Canals around Coventry

What a fabulous experience for your family & friends. Brill!

Hi Manor House, I hope your boat has a name - do tell us. Your little grandson will soon learn the ropes. Do they make lifejackets small enough for him? Bon voyage wherever you go.

Hi Dreamtime. The name of the narrowboat, not my choice, mind, and I may change it: Not long back from the marina, have taken a few items over, some new and some vintage:

Hi 20A-MANOR HOUSE. Was it already called that when you purchased the boat or have you re-named it? Also wanted to ask if you have to register by a boat name or number? If you are going to re-name, how about 21A-MANOR HOUSE? Good luck for Tuesday. Mick

Hi Mick. It was called 'Dewberry' when I purchased it and from a quick search using its Canal & River trust 5 digit index number it does not appear to have had any other name(s), so may have always been called that. I've also found that it is said by some to be bad luck to re-name a boat while it is in the water, I missed that, and should have done it a few weeks back when it was out

I love your choice of dishware, the design is a national treasure and it really takes me back. I've always heard that it's bad luck to change the name of a boat but just think how many of the forum members will be looking out for you as they ramble along the canal, hang around the locks and eat in the pubs. I bet they'd love to spot Dewberry. Bon Voyage!

Today is the first time I have had to be on the laptop. This is how the week went. Tuesday, left the marina at 11:30am. Left onto the Grand Union Canal. Straight away faced with a flight of 7 locks going up. 1st lock: Marina just on the right: 1st & 2nd lock all went ok. Just got in to the 3rd and an alarm went off and the engine stopped. Will not restart. I was pulled out and moored up then walked back to the marina. 2 chaps from the workshop come and had a look. Small hole in a rubber hose, result, total loss of coolant. An hour of so later all working again. Coolant: Carried on through the other 4 locks and headed towards Braunston Tunnel. Moored up about a mile away from the tunnel in a nice quiet spot. Wednesday, headed towards the 2042 yard Braunston Tunnel. Took about 40mins to go through, lost some paint from the side of the boat hiiting the wall of the tunnel! But, did pass another boat coming the other way and didn't hit him, I was pleased with that. Total darkness, have a small light on the front of the boat, but was not much use to me standing 55 foot away at the rear. Moored up at the end of the tunnel and before another flight of 6 locks, going down. Thursday, down the 6 locks and headed off north on the Oxford Canal. Moored up near Hillmorton and went shopping and to the chippy. Friday, Down the 3 locks At Hillmorton and headed off towards Rugby. Changed my mind about staying in Rugby and carried on via a 250 yard tunnel at Newbold to Bridge 34 near Brinklow. From bridge 34: Moored there now for the weekend.

Ahoy there Manor House. You are beginning to sound like an Old Salt already. Stay safe

I am moored at Hawkesbury Junction (Sutton Stop). My son & grandson came yesterday. Grandson wearing his brand new lifejacket:

Perfect Manor House, he wont want to take it off

It has taken me a little while, but, finally today, I came onto the water of the Coventry Canal. (moored in the Bedworth area):

If you ever get close to the Bridgwater canal in Thelwall, Warrington let me know and I'll pop over and give you a wave.

This looks so peaceful.

Sorry in being late with my reply. It has been peaceful here. I have now fitted a couple of solar panels which should help keep the batteries topped-up. I might then be able to use the laptop a bit more often: Off to Nuneaton tomorrow morning.