The Sumpners Afloat

30th Sept to 6th Oct – homeward bound

After I’d posted last week’s blog, we had a bit of a chat about what to do this week and we decided that there’s no real point in us hanging around, killing time – particularly in this awful weather. We are going to run for home. That’s three song titles in one short passage, by the way!

Monday was dreary with rain on and off all day, and we’d already decided to stay put. Tuesday was worse! I had planned to move the boat on to another favourite spot, but that clearly wasn’t happening. There was a steady stream of boats all day, from both directions and we were struck by a passing widebeam at one point. Nothing too dramatic though. And no harm done.

Our friends aboard Narrowboat Tethys and Mark “Last Derbyshire Miner,” alongside whom we have been travailing the same route for weeks, finally passed us. Rather them than me. A filthy day. And no movement for us. Maybe tomorrow?

Tomorrow is now today – Wednesday. Not pleasant again – chilly and drizzly but it was time for me to move on. It wasn’t the most pleasant of cruises, but I still kind of enjoyed being out and about. The rain came on harder, despite Accuweather assuring me that no precipitation was due in the next hour.

It was only a short cruise, though – just down to my lovely Bridge 100 – aka Chambers Bridge. Don’t ask me why I like it so much. But I’m not alone. Loads of boaters like it. For me, I guess, it’s the shape and the remoteness and the fact that it looks like it needs a good hug!

I’m quite sad to see it has very big cracks, making its future look a bit uncertain. We have already seen one old bridge, that’s no longer used, marked for demolition (B130 – some pics on this link). I fully understand that it would be a waste of already stretched resources to attempt repair, but it is very sad to see these old structures simply removed, like rotting teeth. Life’s harsh economic realities, I guess?

Thursday was an absolute jewel of day. Beautiful, warm sunshine and a delight to be out cruising in it. This is what my Autumn should be like, not grey, wet and chilly, as it has been. I took advantage of the lovely weather to move the boat up to Braunston, where we wanted to stop to do the loo.

You may recall, from previous posts that there is usually chaos at the junction and today was no exception. I always approach it slowly and cautiously, so that there is room for manoeuvre and less potential for drama. Not so others, it seems?

I approached the junction and tooted my horn a little before, to announce my intention of turning to Port/Left – 2 good blasts. I listened for a response but none came and so I commenced my turn and added another couple of blasts, as is the correct procedure.

I think you can guess what happened – a boat turned in with no warning. Luckily, my slow speed meant that I could react swiftly and a collision was averted. They said they had not heard my horn because they were a diesel boat. Right, I don’t buy that, but there you go.

The service moorings are pretty much on the junction, and there was a boat already on there. They are one of the most awkward service moorings on the system, in my opinion. There is room for 2 boats – just – but the bank is angled which makes it a bit awkward, and with boats coming at you left, right and centre, it can be fun! And by fun I mean a bit of a pain. Mooring is allowed directly opposite although I would never moor there – too much risk of being used as a fender by other boats! But it would be so much easier if that bit of bank was kept clear.

It’s also on a bend and today, we had a hire boat coming from Braunston town and another heading towards Braunston – they met head on right by where we were moored. Chaos ensued, The Braunston bound boat were new to boating and immediately panicked and went aground. The hire boat, to their credit, managed to stop and avoid a collision but it took a while for it all to sort itself out, by which time we had finished and were ready for the off. The newbie steerer looked visibly shaken by the proceedings, poor chap.

We eventually cruised on and I found the perfect spot. A boater’s dream mooring. A piece of Armco almost exactly one boat length’s long*. It had our name on it and we quickly nabbed it. Paul pronounced it the best mooring in Braunston – and he might just be right.

*meaning that you are highly unlikely to be joined by other boats

It was bell-ringing practice in Braunstone on Thursday evening – such a lovely sound. I quite fancy having a go, actually! Other than that, though, a very peaceful night. The stars were out in full force in a cloudless sky, so it was a bit nippy. As we have it on board, we popped our electric over-blanket on, to take off the chill. Toasty! Still had the bow doors open all night though. Gotta suck up all that lovely fresh air!

It was another sunny morning on Friday, although the sun was accompanied by a fresh breeze today. It was a nice cruise through the beautiful countryside. We passed Mark (Last Derbyshire Miner) at one point, although we were deep in conversation and only noticed last minute.

We also passed Richard Kitson and his partner, outside whose house we had moored at Somerton. Lovely to see them – although I was a bit dense – didn’t recognise them initially. How rude! But it was one of those not expecting to see someone, somewhere kind of things. But we had a brief chat, which was nice.

We got chatting to a retired police officer who was out walking his dog. 30 years in the Warks police – in forensics. And he remembers when, back in the 50s, it was silent because some of the boats were still drawn by horse. Nice old chap – wife at home who has cancer. Walking the dogs is his sanity. I was quite sad to see him go.

One highlight was spotting the Alpacas at Barby Moorings. Almost enough to make me want to change Marina. Almost…..

We arrived at Hillmorton at around lunchtime and whistled our way through the three, with the aid of the wonderful vlockies, before pulling over for lunch. Soup made from last night’s pasta bake, which Paul pronounced most acceptable. But he is a monster for soup, so pretty much any old slop would have hit the mark!

Lunch dispatched, we set off again on the last leg of today’s voyage, down to Newbold (on Avon to give it its full name). We had our eyes on a takeaway from Fishsmiths. A great chippy and more. Luckily there was a space free for us near the bridge and we were soon settled for the remainder of the day. Nearly home!

It was another nice day when we awoke and it looked like it would be a pleasant cruise back to base. We cruised past Falls Bridge Wharf – where Old Nick had been craned out last Spring. We had a quick chat about how pleased we were with the new prop and then pressed on along the sunny Autumnal cut. It was just about warm enough not to need a coat.

And then, all of a sudden, we were there at the Marina of Dreams, although we did meet a boat coming out of the Marina as were were turning in. We had tooted but they clearly hadn’t heard and started tooting furiously! Luckily we were pretty much stationary as they appeared and there was plenty of room. A cheery wave and we were both off again.

We popped in to the Office to get some electric and pick up a parcel and saw Sir Dave of Trivett and Mark “World’s Greatest Harbourmaster” Willmott. Nice to see them after all this time. It really did feel like coming home. So that’s it. Summer cruise 2024. DONE!

Next week, I guess we’ll be settling back into Marina life and working out what we are going to do with our winter. We have one cruise planned for December and we may set off a little earlier than usual next year – for reasons which will become clearer later!

Period	Miles	Locks
23rd to 29th Sept	16	3
		
Cumulative	411	318