NO cancer, NO chemo Just Cruisin' - yipee

[Sue1946]

Aaww Tony/Mo/Scampi

That sounds like a really bad day!

A couple of short downpours here, but so lovely and warm in between!

I'm not familiar with the scenery you expected, knowing some small parts by road only. When I was last sort of there, it is BEAUTIFUL!!

 

(cringes, sorry!)

However - just get through tomorrow and the weekend should be ok for weather! Well, here it is supposed to be ok!

[TeeELL]

Friday 4th Sep 2009

 

A grey day, another grey day, fortunately our weatherproof gear was dry and our fun captions recharged. We were up early once more ready to make our ‘transit’ time and at 08.50 the lockie arrived to ‘check us in’. Once again I’ll not give you a blow by blow account of our transit – again ‘cos pencil, paper and rain are not a happy mix. Thus we continued our climb to the summit, at 09.35 we had to present our documents at the Yorkshire/Lancashire border and we had to swap the ‘blanks’ covering our red roses to the white roses. Once cleared, we proceeded to the top lock that we reached at 09.45. However, it was 10.10 before we were on the summit pound due to a misunderstanding (on our part ie the crews of the 2 boats). So now we had reached the highest part of our journey 600ft above sea level and, after all the rain, no shortage of water.

The western end locks claim to be the ‘highest broad locks in the country’; we couldn’t understand why it wasn’t a shared title with the equally high eastern end locks? Must be the tilt of the earth or continental drift or something like that! We encountered ‘flood protection’ measures applied to several locks as we started our descent – the one of each lower paddle being padlocked. It made things difficult on occasion because the flow of water over the upper gates was greater than the flow out of the lower paddle. Despite this excess of water 11.30 found Mo and ‘ELE’ aground on the side of the pound between locks 39 and 40. I had to drop the paddles and get up to the previous lock to let some water through; ‘ELE’ was listing at a fair angle. (Part of the problem was that the locks 40 and 41 had suffered subsidence and could only take one boat at a time and we were the second boat)

13.00 saw us at lock 48, which Mo had gone ahead to prepare (lock 47 was another one at a time lock and we had gone through first), 13.45 and we were still waiting for the lock to fill!!! Strangely there was no evidence of the lower paddles or the doors leaking, only one paddle available to fill the lock but plenty of water flowing over the gate, all in all it took over 55 mins to fill and a little over 3 mins to empty. What we didn’t realise is that the sanitation station above lock 47 was the last source of water or cassette emptying until well into Manchester Ooops. (or should that be pooops?)

We moored at 2PM a little way beyond lock 48 adjacent to ‘Waterside Bar & Restaurant’. As a ‘just in case’ measure I also bought another 25ltrs of finest white diesel – boy am I going to have some interesting math to do with the next upload of red. (Only had a couple of hundred yards to walk to the garage Doh!! wish I’d known that yesterday I could have done 2 journeys today in a fraction of the time it took me yesterday).

 

That, Dear reader concludes our adventures for today, a little disappointed that the Pennine scenery wasn’t quite as picturesque as we had hoped but, nevertheless, a journey worth doing it’s just been a shame about the weather. Tomorrow we continue our descent to moor by the ‘Rose of Lancashire’ before we undertake our BW ‘escorted cruise’ down through Manchester. Until tomorrow ……..

[TeeELL]

Sat 5th Sep 2009

 

Dear reader, please accept my apologies for missing a day – where we moored there was no phone signal and, in addition we went to the pub and drank far too much!! But that was later, first we had to get to the pub.

We left the mooring for our run down to ‘The Rose of Lancaster’ at 09.00 prompt, still in the company of Ann and John on nb ‘NELLIE’ and guess what – it started raining. By 10.00 we were aground, so much water but still the sides of the Rochdale are shallow, too shallow for us. We pressed on reaching the motorway at 12.00. I understand that the lock immediately after (Blue Pits New Lock no 53) is the one where the farmer kept cutting off the gate arms and dumping stuff in the lock!

The day remained fairly miserable and, as a consequence I have few notes – we moored in lock 59 at 13.30 – for lunch, yes I know but ‘what the heck’ no-one was going to arrive from either direction. We moved off at 14.00 and arrived at the aqueduct just short of the ‘Rose of Lancashire’ about an hour and half later. We decided to risk using the last of the water for a shower each before going to the pub, John and Ann came to the boat for pre-dinner drinks. We retired rather late after rather more bottles of wine than was good for us.

 

Sun 6th Sep 2009

 

Dear reader, thank you for your patience and perseverance, I am actually scribing this on Monday – once again due to our travelling companions insisting that we go to ‘Arthur’s shed’ restaurant, we didn’t drink to excess but, as you will discover in ‘todays’ tale we were very tired. As ever, I don’t think Terry Pratchitt, J K Rowlings or Bernard Cornwell have any fear of my overtaking them as an author but here goes anyway:

07.00 and a tired and slightly hung-over crew cast off for our run to lock 65 and down through Manchester; the Nicholson guide tells us it will take an hour so we should get there with plenty of time to spare. At 07.30 we reach our first obstacle, lock 64 – the weather forecast on Radio 2, you’ve guessed it RAIN!!! Shortly after the lock the second obstacle ‘Grimshaw lane vertical lift bridge’ even at this early hour there was a fair number of onlookers including several cars – all amazed at how the bridge operates having never seen it work before.

Well, a note for your ‘Nicholson’ (other guides are available!) it takes more than an hour to run from ‘The Rose of Lancashire’ to lock 65. We arrived with just 5 mins to spare – as we approached a body in a hi-viz vest arrived and unlocked the gates. Melissa from BW was our duty escort although her normal area of responsibility was the upper stretch of the Rochdale. She explained that she would be assisting the boat coming ‘up’ as there were only 2 people – could we cope OK? Well the 4 of us had managed up till then. No denying there was some trepidation about this part of our journey – although Melissa was just a young slip of a girl and was not at all fazed at working the locks through. She told us that the average time through the flight was 6 hours and the fastest time 4hrs 30min – no challenge there then!

Thus, at 08.30 we started our descent of the 19 locks to Ducie Street Junction. I drove ‘ELE’ and closed my side upper gate, John or Ann drove ‘NELLIE’ and whichever one of then not driving operated the paddles and gates. Mo was locking ahead so as we exited each lock the next was ready with gates open. All quite slick really. Up until 09.25 and lock 69 where it all ground to a halt – that lock was still padlocked!! A call to Melissa revealed that we were making better time than she had anticipated and that she would ‘be there in 10 minutes’. I don’t know about you but I don’t expect a pub to be open at half nine in the morning and patrons supping ale but…… we declined the offer and had a cup of tea instead. If my record is correct this was the first encounter with chain & pulley operated gate operating gear, something that would be a regular thing down this flight.

We left our drinking companions at 09.35 (Melissa is very precise with her timing estimates) and continued, using our tried and tested system. At 10.15 as we had just entered lock 71 I called Mo on the radio to find that she was down at lock 74!! So, I hear you ask, what is the environment like? To be honest it is nothing like as bad as the reputation suggested, admittedly we are descending on a Sunday morning (guess all the thugs and druggies are at church) but the kids we encounter are encouraged to help open the gates and Mo (Ann is now locking ahead) is giving career advise to a young lass who wants to be a nurse.

At 10.45 we, once again, grind to a halt. Lock 75 is set against us and the upcoming boat is in the lock below – to be honest, we would have had time enough to work the lock and meet the other boat at ‘their’ lock. But we waited, and waited and – even when they were finally at the top of lock 75 – we waited!! Now, we are not in a hurry but folk ‘faffing about’ instead of ‘getting on with it’ can be a little frustrating. Still, no problem, we continued on our way at 11.10. Just though I would record our passing ‘Anthony’s lock’ at 11.35.

We exited the final lock on the flight at 13.10 and a BW man arrived to ‘lock up’ ie padlock. He seemed very impressed with our time down the flight and the fact he would finish early. So we had descended through the flight in 4 hrs 40 mins with a total delay of 10 mins at lock 69 and 25 mins at lock 75. Subtract those times and we descended the 19 locks in just over 4 hours. If only we knew what was ahead of us. (John and Ann did but not quite what we would actually encounter). We moored for lunch in Piccadilly basin before continuing on our descent of the ‘9’ at 2PM. Moments before we moved of a ‘share boat’ cast off from the lock moorings ahead of us. Oh dear! John ended up (in fact at various times we all ended up) helping the crew. The ‘Rochdale 9’ can best be described, for those of you that know it, as a broad lock equivalent of the Farmers Bridge flight in Birmingham (yes I know there are other differences but it is a fair analogy). The amount of water flowing down through this flight made, what is normally a difficult flight to operate, all but impossible. John went ahead to reduce the levels (and flooding) in the lower pounds and we briefed the 2 boats behind not to open their lower paddles until we had the upper gates opened and the boats in and descending. All in all, a very challenging and tiring experience – the ‘share boat’ crew making heavy weather of locking he making all sorts of noises when she kept banging the boat in and out of the locks – some of the side washes were particularly violent, especially with the additional flow. To give you some idea at times the depth of the flow over the upper gates was some 4 inches.

We passed along Canal Street, no clues whatsoever as to the ‘area’ of Manchester through which we were passing!! All very friendly and lots of questions about our journeys etc. At 17.10 we finally reached the bottom of the flight – Castlefield Junction – we went to the sanitation point before reversing and turning into the moorings. Lots of hire boats around and lots of other boats who have had to review their cruise plans due to the breach on the ‘Huddersfield’. We are staying put for a day ‘cos we can, our travelling companions (with whom we had a very nice meal at ‘Arthur’s Shed’ last night) had left. As I finish typing this, Mo has cleaned the shower room, tidied one of the cupboards and cleaned the porthole glass on one side. We are now off to the city.

That’s all for now folks.

 

Mon 7th Sep 2009

 

Having caught up with the cruise report this morning we headed off to the city centre and did the tourist open top bus thing, back to the boat for some lunch and deposit the dog before setting off to look round the shops. We returned at about 7PM and Mo is now doing a stir-fry with turkey that has been marinating since yesterday evening.

I’m now going to see if I can obtain a WiFi connection, otherwise it is back to the trusty mobile phone – had to buy it a new battery, the NOKIA shop didn’t have one (phone far too old) but the assistant suggested we try Clas Ohlson – a sort of IKEA for ‘everything else’.

[Neildudman]

Hi Tony and Mo,

 

Glad your alive, did wonder when I txt'd you!.

 

Keep the blog going, makes nice reading............... (from my big cosy warm and DRY house)

[JohnEW2912]

Thanks for your company over the Rochdale last week (and in pubs and restaurants!). It's a shame that we couldn't have had some better weather for the journey but I'm sure it would have been worse without each other. We got back safely to Scarisbrick yesterday (Tuesday) in considerably better weather. From home in Preston it looks even better today so I hope you are enjoying the Bridgewater.

 

Let us know if you come back up north next year - you still have all the Leeds and Liverpool and Lancaster to explore. They are both a lot easier than the Rochdale 9!

[TeeELL]

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.

[Pete Glynn]

I live just by the Lighthouse, I'll look out for you this afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

Pete

[TeeELL]

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!

[JohnEW2912]

Not that it really matters now Tony, but it's not the Trafford Centre proper that is right by the moorings, but a large Next store. The centre proper is behind it, probably another quarter of a mile away.

 

Enjoy Lymm - one of our favourite stop over places. I can personally recommend the Turkish restaurant and Lymm Bistro if you're eating out, Thai OK also. If not, the deli is also very good. Surprisingly I've never been in any of the pubs but there looks to be an interesting selection.

[johnmck]

Hi Tony and Mo.

 

Enjoying your blog immensely, keep it up as i am sure far more peeps are viewing than adding.

 

Whilst we are amateurs, and do not have a boat of our own yet, our intent is to be boaters in the near future.

 

We did the Cheshire ring in early july, and despite the dire warnings, we thoroghly enjoyed the passage through Manchester. Yes, it was just prior to the school holidays, but we met with nothing but encouragement from boaters and Gongoozelers.

 

Lymm was very sedate, but none the worse for that. Moorings were at a premium, but the locals were more than friendly .

 

Love the north west. Yes i originate from the area, but i just feel so relaxed when i re visit. Must be the water(beer)

 

Enjoy and keep posting.

 

John Mck.

[johnmck]

P.S.

 

So nice to view a thread without sniping....

 

John.

[TeeELL]

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.

[JohnEW2912]

Tony,

 

Leave some time for the stretch of the Trent and Mersey from Preston Brook to Anderton - it's a nice a stretch of canal as there is.

[haggis]

Tony, where are you heading after the Anderton lift? I ask as we are out on Copperkins (from Acton Bridge) next Friday and we are heading up to the Macc. Perhaps our paths will cross...

I am enjoying reading about your journey - so well written that I can picture you as I read.

 

haggis

[TeeELL]

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!!!

[TeeELL]

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'?

Edited September 15, 2009 by TeeELL

[JohnEW2912]

PS John, how did Ann get on with her Charity 'Great North Swim'?

Tony,

 

Very well - she finished in 49 minutes 47 seconds for the mile - 3,613th out of 6,000, which was pretty good considering most were younger and she was doing breaststroke all the way. She was 30th in her age and gender group. As you may remember Sunday was a beautiful day and Windermere a great place to be in the sun for the swim, even as a spectator. If anyone feels like posthumously sponsoring her you can at www.everyclick.com/anneallister. (In case of confusion Allister is her maiden name which she uses professionally).

[TeeELL]

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!

[Night Hawk]

Sounds as though you're having a lovely time...and just round the corner from our mooring at Swanley Bridge. It's worth mooring up by the 'Shady Oak' and walk up to the ruined castle at the top of the hill.

[TeeELL]

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.

[AliG]

Hi Tony

 

Really enjoying reading your posts, especailly as some of the canals we have travelled as well (albeit on a hire boats until we get our own boat in a couple of years)! so you are bringing back great memories of our travels. Couple of things to pick up on from your posts, the tunnel you entered and then reversed back out of as there was another boat, to find there wasn't, we did exactly the same came to the conculsion it was a reflection of our own light! and the tunnel that you met a boat in, unfortuately we missed the same notice coming in the same direction and we had to reverse as we met a nb in the middle, who explained that we had entered at the wrong time, it was throwing it down at the time but neither of us saw the notice, but we have marked our Nicholsons now, so we won't make that mistake again!

 

Enjoy your travels and keep posting!

 

Ali

[Neildudman]

Tony and Mo have are moored safely on the Llangollen Canal with zero signal - no updates tonight alas.

 

I think the Cream Sherry has got into his phone.........

[TeeELL]

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.

[TeeELL]

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.

[TeeELL]

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

Edited September 27, 2009 by TeeELL