PADDINGTON BASIN TO WILLOWTREE MARINA, YEADING

10th June, 2014

Such a beautiful morning.  The family are ready to set off at 9:15 am - I am surprised as they were out with their friend Gary for a pizza and beers last night.  My batteries are a tad low as my engine was not run for very long last night.

I turn around at the end of the basin.

There are at least 5 boaters waiting for water at the Little Venice water-point so Pete decides we should carry on.  I manage to squeeze through the boats without scrapping any paintwork.  As we travel along 2 boaters decide to pull out in front of me without looking.  I end up banging and scraping my paintwork on one of them before they realise that we are behind them and then they pull over.  The other one in front, apologises and says they mistook the other boater's signals!!!  They know that they should not have pulled out.  Pete was a bit exasperated.....

I follow a working boat to Kensal Green, Sainsbury's.  We stop here.  Susan gets more shopping again and comes back with 6 bags full of food!!!  There are available visitor moorings along this section.

Once on the move again, I notice that there is a lot of rubbish in the canal - "just like Birmingham" Pete says.  Shame.  I go past another Sainsbury's at Alperton where we see a boat called 'Olivia' - last seen at Waltham Abbey.  The family wave hello.

Near the golf course at Horsenden Hill, Pete and I see a large black turtle with yellow lines on its body, as it sun-bathes on a log.  Susan was upset to miss this as she was still unpacking all that food as well as doing the washing and cleaning.

It seems to take a long time to get to the marina despite being lock-free which is due to the sheer number of boats moored on both sides of the canal.  Slow going.

Once at the marina, we get a very warm welcome.  I moor alongside the Black Prince holiday boats.  Susan jumps off the bow and ties me to the mooring ring.  Pete ties my stern to the adjacent narrowboat.  Pete and Jim (who works in the marina) help to turn me around without the use of my engine so that I can be hooked up to the electric point.  Susan wishes she had her camera to hand as Pete uses the wooden pole to push me around whilst Jim holds onto my stern.  I can't use my engine as too many thick (bind) weeds could get caught into my prop.......  not a good idea.

WillowTree Marina - entrance and exit

WillowTree Marina - bind weed

WillowTree Marina Reception

Unfortunately, the engineer Pete had booked for today has let us down but, thankfully, another engineer will be here tomorrow afternoon to fit a new bilge pump.  We will end up staying two nights now as this has to be fitted and operational before we head out onto the River Thames.

Total 11 Miles 0 Locks

Paddington Basin for the weekend

6-8 June 2014

Have been having a rest in Paddington Basin.  The family have been busy though.

Friday:  Susan and Pete got on a train at Paddington Station to Oxford Circus so that Susan could buy some more camera equipment from Camera World.  Successful trip.  Both of them though were glad to get back to me and Mazey as they are no longer used to the crowds.....

Susan and Pete practised night-time photography with varying results.  They were also checked out by the offices' security guard.....

Day-time Paddington Basin

Night-time Paddington Basin

Saturday: The family chilled-out and watched the many boaters who came into the Basin and tried to find a mooring.  They wanted to offer help but there are signs to say no double moorings allowed.  A few even struggled to turn around at the end due to the winds which form a fierce vacuum at the end of the Basin.

Sunday: In the morning Pete helped Gary, the boater moored behind me, to break into his boat.  He had locked-up and walked away before realising that he had left his keys on the boat!!    Both Susan and Pete smiled at the memory of them doing the same thing to me on the Oxford Canal a few years' ago.  Susan chatted to his girlfriend and noticed her beautiful gold butterfly necklace.  Very special on this day for Susan as it is her mum's 5th anniversary of her joining the angels.  They both worked at St. Mary's Hospital which is behind where we are moored.

After breakfast at Starbucks with Mazey, Susan and Pete went for a walk into Paddington Station to hunt out 'Paddington Bear'.

Paddington Bear first appeared in a book written in 1958 by Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum.  There are now about 20 or more books still in circulation.  The bronze statue in the station was created by Marcus Cornish and is located near the Paddington Bear shop.

Paddington Bear

Whilst there on platform 1 they also found 2 other statues: Isambard Kingdom Brunel and a war memorial which commemorates the railway workers whose lives were lost during the First World War (3,312 men and women in total across the two wars).

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

First World War Memorial - reading a letter from home

Paddington Station was the London terminus of the Great Western Railway and most of the mainline station dates from 1854 (160 years old now) which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an engineer responsible for the designs of tunnels, bridges, railway lines and ships.

After the history lesson they then walked around Little Venice and saw the London Waterbus and Waterside Cafe.

London Waterbus - journeys through Regent's Park to London Zoo

Waterside Cafe

Walking along the towpath Susan saw this dog sitting on top of a boat and could not resist taking a photo.

Further on they decided to go and eat a late lunch in the Summerhouse, which they both said was scrummy and very special.  They had a table overlooking the canal and shared Sea-Bass and a bottle of wine.

Walking back Susan noticed that the Book Barge had musicians on top of the boat - so she decided to take a 'cheeky' photo.

Book Barge Musicians

Stonebridge to Paddington Basin'

5th June 2014

Everyone up early today as we have a long day ahead of us.  Despite the sunny morning both Susan and Pete comment on how chilly it feels today.

Off we set at 8:30 am to get water  and remove the rubbish at the first lock which is Stonebridge.  Both this lock and the next one, at Tottenham Hale, are a breeze as fully automatic.  Susan says that in her mind the lock at Tottenham Hale was HUGE..... however now it appears to be a doddle... odd how human minds can play tricks as us boats don't have those sorts of issues.  There are very large boats before the lock that look like they also serve as offices.

Offices at Tottenham Hale

I am surprised, though, at the sheer number of waterfowl living here amongst the rubbish.  As we exit Tottenham Hale lock there are VAST numbers of boats for miles and miles and miles.  Both Susan and Pete comment that it was not like this 18 months ago.  As we cruise into London it is obvious that CR&T are not succeeding in removing these boaters; no licences, sinking boats and long-forgotten ones according to Pete!!

Tottenham Hale Lock

Sinking boat!

We go past the Olympic Park as we turn into Ducketts Cut (Hertford Union Canal).  Boats are along here too.  Last time there were none.

Olympic Park

I drag my bottom in the middle pound between locks on this stretch.  Apparently this is normal along this stretch.  Susan has to run up to the Top lock and release more water into the middle pound so that I can move!!  Thanks Susan for helping me out.

I am shocked at Victoria Park as there seems little room for me to pass - some boats are moored 3 deep.  Susan says she is getting tired now and would like to stop.  However, so far we have not seen any places to moor.  Not fair I say.....

Old Ford Lock two fisherman are blocking my way into the lock.  After Susan preps it they thankfully move their rods out of the way.  Meanwhile, Pete has his head in my weed hatch.  I have picked up some weeds and a rubbish bag which is making it difficult for me to move my propeller.  Feeling fresh again - thanks Pete.

Acton Lock, Pete does what Susan did 2 years ago at St. Pancreas Lock, he accidentally pushes my throttle into gear as he jumps off to do the lock.  I end up hitting my bow on the front gates.  Pete jumps onto the top of me and then manages to put the throttle into neutral.  Susan did not panic this time.

My family are all starting to feel a little tired now.  Susan says how much she loves the graffitti which is on walls and under the bridges that we pass through.

Sturt's Lock Susan needed a key for the top paddle.  There were 3 men having lunch and sitting on the gate arm and they did not move until Susan asked them to.  Eventually they were kind enough to close the gate when we exited it.

Islington Tunnel is 960 yds and seems longer than I remember from last time. St Pancreas lock was a breeze this time.

The towpaths were getting busier as we progressed through London.  At Kentish Town, Camden and Hampstead lock,  a key is required to either access the top paddles or to get through the gates that fence off the locks.  I share the lock with a small motorboat named "The Frog and Roastbeef".  Seemed a very friendly young man but I think he might have been taking drugs....  He was way too excited (according to Pete and Susan)..  Susan gets bombarded by people either gettting in the way, standing up against the lock gates and not moving or asking loads and loads of questions.  Very hard work.  Pete says he can smell the drugs in the air.  Susan commented that at least she did not see any people dealing like she did last time we came through here.

Hampsted Road Lock

Phew! Once through the last lock of the day Susan did state that she would not like to come through here again in the daytime or in summer.  I think I agree not a very nice place.  Did seem a lot more manic than last time.

Little Venice

I am so pleased to announce that after a great journey through Maida Hill tunnel, London Zoo at Regents Park, Little Venice (where we saw the second camera crew of the day) and Paddington Arm, we found the last remaining mooring space in Paddington Basin.  The whole family, including little Mazey, breath a sigh of relief.  I am pleased to have managed to get the family here safely and can now rest for a few days.  I can moor here for up to 7 days if I wish to.

Camera Crew in Little Venice

Mooring in Paddington Basin (second boat on right)

View from my galley window

Total 12 Miles and 13 Locks (7.5 hours no stops).

Waltham Town lock to Stonebridge

4th June 2014

It's raining!!!  Both Susan and Pete seem a bit fed-up with that and put on their wet weather gear.  Mazey has her waterproof coat on too.

Pete says that Springfield Marina are fully booked so no space for us to stay there tonight.  We will have to stop at Stonebridge.

After Waltham Town lock most of the locks from here to Tottenham are either partial or fully automatic.  Don't forget your british waterways key to operate them.  Whilst Pete fills me up with water, Susan heads off to McDonalds and comes back with two large cappuccinos.

Susan sees more Coots along the river.  One family have nested at the stern of a boat.  Susan says that this boat does not appear to have been moved in a long time.

Coot family nesting at the stern of a boat

At Rammey Lock, Susan and Pete help 2 motorboats into the lock.  One of the gentleman was Irish, 84 years of age and had lots of chat.  Susan was so amazed, he only looked like 64.  They were off to watch England play a friendly football match tonight and planned to moor up in Cheshunt.  They were both looking forward to a few pints.  Two of the paddles were not in operation.  Susan commented that these have been out of action for nearly 1.5 years.........

Enfield lock is approached by passing a row of old terrace cottages.  The towpath is littered with many meadow flowers and poppies.  Both Susan and Pete feel that the paddles are now getting harder to wind-up.  Susan tells Pete that her hand is hurting.

Terraced cottages at Enfield

Enfield Lock

A fisherman at Ponders Lock tries to block my access to the lock, until Pete tells him that his wife and dog cannot get off the other side due to uncut vegetation.  He reluctantly moves his very long fishing pole out of my path.  This is a double-lock.  One is automated and the key is hard to turn.  I am happy to go through the automated one.  Susan manages the control panel successfully despite not having her reading glasses with her.

Ponders Lock

Automated Panel

Pickett's lock is manual.  There is a Bounty Ransom Box here by the lock-side bungalow.  It states there is a ransom for using the lock.  Susan and Pete knew this from last time they came through here but have forgotten to get the Bounty bars......  no-one is around so we escape without a penalty....  Lots of large pylons can be seen now which Susan says ruins the pretty countryside.

Pickett's Lock Access

Bounty bar ransom notice for using the lock

We moor up in Stonebridge by 2:00 pm in torrential rain!!  Susan cooks Pete a smelly chilly and finishes off the ironing.  I am resting now for the night as I know that tomorrow is going to be a very long day to London, Paddington.

Total 6.5 miles and 5 locks

BROXBOURNE TO WALTHAM ABBEY and THE WATER VOLE INCIDENT!!

3rd June, 2014

A strange day.  We left Broxbourne in the rain and arrived in Waltham Abbey, above Waltham Abbey Town lock, near the White Water Rafting Centre.

Susan and Mazey walked most of the 3.5 miles.  All the locks were good and in our favour.  However, Cheshunt lock has a broken lower paddle, towpath side.  CR&T are aware of it and were putting a notice on when we arrived in the lock.

I enjoyed playing 'tag' with Mazey as she ran up and down the towpath and then kept popping her head through the reeds to see where I was.  Susan, once again, had to jog to keep up with us!!

The last lock of the day was shared with a narrowboat named 'Olivia'.

RIVER TALES:

As I was getting ready to stop for the day, Pete pointed out to Susan a baby water vole which was struggling to swim across the river.  To be honest, they were not entirely sure it was a water vole.  It could have been a brown mouse.  It was nearer the towpath side and totally exhausted.  Susan rushed to help.  She could not reach it so ran back to me to get the fishing net and knew that time was running out....  but she could not reach the net as I was not yet moored to the towpath.  So she ran back to where it was and noticed that a large canadian goose and many ducks had pushed it, unintentionally, in their wash nearer to the towpath.  Susan crouched down on her knees and managed to scoop the poor mite into her hand.  Susan said afterwards that it had just given up and was laying on its side - not breathing.

Susan immediately started to pray, gave Reiki healing to it and breathed soft warm air onto its face.  Then she started to rub its tummy, towards its heart - just like midwives do to babies who struggle to breath after being born (Susan says this happens).  It suddenly, started to breath.  Susan put it into the warmth of her pink fleece cardigan and gently rubbed it to stop it shaking.  Then put it near her heart and sat waiting for it to recover.  What could she do with it now?  There was no obvious sign of its family or a nest other than one that could be on the opposite bank, which was too far away.  Also, the chances of it surviving if left on the bank were very low.  Susan decided to call the vet in Waltham Abbey who had looked after Mazey when she had her operation.  They agreed to look after it assuming it would be alive by the time Susan walked the half-mile to the surgery.

Pete and Mazey continued to moor me whilst Susan walked to the surgery in the pouring rain.  Susan told us later that it slept during the walk and when it woke it kept trying to nibble her pink fleece.  It was hungry.  Always a good sign. It's eyes were open when she got to the vet and they promised to look after it and get their wildlife expert to come and take it to another location.  Susan felt emotional as she said 'goodbye' and she admitted that she had envisaged keeping it and putting it in a cage from Pets R Us but knew she was just being silly.........

Later Susan retorted that the 'thanks' she received was poop in her fleece - which is now in the wash.  Susan and Pete agreed that the month of May and June is when offspring are born and prone to the dangers of the river.  In the past week they had rescued two baby coots!!

Cute baby water vole

Tiny rescued water vole

Pete walked back to Cheshunt and took photos of the Bofors Anti-aircraft defence gun platform which was built in the Second World War.  You cannot access it but you can see it from the towpath.  It was built to protect Britain from German invasion.

Later Susan said a sad farewell to her sister, Lorraine and great-nephew, Stanley in MacDonalds.  He loved the story of the water vole and even asked "Is this a made-up story or true?"  Susan showed him the photos on facebook.


Total 3.5 miles and 3 locks

Hertford to Broxbourne - New Journey to Kennet and Avon

2nd June 2014

Whoop whoopie......  we are off.....  new adventure.... Kennet and Avon here we come!!!  So excited.  Don't get me wrong I have had a great time on the River Stort and River Lea.  I think we will be hard pushed to find such wonderful stretches of river or canal like this.  It is beautiful.  I will always have a warm spot in my hull for this place.  But I need to get going to see more of the canals and riverways and look after 'my family' on the way.  So much to see and still to do on the waterways.

Today we moved from Hertford to Broxbourne.  I was pumped-out and filled-up with water as well as cruising 9 miles and going though 7 locks.  Some of the locks were in our favour, which makes it easier and quicker - not that we need to go fast.  Susan and Pete kept waving at the small children along the way.

Hertford and Ware lock gates were especially difficult to move.  Pete helped Susan open the gates.

Mazey was so excited during the last 3 miles from Fielde's Lock to Broxbourne - she ran alongside me with Susan.  She kept running ahead and then back to the stern to check on Pete.  Her tail was constantly wagging.  Susan had to run to keep up with us.

Once moored in Broxbourne, Susan walked up to Mill Pond and got two ice-creams, whilst Pete sorted out the TV ariel.  Pete says he really enjoyed the journey today.  Susan sat in the well-deck and watched the pair of swans with their 6 signets being fed from the towpath.  The large male swan chased a canadian goose and flew off in pursuit.  Everyone happy.  Sleep tight.

Total 9 miles and 7 locks

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