Bidford on Avon

The Eagle has landed!!!!

In other words Boe has arrived, mind you somewhat later than anticipated.  She sat on the station at Oxford waiting for her train and continued to sit as everyone got on the train and left..........she blames the sign board which said her train was the second one in.....she then had to wait an hour and a half for the next one.

We had planned to stay in Evesham for an extra day as the forecast for Wednesday was dire.......and wrong!  The horrendous rain that was forecast did not arrive until late afternoon and then only lasted a short while and was not horrendous.  Still it gave us chance to have a wander around Evesham.  The park and the public toilets are wonderful but the town leaves a lot to be desired.  The toilets are managed by Wychavon district Council as are those at Pershore and both places they are scrupulously clean (3 times a day)

Today we decided to depart as and when we were ready which turned out to be 9am by the time Barney had had a good walk etc.

However some people were still not up

A crisp morning with lovely blue skies.

Evesham lock with it pretty lock house which used to me manned but no longer

The weir above the lock

Good paddling pool for the wildlife

solitary heron

cruising down the river.....but not on a Sunday afternoon

Lots of wildlife pictures today as we have Boe on board

The lighthouse at Offenham Lock

Just before Marcliff Lock we had great difficulty passing  a double long canoe full of children who were having a great time weaving about from side to side of the river.  We eventually passed them but round the next bend was the lock and two more loaded canoes just entering the lock......No 3 whom we had passed then came up to join them!!  We couldn't believe that they were going to take all those kids up the lock.   However the man in charge seemed to know what he was doing and the inflow from this lock was not as fierce as some of the previous ones.

Good place for a sunbathe??

Well hello there

When we reached the moorings at Bideford there was just room to get half of Petroc on the end as those same canoes were there taking up a fair bit of space.  However they were only staying for lunch so we were able to move back later on.

If we were continuing at our slow pace we would stay here for a couple of days but we have a date in Stratford so shall have to move on tomorrow.

In addition we have made the decision that we need to be in Fenny Stratford (Compton)by 1st October.   This is the first date that Lee Sanitation can come and see if they can repair our toilet.   So instead of paying for a call out fee we shall take the Mountain to Muhammad.......so to speak.   This means somewhat longer days than we have had over the last couple of months...

Total distance:8.01 miles 

Elapsed time:3h40m20s 

Locks:4

Bridges:6 
Average speed:2.18 mph (3.27 lock/mph) 

Onwards towards Evesham

A couple of short showers on our run today but nothing drastic thankfully.  The goal was Sankey Marine where we had a date with a spare part for our shower

Private club of some sort...no mooring!!

3 locks today and they all have large weirs adjacent.

But the river is very low, despite the wet summer so not too much of a problem

The locks take us much longer than usual as we now tie fore and aft and rise at snails pace.

We reached Sankey just after coffee time.  Doug came and looked at the shower and we discussed the symptoms.  We all came to the conclusion that the problem was not the mixer bar which was the spare part we had ordered.  He explained what all the pipes were leading to the top of our calorifier and tried to see if there was an airlock but nothing found.  However I now understand better why we are getting hot water in the shower when the central heating is on but not very hot when only the engine is on.    He also showed us where there was a little knob on the top to control the heat that the water would come out of the taps.......we have only had the boat just over 8 years and never knew it was there.......maybe Darren should have told us!!!!  So we have tried turning it up a bit to see if that makes any difference to the shower......I am not hopeful.

Not far then to the moorings at Evesham so by lunchtime we were safely tied up and now await the arrival of Boe for a few days.

Total distance:10.71 miles 

Elapsed time:4h30m57s 

Locks:3

Bridges:6 
Average speed:2.37 mph (3.04 lock/mph)

The weekend of the Loo!!

This was not our favourite weekend.   After staying moored by the bridge moorings an extra night as it was so nice we decided to move up to the Pershore recreation ground moorings.  A grey start to the day as we went up through Pershore Lock.  We went up very slowly as we have decided that the have to have fore and aft lines on going up and by the time we had those attached (I lost the end of mine and had to be reattached!) it took a fair while.  As we entered the bottom of the lock a boat appeared ready to descend so he had a bit of a wait.  Cest la vie...all fair in love an war!!

We just managed to tie up ahead of a boat coming the other way at the water point and so they came alongside and we watered together...luckily there are two taps.   However the rate of fill was incredibly slow so we had plenty of time for a good chat with the neighbours.  Barney also benefited as they produced two large chews for him.......which, hard hearted as I am, I immediately rationed and gave him half of one!!

By this time we knew that our loo had decided to be uncooperative....needless to say some of the chat revolved around marine toilets.

Since I do like to look on the bright side I reminded Geoff that it could have happened in far worse places.  There a public toilets close by which under the direction of Wychavon Council are cleaned 3 times a day.  Geoff does not look on the bright side so there was a lot of muttering etc.... he spent a fair amount of time trying to fix it to no avail and at various times we both has our hands (with rubber gloves !) investigating,   Why do these things always happen at the weekend?  Lee Sanitation from whence the toilet comes was not open until Monday morning.
Various scenarios were discussed and the other saving grace was that we were still close to Geoff & Gill so with their kindness we had access to wheels.  In fact we had offers of B&B also.   B&B is not bed &Breakfast to a boater but Bed & Bath!   We refused the kind offer as we had to somehow solve the loo situation.

This morning I called Lee Sanitation full of optimism at 0830 as they opened.  That optimism was also somewhat misplaced.....as everyone apart from the office staff was at the Southampton Boat Show until next Sunday.   However one of their engineers called us back later with advice which unfortunately did not work.  They are very busy and the first date they can fit us in for a visit is Thursday 1st October.........so now it is planning time to see if we can get there before that date or whether they will have to come out to us.  Watch this space.

The weekend was not devoid of nice things however as on Saturday we had an unexpected call from an old friend whom we have not seen for years.  Bridget was house sitting in Cirencester and had seen from our blog that we were not too far away.  The result was that we met at Pershore Abbey for church yesterday, followed by coffee on Petroc and then the pub for Sunday lunch.   A fair bit of reminiscing was done as John, Bridgets husband who sadly died two years ago, was Geoff's first captain on Shackletons when he was but a boy....19 in fact.

We watched this group of children having a whale of a time

specially when they all fell in
that was obviously the best bit!

Today after my disappointing call to Lee Sanitation Gill collected me and very kindly drove me to the closest caravan spares place and I bought an all singing all dancing Porta Potti!!!   Geoff has always wanted to have one on board for emergencies and I have always resisted partly because of the space it takes up and partly because I had utmost faith in our vacuucassette toilet.....obviously somewhat misplaced again.

Later Geoff, Gill & Ronnie joined us for supper on board and a rather hilarious time was had.....this lifted our spirits somewhat.

The forecast for tomorrow is somewhat better than today so here's hoping.

Towards Pershore

We would probably have stayed an extra night in this secluded mooring if it hadn't been for last night antics.

So onward we go with the plan of mooring just short of Pershore.

We passed today's 'des res'

Not a lot else to see on our short trip today BUT the sun was shining AND there was no rain.

We ended up at the Pershore Bridge moorings where we have moored before.

No one else was moored there so we were able to go right up to the end where the quay drops down a little which enables Barney to get on and off....it also makes it easier for me!   The height of some of these quays make them more suitable for cruisers.

We did have the company of three horses but they were tethered so no danger of a head through the window looking for carrots.

Add caption

It is a 5 min walk into Pershore from here so very handy.   After a relaxing afternoon we rounded the day off well with a visit from Geoff & Gill.  We were able to sit outside with our drinks in one of the sunniest evenings we have had for a while, picnic tables provided again......this is the life....

Total distance:3.69 miles 

Locks:0

Bridges:0 
Average speed:3.07 mph (3.07 lock/mph) 

Fisherman & Fires for a very disturbed night

Mooring at Eckington Bridge

The mooring was so congenial by Eckington Bridge that we stayed over a day on Tuesday.  The boat in front of us departed whilst I was out walking so Geoff moved us up to make it easier to get on and off.

I managed to do the 3.5 mile circular walk from here that is shown on the leaflets available here at the picnic site.  Geoff had done it yesterday and thought it was within my capabilities........he was only just right......slightly far for me and not a single bench to sit on for a rest on my way around!

We had two welcome visits during the day...the first from Gill with a pork pie from her butcher and later on Geoff & Gill together as some more mail had arrived for us......so a pre dinner drink this time.

Today we decided to move a little further.  After a very quiet day with boats passing yesterday and nothing seen this morning, two cruisers went past in our direction just as we were about to cast off....so we knew there would be a wait at Nafford Lock.

Eckington Bridge

Our journey took us around several sides of Bredon Hill,
which we had climbed on a previous visit to Geoff & Gill.

We cruised slowly to allow time for the two cruisers to get through the lock and as we approached they were almost up.  Luckily they had fitted in together so we didn't have a very long wait.

Approaching Nafford Lock

The lock did not endear itself to me as we rose as despite Geoff's slow raising of the paddles we still swung across with a thump which on later inspection had knocked several things over down below. Luckily none of the photos were broken.   Tomorrow we shall have a different modis operandi!!!!

We reached Comberton Wharf and were lucky to find there was room.  It is only big enough for two narrowboats and one was already there.   Another gem of a spot.  No road access only a footpath and lovely grassy area for Barney and I to sit out...even facing a good direction for the sun...what there was of it.  Still it was warm enough to sit outside.

However at 3.30am I decided it was not so much of a gem after all.   I was awoken by the smell of smoke so decided to investigate.  At first I thought it was the boat in front as his chimney had smelt smokey during the day.  But a glance though the window and I saw a huge fire burning on the shore close to Petroc.   Watching for a while I began to see something moving and realised it was a dog...then another dog, and eventually a torch wandering around.   I woke Geoff as I found it very spooky.  We watched for a while and eventually Geoff opened the side doors which immediately set the two little yappy dogs on a major barking session.  The torch approached and the figure behind it informed us that he always came here to fish and he brought the dogs because it was the only time they got out.....he had fishing lines set up immediately behind us.  I found the whole thing quite unnerving but did eventually manage to get back to sleep, although in my dreams the man had turned into a whole crowd who were celebrating the solstice or something sinister..... He eventually left sometime after 7 in the morning.

smouldering remains of his fire

Bang goes my thoughts of another night here.

Total distance:2.37 miles 

Elapsed time:1h37m52s 

Locks:1

Bridges:1 
Average speed:1.45 mph (2.07 lock/mph)

Starting up the Avon

We reversed back to the water point and after a brief shop we set off up the Avon

Wonder of wonders it was a bright beautiful day!!  In fact our first trip on the Avon was just so lovely I didn't take many photos......I just sat back and enjoyed it.

We called in briefly at Tewkesbury marina for a gas cylinder and to empty the cassettes.  They obviously have mooring spaces as the gentlemen who served me asked where we moored and was at great pains to tell me that all their moorings were flood protected and gave me a leaflet with all their prices.   However I had looked at this when we were here about a month ago and I didn't like the prices.  A pity as it is a lovely and well kept marina in a beautiful part of the country and just on the outskirts of Tewkesbury which has a lot to offer.

As we passed Bredon Gill came down to wave to us.

Back to manual locks now...more exercise for Geoff!
This is the weir before Strensham lock our first and last of the day.

At first we didn't think there was space at the moorings at Eckington Bridge which was our goal.   However after a closer inspection we decided we could just fit in along the grassy bank.  There were still mooring bollards but we could only get the stern in for entry and exit.  Barney needed a bit of encouragement even for that and I had to dodge the nettles but it was a lovely spot and very convenient for our afternoon visitors who were due after lunch.

However we even had a picnic table right by Petroc so a quick phone was made to invite Gill & Ronnie to come in time for lunch.   

After our meal we 3 girls (ladies??) went into Pershore for a mooch.  Both Ronnie & I fell foul of a garment in a rather nice little shop......but mine was on the sale rail reduced from £35 to £5.......can't pass it by really.

During our absence Geoff was able to fit in his siesta!

Back for tea and the lovely Coffee and walnut cake Gill had baked for us...well really for Geoff as she knows it is his favourite.

Geoff left us gossiping after a while whilst he took Barney for his afternoon walk.  Soon afterwards we fell again...an ice cream van appeared....

Gill & Ronnie left just before 6 and Geoff arrived back about half an hour later a very disappointed man.  His walk had been planned to include a pint at the pub.  Unfortunately he reached the first pub at 5.40 and it didn't open until 6pm.  So he carried on to the next pub only to find it didn't open on a Monday...so I didn't mention the ice creams!

All in all an excellent day in plenty of sunshine but no thought of photographs.

Total distance:6.04 miles 

Elapsed time:2h32m52s

 Locks:1

Bridges:2 
Average speed:2.37 mph (2.37 lock/mph) 

Weekend in Tewkesbury

The far end of the Avon at Tewkesbury

This is the Avon lock which is the start of our (we hope) gentle amble up the river Avon.

After supper (and my bath!)on Thursday with Geoff & Gill we had a quiet day on Friday, rediscovering Tewkesbury which is such a delightful pace and of course steeped in history.  In the evening we met Geoff & Gill at the Fish & Chip shop and took it back to Petroc.

On Saturday Ivan & Mary came to visit arriving in time for late coffee.  The weather had been a bit iffy and definitely chilly, but it appeared to be perking up by lunchtime so we decided to head out by car to Bredon.  This is where Geoff & Gill live and they had their annual boat races and fete in aid of the church.  They are also old friends of Mary & Ivan so we though it would be a good get together. We had a good snack lunch in the Fox & Hounds in Bredon first and then wandered down to the rectory field by the iverside where the fete was.  A certain amount of reminiscing took place between everyone!

On Sunday we went to the Sung Eucharist at Tewkesbury Abbey which was wonderful....all smells & bells...right up our street!!!  A very gentle afternoon followed after all our socialising.  It was also a light eating day...one of of our 2 days in our 5/2 diet which we are trying to do but not with any great success at the moment.

We were fortunate that the lock keeper let us stay for the extra days.
 It wasn't the ideal spot as we lost the sun quite early
If you look closely we are the last boat just before the bridge by the steps

So onward tomorrow up the Avon

The end of our sojourn on the Gloucester& Sharpness

A bit sad to leave here on Wednesday.  A lovely mooring not far from Splat Bridge.

View from one side with the Severn Estuary and the flooded fields

View from the other side with Frampton upon Severn Church

We went up as far as Sims Bridge to position ourselves ready for the departure through the lock next day.   The lock keeper reported that the Severn was fine which was reassuring as we had thought with all this rain there might be a problem.   He advised that a 10am departure should be aimed for which was ideal as it gave us time to stop at Sainsburys and do a shop first.  

So Wednesday afternoon I caught the bus into the Gloucester Quays and had a bit of a mooch.   The whole area is very pleasant but in my opinion the outlet shops which started the whole area off are a load of rubbish.   The clothes in the M&S outlet bear no resemblance to anything I have seen in there and I am a profligate M&S shopper.......

I did go into the Mariners Chapel which is no longer full of mariners

but I gather does have a thriving local congregation

Today we left just before 8am.....no earlier was possible as the bridge keepers don't come on duty until then and we had Hemstead Bridge to go through.

There was space on the shoppers moorings (4 hour) outside Sainsburys for us (first time that has happened) so a final stock up before we departed.

Some blue sky but very chilly....3 layers of clothes...technically it is still summer!

Lanthony Bridge opening for us

A line of empty pontoon mooring apart from one solitary narrowboat
They are not very convenient for us because of Barney

Pontoon moorings aplenty

We then hovered by the lock waiting for the flashing red light which would mean that it was being readied for us but there appeared to be no action.   So we called the lock keeper and said we were there and he said 10 minutes so we continued to hover.......not another boat on the move in sight.

leaving the canal
a sad goodbye as we have had nearly a month going up and down the 16 mile stretch
most enjoyable.

Soon after leaving the lock a rib pulled alongside and told us to beware of large branches which were coming our way.

They were not wrong...a certain amount of weaving was required in this narrow part

The first part as far as Upper Partington is a bit dank and narrow and quite a current coming down so it was much slower progress than when we came down.  

Once the river opens out it is somewhat better but not terribly interesting, several miles of tree lined banks with the very occasional pub.   In addition it was quite chilly so we took it in turns for half an hour each on the helm.

We only passed one boat the whole morning but I remarked to Geoff that it would be sods law that we would see our next boat at the junction with the Tewkesbury arm and guess what!!!!  Just as we approached a boat came from the Worcester direction and turned in ahead of us.  If he had been a narrow boat we could have gone up the lock together but it was a wide beam.  In addition we had arrived during the lock keepers lunch hour so we had a bit of a wait on the pontoons below the lock.

Luckily we had stopped just after Upper Lode lock to let Barney off for a quick wee as the steps up to the lock could not be negotiated by him due to their open hole construction.

Our luck was in as there was just one spot suitable for us right up by the low bridge.  We have paid for two nights but the lock keeper has indicated that we can stay through the weekend which is good as we have several visitors expected.

We were then invited to supper at our friends Gill & Geoff (another set) and were collected together with Barney at 6pm.   Before supper I was able to avail myself of a lovely hot bath.....a rare treat whilst we are cruising and doubly so at the moment as we still have no hot water to the shower.   The spare part has arrived at Sankey Marine just before Evesham so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Total distance:13.51 miles 

Elapsed time:5h43m24s 

Locks:3

Bridges:8 
Average speed:2.36 mph (2.54 lock/mph) 

and still the rains came

We decided to move up on Sunday morning as we were expecting Tony & Di at lunch time and as the weather was (yet again) iffy we had abandoned the idea of a walk to the pub at Framilode.  A wise decision as we had some very heavy showers.

A good lunch was had at the Ship again..

Some of the party were quite merry!!

Barney is not always keen on posing for the camera

Monday was a huge wash out...in fact the television today reported that it was the wettest August Bank Holiday on record.   It certainly felt like it where we were.  No prizes for guessing what we did all day..........good job we have lots of books on board.  However this morning showed some improvement.   We moved less than a mile back to our lovely mooring just before Splatt bridge with the view right across to the Severn Estuary.

The difference from when we moored here last week is that the fields
between us and the estuary are now partly flooded.

It was a good morning and I even managed some time on the bank lazing in my chair.

Not a normal site on a canal.
Best of luck when you depart at Sharpness.
Frampton upon Severn Church in the background

By lunchtime the clouds had gathered and force me indoors.   We had a thunderstorm this afternoon and when I took Barney for his after tea stroll......

...we got caught in a very heavy downpour and had to take refuge under some trees
before scurrying back to Petroc when it had eased off a little.

The forecast for tomorrow is more of the same but we hope for a dry morning to wend our way towards Gloucester.  The idea is to position ourselves for an early departure on Thursday through Gloucester Lock to catch the last of the tide towards Tewkesbury.   However this will depend on what the lock keeper says about the state of the Severn after all this rain.  Watch this space!