Disastrous leak cancels our plans and ends in tiers

Sunday was a lockdown day with a difference for anyone boating on the Ashby Canal and for towpath walkers near Snarestone close to the current end of navigation on this restored canal. Thousands of gallons of water drained from the canal into surrounding fields as part of the towpath fell away resulting in a breach of the canal. Boats were left stranded, fish (small and large, some up to 20lbs in weight) were left dead or gasping and although we were around 6 miles away we were affected.

The restored section of the Ashby Canal is 22 navigable miles…or rather it was that long on Saturday until Sunday’s drama cut it short. Originally built to service collieries (at which point it was 31 miles long), it was designed without a single lock. That means if there is a need to halt water, stop planks are essential. These huge wooden planks, like railways sleepers, are lowered across the canal to stop the water literally flowing away. The concern was that the canal and the marina where we were could drain out through creating problems for boats, the canal structure, and surrounding farmland.

Boats on linear (towpath) moorings were shepherded into the Market Bosworth marina and stop planks placed across the entrance, sealing boats and water in. Emergency tape fluttered warning to any boats trying to turn in. Once secure, we all sat and waited whilst higher up the canal according to the local news, frantic and frenetic activity by an amazing group of volunteers halted the drama. 

Fishermen said they were alerted by a sudden flow appearing on the canal where water is normally totally still. The first we knew of the drama up the cut was the activity at the marina once they had received the alarm.

The early activity was followed by a boaters’ stoppages email warning. From Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT).

So our plan of exploring to the end of the Ashby current navigation is on hold for another year or so. It just proves that we never know what’s round the corner. The best laid plans etc… so we will head out of the Ashby Canal and at Marston Junction head north west, turning back onto the Coventry Canal. Challenges ahead on the 38 miles of the Coventry we need travel to Fradley Junction include the 11 locks of the Atherstone Flight. The last time we did these it was blisteringly hot – something tells me that won’t be the case this time. The forecast warns of rain, sleet, and more rain! We will be going slowly and carefully – locks are too dangerous to take lightly in any weather but particularly in winter.

With the end of lockdown 2.0 and the introduction of tiers we find ourselves in Tier 3 here in the Midlands.  CRT have reinstated the 14-day maximum mooring in unlimited areas so we are pleased to be getting back to some normality of movement. Their guidance has been extended to advise not travelling between tiers. We have our map books and gov.uk out to view our amended route alongside the restrictions. As we are in a huge area of tier 3 it appears we can move as we wish for a very long distance. We have restocked with fuel and food to stay warm and enjoy soups and stews as we travel. New views on a regular basis will also keep our spirits up. 

Keeping observant and sharing a daily picture from our life or the natural life around us during lockdown on @pickingupducks on Instagram has been hugely enjoyable and it’s great knowing that others look forward to these too.  Seeing the changes of nature, as well as the ways that all of us as individuals have the capacity to lift the spirits of others is just wonderful. Posts that created the most interest recently include the changing nature of what I had called bulrushes for decades but now know are reed mace; a beautifully decorated road sign at the end of a tiny country lane; Cola exploring his pawfect very own doggy advent calendar (huge thanks Lesley) and hazel catkins bringing the cheerful hope of new beginnings.

It’s a delight to be asked to continue these daily posts. Small moments of enjoyment are always important in winter. They seem more necessary this year than ever. Finding my thermal socks was one of those moments! The glee of seeing it’s started raining minutes before the dog and I set off for a walk means I can get full waterproofs on (that’s opposed the misery of setting off without waterproofs in bright sunshine and getting soaked 20 minutes out!). Being on a boat has resulted in a different kind of rain check too. I realise I used to look up to evaluate rain, but now I look down. Heavy rain produces far agitating ripples on the canal surface. These ripples change in frequency and dimension depending on the type of rain and prove a very good indicator of whether it’s welly or walking boot weather.

As we get back on the move we still have some leaks on board – from the fresh water tank – but we can now manage them. To help stay warm and reduce draughts, we have put up our Perspex double glazing. Being rather old and a bit scratched it gives us a hazy view of the world – no bad thing in 2020 some may think! With the demand for Perspex thanks to Covid, now is not the moment to seek replacements, and those we have will certainly work for this winter. Spring 2021 will look even brighter for us when we take them down and see clearly again!

A new mystery emerged with the discovery of a loaf of bread in our store in the covered cratch area with huge chunks removed – mice? rats? greedy swans or ducks helping themselves? None of these seemed possible – how could they get through the closed tarpaulin cover, undoing zips and elasticated ties? The culprit inadvertently gave himself away by nuzzling my hand with a crumb-covered muzzle! Cola the boat dog had been snatching a mouthful behind my back whilst I was busy undoing zips and ties to let us out. Bread is now in a closed, dog-proof container!

My lockdown 2.0 goals are rolling into a running-up-to-Christmas set of goals – has anyone else done the same ? The lockdown return to running didn’t quite work due a chest infection (not Covid), but I averaged 14,000+steps a day which has done a great job strengthening my knee around the meniscus tear. The promised jeans are on and a bit more effort should make them comfy! 

We are looking ahead to Christmas. We hope we can spend it with 4 wonderful family members to make our squad of 6. Our aim is to moor somewhere nearer them for that to happen. That demands keeping an eye on planned repair stoppages which could restrict where we go, reviewing river flooding risks, canal freezing risks and planning our route accordingly factoring in water fill up and waste disposal points. En route we aim to minimise contact with others prior to the festivities to try and protect the family, and to use dry days to forage greenery and decorate the boat ready for the festivities. If you are creating foraged decorations it would be great to see your creations to give me inspiration!