TUESDAY. At Castlefields, Manchester
The 2008 trip thus far: 305 Locks; 560 Miles; 56 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 21
I checked with River Canal rescue, their engineer would arrive about 10.30am; I passed on this information to Geoff on the boat in front. We exchanged our goodbyes; I had explained that we would not be around when the engineer called and wished them a safe onward journey.
We went home for the day; walking along the canal towpath on our way to the bus station. (It IS supposed to be a canal based blog). There is a direct bus from Manchester to our home, enabling us to take some clothes for washing and to have a proper bath. The journey was nearly all undertaken in drizzle or mist, the stunning Peak District views hidden from our gaze. The lady driver was one of the best drivers to have driven us this year. Her observation and anticipation were very good; she only occasionally resorted to using the brake, resulting in good progress and a very smooth journey.
The stop at Dove Holes for a change of driver produced the more usual style and was considerably rougher. Owing to Bakewell show traffic, the return journey began some 20 minutes late, of which 10 minutes was recovered by the replacement driver at Dove Holes. Yes, it was one and the same lady as our outward journey. Near the bus station, we passed the old Fire brigade headquarters; a lovely building that I will try and photograph before we leave.
Geoff’s boat and that of their friends were missing when we arrived at Castlefields; the repair was obviously completed successfully, which was good news.
Weather – Drizzle and light showers.
