SUNDAY. At Fishers Swing Bridge, L & L
The 2008 trip thus far: 312 Locks; 584.5 Miles; 56 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 21
I woke up during the night to the sound of heavy rain on the roof; I turned over and promptly went back to sleep. When I did eventually get out of bed, it was still raining, albeit lighter. This was the pattern until early afternoon, when the sun made an appearance.
It was nice to see so many people using the towpath; the only slight problem seemed to be caused by cyclists travelling too fast, especially where families with small children were walking. Why are cyclists unable to think about anyone else? Common sense should tell them that if a child were to move in front of them; the cyclist taking avoiding action could end up in the canal. Now there is a thought!
We walked back to Deans Lock and looked at the now disused second chamber. Although the gates are covered in vegetation, the leakage past the top gates; sides and from the cill is barely enough for a trickle. The lower gates also looked to be in good order. The footboards of the footbridge on the unused lock were in good condition, whereas on the lock in use, were partly rotten.
This location must have been really pleasant before the opening of the M6 motorway which crosses the Douglas valley on a high bridge; and in so doing, causes traffic noise to be heard for a considerable distance.
Today was yet another easy one, we are determined to do something tomorrow; we may go to Southport and look at the museum and the art gallery, on the other hand………
Weather - Heavy showers, long sunny intervals in the afternoon. Strong wind.
