Blogs
Keep up to date on the latest adventures and musings from boaters blogs.
23 July 2026
Coven Lawn
NB Harnser
For some reason we were away before ten, We were soon passing under the first bridge, Today this sign would give the Barristers a field day arguing if a truck was to heavy or not.[[DSCF2131]][1] I am sure this piece
22 July 2026
Gnosall
NB Harnser
Bit of a slow day today, too many old friends, Last night that well known boater Bones called in to say hello, not seen her for about 5 years then this morning we stopped to chat with Jerry and Muriel,we
Coventry Canal - Atherstone to Mancetter
NB Huffler
Well after rushing to get here we can now relax. Relax ? Brass needs cleaning, temperatures have dropped some and its nice English weather now. The chimney needs repainting and the Buckby Can needs a bit of a touch up
21 July 2026
Tyrley Top Lock
NB Harnser
Just as we were off to bed last night the moon was almost setting and just visible above the hedgerow across the canal.[[IMG_20260720_224836]][1] For some reason we set off at nine AM this morning and it worked well, We met
Repaint Week 5 W/C 13th July
NB Oleanna
*Redhill Marina / Scarboreugh* **It could be fuller, but at least it’s a start** We’d been in touch with Tom last week hoping that we’d be able to take a load of things down to the boat, a hire van
20 July 2026
Coxbank
NB Harnser
Last night we had some lovely sky’s with the clouds reflecting on the canal. These were taken around 10 o’clock, the second on on my phone.[[DSCF2092]][1][[IMG_20260719_222355]][2] What a day, we were about to set off with a nice clear canal
Coventry Canal Alvecote to Atherstone ... click to see more
NB Huffler
Away early, just after 7am, and hoping to get up Atherstone before CaRT suddenly decide to close the lock flight there.Old bridges You can still see the slag from the coal mining. Entrance to the old coal mine wharf at
19 July 2026
Coole Pilate
NB Harnser
Last night we enjoyed two good meals and a bottle of red in The Old Barbridge Inn. There were very few people in the restaurant but that said that the whole week had been very busy, lots of people eating
Coventry Canal - Hopwas to Alvercote - click to see more
NB Huffler
Saying goodbye to Hopwas we started to make our way towards Atherstone Tony has his daughter coming over from America with her 3 children, their husbands and children, 12 in all and we hope to meet up at Hawkesbury junction
18 July 2026
Barbridge
NB Harnser
A little late getting away this morning. First thing it was foggy and the morning remained very overcast and no where near as hot as previous days. we even had 5 minutes of drizzle and the sun only popping out
Coventry Canal. Huddlesford Junction to Hopwas - click to see more
NB Huffler
Yesterday was boat cleaning, exterior and interior. Getting rid of the white dust that CaRT had decided was a good idea to cover the footpath with from Rugeley to Fradley Junction. Not only was the dust all over the outside
Life-changing decisions.
Pickingupducks
What a week. Broken boat. Clouds of black smoke. Repairs underway. Canals are being closed around us and a feeling of despair settling around. Canal and River Trust say reservoir levels are higher than when they closed routes last year
17 July 2026
Wimboldsley
NB Harnser
It was quite hazy when we set off at 10 this morning but things soon brightened up. When we came the other way last week I didn’t appreciate it was Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men with Weed floating
How to use a tripping line to protect your anchor
Insure4Boats
Anchoring might seem straightforward, but it can sometimes be difficult to know what’s beneath the surface of the water. Uneven terrain, hidden debris, and shifting conditions can all turn a routine anchor drop into a risky retrieval. A tripping line
Prop damage: Repair and prevention tips
Insure4Boats
A damaged boat propeller can cause all sorts of issues while out on the water. Knowing how to prevent prop damage and repair minor dings can reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring. Here, we share how to tell when
Barnacles on boats: How to remove them and why
Insure4Boats
Barnacles may just be small, underwater crustaceans. But they can be extremely problematic for boat owners and cause costly damage when left untreated. If you own a boat, understanding these marine organisms and how they can ruin your vessel is
16 July 2026
Marston
NB Harnser
Bit of a late start, we had the dawn chorus about midnight when something upset all the roosting birds so didn’t wake up too early. It was almost 11am before we set off. I knew it was going to be
Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley & Coventry Canal to Huddlesford Junction. Click to read more
NB Huffler
No need to go early as we are only going to Huddlesford Junction about 5 miles or so and 3 locks This cruiser passed us as we were getting ready to leave. Note gates open and he is now thinking
15 July 2026
Dutton
NB Harnser
Our original plan for this morning was to leave the mooring at 10 and go through Preston Brook tunnel at 1030am. But then we thought now we are here we may as well go to the end of the Runcorn
Trent & Mersey Canal - Rugeley to Woodend Lock click to see more
NB Huffler
Setting off just after 9am this morning as the forecast was only for temps of 27 by 4pm and we will be at our destination by about midday Rugeley strangely devoid of boats behind us and even stranger for England
14 July 2026
Preston Brook
NB Harnser
Last night we ate at [Elmas][1] the Mediterranean restaurant, this was not our first visit and very enjoyable. This morning the first job was a visit to Sainsburys, its only a small one but we got everything we need. The
Staffs and Worcester Canal- Tixall to Trent and Mersey then to Rugeley. click to see more
NB Huffler
A beautiful couple of days in Tixall. Lots of house keeping done, bed changed and washing done. Those who know me well will know it is NOT "one of my favourite things" Not that many boats passing but those that
13 July 2026
Lymm
NB Harnser
Quite a cool breeze this morning making steering quite pleasant. We passed this converted lifeboat, I think its the first time I have seen one with a wheelhouse grafted onto it.[[DSCF2000]][1] Then we came to the fishing match, the time
12 July 2026
Middle Levels
NB Huffler
The Middle Levels are the system that drain the fens. Some are navigable and you can get across to the River Great Ouse The Middle Levels are nothing to do with CaRT or the EA and are maintained and run
Staffs and Worscester canal Penkridge to Tixall click to read more
NB Huffler
After an early night and with no cooling fan in the bedroom, - it had ceased to work sometime during the previous night, it was yet another early morning. Up at 5am away by 6am. Margaret cannot take the heat
Grappenhall
NB Harnser
Bit of a lazy start today that turned into a rush. We didn’t need to be at Preston Brook tunnel until 11 o’clock so we were just sort of milling around and suddenly noticed the time getting away. It turned
Repaint Week 4, W/C 6th July
NB Oleanna
*Redhill Marina / Scarboreugh* We were busy returning from the Dales on Monday, so having no news about Oleanna didn’t bother us. But when Tuesday arrived we started to jump to look at our phones as photos started to come
11 July 2026
Staffs and Worscester canal- Gailey to Penkridge. click to see more
NB Huffler
Going to be 32 degrees today. So up at 5am and away by 6am. A lovely cool 17 degrees.The sun is just rising behind the trees to the right as we leave the Gailey moorings Still quite misty The round
Dutton Hollow
NB Harnser
This was our mooring last night, tucked in under the trees for shade it was so nice I sat out on the[[DSCF1979]][1] deck watching the TV, I was hoping that the sun was going to go down over the canal
White gold
Pickingupducks
> I am born in water. I live in water and I die when water touches me. What am I? The answer to this old riddle has been adding flavour to our days and dishes, fascinating, exfoliating and also relaxing
10 July 2026
Marston
NB Harnser
Away a little earlier this morning arriving at Big Lock just as a boat was leaving, going down, so we followed by ourselves. I don’t recall this sign last time we were this way but lots of offside vegetation has
Staffs and Worcester Canal - Coven to Gailey click to see more
NB Huffler
Setting off this morning around 9am we plan to get to Gailey so we can go down the locks early tomorrow morning. It's only a couple of hours and no locks today. Beautiful properties here Passing an old wharf Local
9 July 2026
Shropshire Union Canal Norbury Junction to The Anchor at Coven click to read more
NB Huffler
Going to be 30 degrees today. That is me done for, as I cannot tolerate temperatures over 24 degrees of full sun outdoors. So we were up at 'the crack of sparrows' and slipped away just before 7am. It's a
Shropshire Union Canal Goldstone Wharf to Norbury Junction ....click to read more
NB Huffler
passing The Wharf Tavern and Missus Mouse we head for Norbury Junction. It's about 12 miles., probably 4 hrs travel. No locks. Very slow going as its past about 4 miles of moored boats ! Farmers getting the harvest in
Middlewich
NB Harnser
Last night was not the best choice of moorings, There was a regular rail passenger service crossing the canal behind us, but as expected that stopped about midnight only to be replaced with a freight [[DSCF1953]][1]service running almost as frequently
8 July 2026
Clive Green
NB Harnser
Well it happened again, Diana set off to walk to the lock, I dropped the bow rope off and before I got to the stern a boat came chugging down the cut, so I followed them down to the lock.
Are we whimps?
NB Herbie
Once again we've decided not to go boating because it's too flippin' hot. We can just about keep cool at home but with temperatures in the 30s again this week we really don't fancy living in a steel box, no
Repaint Week 3 W/C 29th June
NB Oleanna
**Plus a surprise!** Well, this week we’ve been waiting for news on progress from Tom. Mick tried giving him a call on Thursday, but got no answer. He was possibly being too noisy doing jobs, we hope. A message was
7 July 2026
Shropshire Union Canal - Market Drayton to Goldstone Wharf click to see more
NB Huffler
Arrived yesterday afternoon. Only 1 boat came past , the one that followed us up the flight. Very peaceful here. Today its washing and boat cleaning, Tony watching Grand Prix. Two boats passed, 1 in each direction. Where are all
Cholmondeston Middlewich Branch
NB Harnser
When we got up this morning we had bit of a list on as the pound had dropped, not sure if it was just leakage or if someone had replenished the pound between the Beeston Iron and Stone locks. We
6 July 2026
Tilstone
NB Harnser
Had a ring round for diesel prices this morning and didn’t like what I heard so hoping to get to the T&M to fill up. We were away about our normal 10 am and very little to report this morning
5 July 2026
Shropshire union Canal - Audlum lock 2 to Market Drayton click to see more
NB Huffler
Just as we were having breakfast we heard ....plonk.. plonk.. plonk. Putting our heads out the side hatch this beautiful pair came by on the way back from Lymm Transport Day heading for Norbury Junction. Lymm was where we were
Rowton
NB Harnser
Last night we ate at [The Green House Tapas][1] bar which worked out quite expensive as we ended up having 6 dishes between us, but ERNIE paid for it this month. It was quite a short walk there from where
4 July 2026
Shropshire Union Canal - Audlem Flight click to see more
NB Huffler
There are 15 exquisite narrow locks here. We are moored above lock 14, (2 from the bottom). The Shroppie Fly pub and the village are between locks 12 and 13. We went to the Co-op yesterday and took the first
Chester basin
NB Harnser
It was quite overcast and breezy when we set off this morning, a couple of boats had been by before we set off but other than that very quiet. Spotted this birds nest as we passed a boat on the
To the rescue…death averted
Pickingupducks
Sometimes one’s closest neighbours, even if you don’t know them personally, are in need of your help. Unexpected moments of crisis, or encounters when a helping hand is what is needed, provide a challenge for all of us – will
3 July 2026
Stoak Shropshire Union Canal
NB Harnser
When we woke this morning it was dead calm, the wind sock at the chemical works hanging limp. We were due to lock out onto the Manchester Ship Canal at 11-20 this morning, By 11 the CRT chaps were there
Shropshire Union Canal - Nantwich to Audlem click to read more
NB Huffler
The Shroppie is well known for its straightness from Nantwich to Autherley Junction. Lots of available moorings when we left today. We are just about to cross the aqueduct built in 1840 by Thomas Telford over the busy A534. He
2 July 2026
Marsh Lock Moorings
NB Harnser
We set off about 10am on quite a windy morning , often blowing at 35mph, it made winding by the disused lock mouth interesting as I had to get round bow to wind. I know what I should have done,
1 July 2026
Shropshire Union Canal Barbridge Junction to Nantwich Aqueduct click to read more
NB Huffler
A long journey today - all of about 3 miles Much cooler today, nice England temperatures as we cruise through pretty winding tree lined canal towards Nantwich Threatening clouds to our right but no rain forecast 2 beautiful properties here.