Welford Junction

Shortly after arriving at Debdale Wharf today, our boat emerged from the grit blasting shed with the hull looking all shiney and new. After some final checks to ensure all the work was complete, and that the gas regulator had been reinstalled safely we were relaunched. 

       

By the time we had loaded all our stuff from the car it was midday, so we cruised as far as Foxton and stopped for lunch. Checking in with the lock keeper we were fifth in the queue to go up. The ascent was uneventful, but initially I could not understand why there were so many families about. Then it dawned, it was half term week. The crew however, were grateful for the extra assistance in opening and closing the gates. Needless to say, we now have a few scuffs on our newly painted hull, fortunately they are confined to the rubbing strake and that's what it's there for. Once up the flight of ten locks we set off for Welford Junction, approx three hours away. By the time we were approaching Husband Bosworth tunnel, the light was starting to fade. Emerging 20 minutes later, we had to leave all our navigation lights on for the remainder of the journey, as it was now quite dark. At the junction we turned right and found the mooring virtually vacant. We moored on the rings in the dark, at least I could not see our newly acquired scratches. Tomorrow rain is forecast in the morning clearing by lunchtime. If this proves correct, we will set off for Yelvertoft late morning.

Totals 9 Miles 10 Locks 1 Tunnel 

Running total 644 Miles 327 Locks 23 Tunnels 

Debdale Update 3

Today's visit to the boatyard revealed an almost finished boat. The final coating was applied late on Friday, which has given it the whole weekend to harden. All that remains is for the red and cream tunnel bands to be painted on the stern, for the weed hatch to be refitted and the anodes welded back on. We are anticipating a relaunch on Tuesday morning.

       

       

       

Assuming all goes to plan tomorrow, we should be ascending Foxton Locks by midday. An hour later, I suspect we will have some fresh war wounds to our newly painted hull.

       

Debdale Update 2

Yesterday we took a trip to the market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire. We walked around Barnwell Country Park which runs adjacent to the River Nene, and had our first look at the guillotine type locks found on this river familiarising ourselves with the method of operation.

Today it was back to Debdale Wharf. We saw the boat sides had been fully grit blasted and the hot zinc spray coating had been applied. The boat was also raised far higher allowing access to the base plate. It was a little unnerving walking underneath 20 odd tons of boat, held up by just four props. We are still not sure if they have caught up with the delay caused earlier in the week, due to the hoist being out of action. If they can finish applying the two pack epoxy blacking today, this will give it the required two days to harden over the weekend, if not the relaunch may have to be put back a day. 

       

       

       

   

In the photos above you can see the slight difference between the bare, grit blasted hull and the newly applied zinc, with the rubbing strake being the dividing line. Both the weed hatch above the propeller and the bow thruster tube have been treated, and we have also had the gas locker seen too.

Debdale Update 1

On a visit to the boat yard today we were shown into the grit blasting shed to see the work in progress. The top sides are protected by a tent type structure, which is then firmly taped to the hull sides. Various bits have been removed to facilitate the blasting, including the four sacrificial anodes, the bow thruster grill and the weed hatch plate. 

       

       

       

    

We also visited the village of Uppingham, and spent a few hours looking around the numerous antique shops. We found a shop specialising in antique rugs, and we have been on the look out for a (new) rug for the boat.

      

Next update will be Friday, by which time the zinc coating will have been done and the two pack resin finish, will be in the process of being applied.

Debdale Wharf

Yesterday we set off in the early morning gloom from our mooring at Foxton, for the short twenty minute cruise to Debdale Wharf. On arrival the service pontoon was partially blocked by another boat, so we moored between the bridge and the winding hole and went to report our arrival. The hoist used for lifting boats had been faulty last week, and although repaired, it had not been fitted back on the overhead gantry and tested. We therefore had a long wait ahead of us. To cut a long story short we occupied ourselves for the day by, conveying stuff to the cottage we have booked to stay in for the week, and going for walks. Finally, just before closing time they were ready to lift us out. The boat was manoeuvred into the service dock, and after some trial and error lifts the balance was found and out she came. This was the first time we had seen this part of the boat, since it's very beginning in the steel shed. I was pleased how well the hull looked, with virtually no corrosion evident.

       

                                                                  Slowly does it.

       

After spending a night on the blocks, this morning it was time for a thorough pressure wash. Once the hull was clean it was clear to see the current blacking was still in very good condition, so once the zinc treatment has been completed we should be able to maintain the hull, in virtually as new condition.

      

                                                                  Just hanging around.

After this the boat was moved into the grit blasting shed, where the top sides are shielded by a tent structure to protect the gloss finish from the next stage of the treatment. We are having the hull grit blasted from the outside edge of one gunwale, round to the other. Once this is complete the hot zinc spray will be applied to the base plate and hull sides, up to the rubbing strake. The whole hull from the gunwales down will then have a two pack epoxy resin finish.

More pictures of the process will follow as it progresses during the week. Clearly whilst this work is being carried out we have had to move off the boat. We have booked a cottage for the week in Caldecott near Rutland.

       

       

                                                            This cottage is called 'The Snug' and it is.

Today we took a trip to Rutland Water for a walk. The weather was warm and sunny and it is reported to be the best day this week, so an opportunity not to be missed.

       

       

There were plenty of dinghies sailing on the water and also the odd yacht. It reminded me of where I learnt to sail on Bewl Water in Kent, but this appears larger. After the walk we found a nice pub, 'The Wheatsheaf' in the village of Edith Weston. The boozy steak pie was the best I have ever had, and they do Sunday roasts so we are booked in. They are very dog friendly so we will let Oscar come too.

Once back to 'The Snug' Oscar, being used to home comforts on the boat, selected his spot in one of only two available armchairs. Unfortunately for him, this belonged to the two legged crew so he didn't keep his spot for very long.

       

Totals 1 Mile

Running total 635 Miles 317 Locks 22 Tunnels

Debdale Wharf

Today we set off from Union Wharf in Market Harborough in bright sunshine. It was 1030 as we reversed from our mooring being watched by our temporary neighbours who were enjoying their daily coffee morning. If ever there is a time to make an error it is when being watched by a group of experts. Fortunately we turned in the basin without incident and set off along the arm towards Foxton and the famous flight of locks.

At the junction we turned right heading towards Debdale and Leicester. We are having some work done at Debdale Wharf later in the year so this was an opportunity to see its position on the canal. We winded (turned) just prior to the wharf and found a nice spot to moor prior to the Foxton mooring zone. It is a good rural position, close enough to the pubs for lunch but far enough away to be quite. We will probably stay here for a few days, or may stretch it to a week.

       

                                      

        You can tell spring is here as this cheeky chappy made an appearance on the towpath.

Totals 7 Miles