A hard day's work

Today has been a hard day, it started with the Five Rise at Bingley, it looks very smart with the new lock gates that were put on earlier in the year but I think they are harder work than the old ones were.



Part way down Bingley Five Rise



We breasted Merlin up to Morgana to make for easier and quicker journeys through the locks and it worked well. After the Five came the Three then Dowley Two. We reverted to towing Merlin after that as the towpath changed sides and we only had one more lock to do. We really wish we hadn't, we had all sorts of problems at Hirst Lock, in future we will breast Merlin up if we are going through these short locks on our own.

I was kept busy with the locks and swing bridges, I needed help at Hirst Mill swing bridge as the locking mechanism was so hard, and I'm no weakling. We had hoped to be able to moor overnight at Saltaire but the canal edge was so shallow that I ran aground and the only official mooring is restricted to six hours with no overnight mooring.  Saltaire is impressive, the mills tower over you as you cruise through, one side is now occupied by the local NHS trust and some apartments, the other is an art gallery and retail outlets.

Saltaire

The next mooring point was in Shipley which I really didn't fancy, when business premises are protected with razor wire on their walls and roofs it doesn't encourage me to stop. So we carried on going until we reached Bridge 211, a bit in the middle of nowhere, it's called Buck Hill swing bridge and if anyone wants to find it it's about a mile east of Baildon and the same distance northwest of Idle. I could see a nice place to moor amid the woods the other side of the bridge. I pushed, I pulled, I jumped on the bridge (that sometimes frees them when they are stuck), Ray joined me and pushed and pulled, a helpful walker joined us, all to no avail. I was just about ready to give up. Then Ray went and got the towbar which we no longer use for Merlin, I pushed and he levered the free end of the bridge with the bar, it worked!! It is now no longer a redundant towbar, it is Ray's patented bridge opener!!

We are now moored in my nice wooded spot, we may stay here tomorrow as we travelled further than intended today, we are only about three hours from Rodley now.

We learnt today that Ray's nephew, Kevin , became a dad last Friday, welcome to the world Harvey Kevin Tofts!!

Today's journey 5 miles, 11 locks and 6 swing bridges

So far this year we have travelled 401.4 miles, 243 locks, 35 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1603.1 miles, 1329 locks, 91 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Bingley

We have reached the top of Bingley Five Rise Locks after another lazy day. We set off this morning for the short hop to Puffer Parts to buy our new battery, then carried on to the top of the locks.


We thought it was going to be a bit of a chilly day compared to the past week but this afternoon the clouds cleared and we were back to brilliant sunshine. We managed to get some primer onto the bits we rubbed down yesterday so we are looking rather patchy. We considered putting some undercoat on so we didn't look as patchy once the evening had cooled a little but last time we did any painting on a cool sunny evening we had hundreds of midges stuck in the paint as it dried.

Life aboard is pretty hectic as the kittens are now very active, mischeveous and getting into everything.

We are now reaching the slightly more industrial area but there is a brief respite between Shipley and Rodley. Hopefully tomorrow night will see us at Slataire


Today's journey 3.8 miles and 4 swing bridges

So far this year we have travelled 396.4 miles, 232 locks, 29 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels


In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels




During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels




Since Ray retired we have travelled 1598.1 miles, 1318 locks, 85 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Swing bridges and more swing bridges!

We both woke early this morning  and were on the move before half past eight, five minutes later we were at the first swing bridge of the day. This one is more interesting than most as there is a memorial to the Polish Air Force crew of a Wellington bomber that crashed near it during the second world war.

It was another gloriously sunny day today and we cruised along the canal enjoying the solitude,at times feeling as if we were the only people about. It was relaxing drifting along with only the cows and sheep for company,feeling sorry for the people rushing to get somewhere in their cars in the distance. We only met four other boats on our journey,two of which had perfect timing for them as they approached a swing bridge just as I was opening it.

We stopped just short of Riddlesden as from there to Bingley it looks as if there is housing beside the canal all the way, not good for the cats! By lunchtime we were moored up by the woods west of  Riddlesden. We spent the afternoon rubbing down some of the paintwork on Morgana and attacking the rust spots, the joys of boat ownership!

Today's journey 6.1 miles and  10 swing bridges

So far this year we have travelled 392.6 miles, 232 locks, 25 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels



In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1594.3 miles, 1318 locks, 81 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Farewell to Skipton

We have spent a very enjoyable few days in Skipton, I'm not sure the cats were very impressed as they had to stay onboard because of the traffic.

I'm not actually in love with Skipton but I do like it a lot. Unusually for these days virtually every shop in town was in business, with far more independent or small local chain shops than the big national companies. A superb range of butchers selling excellent sausages and pork pies, plus local meat, bakers that sell real bread and a market three days a week that lines both sides of the High Street. My favourite, however, has to be The Russian Tearoom with its range of 156 different teas. There are also Tesco and Morrison for the boring necessities of life.

On Wednesday we had a stroll round the market then went to explore Skipton Castle. Compared to many such places admission is relatively cheap and my opinion it is worth a visit.

Skipton Castle

The view from the castle

Thursday was the day for a trip out to Embsay Mill, which houses a needlecraft centre, unlike the castle the bus fares are not value for money in my opinion, over four pounds for a round trip of less than four miles. The visit to the mill was enjoyable and as the buses were only one per hour we took a stroll to the station where the steam trains run. Apart from school holidays they only run Tuesdays and weekends but we still had a look round.

We did consider moving on Friday but the combination of a very windy day and not being able to spot a good place for a picnic on GoogleEarth meant we decided to stay in Skipton until Sunday so that we could see Tim, Margaret and Nicholas again on Saturday and go for a picnic in the park.

Saturday was gloriously sunny, like the rest of the week, the wind made it a bit cooler which was good in some ways. Nicholas loves to climb so was very happy to find a children's play area at the park.

Nicholas having fun

After our picnic we went for a stroll, then back to Morgana for a cuppa before they had to head back to Leeds. We then enjoyed a drink with our neighbours Jim and June before settling down to watch the footie.

We didn't move very far today, just far enough to get into the countryside so the cats could enjoy some freedom. We moored near Low Bradley and I had to take this photo of the quintessential English Sunday afternoon.

Sunday afternoon cricket in the shadow of t' mill

Tomorrow we aim to reach Riddlesden and visit Puffer Parts to buy a new battery, we used to have five batteries for our domestic use and one starter battery but have been down to four domestics for a while so it will be nice to have the extra power again.

Today's journey 2.3 miles and 2 swing bridges

So far this year we have travelled 386.5 miles, 232 locks, 15 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1588.2 miles, 1318 locks, 71 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Skipton

Yesterday we made the journey from Gargrave to Skipton but I was too busy enjoying the sunshine to sit inside and blog.

It was lunchtime before we got round to leaving Gargrave after dumping rubbish and filling our watertank. Going through the remaining three Gargrave Locks was relatively easy, the first was with us, the second against us but just as I had the lock full a boat arrived coming up so I had help from them and then at the third a boat was just exiting the lock as we arrived so it was ready for us to go straight in.

We are now back in the land of the swing bridges, only five between Gargrave and Skipton but lots more to look forward to!!

We managed to get what was probably the last available mooring at Skipton, a bit too close to the bridge for my liking but Destiny (not Kathy's one) who was moored in front of us left this morning so we were able to move a bit further from the bridge.

I spent the morning exploring Skipton, then this afternoon Ray and I went for a walk up the Springs Branch to Skipton Woods.

Skipton Woods

After our long hike through the woods we rewarded ourselves with a couple of beers at the Royal Shepherd on Canal Street. Ray had two pints of Copper Dragon Best Bitter and I had a pint and a half of Golden Pippin from the same brewery. The beer was well kept and tasty, Copper Dragon is a Skipton brewery. We had met Tracy and James the landlady and landlord on the towpath this morning, they are boaters with twenty years in the licenced trade but only took on the Shepherd eight weeks ago after it had been closed down for a few months. I recommend a visit for a friendly welcome and good beer.

Tomorrow is market day in Skipton so that should be worth a look, we might visit the castle or may go the Embsay Mill, or both! It will probably be Friday before we leave here.

Yesterday's journey 5.4 miles, 3 locks and 5 swing bridges


So far this year we have travelled 384.2 miles, 232 locks, 13 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels


In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1585.9 miles, 1318 locks, 69 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Into the teeth of a gale!!

Well alright, it wasn't a gale but it felt like one. Ray spent the morning sorting out the stern gland and doing a few other bits then we set off for Gargrave. The wind was very strong and bitterly cold and because the canal twists and turns so much you barely have time to get used to which direction the wind is coming from and you have turned about and it's hitting you from a different angle.

We endured a couple of miles of windy travel before we reached our first of the nine locks of the day, the distance is only about three quarters of a mile as the crow flies which gives you an idea of how much the canal meanders. For most of the locks the wind was blowing us towards the towpath which meant that if Ray stopped before entering the lock he struggled to get Morgana away from the bank but on the other hand trying to hold the boat in midstream was equally impossible. The best option was for me to open the gates at the next lock before Ray left the previous one so he could cruise straight in. This meant lots of walking for me as I then had to walk back and close the gates at the previous lock.

There certainly wasn't any shortage of water in the canal today, at one lock the water came up over the lock sides when the lock was full !

I had the pleasure of spotting a couple of curlews at almost the same spot as I saw one when we came through here two years ago. No chance of a photo this time, I don't think I would have been able to hold the camera steady enough.

Considering the weather conditions we made reasonable progress and the journey only took us about half an hour longer than I would have expected. I was very glad to reach the moorings at Gargrave between Anchor Lock and Higherland Lock. We will be here until Monday as Tim, Margaret and Nicholas are coming to visit on Sunday.

Today's journey 3.2 miles and 9 locks.

So far this year we have travelled 378.8 miles, 229 locks, 8 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels


In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1580.5 miles, 1315 locks, 64 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Enjoying the dizzy heights

This morning was showery so we stayed moored until nearly midday then as the sky brightened even though it was still raining we decided to move on. We made a brief stop at Lower Park Marina to top up with diesel and buy some stern gland packing as we have a rather frequent drip from the prop shaft. Only about five minutes after leaving we got a very strong plastic bag wrapped round the prop so we had to stop and free that.

At long last we reached Greenberfield Locks, only just over three miles and it had taken us nearly two hours!! We had to take it fairly slowly down the locks as they are a bit too short for Morgana and Merlin in a straight line so we have to go in diagonally, then because the lock gates open inwards we have to "jack-knife" Merlin in order to get far enough back in the lock to open the gate!

Only three locks and we were following the twisty route of the canal that follows the 375ft contour to Bank Newton and the next locks.

We have been hoping to meet Narrowboat Elland, a horse-drawn boat that is making the journey from Leeds to Liverpool and today we saw her but not on the move. She was moored at East Marton.

When we moored in a very pleasant spot on the edge of the moors I could see hoof prints on the tow path, they looked quite fresh so I don't think we missed her on the move by much.

We will see what the morning offers, weatherwise, before we decide whether to move on tomorrow or wait until Saturday.

Today's journey 6 miles and 3 locks


So far this year we have travelled 375.6 miles, 220 locks, 8 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1577.3 miles, 1306 locks, 64 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

At the top!!

This morning brought sunshine, I'm sure Her Majesty must have ordered it for her visit. From the photos of her on The Pride of Sefton it is obvious why she chose to visit Burnley rather than Blackburn, there is no way she could have worked locks in that outfit and it is always the women who do the work at locks!

We took advantage of the sunshine and collected a load of wood for our fire before moving on to Nelson, stopped for a few supplies, including a good stock of beer, thanks to a rebate from HMRC. Then we carried on towards the Barrowford Locks. At the bottom lock we met up with Sweet Basil, out of Snaygill Boats, and her crew who were enjoying a Monday to Friday boating break.

Barrowford Bottom Lock

We made rapid progress up the seven locks, with three crew from Sweet Basil and myself it was quite an easy passage. We stopped to empty our loo at the services and they carried on. We had hoped to stop for the night between Barrowford Top and Foulridge Tunnel but although the BW permanent moorings are largely unoccupied there are no decent visitors moorings so we carried on. At the entrance to the tunnel we again met Sweet Basil as the traffic lights which control the tunnel were on red. We eventually got a green light and followed them through the tunnel, about a mile and a half beyond the tunnel we found a suitable overnight mooring.

We are now at the top of the Leeds and Liverpool so it is downhill now to Leeds.

Today's journey 6.2 miles, 7 locks and 1 tunnel.


So far this year we have travelled 369.6 miles, 217 locks, 8 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1571.3 miles, 1303 locks, 64 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels

Wind, hail and avoiding HRH!!

Our planned day off became two days off as the weather yesterday was atrocious.

On Sunday morning we took a walk into Oswaldtwistle, we had a feeling of going the wrong way as there was a charity walk heading along the towpath in the opposite direction. I'm not sure how many were taking part but it must have numbered in hundreds rather than tens. We visited Oswaldtwistle Mills, did a little bit of shopping and headed back to Morgana to watch the Grand Prix, then listen to the footie on the radio.

By the time the football had finished I don't think Ray had any fingernails left. Although they lost to Manchester City his beloved QPR managed to avoid relegation due to Bolton's inability to beat Stoke.

Yesterday we did boring stuff like the washing and watching the waves on the canal. Amongst my emails was one informing me that the Leeds and Liverpool Canal would be closed through part of Burnley on Wednesday morning as HRH the Queen will be visiting the Weaver's Triangle as part of her Diamond Jubilee Tour. So, even though today's weather forecast wasn't promising we decided to get through Burnley today.

We nearly gave up before reaching Burnley as we cruised through a horrendous hailstorm, then got some rubbish trapped round our prop and sheltered under a railway bridge while Ray cleared it. Being hardy types we soldiered on, waved to the nice policemen on the canalside and the bridges, admired the Pride of Sefton adorned with Union Flag Bunting and carried on northwards. As the itinerary for the Queen's visit includes a journey along the canal I assume she will be travelling on the Pride of Sefton.

Today's good point was seeing our first cygnets of the year, one brood of four and one of eight.

We have moored for the night just before reaching Brierfield. Tomorrow's forecast is a bit better but still far too cold for mid May. Still, working up the seven Barrowford locks should keep me warm!


Today's journey 14.9 miles, 3 swing bridges and 1 tunnel


So far this year we have travelled 363.4 miles, 210 locks, 8 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 10 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1565.1 miles, 1296 locks, 64 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 50 tunnels

Oswaldtwistle

Yesterday was a very uninteresting day. We left Botany Bay in very windy conditions, so much so that after about 10 minutes I was suggesting it might not be a good idea to tackle the locks. The wind makes it much more difficult to control the boat at low speeds and when you are trying to steer a 6ft 10 inch wide boat through a 7ft 6 inch gap (the lock gate) accuracy is fairly important. Ray decided it wasn't too bad so we started up Johnson's Hillock Locks, we made fairly rapid progess as a boat had just come down through the first two so they were with us, then we met another boat coming down at the third so not only were the locks with us but they had left a couple of the gates open for us so even less work.

At the top of the locks there were so many moored boats that we couldn't even get onto the moorings for the services so Ray passed me the rubbish while we were still in the lock and I had to get onto Morgana in the lock and leave the top gate open. As we continued on our way the rain started so we found a nice mooring spot and stopped. I'm glad we did because within half an hour of stopping there was a hail storm.

This morning we made an early start with the sun shining, being a Saturday there were a few more boats on the move but we appeared to be the first boat that was going up through Blackburn Locks. The gates are very leaky and Morgana's prow got a good soaking, so much so in one lock that my tub of pansies got flooded and most were washed overboard!! We stopped at the top of the locks for me to go to Asda for a bit of a stock up, mainly cat food and fresh stuff. I sometimes feel that the cats eat better than we do.

The only place to moor securely in Blackburn was occupied so my plans to go to the city centre for a couple of non grocery bits were cancelled. We carried on through Blackburn and moored on the outskirts of Oswaldtwistle. We will probably take a day off tomorrow as both the Spanish Grand Prix and the final day of the Premiership season are of interest so a lazy day is in order.

Yesterday's journey 2.3 miles and 7 locks


Today's journey 13.5 miles and 6 locks


So far this year we have travelled 348.5 miles, 210 locks, 5 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 9 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1550.2 miles, 1296 locks, 61 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 49 tunnels

Botany Bay

No, we haven't joined some of the rather dubious characters in my family tree and headed for Australia, this is Botany Bay Lancashire. It is a bit of a misnomer, not very botanical and no bay. Botany Bay is an old mill converted into a shopping centre, the sort that has lots of small units a bit like market stalls. It's not very interesting unless you are looking for slightly unusual gifts. It does have a nice range of beers, some of which I don't recognise, I might go back for some.

Now we are on the Leeds and Liverpool there isn't much traffic, we only saw five boats on the move yesterday. We had a brief stop to go to the CoOp at Adlington for bread and milk then carried on to Botany Bay. We arrived here yesterday afternoon and will probably spend the day here then head up Johnson's Hill Locks tomorrow. It was raining heavily overnight and first thing this morning and it looks as if the rest of the day will be similar.

73 miles from Rodley, on the outskirts of Leeds, easy if it wasn't for all the swing bridges and locks.
Yesterday's journey 7.5 miles


So far this year we have travelled 332.7 miles, 197 locks, 5 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 9 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1534.4 miles, 1283 locks, 61 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 49 tunnels

Feeling tired!

I'm sitting here feeling very tired.

We were just getting ready to leave our moorings this morning when NB Moonshine arrived ready to go up the Wigan flight. We paired up with them, endured the heavy gates and stiff lock gear and the inevitable non functioning paddles on some locks. Of course the locks were set against us so had to be emptied before we could get the boats in, but we soon got into a rhythm, with one of us walking on to set the next one while we were still coming up in the lock. We nearly had a major crisis at lock 78, the eighth of the flight, we got both boats into the lock then couldn't get one of the gates closed. This particular lock is right beside a road bridge and because there is not enough room for the normal long lock beams they have a ratchet mechanism which winds to close the gates. However on one gate the ratchet wasn't engaging so winding the handle did absolutely nothing! A complex bit of ingenuity consisting of levering the gate from inside the lock with one boat pole and pushing it from the lockside with another boat pole plus a bit of help from a passing cyclist and we managed to get the gate closed.

We met another boat coming down when we were halfway up the flight and then another a couple of locks later so that made for a little less work as the locks were now in our favour. When we reached the top we stopped to dump our rubbish and fill our watertank and have a much needed cuppa.

We only moved a short way from the top of the flight to near Haigh Hall Country Park for the night. I expect we will have a fairly lazy day tomorrow as I will be feeling the after effects of today's hard work.

Today's journey 3 miles and 21 locks


So far this year we have travelled 325.2 miles, 197 locks, 5 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 9 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1526.9 miles, 1283 locks, 61 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 49 tunnels

Wigan

We had a nice meal last night at the Bridgewater Hotel in Worsley.  Although their website doesn't say it they do still have a carvery but it would appear it may only be until about six on a Sunday as they were clearing everything away as we arrived. I don't know if that is normal as one of the barstaff mentioned they had been very busy. I didn't bother to ask as I didn't want the last leavings! Ray had a mixed grill and I had chicken with bacon and cheese. I allowed myself a treat of profiteroles as they are one of my favourite desserts but Ray isn't keen so we rarely have them.


We set off this morning in sunshine but with a bitterly cold wind. even in two years we have seen quite a few changes on the Bridgewater. the towpath is better than I remember in a lot of places, there is a new Tesco, canalside at Leigh, and Plank Lane Swing Bridge is now a boater operated lift bridge. 


We are now back to the heavy broad lock gates, with 21 to look forward to tomorrow. We are moored at the bottom of the flight with no other boats so it looks as if we might be going up alone tomorrow.




Today's journey 10.6 miles, 2 locks and 1 lift bridge


So far this year we have travelled 322.2 miles, 176 locks, 5 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 9 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1523.9 miles, 1262 locks, 61 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 49 tunnels

Onward, ever onward!

Today we did the long haul through the south western suburbia of the sprawl of Manchester, then the canal turns northwestwards, avoiding Old Trafford and heads towards Worsley and Wigan. We can't quite believe we are this close to Manchester and it isn't raining. Our only stop was a brief one for me to raid a cashpoint and buy some milk, apart from that we had a clear run through to Worsley.  As we approached Worsley we saw the characteristic ochre colour of the water, a result of the iron ore which used to be mined here.


A check on the website for The Bridgewater Hotel showed that they don't appear to still do a carvery but their prices are still very reasonable so we are going to head there for dinner this evening.


As I didn't post any flowers yesterday here are three for today.

Dandelion, daisies and cherry blossom

We saw our first goslings of the year today.

Today's journey 15.7 miles


So far this year we have travelled 311.6 miles, 174 locks, 5 swing bridges and 9 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1513.3 miles, 1260 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 49 tunnels

Bridgewater Canal

We made a fairly early start this morning. Preston Brook Tunnel is not wide enough for two boats to pass so entry into it is timed, on the hour northbound and half past southbound, allowing time for boats heading in one direction to clear the tunnel before boats enter from the other end. We had a short journey and then the stop lock before reaching the tunnel for nine o'clock.

The entrance to Preston Brook Tunnel

After we got through the tunnel, with a working headlight, we stopped at Midland Chandlers for a few boaty bits, mainly paint as we are looking a bit tatty. After a cuppa we were back on the move up the Bridgewater Canal to Lymm for an overnight mooring. We could have gone further but the wind had a bite to it so we decided to stop.

Our little kittens are growing up fast, their eyes are now open but my attempts to get a photo of them awake have been unsuccessful. Although we don't intend to keep them we had to name them so they are now Storm, Thunder and Lightning, in honour of the weather when they were born. Storm is the black one, Thunder the slightly darker of the two tabbies who's birth was the noisiest and Lightning the last born, who was born so quickly I almost didn't realise Nimue had given birth for the third time.

Our babies being snoozy

 

We hope to reach Worsley tomorrow where we enjoyed an excellent value carvery on our last visit in 2010 and hope to do the same again.

 

Today's journey 11.9 miles, 1 lock and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 295.9 miles, 174 locks, 5 swing bridges and 9 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 1497.6miles, 1260 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 49 tunnels

Look no locks

We are now on the part of our journey where we have just over 42 miles with only one lock, and that one is a stop lock at the junction of the Trent and Mersey and the Bridgewater. After all those lock free miles we have a couple of locks then Wigan Flight to look forward to.

Today we were back to the chilly, grey weather of April, I'm glad we took some time to enjoy the better weather yesterday but also get so work done. We managed to clear out a binbag full of rubbish which we then dumped at the bins at Anderton.  After that we carried on through the Barnton and Saltersford tunnels. We discovered after we entered the Barnton tunnel that our tunnel light had slipped on it's mounting and was pointing almost straight down so we came through with just the lights from inside the boat to light our way. That's not something either of us want to do again! We got it sorted before we reached Saltersford but I decided to walk over the top so I could get a rare photo of Morgana on the move.

Morgana exiting Saltersford tunnel

 As we left Saltersford tunnel it began to spit with rain which rapidly turned into a light shower so after another couple of miles we moored before we reached Preston Brook tunnel, we will tackle that tomorrow. There were a lot of boats on the move this afternoon both hire boats, some of them having just started out, and private boats. I expect we will encounter lots of traffic as it is a Bank Holiday weekend.

Here are a couple more of my collection of canalside flowers.

Red Campion

Ransoms

Today's journey 11.7 miles and 2 tunnels

So far this year we have travelled 284 miles, 173 locks, 5 swing bridges and 8 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1485.7 miles, 1259 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 48 tunnels

Sitting in the sunshine!

At last, sunshine and no wind and rain!

Bramble Cuttings

We are sitting in the sunshine at one of our favourite spots, Brambles Cutting Picnic Area on the Trent and Mersey. There is only enough space for two boats to moor, possibly three if they are short ones. It is on the offside so you don't get any dog walkers or cyclists. It is the site of an old claypit where the clay was dug to line the canal when it was built.

We arrived here yesterday lunchtime after negotiating the turn from the Middlewich Branch onto the Trent and Mersey and working our way down through the Middlewich locks. The flowers are beginning  to bloom along the banks of the canal.

               Gorse bushes and bluebells







We decided we are going to stop here today and get a bit of tidying and general maintenance done, then we will move on tomorrow.

Yesterday's journey 5.3 miles and 6 locks


So far this year we have travelled 272.7 miles, 173 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1474.4 miles, 1259 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels

Wild and windy

We decided that as it wasn't raining we would move on, probably not one of our best ideas. We were a bit sheltered from the worst of the wind where we had moored overnight and it was only once we were on the move that we realised just how nasty it was. At least there were other boats at both locks we went through which made life easier, one lovely chap even did all the work at Cholmondeston Lock for us so we could just go straight out without Ray having to stop to let me get back on board.

When we were amongst trees or in a cutting it wasn't too bad but there was one stretch, just after Venetian Marina which is very open and we were going down the canal constantly fighting a crosswind. As we had started out we decided to make some progress but as the morning went on the sky darkened and we didn't fancy adding rain to the cold and wind so we moored at a spot overlooking the River Weaver by lunchtime. the first spots of rain fell as we were mooring. It is now very grey and miserable outside so we are inside, toasty warm with the fire going.

The view across the river is quite nice, or would be in the sunshine, I'll try and get a photo tomorrow before we leave, at the moment it is tipping it down.

The prospects for progress tomorrow look good, no rain and a lot less wind so hopefully we will be able to get to Middlewich, pick up some groceries and then even carry on a bit further.

Today's journey 4.5 miles and 2 locks

So far this year we have travelled 267.4 miles, 167 locks, 5 swing bridges and 6 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1469.1 miles, 1253 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 46 tunnels