Days 1 and 2
The weather has not been kind for the start of our 2006 tour!
After leaving Wigram’s (pictured Right) and progressing up the Grand Union we arrived at Calcutt Locks (3) in torrential rain and thunder. I suppose it was the fact that we haven’t yet quite got our boating heads on that we both got totally soaked. Despite having our wet gear aboard we both only wore our jackets!
We moored soon after for the night to literally dry out. Phase one was complete though as we just wanted to get out onto the system on our designated date. Being out on the canals again is a pleasure. We had a full Indian meal for dinner on-board and just sat, chatted and drank until dark. Dasha unknowns to me had a bottle of champagne on ice to celebrate our voyage.
Day 2 and we think the weather has a grudge. After a blustery and wet night the morning was bright and dry but as soon as we left our mooring the heavens opened. Setting off around 11.30am we continued West and descended the Stocked Flight, (8) locks, in more torrential rain. The canal passes North of Stockton and you can see the remains of the old narrow locks beside the newer wider ones. There is a change in the landscape from here with the hills coming much closer to the canal, broken by old quarries and thick woods along the South bank. The quarries produce Blue Lias, a local stone and cement which was used in the construction of the Thames embankment.
We continued on through Long Itchington passing 2 more locks and moored just after Bickly’s Bridge for the night. An uneventful day really apart from the weather, we only passed some half dozen boats all day. Tomorrow and through the weekend we head for Leamington Spa, Warwick and on to Stratford Upon Avon. This is our first post this season and hopefully one of many. Stayed tuned!!
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