EAST MIDLANDS RING

21st Aug - 4th Sept 2004

Saturday 21st August  (Weather - Excellent Sunshine and Hot)

• Departed from Wetherby at 9am in Jim's car heading for the boatyard at Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent.
• Arrived at Midday and after a pint at a nearby pub, loaded up the boat ready for departure.
• After a briefing from the staff we left  the boatyard at 3pm heading southwards at the start of our journey.
• Ron suffered his first chastising from a irate lady on a moored boat and Neil shortly afterwards accurately deflected a passing fibre glass cruiser into the undergrowth. 
• Arrived at Stone at 7-45 mooring near the Stone Boatyard & Chandlery.
• Visited  the "Star Inn" for an evening meal and 5 pints of Marstons Pedigree Ale
• Returned to the boat for Cheese and Biscuits.

Sunday 22nd August (Sun late appearing, but another excellent day)

• Departed Stone at 8-10am navigating 3 locks before a short breakfast stop (9-30 to 10-00) near Burston.

• Passed Sandon Lock at 11am,  joining a queue of 5 boats at Weston Lock which took over 1 hour to navigate.
• After passing Haywood Junction, we stopped at 3pm for a late lunch at Little Haywood, where we enjoyed 2 pints of Ruddles Ale at the Red Lion.  This was followed by an excellent salad lunch on board, departing at 4-35pm.

• Continued through Rugeley and following a collision with the concrete bank negotiating a tight corner by Bridge 62 (Ron Driving), stopped for water at 6-40pm.
• Arrived at Handsacre at 7-45pm for overnight stop.  Investigated the 2 pubs and chose the Theakstons "Olde Peculliar" for our evening meal and 4 pints of Marston's Pedigree (Except Ron).
• Heavy rain all night!!!!

Monday 23rd August (Heavy intermittent rain in the morning, turning bright in the afternoon, except for a thundery shower at tea time)

• A later start at 8-45am because of the rainy conditions, heading down to the very busy locks at Fradley Junction.

MAJOR CHANGE OF PLANS - Due to the inclement weather and the large amount of traffic heading towards Burton-on-Trent, for the National Canal Festival, the consensus was to change the route to an anti-clockwise circuit.  We have therefore turned right at Fradley Junction onto the Coventry Canal.  The current plan is to maintain the same changeover point, but via an alternative route.

• Breakfast of Porridge and Toast whilst on the move at gone 11am.
• A small collision with the bank occurred with Jim at the helm, whilst passing two boats in a narrow section.  We were however successfully on our way after a hefty push-off with the barge pole on a nearby tree.
• Stopped at the "Tame Otter" in Hopwas at 2-15pm for a welcome 3 pints of Bass and "Old Hooky" (Except Ron).

• Returned to the boat to find our prop jambed with a branch, where we drifted helplessly out of control until this was removed by Alan (Hero), enabling us to continue on route, at approx 3-50pm, for our proposed  night-time stop at Polesworth.
• Due to a momentary lack of concentration by Alan, a slight collision occurred with a major bridge abutment.
• Enjoyed a lunch on board of Quiche, cheese and salad.
• Arrived at Polesworth at 6-55pm, ready to investigate the 2 pubs for our evening meal.
• Found the Polesworth pubs to be lacking in atmosphere, therefore after 3 pints of Bass Original, we chose to take a Chinese Take-Away back to the boat, which was enjoyed by all.
• Only Jim found space after for further beer at "The Red Lion", be-friending a strange local woman.

Tuesday 24th August (Bright and sunny with occasional heavy showers)

• A prompt start at 7-55am cruising towards the Atherton flight of 11 locks, which took 3 hours to navigate.  Witnessed the "Wicked witch of Atherton (an unfortunate lady with long grey hair and a loud welsh husband).
• A slight scare at the penultimate lock where the lower lock gates swing open without warning.
• A late breakfast/lunch at 12-45pm before heading towards Nuneaton for a lunch stop.
• Arrived at the "Anchor Inn" near Hartshill at 2.20pm, after a period of heavy rain, whilst mooring, which caused flooding of Ron's bedroom, due to a blocked drain hole.  On entering the pub we were astonished to discover that they closed at 2-30pm, but managed a hurried pint of Everards Tiger Bitter, before continuing on our journey towards our proposed night stop point of Ansty.

• Arrived at Ansty 6-45pm for a spot of fishing before heading up to the "Rose and Castle" for dinner.
• Excellent fare at the the "Rose and Castle" much enjoyed by all and well washed down with 6 pints of superb Bass (except Ron). 

Wednesday 25th August (Overcast but reasonable weather, except rain whilst at the lunchtime pub stop)

• A later start this morning, as Jim sleep in until almost 8am.  Departed Ansty at 8-10am stopping on route at Stretton to take on water.

         Stretton Stop (taking on water)

• Enjoyed the rural route, without locks, through to Rugby arriving at approximately 12-30pm.
• Neil and Alan were sent on a provisions gathering exercise to the local Tesco store, where they achieved a number of substantial cost saving "Buy one get one free" purchases.
• Visited the local "Harvester" establishment for lunch, where a two pints of "Bass" were greatly enjoyed.  The more responsible members of the crew declined a third pint, much against the better judgment of the others.  Left the pub after the rain had stopped, to cast off at 2-25pm on route for the proposed evening stop at Braunston.
• At the insistence of Ron we stopped in the shadow of the Rugby aerial masts and enjoyed a healthy lunch of fruit salad (with only small portions of pork pie).
• Navigated the 3 Hillmorton double locks, see below, with the Rugby aerials behind.

• With considerable courage and bravery, Alan leapt onto and rescued a wayward narrowboat that had broken loose from its moorings and was blocking the canal near the Blue Haven Marine boatyard.  Once the boat was secured, we were able to continue our journey towards Braunston.
• Eventually moored at Braunston at 6-45pm, just before the locks, after spending some time searching for a suitable berth and was able to catch up with a little fishing (still unsuccessful).
• Walked up the "Admiral Nelson" for dinner and four pints of Abbotts Ale (except Ron).  Dinner was noted for the very thick gammon steak and afterwards competing with a game of skittles.

Thursday 26th August (Started overcast, but turned into and excellent sunny day later on)

•  Cast off at 7-25am to negotiate 6 locks before entering Braunston Tunnel (2042 yards), see below:

• Turned left at Norton Junction - An very tight corner navigated in an un-usual manner by Ron.  Manoeuvre awarded a score of 1 out of 10 by a local fisherman.
• A breakfast stop between 10-15 and 10-45, before heading on to the Watford staircase lock system.
• Arrived at the Watford Locks at 11-45 to meet a long queue of boats heading upward.  Neil superbly guided us through the lock system with only one "miscalculation".  Continued on after the locks at 3-20pm.

        Watford lock staircase

• Continued up and into the Crick Tunnel (1528 yds), where only a little brick dust was collected on deck after a slight collision with the tunnel wall to avoid a passing narrowboat. (Alan at the helm).
• Moored at Welford Wharf at 7-30pm, and greatly enjoyed Jim's Tuna and Pasta bake before visiting the "Wharf Inn" for 4 excellent pints of Marstons Pedigree (except Ron).
• Entertainment for the crew was laid on by the pub in the form of a Folk Group, which Jim seemed to know all the words.

Friday 27th August (Damp and overcast in the morning, but turned into an excellent warm afternoon)

•  Heavy rain during the night with cold and damp conditions in the morning, but satisfactory cruising weather.
• A later start this morning (except Ron) as the required cruising time is much reduced today.  Ron went ashore at an early hour to gain extra provisions from a local trader.
• Departed the Welford Arm at 10-20 after a hearty breakfast with extra rations (2 rashers of bacon and 2 sausages).
• Arrived at Yelverton at 1-25pm and after a little difficulty finding a mooring place, tied up against the bank and set off for the "Knightly Arms for 2 pints of Abbotts Ale.

• After an excellent lunch on board of Jim's Cheese and Onion flan, with cheese and biscuits, we proceeded on to Crick Marina for a full service of the boat.  (Pump Out, Diesel, Water etc.)   The difficult manoeuvres within the marina, including a 3 point turn of the 69ft long boat were accomplished with hardly any collisions.
• Later tied up early for a spot of successful fishing (1 fish), whilst Ron and Neil investigated the local establishments for dinner.  Jim left early to "Sample the Waters" at both the Red Lion and the Wheatsheaf.
• Later met at the Red Lion for dinner and 5 pints of Marstons Pedigree (Except Jim).  Bottle top left with Neil !!!
• Jim remained  for a final pint or two, whilst we returned to the boat for Cheese and Biscuits on the boat and a little Olympics.

Saturday 28th August  (Overcast, but dry in the morning, with some hazy sun in the afternoon)

• Cast off promptly at 7-15 to travel through the Crick Tunnel again and to arrived at the Watford Staircase Locks at 8-10.
• No delays through the locks and after filling with water at the end, continued on our way at 9-20.
• Confirmed with Smithy that the second crew are ready to leave Long Marston, as planned.  All ready at 8-45, but waiting for Colin's Transport.

      CREW CHANGEOVER AT THE NEW INN, NORTON JUNCTION, BELOW:

• Arrived at the changeover point at 10am to find no spaces available in the planned position.  Therefore moored at a temporary position whilst we enjoyed our final cooked breakfast.
• At 11am we noticed a position had become vacant and commenced the complicated manoeuvre of turning the narrowboat at Norton Junction and pulling the boat backwards up the Grand Union Canal to the mooring position.
• Colin's transport arrived on time, but from the wrong direction!!!   The changeover was completed and group photos taken (see below), followed by 2 pints of Green King IPA at the New Inn (including Ron).

• The second crew then took the narrowboat "Stacey" towards Braunston, with Jim at the helm.
• The Braunston tunnel (2042 yards) was successfully traversed, but with very low visibility due to the fumes from previous boats.
• Moored above the Braunston Locks for dinner at the "Admiral Nelson".

Sunday 29th August  (Rain during the night, but stopped by 7-30am, with another shower later, whilst in the pub)

• Set off at 8-20 to travel down through the 6 double width Braunston Locks, along with another private owner, who complemented the standard of navigation.
• Very busy through Braunston, with many double moored boats, but no collisions.
• Continued onward, with Smithy successfully negotiating the Hillmorton Locks.
• Stopped at Rugby for a further visit to Tesco, where the ingredients were purchased for a Chicken Curry for the evening meal.
• Called into the local Harvester pub for a late lunch drink, but as it was Brads birthday (76th), continued to enjoy many more pints of draught Bass and were still there at 5-45 with little sign of an early departure!!
• Abandoned all thoughts of travelling on to the proposed Sunday destination and therefore will spend the night at Rugby.
• Returned to the boat for a dinner of Chicken Masala & Rice and then back again to the Harvester for further ale !!!

Bank Holiday Monday 30th August  (Changeable weather with Drizzle, Rain and Sun at various points during the day)

• Departed Rugby (At Last) at 8-20am, stopping just before the Newbold Tunnel (250 yards) to take on water.
• Breakfast was taken "On the move" with Jim taking his in sandwich form whilst at the helm.
• Continued past Brinklow and Stretton Stop to moor at Ansty for a lunchtime break, arriving at 1-15pm.
• Visited the Rose and Castle for a number of ales and then returned to the boat for a lunch of Salad.
• Cast off from Ansty at 2-35pm towards Hawkesbury Junction with an occasional shower requiring weatherproofs.
• Despite a mooring boat ahead, the tight double turn at Hawkesbury Junction was superbly accomplished, without an actual collision, by Captain Jim.
• Travelled past Bedworth to arrive at Chilvers Coton (A suburb of Nuneaton) to check out the first of the two pubs.  On finding this not to their liking, the boat was taken three bridges further on to moor close to the "Boot Inn".  This turned out to be another rough and noisy pub, but as the M&B ale consumed took to the crew's liking, it was decided to settle in for the evening.
• A meal on board of Steak with fresh vegetables is being prepared by Brad for the crew.  This was followed by Raspberry Triffle and Cheese and Biscuits.
• Returned to the pub after dinner for more ale and then back to the boat for more Cheese and Biscuits.
• Rumours that Brad was unable to cope with the quantity of ale being consumed were strongly denied, despite being seen leaving the pub early for his bed.
• Tomorrow will bring a testing time for the crew with the Atherston flight of locks (11) ahead of them.

Tuesday 31st August  (Chilly and windy at first, with no rain, but turning into a pleasant sunny evening)

• Cast off at 7-55am to stop just past Nuneaton for a cooked breakfast between 8-55 and 9-50.
• Entered the Atherston flight of eleven locks, stopping by lock 5 at 12-25pm for a lunchtime drink at local pub.
• Left at 1-30 to attempt the remainder of the locks, successfully clearing them by 3-45pm.
• John spent some time at the helm, whilst Brad has two interesting stints of careful tuition.
• Travelled on through Polesworth to moor at 5-50pm, adjacent to bridge 64, at Alvecote to investigate the ale and food at the "Pretty Pigs".  Should this prove to be not to the crew's liking then alternative establishments are available by bridges 69 or 73.
• Plans are to attempt to reach Fradley Junction by Wednesday night and maybe Sandon on Thursday, assuming the supplies of Cheese and Biscuits have not been exhausted.
• Failed to stop at the right bridge and ended up at the "Gate Inn" for a curry dinner and ale.
• Jim felt unwell on returning to the boat and an ambulance was called at approx 1-30am, where he was taken to the Good Hope hospital in Sutton Coldfield.  John went with Jim in the ambulance and later returned to the boat by taxi.

Wednesday 1st September  (Glorious hot sunny day)

• Whilst Jim rests in hospital, a much less jovial boat continued on it's journey back towards Stoke of Trent
• Have established dedicated telephone contact with Jim on regular basis, who appears to be in good spirit.

Thursday 2nd September  (Another Glorious sunny day)

• Journey continues with a lunchtime stop and plans to overnight at Stone.
• More telephone contact with Jim, who's main worry is not his health, but his lack of pyjamas !!! 

Friday 3rd September  (Hot and sunny)

• The boat continued on its journey, arriving at the boatyard at approximately 6-45pm
• The crew were unable to enter the boat yard as the pedestrian bridge crossing the entrance was down and had to make a difficult manoeuvre to avoid two fibre glass boats moored nearby.  Nobody had told them that the standard lock windlass can also be used for lifting these bridges!!!  They are obviously missing Jim more than we thought.
• Jim progressing well, but sounds very bored and is resigned to being in hospital for some time.  The hospital do not seem interested in transferring him to York.

Saturday 4th September  (Overcast in the morning, but sunny later on)

• The boat was handed back at 9-30am after much work had been carried out in disguising the new dents that "may" have been sustained.
• The crew will be buying pyjamas and other items and calling to see Jim at the hospital on the way home.

END OF HOLIDAY