Leap years day 2000 we were given ownership of Tarporley from Camden Council.This meant that we now had the opportunity to apply for grants and put any money earned towards getting her into perfect shape. Tarporley has for many years had a problem with small amounts of water escaping into her hull, not surprising when she is 64-years old with all her original metalwork. To this end we started from the bottom and are working up.
December 2000 we took Tarporley to Stockton Dry Dock Co (the former Warickshire Fly Boat Company Dock), Warwickshire, Although a long way to travel we were confident that Graeme Pearce had the skills needed to renovate this much loved elderly lady.

Each morning we awoke early to take advantage of the maximum daylight, but to find Tarporley transformed into an iced igloo and the ropes frozen so much so that they were more use as poles to push off with rather than something to tie-up with. The locks were also covered in ice and glued firmly together, very treacherous. At one time we were hailed by another boat and asked to deliver their Christmas cards along our way, all part of our service. The only slight hold-up was for dredging work taking place at Berkhamsted, the workmen were very friendly, as were most people we met outside London, we are not used to this, the dredger looked very amusing propelling itself along with its hydraulic bucket arm causing great waves of water.

We were very impressed with the well constructed new lock gates at Stock Bruen only to pass through and run aground in the center of the longest lock pound! The towpath was completely deserted so James had to dive into the canal and wade ashore to let water down from the next lock. As always the camera failed and we have no pictorial record of James paddling around in the ice-cold canal. Blisworth Tunnel was one of the highlights of our trip, because of the endless rain, the tunnel was a succession of very attractive icy waterfalls.

The trip took a total of six days, we finally arrived at 8pm the Monday before Christmas. We had instructions to leave the boat keys with Tim at the lock cottage. We found the cottage easily but no door bell, letter box or anything could be found to indicate to the occupants that we where there. We found a door which opened, we pushed it and shouted, no reply. Eventually we adventured in expecting alarm bells to ring or to be mauled by a large dog. When we finally made contact we where told that everybody just walks in - this has to be unique today?

WE HAVE NOW GOT A HOOK IN THE SHOWER