When we woke our new crew were being very quiet, were they awake?
Yes and dressed! Bacon butties and some shopping later to replenish
the ingredients to make biscuits later, we set off. The Wondering
Womble boat was about in Castlefield Basin making the place look
tidy, the sun was out and all well.
We pootled down to Waters Meeting and turned right. New canal for us
from now on til Liverpool. Past the Kelloggs factory which smelt of
Corn Flakes and Cocoa Pops. Shame they don't make Shedded Wheat to
keep Frank happy, non of the shops near Castlefield sold them, so
Shreddies it would have to be for the next few days. We didn't feel the need for any retail therapy at the Trafford Centre (although there is handy mooring available) so carried on to Barton Swing Aquaduct. Mick and I couldn't work out how they would contain the water on the Aquaduct as there seemed to be no guillotin gates as we expected.
The water got gradually cleaner and cleaner so much so that we could
see the bottom of the canal. Bending left at Parrin Lane Bridge we
saw the Light House which is rather strange. Continuing along on the
straight up to Worsley there was a Bridgewater Canal wide beam
working boat at a slight angle and with quite a list. As we
approached a chap came to us saying that they had a mattress caught
round their prop and could we please go as slow as possible as there
was a diver in the water trying to free them. We were glad that it
wasn't us in that situation. Who do you ring for a diver?
At Worsley we joined the queue for water which we were in need of as
with four on board we didn't want to leave it for long. At the front
of the queue was NB Noisy Horn he had finished filling and was
having a very good chat with whomever. Interesting chap, but the
thought of being stuck behind him, oh well! Another boat filled up
and then it was us. Frank was astounded at how long it takes to fill the water
tank. We pootled along, Steve having a go at the helm. We passed Leigh where NB Noisy Horn was moored outside the Waterside Inn, most probably stocking up! On to Plank Lane, arriving before the bridge was open for the evening so we moored up for the night. Mick and Steve went off on a reckie to the Nevison pub whilst Frank and I stayed behind to make biscuits.
The pub passed muster and so did the beer so we went there for tea. Their Brown Cow Pies and Steak and Kidney Puddings are very nice, and a pleasant group of chaps came and played music for us. back to the boat leaving Frank to enjoy the music for a while longer on his own.
The boys were left to fight with making up beds with the occasional bit of guidence shouted from me in bed.
Smart Guage start of day 58, end of cruising day 100, 14 miles, 0 locks, 1 Heron Lots of biscuits eaten and made.
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