Saturday, 9th March 2013
I am feeling really pleased with myself as we leave Roydon Marina - if it's possible for a boat to feel happy - I do!!!! It's not been bad really but I much prefer the open waterways - don't like being in a boat park....... Have been resting now for 12 weeks and can't wait to get going.
We set off on Saturday after a long wait as Susan did the last bits of washing, drying and cleaning!!! Susan did not want to go until all the washing was dry but Pete was getting edgy as he wanted to GET MOVING - so did I!!!
We set off at 1:00pm to the service dock for pump out and then through the marina lock. Susan, Mazey and Phoebie (a friend's dog) helped prepare the lock. I think everyone did really well considering they have not done a lock for 12 weeks!!! We turned left out of the lock and did one other lock before finding a mooring. Susan decided not to close one of the upper lock gates as two ducks swam into the lock as we exited from it. Not far, I know, but at least we have moved out of the marina!!!!
Susan and Pete have also commented that the internet signal is much better here than when they were in the marina. One downside Susan says is that they have to keep turning lights off to save electricity.....
We have moored opposite Rob who owns a wide-beam boat. Rob visited us last week and helped put in an expansion tank. He has a small motor boat and was trying it out today - it sounded very much like Susan's hairdryer but a bit louder. He has said that we can connect to his water pipe if we need to!!
Sunday, 10th March 2013
Since yesterday it has turned very cold and has been sleeting on and off for most of the day. It has also been getting a bit breezy.... Another day resting for me. Pete has been trying to sort out the generator which does not seem to want to charge my batteries and Susan has been sorting out old magazines, cleaning, cooking, etc. Susan also walked to the local shop for provisions and used her backpack for the heavy stuff. She said it was about 2 miles in total.
Susan also feeling tired - she says it's because she did two locks yesterday. She had forgotten how heavy they were!!! Only two boats pass us today - very quiet.
Total 1 mile and 2 locks
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Still resting in Roydon Marina
Welcome to 2013.....
It has been cold here and I am sure you have had some of that white stuff too. I have only moved a few times since we last spoke to go to the service deck for pump out. On one of these occasions Pete took me for a short spin around the marina lake. I had fun!! Great to feel the wind on my bow. My family (Pete, Susan and Mazey) have been back and forth whilst visiting family and friends over Christmas and NewYear period.
Since we last chatted the marina has iced over a couple of times - the noise of ice cracking against my hull can be quite disturbing. The hose pipe froze..... so no tap water either which meant rationing for a few days...... but all is well now. The floating pontoon was very difficult to walk on for my family when iced up despite the rock salt. The marina has also been flooded again which has made it difficult getting on and off the boat onto land for Pete, Susan and Mazey. Wellies had to be put on and Mazey carried. "All part of the adventure" Susan says.
Update on Mazey - she is still not fully recovered. Yesterday she had to go to the vet hospital and have a camera put down her throat into her stomach. She is OK today but was sleepy yesterday due to the treatment. Poor Mazey. Waiting on results - all concerned about her.........
Marina news: The body of the missing 38 year old man was found in the marina by the lock on Saturday morning. He had been missing since December 21st whilst at a work party in Hendersons by the marina. The police marine unit have been searching for him for all of that time. Such a sad time for his friends and family.
There is a black swan called 'Sooty' who has made his home in the marina. Susan likes to feed him if she sees him as he is on his own. The other Swans do seem to tolerate him at the moment.
Our new adventure will start on 8th March, when we leave the marina. Up till that time my family have a lot of visiting to do, leaving me alone again, starting with Cumbria.
I will try and get Susan to post more news before we head off in March, when she promises to do it everyday............ Take care friends.......
It has been cold here and I am sure you have had some of that white stuff too. I have only moved a few times since we last spoke to go to the service deck for pump out. On one of these occasions Pete took me for a short spin around the marina lake. I had fun!! Great to feel the wind on my bow. My family (Pete, Susan and Mazey) have been back and forth whilst visiting family and friends over Christmas and NewYear period.
Since we last chatted the marina has iced over a couple of times - the noise of ice cracking against my hull can be quite disturbing. The hose pipe froze..... so no tap water either which meant rationing for a few days...... but all is well now. The floating pontoon was very difficult to walk on for my family when iced up despite the rock salt. The marina has also been flooded again which has made it difficult getting on and off the boat onto land for Pete, Susan and Mazey. Wellies had to be put on and Mazey carried. "All part of the adventure" Susan says.
Update on Mazey - she is still not fully recovered. Yesterday she had to go to the vet hospital and have a camera put down her throat into her stomach. She is OK today but was sleepy yesterday due to the treatment. Poor Mazey. Waiting on results - all concerned about her.........
Marina news: The body of the missing 38 year old man was found in the marina by the lock on Saturday morning. He had been missing since December 21st whilst at a work party in Hendersons by the marina. The police marine unit have been searching for him for all of that time. Such a sad time for his friends and family.
There is a black swan called 'Sooty' who has made his home in the marina. Susan likes to feed him if she sees him as he is on his own. The other Swans do seem to tolerate him at the moment.
Our new adventure will start on 8th March, when we leave the marina. Up till that time my family have a lot of visiting to do, leaving me alone again, starting with Cumbria.
I will try and get Susan to post more news before we head off in March, when she promises to do it everyday............ Take care friends.......
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 |
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