Fradley to Rugeley

The day started out well, we were up early, I took Dudley for his morning walk then back to LJ for coffee before we set off. I walked up to the little swing bridge before Fradley Junction then it was a left turn onto the Trent and Mersey and straight into Middle Lock, the volunteer lock keepers had already arrived and were preparing the locks for approaching boats, we were soon up that one and also Shadehouse Lock which also had a volunteer helping out. He warned us there was only one paddle working on Wood End Lock (about half a mile away) so it may be a bit slow filling.

Fradley Junction

When we arrived the left gate was already open, I seemed to vaguely remember it re-opening when we have passed through it before. I opened the right gate and as James was bring LJ in I noticed the left gate wasn't completely open so went across the bridge and tried to shove it open, it wouldn't go so I shouted to James that it wouldn't open any further just as the bow was heading into the lock, he put it into reverse to stop but it just kept going long enough to get wedged and he couldn't reverse out. I went and opened the top paddle to flush it out and that worked. We then tried to clear the obstruction with our pole and tried filling the lock a bit then emptying to try and flush whatever it was out but no luck. After about half an hour and some help from passers by we still couldn't get the gate completely opened so I called CRT, being Sunday I had to ring the emergency number and it was answered within a couple of rings, I then explained to the helpful lady the problem and where, she said she would let the area supervisor know immediately and he would call me back. 45 minutes later no call and a couple more boats had arrived, then a couple of CRT guys arrived and basically tried what we had already done, we all came to the conclusion that the paddle holder had come loose and was sticking out preventing the gate from being fully opened and they thought it was probably still held on by one bolt at the bottom and that's what the problem was. 

They asked a boat to come into the lock from the top, emptied it and then went on the bow to try and clear it, eventually the gate was able to open fully so they suggested to get as many of the waiting boats through as possible, they didn't know how long it would stay out of the way for, and then they would try and tie it up and bag the paddle out of use as a temporary fix as there would now be potential for the paddle to fall out of line. We were next in the lock and all was fine and we were on our way again. So well done CRT for doing a temporary fix quickly and getting everyone on their way again.

Three now waiting to go up, there were two waiting to come down

We continued on for a few miles and passed the Armitage factory where the loos are made, and then met a boat on a wide part of the canal that was right over our side, they passed by with us being right up against the tow path bank and them being about an inch from the other side. James asked if they didn't like their side of the canal but didn't get a response at all. Next was a boat just coming through a bridge hole on a blind bend, luckily the boat was going slow and James managed to get LJ out of the way.

Our first ducklings of the year

On approaching Armitage tunnel, which has had its roof removed I jumped off and checked it was clear as you can't see right through, there was a boat coming so I signalled for James to wait, I walked through as James was coming through and a boat was approaching from the other way I signalled for him to stop but got no response, then LJ appeared and James had the tunnel light on so he could see it and eventually stopped. We have come through this way a good few times now, there are signs each end to send a crew member to check it's clear before entering and not once have I seen the crew of another boat checking.

We topped up with water after Hawkesyard Hall, just before a sharp blind right turn and bridge, James walked up to check if it was clear before pushing off and a boat was approaching so we waited until it past, then set off, just as he was about to sound the horn, just in case a boat was following, we heard one being sounded the other way and quick reverse again to get out of the way, the steerer of that boat said no-one was behind him so off we went again, sounded the horn only to hear one from the other way back so again reverse. Third time lucky and we were through.

We stopped shortly afterwards in Rugeley ready to do a big Tesco 'stock-up' shop tomorrow and head to the Post Office to post a couple of pen orders off.

8.5 miles and 3 locks 

TOTAL 111 miles and 126 locks

Fazeley to Fradley

We decided on a walk into Tamworth on this visit, the last couple of times we've past through Fazeley we hadn't ventured into the town. We walked along the river which was running fast, then under the dual carriageway bridge, murals have now been painted and it really has brightened it up, I do hope the graffiti stays away. The castle and gardens were looking lovely as usual along with the rest of the parkland and was certainly being enjoyed by a lot of people. The town itself hasn't changed although we did notice there are a good few empty units in the Anker Shopping Centre now.

As we were conveniently moored opposite the CRT office at Peel's Wharf we asked them if it was ok to arrange a delivery there, James needed some more supplies for The Pen Maker's Boat. So with the order being despatched the same day it arrived the following day, we popped across to collect it and was surprised it had been opened, apparently it was opened in error as they thought it was for some there with the same surname, even though it had our boat name straight after the surname! Never mind it was complete and saved us having to use the Post Restante service at the Post Office, which is usually very good but we have had a problem with one in the past so it puts us off using ones we haven't used before.

Whilst James was getting on with pen making I managed to get a few outside jobs done, we had a lovely sunny day on Thursday so I managed to get quite a bit done.

Thursday evening we went to our favourite Indian restaurant, Kudos, and they didn't disappoint, it was delicious but the portions were huge and believe it or not we couldn't manage it all, we came home with a 'doggy bag' - not for Dudley though.

Very flooded, on one of my evening strolls with Dudley

River Tame with a very fast flow

Yesterday our intention was an early start but it was raining and windy so we put it off for a few hours, that few hours turned into a few more and we finally headed off around 2pm in the lovely sun.

hmmm, which side to moor, do we want to stay 48 hours or 2 days - such a decision

Swans nesting

Approaching Huddlesford Junction

Leading up to Ogley Junction on the Wryley and Essington when the restoration happens

We reached Fradley just after 6pm, I had walked some of the way with Dudley then took over steering whilst James went and prepared dinner so it was ready as soon as we arrived. The moorings before the junction were full so we just tagged on the end  but it was a bit shallow at the sides, never mind we were only staying overnight.

10.5 miles and 0 locks

TOTAL 102.5 miles and 123 locks

Catch Up

It’s been quite a while sine the last blog so time for a catch up.

Going back to when we were in Fazeley a few weeks ago, we met up with Bob and June nb Autumn Myst and had an enjoyable evening catching up over a bottle of wine and then again the following morning over coffee. Dudley had his first experience of another dog, Bob and June’s latest Guide Dog puppy Ecco who is a nine month old black lab (well 10 months old now!!). Ecco was very patient and put up with Dudley springing around her trying to play. Bob took some lovely photos of them together, here’s a link to them here.

Bob and June

Ecco and Dudley

On the Monday Dudley had his second vaccination jab and micro chip, his was very brave and didn’t make a fuss at all, even though there was quite a bit of blood from the micro chip. On Tuesday we made our way to Alvecote, we had a space booked for the floating market at Alvecote Marina with the bonus of electric hook up, so I managed to get quite a few wash loads done.

The market started on the Friday and as it was a ‘normal’ day it was fairly quite, Saturday rain stopped play early and Sunday was very windy, still not bad sales wise. Bank Holiday Monday the weather was better and people were out in force, it was a very successful day for us so well worth going. In the evening we headed over to the Samuel Barlow pub where we met up with a couple of the other traders and kept poor Matthew there until after midnight.

Alvecote Floating Market

The Samuel Barlow

We left in a few days before leaving as the weather was horrid, wet and really windy, when we finally left on Wednesday we only went back to Fazeley for a couple of days. We got a takeaway from Kudos, the Indian restaurant we have often been to when passing through, but with Dudley now and as he’s not been on his own we had  take away instead, which was excellent and James even got a free bottle of beer.

After Fazeley it was onto Fradley and right turn onto the Trent and Mersey Canal. We had intended stopping at the visitor moorings between the locks, but unfortunately they were full as it was quite late in the day by the time we arrived. We carried on down through Hunt Lock and then Common Lock stopping on a nice straight grassy section which Dudley loved as he could run around off the lead.

On Friday we left Fradley behind and dropped down through Alrewas onto the river section, there was hardly any flow and the level just reached the green section on the board so all was well. We continued on past the really noisy stretch which runs adjacent to the busy A38 and stopped at Branston Water Park. Just a little way down the canal there is a house that was selling rhubarb at its back gate which backs onto the canal, so we had a few sticks and made crumble. We had a very short stroll through the water park, but hopefully will stop here again on the way back.

Saturday we headed through Burton-upon-Trent to Willington, we managed to squeeze onto a mooring just after the pub. Sunday we set up shop to and made a few sales so it was certainly worth doing. On Monday we headed off back to Burton-upon-Trent ready for the Roving Canal Traders Floating Market over the Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend.

30 Miles and 16 locks

Total 192 Miles and 173 Locks

Rugeley to Fazeley

On Saturday we had a stroll into Rugeley to pick up a few bits and pieces from town, on the way back to LJ we saw Ian and Irene from FreeSpirit making their way into town, we stopped for a quick chat. When we got back to LJ they were moored immediately in front of us so a bit more catching up on their return from shopping before they continued on their journey. 

Bye Ian and Irene, hopefully have a proper get together later in the year

We set off just after lunch and were in a convoy with two boats in front and one behind us. it made it easy at the now roofless Armitage Tunnel, as it is so narrow and you cant see on coming boats you have to check it's all clear before proceeding, with two boats in front we could follow on. It's the first time I have actually been on the boat going through this section.

Spode House and Hawkesyard Hall

Armitage Tunnel

This was the boat behind - very narrow section

Spode Cottage is a pub

The Armitage loos ready for dispatch

And the factory where they're made

As we continued on the boat immediately in front of us stopped so when we got to Wood End Lock we didn't have to wait too long. We stopped just before Shadehouse Lock and managed to get a spot on the visitor moorings there.

Shadehouse Lock Moorings

We stayed there Sunday, it was fairly busy with boats coming and going so we stayed put and I got my sewing machine out and continued on with my current project. It was mid afternoon and about 30 boats had passed by during the course of the day (according the the lock keeper) James had put a springer on the rear rope and we were pretty secure,  LJ had barely moved as the many boats passed. Suddenly there was a loud clattering sound and we surged forward, there was a boat racing past us and the speed he was going ripped our piling hooks at the back through the piling, I went to the front to see us drifting about 2ft from the bank , I shouted out to the steerer if he had realised how fast he was going, his reply - sorry I was talking and got distracted - unbelievable. It was only when we went out to re-secure LJ to the bank that we realised the damage that was caused due to our sudden movement, a part of the piling stuck out and our fender being moved with the boat. So thank you nb Dawn Mist the person who has this weeks share has caused us damaged due to their incompetence, bloody selfishness and lack of ability to talk and control his boat at the same time.

In need of a bit of TLC

On Monday we headed down the two locks to Fradley Junction where we turned right onto the Coventry Canal. Dudley seems to be loving sitting watching whilst we are on the move, but at times it all gets too much for him. We continued onto Fazeley Junction and turned right popping into Fazeley Mill Marina before heading back to Fazeley and mooring outside Peels Wharf.

Dudkey got a little tired

Spring is finally here

I love these yellow fields

Fazeley Mill

Back at Peels Wharf for a few days

18.5 miles and 3 locks

TOTAL 162 miles and 157 locls