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.