Summer 2013

[matty40s]

Dont bank on it, the east end is a maintenance nightmare. FOBNEY lock bottom gate is hanging on by the skin of its teeth and there are numerous sets of paddle gear missing.

 

edited for wrong lock.

Edited August 18, 2013 by matty40s

[Dr Bradley]

O dear. However I am quite used to that.

Edited August 18, 2013 by Dr Bradley

[Dr Bradley]

My last day on the K&A as I'm on the outskirts of Reading and will be on the Thames shortly. I've enjoyed the canal which has it's highlights. Bradford is stunning and worth the trip on its own. The Cain Hill flight is one of the wonders of the waterway and is indeed a hard day. I got lucky with company there and would struggle to single hand the lot in a day. Several excellent pubs, especially at the Western end and I met plenty of people either in those pubs or on the cut, spending days travelling with some and others just a few lockwords. It has taken longer than expected but this has mostly been because I stopped so often to enjoy the towns around.

I'd been told and read how hard this canal is. It's not. Through over a hundred locks only three paddles not working and one missing. Only two locks leaking badly enough to cause any problem, only one gate difficult to close because the walkway was catching on the ground and required the jemmy to lift it, and a similar problem with a bridge, but the landings are all easy and on the right side. I doubt anyone would find the northern broad canals as easy, certainly not the Rochdale or Huddersfield (even though narrow) or the swing bridges on the L&L which can be sods.

I don't really know what to expect of the Thames but I'm heading to London as quickly as I can then a more leisurely return along the full length.

[billS]

Have you done Fobney yet? I'm due to go through that in a couple of weeks to get to Aldermaston, so I'm hoping it will still be passable.

Edited August 21, 2013 by billS

[Dr Bradley]

No, it's the next lock. I'll let you know later today.

[billS]

Sounds like you had an evening at the Cunning Man. Its difficult to believe that the place was built from scratch less than 10 years ago,replacing a previous building.

Edited August 21, 2013 by billS

[Dr Bradley]

yes at the Cunning Man. I thought a small part was original, the rest new build. Not my sort of pub. No problem at Frodney Lock.

[billS]

Thanks for the update Doctor.

[Dr Bradley]

About to move on to the Wey for a trip to the southernmost point. I expect a three day license will be ample. hen back to the Thames and a decision to be made about doing the tideway. It need only be two days and it would be a shame to miss it again in what is probably my last chance. But it will mean a bit of a rush to Lechdale and then the South Oxford. I have deadlines again.

[Black Ibis]

When are you coming East?

[Dr Bradley]

How far East are you?

[Black Ibis]

Cambridge. Went to Brandon (not through the lock as we are 72') at the weekend though!

[Dr Bradley]

Don't know if I'll get to Cambridge as time is getting short, but somewhere in the area early October I think.

[Dr Bradley]

Only about 6 weeks late, today I reached the southernmost place on the inland system. There is even a sign here telling me it's true.

Only 554 miles and 228 locks to go. (Plus crossing the Wash!)

Edited August 29, 2013 by Dr Bradley

[DeanS]

Only about 6 weeks late, today I reached the southernmost place on the inland system. There is even a sign here telling me it's true.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

[RLWP]

Only about 6 weeks late, today I reached the southernmost place on the inland system. There is even a sign here telling me it's true.

 

I'm worried. If you find a Norwegian flag, don't go hanging about in your tent or you'll never get back

 

Richard

 

I'm just going out, I may be some time

[Hawkmoth]

At the rate you're going you will probably pass us soon. We're heading west, currently moored just east of Henley.

If you get a chance, shout or better still knock.

Bob

[Dr Bradley]

I did shout as you passed me the other day. You could hear the shout but not what I was saying - only introducing myself. I'd read you were on the Wey so was looking out for you. I went on the day you left. I'm back on the Thames now.

Edited August 31, 2013 by Dr Bradley

[Hawkmoth]

I got the intro, that's why I'm finally looking you up. Bit late I know.

As I said we're nearly at Henley tonight. Our plans are very fluid, unlike you we don't have a fixed goal. Tomorrow we'll probably be at Sonning, Reading the day after.

Would love to meet if you have the time.

Bob

[Dr Bradley]

Two months later and time to update this thread. elsewhere I wrote about diesel bug and nearly getting stuck on the Thames. I got the boat to Thrupp for a pleasant interlude and treated the fuel with chemicals and cleaned out all the pipe work and been going well since. Had a week at Banbury for the Canal Day and folk festival the following weekend. Caught three excellent Canadian singers in the Braesnose at Cropredy before moving slowly to Long Buckby for the banter. Now moving rather slowly as I feel as if I have dislocated my shoulder whilst asleep on Monday night. Bad pain despite the pain killers and difficulty sleeping in comfort. However I must get through Atherstone by Sunday so will keep moving then I'll have a stop for a while to recuperate if needed.

 

Also had a problem with the computer. Got some malware accusing me of downloading child porn and I was to pay a fine to get the computer unlocked. How does anyone fall for these scams, which they must or it wouldn't be worth doing. Took me several days to work out how to clear it and get the use again.

 

Finally, I have just heard the Rochdale has closed at Mytholmroyd and it sounds like a long job, so I can't get home again this winter, just like last.

[tree]

so sorry to hear about things, if I wasnt working I would zoom up to Atherstone to help you get through, I hope that anyone reading this and can help you out will do so, most importantly because of yer wonky shoulder... I hope that it starts to feel better soon, not much help but Albus oil or Arnica gell can help some folks to relieve achy pain. I wacked my shoulder a while back and used Arnica first as it was givng me some jip, and knocked it again doh!! and used Albus oil.

Hope all gets sorted out very soon and things work out ok, adn yer get back home before the snowflakes start to fall.

 

p.s. its was lovely jubbly to finally meet at the last banterroo , take care until we meet again

[Beaker]

so sorry to hear about things, if I wasnt working I would zoom up to Atherstone to help you get through, I hope that anyone reading this and caAlbusp you out will do so, most importantly because of yer wonky shoulder... I hope that it starts to feel better soon, not much help but Albus oil or Arnica gell can help some folks to relieve achy pain. I wacked my shoulder a while back and used Arnica first as it was givng me some jip, and knocked it again doh!! and used Albus oil.

Hope all gets sorted out very soon and things work out ok, adn yer get back home before the snowflakes start to fall.

 

p.s. its was lovely jubbly to finally meet at the last banterroo , take care until we meet again

 

Do you mean Olbas oil?

[Ange]

Don't forget to give us a shout when you get near Bosley Locks

[cheshire~rose]

There is a possibilty we could come and work you through Atherstone on Sunday. We will be in Brum Saturday night so If I persuade Dave he needs to wake up we could mosey over there to help you. I will send a PM

[Dr Bradley]

Thanks for the offer. I don't know when I'll e going down the flight but certainly Saturday or Sunday. I'll let you know. I should e OK I managed Hillmorton.