WEDNESDAY. On Rufford Arm, above Lock 5
The 2008 trip thus far: 317 Locks; 587.5 Miles; 61 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 21
Before we left Parbold, we had a visit from James of CanvasMan fame. He had brought the bent (sorry – adjusted) version of the cratch cover bars; which would after fitting, stretch the cover properly. He fitted them; they didn’t stretch the canvas properly. He took measurements and will have a new set of bars made in order that they will stretch the canvas. For an endless loop, read this paragraph from the top. From our point of view, we will carry on boating.
The forecast had promised heavy rain this afternoon; we moved off and headed for the Rufford Branch. The pedestrian swing bridge before the first lock proved to be too heavy for Myra to move. I managed it, but it is unnecessarily stiff for such a small bridge.
A Health and safety evaluation has obviously not been carried out here. The only way to close the bridge is by standing on the concrete and pulling the bridge towards you. But, there is insufficient clearance for your feet under the bridge. You are forced to shuffle back and you have to lean forward to maintain pull on the bridge; risking back strain in the process. An extension bar as fitted to most swing bridges would be a great help.
This bridge is part of the access to the flagship Ribble Link. I hope the rest is of a higher standard.
Moored up above lock 5, we went for a walk after supper. A hire boat and a plastic cruiser came to the lock. They were the same people that we had spoken to at Appley Bridge on Monday. We helped them down the lock, and the crew of the cruiser, John and Siobhan, invited us aboard for a drink as they made their way along. We had intended to walk as far as the next lock; we stayed aboard for a while longer, enjoying their company and eventually took our leave quite a way along the canal. We had declined their kind offer of staying on board for the night and walked back to Martlet. We watched four Hares playing in a field, quite happily until they saw us. Then they went off really quickly.
Another good boating day; passing the time with like minded people and surrounded by open fields with distant views of hills – perfect!
Weather – Dry all day, a few clouds.
