Reflections

Reflections on Bargee Life 2

Not long ago Natascha had a chat with the chap from the coal boat, she moaned about the overcrowded canal network in London and that the CRT (Canal & River Trust) are not really supporting bargees in town, how bad the facilities are, etc. Just a good old moan because life as a bargee isn’t always that romantic. He replied that the canal network is too old and can hardly cater for the masses of boats going up and down the locks and apparently this constant movement puts a strain on them. Fair point.

A thought that crossed Nat’s mind many times, is that somehow the bargee community isn’t as such respected by the society, rather vilified sometimes. When she arrived in London back in 2002, the Regents Canal was a no-go area at night, way too dangerous. It got safer with the arrival of the boater community, we believe, though the odd disturbed mind was still around and making peoples life a problem, for sure.

Another thing that we really find problematic is, that, the bargee way of life should be regarded as an enrichment for society. Is there any where in Europe such a community of “water gypsies”? We don’t think so. Hence, why not cherish, support and even protect it?

A beautiful three minute film on boater life from “The Guardian“:

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Journal

Hertford Union Canal

Herdford Union really is one of the nicest canal stretch to moor up in East London. Right next to Victoria Park, this side is quiet and really handy for the cat, a huge garden to explore. And ducks to chase… And to hang out in the huge boat kitchen…

Lunch or dinner? Or both, there are three. So maybe breakfast too…

It was also time to think about the refurbishment of Quintessence. The boat painter was arranged, the wet dock booked for later on in June. The photo of the writing was for our friend to figure out how the new one could look like. A simple and neat font is what we had in mind and no scrolls, for sure. It’s a matter of taste, we think, traditions are here to challenge or transform, which doesn’t mean we don’t respect them. But if things need to be the same old way all the time, it becomes dogmatic.

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Log

Journey to Hertford Union Canal

Summary

This is a trip of 7½ furlongs from Mile End Lock No 9 to Gunmakers Lane Bridge.

This will take 17 minutes.

From Mile End Lock No 9 travel northwest on the Grand Union Canal (Regent’s Canal) for 3¾ furlongs to Hertford Union Junction, then travel northeast on the Grand Union Canal (Hertford Union Canal) for 3¾ furlongs to Gunmakers Lane Bridge.

Route

Grand Union Canal (Regent’s Canal)
From Mile End Lock No 9 to:
Hertford Union Junction

Junction of Regent’s and Hertford Union Canals
3¾ furlongs, 0 locks
Grand Union Canal (Hertford Union Canal)
From Hertford Union Junction (Junction of Regent’s and Hertford Union Canals) to:
Gunmakers Lane Bridge

Also known as Three Colt Bridge
3¾ furlongs, 0 locks

Totals

Total distance is 7½ furlongs and 0 locks (not counting Mile End Lock No 9).

This is made up of 7½ furlongs of broad canals.

This will take 17 minutes.

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Journal

Not the right moment to have an engine problem…

It’s January 2016, a cold but sunny day and the cruise yesterday was supposed to be nice and easy towards Mile End. But it wasn’t. We were already on the Regents Canal when the rattling started all over again, until the engine went silent. We were right in the middle of the canal and the only thing we could do was calling pedestrians on the tow path for help. One guy was kind enough to stop so we could throw the rope and he pulled us on to the canal edge. Thank you sir! Really, a very big thank you.

What the heck was wrong with the engine now? We pulled Quintessence to the spot we intended to moor, it wasn’t that far away and we managed easily. And then we remembered what Dominic said about the filter, it might be full of sludge, hence no fuel going through to the engine.

A new filter had to be ordered online, it arrived and Anton came around to help Adnan with exchanging it. Upon starting the engine Quintessence started rattling, shaking, coughing vigorously – we all thought she won’t make it but hey, she did!

The new and shiny diesel filter:

Finally we went back to normal, we could charge the batteries, we had hot water again and could shower on the boat. Though not having hot water was a welcome excuse to go over to friends to have a bath. Luckily we were in their neighborhood.

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Log

Journey to Mile End

Summary

This is a trip of 1 mile, ½ furlongs and 3 locks from Limehouse Basin Junction Footbridge No 9 to Mile End Lock No 9.

This will take 1 hour and 4 minutes.

From Limehouse Basin Junction Footbridge No 9 travel northwest on the Lee and Stort Navigation (Limehouse Cut) for ¼ furlongs to Limehouse Basin, then travel north on the Grand Union Canal (Regent’s Canal) for 1 mile and 3 locks to Mile End Lock No 9.

Route

Lee and Stort Navigation (Limehouse Cut)
From Limehouse Basin Junction Footbridge No 9 to:
Limehouse Basin

with Lion Wharf, South Quay, Medland Quay, Regent’s Canal Wharf, Liverpool Steam Wharf, East Quay and North Quay. Also known as Regent’s Canal Dock
¼ furlongs, 0 locks
Grand Union Canal (Regent’s Canal)
From Limehouse Basin (with Lion Wharf, South Quay, Medland Quay, Regent’s Canal Wharf, Liverpool Steam Wharf, East Quay and North Quay. Also known as Regent’s Canal Dock) to:
Mile End Lock No 9 1 mile, 3 locks

Totals

Total distance is 1 mile, ½ furlongs and 3 locks (not counting Mile End Lock No 9).

This is made up of 1 mile of broad canals; ¼ furlongs of commercial waterways; 3 broad locks.

This will take 1 hour and 4 minutes.

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Journal

Swanky Limehouse Basin

It’s post Christmas, which we spent back in Switzerland in central heated homes, that was quite a treat. On top we received a very suitable present from Adnan’s brother, the treat of the treats! Le mini Raclette, candle powered. We both love this typical Swiss cheese dish, especially on a cold winter day. Thank you Nils & Amy!

We headed to Limehouse Basin and were lucky enough to find a spot overlooking the basin. As Natascha said in an earlier post, cruising through London is full of joys and that one definitely is. Easy to reach friends and work and the view is fabulous.

Then one night we wanted to charge the batteries by running the engine. Well, the engine simply ‘died’ after jolting for a minute. Adnan tried again, full throttle, nothing – nada, nichts, niente! What on earth happened?! We needed the energy as during winter our solar panels don’t produce anything, of course, so quite frankly: What the fuck?

We went out for a meal nearby and, whilst charging our computer in the restaurant, Adnan had an ‘enlightening’ moment. Diesel, maybe the tank was empty. Though we filled it up to the brim in November and that should last for a good six months if not longer. So, we went back and we took out the measuring stick and there was the result: empty tank! Somebody must have emptied our tank at some point, there are also pirates on the British Waterways, no doubt and somebody had a little refill for his/her boat.

We called Dominic, the owner of the coal, gas & fuel barge whether he will come down to Limehouse any time soon. Luckily enough he did, the following day he had to come down to refill the barge with supplies for us boaters. We got our tank filled and Dom’s advice was to get a lock for the fuel tank – we will for sure! This was perfect timing as in fact we had to move on, else, the CRT enforcement team wouldn’t have been happy.

 

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