TeeELL

Wed 7th Oct 2009 Wow, what a night – the rain thrumming down on the boat – woke us both in the small hours. Despite that, the morning was bright and clear but cold. I don’t think I mentioned why we had turned up the ‘Shroppie’; well firstly we are about 1½ days cruising from home and 3 days remaining so a day on the southern part of the Shroppie seemed a good idea, we also thought a ‘quick look’ would be good as there are unlikely to be many boats on this usually busy waterway. We set off at 09.40 the water of the cut surprisingly clear – unsullied, I guess, by the normal passage of hundreds of boats doing the Cheshire ring. We are not planning to go as far as the breach but to Wheaton Aston, wind and return. The other boat had already departed. We reached a narrow part of the canal a few moments later and, no surprise; there was a boat coming!! The canal has ravines and tunnels – not hewn out of rock but created by the branches and foliage of the mature trees either side. There are many places that would suit a Kingfisher and we did see fleeting glimpses. None prepared to sit and let us record them on camera. With a surprising number of boats around we found ourselves being followed and gradually the boat caught us up – clearly ‘his’ concept of slowing for moored boats was rather different to ours. As we passed the linear moored boats in the region of Brewood the following boat was all but up my exhaust so, on the clear stretch beyond bridge 16 and before the A5 aqueduct I signalled him to pass. He started passing, I was running at about 1200RPM, and when approximately 2/3rds past he seemed to slow. I jokingly commented that he had found some ‘slow water’ – the reply went along the lines that I had clearly speeded up despite indicating that he should pass!! Well, I’ll not regale the remainder of the conversation – in the end I knocked my boat out of gear and into idle reverse while the pra** passed. So I raise a toast to the helmsman of nb ‘Two Waters/Dŵr Dau’ – get a life and lighten up. Waved at the traffic being held at temporary traffic lights under the A5 aqueduct, but my spirits were a little down after the incident with ‘2 Waters’ – I even had it in mind to overtake him (the reason for his slowing down was simply that his prop was fouled by leaves but the pompous individual wouldn’t look back at his prop wake to notice – RANT over he ‘aint spoiling my day. We reached Wheaton Aston at a little after midday – I was cold to the core so we allowed some distance to walk to the pub for lunch. Chili-con-carne on backed spud for me and veg balti (with chips) for Mo washed down with a very palatable guest beer. Back at the boat we descended the lock, took on water (now there’s a surprise) and, whilst I went to the winding ‘ole, Mo returned to lock and opened the gates. Nice challenging winding ‘ole with boats moored in it and around it – managed to miss them thou’. We ascended the lock at 14.25 and worked out that it would be 17.00 before we reached our planned mooring. During the return we had more tantalizing glimpses of Kingfishers and a ‘nearly’ with Mo trying to get her camera to start and me directing her view to the right twig (and try and keep the boat out of the trees). In the end one of the elusive little perishers took pity on us and stayed sat in the branches of a tree as we passed within touching distance of him – not sure if the photos will be any good though – fingers crossed. 17.00 and we are back were we started this morning, apparently the temperature is due to drop to 3degC tonight. We have dug out warm clothing ready for tomorrow morning – we are planning an early start so we ascend the Wolverhampton locks while all the thugs and hoodies are still ‘abed! If my memory serves me well, towards the top of the flight is a ‘butty van’ – egg and bacon butties I fancy. I guess I’ve finally caught up with myself so I’ll bid you good night and get this posted on the forum.

Mon 5th Oct 2009 We had a slow start today and didn’t leave the moorings until 10.00 and reached our first lock at 10.25 and our second (Hoo Mill) 45 mins later. Our next ‘event’ was Great Haywood Jn and we arrived there at 11.40 stopping for water. These taps are not known for their speed of water delivery so it was 40 mins before we were able to depart and turn on to the Staff & Worcs. Tixall wide was populated with the least number of boats we’ve ever previously encountered (and with non ‘lurking in the reeds’). It is well worth reading the dialogue opposite the maps in your canal guide n- it gives snippets of information that you might otherwise ignore. (ie the very impressive gate house that can be seen). It was nearly 1PM before we arrived at Tixall lock – still with a boat ahead of us, as we are having to set the locks – we encounter the ‘new bollards’, admittedly not for the first time but it has been a while! Between Tixall, Deptmore and Shutt Hill locks we saw a fair few Kingfishers but none hung around for their photographs to be taken. We came upon Parkgate lock (with Midland Chandlers nearby) so whilst Mo looked after the boat I popped into the Chandlers for a look around (didn’t buy anything). Those of you familiar with this canal will know that locks are spaced at regular intervals with about 30 mins cruising in between. We stopped at the sanitation station above Penkridge lock to upload and down load (what more water? you cry. Well yes we had been running the washing machine and even ‘studio’ sized machines use a tank full per wash – or so it seems). We had just one lock to go before mooring for the night so we negotiated Filance lock at 18.10 and finally moored for the night, half an hour later, near to Lynhill bridge (no 83). Tue 6th Oct 2009 It is pouring with rain so we may or may not cruise today! 11.10 and the weather has improved sufficiently for us to set off. We arrived at Otherton lock after just 10 mins but had a short wait as there was a boat approaching the lock (which was set in their favour). Well it is now 11.40 and we are finally leaving the lock; the peace of the countryside torn asunder by the continuous roar of traffic on the nearby Motorway. As we approach Rodbaston lock we notice a fisherman at the lock moorings! Plonker. I am not fazed by dummies that do that so, whilst I didn’t block him, I did use the lock bollards. 12.20 had us at Boggs lock and 13.50 Gaileys lock – an interesting approach, with the round house on the other side of the extended bridges of the A5. Now people, here is a new one: not only are we being ripped off by Mr Brown’s taxes but the management of the boatyard at Gailey wharf (JD Boat Services) are imposing their own tax on diesel. Not content with making 10p/ltr (they charge 68p basic) they have decided that if you purchase less than 75 litres they will ‘tax’ you an additional 5 pence per litre!! Thank you JD BS for your additional contribution to the expense of running a narrow boat. Having been ripped off by JD BS for 60/40 at 93p/ltr we crossed to the ‘services’ side and – you’ve guessed it – filled up with water. A quick check on provisions showed that we were short of some essentials: bread, butter and beer! A check of the Nicholsen and ‘First Mate’ Guide suggested that we could shop at Coven. We set forth and cruised to Coven, mooring some distance short of the ‘Fox & Anchor’ pub. I walked into the village and did the shopping. 17.00 saw us heading off into the rapidly darkening evening arriving at Autherley Jn an hour later. We decided to spend a day on this end of the ‘Shroppie’ so shortly after descending the 1” or so stop lock we were on the lookout for Shroppie Canal Society 48hr moorings. Moments after passing under Br 4 (Pendeford bridge) at 18.35 we spotted the tell tale sign posts and made a dive for the bank. Having not seen a boat moving on the Shroppie we were surprised to see a boat coming the other way with exactly the same idea. Thus our quiet mooring was shared with another boat (so we both had the distant roar of the M54 for company.

Sat 3 Oct 2009 Nursing a heavy head we started off at about 10.15 (I think). We have to find a waste disposal to get rid of all the wine bottles!! Beyond bridge 104 the T&M starts to deteriorate, the towpath gradually disintegrating into the canal. The tree-lined avenue of the canal has wind blowing through the trees with a confetti of leaves falling into the cut and onto the boat. The sound of the wind through the poplars adding to the scene. Ahead of us a blanket of leaves obscures the surface of the water. 11.10 and we have reached Meaford lock but, due to boats ahead of us it is 11.50 before we are out. I’ll not bore you with the times at other locks but we moored at Newcastle Road bridge for water at 12.30. At 13.00 and, with a full tank, we are off once again. It is a fair while before we reach Aston lock but we pass through and moor near to the new Aston Marina. Another new home for continuous moorers!! Sun 4th Oct 2009 Today is going to be a short cruising day – we have friends to meet and a pub lunch appointment. It is a bright, cool morning with blue skies and we leave our mooring at 09.00. Just as well that we found last nights mooring as much of the towpath is now unsuitable with no pilling and narrow towpaths. We reached Weston upon Trent at 1200 and were able to moor near to the pub. Our friends (who live 10 mins away) arrived for our 12.30 lunch appointment at 1PM!! We had a couple of pints of a very pleasant ‘guest beer’ with a bottle of red to ease the digestion before returning to the boat for coffee. At 4PM other friends arrived – they live on their narrowboat and had not seen ‘ELEMIAH’ since before her fitout. We decided to stay the night at Weston!!

Friday 2 Oct 2009 This morning is cloudy but dry and cool, with the roar of the not so distant M6 we cast off at a relatively early 07.25 for a 10 min run to the first lock of the day No 54 (no name lock!). Beyond the lock we encounter ‘boat name of the day’ ‘DRAGONFLY’. One of the ‘DRAGONFLY’ boats we have been leapfrogging over the last couple of days, another we have seen once previously and the third is a BW tug. We arrived at Lawton treble locks at around eight thirty. I reflected upon the derelict state of some of the ‘paired’ locks – I guess the day might come when the doubled locks are repaired and reinstated to ensure a smooth flow of hundreds of boats – would that be a shame? The state of the locks must be part of the ‘charm’ of the IW. perhaps we should rue the day that everything is working perfectly – the waterways will have become a watery version of the M25 (great for the bridge hoppers and continuous moorers). The next few locks arrive in relatively quick succession such that noting the surroundings is becoming a blur!!!!! We made Hardings Wood Jn at 10.35, I was a little disappointed to realise that we had passed under the ‘Macc’ at lock 42. We are now just a few minutes away from ‘the Tunnel’. I’m not sure why, but it was another 15 mins before we reached the tunnel and moored. The ‘Tunnelie?’ advised us that we would have about an hours wait – Mo did some cooking. Today was the quietest tunnel transit day for some time. At 12.10 we moved off into the tunnel – we were leading a total of 5 boats. Now I have to admit that it was a bit of an anticlimax, Gostie tunnel definitely has the edge on head room (or lack of it). The most disarming aspect was the lack of a ‘tunnel exit’ due to the ‘curtains’ used to help the fume extraction system (look out for the skeleton in one of the alcoves at the northern end). We left the tunnel after 40 mins and pressed on towards Stoke on Trent (we had a dinner appointment). At 14.10 we reached Etruria Junction and started back on waterways we had travelled before. It took 10 minutes before we negotiated lock 40 and we arrived at Stoke bottom lock some 65 minutes later. At ‘Bottom lock’ a boat coming up ‘Maid of Oak’ was proceeding slowly with the paddles being raised a notch at a time!! We reached Lock 35 (Trentham) at 16.50 NOTE: due to vandalism the lock is secured from 19.30 to 07.30. We finally moored just below bridge 104 (Oldroad Br) near to Wedgwood Station. We have friends coming for dinner so I anticipate much eating and drinking and a very slow start tomnorrow.

Dear reader, my apologies for the delay in posting updates. I will get on to it forthwith, the content may well explain (in part) why I have been lax in my reports.

Spoke to the engineer today - pumps OK. My feeling is that the fiters might be at issue so Saturday may be a check/change filter day. Rather limited by what I can do 'away from base'. There were some minor joint leaks resolved by the engineer, the filter seal 'thing' is interesting as ther is evidence of fuel (not much) on the flat plates of the swim. Thanks for the suggestions.

John, thank you for you advice - as you will see from the following we didn't even get close!! Thur 1st Oct 2009 What ho peeps, welcome to this evenings episode of our cruise diary. I have to confess that there is a fair bit of locking later in the tale and they become a bit of a blur after a while. However, here goes: You will know from yesterday’s missive that we hit the local TESCO, this morning Mo returned to the supermarket to buy all the things we had forgotten! Strangely we now have a list of things we have still forgotten!! Whilst she did that the dog and I went down to the boat yard to collect the boat keys left there sometime earlier in the cruise (that is about as accurate an estimate as I can make). We left the mooring at 09.30, the ‘fuel boat’ having passed and turned north – damn. We arrived at Wardle lock (apparently, at 100 yards, the Wardle canal is the shortest on the system, but blink and you miss it) as Mo worked the lock, one of the occupants of the lock cottage came out for a chat – a real, genuine boat person, born and brought up on narrow boats. Down to the junction and right on the T&M – we are now, once again, on ‘new waters’ – once we reach Etruria we will have completed all the T&M in ‘ELEMIAH’. 10.05 and we are in to King’s lock and we start the long ascent (is this the start of ‘Heartbreak hill’?). We can adopt our ascending lock routine – I enjoy this routine, as it impresses gongoozlers (one day it won’t work and I’ll look a right pr**t). As we climb out of Middlewich we pass rows of terraced, semi detached and even the occasional detached home – whilst the water is a mucky earthy brown there is a surprising lack of debris. 10.30 saw us negotiate Rump’s lock and half an hour later we reached the first of 3 Booth Lane locks – a friend has asked to join us for ‘morning coffee’ and he is in the vicinity. In the end he joins us as we complete the flight and moor at bridge 161 (11.45). We said our farewells (until tomorrow night) and continued on our way at 12.55 – a couple of boats have passed (boats we have seen and passed at various times over the last week or so). Climbing out of Middlewich the T&M is very much a ‘canal’ – very man made, concrete and steel piling constraining the waterway. Some of the bridges are painted white – I wondered if this was a throwback to 1939-45 when working boats would have worked all night and lights would have been a ‘no no’. Despite the concrete and steel the canal gradually takes on a rural persona with off-side vegetation trying to disguise the concrete (and the odd well developed bush growing on the tow-path side). It was 13.45 and around bridge 156 before there was a token gesture of typical canal – the offside broken down and cattle standing in the water. We stopped at the sanitation point and did the usual ‘filling and emptying’ – yet another boat passed going our way (no surprise really as we had been cruising on tick-over whilst Mo had been making her invented recipe lemon scones). A short stop (decent water pressure for once) of 15 mins and we were off at 14.20 and arrived at the first of the Wheelock flight. The locks are relatively unusual as they are paired – or rather some of them are paired. BW are repairing some, at another - one has been converted to a side weir, and at yet another a bridge has been built over it. Before lock 58 a herd of cows had ‘dared’ one of their number to jump into the canal – it took the dare and a mighty slash ensured followed by a swim back to the bank. Contractors are working at dredging and at one lock we found ourselves delayed as the tug with hopper ‘took the lock’ – no problem we are in no hurry. At the top of lock 57 I had exited and closed the lock gate and was semi-day dreaming when I realised I was passing a fuel point (note fuel feed issues previously mentioned). Mo was cycling ahead – but had a radio with her, I called her to say I was going to upload a full tank. 40 litres later (and at a reasonable 60/40 price) I called her to say I was on my way. Mo was with boaters who were getting all wound up over the delay in my arrival – she basically told them to ‘chill’ and remember they were a. on the canals , b. on holiday (much amusement amongst the women). When asked where we were headed Mo replied “don’t know – wherever” – the response was “wish my husband was like that – he doesn’t like to dawdle”. We exited lock 55 at 17.35 and decided to moor in the long pound. Thus, dear reader, we are moored a few hundred yards before lock 54. We plan an early start tomorrow as we still have some 3-4 hours to run before reaching Harecastle tunnel.. Our plan is to make it to Burlaston by tomorrow afternoon so Mo can get everything ready for the dinner party tomorrow night. Given the amount of food – and more particularly booze – I may not ‘post’ tomorrow. If that is the case please accept my apologies in advance. We bid you a good night until tomorrow – or Saturday. Word is the weather is going to be rain and strong winds on Saturday – we will hunker down and do some jobs around the boat if that is the case. Aerial will be erected so we can watch ‘Merlin’ and ‘Casualty’ (you can take the girl out of nursing but you can’t take the nurse out of the girl!).

Just to let you know that I cannot get 'Water Explorer' - tried last night and tonight. So I am unable to update 'ELEMIAH's position.

Smashing!! The replies are in the vein of my limited thoughts and advice that RLWP has given me in my Holiday Cruising thread. Water - The take-off for the fuel is low in the tank (understandably) but any possible water ingress would cause the problem to occur whatever the fuel level surely? As soon as the fuel tank is replenished and after the first difficult start, the engine subsequently starts instantly whether hot or cold (and I really do mean instantly). Fuel Filters - if these where blocked/partially blocked I would expect the engine to be difficult to start, would I not? Partly blocked pipe - I'll have to drain the tank back at Longwood to investigate this. Lift pump - this is a possibility although the engine was serviced a couple of weeks ago and I did ask for the pumps to be checked. Is there a DIY method of checking that all is well? Thank you all for your advice and suggestions - I am in a difficult position, cruising and now becoming time critical for return. I fear I will have to rely on keeping my tank topped up and fingers crossed unless a DIY option can be identified. I had thought about fitting another pump between tank and first filter but whilst that might effect a cure it wouldn't address the root cause.

Richard, thank you for that explanation - all is now clear. That could certainly be the issue (and it now makes a similar suggestion earlier in this thread make sense). I did ask for the pumps to be checked when the engine was serviced and the report was that all was OK, I wonder if there is any way I could reaffirm that assessment at a DIY level. My other thoughts are contamination in the fuel filter(s) perhaps something like Clandosporium Resinae, although Fuel Set should prevent that. I'm mindful of the fact that the problem has become apparent having replaced the 'JCB' filters with Crosland - mind you the difference could just be badge engineering!! Still, thanks again for your suggestion - worth looking into especially as the problem is now starting at just below half tank fuel level. Wed 30th Sep 2009 Hello dear reader, I didn’t mention in yesterday’s missive that my Mum had been taken into hospital with a suspected fractured femur. This morning was spent trying to contact my father and subsequently the hospital to find out what was happening – where we going to have to make a dirty dash for Swindon? As it turns out this is not required. It was 09.30 before we were able to get under way and all aboard the good ship ‘ELEMIAH’ appeared to be functioning. I forgot to mention yesterday that one of the locks we passed though had gates made in 1963 and they were only starting to show their age. We reached Swanley No1 lock after 25 minutes and were out of Swanley No2 by 10.15. A `little less than an hour later we reached the top of Hurlston locks and completed the descent in just 25 minutes. Sorry this report is a bit of a dash as, indeed, was today but once again we were retracing our steps. At Barbridge junction we took on water again, the halt being half an hour – we moved off and turned left at the junction at 12.40. Now this was a revelation; Mo is not too good at navigation but, as we approached Barbridge Jn she declared that she knew were she was, that we would be turning left and that straight ahead went to Chester!! On the journey west we had seen the ‘Yankee Candle’ place near Church Minshull and decided to stop on our return – thus we found ourselves mooring by the place at 15.10 and we wandered to the ‘shop’. Possibly not as good as we had anticipated Mo still bought a few things and we wandered back through the paddock via the chestnut trees. 5 minutes of picking and we had more than enough conkers to string around the boat to ward off spiders. 15.50 saw us depart and press on towards Middlewich, we reached Stanthorpe lock at 17.15 and moored at 17.45 halfway between bridges 28 & 29. We had hoped to get here in time to collect our spare keys but the boat yard was on ‘answer phone’ so I will pop down there in the morning. We didn’t want to descend to the junction as space is at a premium. We took a stroll around Middlewich and found a TESCO!! We are having friends to the boat for a dinner party on Friday night so some luxuries were required (we are gonna have to starve for the next 2 days to amass enough Weight Watchers points!!). A call to the hospital revealed that my mother was out of theatre, comfortable but still under the influence of the anaesthetic. Surprise, surprise – they cannot divulge any information over the ‘phone. Tomorrow we will be tackling ‘heartbreak hill’ and, time permitting, the Harecastle tunnel – I’ve not looked in detail at the journey lengths/locks to climb so I’ve no idea if we will get even close to the tunnel. But what the heck, we will do our best – the good thing is that our Friday night guests will drive to wherever we end up. I bid you a good night – I’m off to another thread on the forum to see if my ‘engine problem topic’ has some additional responses. – ‘till tomorrow.…

Hi there, I am in need of some advice in order to resolve an issue with fuel feed to my Barrus Shire 45. Situation: We have been out cruising for 6 weeks now, early on in the cruise I found that when the fuel tank level reach approximately 1/3rd the engine would become difficult to start and would/could cut out unexpectedly (usually at tickover – but not always). As a consequence I have been keeping the fuel level above half tank (as far as possible). However, when leaving Llangollen a couple of days ago the engine displayed the same symptoms but with the tank level only just below half. I’m out for another 2 weeks yet so who knows what fuel state will invoke this problem!! Both fuel filters are Crosland 522 changed at 1250hrs (engine now at 1460hrs), ‘Fuel Set’ used routinely – nevertheless I will consider any suggestions (I have spare fuel filters on board). I await your pearls of advice sure in the knowledge that one/some of you will give me the stear I need to resolve this issue. All I ask is that you maintain the awareness that I’m out cruising so don’t have access to spare fuel containers etc!! Many thanks in anticipation

Richard, thank you for your suggestion. There is no pump fitted other than on the engine, the engine was serviced a week or so ago and nothing untoward found. I am putting a topic about my fuel problems on another board - problem is worstening with the problem manifesting at half tank levels now!! The idea of a pump to 'feed' through the system appeals but there is clearly an underlying issue that is only a 'recent - in narrowboat terms' issue. Clearly, I would rather find the fault and fix it rather than build in a new component to overcome it. Cheers Tony

Hi John, we were told all about the Deli!! But fine deli = lots of calories = lots of weight watcher points and we have both put on several pounds so far. Mon 28th Sep 2009 Hello reader, I apologise for the delay in posting this, the latest edition, of our cruise diaries – boils down to a lack of phone coverage last night I’m afraid. Anyway here is the latest tale of our adventures. 09.30 – whilst Mo went into Ellesmere I took the boat over to the sanitation station to empty what needed to be emptied and fill the water tank. Mo returned before I had finished and had to stand on t’other side of t’cut until I’d finished. It was 09.50 before I moved of the sanitation point, picked up Mo and turned at the junction to Ellesmere basin. What changes – the first time I had moored in this basin we were woken at about 05.00 by the sound of jingling milk bottles on floats leaving the dairy, the second and previous visit (just 2 (maybe 3) years later the dairy was empty and the whole area derelict. Now there is a TESCO – a very nice, quiet TESCO – paved areas and redevelopment planned. We moored about as far up into the basin as was possible. I undertook a service of the boat horn (it had become very intermittent in operation) whilst Mo did the supermarket ‘shop’. On her return, with ‘tooter’ fixed, I went for a wander around town. We had ‘networked’ with some other boaters before our departure and left Ellesmere at 13.45. We had seen some ‘craft ware’ boats moored when ‘coming up’ and planned to stop for a gander when we saw them next, it was just over an hour later when we pulled in and went to look at their wares. We talked of cabbages and kings, made a couple of new friends, bought some trinkets and moved on about an hour later. Little else to say about this part of our return and we finally moored for the evening at 17.45 once again by the ‘shop’ between bridges 44 and 43. BUT, that is not the end of our tale; when I went to turn down the screw on the stern greaser I noticed that the leisure battery voltage was but 11.5V!!!! Investigation revealed the fan belt lying in the engine bilge with the reinforcement strip from one side hanging out. No problem thinks I – I have a replacement – well yes and no! Replacement – yes, correct side – no. However, there is just enough adjustment to allow for a 975 belt instead of the 950. Rebelted, the engine was run for the next hour or so to get some juice back into the batteries. Tue 29th Sep 2009 We awoke to find the boat in semi darkness, the mains light out and just the gunnel LED lights operating. The leisure batteries had reached the minimum voltage for the inverter. The engine was started at 07.00 ish (our neighbours fortuitously departing). 07.45 saw us departing our mooring, battery levels slowly climbing. It was 21/4 hours travelling before we reached Grindley Brook top lock and stopped at the water point; ahead of us 4 other boats. The Anglo-Welsh boat following us pulled in behind, to a water point where someone was doing their washing – there was a minor altercation (to be fair the hire boat was ‘in the right’ although it could have pulled in ahead of us to any of the other free water points). A check revealed no ascending boats and the lockies plan – not to have one!! Thus we started down the staircase at 11.05. On reaching the transition between lock 3 and 4 I found myself all but literally crawling along the bottom of the lock with just enough water to proceed at tick-over. (Bye-the-bye our engine stalling/failure to start problem manifested itself just as I entered the top lock!! A dip of the fuel revealed we had just less than half a tank so the problem is getting worse). 11.20 and we were out of the staircase and an hour later out of the bottom lock. First opportunity we stopped for food and I went to the local garage for fuel. (White diesel is some 20p/ltr cheaper than the local canal side suppliers in this local area). We were sorted and ready to go at 13.15. The batteries were recovering nicely and we reached Povey’s lock at 13.35 and negotiated this and the subsequent 3 over the next 90 minutes or so. We oh so nearly got the picture of a Kingfisher we have been hoping for, one sat until we were almost upon it but flew off just as Mo pressed the camera shutter, we watched the iridescent streak flash ahead and noted where it landed – how can such a beautifully coloured bird vanish so completely when it lands? Baddily No 1 was reached at 16.25 and the 3 locks completed at 17.00. We decided to quite at the next available ’48 hour’ mooring and thus were engine off and sherry poured at 17.10. Today has been a comedy of errors – You have all seen/done them: Trying to open a gate the wrong way. Boat ending up skewed across the canal when mooring. But this is by far the best - Mo asked for the boat hook so she could close the other gate on the lower set (double gates and she cannot step across a part closed set of gates). I pass her the boat hook and she sets too closing the ‘other’ gate. I let her get it partly closed before suggesting that allowing me to take the boat out of the lock first might be a good plan!! So dear reader I wish you a good night. Hopefully our electrics will hold up for the next couple of weeks and the comedy of errors will have amused you. Who knows what tomorrow will bring – ‘till then…………..

Thanks Phoenix. Sun 27th Sep 2009 Evnin’ all, tonight’s tale begins Friday evening! Now I’m not sure if I have mentioned the fact that our pump has been playing up – but it has – Friday night saw us playing ‘whack the pump’ as each of us had a shower. Saturday morning and the pump gave up the ghost – I was obliged to ‘hot wire’ it – bye passing the pressure switch, in order to have water for washing, filling the kettle etc. I telephoned Crick Marina and they had a pump in stock so at 10.00 Mo and I started cycling to Crick (about 8 miles away). Scampi rode in Mo’s cycle basket but very quickly indicated a preference to run. Bye chance I decided to call the Anglo-Welsh base at Trevor basin to see if they had a pump – indeed they did (same model as Crick) so we were able to reduce our journey from 16 miles round trip to 9. The dog ran most of the way there – not bad for a toy poodle of 8 years! With pump aboard and a coffee (not recommended - ‘bis ‘o cath’ -as the locals would say) we started our return journey – Scampi again choosing to run rather than ride (although he did opt for the easy ride for the last mile). We returned at a little after 12.00 and decided to take the major items for washing at the launderette – having left them we went to find a café for lunch before looking around the town. Some of the back streets have some little gems of shops and it was some time before we got back to pick up our laundry – which had been ironed!! We called in at a local greengrocer for fruit and veg and the SPAR for bread and a few other essentials before returning, overburdened, to the boat. I spent the next hour replacing the water pump. The failed unit was a Johnson WPS5 (second one that I’ve had) and the new one a Jabesco – imagine my surprise when I found that the quick release connections were the same for both units. The astonishing find saved my having to ease the flexible hose off the old and on to the new – my heartfelt congratulations to North American standardisation! We decided to have a relatively early night – after the entertainment of watching the dozen or so hire boats come into the moorings!! Forgot that, being Sat night, the local ducks have their cabaret – listening to ‘duck jokes’ is all well and good but it is a bit much when the bloomin’ duck laughs at its own jokes!!! Sun 27th Sep 2009 06.00 and the alarm wakes us – the duck jokes have finished at last. We set off at 06.50 having had difficulties starting the engine – the fuel state is only a little below half a tank so things seem to be getting worse. As we exit the moorings the engine cuts out and takes several goes to get it running again. Our anticipation of a clear run to Trevor is realised, although there are several boats coming up, even at this early hour. As we pass a couple of boats moored, the engine quits again – taking even longer to restart – not good with no steerage and a current modifying ones course. Fortunately the engine restarted before we ended up in shallows. We arrived at Trevor just after half past eight. The Marina office should have been open but someone had failed to pick up the keys – the ‘day boats’ had to be released before we could upload fuel, in the end it was 09.45 before we moved off again (engine behaving perfectly now it is sucking ‘top half’ fuel) – part of the delay being waiting for a boat coming the ‘other way’ to cross the aqueduct. Our progress through the tunnels and Chirk aqueduct was delayed only briefly at the first tunnel – thereafter an increasing convoy cruised through the remainder. At 13.00 we reached New Marton top lock and we had a short wait whilst a boat ascended the lock followed by the boat ahead descending, another coming up before our turn. Thus it was 13.30 before we reached NM bottom lock. We were in occasional communication with friends who lived fairly locally and were driving to ‘intercept’ us. They parked at ‘The Narrowboat’ and walked towards us we picked them up, whilst doing so I am sure we saw a Spitfire in the distance, and cruised to ‘The Narrowboat’ where we had ‘tea and scones’ made by Mo. We cast off again at 16.10 and cruised to Frankton Jn where our friends were to leave us and return to their car – during the cruise Martin was asking me why the Vulcan flew approaches to land with its airbrakes extended – I explained about Zero Lift Drag (Vulcan ie airbrakes) and Lift Dependent Drag (Most other aircraft ie flaps). Shortly after mooring, imagine our surprise to see the Vulcan fly past!! It certainly made our day. We reached the moorings on the outskirts of Ellesmere at 18.35 and decided to stop rather than risk not finding a mooring in Ellesmere basin. We have spotted a TESCO so guess what we will be uplifting tomorrow!! No scurvy and we are going to keep it that way. A quick note – we pull about a 28” draught and there were only a few occasions on the way up to Llangollen where we bottomed out.

Fri 25th Sep 09 Welcome, dear reader, to another gripping instalment of the voyages of the nb ‘ELEMIAH’ whose 5 year mission is to go boldly……… Ooops back to planet earth. I decided that it would be a wise move to check the state of the prop before setting off so after breakfast I ventured into the engine bay and weed hatch. In fact there were few surprises – just some bits of vegetation, nothing to cause issues. So we were ready for off by 08.55. A couple of hire boats passed us before we cast off – they were making a dirty dart for home. It was a pleasant enough morning, cloudy with some blue patches but decidedly cool – feeling very autumnal. It was not long before we reached Fron lift bridge – conveniently being opened by a hire boat crew coming to opposite way – and inconveniently being lowered!! Mo was dispatched to do a bit of exercise, I dutifully bade the oncoming crew a ‘good morning’ and said nothing else – what’s the point; they will learn the etiquette of the cut (I hope) by the end of their holiday. (The crew of a ‘Viking’ hire boat had moored by a water point, secured their boat and were walking to the aqueduct, I very gently advised them of their error for future reference – they thanked me for the information – Aussies I think). A few minutes later and we reached Pontcysyllte aqueduct with Mo trying to work out whether to use her phone of her camera for the piccies (long story!!). With no boats coming the other way we started the crossing – the opposing water flow making progress slow, but giving Mo plenty of time to take photos both on and off the boat (fortunately getting off the towpath side). ‘ELEMIAH’ featured in a number of photos taken by walkers and sightseers. As we reached the Trevor basin/junction a BW person conveniently appeared and was able to advise me that I should have no issues getting to Llangollen. With that assurance we set forth on our final section of this, our most westerly part of the cruise. Once again we found the vista (sorry if you are only familiar with the Microsoft version!!) most attractive but the travelling demanding – it truly felt as though we were climbing a steep gradient. Running at 1800RPM (normally good for 4 MPH on a wide and deep canal) we barely made any forward progress in the narrow sections of the Llangollen. It took us from 10.00 to 11.45 to reach the outskirts of Llangollen and the mooring ‘toll office’ – adjacent to the sanitation point. I paid my £6 for 24 hrs (with the option for a second 24 hrs) and proceeded up to the basin. The moorings are plentiful with water and mains shore power for every pontoon. We moored finally at 12.15. We had lunch and then spent the next 3 hours or so washing and polishing the boat – including winding to wash and polish the other side. We used our 10” electric polisher for the first time – boy did that make the whole job quicker, easier and more effective. Many of the other private boat owners were doing the same. The ‘entertainment’ was provided by the arrival of the Anglo-Welsh, and other, hire boats. The manoeuvres required to ‘dock’ well worth studying. I know we have all been there but it seems that when it comes to mooring full power in forward and then reverse is the order of the day!! We walked in to town this evening and I think we will be buying another 24 hrs as there are a number of shops that have caught Mo’s eye. I will have to brush up on my Welsh (had to ask my son to remind me of the Welsh for: “ Two beers please, my friend will pay”). I think our plan will be to depart Llangollen very early on Sunday morning (maybe as early as 06.00) to make it down to the aqueduct before boats start coming the other way. http://www.waterexplorer.co.uk/locimage/Lo...AEFA&type=1

Wed 23rd Sep 2009 Today we had a fairly relaxed start dear reader. We ‘pulled pins’ at 09.45 and, almost immediately, were upon Wrenbury Church lift bridge – no other boats around we ‘solo’d’ through and cruised onwards in a surprisingly southerly direction!! It was just over an hour later that our daydreams were stopped as we came upon Marbury lock the first of a run of locks, each raising us about 6 ft at a time. 11.50 saw us at Quoisley lock and thereafter we were in Kingfisher country – no sooner did Mo say ‘there should be Kingfishers here’ than one darted ahead of us. This stretch had us spotting KFs at regular intervals and we had some success in photographing one. 12.00 we passed through Willeymoor lock and just a quarter of an hour later Povey’s lock. Our otherwise steady progress was about to come to a halt!!! We arrived at Grindley Brook locks at about 12.45 (I forgot to note the exact-ish time) and in an element of innocence started the rise, we completed the first 2 locks by 13.10 and found the tail of the queue for the staircase locks. Fortunately??? we were in the second 3 – the significance being that the lockie processes 3 up, 3 down. Engine off we settled in for the duration, talked to the neighbours, visited the shop etc. At 15.00 it was finally our turn to enter the staircase and just 20 mins later (if that) we are out of the ‘staircase’ and at the water point. After the usual wait for the water tank to fill we continued on our way at quarter to 4 working our way past the junction at Whitchurch – we had ‘picked up’ a single handed lass as we left the water point who asked if she could follow us to the lift bridge no 31 by the junction – she mentioned how difficult it was to negotiate single handed. As it turned out a lady from a boat coming in the other direction had worked ahead and opened the bridge in anticipation – a total of 3 boats took advantage before ‘her’ boat finally arrived at the bridge. We finally called it a day at 18.00 and pulled in all but outside the ‘shop’ between bridge 43 and 44 in the vicinity of Whixall Moss. A Hire boat ahead of us had a ‘gas’ problem, the engineers arriving from Chirk to sort it out, requiring the boat to move across the canal. The engineers told the crew that they needed to fully open the lid of the cooker for it to work (although they had also swapped BOTH gas bottles) – funnily enough the cooked worked perfectly after the bottle swap. The crew were not novice hirers and were a bit ‘miffed’ by the engineers comment especially as they subsequently found that the ‘safety’ device alluded to did not function until the lid was all but closed. We have exactly the same model of cooker, so I did a ‘system check’ on mine, given that it had passed a BSS 5 weeks ago, and passed on the findings to the crew of the HB. Stanby for ‘incoming’ ******* Boats of *****. Thur 24th Sep 2009 The day started with a crash – literally!! At 2AM we were woren by a crash folled by the sound of running water and, subsequently, the water pump working at full tilt. Fully awake we found the shower running, on the floor a wire shower basket whose suction pads had released, on dropping the basket had knocked the shower on. I dread to think what would have been the situation had this happened whilst we were cruising!! Sleep was difficult to come by after that, unfortunately we had decided to go for a long days cruising to get to, or as close to, Llangollen as possible. So, reluctantly I was up making the morning cup of tea shortly after 7. We cast off at 08.05 just 5 minutes later than planned. Mo, having checked the Nicholsons, went below to finish doing whatever it is that girls ‘do’ before presenting themselves to the world – usual sneeze as the perfume was applied!! As we left the mooring I looked back to see a hot air ballon float across the break in the trees, reflected in the waters – where was my camera? Mo was all done and dusted just in time for Morris’ lift bridge. The lift bridges are hydraulic these days and it took approx 75 turns to raise and 50 to lower the bridge – for once the waiting car did not rush across the bridge as soon as it was down, but waited whilst Mo crossed and came down to the boat – thank you, whoever you were. We had another break with this cruises usual routine – this morning breakfast was an egg and bacon sandwich – mmmmmmmm!!!! I’ve mention before that the canals we have cruised have their own character. The Llangollen is no exception, what is difficult however, is to define exactly what that ‘character’ is – is it the water, the towpath, the bank side, the landscape beyond – of course it is all of that plus a lot more. Certainly there are bits of the K&A, the GU, the Rochdale but overall there is something else that defines the Llangollen. I could not, for example, take a photograph and say ‘this vista defines the Llangollen’ or ‘that photo defines the Rochdale’ but overall this canal lives up to expectations more than, say, the Rochdale. Around the area of Wixhall Moss the Llangollen exists only because of the invention of steel pilling – not the new shiny zinc plated stuff but old thick and rusty pilling. Without it, on both sides, the canal would vanish into the lands below. Approaching br 48 we encountered lots of debris in the water causing routine fouling of the prop, the reason became clear beyond br 49 where contractors were busy cutting and strimming the towpath. 11.30 saw us at chaos corner – better known as Ellesmere jn the hire boats were going everywhere (some of them where the steerer wanted1). Last time I was here I do not recall seeing any boats other than one or 2 in the Ellesmere basin!! Amazing what 20 years does. At 12.55 we reached Frankton jn, a lock keeper on hand; last time I stopped here there was an information centre of sorts and the locks were there to prevent water flowing into the dried bed of the yet to be reclaimed Montgomery canal. We continued on towards our goal of Llangollen, although it was increasingly obvious that we would not make it today. At every bridge ‘ole the pull of the flow slowed us right down. It was just before 2.30 when we reached New Marton locks, the 2 locks giving a rise of just over 12’ – I got to ‘do’ these whilst Mo did the driving. 14.50 saw us out of the top lock and next event Chirk. As we approached Chirk aqueduct, Mo disappeared down the front to do some photography – it was a long haul along the aqueduct with the flow of water in the opposite direction really slowing us to a crawl. Likewise our progress through Chirk tunnel was agonisingly slow – I was convinced the prop was fouled, exiting the tunnel revealed the prop clear (but why did we seem to ‘crab’ through the tunnel?) It took us a total of 20 minutes to negotiate the aqueduct and tunnel. We planned to moor adjacent to the new Chirk Marina but couldn’t get the stern in – my mobile rang! To my delight it was the Civil Aviation Authority Doc advising me that he could authorise me to have a medical and reapply for my Private Pilots Licence – oh joy!!! Elated, we continued for a little while longer, through Whitehouse tunnel and moored just before Whitehouse br. My only concern is that the recommended max draught for boats proceeding beyond Trevor to Llangollen is 21” and ‘ELEMIAH’ is 28”!!! I’ll do some asking around when we get to Trevor tomorrow. Peeps, it has been a long day and I’m all in – I’m going to see if I can ‘post’ this now – if the signal has dropped out I’ll do it tomorrow at Trevor. Good night.

Neil, thank you for adding the post on our behalf. We are a mile or so short of Poncysyllte with enough signal for a very slow interweb connection. Here is the 'catch-up' report, I'll compile the Wed/Thur reports this evening and post them later if the signal holds up. Mon 21 Sep 2009 Hello Dear Reader, I have to admit that I don’t know when you will be reading this latest chapter in our cruise, I am typing this on Tue evening and there is not so much as a single ‘signal bar’ on my mobile!! We set off at a very civilised 09.05, the morning dull. As we cruise towards Ellesmere Port the canal takes on the character of a ‘pseudo-rural’ canal; to first appearances a rural canal but look a few handfuls of yards beyond the boundary an the evidence of industry is there to be seen. Within a mile or so of EP the evidence ceases to hid behind the superficial veneer of ‘rurality’ and the bank side has mooring rings and bollards. Nevertheless the canal is quite clean with little rubbish on the towpath or in the water. We arrived at 10.35 and ‘did wind’ to an audience of visitors in the Boat Museum café – I did it rather well I think! Pete arrived about 10 mins after we had moored and we went to the Boat Museum Café having been seduced by the smell of grilled bacon. So after sausage and bacon baps all round washed down with coffee we returned to the boat. Pete is a talented artist and is in the top 100 artists in the North West – he has produced a very good watercolour version of a photo of me landing a Vulcan at RAF Brawdy. We have commissioned him to produce a pencil sketch of ‘ELEMIAH’ to display on board. I will put a copy on-line and if you would like something similar we can put you in touch with Pete. Business concluded we started our return journey – the plan? To get through Chester and moor in the countryside. I do not intend to give a blow-by-blow account of our return (read previous report backwards if you must!! J ). Suffice to say that we were back at the water point adjacent to Turner’s Yard at 15.25 and it took 20 mins to top up the water tank. Five minutes later and we were at the bottom of the Northgate staircase (I must find out what the ‘rise’ is – must be about 30’). It took us 40 mins the complete the ‘climb’ and at the top a very elderly gentleman assisted Mo in closing the gate. During the cruise east through the cutting below the City walls he kept pace with us as we discussed the tool marks – evidence of the navvies creating the cutting by hand. Bye and bye we left him behind and moved on to moor adjacent to TESCO for an uplift of provisions forgotten previously!! Whilst I looked after the boat Mo did the retail bit and the old gentleman ‘caught up’ with us – we discussed Telford and Brunel, the Anderton Boat Lift and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. I asked him if he had seen the rope marks on the rocks at the turns in the cutting – he was most interested and strode off to have a look returning a short while later to confess that the corner was a little too far away and he was getting tired – we think he was probably in his mid 80’s. Our passage through Chester was uneventful and we finally moored just before Waverton at a little after 7PM. Tue 22nd Sep 2009 Our plan is to set off early and make a fairly long day in order to ‘hit’ Llangollen late in the week in order to miss the various hire fleet boats. As it turned out we moved off at 08.30. Again, we are returning on familiar waters so I’ll not give too many details. We approached Wharton’s lock to find the gates open and a boat in the lock waiting our arrival – thus we worked up the locks with NB ‘DOUBLEFRACTURE’ with Marlene and Mick – liveaboards. We had to split for Beeton ‘Iron lock’ but rejoined them at Beeston Stone lock. At 12.30 we arrived at Bunbury staircase lock – all very awkward as many of the Anglo-Welsh fleet where ‘in’ and breasted up below the lock – with only enough space for one boat at the lock moorings it was a challenge. I think that if a hire boat fleet requires half the canal to ‘store’ it’s boats breasted-up then a re-think is required on numbers and/or location of that fleet. We found ourselves on our own after Calvely. Just before 2PM saw us passing Barbridge Jn with Mo making a batch of her very fine Scones!! Once more we are venturing on waters that I have not cruised in over 20 years and Mo never. As we approached Norbury Jn ahead of us were a ‘Viking’ and a ‘Chas Harden’ narrowboat – the Viking boat cruising so slowly that both the CH boat and us passed. The CH boat turned right ahead of us but when we moored behind them they asked us to ‘go first’ so they could see what to do. A kind offer but instead I went and showed them what to do. A serious paucity of water in the middle pound had me running aground just before entering the third lock!! The lockie was on the case and she and Mo sorted the water levels out – I only needed about an additional inch of water to refloat! We completed the Norbury flight at 15.30 and commenced our cruise on this stretch of the ‘Shroppie’ – The Llangollen Arm. I have to say that ‘ELEMIAH’s’ draught at 28” is on the limit for the depth of water available on this section af the canal. Certainly at entry to the locks I am finding the prop lifting muck off the bottom. The bye-washes are still very active and make entry to some of the locks ‘interesting’ (I hope working boats weren’t expected to carry fragile materials to/from Llangollen). For the sake of a minor design change in how side washes flow into the canal the builders could have made life a little easier for the boat people. Considering the general state of the ‘Shroppie’ parts of the ‘Llangollen’ are surprisingly poorly tended with the leafy avenues being a bit too leafy – the tow-path barely visibly beyond saplings and undergrowth and the branches of trees beyond the tow path reaching down to sweep cyclist and walkers into the cut. We decided to ‘call it a day’ as we approached Wrenbury and we moored on one of the Shroppie canal Soc 48hr moorings just before the first lift bridge Br No 19. (I have to congratulate the SCS for the work they have done in setting up the 48hr moorings complete with mooring rings at sensible spacing for almost any length of boat.) Unfortunately, I have no signal whatsoever so I will try to post this on Wed 22nd. Bye for now.

Sun 20 Sep 2009 Good evening peeps, I do hope you have inwardly digested my previous post – I’ll be testing you later!! John, please pass on our congratulations to Ann for her success in the swim. Our cruise continues: This morning we woke to a bright, sunny but cool morning, shorts and sweatshirts the ‘rig of the day’. We were in no hurry as today was to be a cruise to Chester to meet a very long-term friend of Mos. Thus it was 09.25 before we set off for the relatively short journey to Chester. We had no other boat journeying with us and, apart from Christleton lock; the remainder were set against us. We exited Greenfield lk at 10.50 and just 10 mins later reached Tarvin lock. I think I have mentioned the excellent condition of the paddle gear we have thus far encountered on the ‘Shroppie’, however, I do have to say that the reduction gear is a bit OTT – it takes approx 45 turns of the windlass to raise the gate paddles!! Chemistry lock at 11.25 and Hoole lane lock 25 mins later had us into the city of Chester – the elsan disposal set to the side of Hoole lane lock appears inop – tap removed and flush U/S. Oh joy a TESCO, we moored outside the ‘Frog & Nightingale’ while Mo went and ‘did’ the supermarket whilst I stayed with the boat awaiting the arrival of Mo’s pal (she has just told me she has known Hillary 30 years). Having re-stocked the larder I had to go and get the Tonic Water – forgotten! After that we reversed to a more appropriate mooring – don’t want you spotters and anoraks telling me I was moored in a winding ‘ole. With the boat secured we went for a very reasonable meal and pint of ‘Old Speckled Hen’ at ‘The Frog and Nightingale’. The run into Chester was as pleasant as the previous miles of ‘Shroppie’. At Waverton the canal passes very nice mature back gardens (the sort of place Mo and I would like – with a bottom of the garden mooring’), shortly after come modern developments with back gardens the size of postage stamps – all paving slabs and decking with large pots of plants and chimanea’s – all very ‘Ground Force’. Still, credit given where credit due – all the gardens were neat and well kempt. After that back to more mature gardens before reaching Chester itself. As the canal enters the city, many of the old canal-side properties have been redeveloped into flats etc so there is very little dereliction usually found adjacent to canals. The last time I visited Chester by canal we wound (or should it be ‘did wind’) outside the F&N, this time I was able to venture on as we are off to Ellesmere Port. So, 14.30 saw us cast off and proceed to Northgate locks. A boat exited the locks as we approached the cutting just prior to the locks and another boat was entering so we were able to join them and descend the 3 locks together. I don’t know what the height is we descended but looking back up the gates they are pretty deep locks. It took us 30 mins to complete the descent and the other boat exited first, like us they were going to the sanitation point. There is a sharp right turn below the locks requiring a bit of engine revs to get round – beggar me if, at the ‘point critique’ we didn’t pick up some rubbish on the prop. So with a rhythmic metallic thump and much disjointed wash from the prop I nursed the nose round. Gentle reverse cleared some of the debris and I had enough control to hold a position mid stream for the 10 mins or so whilst the other boat emptied and filled. With the other boat clear we moored near the sanitation station – it is actually across the branch and locks that descent to the river – and whilst Mo dealt with our emptying and filling (the water point is next to the covered dry dock) I braced myself for the contents of the weed hatch. The findings were: one shirtsleeve, a ubiquitous plastic bag, a piece of netting and the metallic banging was caused by a length of aluminium tube. Not too bad, but equally, not something that would disentangle with the use of a bit of reverse. It was 4PM when we continued our journey having bid farewell to Hillary. The boatyard adjacent to the sanitation point ‘Taylor’s’ is listed in the very latest ‘Nicholson’, but it is in early stages of dereliction with a fair few cruisers rotting on land and narrow boats sinking in the canal (there is a wooden hull NB there that could be a ‘project’ if rescued soon). As the canal leaves Chester to the north it has an almost unique character – on one side countryside and golf courses – the other wide spaces but with a tarmac towpath. This situation continues and on one stretch there are even ‘street lights’ along the towpath. We decided to continue until we reached a bit of canal about 3 miles away from Chester were the main roads and railway are as far away as possible. We have ended up mooring near bridge 134 (Caughall) which puts us about half a mile north of Chester Zoo. Tomorrow we will continue on to Ellesmere Port again to meet a friend of Mo – a talented artist who, we hope, will do a pen line drawing of ‘ELEMIAH’. I will bid you goodnight having posted this and updated ‘Water Explorer’. PS if you want to find us on WE then use the shortcut that you will find in post 28 (I think). Bye.

Fri 18 Sep 2009 Dear reader, welcome back to my tales of the ‘canal bank’. Today we returned after our 3 day retirement from cruising, Mo having taken her youngest to Cardiff to start her training as a nurse. Our fellow Longwood Boat Club Member drove us back to Middlewich and we started loading the boat at 12.00. Having started the ‘loading’ I went and settled the account for servicing the boat – a very reasonable sum I must admit!! I am relieved to be able to tell you that 5 litres of TESCO’s finest pale cream sherry has been loaded aboard so scurvy should not be an issue (besides which there is a TESCO next to the canal in Chester). We set forth at 13.00 but didn’t get very far due to a bit of a queue at the lock at Middlewich Jn on the Wardle Canal (Shroppie Middlewich Branch). It was 13.45 before our turn to enter the lock. Some 20 minutes later we negotiated Stanthorne lock. The canal is a most pleasant cruising experience and the lock gear is in good order generally. We spent much of the time looking out for kingfishers but without much luck – it looks as though our attempt to get a close-up photo of this magnificent little bird is going to be a real challenge. Just before 4 PM we found ourselves passing the access to ‘Yankee Candles’, we thought to moor and take a look but having tried we found the water level precluded our successful mooring – so we decided to press on and try again on our return. (As you may know, the Shroppie has a breach that precludes our return home via that route). We moored for the night just before the Aqueduct Marina. Unfortunately, we were out of reach of a reasonable mobile signal so tonight’s report has been delayed. It was, therefore, galling to find that if I had cruised another 100 yards or so I would have been able to access the marina WiFi!! Sat 19 Sep 2009 We decided on an early start today, no real reason just a feeling that there might be a fair few hire and weekend boaters about. We pulled pins at 08.05 with the weather cloudy but promising sunshine. It took us just 15 mins to reach our first lock at Minshull, we approached the lock noting the serious leaks from the lower gates. he level in the pound above the lock was quite low, the upper lock gate had been left open (or had re-opened). Nevertheless, we were able to make good progress (by our standards anyway) and reached Cholmondeston lock an hour later. Just before 10 AM we arrived at Barbridge Junction where we reversed to the waterpoint. In hindsight we should have continued north west to the sanitation point at Calveley. But there we are, we continues our journey towards Chester at 10.25. The Shropshire Union (or Chester Canal) continues as a pleasant cruising canal, with similarities to the K&A. The canal is to ‘broad’ standards – we expect to see some SLuGs! Our arrival at Bunbury staircase locks was uneventful, although my brain was not in gear. Nonetheless, we successfully had one boat descend (us) and 2 ascend. It took 30 mins to negotiate this lock and we left at 11.45. The next section of canal is very picturesque and we unanimously agreed that it was a good streach for Kingfishers, no sooner had we said it than lo and behold one appeared. We spotted a couple more before reaching Tilston lock. For once Mo was driving and so I was the one to see the ‘Faerie Grotto’ under the holly bush – I’ll leave it to you to discover it for yourself. I have mentioned that we are hoping to get a decent piccy of a Kingfisher and we nearly, oh so nearly, achieved it shortly after leaving the lock. The canal is particularly attractive and there, sitting on a long twig, was a Kingfisher – unfortunately, despite my best efforts, Mo who was at the front of the boat didn’t pick up on my gesticulations before the little bird decided ‘enough was enough’ and flew off. We passed several bird watches and enquired as to whether they had seen any KF’s? None had. 12.40 saw us at Beeston Iron lock, due to some distortion of the lock it is a ‘one boat at a time’ job. The iron lock design is due to the sandy nature of the ground. Below the lock a boat was aground but we advised them to let some water down. Shortly after we passed them they managed to ‘get off’. To the south of the lock is an area of rising ground with a number of ventilation shafts and concrete buildings – I suspect a monument to the cold war, a little further on a relic of a much older and less cold war – Beeston Castle; I am sure glad not to be an attacker of that lofty fortress. I last cruised this section of canal about 21 years ago but, to be honest, I have no recollections of anything thus far – I recall Barbridge junction as I’d passed through there twice! 1985 and 1987. Note: must remember to continue “TeeELLs Canal History” thread. We stopped at Chas Hardens boat yard for fuel before continuing on to Wharton’s lock arriving at 13.35. Our gentle meander continued along this really lovely stretch of canal, we passes a couple of large marinas the second barely populated (I guess there are many spaces available. At bridge 114 we encountered the start of nearly 2 miles of linear moored boats!! Mmmmmm, I guess I’ll leave my opinion of this to myself!! Thinks – nearly empty marina vs 2 miles of ‘tick-over’ cruising. With the temperature dropping and rain we decided to moor, our decision ‘starting at 14.30’ – it usually takes us an hour to translate the decision into reality. True to form the canal banks along the towpath were overgrown and the piling and bracing of such an age that using them for mooring was likely to generate additional rust. In addition, the depth of water available meant we couldn’t moor successfully. At 16.00 we finally found a bit of ‘new’ pilling just before bridge 118. As I type this it is 10.30 PM and we have had a 15 min fireworks display. Not sure what we are going to do about Chester, word from a couple of boaters suggests there are problems – ropes being cut, boats being jumped on and boaters being attacked when answering ‘knocking’ on their doors. Strange that we have moored without problems in London, Birmingham and Manchester but a ‘rural’ city has more potential problems – we will see. I have no mobile phone signal tonight either, so you will not be reading this until sometime tomorrow (possibly in conjunction with my Sunday report. I wish you well dear reader, and good night. PS I've finally posted this at the end of Sunday's journey. Standby for that report later this evening!

What ho, dear reader! I'm back 'dahn sarf' sat in front of a real PC with hi-speed internet connectivity! My boat has been left in the capable (I hope) hands of a Barrus Shire approved engineer who will be giving her a full service, investigate the fuel feed issue and take a look at the alternator problem. That won't be cheap then!! We have braved the main routes of the 'tarmac cut' from Middlewich to Lechlade and, my, the speed - how can you possibly take in the views and look out for Kingfishers? I thought I might take the opportunity to reflect a moment on the Anderton Boat Lift - certainly a wonder of the inland waterways system. Strange how people comment on it's majesty whilst complaining on the industrial background framed in their photographs. Let's face it, without the industry on the River Weaver there would be no Boat Lift. For my part I was reflecting on the time taken for the passage down - some 25 minutes or so. Whilst it seems a long time it is a fraction of the time that descending or ascending 10 or 12 locks would take and, importantly, the lift is both taking boats down and lifting them. For those of you not familiar with the ABL, originally it was operated using hydraulics (water based) and, due to poor reliability changed to gears and cable operation. The 'new' rebuilt has returned to hydraulic operation but using oil. That description doesn't do the Lift operation justice but provides just a taster. It is only once you are within the Lift caisson that you really begin to realise the enormity of the structure and the complexity of creating something so huge without CAD, computer, laser level etc. Looking up at the 'V' cut teeth of the disused lifting gears you realise that you don't get many of those in the average Meccano set!! Then reflect on what this mammoth was designed to do - move 4 laden 70' narrow boats, water enough to keep them afloat and the caissons that contain the water and boats. Magnificent, and no leaks. We will be revisiting this wonder again, not just for the 'ride' but to explore the river Weaver. Our all too brief taster has certainly whetted our appetites - not least because we saw more Kingfishers on the river than during our entire previous 4 weeks cruising. Having spent some time doing calculations on Canalplan AC we can now change down a gear and take the final 21 days of our cruise a little more easily. We have plans for meeting friends in Chester (as already mentioned) and we may even cruise up the Ellesmere port before heading to Llangollen. Note to self: Must check to see if breach is fixed etc. Normal reporting should resume on friday - hopefully with a report on the status of the engine etc and the cruise to Barbridge Jn. Don't think you want reports on my visit to see my parents, shopping for boat essentials in Swindon etc. I bid you farewell and goodnight until friday. PS John, how did Ann get on with her Charity 'Great North Swim'?

Haggis, I'm afraid that my latest contribution (below) may not be up to your expected standards!! I'm afraid I've had to use my notes from 2 days ago etc to create the latest tale and, I have to confess, I am feeling very weary tonight for some reason. If you have acces to Water Explorer you can see where we are, presently just short of the junction in Middlewich. We will be turning right to Chester when we get back to the boat on friday (if the engine service and repairs have been completed). Sat 12 Sep 2009 Today we are expecting some of Mo’s family to visit. I took the opportunity to walk round to Lymm Cruising Club to ask about their constitution and the role of their Commodore (I’m rewriting my Club’s constitution). Having obtained some of the information I required we were invited to cruise to their BBQ that evening. Mo’s family arrived at 11.30 ish and we cast off at 11.40, we cruised to the winding hole just beyond the motorway bridge returned to Lymm and wound (perhaps that should be ‘did wind’?) just to the east of Lymm. It was 13.45 when we finally moored (in Lymm) to let everyone off. All in all, an even more impressive amount of cruising to get nowhere than yesterday. We finally cast off to cruise to the BBQ at 14.10. It took us 3 hours to reach the vicinity of the BBQ during which Mo created a sherry trifle and some lemon custard meringues. The BBQ started at about 7PM with LCC providing the food and booze at very reasonable rates indeed. We had a wonderful evening; we were made very welcome indeed (all the more so when Mo’s trifle was presented to the assembly). A big thank you to Lilly (the Commodore) and all the members of LCC. Sun 13th Sep 2009 It was 09.20 when we finally ‘pulled pins’ at Moore and continued our voyage. The Bridgewater canal continues to be a pleasurable cruising experience but today the blue skies have given way to cloud cover. Our departure time was calculated to get us to the tunnel at Preston Brook during the entry slot time of half past the hour to 20 mins to (a tight window) we made it with 3 minutes to wait. We exited the tunnel and the Bridgewater became the T&M. Our brief from members of LCC was to maintain a steady pace in order to arrive at the second tunnel within the similar time slot. Again we arrived, this time bang on half past, and entered the tunnel, about halfway through a boat entered from the far end! The boat backed out with the crew claiming no knowledge of the timing constraints. (There WAS a big sign indicating the entry times from their end). The T&M here has many of the characteristics of the Bridgewater although it is clear that the Manchester Ship Canal Company and BW have very different views on the maintenance of the ‘off side’. We saw a bat hanging in the roof of Saltersford tunnel. Barnton tunnel is a bit wiggly but no time constraints are applied to this tunnel – it is a case of ‘look see’. We did and could see no boat, but as we entered the tunnel a boat was apparent in the far end of the tunnel with the tunnel light on. As it was ‘their tunnel’ I backed out but noticed that they appeared to have also done so. After a pause, it was obvious that they were not coming through so I entered. Imagine our surprise when, instead of having to apologise for ‘stealing their tunnel’ we found no boat!! Not surprisingly, being a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Anderton Boat Lift area was teeming with gongoozlers. I eventually found the BW lift transit booking office and was lucky enough to get the remaining available slot at 16.45 with a return at 11.45 tomorrow. Some friends had come to join us so we went to the Pub for lunch prior to the descent. Now, I last visited ABL nearly 25 years ago on one of my hire boat holidays (nb RICHMOND TOO from Foxton Boat Company) and I have to say that, apart from the Lift itself I recognised absolutely nothing else. My recollection does not have housing estates and nor, of course, the massive visitors centre. There was some kind of visitor centre back then as I purchased a ‘Save Anderton Boat Lift’ t-shirt. At about 16.20 we were briefed on the rules for the use of the lift and we entered the caisson itself at 16.50. The descent and exit procedure took 20 mins and gives more than enough time to appreciate the engineering (both original, early conversion and new). On the river Weaver we turned west and cruised down river for 40 mins before winding and returning to ABL to drop off our guests at 18.40. We had cruised up river for about 5 mins when the phone rang – our guests were ‘imprisoned’ within the ABL compound. We returned, collected them and dropped them off in the park immediately to the east of ABL. Our cruise up the Weaver continued as far as Northwich, we stopped by the swing bridge and took on water etc before winding and mooring for the night. We definitely want to return to explore the Weaver. Mon 14th Sep Mmmmmm!! A grey day. We decided to explore Northwich before returning to ABL. A very pleasant little town and I’m sure we missed lots of ‘bits’ with our need to return to the boat. We left the moorings at 10.20 (to be honest too early) and reached ABL just 30 mins later. Thus we had a fairly long wait at the Lift before ascending. We entered the Lift at 11.40 and exited at 12.05. Whilst waiting at the bottom I phoned a boat yard in Middlewich to see if they could carry out a service on the engine and, having explained where we were, considered that we would be with then by 16.30 (before they closed). Out of the Lift we turned for Middlewich. Now, for some reason I had ignored the prop wash despite it ‘telling’ me that the prop was fouled. Don’t know why, but finally I could ignore it no longer – we found a suitable place to moor and I delved into the weed hatch to remove the usual mix of plastic bags and miscellaneous debris. The 15 minute delay was our down fall, as it turned out. During the brief stop we were overtaken by another boat and thus the next lock (which was going to be ready for us – another story) was ‘taken’. At 15.55 we arrived at Middlewich Big lock – a double lock – we had to wait as a boat ahead of us exited and then a boat came down. As we approached the ‘3’ Middlewich locks a hire boat left it’s moorings and raced to the lock, thus we were delayed whilst they worked through the first lock. Anyway, to cut an otherwise long story a bit shorter, we eventually exited the locks and arrived at the moorings of the place we are leaving ‘ELEMIAH’ for the next 4 days and whom are going to give the engine and alternators the ‘once over’. So dear reader, we will not be venturing forth until Friday, when we turn towards Chester. I know it is unfair to make you wait – but you’ve been patient for the last couple of days. T’will only be for a day or so longer – promise!!!

John and John, thank you for your replies and the information/comments as appropriate. On standby for guests arriving shortly so accept my apologies for not responding to you both individually. Fri 11 Sep 2009 What ho! Dear reader. An early report today as we have only cruised to Lymm, I use the word ‘only’ conditionally. Now, I have mentioned that the trusty ‘Barrus Shire 45’ isn’t remotely ‘trusty’ when the fuel state is at or below approx 1/3rd tank. True to form this morning it proved difficult to start and, having reached the centre of the canal, quit!! It started finally and during our journey to the nearest boatyard gave us a couple of ‘moments’. Anyhow, on with the story – we ‘pulled pins’ at 09.25, re-started at 09.27 and continued our cruise west. We are quite impressed with the general state of the Bridgewater canal although the availability of basic services can be a bit hit and miss. The Bridgewater has one piece of character that seems unique from our perspective, there are great many manual loading cranes; on other canals these are ‘tourist attractions’ and disused museum artefacts but on the Bridgewater they are attached to stop planks ready for use. At 10.05 we moored at Hesford Marine to fill up – we took on 84 litres, and the engine started readily and hasn’t missed a beat since. At 10.45 we arrived at the ‘sanitation point’ by Lloyd Br, Oughtrington only to find that provision of water was not an option. We had no choice but to cruise half a mile to a winding hole and return to the water points near ‘Ye Olde No 3’ Pub. Given the poor pressure of the tap supply, I was very glad I chose to stop rather than wind and return to the taps. 3 boats arrived in fairly quick time, 25 mins later, having topped up, we moved off cruising a further half mile to the winding hole and at 12.40 we started back to the west. We passed the Hesford Marina once more at 13.15 – good job we didn’t plan a long day today. At just before 2PM we moored at Lymm opposite and just short of the Lymm cruising club facilities. We popped into town – I needed some money as Hesford Marina didn’t do ‘plastic’. Mo has been busy in the galley creating wonderful things for this evening. She makes a gorgeous Lemon Custard cake. Tonight we are having Cottage pie with carrots and peas followed by ice cream with strawberries and peaches (not sure when we are having the custard cake). We are staying at Lymm until tomorrow afternoon as we have a visitor tonight and more tomorrow (doing a short ‘there and back’ cruise for tomorrows guests). We are hoping to ‘do’ the Anderton Boat Lift on Sunday, so if you plan visiting that neck of the woods do please look out for us. That’s it for now so I wish you a good afternoon on this glorious day.

Hi Pete, sorry didn't see your post until this afternoon. Went past your neck of the woods early afternoon. Thur 10th Sep 2009 Firstly dear reader, please accept my apologies for any errors that creep into this evenings report, I fear we have sampled some of the products of the Dunham micro brewery at ‘Swan With Two Nicks’. Here goes with today’s tale; the day started on the wrong foot, I opened the cratch on the towpath side to let the dog off – fortunately I checked before throwing him ashore. Shore was a long way away – the front mooring pin had pulled out during the night and we were partly across the canal!! Ah well, 5 or so minutes later had us re-secured. I decided to investigate the alternators. not sure why but just as well that I did – the ‘starter’ alternator belt was loose and the ‘leisure’ alternator had worked very, very loose. After a bit of ‘engineering’ I had everything sorted and closed the engine ‘ole. We ‘pulled pins’, this time intentionally, at 10.20 for a short cruise to the winding hole at Bridgewater Marina, Boothstown. By 10.30 we were retracing our steps along the Bridgewater canal and mooring for water at Worsley at 11.05. At 11.30 we set off once more passing the lighthouse at Parrin Lane br half an hour later, just 15 mins later we moored by br 47 for an emergency uplift of beer – unbelievably we had ran out!! Time to keel haul the quartermaster methinks!! 12.40 and we are on the move again, the best TESCO Express could offer was Stella Artois so things are not looking very rosy, for once we hope not to encounter any CWF members. Just before 1PM we re-crossed the Barton swing aqueduct looks just as unimpressive in this direction. I mentioned our plans to visit the Trafford Centre – well Mo decided not to bother but, as we passed the ‘canal entrance’ (approx where the mile marker is on a Nicholson), there were 2 Trafford Centre employees - they were able to confirm that the gates were not locked until 11PM. The Centre is about 100 yds from the canal at these gates. 13.40 saw us back at Waters Meeting Junction and we turned right onto, once again, new waters. Considering that the Bridgewater canal passes through a variety of environs it is a remarkably clean and unthreatening canal and is an enjoyable cruising experience. There are the linear moorings of a number of cruising clubs but nothing onerous, many of the canal side area are redeveloped very nicely and we really liked the look of the ‘King’s Ransome’ by Sale br. For those of you venturing onto these waters for the first time; the Water House Cruising Club clubhouse has water available from a point on the south side of the building, plus boaters are welcome to the clubhouse. We left Sale and returned to countryside. At 16.20 we finally moored for the day just short of Bollington underbridge 26A. ‘ELEMIAH’ had a starboard side wash and polish. After a meal of wild, organic salmon roasted in a sweet chilli sauce with herby cauliflower, carrots and buttered new potatoes some locals, passing by, extolled the virtues of the ‘Swan With Two Nicks’ so we felt obliged to ‘give it a go’. After sampling varieties of the locally brewed ale, we made our way back to the boat. I am struggling to write this and Mo is reading her book. A short run to Lymm tomorrow and friends visiting. With very heavy eyelids, I wish you a very good night hic!

Hi John, great to hear from you. We have had a fair old time exploring Manchester and - as you will see below, only today continued our journey. Hope we catch up with you next year when we will, almost certainly, be coming 'oop north' again. I think we will need an interpreter as some folk who spoke to us today, from the footpath, we simply did not understand (blamed it on the engine noise and smiled and nodded!!) Wed 9th Sep 2009 Hello Dear reader, welcome to the tale of our continued journey – yes, today Mo declared that she wanted to move on. Nonetheless, our first task was to visit the Museum of Science and Industry – a moments walk away across the road by the moorings. Some fascinating material in there and worth a look if you are planning on staying in Manchester for any length of time. At 13.55, after a light lunch and having taken on water we continued our journey first joining the Bridgewater canal. In many respects, the ‘Bridgewater’ can be likened to the BCN, in the vicinity of Manchester it has traces of loading arms and wharfs – some of which are trading on the water feature as conversions of warehouses and new developments are created. We passed the original doglegged arm which contained the locks down to the Manchester ship canal. Beyond this we were bounded by railway on one side and metro-tram line and MSC on the other. At the ornate Throstle Nest bridge the MSC and metro swing away and the Bridgewater passed a rather understated facility – apparently a bunch of overpaid villains kick a bladder of air about for the amusement of many thousands of locals (and not so locals if my son is one to go on!) At 15.00 we arrived at Waters Meeting Jn and turned right. In some respects the character of the canal hereabouts can be likened to the Birmingham Main Line – all seems very purposeful. The current state of the Nation is reflected in the new business/office development – shiny new blocks with no-one occupying them. A little further along and we passed within a few hundred yards of the ‘Trafford Centre’ – we have made a note of the access point from the canal and, I suspect, we may be visiting tomorrow on our return journey. So why have we turned northwest? To ‘do’ the Barton swing aqueduct of course, now it may be my imagination, but it did not seem as impressive as I thought it would be!! We continued past Patricroft and then Worsey, passing at one point a lighthouse!! The colour of the water reddish brown due to iron oxide. From the canal perspective, Worsley seemed a very pleasant place and worth a stop (we will do that another time). At 16.45 we passed under the M60 on the outskirts of Worsley and decided to moor in the countryside before Boothstown. Mmmm, a fair few developments springing up along the canal in this area and then we had problems mooring, in the end we found somewhere suitable just on the outskirts of Boothstown – seems quiet enough. So, at 17.30 we knocked the pins in and tied up for the night. With that, reader, our story concluded for today – I have found that the adjuster for the ‘domestic’ alternator has loosened and that our run this afternoon has probably done nothing to recharge the batteries. Due to rather an excess of wine it is not a job I shall tackle tonight – so first thing in the morning I’ll be breaking out the spanners. As ever, until tomorrow I bid you farewell and goodnight. PS If you are in need of chandlery stuff – stainless steel fairleads, ss screws, ss bolts, rope etc then visit the Arndale Centre in M’chest’r and look out for Clas Ohlson – it is a sort of IKEA for ‘everything else’. I must have gone there 3 or 4 times and spent a fair amount. eg box of pozidrive stainless steel screws, Nokia battery for my 2+ year old phone (suggested by a member of staff in the nearby Nokia shop) and so forth. They have a range of LED replacement bulbs suitable for a number of 'boat-type' lights - they had sold out of the ones I needed though.

Hi all, advice requested. I have an issue, the warning buzzer on my Barrus Shire 'de-luxe' control panel is 'just' buzzing, barely noticeable and the light in the voltmeter is illuminated. Voltage is indicated as normal and my Stirling battery management panel suggests that all is well with the charge to both leisure and starter batteries. Just to help with the analysis - fan belts are OK and tightened correctly, oil pressure is excellent and the engine is not overtemping. Any advice gratefully accepted. Thanks in anticipation.