Summer trip on Shropshire Union (Tuesday 31/7/2018) - Nantwich to Barbridge Inn

Engine hours start: 386.5 end: 387.7 = 1.2 hours

Miles:2.5 Locks:0  Lock miles: 2.5

The start of our summer cruise: supplies aboard - diesel checked - water refilled - will empty the toilet at Calveley - then smartly away into a lovely summer evening - sunshine and clouds, slight breeze.

Heading for Barbridge for dinner: burger for Andrew, liver for Alison.

Top Mooring!

Peaceful night having watched the International Space Station pass and seen Mars at perigee (if that's the word) looking large and decidedly pink in the night sky.

International Space Station (no really... it is!)

Shropshire Union (Saturday 7/7/2018 - Thurs 12/7/2018) - Painting boat roof near Hurleston Junction

Engine hours start: ?? end: ?? = ? hours

Miles:4 Locks:0  Lock miles:4

This was a pre-planned trip for Andrew to undertake the major summer project of painting the boat roof which had been looking increasing tatty with various patches of rust showing through. 

We had done a brief recce trip back in June to find a good spot near Calveley which would have access to services and buses. In the event I did not use that spot because of the incredibly hot weather that the UK has experienced this summer.

I travelled to the boat on Friday afternoon and quickly set off after unpacking the car. 

Arriving near Hurleston Junction, I spotted a place just short of the visitor moorings which had the potential for a little shade so opted to stop there instead. This did mean that I did not pass Calveley services where I was planning to top up the water so was rather nervous about running out of water. Was fine in the event.

I moored up using spring lines fore and aft and our new wheels procured from Aldi for coping with the Shroppie shelf. I knew I would be here for some time and did not want to be moved about by passing boats while up on the roof painting.

The actual time spent doing the work is a bit of a blur as I worked through the different stages:

1. Use scraper, chisels, wirebrushes and sanding blocks to remove any loose paint and rust
2. Apply Fertan to convert any remaining rust to an inert form. 
3. Wait 24 hours if possible.
4. Clean off the Fertan
5. Degrease the surface with panel wipe
6. Apply undercoat
7. Wait 16 hours
8. Apply gloss coat 1 (Dulux Weathershield)
9. Wait 16 hours
10. Apply gloss coat 2

We had already done the rear part of the roof during a trip to Chester.

I initially chose a seam line on the roof to work up to which represented around two thirds of the remaining surface. Had to get up early to do preparation and apply paint in the evenings in order to avoid the heat of the sun.

I was originally planning to complete this first area then return home to pack for a weekend at the Folk on the Farm festival on Anglesey. I would then return to the boat to complete the work.

However as I was getting near the end of the first section, I checked the forward weather forecast and saw that the weather was due to be unsettled in the second week with likelihood of some rain. So, I modified my plan and by staying an extra night and slightly pushing some of the above timings, I was able to get the whole roof painted before returning home.

I was a bit worried as the gloss on final section was distinctly soft when I was applying the final coat. Luckily it does seem to have baked on fine over the subsequent weeks.

While far from a perfect finish, it's a lot better than before and the rust has been dealt with. Will be looking to paint the handrails red during our summer cruise.



 

Shropshire Union (Sunday 10/6/2018) Bunbury to Nantwich

Engine hours start: 372.3 end: 374.5 = 2.2 hours

Miles:5 Locks:0  Lock miles: 5

Another beautiful day - sunny but a breeze to save from feeling sultry.

Tea / coffee for breakfast but nothing else as still full from last night's feast!

Many more boats on the move today.

Back at the mooring in time for lunch in cafe - full English breakfast - excellent.

Few jobs and stock checking before leaving mid afternoon.

Shropshire Union (Saturday 9/6/2018) Nantwich to Bunbury

Engine hours start: 370.0 end: 372.3 = 2.4 hour

Miles:5.5 Locks:0  Lock miles: 5.5

Travelled to boat on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, walked into Nantwich for the usual tour of the charity shops looking for books. Then to Aldi for lunch provisions.

Speaking to neighbour on return to boat heard sad news that another neighbour taken by depression - only 54...

Then set off towards Calveley to inspect towpath for likely location for Andrew to moor this summer when painting the roof.

Cruised to the winding hole just shy of Bunbury locks. First attempt unable to get close to bank but 2nd perfect. Very quiet spot as train line curves away and is hidden in embankment.

Had late lunch then got some sun / reading before walking to the Tollemache Arms for dinner - not cheap bu generous portions and thoughtfully done. Good beer as well - Unicorn and Wizard ales.

Middlewich Branch and Shropshire Union (Monday 7/5/2018) Bridge 16 Middlewich Branch to Nantwich Basin

Engine hours start: 364 end: 370 = 6 hours

Miles:8 Locks:2  Lock miles: 10

Glorious weather. The branch is unnervingly  quiet due to the breach.

 Minshull Lock being worked in our favour as we approached - likewise Cholmondeston - so through with little delay - probably because we were not in any hurry!

Paused for lunch after Hurleston Junction and returned to base mooring with no fuss at all.

Middlewich Branch (Sunday 6/5/2018) - Move to near Bridge 16 and walk into Middlewich

Engine hours start: 363? end: 364? = 1 hour

Miles:2 Locks:0  Lock miles: 2

Moved up from Church Minshull to the winding hole near Bridge 16. Turned then reversed a little way up the arm to avoid being passed twice by every winding boat. Good call as gave us a nice peaceful mooring.

Walked up the towpath to try and see the breach but the towpath is blocked by a large plywood fence.

Found a path round the breach into Middlewich where we had a very nice Sunday lunch at the White Bear. Very hot weather so a couple of pints were very welcome! 

Wandered back to the boat for a quiet evening.

Shropshire Union & Middlewich Branch (5/5/2018) - Norbury Canal Festival

Engine hours start: 357.5 end: 363.0 = 5.5 hour

Miles:6.5 Locks:2  Lock miles: 8.5

Travelled to boat on Friday evening.

Up promptly to visit the Norbury Junction Canal Festival. Went to deliver copies of Shroppie Fly Paper magazine to the IWA branch members staffing our stand.

Had a look round the various stalls and traders. Andrew got a nice leather coin holder and we got fudge and ice-cream. Chatted to the folk on the Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust stand: in a similar situation to Stroudwater with a length in water at Newport and only half a mile separating them from the network. But no Heritage Lottery Fund money so stuck - but hopeful...

Then back to Nantwich and away. Late lunch at Barbridge Inn - very busy as the weather so suddenly glorious. 

In afternoon, along Middlewich branch to moorings above Church Minshull - fave view.

Cooler evening a relief. Neighbours relaxing over booze - noisy but cheerful.