Sunday 2/10 Pt 2

There were still wisps of most here and there

Croxton  Flash

In the 1950s the subsidence induced flashes along this stretch of the canal were used by British Waterways as graveyards for surplus narrowboats. They were brought to the flashes and sunk en masse. In recent years all the wrecks have been raised and taken off for restoration.

Now this NB is serious about solar panels

Aqueduct over the Rover Dane. It used to be wide enough for the broad beam barges carrying salt from Middlewich through Preston Brook to Manchester, Wiggin and beyond, however many years ago it had to be replaced and is now only 8' wide (which made getting round the bend before it and onto it very tricky)

Shortly after crossing the aqueduct my four mile idyll was over and it was time for me to holster my trustee windlass and get to work.

First up was a water point stop before Big Lock (the last of the broad locks we will encounter on this trip). There was a boat on the water point and we moored up in front of him. It soon became apparent that he was in no hurry ( wifey was probably inside showering or doing loads of washing - most private boats have clothes washers - am I jealous? YES) and it became obvious when he went up to Lawrence and told him about another water point further on.

We got the hint and I went to set the lock for AL while Lawrence untied and cast off. Before the next water point however, we stopped at the visitor moorings for a much needed food shop. Nearly back to the boat with a laden bag each we ran into the couple who had moored in front of us for the night at Devils Garden down on the Weaver.

They had come up the Anderton Lift the day before us and had been held up for over 24 hours waiting for the fallen tree to be cleared. The tree wasn't on the Shroppie as some nong had told us, it was in fact only a short way from where we had moored last night. We had worked that out already when we saw what was left of the trunk and scraped over the remains in the canal not long after setting of this morning.

Back to the couple. Now they were stuck again. They want to turn right at the junction to return to Chester but "some farmer has dumped the contents of his oil tank into the canal and it is closed until CRT can clean it up". Poor buggers aren't having much luck.

We said goodbye and returned to AL with lengthened arms, put away the shopping and cruised to the next water point; where we hogged it while Lawrence showered and I finished last nights blog. The difference being - we moved off when someone else arrived - Halo heads that we are!

Then there were another four locks in quick succession. At the top of the 4th lock there was a very inviting looking pub, with a lock side beer garden. Some bored pub patrons children helped me set the lock. Something other people would derive a great deal of pleasure from, but I find completely unnerving. Upshot, the parent thanked me and happened to mention the pub does a splendid Sunday roast. When I mentioned this to Lawrence, who was by then floating in a full lock, he initially grumbled about lack of progress, but quickly caved when he saw a handy morning 100 metres from the lock.

Moored up, a quick change was necessary, it was so warm only a t shirt was required and off to lunch we went.

I'm relieved to report that Lawrence declared it was the best roast he'd had in Blighty, on any trip. Two boats came down through the lock  while we were eating; just as we were finishing a boat appeared heading for the bottom of the lock. With indecent haste we shovelled in the last few mouthfuls and hot footed it back to AL, all the while trying to appear relaxed, unhurried and that we hadn't  noticed the boat heading for the bottom of the lock. Lawrence was casting us off before I had even unlocked the front door and started the engine.

Why the rush, you ask?  Well, because the 2 boats had come down the lock (the opposite direction to which we were going) and none had come up, that meant that at least some of the locks ahead of us would be in our favour. I.e. The lock would be empty of water so I would only have to open the gates to let AL in, thus saving time and muscle power.

If the boat approaching the lock had gone ahead of us I would have had to wind up (and down) 2 ground paddles  to drain every lock before I could open the gates for AL to enter.  Therefore the boat following us had to do more work than we did. So the halo slipped somewhat !

Leaving Middlewich

Having a breather in a stretch between locks. Bridge 164

We have made some progress, I don't know what L was winging about

Another glimpse of pastures green

I spotted two kingfishers today. I think they might be the only truly colourful bird in the UK.

We moored up just after 5.00 after bridge 156 across from a field of dairy cows and with the River Wheelock running beside us on the other side of the hedgerow.

I think we'll need the central heating on again tonight. Last night was only the second night we have needed it so far but I think it will be on most nights now on.

Today's locks were only a warm up for what's ahead. Heartbreak Hill. 26 locks in 7 miles which raises the canal 250' :(  If you don't here from me tomorrow you'll know why.

10 miles, 9 locks 8 1/4 hours (with stops for shopping, water & lunch)