tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83833366661923358392024-03-14T01:25:17.205-07:00The Spaniel Armadathespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-62888383536214978612014-04-21T00:33:00.001-07:002014-04-28T08:20:08.244-07:00Easter Cruise continuedWell just when I thought this weekend was dull but relaxing we had a day of high drama on Saturday. The batteries went flat late Friday night so we made a rapid dash for bed in the dark. The next morning Steve was up, packed and ready to abandon ship at 6am upset and panicing. He was convinced the boat was broken and had lost all confidence in it. He was not in the mood to listen and wouldn't wait an hour until we could run the engine to restore the power without waking half of Ware. Nothing would dissuade him so he headed for the nearby station and went home. Despite the upset, we had a pleasant cruise to Stanstead Abbots and I walked with the dogs through the nature reserve along the River to avoid the steady stream of cyclists on the tow path. There was quite a queue for Fielde's Weir <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lock leaving no where to moor up for the elsan facilities. We noted a bizarre orange submarine shaped craft among the waiting boats similar to one we saw on the Paddington Arm of the GU last year. We turned left at the Stort junction to avoid the lock jam and moored up. I made lunch while Tony walked back to empty the toilet cassette. He was gone ages but I assumed he was chatting or that there was a queue for the elsan or both. About 45 mins later he reappeared like the swamp monster, drenched and slightly hysterical. My first thought was that he had suffered a cassette emptying catastrophe and was covered in effluent. Worse. He had decided to join 12 other idiots trying to free the orange submarine which had become wedged under the lock bridge. They needed extra weight at the front, so Tony climbed on board and jumped up and down on the bow for good measure. Inevitably, and entirely predictably, he fell off and went down down down to the bottom of the river. I will add here that Tony is a very poor swimmer. Eventually, he managed to surface and was very lucky that the orange submarine shaped boat had a life buoy on the front, which probably saved his life. The drama was not over as the lock entrance was too far down from the tow path to get him out. They used the life ring and it's rope to pull him through the water to the river bank. It still took several men with a ladder and ropes to get him out as the river bank is high, the River is very deep and Tony in wet clothes is probably very heavy. I clearly can't let him out of sight unsupervised for 5 minutes. Next drama happened shortly after we got Tony showered and changed. I was just administering tea and pork pie to help him recover from the shock when a small pug dog jumped off the roof of a passing narrow boat and into the River. The owner dived in after her and we pulled first the dog then the man onto the stern of our boat. Although he was a youngish fit guy and a good swimmer the shock of cold water, weight of wet clothes and the depth of the river made this much harder than you would expect. While we were distracted, Finn stole </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">all the </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">pork pie. Tony had scoffed at my Amazon pre-trip purchase which was a marine grade life ring but I tell you what he is not scoffing now. There will be some </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">post trip safety equipment purchases which I have wanted since we got the boat including a life jacket for Tony and a ladder. Finn, unlike the pug dog, already has a life jacket. Photo is of a similar submarine shaped boat involved in the lock incident and of the lock where it all happened. </span><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbD0sfasc4AwF817zS5dNhqyogTqODrXkrEaEHrAkdCN0UPpKpj4PrifZpYS02-nElzk9PAcia16zXwtA91iH6K35mdKEfrhQH0fKy834XvCRqE_lqoVq6GjVWhelvdeMfVXYxX0ltHWJ/s640/blogger-image--110819181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbD0sfasc4AwF817zS5dNhqyogTqODrXkrEaEHrAkdCN0UPpKpj4PrifZpYS02-nElzk9PAcia16zXwtA91iH6K35mdKEfrhQH0fKy834XvCRqE_lqoVq6GjVWhelvdeMfVXYxX0ltHWJ/s640/blogger-image--110819181.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbD0sfasc4AwF817zS5dNhqyogTqODrXkrEaEHrAkdCN0UPpKpj4PrifZpYS02-nElzk9PAcia16zXwtA91iH6K35mdKEfrhQH0fKy834XvCRqE_lqoVq6GjVWhelvdeMfVXYxX0ltHWJ/s640/blogger-image--110819181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUCoFGYFiFHMUw0dIKLI85oz2-77I1gHIfRDCAGzDdYA6LYPSxbCujoxFXVvFn-pcOSCeWGXBBZBPQh6bFfCJFJg3fCMBPLDWDppTaj2Re1hrN_BeYYOKFt2UBjwXB9aFuZ1hJ3QtEMiO/s640/blogger-image-1033917069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUCoFGYFiFHMUw0dIKLI85oz2-77I1gHIfRDCAGzDdYA6LYPSxbCujoxFXVvFn-pcOSCeWGXBBZBPQh6bFfCJFJg3fCMBPLDWDppTaj2Re1hrN_BeYYOKFt2UBjwXB9aFuZ1hJ3QtEMiO/s640/blogger-image-1033917069.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-7804592066246626162014-04-18T14:05:00.001-07:002016-02-13T03:55:09.880-08:00Easter cruiseWe have ventured out with the boat this Easter after nearly a year just pottering around Little Hallingbury Marina and the River Stort. This time we are accompanied by Tony's Dad Steve "I'm 80 you know" Gibson. Arrived at the Marina Wednesday in glorious spring sunshine. After unpacking and taking the dogs for a walk as far as Spellbrook Lock we risked dinner outdoors at the Old Mill. Under new management but no less quirky front of house. Essex Faulty Towers. Food was nice though and we finished before the sun went down. A dark cold night but no view of the full moon along side Mars which Steve assured us would be visable. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We left base on Thursday and meandered down the Stort as far as Latton Lock just past Harlow where we moored for the night. Uneventful but cold day with a biting east wind taking the edge off the weak April sun. Good Friday dawned and a short journey down the remaining four locks on the River Stort. More boats than usual but still quiet. Not so the tow path which was a cycle super highway with varying degrees of speed and consideration shown by the two wheeled Lycra folk. Not great for off the lead dog walkers like me. We popped out of the Stort onto the wide River Lee at Fieldes Weir like a tiny cork into a huge ocean! What a shock! Like coming off a country road straight on to the M 25. Before long we reached the scary lock at Stanstead Abbot, reputed to be amongst the most difficult on the system, which had two challenges and spectators of course. The first challenge was a vehicle swing bridge over the lock chamber. It had to be moved before the boat could go in but I couldn't shift it at all. Tony had to come on shore to investigate. He moved it easily - by just opening the catch! Duh! Next challenge was the fierce top paddles which </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">cascade water into the lock chamber and can be dangerous. So of course I was super cautious, followed the instructions provided and opened the paddle fraction by fraction. Fifteen minutes later, lock still filling and a queue of waiting boats in either direction. Maybe I was being too cautious? Waiting boater kindly suggested it was safe to let more water in as it was not as dangerous as they made out. Next lock up was similarly fierce but we met a boat with a crew of young lads so got extra help and to hell with caution. We moored at Ware for the night. No sign of the Great Bed and it's famous gazebos are <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XrC0RtJ5uSGh0Omnn1W_XGzyqbEn2Pbon8UkJc3q4aF20-cWAI-C69NKvGVV1tOMeqB9UnCr_Il3TQZhNtYqIP7oiGqNa1MqF9nNcJI5hxTlwbGNAHh-AOBJ6xHexr1lEI4smfdKSyJS/s640/blogger-image--43200651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XrC0RtJ5uSGh0Omnn1W_XGzyqbEn2Pbon8UkJc3q4aF20-cWAI-C69NKvGVV1tOMeqB9UnCr_Il3TQZhNtYqIP7oiGqNa1MqF9nNcJI5hxTlwbGNAHh-AOBJ6xHexr1lEI4smfdKSyJS/s640/blogger-image--43200651.jpg"></a></div>a bit of a disappointment. Battery trouble tonight. Have been telling Tony for weeks that something was not right but as usual he didn't listen. </span>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-43258614634827161602013-05-12T12:35:00.001-07:002013-05-18T01:55:54.477-07:00Day 19: Harlow lock to Little Hallingbury MarinaShort cruise today; two hours and three locks. Only one minor mishap when Tony got caught short at the tiller. Although the call of nature was urgent, I refused to take over the steering on a very meandering section of the river with blind bends. Just as I said no, and as if to prove my point, a narrow boat appeared out of no where. I would have had no chance of missing it! A short delay while we moored for Tony to do his thing then we were off again. We reached Sawbridgeworth in no time and I walked to the last lock with the dogs, Monty happy as he clearly remembered being here before. Once at Tedembury lock we could see the Marina and got excited about bringing the boat home at last. Still, there was the tricky manoeuvres into the marina and our mooring to accomplish first. Tony passed with flying colours and moored up perfectly. Only problem was on closer inspection it appeared not to be our spot! Not the number mooring we were given but it was the only one free so will sort it out tomorrow. Suddenly we felt tired but proud of our achievement; 171 miles and 168 locks I think we have done altogether. A few scrapes to the paint work but mainly all in one piece. No one fell in or broke anything either! We are thrilled with the boat's new location and the Lee and the Stort which we look forward to exploring at our leisure. Joe and Rachel arrived to collect us in Joe's car and we took them to the Little Hallingbury Mill restaurant for lunch. A bit Faulty Towers but very nice and thank goodness not a chain! I am now home getting in the Ofsted zone and Tony will clear up at the boat and pack up tomorrow. Adventure over - back to reality now. Photos to follow when time permits. Bye for now!<br />
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thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-35979541448087719472013-05-12T00:46:00.001-07:002014-05-07T23:39:02.967-07:00Day 18: Enfield Lock to Harlow MillA bright and early start with crew, Martin and Ria, who came by train to join us for the next leg of the journey. After passing under the M25, we headed for Waltham Abbey, Broxbourne and Cheshunt, passing the Lee Valley White Water Centre on our left. This part of the Lee is absolutely charming as it passes through a broad 5 mile corridor of lakes and open spaces. As well as the abundant water, there are nature reserves, commons, woods and very little sign of civilisation except the occasional rattle of a near by tube train. I took advantage of the extra crew and left them to help with the locks while I carried on walking the dogs. The extra exercise helped keep worries of Ofsted at bay. We moored alongside the Fish and Eels near Hoddesdon for lunch, to the amazement of two blokes enjoying a Saturday pint and to the delight of Martin who thought this a really cool way to arrive at a pub! They could have provided a gate as we had to hop over the fence between the pub garden and the River, presumably for H & S. After lunch it was a short cruise to Feilde's Weir lock, which marks the junction of the Lee and the Stort. We turned sharp right after the lock and we were on our home waterway at last! Much more river like than the broad Lee, the Stort Navigation meanders through lovely countryside here before reaching Harlow. The dates on the buildings and bridges are also much older with some dating back to the late 1790s and bearing the red hand of Ulster and initials G.D. Sir George Duckett was the instigator of the Stort navigation and the Hertford Union Canal, also known as Ducketts, that links the Regents Canal and the Lee Navigation. There are many fine former water mills and maltings, testament to the area's past contribution to London's brewing industry and evidence of the main cargo that would have been carried on the river. The crew performed excellently with both Martin and Ria taking turns at the tiller much to my shame as I have only managed 10 minutes in the whole trip. Only a couple of mishaps where we ran into the banks and had to pole off. Also a near miss on a blind bend with evasive action required to miss a speeding narrow boat full of popped up people (welsh dragon on the boat) and a another boat moored in the bend. Collision avoided but stuck in the mud! We said goodbye to Ria at Harlow lock as she had to work this evening. We finally moored for the night at Harlow Mill where we got a curry delivered and had a merry evening with Martin before he too went home by train. A good day and with the extra help managed 19 locks and about 20 miles leaving us a short stint to get to Little Hallingbury tomorrow. <br>
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thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-5116898419112069292013-05-10T12:59:00.001-07:002013-07-12T22:42:58.882-07:00Day 17: Limehouse Basin to Enfield Lock 13Lazy start today on account of a late night at the Grapes and a bit of a beer head this morning. I was up normal time, out with the dogs up Limehouse Cut by 7am. Then there was a major problem. The red light came on the cassette toilet; full after having guests on board! Necessity is the mother of invention shall we say but best leave it there. We left Limehouse at 12.20pm and started making our way up the Limehouse Cut for the Lea Navigation. Familiar territory in many ways but still a very surreal experience passing landmarks such as the North Circular from the perspective of the canal especially after saying for the last year at every glimpse of water below "we will be cruising through there soon" Just after Three Mills Island, while photographing the Olympic Stadium, I got the call I had been dreading all holiday; Ofsted are coming next Tuesday to inspect Community Learning. Oh well, at least we were on the home run now and should be able to get to work on Monday ahead of schedule. Before I could get too stressed we came to the first scary looking Lea lock at Old Ford, just before Fish Island. After wondering around this vast double lock for an age with me windlass, looking for instructions about what to do, I was stumped. Feeling like a right numptie, I spied what I thought was some information in the middle of the two locks but turned out to be a control panel for the electrically operated lock gates! Once I figured it out, it was a the best lock in the world with minimal effort required. In the words of Rachel Gibson - "you just push da button!" We then cruised the vast channel that is the Lea; clearly meant for the commercial traffic which once filled its waters and kept the city provisioned and thriving. Very high canal banks too which made it hard to get on and off the boat. We passed through Tottenham and Edmonton without noticing as we saw nothing but greenery and parkland for most of the way and hardly another boat on the move. It did smell a bit though with some sewage and waste treatment plants adjacent to the canal. With the exception of Picketts Lock, all the locks were fully or partially mechanised so a nice easy day for me. We made it to Enfield Lock 13 to moor near the Greyhound pub for the night. We thought we had shaken off my nemesis - gas man and his "special friend" gas man 2 - back at Limehouse Basin. But no they just passed us this evening chugging along in their traditional working boats, newly re-stocked with gas and coal, so no doubt we will get to do battle for locks with them another day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QFQlya37O5h5J_Y1WMSzoxLTPPYbCX-SRnEHdKqlqI-DbgOgZrnzRQwoSuf1HlaTKvBVb1n_Ffr-xEXaj_w_IalwxEAbQcMooRmVtk43SjoqdIbzKa8jCE6emkeqIAFrhyphenhyphenOI8sZdBt2J/s1600/2013-05-10+17.28.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QFQlya37O5h5J_Y1WMSzoxLTPPYbCX-SRnEHdKqlqI-DbgOgZrnzRQwoSuf1HlaTKvBVb1n_Ffr-xEXaj_w_IalwxEAbQcMooRmVtk43SjoqdIbzKa8jCE6emkeqIAFrhyphenhyphenOI8sZdBt2J/s320/2013-05-10+17.28.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-45900265987764270572013-05-10T02:33:00.001-07:002013-05-10T03:13:43.589-07:00Photo updates <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEctS51Vjc9VhnSGeyUb52HitrIK2D8-JBxKgDpoHz3pOqZRPPNHZY_JglfkND8JCLY7Ml-e5nFNvCc2y5X_P8jRKJixowN3HxBLc5KshCu3aEuOzyh-AD4QRFtcn3FTul2O0sI321HsXB/s640/blogger-image--1582542849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hrD6k2MNZvTqxnA28Lu2iGwB9b6ebZVpdocVh1f6HafzP6jphpna5rj5E_7SCzVmRiMD2zY1ZtsGlSMuM7riXeDqDMGLzH6j6OkTFfin-8Sj4FD5bXW6FWbeVOIiMZWer7oEnrcaSaQR/s640/blogger-image-803018166.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0The Cruising Association C a House, 1 Northey Street, London51.511294 -0.035362tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-62654597303880356712013-05-10T00:01:00.001-07:002013-07-12T22:43:23.272-07:00Day 16: St Pancras to Limehouse BasinI was looking forward to an easy day today with just a short cruise and 9 locks to Limehouse Basin. However, a very strong wind put paid to that and from start to finish we got blown all over the cut every time we needed to stop. Shortly after leaving St Pancras, we entered the Islington Tunnel and emerged from the darkness into a veritable wind tunnel. Unable to moor before the lock due to moored boats at the landing stage, the boat was blown sideways across the canal again. Tony revved and reversed several times and eventually we got her in the lock. This became the story of the day as there were no gaps to moor with a continuous line of boats taking every available space, including areas normally reserved for locking. Possibly due to residual visitor traffic from Cavalcade, but also heard mutterings about relaxation of rules for the Olympics having led to a surge in illegal mooring. From Islington we cruised through lovely Hackney. No really it is lovely, I was hugely impressed. In fact the whole eastern end of the Regent's Canal to just past Victoria Park is very attractive, vibrant and amazingly well used. It also has a real community vibe - little independent canal side cafes, galleries, community gardens and nature areas. Not to mention some seriously hip live aboard barges. A typical London cocktail of the old and the new, people and buildings, that just works here like no where else. We were lucky to find the only free mooring for miles at Victoria Park but needed help to moor as the wind was blowing us all over the place again. Not impressed with a cyclist who despite seeing me manhandling many tonnes of steel with a rope gave "two tings" and expected me to get out of her way! Clue is in the name love - towpath - not cycle super highway! Anyway, a good walk in Vicky Park with the dogs and we were tempted to stay put as the weather worsened. However, we soldiered on in the rain through Old Ford lock where there was welcome help from CRT volunteers. By the time we reached Salmon Road Lock I could smell the Thames. The last lock into Limehouse at Commercial Road was the worst of the day. Stiff paddles, heavy gates, slippy surfaces and that wind practically blowing me off the top lock gate. Took an age. Finally we entered Limehouse Basin into a strong head wind and with a millionaire's row of oligarch's yachts directly between us and the visitor moorings. Now was not the time for Tony to mess up manoeuvres and slam into Mr Abramovitch's pride and joy. I closed my eyes but it was ok he swung round well clear and we lined up to moor up on the disabled access pontoon. Only mooring free so unless someone chucked us off it would have to do. Then a quick shower and brush up in time for guests. Lovely evening with friends and after a few beers on board we all retired to the Grapes so we could drink more beer, eat and more importantly make use of their toilet facilities. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p4HY5wJVrx1FpJbl8aDcZo6_Q12jKYDIOlkFAvahd9zAPOx-egFBVx6JmU7FoOf7ADmN1WeSfFbD61vpazVJeBSi53WXU1ZYCDIcRVZ4oLMKqUTdlqMk5Un2S5HbJLfO1LavpRzXM4f0/s640/blogger-image--792255117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p4HY5wJVrx1FpJbl8aDcZo6_Q12jKYDIOlkFAvahd9zAPOx-egFBVx6JmU7FoOf7ADmN1WeSfFbD61vpazVJeBSi53WXU1ZYCDIcRVZ4oLMKqUTdlqMk5Un2S5HbJLfO1LavpRzXM4f0/s640/blogger-image--792255117.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-73574655001988545092013-05-08T12:11:00.001-07:002013-05-20T13:49:55.205-07:00Day 15: Cowley to St. PancrasQuiet start to the day which was misleading. The lock free cruise to Bulls Bridge was unremarkable and once in sight of the junction we moored up at Tesco for supplies. I do like this concept of taking your home to the shopping instead of taking the shopping home! Anyway, once re-stocked we turned left down the Paddington Arm of the GUC heading for London. A green corridor most of the way barely interrupted by Southall, Greenford, West Drayton and Park Royal (recipient of much ERDF and centre of one of our only growth industries by the smell of things - curry manufacture. ) We moved rapidly from suburban to central London passing through Little Venice, which turned out to be a disappointingly large and empty basin. We then went through the one way Maida Vale Tunnel before emerging in a cutting running along side Regents Park and London Zoo, excitement tempered though by lack of moorings and 2 dogs desperate for a walk. While we were having a heated debate on the matter of where and when to stop, a speeding working boat with a gas and coal cargo signalled his displeasure at being held up so we allowed him through. After stopping for 10 mins to let the dogs do their business we were back on the move and soon came to Camden Lock. Impatient gas man's boat was already in the lock, gates still open, but he was no where to be seen. Tony had to battle a very strong cross wind and with no landing space to moor above the lock ended up getting blown broadside in front of the second lock, all in view of a very large crowd of on lookers. I managed to get off the boat armed with my windlass but still no sign of chummy. He eventually popped up from his cabin to say he was waiting for his "friend" to lock with. Fuming by now, I filled the second more difficult to operate lock and resisted the temptation to hit him with the windlass. Tony then battled the wind again to get in the lock and on the second attempt with lots of revs we were in. New audience for Tony at Camden Lock of assorted drunks, punks and tourists. West indian guy asked Tony if the boat came from Africa. No somewhere far more exotic mate says Tony - Peterborough. Guy then tells him he has a fine woman there and look after her - obviously taken with some part of my anatomy seen when battling with the lock gates. We moored for tonight at St Pancras Lock just behind the station. Totally unsuitable for the dogs but a surprising little haven in the centre of the Metropolis. We can even here the guard's whistles and station announcements. <br />
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thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-11286873781679958232013-05-07T11:54:00.001-07:002013-05-07T13:42:03.673-07:00Day 14: Croxley to Cowley LockWaved Joe goodbye at Croxley lock this morning where he went off to find the tube station. At the next lock a young asian chap out walking suddenly recognised Tony and broke into a huge grin. "Got lost last night innit looking for his curry!" Oh dear, he must have made quite an impression at the Croxley Tandoori .....or was it the Standard Tandoori Croxley Green? For most of the morning the canal took us close to Rickmansworth, which sounds most unpromising but all we saw was surprisingly lovely countryside. I walked several miles between locks with the dogs accompanied by the fields, lakes and parks of the Colne Valley. Potentially affected by the superfluous and unlikely to materialise HS2, which would be a great shame. Here we saw some strange canal side colonies of residential moorings complete with assorted floating shed like constructions; a floating mock Tudor cottage with a tiled roof and a barge take on an Elizabethan galleon. Plus assorted canal side residents with alternative lifestyles; floating chicken coops and boat top allotments. All this in the London Borough of Hillingdon! We met lots of boats coming up from London all on their way back from the Cavalcade at Little Venice. Helpful at the locks, of which there were only 11 today and well spaced between. Well mainly helpful when communication skills allowed. One immaculately turned out boat lady was very sniffy when Tony messed up his lock manoeuvres and dropped the rope in the cut for good measure. She was even more sniffy at my expletive and then told me off for shutting the gate before her friends' boat, which was apparently to double up in the lock with them, re-apperated from no-where. I resisted the opportunity for another expletive and left but not before she let me see her partner hand her up an immaculately pre-coiled rope which she deftly picked up with her windlass. Sweet and smug goodbye! Still no more locks now until Camden! We are moored tonight near Cowley which is not so bad; a pub for us (good beer, mediocre food) and a park for the dogs (lots of pit bull terrier staffie cross types) so all set for the evening. Now we can hear what sounds like shooting so it is just like home! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHfiFjvsmcpoYLRrX6HkF6evb-Ud9pXGeXGNHWzBjEVMxFWwG2X5fpVbRg74qnPJtMY7bog9n-ks9nQPyX092PI7KI78IlK0pUWq1h9stztoNzFEJg2uQGf4d0GdzHZLV9TJlxJYS3X56/s640/blogger-image-742108550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHfiFjvsmcpoYLRrX6HkF6evb-Ud9pXGeXGNHWzBjEVMxFWwG2X5fpVbRg74qnPJtMY7bog9n-ks9nQPyX092PI7KI78IlK0pUWq1h9stztoNzFEJg2uQGf4d0GdzHZLV9TJlxJYS3X56/s640/blogger-image-742108550.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcOE6VgtD1zJbaO_KXK_39UzwyQAkBmqhyphenhyphenv4qlwpfOKbWexwAleIR_WdnpLOYieCgnGBabLZUONjMrY3D9PMPCdh2iTevl-osRacC-QezcAmfIeiRw6wcSKHKR42GfuOvERA9bBLuA-9x/s640/blogger-image-155705884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcOE6VgtD1zJbaO_KXK_39UzwyQAkBmqhyphenhyphenv4qlwpfOKbWexwAleIR_WdnpLOYieCgnGBabLZUONjMrY3D9PMPCdh2iTevl-osRacC-QezcAmfIeiRw6wcSKHKR42GfuOvERA9bBLuA-9x/s640/blogger-image-155705884.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-27957687100646589152013-05-06T12:45:00.001-07:002013-05-18T02:38:02.664-07:00Day 13: Winkwell To Croxley GreenToday we cruised through the metropolitan hinterlands; Hemmel Hemstead, Abbots Langley, Apsley, and Kings Langley. Identikit commuter belt (viewed from the canal that is, although I am sure they otherwise have distinguishing features). The canal plays hide and seek here with the West Coast railway. I even recognised some snatches of the canal seen from many train journeys to and from Birmingham musing what it would be like to be afloat. Just before Lady Chapel lock we passed under the M25 - so on the home strait now. Stopped near Hemel station to pick up Joe who provided welcome extra crew for the day. We teamed up with Ecky Thump in the locks again and with the help from Joe managed an amazing 21 locks. Hard going in the heat but better once we reached shade in Cassio Park near Watford for the last stretch. Bank Holiday Monday bought out the crowds - quite literally at one lock where we thought something interesting was going on only to realise that we were the turn! Some urchins threw soil at us from a bridge but most were friendly, taking our pictures and even videoing our performance! Most peculiar? We moored for the night in a canal shanty town of residential moorings under Cassio Bridge and sent Tony to collect a take away curry. Having got lost twice (incorrect map on Internet) he finally found the curry house only to find I had ordered it somewhere else. Much angst and several curry places later he arrived back super fast with a delicious curry having got a taxi back to make up for lost time and extra stress.<br />
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thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-47647831400851940232013-05-05T12:08:00.001-07:002013-05-18T04:47:16.516-07:00Day 12: Dudswell to the Swing Bridge at WinkwellExhausted after 13 locks today in humid weather. The locks came thick and fast so there was no time to rest in between just get on and through the next one. Not a great day for the dogs as they get cooped up for the locks. After stopping for lunch in Berkhamstead we doubled up in the locks and shared duties with a fine looking traditional narrow boat called Ecky Thump with an original 1930s Lister engine. Hence the thump. Tony manoeuvred into place along side her very well and I was unnecessarily anxious about potential insurance claims for damaged paintwork. The tow path was incredibly busy with canal side pub drinkers, cyclists, walkers and and an entire Jewish school doing a sponsored walk to raise funds for Kosher food in hospital. A huge audience for Tony to repeat his well worn phrases at e.g. "Dogs have 'ad their breakfast so they couldn't manage a whole child." We decided to finish 3 locks early beside the Three Horseshoes pub. We spotted a good mooring so helped Ecky Thump on her way through the electric swing bridge. My chance to be the Fat Controller! At the touch of a button a barrier comes down to stop the traffic either end of the bridge then it swings clear of the canal to allow boats past. What power! After a quick shower and repairs to my very sore feet we ambled over to the pub which had a nice canal side garden where we demolished some beers and reasonable food. Tony appalled by price of their wine though at £7.75 a glass. Good job I am abstemious. Tomorrow we have crew! Joe is joining us at Hemel Hempstead to lend a hand until Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing him and to getting him working! Hoping for a quiet night tonight after horrendous snoring from Tony last night caused by Butcombe Ale which should carry a health warning. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjUGtVNL71H2m65IsP59K7NLwyltTMI58Bg0wfEDsgH_urSbJz-_O7TsmGuNMkG4Ju-9AqoHtmIQYSch77SuVZHyrj2dl6n9XxnELFLcPZkA2H6tg5FX_1NVYxtPlpJD38TEer8d0iEZp/s640/blogger-image--2108283078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjUGtVNL71H2m65IsP59K7NLwyltTMI58Bg0wfEDsgH_urSbJz-_O7TsmGuNMkG4Ju-9AqoHtmIQYSch77SuVZHyrj2dl6n9XxnELFLcPZkA2H6tg5FX_1NVYxtPlpJD38TEer8d0iEZp/s640/blogger-image--2108283078.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74NzCS_4LDLxOqJDnCJA7yBGpHmVBhTXnAD-1Jaf0JfJmSQ-ffvmyhVZBo0WVPxn5bvIJfnNm84kYPSeZX_iRB_YGpKlNaUZoWI4D-jV35tHXxZ-BvxmJFz6cGuNPpXccJgmEq8WwA7DI/s640/blogger-image-87865527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74NzCS_4LDLxOqJDnCJA7yBGpHmVBhTXnAD-1Jaf0JfJmSQ-ffvmyhVZBo0WVPxn5bvIJfnNm84kYPSeZX_iRB_YGpKlNaUZoWI4D-jV35tHXxZ-BvxmJFz6cGuNPpXccJgmEq8WwA7DI/s640/blogger-image-87865527.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAm_REgsF1I4fk9r3XWjdN3p5U_Tpc67t_sF894AJgA-rMc79BDVIu1Twx7AQZ0GLZi5184HjEvZoYhpvYdWKZ6E9ZrmgTFPxztk6y-YeztH1lP-NnlwMAffRnGrIdxmol9JSISelQyIb/s640/blogger-image-537882463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAm_REgsF1I4fk9r3XWjdN3p5U_Tpc67t_sF894AJgA-rMc79BDVIu1Twx7AQZ0GLZi5184HjEvZoYhpvYdWKZ6E9ZrmgTFPxztk6y-YeztH1lP-NnlwMAffRnGrIdxmol9JSISelQyIb/s640/blogger-image-537882463.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-16326377249242004532013-05-04T12:02:00.001-07:002013-07-12T22:43:39.774-07:00Day 11: Ivinghoe Lock to Dudswell locksA long haul today; first of several lock dense sections where the canal climbs to its highest point at Tring Summit and then descends again through Hemel Hempstead. Managed 13 locks in good time even with some light showers. However, despite completing today's target, Tony was keen for me to do another two locks as it was still early. After one of my better hissie fits he wisely called it a day and we moored up just outside Berkhampstead as originally planned. The locks are like work - it only hurts when you stop. It was the brief respite through the Tring Summit, where the canal passes through a mile long deep cutting, that did me in. Lying down on the bed was a big mistake. Still alls well that ends well and our rows never last long. I got a cup of tea and a shower so am all set to make dinner. The coincidence of mooring spots with pubs and food is not working out very well. Thankfully, we avoided the "family orientated dinning pub with an in house Thai restaurant " at the last lock. Grim! The GUC is now closely shadowed by the West coast main line so the noise of Virgin trains will lull us to sleep again tonight - that is if I can here it above Tony snoring. It is Butcome Ale tonight so every chance of some serious zzzzzs. The railway link provides some good opportunities for crew to join us as we are never far from a station from now on. Free food, beer and over night accommodation available! Mobile 07779640884 - call now or be disappointed.......! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lock Slave </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page 3 of Canal World Magazine May 2013 </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of the day!</td></tr>
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<br />thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-4009236877595371542013-05-03T23:56:00.001-07:002013-05-03T23:58:13.320-07:00More photos <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EGjL1cruqqDKz8sDMREaJdQ3liyL3WBzbHogYzCxKr0UjJvdnXb7kdEcnww4rfPhdFmPp1JpjF5RwzUb8S4j3G67Ja66IoPKpPP7hRZfmXcftAPmyzdcGuuEyKxunk_o7ByETgfQmPP8/s640/blogger-image-1802859279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EGjL1cruqqDKz8sDMREaJdQ3liyL3WBzbHogYzCxKr0UjJvdnXb7kdEcnww4rfPhdFmPp1JpjF5RwzUb8S4j3G67Ja66IoPKpPP7hRZfmXcftAPmyzdcGuuEyKxunk_o7ByETgfQmPP8/s640/blogger-image-1802859279.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNuMXpTJpSKP7i0Ik0Z5defHedbh_oEU1NWh5z40EP2iwIjjCpqRUXlrZvO1otxdQ0_Gd44fIOQGIKAQ8_mt7AUAoUrW1xuBqGsYiqWc9MEhnd13EpYjnBQK-u18AjU-sASpKGyiKLHvU/s640/blogger-image-1778183859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNuMXpTJpSKP7i0Ik0Z5defHedbh_oEU1NWh5z40EP2iwIjjCpqRUXlrZvO1otxdQ0_Gd44fIOQGIKAQ8_mt7AUAoUrW1xuBqGsYiqWc9MEhnd13EpYjnBQK-u18AjU-sASpKGyiKLHvU/s640/blogger-image-1778183859.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqqgfz6Bf6fwLWmbXEZ68UMkk0YP7q4NH47RXm9CmeYE__J9-_5B4VpCxai7z65NgN5c7wMX5ANRKns4mw_rwIk_vyLLdoke6Q8rMhrkmxqg9FkkvjEu6Kb6RgtIvJMEUaceUw42io8jN/s640/blogger-image--1225131709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqqgfz6Bf6fwLWmbXEZ68UMkk0YP7q4NH47RXm9CmeYE__J9-_5B4VpCxai7z65NgN5c7wMX5ANRKns4mw_rwIk_vyLLdoke6Q8rMhrkmxqg9FkkvjEu6Kb6RgtIvJMEUaceUw42io8jN/s640/blogger-image--1225131709.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-8923255698043544192013-05-03T11:30:00.001-07:002013-05-03T23:35:37.220-07:00Day 10: Soulbury Three Locks to Ivinghoe Lock 33Another glorious day which helped make for steady progress - a whole ten miles, most of which I walked along side the boat with the dogs. We did 10 locks though which does slow things up when there is only two of you - and one of them is Tony! We took a short break in Leighton Buzzard to get my Tesco fix and stock up on supplies. We are listing again now the beer store under the dinette has been replenished. After Leighton we climbed steadily through the locks and were rewarded at Church Grove Lock with a glorious view of the Chilterns. I have discovered that canal side pubs are a doubled edged sword. Nice to moor up by and have a pint and a meal but also a major magnet for "gongoozlers" especially where the pub is next to a flight of locks. These are people for whom locking narrow boats are a spectator sport. Although I am getting more competent each day, my heart sank when we approached one such hostelry at lunch time with a whole garden full of viewers waiting for a drama. They didn't get one but Tony loves an audience so they got a whole new experience. Roll on Bank Holiday Monday. All went well today although my impression of other canal users is getting a bit jaded after crossing windlasses with some mightily superior oldies at one lock and several anglers on the tow path with less personality than a perch. So much for the lecture we got from the Canal and River Trust blokes about "always leaving both sets of gates closed on the GUC." These retired folk-become-professional-narrow-boaters are proficient enough to get through one gate but selfish enough to then leave it open. No regrets there then but Finn did eat the anglers fish pellets so maybe I was a little hasty. No! They do seem to prefer the company of fish. Great news - the slow cooker works on the inverter so we have lamb and sweet potato curry for dinner. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8qQ3CueeWvIiXrsIdk47-39KaOFdoRr0bFhyphenhyphenyxXT2fqI2MiDsWW_ZvXFhd0Vs_yr8Joi4uMC3UWBr-K__jUuD0Y8qhzoi6lZqQUR01UqJeuRSm39WGWZIu_KbdybjZ3PEG8JHnPnkaFQ/s640/blogger-image-231391974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8qQ3CueeWvIiXrsIdk47-39KaOFdoRr0bFhyphenhyphenyxXT2fqI2MiDsWW_ZvXFhd0Vs_yr8Joi4uMC3UWBr-K__jUuD0Y8qhzoi6lZqQUR01UqJeuRSm39WGWZIu_KbdybjZ3PEG8JHnPnkaFQ/s640/blogger-image-231391974.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBiXZtNZZYnDTi0gGHvWZbOyrimkZeU5-cqBT1TZtSptIVkvFRfA38_o435ptt-F79-HYBvPEvZcudeHsbkJ4zURhlAtYiRB0HTdQTjQqNyDjTZXPE4Wib8U65GUK0JsRqUKjI5868qMt/s640/blogger-image-1127973857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBiXZtNZZYnDTi0gGHvWZbOyrimkZeU5-cqBT1TZtSptIVkvFRfA38_o435ptt-F79-HYBvPEvZcudeHsbkJ4zURhlAtYiRB0HTdQTjQqNyDjTZXPE4Wib8U65GUK0JsRqUKjI5868qMt/s640/blogger-image-1127973857.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-52690378680624227112013-05-03T00:46:00.001-07:002013-05-03T00:46:32.321-07:00Day 9: Thrupp Wharf to Solbury three locks.Another urban milestone of the journey passed today, although the stretch of canal through Milton Keynes was surprisingly attractive. The tow path is extremely well maintained and runs along side parks and open spaces so lots of walking for me and the dogs. Either side of MK the canal threads its way through some beautiful countryside. We did three locks and about 16 miles today so not bad progress. Glorious sunshine, which with less locks meant I could relax on the bow with my feet up between walks. This was interrupted briefly when I noticed we were sudenly veering towards the bank at cruising speed for no apparent reason. I looked to the stern - no sign of Tony at the helm! Panic! What on earth had happened to him? Fallen in? Caught short? When we shuddered to a halt in the silted up reed beds his head popped back up in surprise. Turned out he was playing to the gallery as usual and was so busy waving to some children on the bank he forgot to look where he was going! A couple of good shoves with the poles and we were off again, Tony still waving like the queen but multi-tasking now by looking where he was going at the same time. Dogs enjoyed the walks and the cruise today. However, Finn has developed a strange mooring fetish. He goes mad with excitement when the mooring pins go in and then thinks it is huge fun to dig them out! Unfortunately, he is quite good at this so needs to be kept under watch while on the bank. We have a very good mooring tonight close to the Grand Union pub and will be meeting Susie and Mark for a drink there later if they can find it! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTu-rRn2i9EFE4hnZbCPYVIX-_D6SQ13lhDhH65Q27jzhdjHMH4HOclzuK1z_5zfknlPiTSJIRKA1HbgW45TGzhRdS5doP_rzSAIpVHmrq-uKoZEnhZka0QREmp1PSuT5o90Q81PGaOxJ/s640/blogger-image-675789579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTu-rRn2i9EFE4hnZbCPYVIX-_D6SQ13lhDhH65Q27jzhdjHMH4HOclzuK1z_5zfknlPiTSJIRKA1HbgW45TGzhRdS5doP_rzSAIpVHmrq-uKoZEnhZka0QREmp1PSuT5o90Q81PGaOxJ/s640/blogger-image-675789579.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdf-1DBJUUBMdrgHbDIoEEsDT7-y4vv-duvEhXyLpIBjsQ84Hj79gV08ruM-OeA2fWfNZMd3th_f5VIapzCdSxsqwyWxCb-OqZUXMVwgM6NVQVBToaHw0hj5r-NV5wwyh-j8aAvB5EkJ9/s640/blogger-image--1539787118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdf-1DBJUUBMdrgHbDIoEEsDT7-y4vv-duvEhXyLpIBjsQ84Hj79gV08ruM-OeA2fWfNZMd3th_f5VIapzCdSxsqwyWxCb-OqZUXMVwgM6NVQVBToaHw0hj5r-NV5wwyh-j8aAvB5EkJ9/s640/blogger-image--1539787118.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-27983980803464214082013-05-01T10:56:00.001-07:002013-05-01T11:01:24.854-07:00Day 8: Blisworth to Thrupp WharfWe started the day's cruise by going through the famous Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest on the canal network at 1.75 miles. We emerged in canal city aka Stoke Bruerne. Very pretty and full of narrow boats. Managed to moor up, walk the dogs and fill up with water here. We also went to the Canal Museum. Then we got stuck in to the 7 locks in the Stoke Bruerne flight. One slight mishap in lock 3 where Tony beached the boat on the lock side near the cill so as it emptied she tipped over to the right some 45 degrees and would have gone right over if I hadnt stopped the paddles and quickly and re-filled the lock! Scariest moment of the trip so far by a long shot!! Still no damage done and we were back on our way, shaken but not stirred. A glorious sunny day and beautiful countryside made up for the lock mishap. Towpath walk with the dogs was brilliant and I finally wore them out just keeping ahead of Tony in the boat. We have moored up at the Navigation "award winning canal side pub" with food, local beer and dogs allowed. Bingo! Too good to pass. Have caught the sun again today after failing to put the factor on early in the day. Today has felt like a holiday but tomorrow we will have to step up the miles. <br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBjMo7Iw6pCZRZt4b1Zt0ftpDFxTs-kqwp_WsLuYQrpn7EBTFg_8b-x_XPlrPafdGyyJ6uu5cdgjmjRziLDl9_8VPerXLHbEb0QdI8HcJIsbXsyuYULHUw_4R8kxtGxoSp0WAbyIUsuSk/s640/blogger-image-1322021853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBjMo7Iw6pCZRZt4b1Zt0ftpDFxTs-kqwp_WsLuYQrpn7EBTFg_8b-x_XPlrPafdGyyJ6uu5cdgjmjRziLDl9_8VPerXLHbEb0QdI8HcJIsbXsyuYULHUw_4R8kxtGxoSp0WAbyIUsuSk/s640/blogger-image-1322021853.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdzq5scTYF6X9NGcwmSyeg9zti9g3nbzGRSVbHP9lO_95rx2Ef_v2qCq6APvpaCyr3AYwVsVRqCLHlL511ORq_GkbyOcXqA02oVpGrK1M2gh771ADh8o27sZSjltaWZSaIgNIbTwkkjsZ/s640/blogger-image-965155092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdzq5scTYF6X9NGcwmSyeg9zti9g3nbzGRSVbHP9lO_95rx2Ef_v2qCq6APvpaCyr3AYwVsVRqCLHlL511ORq_GkbyOcXqA02oVpGrK1M2gh771ADh8o27sZSjltaWZSaIgNIbTwkkjsZ/s640/blogger-image-965155092.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-39976326356195809402013-04-30T12:34:00.001-07:002013-04-30T13:26:41.802-07:00Day 7: Northampton to BlisworthToday we did the Northampton arm of the GUC. The Rothersthorpe flight (close to eponymous M1 services) consists of 17 locks climbing from Northampton to Gayton Junction where the Northampton arm joins the main GUC. Straight away we noticed a big difference between the River Nene and the proper canal. The pace slows, the water is shallower and narrower and the locks are the traditional type with pointing gates each end. The landing stage for the first lock on the canal was covered in nettles but the bigger challenge was unlocking the beggars as they are fitted with anti vandal locks and bolts, which even with a BW key, were Jayne proofed. Still, something needed to get Tony off the boat! Once opened we were off and did the first three locks quite well we thought. Then I spied a Canal and River Trust posse behind us gesticulating exasperatedly. I gathered we were doing something wrong. Head honcho eventually caught up with us, his working barge and its crew now visible. He told us numpties, a little harshly I thought, that on the GUC you always leave all the lock gates shut. Oops we forgot this having been on the River so long! After one more lock with them up our arses, watching my every incompetent confused.com move, I suggested that they go through ahead of us at which point they became much more friendly. I took their advice and handy hints, now delivered in a less dismissive tone. In the end I even got a bit of respect in for my endeavours. I managed the rest of the flight which was seriously hard work but enjoyable and much less stressful than the perilous Nene locks. We were so engrossed we accidentally skipped lunch, drinks and loo breaks! After the locks we turned left at Gayton Junction, which is good as otherwise we would be heading North. We moored at Blisworth for the night looking forward to a meal in the dog friendly real ale local pub. Guess what - no food Monday to Thursday! What is the matter with these places! Never mind, Tony is cooking easy dinner, procured from Morrisons for just such an eventuality, which will be washed down with a celebratory bottle of Cava as we now feel happy to be on the real canal. Only 76 miles to Brentford! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L5zh8nLZa57Ntd0738B1o_T1zIqCUil7d8BREt7K1qif1iAcB-_4JKdvEugtVBVOQ5SNLlEKUzwcGnj_Tz95Q6RCQ_5UbJ9ntopwZgIkXpO_gf-V4D3ch6CBj4eKAzF0p6Cyv0E5xFHX/s640/blogger-image--650467929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L5zh8nLZa57Ntd0738B1o_T1zIqCUil7d8BREt7K1qif1iAcB-_4JKdvEugtVBVOQ5SNLlEKUzwcGnj_Tz95Q6RCQ_5UbJ9ntopwZgIkXpO_gf-V4D3ch6CBj4eKAzF0p6Cyv0E5xFHX/s640/blogger-image--650467929.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-19332609731187350162013-04-29T11:37:00.001-07:002013-05-18T03:05:52.868-07:00Day 6: Doddington to NorthamptonWe have made it to the end of the river Nene! After a grumpy start, me full of cold and not looking forward to another day in the freezing wind, we had a good day. We managed 11 locks and in a much shorter time. We passed through the Nene wash-lands; a vast area of flood defences, barrage gates, weirs and flood-water holding areas next to the River. It must have been a scary place earlier in the year when the River was in flood. We were anxious not to take a wrong turn here as the river split and branched all over the place. We had an unscheduled but welcome lunch stop at Weston Favell lock while waiting for a barge doing dredging works to move. The sun was out most of the day which helped take the chill off that unrelenting wind. We are now moored in Northampton for the night before joining the GUC tomorrow. Next to a Morrisons so Tony is happy and we can stock up on supplies which are running low. Complete opposite to the field of sheep we were in last night - it is winos and yobos at pasture here - be carefully what you wish for as they say. Still, we have neighbours - another narrow boat, for company and added security. Northampton waterside Is not a good example of regeneration. Lots of waterside flats - mainly social housing by the look of them. Sad empty shell of the old Avon factory (which must be listed ) next to the new Avon factory. I wont be buying from them again. We thought there was a place to empty out the toilet which is starting to get full but alas we cant find it. Can't see any signs of waterside inns either so looks like beer on board again. Hoping for better luck on the next leg of the trip. We have the flight of 17 locks from Northampton to the main GUC tomorrow and will see what time and what state we are in after that. We are told there is a decent pub at the top of the flight. Monty and Finn currently drying out after a run and a swim. We are surrounded by ducks, pigeons and Canada geese, what with that and the natives it could be a noisy evening.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHiRS7Q9szjwoC95Kfjo7e0xjBgywMQP5WS0XPgnroiZkM7J8jvbWWX61mIMGOeoEq2qyqwbzSxH-dpAAoSJpTbwXEYjgn-s2R6xpn6hphRf-jxnORaIFLSPHMnBc52oFnA2XdhEFecVe/s1600/2013-04-29+13.57.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHiRS7Q9szjwoC95Kfjo7e0xjBgywMQP5WS0XPgnroiZkM7J8jvbWWX61mIMGOeoEq2qyqwbzSxH-dpAAoSJpTbwXEYjgn-s2R6xpn6hphRf-jxnORaIFLSPHMnBc52oFnA2XdhEFecVe/s320/2013-04-29+13.57.52.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_Z9xpFg2PoAwlMg1VzYyj597FXO8eW7BqGDmyl_QzPNV66qXxhiWGWmElRo13d-WsQ_7DY4nRXRt49e0tl7_5p83WK9bH8GFSnzPk2aaarYQxuv3JE0UN9hNV7x4DiOoJJTOo4AeBBrj/s1600/2013-04-27+13.58.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_Z9xpFg2PoAwlMg1VzYyj597FXO8eW7BqGDmyl_QzPNV66qXxhiWGWmElRo13d-WsQ_7DY4nRXRt49e0tl7_5p83WK9bH8GFSnzPk2aaarYQxuv3JE0UN9hNV7x4DiOoJJTOo4AeBBrj/s320/2013-04-27+13.58.41.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREq8zWl1vjGS-j_XgDE7TPFH3cJiFqC0myCcdqd0WGuCPWBX1C5BthYJa6xIX2qLlwKTYRoTbjzynQjL2E9izZHOLXROjub4_GPyK3rqD_eSmaLyX4lfroUp-Ti8i_rmZJzV1DdYdsuRX/s1600/2013-04-28+12.33.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREq8zWl1vjGS-j_XgDE7TPFH3cJiFqC0myCcdqd0WGuCPWBX1C5BthYJa6xIX2qLlwKTYRoTbjzynQjL2E9izZHOLXROjub4_GPyK3rqD_eSmaLyX4lfroUp-Ti8i_rmZJzV1DdYdsuRX/s320/2013-04-28+12.33.24.jpg" width="320" /></a>lthespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-51899358373416786962013-04-28T10:20:00.001-07:002013-05-20T14:14:05.741-07:00Day 5: Upper Ringstead to DoddingtonSteady cruise through the post industrial Midlands today- disused gravel pits, new housing estates and giant grey warehouses the key features of note. We also passed the Rushden and Diamonds Football ground, now in administration. The natives are friendly but am finding that East Midlands drawl a puzzle. Not so Tony who cheerfully tells everyone we meet his life story, which between his accent and theirs seems to get lost in translation. We managed 8 locks today, short of our target but the wind in our faces all day finally got to us. We moored up in an unofficial mooring marked in the guide book but without an explanation of what that actually means. Will an angry farmer appear at dawn demanding money with menaces? We are surrounded by fields full of sheep with lambs. Not ideal with two dogs but there is nothing else between here and another 2 hours and four locks cruise away and it is already late, we are cold and tired. At least the wind is blowing us towards the bank so we won't float away in the night. And how it is windy! Smoked salmon pasta and garlic bread for dinner. Now the fire is on, we have had a hot meal and the wine is open things look a little better. <br />
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thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-35134783805845323652013-04-27T13:45:00.001-07:002013-04-28T11:54:22.837-07:00Day 4: Oundle to Lowell Ringstead.We did ok today! Seven hours cruising and seven locks. Not too many mistakes either so things are improving. However, lost our expensive new hook pole at one lock (retrieved) and the tiller pin when we moored up at Willy Watts Marina (sunk without trace). Apart from that we got wet and cold - so called April showers! My hands have no skin left in places from cold and rope burn - wet rope seems a particularly efficient exfoliant especially when Tony is saying "the rope should hold her" when still going forwards at speed with me on the bank holding the other end. We also encountered the Nene problem today - lack of moorings. There is a paucity of official EA moorings. The private moorings we found in the guide book where we had hoped to spend the night didn't do overnights and so we left in a hail storm, cold, grumpy and tired. One more lock though and we found Willy Watts Marina where we are spending the night. We met quite a few other boats today and shared lock duties at two. My those hand operated guillotine gates are hard work! I am suffering tonight from doing all the lock duties and making Tony stay on board to keep the boat safe and in position. All those squats and upper body work with weighs in the gym have come in handy but even my huge shoulders are aching tonight. Maybe in time I will get confidence enough to let him loose..... But not holding my breath. The river passed through lovely serene country side in deepest Northants today but looking forward to getting back to some urban scenes tomorrow. I am city girl after all! No photos today as have IT issues mainly caused by extreme tiredness and a whole bottle of wine. <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVJMam-UdK8ViLXxsu1DPSfMWJEHo7d2T9NnXfTBRMymHdcgSnXD2VoaUSTYmh9IBngF1w45krJOFWHmhh_4-hbtxRGLU56mRQKW3gjoq2BEle8utIw2ji-W5veJ8w9azTbSIpU1Z89kB/s640/blogger-image--1054783723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVJMam-UdK8ViLXxsu1DPSfMWJEHo7d2T9NnXfTBRMymHdcgSnXD2VoaUSTYmh9IBngF1w45krJOFWHmhh_4-hbtxRGLU56mRQKW3gjoq2BEle8utIw2ji-W5veJ8w9azTbSIpU1Z89kB/s640/blogger-image--1054783723.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-18040346423022589062013-04-26T04:40:00.001-07:002013-04-26T04:40:06.970-07:00Day 3: Going nowhere todayWe have decided to stay in Oundle Marina another day after having more electrical problems since mooring up last night. No power to the fridge, the water pump was struggling, inverter cut out and 12v socket not working either. After a little Internet research and deduction (but no technical understanding ) I diagnosed correctly that the battery was not charging. How I wished I had paid more attention in physics instead of spending the lessons seeing how many crocodile clips I could fasten to the teacher's jacket before he noticed. Anyway, it needed a call out to Dave at the boat yard who came very quickly with Alfie the dog to fix the problem. Turned out to be down to the earthing wire not being wired in. Why this matters was lost on me but All sorted now so just running the engine to charge the battery up. Tony now has to eat three days food today as it has been left un-chilled all night. The beer didn't last long enough to get warm. <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZSju6qIhfHG5vmJVde_9Je1HyIjtxqMS0VO7Pmhsn3F2zK8Dg6LCWGrzNL2_yEPJHcOhdJ8qErrtpGLPZHdmoTs-Ym84h-szugBTUXVMBflRgFl7nC-RXf-ps8WEJ0vrJnnUzPi7cHN8/s640/blogger-image-1989096164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZSju6qIhfHG5vmJVde_9Je1HyIjtxqMS0VO7Pmhsn3F2zK8Dg6LCWGrzNL2_yEPJHcOhdJ8qErrtpGLPZHdmoTs-Ym84h-szugBTUXVMBflRgFl7nC-RXf-ps8WEJ0vrJnnUzPi7cHN8/s640/blogger-image-1989096164.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-74027687300770826142013-04-25T10:39:00.001-07:002013-04-25T10:39:40.065-07:00Day 2: Elton to OundleToday we had crew. Jason, who helped to build our boat, joined us for today's journey. What a difference - someone who actually knows what he is doing! It made for quite a relaxing trip - well most of the way. We got calm and patient instructions on steering, lock approaches and exits and knots. However, as Tony drank more beer through the afternoon things went to pot rather. We happened upon two more locks than expected and the sharp turn into the marina at Oundle after four pints of beer was accompanied by the bang of concrete against steel. Our mooring is delightful though and I am not in a rush to leave tomorrow am. If we haven't sank in the night that is from the crunching contact at the bow end. At least we will be alone tomorrow and Tony will have no drinking pals. H and S concerns prohibit me drinking until moored for the evening and the off duty sign comes on. Photo is of Fotheringhay Castle and church which we passed on the way. The other needs no explanation - and it is only 6pm! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIuuTQSvCVziXhmxkDwAqOJe5X0Rl7ha2UpboKQOL7MR4ZF789mEp-XkMu9lOR9dRcEn8_G9piG8bximFALY6z1-3W1bXHdr2RUNF0bjrqD4G5tgNsycn8TvlhUBfWmFApOJHxAKIRYy_/s640/blogger-image--882300464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIuuTQSvCVziXhmxkDwAqOJe5X0Rl7ha2UpboKQOL7MR4ZF789mEp-XkMu9lOR9dRcEn8_G9piG8bximFALY6z1-3W1bXHdr2RUNF0bjrqD4G5tgNsycn8TvlhUBfWmFApOJHxAKIRYy_/s640/blogger-image--882300464.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZ4qC-WnVIVh__5PVDu6wNRO4CqRJ6fKcaWDZ203eovoBN7-l033qT_WppaFiqzb8_ky4pgGYAChighiQ-lVcvj16odIWJO_mguZY46I6gyyHgbmcasN8s0baXnyDP-cmWUP9jIFwC0MQ/s640/blogger-image-299236498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZ4qC-WnVIVh__5PVDu6wNRO4CqRJ6fKcaWDZ203eovoBN7-l033qT_WppaFiqzb8_ky4pgGYAChighiQ-lVcvj16odIWJO_mguZY46I6gyyHgbmcasN8s0baXnyDP-cmWUP9jIFwC0MQ/s640/blogger-image-299236498.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-73653546805616265382013-04-24T12:06:00.001-07:002013-05-16T14:42:52.762-07:00Day 1: Stibbington to Elton<br />
I arrived by train in Peterborough from London mid day and Tony and Finn were waiting for me at the station with Chris who provided the lift back to the boat yard. We were casting off and on our way an hour later. Lovely day, sun shining but a deceptively strong breeze. We should have been forewarned. The first lock at Wansford was a disaster! No situational awareness, afore mentioned strong cross wind and a side weir made mooring on the landing stage the other side of the lock quite a challenge. Plus we did every thing wrong. All the ropes went in the water and as the boat drifted away mid stream the centre rope got stuck round the propellor causing the engine to stall. Marooned on the bank, shouting random instructions to Tony on the boat, things were looking bleak for me. We faffed around for an age. Then Tony reversed and the rope came free. He managed to retrieve it from the water - slightly shorter now - and threw it to me on the bank. Eventually, with the help of my sumo thighs we pulled the boat in against the wind and moored. This allowed me to go back and close the pointed lock gates, as required on the Nene, and most importantly to get back on board. The next two locks were less stressful and we moored at Elton around 5.30pm. We are now recuperating at the Crown with pints of beer and cider and will be having a meal here too. It's all too much really. Fun that is. Hopefully the mooring pins will last the night as we are very close to the weir. I feel a sleepless night coming on. More wine? Will be walking the plank to get on board though. No joke. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__08F7ofawtTFQJyCY6Q_GUIuP3bmKyL5rPc9FAJhG_elyNP5i8KFT0mWkESiy1z_T1bf_Ao4Ie3fswdrXEGqAzXsApfrKZtMOdgleiajsj9a3vd39Xzf75qCzTj0u2xiEhWIWzuSs07V/s640/blogger-image--187871796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__08F7ofawtTFQJyCY6Q_GUIuP3bmKyL5rPc9FAJhG_elyNP5i8KFT0mWkESiy1z_T1bf_Ao4Ie3fswdrXEGqAzXsApfrKZtMOdgleiajsj9a3vd39Xzf75qCzTj0u2xiEhWIWzuSs07V/s640/blogger-image--187871796.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8383336666192335839.post-8622677256190516812013-04-21T01:27:00.001-07:002013-04-21T01:27:54.016-07:00Ship shapeArrived at Stibbington last night. Unpacked and stowed everything away ready for the off on Wednesday. Finally got the curtains up. All ship shape for visitors today. Debbie, Paul and Aiden are coming over fro Rugby to see the boat and join us for lunch at the Crown in Elton. Meanwhile Tony is having OCD fun making Dymo labels for all the switches. I am going out shortly and concerned about coming back to seeing everything Dymo labelled including Tony. I blame Peter who this original 1960s gadget belongs to. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOl1JwGGQQ5Xn_whJ38wPFD1DByS7m8FhyphenhyphenLXmahD1OoquGpvseWJmSd5P1KGSzZPLhMf9IfJrKxZAE6fURlY2rYK-W7IKj91Ologl-NbpyqjA7NOUjd5FKZPynmnvKxlbJRrTHJVQGIjj/s640/blogger-image--1705428211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOl1JwGGQQ5Xn_whJ38wPFD1DByS7m8FhyphenhyphenLXmahD1OoquGpvseWJmSd5P1KGSzZPLhMf9IfJrKxZAE6fURlY2rYK-W7IKj91Ologl-NbpyqjA7NOUjd5FKZPynmnvKxlbJRrTHJVQGIjj/s640/blogger-image--1705428211.jpg" /></a></div>thespanielarmadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226711560030468933noreply@blogger.com0