On the move - at last

We left home as early as we could manage - by 8:30. The heavy rain from last night had eased and although we had some showers on the way, it was a remarkably smooth journey. Apart from around Bristol and the M4/M5 intersection, the traffic was very light and even here our speed was only reduced because of the roadworks 50 mph limit. We even managed a coffee stop at Leigh Delamere services.

We needed to reach Packet Boat in good time as the engineer was scheduled for 2 pm. We arrived at 1 pm and almost immediately the engineer arrived - his previous job had been quicker than expected.

The immediate news was that RCR had decided to replace the starter with a new one as that was less expensive than a repair which had been estimated at over £200. Since we have the Gold membership, our cost is limited to £50 so that it was not too expensive a repair. After a little hiccup whilst he worked out which of several wires went back where (the new starter had a wire which was not only the old one!) he was able to start the engine and then move on to the safety check and service which was what we had planned for last Saturday!

He was finished and away shortly after 3 o'clock so we quickly decided to set off - we had been resigned to another night in the marina! We ignored the clouds which a little earlier had drenched the engineer as he work on the engine and cut ourselves adrift from the mooring - hosepipe, electric hookup and then the mooring ropes. A good feeling to be on the move.

Exit from marina onto Slough Arm

We had to manoeuvre out of the marina onto the Slough Arm and then a few metres on we turned south on the main line, just in front of a breasted up pair which was making its way down. (It moored up close to West Drayton station)

Although it was still quite cold we had no more rain and even some spells of bright sunshine. Of course, we were on the long lock-free pound which is level right through to Paddington. We are not planning very much other than that we have to be back in the marina by Tuesday night as we must leave for home early on Wednesday with a PCC meeting in the evening and interviews for a new Rector on Thursday. However, it will not be long to Easter when we can return for the first real trip!

New footbridge over railway

At Bridge 163 a new footbridge is being constructed across the adjoining railway line - perhaps it is to replace the older brick bridge which connects with the canal bridge.

The sun was low and occasionally caught the trees which are almost breaking out into leaf - they should be ready to do so very soon. Let's hope that they are not caught by a late frost.

Unusually we were cruising with the chimney on as we had lit the stove as soon as we arrived - we could not have the central heating on until the engineer had finished working in the engine bay where the hot water is generated. This meant that Mike had the experience of extra smoke whenever Chrsitine re-stoked the fire!

Hanson Gravel Wharf

Just after Stockley Bridge we passed the Hanson aggregate works with the wharf that was, until a few years ago, used to bring gravel down the canal from above Uxbridge close to the A40.

Another sunny spell followed!

The light industry that lines much of this stretch of the canal is generally not pretty but it does seem a shame that this building is now so run down. Its circular shape does suggest that it was once someone's pride and joy, seeing the opportunity for industrial buildings to be other than plain and ugly.

The Nestle factory announced itself with the strong smell of coffee well before we could actually see it.

Bulls Bridge was not longer after and we spotted a convenient space on the Visitor Moorings so, since it was now just after five o'clock, we pulled in for the night.

3.7 miles - 0 locks