It is all a lie!

Wednesday, 15 April 2009 15:33

So who was it that said today would be the hottest day of the year? They sure weren't talking about the weather or maybe they were in Saudi Arabia! Or it was a lie?

We woke to rain, thunder and lightning. It is the first time we have had the lights on in the morning since I don't know when! We sat tight and waited in hope that the torrential rain would blow over. It did and the sun even tried to shine - it did not try too hard though.

Despite our sprung ropes all the boats had pulled our pins. It was a combination of a soft bank and speeding boats. We kept looking for the skiers at the back!

The mile or so to Barbridge Junction was uneventful. This boat is able to avoid his mooring fees. It brings a whole new meaning to -

"I have a boat at the bottom of my garden"


We had to wait for the water point at Barbridge Junction. It is just beyond the turn on to the Middlewich Branch so we waited before the Junction. There were lots of boats arriving and departing. I suppose that as it is the middle of the week it is "turn around" day!

We watched some fun as a Black Prince boat totally messed up the right turn into the bridge at the entrance to the Middlewich Branch. The steerer had ear phones on, not to deafen the engine noise, but to listen to music. I was unable to attract his attention from the towpath when I asked if they were stopping for water. What would happen in an emergency?

Black Prince holding up Phoenix 58

As we finished with the water, two other hire boats arrived from the north; wanting water they held back as we reversed back to turn into the Branch. We then had to wait for two boats to come out, but eventually managed to turn left and continue on our way.

Next mess - we needed diesel so planned to call at Venetian Marina below Cholmondeston lock. Problem - no room to moor as there were two boats by the pump and one waiting to come up the lock! We pulled alongside the far boat - it was for sale - and waited for the first boat to move off.

The pump pipe would not reach so the staff had to move the boat that was for sale - eventually. We wondered if they really wanted to sell us some diesel. The guy agreed that they had too many boats to sell - they kept being asked to make room for one more! We wondered if there would be any room to come down the lock soon! The credit crunch was mentioned - but "service with a smile" was sadly lacking.

BW working boat Hercules came down the lock behind us

We passed Willow Wren's Warbler moored after the railway bridge

We moored up a little way in front of him, by now it was blowing a bit and really overcast.

>>> View Next Post		View Previous Post <<<