30th August 2013 This is the promised update from our last post. If you missed it, click here. I genuinely believe that the crisis point that Python reached when she was taking on water at Alvecote could possibly be one of the best things that has happened in that old boat’s life; read on ….…
Read More28th August 2013 We have suspected for some time that there was a hole somewhere but it gets clogged with mud intermittently. After the boat parade at Alvecote, the bilge pump was running almost continuously. Being surrounded by historic boat experts, we decided it was time to get into the engine bilge and start pulling…
Read More10th and 11th August 2013 Another festival, Yay! Weather forecast; Sunshine. Time to plan our car journey. Where is this place called Blisworth? What is this place called Blisworth? Not having done very much boating in this part of the canal network, I had heard of Blisworth and knew it is on the Grand Union…
Read More12th to 15th August 2013 ‘Those whom the Gods would destroy; first they make mad.’ (Well, the way self & Eddie go on – we must be mad.) “Go!” was the command, “Take Python from Blisworth to Alvecote.” Monday 12th August Blisworth to Hillmorton So, off we went, early by the Transport Manager’s standards, from…
Read More18th to 19th July 2013 The changes to Python’s summer tour resulted in a shorter trip for myself and Richard Allsopp, but with the usual Python inspired anticipation we set off ready to tackle the delights of the GUC. Our plan was to avoid the busy morning traffic on the M1, leave our baggage on…
Read MoreThursday 13th June 2013 We arrived at Stoke Hammond to pick up Python from her borrowed mooring. She was well and truly stuck in the mud, but, after several forward and reverse, rocking from side to side and pushing and “punting” manoeuvres, we managed to free her and set off at about 16.00. We had…
Read MoreThursday, 23rd May 2013 Rickmansworth (Batchworth) to Apsley Mills Barbara’s SatNav unerringly guided her to Tesco in Batchworth where we stocked up with grub for the next two and a half days. Eddie and Glyn then carted it all along the towpath to the boat while Barbara roared off to Chesterfield. It was something like…
Read More17th to 19th May 2013 Dave arrived home from work on Friday evening to find me waiting with our waterproofs and thermals packed. The forecast for the weekend was dire! We had been looking forward to the Rickmansworth festival for ages. It was the first time we had attended this event, but many of our…
Read More6th May 2013 Soulbury Three Locks to Marsworth Python waited at the bottom of Soulbury Three Locks for a crew change. Dave and Margaret were to go home while Glyn was to join the boat. All praise to the SatNav for getting him there for 11ish. And for organising sunshine. (Do you remember ‘sunshine’?). Anyway,…
Read More29th April 2013 Python’s Progress (or nearly lack of it) The boat had been left at Wyvern Marina at Sheetstores on the Erewash canal for Paul Barber, our boatbuilding friend, to check her over mechanically before we continued with this season’s extensive programme. Python was moored amongst some famous historic boats (quick let’s get out…
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