Meeting at Marple

We had a cold night last night, no frost but damp. But this morning the cloud was broken, allowing fitful glimpses of the sun.

Mist hanging over the river in the valley this morning

I had a phone call to make this morning, negotiating a new phone contract with 3. After half an hour I think I’ve a good deal, a new phone, a SIM-only deal for another phone, no up-front charges and all for pretty much the same monthly tariff. For that I’ve got pretty well unlimited everything. 2000 minutes, 5000 texts and unlimited data.

We got away about 10:30, with about ¾ of an hour to the first of the moveable bridges for today.

Casualties of high winds reveal the coping stones that have been overgrown.

Higgins Clough Swing Bridge
We had two more, both lift bridges, before Marple Junction.

Marple Junction, we’ll be turning left under the bridge
But just before we did…

Michelle on NB Just Imagine

We’d not met before, but we were told by Ann-Marie on coal boat Alton that they were looking out for us, having read this rubbish for some time.
We pulled in on the moorings just around the corner, and Michelle and Barry joined us for a cup of tea and a chat. We were intending to push on afterwards but it was getting on a bit and the rain had moved in, so we’ve stayed put.

Barry and Michelle, NB Just Imagine

They live aboard, and are wintering on the Macclesfield this year. A very pleasant couple, Mags has found a kindred spirit in Michelle, They’re both very fond of puddings and cakes!
Have a good winter, both.

BW C&RT were doing some helmsman training this afternoon, using a push tug and a flat loaded with replacement gates for Lock 8 on the Marple flight.

Turning around at the junction


Tomorrow we’ll be heading down the Macclesfield, aiming to be beyond the town when we stop.

Locks 0, miles 4½.