A visit to Pemberley

Saturday 28th February 2015

Once again the weather figured large in our considerations regarding travel.

We wanted to be back in Bollington by Monday at the latest, but the forecasts of high winds and rain at varying times gave us no option but to leave Marple today.

It didn't start as a particularly friendly day with misty drizzle about - this I found out on my journey down into the town for Diane's paper; having already made her coffee, she was able to occupy herself with Facebook, reading blogs and viber until I returned.

One other reason for leaving when we did was that the National Trust property of Lyme Park at High Lane was on the way - just a mile from the canal and was open; and the moorings were only 2 miles on from where we were.

We cruised past Goyt Mill - an eagle eye out for anymore fruit tossers - but as it was Saturday, I guess they must be all plum tuckered out.
 

2nd red door up - no sign of any tossers on
a Saturday

The moorings were reasonably full but we managed one on the end even though we were out a bit from the bank - no problems as we were not staying the night.

Then the walk up to the property - just 1.1 miles - but at one of the bus stops Diane contemplated catching the bus but decided not to; only for one of the ladies waiting for another bus to advise that once there it was a further mile to the house - this was becoming a bit of a trekking expedition - perhaps we should have engaged some of the locals to act as porters.
 

The main entrance - the cottage would do us

Anyway, it was a leisurely walk to the front gates, despite what the management of the boat might say, but I have to say I was thankful that they had a courtesy bus operating between the carpark and the entrance, so we only had to wait a few minutes for someone to pick us up.
We were a bit early for opening time (11am), but this we knew and also the cafe was open which enabled us to have a cuppa before seeing the house.
 

Just the stables block up there, mate!

Why this house? Well it usually doesn't matter to us, if there is a National Trust property on the way and it is open we will stop off to see it and get maximum use from our membership; but this was a bit more special for Diane - it was used as the stately home of Fitzwilliam Darcy called Pemberley in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - the version with Colin Firth appearing out of the lake.
I suspect that Diane was expecting that the man himself would appear in person with clothes all a-dripping.
 

Not actually the tradesman's entrance - just not the front of the building

This was/is the main entrance - could do with a bit of  high
pressure water cleaning

Fortunately the sun made a welcome appearance and we walked a bit further up to see the house.
Unfortunately any chance of taking photos inside the house were knocked on the head, so nothing there....
 

...but she slyly took one photograph

As usual with houses of this outward grandeur, the interior also were impressive, with most of the decorations being from the original owners.
Again it just amazes me the extent of the wealth that was held by individuals in the past by virtue of an hereditary connection.
One item of interest was the Caxton Missal - printed in 1487 - one of only two surviving copies. Apparently it was printed in France, because they could do a two-colour print. Our latin was not good enough for a translation.

The impressive Long Hall, the Dining Room and many other rooms were worth the effort, but for Diane, she wanted Mr.Firth emerging from the lake in front of the house - sadly he was not in today and then she was told that the lake out front wasn't the one that was used anyway - they had a spare lake further back in the property.
Nice to be able to have that additional one in case the first choice is not good enough.
 

Madam in the orangrie....

....with the Madman

Now this is the more familiar sight - the building I mean

a selfie by the lake 

It was Colin Firth's day off, so the body-double had to stand -
hope you can see the striking similarity

After seeing all of the house that we could as well as the orangrie and some of the immediate grounds we had to be heading back - there was still the matter of a boat trip which included water and diesel.
The courtesy bus picked us up from outside the house and we then only needed to walk from the main entrance, back to Ferndale - this was a bit easier as it was all downhill.

So off we were again, the weather showing the signs of what we knew would be coming our way - it was a bit colder and a bit more windy.

Stopping only at Higher Poynton for a top-up of the diesel and water tanks we continued on to Bollington, taking the last mooring, just one along from where we were previously - there must be a small shelf where we are as we need to be out just a bit, but we are back.

7 miles
YTD: 87 Miles, 25 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 2 Lift Bridge, 5 Swing Bridge
Totals: 2981 Miles, 2146 Locks, 99 Tunnels, 36 Lift Bridges, 157 Swing Bridges

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

We were appled in Marple...

Monday 23rd February 2015

The boat warmed up very well after being cold for over a week and we had a nice peaceful night.

We had only booked at the marina until this morning and so after filling the water tank; using the power to get those jobs done which are easier with a landline; dropping the pramhood; and paying for the power that we did use, we headed off.

The sun was out this morning and quite warm to boot, but the air is cold, so were still rugged up.
 

Bright sunshine - just the thing for cruising...

...and to take your mind off the cold air

It seemed that that the entire distance to Higher Poynton was lined with boats or boats reasonably close to each other - we only averaged 2 mph.

Along the way Diane suggested that we should fill up the diesel tanks and cans there so that we were prepared just in case, so as dutiful as ever, I agreed and moored up - probably for the best, 114 litres at 69 ppl - and a new boatside connection for the landline which broke when we tried to disconnect. It had been a bit suspect for a while now, but failed to disconnect when we wanted to leave earlier.

The canal is shallow in places but we already knew that from our trip last month and we had to put the engine into neutral to clear a few longer cuttings.
Around the Middlewood Station Aqueduct there was a sudden thud followed by a shuddering of the rudder - reversing the prop didn't help, so it was a plunge into the icy-cold canal - fortunately only up to the elbow, but that was enough.

A bl___y empty coal bag - now where in the world would that have come from - another flaming boater, that's where, inconsiderate dimwit. Hope their prop gets jammed up nice and tight with a long length of high tensile steel cable.

Once cleared we were fine and continued on and passing Goyt Mill we were startled by an apple that had been thrown at us by a person from the Mill. 
We could hear laughing as well.
Luckily it missed both of us, missed the solar panels -hitting the backcover and rolling away.
I looked back and could see where it came from - if I get the chance, I may pay them a little visit.

We have arrived at Marple and to our surprise the moorings opposite the charity boat and services were completely empty, so we have moored at the back and the trading boat "Roach" moored up in front but moved off after lunch. A bit of a bonus - so now on rings and moored up nicely.

We had a wander down to the shopping area to get a couple of things at the Co-op - whoa, it has now gone -closed on Saturday 14th Feb.- just 9 days ago.

We think we have also found the reason why these moorings were completely vacant.......
 

Secret business around the services....

....it's a launch pad for a new Tardis

5 miles
YTD: 66 Miles, 25 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 1 Swing Bridge
Totals: 2960 Miles, 2146 Locks, 99 Tunnels, 34 Lift Bridges, 153 Swing Bridges

A Mad Dash!

Tuesday 27th January to Wednesday 28th January 2015

I have mentioned in recent times our need to keep a firm eye on the weather reports and just to have an idea of what may be coming our way.
This was the state of affairs this week as we could see a week long period of overnight temperatures falling below freezing and the higher probability of the canal freezing.
We knew we would need water sometime in that period.

We also wanted to pop into Lime View Marina regarding putting the boat in for 10 days in February whilst we are away; and then there were the cassettes that would need emptying.

All three at once meant that we would need a little bit of a cruise.

Tuesday was due to be relatively fine and so we thought that we should go after Paul and Elaine were back and our doggie sitting was over.
Fortunately the timing allowed us to head off at a reasonable time which meant that we got to Four Lane Ends and the marina early - booked ourselves into there - and then to Higher Poynton to fill the water tank, which after a load of washing was slightly above the 1/4 mark, so it took a bit of time to fill.

Saying goodbye to Bollington

As usual the moorings above the water point were full to the bridge and we cruised to Middlewood where we managed to moor up despite it being a bit shallow.

Surprisingly, the Myfi reception was very poor - one of the few areas where we have failed to pick up a signal, but I had Diane's phone to act as a portable hotspot and life resumed as normal.

Another check on the weather showed the strong possibility of snow on Thursday so it became the topic of our discussion about what do we do on Wednesday - head for Marple, empty the cassettes and then wind and head back for where we were and finish the cruise to Bollington early Thursday or do it all on Wednesday.

It all became a moot point when Diane found out that the BBC were showing the Australian Open semi-final (with Andy Murray) live at 8am on Thursday morning - no question now - it would be a mad dash on Wednesday.

The alarm was set for real early and for us that is early.

Up, dressed, breakfasted and boat was ready and then away by 7:50am - the wind had picked up and as expected we were barely underway when the rain hit - it was quite an early morning storm which only lasted 15 minutes but left it's mark.
You realise something is amiss when there is more water pouring off the roof of the boat than there is under it in the canal.

It settled down a bit after that and it was only about 3 miles to Marple - one of the crew decided that she would head below for a lovely hot shower as we could refill the tank again when we were emptying the cassettes.

There I was alone on the stern - deserted in my hour of need - just as the wind really came up - the bow was rising and falling as waves were moving along; the sleet then arrived and not a lot that could be done.
Fortunately the canal depth had increased so we were no longer crawling along.

We had encountered some problems at bridge holes and seemed to be picking up muck every time; our weed hatch check the previous day had revealed that there was nothing around the prop - reversing seemed to clear it, but eventually we simply slipped the engine into neutral and drifted for 30 seconds before engaging and resuming the cruise.
Our conclusion from all of this that most probably some of the vegetation trimming remains were getting caught around the rudder and when we slowed they simply dropped off - this remained our strategy which seemed to work quite well.

Once at Marple and the services jobs completed, there remained the little effort of winding at the junction - the wind was still up and then to top things off a boat was moored on the lock moorings at the top of the flight.
Thankfully we were not descending today - we simply would not have been able to get into the lock - the boat was blocking the lock entrance.

Remarkably and without much fuss we winded and were now on our way back - still trying to beat the weather.
After getting past moored boats on both sides, the crew took over duties whilst I headed down for tea/coffee making duties and also to get on with some more work.
With this being lock-free, Diane is very happy to assume full control - it is the balance that we need to be able to cruise and get my work done.
She was feeling a bit smug when the sun made an appearance as she remembered the atrocious conditions that I had endured alone earlier in the morning.
That smugness took a bit of a battering when the rain and sleet reappeared and she took on the look of a drowned rat.
Finally we hit Bollington and moored up in the same spot that we had vacated just the previous day; tied up; and were inside as more rain came down.

She texted Paul to see how everything was going with Elaine's appointment for Wednesday and that we were back - the reply that came through meant that we needed to head down and look after Bombo and Sam for a for hours until their delayed return.

Sammie waiting for Mum and Dad to return

The day ended rather a bit better for all of as we sat down to enjoy a Chinese take-away together.

Now she will be able to watch the tennis tomorrow!

15 miles
YTD: 51 Miles, 25 Locks, 1 Tunnel, 1 Swing Bridge
Totals: 2945 Miles, 2146 Locks, 99 Tunnels, 34 Lift Bridges, 153 Swing Bridges