tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12683222573495261452024-03-13T08:13:02.814-07:00Narrowboat MervynLife aboard our 62' narrowboat MervynAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-46764988446124270252016-05-11T06:54:00.000-07:002016-05-11T06:54:00.610-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
We've Moved!</h2>
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Living on a 62′ narrowboat, we are no strangers to moving our home around. This time it is our blog that has relocated. To make it quicker and easier to blog about our life on the Leeds Liverpool canal I have decided to make the change to WordPress. Please click on the links below that will take you to our new home.</div>
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I love to take photos and keeping a liveaboard life diary. We love this life and love to share how beautiful and amazing it is. Enjoy...<div>
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<a href="https://narrowboatmervyn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Narrowboat Mervyn on Wordpress</a></div>
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<a href="https://narrowboatmervyn.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Narrowboat Mervyn Wordpress Blog</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-10161360552723040462016-04-13T02:49:00.003-07:002016-04-13T02:50:41.113-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Ellesmere Port </h2>
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Easter Gathering 2016</h2>
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The magnificent 90 year old Gifford</div>
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This year, the Easter Gathering celebrated two anniversaries. Firstly the 40th anniversary of the museum being open to the public and secondly the 90th birthday of Gifford.<br />
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Designed by Thomas Telford, the docks at Ellesmere Port were in use as recently as the fifties. The museum was started in the 1970's by a group of enthusiasts who brought together a collection of boats (including Gifford), tools and canalware to preserve the history of a vanishing way of life. Lottery funding and management by The Waterways Trust improved facilities and although visitor numbers declined in the early 2000's it has seen a rise in the last few years with the renewed interest in canals. The Waterways Archive is housed here, including photographs, plans and letters and has recently digitised over twenty thousand photos including the one below of the Port in the 1920's and Gifford c1964 at Swan Village on the Birmingham Canal Navigations.<br />
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Ellesmere Port Docks</div>
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Gifford being towed by horse </div>
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Gifford was built as a tank boat to carry liquids for the Thomas Clayton canal carrying company, carrting tar during the 1930' and 1940's and fuel from Stanlow Refinery in the 1940's and 1950's until Claytons ceased carrying in the mid sixties.<br />
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Decorated boats welcome visitors at the entrance</div>
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The buildings have all been renovated at the museum</div>
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Good to see boats still working on the canal network</div>
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Gifford in pride of place</div>
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Traditional painted cabin</div>
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Thomas Clayton livery</div>
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1960's British Waterways carrying livery</div>
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Saturn </div>
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Saturn above right is last horse-drawn Shropshire Union Canal Fly-Boat in the World – originally built to travel non-stop, day and night, carrying perishable goods (mainly cheese - yum). Over 100 years old, she has been fully restored to her former glory and is run by volunteers.<br />
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Decorated Cabin block and planks on Saturn </div>
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Hazel and Gifford bright in the sunshine</div>
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Hazel getting a mop by 'Ashton Boatman'</div>
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Hazel is an interesting boat, owned by the Wooden Boat Society and recently renovated to become a 'wellbeing boat'. Built in 1914 she carried coal until becoming a pleasure boat for scout groups in the late forties and was donated to the society in the late eighties. The project to transform the boat has recently been completed by volunteers and now offers a chance for people suffering from anxiety or depression to benefit from spending time in peaceful, relaxing environment. Along with volunteers who do a regular 'run' to collect recyling and donations, they have a charity shop. Mutually beneficial, volunteers can help with maintenance, repairs, as crew and the society can preserve the boats for the future whilst helping the most vulnerable in our society. Hats off to them!</div>
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Decorated 'elum' or tiller on Ilkeston</div>
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Inside the back cabin of Ilkeston - cosy to say the least</div>
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Boats top and tail in the locks and pounds</div>
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Some more seaworthy vessels in the basin</div>
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Regulus built in 1935</div>
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Boats awaiting possible restoration, funds allowing....</div>
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The once brightly painted is now faded</div>
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Historic boats line the basin</div>
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Always time for a chat and a brew</div>
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Patterns are everywhere</div>
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Mirror image</div>
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Lovely faded lettering</div>
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Not exactly a boat graveyard but who knows when or if these will ever be back in action</div>
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Fuel boat Halsall trading at the event - it really is good to see new traders succeeding</div>
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Friendship in the museum</div>
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The Friendship Panel created by the The Coffee and Crochet Group at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port</div>
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Inside the pump house</div>
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Made in Manchester</div>
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I think this Gardner might be a bit too big for a narrowboat!</div>
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Montage of logos</div>
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The engines are all maintained by volunteers</div>
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Strange to see a ship in the background, dwarfing the narrowboats. The Manchester Ship Canal runs parallel to the Waterways Museum for a short stretch.</div>
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Manchester chemical company Cowburn & Cowpar boat Swan, one of a fleet of eight</div>
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The lines of a wooden boat are particularly pleasing</div>
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The faint outline of Rivington and Winter Hill in the distance</div>
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Ship being towed by tug on the ship canal</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-7996061018490768712016-04-03T03:09:00.004-07:002016-04-07T03:06:55.454-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Doing much this weekend?</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGFVW6BuopTNDlGX9B9yCJFi7GPdLrLNN5EQA3wEOZXzEs4mL8pnWMw00ZTa3dj_3ZxKEDtYVOVmLwJ8gwOMQ52ko5y6lELdrQf2HZfYb_h5THjdjGyN7MOVeM1ADRiGrln0ePy-gCfc/s1600/Mar98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGFVW6BuopTNDlGX9B9yCJFi7GPdLrLNN5EQA3wEOZXzEs4mL8pnWMw00ZTa3dj_3ZxKEDtYVOVmLwJ8gwOMQ52ko5y6lELdrQf2HZfYb_h5THjdjGyN7MOVeM1ADRiGrln0ePy-gCfc/s400/Mar98.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When still working the nine to five (or the five to nine!) or after doing my gym class at the end of the week, I inevitably get asked this question or a variation of it. Any plans? Doing anything nice? Well, no plans really but yes, something nice as a matter of fact! When I tell people I live on a narrowboat, their reactions are (almost) always the same. Wow, they will say. Do you travel around? It must be really great to have such freedom. (Is it cold? - you knew that one was coming). I have to admit that it is with some satisfaction and not a little relish that I admit that yes it is wow, yes we move about and yes I feel free like I never have before (but no, it isn't cold!). I never stop appreciating the life I live, the beauty that surrounds me and the pure pleasure of travelling for no other reason than because it is enjoyable to do so.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QsAOXbK0yxBCOMrX1qos4lzniYgOYsq62q2IuuXE4t-_MNfRwvvTEdZMpPSwkcFn1G1uwmNkFsrLxJGkU4CKdSlvWf-IvOHZGX8Vk40lzwjcewOshkQZLa0SQur-iGHVzsZ7Of_nLtI/s1600/Mar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QsAOXbK0yxBCOMrX1qos4lzniYgOYsq62q2IuuXE4t-_MNfRwvvTEdZMpPSwkcFn1G1uwmNkFsrLxJGkU4CKdSlvWf-IvOHZGX8Vk40lzwjcewOshkQZLa0SQur-iGHVzsZ7Of_nLtI/s400/Mar1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The flatlands of Rufford</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddzETnEYJ-HZ3rv3SYHuj7dr7D-bFGdXJJ9SbGpswRoFQP7h93-VuOujUUcRqt2BfjkoRzA3NY6_D3bLphWn29NkXICf_pD2JtXVnvvBw3ithKEmcgwgGZSc9Zkz5Nnfyh9t7tGp_fvk/s1600/Mar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddzETnEYJ-HZ3rv3SYHuj7dr7D-bFGdXJJ9SbGpswRoFQP7h93-VuOujUUcRqt2BfjkoRzA3NY6_D3bLphWn29NkXICf_pD2JtXVnvvBw3ithKEmcgwgGZSc9Zkz5Nnfyh9t7tGp_fvk/s640/Mar2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Neatly coiled ropes</div>
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Over the last few months (otherwise known as winter!) we have moved around more than in previous years. It seems a natural progression for us. As we have fully embraced the liveaboard life, we have also embraced travelling and mooring in different places through more inclement weather. After leaving the confines of a marina on our first boat (with water on tap and plug in electricity) for the call of the cut, we were lucky to get a private online mooring, affording us the 'security' of somewhere to be based for longer periods in the winter. The first winter we didn't really move around much except to empty our waste tank or fill with water, these tasks being completed in a morning or a weekend. The next winter we were later in returning to the mooring and earlier in leaving. This year we have abandoned the idea that you need to bed down for winter altogether and pretty much moved around the whole time. We are loving it. Below are a selection of photos taken of our travels over the last month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMl6NK78zvVAtv9h1U2GXWVg32RS6MjOJAt2xjRBvnqBy4tPaZFyjvROkz3RVscucKdZIpDNVMwjlwVJO2KQA2LYqWbh9HqFZsfKYhgQRUAnV1flHCKYhbHZZbs2YB9hbcXk6j07pAb8/s1600/Mar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMl6NK78zvVAtv9h1U2GXWVg32RS6MjOJAt2xjRBvnqBy4tPaZFyjvROkz3RVscucKdZIpDNVMwjlwVJO2KQA2LYqWbh9HqFZsfKYhgQRUAnV1flHCKYhbHZZbs2YB9hbcXk6j07pAb8/s640/Mar3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Gongoozlers at a lock</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhQjfpicww0KzB-7Y0UbipXBdoeQvb2Ad_Lz_zkn8iRL8TkXwPoQ6p4dC0vjnoiGELOg9-FpWxamuqQiXfwPasLTAdaYLZ73vv7rhnl-lfniPfoaQE1ViaVzPR9aJ6OjYSXvIWIE7UoI/s1600/Mar4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhQjfpicww0KzB-7Y0UbipXBdoeQvb2Ad_Lz_zkn8iRL8TkXwPoQ6p4dC0vjnoiGELOg9-FpWxamuqQiXfwPasLTAdaYLZ73vv7rhnl-lfniPfoaQE1ViaVzPR9aJ6OjYSXvIWIE7UoI/s400/Mar4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cormorant between dives</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HgIZSJQFet8_eThkyRtb-hpAAUs-RTLQSaVIa5FEY5TIylWa2v_nCaoKmCAgnJUx7385TnXHL4ij5_VNAwYh2Cd5_rCuUrUoiuQ_rfTUxA5xKPkIZTfME1wshg1Odw0ucNVSaZTCNn0/s1600/Mar5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HgIZSJQFet8_eThkyRtb-hpAAUs-RTLQSaVIa5FEY5TIylWa2v_nCaoKmCAgnJUx7385TnXHL4ij5_VNAwYh2Cd5_rCuUrUoiuQ_rfTUxA5xKPkIZTfME1wshg1Odw0ucNVSaZTCNn0/s400/Mar5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nesting swans</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA6TyM6hPpvJOopiHRTgMDoVaST8nsumOS61KvLZ_5cdLq1JVz9o0mNGB74MrdjkVdPCxEOMelsL1V_uZ_pDD7-7S1naYgFPHptZCs392W6Rqc3B_3u9RpnZAzyU3fpknZvCv7Ovhvt4/s1600/Mar6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA6TyM6hPpvJOopiHRTgMDoVaST8nsumOS61KvLZ_5cdLq1JVz9o0mNGB74MrdjkVdPCxEOMelsL1V_uZ_pDD7-7S1naYgFPHptZCs392W6Rqc3B_3u9RpnZAzyU3fpknZvCv7Ovhvt4/s400/Mar6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The splendid artwork on the back cabin doors by the esteemed Dave Moore</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw72QwLygWNmXqQdfxoByz-nND0eJjUZyl23l1ts2_Avap4SFbiWuiKlapizNOaBlz1rMpygICZ9Kzw5DjufqoUwAoFm4axtq_B6P85Wcqiib-v1wqHITWZAAwqRtCZJeCBu-jiN__kwg/s1600/Mar7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw72QwLygWNmXqQdfxoByz-nND0eJjUZyl23l1ts2_Avap4SFbiWuiKlapizNOaBlz1rMpygICZ9Kzw5DjufqoUwAoFm4axtq_B6P85Wcqiib-v1wqHITWZAAwqRtCZJeCBu-jiN__kwg/s400/Mar7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gliding off through the still waters...hey wait for me!</div>
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Waiting patiently for the lock to fill</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe9F8vZJ-jZ_eO8hTpelNgdMjH0lNH4OVLMTlnWuI7rhVCr47Ciu52y_lWrVXCE2Vc24T97SEFkp29RR7Od4K4uroCipsHJkCfOqKJs1rFeR4vKBe4V71ugsioaA3j1qPL1lI_43CR3g/s1600/Mar9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe9F8vZJ-jZ_eO8hTpelNgdMjH0lNH4OVLMTlnWuI7rhVCr47Ciu52y_lWrVXCE2Vc24T97SEFkp29RR7Od4K4uroCipsHJkCfOqKJs1rFeR4vKBe4V71ugsioaA3j1qPL1lI_43CR3g/s640/Mar9.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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More gongoozlers - this is a favorite spot for them, next to a pub</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4ekHMDJrhaiNSkYzgOpttbfCCW-Pj21KNtJkfHXkvos6sqn4VA951vBN4SAsxs5nH6Ukh8tXrbcn4V0sbrXOEh0g47lOXZ8TkoPkVJdtQNTFUVuY_C9MxaM4JaVphR4joNgxKNSG6Tg/s1600/Mar91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4ekHMDJrhaiNSkYzgOpttbfCCW-Pj21KNtJkfHXkvos6sqn4VA951vBN4SAsxs5nH6Ukh8tXrbcn4V0sbrXOEh0g47lOXZ8TkoPkVJdtQNTFUVuY_C9MxaM4JaVphR4joNgxKNSG6Tg/s400/Mar91.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Tim Tyler hull moving beautifully through the water, creating very little wash as seen by the still water at the front of the boat. Hull shape makes a huge difference to how a boat cuts through the water</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Gq-xoledGIr5zFBh2X6kJs_JRih6PuJvnbJ9LoJZ0AfsTuNTzKeb4r5wYe0VG1i1FHNMtisxGiWCgTeOoQR2ez8EKeI9jqwZzI9SXOcwsb3MCnz4tLUKbnm44ybsjnqq9jSmPSSIVbw/s1600/Mar92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Gq-xoledGIr5zFBh2X6kJs_JRih6PuJvnbJ9LoJZ0AfsTuNTzKeb4r5wYe0VG1i1FHNMtisxGiWCgTeOoQR2ez8EKeI9jqwZzI9SXOcwsb3MCnz4tLUKbnm44ybsjnqq9jSmPSSIVbw/s400/Mar92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fuel boat Ambush towing dumb boat Viktoria to Burscough Wharf, where she normally resides, after extensive repairs in Wigan dry dock</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5SCwMczdDqAuIEOWin4xXIj2WOi-KJCBfYPZcla5b0dVMB2kTYa88RgM7OKlHnOBwJ75Wv0ZY0tcQD7v1cCYV2XM7aBHTnHWfC53YGGaJmnt_F8DvK_8jXlt1xkdKD03eTfbuET83vE/s1600/Mar93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5SCwMczdDqAuIEOWin4xXIj2WOi-KJCBfYPZcla5b0dVMB2kTYa88RgM7OKlHnOBwJ75Wv0ZY0tcQD7v1cCYV2XM7aBHTnHWfC53YGGaJmnt_F8DvK_8jXlt1xkdKD03eTfbuET83vE/s400/Mar93.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hardly any wash on this beast of a boat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxp82RiGDHFij1zesLMBxLVLWi3J_5HwNuMlb_paHPPeFdzO21jhuf6B0ZEaLaRxv-CfGMcgp75WH_rm_T4LJgIB5cUjVlP6y6SA4uC6DALTsRllFRTjtYr2fpVCODHB2OWdQm6AtPEK8/s1600/Mar94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxp82RiGDHFij1zesLMBxLVLWi3J_5HwNuMlb_paHPPeFdzO21jhuf6B0ZEaLaRxv-CfGMcgp75WH_rm_T4LJgIB5cUjVlP6y6SA4uC6DALTsRllFRTjtYr2fpVCODHB2OWdQm6AtPEK8/s400/Mar94.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Newly welded and painted</div>
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Derek Bent doing what he does best</div>
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A great sight, three Liverpool boats all together - Mersey on the left</div>
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It was popular to put fresh flowers on the roof in days gone by, usually wild flowers collected from the hedgerows. Sadly these are less common these days. At this time of year there isn't much growing anyway so I made do with shop bought!</div>
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This stretch of canal between Parbold and Appley Bridge is beautiful in all seasons. We have had a very mild winter albeit a wet one with the terrible flooding all around the country over the Christmas holidays. It is four years since we had any really thick frost or snow. The canal can get frozen over preventing movement but this happens less frequently. Years ago, ice breaker boats would be put to work to keep the canals open, to keep goods being transported. Think of it like the gritting wagons going out to keep the road network open. Simple but effective, they were horse drawn (the thicker the ice, the more horses were used) with pointed hulls and a flat, open deck upon which a bar was mounted along the length at chest height. Men would line the bar each side and rock the tug to smash the ice.</div>
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I love this tree. It is like a tree goddess. Unfortunately it is dead as I have photographed it in summer, bare of any leaves.</div>
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Emptying Appley Deep lock, you can see the power of the water flowing out of the lock</div>
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A glimpse of the back cabin through the lock gates</div>
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Outside the lock keepers cottage filling with water</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-10928918396855310892016-03-23T04:41:00.000-07:002016-03-30T02:45:43.387-07:00<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#Narrowboat</h2>
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Living on a narrowboat affords me unlimited opportunity to indulge my other passion- photography. I love social media as a way of expressing myself, Facebook, Pintrest, Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram....I use them all. I also like to use different apps on my smartphone to create photo montages. Using a hashtag # to tag words to the images (such as '#narrowboat' or '#canal'), they can be searched for, viewed and shared by other users. Quite a lot of the photos from this blog have been liked and shared multiple times by people all over the world. I love the connectivity of the internet and a photo encapsulates a feeling, sentiment or a story in any language. As the old adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.. So with that mind I will just let the pictures do the talking....</div>
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Christmas at Heatons Bridge</div>
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Autumn mornings at Ring o Bells</div>
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Ring o Bells early spring evening and mornings</div>
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Sparks Bridge winter mornings</div>
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Crooke winter mornings</div>
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Burscough autumn sunsets</div>
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Tarleton winter trip</div>
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The Kelpies in winter</div>
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Autumn leaves</div>
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Ruffords late winter and early spring</div>
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Working the locks on the Rufford Branch</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-52347646074562863662016-03-15T06:38:00.001-07:002016-03-16T04:23:01.516-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Waste of Time</h2>
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Of course it's never a waste of time travelling along the cut, especially late afternoon or early evening when there's no one else around on a sunny, still day. The boat glides through the water, cutting through the mirror reflection and everything feels just a little bit better, even if only for a while...</div>
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We had previously travelled along the Rufford Branch with the ultimate aim of emptying our waste tank at the Sparks Bridge services. As we still had a week or so left before the job needed to be done, we moored up near the old hall on a particularly pretty part of the canal for a week. </div>
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The following weekend we were ready to move on. The services are only a little further on so Mr F suggested that we extend our cruising by going right to the end of the branch at Tarleton where there is a lock onto the River Douglas. This lock enables boaters to cross onto the isolated Lancaster canal using the 'Ribble Link'. There is a place to 'wind' (turn) the boat there (although we had never been in the current boat so we hoped we could get round or there would be a bit of reversing to do!).</div>
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It always feels a privilege to see a beautiful bird of prey hovering in the sky</div>
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Snow capped Winter Hill in the distance</div>
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Just after this swing bridge we got grounded on a really shallow concrete ledge on the bridge mooring. We should have known better as this has happened to us before but only when it has been really windy , making it hard to keep the front end out whilst trying to reverse or pole the back end out. It wasn't particularly windy but there was enough to cause us a bit of faffing with poles at both end of the boat for fifteen minutes or so. Normally when we go through this bridge it is just to turn round a bit further up, I usually wait at the bridge to save having to stop and Mr F turns the boat and comes back through. We decided that we would avoid getting stuck the way back, I would hop off at a convenient place and walk down to the open the bridge.</div>
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Cormorant taking flight </div>
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The canal becomes twisting and turning now as it follows the original line of the River Douglas that was diverted.</div>
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The cormorants disappear and pop up huge distances away in such a short time, they are amazing divers. They stand on the banks holding their wings out to dry which make them look like little pterodactyls!</div>
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After a mile or so of meandering though the fields with nothing in sight we happen upon a little bridge and old canalside mill</div>
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The engine does sound good with our tall exhaust stack reverberating off the stone</div>
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There is one final swing bridge and then a long stretch of visitor mooring, presumably for the boats waiting to do the crossing. At this time of year (before the crossings resume with the tides) it was just us and another boat. There is a boatyard just ahead and this was where we took our other boat for epoxy coating the hull. </div>
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The boatyard staff operate the lock and there are moored boats including some more seaworthy looking vessels. It's a bit 'industrial' but all the more interesting for it.</div>
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The lock on the right and the River Douglas on the left. The water level was low and the flow quite fast. </div>
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Having successfully turned the boat with an inch or so to spare, I managed to hop off at the point where the bow was in the bank. This meant I could walk up to open the swing bridge saving us stopping twice. It also afforded me this photo opportunity of the River Douglass and the Rufford Branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal running alongside each other with only a narrow strip of land to separate them</div>
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Winding back through the open farmland, taken from the pointy end</div>
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The photo above shows where I decided to hop off in preparation for the swing bridge on the return journey. It used to be the river lock onto the Douglas until the new lock was built at Tarleton</div>
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The offending swing bridge</div>
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It's a bit blurred but the white blob is a barn owl. It is common for them to hunt early evening, especially in winter when food is scarce. It's always a delight to be treated to the sight of these graceful, silent hunters</div>
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We arrived back at the services at Sparks Bridge where we planned to stay for the week. Jack Snipe is a lovely looking boat that has just had a paint freshen up since we were last in these parts</div>
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Another boat moored just through the road bridge, framed nicely for the camera</div>
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The swans are never far away when there might be a sniff of some food</div>
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The following morning greeted by blue skies and perfectly still water...spring is definitely in the air</div>
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The next morning, true to form, the British weather gave us some frost!</div>
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And with the spring and the frost comes ...Lambs!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231006740442756882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-11867255354733863862016-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:002016-02-23T08:48:03.064-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Highland Fling</h2>
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This year our canal related wedding anniversary trip took us to the lovely city of Edinburgh and included a visit to both the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. The weather was a bit dull, cold and very windy but it didn't spoil our visit and even made the impressive sculptures look quite dramatic set against the steel sky.<br />
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The Kelpies are the work of sculptor Andy Scott who's vision was to create " a contemporary sculptural monument. Water-borne, towering gateways into The Helix, the Forth & Clyde canal and Scotland, translating the legacy of the area into proud equine guardians."<br />
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Inspired by the history of local heavy horse use, particularly the Clydesdale, pulling barges on the Forth & Clyde Canal, wagons, ploughs and coalships combined with the mythological 'kelpie', a transforming beast possessing the strength of a hundred horses. </div>
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Fabricated from steel and built on site in just 90 days they are both cutting edge technology and hand crafted artisanship, a tribute to the lost industries of Scotland and a celebration of the bright future the country. The sculptor's father was a Falkirk man, giving the project special significance.<br />
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Each Kelpie weighs in at 300 tonnes, is 30 metres high and contains 928 steel plates</div>
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The site development included an extension of the Forth & Clyde canal to include an attractive turning pool for boaters and visitor centre. It was really enjoyable and well worth it if you're in the area.<br />
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Our next stop was the Falkirk Wheel where we had a boat trip booked to experience the unique rotating boat lift ourselves. Originally the Forth and Clyde and the Union Canals were joined by a staircase flight of eleven locks climbing 35 metres which were dismantled in the 1930's, severing the connection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBUMitRyXSm_ykLbheW7jWGAg0PntnSNj3r2yvPEm-Xla6HY1zR996KDobFrZH756ZBF-4itpKUlQaCpwIxuZ-yQdear4BNZ9mLGIbP24PVzSQU0I8TfEiOoISZUXKh_D7C0Q11XS8UI/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBUMitRyXSm_ykLbheW7jWGAg0PntnSNj3r2yvPEm-Xla6HY1zR996KDobFrZH756ZBF-4itpKUlQaCpwIxuZ-yQdear4BNZ9mLGIbP24PVzSQU0I8TfEiOoISZUXKh_D7C0Q11XS8UI/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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During the 1990's several ideas were considered including tilting tanks. The final design is said to have been inspired in part by the Celtic double headed spear. Work started in 1998, being constructed in Derbyshire in parts that were transported by lorry and reassembled on site. Using 1200 tonnes of steel and over 1000 construction staff. The 15,000 bolts used were all tightened by hand! It was officially opened in 2002.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4YdTpyie_mbTtYi_1NnkdQuSpdtQ7xA4le6W3BZBCuA_vWUu7Ke7xP_FKugVkoXJV-fY_hM87LgUmVBnl6qUo5TSZYB_jAYjy0Hn1Or6h_sqG-FP4MuJaRMCiYPQxHNbd5-SvMMrkXQ/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4YdTpyie_mbTtYi_1NnkdQuSpdtQ7xA4le6W3BZBCuA_vWUu7Ke7xP_FKugVkoXJV-fY_hM87LgUmVBnl6qUo5TSZYB_jAYjy0Hn1Or6h_sqG-FP4MuJaRMCiYPQxHNbd5-SvMMrkXQ/s640/DSC_0062.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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We arrived early enough to see the trip boat ascending before our own trip, enabling us to see the wheel in action from the ground. The wheel works by rotating cog wheels on rails in the larger holes. Powered by hydraulic motors assisted by the weight of the 'caissons' it uses surprising little energy to move. Each water filled caisson works using Archimedes' principle, that floating objects displace their own weight in water, meaning that even when there is only a boat in one, they both weigh the same. </div>
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Once the boat is lifted from the Union Canal that reaches from Falkirk to Edinburgh, there are two locks to raise the link by another 11 metres to join the Forth & Clyde Canal that runs from Grangemouth to Glasgow linking the two cities.<br />
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The wheel is not built on the exact site of the original locks as this area has since been developed but instead a short distance away. This led to other obstructions to be overcome including building a length of tunnel 'Roughcastle' in a new culvert to link the canals.</div>
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<br />The 1:10 scale Kelpies Maquettes are scale models commissioned to raise awareness of both the sculptures and the wheel and have been displayed in various locations from Sheffield to Chicago and even made an appearance in New York during Scotland Week 2014.</div>
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The boat trip was really interesting and the view from the top of the wheel on the return journey was good despite the weather. </div>
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As with the Kelpies we had a thoroughly enjoyable visit which I would recommend to any canal enthusiast. We returned to the city to enjoy a nice meal out and had a walk up the Royal Mile to the castle which was all lit up. There is a great view from the castle to the lower levels of Edinburgh.<br />
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Edinburgh Castle</div>
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Looking back down the Royal Mile</div>
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Useful information can be found at the sites below:<br />
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www.thehelix.co.uk<br />
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www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231006740442756882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-58185834562046218372016-01-26T02:50:00.004-08:002016-01-26T02:50:36.954-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
2 Cylinders Good...</h2>
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As I always refer to the engine as the beating heart of our
narrowboat, it seemed only right that I dedicated a blog to the Gardner 2LW.
This lead me to do some research online about the history of the company, which
I found really interesting. There is quite a bit of information about the early
history of the company on various websites but I was surprised to find a thesis
online by a student of the University of Bolton from 2010 (as I was working there
as a Student Advisor at that time) which made for interesting reading. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxOmXHu8mHtkIUQa1zQxLZrdM7R1q4IQfncve9qxMN9TF8VkzQ3Asn9SSRRr9BtuiN5DBRbbeCHQMqwTZVBLF2nLPveutr9n-EMIr6G8BTFzWIMBq8u9Sp6WLwdNbpCJvoXDb7kDdns8/s1600/lawrence_gardner.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxOmXHu8mHtkIUQa1zQxLZrdM7R1q4IQfncve9qxMN9TF8VkzQ3Asn9SSRRr9BtuiN5DBRbbeCHQMqwTZVBLF2nLPveutr9n-EMIr6G8BTFzWIMBq8u9Sp6WLwdNbpCJvoXDb7kDdns8/s1600/lawrence_gardner.gif" /></a></div>
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It seems widely reported that Lawrence Gardner announced his
business intentions in 1868 by way of a brass plaque reading ‘ L. Gardner,
Machinist’ which he screwed to the outside of the house he shared with his wife
in Upper Duke St, Manchester. He had moved there from his native Liverpool in
1862, renting four properties that shared the cellar which was to become his
workshop, he lived in one of the properties and let the others to tenants. The
location was close to the city centre and (somewhat prophetically) the docks of
the Bridgewater canal and from here he began work as a general engineer making
machine parts and tools in the main, including parts for sewing machines.<br />
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His sons began to join the business as it grew during the next 20 years. However, one of his sons, Thomas, instead chose to study at Manchester Mechanic's Institute and Technical School, going on to win a scholarship to study at Owens College, Quay St. On graduation he joined the Lancashire and North Western Railway Company as a civil engineer until the premature death of his father.<br />
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Manchester Mechanics' Institute was founded here on Princess St. becoming The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). Best known for the first Trade Union Congress meeting held in 1868 and the birthplace of the TUC. It is also the site where the Co -operative Insurance Society (CIS) was founded,It is a Grade II listed building and currently used as a conference centre.</div>
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Thomas then returned to the family business and used his experience to develop electricity generating sets with dynamos of his own design. Interestingly they also developed hydraulic dentist chairs, two of which are said to have been in use until quite recent times. The name L. Gardner & Sons was retained out of respect for their father and founder.</div>
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Owen's College, founded in 1851 at Cobden House Quay Street, merged with Victoria University, then Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), finally becoming The University of Manchester in 2004. Owen's College moved to Oxford Rd in 1873 and the building became Manchester County Court until 1990. It is also a Grade II listed building and now used as chambers.</div>
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As the demand for electricity grew so did their development of the first internal combustion engines. Designed by Thomas in 1894, these oil engines fuelled by kerosene could be started from cold. They were so successful that within a year the company had introduced more products including single and multiple cylinder engines. As the century drew to a close, cheaper foreign imports began to affect their sales. They responded by developing a wider range of high quality engines, upping their annual production whilst retaining their high craft based standards to rival overseas mass production. In 1898 they bought the land at Patricroft, on the banks of the Bridgewater canal, where they were to remain for almost a hundred years.</div>
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1906</div>
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Over the next two decades both their workshops, workforce and engines increased in size. The engines began to be used in boats in addition to powering pumps and generating sets. When the war came in 1914 they began to take orders from the Ministry of Munition as engine production decreased and they could even be said to have benefited financially from the war years. However when this work suddenly dried up as peace was restored, the company suffered and jobs were cut. Remaining positive they put their efforts into developing their diesel engines. Although probably intended for marine propulsion this new engine was used by Lancia, a transport company, for one of their buses and opened up a new market in the motor transport industry.</div>
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1930</div>
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In the 1930's their customers now included Atkinson, Foden, ERF, Dennis and Scammell, the latter one of their biggest customers. Thomas died in 1937 and there were many changes in management due to more family deaths occurring in the short time that followed. When the second world war came and they were once again taken over by the Ministry of Supply, production and their workforce once again increased. By the end of the war they were three thousand strong, manufacturing the same number of engines per year. Many were exported to Europe and British Empire countries with representatives in Australia, Hong Kong and Africa,</div>
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During the second part of the 20th century the company was still in the hands of the third generation of the founder until they were taken over in 1977 by Hawker Siddley. When the factory finally ceased production in 1994, Paul Gardner, the great grandson of Lawrence was the last family member to work for the company.</div>
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The Gardner name still continues today, used by both Gardner Marine Diesels who rebuilt and install engines and parts supplier Gardner Parts Ltd. In addition, Walsh Engineering was set up by the technical service manager of some 35 years at the original factory in Patricroft. They supply reconditioned engines and parts with work carried out by genuine Gardner trained staff from the engine build, engineering and research and development departments at the Patricroft site.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr1Rdo12vcKiaX4D2cNa2YkAhDv0KUPVwJkYbihJcIu6w1bVonXXr6RFFL3YJTKBVvUUyXBjlF7xc8BA3QqKKiDJn2DqGSLA9766DnBQPYfgJEQg1npAv-1HdTbNWu2GQ3NIiZsACED4/s1600/MERV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr1Rdo12vcKiaX4D2cNa2YkAhDv0KUPVwJkYbihJcIu6w1bVonXXr6RFFL3YJTKBVvUUyXBjlF7xc8BA3QqKKiDJn2DqGSLA9766DnBQPYfgJEQg1npAv-1HdTbNWu2GQ3NIiZsACED4/s640/MERV2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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During the 1930s a number of LW-series engines were designed especially for road vehicles but later modified and supplied as a marine engines with factory-fitted bilge pump. Apparently the 2LW (twin cylinder) introduced in 1931 develops 31 bhp at 1500 rpm and has a swept volume of 170 cu ins (2.8 litres). I have no idea what that really means but it certainly has no problem in propelling our 62 feet of steel through the water! The engine in Mervyn is a Gardner 2LW and although we didn't have a lot of information about it when we bough the boat, an email to Walsh's concluded that the engine was built at the Gardner Factory around April 1965. All their engines were ex mine loco engines from South Africa that were shipped back to the UK, fully stripped and reconditioned and converted for narrowboats. It is certainly well travelled and continues to be in service after more than 50 years. That, surely, is testament to the quality of the Gardner brand.<br />
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I have thoroughly enjoyed researching the history of Gardner and if you are interested in finding out more, please see the list below of sources of information and further reading.<br />
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Sources of Information <br />
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Halton, Maurice J. "L. Gardner and Sons Limited: the history of a British industrial firm. A study with special reference to markets, workplace industrial relations, and manufacturing engineering technology, 1955-1986.." (2010). History: Theses. Paper 1. <a href="http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/his_theses/1">http://digitalcommons.bolton.ac.uk/his_theses/1</a><br />
Grace's Guide to British Industrial History <a href="http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/">www.gracesguide.co.uk</a><br />
Walsh Engineering <a href="http://www.gardnerdiesel.co.uk/">www.gardnerdiesel.co.uk</a><br />
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TUC History online <a href="http://www.unionhistory.info/">www.unionhistory.info</a></div>
www.mechanicsinstitute.co.uk<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-89228298433495145142016-01-13T07:12:00.003-08:002016-01-13T07:17:13.269-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
'Home' for New Year</h2>
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Having thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas holiday out and about it was time to head 'home' for a party! Having a home mooring makes life a little easier for working liveaboards in winter as it means that you don't need to be constantly moving to comply with Canal and River Trust licence terms. Although we do enough cruising around during most of the year to comply (not staying more than two weeks in any one place), during the winter it makes life easier to have a base with carparking close by and good access. While I don't mind a walk down the towpath with my laden shopping trolley, I'd rather not have to lug it down a dark, muddy one in the rain too often! Anyway, back to the party. We had a short cruise to get home so we checked the weather, chose the best day and cast off. </div>
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The beating heart of narrowboat Mervyn</div>
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Another Mr Blue Sky day</div>
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Just untie your home and go</div>
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The sharp right turn here is the place where the canal line was changed, initially meant to be a branch to Leigh the plans were changed and it became the main line. The short arm directly ahead was intended to be the canal junction but the original route was never completed. A boatyard and dry dock was in use there up to 1943</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4kbf5R2HbOojMM16pfqW4ZcSh0kx1lk_EPpcMrqposNImvjRuUjWJZRMaROkmbZNnGogtYwahhyphenhyphen0pEM6Z01TBrR6SL58m2k0-ggNeJo4qA790wDnDClqFU8NmT9cApy0KFvvw05cpck/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4kbf5R2HbOojMM16pfqW4ZcSh0kx1lk_EPpcMrqposNImvjRuUjWJZRMaROkmbZNnGogtYwahhyphenhyphen0pEM6Z01TBrR6SL58m2k0-ggNeJo4qA790wDnDClqFU8NmT9cApy0KFvvw05cpck/s640/DSC_0072.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Peaceful tree lined cut, the railway line runs alongside to the left</div>
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CRT contractors doing some winter maintenance, he was a nice young lad who I had a chat with at the swing bridge in Appley Bridge just further on ahead</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBJVU-l1hICzqf92cdiBZg_OOlwjMdMgjYY90L_DlWkB_j0Bu0PggAbW8g3Smm3glDPtA01HR8yoAUlMiTGxcaAoBNSB_mV_ujofdKLVKUrL7amoKxuRrd_IBKiN0VdhA-OgsyHOMdT0/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBJVU-l1hICzqf92cdiBZg_OOlwjMdMgjYY90L_DlWkB_j0Bu0PggAbW8g3Smm3glDPtA01HR8yoAUlMiTGxcaAoBNSB_mV_ujofdKLVKUrL7amoKxuRrd_IBKiN0VdhA-OgsyHOMdT0/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bare tree reflections</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5kOQIc3WN0etxFaozlRyKzTbzVRuLF_Akgw3PS9HwttiUjn7Cn_gi0e-SRrSjOxDxlLhtdQZmetkcemq3yXL0uMbswclA1aI7ND45nlh2MBTipiKhGV38L1ghkRZNO7oXoHxrUaSzO8/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5kOQIc3WN0etxFaozlRyKzTbzVRuLF_Akgw3PS9HwttiUjn7Cn_gi0e-SRrSjOxDxlLhtdQZmetkcemq3yXL0uMbswclA1aI7ND45nlh2MBTipiKhGV38L1ghkRZNO7oXoHxrUaSzO8/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thud, thud, thud</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3eTsPrZaxQWGiS4pC-Q0bkeTEG7wBIcrGOoAGLTUqM8_6ALHdhQwUetqtiEVMWpEbMKA28oLDEcXabcEkmz2AdRxEIaJktzIc9Vy44zWHELtX2mcwvD7nt6DQLeG2fQYaNQ4QARTP8s/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3eTsPrZaxQWGiS4pC-Q0bkeTEG7wBIcrGOoAGLTUqM8_6ALHdhQwUetqtiEVMWpEbMKA28oLDEcXabcEkmz2AdRxEIaJktzIc9Vy44zWHELtX2mcwvD7nt6DQLeG2fQYaNQ4QARTP8s/s640/DSC_0079.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Approaching Appley Deep Lock</div>
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Catching the winter rays by the lock beam</div>
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In she goes</div>
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On the home stretch</div>
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Always time for a biscuit and a brew</div>
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Taking the opportunity to do some washing while we travel prior to filling the water tank again- its all about forward planning!</div>
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Balancing on the gunwales</div>
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Quick wash down while we fill with water</div>
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Definitely no shortage of water at the moment</div>
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Mervyn looking every inch of her 62' outside the old lock keepers cottage</div>
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Past and present transport networks crossing at Gathurst Deans Lock</div>
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Stone steps worn smooth</div>
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Spick and span</div>
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Kettle's always on</div>
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Into the final lock of the day</div>
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Windlass at the ready</div>
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Leaky lock gates</div>
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Never miss the opportunity to collect wood for the fire!</div>
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Another couple for next winter's stash</div>
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Back before dark</div>
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Time for some jackbit</div>
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Oh, the party? Well it was a great one in the pub surrounded by the friends we have made here over the last couple of years, boaters and locals and of course the lovely landlord and landlady who are sadly leaving the pub trade at the end on January. They have always made us feel really part of the community here and we will really miss them. It was a brilliant night with a quiz and a bit of singing and dabcing as the night wore on (we went to bed at 5am!) and Mr F even got to pull his own pint behind the bar! Things change though, you get used to that when you live on the canals. And that's not always a bad thing.</div>
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Make mine a pint!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-75762428597103760852016-01-13T02:53:00.001-08:002016-01-13T03:20:30.527-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Christmas Cruising</h2>
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When you live on a boat, plans are always susceptible to change. That's not necessarily a bad thing! Intending to stay on our winter mooring while we visited family and friends for the festivities would leave us about five days free to travel, being back at the mooring for a New Year's Eve party. What actually happened was much better. Travelling to the pump out at Scarisbrick earlier in the week leading up to Christmas had placed us where we had intended to travel to, all we had to do now was slowly make our way back and over a longer period of time. It was so nice at Heaton's Bridge that we stayed for a few days. This proved to be a very good move. When the floods came on Boxing Day we were hardly affected, whereas our home mooring flooded along with a couple of other places that we could have been if we had stuck to our original plans. The first good (dry) day, we fired up the Gardner and slowly wound our way through the farmland either side, back cabin stove lit, kettle on.</div>
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The calm after the storm, so to speak</div>
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Mervyn decorated for Christmas</div>
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The back cabin get's festive for travelling (and tea drinking)</div>
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Blue skies</div>
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Minding our own business, the thudding of the vintage engine in our ears, we were suddenly aware of something behind us - a lone canoe and a larger boat carrying twelve rowers plus a lady at the stern using a paddle to steer. They cut an impressive sight, rowing in perfect time whilst they slid by us with a chorus of 'good morning!'</div>
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They're behind you!</div>
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We knocked off the revs to let them overtake</div>
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The engine always sounds good going through a bridge hole</div>
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Gliding through the water</div>
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Winter Hill in the far distance</div>
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When we reached the first swing bridge we were greeted by the rowers in the process of pushing the boat under the bridge by hanging on the side. They had all had to dismount, then half of then disappeared into the nearby pub to use the loo, then they all had to get back in the boat....The lady in charge kept doing a head count as I waited to operate the bridge while Martin floated around in the cut waiting. It took ages. The next bridge wasn't far so I offered to open it for them if they waited for us to avoid going through the rigmarole again. They were very grateful!</div>
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Man powered</div>
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Diesel powered</div>
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Topping up with water at Burscough Wharf</div>
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Passing the Rufford Branch</div>
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Looks like a painting</div>
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Lawnmower man has his winter kit on!</div>
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Mr F wrapped up in the winter sun</div>
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Festive little boat</div>
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Gongoozler at the Ship Inn swing bridge</div>
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Rounding the corner towards Parbold</div>
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Last swing bridge of the day in the beautiful blue skies</div>
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It was about here that we started to notice signs of j<span style="text-align: center;">ust how much flooding had taken place. The field to our left looked like a lake and on the right where the bank is high a huge chunk of earth had collapsed into the canal, narrowing the channel. We saw a fellow boater walking his dog on the towpath and he reported that the water had been so high it had been flowing over the towpath and down to the houses that are (unfortunately) low lying. To add insult to injury the river (that runs under the canal just further up) had also risen so high that the houses had been flooded from two sides.</span></div>
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Lake of water in the fields</div>
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Luckily we spotted the huge mound of earth poking up, wouldn't have wanted to hit it!</div>
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Home for the night</div>
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Lovely reflections on the water</div>
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Looking down to the river from the towpath, the water was still quite high</div>
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Lovely mooring spot, a favourite of ours</div>
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A nice hearty bowl of soup to end a good day's boating</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-55260673188094413432016-01-06T04:42:00.002-08:002016-01-06T04:42:54.778-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Single Handing into Christmas</h2>
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After our previous plans had been scuppered we formulated a cunning plan to get the pump out tank emptied in the week before Christmas. Mr F had finished work for the holidays ahead of me so he decided to do a couple of days single handing. There is a cruising club at Scarisbrick with a pump out station and the chap there is really helpful. As we were planning on travelling around over our Christmas break anyway, we just started early. Although I am used to my home moving around, it was still strange to have to phone home to ask where it is!<br />
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The next few photo's were taken by Mr F on his phone (obviously).</div>
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Leaving Crooke and heading towards Appley Bridge</div>
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Dean Lock at Gathurst, a nice shallow one when you're on your own</div>
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Mr F moored up at Appley Bridge for the night, the next morning before I left for work I helped him through Appley deep lock. I went ahead to set the lock, waiting on the bench in the early morning peace and quiet. We made short work of it, I was sorry to have to drag myself away to the office.</div>
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Lock ready and waiting, perfect</div>
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Mrs F working the paddles</div>
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Waterfall inside the lock</div>
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Leaving us behind</div>
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Negotiating the swing bridge at Burscough</div>
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Passing the wharf</div>
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This beautiful Barry Hawkins boat never fails to get Mr F's attention</div>
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Nearing journeys end</div>
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Moored up at Heaton's Bridge, Mr F retired to the public house to quaff a pint of ale and do a bit of reading in the snug</div>
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Gloriously secluded Heaton's Bridge</div>
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Mission accomplished, we decided to stay at Heaton's Bridge for a few days. I finished work and all there was to do was enjoy the festivities at our respective parent's. Which we thoroughly enjoyed!</div>
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Mum F for Christmas lunch</div>
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Mum & Dad O's for Christmas buffet!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-24677747153579292272016-01-05T06:47:00.001-08:002016-01-05T08:49:24.470-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Wasted Weekends</h2>
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The time was upon us once again to empty our waste tank. The weather forecast was abominable! Unfortunately the services to do this are located a full days round trip in either direction from our winter mooring and in winter this can be a challenge with the shortage of daylight hours (roll on spring!).Our plan was to go to Plank Lane pump out station in Leigh on the Saturday to empty the tank and travel as far back as possible in the day. An overnight stop would then leave us the following morning to get back ready for Mr F's shift that afternoon. Simples!</div>
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It didn't quite go to plan...After changing our plans anyway due to the high winds forecast and deciding to put it off for a week, we heard on social media that since replacing the lock gates at Poolstock in Wigan, the pound in between the two locks was suffering from low water levels and even draining completely. In the summer months this can happen due to kids who get great amusement from emptying the canal but is less likely in winter. Happening so soon after repairs seemed to point towards a different cause. Deciding we to take a look for ourselves by car we discovered an empty pound and were relieved not to have set off in rotten conditions only to be faced with a dry cut. </div>
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Due to the location of this pound, which is also quite long, it isn't just a simple job of opening paddles to let water through. The pound before is directly at the bottom of the Wigan flight of 21 locks to one side and Henhurst lock which takes the level down on the other. It can take hours to feed water through and is usually done by the Canal & River Trust staff.</div>
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Not wanting to have wasted the weekend altogether, we decided to head back to our boat and go in the opposite direction to fill up with water. </div>
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Isn't there supposed to be more water than that?</div>
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Always good to get out on the boat</div>
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Lone swan framed by the motorway bridge reflection</div>
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I think he's laughing at me...</div>
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A short trip but a lovely stretch of canal</div>
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Never miss the opportunity to collect wood!</div>
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The tug deck comes in handy sometimes</div>
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Looking towards Crooke in the fading light</div>
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Cheeky black swan just waiting for an opportunity to bite the hand that feeds</div>
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Trying Again...</h2>
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So the following weekend we decided to try again. Forewarned is forearmed as they say, so Mr F called to check the water level on his way home from work and all seemed fine. Off we headed, this time accompanied by our friend Devon. We got away early (for us) and having extra crew made a huge difference through the four locks to navigate before arriving at the Poolstock locks.</div>
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We don't normally do early mornings</div>
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Black swans trying their luck in the marina</div>
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Sitting down on the job</div>
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Wigan Dry Dock</div>
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Passing CRT North West Office</div>
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Henhurst Bridge & Lock</div>
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Getting arty on the footbridge as I go on ahead</div>
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Disaster strikes again</div>
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Arriving first on foot I was greeted by a trickle in the bottom of the pound. It had drained! Again! I turned on my heel to try and get back to the lads on board as soon as possible, there is nowhere to turn round here (we are 62') and the further down this bit they got, the further they would have to reverse. And as anyone who had reversed a narrowboat will tell you, they don't behave! Unfortunately they had already got quite a way (I'm not a good runner). Oh well, it's always good to practice you boat handling skills! We had contacted the CRT out of hours number (it was Sunday) to get a message to the Canal & River Trust staff in case someone was available to help with rewatering but after a while it became apparent that no one would be coming anytime soon. We decided to turn round.</div>
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There was less rubbish in the bottom than I was expecting!</div>
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Devon waiting with the boat while we decided what to do</div>
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At least it was a nice day for boating</div>
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Passing the iconic Wigan Pier (again)</div>
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Trencherfield Mill is an impressive sight in the sunshine</div>
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The obligatory prop foul</div>
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Wide winding area is a haven for the birds</div>
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It hadn't been a very productive couple of weekends really and it was looking like we might need to get the emergency portaloo out of retirement to tide us over. As we formulated a plan for getting to the pump out at Scarisbrick on the way back, the kettle on the back stove keeping us toasty warm and full of tea (and cake), we all resolved that no weekend boating is really ever wasted.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13231006740442756882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-82335398399046132642015-12-09T08:38:00.002-08:002016-01-05T02:07:24.773-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
There was a young man from Devizes...</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PqU1NbEf5Ijl0FEw_KAeFsPiQVi6M81ZtD181nZ9nFykTSay1UXT-K9J92oPsHT4b2mWoA9MB3TpjRRKHLxcI6zCD9qvtK34GEMT-XPXFMuKPtq66-ahJiHrRnGK6GzVcTowE_dFePQ/s1600/Caen16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PqU1NbEf5Ijl0FEw_KAeFsPiQVi6M81ZtD181nZ9nFykTSay1UXT-K9J92oPsHT4b2mWoA9MB3TpjRRKHLxcI6zCD9qvtK34GEMT-XPXFMuKPtq66-ahJiHrRnGK6GzVcTowE_dFePQ/s400/Caen16.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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The Canal and River Trust sign has been 'yarn bombed'</div>
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If anyone had mentioned Devizes to me in the past, the limerick about the young man with ears of different sizes is probably the only thing I would have associated with the place. Since becoming a boater however, it is now known to me as the place where the impressive Caen Hill flight of 29 locks raise the Kennet and Avon Canal over 230 feet in just two miles, with 16 of them in an almost straight line up the steepest part. A impressive sight it certainly is as we found out when we paid a visit to the area. It would be great to do it in the boat one day... It's well worth a visit and there's a cafe too.<br />
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We started at the top and walked down</div>
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Ducks and herons favoured this side pool to hang out</div>
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Heron poised</div>
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Although it doesn't seem that steep midway down ...</div>
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It certainly does from the bottom of the steep sixteen</div>
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Lovely 'des res', I'd be happy with just the garage!</div>
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Converted butty in the basin</div>
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Hire boats lined up near the pumping station</div>
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Lovely Dutch barge style boat near the lift bridge</div>
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Going up</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgYrWx3__SpCqt0VPh2c4VloA6kSstYrFMgx1JrYz_U80z3SKUzxtmsOz1UrS8YtMdg4OoEr9THDnyLvA39eVoa1MJRdctLM3Bmd0yp2kFCZ2_KXY9XIYNWYhUxuqfkpoixMtDCgGEPY/s1600/Caen12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgYrWx3__SpCqt0VPh2c4VloA6kSstYrFMgx1JrYz_U80z3SKUzxtmsOz1UrS8YtMdg4OoEr9THDnyLvA39eVoa1MJRdctLM3Bmd0yp2kFCZ2_KXY9XIYNWYhUxuqfkpoixMtDCgGEPY/s640/Caen12.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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With the help of my zoom I captured the locks from the angle of a boat going up</div>
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Beautiful close up of Mr Heron</div>
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Idyllic rural scene</div>
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Those horses must have had short legs!</div>
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Back where we started near the top and ready for a pot of tea in the cafe</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-31495947865910848302015-11-17T07:40:00.002-08:002015-11-18T03:57:00.296-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Late Afternoon Locking</h2>
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Mr F being on nights at the moment means late starts, so with vehicles to be shuffled after brunch we were pushing it to go the distance in the daylight. The rain came in heavy bursts throughout the afternoon and early evening but did nothing to dampen our spirits. We always enjoy boating whatever the weather and arriving at dusk after a beautiful sunset en route, along with capturing some great autumnal shots of Mervyn gliding through the water, was reward enough for our occasional drenchings.</div>
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Topping up with water at the services before setting off</div>
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Our departure was watched with interest....</div>
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And disinterest....</div>
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Fallen leaves litter the canal</div>
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Approaching the first swing bridge</div>
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The first lock isn't far so I let Mr F carry on while I snapped away</div>
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The leaves have started to fall since this time two weeks ago</div>
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But it's still looking lovely and autumnal</div>
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The colours and reflections work beautifully along this stretch</div>
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Smoke chuffing out of the back cabin stove chimney</div>
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I think these are some of the best photos I've captured this autumn</div>
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Cutting through the water with hardly a wake</div>
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Merv being beautifully photogenic again, literally a second after I tool this photo it started hammering down and I had to quickly stuff my camera under my waterproof!</div>
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I got so wet walking up to the lock and working us through it that I had to dry my boots in the oven!</div>
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( Have since purchased new waterproof boots)</div>
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The next few photos were quickly grabbed on my iphone in between the showers</div>
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Burscough Mill silhouetted in the distance</div>
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Little mushroom line up on the lock beams</div>
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In the fading light we passed through the last swingbridge shortly before mooring up for the night</div>
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With just enough light to see where we were hammering the pins, our journey was complete for another week and once again we have a different view to wake up to .</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-26615197326712445272015-10-27T06:30:00.002-07:002016-02-17T07:54:32.677-08:00<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lazy Sunday Afternoon</h2>
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Normally (due to work commitments) we move the boat on a Saturday but things changed at the last minute (as they are wont to do with Mr F's job) and so it would be Sunday instead. This did us a favour as the forecast was for rain on Saturday and fine on Sunday. Not that we are fair weather boaters mind, it's just a lot nicer when the only wet bit is beneath your feet.</div>
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Saying goodbye to Burscough behind us</div>
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Left turn Clyde, under the bridge to the top lock off the Rufford Branch</div>
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Sharing the lock meant extra help and we made short work of the seven locks (and two swing bridges)</div>
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The first three locks are close together so I could walk between them and take photos</div>
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Help was at hand as CRT staff cutting the grass stopped to help us through the lock</div>
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Always helpful and ready for a chat</div>
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Using one gate to exit the locks makes it quicker when there's only one crew on land</div>
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Mr F needed to pick me up at this lock so Dev squeezed round us (with a little guiding foot)</div>
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The first stove lighting of the season kept us warm and full of tea</div>
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The sun lost it's warmth behind the clouds in the late afternoon</div>
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With one lock and one swing bridge to go before the marina's (and cafe) we were looking forward to our late luncheon</div>
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Dev forged ahead to prepare the bottom lock</div>
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The hard work done for the day (although it wasn't really hard...or even work )</div>
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Just around the corner to the visitor moorings and the brasserie at St Mary's Marina</div>
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Such a beautiful tree lined spot as the canal runs alongside Rufford Old Hall</div>
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After victuals (and more tea) we were restored and carried on our way down the fairy glen</div>
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One more swing bridge and then....</div>
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Something we picked up along our way</div>
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Finally it slowed us down so much that Mr F volunteered to go down the weed hatch </div>
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Leaving Dev at Sparks Bridge we carried on a little way through another swing bridge to turn the boat round so that the pump out would be on the right side</div>
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I waited at the bridge to save stopping the boat twice. The farmer was muck spreading. </div>
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I wish I'd stayed on the boat!</div>
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Reappearing under the bridge to rescue me from the whiff</div>
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More noisy geese arriving every day</div>
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As we headed to our final mooring place the swans dunked themselves under foraging for food, toasting us to another great day on the water that would be celebrated with a beer..bottoms up!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-59408962215159359752015-10-27T05:37:00.000-07:002015-10-27T05:37:01.446-07:00<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Changing Seasons</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ6skvM1CIpwyoQNkI-2nORKMUega_T2g0CVBt7079t9LDKM-f92ld90XHiq9OpSDnRyROA3WP-wOrcQNj4XCGPdZ4lidABTJUsd9rJPwCuyI5jb4-JOahfT6b7W0EcKURIxuR4E2aFk/s1600/Oct1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ6skvM1CIpwyoQNkI-2nORKMUega_T2g0CVBt7079t9LDKM-f92ld90XHiq9OpSDnRyROA3WP-wOrcQNj4XCGPdZ4lidABTJUsd9rJPwCuyI5jb4-JOahfT6b7W0EcKURIxuR4E2aFk/s640/Oct1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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There really isn't anything better than the prospect of an autumn day out on the canal when the leaves are changing colours and the sun is warm and the water calm. After the eventful few weeks we have had it was welcome respite to be back travelling.</div>
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It's nice to see the familiar stretches of canal changing with the season. Our ultimate destination was to Sparks Bridge services to empty the waste tank, stopping at Burscough for a week before descending the Rufford Branch the following weekend and sharing the locks with a fellow traveller.</div>
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I decided to make a casserole that would cook as slowly as we were moving, being ready on our arrival. Although I much prefer being above deck while we are travelling it was rather enjoyable pottering about in my kitchen while the scenery gently rolled past my window.</div>
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Appley Deep Lock Waterfall</div>
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Looking down the canal from Appley bottom lock gates, we were about to make some fishermen very unhappy. Oh dear, what a shame...you wouldn't notice the difference!</div>
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Picturesque little bridges dot the canal between Appley Bridge and Parbold</div>
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Nosiy geese arriving for winter, a trip to Martin Mere is always worthwhile</div>
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The bridge at the top of the Rufford Branch, </div>
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I really like the reflection in the photo below owing to such a still day</div>
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An opportunity to stop and top up with water along the way</div>
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Heading towards Burscough, a line of orange and gold leaved trees lining the route under the bridge, past the mill that has now been converted to apartments and onto our home for the week.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-6679512137677221132015-10-16T03:44:00.002-07:002015-11-17T08:23:30.799-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Losing Water</h2>
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Ok, this time I'm not joking! We had planned to spend the weekend at the Black Country Living Museum but sadly it wasn't to be. Mr F had been on nights and on arriving back at the boat (just as I was getting up!) the water pump began pulsing every few seconds....Houston we have a problem! The water pump kicks in only when there is a draw for water so the fact that it was doing it of it's own volition meant only one thing - a leak. The fact it was doing it with such frequency meant a big leak. We switched off the pump on the control panel then set about tracing the source of the problem. Lifting the inspection hatch in the bathroom revealed a bilge fill of water and removal of the panel under the sink where he calorifier (hot water tank) lives saw the culprit sitting in a pool of wet stuff. The calorifier had sprung a leak and put a dampener on our plans for the weekend.</div>
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The offending article</div>
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As we were due to have a weeks cycling holiday in Majorca the following week, this didn't leave us much time to get it sorted. We decided that we would try to get someone out to replace it. In the few phone calls we made it was soon apparent that no one really wanted to do it, especially not in our timescale. Mr F is pretty handy so he resolved to do it himself. We hopped in the car and went off to buy a replacement. This is where things began to get frustratingly complicated!<br />
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Firstly, the calorifier was a make that is not normally sold at most chandlers and had been custom made for the boat by a trade only supplier. Needing one in a hurry meant that we would have to buy another brand, all the fittings would be different, not in the same place and the pipework would need altering. A new calorifier was bought and although similar in capacity it was a different shape. We had measured the space available and although snug, it should fit. Schoolboy error number one. The measurements on the tank (website, label and info in the shop) were NOT the actual size of the calorifier when covered in the insulation. On returning to the boat after a two hour round trip we very quickly realised it WASN'T going to fit. It was late Saturday afternoon and nowhere would be open until Monday. At this point we abandoned all hope of getting the job done in the weekend.<br />
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Nappies are surprisingly effective for soaking up large mounts of water!</div>
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The next week was spent using water from a worktop water carrier and boiling kettles. Showers were taken and the gym and at parents houses. It's quite easy to get used to, if somewhat inconvenient. You have to be resourceful if you live on a boat. An online search and several phone calls finally lead us to a supplier of the same type of calorifier, although branded differently, with next day delivery. It arrived Thursday and we drafted in the troops (Dad O and family friend (and all round good guy) Mossy (AKA Scarlett Pimpermoss) and Mum O for moral support) to assist with proceedings the following Saturday. We needed to leave for the airport in the early hours of Sunday morning so although we didn't get it finished, we were a step closer.<br />
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The original pipework was functional but wouldn't have won any awards....</div>
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We returned from holiday and Mr F spent the afternoon completing the installation. To save us a trip down the canal to the water point we used the tap and hose from the pub cellar, filled the central heating system back up and we were back in business. Just in time for tea in the pub (Which was a good job as we didn't have any food in!).<br />
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Then the mixer tap stopped working. There's always something!<br />
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Hopefully normal service will be resumed and our next blog will be all about our journey down the newly opened Rufford Branch for our last outing before settling down at Crooke for the winter.</div>
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Tap update: The mixer tap in the bathroom is now fixed - a bit of tape must have found it's way into the calorifier and worked through to the tap, once removed the tap was back to full working order!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-72136129579484759462015-09-25T04:09:00.002-07:002015-09-25T04:09:43.809-07:00<h2>
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Crooke Charity Beer, Boat & Music Festival 2015</h2>
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The name pretty much says it all, yes there was beer, yes there were boats and yes there was definitely music and to top it all there was over £2000 raised for Wigan & Leigh Hospice and The Stroke Association. This was our third year at the event and this year I decorated the boat with fairy lights and bunting along with our festival neighbour Devon on William's Wish and a couple of other boats. They even had a gluten free real ale on and so being a coeliac I had my first taste of some real beer (I liked it).<br />
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Raise a glass and raise money for charity</div>
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Mervyn in his Sunday best for the festival</div>
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There was a good turn out of boats</div>
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Morris Dancers entertained us on Saturday afternoon</div>
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Clogs with bells on</div>
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Men in flowery hats</div>
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Traditional music</div>
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Lots and lots of beer. The bar ran dry on Sunday but there was more in the pub (phew)</div>
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Ambush back from the dry dock in time for the weekend and looking good</div>
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Mind your fingers!</div>
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Some great local talent on Saturday afternoon</div>
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Kim & Co bringing Saturday night to a close</div>
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Sing song in the pub after the last band finished</div>
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Flat caps and guitars, what's not to like</div>
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Sunday saw open mike performers (the dog was good)</div>
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The Feckin Ejits entertained us with guest performer Ronnie singing the Irish Rover</div>
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Celia is a fantastic singer/songwriter and travels from the Lakes to attend</div>
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The Blues Brothers went down a storm</div>
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The festival finished with The Blackaways and they were really good and got everyone up dancing - think they will be back next year (and so will we!)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-61907768852348337052015-09-14T08:12:00.002-07:002015-09-14T08:12:38.435-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Taking on Water</h2>
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No, it's not what you're thinking....we aren't sinking! I got you're attention though didn't I?</div>
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The one thing about being a liveaboard is that you are always having to consider what you use and what you waste you produce. Our water tank last two weeks of normal use and our waste tank around five. Today was the water tank's turn. Rather than seeing a problem, we see an opportunity. Any opportunity to spend time at the helm is welcome but this time we had extra crew who wouldn't let go of the tiller! Dev was captain, Mr F was demoted and I was afforded me more time with the camera off the boat. I managed to get some great shots of the boat being winded (turned) in the bridge at the junction of the Rufford Branch and with the added bonus of a village and beer festival weekend to greet us on our return, we all agreed that it didn't really get much better than this. </div>
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A promising day with blue skies as we set off with the bow high out of the water</div>
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(owing to the empty water tank)</div>
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Spencer's Swing Bridge</div>
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Mr F at the wrong end of the boat</div>
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There is room on both sides to moor before and after this swing bridge - handy for single handers</div>
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The water point is just after the bridge hole, so once the tank had filled (this took about half an hour as it was almost empty) Dev reversed back to turn into the branch. The canal here is closed due to the breach further down so we took advantage of the lack of use to moor up here and pop into the Ship Inn for a pint and a bite to eat. (Well two pints for the official photographer and second in command and one for the captain!) From here Dev could reverse out and use the full width of the canal to turn the boat ready to head back.</div>
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The funny thing about the tiller is that when you are in forward or reverse gear you turn it to the opposite direction to the way you want the front end to go. </div>
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This doesn't seem to make sense but the tiller is controlling what the back end does not the front, even though this also has an effect on the pointy end too!</div>
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There is less control in reverse gear (most boaters will say it goes where it wants to in reverse) but by using both forward and reverse to shunt the boat it can be turned in a tight space </div>
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Using every inch of the canal</div>
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Final shunt and we're round</div>
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Like a pro</div>
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Great shot of the boat approaching the first swing bridge of the return journey</div>
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Interesting garden feature!</div>
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A little more progress seems to have been made on the historic Liverpool short boat that has recently appeared on this stretch</div>
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Lovely sunset as we moor back up before heading off to the beer festival. All the pubs in the village took part with music and entertainment throughout the weekend as part of the Parbold Street Festival.</div>
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Sunday saw the Parbold Grand Duck Race, the ducks were given a helping hand by the local Fire Brigade (an orange one won it in case you were wondering...)</div>
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It was a really good atmosphere all weekend with a procession through the town of puppets and banners made by the local children in workshops during the summer holidays, brass band, beer and cider festivals at the local pubs, music, bands and boats. There was only a couple of boats decorated this year, but having just bought some lights to decorate Mervyn for the Crooke Beer, Boat and Music Festival next weekend, I can hopefully make more of an effort at the next one.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-79034124584797937802015-09-03T09:23:00.002-07:002015-09-03T09:23:21.042-07:00<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pottering to Parbold</h2>
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Just a short report as we have been static for a couple of weeks due to our plans to go away (yes, away from the boat!!!) over the Bank Holiday at the end of August. We had decided to go to a music festival up in the north Lake District as the Bank Holiday coincides with Mrs F's birthday so we wanted to get our boat fix in the weekend before. A potter to Parbold was just the trick. We had a lovely Bank Holday up at Solfest the following weekend and there is a village festival in Parbold next weekend (incorporating beer festival) so it would be rude not to stay for that.</div>
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Windlass wielding </div>
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Explaining the locks to a group of junior gongoozlers</div>
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It's a bit dank and dark down in Appley deep lock</div>
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An idyllic stretch, quintessential English countryside</div>
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Duck Island</div>
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Lovely Parbold skies</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-21996121630816702332015-08-19T05:30:00.001-07:002015-08-19T05:30:45.157-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Two's Company</h2>
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After spending a week at Burscough it was time to get the waste tank emptied, so on a sunny Saturday we headed off in the direction of Scarisbrick Marina. <span style="text-align: center;">Leaving Burscough, passing the wharf and dumb boat Viktoria outside the chandlers.</span> We decided not to phone ahead as this tactic hasn't paid off in the past, being told that there is no one available. When we turned up on spec they have (sometimes begrudgingly) obliged. Our neighbour for the past week, Dev, was working that day so couldn't join us for the cruise but planned to do the same journey a few days later. He asked us to make note of the swing bridge landings as he would be single handing. Unless you actually have to operate one (on your own or for someone), it probably isn't immediately apparent that you need to be able to moor on the same side as the control box or the side you push if a manual one. If you had to cross the bridge to open it you would have to swim back across to retrieve your boat - not advised! Most are situated on the opposite side from the towpath, the 'offside'. Not all swing bridges have a 'bridge landing' on the offside which can mean mooring against overgrown hedgerows, having nowhere to tie the boat up and clambering over fences. There are two key operated bridges on the way to Scarisbrick and luckily, we could report both are easy to use for lone boaters. </div>
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Approaching the marina there is a long line of moored boats which is Mersey Cruising Club. They have their own waste pump out housed in a small building at the end. Once we spoke to some boaters who said they had used this but despite a couple of phone calls I have previously been unable to pin anyone down. A we passed two ladies painting one of the moored boats I thought 'here's my opportunity!' A quick shout from them to a chap further down and in five minutes we were at the pump out station having a chin wag. I even managed to get his mobile for next time and they were cheaper. All the money goes back into the club too so we will definitely patronise them again</div>
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Once through both swing bridges it is a fairly rural stretch of canal</div>
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Obviously this bridge is left open</div>
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Looking back towards Burscough with Winter Hill in the far distance</div>
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This lovely Barry Hawkins boat always gets our attention</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaqh5yLqPLzyAThumqU_DeOOw1S_QFn1xRCiQeGyE7Swrn2ra07PsMxqaDvREqE0FmSCORuEK1tD_vBqOdhhJLwgWpWsWUpEs4RwryyGYAYI5VKmIyLxDoJAcgbXHvBtCc80uMb3wYMg/s1600/Bursco+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaqh5yLqPLzyAThumqU_DeOOw1S_QFn1xRCiQeGyE7Swrn2ra07PsMxqaDvREqE0FmSCORuEK1tD_vBqOdhhJLwgWpWsWUpEs4RwryyGYAYI5VKmIyLxDoJAcgbXHvBtCc80uMb3wYMg/s400/Bursco+18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the return trip, the swing bridges are close enough to walk between</div>
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Viktoria at home opposite the wharf</div>
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Back in our mooring spot at Burscough for another week</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFJhpL04BMw_S3f2UUYj_oeQeMv8GglIYgCLX9MMCznSXNUS6vXhxfOPfBDU4zESBxzCorDOIKod8VwjOk5VRsuZYjdAXL8Eh891aCKXKXrl6zYkvvc974SkJrmufZV-xbgc6xCSxwE0/s1600/Bursco+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFJhpL04BMw_S3f2UUYj_oeQeMv8GglIYgCLX9MMCznSXNUS6vXhxfOPfBDU4zESBxzCorDOIKod8VwjOk5VRsuZYjdAXL8Eh891aCKXKXrl6zYkvvc974SkJrmufZV-xbgc6xCSxwE0/s400/Bursco+21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looking back towards Burscough Bridge, there have been plenty boats coming and going</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcpXFy6vouF2TuV8tl09AAh7GKub0-Wx7g1ywHnIC9M3X9oFqVFgzhWdxG2mX074iHixhiSNoQ_bFqjVJaLw7BM8fgC_80Ou7nwA0Py6zDd40sb7Ph6SA3DN3EX3haPk3ZPmM4mGULGM/s1600/Bursco+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcpXFy6vouF2TuV8tl09AAh7GKub0-Wx7g1ywHnIC9M3X9oFqVFgzhWdxG2mX074iHixhiSNoQ_bFqjVJaLw7BM8fgC_80Ou7nwA0Py6zDd40sb7Ph6SA3DN3EX3haPk3ZPmM4mGULGM/s400/Bursco+22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back with our neighbour, lovely still water in the early morning</div>
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Beautiful sunset reflected in the water</div>
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The following weekend our two week stay was up and our plan was to head back to Crooke for a week. This time we had company, Dev in William's Wish. Apparently he is always being asked if he is William or people just assume he is and start calling him that. It happens to us with the boat having Kennet & Avon sign written on it, cue lots of comments of 'You're a long way from home!' <span style="text-align: center;">Like Dev, we sometimes don't correct them!</span></div>
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Stopping for water just five minutes up the cut we saw a couple that, in a strange coincidence, we had met there exactly two weeks ago as we filled the tank. His first words were 'Are you still here?!', I said, 'Yes, I think there must be a hole in the bottom'. They had a boat up on the Lancaster and had been boating for years but didn't get out as much so they came for regular walks along the various canals. It's hard to stay away.</div>
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Glovers Swing Bridge number 33</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiSOiGObP2kyCTKiNtwf3Ye07NPQv6vLwKMcjSH-UWsFrnbZ3VqAtKCmXDifKqrMfbctlJ4k-7uuTmylNpovcm_9OrL679Sjh5GzBZhdLk94eQSvNlWQitJ6zB5GIQltywq7WzIfc9g4/s1600/b34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiSOiGObP2kyCTKiNtwf3Ye07NPQv6vLwKMcjSH-UWsFrnbZ3VqAtKCmXDifKqrMfbctlJ4k-7uuTmylNpovcm_9OrL679Sjh5GzBZhdLk94eQSvNlWQitJ6zB5GIQltywq7WzIfc9g4/s640/b34.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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The brightly decorated barrel and Buckby can looked great in the sunshine</div>
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As previously spotted, work seems to be progressing on this Liverpool short boat</div>
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Late summer chicks keeping close to mum</div>
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Spencer's Swing Bridge number 36 heading towards Parbold</div>
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Lookig down the disused arm at Appley deep lock where two shallower locks drop a level of 6 feet each. They were built to ease congestion but are now abandoned. They were apparently restored in the 1980's but fell into disrepair again due to lack of use. The original deep lock has a 12 foot fall and is the one currently in use.</div>
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Little and large heading into Appley deep lock</div>
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Going up</div>
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Having a chat, this could take a while....</div>
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Getting there, with one ground paddle out of action it's even slower</div>
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Beautiful views to the west towards Ashurst Beacon</div>
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Final lock of the day at Gathurst, Dean Lock also has a now abandoned second lock on this once very busy transport network</div>
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The lovely last half mile of wooded banks as we approach Crooke Village and our mooring outside the Crooke Hall Inn and a nice welcome from the lady who sent a message to say</div>
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'Nice familiar view from my window, welcome back!'</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-29862826343171461942015-08-05T14:20:00.000-07:002015-08-05T14:21:47.081-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Life Through a Lens</h2>
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After a particularly wet Saturday, brightening up late afternoon affording us a short walk to the Ship Inn, we were lucky to make our short journey to Burscough on Sunday mainly in the dry. It is a couple of hours from Parbold including a stop to top up with water and two electric swing bridges. Although I did take a few photos on our travels, I have decided to use this blog entry to showcase some of my photographs from the last week and in fact right up to this morning, when I watched the antics of foraging moorhens through the side hatch while trying not to burn my porridge. </div>
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So less words and more pictures this time.</div>
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Our acrobatic friend (see previous blog!) kept us company in Parbold all week</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LjWMbeRggiYgqu86RM1KlHJ9Zb3RYuvz9WiIC51IxLC6H16aXFjJGg6kjemWict1VoRP5lMU_EmyRd3sOjA43seI25bcDC4xvuiwKMlWjOEyshLtfJEEhyphenhyphenYLPOAj9fQHRV5sFoRds-Y/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LjWMbeRggiYgqu86RM1KlHJ9Zb3RYuvz9WiIC51IxLC6H16aXFjJGg6kjemWict1VoRP5lMU_EmyRd3sOjA43seI25bcDC4xvuiwKMlWjOEyshLtfJEEhyphenhyphenYLPOAj9fQHRV5sFoRds-Y/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The colourful reflections of boats with Parbold church spire in the distance</div>
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Parbold Mill lit up at night creates an unusual effect of unreality when photographed that I quite like</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHMjJtdNSlXLL0Aph3BdnoxsaU4m4tIJVAq3GZ2KY4i6vQ8GGU0ucF_5m_NHcBn9M5m-MlqIVKene492ScRvUx6kvGZOCXbpDX4kC26O7UPhXLCpqWHwhAwL0ZNU-sgutWwSgcOgGZ0U/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHMjJtdNSlXLL0Aph3BdnoxsaU4m4tIJVAq3GZ2KY4i6vQ8GGU0ucF_5m_NHcBn9M5m-MlqIVKene492ScRvUx6kvGZOCXbpDX4kC26O7UPhXLCpqWHwhAwL0ZNU-sgutWwSgcOgGZ0U/s400/IMG_9803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rows of seedlings framed by the hedgerows (we speculated on what they were but resolved to come back in a couple of weeks to see what shape they take). This was taken with my phone as I didn't want to take my camera on the walk to the pub in case the rain put in another appearance. Which it did, on the way back.</div>
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Strangely beautiful little feather caught on a grass stalk, both so delicate yet strong</div>
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I love these old way markers, especially this one proclaiming Leeds to be one hundred and a quarter miles.</div>
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There is just something about this house, Always deserted yet with signs of recent life, unwelcoming, holding a dark secret...or maybe I have an overactive imagination (probably).</div>
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Cloudy but thankfully dry as we set off on Sunday afternoon</div>
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This Liverpool short boat, recently for sale in foreign parts (down south), has found it's way back onto the canal where it started its working life. Originally called 'Mersey' it was renamed 'Arthur' and has lots of interesting history</div>
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The sun may not have been shining much this month but the trees are in full leaf and the lilies flowering, well it is summer after all...</div>
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The impressive Burscough Mill, currently under a sympathetic restoration</div>
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I always say that Parbold skies are the best but the last few days Burscough has been giving it a run for its money!</div>
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This was a particularly impressive sunset</div>
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I love the reflections on the side of the boat</div>
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These comical moorhens were entertaining me this morning</div>
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He was very sweet and shared his breakfast</div>
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The early bird catches the, er, fallen apple by the look of it</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-82999049715440761032015-07-27T16:09:00.000-07:002015-07-27T16:15:58.260-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Plugging the Gap</h2>
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We had intended to make a trip back to the services at Sparks Bridge on the Rufford Branch firstly to coincide with the waste tank needing emptying but also to enjoy a couple of weeks in a more rural and quieter setting. This was not to be. Earlier in the last week the power of social media brought to our attention a slight flaw in our plan. A hole had appeared and the water had drained away. A boater posted photos on Facebook of their home sitting on the bottom at a rather jaunty angle. It was in one of the long pounds between locks a short way from where it joins the main line so anyone below here was now isolated. Shortly after we had an update from the Canal and River Trust altering us of a stoppage likely to last until the end of August. (Also they had put in a temporary dam and refloated the stranded boats). OK, plan B. With a break in the relentless rain of the past couple of weeks forecast, the prospect of another busy Saturday outside the pub at Crooke made up our minds. We decided to head off in that direction anyway. We won't be able to last until then of course before we pump out but we have a couple of options. One is to head to the marina at Scarisbrick (they have a reputation for being uncooperative) or to head back past Crooke to Plank Lane at Leigh (there is currently a stoppage there too but that's another story...) We'll just make it up as we go along.</div>
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A sunny if slightly windy day, we stopped after the first lock to top up with water then pointed the boat towards Appley Bridge</div>
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Rounding the curves that snake their way towards the swing bridge</div>
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Appley deep lock</div>
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Going down, the noise of the water leaking through is louder than you may think</div>
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The bow nestles itself into the corner of the gates as the flow of water from the emptying lock pulls the boat forwards</div>
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Beautifully green this tree lined section where we once saw a turtle in the water (where's my camera when you need it?!). I look for it every time</div>
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I have recently been at the helm a bit more often as I have gained confidence to take the boat through the locks. I am really enjoying it and am now reluctant to relinquish the tiller, the only downside being I can't take as many photos. Mr F obliged me this one. He will have to get practicing with the camera and I will have to let him steer once in a while!</div>
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After a couple of hours or so we are moored up and off to the pub but not before a visit from a tightrope walking moorhen</div>
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He was really very good, his huge feet seemed more of a help than a hindrance</div>
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Once aboard he had a little look round</div>
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I would have given him some of the wildfowl food I keep on board but there is an army of ducks here (canal side ice-cream parlour is a popular spot) and they will terrorise you if they think there is a meal to be had so unfortunately he had to do without</div>
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Reluctant to leave he actually made about three more visits along the rope onto the stern</div>
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Using his wings to balance, we were quite enthralled with his acrobatics - these are the little things that are commonplace on the water but are always special moments to cherish.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-46622895653477485742015-07-15T04:22:00.000-07:002015-07-15T04:22:56.571-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Do You Fancy a Trip to Parbold?</h2>
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Well, yes! Our mooring at Crooke is mainly as a base for over the winter but it is nice to have somewhere to call 'home' even for brief periods of time as we stop en route to our other favourite stopping places. In the winter months is is lovely and quiet but on a sunny July Saturday afternoon it can get a bit, er busy...and noisy...and you are sort of on display to the whole of the beer garden. Whilst we are generally used to being moored in public places, on popular towpaths and outside pubs, it is nice to get away for a bit of piece and quiet. We really don't need much of an excuse to go somewhere in the boat anyway. Parbold village is an easy three hour cruise with just two locks and one swing bridge and we enjoyed a couple of beers as we pottered along. We treated ourselves to a meal in one of the rather good eateries and there was a really good atmosphere as it had been the village fete that afternoon. On Sunday morning we had arranged to help a fellow boater through the six locks through Wigan as she was travelling alone (well, not exactly alone if you count the dog but to be honest she wasn't much use) which got us up early for a change. In the afternoon we brought the boat back to Crooke and were treated to drinks in the pub as reward for our lock wheeling. I didn't take as many photos as usual so apologies for the lack of them but Mr F did take a few on the way back to Crooke with his iphone.<br />
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Noisy young moorhen was copying mum</div>
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Telling everyone about it</div>
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Nice reflection</div>
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Mum strutting her stuff</div>
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Tiny coot chick</div>
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On our way to the winding hole to turn round we met our neighbours on Venus</div>
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Always impressive, fuel boat Ambush</div>
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Derek has been boating for 60 years and was even on TV with Tony Robinson in his 'Walking Through History' series when he visited Crooke village as he walked the Leeds Liverpool canal</div>
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Our catchphrase</div>
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For a change Mr F is behind the camera, albeit a phone camera</div>
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The boat looks its whole 62 feet from above</div>
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Sliding into the lock at Appley - the deepest locally at a rise of 12 feet and known locally as 'Appley Deep Lock (obviously)</div>
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When alone in a double lock there are ways to minimize the boat banging around due to the flow of water, which is mainly a problem going up. Some people use the centre rope hooked around a bollard to hold the boat to one side but this can be ineffective in a deeper lock and the undercurrents from the ground paddles are stronger than you might think. Instead, we usually open the ground paddles on the same side of the lock to where to boat is, the theory being that the water flows out under the boat, hits the opposite wall and then flows back towards the boat pushing it against the wall. This works in most cases along with using the engine to control the boat as it gets pushed backwards by the flow. In this lock however Mr F opened the gate paddle on the opposite side (above left) a tiny bit to allow water from above to flow down and keep the boat to the right before continuing with our normal ground paddle procedure. It was very effective. Normally opening a ground paddle first is a real 'no no' but we are a good team and with the long tug deck we can afford a bit of water to splash on the fore end.</div>
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It seems to take forever to fill!</div>
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Approaching the last lock of the day at Gathurst</div>
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A thoroughly enjoyable weekend boating, as always.</div>
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Living the dream!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-55463689957674025832015-07-15T02:39:00.002-07:002015-07-15T02:39:54.183-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Back Where We Started</h2>
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After spending a few weeks away from our usual stomping ground we finally returned to our 'base' where we will stay for a couple of weeks, maybe... After travelling every day for over two weeks during our holiday it was hard to be in one place for so long (a whole fortnight) so it was with relief that we set off for Crooke. It started off rather sunny but we were heading towards dark clouds in the distance. We made it to the swing bridge at Plank Lane just as the heavens opened. Deciding to sit it out we had a cup of tea, then lunch, then decided that actually it wasn't going to stop anytime soon and got the waterproofs out. We emptied the waste tank at the sanitary station just through the bridge before heading towards Wigan and the first of the six locks to be negotiated before arriving at Crooke Village. It kept raining. I went inside (well there's no point us<i> both</i> getting wet). Then it was time for me to venture out to help with the locks and thankfully the rain eased. We are a good team and make light work of the locks, sailing into the village as the sky cleared and the sun made another brief appearance for what ended up being a pleasant evening.<br />
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Little fluffy clouds</div>
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Astley colliery - now a museum</div>
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Water lilies lined the banks along the Bridgewater Canal</div>
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Heading into industrial Leigh</div>
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This mill is currently being renovated, part of me is sad, it is fantastic and photogenic in its dereliction. Better that it be restored and put back into use however.</div>
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This boat passed us in Boothstown a few weeks back and is now back at Lorenz boatyard in Leigh</div>
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The Canada geese have arrived en mass....</div>
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Dover Lock, passing the young chap who set up the Canalworld Discussion Forum in his fabulous steamer!</div>
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Winter Hill in the far distance</div>
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An unusual site up north! A working boat moored at the flashes in between Leigh and Wigan</div>
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'Bath' is a Grand Union Canal Carrying Co boat built by Harland and Wolff in 1936</div>
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Heading away from Wigan and the last of the downpours</div>
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Heading towards Crooke and the sun has come out!</div>
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Im the last lock of the day in the early evening sunshine this little yellow wagtail cheered us up dancing around the lock gates.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268322257349526145.post-27113167945025092742015-07-06T05:27:00.000-07:002015-07-06T07:10:54.326-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally 2015</h2>
This is the second time we have visited the Braunston show, the first being last year when we tied it into viewing our current boat 'Mervyn' at nearby Rugby Boats. Like Middlewich, until our recent trip, we have now visited when we didn't have a boat and when we have, but are yet to visit on our boat. A future holiday one day methinks... This year was the 12th year of the event and included a rally of surviving FMC - Fellows, Morton & Clayton - carrying company boats.<br />
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The cast iron bridge above, built in 1834, was erected by Thomas Telford.</div>
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Braunston church spire up on the hillside overlooking the canal</div>
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The beautiful livery of the Fellows, Morton & Clayton carrying company</div>
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Unusual boat that was apparently fabricated from different bits of old boats!</div>
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Shiny things for the magpies among us</div>
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Working boat Holland in the parade</div>
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Tim and Pru were special guests this year, the boating community have really taken them into their hearts following their recent television series 'Great Canal Journeys'.</div>
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The festival theme celebrated Fellow, Morton and Clayton or FMC carrying company and there was an impressive turnout of beautifully restored and decorated boats on display</div>
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A riot of colour everywhere</div>
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Harlequin designs are popular</div>
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The friendly (Yorkshire) chap on 'Dove' very kindly treated us to a tune from his wind up gramophone - Glen Miller's In the Mood naturally!</div>
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Looking down into the marina from the bridge, some of the original Georgian and early Victorian buildings are still in their intended use </div>
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Flowers decorated most of the boats at the show, just as the boat women would have done to brighten up their boats as they worked alongside their husbands</div>
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Hitching a ride for the parade</div>
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This tiny boat 'Laplander' dates from around 1830!</div>
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Yes, that is a horse inside a narrowboat. And no, it isn't real.</div>
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Don't ask!</div>
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'Sickle' is a regular at the boat gathering</div>
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Steam powered 'Hasty' is based of the steam tunnel tug of the same name from the 1900's</div>
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The last surviving steam narrowboat 'President'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_8xObCw-wRq5kPWwMJ6B9NOfVJXiWlHGgCWudQmWh1yLTH8ll0fHDvLibiaXIlfuiCjIgrUpcpyQsEyreo30MZiAvMidw81TxgjJGXklRQX3uoTn3NbifJ1j2WVvhfd62b6AwqVerzA/s1600/b20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_8xObCw-wRq5kPWwMJ6B9NOfVJXiWlHGgCWudQmWh1yLTH8ll0fHDvLibiaXIlfuiCjIgrUpcpyQsEyreo30MZiAvMidw81TxgjJGXklRQX3uoTn3NbifJ1j2WVvhfd62b6AwqVerzA/s400/b20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This dog obviously thought Ii had stopped to take a picture of him, not the boat </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fN3TDiFOU47G9powxangc6BOBsAKQs8jM_Zv1M3UY2nqJ12d5Nx_vkZrmrr4T1MLDD9bdzfsHG_gR_PW1LMQnMqatduuLzYUtOMSnuIWRDjuLOfUaPGC12Bm2If_iPTqyBjjnyeo1ZI/s1600/b21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fN3TDiFOU47G9powxangc6BOBsAKQs8jM_Zv1M3UY2nqJ12d5Nx_vkZrmrr4T1MLDD9bdzfsHG_gR_PW1LMQnMqatduuLzYUtOMSnuIWRDjuLOfUaPGC12Bm2If_iPTqyBjjnyeo1ZI/s400/b21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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More lovely wild flowers on the roof, I think I will start doing this myself when we travel around.</div>
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Once again we had great day, meeting up with friends, having the best 'locally sourced, free range eggs cooked in butter, served with hand cut, home cooked chips and dressed rocket (egg and chips), a few pints and a dance in the tent late into the evening. </div>
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These boat shows are great, roll on the next one!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895207635173464306noreply@blogger.com0