Having recovered from our BCN disaster, we are now meandering slowly towards our winter mooring goal. And whilst there is still sun on our backs and golden leaves on the trees we shall make the most of our “idyllic lifestyle”.
But which way should we go, the Heron suggests Chester,
Tempting though it is, we carried on heading towards Great Haywood. Up through the Autherley Narrows, very grateful for a passing place when we saw an oncoming boat. Eric was able to hop off an hold the boat in close, whilst we let the hire boat scrape their paintwork along those vicious rocks.
We waved a hello to Kim and Paul on Kumpali, as we cruised through Coven but we weren’t able to stop for a cuppa. Hoping to catch up soon.
We passed through the SI chemical plant, with its dire warnings not to stop, especially if you hear the sirens alarm. I wonder what they’re making. We didnt hang around to find out.
Theres obviously a lot of infrastructure being developed between Four Ashes and Gailey. It’s a pretty section of canal that seems to be suffering from the encroaching development
Apparently this was to be a huge rail and transport hub, but something fell apart because the development has ground to a halt and the land has been bought by a Canadian company and work stopped. However, there has obviously been some negotiation between the relevant authorities. I suspect the developers paid for the new towpath, which looks very fine.
Or at least that was our initial thought until we realised that there’s mooring implications.
Those holes in the soil are the mooring rings. the towpath level has probably been raised. I wonder how long it’ll be before those rings are buried in the falling leaves and uncut grass. But at least theres still Armco…. which is great … until you have to kneel down on the slope facing the canal…. I don’t know about you, but my physics tells me that my centre of gravity is no longer “central” and if I’m not careful it’ll be head first into the water.
Still, even though I didnt fall in this time, it did make us chuckle at the lack of foresight. We stopped for water at Gailey, and just as I was about to set the lock to go down, we saw another boat coming up. Double win, not only did it mean I didnt have to set the lock, but it was familiar faces. Adam and Adrian on NB Kingsley Vale. I’d not had the guided tour before so Adrian showed me around. It’s a fabulous boat and lovely home. I also got to meet the adorable little Macc whilst we shared cake and coffee.
