Monday 13 October 2014

Our Summer 2014 Cruise - Summary

Our Summer Cruise 2014

This has been our longest and furthest cruise in nb 'Song of the Waterways' - and reflects our ambition to travel on the waterways since we retired 3 years ago.
There were a number of 'firsts'!

On the southern Oxford Canal - heading north at Aynho Weir Lock

 


It was our first time stopping at the Saltisford Arm Trust in Warwick (to be recommended); our first at the Stratford River Festival (although our 5th time by boat to Stratford itself); our first excursion along the Southern Oxford Canal and the first time we have gone onto the River Thames - cruising the Upper Reaches to Lechlade.

All-in-all, things went well although we did have an alternator problem in the intitial week and needed to change to our spare - after that and some 'tinkering' we were charging OK.
Having said that, there are some 'running repairs' that will be completed during the winter, including an oil change.

For those with an interest in these things, here are the summaries form from my cruising log:

Numbers of Nights out Cruising:      103

430 miles  361 locks  803 lock/lift/swing bridge miles
264 Engine Propulsion Hours
  57 Engine Domestic Battery Charging    

Overall Average Lock/Bridge Miles per Hour - 3.0

We cruised along 9 different Canal systems and 2 Rivers  

Looking her best! - Song of the Waterways at Norbury Junction

Sunday 12 October 2014

Audlem Awaits - Last Days of Summer Cruise 2014

Our Summer Cruise 2014

Day 101 North to Market Drayton - 11.5 miles and 5 locks
Day 102 Adderley Locks to Audlem Lock No.2 - 5 miles and 7 locks
Day 103 Audlem flight and back to our berth at Overwater Marina - 2.5 miles and 13 locks

We continued our relaxed pace that has been the 'hall mark' of this year's summer cruise - taking 3 days to head back north. We reflected on the summer of waterway cruising both agreeing that our stop in Birmingham, the Stratford River Festival and time on the Oxford Canal and the Upper Thames were extremely enjoyable.

For now, the last set of photographs on what has become a familiar stretch of canal.
It felt like coming home?!!

Yet another photo of the famous bridge!

Newly hung embankment safety gates - here at Knighton

Looking back as we enter the Woodseaves Cutting

Looking back up the Tyrley locks with the sandstone edge showing

Always makes me laugh!

I spotted this - we met Ike Argent at Ellesmere Port Boat Festival many years ago!
A very likeable man, born on an boat and passed away on his boat - an inspiration

Chris pausing as we lock down at Audlem

A photo of one of the fierce byweirs on the Audlem Flight - easier going down!

The Captain smiling - it's been a great summer cruise!
 
The last day's boating - looking down the flight towards Audlem

Although it's quite warm, autumn is here

Arriving back at the Marina - bringing the rain!
Pointing out where we got to on the Upper Thames.
Sam and David from the office are so pleased to see us again!