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

Rugeley - Westport Lake, Stoke-on-Trent

Rugeley - Shugborough

Going back to last Monday, after a final visit to Tesco we left Rugeley with full cupboards. It was drizzling most of the way so no photos. We made our way through Colwich Lock and moored up shortly after outside Shugborough Hall just in time before it poured down.

5 miles and 1 lock

Shugborough - Stone

We just stayed the night here, it was windy and raining and we had no phone or internet signal. The forecast for early morning was best and as we wanted to get to Stone we set off early to avoid the worst of the weather. It was so still and sunny when we left but the wind was gradually picking up throughout the journey.  We went through the four locks at Stone and moored up on the visitor moorings at the top.

10 miles and 9 locks

Stone - Westport Lake, Stoke-on-Trent

We have been lucky and have had a few sunny days, although a bit of a cool breeze. It's been great having the lakes on the doorstep so we've been doing lots of exploring around them and Dudley had his first paddle. I needed to pick up a few bits in Stoke-on-Trent so as James was still catching up with the pen making I walked to Longport and got the train into Stoke. We have now removed the roof boxes again and the roof has had a good clean ready to go through Harecastle Tunnel tomorrow.

12 miles and 10 locks

TOTAL 237 miles and 208 locks

Burton-upon-Trent - Alrewas - Rugeley

We were all made to feel very welcome by the people of Burton-upon-Trent at the recent floating market. There were ten boats trading at Shobnall Fields, and I think it’s fair to say we all had a successful weekend. The weather was kind to us with only a little drizzle on the Sunday. On Saturday evening we had a boaters get together around a few BBQs over on the field side of our trading area, it also happened to be our 23rd wedding anniversary. It was great to meet up with some familiar faces again and also meet a few new people and hope to see more of them in our travels.

The floating market, we're on the first on the right

Open and ready to start selling

James at work

Not everyone had arrived when I took this

Dudley seemed to really enjoy himself and was chief ‘Meeter and Greeter’. We were the end boat on the towpath side so he was kept very busy. He was even recognised when I took him out for an evening walk to Horninglow, as I was passing someone walking with their dog he asked him if my dog was Dudley, the guy had seen us up at the market the previous day.

One lady who bought a pen was so pleased with it she came back the next day with a couple of lovely souvenirs of Burton for us.

Our last trading day was Bank Holiday Monday but I think we all stayed around recovering on the Tuesday. We had sold quite a bit of our stock so James will now be busy getting prepared for the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival which we are booked into for the middle of June. We will slowly be making our way up there, let’s hope we get some nice weather.

We left Burton-upon-Trent on Wednesday and made our way to Alrewas, our plan was to top up with water and moor a little further on near the cemetery. We went through the river section and James dropped me off at the lock landing of Alrewas lock, I got the lock ready and James set off to enter, he seemed to be having a little difficulty and when eventually entered the lock said something was round the prop and he was hardly moving. So we went up the lock, off the river, where luckily enough there was a free mooring just after the lock landing. It was my turn down the weed hatch where I retrieved some thick brightly coloured rope, along with a couple of plastic bags and a bit of weed. It was a nice spot and as we weren't desperate for water so stayed put.

On the Rover Trent

Heron fishing in the weir

On Thursday the weather was quite nice so James was busy with his lathe whilst I did a bit of Spring cleaning and went for a stroll along the river with Dudley.

Yesterday once the worst of the rain had passed we set off through Alrewas and onto Fradley where there were three volunteers helping at the locks, which was much appreciated. It was then on through Armitage where James told me we had enough pictures of the loos so I didn’t take one this time. At the old tunnel I got off with Dudley to check the way was clear to see a boat coming through in the opposite direction just sounding his horn as he came through, I can totally understand if he was on his own, but there were three people sat on the front deck. There are signs both sides which say to send a crew member to check if its clear, I wonder if anyone else actually does this.

We arrived at Rugeley where the visitor moorings looked quite busy so tagged on the end as a visit to Tesco was needed.

Moored at Rugeley

18 miles and 15 locks

Total 210 miles and 188 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

Stafford to Rugeley

Last Friday morning we moved LJ the few hundred yards to Stafford Club, where Peter the Habourmaster saw us in. Enterprise arrived soon after we had tied up and we were on our way for a couple of days to West Wales to visit Pam and Pete.

Just arrived at Stafford Boat Club

Moored up for the weekend

Inside the marina

LJ on the canal mooring

On Saturday we headed down to Tenby and had a wander through the town ending up with a bit of lunch over looking the beach. The sun was out but there was a bit of a chilly wind but lovely in sheltered places. In the evening we went out to the local Indian restaurant and enjoyed a lovely curry.

The lovely view from Pam and Pete's

Enjoying dinner at Abduls

Sunday morning arrived and we left for a very important appointment in Tipton. Today was 'Dudley Day' and we were picking up our little 9 week old Patterdale Terrier. We then drove to Tamworth so he could have his first vaccination, this had taken some working out as the second one is due in two weeks and we needed to work out where we would be as we wouldn't have the car then. It was the a drive back to Stafford to introduce Dudley to his new home.

James and Dudley relaxing after the journey

Dudley in his man cave

On Monday I dropped the car back to a very busy Enterprise office, where I had to wait 10 or 15 minutes for a lift back to Stafford Boat Club. The manager was very apologetic, he was also on his own with phones constantly ringing and customers coming in. It was no problem waiting I'm always just grateful they offer the pick and drop back service.

Once I arrived back we said our goodbyes to Peter, the Harbourmaster and made a very short journey to the road bridge closest to town. This was Dudley's first trip and he was so tired he spent it asleep in his bed and didn't know much about it.

Tuesday was his first proper journey and although he was a little nervous was very interested in his surroundings. We stopped for a bit of lunch, which we would have normally had on the move, then continued on to Tixall Wide.

Patiently waitng, the male swan was constantly patrolling

Quick lunch stop, lovely spot just a shame it's so close to the railway

Dudley enjoying the view and sun

We stayed a couple of days at Tixall catching up with pen related work and set off on Thursday, at Great Haywood Junction we turned right onto the Trent and Mersey Canal and soon after Dudley was going through his first lock. We stopped short of Rugeley just before the aqueduct.

Spotted this at Tixall lock

In the garden at Tixall Lock

Dudley having a reassuring cuddle through his first lock

Just before the aqueduct at Rugeley

Yesterday we moved to Rugeley town visitor moorings on the doorstep of the Tesco Superstore.

Another patient swan

Rugeley visitor moorings were very quiet

Dudley is settling in really well and enjoys running up and down the boat, it will be great after he's had his second vaccination and we will be able to take him for proper walks and not just carries. 

11 miles and 3 locks

TOTAL 143.5 miles and 154 locks