Nantwich to Ellesmere and time to put down anchor!

On 12 October, having collected the car from Lancashire, I drove to Nantwich Basin to find Chris and Mary on board. After a visit to the chandlery (no LED lights on stock!) we set off for the Llangollen Canal at 4pm. Very few boats about and we had the Hurleston flight to ourselves. By 5.30 we were feeling rather cold and stopped in the countryside on SUCS visitor moorings.

Next day we worked Swanley locks and then called at the marina. When I passed nearly 5 years ago it was a muddy hole with pontoons on legs! Chatted regarding a possible repaint and blacking for November 2011 and then set off to moor in Wrenbury for a late lunch. After a walk round the village and exploring the church (open!) we decided to stay for the night as it was getting rather cold. Next day we continued on to Grindley Brook and went up the locks without a wait. Rather heavy handed volunteer lockkeeper who obviously didn't believe in opening paddles slowly for boats going 'uphill'! Moored in the Whitchurch Arm for lunch and then Chris and I walked into town to get a bus back to Nantwich and collected the cars. Left one at Ellesmere and returned to boat. Strange to think I had my first winter mooring in the arm in 2005. Stranger still to think my then neighbour has now taken her boat to the Isle of Wight!

Friday am we continued on to have lunch at Whixall Moss and then to Ellesmere. Had a good meal in the Black Lion. Must also try the new restaurant in the Old Town Hall!

Found that a few boats had already taken up winter moorings in the arm 2 weeks early - seem to be making a protest about BW delaying WM's until November! I stayed at the junction for the weekend and on Monday continued on to Tetchill - where I had a house between 1999 and 2009 - although it had been let from 2005 whilst I lived aboard. Chatted to a few neighbours and villagers as I walked thru the lovely village. Tuesday went on to Maestermyn to top up diesel - only to find they had stopped selling fuel 4 years ago. Turned in pretty strong wind, having to put the stern into the hole and let the wind do the work. Returned to Frankton Junction (just before the heavy rain came) where I was joined by friends on Maggie May, also residents of Tetchill! The next afternoon I returned to Tetchill where I stayed until Monday. Met so many ex-neighbours and dogwalkers that I knew - it was lovely to be back and pleased that I had decided to winter in the area. Also found that the house by the canal and next to the farm is about to come up for auction. It was owned by Alf, a lovely old chap who used to work for BW. He had often worked the ice boat across Chirk Aqueduct and had put lots of the iron piling along the length of the canal - he was full of canal stories and local history.

On Monday 25 October I returned to Ellesmere - it was buzzing with boats (half term) and it took a while to get a mooring not under trees! On Wednesday I went into the arm and took up my winter mooring place together with 3 boats who regularly winter there. I am really looking forward to the winter here as I know so many people in the locality, also it is such a wonderful area and Ellesmere a really great small town.

Spend, spend, spend

Friday I worked the 10 locks down from the lovely moorings at Cox Bank to Audlem, mooring by the Shroppie Fly. On Saturday my Aunt Erica from Sussex arrived with her cousins from Shropshire. A lunch on board was followed by a sunny cruise to Nantwich. As we crossed the aqueduct they jumped ship to catch a bus back to Audlem and I moored the other end of the embankment.

Am now in Nantwich Basin. Today had boat service and winter checks, whilst car in Lancashire is having its MOT and service. Walked into town to do some food shopping at Morrisons. Walked to bus station for bus back - and was crept up on by fellow boaters Graham and Lyn who offered me a car lift back to the basin. Enjoyed a cuppa with them before they left - sorry you didn't get to your boat, as you had originally planned but see you later in Ellesmere. It is lovely to walk of an evening from the basin to see who has arrived on the embankment - it is rare not to see someone you know, especially after 11 years of boating!

Tomorrow I bus and train to collect my car while Chris and Mary drive from Suffolk. All being well we will meet in the basin during the afternoon! After that a few days travelling up the Llangollen.

Hurray I successfully bought a winter mooring

After an early look this morning and then finding eventually at 10am that the website wouldn't be updated untill 3.30 (then 4pm, then 4.30), I travelled to Goldstone Wharf on a gloriously sunny day (rain all day yesterday?, was I dreaming?). I finally bought a winter mooring on the Llangollen Canal for this winter. Ex neighbours and boating friends HERE I COME!!!

Norbury Junction - and waiting for Winter Mooring website

I am late again - this time almost a month has gone by since last post! On a very windy Monday 6 Sept I walked into Macclesfield for a first time look, then got a bus back - still waiting for bus pass to arrive with future crew! Tuesday went to Higher Poynton where I met up with Nick and Liz on Henry who are also waiting for the winter mooring website to materialise - we all have our doubts about how it is going to work! Went on thru Marple and stopped on outskirts, which I call the Marple View - and watched big rain cloud arrive and pass on without a drop landing on me! Continued on through the lovely and easy single-hander lift/swing bridges - Furness Vale was wet so they had the rain! Arrived Bugsworth Basin just before 5 and found only a handful of boats moored. Stayed for few days, one of which was wet (no surprise), but was able to do some local exploring. On the third day took the boat to Tesco's for a big stock up prior to next crew arriving and returned to Basin.

The next day, Sun 12 Sept, my friends Geoff and Linda (and also son's in-laws) arrived from Sussex. After a quick lunch and a tour of the basin, we set off on a lovely warm afternoon. As they could stay one less day than originally planned, we agreed to cruise longer each day to make it to Stoke. The first night was spent south of Marple between Br 7/8 and opposite a huge field of deer - lovely sight.

Next day we set off at 9.30 in dry, breezy weather but by the time we got to Macclesfield the heavens opened and Geoff and Linda took their lunch indoors while I stopped under a bridge to put wet gear on! Still raining at Gurnett Aqueduct but by the time we got to Bosley locks (4.25pm) it was lovely and sunny and we decided to go down while the weather was good (forecast bad this week!). Got to bottom at 5.20 and continued on (dinner soon in oven) to Congleton Aqueduct - they were very impressed with the view so the extra mileage was worth it!

Next morning passed Ron on Inkie and I who I had not seen for 4 years (Thames) after which it rained heavily, esp as we filled with water at Hall Green! Stopped for lunch at Red Bull Aqueduct just as rained stopped. Left in warm sunshine and at Harecastle had 20m wait and sped thru in 35 mins! It was still sunny on exit too! Continued on to moor at Etruria, opposite the statue of James Brindley. The next day we walked to the Moorcroft Pottery, caught a bus (used bus pass!!!) into Stoke. Had good lunch at Potteries Museum and then had a look round - very interesting and loads to see. Returned to boat to 'do' Flint Mill and Industrial Museum.

Thursday walked with Linda and Geoff to railway station and then after q lunch went shopping in town and then to a very strange warehouse-style Tesco (soon to be replaced by new one opp Potteries Museum) - got taxi back to boat!

Friday prepared boat for next crew. Son Steven, Julia and Lauren (5) arrived from Devon for tea at 6pm. The next day they wanted to see the town (understood my reluctance when they saw it) and then we went to the Emma Bridgewater factory which was lovely (esp coffee and cake!) Back to boat, made lunch and Steve helped us down 2 locks then took car to station car park and cycled back along towpath to meet us - we were at the 5th lock by then! Soon eating lunch on the sunny back deck. Started raining at 3.30 just as we were approaching Barlaston to moor and caused a fisherman to make a large catch - he thanked us!!!

Sunday we went on to Stone, mooring above Star Lock. Steve went to collect car and joined us for a pub lunch. After that they drove home - how time flies!

Monday, after quick shop, I went just 3 miles and 2 locks to chill in the countryside at Br 86, opp a huge attractive Tudor-style house. Walked into the lovely village of Burston, where many cottages are lined up along the large village pond.

Tuesday went on to Ingestre (4m, 2locks!), passing fellow Cutwebber Mike on Draco. Here I walked up long tree-lined track to Ingrestre Hall - passing converted farm buildings, huge 'new' stables, converted 'old' stables, church, to the Hall itself, now an arts college and sadly not open to the public, despite having lovely gardens (hidden by wall!). That was a lovely day - sunny wark, no wind - is this the Indian summer starting - ha ha!

Wednesday went to Great Haywood, stopping for farm shop (food and roof pansies) and water etc. Turned into Staff and Worc and went on to moor at Tixall Wide - my first TIXALL FIX for 4 years - how I love this place! Now for a few days of maintenance - really need to do some painting!! Th - heavy rain o/n. Friday overcast and windy so painted in am and went to Shugborough Hall in pm - did gardens, tour of house, tea and cake and then walked up to restored walled veg garden - looking good now. Bought some vegs! Eve really cold so lit fire - never before in Sept! Saturday - lt frost am, then sun - more painting. Late pm and sun behind trees - moved above Tixall Lock to make the most of the weather - and much better TV pic!

Sunday to Acton Trussell, had a good walk around pleasant village. Monday Penkridge - above lock as dredging being carried out below. Two lots of shopping. Met Dawn and David on Grapevine and the next morning as I set off met the Farmers on Leo and then Alan on Carolan - all IWA committee members heading for Tixall. Went on to moor s of Long Molls Bridge nr Hatherton Marina. Lots of boats here and within an hour I was joined by old friends from my former village - Roger and Mirianna on Maggie May. Enjoyed a couple of days in their company, sitting out the pouring Wednesday rain.

Thursday - passed only 3 boats on S&W and 2 were in the dreaded narrows! - always disliked these since I met a boater who had a sprung mattress trapped on his prop! Went on to Brewood, to moor opp boatyard and near Maggie May and also Gary and Beryl on The Answer who I had first met at Braunston in 2008 when they had just moved onto their boat. That evening went with Roger and Mirianna to an Acoustic Evening at the Cricket Club. Lots of locals performed but the best of all was when R&M sang and played their melodians, what talent and def the best act of the evening - at least until I had to leave to make sure the dog hadn't wrecked the boat!

The Shroppie is definitely the most busy canal I have met all year! Friday it poured all day so stayed in - the worst rain was as I took the dog out - and she hid under a bush and wouldn't come out!

Saturday cruised to Wheaton Aston - stocked up with diesel (56.9p) - and there is a new solid mooring - then on to Norbury Junction - where I met Andy and Liz on Snowgoose (also seen them this year on Lancaster and Bridgewater!). Today it is going to rain most of the day so I can catch up with the blog - I know, almost a month late - but I have been busy!! Tomorrow I hope to book my winter mooring - fingers crossed it goes to plan!

Full boat for a family weekend

Decided to stay an extra day at 'Little Moreton' so I could visit the beautiful house - well these moorings aren't busy. So BH Monday afternoon saw me walking in sun and on dry grass across the fields. Left Eb tied to tree outside while I had a look round the Tudor house - declined the tour as I had done it twice before in last 10 years! On Tuesday, sunny and warm, I continued on to Congleton and moored on the embankment opposite the magnificent railway viaduct. Here I was able to walk down old railway line into town for a bit of retail therapy (bus back), polish the 2nd side of the boat (at last!) and enjoy the scenery. Wednesday afternoon I was collected by boating friends Graham and Lyn who live in Congleton, and was driven to a local reservoir (would look it up in atlas but Eb tore it up whilst I was out the other day!) and then for a very good meal in a pub nearby. Thursday was shopping and preparing for crew.

Daughter Lesley, husband Phil and Louise arrived Friday afternoon after a prolonged trip from Lancashire. Saturday set off about 10am to travel to Bosley locks. 2 boats waiting so decided to have early lunch, then Louise went for a nap while we set off up the locks. Phil keen to steer so Lesley and I went to our outdoor gym (BW pinched this phrase for their vans from me after I filled in one of their questionnaires!). Despite a few knocks on the walls Louise slept all the way up the 12 locks! After topping up the water, etc at the top we decided to make use of the only visitor mooring here. This was ideal as son Steve, wife Julia and Lauren (5) had now purchased their trailer tent nr Nottingham and were heading for their campsite 10mins from us. They joined us for a meal, sadly having to go back to the tent at 7.30 as Louise sleeps in the lounge!

They joined us again for a cooked breakfast before taking Phil back for his car, then driving back to Devon. What a lovely gettogether it was. We then set off, in strong wind, for Gurnett Aqueduct but realised we would not get to the pub for an early lunch so decided to stop at the Fool's Nook at Oakgrove. Here we had an excellent Sunday lunch and delicious dessert. Returned to boat to find dog had a bad case of Separation Anxiety again and had shredded a 1 foot pile of canal and family history mags, plus road atlas etc - which I was meaning to 'sort'. Took quite a while to tidy up before we could erect Louise's cot and let her have a nap. She was asleep before we set off!! Less than an hour later we were at the Aqueduct - where we had great difficulty in mooring in the even stronger wind. After a stretch of legs for all, we had early tea and then the three set off home, Louise already in her PJ's! A really lovely weekend seeing lots of my lovely family. Well at least we had a dry weekend and only one brief shower. That makes 7 dry days in a row - more than the 5 odd dry days in August!

Fair Weather Sailing!

Travelled on to Middlewich and the next day I was joined by daughter Lesley and granddau Louise for the day. Found a nice little playground next to Tesco's and after lunch went for walk down the locks. Also met nb Enchantress - can't remember the owners names but first met them at Crick Show 2001, at a marina moorers gathering. The next day was very windy so stayed put. Went to take on diesel on Saturday before starting up the locks. Soon caught up with a couple towing a project boat. They kindly helped me thru whilst stopping for a breather. Went on to moor outside Wheelock just as it started to rain. The next day to Wheelock and on Monday a bus trip to Sandbach. A lovely town, good Waitrose, Homebase, Lidl but the other shops are a bit small or disappointing - it always seems better on market day (Thursday)!

On Tuesday 2mph winds were forecast so decided to stay put yet again. Wednesday was lovely, no rain (until evening) and little wind so made my way up the first of the 24 locks (Heartbreak Hill) to Hassall Green. Thursday, another dry day and little wind, apart from a few gusts, so made the most of the good weather and went on to Rode Heath. Nice village, especially by the canal but isn't it a pity that there is no more information on the former salt works there - now just a landscaped hill is left. Nor is there any information about the former Seddon's Mill and Wharf - other than the old carved stones indicating their former presence on the wall of a new development. Good PO stores here tho.

Friday was another dry day so went up to Red Bull where I just got a mooring - always popular here and I usually moor at Church Lawton instead. Quick top up at Tescos after lunch. The next day, after using the facilities, I set off again (working the last 3 locks of H Hill) to escape to the Macclesfield before the bank holiday weekend traffic got going*. Now only 2 shady moorings nr the winding hole past Kent Green - you used to be able to moor opposite the lovely huge house, but sadly this length has been overgrown for some time. I went on to moor at the 'Little Moreton' moorings - just as it rained and the wind blew very strongly - luckily could temporarily make use of the railings, but not helped as 2 boats passed at the same time! Now will sit out the wind again! May even visit the Tudor hall yet again - if I can battle tomorrow's forecast 21mph winds!! On the other hand might be able to get some of those painting jobs done.

*Heritage Narrowboats say although their hire boats are going out, very few boats seem to be leaving the marina this year - yes, it has seemed quiet this month! Wonder why - possibly the weather?!

Weather seems to have affected my travels a lot this August - have counted up that we have only had 5 days without rain - and on one of those it rained at 11pm!

I was intrigued to see that after installing a counter I had so many people reading my blog - I would love to know who you are - please leave me a message!!!

Ask Harry about the Ribble!

Chris joined me on Thursday 15 July as planned, as I passed Barton Grange Nurseries! Mary couldn't come yet as she was looking after Chris' mum in Birmingham after a fall. After a VERY windy journey we arrived in the Link Basin at 4.30 - to find it full of boats. This was today's 7 boats who had gone down to the pontoons before lock 8, only to be told it was much too windy to go on the river, and the tide would be too high to stay overnight. Then then made their way back up the locks to the basin where we found them, two staying in the lock. We moored at a very jaunty angle by the bridge, later joined by nb Phyllis May on the other side.

The next morning at 8am unexpectedly (to only us it appeared, so we didn't have breakfast) BW arrived 3h early to say we were all to go down the locks, in pouring rain, to be ready to leave later, if possible. We got down to pontoons before lock 8 and were told to wait - we were now 12 boats! At 2pm we were all told it was too windy to go to Tarleton, but 2 were allowed to go to Preston.

At 1pm the next day (Sat 17) and still very windy, we were sent to the pontoons before the sealock - a point of no return, we would either go to Tarleton or Preston - depending on Harry the BW expert at Tarleton. We were also joined by 3 more boats going to Preston - all moored off 1 pontoon! We eat lunch on the back deck with a lot of nervous tension/excitement about! At 3.30 the air horn went and, with boats getting stuck on mud, a lot of shouting, we went thru the sea lock - to be told we were all going to Preston. It was a good journey, the wind had dropped, as Harry hoped, and we made it to the dock to moor on pontoons - actually it was a lovely atmosphere amongst the boaters bound for Tarleton. Mary was now travelling to join us.

After booking our departure at Preston Marina, a morning exploring round the dock (1km long), and purchases at Morrisons, we had a leisurely lunch. We were told to be ready to leave the pontoon at 3.30pm for a 4pm sailing - after they had "asked Harry". More nervous tension but we were soon on our way, despite some idiot trying to overtake before leaving the dock, coming too close and dragging us with him. Out on the river, being a slower boat we were soon overtaken by most boats but one stayed with us and we got thru Tarleton lock at 6.45. Here we met Harry - arm in sling as he had just had a new battery put in his pacemaker! Who is going to make decisions when he retires - he is no spring chicken and no one else can make the decision about sailings!

Now our plans have changed. As the L&L will be closed on 2 August, indefinitely, due to lack of water, we decided to travel south and then up to Ellesmere Port. When we got to Wigan, and travelling in heavy rain, we found the level at the junction was 18" down and we were struggling to move - good idea to go south! Spent a night at the lovely Ince Moss, and another at Lymm - another must.

At Anderton, my son Graham and grandson Edward arrived in the evening to spend the weekend. Next day after looking over the boat lift and enjoying the somewhat neglected children's activities, we set off. We decided to give the Weaver a miss again as 5 year old Edward was looking forward to working locks! A leisurely morning then a busy, long afternoon as we joined the many hire boats working up the flight into Middlewich, mooring for the night on the M. Branch, with a view of the Weaver. After tea introduced Edward to loud game of Mousie Mousie and then even louder Pit (I apologised to our neighbours in the morning!). The next day more locks in lovely sunshine, then stopped for a BBQ at Sykes Hollow, the lovely site provided by SUCS. Sadly Graham and Edward had to leave that pm after a lovely weekend with them.

Continued on to Chester where we had a total of 3 wonderful days exploring, before going on to spend a night at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum - there is so much to see there. Set off after lunch and returned to Chester for a night at Tower Wharf. Next day went to Beeston where we had a lovely morning at the castle before making our way down towards Nantwich. Here Chris and Mary left me after a very busy, thrilling almost 3 week cruise - they will be back later!

After babysitting in Lancashire, I left Nantwich and slowly made my back along the Middlewich Branch where I am now sitting, in rain and sun, looking down on the River Weaver.

Where did the time go?

Events took over my life as you will see as you read on!
I spent 7 days (from 8 June) at Hest Bank in lovely sunny weather. After retrieving the car from Tewitfield and another visit from Lesley and Louise when we had lunch and a walk in Morecombe, I spent a lot of the time visiting and walking in the area. A day walking in Silverdale, Arndale then on to Grange over Sands was most enjoyable. Another trip to Kendal, also to Sizergh castle - where it rained all day so postponed the planned walk, went to Windermere and the World of Peter Rabbit - superb furry animals in book settings. The next day I walked the filled in the canal to within a couple of miles of Kendal. Then I learnt that my dear Uncle Charlie who had been in a hospice for respite had worsened and would probably not be going home , I kept in constant touch.

I dragged myself away from the wonderful Hest Bank and then had another day and night in Lancaster, lovely town and market but the shops are rather smaller than you would expect. On 16 June I went on to Galgate (top of Glasson branch) for a couple of days. On 18 June I had moored in lovely countryside when I was told that my uncle had deteriorated further. On Saturday 19 June I took the boat to Garstang Marina - I had planned to leave it here the following week as my children had planned a special birthday family BBQ weekend in Kent. At 11.40 I left the marina (the owner kindly having taken me to collect my car from Galgate) and drove to Kent. At 8.30pm I was able to visit my uncle who was now very poorly. I stayed with my aunt, visiting the hospice every day. Sadly Charlie died on the Tuesday but after helping her with the necessary funeral plans etc, Aunt Erica was most insistent that I went to my son's house on the Thursday as planned.

On Saturday (most of my children now camping in son Graham's garden) we all drove to the planned pub meal. On the way we made an emergency stop for grandson to use facilities in the village hall - I was taken in also and found myself at my own surprise birthday party, surrounded by family and friends from school, youth club, ex work colleagues and a few boaters - I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA !!! What a wonderful day I had. Next day we had the planned family BBQ! A fabulous weekend with fanatastic weather, sadly followed by the funeral on Monday which dear Erica had organised quickly so those travelling to attend the party could easily go to the service. I stayed on a few days as my birthday was mid week and finally returned to the boat on Sunday 4 July.

I then had 11 days before I left the Lancaster Canal. Strong wind prevented me from leaving the marina but on Monday evening I was in the lovely Garstang town. Tuesday I had a dentist appointment to keep near daughter's, Wednesday caught up with food shopping etc and on Thursday after attending the local market I had a drive to Fleetwood and Blackpool.

On Friday 9 I cruised back to Galgate and on Saturday morning I walked 3miles down locks in light rain showers to Glasson Dock (we hadn't been able to stay overnight 5 weeks ago). Had another good walk around plus delicious mussels for lunch at the Dalton Arms by the dock. Walked back up to boat in constant rain - but it is a very pretty flight - the wild flowers were gorgeous.

Today Sunday 11 is very windy and pretty cool so can catch up with a few jobs. On Monday will find that country mooring again before returning to Garstang. Chris and Mary arrive on Thursday and we have a 10.52 appointment at the Ribble Link. I am really sorry to be leaving and do hope, once again, that this is not my last visit up here!!!

To Tewitfield and back to Hest Bank

How time flies when you are having fun. After our trip up the Ribble we spent the first night in the country. Next day we went on to Bilsborrow where Chris and I took buses and a train back to Rufford to collect cars. I have been carless for 4 1/2 years and this is the first time I have ever moved a car and boat during the cruising months - I'll let you know which is easiest!

Next day we went on to Garstang to visit the lovely town, market and shops - I spent 4 weeks here when I purchased Kanbendun Again (then called Honeymoon!) and it was lovely to return. We continued on to moor for the night in the countryside.

On Friday we set off for Glasson Basin. At the top lock we were informed by a boater that there was a boat rally in the basin with 30-40 boats - we would be lucky to get a mooring, although another boater said we would be made welcome. The exact same thing happened exactly 5 years ago on our first trip with KA. This time we decided to risk it and had a lovely trip down this flight of heavy locks. Yes, at the bottom there was no space and as we did a tour of the basin, every boater seemed to be looking the other way and no one invited us to breast up. Jilly's Dream was on the visitor mooring - but no-one aboard. We decided to leave the basin and after the 1st bridge (and after 4 attempts) we managed to find a place where we could get the stern in and the bow out 'reverse K&A style' (making it easier to use the gangplank for a dog who dislikes walking over water!) We walked back past the boaters (still busily not noticing us) and made a beeline for the ice cream shop - eating our ices at the lockside in sunshine. We made our planned visit to the Smokehouse for fish and cheese, then on to the edge of the village for a view of the Lune Estuary, followed by a quick visit to the marina chandlery.

As lots of rain was forecast for the next day we decided to have a sunny evening 'cruise' up the locks and moored at Galgate, ready for a late meal.

Saturday, thinking moorings in Lancaster over BH would be full, we bussed in and out, cruising on after lunch and mooring at Hest Bank. Five years ago the old wharf on the beach (where goods were off loaded for the canal boats above) was exposed (after being covered by sand for 100 years) and you could walk to it over grass tussocks in the sand. Now the wharf is half buried and most of the grass has been washed away and there is just more treacherous sand - so different from last time.

Sunday we set off for Carnforth. We had done the town and station museum 5 years ago, so after a quick visit to Tesco and sanny station we continued on to Tewitfield. Another K&A style mooring and the surprise of a new marina. Owned by the Longlands Hotel (as is the caravan site) it has been built with 2 storey holiday homes around it. Very pleasant but only 1/2 dozen boats moored there! I enquired - £100 for 2 weeks if I needed a temporary mooring.

On Monday, after collecting the cars by bus, we spent the day in Kendal followed by a very good meal at the hotel.

Next morning Chris and Mary left for Suffolk after a very busy week. Now I was free to have 6 more days in Tewitfield, walking the unnavigable canal (all but the last 5 miles) in stages, with visits to Kendal (again), Coniston (and a trip on the restored steam yacht 'Gondola') and Windermere. Also a weekend trip to Leyland to look after granddaughter Louise whilst her dad tiled the kitchen and mum was at work. The 7 days went very quickly and as there were only 2 boats up there weekdays I spent an extra day before returning to Hest Bank. It is just so lovely up here - my favourite places - Tewitfield (for the Lake District), Hest Bank for the fantastic view of the sea - from the boat (!) and Garstang (for the lovely town) plus of course all the lovely country moorings in between. Beginning to think even 7 weeks is not long enough!!

Up the Ribble and on the Lancaster

We made it up the Ribble! Chris and Mary joined me on Monday morning and after a quick breakfast we set off down the Rufford locks with nb Dizzie Lizzie. A good run down these heavy but lovely locks to moor for lunch at Rufford. Drove up to collect the other car and set off again at 2.30 to use the sanny station before continuing on to the moorings after Tarleton swing bridge. Unfortunately no space for our 57' and we couldn't breast up as Ebony makes a good fuss about jumping between boats, especially at 5.30am (when she has to 'go' - poor girl has developed liver problems). Luckily everyone very kindly moved along and we were able to squeeze in.

Next morning we were waiting at Tarleton lock (Wigan told us 7.42am but lockie said 8.30 - hurray a lie in!). At 8.47 when the tide was right we left the lock with nb Gamesh. There were 3 boats to follow. Weather conditions were perfect - the mist had cleared and it was warm enough and hardly any wind. The Douglas was flowing well, against us, but we set off at a good speed, with Chris at the helm - he is the river expert! It was really lovely with low banks and lots of birds - including many Shelduck. As the Asland lamp came into view round a bend, the engine began overheating (as expected) - we throttled down to 2000 and kept at this speed the rest of the way.

An easy turn at the lamp and into the very wide Ribble. We were then going with the flow which was easing as the tide was on the point of turn. Still the journey went well but there was much less wildlife to see. As we got to near Savick Brook (it is so difficult to see the entrance as you approach) we could see a white car parked (was it BW we thought). I rang to get permission to go up the Brook and they said yes and it was them in the car - brilliant, much better than the small sign you cannot read until too late. Made a wide turn (now against the tide) and into Savick Brook, followed by Gamesh. We got to the pontoon at 11.14 where we had to wait for the lockies to close the sea lock behind us and at 11.20 we set off again. The tidal journey had taken 2h 20m which was what we hoped - but can take 4h! We learnt as we went into the first pound lock that the other 3 boats had to go to Preston dock as it had been such a low tide.

Nine locks later, all worked for us as we were the only boats, we arrived at the lovely basin at the top at 1.45. Time for lunch. As we sat eating Linda vaguely spotted a 'girl' and pushchair on the wooden bridge ahead. Then her phone rang - it was dau Lesley and baby Louise come to find us - what a wonderful surprise! We all set off to go south to see the terminus of the canal (we hadn't done that 5 years ago), then turned and Lesley went back to her car and we continued on for an hour to moor in the countryside - and relax! What a fantastic day we had had.

Hovering before the Ribble

Whilst at Halsall I met daughter Lesley and granddaughter Louise (13m) at Windmill Farm. We had a lovely time meeting the varied animals (goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, pigs, calf and a gorgeous 3-week shetland pony) before having a snack in their coffee bar. After that a ride on their 15" guage railway (like the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch trains) and then a while in the soft play area.

Louise was then taken home for her nap and I decided to find the recommended Fairy Glen walk at the top of Parbold Hill. It was absolutely beautiful - trickling stream and small waterfalls through beautiful woods thick with bluebells - something I miss from Sussex. It was also accessible from the canal at Bridge 40 - walk over bridge, then over railway bridge, turn eastwards on track and onto footpath. Across field and you will find yourself at the bottom of the glen. It is actually just north of Appley locks but I don't think accessible from there.

On Thursday I moved to Scarisbrick and in the afternoon went to Leyland to see Lesley and Louise again. That evening I babysat while Phil and Lesley had a rare evening out. Next morning I returned to the boat and went to Red Lion Caravans to fill up with diesel (78p and you can choose your split!). Also bought fuel cans so I can stock up whilst on Lancaster where I hear it is more difficult to get fuel - unless you use the fuel depot in Garstang - another good reason to keep the car with me whilst up there! I will probably leave it at Lesley's after the Lancaster.

Moved on to moor east of Burscough (ready for the 2 swing bridges in the morning). What a really lovely and hot day it is. I cycled back to Scarisbrick to get the car - and found some friends Peter and I met at Crick in 2003 - Bill and Babs on nb Kaydee. After a good chat we found we were all going to meet again on the Lancaster.

Collected the car and drove to the large carpark opposite, but not owned by, the pub at Rufford Top. Then another cycle back to the boat. Ebony had been left 1 1/2 hours but although barking was not too stressed - hadn't even shredded any paper from the log box. Unlike when we went for a meal in Liverpool and came back to find a large stack of magazines had been ripped and scattered thickly all over the lounge area. Oh the joys of a dog suffering from Separation Anxiety - I will go anywhere with you but PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME!

Today I have two swing bridges to Burscough and a trip to Tesco's before going on to moor nr Rufford Top. Then I will take car down to Rufford and return to wait for Chris and Mary's arrival early Monday morning. Tuesday 7.42am we go up the Ribble!!!

Jim has fixed it for me!

Great news! Jim Woolfall, BSS/engineer and member of Mersey Motor Boat Club (Scarisbrick Branch) has taken apart my alternator and found the brushes were worn. This took a while as he was off on a club cruise over the BH weekend and then busy with other committments after his previous 2 week holiday. I was fine with a hook up and enjoyed a long weekend with son Steve and his family in Devon. On my return, Jim had refitted the alternator and all was well. I left the boat club next day then gave the boat a test run/charge eastwards and returned to Scarisbrick. No beeping or buzzing and batteries charging - bliss! I travelled on to Halsall, moving the car in the afternoon, so I could do a weekend food shop.

On Saturday I cruised to Lydiate, the last decent area to leave a boat. The countryside is attractive but mostly arable and very flat - just like around Rufford and the fenlands around Ely. At Lydiate I moored opposite the Boat Club's headquarters and took a bus into Liverpool for the afternoon. A lovely day and Liverpool was even busier around the dock than when I went by boat a few weeks ago.

Today is very windy so I will stay put and return to Halsall in the morning - mooring a 57' boat with 15mph winds blowing you to the other side is no joke!

Liverpool is Fab!

Despite the dodgy alternator, we scraped our way out of the marina in extremely windy conditions to travel towards Aintree. We moored on the 'Melling Straight' with nb Gloriana. Next morning, again pretty windy and cold, we did the last few miles and swingbridge by 9.30 to join 6 other boats all going to Liverpool with our BW escort. We were joined by Chris's sister and brother-in-law who were, like us, very excited to be making this trip - for me it was my first ever visit to Liverpool. Two swing bridges on, and after stopping at Litherland for facilities, also for most of us to remove Liverpool's rubbish from our props, we set off the last stretch to meet the BW team at Stanley Locks. A good flight down and soon we were weaving our way through the docks - following the buoys marking the route. Eventually turned into the lovely Albert Dock and then into Salthouse where we found very good, wide pontoons (with elec hook up!) and water points. Time for a very late lunch.

We then had four whole days to explore this wonderful city. The low moorings were quiet despite being in the centre of town and beside a very busy wide road. We managed to squeeze a lot in - 2 cathedrals, Red Bus Tour, Maritime (and Slavery) Museum, the Beatles Story (fantastic and with 2 sites it takes ages if you hear and read everything, as we did!), marvellous echoing circular Reading Room at the Library (now closed for restoration), Mersey Ferry trip, Crosby beach to see the 100 Gormley statues. There was so much to do, much of it free, and we didn't even go shopping! It would be easy to fill the allowed 2 weeks stay - without exhausting yourself as we did! It really was a fantistic stay with wonderful moorings.

The return journey was also good - apart from managing to catch a runaway buoy on our rudder, the 2 concrete blocks stopping the gates from closing on the 2nd lock (no they were not from our buoy), a sunken car and another stop at Litherland to leave the prop rubbish behind.

Next day I was back in the marina on hook up. As the alternator had worked intermittently on the trip, they returned the new one eventually ordered and said they didn't know what to do next. Chris and Mary went home and the next day I left the marina to moor outside. The following evening the alternator worked but, of course, Bank Holiday friday it didn't. Luckily I was opposite Mersey Motor Boat Club (my cunning plan - I am a member of AWCC via Cutweb) and they were able to give me a hook up for the weekend etc. Now waiting for their highly recommended resident engineer to find a solution to my baffling problem. The mooring also gives me a chance to go to visit son Steve and family in Devon next weekend, so I will definitely not be leaving here until at least 12th May.

I'm Free - Oh no I'm not!

Having spent a lovely winter in Fettler's Wharf Marina at Rufford I set off on Monday 12th back to the mainline at Latham (Rufford Junction). I was accompanied by my daughter, her husband (and almost toddler Louise) who live locally and had offered to help me up the 6 heavy locks to the junction. It was a lovely, sunny day and we had a good trip up the locks to arrive in time for Louise's tea.

I had gone into the marina in October with battery charging problems which the owners had promised to put right for me, meanwhile a hook up was most welcome this year. Nothing was done by February, well it was a cold winter, but I then went away for 5 weeks and by the time I returned they were busy, despite keeping in touch with them. By the time I left they told me that there was no problem with the output to the batteries. Of course by the time I got to the top of the locks I knew that this was not correct so Wednesday pm I arrived at their new sister marina at Scarisbrick in need of an urgent hook up. Am now waiting for a new alternator! How am I so unlucky - I had a new alternator March 06, then another 2 years later in April 08 in Ely. This one has only lasted 18m (until October 09) when it failed again. Not to mention the new PRM gearbox I had in September (after only 4 years since the previous one).

The other problem here is that they have closed all the services bar water at Rufford Junction and also ALL the services at Burscough. Anyone coming this way should bear in mind that services are only in Wigan (by BW office), down the 6 locks on Rufford Branch, or in Litherland (needing a booked BW escort). All this makes it rather difficult to cruise slowly and explore this lovely part of the L&L - which BW Wigan don't seem to understand my wish to do!

Meanwhile I am getting lots of jobs done at my mooring in front of the wonderful coffee shop, providing entertainment for the visitors and answering all their questions... yes I do live on board, no it isn't cold in winter, yes I am very lucky to travel all over the country, yes the locks are hard work but it is more fun than going to a gym.

Tomorrow (Monday) Chris and Mary arrive from Suffolk. We have an appointment with a BW escort at 9.30 am, Bridge 9, on Wednesday - when we go through Aintree, Litherland to Liverpool and moor in Salthouse Dock for 4 days. I have never been to Liverpool and we are all looking forward to this exciting trip - just keeping fingers crossed that the weather keeps reasonably fine.

Apologies - it is now March!

I had to give up the blog in September as access to a computer was impossible and didn't get mine fixed until November! The company went bust but I managed to retrieve my laptop - it had been repaired and was sitting in the London workshop.

To continue the cruise briefly, I continued slowly northwards to moor on the Rufford Branch at Fettler's Wharf Marina. Lovely smallish marina with a number of friendly liveaboards and only 15mins drive from my daughter, son-in-law and newest granddaughter born in April. Have had a great winter getting to know her.

Currently am down in Kent for a month childminding by day for my son and dau-in-law's 11m, 2.5 and 5 year old boys while they extend and decorate their new house ready to move on 22 March. Very hectic but great fun seeing so much of the children.

Returning to boat about end March, probably Easter, before heading back to the main line for Liverpool in April - with crew! Plans this summer are 6-7 weeks on the Lancaster, Wigan to Leeds, Rochdale (a first and with crew!) and then possibly to Ellesmere for the winter. Will re-commence post when I start cruising. It is nice to be back!