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• Every interior lamp has been replaced by LED's from Braunston Chandlery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.

Day 8 – Shackerstone to Market Bosworth

As we have breakfast we can here railway engines in steam with great clouds of smoke and steam emerging from behind the trees.  After breakfast we walk to Shackerstone station and find we have to purchase a platform ticket for a £1 to gain access to the station.  Platform tickets are a thing of the past and back in the ‘Good old days’ these cost 1d (that’s one old penny!).  The platform ticket gives us access to the Museum and the station tea room where the home made cakes can only be described as excellent value for money.  We meet several people who have had the misfortune of being on the platform when the last train departed and are covered in sooty ‘smuts’.  As the train arrives we beat a hasty retreat not wishing to indulge in a coating of soot!

We spent the afternoon cruising to Market Bosworth, stopping off Sutton Cheney Wharf to top up with water.  We arrived at the 48 hour moorings by Bridge 42 around 4:00pm.  With shopping for provisions a necessity we set off to Market Bosworth town centre which is about ¾ mile from the bridge. As we walk up station Road towards the town centre we pass the Market Bosworth Golf and Country Club.  A hoarding announces that the golf and country club was due to be completed in 2009.  Whilst there was plenty of evidence that the golf course was complete and maturing, the porta cabins bore little or no resemblance to the artist impression of the country club!  Market Bosworth has a plentiful supply shops and pubs around the market place.  We booked Sunday lunch at the Old Red Lion which seemed the best value.  Fish ‘n’ Chips was planned to be our evening meal but we could see no prospect of getting back to Digitalis and them still be hot.  Note to self: get the bikes on Digitalis then distant shops would not be a problem!

Day 14 – Hilmorton to Napton

Our last cruising day starts in beautiful sunshine and Anthea & Lizzie walk the towpath for some miles.  After re-joining Digitlas we are chased by really black clouds as we head back towards Braunston.  We press on in the hope that they don’t catch us up.  At Braunston we turn right towards Napton, somehow the clouds seem not to have followed us, so we sat in the sun to eat our sandwiches.  No sooner had we finished lunch when the black clouds sneak up behind us and seizing their opportunity, dump a load of really cold rain on us before we have a chance to get the canopy up.  Now thoroughly wet we cruise on to Napton and back to the Marina. Upon reflection and  overlooking the recent wetting, we agree we have had a splendid fortnight, re-enforcing our decision to change our lifestyle.

Day 7 – Congerstone to Shackerstone via Snarestone

In the morning we walked to Shackerstone and the northerly end of the Battlefield Line.  Here we found that the railway would be open at the weekend and that they are planning a heavy horse display on Saturday and Sunday at Market Bosworth.  As we walked back to Digitalis for lunch we picked more blackberries.

After lunch we set off to the end of the Ashby Canal which is just beyond Snarestone.     The canal used to go all the way to Moira but due over mining of coal the canal collapsed but there is a plan to restore the canal to its former glory.  Where the Ashby Canal currently terminates we moor and see much evidence of the restoration programme.  After a brief look around we cruise back to Snarestone where we moor for the night.

Day 6 – Shenton to Congerstone

After breakfast we walked to Shenton which is at the southerley end of the Battlefield Line where you can take a ride on a steam train at the weekends.  At Shenton station we watched an amazing artistic glass blower Richard Golding producing very colourful ‘T’ light holders in a variety of patterns.  The display of his work has to be seen to be believed.  There is also a potter on the other side of the rail track where we saw some very ornate items in production.

From Shenton station we took a circular walk which took us to the Battle of Bosworth Visitor Centre.  Here we learnt some interesting facts about the Battle of Bosworth – ‘The war of the Roses’.  There is also a large sundial in the grounds of visitor centre that shows the principle characters on both sides of the war.  We saw the coffin of King Richard at the visitor centre which poses the question “What about the burial site at Grey Friars in Leicester where the remains of the same King Richard have been recently discovered?  Along the circular walk were a number of information posts, some of which displayed armour and weapons whilst others were recordings that you can listen to.  King Richards well can also be seen on the walk, where the King is reputed to have drunk from before the battle.

After lunch we cruised up the canal passing by Bosworth Wharf to moor at Congerstone some 5 miles north of Shenton.  Contrary to the forecast the weather has been good so in the evening we decide to take a walk into Congerstone to have a drink at the pub but the pub turns out to be a classy restaurant/wine bar, not best suited to boaters and their dogs.

Day 5 - Hinckley to Shenton

Today is wash day - another new experience!  This involves not only the washing machine but also the 'Travel Power' unit which has not previously been called into service.  As it turns out this is not a problem.  We travel out of Hinckley through mainly argricultural countryside to moor up at Stoke Golding.

After lunch we set out on a circular walk from Bridge 27 to Stoke Golding, through the village to rejoin the towpath at Bridge 25.  The hoisery factory in Stoke Golding has been converted into apartments and is now called the 'Courtyard'.  Mounted on the wall of the 'Courtyard' is a clock that was presented to the village of Stoke Golding.  The clock has subsequently been restored and represented in 1952 at the time of the accession of Queen Eliabeth II.  The station at Stoke Golding is a station that never was on a railway that never carried a train.  The railway was dismantled in 1900. 

We cruised towards Shenton stopping off at Sutton Cheney Wharft to take on water.  The promised showers began and they chased  as we made our way along the canal.  As we looked back there was a beautiful rainbow and some rather dark clouds.

Wash day worked out well!

Day 4 - Following the Ashby Canal to Shenton

A new day and the rain has stopped.  After breakfast we set off up the Ashby Canal, Anthea and Lizzie walking the towpath whilst John was at the helm of Digitalis.  At Bridge 8 Anthea and Lizzie rejoin Digitalis with the days harvest of blackberries.  We cruise on until lunchtime and moor close the Lime Kilns at Hinckley by Bridge 15.  After lunch we decide to explore Hinckley and find a supermarket.  Having walked about half a mile along the towpath we emerge on to the Coventry Road where we ask for directions to a supermarket.  The supermarket we are told is far away, about 15 minutes walk - I don't think this is a long way away in anybodies estimation!  We set off towards the supermarket and notice a number of buses passing us in both directions.  Sure enough in 15 - 20 minutes we come upon two supermarkets.  By the time we have done our shopping and are ready to return to Digitalis the sky is overcast and rain looks imminent.  One of the buses seem like a good idea to get us back to Digitalis and avoid a good soaking.  Before boarding a bus we ask the driver if this bus will be going via the Coventry Road.  "Yes" he says, so we board the bus and off we go.  Soon we make a left turn which is not in the direction we expected but never mind the driver knows what he is doing.  Its not long before we start to recognise buildings that we had seen before but on the other side of the bus - ah! we are doing a circular route.  Before long the bus pulls up and the engine stops, so we ask the driver when does the bus get to the Coventry Road.  "It doesn't" comes the reply.  So now here we are in the centre of Hinckley, further away from the Coventry Road than when we boarded the bus and faced with the prospect of  a longer walk back to the boat.  After much muttering we make it back to Digitalis, the good news is we did make it before the rain really set in. All's well, that ends well!

Day 3 - Hawkesbury Junction to Ashby Canal, Bridge 2

Another leisurely start today - we could certainly get used to this!  We make our way up the Oxford canal through the picturesque Warwickshire countryside which is only spoilt by the electricity grid station just short of Hawkesbury Junction.  This is in complete contrast to the junction itself with its old buildings, lock and basin.  Out of the lock we had to make 'U' turn under the footbridge to take us on to the Coventry Canal.  Just opposite the Old Engine House we moor for lunch whilst we take on some water.

In the afternoon Anthea ans Lizzie walk the towpath to bridge 15. Just before bridge15 we pass many permanetly moored boats on the oposite side, on their plots is a wonderful selection of manikins. Just on the bend is Charity Dock, displaying a selction of rather sad looking boats. It begins to rain as we approach Marston Junction and turn on to the Ashby Canal.  As we pass under Bridge 1 it begins to rain more heavily and it seems that the sensible thing to do is moor up and call it a day.  Just past Bridge 2 we find a suitable place to moor.  Our haste and panic to moor is sensed by Best Mate Lizzie who makes a leap for the towpath which is much further away than she estimates.  Lizzie now finds out how cold the water is and has to be unceremoniously dragged out of the canal - let us hope that she will not want to repeat this any time soon!

Day 2 - Hilmorton to Hawkesbury Junction

After a leisurely start to the day we descend the 3 locks at Hilmorton.  Pushing on towards Rugby we cross the River Avon by aquaduct.  This stretch of canal we recognise as the place where we undertook our Helmsmans  Course - lets hope we don't run into our instructor!  Soon we arrive at Rugby for lunch which offers the opportunity to shop for a few items.

In the afternoon Anthea and Lizzie walk the towpath, armed with a camera and rejoin the boat much later in the afternoon at Bridge 38.  Not long out of Rugby we come upon the Newbold Tunnel, which whilst not very long is quite unique in having a towpath on both sides.  The towpath used by walkers is illuminated with blue and green lights which makes it appear more like a grotto than anything else.

Anthea and Lizzie are now back on board as we make our way towards Ansty where we think we might find a place to moor overnight.  In quietness of the canals we spot a Kingfisher in the reeds which is no more than 6 feet away from us - is there a camera at the ready, no of course not, lets try not to make this the story of our lives!  When we arrive at Ansty we find a drunken sailor on the towpath doing something unspeakable into the canal whilst in the field on the opposite bank is a fully camouflaged man equipped with a rifle and telescopic sights - the thought of stopping here overnight is soon eradicated from our minds.  Somewhere between Ansty and the Hawkesbury Junction we find a deserted piece of canal to moor overnight.

Day 1 - towards the Ashby Canal

Having topped with water and diesel we set off towards Braunston.  It is sunny and we have a moderate following wind.  The canal is much busier than we had expected possibly because the hire season is not quite at and end.  At Braunston we encounter much traffic and some boats attempting almost impossible manoeuvres, so we are pleased to navigate the narrow passage that takes us on to the North Oxford canal.  Once clear of Braunston we stop for lunch.

The rest of the afternoon is spent travelling up the North Oxford canal until we reach Hilmorton Top Lock.    This we decide will be our overnight stop.  The dessert for the evening meal is to be Blackberry and Apple Crumble, the blackberries being picked at lunchtime.  We feel that blackberries are going to form a large proportion of our diet as they seem to be in great abundance.  In the early evening we prepare this years Sloe Gin ready for Christmas.

Ashby Canal - Here we come!

It is Friday afternoon 28th September 2012 on the eve of our first extended trip on Digitalis. We have chosen to take a trip up the Ashby Canal as everyone tells us how quiet and pretty it is. The weather looks as though it is going to be kind to us, so now all we have to do is top up with diesel on Saturday morning and head off towards Braunston

Celebration BBQ

On Thursday 26th April we set out from Napton to Foxton Locks.  We had no sooner left the marina when it started to rain.  This turned out to be the theme for the whole excursion.  After negotiating the locks at Braunston and Watford with their associated restrictions we arrived at Foxton top lock on Saturday lunchtime when it briefly stopped raining. 
We were accompanied up the Braunston Flight by a couple who were taking their boat to be sold at a brokerage.  You couldn't help pass comment on the water shortage when we appeared to be in the wettest drought in living memory with the towpath like a mud bath.
Sunday was to be our Celebration BBQ at Bridge 61, but it seemed the weather had other ideas!  However it didn't deter our friends.  42 people braved the weather and joined us inside the pub where a roaring fire, good ale and good company turned a potential washout into a wonderful event.  Martin and Steven were determined that there would be a BBQ and tended the burgers and sausages under an erected tarpaulin.  Melissa  presented us with a beautifully decorated cake to mark the occasion.
We would like to thank everyone for the wonderful gifts and good wishes but most importantly we would like to thank you for making it a memorable event.
Of the 12 days we were out only 2 can be claimed as fine weather days and they were exceptional.  We did discover the cratch wasn't as water tight as we had hoped, although this was probably due to the fact that Digitalis was facing into the weather, we will be addressing this issue.

Shopping Trip

You may be forgiven for thinking that nothing was or is happening but we have been personalising Digitalis and having afternoon trips down to Napton bottom for visitors.  On Saturday 14th April we decided to take a trip to Braunston for supplies.  Now for those of you who don't know the area Braunston is 5 miles by road and 2 hours by canal!  Our return journey was never going to fit into one day, so we had our first overnight stay on Digitalis, canalside which was delightful. 

On Sunday 15th April we arranged to meet with Martin, Melissa, and grandchildren William and Georgia, who were out on narrowboat holiday at Wolfhampcote.  The weather was good and we spent an enjoyable afternoon with them before returning returning to the marina.

So in short this was a shopping trip with an overnight stay!

Helmsmans Course

On Friday 23rd March we undertook the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman's Course with Willow Wren Training at Rugby.  We were greeted by our instructor Andy Newman, author of "RYA Inland Waterways Handbook" and after a short briefing it wasn't long before we were on the training vessel. There were 3 of us on the course and the course was carefully constructed so that each on of us tackled all of the element whilst at the helm.  Andy has a wealth of knowledge and experience with narrowboats which he was more than happy to share with us.  As a result of this course all of us left at the end of the day more confident and much wiser than at the start.  It is quite a long day, 9:00am to 6:00 pm with most of this time spent on board either learning new skills or honing those we thought we were proficient at.  We highly recommend this course - everyone can learn something from this course no matter what their starting point might be. 

The Beginning

On Monday 19th March 2012 we became the proud owners of Digitalis, a 57ft semi-trad narrow boat; this marked the realisation of a long awaited dream.  We spent 24 hours aboard our boat trying to come to terms with an environment that whilst it is not totally new to us is very different to any canal holiday we have ever experienced.

Having done battle with the oil fired Bubble stove and won, next time it will be easier.  Other on board tasks we'll have to accept as read until proved otherwise.  Coming from an electrical engineering background is never going to suffice.  We understand there's a steep learning curve and we're clearly at the bottom of this at present.  It has to be said that we are getting a tremendous amount of help from the previous owners, the people at the marina and friends who are boat owners.

At this stage it is worth remarking how quickly Lizzie has slipped into her role as Officer in charge of 'Leisure, Recreational activities and Security'.  This is the dog that will happily chase wildlife yet ignores ducks even on the same jetty.  I'm sure there's an explanation for this that will reveal itself in time.  There are any number of places she's happy to relax, without getting in anybody's way, for instance, next to the Bubble stove and we've no idea how she stands the heat. She loves the cratch, where she can survey the surroundings whilst enjoying the fresh air and sunshine or on the jetty where she catches a few rays.  At  present security issues are minimal.

We look forward to our new lifestyle on board Digitalis, no alarm clocks or mail to distract us,  the ability to enjoy everyone elses gardens without any effort on our part and just generally chill out!