Summer Cruise Day 3 - Middlewich to Rough Bridge

At 5:40am this morning Chris and I were abruptly woken by AmyJo lurching on her mooring lines and a boat roaring past at speed with the crew shouting at each other to be heard above the roar of the engine.  By the time I came to my senses they were long gone.  Those of you, like me, of a mature disposition know upon waking the call of nature is insurmountable.  Having attended to this I crept back under the duvet as the cabin was cold and soon fell back to sleep.

As a result of this neither of us woke before 8:30 and it was nearly 10:00am before we got under way. 

Neighbours keep a watchful eye on passing boats

 First order of the day was Wardle lock and the junction.   As before we took our place in the queue and were second boat down after waiting for a hire boat to ascend.  On exiting the bridge 'ole and turning for Kings lock I found this was tighter than usual as Kings Chandlers had thoughtfully left nb Lost in the Mist right opposite the junction.  I had barely a few feet to turn AmyJo which I managed without hitch.

Having descended the lock I make my turn at the junction

Only feet to spare between bow and stern

 Having got used to the ample space of the Shroppie's double locks we found the Trent and Mersey lock seem very narrow.

AmyJo seems to only just squeeze into King's lock

 On leaving Kings lock the canal seems vast and wide but this does not last long as it narrows just before the next lock, Rumps Lock.  After this lock the canal follows the A533 for a few miles.  A constant reminder that Middlewich and it's cousin, Northwich, are salt towns as a salt factory on the outskirts of Middlewich is still operating.

The wide after Kings Lock

Salt mountain similar to the one on the Weaver by Northwich

Refined salt waiting to be bagged and loaded onto lorries for delivery

Further on and past the Chemical works are Booth Lane Locks.  Here all the locks are doubled allowing boats to lock up and down at the same time.  However, between middle lock and top lock we came across a wreck partially blocking the cut.  Navigation with care was possible keeping well over to the offside.  It's location is going to make removal difficult as getting a crane in looks impossible and judging from the state of the hull it will never float without several patches being applied first.

This wooden hulk clearly was not going to float again.  Damage can be seen on the stern corner.

This photo shows how the hulk is hindering navigation

 Continuing on we passed the now derelict Elton Moss boat yard with signs of redevelopment well under way in the form of new "des res's"

Canalside new build

The old Elton Moss wharf is just out of shot on the left of picture above

I recalled as we passed along this stretch back in 2005 on hire boat Oliver Ginger that most of the area was run down and derelict but not now.  All along the canal large suburban housing developments are springing up giving this stretch a much needed revival.

This development stretched on for nearly 2 miles.

At Wheelock we stopped at the services to dispose of some rubbish and take on water.  The pressure here is good so it was not long filling.  We then started our ascend  up the Wheelock Locks.

Services at Wheelock

Most of these locks are duplicated allowing boats to lock up and down at the same time.  Chris would check which lock was best to use and set it informing me by radio which chamber I should head for.  We were making good time working together.  Chris working the paddles to the lock whilst Amyjo was in it then, when nearly full Chris would move to the next lock to set that whilst I motored out of the current lock when full and closed the gate using our slow tickover reverse method we used on the Hatton flight a few years ago.

At lock 63 we were surprised to find the bow of a working boat across the cut in the pound above.  It looked odd, seeming to try and wind but there was no winding hole here.  A quick glance at the pearsons revealed no winding hole either but a closer look showed a very small wharf off to the right.  Sure enough as I passed it all was revealed.

the Strange appearance of the working boat bow

All revealed as this small wharf was tucked away off to the right of the pound

 The new housing developments make this a pleasant stretch through the locks but, ever present were  ominous black clouds ahead.  Fortunately rain never came but instead the sun shone in defiance.

Picturesque section of the Wheelock locks.

The black clouds threaten but never delivered fortunately

 Another strange site at lock 60, I think it was, was what appeared to be an underground house with just its chimney above ground.  A nearby church gives away that in fact the house is actually lower than the fields.

Either VERY tall hedges or a folly :-)  No just a house lower then the field.

 Our last lock of the day, no. 57,  had some moorings shown in the Pearsons just upstream but on leaving the lock, and Mrs duck basking in the sun on its abutments, we eventually found them purely by luck.  They were only apparent by the change in concrete to armco.  Even the rings provided were buried in long grass.  Chris only found these because she nearly tripped over one.  Its a good enough spot for the night even if the busy M6 noise is constant in the distance.  After working 16 locks today that won't bother us tonight and we are both ready for bed.

Do not disturb if you please I'm enjoying this warm concrete

Total distance:7.94 miles Elapsed time:7h43m50s Locks:16 Bridges:30 

Average speed:1.03 mph (3.10 lock/mph) 

Summer Cruise Day 2 - Home to Cholmondeston Lock to Wardle Lock

Despite the met office forecast for a dry day I woke at 6am to a dank drizzly morning.  I despair of ever seeing a decent spell of warm sunny weather again sometimes.

After preparing AmyJo for the days cruise we set off and joined the morning rush hour of boats.  No sooner had we set off and we came to Cholmondeston lock We  found were fourth in line for the lock as we closed on the bridge 'ole.  Mind you could have been worse, below 12 boats were lined up waiting to ascend.

Signs of a busy day ahead

Everyone taking the wait in the only way english do best, having a good old natter.

And those below, more are beyond the bridge 'ole

 With a cheerful crowd  from the boats up front working the lock it was soon our turn but the heavens opened with a torrential down pour.  Poor Chris found herself lock wheeling alone as everyone scampered back to their boats below the lock.  So in time honoured fashion we took our time.   As we passed one boat a helm called he had waited an hour and half already to which I replied had you not sat on your a£$e and watched others doing the work perhaps your wait might have been shorter.  I do so hate having an audience when Chris has to work a lock on her own!  Rant over.  

Worse was the fact Chris could not board AmyJo as boats lined the towpath all the way to the bridge 'ole.  She asked the first boat very politely if she could step across their stern to reach AmyJo but was rudely snapped at with "NO, go use someone else's boat!"  After that retort she was too scared to ask another so, with nothing for it, she eventually boarded at the bridge 'ole, cold and dripping wet.

Before leaving Tattenhall we took delivery and had fitted an Axiom propeller.  Other Fernwood boat owners have them and recommended them so we decided to spend some of the retirement funds on one and give it a go whilst we could afford to.

So far all has been good with the performance on maneuvering much better, particularly when going astern or stopping, however, we have found it a tad noisy with a bubbling, gravelly rumble at 10k plus revs which was a bit worrying.  I had a feeling this was cavitation but decided to have someone with experience look at it in Aqueduct marina.

The engineer had a listen and put our worry to rest and confirmed he felt cavitation was indeed the culprit as there was no vibration indicating out of balance blades.  Feeling happier we continued our journey with the noise getting slightly less as the day wore on.  AmyJo comes out for blacking in September so I may ask Axiom to come and check it out then as there should not be any cavitation with these propellers.

Leaving Aqueduct Marina

 After leaving the tight marina entrance the canal snakes its way through rural farm land and is pretty non descript.  That not to say its not interesting as the scenery is pleasant enough but there is little to punctuate the sameness of view.  The vistas across fields are enough to occupy the crew and the occasional swerve to avoid cows drinking whilst standing in the cut adds entertainment. 

We love these converted stables and love the sympathetic restoration

Next door this canalside cottage as has a similar restoration and large extension in keeping with the style.

 Just before Clive Green is a particularly high raised section of canal with pretty moorings provided with picnic tables and a superb view of the river Weaver below.  That brought fond memories of our trip on it last year.

A glimpse of the river Weaver below helps show how high the cut is at this point

After rounding a tight bend one stumbles immediately onto Stanthorpe lock.  One has to take care as the lock landing upstream is short so approach at lower speed than normal round the bend is recommended.  I wonder how many unwary boaters round the bend at cruising speed only to slam on the anchors to avoid hitting the lock gates?

Finally after passing under the busy A530 one heads into Middlewich suburbs passing the beautifully manicured gardens of  bungalows that line the way to Wardle Lock.   We always find this a particularly popular spot with boats to moor for the night but this time we found the last vacant mooring big enough to take AmyJo after bridge 28 and tied up after a good day's cruising.  Better still the rain had stopped and the sun was doing its best to appear albeit briefly.  It even began to feel warmer too.

Our mooring for tonight

Total distance:8.27 miles Elapsed time:6h41m34s Locks:3 Bridges:27 

Average speed:1.24 mph (1.68 lock/mph) 

Summer Cruise Day 1 - Home to Cholmondeston Lock

After our return from Chester we spent the rest of the week preparing Amyjo of our Summer Cruise.  Her cabin sides and roof were looking dull and covered in soot stains and resin runs from the winter of log burners in the marina.  I spent two days scrubbing and polishing until AmyJo shone like new.  I don't like to let her paintwork dull or become tarnished so I gave her a good valet all over.

We woke early this morning, pulled off the mooring and headed to the fueling arm to pump out the nasties and then left in the heavy drizzle that dogged us all morning.  With a brisk wind as we turned out of the marina it was not a nice day to cruise at all, but a little rain does not put us off.  All was going well and we got through Wharton lock followed by Beeston Iron and Stone locks in good time but then our luck changed.

On arrival at Chas Harden Wharf we were informed a tree was down at Tilston lock.  Sure enough on arrival at the lock we joined the growing queue of boats.  Apparently the top of a large tree broke off in the winds last night blocking the cut and the rest of it came down at 7am this morning totally blocking the cut and towpath.

Joining the waiting boats at Tilston

The offending tree.  The lock is just beyond the bridge

 It was a good job no boats were moored there and no one was hurt.  We settled down for lunch and waited as C&RT were on their way with a work boat and crew.

The cavalry arrives and descends to lock

 After an hour a C&RT work boat arrived and they set to clearing the tree as soon as they descended the lock.  Within an hour the tree had been cut up and removed to a point where two boats were allowed to move up to the lock and then work continued.  All the cut branches being thrown over the towpath into woodland to serve as new habitats for the animals.  

Chain sawing up the large branches after two boats have been allowed to move past into the lock

The guys worked fast and efficiently watched by a crowd on the bridge

Finally the last of the obstruction was cut up just in time for us to proceed up the lock

By now it was 3pm so we decided to carry on to Venetian marina and moor outside for the night.  Our lock partners at Tilston were a couple of newlyweds honeymooning on their boat having tied the knot on Saturday.  We congratulated them and chatted whilst we waited our turn at the Bunbury Staircase.  I do hope the weather improves for them but then I guess that won't worry them :-)  

Things must be looking up for Anglo Welsh as only three hire boats were on their wharf so passage to the staircase was a doddle.  One of the hire boats had just completed hand over and were most grateful when we joined them in the locks.  As I entered the bottom chamber the poor helm was physically shaking with nerves.  By the time we cleared the top lock our help and banter put them all at ease having smiles on the crew's faces and they looked much happier.

The rain was becoming more persistant so the hire boat pulled in at Calverely to wait it out.  We continued on making the turn at Barbridge and finally moored at 6:30pm above Cholmondeston Lock.  On queue just as we got settled the rain stopped and the sun made an appearance.  A pleasant evening with warmer temperatures followed.

The winds abate and the sun decided to grace us with its presence

Moored for the night and preparing for our daily walk.

One boater had made this lovely feature on his mooring garden.  Clearly keen gardeners

Total distance:9.14 miles Elapsed time:7h00m14s Locks:6 Bridges:18 

Average speed:1.34 mph (2.22 lock/mph) 

A momentous day and single handing to Chester

Hi reader,

Yesterday for me marked a major event in my life as I finally joined the biggest leisure group in the world and retired from work.  It was quite an emotional day to say the least walking out the office for the last time and saying goodbye to colleagues I've worked with for years .  I can now look forward to doing what I love the most, boating!

Having the afternoon free and a table booked in town I brought AmyJo into Chester singlehanded.  I will be single handing more often now so wanted to have a try out.  I was quite pleased with myself as I had 4 locks to on my own, having never single handed a lock before now.  

I admit I was a tad nervous at the first lock but got into a routine that worked.  Admittedly I was going down the locks but I was relieved to find it relatively straightforward, if taking a bit longer.  I found not rushing and concentrating on what was going on really helped.  The only bit that needed undivided attention was descending the lock ladder to get back on board.  Must admit I don't like that much.  Sorry for the lack of photos but working the lock on one's own does not leave much time for the camera.

On arrival in Chester I found all the moorings were reserved for trading boats along Cow lane bridge towards Hoole Lane Lock, and the basin also full.  I winded at cow lane and retraced my steps.  Barry on the home brew boat was good enough to offer I breast alongside AreandAre.  Most grateful for that Barry.  This is quite fortunate as I have my retirement do in one of the restaurants  close by so I don't have to worry about drink driving.

After last nights rain this morning dawned with clear skies and little wind though it is slowly clouding up as the day wears on.  I took the opportunity to snap some photos first thing whilst the sun was out and was reminded today (1st July) is remembrance day for the battle of the Somme in 1916.  

Some young soldiers kitted out in world war one uniforms paraded down the towpath on their way into town.  A poignant reminder considering recent events that whatever way you voted, right or wrong, we must never forget those who paid the ultimate price in both wars to give us all the freedom we have today to decide for ourselves.

A brief stop before parading into town 

So today is day one of retirement.  Looking forward to doing all those little things I put off doing at weekends and pottering around the boat.  Most of all both Chris and I are looking forward to more cruising in the coming years though with Chris still working it will be during school holidays for now.  So, if you do spot AmyJo please give us a wave, we'd love to see you on our travels.

Home brew boat AreandAre and AmyJo

Some of the other floating traders prepare their wares for a days trading

This cat found a handy display shelf and pillow ot enjoy the sun

Boat cats and sunshine go together.

A short run out and a a mug shot.

We have decided as the weather is still fairly settled here in Chester that we might have a run out for a week.  We're not going far just heading up into Chester for next Friday's retirement do laid on by my company.  Its also the Roving Canal Traders get together in Chester as well so we might struggle to get a mooring.  We'll have to wait and see later in the week.

Meanwhile we're sitting out on the cut for a while.  As they say a change is as good as a rest.

Taking some time out and mooring online for a few days

Last night whilst in the marina clubhouse, one of our boat neighbours pointed out a picture in the Canal Boating Times paper of yours truly at Crick.  Not a very flattering photo but its about as close to being famous as I'll ever be. Now wheres Chris's slimming world recipe book got to.

Still Here

Hi All,
Sorry for the lack of posts lately but not much boaty stuff going on at the moment.  Still working to earn a crust until next Thursday then retirement at last!

We're still holed up in the marina for now but are getting AmyJo ship shape for our up coming summer cruise up the Macclesfield canal if C&RT manage to plug the leak at Bollington otherwise plan B may have to be adopted.

I've been measuring AmyJo for size to see if getting through Standedge tunnel is possible.  We'll have to clear the decks and put a bit of ballast up front but she should just squeeze through, just.

We did spend the day at the Middlewich festival and met up with the trading boats.  No photos I'm afraid  but we parted company with our cash on some cheeses from the cheese boat and one of Barry's (AreandAre) new mini beer making kits.  10ltrs of Indian IPA are now on the bubble :-).

We have decided to give AmyJo an Axiom propeller to see, if their claims are good, that it helps with maneuverability and saves fuel.  There's nowt wrong with the current one its just I have always wanted to try the Axiom.   

I ordered the prop after speaking with David at Axiom and the new prop is now on its way.  I'm now trying to get a quick lift out to fit it before we start the cruise but thats not proving as simple as it sounds.  Tattenhall has the facilities but seem to be delaying offing their services so we may have to book elsewhere to get it done in time.

Meantime this little family have discovered we have bird seed on board thanks to Chris offering them some.  They now arrive every evening squawking to get our attention to be fed.  Amazing how something so small can make so much racket.

Moorehen or Coot chicks?  Either way they were loving the bird seed Chris fed them.

Fab weekend at Crick and a tale of woe for holiday hirers.

This weekend we made our annual pilgrimage to the Crick boat show like thousands of others.  The show is still very popular drawing large crowds every year.  This year, the 17th show, was no different.

Huge crowds at the show on Saturday

Now we have AmyJo there would seem no point in going but, Chris and I always enjoy the show just the same.  We still love to look at the boats and we still manage to flex the flexible friend to breaking point buying bits and bobs.   The only comment we have about the show this year is its the same old same old every year.  It is, however, noticeable there are less and less stands and, fewer boat builders with one or two regulars missing this year.  Also noticeable is the growing number of wide beams taking over the moorings now.  Don't get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with wide beams if that is what you are interested in but they don't do it for me I'm afraid.

The marquees and stalls were kept busy

As were the show boats with many with full appointment books.

This year was of particular interest for us.  When AmyJo was in build, Fernwood had an open day.  Whilst there, one couple were very interested in AmyJo and became very keen to own a boat themselves.  They placed a build slot deposit there and then.  After this we kept in touch offering answers to Carl and Sam's questions by text and phone.  We offered what advice we could within our limited knowledge when asked and over time we have become good friends.   

So it was with great delight we were shown round this year's Ferwoods show boat, Why Fry, by proud owners Carl and Sam.  Their dream has finally become a reality after 3 years of waiting.  They are right to be very proud of Why Fry she's a lovely boat.  They still cannot believe the boat is for real yet but I'm sure they will enjoy getting to know her over time.  Well I remember being the same when AmyJo was launched.  Its all so exciting and daunting at the same time.

Carl and Sam's new build Why Fry looking stunning in the line up.

 Those of you lucky enough to look round Why Fry will agree she is beautifully turned out in the traditional Fernwood high Quality finish.  She sports the new over catch fixed roof that is becoming popular and, to be fair, makes for a roomy well deck and a delightful area to sit in and watch the world go by.  The interior design centers around a large Arger in the middle of the boat.  A case of, we have this Arger now build a boat around it please.  It blends with the interior perfectly and does not dominate the design even though is is the focal point when you are in the cabin.  

We really wish Carl and Sam many happy trouble free cruising days in Why Fry.  We've even planned a meet up with them on the cut sometime in the near future.  Looking forward to that greatly.

Plenty to see and look at .

 We returned to the show on Sunday armed with a shopping list of items we had seen and wanted to buy the day before.  In the afternoon we took all our purchases back to the car and then had a stroll along the cut.  We've not done this before and it was nice to get away from the hurly burly of the show and enjoy the relative calm of the tow path.

Plenty of boats on the cut as is usual at the show.

These two looked bemused by the goings on but enjoying some father son time none the less.

Whilst these young geese enjoyed a munch in the grass nearby.

There was plenty going on and things to see on the cut.  We had already met bloggers Del and Al on Derwent6 and sure enough we came upon a very shiny Derwents 6 moored up.  Del had obviously spruced her up for the show and we were amazed at how well she has kept.  Clearly Del and Al take very good care of her.

  

No mistaking this boat

 This year Willow Wren were present offering steering experience trips.  Chris and I remember doing our Helmsman's course on Peggy a few years back (Click) so it was nice to see them again.

Willow Wren's Peggy passes us by

No mistaking the heritage of this Boat, Mochen Du, another Fernwood boat

 As the day wore on we eagerly awaited the builder's canoe race.  This is a no rules anything goes event that always provides entertainment.  Its a chance for the boat builders to let off some steam and enjoy some light hearted rivalry.  As we waited we were joined by other Fernwood boat owners and so the Fernwood owners club was in session.

Past present and future owners.  Left to right Kate (Priscilla), Sian in dark top (Mochen Du), Del and Al (Derwent 6)
Sam and Carl (Why Fry) Yours truly (AmyJo) and Franka (Fernwoods)

We were later joined by Mike and Eric (Fernwoods) and Mark (Mochen Du) on the left

Mark and Eric were to fly the banner for Fernwoods in the race so we enjoyed the fun waiting their turn.  The teams competed in pairs and the winners go on to compete in the semi finals and the final.

Despite his age this gent and his crew powered ahead of his younger rivals

Winning their race much to the delight of his team mate

 Mike and Eric put on an impressive performance al lead to the far mark but were cut off at the pass by their rivals causing them to fall behind.  Despite a valiant effort they caught up but not enough being pipped to the finish by a mere few feet.

The fernwood team saddle up

After a promising start they were cut off at the turn by the other team, who, thanks to their cheating tactics, won thee heat.

A valiant effort to catch up by team Fernwood

 After a few races the inevitable capsize just had to happen much to the delight of the onlookers with whoops of laughter, heckling and applause.  The "casualty" made great show waving to the crowds with his feet on the way back to the jetty bringing forth more laughter and heckling.

Might look serious but in fact it was all show and just a bit of fun on the way back to the jetty for one who capsized.

The eventual triumphant winners who, by tradition were baptised by capsize.

We've had a fab weekend at the show and it was really great to see the other boat owners and Andy, Franka and the boys from Fernwood there.  Hope to see you all again next year or out on the cut before then.

I don't like posting sad posts but this one has to be told.  Whilst working on AmyJo today a hire boat came into the marina bumping hard into our jetty.  It turned out the boat had had work on the skeg previously and the rudder was so stiff the family hiring it could barely steer it.  They had already had a 3 hour delay as the fridge was not working and had to be replaced then, after cruising for a day, had no choice but to pull in to try and get it sorted.  Derek the marina manager did what he could to help them and make them feel welcome.

Not a problem you might say but what made this hard to accept for us is the family had planned and saved hard for a year to have this holiday as it was a special one with nan and grandad joining them.   The hire company, who I will not name, from Middlewhich, obviously had not checked the boat before hiring it out and to be frank were completely indifferent to the families plea to get a solution.

The family, now very upset their holiday was ruined, were becoming very distraught as the hire firm could not or would not give them another boat but then after much badgering begrudgingly gave them a full refund without even an apology.  After all this mum was in floods of tears as this clearly had been a big holiday for them and was now a disaster and nightmare.  

The event unfolding beside us played heavily on our minds.  We simply could not just stand by and do nothing, so Chris offered to ring every hire boat company around here to see if we could source another boat for them, but, being a bank holiday sadly none were available.  We really felt for them, such a shame.  Why are hire boat firms allowed to get away with this?  It was clearly incompetence on the part of the hire firm and there seemed no remorse what so ever from the company involved despite the family's upset.  We do hope the family find some way of getting compensation.  Just goes to show its not all sun and smiles like it is on two certain TV series.

On a brighter note we hope everyone has had a great weekend and enjoyed the mild weather.  We're off to Essex soon to see the folks back home so may be another while before the next post.

Finally a quick thank you to Joe and Keith on Hadar (click).  They are currently cruising the Calder and have been sending me updates and advise for our trip there in the summer.  The photos look really great so we are really looking forward to the trip now.  Much appreciated.