The Noisy M6

Sunday 11th August

Today we will be having the M6 motorway for company for most of the day as it hugs the canal as we go southwards.

Leaky Locks

 

Ramming Speed!

 

You would think that they would come up with a more appropriate name!

 

We enjoyed peace again when we reached the famous Round House at Gailey that was once a toll keeper's watch-tower.

 

 

All means of transport are seen on the canals.

 

We have noticed that there are more and more canalside pubs that have closed. Last time we passed through Hatherton junction Misty's Bar was thriving with families sat outside enjoying the location. Alas, today it is firmly closed. Quizzing a resident moorer as to why, came the reply that nobody uses the bar during the winter. Shame!

Today's plan was to moor at Cross Green that would then put us within a few miles of Aldersley junction. This would allow us to pass through during early morning as we have been stoned here by lads in the past.

Just doing some paint touching up when Richard and Lesley on their newly launched boat that we saw craned into the water, moored up behind us. After a few wines aboard their boat we decided to book into the Fox & Anchor for an evening meal. Not the best quality food that we enjoyed this holiday but we all had a good natter and  then we broke into some more wine later aboard Fruit of The Vine. Hic!

 

Another steam boat that passed us whilst we were moored

The power room

Complete with smoke

 

Monday 12th August

 

Dianne had arranged for her son and grandchildren to visit us on our boat on Tuesday on their way up to Manchester. We agreed a venue and then set about planning our next overnight stop so that we could be within easy striking distance of the arranged meeting point on Tuesday morning.

 

A beautiful row of Poplar trees as we approached Aldersley junction  

They usually fly off when a boat passes

 

Soon after passing the junction Keith noticed a marked change in the engine note as we passed through a bridge hole. 

 

This was the reason.....a coat around the propeller!

 

Tonight we have moored up at another of our favourite spots. It's at Dimmingsdale lock. Its unique in that you can moor for up to 5 days on the opposite side of the towpath just before the lock and it is so peaceful with just the sound of the wind in the trees and the canal overflow just behind us.