Summary of 2012

Although it may appear from reading the blog so far that we haven't done as much cruising as we intended, we have spent a great deal of time on board Digitalis in the marina.  This has enabled us to become familiar with the boat and make some 'adjustments' as its difficult to improve or alter something that is, pretty much, as you would want it.  Here are some of the adjustments we have made:-

• Despite being an electrical engineer I engaged a marine electrician to help me 'unpack' some of the mysteries of the boats electrics.  The result was an in depth understanding of the electrics and the need to make some minor changes.  The split diode charger was changed to a voltage dependant relay which is a altogether much more efficient way splitting the charge between the starter battery and the bow thruster battery.  It was found that the battery charger had 3 outputs but only one was being used. The 2 spare outputs are now both used, one to charge the starter battery and the other to charge the bow thruster battery.  This way everything is kept fully charged whilst in the marina.
• We decided to spring clean the bathroom, which got a bit out of hand as I only wanted to regrout the tiles in the shower.  I disassembled the the shower cubicle because it was in the way,only to find I needed a new hinge for the door.  After some investigation I discovered the company, Fordham, who made the shower cubicle have been taken over by Jacuzzi UK.  Now this company are extremely helpful and I emailed them a photo of the shower cubicle and the broken parts, they were able to replace the at a more than reasonable cost.  Well worth the effort as the bathroom and shower look as good as new.
• Every interior lamp has been replaced by LED's from Braunston Chandlery
• New carpet tiles throughout
• An accumulator is now fitted in the water system to prevent the water filter facet from hissing and spitting under the direct pressure of the water pump
• A seven day timer and frost stat has been fitted to the Webasto by Webasto Marine at Evesham

Pre-Christmas Break

On Saturday 22^nd December we arrived at Napton to spend two nights aboard Digitalis with our daughter Julie who was back from Australia for a two week break.  This was the first time Julie had seen Digitalis although she had heard much about our Narrowboat from our telephone conversations.  Saturday was a relaxing day spent bottling the Sloe Gin and consuming the excess that wouldn’t fit back in the original gin bottles!For our sleeping arrangements we had to use the sofa bed for the first time and although it was not uncomfortable, getting the cushions in the right place was likened to playing “The Generation Game” at both ends of each day.  We have now decided that this sofa will be replaced by two single reclining chairs in 2013 and an inflatable matress when guests are onboard.

Sunday we had a table booked at the Folly Inn in Napton for a family Christmas Lunch. It was very special to have all the family together for the first time in 5 years.  As usual the food was excellent and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. It was great to watch the bond between our Grandchildren William and Georgia as they got to know their Auntie Julie. 

Monday morning saw us returning home to make ready for the Christmas festivities on dry land.

Day 11 - Hinckley

A bright sunny morning saw us walking Lizzie along the towpath before setting off to meet John’s cousins for lunch at ‘The Marina’.  When we arrived they were already there: Bernard & Lyn, Heather & Pete and Heathers sister Hazel & husband Ron.  Hazel & Ron live in the state of Indiana in the USA.  Ron was in the USAF at Sculthorpe, Norfolk when he met and married Hazel.  John has no recollection of meeting Hazel before, so it was quite an event.  We enjoyed the meal and catching up with everyone.  We invited everyone back to see Digitalis and cruised back up the Ashby to Bridge 22 before turning in the winding hole and returning to Hinckley.

At the end of the day - Hinckley Wharf

 

The trip ended off the day brilliantly, this being the first time Ron and Hazel had been on a narrow boat.



Day 10 - Market Bosworth to Hinckley

We left Market Bosworth in the rain giving thanks for the newly fitted stern cover.    Eventually the rain eased and we stopped to take on water at Sutton Cheney Wharf.  We hoped to moor near Bridge 17 at Hinckley but this was not to be the case but we found a mooring just a little further on at Bridge 16.

After dinner we walked along Nutts Lane to the Coventry Road to book a table for eight at the ‘The Marina’ ready for Tuesday lunchtime.  This was to be a special lunchtime get together with John’s cousins Bernard, Heather and Hazel.

Day 9 - A Day at Market Bosworth

After a leisurely morning dog walking and reading, we set off to walk into Market Bosworth for a pub lunch.  The Olde Red Lion is situated in the centre of Market Bosworth and is well worth a visit as the food is good and value for money.  We arrived first but were soon joined by Martin, Melissa, William, Georgia and finally Steven.

In the afternoon we walked to the station at Market Bosworth where there was a heavy horse show.  It was a magnificant display of Shire horses and regalia which impressed William and Georgia, we then boared the steam train to Shenton.  At the station we were able to see the wonderful display of glass blowing by artist Richard Golding, unfortunately Richard was not blowing glass on this day as he had technical problems with his furnace.  There was still enough time to walk to the Battle of Bosworth Country Park.  The children enjoyed the audio presentations en route and sitting in King Richard III and Henry Tudor’s seats around the magnificent sundial.  The day ended with a return train ride back to Market Bosworth.

Day 13 – Tusses Bridge to Hilmorton Locks

The weather forecast for the day wasn’t great so we made an early start with the canopy up.  We stopped for lunch just beyond “All Oaks Wood” near Hungerfield.  The weather did not improve as we pressed on to Rugby where we passed Andy, our instructor on the Helmsman’s course, coming in the opposite direction.

Passing by Hilmorton we went up the twin locks to moor on pins just beyond the top lock.  This is not our favoured method of mooring especially when the towpath is wet and the pins don’t feel particularly firm.

Day 12 - Hinckley to Tusses Bridge

As we made our way back down the Ashby towards Marston Junction we passed by Burton Hastings and through the cutting which bounds a static caravan park.  The caravans that are at the top of the cutting have some interesting back gardens that tumble down the cutting to the canal side.  Before reaching Marston Junction we decide to moor up for lunch.  Here Anthea has an incident slipping on a rubber fender as she made her way along the gunwale towards the bow.  Fortunately she did not finish up in the canal but did bruise her shins quite badly.

At Marston Junction we join the Coventry Canal and turn towards Hawkesbury Junction passing Charity Dock and the display of manikins. 

 

 This video is un-edited and was taken whilst at the tiller of Digitalis whilst passing by Charity Wharf.  The background sound is that of the engine of Digitalis which is interrupted by the noise of a circular saw and then a conversation with the owner of the saw which you will note was not understood!

Hawkesbury Junction is busy as usual and we are helped by a local mum and her children who were on the way to Grandmas for tea.

Mooring up for the night was always going to be close to the M6 but we did manage to find a spot close to Tusses Bridge on the Oxford Canal, that put a high hedge and trees between us and he road reducing the noise considerably.