Dee O Ghee Travels

The late May Bank Holiday weekend

2018-05-28T21:00:00.000+01:00

Almost a fabulous bank holiday weekend at least the sunshine was superb.

Managing to reach Marbury Park around 17:00 hrs on Friday evening, the weather today hasn't been that good but it didn't rain during our trip.

Saturday morning, the sun was out nice and early and the decision to wear a fleece on Busters walk was the wrong one as I ended up carrying it most of the way.

A paddle in the stream to cool little paws down.

Unfortunately Saturday was spoilt from about 10:00a.m onwards by the local farmer adjacent to Marbury Park who had decided to spend the full day shooting, what was being shot I dread to think.

Buster isn't good with loud bangs and his day was spent hinding inside the boat, an attempt to venture out turned into a disaster when I was forced to carry him about a mile back to the boat when he refused to walk any further, not a large pooch but over that sort of distance he feels like an elephant.

Poor Busty scared stiff, refused to walk.

We had read somewhere that a sequoia tree was planted in the parkland and we decided to hunt for it, It shouldn't be that hard to find, these Americans giants have tunnels carved in them and cars drive through, well after unknowingly walking past it a few times we finally found it, what a disapointment I could have put my hands around its truck, it can t have been more than six inches circumference, apparently it had only been planted in the 1990's.

Buster didn't leave the boat again until Sunday and then he refused to go back to Marbury park. All I could do was to walk down the canal past the Saltworks museum and back around to the nature reserve that heads back towards the boat, it was a good fifty minute walk and we visited the bird spotters hide on the way to see the views.

Overlooking the mere.

Mid-morning we moved further along the canal to Anderton boat lift, Buster was slowly becoming his usual happy self now that we had moved away from the bangs.

After tying-up the boat, Corinne eyes lit up when she noticed the Fudge boat was moored just in front of us.

Swans by the lift, a boat on the Weaver and a Fudge boat, perfect.

A walk to Asda for the first time took us about 25 minutes and was a nice stroll with views down onto the River Weaver, quite a lot of boats heading upstream today. The river is something we haven't tried yet. Maybe next time.

Buster happy again.

On the way home Buster was falling asleep in the car, head resting on the window.

Easter Break...

2018-04-02T22:04:00.000+01:00

Our first trip of the year. The weather forecast for the Easter weekend wasn't that good so we were a little bit unsure what to expect.

We managed to get down to the marina on Thursday evening, a little too late to venture out onto the canal so we lit the stove and spent the night in the marina.

Friday we arrived at Marbury Country Park, all three of us love it here, the park and it's surrounding walks are excellent for dog walking and Mr B certainly likes his walkies.

Shared mooring at our favourite spot.

Having great fun exploring the woods and playing ball.

Saturday we moved down to Anderton boat lift turning around at the winding hole and finding a spot just past The Pirate boat, this is another great place for walking.

Sunday's early morning walk was beautiful in the sunshine, and as usual lots of dog walkers here.

The Pirate boat at Anderton Boat Lift.

Heading back to the boat.

An old wheelbarrow, looking very heavy and that's before anything goes into it.

Looks like a lot of work has gone into pruning and trimming back the vegetation ready for spring.

Spotted these red mushrooms on our morning walk along the River Weaver.

All snuggly and warm, time for a rest.

Today we headed back to Marbury, stopping off at the services on the way and managing to get stuck, very silly of me I should have known better, obvious signs of land slippage that I missed and the water is apparently lower because of the breach at Middlewich, and because of water getting pumped from the Trent and Mersey up to the Shropshire Union.

Monday's weather wasn't so nice we awoke to rain, that as usual sounded worse than it actually was. Our walk this morning was definitely quieter we only met a couple of doggie's willing to brave the rain.

The rain stopped for us just before lunch and we had a dry and quiet trip to finish off a wonderful weekend.

Billinge Green Flash

2017-09-18T19:00:00.000+01:00

Moving along slightly today, we stopped at Billinge Green Flash where we finally got to do some work painting the roof, wasn't much but it was a start.

Bramble Cuttings

2017-09-17T22:30:00.000+01:00

Setting off around 09:30am before the chaos starts, looks like we left it too late. It took us 2 hours to get from Kings Lock the Big Lock, I'm sure thats just five locks in total, madness.

We love the Trent and Mersey this stretch of canal is lovely, maybe its because we know it so well.

We had our fingers crossed to get a mooring at Bramble Cuttings it is usually so busy and space limited, luck had it that it was empty and we had the place to ourselves for a good few hours, Buster was able to explore and play ball without disturbing anyone.

The rain started early evening and it threw it down, thunder, lightening the works.

Middlewich

2017-09-16T20:25:00.000+01:00

Moving down to Middlewich today and we have decided to moor just before the Kings lock, as a passing boat has just informed us that the hire boaters have drained the pounds and he struggled to get through. We shall give it time to refill and stay put tonight.

Locks are getting fewer

2017-09-15T21:30:00.000+01:00

On our way mid morning, a few locks to do but not that many. Buster sitting on the back of the boat as usual watching things passing by.

Entering the lock just before the M6 at Hassall Green.

Our mooring spot tonight across from a field full of sweetcorn, hope the scarecrows stay away tonight. We must stop watching them horror films.

Red Bull

2017-09-14T20:45:00.000+01:00

We set off at 08:00am today. Did the locks at Red Bull and Church Lawton, moored up tonight next to Rode Heath Meadows and woods. Caught the aerials again on the low bridge straight after the lock before Red Bull Services, luckily no damage.

Buster made some doggy friends this morning and had a play on the field before we left.

A very unexpected low bridge immediately after the locks at Red Bull, We seem to be a lot taller than most on the cut.

Tonight we are at Rode Heath Another Chinese Take away.

We must be going soft, this is the sixth night in a trot that we lit the stove.

Little Morton Hall

2017-09-13T20:55:00.000+01:00

The weather last night was very windy, luckily we had moored between the trees so are minds were put at rest slightly. No problems anyway everything was still standing in the morning.

Today we took a short walk up to Little Morton Hall about a mile away.

Buster can get through most gaps but some are even to small for him, so his dad helps out.

Little Morton Hall is a lovely moated house. At one time the toilets of the house emptied straight into the moat, not so nice.

We like the look of this old barn.

View of Mow Cop

The Rising Sun, location of tonights meal and it was very nice.

Ramsdell Hall

2017-09-12T16:07:00.001+01:00

The sun was actually out and it was warm.

Setting off around mid-morning in sunshine made a splendid change, we are planning to get close to Little Morton Hall today, just a few hours.

We filled up with water at Congleton, the water pressure was really good and it didn't take long.

Moored just short of Ramsdell Hall, not the best spot.

Ramsdell Hall.

Bosley Locks.

2017-09-11T16:06:00.000+01:00

This trip is becoming a total washout and if we are to make any headway we will have to start moving while it is raining. Forecast is not good for the next week. To look on the bright side the canals will be full.

Contemplating whether to move up to Bosley locks, or maybe even do them today in the rain!

We decided to make a move and had just started our engine and lifted the fender when the heavens opened with the heaviest rain Ive seen. Coal boat Halsall was just passing by us, I was going to get some coal but it can wait until another dryer time.

The rain stopped to a steady pour so we set off. I pulled the rear doors closed and pulled the hatch up to my belly to stop as much of the rain as I could getting inside, Corinne brought a coffee out to me.

The first swing bridge was open and we got waved through the seconded by someone coming the other way, cant be bad.

We reached Bosley Services and pulled into the short arm no the left.

Reversing out of the services as we started on down the locks, it rained all the way down to lock 8, and then eased to just showers. It was a relief to get moored up.

We have a nice view of the Cloud.

Coal boat Halsall passed shortly after and we got our two bags of coal.

Coal boat Halsall dropping off coal, Buster trying to helping out.

Stove lit and ready to settle down for the evening.

Macclesfield Town

2017-09-10T16:03:00.000+01:00

We moved up to Macclesfield today for some shopping. Mooring points on the pontoons are impossible to get, I bet these boats never move. The water point had moved since the last time we were here its been quite a few years so we had to ask someone where it had gone, it is now located just before bridge 38 if you're heading towards Bosley locks.

The Old Hovis Mill.

We managed to squeeze in on the end of some boats, a bit close to the bridge for my liking and I would call others for doing it, but needs must.

Picking our moment to leave for the shops so we don't get a total drenching. I like Macclesfield, shame we cant spend more time there to look around properly. Worked there a few years back.

Back to the boat and moving off quickly while Corinne unpacks the bags.

Tonights mooring is at Gurnet Aqueduct with Ye Olde Kings Head pub at the foot of the steps leading down to the road, just in time for Sunday lunch and dogs are welcome.

We wanted to walk to Megs Point but can't find where it is. Nothing much here.

Ye Olde Kings Head

Sunday lunch was ok. I think Corinne was a little unhappy that her meal didn't come with stuffing, After all it was on the menu as Chicken and Stuffing, she wouldn't let me say anything. We tend not to complain just never go back.

Bollington, Day 2.

2017-09-09T15:58:00.000+01:00

The usual old things this morning. Weather even worse than previous days, todays excursion to White Nancy won't probably happen.

We phoned our youngest son and wished him Happy Birthday, He is Twenty today.

A lull in the weather around late morning allowed us to venture down to the working boats and folk festival near Clarence Mill. A market stall selling boat art was open so we bought a painted slate heart for the boat to hang on the wall, the artist who made all the items on show had only just started sell his canal ware and we were the second person ever to have bought something,honoured.

Morris Dancers

Our new decorated slate heart.

On the way back, the boat moored up behind us had drifted out into the canal so we pulled it back in and re-pinned it, good deed for the day done.

We re-did our pins for good measure and climbed on board just as the rain started, perfect timing.

Heavy downpour

We sat for a while then gave the inside of the boat a clean while we couldn't get outside, I refilled the stern grease pump, for the first time. It has lasted five years.

Bloody boats going too fast have again sent us adrift into the canal, this time it was the festival trip boat. We shall move about a hundred yards up the canal, I can see a vacant spot and there are rings.

The evenings have been the best part of the days over the last couple of nights so we climbed to White Nancy, and rainbow came out just as we got to the top.

Rainbow came out as we reached the top of the hill.

Panoramic view of Bollington.

White Nancy

The Boat and Folk Festival.

2017-09-08T15:56:00.000+01:00

We woke to rain again on the roof this morning, it actually stopped long enough for Busters' walk but it rained again straight after.

The boats batteries are very low today, We used the tumble dryer yesterday and we didn’t run the engine long enough afterwards to recharge them enough. Hopefully we can get a couple of hour charge into them later as we move along to Bollington.

We passed Braidbar boats, they had one of their open days and the owners showing their boats were out getting them polished up.

We moored just past the reserved mooring for Braidbars open day. Had some lunch and walked back to Chandlers to see if he had any fanbelts.

Boat floating loose.

On the approach into Bollington we passed dredgers that had finished working for the day. Mooring spots are scarce due to the underwater obstacles along the edge, so we gave up and continued through to finally moor up just before Adelphi Mill, on pins.

Clarence Mill

Batteries topped up nicely, and ready for tonights takeaway and a movie on Film 4 at nine.

A quick search on Google for a local takeaway and Chinese seemed to be the preferred choice ‘Chopsticks’, it was only a twenty minute walk and a ten minute wait and we had our meal, on the way back we decided to detour and walk past the working boats at the folk festival, mostly everyone had gone but we had a nice chat with the chap on Gifford who was waiting for his wife to pick him up in the car.

We soon had our feet up watching TV with our Chinese meal, lovely.

Onto the Macclesfield Canal.

2017-09-07T15:35:00.000+01:00

Last night was our last on the Peak Forest canal, this morning we turned left onto the Macclesfield canal. Buster made friends with workmen at the Marple services while we filled up with water and he helped them eat their sandwiches.

We only planned on doing a couple of miles today, and found a place to stop just past Goyt Mill, we pulled over just behind another boat, this seems as good a spot as any.

Bacon toasted sandwich for our lunch and a walked down the canal to find somewhere to play ball. Nb Seyella was moored a few hundred yards ahead of us, we didn't see anyone to say hello to.

A nice easy day and it stayed dry too.

This duck was wearing a fancy hat.

Back to the boat for a nap and to watch the trip boats go by. One is a Briadbair boat so it is probably from their open day event further along from us.

It didn't stay dry for long but by six o'clock it had slowed down to a drizzle so out we go, feet and legs got soaked with the long grass, it was nice to get back to the boat and settle down for the evening.

Had enough.

2017-09-06T18:30:00.002+01:00

Buster didn't want to get out of bed this morning, he climbed in with us early on and stayed there even after his mum had got up and was getting ready. Usually he is up with the first person that gets out of bed.

I had breakfast before taking him for his walk as he didn't seem that bothered about moving, maybe he remembered the rain we had yesterday.

We finally got out for a walk on a new route today, across the footbridge over the dual carriageway, I have to confess I am more than disappointed with the number of footpaths in this areas, no good for walkers or to let dogs off the lead. Turned out this walk was no better than the ones previously been on.

Back on the boat I did some d.i.y, and set out for some new vents that I will be fitting in the cupboard above the battery compartment in the engine room, I shall cut them out when we get back on the towpath. I don't think they would be too pleased with me doing it here.

Out again as we headed towards the gift shop to have a look what they have inside, when we got there everywhere was locked up. We set off for a look around the village.

On the way back we passed by The Navigation Inn, I have to say this place is the best thing about Bugsworth, a proper pub and dog friendly just how I like them, the food is also excellent.

Back to the boat we both agreed we had seen enough of the place and prepared to leave, calling to make use of the services on the way out, we finally got way just after 14:15. Corinne also got to see inside the little shop, coming away with a china cup and a model of a working narrowboat.

As I steered to the junction with Whaley Bridge Corinne vacuumed and put some washing on.

We cruised for just over two hour got through the four lift and swing bridge before mooring up behind another boat.

Buster has been on he first real walk in days.

Red dot shows position of Dee O Ghee

Swing bridge 30 was a pig to shut it took me at least ten minutes to do.

Bugworth basin, My conclusion.

Pros.

Im glad I can say we have been here.

The little shop is really good and the shop keeper was super friendly.

The services are well looked after and in excellent condition.

The Navigation Inn has excellent food and drink.

Plenty of takeaways only a short walk into Whaley Bridge.

Tesco close by.

Cons.

There are no decent walks.

The dual carriageway is very noisy only about 50 yard from where we were moored.

Pouring with rain.

2017-09-05T22:34:00.000+01:00

It had rained all night and was still doing so. We lay in bed listening to it on the roof and stayed there a little longer today. Buster wasn't impressed going out for his walk in the rain, but enjoyed himself all the same, the river was running very fast.

We did see some beautiful black swans down the old tramway route.

We went to Tesco and left Buster on his own for the first time in the boat. I don't like leaving him anywhere on his own, if you have a dog he should be by your side at all times.

When we got back Buster made out he was happy to see us, but to be fair he probably had enjoyed himself and spread out on our bed nice and comfy.

19:00 and we set off to the Navigation Inn starving for something to eat, it's a really nice original Inn with lots of character. We sat just around from the bar, but we could have sat anywhere. Buster was welcome and got lots of fusses and treats.

We both had Navigation Chicken that was lovely, followed by Eton Mess and Coffee, we definitely recommend it if you ever pay Bugsworth Basin a visit.

Navigation Chicken.

It rained most of the day, this is the best photo I could get.

Give me a break.

2017-09-04T23:20:00.000+01:00

As Bruno Mars song goes, “Today I don't feel like doing anything”. The last few days, the dreadful Manchester, Ashton and trouble at Marple have worn me down and I can't be bothered about today.

I did the usual, took Buster for his early morning walk and as far as I was concerned that was it for me today. Corinne had other ideas and around 11:00 she was saying come on lets go.

Oh well looks like I am doing something after all.

We set off and I actually started to feel a bit more with life again, I have found with the Peak Forest Canal you don't moor where you want, you moor where it lets you, very shallow everywhere and full of hidden stones, I couldn't be arsed with the hassle involved in finding a mooring again so we agreed we would try and get to Bugsworth.

We passed Del Boys boat, that cheered me up slightly.

Then the battery warning light started flashing and the beeping started, I hate that beeping. The batteries weren't getting charged. We have had this trouble on and off for a while now, the engineer we had look at it a few months ago said it was the fan belt slipping but I think it's more than that. We stopped, not moored, Corinne held the centre rope while I quickly tightened the fan belt, it was a little lose but not bad. Still no charge was getting to the batteries, I'm thinking a couple of days in Bugsworth with no power, so we called in at New Mills marina to see if they had someone who could look at the problem for us, they were shut for lunch until 14:45, we went back to the boat for something to eat. Googled and phoned a couple of the local boat engineers with no answer. Sod it lets go go go. Guess what, not a peep everything was working fine again, typical.

I forgot to say the smell of the sweet factory as we passed was very nice indeed.

We made it to Bugsworth, pretty busy but we managed to turn around and squeezed in on the middle basin, it wasn't until later we found out there was a top basin that had lots more room, never mind I like it where we are.

Buster hadn't had a proper walk today, it was four-ish so we planned to take a walk into Whaley Bridge to look for a Fish & Chip shop, it didn't open until 5:00 so we bought a coffee from the cafe further along the row of shops and sat on the bench outside watching things go by, one of my favourite things to do.

All three of us had fish, chips, mushy peas and coffee at some picnic table on the way back, turned out to be very popular all the tables soon filled up with people doing the same.

Ended up being a good day after all.

It couldn't get any worse.

2017-09-03T22:10:00.000+01:00

I took Buster for his walk this morning as I do every morning, this morning we found a good park dog walker’s seem to use, it was called Brabyns Park. It is sign posted between locks 1 and 2 on the Marple flight.

Buster had a good run and met some doggie friends, it helped to tire him out for at least an hour.

We set off for the flight of sixteen at 09:20 and the first few locks were going well.

Then after lock 3 I think it was 3, the pound was low and we couldn't exit the lock, no problem I’ll let some water in from the lock above, great. The next two pounds were even worse. I had to go to the last lock of 16 and bring two locks full's of water with me, ‘The buckets where huge’ another boat had joined Corinne from behind as I was working my way back down, the help was appreciated but I was shattered by then, it had almost taken an hour and poor Corinne was stuck half in and half out the lock that long. Oh and it had started raining.

We eventually left lock 16 and required the services, only problem is you need to enter the Macclesfield canal (turn right), we are going (left) down the Peak Forest to Bugsworth. I decided to back down to the services, about 50 yards so we could go forward onto the Peak Forest when we had filled up with water again. We had read somewhere that the water tap at Bugsworth wasn't working. The Elsan also desperately needed emptying and the two bags of rubbish. It was still raining.

We finally got moored up at the first available spot, I refused to go any further. four hour maximum is my preferred travel time, today has been six and it should easily have been done in four.

15:00 pm tired, wet, cold and pissed off, I needed a nap.

Buster was up and about at six again for his walk, does nothing tire him out?

Thank God, ordeal over.

2017-09-02T15:44:00.000+01:00

We woke around 8:30 when Buster jumped into bed for a warm he was late today maybe yesterday wore him out too. We finally got up around 09:00 which isn't like us, I took Buster for his walk while his mum made breakfast. Late morning and out with Buster again and a trip to the Local ASDA for a few bits and pieces.

Just as we were about to leave a passer by told us of a terrapin sunning itself just past the lift bridge on some weed (not the smoking kind), he was right, sure enough there was a terrapin making the most of the sun, the photos I took are as good as I could get with my phone.

We finally cast off about 13:30 and safe to say we travelled further than we had planned, this is because mooring spots are few and far between, unless its just us being picky. Two tunnels down, Woodley and Hyde and we had to stop before the Marple lock flight no matter what, we ended up just short of the aqueduct.

Buster was eager for a walk so we locked up the boat and set off walking towards tomorrows trial ahead, the locks. There are two boats ahead of us possibly psyching themselves up ready for the 16 locks as well.

Our evening walk turned into a trial of its own, we managed to get lost and it took ages for us to find our way back. Sorry Buster but that walk included your bedtime walk.

Railway viaduct next to the aqueduct.

Back on the boat now feet up with a cool drink, Lovely.

(Note to self) We have decided after yesterday, it will be a very long time before anything can drag us back to Manchester and the Rochdale 9 and Ashton canal.

What will today bring.

2017-09-01T23:00:00.000+01:00

It’s a nice sunny morning, we walked along the basin looking for a possible partner to join us up the Rochdale Nine locks but with no takers. We had breakfast and then set off to the first lock, no boats about. Looks like we are doing the flight alone. The whole place is deserted of moving boats.

Photo's may look nice but believe me it isn't.

Time to set off alone, a few photos to start with but as we ventured deeper into the city, and as the locks got worse we pretty much stopped taking photos. I did promise at the start of our trip that I would keep positive and not slag places off. But druggies injecting themselves in plain view and men loitering in dark places isn't a good place to be. (Why the police don't stop this is beyond me)

This section is a disgrace and not a safe place to be.

The locks themselves weren't too bad but the handcuffs slowed things down.

Lock 9. hooray, oh! hang on no steering, we managed to make our way to the edge. As I thought, something around the prop, a handbag. Could have been worse.

Now the Ashton, ‘hurray’ (joking). We managed to pull over just as we started the Ashton for a bite to eat and a drink. We have a long hard trip ahead, who knows what will happen and we won't be stopping until we reach at least Portland Basin.

Bridge 6, very low indeed how people with top-boxes manage I will never know, lucky for us we only have a couple of aerials that needed unscrewing, we still only had about 2” clearance between us and the bridge.

The general state of the Ashton canal is disgusting, crap everywhere, water levels are also low in places, on more than one occasion we had to let water in from the lock above to get us floating again. We encountered everything from plastic bags to tree trunks dropped into the locks.

Too heavy to lift out, this made it very difficult for us to enter the lock.

At the last lock we filled up with water to celebrate completing our ordeal, but we haven't finished yet, we survived the Ashton but our feet are killing us. Another couple of lock free hours and we arrived at Portland basin. It had started getting dark, luckily there was a space on some new sheet piles opposite the flats next to Portland Basin Museum, we can hook onto these tonight.

Tonights walk is going to be a quick one for Mr B to empty his tanks and then off to bed.

The trial begins.

2017-08-31T21:23:00.000+01:00

An early ish start as we wanted to get to Manchester and Castlefields Basin today, we had rain showers around mid-morning but nothing too bad. We called in at Broadheath Retail Park as usual to get some groceries from Aldi.

Off again after lunch and straight through to Manchester yet more housing getting built, this time around the old Linotype Works with the facades of some old buildings, I would like to think they will be getting incorporated into the new structures somehow.

Surrounding building demolished

The approach into Manchester is changing, lots of new office blocks going up along the canal front. As you get closer to the basin things haven't changed.

What numpty thought to number the buildings.

One thing of importance if you're an Elsan user, there isn't one. Looks like the one that was on Potato Wharf has broken and according to the notice won't be replaced. This I think will dissuade a lot of potential visitors. We won't be coming back in a hurry.

We moored just back from the end of the arm. Sat down with a coffee when the heavens opened with a very heavy downpour and thunder and lightening.

Later after eating we went out again, nothing has changed. But the weather was again lovely, Mr B wasn't impressed about the lack of grass.

Dunham Massey

2017-08-30T22:03:00.000+01:00

This mornings walkies took us on a new route to explore, all the years we have been coming to Lymm we have never walked this way before, we found the ruins of an old Slitting Mill and it is just off the towpath.

A mid morning walk around the village and a stop off to see the dinosaur footprint was a bit of a let down, the glass over the footprint made it impossible to see anything. Doesn't compare to the footprint we found on a Northumbria beach a few years ago.

A slight rain shower caught us out, the first bit of rain we have seen this week, wasn't much anyway.

About lunch time we set off cruising to stop off at Spud wood so B could have a run off the lead, its well worth stopping to let dogs run free.

On our return, something to eat and an afternoon nap. Off again and passed Hesford Marine, to fill up with diesel, this is where our fit-out took place 5 - 7 years ago. The place has been sold to new owners.

We filled up with much needed water at Agden, next to Ye Old Nr 3 Inn, it was only a short trip to our final mooring destination across from Dunham Hall.

500 year old oak tree

Mr B’s evening walk was around Dunham Massey Grounds, it’s dogs on leads at all times due to the deer roaming freely, and my lad would have had great fun chasing them all around.

A lot of Deer

A visit from our son

2017-08-29T21:55:00.000+01:00

Morning time in Grappenhall and another nice start to the day and Mr B and I went for a walk into village once again to take some photos that I couldn't get yesterday.

Lovely cobbled street with the church and Parr Arms

Just along from the church is The Rams Head

Church and pub from other direction

No rush today we are only going a few miles down the canal.

Last nights mooring spot in Grappenhall.

The Bridgewater canal, locals don't have a speed limit.

A short cruise today into Lymm and mooring above the road that goes under the canal, 50 yards to the chippy perfect, I feel a chippy tea coming on.

All tied off and sorted it was time to take Busty for a walk around lymm dam before calling in at Sainsbury's for some supplies.

Village pond with the steps up to the Dam adjacent.

Do you ever get the feeling your being watched.

That evening our son Andy called in to see us and brought with him my iPhone cable and Corinnes kindle, now time for chippy tea. He stayed an hour or two before having to catch the last bus home.

For the worse.

2017-08-28T22:57:00.000+01:00

Not sure what time we set off probably around mid morning. We reached Preston Brook Tunnel with about 10 minutes to spare until our North bound passage was due to enter the tunnel. It was very busy on the Southbound side and boats were lined up from the stop lock right up to the tunnel entrance with just enough room for us to pass into the tunnel, we were third in the queue of boats, I haven't seen it this busy.

A very quick visit into Midland Chandlers on the way past for some ropey things? then the usual landmarks, Daresbury Laboratories, Walton Gardens where we stopped to walk Buster, but we forgot it was Bank Holiday so we did an about turn and came back to the boat once we realised, the place was crammed with kids. Back on the boat time for a read a nap and then off again for a short trip through Stockton Heath and on to Grappenhall where we met up with some friends. I was their first time to the boat and it was very nice to see them, so glad they could make it.

Daresbury Laboratories

Entering Preston Brook Tunnel Northbound.

Inside Preston Brook Tunnel.

I have a feeling things are going the change for the worse in Grappenhall. Warrington Council have plans to build houses there.

The old school is closed and boarded up.

The old vicarage is abandoned.

How it looks now, lets see how it changes.

Can't get better than this.

2017-08-27T19:49:00.000+01:00

Buster climbed into our bed around 6:30 for a warm, he stayed there until 8:30 when we went for his walk, I noticed a sign for Dairy House Meadow last night so we shall see were that goes,

Our view from the side hatch this morning.

A bench in the shape of a newt, I think.

The sunshine this morning was beautiful and the walk was lovely. This spot is definitely going on our favourite places to moor. Right on the flight path for Manchester Airport a definite yes for plane spotter Corinne.

Buster loves his time on the boat.

Anderton CRT services is only around the corner so we stopped to make use of them, a few hundred yards further down and we moored just before the boat lift, it was past Busters walkie time so we set off for a walk down to the River Weaver, he met some new Lurcher doggy friends Woody and Finn who we joined on their walk until leaving them to take a different path along the river for a photo of the lift.

Floating traders had set up their stalls just along from us, Corinne spotted an English Bull Tiller pin and she had to have it.

One of the traders at Anderton

Back to the boat for a spot of lunch before setting off around 14:00. We are moored at Dutton tonight, site of the breach that happened here a few years ago. We passed through two tunnels today, Barnton 1722ft long and then Saltersford 1207ft long, and nice and wide, but still only enough for one boat, timed entries.

Saltersford Tunnel

House between the tunnels.

Waiting for our passage time to enter Barnton.

Barnton Tunnel

Inside Barnton