Summer Cruise Day 41 Bollington to Lyme green

Wow what a noisy night we had last night.  About 1am in the morning the bedroom lit up and a distant clap of thunder woke us up with Smudge barking at it.  

We reassured him and he snuggled back down between us and dropped of to sleep again.  By now the rain was lashing down so getting to sleep was not easy.

I have this weird need to watch thunderstorms, don't know why, so I crept out into the observation deck (cover over back hatch) for my fix.  Not long and a massive flash blinded me for a few seconds followed almost instantly by a the most tremendous crash of thunder overhead lasting all of 3 minutes.  So close in fact the thunder vibrated AmyJo from stem to stern for a full couple of minutes.  We think lightning may have struck barely a few yards away, possibly hitting the Mill chimney as the mill was now in total blackout.  My ears were ringing for a good while after thats for sure.  After 3 years aboard this was our first thunderstorm and, I quite enjoyed it to be honest.  Smudge slept through it all of course.

Sleepy eyed we rose at 9am this morning and got ready to cruise.  There was still a light drizzle in the air and after the night's downpours everything was dripping wet.

Our first port of call was Bollington Wharf for Calor Gas.  Brian McGuigan and his team have really smarted up the wharf and Brian was there to greet us

The rain easing of as we approached Bollington Wharf

Coal boat Alton is now moored here when not out delivering

Bollington wharf is a fascinating place with a varied selection of old working boats, including Brian's nb Alton.  With gas bottle replaced we wished Brian well and set off again.

All was going well until we reached Kerridge Dry dock when Chris yelled out "Monkeys overboard!!!"  I still can't believe we actually did this but we put our man overboard drill into practice just for a dog's toy!  

You see, the monkeys are Smudge's favourite tug of war toy consisting of 3 soft monkey heads on a rope depicting Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil.  Smudge has had them since he was 10 weeks old.  They are so much loved by him that they no longer resemble monkeys, in fact we now call them the 3 wise mutants.  We cannot bare to get rid of them as he loves them so much.   Turns out Smudge had dropped them by Chris, sat in the bow, to play and they had rolled over the side.

Kerridge Dry Docks

The overboard Monkeys toy.  Poor Smudge was by now distraught his toy was leaving him and he could not fetch it

With Smudge running the length of the boat several times in panic for his beloved toy and slamming on the brakes I managed to gently reversed AmyJo back to the toy and using the boat hook fished it out of the cut.

gently does it so as not to wrap them round the prop

Safely back on board and drying out though not recognisable as anything but rag right now

 The weather started to improve and the short bursts of sunshine started to warm things up nicely until by mid day we were discarding the wet gear.

Now dry but low cloud still hugged the hills nearby

Lovely cross over bridge.

Along the way a large over-spill was the fishing ground of a kingfisher that could be seen swooping into the water and flying off into the bushes nearby.  As we passed the weir a black minx, I think it was at least, scuttled along the edge dropping into the water and swimming off.  It could have been a ferret as it looked similar.  Sadly my camera was down below and Chris had not seen it.

The over-spill where I saw the ferret like creature

Arriving at Macclesfield we were amazed to find the mooring pontoons almost empty.  We pulled in and, as we had not gone into Macclesfield last time we were here, we took a walk into town.

On the moorings at Macclesfield

 The town is accessed from the nearby road bridge.  We walked towards the Railway station and up into the shopping area.

View from the bridge and the old Hovis mill on the right

Lovely looking Alms houses

Impressive looking house

We walked up a lovely cobbled hill which could easily have been the location for the old Hovis advert. I nearly started humming that well known tune accompanying the Hovis Adverts but refrained.

That old Hovis tune sprang to mind as we walked up here

 We found the indoor market in the shopping mall and bought some doggie treats at the pet stall.  We were just leaving the arcade feet from the exit when an obnoxious chap in security uniform called we don't allow dogs in here mate.  I spun on him and retorted "Then its about time you put up signs informing people of that then isn't it"  (there were none on display, we make a point of checking first).

 After lunch back on AmyJo we got underway again.  Our goal was the Gurnett aqueduct and a meal with friends in Sutton hall.

We passed this impressive rampart wall though what its purpose was not clear.

Looks like castle ramparts from the canal.

On reaching the aqueduct not a spare inch of mooring space was to be had.  The place was full of moored boats all the way to bridge 44.  We even tied to moor after the bridge but to no avail due to silt.  We eventually found a nice mooring 2 miles further on at Lyme Green and moored for the night.  Sadly the meal was not to be and we ate aboard instead.

Tried to moor here but it was too shallow

Total distance:5 miles Elapsed time:3h34m19s Locks:0 Bridges:18 

Average speed:1.31 mph (1.31 lock/mph)

Summer Cruise Day 40 Poynton to Bollington

Before leaving Higher Poynton this morning we pulled onto the water point outside Braidbar's yard for a top up then got underway. 

It was a quiet run today with hardly any boats on the move.  We only passed two boats all morning. 

We took it steady and ambled along at an easy pace, Chris stepped of at a bridge 'ole with Smudge to give him a walk and to do what dogs need to do now and again and then got back aboard at the next bridge.

Just after bridge 25 on the outskirts of Bollington we were waved down to stop by C&RT contractors who were blocking the canal as they dredged.  Anyone who has cruised the Macc will know how welcome this is.  Sadly the contractors are only allowed to dredge certain sections so it will still be a while before the Macc is silt free.

Major dredging equipment on hand.  

 After a 10 minute wait we were waved on but AmyJo had, on coming alongside the bank, run aground again.  Nothing for it but a contractor and myself heaving her back into the channel.  I thanked the workman adding "You missed a bit here mate"  which brought a smile to his face.

Meantime as we started to pass the dredger a barge swung into our path causing Chris to shout to me to watchout,  however, the digger driver was on the job and quickly pulled the barge out of the way with the digger arm.  We all had a good laugh and some banter at Chris's expense and I think this brightened the lads day somewhat.  With that we thanked them and cruised on into Bollington

Clarence mill welcomes boaters as we enter the town.  Now posh flats for rent at £850 per calendar month.

 We rounded the bend onto Bollington Aquaduct with fingers, toes and legs crossed there would be space to moor.  As we got nearer a bow came into view and our hopes faded.  We needn't have worried as to our surprise there were only 3 shortish boats moored and masses of free space.  We got in and moored up just as nb La Bruixa rounded the bend behind us.  At first they were not sure they could get in between us and the next boat but with Chris and my help we squeezed them in in front of AmyJo much to their delight.  Like us they were not expecting to get moored up here either.

After chatting to the crew for a while we took ourselves off into town for a wander.  We both like Bollington and its rows of neat terraced houses and enjoy walking around the town.  Always said we'd like to live here for a while.

Lovely little houses and their own green.  Heaven for Smudge.

 Last time we were here we walked up to the White Nancy (click) but not today as we're only stopping over-night this time.  Shame because the weather was nice and the views would be good from up there.

The white Nancy with what looks like a new coat of paint

As I type this no other boats have moored on the aqueduct since we did and there is still plenty of room behind us.  Most unusual for this time of year!

Moored at Clarence Mill

Total distance:4.16 miles Elapsed time:3h0m50s Locks:0 Bridges:14 

Average speed:1.38 mph (1.38 lock/mph) 

Summer Cruise Day 39 Disley to Higher Poynton

We woke to the sun streaming in through the port holes and for once Smudge was still out for the count.  It took him a while to come too.  Must have been a good deep sleep for him to be like that.

A relatively short run was planned for today as we wanted to stop in Marple.  We set off at our usual 9:30pm and chugged along taking in the lovely scenery around here.  It rates as one of our favorite bits of canal round here.

Almost a picture postcard view.

Just before Marple Junction we came across nb Brammle.  We know this boat as it used to belong to one of our mooring neighbours at Tattenhall Marina but they sold her earlier in the year to move ashore.  She looks as if her new owners are taking good care of her.

Still well maintained nb Brammle looks as good as she did when we last saw her

Approaching Marple junction

At Marple Junction we swung under the bridge and onto the Macclesfield canal.  We found a free spot just after the next bridge to moor up and then walked into town.

Narrows immediately after the turn.  Presumably boats would have been
measured here and a toll levied based on the tonnage of cargo carried.

Whilst in town I managed to buy a new tool box.  Up to now all my tools had been crammed into a very small Halfords tool bag.  Every time I needed something I had to empty the entire contents to find the tool I wanted.  The new 16 inch box has lift out shelves and means my tools can be accessed much easier now. Just need to find a home onboard for it now!

After a cuppa back on AmyJo we got under way again as it was a lovely day for cruising.  We decided we would stop wherever took our fancy rather than stay all day at Marple.

Passing through Hawk Green is located  the Goyt Mill.  A rather magnificent building of red and cream bricks.  Built in 1905 by Johnathan Partland LTD and designed by Manchester architects Stott and sons.

As a spinning Mill it housed 82000 mule spindles, the largest number in the country at the time.  Spinning ceased in the 60s and so the mill was used to store plastics and foam.  The mill finally closed in 1980, just about avoided demolition and is now divided into several business units.

Impressive Goyt Mill

Plenty of boats on the move today.

We eventually found some nice Armco and rings to moor at Poynton, home of Braidbar boats yard.  Ahead of us is moored this rather odd looking craft.  It is, in fact, a Caracraft (click), a cross between a caravan and a boat.  If the website is anything to go by these look quite comfortable inside.  When moving on land the Caracraft is simply pulled onto a road base and can then be used as a normal caravan.  Oddly they are made in Australia so I wonder how this one got over to the UK?

The caracraft caravan boat

Our mooring tonight, Braidbar's yard is further on round the corner

Total distance:3.73 miles Elapsed time:2h27m54s Locks:0 Bridges:16 

Average speed:1.66 mph (1.66 lock/mph) 

Summer Cruise Day 38 Bugsworth to Disley

We spent a total of 4 nights in Bugsworth in all.  We so love that place its hard to leave.  On Friday several of the boats moored there including Derwent6 and Mochyn Du, all left so the basin was now looking empty.  Perhaps we should have held back a day.

The tow path at the basin is quite low so it makes it perfect for Gunwale painting.  AmyJo was in need of some fresh paint.  So, with a lovely dry day, I set too and rubbed down the Starboard (right) Gunwale. 

I also took the opportunity to treat some rust blistering the paint around the starboard bow fare-lead, which when removed, we discovered was not sealed fully and a small amount of moisture getting in.   I treated the rust with Furtan and let it soak over night.

Primer on and setting

I also dealt with the area where I hit the wall.

Saturday dawned wet an miserable and stayed that way pretty much all morning.  By mid afternoon the weather perked up enough for me to wet and dry back the primer and get some undercoat on.

Sunday was a polar opposite with wall to wall sunshine from the start.  By 11am Chris and I had the finish coat on the gunwale and moved AmyJo across the arm to rub down the Port (left) gunwale.  

By mid day the gunwale was far to hot to paint so we got the chairs out and just chilled with an ice cream.  At 3pm the cloud had built sufficiently to hide the sun and let the gunwale cool down.  Working as fast as we could we got the finish coat of paint on the gunwale and the bow touch ups.

All done and gleaming as new.

Today we left at 9:30am after topping up with water and emptying the Portapotti.

We only met one boat on the way out but as the levels were well down we kept running aground.  At one point I had to use the pole to get AmyJo back into deeper water.

We met the only boat going the other way just after this was taken and ran hard aground

The levels were really low so we barely got over tick over most of the way.  At swing bridge 30 as we passed through another boat appeared astern.  It looked like he had been waiting for someone to go through the bridge  "no problem" I said "you can get the next one.  "I'll be mooring up shortly" he grinned back"

Bridge 30

We made a pit stop at New Mills Marina for a pump out and to top up with diesel.  At 69p for the diesel and £16 for a pump out it was good value considering there is no competition on this arm.

The Twizzle sweet factory at Newtown, what lovely smells emanate from there!

Just before Swing bridge 25 we passed the boat we let through earlier, moored up.  Chris set the bridge open and I went through just as another boat appeared and followed.  To our surprise the first boat untied his lines and motored through too grinning from ear to ear.  

Never tire of views like this

OK I thought perhaps he stopped to look round maybe.  It was not until we found him moored once more at the next swing bridge we realised he was playing us for fools and letting us do his work for him despite having 4 crew to himself.  The other boat let us through first and sure enough he and a further boat pulled out and followed us through.

We tried several times to moor up after this but the low levels meant we could not get in on most of the moorings.  We eventually got in some Armco near Disley but are aground with the stern out 4 feet.

Our shirker went past us not long after and his smile quickly vanished when he saw us moored in a perfect spot and no free Armco left.  I waved and quipped "Hello again" but this time I was ignored!  I wonder why :-)

Hope this is still not the case

Our mooring for the night

Total distance:4.56 miles Elapsed time:3h8m0s Locks:0 Bridges:16 

Average speed:1.45 mph (1.45 lock/mph) 

Day 34 Marple Locks to Bugsworth Basin

9am and a knock on the cabin.  Our engineer from RCR had arrived armed with two new throttle cables.  Fortunately one of the cables was long enough.  Within 30 minutes the new one was installed and we were ready to move on.

Our over night mooring in the pound above lock 7

Lock 9 passes under the busy A626.  Just after rush hour now but it still took Chris a while to cross over to reach the lock.

The A626 and post rush hour traffic

At the lock we found this roller mounted on the bridge wall, clearly located so as not to chafe the ropes when horses pulled the boats out of the lock.  Its the first one we have seen set this way and not vertically.

Unusual roller placing presumably to stop the bridge wearing out the ropes.

From here on up the locks the view is really pretty. With the sun shining the locks are a great place to be.  We really enjoyed these locks even if they are deep and hard to work.

Looking into Lock 9

An a pleasant view ahead.  The scenery is not bad either.

Crossing the pound to lock 10

At lock 12, I think it was, the local kids were enjoying a skate park only they were not on skates but mini scooters.  Kids of all ages were playing together here, the older ones helping the younger ones to learn their tricks.  Some were really good doing high jumps and kicks.  I was so engrossed watching them I failed to notice Chris had opened the lock gate until she called out to me.

Kids at the skate park.  The lad on the top of the ramp was helping a younger one to learn to ride it

At the last four locks we were joined by a growing number of Gongoozlers.  Poor Chris was constantly having to shoo them away from the gates so she could open or close them.  All the while answering a barrage of questions from the interested gongoozlers.  One actually asked if she was the lock guide as Chris manage to answer most of the questions thrown at her.  When the lock was full and I was exiting it with AmyJo I had plenty of willing hands to close the gate behind me.

Waiting for the lock to finish filling and some of the gongoozlers that did not move to the next lock with Chris

Finally we locked out of the top lock and needing water we swung on the Macclesfield canal at the junction.  We then winded to return to the water point at the C&RT services.  The water pressure here is quite low and it took nearly an hour to fill.  We took this time to grab a bit of lunch and a cuppa.

Once full with water we returned to Marple junction and turned right towards Bugsworth.  We so so love this arm.  It so beautiful and the views excellent, being so high the canal runs alongside a valley.  One can see hills for miles.

The start of the Bugsworth arm

Just one of the stunning views along the way

There are three lift bridges along the way, mostly electrified now.  This one obviously has the single hander in mind as the controls are on the opposite side to the bridge on the tow path side making it easy to get through.

Chris is standing by the control box,  The white beam is the cable and power run to the other side of the bridge.

After about an hour we reached the junction to Bugsworth and Whaley Bridge.  This time we're headed for Bugsworth.

The junction and the bridge we just passed under

On arrival at the basin we found our friends Del, Al, Mark and Sian were there with Derwent6 and Mochyn Du too.  The basin was really busy with so many moored boats and not much room left for AmyJo, we even ran aground 6 foot from the bank on what looked like a suitable mooring.  The first arm where Derwent6 was moored was almost empty but a pair of hotel boats breasted up were partially blocking the entrance.  With nowhere else to get in we had no choice but to attempt to get past them.  

We tried gently reversing AmyJo in and almost got past the pair but could not quite get right round them getting wedged between a boat opposite moored with full sized car wheels out as fenders, like our anti shelf wheels, and the butty of the hotel boat.  Del then asked the hotel boat owner if he would be good enough move the butty to allow us in but at first he refused arguing he needed the boats breasted up.  

As you can imagine I was not impressed with the guy for being so selfish but held my tongue, though I did make it clear it was stupid to block so many empty mooring spaces in the arm when nowhere else was available.  It was not until Del informed him Derwent6 would be leaving at 7am in the morning and he would be forced to move them then, that he begrudgingly moved the butty along allowing us, and other boats later on, to get onto a mooring.  Sadly we were the topic of conversation in the Navigator that night, most embarrassing.  As it happened Derwent6 was not the only boat that left early next morning so the hotel boats would still have been disturbed either way.

Total distance:8 miles Elapsed time:6h59m59s Locks:9 Bridges:29 

Average speed:1.63 mph (1.63 lock/mph)