Safely moored in Saint Mary's Marina

At the end of the Rufford arm, not too clear as I had to zoom in.

Well we had a lovely day with Julia and Ralf and got all our washing done before moving on from Maghull on Thursday well over a week ago now. We made gradual progress with a stop at Scarisbrick Marina as we had used our last shovel full of coal!  Not something you want to run out of this time of year.  We had to pick our mooring places carefully as the TV reception is very varied in this area and Strictly was still on!

On Tuesday, a week ago we finally arrived in Burscough.  There is a Tesco and we also found another row of out of town shops with Peacocks, B and M amongst

Looking the other way up the arm towards Rufford.  We went this way on Sunday

others.  It was a 40 minute walk and we had planned to get the bus back but as they were only 1 an hour we walked back arriving at the same time as the bus!
As we had several days to wait for the canal to re-open on Friday we got the train to Preston.  Quite a big town, managed to finish my Christmas shopping!  After Saturdays storm, Sunday was a lovely day and we set off on the last leg of trip into the marina at Rufford.  A short cruise brought us to the arm.

Bridge at Lock 7, you can just the the marina where we are now moored.

First off is a swing bridge which I couldn't move it so Paul had to get off and lend a hand!
All went fairly well then for the next 5 locks.  Then we arrived at lock 6.  It took us about and hour to get through as the bottom gate was leaking so much the water was going out quicker than it was coming in.  This meant that the water in the lock didn't rise enough to make the water levels equal to open the gates.
Eventually the water above the lock had dropped enough that we managed to get the gate open and get through.


Above is lock 7 which we came through yesterday, St Mary's Marina is just visible through the bridge.  We are now moored there.  We have a 3 month mooring and Falcon will stay here for Christmas.  We collect a hire car tomorrow and will be heading south to catch up with as many of you as we can.
So to all of you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

A week in Liverpool

At the station with Dawn, Dave and a new friend!  Sadly he is no longer with us.

A short picture diary of our week in Liverpool!

Clipper leaving the docks.

The Liverbirds!

It was lovely to share the time with friends and family.  Our second visit was every bit as good as our first.  We did the ferry which we hadn't done last time.  We were very luck as whilst we were on board the sun came out and we had a lovely trip.

We caught the hop on hop off bus again, but this time we got off at different points.

As well as the anglican cathedral we also visited the Roman Catholic Cathedral as well.  It was much simpler.  Unfortunately we didn't get there in time to visit the crypt underneath.

One morning as we were leaving the docks this clipper was on the move and we watched her turn and go out on to the Mersey.  We found it quite exciting.  Maybe Gill and Alison were less thrilled!

One of the places we were told on the bus to visit is the gents toilets in the Philharmonic Diner.  Last time we didn't make it but this time we went there for a drink, then Alison and I waited ages outside for a gentleman to come out, only to find it was Paul and he was the only one in there!  You can see below how ornate it was.

View from the ferry cross the Mersey

Gents toilet at the Philomarnic Diner

The final night of the 4 of us together we went to see Star Wars in the Ecco Arena.  With the live music it was wonderful.

We finally left Liverpool on Friday, Thursday was too windy!

We spent the weekend at Litherlands and on Monday we arrived here in Maghull.

Yesterday friends Julia and Ralf from Omega, who we met in Dewsbury, came to see us, driving nearly 2 hours to get here!  They are about to sell their house and move on the their boat!  So we went out to lunch and had a good old natter!

This afternoon we are off to the laundrette.

We now have about 10 miles of canal, if we don't do any locks, to move up and down until 14th December as we are booked into St Marys Marina at Rufford.  This is where Falcon will be staying when we travel to Plymouth for Christmas.

Original Start Wars with orchestra.

Our mooring for a week.

Arriving in Liverpool

Continuing our trip towards Liverpool the countryside is so much flatter so the few locks there are, are well spaced.  As we get closer to Liverpool however there are several swing bridges to stop me

Looking back to the bottom lock of the Stanley Lock Flight

from getting bored!  The canal take us through Aintree and along the edge of the racecourse.  No horses about!  As we are well into autumn with few leaves on the trees we can see across the track quite well.
Not many boats around and the water is very clear, unusual for a canal!  Lots of coots around as well as the usual ducks and moorhens.  Also the occasional swan.
On Wednesday we arrived at Hancock's Bridge.  A swing bridge which because it is a busy road the times of opening are restricted.  So at just after 9.30 I opened the bridge and Paul went through.  By now a fair few cars had arrived and

The 3 Graces, Liver Building is the far one.  you can see our shadow on the wall

a bus.  When I pushed the button to close the bridge nothing happened!  So we had to call Canal and River Trust (CRT)! It took them about 20 minuets to arrive but they were on the wrong side to look the workings so Paul had to take them across in the boat!  Thankfully most of the drivers were OK and eventually the bridge was closed and we all got on our way.  Unfortunately it wasn't far to Netherton Swing Bridge.  This time Paul got through and I closed the bridge, however the road barrier wouldn't lock back into place.

Cold but happy to have arrived in Liverpool

So once again I had to call CRT!  This time however we just tied the barrier with string so it couldn't swing open on to a car and we carried on to Litherlands.  There was 1 more swing bridge, however this one was mechanical and all went well.
Thursday was our final part of the journey.  No more swing bridges!  CRT have to unlock the flight of 4 locks at Stanley.  There were 4 lockeepers there.  2 volunteers and 2 we had seen at Hancocks Bridge!  As we started out the sun came out and the final part of our trip was wonderful  I stayed on the boat with Paul all the way.  Once again we saw a kingfisher along Sids Ditch, which is a channel through the industrial area of the docks.  By 3 pm we were moored and sat by the fire with a hot chocolate.  Yesterday my cousin Dawn and her husband Dave came from Manchester to see us and tomorrow Paul's cousin Alison and her friend Gill arrive for 4 days, but they are staying in a hotel nearby.  So we will all be off exploring together!  We are here for a week.

Passing through Wigan

At the top lock waiting to descend the 21 locks

We arrived at the top of the 21 locks on Wednesday ready to start on Thursday morning when the locks opened at 8.30.  It was just gone 9 when we set off.  First 2 locks were empty, so I filled the first one then when Paul was in left it emptying whilst I went to prepare the second lock.  I had the intention of walking back up to open the gate for him once the second lock was open.  However someone was smiling at us as not one but 2 lock keepers had arrived.
This was ideal as one stayed with us whilst the other went on ahead to prepare the next lock.

Large deep locks

Finished 21 locks then one more before we can moor.

They are all big locks with anti vandal locks on each paddle so it all takes time.
Just over half way we had a short stop for a coffee break and a much needed sit down.
Only to find once we set off again a third lock keeper had arrived.
These are all volunteers so we were very grateful for their help.  Because of their help we were moored in Wigan having lunch by about half past one.
On Friday we walked into Wigan town centre, finding a lovely little cafe for lunch.


Spending a second night there we left Wigan after lunch yesterday having got water first.
Moving on today, making the most of the lovely sunshine while it lasts!

A lovely day as we left Wigan

Nearer to Liverpool

Last Tuesday we cruised through Blackburn.  We did stop there for lunch and some shopping in Aldi which was conveniently close to the mooring.

Eanam Wharf, Blackburn

With a set of 6 locks on the far side of the city we worked 4 of them before stopping for water.  There was space there so we stopped for the night.  The next day we set off just as the rain started, quite a downpour, so in the end we literally worked the 2 locks and then moored again!
After lunch, the rain had eased so it was off to the launderette!  Luckily it wasn't far and the rain mostly kept away.

Some info!

Bottom Lock, Notice the signpost.

Looking up what would have been the Lancaster Canal.
The Johnson Hillock Locks can be seen through the trees.

Approaching Botany Bay.

Making our way slowly along the scenery is amazing, in one part we could see out over the Pennines on both sides of the canal.  In other places we are winding our way through trees with their leaves all changing colour. Our canal guide had said Withnell Fold was a pretty village.  It was right.  Apart from all the parked cars it was just like stepping back in time.  The cottages had been built for the mill workers.  The mill was still there, but parts of it quite derelict.

We came down Johnson Hillock Locks (not easy to say!) on Saturday.  There had been a lot of rain overnight but thankfully that had stopped.  7 locks in total.  The first couple were empty so I had to fill them! then we had a couple of full ones, then in the penultimate lock I couldn't open the gate as the water out side was higher than the water inside, at the top of the lock.  Anyway Paul worked out that refilling the previous lock would lower the pound enough.  It did so we were able to cruise through.  Helped by a passing cyclist who was very willing to stop and give a hand.



Was very glad to reach the bottom as it was way past time for coffee!!
The original canal plan was for the Lancaster Canal to share part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal but dis to lack of funds this never happened and the picture is a short arm which should have become the Lancaster Canal.
We didn't stop for long as we wanted to make it to Botany Bay!  It is an old mill which has been converted to a shopping area.  So once moored we just had to go for a look around.  Amazingly didn't buy anything!

The mooring is on the outskirts of Chorley but the town centre is quite a way from the canal, but very close to the M61.  So on Sunday we moved on again a short distance to Adlington.

Today we got the train into Chorley to visit their market.  Lots
of different stalls, many getting ready for Christmas!

We only have about 5 miles left before we reach the Wigan Flight. 21 Locks which lead down to, yes you guessed, Wigan.  Something to look forward to!

Rishton for the night

We went through Burnely on Wednesday, only stopping for lunch.  During the course of the day Paul had to 'go down' the weed hatch 3 times with all the debris the prop was picking up.  On one occasion

Accrington Town Hall with Market Hall in the background.

it was a sleeping bag.  The available moorings didn't look so good so we carried on to Rose Grove where the moorings are secure within the Canal and River Trust Yard.
Spending the night there we didn't move off until after lunch when we made the short cruise of a couple of miles to Hapton.  Not a lot there but it was a good point to meet up with our niece Cheryl who came to see us on Friday.  Driving from Stockport.  Been a couple of months since we last saw her so it was good to catch up.

Our lunchtime mooring on Sunday

Saturday was very windy so as the canal in this area is particularly bendy rather than try and cruise we got the bus into Accrington.  There were some lovely old buildings and we found a nice Italian Restaurant for lunch.  With good Wifi as well as good food so we were able to fill up and up date at the same time!
On Sunday we had amazing views over the Pennines.  With hills and valleys on both sides, the picture does it no justice at all.  The clouds made the hills look really brooding.  Forunately although there was cloud we didn't have any rain.

At Church, this marks the midway point between Leeds and Liverpool

There are no locks on this section
but moving on after lunch yesterday there were 3 swing bridges to bring us to Church where we moored for the night.
Having moved on to Rishton this morning we are now over half way on our journey to Liverpool, but only just!

On to Burnley

Well we made Barnoldswick safely leaving Falcon there while we headed south by car!  After a busy 10 days catching up with family, including a trip to Isle of Wight to see Lorraine and family we set

View from the window, frosty morning

off back on the cut on Sunday.  Just a short cruising day! Mooring at Foulridge for coffee we ended up staying there for the night.  We did have a walk around the village, but after a hectic couple of weeks I think we were glad of a quiet afternoon.  Yesterday, a beautiful morning, much bluer than the picture left shows, we set off through Foulridge Tunnel.  We got going early as the passage is controlled and there is only a window of 10 minutes from the hour where you can enter.  Else you have to wait for the next hour.

Exiting FoulridgeTunnel

Barrowford Reservior with locks just visible

It was a short cruise then to the top of Barrowford Locks.  We had intended to spend an hour there before descending the 7 locks.  However a boat had followed us through the tunnel and they were continuing.  We decided it would be best to join them in the locks.  Wide locks always easier with 2.  Also with 2 crew from their boat and a lockkeeper we made good time arriving and moored at the bottom by 11.30.
After lunch we went for a walk.  Back up some of the locks to the Barrowford Reservoir.  This is one of several reservoirs which feed the canal.  At the start of the day we were on the summit of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
You can see from the picture how low the water is.  This is why this stretch of canal was closed from July until October.  Although reopen there are still time restriction on many of the locks.
Next stop will be Burnley. Maybe today or perhaps tomorrow!

Stormy weather!

Filling one of the Bingley 3 Rise, the boats are a long way down.

Bottom of Bingley 5 Rise

Moving on from Shipley our next stop was at Saltaire.  This is a village, much like Bournville, which was built for the mill workers by Sir Titus Salt.  He was so appalled by his workers living conditions that he built a whole village for them to live in.  The only thing missing was a pub as he wanted sober workers! Wednesday last was a busy day for us.  A short cruise brought us to Bingley.  A larger place than we were expecting found the lovely Butter Market in the town and had a look around the Damart  Factory shop.  No bargains there!  Then after lunch it was time for the locks.        Quite famous in the canal world. First the Bingley 3 Rise, closely followed by the Bingley 5 Rise.  We were very lucky to be joined by another boat.  The 3 had a lock keeper, then when we got to the 5 there were 3 of them, so I hopped back on board and came up on Falcon with Paul.

Bottom of the lock!

Not only are there quite a few locks on the Leeds and Liverpool, when you get to a reasonably lock free stretch there are swing bridges!  Most fairly easy to move, but a couple were almost impossible.  Luckily on the whole I was able to enlist the help of a dog walker or gongoozler!
From the top of Bingley to Skipton there were 15 opening bridges!  There were some other boats about, so I didn't have to do work them all.On Friday we went for a walk around Skipton, some lovely old building and alleyways.  After lunch we thought we would move on despite the wind.  That was a mistake, we managed the first 2 swing bridges, but when we got to the third I got it open, but Paul couldn't get the boat off the bank because the wind was just blowing him back!  In the end I knocked on the farmers door and he allowed us to spend the night on his bank.

As it says on the post, moored at Skipton

We were up and moving just after 8 on Saturday morning through the bridge with no problems.  On towards Gargrave where we stopped for lunch and ended up staying the night as the wind had got up again.  We were trying to press on to reach Barnoldswick for Monday to leave Falcon in the marina there while we have some time away visiting various family members, but not as far as Plymouth.  So  we had another busy day on Sunday, leaving just 3 locks for Monday and into the marina.          

East Marton double bridge

Sunday we had the last 3 locks of the Gargrave flight followed by the 6 locks at Bank Newton mooring at East Marton.  When we left on Monday morning we went through the double bridge.  The solution when a bigger road bridge was needed.

Now we are in Taunton with Paul's cousin, Alison.  At the weekend we are off to the Isle of Wight to meet up with Lorraine and family, then off to Bristol to see my cousin, Carole.

Other side of double bridge

Visiting friends and moving on.

A get together with Pauls RAF fellow apprentices
Dave, Joyce, Graham and Pauline

On Wednesday we got the train to Durham where we were met by Graham and Pauline.  We are staying with them for a few days.  On Thursday they took us to Beamish Open Air Museum where their son works.  After a lovely day there looking around we the went to the near by pub where Dave and Joyce joined us for a meal and a catch up.

With Graham and Pauline at the Angel of the North

It was just a short trip away so the next day as Graham was taking us back to the station we made a detour, completely the wrong direction, and he took us to see the Angel of the North.  Back in Leeds on Friday night we were in time to visit their Light Night.  It was amazing different displays around the city.  Unfortunately it was raining on and off, but that didn't seem to be putting people off as there were people everywhere.


On Saturday we moved out of Leeds.  Spending Saturday night at Rodley.  Many of the locks here are staircase, with the top gate of the first lock being the bottom gate of the next.  Also some are very deep.  Yesterday we managed to pair with another boat for 2 separate staircases.  This makes life much easier.  Not only for there being 2 of us working the locks, but the boat is much more stable with the water coming in when there is less room to move about.  As well as challenging locks there are several swing bridges along the way.  So no time to be bored!
Also the scenery is stunning, especially now as the leaves are turning.
Last night we moored in Shipley.  Unfortunately or travelling companions have carried on.  Still we may meet more.

One of the many displays at Leeds Light Night

In Dobson Staircase, these locks are deep.

Just off now to have a look around Shipley and to get some supplies.


Keep

scrolling

there

is

another

picture!

On to Leeds and Liverpool Canal

This plaque was on a wall near to our first mooring in Leeds

Well Dave arrived safely on Wednesday, so on Thursday we continued on towards Leeds.  Only a few miles and 3 locks and we moored on a pontoon, still on the River Aire but now on the outskirts of Leeds.  Having a walk around the area we found this plaque which I thought was interested as many of you will be very familiar with Smeatons Tower!  It is amazing how places link up.  Especially in those days when Leeds would have been a very long journey to Plymouth!
We also had a short look in the Armouries Museum.  It is a huge building with suits of armour, many types of rifles, pistols, swords and many other types of

Looking down on Leeds Lock from the Armouries Museum

weapon.  Friday found us on a short cruise of about a mile, with 2 locks which brought us right into Leeds, near the train station.  Don't think we realised what a big city it is.  We have walked a few miles looking at the various buildings.  Some lovely old architecture.  The arcade below is just one example.
Dave went home on Saturday, then on Sunday some friends we made at Stafford Boat Club back in April came and took us out for the day.  Sarah and Ade live in Leeds and they said to get in touch when we made it their way.  They took us to Kirkstall Abbey and Museum.

Central Arcade Leeds

A lovely day out.  Allowing us to visit a part of Leeds we wouldn't other wise have seen.

It is definitely a time for socialising for us as yesterday our friends Sheree and Alec, driving from Scotland to Plymouth made an overnight stop here in Leeds so we could all meet up for a meal.  It was lovely to catch up.  The last time we had seen them was in May when they stayed with us on the Chesterfield Canal.  

Today we have been back to the Armouries for a better look around.

So think you are all now up to date.

On to Waters New

Large locks up this way.  Our second visit in 2 days to Woodnock Lock.

We ended up spending 3 nights in Wakefield.  In that time Paul managed to paint the side of the hull.  He had painted one side when we were in Wakefield going the other way.
We haven't lit our fire yet, so its quite chilly in the mornings.  This got us up and on the move early on Sunday morning.  On to the first lock of the day, Fall Ing lock.  Fortunately neither of us did!  Second and last lock of the day was Broadreach Flood lock.  This had been open when we went the other way in July, but this time it was shut.

Grounded just below Lemonroyd Lock

It is electrically operated so not too onerous.  The water seemed to be about the same level on both sides so the water was back to usual levels.  This brought us to Stanley Ferry, where we had planned to moor for lunch  Moving on through the swing bridge after lunch we stopped to get water.  This took about an hour, so in the end we spent the night there.
Monday we moved on a couple more locks towards Castleford.  We were only going as far as the junction at Castleford where we were taking a left and heading north towards Leeds.

Last nights view from above Lemonroyd Lock

But Monday Canal and River Trust were carrying out work at Castleford and would be lowering the River Aire. So after entering Woodnook Lock we looked at the jetty at the far end, where I would have to get on, and it was about level with the roof of our boat.
So we decided to reverse out the lock and spend the night where we were.
Only to find the next day that CRT had extended the work for another day!  But we moved on anyway and I successfully, if not gracefully, managed to get on the boat at the bottom of the lock.  Now on the River Aire we took the left at Castleford, moored for lunch and then set off for Lemonroyd Lock.  All was well until we approached the lock and a wide beam dutch barged was grounded across the river and lock entrance.  We tried to go around only to go aground ourselves!  The other boat had already been there a couple of hours and was in touch with the lock keeper.  It was about another hour before finally there was enough water for us to move on.  After coming up through the lock we moored and walk back to see how the other boat was doing.  It was about another hour before he was able to come through.  Thankfully today has been very uneventful.  We have cruised about a mile, no looks, to Woodlesford.  Paul's brother, Dave, is joining us here for a few nights.

Back on the cut

In Wroclaw with Richard

Well after a month in Poland we arrived back on Sunday.  Richard now has a new left hip, his stitches are all out and he should be back at work tomorrow.  The time there with  him passed very quickly.  We were very lucky with the weather.  Mostly hot and sunny, only 2 days where there was any rain.

We arrived back on board at Dewsbury where all was well.  Having stocked the cupboards we planned to move on, on Tuesday, but it was so windy we decided to stay another day.  Only for storm Ali to arrive on Wednesday!!

Winding in the wind!

It did give us chance to catch up with some new friends we had made there in the marina.  Ralf and Julia on NB Omega.  When it came time to leave Ralf was on board with Paul helping to pole around.  We wanted a pump out so Paul had to reverse out, turn and reverse back on to be on the correct side!  All in a fairly small space with the wind blowing!

Broad Cut Bottom Lock. It did empty eventually!

I was on the jetty ready to catch the rope.  It all went remarkably well and after lunch in The Leggers we finally left Dewsbury on Wednesday afternoon.  Back out on to the Calder and Hebble.  We worked through 4 locks and moored just after Broad Cut Top Lock.
A short cruise this morning brought us to the bottom lock which as you can see left leaks a lot.  Paul was getting quite wet on the stern!
Just one more lock and we are now in Wakefield.  We were planning to stay here the night, which is just as well as just after lunch the heavens opened.
Still we are not complaining about the rain, as parts of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are still closed due to the lack of rain over the summer.  However we are carrying on with our plan to cruise it, so may be spending the winter up north!
Will keep you posted as we go.

Heading Back

Well we did make if safely to Dewsbury on Wednesday.  Looking at the locks here there seems to be plenty of water, but this navigation is part river.  We spent just one night here.  Nice pub in the basin called The Leggers.  Good ale, good food and excellent internet.  What more do you need!

At the end of the Dewsbury Arm

Moving on on Thursday we arrived at Shepley Bridge.  A fairly quiet place away from the road, although you can hear the occasional train.  On Friday our niece Cheryl came to see us.  Not seen her for about a year I think so that was lovely.  She lives in Stockport so about and hour away by car.  She brought her friend Bev too.  We went for a short cruise and whilst Paul was in the stern getting every thing ready a passing boater told him we were having a party inside!  There was lots of laughter, not due at all to alcohol as Cheryl had to drive back.

Good to know which waterway we are on

With Cheryl and her friend Bev

Our short cruise with them had brought us to Mirfield, not too far from the station, so on Saturday we got the train into Leeds.  Had a look round the town and the canal before heading back.  At the moment parts of the Leeds and Liverpool canal are shut due to water shortage.

A view of Leeds Station and the Canal

On Monday we moved on again to where the Calder and Hebble (C&H) joins the Huddersfield.  This is as far as we are going.  About 3 years ago we cruised the Huddersfield turning west at the end of it.  So now we have completed the C&H.

Yesterday we started back and are again at Shepley Bridge.  Will be moving on to Dewsbury tomorrow.  Falcon is going to be staying in the marina there while we go to Poland to see Richard.
We are hopeful that by the time we return water levels will be improved and we can continue on to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.