Days 6 to 9 Grindley Brook to Bridge 50 Visitor Moorings

Day 6 - Marbury to Grindley Brook

We have had an enforced break in services the last few days as we have had a distinct lack of internet signal up to today.  Hanging on with just 2 bars signal at present, I'll try and bring you up to date though this may be a bit long winded.

Wednesday we cruised the stretch from Wrenbury to Grindley Brook.  Apart from the Lift Bridge at Wrenbury and 3 locks (Quoisey, Willey Moor and Povey) there is not much to write about.  The day was warm, and boats were leaving the locks as we arrived so passage was good.  

Really quiet on the Llangollen so far this year

One of a few boats we saw on the move all morning

Willey moor pub, once again closed as we pass through the lock

We had friends visiting the next day, so we moored on the visitor moorings below the locks at Grindley Brook..  In the evening our friends in 4 boats arrived in convoy and moored up with us.  A pleasant evening chatting on the towpath in the warm evening was had.  We stumbled back to AmyJo at 1am in the morning.

Day 7 Grindley Brook to Chitchurch and back twice.

At 10:30am Chris’s work mate Helen with her mum Brenda and children Jack and Orla arrived and joined us for the day.  Jack and Orla really wanted to see the locks in action so we set off through the bridge and into the first lock.


The children were keen to help work the lock so Chris, her teacher instinct to the fore, explained how and why we work the locks.  Jack soaked up all the information and was clearly loving every minute.  Orla too enjoyed the experience and joined in when Jack allowed.

Jack and Orla get advise on operating a lock paddle

Whilst the children enjoyed working the lock...

Willing Lock wheeler Jack working hard,  Orla left to look on.

The mums enjoyed a glass of vino collapso in the cratch

Chilling out in the Cratch

Having worked the first three locks Jack then wanted to join me at the helm.  It was then I discovered he loves Dinosaurs, as he announced the gates of the middle chamber of the staircase looked like those at the entrance to Jurassic Park.  From then on we moved up the locks into the raptor compound keeping a good look out for the dinosaurs.  Lucky for us, none were seen so we reckon they were off hunting or having breakfast.

Waiting to enter Jurassic park

Jack giving me advice on what to do if the Raptors turned up whilst we were in the lock

Finally at the top of the locks and in raptor country we pulled in to top up with water.  During this time the kids got the chance for a photo session.  Part of their summer holiday tasks were to be photographed reading in extreme places.  AmyJo’s roof and life rings made the perfect place to start.

Extreme reading photo oppotunity

Looked quite comfortable up there

Helen and Jack at the back with Brenda and Orla in front

Once the water was full we carried on the 20 minute run to Whitchurch.  On arrival we passed through the lift bridge and was amazed to find the arm totally empty.  I reversed AmyJo back into the arm and tied up.

Reversing into the Empty arm

Family photo by the lift bridge

We had a leisurely lunch then chilled in the afternoon heat.  By 4 pm it was time to go and so with the children helping to raise the lift bridge whilst I winded AmyJo we retraced our steps back to Grindley Brook.

It took all of them in turn to raise and lower the bridge

After receiving "thank you"s from all concerned mums and the kids left and we returned back to the Witchurch arm once more.  The Arm was still empty and later our marina friends in their 4 boats arrived and joined us once more.  All moored in the arm with us.

In the evening a fantastic Bar-b-q was had and much laughter and drinking was the norm.  Needless to say another late night was in store

Open fire and a sing long with excellent friends for company

For one, who had been working all day, the evening was too much so, dressed in dressing gown, took the occasion to snatch a quick snooze on the roof.  I have to say with all the tubs of flowers and the eire darkness it would have been easy to think this was a wake for a passing friend :-)

Living corpse catches 20 winks

Day 8 0- Whitchurch arm to Lift bridge 42

Thursday dawned warm and sunny, so it was decided to go into town for a shop.  We tried to call a taxi but got no answer so we took a stroll instead.  

The Witchurch arm is owned by the Witchurch Arm trust who are still hoping to open up a small wharf with moorings on what used to be the route of the arm when it went right into town.  Whilst their dream is still very much alive sadly with each passing year more and more housing development is encroaching onto the area planned for the marina making the plan seem less likely to happen.

the site of the new marina can be seen on this maps

This is the site planned but already new housing is creeking ever closer

In the town first stop was a pot of tea and toasted tea cake.

Much needed tea and tea cake

After refreshment we walked to the local Sainsburys and did a big shop.

We then called a taxi who brought us back to the arm, in fact he stopped within yards of the boat so we did not have far to carry the bags!

After packing the shopping away we got under way about 2:30 pm.  It was really hot so we did not rush.  We crept out of the arm just as a boat was waiting for the bridge to be lifted.  

Approaching boat with three more behind

Within minutes of us getting onto the main line it got busy with boats coming down stream wanting to go through the bridge, however, the one coming through the bridge decided to try and turn into the arm.  It was clear from his length he could not do the turn but this did not stop him.  Now blocking the canal we left them to it to clear the blockage he caused.


Further on we waited while the hire boat staff moored up a boat that had come loose.  Once sorted we carried on.

Re-mooring the hire boat adrift

 This bull was cooling off in the water further on and was paying no attention to his mate who waited patiently on top of the hill.

food and water is more important than amore with this bull.

His spurned mate sulked off in the distance

Our mooring for the night just after lift bridge 42

Day 9 Bridge 42 to Bridge 50 visitor moorings

An earlier start today at 9:30am.  This morning was already heating up with the sun beating down.  We cruised through the next two bridges without hitch.  On arriving at the last lift bridge before Prees junction we caught up with a hire boat.  It was approaching the bridge when the chap aboard lept the 3 to 4 feet to the bank.  Not a good idea as the bank sloped away from the armco quite steeply.  The result was the fella shot head long into the bushes.  Luckily he was unharmed and eventually raised the bridge.  

Hire boat crew passing the bridge

By now we were apon the bridge so also passed through.  Whilst the chaps wife pulled their boat into the bank yet another boat headed towards the bridge from the opposite direction.  We carried on to the junction and made the turn without another boat in sight.

Approaching Prees Junction

The iconic house on the Junction.  Must be one of the most photographed on the canal.

We cruised the long straight stretch towards Bettisfield and only passed one boat coming the other way.

The lone boat we passed on the way to Bettifield

At Bettisfield we pulled onto the water point to top up the tank.  Whilst there the hire boat crew slowly cruised past followed buy another boat close behind.  We thought this a bit much but on pulling out behind them we soon found why.

The queue leaving Bettisfield

Turns out the hire boat crew had been travelling the whole way on just over tick over but slowed down to an almost stop when passing moored boats or when other boats passed the other way.  Progress was painfully slow with no chance to over take.  Still we don't mind after all we have no hurry.

We found some really nice moorings after Bridge 50 near Hampton Bank so decided to call it a day.  The forecast is not good for the next few days with strong winds in the mix so we may stay put and ride out the rain and winds.

Total distance:15miles Elapsed time:9h35m42s Locks:3 Bridges:34 

Average speed:2.10 mph (2.10 lock/mph) 

Days 3 to 5 - Busy doing Nothing.

I have a confession to make.  We overstayed at Wrenbury, there I admit it!  The reason was simple, our friends from the marina were heading our way and we wanted to greet them when they arrive though it would be 2 days before they got to us.   For one of our friends this trip is momentous as it will be the furthest she has travelled on her boat, so a welcoming party seemed appropriate.

While we waited for the two preceding days we kept busy doing absolutely.....nothing.  We did do lunch with Dave and Jo on nb Third and Final yesterday but other than that we chilled out and recharged our own batteries.  Much needed for Chris in particular.

These lads entertained us for some time.  Neither of them had any clue how to row and just spun round in circles splashing each other.  They mastered it eventually but gave everyone great entertainment whilst doing so.

The only time they seemed to be in control

Graham and Marie were due to arrive late yesterday but due to the fact it took them longer than they thought they finally stopped at 10pm at Bridge 12, the spot we stopped the night before we arrived at Wrenbury.  They eventually arrived safe and sound this morning.  

Having stayed 3 days at Wrenbury we really needed to move so decided to cruise a short run to the visitor moorings just above Marbury lock and visit the village.

The trip gave us a chance to try our our new walkie talkies.  Our Cobra radios had done sterling service over the years but one has decided that its speaker was not going to work any more, it had been dropped in the cut and dried out.

One of a pair.  Waterproof and float.  They seem OK but volume is
not as good as the cobras

 After the Shroppie I'd forgotten how narrow the Llangollen can be and some places are choked with reeds.  Luckily no boats were coming the other way here.

Really narrow section and a bend at the end.

On arrival at Marbury lock we thought we would have to turn it in our favour but, as Chris reached the lock, another boat arrived to descend.  The reeds are prevalent here too so I held AmyJo well back from the lock entrance to give the boat room to leave.

Holding back whilst the other boat prepares to leave the lock

The visitor moorings above the lock are but 5 minutes cruise.  We moored there and were the only boat there for a while.  After lunch this boat arrived and tried to reverse onto the mooring.  It took him a while to get moored up. 
  

Reversing to moor up.

After lunch we took a stroll up to Marbury.  Its a shame Marbury is often passed over by boaters.  Its is a small village,  nothing special, but quaint in its on way.  It consists of a dairy farm,  some houses and cottages,  A large pub that would not be out of place in a town and its jewel in the crown, a church.

The swan pub has a car park the size of a hypermarket so one wonders if it is popular.

St Michael's church outside is as impressive as any other church of its size.  In side its a delight and on a hot day like today its interior is cool and calming.

There is an octagonal timber pulpit, dating from the 15th century, that features crocketed ogee panels; it is the oldest in existence in Cheshire.  The church also contains an 1855 monument to William H. Poole with a Gothic canopy. In the tower are charity boards, including a circular one dated 1777. There is a ring of six bells. Four of these are by Rudhall of Gloucester, three being dated 1719, the other 1790. The other bells were cast by John Warner and Sons in 1864 and 1892

Beautiful stone glass window 

 Outside the church holds one more surprise for the visitor.  Wonder round the back and one is greeted with a stunning view of a nearby Mere.

This is actually the back of the church not the front

As the church stands on a small rise the view of the mere is superb

If you can afford the time to walk the half mile to the village its well worth stopping for a visit.

Back at AmyJo the day was getting hot and humid.  We were moored under some pine trees which afforded us some cool shade.  We broke out the chairs and with a refreshing cider each we chilled for the rest of the day on the towpath.  Even Smudge sheltered under my chair to stay cool

Both of us trying to look cool but not succeeding.  

Our mooring for the night.  Billy no mates as the other boat left.

Total distance:1.71 miles Elapsed time:1h14m47s Locks:1 Bridges:2 

Average speed:1.37 mph (2.18 lock/mph) 

Day 2 -Greenfields Bridge to Wrenbury

Having succeeded to get onto the Llangollen we stopped overnight just after Greenfield Bridge 12.  If you are looking for a really quiet place to stop this is it.  It was so quiet there was even no road noise, in fact, the loudest noise was the wildlife rustling about in the bushes when it got dark.

Really peaceful mooring at Greenfields Bridge visitor mooring

It was so quiet that Smudge let us lay in until 8am before he stirred, most unusual for him.  We had a leisurely breakfast and then got underway at around 10am. 

 Ahead of us lay the Swanley locks and Baddiley Locks, 5 in all.  Just before moving off a boat had passed us so we resigned ourselves to having the locks against us, however, this is the Llangollen canal so when we reached the first lock the boat ahead was leaving the lock but another two were waiting to descend.  With willing young crews about we worked through all the locks in no time, boats descending at each one as we arrived.

A rare opportunity for Chris to look on as young helpers worked the lock

By the third lock the day was warming up nicely but clouds were beginning to form.  Rain was forecast mid afternoon but there seemed little chance it would affect us as we climbed the locks in the sunshine.

Just before Wrenbury we passed a familiar mooring.  In previous years we have enjoyed seeing the old classic cars and large duck pedalo there but alas not this time.  It would seem the cars are now stored in a large building behind the mooring.  Instead we were treated to this delightful horse buggy sheltering under the carport.

The rest of the cruise into Wrenbury was uneventful and with gathering clouds the cooler conditions were welcomed.

When we reach the first lift bridge before Wrenbury we were lucky to meet another boat coming downstream whose crew had lifted the bridge as we arrived.  We were signaled to go through.  We thanked the lady working the bridge as we passed.

Passing through the manual lift bridge after the other crew waited for us.

 On arrival at Wrenbury we found the visitor moorings busy but with plenty of gaps between boats.  As I got to the last boat in the moorings I happened to look back and spotted a boat leaving.  A quick reverse of 3 boat lengths and we slid into the vacated spot thanking our timing as now all mooring spaces were taken.

Moored on the recently vacated spot.

We were running a bit short on food staples so walked into the village and Stocked up in the Spa.  Milk, ham and cheese acquired we got back to AmyJo just as it started to rain.

Lovely cottage opposite the store in the villagre

After lunch and with the rain getting heavier we just chilled all afternoon listening to the radio and watching a damp world go by.  In the evening we took ourselves to the Cotton Arms and met up with friends Dave and Jo for a good old catch up.

Today has been a lazy day staying put.  After the heavy rain of the night AmyJo was dripping wet this morning so I put this to good use and shammy leathered AmyJo down stem to stern, which has cleaned her up nicely.  In doing so I conserved water and in fact watered the grass too :-)  This seems a good way to wash the boat without using any water!

We also took the down time to give the well deck a good clear out and clean.  Whilst Chris cleaned the floor and cushions I polished the chromium outside which was looking a bit tired.  AmyJo is starting to look spick and span again.

Total distance:2.47 miles Elapsed time:1h54m13s Locks:3Bridges:7 
Average speed:1.30 mph (2.88 lock/mph) 

Onto the Llangollen but only just.

On Sunday Chris and I went to partake of my birthday present from her.  Chris had bought me an hour on a flight simulator used by commercial pilots.  I was to fly a Boeing 737-NG from Manchester to Gatwick in the simulation.  I used to have the Microsoft flight simulator on my PC for many years and so could not resist the chance to see what the real thing was like.

My co-Pilot is actually a commercial pilot instructor and he helped me to get to grips with the aircraft.  I managed a perfect take off and we followed the flight plan to Gatwick without too much ado.  My landing was a little bumpy, well quite bumpy, but at least I did not crash!  Have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Relief after landing without crashing.

I had been asked to tow a boat from Tattenhall to Nantwich marina and I had agreed, so on wednesday we roped up nb Jenny via short crossover straps and set off.  Jenny's engine had been flooded in a lock accident and water got into it totally destroying it.  I enlisted our friend Graham to help out and he really enjoyed the experience.

It was a long day and we had a few exciting moments along the way.  The first at Iron lock.  This lock can only take one boat at a time so we locked AmyJo through without problem but when we returned to Jenny she had drifted onto the bank and was hard aground.  It took nearly an hour to free her and then we bow hauled her through the lock.  Good job there were no boats waiting!

Graham following behind in Jenny

The next problem was just before Tilstone lock.  As we had gone through Beeston Stone Lock we decided to leave the boats breasted up, however, rounding a bend we were confronted by a dense bush blocking half the canal.  We quickly untied Jenny and let her though under her own momentum but when I followed with AmyJo she ran aground.  It took two or three attempts to get past the bush.  After that and with Bunbury Locks ahead we put Jenny back on the cross straps astern.

Last locks of the day, Bunbury, from here it is plain sailing to Nantwich.

With the help of the volunteer locky we got through Bunbury without a hitch much to the enjoyment of American gongoozlers who watched on with interest, cameras clicking way.

This morning, having delivered Jenny we watered and dieseled up then got ready to leave.  It was a bit tight winding at the end of the arm and a family, just getting ready to leave on the day boat, were treated to a very close up view of AmyJo's Bow fender much to the children's delight yelling "Prepare to repel boarders" and scuttling about their boat like mad pirates  (wish I'd been flying the Jolly Roger).  Fortunately there was just enough room to get AmyJo round without too much problem and we left with the young pirates celebrating their victory.

nb Jenny safely delivered

It was a short run to Hurlston Junction.  As we approached a gent mooring up asked if we intended to go up the locks and we indicated we did indeed intended to.  He informed us his boat had got stuck halfway in the bottom lock and at 6' 10" wide he informed us he was surprised.  The locky had refused to let him continue as a result.  He was most upset about this as he had travelled the entire system and the Llangollen canal was the last one he had to do.

We know AmyJo is 6'10" wide so with trepidation I krept her into the open lock ever so gently.  Thankfully she went all the way in though it looked extremely tight.  I reckon the gents boat was wider than he thought.

Entering Hurlston bottom lock with great caution

The problem with the bottom lock is the wall is bowing in and C&RT have plans to repair it in the winter, however, for now they are digging sumps to try to drain off water trapped behind the wall to ease the pressure on it.

Before raising the lock level I got chris to check with the locky if it was OK to ascend.  His answer was if your in the lock fully you should be fine.  We still took it gently only half opening one paddle.  We both kept a good watch on the gunnels but to our relief AmyJo rose without getting stuck.

You can see just how tight it is in the lock from this angle.

 The good news was AmyJo now sat free in a full lock, but, the bad news was a tupperware cruiser was jammed solid in the lock above.  Apparently its irate owner was being rather nasty to the lock keeper and insisted he could get up the locks.  He'd already got jammed in the bottom lock, had been asked not to proceed, ignored the locky, and now was jammed tight in the next.  

The errant cruiser holding everyone up.

 We waited patiently in the bottom lock until 30 minutes later they eventually got free by losing a wooden rubbing strake and plenty of fibreglass.

The rest of the climb went uneventfully.  We then had a pleasant cruise through Burland and are now moored in the middle of nowhere on a delightful stretch in the sun. 

This chap passed us with a pair of dog ends (not book ends sic) on the back of his boat

Finally an update on Smudge and his broken leg.  He has now had his stitches out and the wound has healed nicely.  Only problem we have now is he has returned to his usual exuberant self.  Trying to keep him from running and jumping on and off the furniture is nigh on impossible.  He has even resorted to sneaking out through the cratch cover if he thinks we're not watching.

The little scamp trying to escape but got caught out by mum.

Total distance:15 miles Elapsed time:13 hours Locks:12 Bridges:40 

Average speed:1.27 mph (1.94 lock/mph) 

Enjoyed Chester but then a bad end to the week

Last week we attended a charity boxing match at the Roodee racecourse in Chester which raised £4000.  One of Amy's regulars at the pub was taking part and we all went to support him.  Its the first time we've been to a live boxing match and with 20 bouts on the program it was a full evening.  This also included a meal and a bottle of vino calapso all for £20 a head

One of the the bouts was the only not blurred picture I took.

Sadly Koowee (nickname for Cooper) lost his bout but he got all the support from his mates in loud calls of Koowee Koowee Koowee while he boxed.  This helped him on but to no avail.  Still he was in good spirits and is looking forward to next year's event.  We on the other hand had a great time and with great company with wine and beer flowing freely.

Koowee in the middle after his bout with is son on the right (straight out of Peaky Blinders I reckon) :-)

We then moved up into Chester after stopping for a shop in the new Aldi super store.  There are some convenient moorings outside the Bridge Inn to lay up so while the other halves go shopping the lads can have an ale or three.  A great concept there I think.

The moorings at the Bridge Inn.  Aldi is of to the left on the other side of the cut.

As we moved on the Sunday it was a rare opportunity for Chris to be with Smudge and I whilst we cruise.  She love this part of Chester so relished the trip in the warm weather.  I was grateful not having to single hand the locks of course but it is nice cruising together.

Approaching Chemistry lock

Once through the locks we reached Cow Lane bridge moorings in Chester.  We had intended to moor there but all the moorings were taken so we carried on to the basin.  Chris had to stay aboard as we found, once again, the towpath closed after the bridge and King Charles tower.  This is due to loose rocks in the walls that tower above the cut along there.

The closed section of towpath and section of dangerous wall on the left of frame.

Next was the bridge of sighs.  I've mentioned this before but I always feel there is an air about the place as you pass under it.  Still I do like this stretch as its moody and atmospheric.

The bridge of sighs.

 Finally we got to the Northgate staircase.  With no volunteer locky working them and the locks set against us it took a while to descend.  We found the basin with only a few boats moored there

In the middle chamber.

 We got our favourite mooring in the basin opposite the dry dock and stayed the week.  Whilst there we found this brightly coloured rock.  Seems a new craze is sweeping the nation.  Paint a rock and leave it for someone to find and re hide or keep.  The kids and adults alike love it and they are being found everywhere.

Brightly coloured rock we found and re-hid.

The weather has been so hot and our place in the basin made it just perfect

 It was that hot one afternoon so we tried to get Smudge to go for a swim but he was having none of it.  I think having fallen in off AmyJo when he was a pup has unfortunately given him a complex about swimming.

Trying to coax Smudge into the water but he would not go out of his depth

On Monday I moved the boat up to Cow Lane bridge and we had a couple of uneventful days there.  On Wednesday we moved back to Waverton.  There is a fete there this Saturday and we are ringing handbells in the afternoon so it will be quite convenient as the hall is yards away from our mooring.

All was well with our world until Thursday.  I had walked Smudge in the evening when it cooled down and was playing fetch with his ball on the green next to the boat.  I threw the ball for the sixth time and Smudge tore off after it as normal.  On reaching it he spun round and let out an almighty yelp and kept yelping, curling up into a ball.  It was an awful sound, everyone stopped and looked. When I got to him it was clear something was really wrong with his back leg. I yelled at Chris to lock up the boat and get to the car whilst I carried Smudge back.

After a visit to the emergency vet and X-rays next day it appears he has fractured his femur in his right hind leg, how we are unable to work out.  I think he tripped over the ball landing on it with his leg on top the ball and all of his body weight coming down onto it.  Yesterday we had to take him to a veterinary hospital where he was operated on to fit plates either side of the bone to hold it together.

We got him home this afternoon and the poor chap is not in a good place but coping well enough and not complaining as he is pumped full of pain killers, this helps as it makes him drowsy.

Here you can see the extent of the operation

For now we're keeping him dosed up on Tramadol and Pardale (paracetamol) for animals.  He is to have complete rest, only 5 minutes of exercise to go do his business outside.  No stairs or jumping on and off furniture for 6 weeks, then another round of X-Rays to check all is well.  For those of you that know Smudge this is going to be difficult at best.

This incident has really shaken me and I did not realise just how close the pair of us had become.  We both missed each other terribly and I was close to tears all night with worry.  His eyes lit up  when he saw me today will be one I'll never forget.  He has laid beside me ever since we got home.  Its good so to have him back.

As a result if this our latest cruise plans will now have to be curtailed as well.  We're not destined to have our usual summer cruise this year but if it means Smudge gets back to normal I'd gladly go without it.  Not sure what we'll do for a cruise but as soon as smudge is able to get about and his stitches are out we might plan a couple of weeks down the Shroppie and back, we'll have to see.