Narrowboat Epiphany is moving again

Saturday, 15 May 2010 11:38

Congleton to Biddulph Valley

So it's time to move on again - not, sadly to Bosley and Macclesfield, but to some 14 day moorings near enough to Congleton (why is it easier to type Congelton than Congleton? I've lost count of how many times I have had to correct myself) to wait for my beloved to return.

I researched somewhere suitable, using the web - somewhere I could expect to get a satellite TV signal. The Macclesfield Canal Society map, combined with our Water Explorer link to Google Maps' satellite views indicated that just before Biddulph Valley aqueduct was a strong contender. Of course, as yet the views aren't live, so we can't see in advance if there is space, but that would almost make cruising redundant - a horrible thought. Without using Google Earth, I couldn't have anticipated what a lovely view there would be here - but again, that's part of the joy of exploring.

I wouldn't want to disappoint our followers, so I kept the camera to hand. Typically, just as I was going through a bridge the batteries ran out, so I stopped and went below to get some replacements. Fortunately, there wasn't another boat coming - in fact, I have been struck by how few boats are around at the moment. There are far more dog walkers.

So, leaving Congleton Wharf behind, I set off across Dog Lane aqueduct, under which I had walked several times on the way to and from Congleton, looking ahead to the hills in the distance (cf. Psalm 121).

This next picture is one of my favourites, especially with the lovely blossom. It reminds me of the first boat my family hired on the Norfolk Broads (Emiline II), my grandpa's garden in Claremont Road, Redruth and our garden in Willow Close, Quintrell Downs, as well as highlighting the lovely Maccy bridges - not forgetting Fi's lovely flowers.

Bridge 76

These 48 hour moorings are on Congleton station's doorstep. There are 2 pubs and some shops nearby too, but no way could we get a satellite signal here and it's rather claustrophobic.

Congleton Railway Bridge

Looking at the journey map that we have from Water Explorer, I noted that the railway station is almost exactly the halfway point on my cruise, so Fi will be able to walk back to narrowboat Epiphany, next week, all being well.

Bridge 73

I had to include this picture of the winter pansies and the summer marigolds. They have been absolutely prolific - maybe something to do with the cold winter? And finally I reached the planned mooring, as you know, from yesterday's blog. I did have some sunshine this morning for a few minutes, but I didn't think that using the camera with a paintbrush in my hand would be a good idea!

37 minutes, 0.92 miles, 0 Locks