C.L. Peache's Blog, page 8

Working, reading and a walk in the rain. Day 268

Monday 15th April Day 268

We wake up to ferocious weather as the promised wind and rain arrives but it’s interspersed with blue skies and sunshine as is usual for this time of year.

I make the most of an inside morning and crack on with freelance work as well as getting some washing done and then later on; we wander into Warwick again as the clouds part to collect an Amazon order which doesn’t go to plan as they have no record of it being delivered but they have the parcel in the shop. A quick phone call and off we go with our parcels into the now torrential rain – we’ve ordered some blacking for the boat ((If you didn’t keep bashing into things or were actually prepared you wouldn’t need to touch up the paint on the boat!)) It’s impossible not bash things when you have a narrowboat – might as well just accept it and touch up the paint when required.

I also sneak in some reading in the afternoon – I had to confess that I was way behind with my pals ((Janice Frost. Detail, Peachy, detail!)) published books and so have been binge reading the series to catch up to her new book. Please do take a look – absolutely fantastic for those who love crime books and set in Lincoln!

Link here to buy from Amazon… and that’s day done. Until tomorrow. x

Narrowboat, author and YouTube adventures… Mon 15th – Sun 21st April / Day 268 – 274

Monday 15th April Day 268

We wake up to ferocious weather as the promised wind and rain arrives but it’s interspersed with blue skies and sunshine as is usual for this time of year.

I make the most of an inside morning and crack on with freelance work as well as getting some washing done and then later on; we wander into Warwick again as the clouds part to collect an Amazon order which doesn’t go to plan as they have no record of it being delivered but they have the parcel in the shop. A quick phone call and off we go with our parcels into the now torrential rain – we’ve ordered some blacking for the boat ((If you didn’t keep bashing into things or were actually prepared you wouldn’t need to touch up the paint on the boat!)) It’s impossible not bash things when you have a narrowboat – might as well just accept it and touch up the paint when required.

I also sneak in some reading in the afternoon – I had to confess that I was way behind with my pals ((Janice Frost. Detail, Peachy, detail!)) published books and so have been binge reading the series to catch up to her new book. Please do take a look – absolutely fantastic for those who love crime books and set in Lincoln!

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.

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!)

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.

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.

Cruising: 7 miles/ 10 locks
London bound totals:79/198   Locks: 86/174  tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to London!)
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!

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

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.

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

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

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
Link here to buy from Amazon… Janice Frost’s latest Warwick and Bell book.

Mistakes can be embarrassing… Day 267

Sunday 14th April Day 267

As the weather is nice this morning we crack on with the painting and manage to get one half of the rails painted and then run out of filler and then the weather takes a turn so we back down and will crack on another day but it’s getting there. Still lots of rust spots and bit and bobs to sort. ((Well you’ve had a few compliments on the boat so you must be doing something right. Although people are more interested in you losing The Plot or being the half cut carrying company!))

In between cleaning and painting I crack on and get some more of the videos and vlogs sorted as I want to get ahead, as next week there is likely to be lots more locks coming up although hopefully not long cruising days.

That’s it for another week. Thanks so much to everyone who has commented or sent me messages about the blog ((Special thanks to Janice who told Peachy she had forgotten the letter c from ‘canal’ I did chuckle!)) it really does help to know people are enjoying the blogs and I’m not just talking to myself…

Until next week/ tomorrow as we do some more epic cruising when we sadly leave the Saltisford Arm and tackle many more locks! Oh i forgot to say the other day when we had that day cruising in the terrible weather – there ended up being a landslip behind us which mean’t it would have stopped us in our journey for a few days, so lucky we cranked it through the wind and rain! Day done. Week done. until next time…

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

No rest for the wicked… Day 266

Saturday 13th April Day 266

As I’ve said if you’ve been reading the blogs this week ((You can add this to your Goodreads challenge total if anyone is doing it. If you’ve read all Peachy blogs to date you have read 110,272 words! You deserve more than a medal!)) it’s 7am now and the sun is just peaking over the top of the houses in the distance as I lay on the dinette as we’ve set the bed up on here last night. Its a beautiful bright day which hopefully means a wonderful sunny day ahead to get the rest of the handrails painted on the roof of the boat as well as sightseeing in Warwick and a power nap later!

Since I’ve had some pretty long blog posts this week I will give your eyes a bit of a rest ((thank goodness for that!)) as we crack on with some boat jobs and have a lovely wander in Warwick and that’s us done for the day. Day Done. Until tomorrow. xx

WOW! WHAT A DAY! Day 265

Friday 12th April Day 265

It’s 6.30am now on Saturday 13th April in the real world.  I’ve made myself a lovely cappuchino without even looking at the batteries as we are hooked up mains power. The sun is rising and casting beautiful morning light into the boat and I’m feeling achy from the locks but very happy and relaxed as I can hear the road start to get busier with the Saturday morning traffic and I’m glad to be sitting here under my duvet without the need to move!

Back to yesterday and the BIG day!

We get everything ready and set off at about 9am and see the solo boater from yesterday just ahead of us. These are double lock all the way to London I believe, so it’s much better to share a lock with another boat as it stops our boat getting bashed about and means Chris can have a chinwag. Luckily there are the angels in the form of lockies again to help. These people who volunteer their time are just wonderful and I love the banter as we do the locks. One of the lockies cycles ahead to set them and then we are as we were for Knowle flight yesterday until two more angels turn up  at lock 3 and I get told to get aboard ((They knew it was safer to have you on the boat and away from the locks!)) and enjoy I think about 10 locks on the boat. I was trying to keep up with how many locks we’d done for the vlog but in between concentrating on getting in the locks, closing the gates, chatting, it’s difficult to remember ((I bet the vlog will be interesting!))

Some of these are huge locks and have a different mechanism on them which I will have to look up at some point to explain. Basically, they don’t have the lock mechanisms on the actual gates they are to the side of the gates like ground paddles.

It takes around two and half hours before we are finally through the flight and job done with the absolutely amazing help from the lockies. Hatton flight is wonderful and I wish we could have explored it more. We might try and go and have a look as we end up cruising only a short distance and moor up at the Saltisford Arm which was re-opened and run by volunteers. There is going to some much historical content to research to go in the part of the canal book!

It’s tricky mooring up ((That’s coz as usual you’re not prepared!)) normally we use the Armco or ring to tie up to but this has neither so we have to get the pins out which I don’t think we have used since we were on the River Trent a long time ago – probably last summer! Eventually we find them and then pop to the office to pay our mooring fees which is £10 a night and get some electric so we can hook up to the mains. It’s about 2pm before I finally get to the dinette to catch up on some freelance work before heading into Warwick which is a five minute walk and a treat of a fizz and a beer before stopping off at Sainsbury’s for some pizza and another day well and truly done!

Cruising : 2 miles ((2 miles! Lazy!)) / 21 locks! ((let you off!))
London bound totals: Cruising: 70/198  Locks: 74/174  tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to london!)

Day 264

Thursday 11th April Day 264

It’s a quick wander into Catherine De Barnes which is a lovely little place to get some supplies from the little shop as we prepare to crank it again today and what a difference a day makes as the weather is glorious as we make our way down a new canal for us which is onto the Grand Union.

After yesterday, this weather was well needed and even the radio comes out on the stern along with the shades. We arrive at Knowle locks and wow! What a view from the top of these beautiful flight of five locks and the start of the double locks again which we haven’t tackled for a while. It’s breathtaking from the top! We moor up to fill with water and use the facilities and an angel in the form of a lockie comes along for a chat. ((Check out Peachy’s Instagram or YouTube if want to see the pics!))

When we are ready another boat joins us – this is the guy we chat to about the dodgy entrance to the lock from yesterday and bless him he cruised until 11.30pm last night as he is a solo boater. He only bought his boat nine days ago and hurt his hand when the windlass flicked back and whacked his hand – it did look proper swollen so we tried to help him as much as we could and the lockie was great as he went ahead and opened the gates for us, so I emptied them and closed the gates after Chris and the guy cruised into the next lock and then they would shut the gates and start emptying the lock and then I would come down and finish and so on and so forth. We had a nice rhythm going. As much as I can film will be on YouTube, maybe by this weekend depending on if I get caught up.

I don’t know if it was the weather yesterday or the sunshine but I started with a headache in the morning and it got progressively worse throughout the day but I was determined to enjoy this wonderful cruise. I did succumb at one point as we were faffing about and couldn’t decide how far to go today and missing good mooring spots and coming to stretches with no good mooring that I ended up going into the boat with a cool flannel on my head to try and sort the headache out. Anyway, as a result we weren’t prepared for the tunnel – I’m not saying whose fault this was but it wasn’t mine and so we ended up going through a Shrewley tunnel which opened in 1799 and has a very interesting separate tunnel cut through for horses ((OH Interesting info Peachy)) There will be more of this in the canal book which will be out later in the year. I didn’t want to add too much more to this blog as it’s long enough ((You’re not wrong there!)) its 433 yards of us shrieking when lots of water from the high tunnel roof ends up soaking everything; including us as we are not prepared. Also we had no tunnel light so I ended up switching on all the lights in the boat and opening the curtains and then using a torch and phone. It was okay as it was a straight tunnel and you could see light for oncoming boaters and you can fit boats side by side in this one.

Anyway, finally we are through and find a mooring just before the last bridge at the top of the Hatton flight which is 21 locks we have to tackle tomorrow. Tired after the last few days we set up the bed in the dinette so we can chill properly and look out the window and watch the bats flitting around outside the window. Day done. Until tomorrow.

Cruising : 11 miles / 5 locks / 1 tunnel  :
London bound totals: Cruising: 68/198  Locks: 53/174  tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to london!)

Our hardest cruising day yet! Day 263

Wednesday 10th April Day 263

Today was a bit of a challenging day due to the weather. We wanted to crank it through this area as we haven’t read many good things about it as it skirts Birmingham and what moorings there, are not advised so we knew it would be a long day – if fact the most miles we have done in a day on The Plot!

The cruise was really nice with some beautiful views and we soon arrived at the Minworth flight of 3 locks which we ended up catching up with another boat so we had to re-fill them but no matter just takes a bit longer. At the third lock there was a water point which we didn’t need but the other boat was using so we cruised past and into the lock. Then we realised there was an Elsan so emptied the toilet once we’d got through the lock and that’s when the rain started and didn’t stop! ALL DAY ((Peachy was wet to her pants and it wasn’t because of old age!)) OI rude!

The next locks also require the anti-vandal key so that tells you the problems they have in this area sometimes and that’s why boaters don’t want to linger. As we turned off the Birmingham and Fazeley canal and onto the Grand Union we moored up at Starlight pontoons which are near an entertainment complex with cinemas etc and had lunch. The rain was set in earnest at this point and we nearly decided to stay put but we were wet anyway so cranked it.

I stayed in the boat sorting some of the YouTube vlogs out ((I bet you did!)) but it was soon time to accept the drenching as we tackled the next ten locks. It was a challenge to say the least. I feel like I want to rush through the locks due to the weather bu that can be dangerous at the best of times so when visibility isn’t great and everywhere is slippery and once you’re wet, you’re wet so I take my time.

Some of the locks are the most challenging yet as we come to a lock which has no sensible place to moor the boat whilst doing the lock and so we end up on this perilous concrete ledge, whilst I climb some steps and hoist myself over a concrete slab to get to the lock. Turns out the lock landing is under the bridge and along the canal we came from but there is no warning of this and no option other than reversing the boat. We ended up chatting to another boater about this later on in the week who had the same problem but he was on his own – nightmare.

Some of the locks on this section are ready to be replaced and felt like one turn away from breaking. We met some hire boaters who were braving the weather and cracking on and having a good time one of the pounds was very low and we were grinding out as we got into the final lock of the day after we’d done a bit of lock shifting our boat out and their boat in. Then it was a long cruise where we both ended up taking it in turns to get changed into warm clothes as Chris was shivering at one point.

It was one of those days, which reminded us of the first time we hired a canal boat and it was similar weather. It was hard, we did it and it will stayed fixed in the memory. It all adds to the adventure and tomorrow the weather is kind to us after our labours today. Day definitely done and with what we discover tomorrow we are thankful we cranked it!

Cruising : 15 miles / 14 locks 
London bound totals: Cruising: 57/198  Locks: 48/174  tunnels : 3 (not sure how many!)

Moored up due to dodgy weather… Day 262

Tuesday 9th April Day 262

It’s 5am on Saturday 13th April in my world. It’s been a challenging and amazing time this week as we have been proper cranking it with some very challenging weather and situations we have found ourselves in ((Of your own making I might add!)) Yes, other than the weather but we did get a few things wrong! ((Shocking, experienced boaters like you!))

Back to Tuesday 9th April. Last night saw us mooring up at Curdworth and the promised dodgy weather arrived with various heavy showers and strong winds so I’m glad we decided to stop. Curdworth is a nice place, although the Curdworth tunnel roof was full of spiders when we came through so I’m glad we didn’t get eaten by shelob in the night.

It’s 5.15am in the real world again and just had to share that the dawn chorus has started. One lovely thing about being up early ((You’ve probably woken them up putting the light on. Poor birds will be shattered all day!)) is enjoying nature waking up. Spring is one of my favourite seasons.

I make the most of an inside day and get a few hours freelance work done and some vlogs sorted and uploaded and that’s day done. Until tomorrow. x
By the time you read this there should be a vlog of the next few days of dodgy weather and even dodgier cruising!

YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here

We tackle another flight of locks…Day 261

Monday 8th April Day 261

A long cruising day today as we leave Fazeley and what a lovely place. Before we set off I wander to Tesco to get some essentials as Chris takes down the covers. Along the towpath to the shop it takes me past a school and the kids are mostly looking very solemn as it’s their first day back after the Easter holidays. I’ve mostly worked in education ((since the beginning of time… and Peachy uses the word ‘work’ loosely)) and it feels strange but wonderful not to have to structure my life around term times.

Provisions bought we set off and are soon moored at the marina for the usual boat facilities and another boat turns up as we set off – so that was good timing. It’s a lovely stretch of canal with lots of countryside, lambs, ducks and birds going about their day. It cloudy but not raining so that will do as we reach the first lock of 11 which forms the Curdworth flight. There is the fabulous sight of a couple of lockies on; I of course stand and have a right good old chinwag with them as they help us through the lock.

Some of the lock gates are heavy and the paddles difficult to turn but I deploy the last of my Yorkshire strength to get them open and by the time we’ve finished the locks I’m ready to moor up once we get through the Curdworth tunnel as my hip is feeling the strain.

We are well protected when we find a mooring and so that’s us staying put until Wednesday as it’s going to rain for most of the day tomorrow and windy. I daren’t look how many locks are coming up as I spoke to a boater yesterday and it took him 13 hours to get through the locks; although he was on his own and all the locks were set against him so he had to fill them all. We were lucky on the Curdworth flight as baring 2 locks, they were all set in our favour or we met a boat at the right time to leave gates open for each other.

The next stretch goes through area which boaters don’t advice mooring in; apparently they are not very safe and lots of rubbish etc so we want to get through the other side so it could be a long day on Wednesday! ((Oh it’s going to worse than that Peachy!!)) Day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising : 6 miles / 11 locks / 1 tunnel 
London bound totals: Cruising: 42/198   Locks: 24/174 tunnels : 2 (not sure how many!)

Narrowboat life, YouTube and author adventures… Day 261 – 267 / Mon 8th – Sun 14th April.

Monday 8th April Day 261

A long cruising day today as we leave Fazeley and what a lovely place. Before we set off I wander to Tesco to get some essentials as Chris takes down the covers. Along the towpath to the shop it takes me past a school and the kids are mostly looking very solemn as it’s their first day back after the Easter holidays. I’ve mostly worked in education ((since the beginning of time… and Peachy uses the word ‘work’ loosely)) and it feels strange but wonderful not to have to structure my life around term times.

Provisions bought we set off and are soon moored at the marina for the usual boat facilities and another boat turns up as we set off – so that was good timing. It’s a lovely stretch of canal with lots of countryside, lambs, ducks and birds going about their day. It cloudy but not raining so that will do as we reach the first lock of 11 which forms the Curdworth flight. There is the fabulous sight of a couple of lockies on; I of course stand and have a right good old chinwag with them as they help us through the lock.

Some of the lock gates are heavy and the paddles difficult to turn but I deploy the last of my Yorkshire strength to get them open and by the time we’ve finished the locks I’m ready to moor up once we get through the Curdworth tunnel as my hip is feeling the strain.

We are well protected when we find a mooring and so that’s us staying put until Wednesday as it’s going to rain for most of the day tomorrow and windy. I daren’t look how many locks are coming up as I spoke to a boater yesterday and it took him 13 hours to get through the locks; although he was on his own and all the locks were set against him so he had to fill them all. We were lucky on the Curdworth flight as baring 2 locks, they were all set in our favour or we met a boat at the right time to leave gates open for each other.

The next stretch goes through area which boaters don’t advice mooring in; apparently they are not very safe and lots of rubbish etc so we want to get through the other side so it could be a long day on Wednesday! ((Oh it’s going to worse than that Peachy!!)) Day done. Until tomorrow. x

Cruising : 6 miles / 11 locks / 1 tunnel 
London bound totals: Cruising: 42/198   Locks: 24/174 tunnels : 2 (not sure how many!)

Tuesday 9th April Day 262

It’s 5am on Saturday 13th April in my world. It’s been a challenging and amazing time this week as we have been proper cranking it with some very challenging weather and situations we have found ourselves in ((Of your own making I might add!)) Yes, other than the weather but we did get a few things wrong! ((Shocking, experienced boaters like you!))

Back to Tuesday 9th April. Last night saw us mooring up at Curdworth and the promised dodgy weather arrived with various heavy showers and strong winds so I’m glad we decided to stop. Curdworth is a nice place, although the Curdworth tunnel roof was full of spiders when we came through so I’m glad we didn’t get eaten by shelob in the night.

It’s 5.15am in the real world again and just had to share that the dawn chorus has started. One lovely thing about being up early ((You’ve probably woken them up putting the light on. Poor birds will be shattered all day!)) is enjoying nature waking up. Spring is one of my favourite seasons.

I make the most of an inside day and get a few hours freelance work done and some vlogs sorted and uploaded and that’s day done. Until tomorrow. x
By the time you read this there should be a vlog of the next few days of dodgy weather and even dodgier cruising!

Wednesday 10th April Day 263

Today was a bit of a challenging day due to the weather. We wanted to crank it through this area as we haven’t read many good things about it as it skirts Birmingham and what moorings there, are not advised so we knew it would be a long day – if fact the most miles we have done in a day on The Plot!

The cruise was really nice with some beautiful views and we soon arrived at the Minworth flight of 3 locks which we ended up catching up with another boat so we had to re-fill them but no matter just takes a bit longer. At the third lock there was a water point which we didn’t need but the other boat was using so we cruised past and into the lock. Then we realised there was an Elsan so emptied the toilet once we’d got through the lock and that’s when the rain started and didn’t stop! ALL DAY ((Peachy was wet to her pants and it wasn’t because of old age!)) OI rude!

The next locks also require the anti-vandal key so that tells you the problems they have in this area sometimes and that’s why boaters don’t want to linger. As we turned off the Birmingham and Fazeley canal and onto the Grand Union we moored up at Starlight pontoons which are near an entertainment complex with cinemas etc and had lunch. The rain was set in earnest at this point and we nearly decided to stay put but we were wet anyway so cranked it.

I stayed in the boat sorting some of the YouTube vlogs out ((I bet you did!)) but it was soon time to accept the drenching as we tackled the next ten locks. It was a challenge to say the least. I feel like I want to rush through the locks due to the weather bu that can be dangerous at the best of times so when visibility isn’t great and everywhere is slippery and once you’re wet, you’re wet so I take my time.

Some of the locks are the most challenging yet as we come to a lock which has no sensible place to moor the boat whilst doing the lock and so we end up on this perilous concrete ledge, whilst I climb some steps and hoist myself over a concrete slab to get to the lock. Turns out the lock landing is under the bridge and along the canal we came from but there is no warning of this and no option other than reversing the boat. We ended up chatting to another boater about this later on in the week who had the same problem but he was on his own – nightmare.

Some of the locks on this section are ready to be replaced and felt like one turn away from breaking. We met some hire boaters who were braving the weather and cracking on and having a good time one of the pounds was very low and we were grinding out as we got into the final lock of the day after we’d done a bit of lock shifting our boat out and their boat in. Then it was a long cruise where we both ended up taking it in turns to get changed into warm clothes as Chris was shivering at one point.

It was one of those days, which reminded us of the first time we hired a canal boat and it was similar weather. It was hard, we did it and it will stayed fixed in the memory. It all adds to the adventure and tomorrow the weather is kind to us after our labours today. Day definitely done and with what we discover tomorrow we are thankful we cranked it!

Cruising : 15 miles / 14 locks 
London bound totals: Cruising: 57/198  Locks: 48/174  tunnels : 3 (not sure how many!)

Thursday 11th April Day 264

It’s a quick wander into Catherine De Barnes which is a lovely little place to get some supplies from the little shop as we prepare to crank it again today and what a difference a day makes as the weather is glorious as we make our way down a new canal for us which is onto the Grand Union.

After yesterday, this weather was well needed and even the radio comes out on the stern along with the shades. We arrive at Knowle locks and wow! What a view from the top of these beautiful flight of five locks and the start of the double locks again which we haven’t tackled for a while. It’s breathtaking from the top! We moor up to fill with water and use the facilities and an angel in the form of a lockie comes along for a chat. ((Check out Peachy’s Instagram or YouTube if want to see the pics!))

When we are ready another boat joins us – this is the guy we chat to about the dodgy entrance to the lock from yesterday and bless him he cruised until 11.30pm last night as he is a solo boater. He only bought his boat nine days ago and hurt his hand when the windlass flicked back and whacked his hand – it did look proper swollen so we tried to help him as much as we could and the lockie was great as he went ahead and opened the gates for us, so I emptied them and closed the gates after Chris and the guy cruised into the next lock and then they would shut the gates and start emptying the lock and then I would come down and finish and so on and so forth. We had a nice rhythm going. As much as I can film will be on YouTube, maybe by this weekend depending on if I get caught up.

I don’t know if it was the weather yesterday or the sunshine but I started with a headache in the morning and it got progressively worse throughout the day but I was determined to enjoy this wonderful cruise. I did succumb at one point as we were faffing about and couldn’t decide how far to go today and missing good mooring spots and coming to stretches with no good mooring that I ended up going into the boat with a cool flannel on my head to try and sort the headache out. Anyway, as a result we weren’t prepared for the tunnel – I’m not saying whose fault this was but it wasn’t mine and so we ended up going through a Shrewley tunnel which opened in 1799 and has a very interesting separate tunnel cut through for horses ((OH Interesting info Peachy)) There will be more of this in the canal book which will be out later in the year. I didn’t want to add too much more to this blog as it’s long enough ((You’re not wrong there!)) its 433 yards of us shrieking when lots of water from the high tunnel roof ends up soaking everything; including us as we are not prepared. Also we had no tunnel light so I ended up switching on all the lights in the boat and opening the curtains and then using a torch and phone. It was okay as it was a straight tunnel and you could see light for oncoming boaters and you can fit boats side by side in this one.

Anyway, finally we are through and find a mooring just before the last bridge at the top of the Hatton flight which is 21 locks we have to tackle tomorrow. Tired after the last few days we set up the bed in the dinette so we can chill properly and look out the window and watch the bats flitting around outside the window. Day done. Until tomorrow.

Cruising : 11 miles / 5 locks / 1 tunnel  :
London bound totals: Cruising: 68/198  Locks: 53/174  tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to london!)

Friday 12th April Day 265

It’s 6.30am now on Saturday 13th April in the real world.  I’ve made myself a lovely cappuchino without even looking at the batteries as we are hooked up mains power. The sun is rising and casting beautiful morning light into the boat and I’m feeling achy from the locks but very happy and relaxed as I can hear the road start to get busier with the Saturday morning traffic and I’m glad to be sitting here under my duvet without the need to move!

Back to yesterday and the BIG day!

We get everything ready and set off at about 9am and see the solo boater from yesterday just ahead of us. These are double lock all the way to London I believe, so it’s much better to share a lock with another boat as it stops our boat getting bashed about and means Chris can have a chinwag. Luckily there are the angels in the form of lockies again to help. These people who volunteer their time are just wonderful and I love the banter as we do the locks. One of the lockies cycles ahead to set them and then we are as we were for Knowle flight yesterday until two more angels turn up  at lock 3 and I get told to get aboard ((They knew it was safer to have you on the boat and away from the locks!)) and enjoy I think about 10 locks on the boat. I was trying to keep up with how many locks we’d done for the vlog but in between concentrating on getting in the locks, closing the gates, chatting, it’s difficult to remember ((I bet the vlog will be interesting!))

Some of these are huge locks and have a different mechanism on them which I will have to look up at some point to explain. Basically, they don’t have the lock mechanisms on the actual gates they are to the side of the gates like ground paddles.

It takes around two and half hours before we are finally through the flight and job done with the absolutely amazing help from the lockies. Hatton flight is wonderful and I wish we could have explored it more. We might try and go and have a look as we end up cruising only a short distance and moor up at the Saltisford Arm which was re-opened and run by volunteers. There is going to some much historical content to research to go in the part of the canal book!

It’s tricky mooring up ((That’s coz as usual you’re not prepared!)) normally we use the Armco or ring to tie up to but this has neither so we have to get the pins out which I don’t think we have used since we were on the River Trent a long time ago – probably last summer! Eventually we find them and then pop to the office to pay our mooring fees which is £10 a night and get some electric so we can hook up to the mains. It’s about 2pm before I finally get to the dinette to catch up on some freelance work before heading into Warwick which is a five minute walk and a treat of a fizz and a beer before stopping off at Sainsbury’s for some pizza and another day well and truly done!

Cruising : 2 miles ((2 miles! Lazy!)) / 21 locks! ((let you off!))
London bound totals: Cruising: 70/198  Locks: 74/174  tunnels : 4 (not sure how many to london!)

Saturday 13th April Day 266

As I’ve said if you’ve been reading the blogs this week ((You can add this to your Goodreads challenge total if anyone is doing it. If you’ve read all Peachy blogs to date you have read 110,272 words! You deserve more than a medal!)) it’s 7am now and the sun is just peaking over the top of the houses in the distance as I lay on the dinette as we’ve set the bed up on here last night. Its a beautiful bright day which hopefully means a wonderful sunny day ahead to get the rest of the handrails painted on the roof of the boat as well as sightseeing in Warwick and a power nap later!

Since I’ve had some pretty long blog posts this week I will give your eyes a bit of a rest ((thank goodness for that!)) as we crack on with some boat jobs and have a lovely wander in Warwick and that’s us done for the day. Day Done. Until tomorrow. xx

Sunday 14th April Day 267

As the weather is nice this morning we crack on with the painting and manage to get one half of the rails painted and then run out of filler and then the weather takes a turn so we back down and will crack on another day but it’s getting there. Still lots of rust spots and bit and bobs to sort. ((Well you’ve had a few compliments on the boat so you must be doing something right. Although people are more interested in you losing The Plot or being the half cut carrying company!))

In between cleaning and painting I crack on and get some more of the videos and vlogs sorted as I want to get ahead, as next week there is likely to be lots more locks coming up although hopefully not long cruising days.

That’s it for another week. Thanks so much to everyone who has commented or sent me messages about the blog ((Special thanks to Janice who told Peachy she had forgotten the letter c from ‘canal’ I did chuckle!)) it really does help to know people are enjoying the blogs and I’m not just talking to myself…

Until next week as we do some more epic cruising when we sadly leave the Saltisford Arm and tackle many more locks! Oh i forgot to say the other day when we had that day cruising in the terrible weather – there ended up being a landslip behind us which mean’t it would have stopped us in our journey for a few days, so lucky we cranked it through the wind and rain!

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