Derwent6

Back Home!

2012-01-27T10:46:00.003Z

We left Bernie and Sarah's at 8.00am and made our way back down to Al's mum and dads and had a couple of hours with them before we got on the train and made our way back to Derwent6. It was lovely down in the southeast but as we got back into the midlands it started to rain. They were short, shape and bitter showers but we managed to dodge the worse of the rain. We got back to Derwent6 at about 4.00pm and then had the task of cleaning the chimney while the fire was out. It took three hours to get Derwent6 warmed back up to it's rightful temperature. It was nice to be back home....

Happy 18th Birthday

2012-01-26T08:55:00.006Z

Happy 18th Birthday Hannah Winter

We left this morning to go down to Kent, leaving Derwent6 in the good hand of local friends. We got the train down at lunchtime to get together with Al's mum and dad where we saw their first daffodil in their garden in January. We then left there to arrive just in time to meet up with our goddaughter Hannah who is eighteen today and she had just got in from her studies...it was a nice surprise for her!!! We all went out in the evening to a local pub where she brought her first round of drinks (and long may it continue....) We then all had food and carried on celebrating till late into the evening, I'm sure she will be out with all her mates in the local town of Maidstone over the weekend and probably won't want another drink after that... We stayed the night at our friends Sarah and Bernie's, Hannah's mum and dad.

Buses, Kindling, Brasses and a Pub

2012-01-25T09:23:00.007Z

We were up early as Al was going on the 9.45am bus to the Rugby big Sainsbury's with all the girls here at Hillmorton. After they had left Del got cracking on pallets we had, making two big bags of kindling. This is ideal for when we go back on wood in the spring. The girls arrived back at around 1.00pm and we had some lunch. Then Del did the brasses in the afternoon... In the evening we met up with Keith & Ann off n.b Oakfield and Paul & Lynne of n.b. Piston Broke at 6.15pm. We all walked up to the the Stag and Pheasant where we had a few pints and a lovely meal. It was good fun catching up with all the local gossip and taking the mickey out of each other. We managed to get back at 10.00pm just before it started to rain.

Well needed rain

2012-01-24T11:00:00.004Z

We woke up to the sound of heavy rain which here on the canals we are pleased about due to the lack of water everywhere. After breakfast we decided to do a bit more spring cleaning. (Anything we haven't used for three months comes off.)

It's surprising how much you collect and how much you don't actually use, but we managed to get five big bags of rubbish. After the rain had stopped, Del then walked them down to Hillmorton Whalf and popped in there to see if he could get the part he needed for the manual pump out. Well even though there was a sign saying it was open it clearly wasn't. A guy came over and tried to help and after a lot of hassle he found the keys to the shop, he had a good look around for the part, but we couldn't find one. Al read her book all afternoon and Del carried on on a circular walk back to Derwent6. We just chilled in the evening with the footy.........

Cruising with lots of nice people about!!

2012-01-23T09:17:00.009Z

It was a lovely morning and a good day for cruising we thought... So Al walked down to top up our wine quoter before we set off. We soon got to Clifton Cruisers where we needed that pumpout we wanted yesterday. We were greated by the two lovely dogs they have. We were the first boat they had seen for a few days and were open arms to help us. We trickled up the canal till we got to the locks soaking up the scenery, sitting on our new seats on the stern. The locks were in our favour and we soon made our way through them. Someone had left these nice little memento's tied to the lock gates, there are some nice people about...... At the next lock BW helped us through as they were working on the lock next door. The guy helping turned out to be the nice lock keeper who used to manage Foxton Locks, so we stopped for a chat. We got to the top and thought we would soak up some of the sunshine, we had also caught up with n.b Oakfield and n.b Piston Broke, so we moored up just in front of them. We had our lunch out on our new cratch seats and were met by the girls Ann and Lynne walking the dogs. We just chilled in the afternoon in the quiet of the countryside and the sun beaming through the portholes till the sun went down.

Plan B

2012-01-22T12:03:00.008Z

Plan A was to go up and turn today and then get water and then do a manual pump out at Brownsover..Ummmm wrong!!!! All was going so well, turned OK (even in strong winds) got water, (even though it was flooded round the water point) and got in OK at the elsan at Brownsover. Then the pipe broke which fits on the stern of Derwent6 to drain into our container. Hmm .. We tried super glue and managed to get one container out before we had to stop.With Clifton Cruisers closed on Sunday (which we thought would be one of their busiest days) we decided to stay put and try and get a replacement one in Wickes ( it's got our name on it). Well not in this case as they didn't have one... So Plan B is to stay here till Monday and go along to Clifton in the hope we can get a pumpout there and pick up the new part we require at Hillmorton. It was a good job really as the wind had got up even more and it would have made the locks tricky.

We moored up on the other side of the canal again as we get a good TV signal here. Al was pleased as she wanted to see Dancing on Ice and Desperate Housewives in the evening!

Cushions collected

2012-01-21T14:59:00.007Z

We had the threat of rain again with black clouds looming up on us, so we got up early as Al wanted a walk round the shops and Del walked to his secret stash of pallets for Kindling nearby, and quickly broke them up before it rained. We had a call yesterday saying our cushions were ready so we got the bus into Rugby and collected them. Chris (the guy who made them) kindly gave us a lift back to Derwent6 in his van, so we didn't have far to walk with them. We are so pleased with the outcome, and he did some other cushions as well for us. The weather was iffy all afternoon, and we wanted to move on, but the wind just got worse so we sat tight. Del wanted to get a new Antifreeze tester and they have a good little one in Halfords for just £1.99. So we listened to the radio in the late afternoon and chilled with a film in the evening.

Wet lazy day

2012-01-20T10:26:00.006Z

It was a horrible yucky morning so it was hard to get out of bed. We got a phone call saying our cushions were ready from Chris at Manor Upholstery, at least this got us out of bed. The weather just wasn't good enough for us to go and pick them up and we ended up agreeing we would pick them up tomorrow. We couldn't get them in the morning anyway as Gosty was expected at midday, and he arrived bang on schedule, bringing heavy rain with him.....we got soaked!!!. We bought five bags of coal, something we had never done before as we try to use wood when we can. I guess we have just got a bit lazy!! That's why we had one of those lazy days, reading and gaming... Good fun really!.........and we do need the rain!

Lunch out and a heavy shop

2012-01-19T09:18:00.008Z

The ice has all gone now, but we still have some things we wanted to do here so we stayed put for the day. We spotted some wood over the other side of the canal so Del walked over with the barrow and picked some of it up. We are down to our last few bags of coal and diesel is running a bit low, but rumour has it Gosty the coal boat should be through tomorrow (what we gonna do without them?)

We like going to the all you can eat buffet at Pizza Hut where we fill ourselves right up. We do this before we go food shopping so you don't buy more than you need! Del needed some new blades for the wood saw and from there we both went down to Tesco's and picked up the heavy items Al can't carry back on her own, like all the tinned stuff, bottles, and cans. Back on Derwent6 we got rid of our rubbish picking up everyone else's on the way (so that's our good deed for the day....)

Need for food and the big screen

2012-01-18T15:57:00.013Z

We still had ice but it seemed a lot warmer this morning, so maybe later we might get the chance to move. We had run the fridge down for the weekend events so we needed food, or it was back to beans on toast. We were then passed by bloggers n.b Piston Broke and n.b. Oakfield. This cleared the way for us but we were warned it was still bad in places. By the time we left the ice was very thin and just under the surface, we just took it really steady. We got up to the Tesco's moorings and used the spot that Paul & Lynn and Keith & Ann had just vacated. After setting up the telly Al walked to the store and picked up some essentials. The big heavy stuff, we will both pick up tomorrow. We had a lovely lunch and then decided to go to the cinema. We both wanted to see Spielberg's "WarHorse". The screen was packed, the busiest we had seen it for a long time. We thought it was very well made and very moving in places. Al cried all the way through it, Del said Rolf Harris's "Two Little Boys" comes to mind...........

A 60th Wedding Anniversay weekend celebration

2012-01-17T20:21:00.014Z

You guessed it !! It's been another busy Del & Al weekend.. We started off on the Wednesday by going to see David on his twentieth birthday and we had a nice Indian meal. We then made our way back to Al's mum and dad's on the Thursday, as it was their 60th Wedding Anniversary. They were the first to show us the card they got from the Queen. We had a Chinese lunch and played games with all the family together. Friday we had to sort out bits and pieces for Saturday, like balloons, cards and table plans. Saturday we took Pam and Alf to a hotel in Tenterden where we had a 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration. Joining us was Pam's bridesmaid and also their nephew, the son of the best man, together with seventeen friends and family. It started with a lovely afternoon tea followed by a meal in the evening with us all staying overnight. We had breakfast on the Sunday morning and said our goodbyes to everyone. We then took Pam and Alf to Hastings (an old haunt of theirs) where they watched the sea and walked through the old town reminiscing. On Monday we sadly had a funeral in the local church, of a close neighbour of theirs, Vera, and afterwards we were at the village pub for the wake. With the news of their 60th anniversary in the paper and on the bill board outside the village store they become sort of celebrities. Just what Vera would have wanted!! This was quite a draining weekend and we were pleased to get back to Derwent6 on the Tuesday. It had been so cold while we were away and Derwent6 really took some warming up; in fact it took four hours. The fridge gauge was showing the coldest it had been for a long time and the cupboards had condensation in them and had to be left open for a while. We were also iced in, so we couldn't go anywhere anyway.We did manage to collect our licence for this year so we are legal again.

Locking to the Upholsterers

2012-01-10T17:13:00.012Z

We were up early to say our goodbyes to the other bloggers here at Hillmorton as we were all going our separate ways. We followed n.b Oakfield through the first of the three single locks and were surprised that there were two other boats queuing behind us. We were even more surprised when we saw two hire boats trying to get into the single lock in between us and n.b. Oakfield. This would have taken all the water out of the middle pound between the locks. Al managed to persuade the hire company to let us through, after the first of their boats had gone through. Phew!

We passed n.b Oakfield at the water point and we took a steady pace up to Clifton where we spotted a nice mooring and decided to moor up for the day. We had done all of three miles!!!

We had a nice ploughman's lunch and chilled for a hour as n.b Oakfield passed us again, still finding time to repair the shower fixing, where a screw had rusted through.

We had been given a tip that there was a good upholsterers nearby so we decided to give them a ring to see if they could do our cratch cushion covers. They had been cracking and falling to bits since we had a water leak problem from new in the cratch from the roof. Our boat builders fitted a wooden rail to stop the water coming in but it had already soaked the covers which eventually got into the foam and damaged them. We use this area all the time and just wanted new covers so we could sit out there again without getting a damp bum. Chris, the guy from Manor Upholstery said he could fit them in for us if we could get them down to him today. We had to walk about a mile and a half with them, but we managed to find and get them there. He works in a garage in his garden and has a nice little business going. He was really helpful and said he will get them done as quickly as possible, good news!!!

After our walk back it was nice to just relax in the evening still aching from carrying those cushion covers a mile and a half.

Bloggers meet

2012-01-09T19:24:00.012Z

We were up early to get going today. We wanted water and as we were close to the water point we pulled Derwent6 back to the awkward tap and topped up before we left. Al took the opportunity to get some washing done, so she loaded the washing machine. We reversed out into the Junction and headed back towards Braunston tunnel.It was so quiet and we never passed anything in the tunnel, and our luck was in because the locks were in our favour and whoever came up last left all the gates open as well. Not a good thing, but good for us in this case. We managed to get through in a hour, a record for us, not that we're in any rush. It seemed quite busy in Braunston as we crept through, waving and shouting Happy New Year to all the people we knew. We were soon back in the countryside and chugging along with the wind behind us and the sun trying to come out. It is so mild for the time of year so at least we are making the most of it. We soon got to the top of the locks at Hillmorton where we spotted fellow bloggers on narrowboats Tranquility, Oakfield and Piston Broke lined up, and it was rude not to stop and see them. After a chat we went back to Derwent6 and had the casserole which had been cooking all day in the slow cooker. We had a nice quiet evening watching telly and playing music.

Coffee, Cup match, and Clean

2012-01-08T19:10:00.004Z

As you can image it was a late start after a very late night, but we felt alright. Doug and James wanted to see Derwent6, so we were the hosts this time and invited them on for a coffee It would have been wine, but we had drunk it all, so a coffee was good; it was lovely that they had brought some cake round with them... They had a good look round and we had a coffee and we chatted about our plans, but they wanted to get off today so they left us at lunchtime and we said our goodbyes.

Del then watched the battle of the Manchester's FA Cup football on telly and then finished off the brasses while Al read her book in the afternoon. Al then settled down to........... Dancing on Ice and Desperate Housewives!

Chancing it

2012-01-07T10:02:00.005Z

We had a late start this morning and just pottered about getting rid of our rubbish and cleaning brass liners and things. In the afternoon we spent some time sorting out our music files and doing some arranging (more about that later). We then spotted fellow bloggers n.b Chance coming towards us and they pulled up behind us. James invited us on board for a drink and a look around, as we missed them at Crick last year, so we took a bottle round at 5.00pm. We were definitely given the Wow Factor as we walked through n.b Chance (www.narrowboatchance.blogspot.com) We felt really comfortable sitting in n.b Chance's luxury with hosts Doug and James. We caught up with all the local gossip and talked boats all night with two, then three, then four bottles of wine. We then started to get hungry and combined meals (and wine) that we were going to have that evening and Doug cooked up a Masterchef meal... That went down with another couple of bottles of wine, yep we were sozzled at this point. We eventually had a coffee and chocolates and when we looked at the time it was 2.00am in the morning. (we are making a habit of this and won't be invited on anyone's boat any more!) We made the twenty steps back to Derwent6 and fell into bed at 2.30am. Thanks guys for another memorable night....

Trip to Daventry

2012-01-06T09:19:00.002Z

We got a better nights sleep as the winds subsided a bit and the sunshine was out. Al was up early to catch the bus into Daventry. You can pick it up here at bridge 13 and two run every hour. It only takes about ten minutes to get into town. She did some shopping therapy just looking out for any bargains. Del did the roof brasses while she was away. Al got back to Derwent6 by 1.30pm and had brought lunch. In the afternoon Del cut up the wood on the roof and made up some kindling. The weather again started to turn (probably because Del did the brasses) and the wind started up again. It started to rain as it got dark and we had a night watching all the hits from the 70's on Top of the Pops, BBC four. Ahhhhh memories!!!!!!!

Chuck out day

2012-01-05T09:24:00.006Z

The wind did keep us up all night and it just seemed to get stronger as the night went on. As long as we were still tied on, we weren't worried... We then tried to have a lay in but the wind played a part in that as well, so we ended up getting up anyway. After breakfast we carried on with some odd bits and pieces and having a good clear out of things we never used last year. With all our lovely Christmas presents on board we have to make a bit of room. We are getting itchy about moving now, but with these winds why take any chances when we don't have to. We are quite liking the peace and quiet at the moment, and with loads of spaces where we are we aren't bothering anyone. Del went on the hunt for some wood in the afternoon but never found any trees down. Al snuggled up with a good film . In the evening the winds seemed to get up again, lets hope we get a bit more sleep tonight...

Stocking up for the wind

2012-01-04T11:09:00.006Z

The morning started with a Tesco's delivery at 10.30am where the driver managed to reverse round the corner with inches to spare.. brave man!!! It was nice to have food back on board..... probably because we had stretched our stomachs so much over christmas it feels like you are always hungry!Al wanted to get Derwent6 straight inside and Del sorted out the engine room. The wind started to pick up again in the afternoon so we made sure everything was battened down and the ropes were tight. Where we are moored it seems like we are taking the full brunt of the wind, but the good news is that we are not near any trees. It was blowing us around so much that we kept losing the tv signal, so it was back to the DVD's for us. When we went to bed it was still knocking us about and Derwent6 was creaking all over the place. Not much sleep for us we think!

Busy Christmas with Friends

2012-01-03T22:43:00.032Z

Wow what a Christmas... We would just like to wish you all a Happy New Year and for us, we hope it's a better one. So what have we been up to... Well we have been with snakes, and chickens round the Christmas tree, and had Christmas dinner with the elephants. We have sat on the sofa with Murphy the Dog, and diced with the Cybermen. We slept in four different houses while we were away and met up with loads of friends and family (there are too many to mention)........ don't ask how we squeezed them all in.

Thomas had his thirteenth birthday and we all had a evening meal at Prezzo's, one of his favourite eating out spots; it was a good warm up before Christmas. We had Christmas Day with Al's sister and Al's mum and dad, it was a lovely four generation family reunion.

We all crashed out in the afternoon On Boxing Day we went over to Del's brothers and the five kids and had just the best boxing day dinner with all the trimmings, playing all the new games everyone had got. We then got together with Bernie, Sarah, David & Hannah and Steve, Erica, Tanya & Zak, where the girls went to the pictures and the boys went out gliding for the day. We ended up in the pub and then back to the house for some more food. We then set off for London where we took Thomas out for the day. We gave him a joint birthday and Christmas present which was to go to the Doctor Who Experience. As you could see from his Birthday cake he is a massive fan... We had a great day and were surprised ourselves at how good it was. Thomas hasn't stopped talking about how we all defeated the daleks. We ended the day showing him round the lights of London and popping into Hamley's of course... On Thursday we braved the morning round the January sales at Bluewater and on the way back we popped in to see Len's (Del's dad) Brother John and Diane. We came away from there with a large jar of pickled beetroot and onions. It was lovely to see them.... On the Friday we chilled through the day and in the evening we met up with cousin Dave and Diane who treated us with a lovely spread and loads of beer. We came away from there at 2.00am in the morning and with three CD's as a Christmas present. Another great night!!!

This lead us on nicely to New Years Eve where we wandered over to Steve and Erica's who were having a house party. We helped set up the rooms and food for the evening, but ended up out on the patio playing Beer Pong.It's a game with a mix of drinks and a ping pong ball, yep we were all slaughtered except our god daughter Tanya (here with her thumbs up) who won the Beer Pong league. It was lovely by the large fire we had going, where we warmed up.There was a party going in a house opposite and at midnight we all got together in the street with balloons and party poppers, laughter and tears. What a year 2011 was......

All a bit worse for wear we all had a table booked for a New Years Day bash. It was the perfect end to the start of the new year... On the Monday we caught up with some sleep and spent some time with Pam and Alf (Al's mum and dad) before we made our way back on the Tuesday to Derwent6.

When we arrived the strong winds had blown the barrels of the roof and Derwent6 had a cold feel about it. We soon got the fire going with the central heating, and Derwent6 was back to T shirt in half a hour. We would just like to thank George for looking after Derwent6 while we were away. We had got a lot of DVD's for Christmas and in the sales, so we set about seeing some of them in the evening while being rocked by the wind.

Christmas Holidays

2011-12-21T11:35:00.009Z

It has come to that time again where we have decided to take a break from the blog and just enjoy our Christmas. So we would just like to thank all our readers for 2011 and wish you all a
and a

Christmas cruise with crushed ice

2011-12-20T19:05:00.010Z

We were up early this morning as we wanted to get to Braunston for a pumpout. It was a lovely sunny start to the day and as we pulled out of Rugby we said our goodbye's again to Gary and Beryl on n.b. The Answer. It was very cold as we made our way up the Hillmorton three locks. We soon hit the Barby straight and through the countryside into Braunston. We were breaking ice in a few places, and it was a good job we passed Gosty the coal boat, who was fully loaded, and had broken the ice for us. We then passed a few boat bloggers in the village but couldn't stop due the the waste tank being right on it's limit's. We pulled over and topped up with water before we turned into the marina with a sigh of relief and emptied our tank. The light is now against us, as it's coming up to the shortest day of the year, but we decided to go up the Braunston flight of six locks which were all against us. We then went through Braunston tunnel (and it did get dark in there) and it got our eyes used to the light when we came out the other side. We quickly found a mooring and managed to get a telly spot.
It was a good days cruising, but it still knacker's us when we do a full day. It must be being out in the air!!!! We crashed out on the sofa getting in the Christmas spirit with a few drinks.

More ice and now rain

2011-12-19T09:04:00.006Z

It was a icy start with rain to follow, so we couldn't (or we mean didn't) move today. We have been here thirteen days now, the longest we have stayed in one place out of choice for three years. The drizzle turned to heavy rain later but with so much to do here we were content. We then got a tap on the boat and Gary and Beryl asked if we fancied going out for something to eat. So we met up at 6.00pm and walked over to the Harvester which is next to the canal here. We had a really fun evening which ended up with a coffee with a tipple on the side, back on Derwent6. We didn't make it too late a night as we wanted an early start in the morning. We said our goodbyes. Thanks guys for a great week, we feel like we have had a mini Christmas already.

Christmas Dinner on Derwent6

2011-12-18T12:36:00.009Z

Another really cold night last night and the sound of the cracking ice which woke us up in the morning. This was followed by some heavy snow showers. Hmmm not moving today then!!! Del when down to McDonalds to finish off the updating on the computer. We then had a walk round the shops and brought a draft excluder for the bedroom to stop the drafts from the engine room. It was then back to Derwent6 for our first Christmas dinner. No doubt there will be more to come!

Strictly Buffet

2011-12-17T15:52:00.008Z

It was another cold night and we were iced in when we woke up. When this happens you just want to pull up the duvet cover and hibernate. This made the decision for us, not to move today. Al was planning a Christmas dinner but we had a lot of food close to it's sell by date so we had a massive buffet instead. We called it our strictly party buffet as Al was wetting herself waiting for the final in the evening. We then had a bit of a rain shower which cleared most of the ice away but as it got darker it got colder and it started to freeze again. Del got a tip from Gary on the boat next door that there was a pallet for kindling just up the way, so we collected it and put it on the roof. We picked at the food all day and got the atmosphere right for Strictly Come Dancing. With a roaring fire and the twinkling lights and glitter of course, we snuggled down on the sofa. Well done Harry!!!!!

A early present and all updated

2011-12-16T09:45:00.008Z

There was a bit of rain when we woke up this morning so we didn't feel like moving. We have been here ten days now and that's a long time for us to stay somewhere, but we have every thing we need and we are in good company, so why move! We had to do some more washing, so we run the engine late morning. Gary and Beryl came round with some Christmas presents for us. It was a small pile of kindling with our names on it, so sweet!! In the afternoon we decided to get the pc updated so we walked down to McDonalds and used their Wi Fi broadband with a cup of coffee. In the evening Al watched a hour of Strictly before we chilled out with some music.

Christmas with friends (and Bonnie the Bear)

2011-12-15T16:46:00.011Z

After our chilled out evening last night we felt a bit better this morning. We sorted out the fire and had breakfast before we had a knock on the side of Derwent6. We were greeted at 11.00am, by Bonnie the Bear and Jo and Keith off n.b. Hadar, who we invited round for coffee and mince pies (kindly supplied by Jo). We had a lot of catching up to do and it was good to see them looking so well. We also always put the world to right. Bonnie is on a mission to get on as many boats as possible and Derwent6 was the first, she even has a facebook page. They all left at about 1.30pm and we chilled in the afternoon. In the evening we were invited round by Gary and Beryl off n.b. The Answer. We had a great time downing more wine and beers, we love this Christmas lark.........We came back to Derwent6 with aching faces where we had laughed all night, at around 1.30am, trying to be a bit quieter then last time. Good job the bed was made and ready to just fall into........

Recovering

2011-12-14T19:00:00.006Z

After that very late night last night we didn't surface till 10.30am together with a bit of a head! We got a knock on the side of Derwent6 but were still not dressed at the time. It turned out to be Keith and Jo on n.b Hadar, so we will hope to see them later in the day. We got ready to go out as we had to go back to Tesco's to replenish our wine stock which had disappeared. We now have three other bloggers here, so we delivered our Christmas cards and walked down to the recycling station to get rid of our old bottles. On the way back we stopped and had a chat with Jo and Keith and arranged a met up for tomorrow. We spent the rest of the day recovering, and by god we needed it, the good news was that Gary and Beryl felt the same.

An Engine water leak, but we got extra fuuuueeeeelllll !!!!!!..

2011-12-13T18:18:00.013Z

After a very windy night we still managed to get a decent nights kip. We were up quite early and had breakfast before Del set about looking for an engine water leak he spotted yesterday. After getting the covers off and cleaning out the undertray, we noticed a mark on the engine support runners where it looked like a small pipe had been dripping. After nipping up all the jubilee clips and cleaning up the excess water we ran the engine and all seems ok at the moment. We then had Gosty the coal boat turn up, so we filled with much needed diesel and added a couple of bags of coat to the roof. This made us £160.00 pounds lighter in our pockets. Ian and Alison are selling the Gosty Hill business and have had a few offers already, they will be missed by everyone who uses them, but they will still be around on the cut. Del was just about to calibrate the fuel gauge when Maffi on n.b Milly M turned up. (http://narrowboater.blogspot.com/). With Gosty blocking the way he decided to moor up behind us. In the evening Beryl and Gary came on board for a few beers. They turned up with a bottle of wine and six bottles later we were all slaughtered. We had a great night and got to bed...........late!!!! (Well 3.00am actually), so sorry to anyone in the vicinity for our noise!!!

A Quick turn around

2011-12-12T11:30:00.010Z

We made the decision to get water as the weather over the next couple of days doesn't look too clever. There is talk of very strong winds again, which we don't need, and heavy rain, which we do need. We managed to wind (turn) in lovely sunshine and then moored up for water. It's always a bit boggy here, which puts people off, but it's a fast tap. We then tried to get on the same spot we had left a hour earlier but can you believe it someone else was in it, so we moored opposite. We had just tied up when that boat decided to move, typical! So we untied and then reversed up back onto the mooring we left. We had telly and a good signal here so we were pleased to get back on it. At midday we were met by Andy and Hilary of n.b. The Maisibert and we decided to meet at Franky and Benny's.
We all came back to Derwent6 for a coffee and with the fire roaring and full tummies as you can see it's was hard to keep our eyes open. It was lovely to meet up again and to see them both. They left us at around 6.00pm and we settled down for a evening with the telly as the rain started and the winds also picked up. Lets hope the ropes hold!!!

A catch up at last

2011-12-11T10:43:00.006Z

It was another cold night but rain was forecast so Al walked down to the shops and topped up with Christmas goodies, mince pies, chocolates and nibbles, all those bad things that make you feel good!!!!!!

At 11.30am we were kindly picked up by Keith and taken over to Welford marina and n.b Thema. Del hadn't seen his Mum (Pat) since March and we haven't been able to get up to Welford due to the water levels on the summit at Watford. So it was a nice reunion .... Pat had cooked a lovely meat pie with loads of vegetables and we had a lovely catch up with every thing that had gone on this year. They then came back to Derwent6 for a coffee and mince pies with Strictly Come Dancing as we are all fans. It was a lovely day (apart from the rain in the afternoon)

A cold night

2011-12-10T10:43:00.004Z

Blimey it was cold last night... We were lucky that we had a boat come past us at 6.00am in the morning which broke a lot of the ice which was trying to form. We had the fire going full bore all day and we just kept warm. Al wanted so bad to see Strictly in the evening........ so we stayed put.

Body found in Canal

2011-12-09T09:26:00.006Z

Del was up doing the brasses this morning which made it rain by lunchtime. While he was doing them Adam on n.b Briar Rose (http://www.nbbriarrose.blogspot.com/) came by with the sad news that he had found a body in the canal at Newbold and had to call 999. The canal was then closed at bridge 50 for most of the day due to divers going in looking for clues as to what had happened. In the afternoon we went to the pictures to see "New Years Day" as Jon Bon Jovi was starring in it... Al cried most of the way through it.....

On coal in the winds

2011-12-08T09:46:00.006Z

Well for the first time this year we are out of wood and will have to start on coal. You get more control with coal and it will last all day, but we really do miss the smell of wood burning. When we tried to move the old coal bag on the roof it split open where the bag had perished through the summer and tipped coal all over the roof, Del was not happy....

The wind had got up in this time and we pulled the ropes in as we were rocking about a bit. It was so warm and snug on Derwent6 we just spent the best part of the day watching the wind and rain bashing and lashing around us.

Bus to Rugby

2011-12-08T09:27:00.006Z

Del was up getting rid of the rubbish this morning and then we had a walk down to Maplin's to get some electrical bits and pieces. On the way back we popped into Tesco's and brought back the heavy stuff, and Christmas goodies.

We then took a walk over to the bus stop where the buses run every ten minutes into Rugby high street. We had a walk round the shopping centre and got into the Christmas spirit. We had some lunch at Weatherspoons for £3.20 each and got back to Derwent6 before it got dark. In the evening it was out with the box of chocolates and a good film......

Del, Camera, Action.

2011-12-06T11:30:00.009Z

After another cold night we were up early. We decided to move today due to the fact we needed some food shopping. We made our way up to Brownsover at Rugby and were lucky enough to get moored up in this normally busy part of the canal. We couldn't get a telly signal but we weren't bothered as we planned to go out anyway. The boat in front of us then moved off so we moved forward a boat length so we could then get a signal alright. We then walked down to Pizza Hut and grabbed their all you can eat buffet for £6.99. While we were in there we watched two youths try to nick two bikes off the Sports Direct forecourt. They hid round the corner after ripping the labels of the bikes and were just about to ride off when the staff caught them and they dumped the bikes and scarpered. We watched all this from the window of Pizza hut and we took this photo, but after talking to the manager saying we had a photo they weren't that bothered about looking at it, or catching them.We then walked over to Tesco's and got some of our shopping. After getting back to Derwent6 we sat down for an hour before we walked down to Cineworld and watched the film "Hugo".

A little jamming session

2011-12-05T11:47:00.006Z

We had a bit of a frost last night but it was a lovely day. Del set about doing the brasses but it as a lot colder than we been used to and he only stayed out for a hour. Al sorted out some bits and pieces inside, arranging our summer and winter clothes, and also the boots and shoes. We just had a relaxing afternoon with our Christmas songs playing. It then made us get out the musical instruments and have a go at playing some Christmas carols. We then got a knock on the side of Derwent6 and we thought it was going to be someone telling us to shut up making so much noise, but it was a lady on the boat behind us who invited us in for a glass of wine. It turned out she could play the squeeze box and we ended up all getting together and playing folk songs. We had great time! Three hours later we crawled back to Derwent6 at 10.30pm........good job we were so close to home.

Christmas Party in Reading

2011-12-04T21:04:00.012Z

We were up early on Saturday morning and got ourselves ready to get to the station by midday. We got the train down into London and then across to Reading, where we were picked up and taken to Joy and Steve's. It was nice to see them and they accommodated us in a cosy festive style with Christmas music and a lovely decorated house. It just got us in the mood for us going out in the evening where we met up with some of Al's (old) work mates and partners. We hadn't got together for a couple of years and it was lovely to catch up with everyone. We just had a great time and too much to drink.... fun, fun, fun.!!!After a good nights sleep we were woken up with the thought of bacon sandwiches while Al & Joy caught up with Strictly.

Joy and Steve kindly gave us a lift back to Reading station and we made our way back to Derwent6. Thanks guys for a lovely weekend in your lovely house. We got back just before dark and Derwent6 was freezing. With the central heating and the fire it took a hour to get Derwent6 warmed up, then we chilled out in our own little grotto by the telly.

Single Locks again

2011-12-02T10:42:00.010Z

It was a lovely frosty morning and the wood we put on the fire kept in all night and Derwent6 was still nice and warm and it really felt Christmassy. After breakfast we went on the hunt for wood but couldn't find any, so we set off for Rugby. It was one of those sunny frosty mornings where it feels lovely and fresh and you can see your breath.....you know it's December. Still nothing has been done about the bridge falling apart. Hopefully someone will not have to get hurt before it does. We arrived at Hilmorton and it seemed a bit weird doing a single lock again. We hadn't done one of these since March, as we had been down on the Thames, K & A and Grand Union, all with double locks. We managed to get moored up just past the locks, and then get the wood we had left on the roof chopped up. Al had cooked a nice Toad in the Hole for us and we were ready for it. In the evening we made a start on the Christmas cards!

Chatting away (is that the time)

2011-12-01T19:06:00.014Z

We had a lot of overnight rain so we stayed in bed till it cleared away. Del was still struggling with a swollen ankle, after spraining it yesterday. It got to 9.30am and the sun tried to poke out through the clouds. We set off and took the turn back on the Grand Union to Braunston. We hadn't see anything all morning but as we approached the tunnel we could see a big headlight in the distance, typical........although the good thing about this time of year most people on the cut know what they are doing and we passed with no problems. The good news was that it meant all the locks at Braunston would be in our favour. We never waited at the top due to the fact we had waited to see if anyone had gone by when we were at Norton junction, and also no one was behind us in the tunnel and that takes thirty five minutes to get through. So we pushed on down the flight of six locks. It was sad to see the Admiral Nelson pub up "For Let" again. We then turned into the marina where we got a pumpout. This had gone up to twelve pounds, but we still felt it was a good price. We then pulled out and filled with water and while we were there we got chatting to Beryl and Gary on n.b The Answer. We last saw them on the Trent and Mersey about a year ago. We had a long catch up, and took their number to meet up in the future. We left it a bit late to leave Braunston as we forgot the light was fading fast. We hit the Oxford and Al lit the fire to start warming things up as we headed towards Rugby It started to get very cold and dark, so we pulled Derwent6 over and set everything up. Ahhhh, it was lovely to walk into Derwent6 with the smell of cooking and the log fire burning in one corner and the Christmas lights on and the Advent candle burning in the other corner ....We love Derwent6!!!! XXXXXXX

Snowing wood chip with the Decorations

2011-11-30T10:18:00.017Z

We were woken up by some contractors (Allen Groundcare 01327 354789) who decided it would be fun to cover Derwent6 with wood chips "Oi!!!" they got from Del. "Oh we will clean it up" they said. Um with a hard broom we thought.. No chance!!!After wiping down Derwent6, and calming down a bit, we set about getting the Christmas Decks up. Al missed out with all this last year because of problems with her Mum, but this year (with what had gone on) we really wanted to enjoy the build up to Christmas. Derwent6 has got its Christmas tree up and the famous mouse ears on the bow of Derwent6. It's like Santa's grotto inside with a bit of twinkle on the outside.. Later in the day, Del got rid of the rubbish and twisted his ankle in the process, so we will have to see how that is in the morning as we need to get water.

Ashes to Ashes

2011-11-26T08:57:00.011Z

As you may have gathered we had travelled down to Kent again. This time it was for Del's Dad again as we had to spread his ashes. It was his wish to have them scattered at his favourite view point at Epple Bay near Birchington. All twenty of us arrived at the bungalow where he lived, and then walked down to the sea front. It was a bit worrying as it was very windy, but after finding a place where the wind blew right across the bay, we done the deed. We let off some balloons and threw some flowers with a glass of champers in hand. Dad got his wishes. Then we all had a nice meal in a sea front pub. It should have been sad but it turned out to be a good day, Len would have been proud of us all.

The following day was a Christmas shopping day for Del & Al. We try to do it while we're down in Kent so we don't have to store it all on Derwent6.

We had a good day and got most of it done, just some on line stuff to do to finish it off. We also got our Christmas photo done for making our Christmas cards this year. So it has been a busy weekend but we are now ready for Christmas...

More Expense and Expense Saved

2011-11-25T10:27:00.008Z

We had a bit of rain last night but we need it round these parts. The wind was a bit strong so we decided to stay put and do a few jobs. After a good breakfast, Del set to work to cut up the rest of the wood on the roof and got it in the locker. Al managed to sort out our Insurance which cost us an extra twenty pounds this year but we still got a great deal (Al used to work in Insurance). Our licence runs out at the end of December, so it is an expensive time for us. Del then had a go at the fuel gauge which had packed up about three weeks ago and we were dipping the tank to see how much we had. After a few wiring checks we did last time, it pointed to the sensor, so Del stripped it down. It turned out to be a solder joint on the printed circuit which just needed a dab of solder to fix, and bingo we now have a fuel gauge again. That saved us ninety quid..... Later in the day we got rid of our rubbish and found some kindling on the way. In the evening we chilled with the telly and a DVD.

Joined up for the Buckby Flight

2011-11-24T18:38:00.011Z

After talking to Viv and Len on n.b. Valkyrie who pulled up in front of us last night, we decided to leave together at 10.00am to make the locks at Buckby a bit easier. We moved on up the Grand Union and were very conscious that we hadn't any wood left on the roof. Al spotted a large pile in a field and we couldn't resist stopping in very shallow water to get it. We then approached the bottom lock at the Buckby flight and were surprised that the fishermen had decided the lock moorings were the best place to fish. N.b Valkyrie crushed one of their nets as he tried to moor up but luckily, no harm done. We pushed on up through the locks with ease even though it was a bit shallow in some of the pounds. This always happens to us here, but as we passed The New Inn pub at the top lock we could smell the chips..mmmmm We both moored up at the top with loads of mooring available and soon found ourselves sitting in the pub with a bowl of chips. We ended up staying in the pub all afternoon chatting away about boating and the world. We hadn't brought a torch and after saying goodbye to Viv & Len we ended up walking back in the dark. When we got back we lit the fire, set up the telly, and settled down for the night.

A hazy day to Weedon

2011-11-24T18:18:00.013Z

We woke up this morning with a frost on the roof of Derwent6, but we were determined to move on today. We passed through the last two locks at Stoke Bruerne. As we approached the Blisworth tunnel a couple were having trouble trying to get their headlight to work. So we asked if they wanted to follow us through and they did, but we had to go so slowly and showed the way with all the torches we had. It took us a hour to get out to the outside but they were very grateful. We then pushed on up to Gayton junction (one day we will get to go down here) and then on to Bugsbrooke. The weather has still been great for this time of year, as last year we had sleet in our faces and were soon iced in, but we had to light the fire in the afternoon. Can you spot the rabbit sticking out of the bridge hole... We passed through Heyford Wharf and made it to Weedon, where we moored up with a nice sunset. We then had problems trying to get an Internet signal which has never happened here before. With a lot of messing about we gave up in the end and we watched the football to see Arsenal win their Champions league table.

Happy Birthday Del Boy

2011-11-22T09:08:00.013Z

Happy Birthday Del

30 today again

He just wanted to share it with his Dad!!!!!!

Thank you for all my lovely cards and presents. We were up at 6.00am this morning opening them all... Where would I be without friends and family!!!!!!! Love you all xxxxxx Del

Del had a lovely fried breakfast made by Al and then we had a nice easy morning till The Navagation pub opened. We met up with another couple in there Viv and Len off time share n.b Valkyrie and they were intrigued with what we were doing and we had a few beers. We got back late in the afternoon and had a bit of a doss for a couple of hours before we hit the other pub, The Boat. We had a few beers in there before we made our way over to the Indian restuarant just over the canal. We had another good night in there with all the mechanics from the Red Bull team from Milton Keynes. It was strange talking about cars, kers and downforce with them. We got back to Derwent6 at 11.00pm after a lovely day.

Bumps a Daisy!!!!

2011-11-21T11:45:00.016Z

It was a misty start to the day but we had decided to leave Cosgrove in peace, but it didn't start too well. As Del was taking this photo going into the lock he misjudged the approach (not like him at all) and rammed Derwent6 into the concrete wall......CRASH!!!!!! it went.. Derwent6 tipped over hard to starboard and then dipped low to port. After some maneuvering he got to the lock. It was then an inspection inside. There were loads of things on the floor like the ecofan and guitar, draws and cupboards had been thrown open and glasses had tipped over in the cabinets...hmmmmm Del was not happy. He had just done all the paintwork (an omen, we think) and it had dented the rubbing straight, but to be fair, Derwent6 took it very well, and nothing was broken.....A bit shook up we stopped for water at the top and the paint came out again. We then took it easy up to Yardley Gobion. It was a bit shallow in places but we were heavy, so we just to idled our way in the broken sunshine. We soon came to the bottom of the Stoke Bruerne flight of seven locks, and BW were working (drinking and eating) on the brickwork of the first pound. It was sad to see that the wellington boots set in cement had gone and a new wall had taken their place. BW were also working further up, three guys in three vans cleaning up one lock. They all moved their vans to the next lock all of fifty metres. They did open the lock gates for us though.We found a mooring at the top where we could get a TV signal but for the first time since April this year we had 2G (a slow Internet signal) You do get spoilt down in London and on the Thames. We were running low on wood so we chopped up what we had left on the roof so we could refill the locker. We just had time to do this before it got dark. Al had then booked her place in front of the telly for "It takes two" to see if she was on it. Del just sighed!!!

Strictly a Secret

2011-11-20T10:24:00.011Z

Del woke up on his own this morning as Al was coming back to Derwent6 later today. It was time to do a bit of touching up round Derwent6 and sort out all those rust spots before winter. Al got back in the afternoon and I know you are waiting to see what she thought of Strictly live from Wembley. Well "Wow! Fantastic! Awesome! Superb! Amazing! Just the Best! I want to go again"....sums it up!!!..... as she got back on board Derwent6. Al never took the camera as you can't take photos while the show is on but she did manage to take some on her phone. She also mixed with some of the 'stars of our show' and was still dribbling after seeing the pro dancers up close and personal !

She also would not tell Del who was knocked out till he had seen the show later that evening, as they had all sworn to secrecy. Del still can't get Al to stop talking about it....

Keep Dancing!!!!

2011-11-19T09:10:00.006Z

Al was up early this morning as she had a train to catch to London as she was going to the Strictly Come Dancing live show at Wembley. Al was meeting up with Sarah and they had to be there for 3.00pm. Del had some paintwork to do on Derwent6, and as it was a nice day, and still mild temperatures, it was a good time to do it.

He also had a look at the fuel gauge which had packed up, and it looks like it might be the sensor (sounds expensive)

In the evening Del walked into Wolverton and paid a fiver to see four rock bands highlighted by a band called Brigade, who were brilliant. Del got back to Derwent6 at midnight while Al stayed away in Kent after a late night (more about that tomorrow)

Winter Jobs Day

2011-11-18T17:00:00.011Z

We stayed put today to get those winter jobs sorted before the cold weather starts. We have been very lucky so far and it is going to bite us on the bum if we don't plan for it. So first it was the engine, checking the antifreeze levels and topping up as required. Then it was the central heating, making sure we have a clean glow plug and anti freeze in the system. Then we set about doing the rails on the cupboard doors; Fernwood had kindly supplied us with modified heavy duty runners. They fitted a treat and it was a job well done. The light soon closed in and we had to get rid of some rubbish as Al had been having a bit of a sort out. If we don't use it for six months on Derwent6 it goes. So a good day today. Al is wetting herself over Strictly tomorrow. Look out for her on the live Wembley show on Saturday night...........Del will be watching on Derwent6

Milton Keynes and beyond

2011-11-17T18:38:00.013Z

We were up early again and ready to go at 8.30am. Blimey we have been on the go for the last few days with not much rest in between. We passed through the Solbury three and pushed on up to Stoke Hammond. It is so amazing that here we are in the middle of November and the flowers are still all out. Just look at these roses. The sun was trying to come out as we got to Fenny Stratford. It then tried to rain as we approached Milton Keynes but it was nice to see that they are still developing things here and vastly improving the towpath. It was sad though to see this couple sitting on their boat nearly in tears trying to pump out their boat, but there was nothing we could do but go very slowly past. The sun came out again (it's been a funny old day) as we reached Wolverton and we pushed on to Cosgrove, passing over the aqueduct where we managed to get moored up. Del walked into the village and posted a letter and had to walk through the horse tunnel which goes under the canal, a lovely part of 18th Century history. After chopping up some wood for kindling and a lovely liver and bacon dinner, we crashed out in front of the telly.

Slapton to Soulbury

2011-11-16T16:02:00.013Z

We left Slapton after a bit of a lazy morning and trying to get organised. It was around 9.15am and we made our way to Grove church lock getting some washing done on the way. It was still a bit shallow, but we weren't in any hurry. We soon got to Grove lock and below this lock BW were pulling a couple of boats out of the water. We managed to squeeze by.... We then got to Leighton Buzzard where we topped up with water. We like to keep topped up, in case we suddenly get this bad weather the berries are predicting. After we had filled up, we moved fifty metres to the front door of Tesco's where Al filled up the cupboards. We then carried on to Soulbury and the weather just got better and better. Do you think this is the hand of God following us on the way? Hmmm. We managed to get moored up in daylight for a change. We got ourselves sorted with telly and the fire and then decided to go out for a bite to eat. We walked the 30 metres down to the pub, not a good move, because we staggered back at 10.00pm.

Good winter cruising day

2011-11-15T18:50:00.020Z

It seemed a bit colder when we got up this morning, but we were keen to move on. We had the Derwent6 itch again and the weather was near perfect. We set off with condensation on the roof and slowly made our way to the top of the Marsworth flight of locks. We were at idle for most of the way as the water levels were so low, but we managed it. They were all against us when we got there, but it was good to be going down them as we were filling the pounds up as we dropped into them. We could see the reservoirs as we got to the last two and as you can see they are nearly empty. We got to the last lock and we were pleased to see n.b Valerie and Les and Jaq were waving out the window at us. We pulled in just behind them and were invited in for coffee, rude not to.......It was lovely to see them both after getting married in America and they both seemed so happy. Les was busy with jobs on NB Valerie, so at least we gave him a coffee break! We had a good hour with them both and could have been with them all day, it was great to see them. When we left, Del was well impressed when Jaq said, Quote "What a big Horn you have" Hmmm

The weather for November was just fantastic and great for cruising so we pressed on through Pitstone and then through Seabrook and Ivinghoe. We seemed all on our own as it just wasn't busy anywhere. The only problem was we couldn't share a lock with anyone and at least save some water. We had plenty of onlookers though.....We pushed on to Slapton just as it was starting to turn dark, and stopped at a spot Les had told us about with a good TV signal.We wanted to watch the football as England were playing and you know how much Al wants to watch her Strictly it takes two. Al also had a bit of breaking news over the weekend. She has managed to get a live Strictly Come Dancing ticket to Wembley this coming weekend (jammy sod) and as you can imagine she is wetting herself about going. Del is just rolling his eyes!!!!

Weekend antics

2011-11-12T06:54:00.007Z

We have been away again for the weekend and we got the train down to Kent from Tring. We arrived at Al's Mum and Dad's on the Thursday late in the afternoon and spent the night with them. On the Friday we spent the day with Bernie and Sarah squeezing in a bit of shopping on the way. We also collected our cupboard rails very kindly sent down from Fernwood. These are more heavy duty than the ones we have at the moment. We picked up some seals for our radiators and we also picked up some antifreeze for the engine and heating systems.

On Saturday, it was round Del's brother Cliff's, as Cliff and Lou were holding a massive firework party for all friends and family. We all had a great time!!

Sunday we were back round Cliff's for a Sunday lunch on little Ella's 4th birthday. Monday it was back to Derwent6.

Shallow water at Bourne End

2011-11-09T16:50:00.019Z

Al wasn't at her best after last night but we made a gallant effort to get going! The locks were in our favour to start with and we met a boat coming the other way after two locks. It was here we got a warning that it was very shallow on the way to Tring summit. We were running very heavy, with coal, wood and with our waste tank nearly full, so it was a bit worrying. Again it was very quiet and we only passed this one boat. We got to the top lock at Bourne End and it got bad. The water was as shallow as we had seen it, so Al walked the towpath while Del took Derwent6 up the middle of the canal. We got about halfway between the two locks and Derwent6 came to a halt. Al managed to walk up to the lock and let a bit of water through but the pound above was also low. Del threw a rope to Al (as we couldn't use the engine, it just dug in) and she pulled Derwent6 up to the lock. Del threw her carrots, apples and a little bit of hay, it did the trick....

We were at idle most of the way up to Berkhamstead and then it got a bit easier. We spotted this unusual mushroom on the way which we think is the Lawyer's Cap. We also stopped for half an hour to help a lady with a puncture on her bike and Del got her going again.
The last three locks to the summit were back at idle but we got through. We then topped up with water again and then pulled into Cowroast marina for a gas bottle and a pumpout. We then found a mooring for the night. After 15 locks in five miles today we were pleased to put our feet up.

Raining leaves

2011-11-09T15:55:00.014Z

We left Ironbridge early this morning after a very peaceful night. We like this part of the Grand Union as it passes the Grove Park and Grove Mill. It is lovely in between the colourful trees and at one point it felt like it was raining leaves, beautiful. Check out the roof before we set off and then after we had been through this section. We pushed on to Hutton Bridge at Abbotts Langley, where we met up with another couple on n.b. Utopian. We were both grateful for the help and we found out they were also trying to get as far as we were.This made life a lot easier through Kings Langley and then through Hemel Hempstead and the part of the canal you feel you don't want to stop at. We were both cleaning the prop with leaves and debris left in the canal. At one point Derwert6 rose out of the water, but whatever it was got squashed. The good thing is that it has just been so quiet and we have had it all to ourselves.It got to three o clock and it started to rain, so it was also making it a lot darker, but with two boats we had made good progress, and a beer was in order.We meet up with Mark and Sian of n.b. Utopian in The Three Horseshoes, an old fifteen century pub. It turned out we had so much in common with each other. Mark played the bass guitar for a Queen tribute band called Forever Queen, so we had the same tastes in music. He also did paragliding and Del flies model gliders and they also loved a good beer, just like us both. We invited them back to Derwent6 for coffee where the guitar came out and loads of Queen was played. We all had a great night and hope to meet up again in the future.

Thank God for the working boats

2011-11-07T19:32:00.012Z

We left early this morning, well 7.45am; it was a mizzy day, with a heavy mist in the air. We went through Cowley Peachey Lock and filled with water. It took a hour out of our day to fill and we didn't plan it would take so long. Still we pushed on towards Denham Deep lock, where we bumped into a diesel boat and filled up under the A40 road bridge. We were running low and our fuel gauge has packed up while we were in Paddington, another job. Derwent6 took 175 litres and must have been thirsty, but we did get it at 80p a litre....Oh it's good to be back on the canals. We cracked on through Rickmansworth and battled with the leaves in the cut but it didn't hold us up much. What did hold us up was the amount of moored boats we had to pass on idle. There just seems to be more each year when we come down this section, and BW seem to have given up on most of them. We then met up with Tom on the coal boat and he passed over four bags of coal to add to the two we already had from last winter. Lets hope we're sort of ready in case we do get this cold snap they are talking about. After 13 miles and 13 locks we were getting a bit tired and decided to call it a day at Ironbridge lock. It was just starting to get dark. We did manage to get a telly signal here and after that long day we were like zombies on the settee.

Out of Town

2011-11-06T16:06:00.012Z

We moved out of London today. We didn't need to go till Monday but thought we needed to make our way back due to the weather changing and all that. It was a bit colder than of late, but it was still pleasant cruising. There was loads of rubbish in the cut and a mega amount of leaves but we got out to Bulls Bridge alright. It was all going very well till we got to Hayes town where they all sleep under the bridges. We had two herberts who decided it would be funny to tip Coke all over Derwent6 as we passed under the bridge. They gave us a nice wave till we weren't in view and ended up dropping the cans on us, as the stern passed under. Lesson learnt, next time we will be taking a photo of anyone loitering on top of the bridges as we pass under, even if they wave at us! They had scarpered when we tried to find them, but we know who they are.

What do you think of this guys garden on his boat.We were lucky enough to get a mooring at Cowley Peachy, the last one left. We also had the gap in the trees so we got telly.

So it was a Strictly night with a bit of X Factor for us in the evening. It was also a early night as we had a early start in the morning.

Capital Update

2011-11-02T08:33:00.016Z

We decided to take a week off from the blog and have a good time in London. We had a fantastic time so here is a brief update.

Monday 31st October - We just walked about enjoying London. We had some lunch in nearby Zizzi's, and in the evening it was off to the local pub for a Halloween spooky night.

Tuesday 1st November - Del went to the Imperial War Museum while Al did some shopping in Oxford Street. In the evening we went to a show and saw "The Wizard of Oz" and we weren't disappointed.We were lucky enough to have our tickets up graded to the Royal Circle and had fab seats.

Wednesday 2nd November - Del wanted to go to a guitar shop and spent half the day trying different guitars. In the evening we met up with friends Paul and Sam in Hard Rock cafe, another one of our favourite restaurants. Another great night!!!!! Thursday 3rd November - It was another day on board Derwent6. We've got to be honest we were knackered! We felt we must go out in the evening though and ended up going to a lovely Mexican called Loco Mexicano in Bayswater.

Friday 4th November - We had the morning getting over too many beers and in the afternoon we met up with Bernie and Sarah at Victoria station. It was our treat for their 25th wedding anniversary last month. We took them out for something to eat in Covent Garden and then went on to the theatre to see "The Million Dollar Quartet" just a fabulous show. We had our photos taken with one of the stars of the show who played Jerry Lee Lewis. We walked back down Oxford street as all the Christmas lights had been turned on. We got back to Derwent6 at midnight.

Saturday 5th November - After a restful morning we were out again to do some more shopping and browse the windows and watch the street shows. We ended up having lunch in The Spaghetti House. In the evening we went over to Battersea Park firework display. Well it was Guy Fawkes night.

Back to the Bear

2011-10-30T09:04:00.010Z

We stayed put yesterday and apart from wanting to watch the Qualifying and the football we didn't do a lot.

Today however we decided to move and after watching the Indian Grand Prix we set off for London City Centre. We still can't believe how easy it is to get into town and we pondered over how busy it was going to be. We arrived at Little Venice and it was just so quiet. The winter moorers were all in position to get on their moorings for the 1st November. We managed to get on the water point under the bridge and it took a hour for Derwent6 to fill up. We then pulled into the basin and noticed an old blogger Ernie on "Ten Bob Note". I'm sure we will see him later to catch up on a few things. We made our way to the end of the arm and there were loads of spaces. We turned Derwent6 in the breezy basin with ease and moored up. It was nice to be back in the City and watching everyone do their Sunday thing. We can't get telly here due to all the apartments and offices, but that doesn't matter, we're in London! It was also getting dark at five o clock as the clocks went back last night.....

Westfield for the Day

2011-10-28T17:28:00.010Z

We were still a bit hung over from last night but we wanted to get out early with so much to see. We got the train from Kensal Green and got off at Stratford, and the Olympic Park. Al wanted to go the the new shopping centre, Westfield. It was nice and quite when we arrived and we managed to have a good look around....it is huge. It has all the quality shops you need and backs right onto the Olympic Park. You still can't get to the stadium but you can see it will be fabulous. We stopped for a bit of lunch at the Mexican restaurant Wahaca. When we came out it had got very busy and we were pushing our way though loads of people. We wouldn't want to come here on a Saturday or just before Christmas!
We left about 3.30pm just before the rush hour on the Underground. We arrived back on Derwent6 in daylight and it wasn't long before we lit the fire.

Afternoon meeting in the West End

2011-10-27T08:00:00.013Z

We had a very quiet morning as we had a few things to get sorted on Derwent6, but it was nice. We left for Piccadilly Circus at 2.00pm and had a walk round the West End. We met up with friends Joy & Steve who had also been in London all day. We went to a restaurant called Benihanas. It was booked by them and it turned out to be a really good night. It is Japanese food which is cooked at your table but in a style that you would have never seen before. This picture is a pile of onion rings which is set on fire and then cooked to perfection. The food was superb and blew us away. After we said our goodbyes we went to TGI Friday's and watched them throwing glasses and bottles around making cocktails. We got back to Derwent6 at around 1.00am after a great night......

Locks and Rocks

2011-10-26T18:44:00.012Z

We left Brentford at 9.00am and plonked ourselves on the pumpout station, and also topped up with water. The minute we moved, a winter moorer here jumped into our space. We wouldn't mind but they never even asked if we wanted to go back into it......manners!At 10.00am we made our way up the Grand Union, and soon got to the Hanwell flight. We hadn't done locks now for so long we had to take it well steady. We passed the old Asylum; it's funny how we always pass this place near to Halloween. We did ten locks in all and managed to pick up some wood on the way. At the top we then took the turn at Bull's Bridge onto the Regent's canal. We had been greeted by showers all day, some of them heavy, but we did get sunshine now and again which was nice on our backs. Al sorted out Derwent6 while we were on the move, with a lovely warm fire going, and she made some of Del's favourite rock cakes to keep him going.
At one point the sun and rain created a lovely rainbow and Derwent6 went straight through the middle of it...no gold thoughWe carried on till we couldn't feel our fingers on the tiller, and managed to get a mooring at Kensal Green cemetery. It wasn't long before it got dark and after a long day (15 miles and 10 locks) it was an early night for us.

Go with the Flow

2011-10-23T07:50:00.014Z

We got up early as we were booked in for the tidal Thames today. We were going to diesel before we left but at £1.30 a litre and no self declaration we decided against it. We passed through Kingston and then made it to Teddington Lock. We checked in with the Locky and he gave us the all clear for 11.30am. The weather was being kind to us again and the sun was out and it was a bit warmer but the wind was a bit stronger than yesterday. After a cup of tea we made our way up to the lock, where we were joined by another boat. The length of the locks here are amazing. We took the lead out into the wave waters of the estuary and Derwent6 was in salt water again. We slowly watched the tide turn and go into our favour and flow back out towards the sea with us. We passed Twickenham and Richmond and soon got to Kew gardens where we knew we had to turn. It was difficult to see the turn as there are no signs pointing you in the right direction. This is probably on purpose so you don't cut the corner going in and become a hazard to anyone coming out. As we turned in Derwent6 slid sideways but the power of the Beta 50 straightened us up, in line with the lock. Phew! It all seems so peaceful when you get up to the Thames lock and we're back at idle passing the moored boats. The gates opened as we approached, as the lock keeper knew we were coming.

We then made our way into Brentford and had to do the lock ourselves, still it was electric and easy to operate. We were joined by the boat we travelled down with.We were both lucky enough to get a mooring here.
We then had a walk along to Morrisons and picked up some cheap steaks for dinner tonight.

It got dark by 6.00pm and still boats were arriving here, ready for their passage down the Thames tomorrow.

A Quiet Day (we thought)

2011-10-22T08:35:00.006Z

We planned not to move and watch the traffic go by, and make it a quiet day today. The sunshine was fantastic for the time of year and we didn't need the fire. Del spent the best part of the day doing the brasses and some last minute polishing for the winter months ahead. Al was planning what we needed for the next few months. It was lovely to have some time out in the cratch soaking up the sunshine.

It was all good till it got dark and Al was watching Strictly on telly. All of a sudden there was a lot of commotion out on the towpath with Thames Valley police vans and torches flying about. They ended up cornering a guy and six coppers laid on top of him. We couldn't take photos as we felt we just had to keep our heads down! The police then inspected a boat on the other side of the Thames from us, by getting a small motor boat and going over to it. They climbed up the side and barged their way in, it was all Police, Camera, Action, stuff. We still kept our heads down and surprisingly we weren't asked any questions.. Still we might be on telly!!!!

A move to a freebee

2011-10-21T09:54:00.007Z

We lit the fire again this morning as it seemed so cold here (or we're both going down with something). We are moored here on the free 24 hour moorings but after that you have to pay five pounds a night; still a bargain, but we haven't paid on the Thames and we weren't going to start now. Del went for a short ride on his bike and noticed a mooring about a mile downstream. We quickly got going and after two attempts we managed to get Derwent6 close enough to the bank to get in. We have nice views here, and it should be good enough for the weekend, and it's free. We made our booking in with the lock keeper at Brentford tidal lock and hopefully we will be going through on Sunday at about midday, but we have just heard that the winds are getting strong on Sunday...Oh well!

All ending up in Court

2011-10-20T16:03:00.014Z

We woke up to another frost last night and we decided to make our way further up the Thames. So with hats and a few layers on we pointed Derwent6 into the sun. It was beautiful, but we had trouble seeing where we were going with the sun reflecting on the river and the roof.We soon got to Staines and it was warming up nicely, there are some lovely houses on the Thames in this area. We decided to stop for water and just top up while it was quiet. Things were all going well till we got to Weybridge. The lock had been closed due to divers inspecting the lock floor. They also inspected the lower gate hinges. We ended up having some lunch and it held us up for a hour. As we arrived in Hampton we passed David Gilmore's (Pink Floyd) recording studio or galleon and yep we went and had a good look. It was getting cold again as the sun went down, so we moored up at Hampton Court. Right outside the gates in fact, and we then lit the fire. We get a good telly signal here so the evening was sorted.

A great day for cruising ( but chilly)

2011-10-19T18:08:00.014Z

We got up quite early as it was another beautiful day. We were going to see the changing of the guard, but the weather was so good we decided to go for a little cruise. After bacon butties we set off all be it a bit on the cold side, still you can wrap up can't you. We took a steady speed through the locks back to Bray.We had a good look at all the posh houses and then made our way back again. Bernie took the helm on the way back and it was nice for Del and Al to sit out on the bow with the peace and quiet of no engine noise. Five hours later we were back on our mooring in Windsor. We soon lit the fire as it was getting very cold and it had started to rain, can you believe it! Al cooked a nice chili to warm us all up. So with full tummy's Bernie and Sarah left at about 6.30pm and we said our goodbyes. It was nice to see them again. We then walked over to the pub to watch the Arsenal in the champions league football.

A few more beers with friends

2011-10-18T08:24:00.008Z

It was a cold night, and for the first time for a long time we had a very slight frost on the roof of Derwent6. It was a nice day, but windy, so we had a walk into Windsor. We picked up some food shopping and just had a wander round. We got back to Derwent6 at around 2.00pm. Later in the afternoon we were met by Bernie and Sarah (the 25th guys), who had decided to come up and see us. We all had a few beers when they arrived. We then set off back into Windsor where we went to the King and Queen pub, where we had a few more beers. We then went to Bella Pasta, because we had a two for ten pound voucher. We had a lovely meal and walked back across the field to Derwent6... After another night cap we all crashed out into bed, sozzled!!!!!

mmm the nice smells of winter

2011-10-17T12:22:00.007Z

Well it was a lot colder, so for the first time after the summer we lit the fire. We cleaned out the chimney flue first and also gave the ecofan a service, well a clean and a lube up. The fire door is a bit tight to close after fitting a new glass and rope but it should free up a bit when the fire is going.

We soon had a roaring fire again and that lovely seasoned wood smell all over Derwent6......lovely.

Del then did the brasses ( so it will rain tonight) and watched Derwent6 get covered in leaves as the wind picked up. It was then on to his bike as he got a puncture last time out. Al was busy doing some work around the interior of Derwent6.

With the fire going we don't use any gas, and a chicken casserole was in order, more nice smells around Derwent6.

It was so hot in Derwent6, we ended up eating our casserole by candle light out in the cratch, with the side up looking at the planes taking off into the stars.

A 25th Wedding Anniversary with good friends

2011-10-16T18:16:00.009Z

We have been off Derwent6 over the weekend as we had a special occasion to go to. Del made the most of it and met up with the boys to do a spot of gliding. The weather was just fantastic for the time of year and they had a good day Saturday after watching F1 and the rugby.

Al went off with Hannah for the day and sorted out balloons and things for the party for Sarah and Bernie's 25th Wedding Anniversary, and we all went to The Beeches restaurant for a big celebration. We had a fantastic time and it was lovely to catch up with their side of the family and all their friends. We stayed the night at Steve and Erica's who looked after us with food and drink and oh so much chocolate! On Sunday we were up early to see the F1 race and more rugby before we made our way back to Derwent6. We arrived home at 3.30pm and relaxed in the sunshine in the cratch. After something to eat we got in an early night after that early start.

To visit the Queen

2011-10-13T16:54:00.012Z

With mist on the roof we set off early again. We dropped down the two locks and we had to do these ourselves (well push the buttons anyway). The locks here are still so pretty with flowers, it must be all the good weather we've had. The trees are just trying to change and are putting a small blanket on the Thames. We soon got into Windsor with the low planes on their approach to Heathrow. It was so quiet compared to the last time we were here. We had the pick of the moorings at four pounds a day but we moved on to our freebie round the corner. On our arrival we were pleased to see that the fishing club had put some lovely steps in for us to get up the bank. We settled in and Del went out on his bike to suss things out while Al sorted out Derwent6. On his return a fisherman called telling us we couldn't moor here. Hmm funny that, its marked in the Nicholson's guide as a mooring and there are no signs saying "No mooring" He wanted us to move for a fishing match they have over the weekend, and we don't move weekends. With twenty four bays and only ten fishermen playing we couldn't see a problem. Anyway, we exchanged phone numbers. Fair play, he called us back and said it was no problem, but it looks like we will be losing this mooring in the future, as the signs were being made for next year. Still you can't get a telly signal here anyway!

Bray Day

2011-10-12T14:35:00.013Z

We didn't feel like moving but we did anyway.. It was an Ok day and we thought we had better move from where we were. The local taxi rank started to talk to us using our first names, a good sign to move on. We had enjoyed our time at Sonning and will miss our mooring here, but we wanted to move closer to London. We set off early and got to the water point at Shiplake so we were Ship shape.It was great to be moving again. We made our way through Wargrave, Henley and then Maidenhead, before we stopped at another nice mooring of ours at Bray. We could have kept going but it was 3 0'clock and the weather wasn't brilliant, also a break was needed. It is now getting dark so much earlier and we didn't want to get caught out. This guy was keeping watch for us.........

Another Scare, so we took a break

2011-10-10T19:52:00.016Z

Well we're back on line at last.....and we have also used this time to take a break from the blog as we felt we needed it..

Well what has happened! The biggest thing was that we had another scare with Del's brother Cliff having a heart attack. After what has gone on over the last few months, and with five kids, that was more stress on the family. He is off work for a few months but on the road to recovery thank goodness. We have also been down to Kent quite a lot still sorting out bits and pieces, and going to special occasions. We had Deb's (Del's sister's) 50th Birthday and also Kerry's 21st Birthday. It was lovely to meet up with everyone on a happier note.

As for Derwent6 we have had a mouse on board, and he took a bit of catching. We made the mistake of putting some rubbish out in the cratch and it sneaked in to investigate. You can see from this picture he wasn't happy at being caught. We have fitted a new fire glass, serviced the engine and filters, and antifreezed up ready for this hard winter we are going to have. We have resealed all the side hatches and portholes to stop the draughts.

We will be blogging again but not every day at the moment. We still have a lot to do and don't want to feel pressured by the blog. After a few weeks all will be back to normal.

No Internet connection

2011-09-26T08:08:00.004Z

Hi all as you may have gathered we have had a problem with our Vodafone dongle. It has done well as it was falling to bits with so much use. We are now waiting to get a new one sent through. To get this page on, we have found a WiFi hotspot. We have got loads to catch up on, but you will all have to be patient with us.

All Tanks Sorted

2011-09-19T06:35:00.013Z

When we tried the taps this morning the pump was groaning and the tap spitting at us letting us know we were very low on water. The gauge was showing two and must have stuck so this made our mind up to move today. We first set off up to the water point at Shiplake lock, it was nice to be cruising again. As we were filling with water two other boats turned up to do the same. Derwent6 has a 500 litre tank and takes a while to fill. Al had a solution of offering them our old magazines to read while they waited, and it worked. We had planned to have a pumpout here as well but it wasn't working. We then made our way back to Reading, and through Sonning Lock, to fill up with diesel as we were getting very low on that as well. We pulled up on the pontoon at the marina, and yep you guessed it, they had run out of diesel over the weekend. They were due a delivery at 3.00pm, so we made our way over to Tesco's to pass the time, and top up the cupboards. Better boating is one of the cheapest marina's for diesel on the Thames, so it was worth waiting for. We also had our pumpout there as well. It was now getting late so we made our way back to Sonning and were lucky enough to get on our mooring when we got there.

With our tanks all sorted we relaxed in the evening watching the birds writing MUM in the sky, wonder what that means.

Jamming

2011-09-18T08:22:00.007Z

The weather was lovely, but intermittent heavy showers were on the way. It stopped us getting out but we didn't mind as we wanted to watch England in the rugby anyway. In the afternoon we got out the keyboard and guitar and had a bit of a jamming session. We enjoyed it so much we ended using most of the day up doing it. It's a good job were in the middle of nowhere.

Washing Day

2011-09-15T09:27:00.006Z

There was a slight nip in the air this morning but it was a beautiful day. So we made it our washing day.. It was piling up, and we were out of underpants (not a good move), so we put out the washing line and managed to get it all dry. It soon got hot and humid and it made us feel like doing nothing, but Del still went out on his bike again for a couple of hours. Al chilled out with a book on the bow of Derwent6.

Why would you want to move!

2011-09-13T06:20:00.007Z

It was a nice day today with a mist over the water. The wind had dropped and the waters here were calming down again, so it was cratch covers up and legs stretched out with a cup of tea. Nice.. Then it was on to those little jobs you keep meaning to do but never get round to...lol.

The WD40 came out and all the catches locks and hinges got a squirt. All the doors and hinges got tightened up and adjusted for the winter. The bilge got a clean out and the grease was out in a vengeance. In the Afternoon Del was out on his bike again and went round Twyford and the lakes at Didgot. Yep we are on a diet and we are getting fit... The only problem is that when we sit on the settee we are so out of energy we just fall asleep with the rocking of Derwent6...

The two photos on here today were taken from the same spot, early in the morning and with a full moon at night...Why would we want to move.....

Very Windy Day

2011-09-13T06:18:00.007Z

We were being knocked about last night with 50mph winds belting up the Thames. We are tied here on two trees and it seems to be the best way because the ropes slide up and down the tree as the water levels change. If we were on pins it would have pulled them out by now as the levels on the river can change very quickly. The wind has been bashing us against the bank as fenders don't do anything here. We spent the best part of the morning watching the wind and being rocked about like a tin can. We did manage to go for a short walk to get some fresh air but never ventured too far. We did have a problem with the runners on the sliding cupboard and it turned out to be a runner which had broken. Del managed to make a temporary repair and we will have to get a source from Fernwood our boat builder.

We then had a bit of a clean up and the porthole liners were cleaned again. We also sorted out the paperwork.

We chilled out in the evening with our music drowning out the howling winds....

Hanging around

2011-09-11T10:16:00.008Z

It's been funny really because we haven't felt like moving since we've been back. It is just nice to be home and living on the Thames for the moment, after all we have got a gold licence so we might as well use it. We like the fact that we can moor between two trees and be left alone for a couple of weeks if we wish. Due to our circumstances and commitments at the moment, we will be hanging around here for a bit longer. We got up late again today and had breakfast out in the cratch. We had a lovely Sunday roast with the Grand Prix. Del then went out for a bike ride around Shiplake and Wargrave.

Sports Day

2011-09-10T16:23:00.004Z

We were up early to watch England in the Rugby. This was followed by watching the Grand Prix qualifying and then it was a film in the afternoon followed by Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor. We had to run the engine twice today due to battery usage...and yes, we are getting couch potato's!

Derwent6 supports David swimming the Thames

2011-09-09T12:53:00.009Z

We were up early this morning because we were expecting David Walliams to be coming past us today and we didn't know what time it would be. He was at Reading and was getting in the water around 7.00am. This is just an amazing feat as he is swimming the length of the Thames for Sports relief. We then found out he was stopping at Sonning for breakfast, well a piece of toast and a cup of tea at the little cafe at Sonning Lock. When he arrived he did look at bit worse for wear, but was still in very good spirits making jokes with everyone. It was great to see one of the nearby schools had all turned out for him all in their blue school uniforms. He then got back in the water and swam past Derwent6 with the sounds of Queen's "We will Rock You" and "We are the Champions" blasting out and echoing down the Thames. The banks were filled with supporters following him and his trainer, along the way. He has already raised nearly half a million. It was so inspirational, it made you feel good to be British... well done mate!!!!It all felt a bit of an anti climax after he had gone through and we ended up doing nothing really for the rest of the day.

Another Birthday with Friends

2011-09-08T14:26:00.006Z

We had a nice lay in this morning and it was bliss... When we did surface Del decided to go out on his bike and ended up doing a 20 mile round trip. Al spent some time reading and catching up on some other things she had neglected over the last few months. We got together in the afternoon for a snack lunch. We had got a call from friends Maxine and Graham who wanted to come up and see us, it was also Maxine's Birthday. They arrived at about five o clock and we chilled in the cratch of Derwent6 till our stomach's started to rumble. We then all walked into Sonning village and went to The Bull Inn and had a lovely candle lit birthday meal and we never left till midnight. We said our goodbyes and then walked back to Derwent6 in the dark (your eyes soon get used to it!), falling into bed at 1.00am.

Ahhhh! Back on the Thames

2011-09-07T19:09:00.010Z

We left this morning while the wind had dropped and with a tricky turn we managed to get out of the marina. We had the feeling that we were free again, just like the swans, as we turned onto the Thames.We were surprised how calm it felt on the big river. We made our way over to Tesco's at Reading and managed to get a spot very near by. Al got the shopping for the next couple of weeks while Del attacked the brasses. We were soon loaded with food and drink, and Derwent6 was sparkling again as we turned round and headed to one of our favourite moorings at Sonning. We managed to find it alright as it was very overgrown from when we were last on it. After cutting back a bit of foliage we settled in and we were surprised to see our logs we had left, to lighten the load, back in June. So it was rude not to load them back on, as we might be needing them if this weather keeps up. The rain started again late in the afternoon so we snuggled down with the telly. (Yep, we must have picked up a few bad habits while we have been away!)

Stuck in the marina

2011-09-06T07:59:00.002Z

We really wanted to move today but there was no way, with the wind howling across the marina and the rain lashing the starboard side of Derwent6. So it was a time to relax in our own home. We chilled for most of the day only braving the weather to go to the toilet to save our waste tank. Lets hope we can move tomorrow!!!!

Time to move on

2011-09-05T18:02:00.011Z

We decided to take a break from the blog as we have gone through a lot over the last few weeks... but we are back with a vengeance.. It is time to move on, with Len overlooking our adventures, and we plan not to let him down.
We got back to Derwent6 today after making sure Terry (Del's step mum) is alright to move on herself. We have been helping put their house on the market and getting it ship shape for sale. It has been hard clearing out things, but we got it all done.
We have also been to three birthdays while we helped out. It was Jack's 11th birthday and he got a drum kit....... Del had a go and broke his seat! Oops let hope we can get it fixedHere you can see Jack playing his drums (without his seat and Samuel helping with one hand after breaking his arm falling off his scooter). We also went to Alex's 12th birthday where we were treated to a nice meal by Richard and Lisa. Then it was Zak's 18th birthday where we went to an American Diner and took over the place. We had great fun and thanks Steve for paying for the meal.

When we arrived back, Derwent6 was covered in cobwebs, but was in very safe hands. After a good clean up and a wipe down things are getting back to normal and it is great to be back home. (the brasses look like hard work though!).

The plan was to move off today but with the winds getting stronger and rain looking threatening, we thought we had just better stay put. Derwent6 has been in the Thames and Kennet marina for over seven weeks and it has put a dent in our budget, but we will get through it. The weather looks worse tomorrow so we will just sit it out.

The good news is that we are back and looking forward to seeing everyone who has supported us over the last couple of months...

Goodbye Dad

2011-08-26T10:27:00.019Z

Yes we have laid low for a few days and drowned in our sorrows. We can't understand why the canals we're so low with all these tears in the south. Len's funeral was yesterday and it turned into quite a big occasion. Del and his brothers carried Len to the church to the music of "You're my Best Friend" by Don Williams, and were greeted by 180 guest's. Al read the eulogy which she did with style and professionalism, and brother Cliff's children all did a small message for their grandad.. After a couple of hymns we made our way on to the crematorium, where we followed Del and his brother's into REM's "Everybody Hurts". Jay, another grandson, did a reading before we sat and listened to Len's favourite country song "Who Needs Pictures with a Memory like mine" by Brad Paisley. We then walked out to be greeted by the fantastic array of flowers to the music Simply the Best by Tina Turner.The Wake was held at Westgate Pavilion right on the sea front, a favourite spot of Len's. We all sat listening to Len's favourite songs eating his favourite food (including his cakes). On the stage we had transported all his flowers and in the middle was a projector screen showing all the photos of all his friends and family. The sun had been over us all day and in the afternoon we walked down to the waters edge and let of fifty balloons all with messages to Len on them and we watched them go high into the blue sky until they were out of sight, it was lovely!
After we had finished at the pavilion we walked over to The Swan pub to toast one last time for Len, and as we did so, we just watched the most amazing sunset; another fabulous memory.We then got the flowers back to the bungalow and we had a small shower from the sky to water them, and a rainbow appeared.Thanks Dad for a Fantastic Day which everyone enjoyed, it was sad but happy at the same time.
You have been a fabulous mentor for our family and your memories will always live on!!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

2011-08-17T07:31:00.005Z

Phew! (and a deep breath) what can we say.... Thank you so much for all your lovely comments and condolences, we are truely overwhelmed by the support we have received. Your lovely comments have made us smile and cry, but have also given us great comfort.

Our family has been in very close contact as we all support each other, and we can all still feel Len's presence in the air.
The hardest bit so far has been when the grand children wanted to come down to see how nanny was. Thomas (who you all know is always on Derwent6) came straight into nanny's bungalow and put on Grandad's hat and never let go of it all day. It was great to see the kids understanding the situation and talking about all their lovely memories. When they left, (all five of them), they all shouted, "Goodbye Grandad" together, another lovely moment... We are still crying writing this now...

As you can image there is still a lot of sorting out to do.........Len must be up there laughing his head off.......

R.I.P. Len 1937 - 2011 ( Best Dad in the World)

2011-08-15T18:08:00.007Z

We slept very well considering and Len had a peaceful night which meant the drugs were working well. In the morning he had gone down hill again and couldn't speak much. We managed to get a few sentences out of him, one saying he was in no pain and another saying not to worry about him. Cliff (Del's Brother) had done a lovely Sunday lunch for all the family and it took the pressure off. We were with him for all of the day and we still played his country music. At 10.30pm he let out a yell and we all gathered round him. He opened his eyes and gave us all a good last look and took his last breath with a smile. It was like he fell asleep and was so peaceful, we will all never forget it. We know how much he loved following this blog and being on Derwent6, so thanks Dad for helping us through life and making everything so much fun. You will be sadly missed, but please keep guiding us.......

We've taken a dip

2011-08-14T11:49:00.011Z

Sorry we haven't posted for a few days but things have taken a turn for the worse. Over the last few days we still managed to get out with Len (Del's dad) and we took him back to the Broadstairs folk festival. We managed to have something to eat with Morris dancers in the background and then had a walk round the festival marques with some great music playing all over the town. The following day Len woke up not feeling so good but he never had any pain. He was just so tired and could not stay awake during the day so we never got out for the first time for ages. So we cooked him a nice meal and we had it in the conservatory and he managed to sit up with us and even had a glass of wine. The following morning he dipped again and he couldn't even get out of bed and we ended up calling the doctor. The family got together and we all sat in the bedroom listening to Len's favourite country music and we even had a kebab with him. He just loved listening to us all, smiling with the odd sentence, but couldn't eat anything or drink very well. We were on tender hooks for the rest of the day but he stayed with us all till bed time. We don't think we're going to get much sleep.....

Jam Packed Weekend

2011-08-08T08:00:00.011Z

Making the most of every minute as usual, we were all up early on Saturday. Everyone knows how much Len is a Charlton FC fan and has been for over fifty years. Steve (one of Del's mates) had managed to get five tickets through his company Axis, and due to the situation they had given us them for free. Len was not going to miss a chance to see his favourite side again, so we bundled in the car and travelled the couple of hours in the car to the ground. We were able to park the car in the players car park and managed to get seats right next to the managers dug out. When they played the Charlton theme tune "When the Red Red Robin comes Bob Bob Bobbing along" tears were in Lens eyes, it was just a fabulous sight. Len even wanted a bet on the scores as he used to do every Saturday, but no one got the scores right as Charlton won 3 - 0.This did wear him out for the rest of the day, but luckily some friends Dave and Lynda had brought a BBQ round and it was ready to eat when we got back.
On Sunday, loads of family and friends travelled down as it was the Margate Carnival, so at midday they all found a perfect spot and set up a marque. The sun came out and they had a great day. Del and Al took the opportunity to go back home to Derwent6 and see how things were. Apart from a few cobwebs things were fine, so we gave her a big spring clean (Del didn't do the brasses though). We were back at Len's at 8.00pm.
So how is he..Well he is a lot weaker and now can't walk very far. He gets tried and falls to sleep at anytime, anywhere. He also finds it difficult to swallow and has a nasty cough. But he is still good fun to be with and wants to get out as much as possible.

A Len Update

2011-08-06T08:50:00.007Z

Just a quick update.....Len has now had to reduce his steroids and some of his symptoms have come back, such as loss of balance and tiredness, but has it stopped us going out...no way!!!! He has been taken to a pub lunch every day often with bands playing and he has been to the Margate Turner centre and we went to the Broadstairs Folk Festival yesterday, and met Rob and Polly. We all even got on telly.. we were on South East news today, last night..

Time is Precious

2011-08-02T06:18:00.011Z

As everyone is aware this blog is for friends and family to see what we are up to and perhaps we should call it Len at the moment. But it saves a phone call and keeps people updated, and believe us time is precious.

We have seen some slight changes in Len. He doesn't feel with it all the time and his walking is getting more difficult, but he is still his jolly old self.

We managed to get to Jay's, his Grandson's new house on Sunday, and the weather was fantastic. Jay and Ella had prepared a nice BBQ out in the garden. Len even managed to get up the stairs and have a look around. Del's brother Cliff turned up with all the other grandchildren and we all had some quality time.On Monday Faye turned up with Callum & Kara (another two grandchildren) and we sat by the beach on what felt like the hottest day of the year. It was lovely!!!! Len was feeling tired by the evening when Mark and Stella (Len's Nephew) turned up, putting more smiles on his face. We reminisced over some old photo's.....

A Day at Brands

2011-07-31T09:07:00.007Z

Thanks again everyone for your support. As you can imagine Derwent6 has taken a back seat and it's a reminder that it is only a material thing and can be replaced, so sorry to all you narrowboat lovers, but we will be back, as we miss Derwent6 already...
As for our time with Len we are doing all the things he wants to do and that is mainly being with family and friends. We have taken loads of photos, with everyone creating loads of memories.
Yesterday we went to see Lloyd (another close friend of Len's) who was racing his bike at Brands Hatch. He managed to get us all free tickets to see him, and raced his heart out to get a second in the race, which put a smile on Len's face. We all had such a laugh!
We are taking each day as it comes and making the most of every minute.

Thank You!

2011-07-29T08:30:00.007Z

Hi All

Thank You all so much for all your lovely comments.. We are all keeping strong but believe me it's so difficult... We have been doing the things Len wants to do, but most of all we have been spending time with friends and family, and having real quality time with him. He has wanted a curry at his favourite Indian restaurant, and we have been to see his grandson (our nephew) racing at Moto X. We have been on a reminiscing trip to where we have lived and where he was born, and met family we haven't seen for ages. He loves going along the beach and taking in the sea air. Derwent6 is save and sound and we thank all that are keeping a watchful eye on her. We will update you all when (and if) we can...

Bearer of Bad News

2011-07-21T18:43:00.005Z

Well yep you're right we haven't blogged for a few days and yep you're also right there is something wrong!

We were out at the pictures watching the Harry Potter film when we got a text saying Del's dad (Len) had been omitted into hospital again after a CT scan. They had found some shadowing on the brain and it needed to be investigated. After a full body MIR scan they found he has cancer of the lung and it had spread to his brain. To cut a long story short we were told there was no light at the end of the tunnel, and we were told he doesn't have very long. There are four categories of cancer, one to four, Len is at four. We are livid that he has only recently had a kidney transplant and this was not checked before hand, but he did smoke in his early days and that is that.

So Len is now back home and we have been spending quality time with the family and friends and we are grateful we have the time to do this.

Today we moved Derwent6 and managed to find a marina which will be able to accommodate us. This blog will be updated, but not everyday, as minutes are now hours to us and the camera is pointing at one person only.

A Doing Nothing Day

2011-07-14T07:16:00.008Z

The sun was out and we were up early and sitting in the cratch with breakfast. We had planned to move but it was just so nice sitting in the sunshine. We have been watching boats go backwards and forwards and could not be bothered to be queuing at locks and we just love this spot.
Del then did some work on the engine, adjusting the alternator belts, and he also changed the water filter. Al on the other hand, read her book.... We then noticed a plum tree nearby and managed to get a bag full of juicy plums.Al washed them and got them ready for cooking, maybe jam or a crumble yum!

In the evening we walked into town and found an open mic night at The Old Ticket Hall, they have music on all weekend till 2.00am and it's free. It's also only about a five minute walk back to Derwent6.

A Tour of the Park

2011-07-13T06:38:00.011Z

Al's mum had an appointment at the hospital today so Al went down to Kent to help her dad get her there. She caught the 8.00am train from Windsor which got her into Kent for 9.40am. Del went out on his bike to explore Windsor Great Park and started by doing the Long Walk.. This goes from the castle's George IV gates to the back of the park and is 2.65 miles long. All had gone well at the hospital and Al got back to her mum's at 2.00pm. Pam was wearing her lovely new ring which Alf had brought for her as an early 60th wedding anniversary present. Al got back to Derwent6 at around 7.00pm with Fish and Chips in hand.

Oh and a quick congratulations to Nathan and Sev with the birth of our great niece, Scarlet Dolores. S

Changing guard with worn out legs

2011-07-12T08:39:00.014Z

We were up this morning and set off for Windsor at 10.30am. We managed to get there just in time for the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle. We were lucky enough to see the Coldstream Guards with their bearskins on their heads, a spectacular sight. We followed them back to Victoria Barracks which took us on a walk around Windsor. Well a mile and a half later we found our way back to the shops. We had saved up enough stickers for a free coffee in Mac'y Dees so we were glad to rest our feet for a bit. The trouble is with the smell of the chips, you just can't resist having some, so it ended up costing us lunch anyway. We then walked down to the waterfront and watched the people faffing around waiting for boat trips on the Thames. We then went to Eton village and walked the half a mile or so to the famous school and college which has produced so many prime ministers. We were only able to go into the courtyard and around the chapel. There were steps to climb the wall to the grounds behind which Al climbed. Does anyone know what these were for? We then walked back with aching feet and decided to get another free coffee back on Derwent6. It was a cloudy day but still warm. While we were out we brought a couple of DVD's (two for ten pounds), so with dinner we sat a watched one of them.

Top spot at Windsor

2011-07-11T13:31:00.017Z

We set off at 8.30am and got to Bray lock just as the lock keeper was turning up. "Jump on your vessel" he said to Al and we sailed through. We then saw Bray film studios again, but this time from the river. At Boveney lock we could see Windsor race course and we stopped to get rid of our rubbish we had amassed over the weekend. We continued around the parameter for the course and it wasn't long before Windsor castle was in view, just a fabulous sight travelling downstream. There had been a few good moorings we could have got onto on the way, but we had a mooring in mind where we could stay for a few days, we hoped...... We looked at the all the moorings nearest to the town, but they were 24 hours and charging four pound a night. Hmm the fair was in town so we also wanted to avoid the crowds if possible. So we took the plunge and we went through the massive Romney lock. We turned the corner and managed to see our old mooring we used last year. Derwent6 fits in like a glove and we can get right into the bank. We have been on Derwent6 two and a half years now and have still never used a plank yet. We still had our spectacular view of the castle and could watch the planes landing at Heathrow. We then had a ten minute walk into town and Al did her shopping therapy bit, and brought some new tops for the summer months ahead. We had a drink in Weatherspoons in the sunshine overlooking the Thames and afterwards went to Nando's for something to eat. We walked back across the park to Derwent6 and just relaxed with some magazines we had brought at the shops.