I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will be back on-line in January. Take care and have a peaceful one......
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Susan, Pete and Mazey will be leaving me tomorrow alone for Christmas. I am a bit upset but I am surrounded by other boats so not completely alone. There are some boats here who are already celebrating, with lots of pretty fairy lights..... I do not have any. Perhaps I will be decorated next year. The only decoration I have is inside me - a cloth christmas tree that Susan purchased in Warwick at a craft fair....... and a few christmas cards.....
I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will be back on-line in January. Take care and have a peaceful one......
I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and will be back on-line in January. Take care and have a peaceful one......
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Roydon Marina - Home at last!!
Friday-Monday, 14th/17th December 2012
Susan has worked out that I have completed 410 miles and 461 locks since going on our adventure on 23rd June 2012.
Mazey seems to be getting better - Susan and Pete are keeping their fingers crossed!!
Susan, Pete and Mazey leave me alone, resting, for 4 days as they get in the car and go visit their friends in Southwold. They stay with Pauline at 'Home @21' North Parade. A fantastic B&B overlooking the pier and the sea. Susan and Pete said that it was a great weekend and thanked Pauline for her wonderful hospitality!!
Thursday, 13th December
Susan gets on a train at Roydon to Stratford and goes Christmas shopping in Westfield with her sister, Lorraine.
Wednesday, 12th December 2012 (12-12-12)
Freezing fog makes the trees sparkle and so white. So stunning.
Mazey goes on a trip to the vet, as still unwell and now refusing food...... She has more tests which prove to be OK and from the x-ray no obvious obstruction in her stomach. She is sent home with 3 different types of medication. Poor Mazey!!
Susan meets her sister Lorraine in the marina cafe and has a couple of wines. Pete out with mates in Bishop's Stortford for a Christmas drink too........
Monday/Tuesday, 10/11 December 2012
Cold again today. Mazey unwell again but not as bad as she had been. Pete goes and gets the car whilst Susan cleans me on the inside and does a couple of wash loads.
Susan goes Christmas shopping in Harlow and gets to visit the dentist who puts in a temporary patch to the broken tooth - which happened in JUNE!!!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
A grey dull morning greets us but at least it is not too cold today. Mazey has been unwell again and I overheard Susan and Pete discuss getting her to a vet once in Roydon.... once Pete has collected another vehicle of transport - a car!!
It is a pleasant journey to Roydon Marina. Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do.
Once we get to Roydon Marina lock, Susan remarks to Pete that she had forgotten about the go-carting track which she can hear 'droning' in the distance and the train line. It starts to get more breezy and Pete decides to take the boat into the Marina alone so that Susan and Mazey can help him tie up, if necessary, at the services pontoon. No help required....
The marina has lots more boats here than in June. Some very large ones too. There is also a business boat offering hairdressing and an engineer. One other change is that the marina cafe has a licence to sell alcohol.
Once moored in the correct slot, Susan and Pete quickly get changed and go and meet Lorraine and Pat in the White Hart for their Christmas Meal together...
Total 3 miles, 5 Locks
Susan has worked out that I have completed 410 miles and 461 locks since going on our adventure on 23rd June 2012.
Mazey seems to be getting better - Susan and Pete are keeping their fingers crossed!!
Susan, Pete and Mazey leave me alone, resting, for 4 days as they get in the car and go visit their friends in Southwold. They stay with Pauline at 'Home @21' North Parade. A fantastic B&B overlooking the pier and the sea. Susan and Pete said that it was a great weekend and thanked Pauline for her wonderful hospitality!!
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| Southwold Pier |
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| North Parade |
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| Beach Huts |
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| Southwold Pier Clock Tower |
Thursday, 13th December
Susan gets on a train at Roydon to Stratford and goes Christmas shopping in Westfield with her sister, Lorraine.
Wednesday, 12th December 2012 (12-12-12)
Freezing fog makes the trees sparkle and so white. So stunning.
Mazey goes on a trip to the vet, as still unwell and now refusing food...... She has more tests which prove to be OK and from the x-ray no obvious obstruction in her stomach. She is sent home with 3 different types of medication. Poor Mazey!!
Susan meets her sister Lorraine in the marina cafe and has a couple of wines. Pete out with mates in Bishop's Stortford for a Christmas drink too........
Monday/Tuesday, 10/11 December 2012
Cold again today. Mazey unwell again but not as bad as she had been. Pete goes and gets the car whilst Susan cleans me on the inside and does a couple of wash loads.
Susan goes Christmas shopping in Harlow and gets to visit the dentist who puts in a temporary patch to the broken tooth - which happened in JUNE!!!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
A grey dull morning greets us but at least it is not too cold today. Mazey has been unwell again and I overheard Susan and Pete discuss getting her to a vet once in Roydon.... once Pete has collected another vehicle of transport - a car!!
It is a pleasant journey to Roydon Marina. Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do.
Once we get to Roydon Marina lock, Susan remarks to Pete that she had forgotten about the go-carting track which she can hear 'droning' in the distance and the train line. It starts to get more breezy and Pete decides to take the boat into the Marina alone so that Susan and Mazey can help him tie up, if necessary, at the services pontoon. No help required....
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| Roydon Marina Lock |
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| Pete cruises me into the marina |
Once moored in the correct slot, Susan and Pete quickly get changed and go and meet Lorraine and Pat in the White Hart for their Christmas Meal together...
Total 3 miles, 5 Locks
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Broxbourne - nearly home!!
A sense of excitement today as we cruise the last part of the journey before resting for the winter. I am pleased that I will be resting in Roydon Marina, until end January, as it can be a difficult task driving through ice and snow. The wind is even worse as it makes it so difficult for me to manoeuvre even with Pete's expertise. So I will be happy once I get there. Susan especially will be happy as we will have access to water, as long as it doesn't freeze over like last year and the year before!!!!! Also, I will be connected to a supply of electric which means she can charge all appliances and not worry about exhausting my batteries.
Update on Mazey - she is still not completely recovered from her infection and may have to be taken to the vet next week. I'll keep you posted.... She finished her last antibiotic today with the help of a bit of peanut butter....... On the river this morning there were 2 swans, 3 cormorants and a heron..... No partridges in a pear tree.... Yet again we did not meet any moving boats on the way to Broxbourne. There were a lot of children learning how to row at Broxbourne which meant I had to be steered carefully to ensure I did not drown anyone.........
At the moment there is a strong current on the River Lee and I need a bit of 'welly' to cruise through it in the opposite direction. There is also a very good towpath along this stretch of river and so there have been loads of dog walkers, runners and cyclists.
We stop near The Crown pub in Broxbourne. After Pete checks that he can get a TV signal, Susan and Pete pop in for a late lunch. Susan wants to watch the X-factor final - "Come on Jahmene and James...." she shouts at the TV....... Pete pops out for a late 'cheeky' drink with friend Gerald whilst the X-Factor is on......
Not able to post images again due to weak signal......... Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do tomorrow.
Total 3 locks and 4 miles
Update on Mazey - she is still not completely recovered from her infection and may have to be taken to the vet next week. I'll keep you posted.... She finished her last antibiotic today with the help of a bit of peanut butter....... On the river this morning there were 2 swans, 3 cormorants and a heron..... No partridges in a pear tree.... Yet again we did not meet any moving boats on the way to Broxbourne. There were a lot of children learning how to row at Broxbourne which meant I had to be steered carefully to ensure I did not drown anyone.........
At the moment there is a strong current on the River Lee and I need a bit of 'welly' to cruise through it in the opposite direction. There is also a very good towpath along this stretch of river and so there have been loads of dog walkers, runners and cyclists.
We stop near The Crown pub in Broxbourne. After Pete checks that he can get a TV signal, Susan and Pete pop in for a late lunch. Susan wants to watch the X-factor final - "Come on Jahmene and James...." she shouts at the TV....... Pete pops out for a late 'cheeky' drink with friend Gerald whilst the X-Factor is on......
Not able to post images again due to weak signal......... Only 5 locks and 3 miles to do tomorrow.
Total 3 locks and 4 miles
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Photos added from Paddington, London journey
Below are photos from Paddington and the journey through London out onto the River Lee, Stonebridge - not able to add them yesterday due to slow internet access. Hope you enjoy them.
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| Tight squeeze - Pete steers out of mooring |
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| Willowtree Marina - still reversing out |
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| Paddington Arm on the right and Little Venice ahead |
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| Paddington Basin |
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| Paddington |
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| Little Venice |
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| Floating Chinese Restaurant - Regent's Park |
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| Camden Locks |
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| Hamstead Road Lock |
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| The dreaded St. Pancreas Lock |
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| Hertford Union Locks - Ducketts Cut |
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| Olympic Park - River Lee |
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| River Lee Moored Boats |
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| Approaching Tottenham Lock - Automated |
Stonebridge Lock to Waltham Town 11 Lock - River Lee Frozen
What a day..... Yet another chilly one.... The River Lee froze today!!!
Pete steered me through 3mm of solid frozen ice for miles and miles and miles. Susan and Mazey decided to walk as the sheer noise of the ice cracking and popping on my hull rattled on their nerves. Both still recovering from the traumas of yesterday!!!
No boats moving today either.... Pete and I thought it was exciting... No scarring - not even my blacking was scratched. Pete did say if the ice had been thicker we would not have travelled.
Water was also frozen in the water pipes and in other places the taps had been removed from water taps along the river by vandals. Thankfully, when we reached Hazelmere Sanitary Station near Waltham Abbey the water tap was working. I am now full of water which will last them till they get to Roydon Marina. As we headed further to Waltham Town Lock there was evidence of lots of snow falling here yesterday.
Now moored above Waltham Town 11 Lock which is 0.5 mile walk into Waltham Abbey. Susan and Mazey exhausted as walked the entire 6.5 miles together.....
Total 6.5 miles and 5 locks (some part automated)
Pete steered me through 3mm of solid frozen ice for miles and miles and miles. Susan and Mazey decided to walk as the sheer noise of the ice cracking and popping on my hull rattled on their nerves. Both still recovering from the traumas of yesterday!!!
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| Pushing through the Ice!! |
Water was also frozen in the water pipes and in other places the taps had been removed from water taps along the river by vandals. Thankfully, when we reached Hazelmere Sanitary Station near Waltham Abbey the water tap was working. I am now full of water which will last them till they get to Roydon Marina. As we headed further to Waltham Town Lock there was evidence of lots of snow falling here yesterday.
Now moored above Waltham Town 11 Lock which is 0.5 mile walk into Waltham Abbey. Susan and Mazey exhausted as walked the entire 6.5 miles together.....
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| Waltham Town Lock 11 |
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
WillowTree Marina, Paddington, Stonebridge Lock on the River Lea
It has been a very busy few days. Poor Mazey was taken ill whilst in WillowTree Marina Sunday night, early Monday morning. Thankfully, at the suggestion of a fellow boater, Susan and Pete found a vet not too far away who was able to see her as soon as they could get there. A taxi dropped them all off. Mazey was kept in and had a thorough examination. Turns out not to be pancreatitis but a nasty infection. Mazey was picked up again and brought back. She was feeing really sorry for herself so Pete and Susan decided to stay another night in the marina to look after her - also they were both tired at getting up at 5:30am with Mazey. Amazingly next morning, although not perfect, she was a lot better which prompted Pete to make the decision to get moving again. Mazey likes having chicken and rice rather than her normal Winalot......... BUT she does not like the antibiotics and keeps trying to spit them out.....
Susan said that it was lovely being in the marina and having electric on demand. So she kept switching lights on and keeping them on. She also used the TV, charged all telephones, camera batteries and laptops as well as used the microwave too.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Pete managed to reverse me out of the 'tight' mooring..... We leave Willowtree marina and wave goodbye to new friends we met on Sunday night whilst drinking around the bonfire. Not one boat was moving until we got into London - then they were only getting water. It is like a ghost town and quite spookey on the way in to Paddington Basin. No locks to do. It is chilly!!!
Once in Paddington Basin the last mooring is free in the visitor moorings. Lucky us. Pete does a brilliant piece of mooring yet again into another tight spot.
Total 10 miles
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Today was nearly a DISASTER on three occasions.....
We left Paddington Basin at 8:00am. It is snowing around London but not through it. Susan did not want to go as it was raining - being psychic she must have known what was about to happen....
After going through Little Venice and Regents Park, we go through Camden Locks. One of the pounds is very shallow and Susan drags my bottom on some rocks......
Pete was steering when he needed to go to the loo, Susan took over the helm. I was going fast and as Pete walked down the stairs he knocked the tiller out of Susan's hands..... Approaching was the side of a bridge...... Susan pushed me into reverse and I honestly did try to stop... Managed to slow down a bit but, unfortunately, I pranged the side of the bridge..... Oh dear....... I'm OK thanks for asking.
St. Pancreas Lock is where I was nearly submerged - seriously!! I got caught on the cill on the back gate as the water was being emptied out of the lock. I was tilting dangerously..... and could not be pulled off. Every boaters nightmare..... Both Pete and Susan were on the towpath, Mazey was panicking inside. I will not go into detail other than to say that Pete blamed Susan and Susan blamed Pete. BUT they did manage to get their act together, got me afloat again and saved me from drowning..... It all happened so fast as accidents do..... I did hear Pete pray at one point in this awful potential disaster scene. He must have been heard. I am so grateful for that as I am here to tell the tale and so are my little family. All very shaken!!!
We pass Zygnema which is moored on the River Lee. There are so many boats now on the River Lee. They weren't here in June when we came through last time.
At Tottenham Hale Lock, disaster 3 occurred. Susan was cruising the boat in. Pete jumped up onto the lock, because Susan could not jump that high off the boat. This lock is automated. Pete used the BW key to set off the process and closed the doors OK. THEN PRESSED THE WRONG BUTTON to fill the lock with water - I was buffeted around in this really huge lock with Susan shouting to Pete to "let go of the bloody rope" as I was tilting over at a very dangerous angle. Thankfully he did!! As the rope was released of pressure I bashed sharply up against the opposite side of the lock. Bounced about a bit before finally settling in an upright position. Poor Susan and Mazey were shaking with fear. Pete did confess to Susan later that he head pressed the wrong button..... It says on the panel of the automated lock to only press the button on the side that the boat is laying in to fill with water - for safety!!!! Needless to say that Susan insisted on doing the next lock at Stonebridge which is also automated. All went smoothly. We are now moored above Stonebridge lock. Everyone is resting and calming their shattered nerves. Boating can be dangerous.......
Total 15.5 miles and 13 locks
Susan said that it was lovely being in the marina and having electric on demand. So she kept switching lights on and keeping them on. She also used the TV, charged all telephones, camera batteries and laptops as well as used the microwave too.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Pete managed to reverse me out of the 'tight' mooring..... We leave Willowtree marina and wave goodbye to new friends we met on Sunday night whilst drinking around the bonfire. Not one boat was moving until we got into London - then they were only getting water. It is like a ghost town and quite spookey on the way in to Paddington Basin. No locks to do. It is chilly!!!
Once in Paddington Basin the last mooring is free in the visitor moorings. Lucky us. Pete does a brilliant piece of mooring yet again into another tight spot.
Total 10 miles
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Today was nearly a DISASTER on three occasions.....
We left Paddington Basin at 8:00am. It is snowing around London but not through it. Susan did not want to go as it was raining - being psychic she must have known what was about to happen....
After going through Little Venice and Regents Park, we go through Camden Locks. One of the pounds is very shallow and Susan drags my bottom on some rocks......
Pete was steering when he needed to go to the loo, Susan took over the helm. I was going fast and as Pete walked down the stairs he knocked the tiller out of Susan's hands..... Approaching was the side of a bridge...... Susan pushed me into reverse and I honestly did try to stop... Managed to slow down a bit but, unfortunately, I pranged the side of the bridge..... Oh dear....... I'm OK thanks for asking.
St. Pancreas Lock is where I was nearly submerged - seriously!! I got caught on the cill on the back gate as the water was being emptied out of the lock. I was tilting dangerously..... and could not be pulled off. Every boaters nightmare..... Both Pete and Susan were on the towpath, Mazey was panicking inside. I will not go into detail other than to say that Pete blamed Susan and Susan blamed Pete. BUT they did manage to get their act together, got me afloat again and saved me from drowning..... It all happened so fast as accidents do..... I did hear Pete pray at one point in this awful potential disaster scene. He must have been heard. I am so grateful for that as I am here to tell the tale and so are my little family. All very shaken!!!
We pass Zygnema which is moored on the River Lee. There are so many boats now on the River Lee. They weren't here in June when we came through last time.
At Tottenham Hale Lock, disaster 3 occurred. Susan was cruising the boat in. Pete jumped up onto the lock, because Susan could not jump that high off the boat. This lock is automated. Pete used the BW key to set off the process and closed the doors OK. THEN PRESSED THE WRONG BUTTON to fill the lock with water - I was buffeted around in this really huge lock with Susan shouting to Pete to "let go of the bloody rope" as I was tilting over at a very dangerous angle. Thankfully he did!! As the rope was released of pressure I bashed sharply up against the opposite side of the lock. Bounced about a bit before finally settling in an upright position. Poor Susan and Mazey were shaking with fear. Pete did confess to Susan later that he head pressed the wrong button..... It says on the panel of the automated lock to only press the button on the side that the boat is laying in to fill with water - for safety!!!! Needless to say that Susan insisted on doing the next lock at Stonebridge which is also automated. All went smoothly. We are now moored above Stonebridge lock. Everyone is resting and calming their shattered nerves. Boating can be dangerous.......
Total 15.5 miles and 13 locks
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Harefield to Hayes, London - ICE, ICE BABY
BRRRR. It is so cold. I am all iced up. Inside the well deck the awning is stiff with ice.... Even the canal, in places, is iced up this morning - only a few mm but the birds and waterfowl can walk on it.
A stunning bright sunny morning. Mazey and Susan walk the mile to Denham Deep Lock. The path glistens and sparkles in the sun. A young adult swan sits 'steaming' on the towpath - even the locks steam when the sun gets on them. The cafe at Denham Deep lock is open throughout the winter but has reduced opening times. Susan and Pete notice that there are not as many boats here as they thought. More boaters seem to enjoy being closer to Harefield Marina, along this stretch, as there are places to park their vehicles here.
Pete tells Susan that he enjoyed cutting his way through the ice leaving a path behind. Personally, I now have a cold bottom..... brrrr!!!
At Cowley Lock we have many gongoozlers watching us go through the lock. Only a couple of boats moving today - mainly for water... Loads and loads of boats after Uxbridge Lock......
Pump-out and water at Willowbridge Marina in Hayes. We manage to manoeuvre into the allocated spot for tonight - very tight. Hope it is not windy tomorrow as it will be interesting on the way out!!! Staying in the marina tonight as safer to be here than on the towpath - according to Pete. Susan and Pete going to the marina restaurant for food. Heading to Paddington Basin tomorrow.
Total 11 miles and 3 locks
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| Harefield Marina |
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| Mooring opposite Harefield Marina |
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| Birds walking on ice |
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| Steaming young adult Swan |
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| Denham Deep Lock |
Pete tells Susan that he enjoyed cutting his way through the ice leaving a path behind. Personally, I now have a cold bottom..... brrrr!!!
At Cowley Lock we have many gongoozlers watching us go through the lock. Only a couple of boats moving today - mainly for water... Loads and loads of boats after Uxbridge Lock......
Pump-out and water at Willowbridge Marina in Hayes. We manage to manoeuvre into the allocated spot for tonight - very tight. Hope it is not windy tomorrow as it will be interesting on the way out!!! Staying in the marina tonight as safer to be here than on the towpath - according to Pete. Susan and Pete going to the marina restaurant for food. Heading to Paddington Basin tomorrow.
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| Willowtree Marina |
Total 11 miles and 3 locks
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Rickmansworth to Widewater Lock, Nr. South Harefield
Friday, 30 November 2012
Very frosty and cold but a bright sunny morning. The top of me is covered in ICE and the ropes are stiff and frozen almost solid.....
On the way from Rickmansworth there are hundreds of boats all moored now for winter in winter moorings. Such a surprise to see so many. Also, worth noting, many of the visitor mooring spots have also now been turned into permit only winter mooring spots. Makes you wander where the boaters who choose to continue cruising the network in winter are supposed to moor......
Pete and Mazey prepare the locks and Susan has warned Pete not to step on top of me today as he could slip and fall in. When the sun goes in it gets really chilly. We are lucky to get the last mooring available after Widewater lock and opposite the marina. The boaters behind us tell Pete that from tomorrow (1st December) this area will also be winter moorings only. There are no signs up yet - so we will stay until Sunday when we head off towards Paddington Basin.
As Susan and Pete eat a late lunch, Pete spots the Kingfishers playing in the opposite scrub and both dash to get cameras. It is very dark and Susan manages to take the photo below - not brilliant but at least they can be seen.
Susan was kept awake during the night by the music from the pub which is about 1/2 a mile away.......
Total 5 miles and 5 locks
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Susan wakes up with a 'BANG'...... I have been hit by another boat that was manoeuvring back into its mooring - two boats tied together. Pete rushes out to help out.
A sunny chilly morning and having a rest day.
Very frosty and cold but a bright sunny morning. The top of me is covered in ICE and the ropes are stiff and frozen almost solid.....
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| Frozen stiff ropes |
On the way from Rickmansworth there are hundreds of boats all moored now for winter in winter moorings. Such a surprise to see so many. Also, worth noting, many of the visitor mooring spots have also now been turned into permit only winter mooring spots. Makes you wander where the boaters who choose to continue cruising the network in winter are supposed to moor......
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| Miles of boats moored for winter |
Pete and Mazey prepare the locks and Susan has warned Pete not to step on top of me today as he could slip and fall in. When the sun goes in it gets really chilly. We are lucky to get the last mooring available after Widewater lock and opposite the marina. The boaters behind us tell Pete that from tomorrow (1st December) this area will also be winter moorings only. There are no signs up yet - so we will stay until Sunday when we head off towards Paddington Basin.
As Susan and Pete eat a late lunch, Pete spots the Kingfishers playing in the opposite scrub and both dash to get cameras. It is very dark and Susan manages to take the photo below - not brilliant but at least they can be seen.
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| The Illusive Kingfishers |
Total 5 miles and 5 locks
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Susan wakes up with a 'BANG'...... I have been hit by another boat that was manoeuvring back into its mooring - two boats tied together. Pete rushes out to help out.
A sunny chilly morning and having a rest day.
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| The boat that bashed me |
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