And everything was going so well.... A major catastrophe occurred today - Annies Kindle wouldn't turn on. I tinkered with it and I fiddled with it but I couldn't get it to turn on. Finally had to admit defeat and recommend the purchase of a new one. Explored Liverpool One in the process - a major new development, mostly shopping that is totally new since I last came to Liverpool. After much deliberation Annie chose a Nook e-reader and we pretty much spent the rest of the day setting it up.
Managed to find a cinema still showing Star Trek and went to see a late showing.
These are the voyages of Ken, Annie and dog Peggy. As we cruise we will try and keep the blog up-to-date - internet access permitting of course. Ceilidh is a 54ft cruiser style narrowboat. It was built by J Pinder Ltd for Black Prince hire boats in 1995.
Sunday 23 June 2013
Thursday 20 June 2013
19th June 2013 - Aintree to Salthouse Dock, Liverpool
Last night we had joined four other boats waiting at bridge 9. Along with the three waiting at bridge 8 that made eight including us. It was a surprise therefore that at the appointed hour 9am, there were nine boats waiting to go through. One chap had turned up not knowing anything about having to book in. He was allowed to come with us as far as Litherland but could not continue until he had ze korrect paperverk!
The CRT man operated the first swing bridge for us and we all set off in convoy, with Meander and Ceilidh 3rd and 4th in the convoy. A further bridge was operated by CRT, after which we all made our way through Litherland and Bootle into Liverpool to meet up again at the Stanley flight which take the canal down into the docks. We locked through with Meander, helped by CRT and a elderly passer-by whos grandfather was a boatman. Thereafter we threaded our way through the central and southern docks, all now redundant but absolutely fascinating.
The CRT chaps met us again at Mann Island lock as for some reason we weren't allowed to operate it. Once out of Mann Island we were into Canning Dock, then through the Albert Dock lined with historic boats from the National Maritime Museum, then into Salthouse Dock. We peeled off left to find our mooring in the corner - wow what a great place! We quickly realised our error in only booking for 5 days and I was quickly on the phone to CRT to extend our stay. This they managed to arrange, so we now leave on Monday 1st July.
Went a walk around central Liddypol and bought a few essential supplies
The CRT man operated the first swing bridge for us and we all set off in convoy, with Meander and Ceilidh 3rd and 4th in the convoy. A further bridge was operated by CRT, after which we all made our way through Litherland and Bootle into Liverpool to meet up again at the Stanley flight which take the canal down into the docks. We locked through with Meander, helped by CRT and a elderly passer-by whos grandfather was a boatman. Thereafter we threaded our way through the central and southern docks, all now redundant but absolutely fascinating.
The CRT chaps met us again at Mann Island lock as for some reason we weren't allowed to operate it. Once out of Mann Island we were into Canning Dock, then through the Albert Dock lined with historic boats from the National Maritime Museum, then into Salthouse Dock. We peeled off left to find our mooring in the corner - wow what a great place! We quickly realised our error in only booking for 5 days and I was quickly on the phone to CRT to extend our stay. This they managed to arrange, so we now leave on Monday 1st July.
Went a walk around central Liddypol and bought a few essential supplies
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| Ah, breaker one-nine, this here's the Rubber Duck..We got us a convoy! |
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| Loads of redundant canal architecture on the way in |
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| Sharing Stanley top lock with Meander |
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| Out into Stanley Dock |
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| Transit between Collingwood Dock and Salisbury Dock |
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| Looking back at the Tobacco Warehouse |
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| Princes Dock and Princes Dock footbridge |
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| Tunnel beneath the Pierhead |
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| Liver Building from the canal |
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| Mann Island lock |
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| Canning Dock |
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| Entrance to Maritime Museum |
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| Meander entering Albert Dock |
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| Albert Dock |
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| Moored up in Salthouse Dock |
18th June 2013 - Heaton's Bridge to Aintree
Today we must move up closer to Liverpool. We have to be at bridge No9, next to Aintree racecourse at 9am tomorrow morning to meet up with the CRT chaps who will conduct us through to the city centre.
Other boats clearly are doing the same thing - we were awoken by 4 boats going by at the crack of sparrows - and pulling out our mooring pins yet again. To be fair I had put them in quite quickly yesterday.
It was a lovely warm day, mostly sunny and lovely countryside. Swing bridges kept appearing - all with different modes of operation just to keep you on your toes. At bridge 10 we found several boats ready to move into Liverpool tomorrow, along with several who had just come out. Their departure had been delayed for a day because of the 'yellow duck' incident when a WW2 amphibious vehicle full of tourists had sunk right next to where we will be mooring. We parked up temporarily and cycled to bridge 9 to check it out - deciding to move the boat up.
Moored behind Nb Meander and were promptly invited to a glass of wine and a chat....which went on most of the evening!
Other boats clearly are doing the same thing - we were awoken by 4 boats going by at the crack of sparrows - and pulling out our mooring pins yet again. To be fair I had put them in quite quickly yesterday.
It was a lovely warm day, mostly sunny and lovely countryside. Swing bridges kept appearing - all with different modes of operation just to keep you on your toes. At bridge 10 we found several boats ready to move into Liverpool tomorrow, along with several who had just come out. Their departure had been delayed for a day because of the 'yellow duck' incident when a WW2 amphibious vehicle full of tourists had sunk right next to where we will be mooring. We parked up temporarily and cycled to bridge 9 to check it out - deciding to move the boat up.
Moored behind Nb Meander and were promptly invited to a glass of wine and a chat....which went on most of the evening!
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| Mooring at Heaton's Bridge |
17th June 2013 - Remained at Heaton's Bridge
Julie and Stan live quite close so we had phoned last night to announce our arrival. Julie texted to say she was coming over mid morning and we moved the boat 500 yards to be closer to Heaton's Bridge. After a cuppa, she kindly ferried us to do some essential shopping and we popped in to McD's for lunch.
Both Stan and Julie came over for tea - and Stan brought some of his fishing kit in order to show me how it is done. I have spent many happy hours drowning maggots and worms but have never ever caught a (fresh water) fish. Suffice it to say, Stan soon had the fish queueing up to throw themselves onto his hook, so that when it came to my turn I had a bite fairly quickly. After a heroic fight with the thrashing monster I managed to land it. Record photographs were taken, but must have had the wrong lens on as it seems in the pictures to be only 2 inches long....
Both Stan and Julie came over for tea - and Stan brought some of his fishing kit in order to show me how it is done. I have spent many happy hours drowning maggots and worms but have never ever caught a (fresh water) fish. Suffice it to say, Stan soon had the fish queueing up to throw themselves onto his hook, so that when it came to my turn I had a bite fairly quickly. After a heroic fight with the thrashing monster I managed to land it. Record photographs were taken, but must have had the wrong lens on as it seems in the pictures to be only 2 inches long....
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| A study of concentration.... |
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| Managed to haul in the beast. My first catch |
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| While Stan did a little better... |
16th June 2013 - Crooke to Heaton's Bridge
Had a morning walk around Crooke village. The Crooke Hall, the local hostelry was described in a review as '70's underground decor. We decided not to hang around to sample its delights.
We came across a few locks today - for the past couple of days our journey had been on the level. They were bristling with anti-vandal locks which require a separate key to open and serve to indicate that the yoof hereabouts have time on their hands.....
Had lunch at Parbold. Mark and Claire both rang to wish me a happy fathers day. Both asked where we were. Not sure if its any reflection but Claire had never heard of Parbold, wheras Mark could recommend a good pub there!
We also came upon several swing bridges which required swinging (often they are left open if only used for farm access). These generally have pubs alongside to provide their clientele with entertainment watching poor boated struggle with complicated machinery. Just after Burscough we came upon New Lane Swing Bridge. Annie went to do the bridge whilst I held onto the boat but it soon became clear there was a problem so went to help. On this variation (every bridge is different) you must press a button to operate traffic lights to stop the traffic, then swing two gates closed across the road, then press the control button again to swing the bridge hydraulically. Only it wouldn't open... cars were building up, so we had to open everything up and start again. Four times this happened, until inexplicably the bridge decided it had had enough fun and opened for us. As soon as the bridge opened there was a ripple of polite clapping from the entire pub full of people who had come out to watch! Annie drove Ceilidh through fast before it changed its mind.
Parked just before Heaton's Bridge so that Annie could listen to the men's tennis final from Queens.
We came across a few locks today - for the past couple of days our journey had been on the level. They were bristling with anti-vandal locks which require a separate key to open and serve to indicate that the yoof hereabouts have time on their hands.....
Had lunch at Parbold. Mark and Claire both rang to wish me a happy fathers day. Both asked where we were. Not sure if its any reflection but Claire had never heard of Parbold, wheras Mark could recommend a good pub there!
We also came upon several swing bridges which required swinging (often they are left open if only used for farm access). These generally have pubs alongside to provide their clientele with entertainment watching poor boated struggle with complicated machinery. Just after Burscough we came upon New Lane Swing Bridge. Annie went to do the bridge whilst I held onto the boat but it soon became clear there was a problem so went to help. On this variation (every bridge is different) you must press a button to operate traffic lights to stop the traffic, then swing two gates closed across the road, then press the control button again to swing the bridge hydraulically. Only it wouldn't open... cars were building up, so we had to open everything up and start again. Four times this happened, until inexplicably the bridge decided it had had enough fun and opened for us. As soon as the bridge opened there was a ripple of polite clapping from the entire pub full of people who had come out to watch! Annie drove Ceilidh through fast before it changed its mind.
Parked just before Heaton's Bridge so that Annie could listen to the men's tennis final from Queens.
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| Parbold |
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| Annoying swing bridge (one of many) |
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| One that will never open again! |
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| Reconstruction of an iron-age roundhouse next to the canal |
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| Where can I put my garden shed? I know! On a pontoon in the canal.... |
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| Handy peddle powered raft. Might make one of these with our Scouts |
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| Listening to the tennis |
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| Our mooring at Heaton's Bridge |
15th June 2013 - Worsley to Crooke
Now mooring outside a canal-side pub might sound idyllic to some - but there are drawbacks. The 'yoof' congregating loudly outside the boat dissolved away last night when it started hammering with rain so we could get to sleep. However we awoke to the delicate sound of birdsong - and 1/2 tonne of glass (brown green and white) being tipped into the recycling lorry at 6.30am.
Our setting off was delayed by a series of phone calls informing of the scout hut sadly being broken into sometime in the last couple of days. There was various collateral damage usual with break-ins, broken doors etc, but it was sad to hear that the groups lovely Honda outboard engine has gone. Thanks to everyone who are dealing with this little emergency in our absence. It preyed heavily on my mind for ...oooh 10 minutes. Then we started the engine and were off!
Our route took us through Wigan, passed 'Wigan Pier' which was interesting. We stopped for lunch (and to clear the weed hatch) at a lovely spot overlooking Pennington Flash. These flashes are large lakes created by mining subsidence, although coal mining is the culprit here rather than salt mining which created the flashes around Northwich. Plank Lane swing bridge (which is actually a lift bridge) was a tas hairy being a very busy road. The second Annie opened it again a police car came screaming through, lights flashing. Not sure what we would have done if we were 1/2 way through.....
Moored at Crooke which has a great feeling of remoteness, despite it being close to civilisation. The marina was formerly the entrance to underground mines.
Our setting off was delayed by a series of phone calls informing of the scout hut sadly being broken into sometime in the last couple of days. There was various collateral damage usual with break-ins, broken doors etc, but it was sad to hear that the groups lovely Honda outboard engine has gone. Thanks to everyone who are dealing with this little emergency in our absence. It preyed heavily on my mind for ...oooh 10 minutes. Then we started the engine and were off!
Our route took us through Wigan, passed 'Wigan Pier' which was interesting. We stopped for lunch (and to clear the weed hatch) at a lovely spot overlooking Pennington Flash. These flashes are large lakes created by mining subsidence, although coal mining is the culprit here rather than salt mining which created the flashes around Northwich. Plank Lane swing bridge (which is actually a lift bridge) was a tas hairy being a very busy road. The second Annie opened it again a police car came screaming through, lights flashing. Not sure what we would have done if we were 1/2 way through.....
Moored at Crooke which has a great feeling of remoteness, despite it being close to civilisation. The marina was formerly the entrance to underground mines.
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| "Severn" which we had seen on the Weaver |
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| Down through the Wigan flight |
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| Wigan Pier |
Friday 14 June 2013
14th June 2013 - Lymm to Worsley
We were awoken by a couple of boats going by very early. The forecast was for rain by late morning so we reckoned they were trying to beat the weather - so we would too! We were off before 8am with bacon butties and coffee on the move on a beautiful (temporarily) morning. This part of the Bridgewater Canal is raised only on a slight embankment but as it crosses the Cheshire Plain affords some really great views to the Pennines and Lancashire hills.
During the morning we passed the bases of several large cruising clubs including Lymm and Sale with loads of narrowboats and cruisers stored - so much for the received dire warnings of a no-go area.
At Lunchtime we came into Worsley, passing the historic dry dock and 'The Delph' where the the Duke of Bridgewater's mine entrance was located. He built the canal to service and transport coal from the mines, thus kick starting (many say) the industrial revolution - certainly the late 18th century canal mania. Without him there would be no 'Ken and Annie' cruise of 2013. Lets hear it for the Duke of Bridgewater - hip hip.....
We stopped around the corner for lunch and a read..... and didnt get going again until 5pm. We only went on for 45 minutes, stopping at 'The Moorings' pub where we had a meal.
During the morning we passed the bases of several large cruising clubs including Lymm and Sale with loads of narrowboats and cruisers stored - so much for the received dire warnings of a no-go area.
At Lunchtime we came into Worsley, passing the historic dry dock and 'The Delph' where the the Duke of Bridgewater's mine entrance was located. He built the canal to service and transport coal from the mines, thus kick starting (many say) the industrial revolution - certainly the late 18th century canal mania. Without him there would be no 'Ken and Annie' cruise of 2013. Lets hear it for the Duke of Bridgewater - hip hip.....
We stopped around the corner for lunch and a read..... and didnt get going again until 5pm. We only went on for 45 minutes, stopping at 'The Moorings' pub where we had a meal.
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| Art Nouveau factory in Altrincham |
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| We decided we quite liked this new build block of apartments |
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| Crossing Barton Aquaduct over the Manchester Ship Canal |
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| A random lighthouse in Eccles. Think about it..... |
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| Duke of Bridgewater's gaff in Worsley |
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| Entrance to the D of B's mines, the Delph, Worsley |
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| A 'Starvationer' used to remove coal from the mines (this one at Ellesmere Port museum) |
Thursday 13 June 2013
13th May 2013 - Anderton to Lymm
Went and paid the Marina as soon as they opened at 9am ready for an early start - then got talking to the lady at reception for an hour or so, so our quick getaway went for a ball of chalk.
We set off in warm sunshine wearing just T shirts. No don't be silly - you know what I mean.
This state of affairs lasted just 10 minutes before another layer went on in the increasing wind. Inside an hour Annie had 5 layers and me 4, with full waterproofs in what was the wettest day of our journey yet!
We navigated, yet again through the Barnton, Saltersford and Preston Brook tunnels. I was even more annoyed than on the previous occasions at how the 'wonderful 18th century surveyors' had managed to make a complete dog's breakfast out of tunneling in an absolutely straight line - not once but three times.
We parked up under the motorway bridge at Preston Brook for lunch, only to find the rain hammering down even harder when we emerged from the other side. The rain stopped at 5pm as we were entering Lymm, which seems a nice place. However we werent to find out as the urge to press on meant that we finally moored up between Lymm and Dunham Massey.
Just down the road is Millington Hall where one of my antecedents took the family name sometime in the 13th century, no doubt he maintained the privies - certainly wasn't his Lordship! Might cycle over in the morning for a pilgrimage - if it isn't raining!
We set off in warm sunshine wearing just T shirts. No don't be silly - you know what I mean.
This state of affairs lasted just 10 minutes before another layer went on in the increasing wind. Inside an hour Annie had 5 layers and me 4, with full waterproofs in what was the wettest day of our journey yet!
We navigated, yet again through the Barnton, Saltersford and Preston Brook tunnels. I was even more annoyed than on the previous occasions at how the 'wonderful 18th century surveyors' had managed to make a complete dog's breakfast out of tunneling in an absolutely straight line - not once but three times.
We parked up under the motorway bridge at Preston Brook for lunch, only to find the rain hammering down even harder when we emerged from the other side. The rain stopped at 5pm as we were entering Lymm, which seems a nice place. However we werent to find out as the urge to press on meant that we finally moored up between Lymm and Dunham Massey.
Just down the road is Millington Hall where one of my antecedents took the family name sometime in the 13th century, no doubt he maintained the privies - certainly wasn't his Lordship! Might cycle over in the morning for a pilgrimage - if it isn't raining!
12th June 2013 - Fleet to Northwich (train)
Abi volunteered to chauffeur the two of us to Fleet Station, along with all our bags. Thanks Abi. Strangely our tickets took us on a different route to our journey a fortnight ago. This time we went into London. Struggling with heavy bags between Waterloo and Euston on the underground was a bit of a mission - escalators have yet to arrive on the Northern Line. Our pre-booked seats on the London to Manchester train were already occupied by a gentleman. But then we checked tickets and he discovered he was on the wrong train, which was great for us but bad news for him. Did the weeks shopping on arrival at Northwich then phoned for a taxi to take us to the marina. The taxi that arrived was a mini-bus which I thought far too large for just the two of us - then realised it was OK once we saw the size of the taxi driver.
Got back to the boat at 5pm. There was a boat service point just outside the marina so we decided to fill up with water and empty the loo tank in preparation for the trip to Liverpool. Fortunately the pump-out proved to be much less messy than our previous experience on the Montgomery canal.
Got back to the boat at 5pm. There was a boat service point just outside the marina so we decided to fill up with water and empty the loo tank in preparation for the trip to Liverpool. Fortunately the pump-out proved to be much less messy than our previous experience on the Montgomery canal.
Tuesday 11 June 2013
11th June 2013 - Back to the boat tomorrow
It has been great being home these past two weeks, but we are both chomping at the bit to get back to Ceilidh. Cub Camp went fantastically. Had a great meal with Charlie for his 21st and garden working party round at Mums. Caught up with a lot of people, the Scout Group is in very safe hands (thanks guys) now its time to abscond again!
Our original plan was to visit both the Lancaster Canal and Liverpool during our journey. Both the Liverpool Link and Ribble Link (to get to the Lancaster Canal) require prior booking and access is limited. Carefully comparing the dates when access is permitted and our likely journey times convinced us that unfortunately it would be impossible to visit both this year - so we decided upon the Lancaster. I sent the forms off but was disappointing to receive a phone call from CRT that the Ribble Link was all booked up - into September! I asked about Liverpool but the lady couldn't help me as its a separate application. Out of the blue today we got a call back from CRT - "I understand you wish to book the Liverpool Link - what dates? - Yes that should be alright! So our adventure continues on into Liverpool. We have to be at Bridge 9 on the Leeds & Liverpool at 9am on 19th June where we will be met by CRT staff to conduct us into the City Centre - mostly to operate swing bridges etc I believe. We are booked onto a pontoon in Salthouse Dock until Monday 24th June.
Now all we have to do is get back to Northwich.....
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| Liverpool Link Canal crossing the Pier Head |
Monday 3 June 2013
3rd June 2013 - Site Update
Have added link to the right hand control panel to a map showing our latest current location. The map is Google based so you can pan, zoom in and out and switch to aerial photo view and shows all the waterway features. Hope this makes the ramblings a little more understandable!
30th May 2013 - Anderton to Fleet (by train)
Up early to sort the boat out. Cranked up the engine and moved the 1/2 mile or so into Anderton Marina. Moored up at an empty pontoon and proceeded to 'put the boat to bed' ie. all the rubbish off,. batteries turned off, gas off etc. At 10 O'clock our taxi was waiting for us at reception and we were at the station in 5 minutes leaving us only 1/2 an hour to kill before the train :-p We had to change at Stockport and Basingstoke and Charlie picked us up from Fleet. Nice to be home for camp - but we both feel we want to be back on the boat.....
Felt a little better after spending the evening completing the application forms to gain permission to get onto the Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal on our return to the water - currently programmed for 12th June. Cant wait!
Felt a little better after spending the evening completing the application forms to gain permission to get onto the Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal on our return to the water - currently programmed for 12th June. Cant wait!
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| Ceilidh 'stored' for a fortnight at Anderton Marina |
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