Lived on-board Hadar

Daisypath Vacation tickers

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Gallows Hill to Union Wharf

5 miles, 1hr 50mins.

Map picture

Union Wharf a

Late this morning we upped stakes and winded at the winding hole before Foxton and returned to Union Wharf, where we have moored in the basin, ready for our coal delivery tomorrow morning. A very pleasant journey in the Autumnal sunshine.

Keith.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Solar Panel.

As we are going to be spending a few days moored at Gallows Hill I decided to experiment with our new solar panel. Whilst we are moving it lays flat on the cabin roof, but it is beneficial whilst stationary to tilt it towards the sun, especially during the winter when the sun is low in the sky. As a temporary fix to gauge what I need to do I have commandeered one of Jo’s logs to lean the panel against.

SAM_0779

Today was the first day since installing the panel that we have actually had some sunshine, yes you can blame us for that! At 1:00pm, when the sun was at it’s highest, it was giving an output of 6amps. One thing about installing our solar panel was that I wanted it easily removable without any form of bracket or fixing on the roof, for when we are at festivals, rallies, etc.. I fitted 4 rubber door stops to the corners of the panel  for it to sit on the roof. To stop it being stolen or from being blown away in a strong wind I have used chains and padlocks to secure it to the handrails. I have come up with a cunning plan to make a more permanent tilting mechanism than the log, I just need to find somewhere to buy the materials, watch this space. But in the meantime it will do for now.

Keith

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Union Wharf to Gallows Hill

2.8 miles, 1hr 10mins

Map picture

Gallows Hill (3a)

With brief visits to the dentist and doctors, we headed back out to Gallows Hill until we return to Union Wharf on Tuesday ready for a coal delivery Wednesday morning, then we will be taking up our winter mooring on the towpath.

Keith.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Gallows Hill to Union Wharf Market Harborough

2.8 miles, 55mins.

Map picture

Harborough (2)

A foggy start again, but not as bad as yesterday. A short hop into Harborough, where we moored up on the towpath. Next stop the dentist for Jo as she has a suspected abscess under one of her teeth.

Keith.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Yelvertoft to Gallows Hill

17.9 miles, 10 locks, 8hrs 35mins

Map picture

Gallows Hill (2)

A foggy day from start to finish.

SAM_0768

Pylons have an eerie look about them in the fog.

SAM_0769

Not that you can see it, but approaching Welford junction.

SAM_0772

Entering Bosworth Tunnel.

SAM_0773

Descending Foxton locks.

SAM_0774

Foxton swingbridge.

SAM_0776

Keith.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Braunston to Yelvertoft

12.25 miles, 13 locks, 6hrs 45mins

Map picture

Yelvertoft (2)

A dismal day, but not too cold. Before we set off from Braunston this morning I wanted to check the prop as for the last few days we seemed to be travelling a bit slower than normal. After half an hour this lot had come off!

SAM_0767

The remains of a pair of trousers and the rope were the main contenders, along with the bits of plastic, stick and weed. Passing Braunston Stop house, with still a bit of mist around.

SAM_0761

I needed to buy some new blades for my Stanley knife, which I did at Wharf House Narrowboats below Braunston bottom lock. We shared Braunston locks with a nice crowd of youngsters on a hire boat.

SAM_0762

Approaching Norton junction, and our home waters of the Leicester Line.

SAM_0763

Watford staircase locks.

SAM_0765

Keith.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Cathiron to Braunston

12.4miles, 3 locks, 4hrs 35mins.

Map picture

Braunston (2)

Almost a misty start, but was only low cloud but higher enough not to be misty. The towpaths have suffered this year with the weather, this is how I remember towpaths back in the late 60’s.

SAM_0752

Hillmorton locks.

SAM_0753

Bonsai!

SAM_0754

Bridge No.79 looks to be finished, and a great job they have made of it too.

SAM_0756

Les and Jaqueline on nb Valerie following behind us.

SAM_0757

Bridge No.80 is well on it’s way too.

SAM_0758

Passing Derwent 6.

SAM_0759

We have stopped at Braunston, and went to buy some bits and pieces from Midland Chandlers, mainly a new glass for our stove in the saloon, plus a spare. Les and Jaqueline were taking on water at the water point when we came out of the shop, so we had a quick chat and a cup of coffee and cake with them.

Keith.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Solar Panel.

Whilst Jo was busy moving coal in the hold this morning, I installed our new solar panel that we bought from Solar-Afloat.

SAM_0751

All working fine, just need some sunshine now!

Keith.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Mancetter to Cathiron

19.45miles, 1 lock, 7hrs 45mins.

Map picture

Cathiron

Another lovely autumnal day, passing through Hart’s Hill yard.

SAM_0744

Jo cooking lamb casserole with dumplings for tonight's dinner.

SAM_0745

Marston junction and the start of the Ashby Canal, but not this trip.

SAM_0746

The Navigation Inn is progressing well.

SAM_0748

We have a busy day ahead tomorrow moored here, Jo wants to sort the hold out, especially the coal, and I want to install our new solar panel.

Keith.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Whittington to Mancetter

15miles, 13 locks, 8hrs 10mins.

Map picture

Mancetter Bridge

A lovely days cruising, a bit less windy than yesterday. Fazeley Junction.

SAM_0739

Wow, no queue at Glascote locks, miracles will never cease!

SAM_0740

The Autumn colours to the trees at Glascote top lock.

SAM_0741

Yet another double rainbow over Atherstone.

SAM_0742

Keith.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Great Haywood to Tamhorn Farm Bridge, just South of Whittington, Coventry Canal

18.45miles, 4 locks, 7hrs 55mins

Map picture

Tamhorn Farm

A very windy day, and no queue at Colwich Lock, amazing!

SAM_0732

There used to be some strange underground thingy here, but all gone now.

SAM_0733

Serious shelter from the winds through Armitage tunnel.

SAM_0734

Jo cooking dinner on the move for tonight, Spag Bol.

SAM_0735

Much needed dredging at Fradley, below Shadehouse lock.

SAM_0736

SAM_0737

We pulled in next to nb Plum, aka Solar Afloat, just south of Whittington, and bought a solar panel and associated bits and pieces, so no guesses what I will be doing this weekend!

Keith.