Sunday 8th December 2013

Happy Christmas everyone! How is your preparation going? All done? I am so proud of you!!
Getting into the festive spirit by watching all the cooking programmes? Ha ha!!
In my world this is the first Christmas in several years that I have not been up to my ears in hair! I would have done all my present shopping, wrapped and delivered by the end of November in the past, not this year! So disorganised!! Having said that, we are cutting back a lot this year so not much to do......

Geoff's brother and wife came for a visit this weekend. It was lovely to see them and have a good catch up! Just went down to Braunston, turned, went into the country, moored up until this morning then got back into the marina about midday.

We are still not enjoying this marina as much as Blisworth, but as Geoff is not working nearly as much, we are going to be 'out' as much as the weather allows over the next few weeks. Starting with this coming Wednesday 11th off out till Sunday or maybe Monday 16th. However we do have another Webasto, Central heating problem, so when Sam comes out to look at it we need to be access able.

Our Christmas plans, ( weather permitting, no ice! ) are that we leave her on Thursday 19th, heading for Cosgrove, outside Milton Keynes. Stopping at Blisworth to visit some old mates! Watch out...!
We hope to get a nice mooring at Cosgrove to stay a few days. We can then walk to Karens in Deanshanger for Boxing Day. Then swap venues as she and George will come to us for New Year. In between we will tootle through MK and hopefully catch up with Corinne on Avanti!

We spent a week down in Hawkinge, Folkstone with my Dad while my sister had a week off. It was funny being in a bungalow, it doesn't rock!! Most of the time we just kept Dad company, we had a take away with my brother and his family, he also took us to the woods where he helps to raise pheasants. On the way a brunch!  That was all nice to catch up on all their latest news.
Geoff had never been to Whitsable so we took Dad on the Monday, they had oysters and I didn't!!
 I also cooked a Sunday roast, I know, that sounds strange! But our oven doesn't seem to get hot enough for roast potatoes to crisp.

Well folks that's about all my news for this month. So I will leave you, wishing all of you a very Happy Christmas and an excellent New Year! Maybe we will see one or two of you during our trip.....
Our best wishes to you all
Julie, Geoff, Darley, Mr Muppett and Archie xxxxx

Saturday 9th November

Will it ever stop raing I ask? I know we need it to float but come on...! Mud, mud glorious mud!!

Well it is here at Barby. Pot holes and ruts full of water in between the mud. The dogs get filthy. It's a major operation to walk them and wash the mud off. We have bought a short piece of hose to attach to the tap with as spray on the end. 

Unlike Blisworth to get to the towpath is quite a long walk on a very busy lane, with no path. I have decided not to do it on my own with three dogs to get off the road. The construction lorries don't help! 

So I take them round a couple of fields, it's boring from my point of view. But I throw a ball on a rope for the boys and they love it!! 

We have bought a OS map of the area so when Geoff stops work, which won't be long, we can try some longer walks. 

Today we have come out the marina, Whoopie! Went down to Braunston, turned and came back about 20mins., then moored till tomorrow. We both love being out on the canal. Even the rain has stopped and the sun is trying to shine!

There are three alpacas keeping the grass down on the island. The dogs gave them quite a side ways look to start with but ignore them now. They have to be kept on leads anyway of course. 

Thursday November 21st we are all going to visit Dad. Jacqui is going away for a few days so we are going to keep Dad company. It will be interesting to see how all the dogs get on, but I am sure after the initial excitement they will settle. 

Well that's about all my news, not much happening at the moment! Take care all of you and stay dry!!

Julie 'n crew

Well, good morning everyone,

I do hope you are all safe and no damage from the storm. It was not as bad here as they predicted but further South has been worse I think.
We lowered the satellite overnight, just in case, I laid in bed listening to the rain in the early morning and when Geoff let the dogs out for an early wee he loosened the ropes as we were a little to one side.
Being in between locks, the water level changes, especially overnight with no activity. There has been several boats going through this morning though, half term so fairly busy!

This is just a quick update on our journey so far. The plan had been to go from Blisworth marina to Barby marina, then Tuesday back to Braunston to go into dry dock on Wednesday. The propeller is to be changed. However we made a snap decision and changed our minds yesterday.

Saturday we left in drizzle but by the time we got to the Buckby flight it had stopped. With two Gayton hire boats in front of us that had not worked a lock before we knew it would be a slow process. The boat that came in with us was NB Mollie M with Maffi and his crew, Mortimer Bones and Alex. During the flight we learnt that there was a boaters gathering at the New Inn at the top of the flight. With this in mind and knowing there would be lots of boats moored up around the Norton Junction area we decided to stop before the last lock. That was a good call....!

Sunday we left early through the last lock and down to the Braunston tunnel, through without meeting anyone! Whoopie!
Came down the Braunston locks with a nice family on a weekend break. Just before the last lock there was a slight confusion, mainly due to the wind taking boats where they didn't really want to go!!
We pulled over to keep out of the way and realised the dry dock was in front and to the right, before the last lock. This is where we made the snap decision to stay here till after the prop change.

We have television and internet but almost no phone signal. But that's not too bad. Geoff and the dogs found the office and told them we were here. We will walk up to the village either later or tomorrow.
Just at the moment it looks like rain again...

That's about it for now so will write more when there is something to say!

September 24th 2013

Hello everyone, it seems autumn is upon us. Last week it was so cold so quickly! Today, now I am sitting outside at a bench on a grass bank. Indian summer? 

At last we have some dates in place. Saturday 26th October we leave Blisworth Marina to go to Barby near Rugby. In so many ways I will be quite sad, I have started to make some friends here and enjoy our walks, there is several different directions to go. However it's is expensive! The next marina is almost half the price. 

 We will get there on Sunday 27th. Geoff is going to go to work on the Monday as we have to take Willow Too back down to Braunston on Wednesday 30th, just for a new propeller, it not a big job, but easier out of the water, so going into dry dock for a few hours. He will do his Wednesday gardens on Monday that week.

Last weekend we went out just for an overnight adventure! Of course we couldn't go far but it was nice to get out. We will probably do the same this weekend. 

I have been blackberrying and made jam, also crab apple jelly and chutney. Yesterday made sloe vodka and gin! Apparently it needs to be kept for a year, so sometime before I know if its good or not!

We have tested the wood burner and its great! The first couple of times it took ages to get going but not a problem since. Cooked my first casserole on the top!

Beacon Boats had their first 'gathering'. September 7th, only 4 of the 17 boats built where able to get there, but all the owners went except two I believe. It was a smashing evening, buffet food and lots of talk about boats and exchanging experiences. It was great to put faces to all the boat names including the build for 2015! That is nameless as yet though. 

While we were out last weekend who should almost, but not quite 'bump' into us? Windsong!! Very nearly back to their marina from the trip up to Barrow deep lock and the gathering! It was a quick catch up over the stern!!

Then Sunday morning a boat we came down the Buckby flight with some weeks ago stopped and we had coffee and catch up. So as you can see we do a lot of chatting!! 

Well that's about all my news for now, 

Oh by the way, if any of you would like to know, Willow Too's review will be in Novembers issue of Canal Boat magazine. Probably in the newsagents mid October.

Our best wishes to you all

Julie, Geoff 'n crew!

Sunday 18th August

Hello! 

It's me again, about one month on. What a wonderful summer! I don't think any of us should grumble about the summer of 2013!! Although I am sure growers would have preferred more rain. 

The canal water level is quite low, some canals suffer more than others. The GU is not too bad but some areas it's a task to get into the side. What does make me so cross is that almost every day the Northampton Arm has to drain water down through it from the GU, to replace the water lost from either leaking lock gates, idiots that open the paddles or even worse, adults from foreign country's draining the water, putting nets across the canal to catch the larger fish! And they don't put them back....

Any water then goes onto the Nene and eventually out to sea!! Why?! What a waste!!

Most mornings I walk the dogs down the Northampton Arm, it's a good quiet long walk and almost very time I see Canal and River Trust men working water down. It's a daily job for them. It's so sad that this is happening. I suppose its funds to replace the leaking lock gates. But the mindless idiots need a good smack!

Anyway, I will stop going on about that!! 

Charlotte, my 17 year old granddaughter came for a long weekend. We took her down through the Blisworth tunnel, Stoke Bruerne locks, turned at the Navigation Pub, Cosgrove. Then back of course. We did it slowly over four days as I had some sort of tummy bug and did not feel great. It was lovely to see her, she is growing up fast! 

Last weekend we went to the Blisworth Festival, Diane, Gordon and Karen came. The weather was not bad so the Festival must have been a success.

This weekend we are out for four days, partly because The Beast is having a major operation and won't be ready until Wednesday evening. So, we are heading up to Norton Junction, turning then back. Although today we are moored up and watching the athletics while the showers pass. 

Archie has had a small abscess on the outside of his paw, I have battled with salt water but ended up at the Vets. Antibiotics injection, tablets hibiscrub to clean it and the best bit.... A lamp shade on his head! Can you imagine it.... Archie, bull in a china shop, in a lamp shade on a narrow boat! God help the back of our legs!

Next weekend Bank holiday! Then it's back to school, Christmas cards on the shelves and Autumn around the corner!! 

That's all for now folks, more next month.... Our best wishes to you all.

July 18th Settling in....

Well, we have been here thee weeks now and settling into life on board. We both love it! It's like being on a permanent holiday! 

I am not sure about the dogs, I think they love it,  they should do! But when we are in the marina they have to be in the boat or on leads. Quite understandable, but they don't think it's fair!! But I take them out at regular intervals throughout the day so life is not too bad for them! In this hot weather swimming in the canal is their favourite pass time.

Last weekend we did not go far, but up towards Bugbrooke. It was just nice to get away from the gravel paths and to let the dogs out. We sat and read a lot of the time, so peaceful. Some would say boring but not for us.

This coming weekend we will no doubt go the same way but not stop in the same places. We will go through the Blisworth tunnel and towards MK soon but want to do that when we have more than three days to make it worth while. The Northampton Arm is opposite of course but that's 17 locks close together, not always safe moorings at the end, to turn around and do the 17 back! Not in a weekend it's too tiring!! 

We are gradually moving things around and organising ourselves better than we were to begin with.

I could still do with turning out a cupboard or two but its been too hot to fight with that! I shall save that challenge for when the weather is not so good.

More from us another time! 

Thank you to all our friends who have come to visit and those that will! 

Geoff, Julie, 'n Crew!

The view from our back door!

Saturday 29th June

Hello folks!

Was it really a week ago when we moved onto Willow Too?!  Have come along way since then! Ha!!

We had planned to leave Pilling Lock Marina last Sunday, but the wind was vicious so we decided to stay put and relax a little after the very long and tiring day we had had Saturday. 

Monday we set off and got to Watermead Counrty Park. A lovely place, great for the three dogs!

Ally had advised us to go straight through Leicester. So that is what we did. It took almost 9 hours so a long day.

Thursday we tackled the Foxton flight, those were a piece of cake after the 12 before.

Friday it rained almost all day, no locks though.

Today, Saturday our first object was the Watford flight. Once we got going it was quick and easy but we had wait at least an hour, so I made coffee then became an unofficial lock volunteer! 

At the bottom we watered up. At short break for the dogs and a sandwich then off again. Now moored near bridge 19 before Weedon Bec. About 3-4 hours tomorrow and we will be at Blisworth. 

We will stay out on the tow path till Monday which is when we are expected. Geoff will go and get the Beast and all his tools from the garage. He goes back to work Tuesday. I don't!! 

So far we have absolutely no complaints with our beautiful new home. The television / satellite are another story! Same with Jardins, with my car! Still not got back to me, I have rung them but they don't ring back when they say they will!! How do these companies survive? They don't deserve too.

Saturday 22nd June 2013

Well..... Where shall I begin?!

We both woke early, of course! Before 5am, by ten past I was in the shower. Walked the dogs, breakfast then we loaded the Beast and trailer to go to the rubbish tip, managed to get it all on, so one trip. Back home, packed the Beast with boxes, coffee, Karen arrived, packed her car with food and away we went!

I travelled with Karen so we went as an advance party! We wanted to get the food on and out of the way before the dogs.... Can't imagine why?! 

The dogs and I were left to organise while Karen and Geoff went back for a few bits. They left the Beast on the drive, then returned. We were out of luck at the restaurant, they stopped serving at 2.30 pm. So it was sandwiches and cake. 

Karen then left again, this time for her house and to put her feet up!! How would we have done it without her? 

We seem to be trying to put two pints into a one pint pot! But we are going to live with it and discard some things when we get to Blisworth. 

After a late supper we went to bed and slept like logs! It's a very comfy bed! 

Today we were going to start our journey south, the weather was nasty, vicious wind and sometimes driving rain. We decided to stay put, tidy and re arrange the cupboards. This done we had a lovely treat of roast beef etc.. In the restaurant. Nice quiet time getting to know where everything is. 

Tomorrow we will get going, feeling a lot less tired. 

Some exciting news this week, The Canal Boat magazine has chosen to do a review with Beacon Boats and Willow Too. They are coming to see us in July, take her out and chat with Ally also. We are not sure which month the feature will appear, I will keep you posted!

A big ' thank you ' to all of our friends over the last few weeks for the help they have given us, it would not have been as easy without that. Thank you!!

My especially made booster step, thanks Neil!

Maiden voyage....

Monday 17th and its our maiden voyage! 

Once again we could not sleep so up at the crack of dawn again and arrived at Willow Too soon after 9am. Neil was already there, Ally was not far behind us. A cuppa and a chat then we got under way.

The route they use for most of their maiden voyages is canal, turn left out of the marina and down to Loughorough. Approximately a 45 minute journey both ways, well it would be really wouldn't it?!

That all went without a hitch, except for the swans neck trying to make an escape from its position! Neil soon put that right...

Once back in the marina we started to unload and put away. We still have a lot to put on, mainly kitchen equipment. Maybe we will have to down size even more!! 

Neil still has some things to finish off so hoping they will be complete before we leave or he will be coming with us! Geoff only has 9 days off and we need to be in Blisworth Marina by 1st July.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Karen is taking me, plus our clothes up, to get packed away as much as possible. Thursday the professional oven cleaner is coming, also the guy who has bought my hairdressing chair. A sad moment that will be. Ann is also due, mainly to have a twiglet party with the dogs! 

Thursday evening Diane and Gordon are having us for a meal, again! Can't use the cooker, may make it dirty!! Friday will be a take away. 

Saturday, take our bed to the rubbish tip, pack the last bits, load the Beast and off we go........

( I do hope no one waves us off!! )

Monday 10th June. Launch day!

Hello my friendly followers!

Monday was an early start for us all. We arrived at the boar yard a little after 9am.  Willow Too had been pulled out the of the shed on Sunday, so there she was waiting patiently, outside for the first time.

Very soon after several of our friends / supporters arrived. Then, eventually the truck pulled in with the new empty shell for the next build. The team of men then took the empty shell off and lifted ours onto the low loader. They seemed to have hydraulic problems, so this felt as if it took hours.

Then once strapped down the truck followed us to Pilling Lock Marina. The driver was not sure of the way. We had a happy band of followers, but lost a couple at the traffic lights.... Only for them to find us, damn it!!

At the marina, more waiting. This was time for lunch! Alfresco nibbles and bucks fizz. Chaos in the car park! and cake of course.

Then the crane arrived plus the rest of the team. She was then craned off from the truck to the tressel. This takes her down into the water, helped by a tractor.

Whoopee! She floats! Very well balanced as well. Neil is so clever!
More waiting about..... The engine mechanic then arrives ( Sam, Mr Personality! Not! ) he has to commission the engine. That done, he takes her round to the diesel pump and we fill her up with both diesel and water. This is partly for perfect balance also.

Eventually we get her onto the mooring pontoon, albeit the wrong one, but ho hum! It's not for long.
So after that we made our way home. It had been a 12 hour day. So exciting and nerve racking all rolled into one!!

The next day, Tuesday, she had her tilt and gas test. All ok.

The only problem we have had so far is the satellite / television company. We would not recommend them.

Friday, Karen is coming with me to see her, take some boxes and get the licence from the CRT office.

Saturday is 'handover' day. We need to have a clear head that morning! The electrics sound complicated!
Then The Cox Family come to visit.!

Monday will be the maiden voyage and then she will be ours!! Almost the dream come true...!

Back at the house there is still some things to do but the list is getting shorter. We leave here on Saturday 22nd June. Then leave Pilling Lock Marina Sunday 23rd. Arrive at Blisworth the weekend  29th /30th June.

Week before launch....!

June 3rd 2013

Good evening to all my friends and followers, 

Today went to see how the final week was shaping up. The sign writing is finished, Viv just putting the final touches to the symbols on the bow. 

The interior doors are made but not hung till the last minute. In fact maybe not till she is in the water, especially the one with our lead light glass! The side hatch inner doors are almost ready to, as the fly frames for the Houdini hatches.

The steps for both bow and stern done and engine room complicated! The sola panels on the roof and connected. The dinette table made but not fixed yet. Lots to do but lots done and will come together very quickly I am sure!

So, the dates are coming together now, launch Monday 10th. We need to be at the yard by 10 am to see her ' fly '!! Then taken by low loader down to Pilling Lock Marina. Crunch time!!

Tuesday 11th is The Tilt Test. This is to work out mathematically how many people can be on board. Bodies stand down the side on the gunnels and tip her! Eeek...!! A computer calculates this as it is secured on the roof.

The following weekend 15th / 16th / 17th we will be sleeping on board as a trial and to make sure we are happy with everything. On the Saturday The Cox Family are visiting for the day so that will be fun.

On Monday 17th is the maiden voyage with Neil and Ally. Just a 45 min trip out, then back to check out how she runs. 

We leave Bozeat on Saturday 22nd, Karen is coming with us to drive The Beast back. Sunday 23rd we leave Pilling Lock and make our way to Birstall. A short day but need to get through Leister on Monday which will be a long day. No stopping! Straight through....

Last week we decided to book into a marina for the summer, mainly because of the truck with tools in and moving about may become problematic for  three months. So, those of you that would like to visit we will be in Blisworth Marina. However, we will be out over the weekends so ring before you come, just in case!!

So, back home I have just over two weeks to decorate the living / dinning room, weed the garden and generally finish off the house ready for the tenant to move in on 6th July. Still have to down size the wardrobe..... 

May 25th 2013

Hello everyone!

A busy week and had no time to update you all on the progress of Willow Too. 

Neil has done a lot in the engine room, control panel done. 

Viv is cracking on with painting and close to finishing. Starting the detailed work now and symbols.

Maybe next week when we go Sheila may have done the name. I am really looking forward to seeing the end result of the sign writing.

The portholes are going in and collars to complete the inside. 

Back at home it's been a funny old week! Last Sunday we did our garage sale. A great success. What is left is going to the charity shop. Friday my sister came in a Luton van and took almost all the furniture. All we have left is the two chairs to go in the boat, our bed which will go to the tip and the other boat stuff. We are rattling around it sounds hollow, not home anymore, but there is a means to the end! 

Also we have a tenant, so providing all the checks are ok that's a relief. Just got to decorate the living room and clean....

This weekend we are having a boat 'fix'. Corinne invited us to go out on Avanti. Friday when the weather was so bad I wasn't looking forward to it, especially 6 dogs on board! However so far so good, the weather could not be better. Just come through the Three Locks outside MK. IWA volunteers working the locks so sped through. Winding shortly then mooring up, return trip tomorrow. 

We have made another big decision!! After searching for a marina that would have us, we are going into a marina for the summer, even though we will be out on her half of the week. Geoff has been concerned about leaving the land rover, with tools in and trailer in car parks or similar. Also we wouldn't feel happy leaving the boat for any length of time so this is costly but safer.

So for those that would like to come visit for tea then find us at Blisworth! 

My next news won't be till next week, she will be almost finished by then....

Bye for now!!

Tuesday 14 th May

Hi fellow followers!!

It's been two weeks since we have seen the progress of Willow Too. We are both delighted how she is coming together.
Viv has completed the roof with the non-slip surface, although there is not a lot of spare room! It's going to be a busy roof!!
Also, the lime green recess edging is done....looking good!

Inside, Neil has made the reversible back for the dinette seating and step for short legs! Whalin have delivered the cushions so we saw how the colours are going to work. Lovely!
The engine room is beginning to form also, Neil is boxing in and making the steps. Other things are happening, shelves in cupboards, interior doors etc...

Ally has oiled the 10 port hole collars and ready to go.

There is still a lot to do but we have every confidence that she will be on time for launch, even if bits have to be done after.

Back here at home we are working to get ready for our garage sale on Sunday. Lots to sell! Washing machine, dish washer, tumble dryer, patio table 'n chairs, bread maker, slow cooker the list is endless!! Oh and of course the garage ' stuff ' !!

Cross fingers the weather is not too horrid on Sunday and that most sells!
More next week....!

Willow Too

Monday 29th April 2013

Another visit to Beacon Boats today. Neil, Ally and Viv are doing an amazing job. With the launch day in 6 weeks things are hotting up!

The chimney cowl is in place, looks brilliant. Solid, and the names engraved on the base finish off the whole effect beautifully.

Neil has made the built in cupboard and shelving in the living area, not oiled yet though. The same with the vanity unit in the shower room. The tiles are on in the galley, not grouted yet, Ally's job tomorrow!

Viv is putting the top coat of paint on now. Decided on the candy stripe for the swans neck and size of the symbols on the hatches.

Started discussions with Sheila for the sign writing.....

Because of the bank holiday we are not going up for two weeks now. So time for some hard work at home! Need to get on with some of those jobs ready for letting!!

Thank you for reading this and showing an interest!!

Monday 22nd April 2013

Another visit to Ally and Neil today, lots been happening in the last week. The Galley work top is in place, but still waiting its 4 coats of oiling. The top cupboards have bottoms and lights underneath. Shelves in and handles on the drawers.

The tiles behind wood burner on and grouted. Also the tiles in the shower room complete. This was a challenge as we had chosen a difficult type of tile with various different textures so not easy to cut, the tiny glass shape being the most difficult. But as usual Neil and Ally get round this and it's all done 'n dusted as they say!

Also this week the registration number came from Canal and River Trust so that's ready for Sheila to hand paint on when Viv has finished the main painting.

Thinking of sign writing must research lettering and contact Sheila. Meanwhile back at home we are getting through the list of jobs in preparation to Let.
The next main project over the Bank Holiday is to make the back garden Low maintenance.

That's all for now folks....

Our dream of having boat built and one day to live board is coming up fast! Willow Too is still with our builder, Neil and Ally at Beacon Boats. She will be launched in approximately eight weeks. We are both so excited now!
But, we have a lot to do at home before we can have fun.... Mainly get the house ready to Let.
Watch this space for the next instalment!!