Up the junction

After spending the day yesterday watching the rain and rag rugging we pulled pins and headed for Autherley Junction. After less than a mile we encountered a tree down, almost blocking the canal. We were able to squeeze past on the towpath side, engine in neutral to avoid fouling the prop as we drifted over the submerged branches. It had fallen from the offside so the trunk was that side.

I spent the remainder of the journey warning any oncoming boats of the hazard, and giving helpful advice to hirers about putting the engine in neutral. I also phoned C&RT to tell them about it but I think they had other things to worry about as the Trent & Mersey has breached near Preston Brook and also suffered erosion at Croxall Flash. As a result the canal is closed from Middlewich to Preston Brook. Glad I wasn't heading that way!

We managed to get to the junction before the rain stated again, in fact we even managed to get to Morrison's before the rain started. Unfortunately we didn't manage to get back to the boat before it started! Tomorrow looks wet again so that will be another going nowhere day!

Today's journey 4.9 miles

So far this year we have travelled 642.5 miles, 512 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 25 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 1844.2 miles 1598 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 65 tunnels