Never mind the view, feel the depth

We have moved away from Whaley Bridge on the Upper Peak Forest canal and turned off on to the Macclesfield. We had stopped near New Mills for the view before leaving.

Passing other boats seem to encourage the bottom of the boat and canal to meet each other!

It has been slow going with several bridges to lift and swing on the way. Some difficulty stopping to get off to operate the bridges with the shallow edges. The mud seems to suck the boat back to the side what ever you do with the prop and rudder!

A shallow mooring near Hawk Green

Perhaps we should encourage C&RT to do a lot more dredging and repair of both sides of the canal system. It has been five years since we have been up on the Macclesfield and Peak Forest and have noticed much deterioation.

Back to Bugsworth

Oh that canal Basin is so attractive we just had to get there one more time.  So quiet now, but back in the 1900s it was very industrious and noisy.  Gritstone and Limestone quarries were up in the hills and being transported in wagons down a tramway to be processed.  Coal was bought in and the products taken away by narrowboat on the Peak Forest Canal.

We found Rock n Roll round the back near the lime kilns so turned round and moored nearby.  Then we went for a walk round to find Seyella had arrived for another weekend.

Later that evening Alton arrived and filled all our diesel tanks.

Geoff had placed an order with Tesco and when it arrived we moved alongside to pass the goodies through our side hatches.

Hanging around

We moved out of Bugsworth Basin and stopped just past Carr swing bridge. The mooring was a bit shallow and the boat often leaned over on the mud when a boat passed.

It is worth staying a while to admire the view among the hills of the Peak Forest.

The occupants of Seyella, Rock n Roll and Moore 2 Life spent time together climbing up hills and down in the Goyt valley. Perhaps needless to say I did not manage the hills! Roads cross the River Goyt on huge stone viaducts.

The river flows over its rocky bed and a number of dams create waterfalls where the old mills extracted the power.

The mills have gone now and the power is used to generates electricity. An Archimedes Screw is mounted in a trough with water flowing down, turning the screw slowly. There is plenty of water flowing over the dam but no power was being generated when we saw it.

Marple Locks

Our friends moved back to Whaley Bridge while we set off for Marple. Ann to collect train tickets and me to get medication. While there we had fish n chips sitting outside the shop in sunshine. We returned to the moorings just before Carr swing bridge. We arrived at about five o'clock having travelled for nearly six hours that day.

Rings, rocks and moorings

Many moorings on the Macclesfield canal looked inviting but there was usually too much mud preventing the rear end from getting near the bank. There were a few spaces at the visitor moorings in Marple for Rock n Roll and M 2 L. For once the boats were in deeper water and tied to rings.

We found some good shops down the hill at Marple. Having done the shopping we all enjoyed refreshments from Greggs the baker while sitting on a street seat and watching the traffic!

Back at the boats we set off to turn right at the junction of the Peak Forest canal.

It is many years since we were here and it is sad to see the visitor moorings in such a state with those rocks in the water.

It is only 6 miles to Whaley Bridge but there are a few bridges to swing or lift on the way.

George did Higgs.

And Ann did Wood End while Rocker and Lifer cruised past.

Although it was a bit misty we could see across the Goyt Valley.

Baz and Al were on their way out on Micky Jay and Al was kind enough to open this bridge for us.

We went on to Whaley Bridge for water, facilities and post while Rock n Roll went into Bugsworth Basin.

When we arrived at the basin we did a tour by boat before backing up to join the others.

Seyella and Pilgrim were also there and Malcolm and Barbara invited us all on board for tea, cake and a chat.

We intend to stay a while so felt obliged to volunteer a donation to the Inland Waterways Protection Society which maintain the moorings. This is better than getting a fine from C&RT for staying too long at these lovely moorings.

Locks n mills

All twelve locks at Bosley were climbed up in a morning. We left after breakfast with Geoff setting the locks for us. The wind made it tricky when leaving the lock because the boat was blown into the shallows. It was then difficult to get off the mud.

Half way up we were meeting boats coming down as expected. The top lock is 518 feet above sea level. While there we topped ip with water and lost the unwanted at the facilities.

Next day we continued our journey north round the hills passing several swing bridges that Geoff had opened.  

The canal is noticeably shallow at the edges and in the bridge holes. With the problems at the locks as well, the prop picked up some rubbish. The boat slowed to a crawl and reversing the prop did not help.  Having got past a swing bridge we stopped. 

The weed hatch is under the back deck and difficult to get to so it is always a trial of determination. The water was so cold that my arm almost went numb. Geoff offered to help and managed to remove the old rope and weed. 

A convoy of three boats went through while the traffic waited for us.

Gurnett

The Hovis mill in Macclesfield. That town was well known for producing silk.

There are a few old cotton mill buildings to pass.  This one is Clarence Mill.

An ancestor on my mothers side was Henry Platt who was a blacksmith in Uppermill by the Huddersfield narrow canal. He invented many textile spinning and carpet weaving machines in Oldham.

We set off heading for a mooring at Bollington but found the popular spot full of boats. Several aborted attempts were made due to the shallow edges before finally stopping at Whitley Green.

George and Carol had hired a car and offered to take us shopping in town. A chance to get away from the boat and travel at speed on four wheels. Thank you both for the trip.

Bridges

All canals have their own character and the Macclesfield is no exception. This one cuts through the hills and fills the valleys with embankments or aqueducts.

This bridge is a 'cross over', 'turn over' or 'snake' bridge. When the towpath changes sides to avoid falling down the hill a horse can go through and over without unhitching the tow rope.

This is what I wrote back in 2002 when passing Congleton- 

Canal, rail and road cross each other here. The old stone canal bridge is almost lost under the iron railway bridge and the high concrete road bridge dwarfs both. They show some lack of respect for each other.

The bridges have their own style, Geoff calls them 'Hobbit Holes' because of their shape.

Even the milestones are unique. They were all buried during the war and have been restored to their upright positions.

We were getting low on diesel so were pleased to see Brian and Ann on Alton.

Geoff got some coal.

Despite approaching the High Peaks the canal manages to stay level for most of its 25 odd miles. Only at Bosley does it climb 118 feet through 12 locks in a mile.

Moving boats

Before we set off two boats went past! They were Kangeroo and Australia. The lock was not far ahead and by the time we got there Seyella was already going up.

 While we were waiting another two, Jaguar and Northolt drifted past us. Their engine had stopped and they were almost along side! Ann had set the lock for us so I had to back up to get past them.

The towpaths were covered in snow but at least the locks were clear as we went up the four of them. 

Although it was bright with warm sunshine the bridges still had icicles hanging from them.

About a mile of towpath was being improved on our way to Barlaston.

Next day we set off to tackle the 14 lock miles through Stoke on Trent. More snow fell from the sky accompanied by sunshine and a cold wind. It took us both a while to recover from that trip having got to Westport Lake.

In the morning sunshine we walked round the lake with Geoff and the two dogs. The local wild life were so tame it was possible to get close and personal.

After a refreshing cup of tea we set off for Harecastle Tunnel. Our previous trip through was with Sue and Vic back in 2010.

This time Seyella followed us through. We turn off while the Trent and Mersey goes down to Middlewich.

A short while later the canal crosses over to join the Macclesfield. 

We have been this way only twice before in 2002 and 2005.

Next stop, Stone

Having got past bridge 84 we stopped for two nights. Spent the next day spring cleaning and rearranging our library of books. Time to sort out some of our boat contents. A case of deciding what we could dispose of. 

Ann went off with the two dogs and Geoff for a walk in the sunshine. 

It became necessary to move on to Stone the next day despite the bitterly cold wind. Ann needed to see a Doctor about a rash and blister on her foot. Only four lock miles but such a contrast to the previous travelling day.



The moorings below Stone lock were almost empty when we arrived. Back in 2010 when we last past this way the moorings were full. Much better now with a hard dry towpath. Geoff and Margaret stopped behind us and came in for tea and a chat.

After seeing the Doctor we got some fish n chips that evening.

We moved!

Yes we did, all the way to Sandon with Margaret and Geoff on Seyela behind us. What a treat with the sunshine! Almost spring like.

  

Hoo Mill Lock with the 'elf n safety rail bolted to the crossover bridge. 

Ann up the steps to open the gates at Standon Lock. 

Geoff posing with Ann after M2L got through.

A slow getaway

Our winter companions have moved south and we are on our own again. We said good by to Sue and Vic on No Problem as they head south. With a promise to keep in touch and meet another time some where on the cut.

The local locks at Great Haywood have been opened so there is no stopping us but for medicals and shopping. The medical centre was shut the day I went to book in for a pressure check. "Ring on Monday," they said.

We got water and moved out to Tixel wide for the weekend and made plans for our trip up north on the Macclesfield Canal.

A call first thing on Monday gave me the news that the Medical Centre was already fully booked! So we stayed put for another day. Got an appointment with a nurse on Tuesday. So off we went breaking ice to get back in to Great Haywood.

A lack of space was caused by many CnRT work boats occupying the visitor moorings. A kind boater offered to allow us to moor along side. The work boats had gone by the time we got back so we were able to back into a space.

Went off on the bus to shop at Stafford.

Another move out to Tixel is an option while we await the arrival of our friends on Seyella.

The Trent was very high last year and these men were having fun safely.

Normally not seen

We are waiting at Great Haywood

 This is the bottom lock gate and the cill normally under water

and this is the top gate and paddle exposed

A spring day

We needed to move on so that Ann could get a bus to Stafford. Milford was chosen as our destination. On the way we enjoyed the warmth of the sun without that cold wind of previous days.

No Problem followed us so Ann helped by lifting a paddle after I took the boat out at the bottom. The canal was a bit shallow and brown with churned up silt. We moved over and slowed down as a boat approached at a bend.

Then we found we had got stuck on a mudbank, hill climbing as the old boaters would say. Unconcerned, the skipper of the boat passed us by as we struggled to get off. The shallows just kept sucking the boat back on. 

C & R T have painted those useless wooden bollards here at Shutt Hill.

When we got to Milford Wharf near the railway we were unhappy not to be able to get  TV or phone signals. We moved on a bit further away from the railway to find the signals much improved.

We moved

Getting through this winter has been a drag. Meeting up with Sue & Vic on No Problem has pulled us through with their company. We have all got to Penkridge with Vic lifting a paddle in front to help us through a few locks. For two days we endured the cold and pushed through some slushy ice.

Away from the Shropshire Union and that muddy towpath at Gnosall. Now we twist and turn on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. At one turn the boat refused to go round due to the mudbanks under water. At least the towpaths are less muddy now!

Winter 2010 at Gailey.  (Library picture)

Two or three hours is quite enough during mid morning, travelling while well wrapped up and drinking hot tea or soup on the way. Once moored we enjoy the company either on No Problem or Moore 2 Life back inside a warm boat.

A bus ride and a movie

We got to Wheaton Aston in the morning. Sue had got some tickets for us to see the movie Les Mis in Stafford.

We went on the bus that took us on a white knuckle ride through the countryside. Many narrow roads making passing difficult and going via Penkridge on the way.

Sue had also arranged a meal in a pub offering a free drink via the Internet.

We do not often get to see a movie in a cinema these days. The days of ice-cream served in the interval between two movies are long gone.

At least with the no smoking rule you do not see the flickering beam of light from the projector. Now it is the smell of buckets of popcorn and coke that fills the air.

The word movie still applies to the experience. At one time it was a strip of film with pictures on it. Now we can watch movies on many different mediums including DVD's. Seems that many things have gone digital including the cinema.

Moving after the refit

Done all the varnishing and we have both used the shower, one at a time!

It is all part of a cunning plan.

We got out of the arm and moved down to Gnosall. Ann left me to go to see our grand children.

When S n V came back from their cruise I took them back to Norbury through a snowstorm. Vic got the fire going on No Problem, Sue sorted the Tesco delivery and I was invited to a roast dinner! 'How wonderful is that!'

Next day was warm n sunny so I was able to use the facilities and enjoyed watching the discovery of Richard the third's body in Leicester, having been lost for 500 years. History as we knew it was written by the Tudor's laced with propergander. Now we know what Richard really looked like. His remains were found directly under a car park reserved space marked with an 'R'.

While I was a single hander I got diesel at Norbury Wharf then moved back to Gnosall, got water and waited for Ann to come back. Then we went to town to do the shopping.

Society makes the rules to follow for the good of all. But there are some who do not follow! 

A boater leaves his boat at a water point.
A driver leaves his car on a space reserved for the disabled when he is not.
A beef supplier supplies horse instead and calls it beef.

Sheltered from the wind

Our boat is down the Norbury Arm. We pushed and broke ice to get there. Work is in progress on our refit. The bath is no more having been cut in half to get it out.

Much hard labour and noise to remove the thick tiles. Mik has now replaced it with a shower and shelves.

We have a land line so power is not a problem and saves diesel. We are sheltered from the wind being surrounded by boats. Going for walks however has been purgatory in the cold wind. The fields and towpath are still sogy as you would expect.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker seen nearby

Snowdrops, first sign of spring

Apologies for not writing but we have been editing our book, varnishing wood and watching movies.

An unusual day

The day before, an order was placed with Tesco.  We had just had breakfast when Mik came to say we could move down the arm for our refit to start.  But first we need to take on water, diesel and loose the unwanted.  A kettle of hot water melted the iced up water tap.

It was all go to get it all done and push ice away to get down the arm.  Tesco was due to deliver between 11 and 1.  Thankfully we had got to the mooring before the delivery arrived.  The van driver would not drive over the bridge and down the lane.  The goodies were all on his trolly and taken to the boat.

Then Mik arrived to do a service on our diesel fire.  It had been slightly unreliable since our episode with the diesel bug.  We had turned it off in the morning so the boat cooled down a bit helped by the cold wind!

Mik dismantled the control system and cleaned out the filter and float chamber.  It did have some gunge  inside!  With it all back together an attempt to light the fire failed because the feed pipe was blocked.  Once cleared we had the fire going in no time.

As the boat warmed up again a heavy snow storm was dropping another thick layer.

The refit has started.  Bath to come out and shower tray to replace it.  We did what we could by removing the door, bath side panels, towel rail and other fittings.  Mik cut the bath in half to get it out of the boat and started on the tiles.

They were thick floor tiles stuck on with black bostic and very hard to break off so it is work in progress.

Melting Snowman

Melting away with a Jack D

A snow pic

Gnosall, by the old railway.  We have been lucky so far with no ice in the water - yet!

Coping with winter

Just a few suggestions for us boaters to keep safe and the boat systems reliable.

Brush the snow off the gas locker and make sure it does not freeze.  The gas is sure to run out some time and you need to know that the hatch will open!  Take care, it will be slippery.

To help your cover zips working smear on some Vaseline, it makes the zip run free.

The snow and ice will melt where heat is escaping.  Use newspaper to fill those gaps round the doors.  But do not be tempted to block up the ventilators.

Run the engine twice a day to keep the batteries charged.  They are not so efficient when cold so they will not give as much power as they do in the summer.