Having said goodbye to Brenda and Keith we set off about 9.50am. A.B. had only travelled 100 metres or so and became stuck while I was readying the lock. Here he is waiting, I thought, patiently, but in fact he was stuck fast.
After closing the paddles again L called me back to do what I do best - act as a rocking counterweight. Keith seeing our predicament came to help and advise and together with Lawrence wielding the barge pole we managed to slide A.B. off whatever she was stuck on.
Keith gave L some good advise re sticking to the middle of the pounds and putting A.B.'s nose to the lock gate to off load me and to stay there while the lock filled, only reversing enough to allow me to open the gate. Shutting the offside gate for me, he waved us on our way, saying he might see us down the track.
Fantastic wall at the bottom of the lock.
Although it was drizzling, the canal still looks enticing
I know L said no more fucking ducks, way back in Hebden, but these are geese!
Glimpses of glorious views made locking in the rain worthwhile
That is Pot and Pans, the hill we looked out to from our mooring in Uppermill
Canal side Des Res for sale, although the hill in the back makes me wary, after our years in the Strezlecki's
Second lot of iris' I've seen coming into flower, they will look a picture soon
We haven't had any garden 'art' for awhile
And here's some more!
The locks were spread out today, so not too much walking and a lot of gawking
Look at that
The rebuilt bridges on the HNC are very utilitarian as befits the heavy methodist influence in these parts.
New stone work, old stone work and a heavily heathered hill
At the locks we did as Keith advised and it worked really well, plus Lawrence helped with the locks by shutting the offside paddle and sometimes the gate.
A glimpse out over river flats and the Tame River itself to the distant moor.
Crossing over the River Tame
Houses along the hillside and a touch of blue sky
A father and son? taking advantage of the Bank Holiday. not many people out and about today, unlike Saturday and Sunday when there were swarms of people around.
Looking back up the valley
We moored up below Roaches Lock at 12.45 intending to go to the pub of the same name for lunch.
After cleaning up a bit we ambled up to the pub to find it closed for renovations. Pooh Bah, so it was back to A.B. and a Lawrence fry up.
While we were digesting lunch, the breeze sprang up and even tho' L was keen to push on, I said no because a) it was a cold breeze and b) it was strong enough to make steering a narrowboat difficult and therefore a strong likelihood we would ground again.
I'm sorry to report that HRH sulked somewhat and took himself off for a shower and then to bed, where he still remains at 7.20pm!
Anyway we are moored half way along the straight stretch in the pic below. Sometime in the afternoon Twin Sister joined, as well as two other boats. I have promised L an early departure in the morning.
quiche and salad - who'd have guessed :)
3 miles, 7 locks, 2 3/4 hours
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