A problem on the canals…
Thursday 23rd November – Day 124
Another busy cruising day as returned to Stone. It was very sunny and the shades and scarves were on as we cruised down the canal without actually being able to see very much with the sun in our eyes. We have certainly been choosing the right days to cruise and make the most of the nice winter days. It’s surprisingly quiet with regards to other boats and we don’t meet another until everything happens at once!
The first four locks we were through pretty quickly. It makes a difference when going down the locks as it means the boat is on the same level as me opening the locks so Chris can help or we can chat whilst we are doing them. I managed to get Chris to film me doing some of the locks yesterday and today as I’ve been promising my friend and grandson I would show the whole process. When I’m filming I can only film what I’m doing and then I put the phone away for a lot of it as I want to make sure I’m safe. ((Small mercies really. People shouldn’t be asking you to be on camera more than necessary!))
We stop after the fourth lock and have some of the leftover sausage hotpot we decided to call it and then cranked it to do the rest. We did two of the last four when we hit a problem. We emptied the toilet and rubbish but there was some kind of problem with the waterpoint. The attachment kept flying off so we were unable to attach the hose and therefore it was impossible to fill up with water. Thankfully there is the one near M&S which we used on the way up so we will head for that. This is why I’m adamant that we fill up if we come to a waterpoint. Also, I think we could probably get 1-2 weeks without filling up but we like to put fresh in where we can. We have a filter for drinking water but still, it’s good to just top up.
At the next lock it gets interesting ((I doubt that)) So, as we are coming to the lock, we see a boat across the canal and one we work out it’s waiting to go into the boatyard/canal holiday place we hang back and pull the boat to the side. I get off and go and set the lock as the chap from the boat let us know they would be moving his boat in a min. There was another boat coming out of the dock having just had a boat survey done. As I opened the gate they cruised in stealing my lock! ((WHAT! How rude!)) lol, it was just the way it worked out. There wasn’t really anywhere else they could go and they were apologetic that they stole our lock. The current owner was driving the boat and the new owner doing the paddles. Anyway, they did offer to help reset it but I declined and let them crack on so they could focus on what they were doing. ((You’re too nice Peachy))
Lock filled again we then made our way to the last lock of the day. There was a young kid. I would guess maybe 10ish sitting on the lock. He lived in the pub next to the lock and we had a good old natter as I showed him how the locked worked, where the water came from to fill the lock etc and he helped open and close them before heading back into the pub.
It was then onto the water point to fill up and thankfully all working okay. Then as the dark clouds and first drops of rain threatened, we moored up and just got the cratch covers up before it started raining, so we were lucky. The rain didn’t last long and it was surprisingly warm after we’d chilled out for a bit before wandering into Stone as it was the Christmas light switch on. We didn’t hang around for it though as it started raining in earnest so had a sneaky drink in the pub. I will say it was a lovely vibrant atmosphere with lots of fairground rides, people singing on stage and loads of people wandering around. It was nice to be part of it even if we didn’t stay to watch.
Back at the boat now. Fire on and tomorrow is going to be a writing day for me as I’m so behind with all this cruising and I still need to do a promotional video for my publisher so I have a long list for tomorrow and then the Christmas tree will be going up at the weekend!
Until tomorrow. xx
word count: 1,723 Total: 28,682 ((oh that’s a good wordcount for saying you had a busy day. Shows what you can do when you make an effort!))
miles: 3 locks: 8
