Cuckoo's Knob & Ram Alley

Happy Captain.

So after our record trip up the Caen Hill Flight we were at last on the move. After spending Sunday recovering and then gathering some provisions we enjoyed about 15 miles of canal without a lock, but the weather was not our best friend.

View from the helm.

After ascending to the summit of the K&A, 452 feet above sea level, onto a stretch of water only 2 miles long, we entered Bruce Tunnel. As this is our first cruise with our Pram Cover over the stern deck we were concerned that we might not make it through the tunnel. It is plenty high enough in the centre but if another boat were to approach us from the opposite end it would force us over to the tunnel wall and very near the curved brickwork. As it happened we were the only boat on the move for miles around.  

First Great Western Train passes the Pumping station as the sun sets.

We soon reached Crofton Steam Pumping Station and decided to moor up for the night. Not many madcap boaters were braving the inclement weather and next day we found out why. At a lock near Great Bedwyn we met two Canal & River Trust workers who informed us that we could not get into Newbury and that the canal was closed all the way to Reading. And even worse....if this rain continues it may not open for another month!!! 

So here we are moored for a second wet night about 2 miles west of Hungerford while we decide what to do next.

By the way, you may have wondered why the title of this blog. These are genuine locations we travelled through between Pewsey and the summit of the K&A. Honest!

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!!!

Winter....

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A PROSPEROUS, HEALTHY & WEALTHY 2014

TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU WHO HAVE VISITED

IN THE PAST.

WE HOPE TO UPDATE AGAIN EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR.

Summer?

It's been a long time but now I have a bit of time to catch up. I promised news of the Paella Party at Caen Hill Marina and, though the weather was terrible, it went well. Cara and Rob who manage the marina organised the day and because it rained we all moved into the office area to be entertained by one of the moorers who is a musician along with some of his band.

As the booze flowed quite a few people joined in the singing and dancing. I would love to show some video footage but I can't get it to upload....I will work on it for next time.

In the meantime we have settled in to our new moorings and are really enjoying being here making new friends and neighbours.

Including the wildlife:

I'm off to work on the party evidence video. Please come back for the upload.