The Return Home - to Overwater Marina July 2016
On the Grand Union Canal July 2016
Day 38 From Braunston, along the North Oxford to New Bridge, Br.103 - 3.5 miles
Day 39 Onto the Grand Union to Fosse Bottom Lock - 10 miles 21 locks
Day 40 Through Royal Leamington Spa to Saltisford Arm Trust Mooring - 7 miles 4 locks
After the tragic and sad events of my wife's death, my children were very clear that I needed to get the boat back to my home mooring at Overwater Marina, Audlem.
The first leg was leaving the mooring at Braunston (where, with the agreement of CRT, the boat had been for an extended period of 11 nights. My sincere thanks to CRT for helping me in the circumstances). My daughter was crewing - an absolute delight to spend quality time with her. She took on steering and reached level 3 by coming into the locks - both gates open! Also, locking us through on the long day on the Grand Union.
We arrived at the Saltisford Arm Trust to a pre-booked berth - with electric!
Knowing the boat was safe, my daughter and I made the train journey back to Cheshire for the Funeral Celebration and Gathering at Overwater Marina.
Many thanks to all who helped me and supported me and this time - my children, granddaughter and sister-in-law.
The next leg was the journey up through Birmingham and down onto the Shroppie.
This was done with my son and my granddaughter as crew.
This was done with my son and my granddaughter as crew.
Day 48 Saltisford Arm Trust, Warwick to above Turner's Green Br. 63 - 7 miles 21 locks
Day 49 Grand Union onto the N.Stratford Canal and the Worcs and B'ham
Moored at the Cadbury Visitor Offside - 14m 21 locks
Moored at the Cadbury Visitor Offside - 14m 21 locks
Day 50 Onto the BCN to moor before Sheepcote Bridge, opposite the NIA - 4 miles
Having driven down from Cheshire, we had a later start from the safe berth at Saltisford Arm. Soon, we were locking up the Hatton 21 wide locks - although we cold see a pair of boats ahead, there were none following us so we pressed on.
On the level pound the rain finally came and we finished in a heavy downpour, pulling over on the rings and good concrete edge at Turner's Green. A long and physical day of some 7 hours.
Having driven down from Cheshire, we had a later start from the safe berth at Saltisford Arm. Soon, we were locking up the Hatton 21 wide locks - although we cold see a pair of boats ahead, there were none following us so we pressed on.
On the level pound the rain finally came and we finished in a heavy downpour, pulling over on the rings and good concrete edge at Turner's Green. A long and physical day of some 7 hours.
Leaving the berth at Saltisford Arm Trust
Passing nb Hadar, a replica of a Small Northwich narrowboat of the Star Class originally built for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company by W.J. Yarwoods of Northwich
On the Hatton 21 lock flight - resting with my granddaughter
I did the steering up the lock flight
Leaving a lock - we used just the one gate
Looking up the flight with my son waiting at the opened gate
Steering through Shrewley Tunnel
A photo of the safety markers at the centre of the tunnel
Paddle out of action on the Lapworth Flight at Kingswood Junction
Different paddle gear on the Northern Stratford - presumably from restoration days
Daniel on the offside - note the waterfall byweir!
The electric lift bridge No.26
Brandwood Tunnel
The effigy of William Shakespeare on the northern tunnel portal
The interesting guillotine lock No.1 on the Northern Stratford - now left open
A tight turn at Kings Norton Junction
We're going to Birmingham
Moored in Birmingham - opposite the NIA
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