L waiting until I've readied the lock for him
Yet another type of ground paddle mechanism for me to work out. Notice the lock no., W has replaced the E. This is the start our descent to the west, and out of the Pennines. Also unique to this side of the HNC is the single large bottom gate - hope they are not too heavy!
Down she goes, the average depth of the locks on the HNC being over 10', she has a ways to go yet.
A few locks down we pass the derelict Dobcross Iron Works, originally concerned with the manufacture of textile looms and latterly a pallet works, it now awaits redevelopment.
Looking across the valley to the northwest
Whirlpool caused by water draining into the empty lock
The HNC heading southwest down the Tame Valley
Looking west
The views were spectacular
When I drained Lock 27W, using both paddles I inadvertently flooded the towpath beside the pound below, forcing the walkers to wade while I guiltily sidled down the other side of the canal. After that I only opened one paddle which slowed down the proceedings hugely. However the slowdown pleased L no end; he was live streaming the Geelong/Goldcoast Suns and could only really hear it when the engine was idling. So as far as he was concerned the longer he spent sinking in a lock the better - tho he did lose coverage in the bottom of some of the deeper ones.
L saving me some work by shutting the gate behind him.
Another view to the northwest
Some of them took a bit of effort
Des reses in the distance, soon to be des reses in the foreground
The Wool Road Transshipment Warehouse marked that terminus of the canal until 1811 when the Standedge Tunnel opened.
Another bosky glade
The impressive, curved Saddleworth Railway viaduct straddles the canal at Lock 23E
which is, itself, built into the Aqueduct over the fledgling River Tame
In this pic you can see a bit of the curve
A tricky exit from the lock, with audience and L avoids smacking into the railway bridge pier
Coming into upmarket Uppermill featuring a tight turn into a narrow bridge hole, perfectly negotiated, I'm pleased to report.
Going under bridge 77 we see Twin Sister moored in the distance.
We squeezed in in front of Twin Sister, we would like to return Brenda and Keith's hospitality and take them for a Sunday Roast tomorrow. Having this in mind I had asked a few locals I met along the towpath whilst they were out walking their dogs for recommendations. And the consensus was either the Waggon Inn or the Kingfisher., but we might miss out because it is May long weekend and they might be booked out.
We moored up around 1.30pm and found Brenda and Keith in residence, and yes they would be happy to join us for a Sunday Roast. (so will their dog Millie, who will get any left overs)
Espying the Waggon Inn as we moored up, we changed and headed over to check it out. We scored the last table for 4 available for 12.00 tomorrow. Its looks a bit upmarket and trendy so we decided to check out the quality of the food by staying for a late lunch. I'm pleased to report my lunch was excellent and we let our booking stand.
During lunch I tried to extract from Lawrence his experience of the great tunnel journey, and let me tell you, extract is a not too harsh descriptor! But I did get a few bits and pieces which I put in the blog. If Geelong had lost, I would have got nothing.
Anyway after lunch we strolled further into the village to replenish our supplies. Heading back to the boat we could see how narrow this valley is
This is our view from the sofa. Away to the east, on top of the hill known as Pots and Pans (don't ask me!) stands an obelisk (1200' asl) erected to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Great War
The rest of the view from our window
And finally, our mooring for the night
2 miles, 11 locks, 3 1/2 hours
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