And...We're Off!

Caen Hill Marina Weather

At last, after postponing our cruise for a day due to inclement weather, see above, we left our mooring in Caen Hill Marina in wind which was ideally a little to strong for the Captain's liking. However it did help us turn very sharply out of our berth and approach the entrance much quicker than planned. There was a bit of a panic amongst the crew when we suddenly released that the bridge across the entrance was down and due to the wind it was impossible to stop. Fortunately the bridge was opened just in time for us to avoid hitting anything, though it was a little too close for comfort.

The weather was then very kind to us as we started our climb up the Caen Hill Flight of locks.

Lock number one of twenty nine.

Since our last cruise we have had a cover made for the stern deck which is great for keeping the Captain dry! Amongst other things.

Captains View from the Tiller.

The Caen Hill Flight has 29 locks within a distance of 2 miles and rises 237 feet from bottom to top. It tells us in the canal cruising books that it takes 5 - 6 hours to get through them all. However if you have an ace crew, as Tempranillo has, we were able to significantly smash our previous record of 4.5 hours. From leaving the Marina entrance to clearing top lock number 29 it took exactly 3hrs:43m.

The clock was paused at 2hrs:51 after 22 locks to feed the hard working crew some bacon and sausage sandwiches before completing the climb to Devizes Wharf. The day ended with a visit to a visiting Fun Fair on The Green.

The crew that did all the work in record time.

Joe, Emma, Sue, Neil and Justin.

Thank you.

Needless to say everyone slept like babies that night, but there were a few achey bodies in the morning. 

Ready And Waiting

Here is Tempranillo on the eve of our 2014 Cruise moored in Caen Hill Marina, Rowde, Devizes.

Let's hope the weather is kind to us.

It's Almost Time

Sue and I are beginning to get a little excited as we hope to start our summer cruising this weekend, weather permitting.

We are aiming for Wigrams Turn Marina where the Oxford Canal joins the Grand Union. The reason we are cruising there will become clear as our journey unfolds but our first "challenge" is the 29 locks of the Caen Hill flight just after we turn right out of our home marina just west of Devizes.

Tempranillo will have extra crew this weekend. Daughter Emma, her husband Neil and two sons will be manning the locks with us.

I will try and keep you all blogged up as we progress.

It's been so long!

Just to let you loyal followers know that you are not forgotten, we have lots to report and hope to update with all our latest news very soon. Have faith!!!