Sunday, July 12, 2020

Off we go again!

We’ve been hanging around Whitchurch for a bit, but today we set off further downstream. Richard topped up our diesel tank on Wednesday after we’d been down to above Grindley Brook Locks, turned around and filled with water.

We tied up again on the offside just below New Mills Lift Bridge. Richard came back downstream yesterday, running a bit later than usual because of the number of boats heading up to Llangollen, a lot of whom wanted diesel and gas.

Richard (Chamberlain Carrying Company) getting ready to top up the tank of the boat behind.

Someone had a little too much happy juice…

I’d just untied this morning, ready to go up, through the lift bridge to turn around and return to the top of the locks when Mac and came out of the arm to turn around as well.

Sue remained behind on bridge duty, so saw us through, then again as we came back. Thanks Sue, saved me a big job! 

We topped up with water above the locks, then set off down without any waiting around. Unlike some of those coming up, they would have a wait before they could set off up the triple staircase.

We had a good run down the three singles, only having to fill the bottom lock before we were down the Grindley Brook Flight.

The same story continued as we headed through Poveys, Willymoor and Quoisley Locks, boats heading uphill exiting the locks as we arrived, and others arriving to take the empty lock as we left it. An easy run.

It’ll be very busy further up towards Llangollen with the number of boats going up… I‘m glad we’re going the other way!

The lack of veg clearance this year has left the navigation a little tight in places…

Willymoor Lock

We pulled in on the straight below Quoisley Lock, a regular stop for us.

Mac and Sue turned up an hour later and tied behind us, having a far less easy run down.

Between the locks I looked up to the drone of several aero engines and saw three aircraft cruising overhead, two single-engined biplanes and one larger and twin-engined.

Not sure what they were or where they were going…  Any ideas, anyone?

So finally a proper day’s cruising. With locks! The first we’ve done since early April.

Locks 9, miles 4 

4 comments:

Carol said...

George has had a look at the aircraft but doesn't recognise them Geoff, sorry.

Geoff and Mags said...

Got it George! No idea about the biplane, could be anything, but the twin-prop is an Avro Anson!

Lesley K said...

So you have got to know Yarwood’s owners now...it’s all that time on the Llangollen

Geoff and Mags said...

Hi Lesley, yes, and you'll be pleased to know that they're keeping Yarwood as spick and span as you and Joe used to!