An Unexpected Journey

Wednesday 8^th May 2013

After mooring up the previous day, Diane wanted to go down to the River Lock and watch the boats go out on the tide this morning – no problems – just a lazy 4½ mile stroll there and the same coming back, plus they were due to go out just before 9am.

Yes dear we can get up early and walk there, but not sure that you will make it back – not sure I will either, but your wish is my command.

Early riser that she is I reminded her about 6:30am of her desire, to wit there was a sudden springing out and we were away – err, with the boat – we would just go down to the water point moor up and see the boats, come back and we could leisurely go down to the town later after we watered up.

Sounds all OK to me.

We walked into town and down to the River Lock – spoke to some of those going – oh we were called by CaRT about going today instead of tomorrow – they are expecting high winds; there are only 5 here at the moment to go.

A bit further on we spoke to the lockie, Bert – in his inimitable Lancastrian accent (some of which I understood) he explained that the new weather reports showed strong winds and rain for Thursday and Friday and there would not be any possibility of passage on those days.

He explained that we could go today – problem was that we had walked in and we needed to be at the lock (with the boat as well) in just an hour.

Confirmation with his boss – I think it’s a seniority thing (in years) – the boss was too old to have an “on-the-road” drivers licence, so Bert very kindly drove us back to where the boat was moored – countdown now at 45 minutes.

Hurriedly we got to the boat readied her to unmoor and let loose – 2½ miles in 40 minutes – no problems (eeek!!) – including moored boats and two swing bridges.

Diane had the controls on the boat and went nicely past the moored boats (the first lot) after that it was flat out (for a canal).

This left me having to run to get ahead to get the swing bridges opened in timed for her to get through without slowing down and the run to catch up and get on – all at speed.

As well there was the anchor to get out and ready; clear the roof of items likely to get tossed overboard; get the lifebuoy connected to a rope – all achieved – full steam ahead still – aye aye captain!

I think the CaRT people at the lock may have been taking odds about us making it, but we did with seconds to spare. Instructions had previously been given so we were set on that score.

We could see the last boat about 10 minutes ahead of the lock – we were still locking down; gates opened; engine engaged at full warp speed and we were off – keeping to the left to avoid being dragged up river by the in-rushing tide.

We made pretty good speed; around the first few bends and we had settled down.

Diane was a bit upset – seems she had missed on the chance to get all nervous about going.

What started off as a casual walk to see what was ahead for us tomorrow became reality today.

The bends didn’t give us a chance to see where the boat directly in front of us was; we knew that we needed to get a hurry on to avoid missing the sea lock and ending up in Preston for the night.

Passing the marina at Hesketh Bank, I spotted the boat – not that far ahead but it is always difficult to gauge distances.

Then the long almost straight run up to Asland Lamp (the rounding mark) – we were gaining on the boat – this really was our marker – catch them and we felt sure of making the lock.

just on the left there are some buildings - red brick and white -
we had to aim for these to make sure that we rounded Asland
Lamp and not run-aground on the sand banks on the right at the junction

Asland Lamp

By the time we had reached Asland Lamp we rounded it just behind them but the techniques (from John Bertrand) and natural “skills” allowed us to slip past them – there will be a certain call up to one of the America’s Cup teams I am sure.

This was awaited if we turned left instead of right -
The Irish Sea

The wind was whipping up the water

some of the flotsam remaining after a high tide -
that would be the rubbish not the sheep

We had left the boat on about 1900 revs (max 2300, but usually only 1100) and she performed magnificently. We made the turn from the estuary into the sea lock entrance channel close to the boat in front and well inside the time that we needed to get there.

Savick Brook entrance- pretty glad to see this

the Sea Lock and green light to go through

It took about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete and we were a bit interested to learn that one of the other guys on another boat who had completed this before thought it was a bit harder than usual – we thought it just fine.

The only problem that we had was that the wind that was initially behind us on the journey to the Lamp, was now broadside to us when we rounded it, so we had the boat lurching to port; the waves were hitting on the starboard occasionally splashing up higher, but to me it was quite enjoyable; Diane was not too worried, just concerned a little but glad it was over; Banjo was fine outside but didn’t like the noise (from the engine) inside – so he was out as well – all of us with our life jackets on.

A short wait after the tide was on its way out before the sea lock closed – they needed to allow water to come out so that there was clearance under the first bridge – after that it really was just another flight of lock – CaRT helping us through the next lock and the last 3 lock (a three-rise staircase).
The canal between the Sea Lock and the staircase was a tight winding event and needed to be negotiated with care to avoid the shallow sides and just get around the tight bends.

we needed to wait just past the Sea Lock until the water level
fell enough to allow us under this road bridge

If the tight turns, muddy banks and shallow sides weren't
enough we had these to watch out for as well

Just beyond this bridge was the staircase lock...

... into which we needed to reverse - there was not enough room in
the pound below to wind

The staircase was recommended to be done in reverse – i.e. reverse the 2 boats into the first chamber and then together into each of the subsequent chambers and wind at the top – which we did with some ease.

We bid thanks and farewell to the last lock-keeper and we were away, turning left at the Lancaster Canal junction and journeyed up past bridge 23 to moor up in a reasonably quiet and rural setting – we couldn’t get right in but just a ½ metre out was fine.

What a day we have had – a casual walk turned into a full blown rush to get to the lock and then suddenly we were in the midst of what we had been concerned about.

The alternative would have been a wait until the 23^rd May – not something that I think we would have bothered staying around for.

It really was An Unexpected Journey

17 miles, 11 locks  and 2 swing bridges

Totals: 1658 Miles, 1294 Locks, 56 Tunnels, 28 Lift Bridges, 129 Swing Bridges

The “Ghost Ship” appears and so does the sun

Sunday 5^th May to Tuesday 7^th May 2013

It just appeared out of nowhere – through the mist – an apparition, a spectre; stories from long ago came flooding back into the mind; children wailed – “save me, save me” – the ghost ship had appeared.

Just appeared virtually from nowhere - the mist had enveloped it

We checked our watches – both of us – it was before 9am and nb Caxton was on the move – in fact they had left their mooring not long after 8am and were now back to reclaim it.

winding to reclaim it's natural mooring

They had wanted to water up and grey down and we were looking after their space until their return and then we were off ourselves with a timetable to keep.

It was so busy in Manchester on Saturday night that these three
moored above Lock 92 - haven't seen boats there before

How busy was it - even the geese were looking to take over the
duck's lodgings

We wanted to put a fair distance behind us before the end of the long weekend – a rough target of beyond Wigan, around Crooke would be nice.

Wouldn't be right without a picture from here

The day had started a bit on the coolish and overcast day (no threat of rain) and within about 15 minutes of our departure the sun was starting to break through the clouds.

After the junction things were fairly well settled so Diane looked after the boat and I went inside to work.

The miles ticked themselves off; the sun was shining; nothing of any concern at all.

We have seen so many capable people on day-hire boats -
sadly this group is not amongst them

Through Worsley; we needed to get diesel, a pumpout and gas – the big three (the water was already full from that morning) – and so we decided on Bridgewater Marina where we had been before.

Who should be there having just filled with diesel but nb Firefly with Ray and Leonie.

They moved back so that we had access to everything; the guy from the office took care of the boat whilst we chatted; soon the kettle was on; tea had been made and we were at one of the tables really relaxing – just a lazy hour on a Sunday morning – what else is there to be done.

Just enjoying the weather

Well actually we all needed to move along so we were away and Fire Fly was off in the direction from whence we had come.

Time for goodbyes...

see you both soon

We finally moored past Dover Bridge after a brilliant day of sunshine and virually no wind.

Could it get any better – well, yes – Monday turned out to be the type of day that we all want to have when cruising – a little warmer than Sunday and a little less wind.

glorious sunshine and the trees have discovered that spring
is here

We cruised through Wigan and then past Crooke, and then around Appley Bridge finally mooring up just in front of nb Compass Rose (Janet and Howard).

The chairs were out; the tea was poured – out on the towpath making a traffic hazard for the walkers and cyclists alike – we enjoyed ourselves – Diane and Howard returned form the café bearing ice-creams for themselves – Janet and I declined.

Two dogs and only one ice cream -
"give us a bit"

Towpath takeover

Busy busy busy - boats everywhere

What another brilliant day.

Howard continued with his warnings of making sure the insurances were all paid up and that the wills had been written – the big day of attacking the Ribble was fast approaching – Diane was concerned a bit, but all will be fine on the day (I hope!).

Tuesday arrived and we headed off not too early and through the two swing bridges before the Rufford arm, Diane swung the boat around and under the bridge just as a crew from a boat moored at the lock were opening the gates and she was straight in – not almost perfect timing – it was perfect.

After the first lock they pulled over and we carried on down the flight  eventually mooring up for lunch just before Lock 7 – our intention was to just have some lunch and Diane would walk Banjo up and check the canal out – our intention was to move a bit further down. It was our intention but with the sun out and feeling just a bit tired from a few days of heavy work we succumbed to the welcome warmth – Diane sitting outside to finish a cushion and catch up her reading of other boaters’ blogs and me to get a bit of work finished as well ( I was the one inside).

I'm the one in red - working on these heavy gates

A beautiful scene for a beautiful day

and someone was just taking it easy - Banjo wasn't
doing much either

Hands up if you can spot Wally

A precious cargo beneath

It was a lovely spot to moor and we enjoyed it very much – seemed a pity to move when it was like this – after all we were a day early for our scheduled crossing !!

Apologies to anyone who may have been expecting a different story based on today's date - you will have to wait.

33 miles, 14 locks, 1 lift bridge and 5 swing bridge

Totals: 1641 Miles, 1283 Locks, 56 Tunnels, 28 Lift Bridges, 127 Swing Bridges

Silent Sunday 7

Happy Star Wars Day

Saturday 4^th May 2013

Our last full day in Manchester for a while was neither exciting nor boring.

We were both up early to go off and fetch the paper; Diane managing to slip in a couple of danishes – just when she knows that I cannot eat anything like that; and also to seek out a nice little early opener for a full English breakfast – a little more fancy than the two pieces of dry toast that I was limited to.

By the time we had finished, we wandered a bit more and suddenly the thought of our travel plans for the US later in the year arose and we were off to Trailblazers and then to Flight Centre to compare their ideas.

Where to stay in New York was of concern – it was suggested that the Waldorf-Astoria would be nice for 5 nights – we had wanted a self-contained flat but the prices for those in Manhattan made the WA much cheaper.

Nice if the bank could afford it – I have started looking at private rentals – they are much cheaper (but still expensive).

Back to the boat; some more checking on line; at least we have Orlando sorted; no flights booked yet (but soon); no accommodation in NY (but soon); no car rental organised (but soon) – pretty soon the time will be here, so hopefully we do get it sorted.

We had organised with Elaine and Paul to venture into China Town for Dim Sum (we call it Yum Cha back home); they trusted me to provide directions to get – all I can say is that plenty of exercise is good for the appetite.

We found the nominated place; it took a little while for the others to work out the menu ordering – I left it in their hands to sort that out.

In the meanwhile, Diane’s beloved Watford were seeking automatic promotion to the Premier League so I was in charge of keeping an eye on the scores via the phone.

The food arrived; very nice indeed – good selections by them all.

Finished everything; bill paid and we were out – still keeping a check on the scores – not good news at all – the playoffs now beckon for the Hornets.

We caught the last of the free bus colours that Diane had been wanting to try out – to see the route; a visit of Tesco and then a return to the boat and sit down for a while to recover – well at least for me.

A very relaxing evening is planned – it all started with Dr Who (for Diane – not for me) and not much else to be done.

Tomorrow we will be off relatively early after we water up and it will be goodbye Manchester and off to Lancaster.

Plans are made to be flexible

Wednesday 1^st May to Friday 3^rd May 2013

When we left the marina at the beginning of March it was with a clear intention to do the 4 Counties Ring and then back into the marina to take care of some leaking windows.

We travelled with Dot and Gordon (nb Ewn Ha Cul) and then we thought we like the Macc and would just go up there a bit and we could catch up with Elaine and Paul.

Then somewhere along the way Diane made the suggestion about going into Liverpool again for 2 weeks – nb Caxton would be gong in as well.

So we all started travelling together and at the junction with the Rochdale we said goodbye to Dot and Gordon and we carried on to Liverpool.

Now that we are back in Manchester and having spoken with Howard and Janet (nb Compass Rose) the suggestion about doing the Lancaster Canal came up – so we rang CaRT and spoke to Ruth who was able to help us with dates for next week’s passages and a passage back again.

So now we have put the application in; the days were blocked in for us; and we will be going up to Savick Brook on the 9^th May.

Talk about changes of plans – we haven’t gone anywhere near where we thought we were going.

We have had a few days in Manchester already and once again we have enjoyed it – firstly with Howard and Janet – off to Ikea to help Janet spend Howard’s money; and a day of maintenance on the boat including some painting – but it seems that each day we end up in the same place – The Wharf – dogs allowed and such a lovely pub - the tradition has continued with Elaine and Paul as well as Bombo and Sammy along with Banjo - the dogs really enjoy being able to go inside.

We will catch up with Janet and Howard in a few days time.

Friday was not a pleasant day – for me – really crook indeed – seems like a 24 hour thing – well at least I hope so.

We have one more day here and will be off on Sunday back the same way from where we have been.


No travel during this period

Horsepower and Sainthood

Tuesday 30^th April 2013

Blue skies and no wind – perfect for a gentle cruise.

Management had decided that we should fill with water first and if we could wind as well we would be in an excellent position to do a self pumpout and then be almost completely set for a few days in Manchester.

I must say that the width of the water was fine for winding – if only it hadn’t been so shallow on the other side – we noticed it as the front of the boat went up – but it was only soft and we could swing around – especially as Diane had taken the stern rope and started to pull the rear around – her comment was and I quote “I’m as good as a horse”.

Far be it for me to disagree with my lovely wife.

Seems like I may have to buy in a few more bags of oats and a couple of bales of hay.

The cruising was lovely today – the sun came out from behind the clouds at regular intervals to deliver some much needed warmth and we just pootled along – neither fast nor slow.

Approaching Bridge 50 I reminded Diane of the snack van that she wanted to visit on our return trip for a barm or two. Moored up on the off-side near “Dave’s Butty Wagon” – she’ll have her sausage barm with a sugar lump and a sprinkling of your best oats.

in her element - tied up to the hitching rail outside the butty wagon

Such a lovely day that it was I was tempted to cast a few comments on what she had said and happily I was rewarded with one of her lovely smiles – I fear the spell to turn me into a newt will come later.

She further cast her net upon a poor one-legged goose standing on the canal side – “Oh poor goose only has one-leg; it would be much better with two” – at which the second leg appeared – A Miracle, A Miracle – praise the lord and pass the potatoes.

We are in the presence of a genuine holy person.

Beatification and sainthood is sure to follow – who do we contact and what is the pay rate?

not everyone is pleased with curing the lame - this runner was
held up by the family-protective goose

Nothing much more took place until we reached Castlefields – oooh we found the Sanitary Station – hadn’t seen that before, but more importantly where would we moor up.

Around into the Grocer’s Warehouse arm – who do we run across but nb Compass Rose (Howard and Janet), next to whom we moored in Aston Marina.

It is always nice to meet up with old friends as a surprise.

Eventually we moored up in the same place as earlier this month – set up everything; a bit or work then lunch.

We wandered down to see Howard and Janet and headed up to The Wharf for a drink and a chat to catch with them on how they had been, what we had all been up to – as boaters tend to do

7 miles for today

Totals: 1608 Miles, 1269 Locks, 56 Tunnels, 27 Lift Bridges, 122 Swing Bridges