Saturday, 26 October 2013

Grindley Brook to Platts Lane (Friday). 6 locks, 4 lift bridges, 5 miles, 4.5 hours

We awoke to the forecast heavy rain, but by 9:30 it had stopped and by 10:00 the sun was trying to shine.

We set off and immediately met a guy from the Canal and River Trust who was a volunteer assisting the lock keeper, it was really good to have his help and the locks on this stretch have run offs and due to the heavy run they were running at a pace, so he was able to get the next lock open, whilst I closed the one we had left, which made it much easier for Rod driving into the locks.

We were the first boat through that day, so the bored lock keeper didn't really understand why he had been sent a volunteer to help him!!! 

We then stopped at the top to fill up with water.  This has been a good test for us in preparation of any really cold snaps, as we hadn't filled up for a week.  So we know if we get frozen in we can last a week before we gave to come and beg one of you for a shower!!!



The lift bridges are really hard work you seem to be turning the handle for ever, hopefully there won't be as many tomorrow, fingers crossed.

We moored up at Platt's lane and just after 3:30 we had visitors, Nic, Steph and Magaret had come to see us.  It was great to see them all and we gad a good catch up, this was the first time they had seen the boat.

Nic very kindly gave Rod a lift back to the van, so no need to bike in the dark and the rain for which he was very grateful -:).

(EH 366.6)



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