The things to be found in canals

We have seen many of the things we expected - dead swan, dead ducks,  dead rabbit, dead fish.  Surprisingly, only one supermarket trolley but we have seen a motorbike, a floating television and a rather nice reclining leather armchair. Being autumn the apple trees are shedfing their fruit and we see lots of apples (eaters and cookers) come floating by. We were surprised the othet day to find the boats surrounded by onions.  We decided that they must have been lost overboard by an onion bargee!

Day 10

Before I forget 4 MORE KINGFISHERS in last 3 days!   Even Michael Fish would have had a problem with yesterdays wind direction.  We were on a particularlly twisty section of The Oxford Canal North, The Grand Union  and the main Oxford Canal. No matter which way we turned there was a gale blowing in our faces . We are convinced witchcraft was involved. It did make for a hard paddle.  We are now on our last canal before the Thames - about 50 miles to the South. Special thanks to those we have met on the way and the interest they have shown especially those who have donated to our charities.

Day 9

Last night no wifi or mobile signal. Typing this on the way to work. Yesterday we were troubled with wind. No, not Ian's cooking but a near gale. In our faces all morning but on our backs in the afternoon on the Oxford canal. Just like paddling downhill. 24 good miles yesterday. We heard about the chap jumping to a new sky diving record. Good effort but if you want a real challenge try kayaking to London. We are really enjoying your text messages to the kayak phone. Keep them coming. 07583 533328 We probably won't reply but we need all your encouagement.

Day 8

Well that was another hard one. We have now completed 177 miles and 8 days out of 16 and are now at Atherton in Warwickshire. Tomorrow we reach the Oxford Canal which takes us to the Thames. All down hill now! No Wifi tonight so no pictures. We are all ready for bed at 8pm!  Just a quick note about our support crew, Ian. He has been driving the vehicle, shopping and providing us with huge amounts of delicious  food. He is great company and his efforts have made the trip far more enjoyable than it might have been. Another long slog tomorrow.

Day 7

Through the potteries from Stoke on Trent to Rugeley near Birmingham.  Long day - 24 miles and 18 locks.
What is the problem with locks?
Well a lock may be 50 yards which would be 10 paddle strokesand perhaps 20 seconds.  Put a lock in the way and we have to slow down and stop.  Haul ourselves onto the bank taking care to avoid dog mess, goose poo, nettles etc etc etc.  The boat then has to manhandled out of the water and carried to the other end of the lock. where it is pushed back into the water.  The technique for entering the boat is to keep all your weight on the bank until you are safely sitting down. This means sitting on the bank once again trying to avoid the usual hazzards.  All this takes around 10 minutes.  If the locks are close together it may be easier to fit the wheels to the boats and pull along to the next lock. 

Now do you see why we call them B........  Locks!

24 miles again today but only 4 locks!!!!

Really good day today.  For the first 7 miles we were joined by David's son-in-law Yenson.  Young, fit and exhausted after our gentle paddle he was given strict instructions to tell everyone how hard he had to work to keep up.
The rest of the day was great, mostly in sunshine.  We are so lucky to have more sun in the first few days of our trip than most of us have seen since May.

We have now completed the Macclesfield Canal and are now on the Trent Mersey just outside Stoke on Trent.  It seems a long way from home.

We are grateful to those who have attempted to cheer us on our way. Many have missed us because we are travelling so fast.

Well done John (Kingfisher) and Linda Mitchell who actually found us.


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Forgot to mention in yesterday's news that we tackled our first tunnel.  There are special rules for paddlers in tunnels on the canals.  We can only use tunnels up to a certain length with good sight lines.The Woodley tunnel was OK so on with the head torches and, you will be pleased to hear, that we made it out the other end.

Also forgot to tell you about our welcoming party at Bollington.  David's granddaughter Eva and 2 of her friends lined up to form a guard of honour.