Summer Cruise Day 3 Church Minshull to Bramble Cuttings

Well I never, what IS happening to our weather?  After yesterday's rain we woke this morning to sunshine streaming into the boat, what the....  A far cry from yesterday's awful rain, not that I'm complaining mind.

We set off aiming to stop at Middlewich, little did we know we would stop but not for the right reasons.  All will be revealed later.

The morning's sun was glorious and felt good as we cruised along.  We passed my favourite building on the branch, this beautifully converted stable block.  I could quite happily see my days out living there.

Would love to own this one day

A little further on is another house lovingly restored.   The last time we came by it was derelict but now someone has put a lot of care and attention into it.  What a delightful place they now have.

Smudge has now taken to laying on his bed on the hatch when we cruise and with it being so nice Chris decided to join him. We have found sitting on the roof gives so much better views over the hedges and is now my favourite spot to helm as we go along.

Wish Chris would massage me now and again like that

 As I mentioned yesterday it was quite busy with boats coming the other way.  Sods law we met everyone at or near bridge holes.  We let this chap through and started our way through.  The boat in the distance was not happy we had stolen his bridge hole.  As you can see I'd hardly call stealing would you?

Apparently the distant boat thought he had the bridge hole not me.

Our first sighting of a calf this year.  This one could only be a day or two old.

On approach to Wardle lock we were surprise to find only one boat was descending ahead of us and none below.  Most unusual we thought but the reason was soon to become clear.  We passed nb Elizabeth on the way.  We do so like this boat, she looks so pretty to me.  

this has to be one of the most recognisable boats on the system.

The new owners of Wardle cottage have clearly been busy as signs its is now being lived in are evident.  We have been following their posts on FB and it looks like major interior works have taken place.  Its good to know the cottage will still have a bright future.

Not much change outside but clear evidence a lot of work has been done inside

 After descending the lock I crept out under the bridge into the junction expecting to meet boats coming in either direction but, not one.  None coming from Middlewich and nothing coming down Kings lock.  Compared to the usual bustle of the junction all was eerily quiet.

Turning onto the Trent and Mersey and no one to be seen

 On arriving at Middlewich top lock we joined a queue of four boats and all became clear.  C&RT had drained the bottom pound to survey a culvert but had had to drain the pound almost empty.  An unlicensed and what looked abandoned boat had to be pushed into the middle of the pound to keep pit upright and thus was now blocking passage as they tried to refill the pound by lock boats down, which clearly was not enough as can be seen by this photo
.

Still not enough water in the pound

 After 2 hours of sitting in the middle lock we manage to descend into the middle pound.  With no rings to tie up to a nearby tree had to suffice.  Good job this was on the offside!

Just got the center line tied to the tree and so lunch was had whilst we waited

 By now the queue of boats was building but with several C&RT chaps helping we eventually got on the move again.  Sadly scenes like this are becoming all to frequent across the network as the aged system creaks under the burden of hoards of boats and inexperienced crews leaving paddles open these days, though admittedly not in this case.

Finally descending the bottom lock with many more boats following

 After a brief stop to water below big lock we carried on our way past 9 or 10 boats lined up to go up the locks.  Some reporting they had been waiting for 5 hours!   We passed through Croxton Flash and eventually found a lovely spot to moor called Bramble cuttings

Croxton flash.  Home to several sunken BW working boats

 This idealic mooring is punctuated by the remains of a narrow gauge railway.  I've tried to research what could have been worked here on the internet to no avail and only the Pearsons guide eludes to the fact it was a site of puddling clay works.  For those who don't know puddling clay used to line the canals as it is quite thick and forms a waterproof seal for the canal bed and walls.   One can only assume the curled up rails at the bank were to allow the wagons to be tipped to empty the clay into waiting barges

all that appears to remain of the clay works

The bank here has been extensively restored and new rings set in, however,, never in the right place for us so
again a tree is pressed into service to act as mooring pin for the stern.

Oddly these moorings are located on the offside of the cut and there seems no access for walkers.   After tea we took Smudge for a walk to explore but only found fields behind and the area fenced of by a wire fence buried in the brambles.

Lovely picnic area at the site.  If only we had though to pack a BBQ!

 On our walk around we came across this sign pinned to a tree.  

Sure that should read Beech?

I jokingly remarked it could not be a sandy beach and must therefore refer to a tree (Beech tree?) but the spelling would seem to indicate not.  A few yards on and sure enough there was actually a beach.  Alright it was tiny but a beach of sorts none the less.  Smudge was delighted and proceeded to happily splash around in it.

Total distance:7.69 miles Elapsed time:6h47m5s Locks:6 

Bridges:30 Average speed:1.13 mph (2.02 lock/mph) 

Summer Day 2 - Barbridge to Church Minshall

We did not expect to sleep well last night being moored alongside the busy A51 but surprisingly we did until 6am when a rather noisy juggernaut thundered past us that actually shook the boat.  Smudge, bless him, thought we were being boarded and barked his head off, he was only guarding his pack after all.

We managed to reassure him all was well and we all settled down again and dozed until 8:30am.  After breakfast I got AmyJo ready to cruise.  Already the rain which dogged us yesterday had returned but this time that very fine mizzly rain that getsthrough your wet gear.

Leaving Barbridge during the morning rush hour

Sounding the horn I turned left onto the Middlewhich branch and slowly motored though the lines of moored boats.  In fact I barely got above tick over most of the day due to the shear number of boats moored along the route.

Linear moorings at Barbridge Junction, Middlewhich branch

As the morning progressed the rain got heavier so with plenty of time on our hands before we get to Liverpool we decided we would stop at lunch time.

At Cholmondeston Lock a boat was ascending and we had one boat ahead waiting to descend.  By the time he entered the lock there were four boats behind us and an equally long queue forming below the lock.  Such is life on the Middlewhich branch.  Being part of both the Cheshire ring and the Four Counties ring this stretch is one of the busiest in this region and long queues quickly form at the locks.  We don't mind as we usually have a good old chin wag with fellow boaters in the queue.  Its fascinating to compare notes once we get underway again.  My news from the other helms and Chris's news from the other ladies working the lock.  Some quite interesting too!

Some quirky gardening going on here but looks great.

 Further along we came across these odd looking boats.  We had seen them earlier this year and must rate them as the smallest live aboard boats around here, they do, however, have some lovely hanging baskets

The plastic boat is towed behind and acts as the storage unit for all sorts of things

Just a short wait at Minchull Lock and then we stopped at bridge 12 where we have a fab view out of the side doors but alas they have to remain shut in this rain which by now was becoming quite heavy.  

Lovely view but not through the side doors

Chris and I spent the afternoon doing odd jobs.  Chris tiding and cleaning the galley cupboards.  When finished I looked at the possibility of installing under cupboard drawers where the plinth is. On removal of the plinth for inspection we reckon we can get quite a bit of drawer space there so this will be my winter project.  I even found a screwdriver under there that must have been left when Fernwoods fitted out AmyJo.  Its lain there all this time undiscovered until now.

As I type the rain is finally easing but it has not let up all day.  The forecast is better for tomorrow so we can only hope as I inadvertently broke the zip on my boaters coat whilst getting on board after walking Smudge rendering it useless.  Still must not complain we badly need this rain so we should be grateful really.   Why can't it rain at night and be dry during the day though?

Our mooring neighbours for the night.  Bet their watching Wimbldon!

Our mooring with anti Shoppy ledge tyres deployed.  Notice our dish?  We're NOT watching the tennis lol

View from the observation lounge this evening - meh

Total distance:4.24 miles Elapsed time:2h30m35s 

:2 Bridges:11 Average speed:1.69 mph (2.49 lock/mph)

Summer Cruise Day 1 - Tattenhall to Barbridge

We eventually stayed a week and a half in and around Chester then returned to Tattenhall for a few days to equalize the batteries and prepare for our summer cruise.  It also gave Chris chance to get all the washing and ironing done whilst AmyJo was hooked up to the mains.  I spent the time cleaning and generally pottering about doing a few jobs and we also took the opportunity to catch up with our mooring nieghbours. 

Today we had a bit of a lay in thanks to Smudge sleeping in which is unusual for him, so did not actually get underway until 11:15am.  This was partly due to the dismal weather, such a change from the previous few days.  A heavy drizzle was falling and we nearly decided to stay put but we really wanted to get a start so togged up in our wet gear we first fueled up and pumped out then got under way.

Not nice conditions to start our trip have to say

Chris and Smudge stayed down below whilst I took AmyJo out of the marina and headed for Barbridge our destination for today.  Naturally with the rain we could not take many photos but we've blogged about this stretch before.

Unusually empty moorings at the Shady Oak

We found Wharton lock in our favour and as AmyJo entered the lock a boat turned up to come down so Chris had some welcome help.   

The sun did put in an appearance as we left Wharton Lock but only for a few minutes

At Iron  lock there was a bit of a wait as a boat in front of us was going in and boats above waiting to come down but the wait was not too long and we're in no hurry.  The crew of nb King David, in front of us, told Chris they would wait for us at Beeston lock and so we had pleasant company for the next two locks. In fact we soon realised that we had done the same thing with them last year.

It seems a lot of boats were heading to Chester so Beeston and Tilstone locks were in our favour too with boats waiting to come down.  Working together with the other crews we got through them quite quickly then said our farewells to the nb King David crew as they stopped above Tilstone.

At Bunbury staircase locks the usual hustle and bustle of the Anglo Welsh hire boat yard was going on.  We said hi to our friend Steve who runs the yard and accompanied a hire crew in the staircase.  It was their every first ever narrow boat cruise and lock, talk about baptism of fire.  First ever lock at its a staircase!  We helped them perform the famous Bunbury shuffle for which they were grateful, and then let them take the lead.  They have a deadline to be back by Friday and we have plenty of time.

By now Chris and Smudge were drenched as the rain returned so I sent them below to dry and warm up as we were lock free from now on today.

We passed through Calverley services and eventually called it a day Chester side of Barbridge Junction.  As is always the case now we're moored up the sun has started to make an appearance!  Oh and a bit of a landmark, this is our 400th post!

Total distance: 7.88 miles Elapsed time: 5h19m23s Locks:6 Bridges:15 

Average speed:1.48 mph (2.61 lock/mph) 

Back To Chester and a meeting of good friends

We stayed four nights in all at Ellesmere Port museum and whilst there on the Saturday working historic boat Shad was giving demonstrations of locking up and down passing our mooring each time to turn round.  This gave me a prime photo opportunity and a chance to play with the camera settings a little.

The impressive and high bow of an unladen Shad

Pin hole camera setting in black and white.  Could almost be an old photo I guess

Time to move on Sunday and so I took AmyJo back down stream to Caughal bridge near the Chester Zoo.

I have to say I was disappointed this time round visiting the museum for several reasons.  Due to lack of traffic the canal from Backford on is now silting up again and weed is a big issue as you approach the port.  I had to hold off whilst the museum trip boat winded and ended completely wrapping the prop in string weed that nearly stalled the engine.   I manage to limp into the port slowly and spent 20 minutes removing said weed when moored.

Further, the museum is now finding finance difficult and is beginning to run down.  I heard from staff that the submerged historic boats were due to be removed into warehouse storage to await their fate as funding for restoration simply was not available.  The manager wanting to use the pound they are in to raise income by allowing fishing to take place there instead.  There seems no enthusiasm to encourage visiting boats to go there either.

If you do want to visit you are faced with no facilities and using pins on the island moorings to moor up.  Be prepared to work hard hammering them in too as large concrete sections exist just below the grass so several replacing and hammering like hell is required.

Mooring rings are almost non existant and not well spaced,  usually located where a submerged wreck is positioned unknown to the unwary visitor, so a ring may look inviting but check with a pole first to avoid parking on top of one.  The levels do rise and fall so could catch you out.  

Only one water taps is available for use for the boater by the museum shop but is not easily accessed due to the trip boat which is usually moored just outside the top lock gate and leaves little room to get to the tap so a long hose is needed.  Oh and there appears no facility for elsan disposal or pump out visible too.

Sadly my advise now is, don't bother if time constrained.  The mooring fee is £19 for two people for the first night (though this is access for a year to be fair) and £4 a night there after but you do get to view the museum as much as you like during your stay, provided that is, there will be much left to see from the sound of it.

So, on with our cruise, and I moored up in a super little spot within walking distance of Chester Zoo in the countryside.  The weather now decidably hot made the spot even more saticfactory as we could let Smudge off to roam free on is long wire lead as often as he wanted.  I still don't fully trust him not to dart off again yet.  

We were prepared to stay here a week but an instant Facebook message from Del and Al on Derwent 6 (click) informing us they were headed for Chester changed that idea.

The mooring near Chester Zoo

 Most of us enjoyed some lovely hot weather and we were no exception.  In 30+C I moved AmyJo back to the Chester Basin and topped up my tan on the way. I love cruising in the sun and it makes all life's woes melt away when I do. I don't ask for more.   Even the shorts saw light of day for the first time this millenia!

Impressive 5 arch bridge near Backford carries the railway high above the canal

On arriving at the basin I was surprised to find it completely empty apart from one boat on the mooring opposite the dry dock.  I moored at the first visitor mooring within hose length of the water tap, bonus don't have to move to top up.

Next morning a familiar boat came through Northgate locks being Del and Al on Derwent6 who moored directly behind AmyJo.

Now call me daft if you will but seeing AmyJo and Derwent6 together is quite a big deal for me and something I always hoped I would see.  

If any of you have followed our blog from the early days will know Del and Al showed us around Derwent6 at Crick when we were first looking to have AmyJo built.  We then met them again the following year at Wrenbury on the Llangollen canal.  It was at this meeting that after talking to them our dream suddenly became a reality thanks to their advise

So seeing Derwent6 and AmyJo together for me represents the start of our journey towards living the dream and AmyJo the dream come true.

On Thursday Del and Al went off to explore the city as this was their first time here with Derwent6 so they wanted to make the most of it.

In the evening we found out there was live entertainment in Telford's Warehouse and being music lovers we went over and had a great night listening to Alex Green who was absolutely brilliant. 

All having a blast despite only having our phones and no camera
with us so not a good quality picture.

Today, Friday, Del and Al had to move on as they will be cruising further north to meet up with friends Mark and Sian on another lovely Fernwood boat.  We will cross paths again so have planned a stop over all together during our cruise later next month.

It was fab to see them again and we thoroughly enjoyed their company once again.  Hats of to them for keeping the boat immaculate.  Derwent6 gleams as good as new even though she is now 9 ears old.  Now where is that polish Chris?

Derwent6 departs and prepares to ascend the Northgate Locks 

As for us, we will be hanging around the Chester area until the end of the month as Chris has her end of term works do in Chester so we want to remain close by.  Also this weekend is the roving traders market up by Cow Lane Bridge, another reason to stay a little longer over the weekend.

The Cat, Crick, Chester and beyond

Well reader,

I've been really lazy the last few weeks where the blog is concerned, in fact, now the nice weather is here I've actually been very lazy full stop!

We have, however, been on the move since our last post so time for a catch up.  

If you recall we were moored on our favorite mooring at Waverton for a week.  On the Wednesday it was time to move AmyJo so we (the royal we that is) cruised all of one mile up stream to the Cheshire Cat Pub and hotel.

The moorings here are quite pleasant and the Cat does a lovely menu, well being moored outside it would be rude not to wouldn't it?

Its been working out that we stop 7 days at each location before getting itchy feet to move so after a week at the cat and needing water I moved up to the water point by the Old Trooper some 800 yards further up the canal from the cat and stopped there for another 7 days after reversing back off the water point..

Of course, like everyone else we had booked into Crick show so cruised AmyJo back to Tattenhall marina to stop whilst we were away.  As always the show was packed with boats and people and for once the weather behaved whilst we were there.

It was also interesting to see that our two tone Grey colour scheme seemed to be popular with some of the show boats this year.  These were the same colour shades but in reverse.  They looked superb.

On the second day the crowds were bigger so we decided to take a stroll along the towpath.  Up to now Smudge had behaved impeccably and was handling the sea of legs and other dogs really well considering we spend most of the time out in the country.  Poor chap was having a sensory overload but he never complained once.  His fave stall just happened to be the Fernwood stall as he received a lot of doggy treats from the girls on the stand! 

Not looking as busy this year on the cut

 Poor Smudge could not managed the temporary bridge across the cut.  The pressed out grip holes in the flooring beams clearly hurt his paws so a carry was in order.  For being a good doggy he was awarded a snazzy bandanna to wear afterwards.

Enjoying having the weight off his paws and his new bandanna

No canal boat show would be complete without an appearance from these two!

 This boat had its roof covered in toy ducks.  It would appear the owners were looking for a suitable duck to place over the mooring pins but could not find one suitable.  So many friends donated toy ducks they became a feature of the boat when moored.

These are but a tiny part of the collection

Once more we went to Crick with a small shopping list but once again came away having spent far more than we should have.

After the show we took ourselves off to Essex for a brief visit to the parents and then returned to AmyJo.  After a night in the marina club house for the not to be missed open mike night we (yes all three of us this time) headed out and cruised back to the Cheshire Cat for a few days.

To be honest nothing noteworthy was done for the following days apart from regular walks for Smudge, though with the settled weather I did manage to get some rust treated and painted on the gunwale Starboard deck.

From here we moved up to Chester spending a few days by Cow Lane bridge then moved down into the basin via the Northgate Staircase after a quick stop at Tower Gardens moorings for a spot of lunch.  Its quite interesting single handing down this staircase best done roping the boat down but I don't think I'd want to try going up on my own.

Once in the basin I found a handy mooring opposite the dry dock that was not a visitor mooring so managed to stay there for a week.  The basin has new apartment blocks and one nearby has C&RT showers and toilets built into it.  It also has a hidden water point at the other end to give us drinking water to fill the tank without having to move (note a long hose is needed).  This spot is normally reserved for C&RT working boats but after a chat with the guys crewing the work boat was given the OK to moor there as it would mean the mooring would be kept free for them on their return later next week.   We do just fit behind the work boat when it there to be honest so have moored there before.

Once again after our 7 days of chilling out and visiting the town I filled the water tank, winded AmyJo, and headed up stream towards Ellesmere Port.  The plan was to stop near Chester zoo and when I got there the moorings were deserted.  It was a lovely sunny day so after a bit of early lunch and a walk for Smudge I decided to head on into the canal boat museum.  

Mooring is relatively cheap there although the only amenities are toilets (during open hours) and a water tap outside the shop.  Parking is a bit hit and miss as the car park is locked between 5pm and 8am so if you need a car during that time you need to park outside the car park. 

Your first night fee is your visit fee per person for the museum (£19.50 for two) then its only £4 pound per night there after.  For the fee you get an annual pass to visit the museum any time and as often as you like too.  So good value I reckon.

AmyJo moored in exactly the same spot when
we did the Shipping Canal trip a few years ago.

View of the Mersey estuary

The forecast over the next few days is for a mini heat wave.  If this is the case we intend to give the cratch cover a good scrub to remove the green winter rime and re waterproof it.  Its not done too bad for the last three years so it will do it some good.  I also want to get a bit more painting done where one or two small rust spots are appearing on the bow and stern decks.