Welford Junction

Nearly a month has passed since our last post, so here is a bit of a catch up. Monday 9/10, we set off from Norton Junction heading for the staircase locks at Watford. On arrival we were first in the queue, so began our ascent almost immediately. We also had the assistance of not one, but two volunteers. Our transit of Crick tunnel was unopposed, although we did receive our customary drenching at the northern end, due to the leaky roof. We know we are close to our winter mooring spot, when the Yelvertoft Marina wind turbine comes into view.

Being not quite ready to give up cruising just yet, at the entrance to the Marina we carried on. On arrival at bridge 21, we found a favoured spot of ours vacant, so stopped for the day. The next day we set about a few maintenance tasks. The hull of the boat is coated in a two pack epoxy paint, which is significantly better and harder wearing, than the more traditional bitumen. However even with the most expert helmsmanship skills, scratches and scrapes do occur and these need attention to prevent rusting. The product we have chosen to use is Hempel Multicoat, and its application by roller was very straightforward. With the port side of the boat completed, the following day we travelled to bridge 28 and the winding hole. There were plenty of spaces available, so once the boat was secured it was time to tackle the starboard side. We had been fortunate with the weather, but the forecast was changing, so on Thursday 12/10, we headed back to Yelvertoft, and after visiting the services dock we berthed in our usual spot. Friday 13/10 was gloriously sunny, but the wind was very strong. We were so glad we hadn't put off entering the Marina, as manoeuvring in these conditions would be next to impossible. It did not however prevent the next pre winter task, which was to wash the boat, and get a coat of protective wax applied. We now had a few days to kill before heading to Palma Mallorca for a long weekend.

 

 

 

 

All too soon our time in Palma visiting our son was over, and it was back to a dreary and increasingly colder UK. Back on the boat we were still not quite ready to stay put in the Marina, so on Wednesday 25/10, we headed out onto the cut once more. Our destination was back to bridge 21 a whole mile away, where I would stay whilst the crew popped home for a few days.

Mooring by bridge 21

  Me and the furry crew member enjoyed our respite, and also undertook a few more maintenance tasks. We also benefited from the clocks going back, enjoying an uninterrupted extra hour of sleep. The crew returned on Monday 30/10, then on Halloween we headed off for Welford Junction, a location sufficiently rural to avoid trick or treaters. On arrival we found a spot on the long straight section with mooring rings, and after securing the boat we went for a walk along the canal, to have a look at the progress of the still under construction North Kilworth Marina. The latest estimate for opening is Spring 2018. They still have a lot to do to meet that date. Wednesday 1/11, we moved off after breakfast, and at Welford Junction turned left heading towards Foxton. Soon we were entering Husband Bosworth tunnel, aware that CRT were conducting a tunnel inspection. We encountered the working boat in the middle of the tunnel and it bounced us hard into the tunnel wall. I was expecting to see damaged paintwork, when we emerged into the daylight, but fortunately we had escaped unscathed. The remainder of the cruise to Foxton Locks was pleasant, and after filling the water tank, we walked down the flight to the Foxton Locks Inn for lunch.

Taking on water at Foxton Locks

  Thursday 2/11, we took four legs for a walk down the flight of locks, turning around at Debdale Wharf a trip of about four miles. Back at the boat with the weather fine and dry, it was time to wash and wax the starboard side. This was the last of the exterior, winter maintenance tasks completed. Friday 3/11, we travelled back towards Welford. Our transit of Husband Bosworth tunnel was unopposed, and once through, we stopped at North Kilworth Wharf to obtain diesel and coal. We hope this small business survives the new Marina, when it eventually opens. Continuing on to the junction we turned left, and travelled the short arm, to the solitary lock and Welford. After winding at the end of the arm, we popped into the Wharf Inn for lunch. We also booked in for a Sunday roast.  Saturday 4/11, we took the furry crew for his daily walk, and opted to have a look at the nearby reservoir. whilst we don't like wet weather it certainly needs a prolonged period of rain the replenish these levels.

Low water at Welford

  Over the past few days the weather has become distinctly colder and this morning was no exception. Up until now we have in the main relied on our diesel heater to warm up the boat but now the solid fuel stove has been put into use.

At lunchtime we wandered off to the Wharf Inn for our roast dinner. I opted for the pheasant and would thoroughly recommend it. Back at the boat we decided to move back to the junction in readiness for our return to Yelvertoft tomorrow.

Mooring at Welford Junction

   

• Totals Monday.      9/10.         7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel
•          Wednesday 11/10.        2 Miles
•          Thursday.   12/10.        3 Miles
•          Wednesday 25/10.        1 Mile
•          Tuesday.     31/10.        7 Miles
•          Wednesday.  1/11.        7 Miles 1 Tunnel
•          Friday.         3/11.         8 Miles 1 Lock 1 Tunnel
•          Sunday.       5/11.         1 Mile 1 Lock
• Running total 266 Miles 60 Locks 14 Tunnels 

   

Elkington

Having spent a wet, and very windy Monday at Welford, it was time to move on. After breakfast we had the opportunity to test the reversing capabilities of our new axiom propeller, as we needed water and the water point was three hundred yards to our rear. I would like to report that I was able to reverse the whole distance, including rounding a slight bend, without the use of the front rudder aka the bow thruster, but alas it was not to be. Still whilst filling with water we were logged by the CRT boat checker, possibly for the first time this year, and then at 11 o'clock we were underway. The sun was shining but there was a slight breeze which was bitterly cold. We negotiated the single lock, and continued on towards the junction. We had considered turning right and popping along to Foxton for the day, but the weather tomorrow is not looking good. At the junction it was left, on a return journey towards Yelvertoft. We however were going to be stopping before then, at a frequent location of ours, near to bridge 27. Both the crew hopped ashore at bridge 33, in order to provide four legs with his exercise. Not long after, he was seen to be examining something in the hedgerow a little too closely. This usually means he has found something disgusting to stick his nose into. However on this occasion it turned out to be coiled grass snake, sunning itself in the spring sunshine. On arrival at our intended spot, we found we were alone and so had our choice of mooring. During the afternoon several boats have passed by with none stopping.  

 

  The views from our side hatch over the canal, show what a pleasant rural spot this is. It was on a visit to this spot over the winter, that cost me a propeller, so I am hoping whatever we hit has been moved since we were last here.  

• Totals 7 Miles 1 Lock
• Running total 22 Miles 2 Locks

Welford

This morning we arose when the alarm clock, aka the diesel heater went off. The sun was streaming in through the roof prisms, however upon opening the side hatches, the sky was disappointingly cloudy. The forecast was for some very gusty winds, and these seemed to be building by the minute. After breakfast we were underway, 200 yards to the junction, and then turning right towards Welford. The arm is quite overgrown and shallow in places, but it was not long before reaching the solitary lock. The gates were already open in our favour, so it was straight in at which point the furry crew member, kept his beady eye on things from the bridge above.

Once through the lock it was only a few hundred yards to the end of the arm. The 48 hr spot at the far end was full, so we winded and moored opposite the Marina. Lunch was taken in the Wharf Inn, where we met fellow Hudson owners from nb ATLAST. The afternoon was spent watching England crumble at the final hurdle, in pursuit of a second Grand Slam. Looking at the weather forecast, we will stay put till Tuesday, when it appears we have some decent sunshine to look forward too.  

• Totals 1 Mile 1 Lock
• Running total 15 Miles 1 Lock

 

 

 

Yelvertoft Marina

On Thursday 19/5 we departed Welford after topping up the water at the end of the arm. As we winded we saw a narrowboat belonging to the Mikron theatre who travel the waterways putting on shows. There is to be a beer festival at the Wharf Inn in mid June and the Mikron are booked to perform.

       

During our time at Welford we explored the reservoirs that feed water into the canal system, and following our exercise we sampled the pub food on offer.

       

       

After passing through the single lock we arrived at the junction turning left for Yelvertoft, then enjoying a two half hour cruise through the countryside. We took up a mooring just after bridge 21 and this would be my spot whilst the two legged crew abandoned ship for the weekend. Myself and the furry crew member spent the weekend doing our chores ( relaxing ) and also doing a spot of fishing.

                                  

On Wednesday 25/5 the ships company back to full strength we made the short hop to Yelvertoft marina and our pre booked berth for the week. We are now safely secured and looking forward to visiting the Crick Boat Show.

Totals 19/5. 9 Miles 1 Lock

Totals  25/5. 1 Mile

Running total 120 Miles 70 Locks 5 Tunnels

Welford

Having spent the weekend very close to our winter home, making use of the car to go shopping, and also taking a trip to The Folly at Napton for Sunday lunch, it was time to move on. We had no hard and fast plan today, we would just see how it went. The mooring between bridges 27 and 28 which is a regular spot for us was busy, so on we went. By the time we reached Welford Junction the sun was still warm, so we decided to go along the Welford Arm to the end. We turned right just ahead of another boat heading from the direction of North Kilworth, and entered a shaded leafy overgrown section of canal. Rounding a bend in the canal, we saw a familiar large white and brown dog. It was Winston, closely followed by our friends from nb Cream Cracker, walking towards the junction. This was a pleasant surprise, which became even more pleasant when we arranged to meet later in the garden of the Wharf Inn for afternoon drinks. Close to Welford there must be an airfield with a popular gliding club, as we often see the tug aircraft towing a glider, only to return a few minutes later minus its load, ready for the next one.

       

                                                      This one is still on its way up.

We will stay here a day or two before returning towards Yelvertoft ahead of the weekend, when the two legged crew is planning to abandon ship for a few days. Me, and the furry crew member have already planned our relaxation schedule.

Totals 9 Miles 1 Lock

Running total 110 Miles 69 Locks 5 Tunnels 

Welford

Yesterday we set off at 0750 for the bottom of Foxton Locks. Having checked in with the on duty lock keeper, we were given the first slot for ascending the flight. There were 3 boats descending at the same time, so we were held in the centre pound to allow them to pass before continuing. The whole flight took an hour and ten minutes, including the enforced wait. It was however a good opportunity for a cuppa and a few photos.

        

                       The two crew watching the boats forcing the skipper to make his own tea.

        

                            A motorised hang-glider with a birdseye view of the proceedings.

On arrival at Welford we moored opposite the small Marina, at the end of the arm close to the Wharf Inn PH.

        

                                                           Moorings at Welford.

Today we took a 4 mile walk along the towpath, ending up back at the Wharf Inn for lunch. On return to the boat a quick check of the weather tomorrow confirms we should be ok to move off, back to Yelvertoft in the morning. We plan to stop a couple of bridges before the marina, so then we only have a short distance to go on Friday morning.

Totals 8 Miles 11 Locks 1 Tunnel

Welford

Weekly update - We only spent a day moored in the Foxton zone, preferring the quite rural areas rather than the busy tourist spots. It is funny sitting in the boat listening to what people say as they walk past. "Oh look they've got a chimney and there is smoke coming out" and similar things. 

We departed on Wednesday and travelled about 1 1/2 miles before stopping for the day. 

On Thursday during our daily walk we ended up in Foxton village. We found the Black Horse PH and as it was lunchtime decided to try the cuisine. They had a very good choice on the menu and specials board. Another plus is they are dog friendly. Oscar is settling into the routine at pubs well, knowing that if he behaves he will be given treats. Foxton is a lovely rural village with some large expensive looking homes. We were told that a farm shop is currently being built close to,the canal so that should be good for supplies when it's finished.

We had a lazy day on Friday and then on Saturday we set off for Welford. The trip had a few interesting moments. Due to the high winds some small trees had been blown down and in two places had partially blocked the canal. On one occasion we had to resort to using the pole to push us past an obstruction. Once through Husband Bosworth tunnel we arrived at North Kilworth Wharf. Here we topped up the water tank and also filled with diesel. We only pay the full rate of duty on the diesel we use for propulsion which I have assessed to be 20%. The remainder is cheaper as it is used for domestic stuff like heating, battery charging etc.

At Welford junction we turned left and travelled the 2 miles along the Welford arm for the first time. There is just one lock prior to the wharf which was set in our favour. At the end of the arm is a winding hole where we turned. We had some shopping to do and I also lit the stove. An hour later we returned to the junction and turned left and moored a couple of hundred yards along on the mooring rings. Soon after we arrived we were joined by at least six other boats, so lots of neighbours tonight.

Today was a maintenance day. We have a tarry/rusty residue seeping from between the chimney and the chimney collar. This has made a mess on the roof which now needs to be cleaned. We have tried using WD40, as this was recommended, with limited success. When we get back to Yelvertoft we will have to obtain something better. The second job of the day was dealing with an increasing loss of coolant from the engine. This entailed cleaning and drying the bilge first then running the engine until the leak showed its self. This required some close inspection of various joints in a tight engine bay. Not easy unless you slim and flexible which i am not. An added complication is the necessity to lay across a hot engine.

                                        Not much room in which to work

                         At one point I was upside down to reach the deepest area

Whilst I had the engine bay opened up like this I thought it would be prudent to check all the hose clips  and was pleased to find that it was only the one that was leaking that was lose. This included the hoses to our Hurricane diesel heater which provides us with programmable hot water and central heating if and when required. Again not much room is available for inspection so this is one benefit of camera phones which can be positioned in the small space to obtain a photo of the item needing inspection. By doing this I have been able to confirm that the Hurricane as only been running for 83 hours. We don't need to service this until it has done 1000 hours so some way off yet.

     The fitters must have rubber arms to connect all that pipe work together in this space

We will stay put for a couple of days, making an intermediate stop on the way back to Yelvertoft. We aim to be there on Friday as there is a Halloween party on Saturday which we are attending. By late afternoon all the other boats on the mooring had departed, so now we are all alone. It is now dark (17.30) outside due to the clocks going back. I for one will be happy if this is stopped next year as I prefer the lighter evenings.

Windy in Welford

Weekly update - Having spent 13 days moored in Yelvertoft it was time to move on. It was only a short hop to bridge 19 and the water point where we had a fill up. This seems to take anything between half an hour to 45 minutes. Oscar is usually off the boat during this time and not much escapes his attention, especially a dripping tap.

             Oscar testing the water quality

I should state that during our stay near Yelvertoft we visited the Knightley Arms P.H. for our Sunday lunch. I can say without doubt it was the best pub meal that we have had. Once the water tank was filled it was onwards towards a regular mooring spot near bridge 28. Although this is a nice south facing spot we only stayed one day.

Welford junction was our next port of call. There is straight stretch of canal with mooring rings just prior to the junction. We arrived here on the Friday and planned on staying the weekend. The mooring slowly filled and one boat in particular caught my attention. I went and spoke with the occupants and confirmed my initial thoughts. It was Ian and Irene from Free Spirit whose blog can be viewed in my blog list. It is great meeting fellow bloggers especially experienced ones who can give us advice about our new lifestyle. Free Spirit is our second blogger meeting, having met Seyella, also in my blog list a couple of weeks ago.

The weather on Saturday was a bit hit and miss with the rain, however it was really mild. Today we woke to clear blue sky and bright sunshine. The wind however was fairly blustery. Being Sunday it was pub lunch day, so we walked the couple of miles into Welford for lunch at the Wharf Inn. We found our usual table free and Oscar was remembered from last time. Following a visit to the village shop we returned to the boat for an afternoon of relaxing.

Our plan for the next week is to travel back to Foxton and stay there a while. This means an earlyish start tomorrow and the deployment of the tunnel light. This will however be weather dependant. Whatever happens, if the forecast is to be believed, then we don't want to be moving on Tuesday.

Bridge 43 nr North Kilworth

Well after posting last night two boats turned up where we were moored so we were not alone for long.

Stayed in bed this morning as we could hear it raining outside. This stopped however after we got up so a quick breakfast then a short walk past the junction towards North Kilworth. We noted some mooring places but as we got to bridge 43 there was a secluded single spot available. A quick check with the compass showed that there were no trees in the line of sight to the sky satellite. We returned to the boat and brought her forward the half mile or so to what will be recorded in our route guide as a good spot.

                  Signpost left to Foxton,right to Welford and return to Norton Junction.

                              Oscar being walked to our next location.

                        Looking forward towards bridge and North Kilworth.

           View from above. No neighbours for the next few days unless on a small boat.

After securing the boat and lining up the sky dish it was lunchtime. Both of us are surprised how quickly the time seems pass. In the afternoon we walk upto the boat yard at North Kilworth to see what the facilities are like. We will need some of their services in few days time. Once back at the boat I put the chimney up just in case the stove needs to go on this evening. Oscar went to sleep on the sofa.

Totals 1/2 Mile

Welford Junction

Set off this morning at 10 am with grey sky and a chilly breeze. The intention was to continue north towards Welford Junction. This is where a short one and a half mile stretch of canal leaves the Leicester arm and terminates at a wharf in the village of Welford. Just prior to the terminus is a single lock. We moored before the junction as it is our intention to continue our journey north for a while and there where some handy mooring rings where we were stopping.

                                         Welford Junction ahead in the gloom.

                                 Our mooring - As you can see all alone for now.

The trip took took two hours and on route we noted some very nice secluded moorings that we shall use in the future. After lunch we walked upto the junction and then down the Welford Arm to the terminus and the pub. The Wharf Inn had been recommended so we rested there a while before walking up to the village shop.

On our return Oscar saw another dog on the opposite bank of the canal and this dog was playing with a frisbee. Now Oscar has one of these and he decided to play as well only between him and the other dog was about 20 feet of canal. The obvious happened whilst running full speed and unable to stop Oscar ended up 7 or 8 feet from the bank in the canal. His head disappeared and when it bobbed up again he swam for the bank. He looked like a drown rat when first pulled out.

                    A dripping wet Oscar.

Still at least we now know if he falls in that he can swim ok. Fortunately the sun was now shining and our walk back was in the warm giving him time to dry before we got home.

Totals 5 Miles