This is the blog of Norwyn & Sheila aboard their narrowboat Shell Bell.
the Bridge inn great Italian (they served beer as well)
- The scarecrows having a pint
Our first task today was to walk into Barton-Under-Needwood to get some supplies. We found a footpath which took us past two lakes. After we had shopped we passed a pub where three scarecrows were ‘having a pint’ and were invited to make a scarecrow for the village scarecrow weekend in June. Near where we were moored we saw a sign for ‘free range eggs’ and stopped to buy some.
After lunch we walked to Shobnall Marina (along the tow path) and bumped into Iain Jones who surveyed Shell Bell before we bought her. By the time we got back to the mooring there were about ten to twelve other boats moored up.. As a treat we had an Italian meal at The Bridge Inn – lovely.
One of the seven locks today
We were later leaving Fradley junction than we had planned to be because yesterday evening we discovered a leak under the sink.
It looked as if the water pump was leaking. Still, we had signed up with canal rescue so Norwyn got on the internet to find out what we were covered for. Yes – the water pump was covered. We phoned canal rescue and they said they would get the engineer to call us. While we were waiting Norwyn suddenly thought that it may only be the water pump on the engine which was covered. Anyway we had to turn the water off and begin mopping up. The phone call came from the company to say the engineer would be with us tomorrow. Norwyn said he wondered whether they were aware that it was the domestic pump (very tactful Norwyn) – this of course was not covered but they could arrange for the local boatyard to contact us about a repair. So early today we got a call, the engineer came and diagnosed the problem, they collected a new pump and within an hour we were on our way. Excellent service!!
The canal was quite busy. This was an advantage because with seven locks to do it meant Sheila had help getting through. By mid afternoon we were moored up at Barton Turn, just in time for a walk into the village.
vintage British waterways van Fradley junction
At last, the wind has dropped and the sun has come out. We made our way through four locks and Sheila learned something new – you can’t push a lock gate open if the water isn’t level on either side and even if the gate and paddles have been closed the lock might still leak. Probably would have still been at Fradley middle lock if it wasn’t for the kindness of other boaters. So much to learn!!!! After the fourth lock Captain Norwyn performed another perfect turn (watched carefully by a man whose boat was moored nearby) and then we had to do the lock again before mooring at Fradley Junction, which is said to be one of the busiest places on the canals. Very lively with lots of daytrippers and boaters.
After lunch we went for a walk round the nature reserve and saw a nuthatch in a nesting box; dad kept bringing food to mum for the babies. We also saw a treecreeper, a buzzard and a large terrapin.
After a few hectic days (by canal standards) a lazy day was called for. So at 10.30 we set off to walk to Fradley Junction to check out the locks which we would be tackling tomorrow. We were disappointed to discover that the British waterways information centre had closed because of the economic climate (no funding). At this junction the Coventry canal branches off so we walked along this stretch for a while. After calling at the shop we made our way back (a five mile walk). We hadn’t gone far when the heavens opened and we were drenched by the time we got back to the boat. So Norwyn decided it was time to try out the stove. We were pleased that it all worked well and soon the boat was so hot we had to open some of the windows. This evening we went into the village to watch the end of a local cricket match. We have discovered some residential ducks who come to the boat as soon as someone appears at the kitchen window.
15lb + mirror carp caught on the pole
With much less wind about we set off for Wynchnor. We planned to stop off at Barton Turn to check out the shops at the marina. We had lunch and continued our journey. There weren’t any mooring spaces at Wynchnor so we continued on to Alrewas. We did a small stretch on the River Trent and passed a weir which was scary. In all we went through six locks and met some lovely people on the way. Some had been on the canals for twenty years and said we would love the life. After tea Norwyn found time to do some fishing and the picture shows the carp he caught following a great struggle. Tomorrow we plan to walk into Fradley Junction.
moored at Shrobnall
Today we planned to cruise from Willington to Shrobnall where we hoped to be able to walk into Burton-on-Trent. The wind blew and the sky was cloudy as we set off. Norwyn managed to steer Shell Bell through the narrow exit of the marina without any bumps, so the journey started on a high. We saw very little traffic in the first hour and this wasn’t because we had started early because it was 10.30 when we left. We were amazed at how many baby ducks and moorhens we saw at the side of the canal. The only lock today was Dallow and we got through without a hitch. Sheila even managed to get back on the boat with windless in hand!!!! After travelling for two hours and twenty minutes we moored at Shrobnall playing fields but found that the wind was rough so we moved up and on to the other side of the canal which was sheltered. It was a mile and a quarter walk to Burton town centre. Burton-on-Trent is famous for it’s brewing industry. Apparently in the 13th C the monks at Burton Abbey discovered that an excellent beer could be brewed from the water in the town due to it’s high gypsum content. On our walk into town we could smell the malt and saw the Coors and Marston brewery. Following a look round the shops we bought some supplies and got back to the boat for afternoon tea – very civilised. Luckily by this time the sun was shining and it was quite warm despite the wind.
looking good Scott
Having waved Margy and Marcus off we decided to have a restful day and get ready for tomorrow. It will just be the two of us. Sheila had to catch up on household chores – washing, cleaning etc. Much less work than at home. Norwyn stained the steps which Scott had made and together we put on the anti-slip tape. We have taken a photo for Scott to see. In the afternoon we went for a five mile walk up to Stenson lock and back. It is a wide, deep lock and looked rather scarey but we will have to do it someday.
six locks later
A long day today as we make our way from Branston back to Willington via Barton Turn. We have to do this because Shell Bell is too long to turn round in the canal. Six locks today. Getting the hang of things now. A total of ten miles with only a short stop for lunch. We saw the canal mural at Horninglow on our way back but didnt have the camera out. So much to think about!!!! when we arrived back at the marina the wind was gusting but Captain Norwyn got us safely berthed – not in our berth but next door – who cares? We’re chillin. Another nice pub meal. Margy and Marcus are going back home tomorrow – for a rest. Be interesting to see if they come back again. Beware future guests – there are jobs for all.
We all mangaed to get a reasonable night’s sleep and are still talking to each other. After a hearty breakfast we set off from Stretton (bridge29A) to Branston – the home of the pickle. We’re really getting into the swing of things now and sucessfully tackled two locks. We had no choice since Norwyn had offered to help someone through the locks who had never done them before. Had we??????? We also managed to take on water – we have to do this every day. We moored at Branston Water Park, across the field from hundreds of canada geese and their babies. We walked round the park which had huge lakes full of wildlife, a picnic area and lots more. This time we had a walk of about two hundred yards to the pub, where we had an Italian meal (great). And so to bed. Oh yes – woken early by the geese!!!
Our first cruise. Margy and Marcus joined us and we set sail from Willington To Stretton. A distance of three miles which took us just over an hour and a half. Life in the slow lane!!! Norwyn had learned lots from our training session and managed to avoid any bumps with other craft. No locks on this stretch but we passed over an aquaduct and had spectacular views of the arches. Photos may follow when we learn to upload. Had to get IT support from Ben to get this far. We managed to moor up beside a pub. What a surprise!!! We had a lovely meal and a great laugh.
