MAY on the River Stort and Lea

The month of May has been busy but not in the way the family expected it to be.  Our adventure to the Kennet and Avon has, once again, been delayed by illness:  Mazey has had a lipoma removed (benign tumour) and Pete had a very painful rash (shingles..... nasty)!!

Despite all of this I have been moved from Roydon Marina to Waltham Abbey Town Lock and back to Broxbourne.  Then back again to Waltham Abbey Town lock before heading to Hertford.  Seen lots of ducklings, goslings, signets and baby coots.  Susan has been frustrated but happy trying to get that perfect shot!!!  Pete and Mazey have been resting.

I have been surrounded by many children having fun on boats, canoeists, cyclists, walkers, many dogs, cats and a few unusual people.  A couple stepped onto the back of me for that perfect photo; others have knocked on my hull and asked Pete "If they could be shown around the boat".......  to which Pete replied "NO.  Would you knock on someones home and ask to do so?"  The men wandered off.  I have experienced a few crashes - rowers losing control.

The Vetas Toilet switch decided to burn out.  Which meant that one of the flushes would not work and then one night they were woken up by the toilet constantly flushing.  Pete was able to get another one delivered to his friend Tim in Bishop's Stortford.  You will be pleased to know that this has been fitted, by Pete, successfully.  Susan was both pleased and amazed.

Susan has seen wonderful sights on the river: swans carrying their young on their backs.  Unfortunately, Susan did not have her camera to hand at the time.  Both Susan and Pete has tried to rescue baby coots from a lock and from the river current...  they have very large feet.

Mazey celebrated her 7th birthday on 24th May with more cuddles than usual.

Pete was happy to go to the model railway village at Mill Pond in Broxbourne whilst Susan and Mazey watched the many goslings.

Carthagena Lock is one of the prettiest with lots of flower baskets hanging across the lock as well as lots of flowers alongside the lock.

Carthagena Lock

A few local pubs and restaurants have been visited.  In particular, the Crown in Broxbourne; the Old Barge Inn (which has the fastest Wi-Fi according to Susan) and the White Horse (has lots of fruit flavoured wines which need to be tested) in Hertford.

The Old Barge Inn at Hertford

Dreamer - Hertford Lock

Hertford Lock

In Hertford the local resident association made us all feel very welcome.  Handed Pete a leaflet which outlined where everything was in the town.  Sainsbury's is a 5 minute walk from the towpath and Waitrose is only a 10 minute walk.  Very handy for the huge amount of shopping Susan and Pete purchased.

Susan says that the locks seemed to be getting harder to handle... especially Hertford, Ware and Waltham Abbey Town Locks both gates hard to move with one person.  Pete had to help Susan.

Hertford - End of the navigation

PREPARING FOR A NEW ADVENTURE - RIVER LEA AND STORT

28th March to 29th April, 2014 - Overview

D Day!!!  Leaving Roydon Marina after mooring throughout the winter (bad gales).  The on-board family (Pete, Susan and Mazey) have been very busy since we last chatted.  Susan has had carpal tunnel surgery and Mazey has now recovered from her Mast Cell tumour.  Pete has been supporting both of them during this stressful time.  There have also been many family and friend jaunts during this time too.  I have had extended trips along the beautiful River Lea and Stort in the summer.  The family have been away for quite a lot of the time, leaving me alone amongst my other Roydon Marina narrowboat mates.

Now though I am excited to get going....  it is a pretend escape as I know that the family have commitments which mean we cannot travel yet on our new adventure to the Kennet and Avon until 30th April.  In the interim though we will be cruising the River Lea and Stort again.... No hardship as so pretty.

There was a lot of discussion from 'the family' about which direction to take once through Roydon Marina Lock.  In the end, it was agreed that Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve nr. Ware would be a great location.  A couple of points to mention about this journey:  many large evil looking logs had to be circumnavigated... Stanstead lock is still vicious... resulting in many items on the inside of me being violently thrown onto the floor (books, candles, drawers, fire extinquisher).  This lock needs to be respected and dealt with slowly!!!

Susan mentions that all electrical appliances such as the toaster and kettle are no longer to be used and need to be put away.  She mentions about 'how long' it takes for the gas kettle to boil....  Also, internal lights get switched off early and water is used sparingly.....  Susan says "It's the joy of boating"....  Susan also says "This cruising takes a while to get used to again.  Especially after being so busy".  She is finding it difficult to slow down and stop...  Pete is fine..

CR&T are working on the towpath at Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve.  We find a space to moor.  Mooring pins cannot be used here as there is a large underground gas pipe along the towpath.  Signs warn people not to use pins.

Pete puts away his winter clothes and gets out his summer shorts!!!!  Susan tells him that it's a bit premature.....  He also checks my weed hatch and finds many small snails and bugs nestling inside..... yuk!!

Lots of mating going on in the river.....  looks a bit frightening as if the female will drown.

Back at Roydon Mill from 5th April to 10 April....  Susan and Pete do a few interior repairs and Pete washes me down.  Mazey gets groomed too.

15 April: we head off again.  This time in the direction of Bishop's Stortford.  We stay overnight in Hunsdon Mead, above the lock.  Susan and Pete spend hours photographing the Orange Tipped butterflies that are settling near me.

Hunsdon Mead Mooring - above lock

View Above Hunsdon Mead Lock

Emerging - Orange Tipped Butterfly

Total 3 miles and 4 locks

16 April: Hunsdon Mead to Sawbridgeworth.  On the way, after filling me up with water, my prop gets tangled with a duvet wrapped in a plastic black bag at Harlow Lock.  My engine cuts out in the middle of the river.  Thankfully, a family help pull me back to the bank so that I can get detangled, using their canoe to drag my rope to the towpath.  Pete and Wayne help cut it away from my prop - it takes a long time.  Meanwhile, Susan and Pete chat to the lovely family and then show them around...  We head off with lots of 'Thank yous".

Exiting Harlow Lock

My weed hatch

Rescued duvet

We continue our journey and end up mooring in Sawbridgeworth.  Although a lovely spot, this mooring requires agile crew members to climb up onto the embankment.  Sadly, as Mazey is let out for her last night-time walk, she misjudges the distance, as it is very dark and she ends up falling in.... Pete rescues her.  Susan insists that we move to other safer moorings in the morning.  Mazey was very shaken (so was Susan) and she starts to shiver violently... Pete gets the fire going and they all sit up till late trying to warm her up.  She lays in bed next to Susan all night and has lots of cuddles.  After several hours she stops shivering and falls asleep.  Poor puppy!!!

Total 5 miles and 6 locks

19 April - Easter Saturday: Cruise to Tednambury Lock then turn around to head back to Hunsdon Mead.  All quiet on the river and towpaths today.

Hallingbury Mill

Total 8 miles and 9 locks

20 April - Easter Sunday: Move a short distance today to below the lock and closer to Roydon Lock.  This stretch of river has become very busy since last year!!!  Hard to find a space to moor here now.  Late last night and this morning, I get a thorough plankton clean-up by the obliging local water fowl.  Susan says it sounds like a pneumatic drill inside "peck, peck, peck" in fast bursts.

Total 1 mile and 1 lock

21 April - Easter Monday:  It is warmer outside today and chilly on the inside according to my family.  Susan and Pete head off for a family 'Egg Hunt' in Waltham Abbey.  Mazey and I have a rest today.

The Bartley Egg-hunt

22 April - Cruise to Roydon Mill through the rain.

Roydon Lock - raining again!

Total 1 mile and 1 lock

23 April to 24 April: Susan on a spa-break with her sister.  Roslin Beach Hotel nr. Southend.  Mazey, Pete and I chill out for a few days in Roydon Mill.

Once Susan back on the boat in the evening, I get moved to Roydon Marina.  Getting ready now for the big adventure.  Lots of shopping, cleaning and sorting out to be done before we finally leave the marina.  The car goes to their friends' home in Upminster where it will stay until we return from our next adventure.

Total 1 mile and 1 lock

Roydon Mill, Roydon Marina, Broxbourne and back again!!

Since we last chatted it has been a very busy time.  The weather has gone from downright chilly, with hailstones, to sunny and warm.  Spring has arrived at last...

Mazey - eating the bluebells!

Whilst moored up at Roydon Mill, the family have been busy.  They went to a private cinema showing of Skyfall - the experience was amazing!!!  Thanks to Jimmy and Yvette.

Sunday, 26 May 2013

The family went to Crick Narrowboat Show and sat through a talk by Julia Bradbury on 'Canal Walks'.  She was very entertaining.  She also allowed photos to be taken with her and signed books.  Great lady.

Julia Bradbury

Susan also loved chatting to the up-coming artist Rob Pointon and watched him create a painting of the old working boats at Crick.  Such a talent..

Susan and Pete chatted with Rob and Pauline owners of Dream Narrowboats where I was created.  Their new boat is also called Dreamer......  I am a put out by that (sibling jealousy) but we are different looking boats.

Rob Pointon painting - Crick Narrowboat show

Pete chatting with Rob - new Dreamer

Pete chatted with lots of other professionals about batteries and solar panels.  He bought a battery management system that would fit with theVictron Inverter.

It was a great day; sun shining all day (not the usual Bank Holiday weekend weather); everyone happy....

Monday, 27 May 2013

A day at Enfield Car Pageant with friend Tim in his Rover P6 3.5 litre V8 car.   Another good day.

Tim in the arena with Pete - red Rover

Stunt bikes at Enfield - brilliant

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

We set off early through 2 locks into Roydon Marina.  I fill up with water and get a new gas bottle.  Susan and Pete see an amazing sight of 31 new goslings being escorted by 6 adult geese.  Susan feeds them as she tries to photograph them without falling in.

Goslings fighting over bread

We go back to Roydon Mill and moor up.

Thursday, 30th May 2013

Pete has arranged for an electrician to fit the new battery management system and he will be arriving early on Friday morning.  Pete decides we should move into the marina as it will be easier for the electrician to do the work there rather than whilst on the towpath.

We cruise through the two locks and moor up where we were at Christmas.  We are in luck as there is £3.86 in the electric meter.  With more luck we won't have to put in another £10!!

Friday, 31st May 2013

The electrician stops fiddling with me by 1:30.  The family set about cleaning the inside of the boat.  Susan's wardrobe which was full of clothes has been emptied onto the bed.  She decides it's time for a clear out.

Susan also does loads of washing.

Saturday/Sunday, 1/2 June 2013

The family visit friends whilst I rest overnight.  Again, the food was scrummy and the evening was great fun.  Susan and Pete say "Thanks" to Yvette and Jimmy for a lovely evening and to Una and Malc for being great company.  Sunday was a chill out day for the family to recovery from the late night.

Monday, 3rd June 2013

We wait for the service dock to be clear of boats as I need a pump-out before we head off again.  It is late in the day before it is free.  Pete decides to stay overnight and do it in the morning.  I am raring to go..

Susan goes for a 3 mile walk.  She and her sister, Lorraine, have entered the Shine Marathon walk and are now in training for it.

Tuesday, 4th June 2013

We leave the mooring early to go the service dock and then get asked by James to move as the pump-out is not working - waiting on it being emptied.  Another wide-beam needs to get diesel so we have to move.  It is very windy.  Pete eventually manages to move me to the right spot.  I get tied up.  The family go for coffee in the Marina Cafe.  4 hours later.........  we eventually set off.

We moor at Dobb's weir outside the Fish and Eels country pub.  Nice spot but Susan does not like it here as she feels like a fish in a bowl as everyone who is eating or drinking outside the pub seems to watch our every move!!

Total 3 locks and 1.5 miles

Wednesday, 5th June 2013

A beautiful sunny day greets us.  We head to Broxbourne and moor up near The Crown pub and restaurant.  They do yummy food here, Susan says.

Total 2 locks and 1 mile

Thursday, 6th June 2013

Day of rest for me.  Susan watches as a swan and 7 signets swim by in the morning.  The family go walk about to Silvermeade which is part of the Lea Valley Regional parks and take photos.  It is very busy here with small boats and pedalos passing me throughout the day.

Friday, 7th June 2013

We return to Roydon Mill.  A lovely day's cruising.  Susan and Pete saw a Kingfisher and Greater Spotted Woodpecker.  Susan helped day-boat occupants through Carthagena Lock - they did not seem to know what to do.

Pete is very happy with his battery management system as it allows him to check what voltage and amps are being used by what piece of equipment.  He proudly showed Susan how to use it today.  It seems that he has been using the engine to charge the batteries FOR HOURS when he need not have.  It's not his fault as apparently the Victron Inverter only displays green lights when it gets to absorption or float.  He assumed if it went to float the batteries were fully charged.  Now we have this battery management system we can tell exactly how much charge the batteries have and do not need to rely on the inverter telling us as it seems to be incorrect.  So the fuel bill will decrease this year.  Good news.

Total 4 locks and 3.5 miles

Mooring nr. Glen Faba (Lower Lock) River Stort to Roydon Mill

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Another very still, grey morning greets us today.  The canal is a rich brown colour with twigs, leaves and cut grasses floating on top forming a reflective mirror.

After walking Mazey across the field from our mooring Pete checks my batteries......  3 are OK but the other 3 are slightly below par voltage.  Pete confused about what to do next.  He puts them back and then calls his friend for a long chat about batteries!!!  It looks like Pete may get a battery management system fitted and then new batteries.  Susan going greyer as the costs mount up...

Susan goes for a 3-mile 'power' walk to Dobbs Weir and on her journey passes two hotel boats heading towards Bishop's Stortford.  She also sees a heron - the first one for a long time.

View from kitchen hatch

View from well-deck (front of boat)

View from stern (back of boat)

Mooring nr. Lower Lock 

Picturesque view of Dreamer

 Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Sadly, we have to leave this beautiful spot to go to Roydon marina today for pump-out and water.  It is yet another chilly, grey day......

On the way to the marina which is not even half a mile, Pete notices a Kingfisher in the trees.  Susan misses it!!!

After filling up with water we go through two locks and then moor up again at Roydon Mill.  Just as we moor up, another boat goes past me and it is also named 'Dreamer'.  The owner waves and laughs when he sees I am called Dreamer too.  Pete reminded Susan that when we did the Anderton Lift we were told that there were only two other boats named Dreamer on their register that have ever done it.  This is the first time that I have met another boat with the same name.

Pete says "It is nice to be back home."

Pete gets ready and goes for a drink with some ex-work colleagues in London.  Susan walks to the shop in Roydon village for some bread and milk (1.7 miles in total) after checking that the car has not been clamped.

Total achievement 3 locks and 1 mile

Hunsdon Meade, Roydon, Amwell Nature Reserve (River Lea) and Back again!!

Saturday, 4th May to Monday, 20th May 2013

It has been a very busy few weeks.  The internet signal has been a bit 'hit and miss' which is why you have not heard from me recently.  Every time I tried to access the internet it was either very slow or non-existant.  Susan has asked me to make a special effort tonight and up-date you on what we have all been up to!!

After a lovely evening moored above Hunsdon Meade lock, we made it back to Roydon Mill.  We all like it here.  Susan especially loved the many flowers in bloom at Hundson Meade.  She said there was a carpet of yellow (dandelions) on the walk along the towpath.

Above Hunsdon Meade Lock

Hunsdon Meade Lock

Mooring at Roydon Mill

Susan and Pete were then busy meeting friends and family.

Saturday was a meal at Jane and Gerald's home in Loughton.  Such a laugh, according to Susan.

Sunday after Susan went to an Art Exhibition in Roydon, they had a relaxing lunchtime meal with Lorraine and Pat at Hallingbury Mill.  Pete confirmed that the carvery was delicious.

Hallingbury Mill - Restaurant

Hallingbury Marina

Monday, I was left alone, as the family went to a 4x4 off-road driving day organised by friends Matt and Karen.  The Ash pub was the place to chill-out and quench their thirst afterwards.  They bumped into friends Carl and Paulo at the pub.  Carl's aunt and uncle were there too.  They told Susan about the narrow boat they had for 7 years.  The 'best time' of their lives.  Sadly, they had to give it up after Carl's aunt broke her ankle.

Tuesday, a sad day for the village of Hatfield Broad Oak as well as Pete and Susan, their friend, Charlie, was given a final farewell and buried in the beautiful church in Hatfield Broad Oak.  Susan said that she cannot believe it but since December she has been to 3 funerals - all under the age of 50!!

Wednesday-Saturday - resting in Roydon as windy and not cruising weather - so say Pete and Susan.

Sunday was Lacey's christening.  She is the daughter of Matt and Karen and so adorable.  Susan said that she looked like an angel in her white dress, shoes (with hearts on) and bonnet.  A happy day!!

Matt, Laren and Lacey

Monday, 13 May 2013

The family are up early today and we set off to Roydon Marina for fuel and water.  We are back on the same mooring within 2.5 hours.  I got a little bit of exercise today - Yah!

Total achievement 2 miles and 4 locks

Tuesday and Wednesday - Susan disappears for two days and visits her friend Una.  Mazey and Pete keep me company.

Thursday, 14 May 2013

I get a good run today!!!  Susan and Mazey walk alongside me from Roydon Mill to Stanstead Abbots.  On the way Susan chats with Pam and Darryl (owners of IZZY narrowboat moored in Roydon Marina).

We go through two locks and manage to get the ONLY space available for a mooring in Stanstead Abbots.  It was a very tight squeeze..........

Total achievement 3 miles and 2 locks


Friday, 17 May 2013

A very chilly, grey day greets us this morning.  Just as we leave the mooring a large wide-beam hospitality boat passes us from Roydon marina - going in the same direction!!  Susan and Pete help Paul do Stanstead Lock as he is single-handed.  The top paddles create fast jets of water which in turn starts strong currents within the lock - not good.........  A dog walker helps Susan to re-set the bridge over the lock whilst Pete and Mazey fill me up with water.

There are repair works happening along the towpath moorings at Amwell Nature Reserve which is the spot we hope to moor at today.  Eventually, we find a place just as the Lancaster bomber plane goes overhead with Chris Evans on board.  Pete is upset as he did not have his camera to hand.

Mooring nr. Amwell Nature Reserve

Susan walks to Ware to get a few shopping bits and comes back with two heavy shopping bags.  She must be daft walking all that way......  She tells Pete about the parrot called 'Charlie' in the pet shop.  She was very vocal and kept 'tutting', whistling and saying 'hello'.  That was the parrot not Susan ;))

Lots of waterfowl and birds around here.  Terns diving by the boat catching flies.  Susan saw goslings and baby coots.  Greylag geese, moorhens, ducks and swans.

David on Pipperella (Roydon Marina) pulls up in front of us and Pete goes to have a chat.

Saturday and Sunday - rest days.

Susan, Pete and Mazey go for long walks either to Amwell Nature Reserve, Ware or Stanstead Abbots.  Susan went to the Dragonfly/orchid meadow but did not see either a dragonfly or an orchid.  She did see goslings though and enjoyed the walk.

Bluebells on nature walk

Pete and Mazey on the bridge at Amwell Nature Reserve walk

Family of Coots nr. Ware nesting in a moored boat

Pretty floral boats at Amwell

Family of geese at Amwell

Monday, 20 May

Another grey, chilly,  'autumnal' day.  The sky is a grey blanket and rain is threatening to fall.  We decide to head back towards Roydon.

I get a lot to drink at Stanstead lock.  Whilst filling up, a boat comes through the lock and Pete helps them.  They have a dog that looks like Mazey but it is much braver as it runs up and down the roof of their boat.  It balances precariously as they complete the lock.....

There seems to be a problem with Stanstead lock as we try to exit it - the top gates are leaking ferociously.  The occupant of the lock cottage comes out and chats with Pete.  He promises to report it for us.  We managed to get one gate open and are able to exit safely.

No mooring spaces in Stanstead Abbots.  We try to wedge me between two other narrowboats but too tight.  No luck.  Susan is fed up as the other boat had at least 5 feet of clear space behind it and the people were on board.  They could hear that we were just a foot short..... but did nothing to come and help.  If that was Pete he would have helped and moved his boat back......

Pete thinks I have a problem with my batteries.  They seem to be taking a longer time to charge.  This will mean more money to be spent on me.  I don't think they are happy about it.  It took 20 minutes for me to switch over to absorption this morning.

By 1:00 we have moored successfully in a beautiful place, just after Lower lock near Glen Faba.  We are about 1/2 a mile from Roydon Marina.  Pete says he would like to stay here until Wednesday morning when we will visit the marina before heading back to Roydon Mill.  Pete puts down the plank so that Susan and Mazey can get off safely.  He also uses his chainsaw to chop down wood.  Never been happier.   Pete says "It's nice here.  Ain't it??" as he watches the ducks go pass us.

Achievement 3 miles and 2 locks

River Stort: Sawbrdgeworth to Hunsdon Meade

Friday, 3rd may 2013

Another beautiful, sunny but chilly morning.  Pete got up at 5:00 am to put the heating on - it was so cold.......

Susan feels a bit tired today and says she is not looking forward to the journey.  She says that her knee, back and hands hurt.....  Pete, however, is keen to get going and moves me to the lock, whilst Susan finishes off her cup of tea.

Sawbridgeworth

Sheering Mill Lock

We go through Sawbridgeworth, Sheering Mill (the bottom gates are automated) and Freakes lock.  Susan and Mazey walk to Freakes lock along with the many cyclists, runners and dog walkers. It is a bank holiday weekend, so the river towpath is getting busy.

Lawrence moorings - Sawbridgeworth

Pete on top at Freakes Lock

Once at Harlow lock, which is opposite the Harlow Mill pub, there are two boats moored here obscuring the water point again.  Pete manages to wedge me in between the lock gates and the cruiser.  I am thirsty so it takes a while to fill me up.  Just as Pete puts the hose pipe thingy away another boat exits the lock.  Friendly couple from Braunston.  Their boat named Slipaway came second in the Crick Boat Show in 2004.

Busy at Harlow Lock

Harlow Lock

A number of boats pass us including a hire boat - Black Prince.  Susan gets excited when she sees two ducklings - summer is here at last she says!!!  The trees are full of blossom and she spots her first Bluebells too.

At Burnt Mill Lock, Dave, the volunteer helps us go through the lock.  He is finishing at 4:00 today.

The Moorhen nr. Burnt Mill Lock, Harlow

At Parndon lock a boat blocks the lock, so I have to reverse to enable Susan and Mazey to get off me to prepare the lock.  As I exit the lock another boat approaches.  Pete waves them through.  It is getting busier by the hour.....

Eventually, we moor above Hunsdon Mill lock - my first try was aborted as the water was too shallow and I scraped my bottom on the mud and silt. It is a lovely area according to Susan and Pete.  I'm not bothered.......

It was a beautiful day cruising through pretty countryside, sun shining down and warming my paintwork, slight breeze on my bow...... If only everyday could be like today.....

Another boat arrives and moors in front of me.  A few boats pass us and head towards Roydon.  Pete grooms Mazey as she was panting today.

At 8:00 pm a young man knocks on my stern.  Pete answers.  The young man, drinking from a beer bottle, is looking for his dad and thought I was his boat!!!!  It transpires that he is looking for Rob who was moored in Roydon.  Pete tells him he is now moored at Rye House which he was a few weeks ago.  He walks in that direction.  Susan hopes he gets there safely and does not drink anymore alcohol on the way.  Pete says 'How strange'..........  He also wishes he had said "Let your dad know we are still waiting for the £50 he owes us".......

Total 7 locks and 5 miles