Sun, Breasts and Boats - what's that all about?

Thursday 26th February to Friday 27th February 2015

We didn't get up to a lot yesterday - the rain held us inside for the morning and after lunch we ventured out to wander up to the collection of houses above The Navigation Inn - this area being renamed as Buxworth.
Seems some time ago the connotations of the name Bugsworth didn't sit too well with those who lived here, so the name was changed.

Not sure that the more "exotic" name made much change - there is nothing here that would attract me with any intensity - Bugsworth or Buxworth - think I would not be persuaded by the name.

Diane is always on the lookout for public footpaths around the areas that we visit - me, I then look to see if there are any cows along the path - they invariably head for the dairy.

Anyway, she found one that looked interesting - me I saw it heading downhill with a dodgy path and not much at the end.
We didn't make it any further than about 20 metres along when the wet muddy ground claimed the inevitable victim - the missus found out how slippery and now has more washing to take care of.
If only I had taken the camera - legs gave way and the soft part of the posterior hit the soft muddy bit - outcome was muddy trousers and muddy coat and a quick acknowledgement that we should head back to the safety of the roadside footpath.

She was not sufficiently muddied to head back indoors, instead we headed around to Whaley Bridge via the towpath - where we had not been together since 2008 - it seems to be the quintessential hills town with a railway.

at Whaley Bridge - the terminus

Back in 2008 we had a meal here - all I remember is that every
dish contained coconut - we declined to go in this time

We did stop off for a cuppa and cake and after a little more looking around we walked back to the boat.

This morning the weather was much clearer and the sun was out - just lucky I guess - we had already planned to head off.

But first we thought it better to water up at the basin services - the water pressure is a lot better. As is not so unusual, with the engine already running and heating the water, Diane decided to shower whilst the water tank was filling.

Now this wife of mine can be a bit on the cheeky and naughty side, so as I am outside checking on things as the water is doing it's thing, she is on the inside of the boat flashing the glace cherries - the sun is shining in the window, I am on the outside and not able to do anything other than delight in their sight.

She can be just a bit naughty at times.

(no photos at this time)!

Immediately after that the water tank was full and overflowing, so I cleaned everything up and off we went.

The depth hadn't changed since Wednesday - still at a slow speed, but with sun.

There was some novelty for us though, coming along to two moored boats, we spotted another coming towards us. As their path would end in the off-side vegetation if we continued we opted for the stop and let them pass approach.

Vegetation on the left meant that two boats couldn't really squeeze
through, so as we put into reverse the bow swung to the left -
we managed to straighten up and everyone was happy

They too had observed the irony, that not having seen much in the way of any boats moving, we should meet at a point difficult to pass each other on the move.
 

In these photos you can see the new flag pole, skilfully made for
us by Elaine's brother - thanks Trevor, we shall use it with pride...

...and of course the new flag generously given to us by Paul.
There is also a crazy woman aboard with her crazy hat.

As if to extend the situation, a little further on we encountered yet another boat moving - too much of this and we will be thinking that winter has ended - sun, boats moving - next it will be trees with blossom.

These pictures show a brilliant day and if this is winter then
what could summer be like -

The workmen were still hard at it shoring up and repairing the towpath banks and we eased around each group, before reaching Marple and claiming the last mooring place opposite the services - in fact the same place from where we left on Wednesday.

7 miles, 1 lift bridge, 2 swing bridges
YTD: 80 Miles, 25 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 2 Lift Bridge, 5 Swing Bridge
Totals: 2974 Miles, 2146 Locks, 99 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 156 Swing Bridges

Peak cruising time

Tuesday 24th February to Wednesday 25th February 2015

After an easy Tuesday when we pretty well didn't do much at all - I got on with work and Diane held the bed down all day.
The weather was cold and raining, so it really wasn't a hard choice - with no need to move we stayed put.

Our time was up on Wednesday - these were only 48 hour moorings - so just on 9am we moved across the canal to the services to take care of the water and elsan and then headed off around at the junction.

The weather was almost perfect for cruising, with no wind and the temperature around 5-6C and just a little mist around.

But the Peak Forest canal is one of the most beautiful canals in the system and even today with it being winter it was still very pretty.

The off-side has been cut back and the hedges have all been trimed; the leaves have left the trees and all of the hills could clearly been seen.

Although shrouded in a bit of mist, the hills are still very lovely

Not even the couple of CaRT work parties carrying out rectification work on the towpath banks had any effect.

We came across Bridge 24 (Wood End Lift Bridge) which is being worked on due to an overweight vehicle going over it - quite pleasant not to have to wind it up and down.
 

Look - no lift bridge - if only they were all that easy.

Matlows factory - there was a sweet smell all of the way past it.

The canal is still, as always, a bit shallow, but even that did not affect the enjoyment of the cruise, and when finally we arrived at our destination - Bugsworth Basin - there were plenty of spaces in which to moor up.
We winded and reversed into the first finger of the moorings and tied up.

Off to Tesco at the junction to make up for a lack of opportunities at Marple - the towpath was very good and no mud - practically paved all of the way.

Back on board and we really just settled in for the day.

Tomorrow we will be out and about - Diane wants to see a few things that we have missed on previous visits.

An old friend of ours - Tone Fearne (nb Much Gigglin') - said to us early on in our boating days - there are over 2000 miles of canals; you can travel two different ways on each one; there are 4 seasons in the year - every combination of these is different and has it's own beauty.

I have never forgotten that and travelling the Peak Forest today reinforced that sentiment - it was a grand day cruising - this Peak cruising time!

7 miles, 1 lift bridge, 2 swing bridges
YTD: 73 Miles, 25 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 1 Lift Bridge, 3 Swing Bridge
Totals: 2967 Miles, 2146 Locks, 99 Tunnels, 35 Lift Bridges, 154 Swing Bridges