2 May 2014 Grindley Brook to Blackwater Meadow Marina: Drifting On

As today's title suggests somehow I have taken the time to do a blog already this morning and gone and lost it. So will have spasmodic attempts throughout the day.first up this morning we had Grindley Brook Locks,where M & I had long hot showers in a big space at the free canal side ablutions block.

Lovely Cottage built by famous contributor to lock side houses Thomas Telford.

M pointing out to Geoff to avoid the dog shit. Unfortunately for Geoff he seems to have become our
resident " dog shit detector " (and magnet - stuck to his shoes like glue) ...as we prepare to moor.
Yesterday we had a scrumptious lunch at the Dusty Miller, canal side. This is where we got to experience
our first swing bridge..where we have to hold up local traffic. Real bells & whistles.having found something
that was not quite so physical as some of the winding for the locks. That's me in blue coat heading for the
pub.Below

You can see the effort our lock queen has to exert, she is doing a fantastic job. Chats up everyone.
We have elicited a few life stories. All adds to the colour of the canals.

Special day today.. L has a birthday. The Party Planners have had several good suggestions,
response has been at best luke warm. We have opted for a simple midday option, foregoing usual
sophistication I am sure L is accustomed to..!

The Birthday Boy taking on water.

Smiley crew. And yes, just so you know, I am on board even though the pearls have been ditched.

Mrs. Bucket would despair that I should lower standards in an attempt to blend in.

Love to all, finally slowing down.We should reach Ellesmere tonight .If so we will have travelled a total
of 66.4 miles since departing Autherley Junction , only 5 1/2 days ago !!! ( stat for George )
Anymore mathematical questions will be referred to Captain & First/Best Mate ( so far )

Now for my boring addition:

First up after departing our overnight mooring were the Grindley Brook Locks - a flight of 3 followed by a staircase of 3. Our first of this kind of lock; where, in our case, the topgates are also the bottom gates ofthe next lock, so there was much studying of the instructions before we proceeded.

NB Emily in the bottom lock, G and I starting to drain the next lock to raise Emily.

Gate paddle mechanism

Now nearly full raised in the second lock

 

Same in the third lock.

Woops, forgot the windlass for New Mills Lift Bridge

Now, for some views of the lovely countryside seen as we cruised.

And the canal

Going past Blake Mere

A beautiful spot,

favoured by fishermen and

boaters  alike.

The approach to Ellesmere Tunnel

Exiting the tunnel.

From the tunnel it was only a short distance to the visitor Moorings beside Blackwater Meadow Marina where we moored up for the night. B'day dinner in Ellesmere, a 10minute walk away.