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!!!