Sunday 13 March
Yesterday was a day of delights firstly we conquered the Wigan Flight it only took us 25 hours that has to be a record. the first 19 locks we ran through the we hit a stone wall in the fact we ran out of water, As I explained to the crew I am good but that Good' Even I cannot move a boat without water not even God could that
having left a mooring at 07.00 or around here before Sparrow Fart. but it was not long before were at a stand still as the above pound was void of water . they said they would sort it out and we would be able to reach the top by 16.00 At 19.00 still sat in a almost empty pound I realised that CRT an I were working on separate time zones.
So at 07.00 the following morning we were given the all clear to complete the ascent of the Wigan Flight after reaching the summit filling up with water and saying our good byes we were off again. Here I must give a special thanks to Peter one of the CRT Volunteers who's valiant efforts to keep us moving were appreciated his steadfastness, determination and loyalty are to be praised and recommended he even turned out on sunday morning his day off to make sure we reached the summit
Thank you Peter.
From the summit to Riley Green was quite uneventful, when we set out on this quest I thought I would be reporting on bad weather and Arctic conditions but the trip from up to Riley green was done in glorious weather. which of course brought the dog walkers, cyclists, walkers and every one else who like the canals out the tow path was packed. The locks were also awash with Gongoozelers, Us boater you know we love to entertain.
Monday 14 March
After a almost perfect overnight at the Boat Yard at Riley green we had an early start as I calculated that this would be one of the hardest and longest days, the day started in freezing temp and strong winds plus the fact that you travel through Blackburn, Accrinton, Burnley, Nelson and Colne, These town are synonymous with the industrial revolution and still remains one of the canals great heritage corridors However the above named towns and the CRT seem to have forgotten that fact as the canal is awful our two boats travelling together had a combined total of 5 grounding two of which required a tow six stoppages to untangle fouled props both boats having to play slalom with floating chairs sofa's building debris and household waist
the consequence of all this was we did not make our intended night stop and are still 4 hrs behind our schedule I know in boating that 4 hours is nothing and you have no real cause for complaint I just need to complain it makes me feel better
anyone who has never done this trip would be very angree to see such neglect and would be to busy sorting out problems of navigation instead of steeping themselves it this fantastic heritage and marvelling at the fantastic views
our stop over tonight is at the Gallows Wharf (pub) were Mike and I have just celebrated today achievements with a tow well earned pints (each)
Tomorrow should make our travelling companions happy as we will be entering Yorkshire
Night God Bless
Big Al
Yesterday was a day of delights firstly we conquered the Wigan Flight it only took us 25 hours that has to be a record. the first 19 locks we ran through the we hit a stone wall in the fact we ran out of water, As I explained to the crew I am good but that Good' Even I cannot move a boat without water not even God could that
having left a mooring at 07.00 or around here before Sparrow Fart. but it was not long before were at a stand still as the above pound was void of water . they said they would sort it out and we would be able to reach the top by 16.00 At 19.00 still sat in a almost empty pound I realised that CRT an I were working on separate time zones.
So at 07.00 the following morning we were given the all clear to complete the ascent of the Wigan Flight after reaching the summit filling up with water and saying our good byes we were off again. Here I must give a special thanks to Peter one of the CRT Volunteers who's valiant efforts to keep us moving were appreciated his steadfastness, determination and loyalty are to be praised and recommended he even turned out on sunday morning his day off to make sure we reached the summit
Thank you Peter.
From the summit to Riley Green was quite uneventful, when we set out on this quest I thought I would be reporting on bad weather and Arctic conditions but the trip from up to Riley green was done in glorious weather. which of course brought the dog walkers, cyclists, walkers and every one else who like the canals out the tow path was packed. The locks were also awash with Gongoozelers, Us boater you know we love to entertain.
Monday 14 March
After a almost perfect overnight at the Boat Yard at Riley green we had an early start as I calculated that this would be one of the hardest and longest days, the day started in freezing temp and strong winds plus the fact that you travel through Blackburn, Accrinton, Burnley, Nelson and Colne, These town are synonymous with the industrial revolution and still remains one of the canals great heritage corridors However the above named towns and the CRT seem to have forgotten that fact as the canal is awful our two boats travelling together had a combined total of 5 grounding two of which required a tow six stoppages to untangle fouled props both boats having to play slalom with floating chairs sofa's building debris and household waist
the consequence of all this was we did not make our intended night stop and are still 4 hrs behind our schedule I know in boating that 4 hours is nothing and you have no real cause for complaint I just need to complain it makes me feel better
anyone who has never done this trip would be very angree to see such neglect and would be to busy sorting out problems of navigation instead of steeping themselves it this fantastic heritage and marvelling at the fantastic views
our stop over tonight is at the Gallows Wharf (pub) were Mike and I have just celebrated today achievements with a tow well earned pints (each)
Tomorrow should make our travelling companions happy as we will be entering Yorkshire
Night God Bless
Big Al
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