From owner-canals@blacksheep.org Wed Sep 24 15:56:31 1997 id AA29478; Wed, 24 Sep 97 15:56:05 EDT by svr-a-02.core.theplanet.net with esmtp (Exim 1.71 #1) id 0xDxUI-0002Vl-00; Wed, 24 Sep 1997 20:52:43 +0100 From: "Terry Waldron" To: Subject: A TALE OF 3 BOATS (TRIP REPORT PART 2) Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2097 22:30:09 +0100 Travellers: Sue Waldron & Marilyn Boat Name: Midama Dates: 7 September to 12 September Route: Stockton (GU) to Sutton Stop & return Set off from close to Bridge 21 at 1410, water level low so attempted to keep as close centre as possible. At bridge 104 another boat came into the bridge hole just as we were leaving it, too concerned with our position to get name or hire company, it pushed us hard onto the concrete leaving a lot of paint from the side, no major damage. moored bridge 99 Braunston at 1750. Went brambling and saw my first mink - what a pity I didnt have my camera with me. 7 miles 3 locks. Set off 0915 heading up the Oxford towards Rugby for shopping. Moored Bridge 59 at 1320. The No 4 bus goes into the town centre. Spent 3 hours shopping inclusive of going to regent Street Butchers - their sausages are wonderful - a very friendly butcher that we use every time in Rugby. The ground at this mooring is very soft and the pins had nearly pulled out so carried on to Newbold, a nice quiet mooring, moored bridge 51 at 1820. Saw some water voles, they really can swim fast. 12.5 miles 3 locks. Flat batteries - Midama wont start. Got the spare battery onto shopping trolley and took to garage to charge, whilst waiting 3 hours did the washing and cleaned the boat. Got battery back and boat started, set off 1550 and got to Sutton Stop 1945, went through the stop lock and moored just above the water point. The canal looks so different to the last time I was there in january in the ice, Saw Laplander and Adamant - a wonderful sight 11.5 miles 1 lock. Set off 1130, boat started first time with no problems, watered up and did loo. Called into Terry yates for Diesel and saw Tam Lin moored up (Terry Yates had been trying to get hold of owners so I called my Terry at home to see if he could send EMail) diesel here 18.8p per litre (85p per gallon). Saw Thorn at Ansty, no signs of Guy, also saw another boat with cut web sign up (did not notice name). Moored Hilmorton before locks. A nice quiet spot. 15.5 miles 1 lock Straight into locks at 1125, met Sheila and Graham of Will o the Wisp. Moored Bridge 21 GU at 1615. Peter arrived back with my Astra 10.5 miles 6 locks. Took car to Rugby for shopping and got our boat Stella out of Blue Lias Marina assisted by peter from Midama. Transferred belongings from Midama to Stella to await Terry coming up by car from Plymouth. Terry & Clyde (our 13 year old King Charles spaniel) arrived 2030 18 miles by car 0 locks 200yards by boat 0 locks.