Back at the start

Climbing the 6 locks at Braunston in the pouring rain!

Well it is now the best part of a fortnight since our lovely Sunday Lunch with Mike and Sue.  Since then we have been to Napton where it was the hottest day of the year and we were sweltering in the mid 30's!  That seemed a distant memory when we were making our way back up Braunston locks on Saturday.  It had come on to rain quite steadily and we had planned to stay put for the rest of the day, but then a boat called Dreckly came along and we had met them in Rugby so we decided to join them as travelling up the double locks is easier with 2 boats.  Also we thought the rain might stop, but it didn't!  As soon as we reached the top we moored for a late

Watford Locks, thankfully this time no rain!

lunch and didn't go any further!
The next day was wet too so this time with no locks I stayed inside while Paul went through the tunnel and just came out to help him moor.  Our afternoon outing was a walk to Watford Gap service station on the M1.  We had hope to use their internet which has proved good in the past but not that day!
Monday saw us at the bottom of Watford Locks.  There are 7 locks there.  3 separate locks, follow by a staircase of 3 and one more at the top.  There are lock keepers there and the locks don't open until 10.  By then we were 4th in the queue.  Still the good thing was it wasn't raining!
We arrived at Crick just after lunch.  We are now moored in Crick Marina on one of the brokerage moorings for ABNB.  Today we have made our first trip to Plymouth in a hire car packed with some of our belongings.  Next week the second trip will be in a transit van as our time on board comes to an end.
It will be sad to leave but we take with us many happy memories.  Paul has done some sums, and has worked out that in 7 years and 2 months we have travelled 4450.25 miles and worked 3317 locks.  Also various lift and swing bridges.
So its bye from us, thanks for reading.
Jill and Paul.

Once again heading to Braunston!

One of the three locks at Hillmorton

Didn't realise how long had passed since I last wrote here!  We safely made it into Braunston about 12 days ago now!

Coming out the last of the 3 locks, next stop lunch!

Whilst there we met up again with new friends on Olivella and also Ross and his Finish wife, Pierka (sorry for spelling).  We hadn't seen them for a couple of years.  After 2 nights there we moved on to the Oxford Canal towards Rugby, where we arrived about a week ago.  On the way through we caught up with friends Sue and Mike who we hadn't seen for about 4 years.  Sue made us a new cratch cover and also a cover for the stern.  We are meeting them again today for Sunday Lunch in the pub!
After a couple of nights in Rugby we moved on having decided to carry on to Brinklow where we could wind and return!
So Monday saw us moving on towards Newbold on Avon.  As we got there Paul spotted a cygnet which seemed to be stuck in a hole in the towpath.  So we moored at the nearby water point.  I was armed with a long handled brush as Father Swan was standing protectively close!  Paul scooped the cygnet out of the hole and it launched itself out of his hands and into the canal where it seemed to sink, but thankfully bobbed

Beautiful dragonfly

back up and swam away, closely followed by Dad!!  It was very strange as the male swan was not as aggressive as they can sometimes be.  It was almost as though it knew we were helping!
Having reached our end point we turned and headed back toward Rugby
As we are moving on we are also completing chores along the way to get Falcon looking her best.  On our return to Rugby we moored by the picnic area whilst I was cleaning the oven Paul was busy with touching up paintwork etc!  We also had the Boat Safety Scheme Check done.  This has to be done every 4 years and Falcon's is due in September so we thought it would be a plus selling point to get that done.
So today we are moored just at the top of Hillmorton Locks and shortly off to The Waterside for lunch with Mike and Sue.

Onwards to Braunston

Moored at Yelvertoft Marina

Having caught up with Barry we did move on to Yelvertoft Marina, mooring the opposite end from where we started.  Got caught up with the washing, just spending the one night there.  We then headed on to Crick arriving there on Thursday.

On Friday Lisa and Phil arrived for the night.  The weather was lovely so we were able to cruise through Crick Tunnel and wind, then mooring for lunch before heading back to moor one boat length from where we started, but facing the other way!

Just to make sure we know where we are!

Had a pleasant evening visiting the hostelries in Crick and a meal in The Red Lion.  They headed on after breakfast on Saturday, then yesterday we winded again and headed down the Watford Locks.  Not so many as Foxton and no Gongoozlers!  7 locks here with 4 of them in a staircase.  We had a short wait at the top, but then with 3 lock keepers it was a swift easy passage down through.  This morning we have had a short cruise to the junction and are now moored at Norton Junction which is on the Grand Union Canal proper.  This goes from London to Birmingham.  Tomorrow we will head into Braunston.

Nearing the start!

Travelling up Foxton Locks

We have been carrying on with our southward journey.  A mix of busy days and shorter days.  Saturday was very hot, but we managed to work up through 5 locks before finding a mooring where we could sit in the shade.  In between cruising Paul is trying to get some work done to Falcon in readiness for her going up for sale next month! Meanwhile I have been busy inside.
On Sunday we arrived a Foxton Locks.  There are 10 locks there in 2 staircases of 5 locks.  This raises the canal by 75 ft, in about a quarter of a mile.  Friends Ruth and George who live not too far away came and joined us for the day.  We arrived at the locks just

George working hard!

before 12, put our name on the list to find we were 12th!  Still this gave us time to eat lunch and we set off shortly after.  Ruth stayed on the stern with Paul whilst George came with me where I kept him busy with the paddles!
With the 4 of us we were soon at the top.  Unfortunately George and Ruth had to go shortly after, so Paul and I had to go to the pub on our own!
Yesterday we arrived at North Kilworth and caught up with Barry on Blue Moon who is now moored in the marina there.  He was one of the first boating friends we made back in 2012 whilst we were still in Yelvertoft Marina.  We are now just a couple of miles from that marina and may well be popping in the on the way through.  On Friday our niece Lisa and her husband Phil are coming to see us.  So all in all a busy time!

Now at Kilby Bridge

Birstall Gala Day

We had a lovely few days in Birstall. We saw Dave and Joan on Friday and then on Saturday we met them and their daughter Tanya on the village green for the gala day.  We had a picnic there and listened to the music.  This ended with a band and fireworks at 10 pm.
On Sunday we moved on as there were thunderstorms forecast and we wanted to get to safer moorings.  Arriving in Leicester on Sunday afternoon there are moorings on rising pontoons, but we didn't see or hear any thunderstorms, although it did rain a fair bit in the 3 nights we stayed there.

Ervine Lock with water coming over the top!

We moved on from Leicester on Wednesday putting in a long day of 7 miles and 10 locks, phew.  Didn't intend to go that far, but we just kept going!  Plenty of water around as you can see in the picture.  Several of the locks had water coming over the top gate.  Just past this lock was our mooring for Wednesday night.  Yesterday was a much gentler day just a couple of locks and miles.  We are now at Kilby Bridge, not much here besides the pub, no we haven't visited.  There is a service point however and once we have got water we will be moving on.

Finally leaving Loughborough

Loughborough Carillon 

Well as I am sure you are all aware that the rain just went on and on.  The River Soar went into flood and so we were unable to move on.  In the end we spent 12 nights at Loughborough.  A long time for us.  However that said it was a good place to be stuck in as there is quite a bit to do there.
With thoughts of our imminent return to dry land we went looking for beds and have ordered one to be delivered on 5th August.  So make it seem time on Falcon is coming to an end.
We also caught up with friends Dave and Joan who live in Birstall.  Dave is a model flying buddy of Paul's from when they lived in Plymouth.  Strangely so did we!
The river came off flood alert on Monday, but with more rain still forecast we remained in Loughborough until yesterday, making good progress of 9.5 miles and 6 locks.  Today has been more sedate with 1 mile and 1 lock!
So now we are moored at Birstall and Dave and Joan are coming to see us tomorrow.

Mould for the bell in St Paul's Cathedral

After a couple of nights here we will be continuing our southward journey as we have a good few miles of river to go yet!  A day of cruising will bring us into Leicester, so things seem to be going to plan, although a bit delayed!

Loughborough

Coot family, parents still feeding the chicks,
 unlike ducklings who have to fend for themselves!

We arrived at Shardlow on Monday and went for a meal in the Clock Warehouse.  Another lovely meal there.
On Tuesday we cruised a short distance to Sawley Marina so we could get a pump out and do the washing, only to find the chandlery was shut on a Tuesday!  So se moved across to moor on the towpath and wait until Wednesday!  When we found out there is an office which was open on Tuesday so we could have bought tokens and carried on!  Still never mind.

At Zouch Lock, before the rain started!

Canal and River Trust on the move.
Push me pull you!

So Thursday saw us moving on and turning right on to the River Soar which forms part of the Grand Union Leicester Arm.
We stopped that night at Kegworth.  With the forecast for rain we were keen to get off the river and back on to the canal at Loughborough.  So Friday saw us starting to cruise at 8am!  Usually we are still in bed at this time!  We managed about 2 hours before the rain started!  It hasn't stopped much since!  We did get rather wet but with 3 locks worked we arrived at Loughborough in time for a late lunch!

On Saturday one of Paul's RAF
mates, George, lives quite close and he came and picked us up and took us back to his place to meet his wife Ruth.  We ended up going out for a meal then they both came back here.
Yesterday we were walking into the town as these boats came under the junction bridge to turn a sharp right.  We are stood on the bridge.  The first and last boats are being towed by the little boat in the middle.  Not an easy manoeuvre, which they managed much better than some single boats manage! Just 2 guys on board.  Meanwhile we will stay here in Loughborough until the weather improves as moving on will put us back on the river until we reach Leicester.  The River Soar very quickly goes into flood so its a case of wait and see.

A while by Mercia Marina

We spent a lovely weekend in Alrewas Catching up with Paul's RAF entry.  On Friday we had visitors for lunch, and in the evening 13 of us met up in the British Legion Club

"The Gang" at the National Memorial Arboretum

for a meal and a
natter.  We were very blessed with the weather on Saturday for our visit to the Arboretum.  15 of us gathered for a wander around.  Photo is courtesy of George, so he isn't in the pic.  What a rabble!
Some more of the guys made it on board for a cuppa at various times, so all in all a very enjoyable weekend.

Since then we don't seem to have travelled very far.  Paul has had 2 vertigo attacks, but meanwhile we now have Falcon up for sale.  Just privately at the moment, but think we will probably end up with
a broker.  We pulled into Mercia Marina

The willow spiral at Mercia Marina

yesterday to buy a replacement gas valve, staying on their visitor moorings until Paul had fitted it, just in case he needed any more bits.  So with having lunch there it was about 4 by the time we left, so we moored for the night just outside.  Back there today to use the internet!

Hopefully tomorrow we will be making our way towards Shardlow.

Me in the centre of the Willow Spiral!

Arrived at Alrewas

Some planter!  Our washing can be seen in the background!

Well since the last update from Tixall we have been busy travelling south.  We have also been busy with Paul doing some painting and me some spring cleaning!  Falcon will be up for sale at the end of this month, so we want her looking her best! We did spend 2 nights in Rugely, although we did move a short distance on the second day to be closer to Tesco!

On Tuesday we pulled into Kings Bromley Marina for the night.  It was a lovely day and I managed to do lots of washing!  This is one of the few marinas that has washing lines so I was able to peg out!

The family of geese I had to pass to get back on board

There haven't been any locks for a few days, but made up for it today as we have worked through 8!
So we are now at Alrewas.  Paul's get together with his RAF buddies is at the National Memorial Arboretum this year and we are now walking distance from it.  We are hoping to welcome some of the guys on board.

Approaching Bagnall Lock at Alrewas.

Back in the days when our boating was on a time share boat we used to frequent this part of the Trent and Mersey quite regularly and in the picture below is the living willow arch at Bagnall Lock.  This was planted for the millennium and when we first saw it there were just small green shoots on it.

Expect we too have changed over the years!

Back to Tixall

Tixall Lock

Friday morning we left Tixall Wide with just 1 lock today.  Just after we had been through the lock we saw a moorhen with 4 tiny chicks.  They are so small and cute!  We arrived at Stafford Boat Club in time to have lunch and just before it poured with rain!
We have moored here before and their facilities are very good, including the bar!
Our friends Annie and Colin have a mooring here and they arrived back on Saturday morning.  In the evening the 4 of us went into Stafford to The Picture House, which is a Wetherspoons pub.

With Annie and Colin

 The building obviously used to be a cinema, and apparently they show old black and white movies on a Sunday.  The picture doesn't show how well they have done the decoration.

On Sunday Annie and Colin took us to Halesowen to Coombeswood Canal Trust open day.  Several days of cruising, but only an hour by car!  We are member of the trust, as are they.  The weather was perfect and we had a lovely day and caught up with several more friends!

Leaving Stafford Boat Club

Yesterday we moved on, back the way we came and are moored again at Tixall Wide.  Thankfully though this time the sun is shining.

Still in Staffordshire

We did move on on Thursday, 3 miles and 4 locks bringing us to the top of Stone.  We moored and made a cuppa, then as a boat went by Paul said the lady is waving at us, I think we must know them.  It turned out to be Sarah and Ade who we met last year in Stafford Boat Club and then they came to see us a couple of times when we were near Leeds where they live.  They were on their way back to

Getting there

their mooring. With some time to spare they moored in front of us and that evening we all went to The Star, the pub by the bottom lock at Stone, where we had a meal and a few jars.  The next morning they moved on whilst we were still in bed!  We followed them down more slowly later that morning, to moor opposite The Star so we could get some shopping.  Saturday morning there was a farmers market in the centre of Stone, so we had a look around there before moving on after lunch.  We moored at Weston on Trent, there is a pub there but we didn't visit!  Spent a couple of nights there catching up with some maintenance jobs.  On the Sunday afternoon a boat went past going the opposite direction to us.  It was Eli with Annie and Colin on board.  We first met them in Braunston in 2012 and have met them several times since.  The last being at Stafford Boat Club last year.  They were unable to stop as they were meeting up with friends, however we have booked to spend the weekend at the boat club so will probably catch up with them then.
We stayed at Weston until Tuesday when 2 locks brought us to Great Haywood.  We moored and had lunch then moved on to get water.  Just then someone was calling out to Paul and Rene and John from narrow boat Peregrine were walking over the bridge!  We met them when we were on the Huddersfield Canal about 4 years ago.  We cruised with them for several days before going our separate ways and we hadn't seen them since.  So last night it was off to the pub again for a meal and a natter.  We are now moored at Tixall Wide bow to bow with them.  So once again Peregrine and Falcon are back together for the time!
It is sad at times that these are our last few month on board, but also lovely as we keep meeting up with friends from different places. It has been a wonderful 7 years and we aren't quite finished yet.

Travelling through Staffordshire

Giant Tea Set!

Well Monday saw us have a safe transit through Harecastle Tunnel. The tunnel is 2926 yards long.  It is one way traffic with the entry to the tunnel controlled by CRT.  There are big extraction fans to remove the exhaust fumes from the tunnel.  It isn't quite straight so when you start out you can't see the end!  When we got there it hadn't long shut in the southerly direction so we had about an hour to wait before the boats from the northerly traveling boats to appear.  This was good as it gave us chance to have some lunch!
Yesterday we traveled down through Stoke on Trent.  Some very old building along the canal with the pottery kilns and warehouses.

Josiah Wedgwood mosaic made with plates

Unfortunately some of them are quite derelict.  We were definitely traveling down as we worked thorough 5 locks before mooring at Trentham for the night.  This morning we worked 1 more lock then moored by the Wedgwood Factory.  Although we have passed through here several times we have never visited.  So as this is probably the last time we will be in the area we decided to visit.  You pay for a factory visit but the museum is free!  We had a very nice lunch there.  Definitely worth a visit.  So much to look at.
Will be moving on again tomorrow towards Stone.  Hoping to be there for market day on Saturday.

Reaching Kidsgrove

Entering Lock 44, our 3rd for today

Sunday we moved onwards and upwards, working 4 locks before lunch!  It was a lovely sunny day so we didn't go any further spending the afternoon relaxing on board with all the doors open for a breeze!  We were taking our time so spent the next day pottering about with odd jobs.  In the midst of which we discovered a leak under the galley sink.  Turned out we needed a new waste. So on Tuesday after just a short cruise to Wheelock we got the bus to Crewe where there is a Screwfix.  Despite the old waste having come from there the new one was different.  But Paul got it fixed and all is now good.

Lock 42, you can see the aqueduct carrying the Macclesfield Canal over the
Trent and Mersey Canal.

On Wednesday we got the bus again, this time to Sandbach where we were meeting my cousin Dawn and her husband Dave for lunch in Case Mia.  An Italian restaurant that we found there a couple of years ago.  After a lovely meal they took us to the supermarket before bringing back with our provisions!
Thursday was a busy day with us working up through 14 locks, with very few boats in the opposite direction. Most of the locks in this flight are doubles with 2 side by side.  Although not all the second chambers are open.  Another 6 locks on Friday.  All through fairly small villages, or in the middle of nowhere.  Yesterday was storm Hannah and we also had rain all day long.  So we lit the fire and did nothing at all!  So today again has been a busy day.  Just 5 locks which brought us to Kidsgrove.  The water here is almost orange due to the iron in the rocks.  Then after lunch a walk up the hill to the launderette.
Tomorrow we will be going through Harecastle Tunnel which will bring us to Stoke on Trent.
It will then feel that we really are getting southward.

Leaving Middlewich

Our favourite mooring in Middlewich

Moving on from Anderton on Sunday, it took us 3 days to reach Middlewich.  We did stop a couple of times!  One stop was at a place called Bramble Cuttings.  It is surrounded by private land, so the only way there is by boat.  Only room for 3 boats (of our size) and we were lucky enough to pick up the last mooring.  The middle one!  The next morning both boats moved off so we pulled back as the bank was low and Paul thought it would be a good opportunity to paint one side of the hull.  He had just finished washing the side when it started to rain.

Busy at work!

Whilst it wasn't heavy rain it did last most of the day on and off.  So no painting was done.  But we didn't move on either.  Luckily the next morning was dry and Paul got the job done before we moved off.
We arrived at  Middlewich in time for lunch.
Shortly after, due to an advert I had placed on Gumtree a chap came along and bought our 2 bikes.  We haven't used them in a while and as we are looking to sell Falcon later this year we need to start clearing out a few things!
On Thursday we worked up through Big Lock to moor in our favourite spot.  The picture above was taken by our niece Cheryl who came to visit again.  Think this will probably be her last visit on board as we will be moving out of her area as we head further south.  Must say the weather has improved at lot.  A hot and sunny Easter, just lovely for everyone.  So this morning as we are moving up the remaining 4 locks in Middlewich at the first lock we are 3rd in the queue!  Not so bad though, there were as many boats going the other way.  So once we got going it was easy!  With a stop in the shade for lunch we moored here about 3pm.  Paul is now busy painting the other side of the boat!  I am helping by sitting still!

Back on the Trent and Mersey

Family get together

Well we arrived back at Northwich as planned on Tuesday, mooring in the marina this time. Then on Wednesday we got the train to Stockport to spend the night with my cousin Dawn and her husband Dave. Also whilst there we saw her daughter Sarah who we think it must be well over 20 years since we last saw her.

Going up in the world!

We also met her husband Scott and son Charlie who is not yet 2. So as you may imagine a great time was had by all.  We got the train back on Thursday. Cheryl came to see us again on Friday, making the most of visiting us, as we will soon be out of her area. On Saturday morning we got the lift back up to the Trent and Mersey. At least it wasn’t raining this time but it was cold. Tonight we are moored in the Northwich area but on the canal. Very different than being on the river. Next stop Middlewich.

On the River Weaver

With Julia and Ralf, still on the Trent and Mersey

We arrived at Preston Brook as we had planned on Wednesday morning. Moored by Midland Chandlers only to have another boat arrive coming towards us, only to see it was Campanula with our friend Penny who we have not seen in a year or more!  As ever we were traveling in opposite directions but she was able to stop and have a coffee with us.  Meanwhile our friends Julia and Ralf had arrived.  This we had arranged!We cruised with them for a couple of miles on the Trent and Mersey.  Taking in a tunnel and a stop lock.  After this picture was taken we took a short walk down to the River Weaver and went for a lovely meal in the Leigh Arms.

 They then got a taxi back to their car

With Cheryl in Bombay Quay, another lovely meal.

 whilst we walked back up the hill to Falcon!
On Thursday we carried on through 2 more tunnels to Anderton.  In the afternoon we got the lift down on to the River Weaver.  By then it was pouring with rain and blowing like mad!!
On Friday the weather was much better and we made a short cruise to moor in Northwich where we met up with Cheryl and had a lovely meal.  Falcon is just out of frame on the opposite side of the river.
Saturday we cruised through 2 locks.  The one shown being the first.  Here on the river there are lock keepers, so an easy job for me

In Hunts Lock

Just a case of passing up a rope.  We have been moored at Vale Royal for 2 nights now.  Lovely here Lots of water birds and no buildings in sight.  Although they are not too far away.
Tomorrow we will be mooring again in Northwich, just about where you can see the boats just outside the windows above as we are going to visit my cousin Dawn and family in Stockport for a couple of nights.

Near the end of the Bridgewater Canal

Where did the mooring ring go?

 Thursday was a busy day. Setting off from Leigh we pulled in to Bridgewater Marina for a pump out. According to our Nicholson’s Guide there is a launderette here.  Well they do have a washing machine but no dryers and I had a Lora Lora washing. However this wasn’t a problem as Dave, from the marina, ran us to the laundrette about 4 miles away and came to collect us when we were finished.  In the end we spent the night on their service jetty and all we had to pay for was our pump out and 2 bags of coal! Most marina’s we have been to are very helpful, but I think here they went above and beyond.

Walking to Lymm Dam

 Friday saw us arrive at the Trafford Centre.  A huge out of town shopping centre on the outskirts of Manchester. We have stopped here before.  This time though there were no other boats around.
Saturday we spent shopping. Seemed silly not to!

Lymm Dam

On Sunday we were having an easy start, what with the clocks changing. A constant moan amongst boaters when you are moored and boats pass too quickly. A shout of “slow down” can often be heard. 

Well proof of why everyone should slow down is shown above! As we were sat quietly having coffee a boat went by us going VERY quickly. We heard some clanging from the back of the boat so Paul went to investigate. The force of the boat passing had dislodged 2 huge stones from the bank, one with the mooring ring with our rope attached! Thankfully the canal wasn’t deeper than our length of rope.

Shortly after we moved on!

Yesterday we moved on to Lymm, a pretty little village with a lot of eateries and we didn't try any!  I had seen in our guide book that there was a small lake nearby so after lunch we went for a walk.  It was a lovely day and we saw some lovely scenery.  Today we have moved on almost as far as Preston Brook.  This will take us on to the
Trent and Mersey Canal.  

Lymm Cross

On from Wigan

Lancaster Castle

We decided to catch the train to Lancaster on Monday.  Our hope was to cruise the Lancaster Canal on Falcon, but last year we discovered she is too deep draughted to use the Ribble Link.

Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park

 It was a lovely day and we were moored a short distance from Wigan station.  Well Lancaster is a lovely city.  So many historic places to visit.  We went into Tourist Information where the guide was very helpful.  Coming out armed with a city walk plan we made our way around.  Only having the day we didn't have time to properly explore the many museums and the castle.  Also the weather was far too lovely to be indoors.  Not only were there many lovely buildings to look at, once you were up by the castle the views out over were stunning.  We did walk by the River Lune for a while, then after some lunch we got a bus to Williamson Park.  Walking up the hill to the Ashton Memorial.  From here we could see the sea and out across Morecambe Bay.
It wasn't until we were on the train home that i realised we hadn't found the canal!  Definitely a place we want to come back to.
The stoppage at Plank Lane had bee cleared, so on Tuesday we set off, passing Plank Lane yesterday.  There is a lift bridge there, so again I get to stop the traffic.  Thankfully all went well and last night we moored at Leigh.  When we set off today we will join the Bridgewater Canal.  This is a private canal and we can only be on there for 7 days.  It is 40 miles long and has no locks.  So we should have plenty of time.
Anyway time to be moving on today, catch you later.

Inside the dome of the Ashton Memorial

Leaving the Rufford Arm

We ended up spending Tuesday night at Tarleton and didn't leave until Wednesday morning.  Several swing bridges along the way, thankfully they opened fairly easily.

Swing Bridge on the Rufford Arm

We passed St Mary's Marina
where Falcon had been moored for 3 months about lunch time.  Stopping just after to eat.  We reached Chicken Lock in time to see a boat coming the other way.  The lock was empty so we were first in.  This is the lock we had had so much trouble with on the way down.  The water leaks out quicker than it goes in!  On the other boaters suggestion Paul tipped our ash bucket down inside the bottom gate which helped to block the hole somewhat.  In all our years of boating we had never thought to try that.  You can always learn something new.

Water is a bit low!

With 4 more locks to the end of the arm we moored for the night.
Setting off early on Thursday morning the first lock went well.  Then above the next lock the water level was way down as you can see by the picture.  So I had to go ahead to let water down and finally Paul came through.
Because I had let so much water through the next pound was now low.  Having let in the water to bring the boat up we decided to stop for a coffee before the next challenge.  There was a shout from the bank and a guy from Canal and River Trust was there.  On a routine check, so he levelled up the pound for us and after our coffee break we were able to carry on.  Similar situation have occurred to us on various times during our 7 years of cruising, but usually we have to sort it for ourselves.
Now on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal we spent the night at Parbold.
Yesterday we arrive at Wigan.  So we will be able to restock the larder before we move on.  Not sure now when that will be as at the moment there is a stoppage due to pollution at Plank Lane, only about 5 miles on.  So will have to wait for the update on Monday.

Back on the cut

Paul winding in the distance!

Well after 3 months in St Mary's Marina we finally left on Sunday.  It was good to be out on the canal and to see fields either side of us instead of looking out on boats.  It was very windy so we didn't travel very far.  Just 2 miles and 2 swing bridges, we then moored for the night.
So yesterday morning we moved on to Tarleton.  Just one more swing bridge.  Went for a walk around the village in the afternoon.  Quite a few shops there, more than I had expected.

Coming back to moor at Tarleton

This morning we walked on to look at the last lock taking the canal down on to the River Douglas and then on to the Ribble.
We had hoped to go out of here in the summer and on to the Lancaster Canal, however we are too deep draughted to cruise the Ribble Link which would take us from the estuary on the to Lancaster Canal.  So that will be for the future on a hire boat.  Probably later today we will start heading back towards the main Leeds and Liverpool Canal and start our journey south.

Final lock on the Rufford Arm of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal