which takes us through a housing development under construction. Well, we get a security guard shouting and running at us telling us we cannot go that way! We ended up having a bit of a laugh with him as he said it happens all the time. I did suggest a sign to tell people – although makes you wonder if that is really a public footpath they have blocked off!

Anyway, we find another route and actually spot one of the vents for the tunnel which was quite cool. Then it was back to the boat, dinner consumed and then I cracked on with another proof of the brochure. It’s 9.15pm now and this day had felt like a weeks worth of stuff and this blog is the edited/highlighted version. ((I’m exhausted!)) right, laptop off and day most certainly done!

Cruising: 2 miles / 6 locks / 1 tunnel
London bound totals:
Cruising: 89/198 Locks: 105/174 tunnels : 5 (not sure how many to London!)

Wednesday 24th April Day 277

After the long day yesterday, I stay at the dinette for the morning cracking on with work whilst Chris faffs with a few bits and bobs and after lunch we set off.

It’s funny how we don’t bat an eyelid at doing a flight of locks and today we have the Buckby flight of 7 to do. It’s a short cruise and we are at Norton Junction where you can go up the Grand Union Leicester line or the main line to London which is the way we are going. We moor up just before the top lock and first lock of the day to empty the Elsan and find lockies ready to see us through the first one. ((Do you ring ahead or something – there always seem to be lockies on!)) just lucky, although it’s just the first one they help us through – we are always very grateful. Then it’s not long before the next one. Pretty uneventful flight which is what you want really and we meet a couple of boats here and there so some are set in our favour and some against. The last lock is a devil! Another boater comes up to help as they are coming up as we are going down and I tell you it was a real struggle to turn the mechanism. By now, I must be on around 100 locks this year give or take lockies helping and me doing a few locks multiple times to help others and this one is hard.

We are soon through and pass Whilton Marina which is a place we looked at boats when we bought the Plot. We have found out some very interesting things about our boat from the couple we met the other day. Hi to Jane and Tim if you’re reading – we will see you on the cut for a drink or two! Same to Amanda and Wayne on Narrowboat Spudley – we were going to try and meet them at the junction but with the lockies on we decided to crack on and make some time on our London trip and i’d had some two bits of bad news and so wasn’t feeling up to the pub. ((You okay Peachy?)) Yes thanks, Brackets. just sad when you hear lovely people are going through difficult times.

Moored up, it’s time to get this blog updated as I’ve neglected it for a few days with all the cruising and other work. We might have a few days of no locks so you can rest your winding arm for a bit. Day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 5 miles / 7 locks
London bound totals: Cruising Miles: 96/198 Locks: 112/174 Tunnels: 5

Thursday 25th April Day 278

We decide to cruise the short distance of one mile from our current mooring ((should have just pulled the boat!)) to Weedon Bec as there is a Tesco nearby and it’s easier than carrying our supplies up the tow path. We also take a wander up to a place called Weedon Bec Ordnance depot, which is an amazing place and well worth a visit. We popped to the visitor centre and watched a short film on the history of the place:

Copied from their website : Once known as The Royal Ordnance Depot, the complex was built as a secure place to store equipment, ammunition and weapons for use by the British Army. The Depot fulfilled its function from the Napoleonic Wars through to the end of National Service and serviced every major conflict in-between. (https://the-depot.uk/the-visitor-centre/)  

((good job you added that Peachy else you would be in trouble for copyright theft! Oh how I would love to see you in court over that – it would make my year!))

There was also an antique centre we wandered around and then we were going to visit the bookshop and café but they closed early! ((I’m not laughing!)) probably a good thing as if I buy any more books I will have to open my own floating bookshop and buy another boat!

Back to the dinette after this to crack on with some work and day done. Until tomorrow.

Cruising: 1 miles
London bound totals: Cruising miles: 97/198 Locks: 112/174 Tunnels: 5

Friday 26th April Day 279

It was a busy day at the dinette today as I was working on book festival jobs until 12pm – the brochure will be live on 11th May so check out the website www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk – amazing programme again this year but we need  some sell out events this year, so if you see something you fancy then please do book.

After this it was vlogging/blogging/jigsaws/power nap and more work which meant I missed book group again. In the late afternoon we treated ourselves to a drink at the brewery on the Weeden Bec site as Chris wanted to try some of the real ales. – it was a little chilly as we decided to sit outside and make the most of the lighter nights.

That was it for today. Day done. x ((that’s it? make an effort Peachy. Although at least everyone has more time to do something more constructive with their day!))

Saturday 27th April 280

We wake up to a grim morning and the rain is a constant for most of the day. I have lots of vlogging to catch up on and so decide that Chris can be left to captain the boat ((very convenient since it was raining!)) I popped out to do a little bit of vlogging and Chris tried out his new heated gloves which I’d bought him for Christmas as it’s still cold.

It’s a seven-mile cruise with no locks and we finally moor at Gayton junction just before the facilities. We didn’t want to cruuse too much further in this weather and we found a nice spot to stay as tomorrow looks like another inside day. We went for a little walk later just to check out the facilities and make sure they were working and we need some kindling as the temperatures are still low enough that we need to light the fire and we have run out but the marina is shut when we get there so will have to try again tomorrow.

Sorry if these blogs have been a little short ((oh believe me you don’t need to apologise. It’s a blessing!)) I’ve been suffering with bad headaches and the internet signal has been shocking for a four or five days now even though in real time we have been moving the boat to try and get a better signal so I’ve had to try and limit my screen time – very annoying! Anyway, day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 7 miles
London bound totals: Cruising Miles:  104/198 Locks: 112/174 Tunnels: 5 (not sure how many to London!)

Sunday 28th April – Day 281

We decide to stay put and hide away from the torrential rain which was a constant throughout the night and into the morning which changes to a slight drizzle later in the day we decide to carry the toilet to elsan as it’s not far and then once that’s done we head to the marina but find out they don’t sell kindling but there is another one further up the road so we wander along a countryside road full of puddles ((I bet you went through everyone didn’t you?)) of course I did ((You’re nearly 50 Peachy you need to grow up!)) never! What would life be like if you didn’t splash through a puddle in your wellies!

That headache I mentioned yesterday kicks in today so I tried to avoid too much screen time and listen to my audio book instead. Day done until tomorrow. Another week done and many miles and locks closer to London! x

YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here
Patreon account – get early access to vlogs and you find out our plans first!
Saga Fiction App. – read some of my short stories and novels
Powertheauthor – Buy me a coffee here – saving up to upgrade my website so i can have a virtual bookshop! Until then you can buy from Amazon…
Amazonlink – Fantasy, travelogues, thrillers, romance and more…
Power of Nature

What do they say about bird poo and good luck? Day 274

Sunday 21st April Day 274

Well, what a charming start to the day as when Chris goes out to check the newly painted boat there has obviously been some very; shall we say ‘regular birds doing their thing’ and it’s covered in bird poo! Absolutely covered – I don’t know what the birds had been eating but they had obviously over eaten! So, first job of the day is cleaning that off ahead of getting stuck in and getting the last coat of paint on. Although we made add another coat of paint but we need to buy more paint. We also touch up the blacking ((where they have smashed their way around the network and scraped off paint!))

Nothing else to report today other than I knocked over a glass of wine and Chris set the teatowel on fire! ((I don’t know how you two manage. I really don’t!)) I thought bird bird was supposed to be good luck! We went for a little wander over the bridge at Braunston junction to enjoy the most amazing sunset. What a treat.

That’s another week done and we are making great headway towards London now! Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow or next week! x ((In real life it’s Chris’s birthday! Happy Birthday Chris; you deserve a medal!))

YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here
Patreon account – get early access to vlogs and you find out our plans first!
Saga Fiction App. – read some of my short stories and novels
Powertheauthor – Buy me a coffee here – saving up to upgrade my website so i can have a virtual bookshop! Until then you can buy from Amazon…
Amazonlink – Fantasy, travelogues, thrillers, romance and more…
Power of Nature

Braunston Junction! Day 273

Saturday 20th April Day 273

We cruised the very short distance to Braunston and moored up before the bridge but the boat was quite a way from the edge as there is a shelf running along the side but we didn’t want to go any further and risk not getting a mooring. We put the covers up, locked up and went for a walk; only to spot a better mooring just past the junction.

So, it was back to the boat and hope no-one steals the spot as there were lots of boaters out and about as this is a busy junction but it took us a total of fifteen minutes to get back, take down the covers, move the boat, moor up, put the covers up and then back out to the chandlery ((A shop where boaters buy things for their boat – bit like a B&Q for boaters!)) Then we walked into Braunston village to get some supplies and then back to the boat.

It’s a stunning area here as you climb the hill to the village and can see for miles! Wonderful. Back at the boat we decide to prep the roof as we are moored on the right side to get that side painted and finished as we picked up the rest of the things we needed with that Amazon order the other day.

Day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 2 miles
London bound totals: Cruising: 87/198 Locks: 99/174 Tunnels: 4 (not sure how many to London!)

A random working space and an amazing cruise! Day 272

Friday 19th April Day 272

I needed to crack on with some freelance work but my signal was awful so I had to set myself on the stern with my phone high up to try and get a signal which was just about good enough. A couple of hours later we set off to cruise and wow what a cruise!

The usual changeable weather and many layers required but no rain until we moored up thankfully ((You’re so jammy!)) but the shades were on most of the trip and what a treat to be back in this beautiful area with rolling fields and lambs dotted around the fields.

My shoulder is a little dodgy today so I end up sticking on one of the heat packs onto my shoulder to help as these are challenging locks. We do the first two locks and the angels arrive ((Oh God you didn’t fall in and bang your head did you??)) No! the lockies came to help as we got to the Stockton flight of 8. This made such a difference so I didn’t have to push my shoulder too much and Chris got off the boat to help as well. Fab team work and the Stockton flight were soon behind us.

We reminisce throughout about the time we hired a boat and how it feels to be back. We were going to stop at the pub but decide to crank it and soon arrive at the Calcutt Locks which were the first locks we ever did when we had our first hire boat and it was 40+ mph winds and driving, torrential rain – a bit like in Birmingham the other day but this was our first time. We’ve always said if we enjoyed it in those conditions, it was the life for us.

We thought about mooring up but decided to crank it and it was nice to be back and do the locks now we have such a lot of experience and these seem easy; the lock gates are heavy but with a smile on our faces we tackle these three and pass the hire boat firm here; it’s great to see the people all preparing for their holidays. Soon we arrive at Napton Junction and turn onto the Grand Union Canal to continue our journey to London. Last time we turned onto the Oxford and immediately got shouted at for going too fast! ((Oh how the tables have turned!)) I know! We try not to get grumpy with hire boaters there is a lot to learn!

Finally, we moor up as the lovely weather is on the turn and manage to get the covers up and snuggled in the boat updating this blog as the rain starts in earnest. Another day done and very good it was too!Until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 6 miles/ 13 locks
London bound totals: Cruising: 85/198 Locks: 99/174 tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to London!)

It’s time to leave Warwick… Day 271

Thursday 18th April Day 271

It’s time to leave Warwick now and we will miss this area. It’s beautiful and well worth spending time here either on your boat or staying over somewhere. The walk up to the Warwick castle along the river yesterday was stunning.

It’s a busy old day today as we cruise from Bridge 46 near Tesco which means doing a set of five locks before mooring up. We head into the first one with a couple and have a good old natter. Turns out they have cruised pretty much everywhere and they give us some great advice on doing the Thames stretch. It’s really has put our mind at rest about what we are planning to do.

Basically, we have booked those mooring at Paddington Basin and then the London canal museum. We plan to chat to any other boaters and if they are doing the Thames we will tag along with them if the weather looks good. We do not want to attempt the Thames in windy or wet weather. If not, we explore some more areas around London and crank it as soon as the weather looks good.

We moor up for lunch after the fifth lock of the day and so do the couple on the other boat. Then we all crank it to the next set of locks at Bascote which involve the staircase locks. I think I do a pretty poor job of describing how they work on the vlog ((Really? Like anyone is surprised!)) anyway, with great team work between all the boaters we quickly get through the last 5 of the day and we cruise a little longer and moor up near the Two Boats pub – we last came here on a hire boat a good few years ago dreaming of owning our own boat and here we are lots. Lots of memories to enjoy and we treat ourselves to a little drink in the pub to celebrate. Day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 7 miles/ 10 locks
London bound totals:79/198   Locks: 86/174  tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to London!)
YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here!

A riverside walk to take in the view of Warwick Castle! Day 270

Wednesday 17th April Day 270

We moored up on the other side of Warwick which is just near Tesco’s so it’s nice and convenient for stocking up. ((Not far to travel with the wine and beer Peachy means!))  We go for a lovely walk along the river and spot a heron eating the biggest fish I’ve ever seen! This walk is right near where the boat is moored and before long we arrive at an amazing view of Warwick castle – stunning.

In the afternoon I’m busily working at the dinette when I hear Chris chatting to someone and next minute there’s a strange pair of legs walking across the stern and then along the gunnel. ((I’m saying nothing!))

It turns out a couple have a cruiser boat which needs rather a lot of work and doesn’t have a working engine at the moment but they have been told they have to move by CRT. By the rules on the canals you can only stay at a location for a certain amount of time unless you have a private mooring or an official Canal and River Trust permanent mooring but as they didn’t have a working engine they were a bit stuck. So Chris helped them to pull the boat across and around our boat so they can moor further up. They compliment our boat which is very nice and we also get another compliment about the look of the boat so all this work must be paying off.

Day done. Cruising day again tomorrow. x

Time to leave… Day 269

Tuesday 16th April Day 269

Today is the day we leave the Saltisford arm – I feel like we could stay here forever. What a wonderful place. Everyone is so friendly and it’s a short walk into beautiful Warwick – we did ask about a winter mooring but unfortunately they only offer 5 months moorings which is a little too long for us but we are going to keep in touch with them, as you never know how things might change and we would happily spend five months here once we have cruised a bit more of the system.

I got chatting to some of the staff there and it’s always weird when I get asked what I do, but I’m getting better at saying I’m an author and YouTuber! Anyway, as I left, Maria said they were going to google me ((Oh dear!)) which they did and bought my fantasy books – thanks Maria if you’re reading this!

It’s still a bit windy as we leave but Chris turns the boat perfectly out and along the Grand Union and off we go again. Just a couple of locks to do today and the first one is in our favour so I hop ((Your hopping days are gone Peachy – more of a creaking step!)) off the boat and open the gates. There are some gorgeous little ducklings which wander up the path – it’s such a wonderful time of year. Chris then cruises the boat in and I tackle letting the water out. I’ve mentioned before these are double locks all the way to London now – which means you can fit in two narrowboats or one widebeam and the mechanisms are lot heavier and I feel like I’m winding the paddle for about 2 hours! ((need to build those muscles Peachy – you’re are set at a default setting for lifting a wine glass!))

Luckily, another boat has just come up the canal so they leave the gate open on the next lock and we do the same and then we are soon through the locks for today. It’s a beautiful cruising day but we don’t go too far as we moor up on the other side of Warwick where there is a Tesco’s so we can stock up as we will be cruising into areas where big shops are not in easy walking distance.

We are treated to an absolutely amazing sunset to finish the day – pop over to Instagram if you want to have a look. Day done. until tomorrow. x

Cruising: 2 miles (2 miles again! Lazy!)) / 2 locks
London totals: Cruising: 72/198 Locks: 76/174  Tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to London!)
((Peachy keeps forgetting to add links to buy her books or promote herself. I swear i should be paid for doing her marketing. If you want to buy any of her books – they are not a bad read if you close one eye… or sign up to her Patreon account and give her money for coffee a.k.a wine then you can do all this from her website http://www.clpeache.com ))