Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 4

With the prospects of crossing the aqueducts today we were up at a sparrows f...  We looked out of the window and realised "we ain't goin nowhere".  The fog was so thick we could barely see the boats in front of us so there was nothing for it but to wait for it to lift.

We knew there was a bridge 'ole just behind that last boat.

We decided to take the opportunity to do a quick shop at the Tesco's as we needed bread and fillings for the fried corn flower tortilla's we do now and again.  As we left AmyJo I suddenly recognised the boat that had been moored in front of us last night.  It was fellow bloggers Gill and Graham on nb Armadillo (click).  We stopped and introduced ourselves and chatted for a good while.

nb Armadillo.  Any one worked out what the latin means yet?
Graham reckons no one's succeeded yet.  I won't give the answer just now

Once back from Tesco's the fog had almost cleared completely so we upped pins and moved all of a few hundred yards, turning left onto the services to top up with water.  nb Armadillo was just pulling off so we slipped in as they left.  The water pressure here is pretty poor and it took well over an hour to fill the tank.  Mean while we chatted with the hire boaters in front of us.  They were not enjoying their time afloat as much as they hoped as they could not cope with the cold of the nights.  Their heating was OK but the one bedroom was at the very back of their boat and a gale was blowing in through the gaps in the back doors and hatch.  Try as they might nothing they did could improve matters.  I know how cold our back cabin gets so I do feel for them.

By now it was getting on for 11:30pm so we pressed on.  Like yesterday several boats were on the move so progress as slowed at bridge 'oles as over cautious skippers wrestled at slow speed to line their vessels up to pass through. Some going so slow at times it was a wonder they had any steerage at all.  Still at least they were not ramming the structures like some we saw.

Chaos at a bridge 'ole as boats meet head on.This one narrowly missed being rammed by one boat going at speed.  The poor skipper apologising as he recovered his course afterwards as we passed.

Putting on a brave face for his son after their ordeal. 

 We passed the pretty entrance to Frankton Locks that mark the start of the Montgomery Canal that we'll be visiting next week.

Approaching the entrance to the Montgomery

The moorings where one waits for locking time.

The first of the Frankton locks

Once again the weather set fine with clear skies and warm temperatures.  Sadly my camera is now out of action as it seems to have acquired a squished resident behind the lens in the form of a tiny midge as can be seen from this photo.  How it got in there is a mystery as I cannot see how it could get past the first lens.  Luckily Chris's camera is a later version of mine so we'll use hers for the rest of the trip.

Not a UFO above the cottage but a tiny midge that got behind the lens

By now the day was wearing on and at New Marton locks a queue of boats was forming delaying our progress further.  In the middle of the queue on the lock moorings a father and son on a hire boat were happily fishing, ignoring the fact they were causing havoc around them.  Despite pleas from other boaters they steadfastly refused to budge arguing there are no fish other than at locks because of the flowing water.

Queuing at New Marton Locks

A boat navigates around the fisherman's boat behind AmyJo

My turn to lock wheel today

By now it was clear it would be far too late to cross the Aqueducts so we reluctantly pulled in at St Martins Moor for the night on a long straight stretch of moorings with lovely views ahead.  So sadly no aqueducts today but tomorrow will be a different matter.  

Our mooring for the night

Lovely views of the hills ahead of us

Another gorgeous sunset.  I never tire of seeing these.

Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 3

We had a peaceful night last night, so much so we did not wake until gone 8am.  We had a pleasant run past the Whitchurch arm in the company of John and his wife on nb William. We had several swing bridges to deal with so we opened them and cruised through then John would cruise through and close them behind him.

One of several lift bridges in the Whitchuch area

John's wife steers nb William through the bridge we just past through.

From here on in the canal meanders through endless rural countryside that whilst pretty much alike still gave us plenty to see in the form of birds.  Our bird book came in very handy to spot the breeds we saw.  Chris was becoming a dab hand a twitching each day.

At Prees Junction we resisted the urge to turn left into the arm today, perhaps on our return as we will have some time to hand.  

The most photographed house at the junction, instantly recognisable

Much more traffic after Press,  Boat after boat headed towards us.

Andy never told me Fernwoods were diversifying.

Turning right we headed towards Bettisfield.  According to the Pearson's there was a water point there and as we thought it prudent we sought to fill there.  This turned out to be impossible.  The queue of boats waiting would mean hours lost so we decided to press on.  Unfortunately we must have annoyed a trite lady on a boat in the queue as we proceeded on.  "Are you going for water?" she snapped to which politely I replied we were but as it was busy we would give it a miss this time.  "Well we're next and the boat in front is before us" She scowled, her husband edging their boat out from the bank on its center line as we passed them to ensure I would not take their place.  I chose to ignore them from then on.  If you are going to get uptight over a trifle like that and not take people at their word get off your boat and walk home, you'll find it less stressful.

After that the rest of the day was bliss in the warm sunshine.  We passed Cole Mere and Blake Mere with more of those fantastic views that the LLangollen serves up along its path.

Cole Mere

BlakeMere

Could sit there all day when I get the chance

Next was the 87 yard Ellesmere tunnel.  Nothing special to look at but exiting one is greeted with more lovely views.  A short run further and we pulled in to a great sunny spot right outside Ellesmere Marina.

Later we took the short walk on to the Ellesmere arm and the new Tesco for a shop.  As expected late in the day, no empty moorings were available in the arm but if one can find a spot here this is a great place to stop.

Ellesmere junction seen from the arm

The arm seen from the bridge at its entrance

AmyJo's mooring outside the marina

That night we walked into the village for a drink.  We came across across a pub called the White Hart where on entering we found a local folk night in full swing with the locals playing and singing.  We stay late into the night and found the evening absolutely fascinating.  A violinist joined the band during the evening and brought the house down with some deft bow work to many an Irish jig.  He even ad libbed at just the right time when other artists were playing or singing making some great music.  Apparently this was a regular function every first sunday of the month there.

The White Hart.  Landlord keeps an excellent Shroppy Gold ale

Our musicians for the night

This guy played the violin like a professional, fantastic!

Such a great night was had it was the early hours before we got to bed.  

Tomorrow we head on up stream now in new waters for AmyJo.  Will we reach the aqueducts?  Can't wait to cross the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. again.

Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 2

This morning was slightly better than yesterday as it was still grey and cold but at least the rain had gone away.  The wind was almost non - existent as we upped pins at 8:45.  We crept past the other Tattenhall boats and made our way to the Hurlston Locks and the start of our cruise on the LLangollen canal.

Two boats were working their way up when we arrived so the first two locks were against us.  As we were about to exit the second lock another boat came out of the one above so now that was in our favour.  Before I had chance to clear our lock and move to one side in the pound the other boat came out cutting off my exit.  He had to reverse back into his lock so I could get out of mine and work round him.  Eventually we passed and carried on our way.

Waiting for the bottom lock to be turned.

Hurlston Locks

Crossing over in the pound .  He was not going to wait for me to clear the
lock neither.  I'm sure he thought he could get in whilst I was still in it.

We then cruised on passed Swanley Marina and up  the two Swanley locks.  We made good time through the Baddiley locks despite them all being against us.  By now the day was warming up and the coats came off and jumpers stayed on.  It was here we saw our first clutch of ducklings this year.  Clearly mum had her wings full as the brood was quite a size.  We think they would only be a day or to old.

All the ducklings stuck to mun like glue not leaving her side.

We found the cut still very quiet with few boats on the move.  We usually stop at Wrenbury but when we got there it was wall to wall boats from the first lift bridge, and on past the Dusty Miller.  As luck was with us we had not planned to stop there this time and so as the sun was making an appearance we carried on.

Passing under Wrenbury's electric lift bridge

By now temperatures were feeling quite comfortable making the journey on to Marbury lock quite pleasant.  Mugs of welcome tea and Hot Cross buns became the order of the day but they did not last long.

On up Quoisley and Willey Moor locks.  Once again the Willey moor inn was closed.  Does it ever open we wondered?  Now the sun was out and the sky almost clear of clouds.  Seems the weather gods favoured us again and so off came the jumpers (sorry reader striptease is now over).

Next came some of my favourite locks, Grindley brook, hoved into view.  A bonus, they were in our favour and so with the aid of a dower faced lockie we were through in what seemed minutes.  Despite his looks the lockie turned out to be quite chatty though he never smiled once.

Entering Grindley bottom Lock, quite tight for AmyJo with millimeters to spare

Clearing the top lock

Time was getting on and the evening had the makings of turning out delightful.  We decided to pull in onto the visitors moorings just past the water points and found coal boat Mountbatten  moored for the night.  John and his partner have only been in business for a couple of weeks so I introduced myself and asked when we would meet them coming up stream.  Monday week was the reply so I hope to catch them for a top up of diesel then.

Coal boat Mountbatten

 As predicted the evening sun was warm and glorious and we sat out in our favourite spot on the boat, the cratch, with a drink or three at peace with the world.  The sinking sun gave rise to some superb colours on the scenery beside us, turning this tree into beautiful golden colours.

Lovely golds on the tree branches

Easter Cruise 2015 - Day 1

Been a while since our last post so its fantastic to be cruising again at last.  Thursday evening we got Amy Jo prep'd for cruising, stocking up on a few essentials like beer, food, Whiskey, logs, Baileys, Water, beer and Diesel, oh and I nearly forgot, beer.

We were keen to get underway so a little after 8:30ish we quietly slipped the lines and headed out of the Marina. The weather was not in our favour, cold damp and at times mizzly so the photos may look a little hazy I'm afraid.

Our destination this trip is Llangollen all being well.  We know its a Bank holiday so expected there to be loads of boats out and about and to queue at locks.  Strangely that was not the case.  There were a few boats about but the cut was strangely quiet for a bank holiday.  Perhaps the weather put every one off.

We got through Iron lock that was against us and at Stone lock a boat was just entering, luckily they waited for us.  Our lock mates turned out to be Paul and Chris on nb Patience who also moor at the marina.

At  Chas Harden Boats we came across working boat Sprey with butty Betelquise.  Sadly Spey's engine had blown a gasket and was currently stripped down to replace it.  They were moored immediately up stream of the lock landing making it difficult to get into the lock.  Considering their predicament we could not blame them.

We made good time through the remaining locks together, even Bunbury locks we clear and set for us to go straight in.  Despite the cold and wet conditions Paul and I were surprised to see a large gathering of gongoozlers as we entered the bottom chamber.  Another boat was coming down so the Bunbury shuffle was performed to the delight of the gongoozlers who took photos and videoed the whole maneuver. 

On parade for the gongoozlers

Just time for a quick cuppa as the lock fills.

We pressed on to Barbridge where, as the mizzle was getting heavier, we called it a day and moored opposite the Barbridge in.

Grey and murky conditions at Barbridge

Whilst tidying up when we moored our mooring neighbours Paul and Sheila arrived on nb Abbey Rose followed by David and his dog Meg on his boat.  Shortly after that Joe and Dave on nb Third and Final with Dave and Judy on their boat moored up.  With so many boats from Tattenhall present it went without saying a great night was had in the Barbridge in the evening.

One half of the group

and the other half.  Not sure what Joe's doing with his arm though

Has Spring Sprung?

As I sit typing this, outside are signs that perhaps, at last, spring may have sprung. The sun is streaming in through the port hole as it sets and the local population of ducks in the marina are becoming more and more amorous, squawking and flapping around their prospective mates. The day time temperature has been quite pleasant out of the wind and signs of spring flowers are everywhere.   Lighting the fire is getting later and later in the evening as its getting warmer generally.

Now the daylight hours are drawing out and its light when I get back from work I can see AmyJo is looking a tad jaded after her winter in the marina so now the weather seems to be improving we'll look to giving her a good clean and polish and a bit of TLC. She has weathered the winter well and our polishing last year has paid off though months of log burners on the go, from ours, and other boats have left a film of dust and soot over her that will wash off easy enough. A bit of elbow grease will have her sparkling again no doubt. Would love to know how Joe keeps nb Yarwood so shiny all the time!

Last weekend in a lull in weather we managed a short trip down the Shroppie to the now closed Shady Oak pub for one night just to clear the cobwebs and stretch our legs for a bit. It sure felt good to feel the cut flowing under the baseplates again even if it was only for a little run and it was clear AmyJo was enjoying stretching her prop too!  Traffic was non existent and we had the cut to ourselves whilst on the move.  Signs of an imminent re-opening of the pub are to be seen with evidence of a re-fit taking place inside. So hope the Shady will be open again. It used to be a great pub years ago and is so convenient for us on the cut.  The next pub is either in Barbridge or Chester.

Chris decided to helm most of the way there and clearly enjoyed it.

Beeston Castle looking resplendent the cold air.

Our mooring opposite The Shady Oak Pub.

We also had a visit the other day from Corrine and Mark from Dee O Ghee (click) with their new crew member Buster the dog. They stopped by to check on their boat and had a coffee and catch up with us.  It was great to see them again and meet Buster.  He is such a lovely dog and so well behaved for a youngster too. We missed them leave Tattenhall for the last time over the weekend as they are moving marinas so as to be closer to home. We'll miss them here but wish them well on their new moorings. Sorry we missed you both as you left. See you out and about on the cut sometime.

Introducing a very well behaved Buster of Dee O Ghee.

Like most boaters we too are starting to make our cruising plans for for this season. As Chris is tied to School holidays we're a bit limited when we can both get time off.  We're planning a two week trip up the Llangollen after Easter and hope to reach the town this time. I've also booked with C&RT for passage through Frankton locks so we can take in the Montgomery canal on our way back. We did the Llangollen a few years back by hire boat but did not have time to take in the Mont so its high on our list of places to visit for this trip.

Later in the Summer we hope to do a round robin onto the river Weaver via the Manchester Shipping Canal and the Anderton lift but have no date set yet. We were inspired to do this following Adam and Adrian of Briar Rose's (Click) trip last year.  They posted a great blog about their trip on the canal (Click) and some useful advise about it too (Click).  The guide provided by the Shipping canal company prefers boats to make passage in convoy or rafted together for stability if possible. If anyone else is thinking of making the trip we'd love to hear from you and perhaps we could go together as a group? There are several Criteria you will need to follow and there is a useful guide downloadable from their web site (Click) if anyone is tempted.  
 
As for the rest of the season, we have no further plans but an imminent change at work, as I am another year closer to retirement, will mean we should be able to cruise a little bit more this season. More on this on a later date when its finalised.  The rest of the season we'll have to be content with weekend cruising.

This weekend with a favourable weather forecast, we slipped the lines and headed up into Chester.  Chris and youngest had some retail therapy planned and it gave me the opportunity to get the polish out in the lovely warm sunshine whilst they bent the plastic (at least they did not break it - sighs with relief).  Eldest has a milestone birthday in a few weeks so some serious shopping was required, at least that's what I was told :-)  Dad knows best and got on with the polishing.  Its not a good idea to resist when my girls get together, believe me I tried once.  Who just said Petticoat government then? Oh and yes little fingers and twist come to mind :-)

By chance we spotted via twitter that Brain McGuigan on Alton coal boat was headed into Chester as well and was not far behind us.  We were going to replenish our dwindling coal supply when back at the marina but a 4pm whilst we were moored near Cow Lane bridge, Brain pulled alongside and we took on board 3 bags of his coal.

Alton pulled in while we stocked up with coal

Brain, Andy and Alton head off to Ellesmere Port

We had a super evening in the local Indian restaurant, The Barton Rouge.  If you ever cruise into Chester you simply must give this restaurant a try.  It has to be one of the best Indian restaurants around, with fantastic food and service.  I suggest you book ahead as its very popular and is always busy. 

This morning started very wet and so we sat out waiting for it to stop but was pleasantly surprised by a visit from Chris's school caretaker, Ray and his wife.  After they left we donned our wet gear and got under way.  Whilst in the first lock (Tarvin Lock) and nearly ready to leave Brian's crew, Andy, appeared and we agreed to wait for them it Chemistry Lock.

Whilst waiting the sun put in an appearance and then the rain stopped.  The day brightened and warmed nicely from then on.   It took some time for Alton to join us as they had been stopped for fuel and coal by boats moored below but then we were in no hurry so were quite happy to wait in the lock.  We then shared the locks up to Christleton. We bought a fender from Brian for our morning neighbour as we had spoken to her about Alton's fenders as she needed one.  We paid a lot less than one would in a certain Chandlers then, as Brian had customers at the Old trooper we parted our ways and we carried on.

Brain and I were so busy chatting we did not see the lock gates open for us,
so got a telling off from Chris, much to Brian's amusement.  

We got back to Tattenhall at around 5pm and I confess to making a complete b*lls up of turning onto the mooring but after a couple of abortive attempts we got the lines tied off thanks to help from Dave and Sheila our mooring neighbours