WEDNESDAY. South end of Harecastle Tunnel.
The 2008 trip thus far: 422Locks; 762 Miles; 74 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 36
This morning was a reminder of the essence of boating as far as we are concerned. We moved off and were entering the top lock at Bosley at 6.45am. Myra was on the boat; I was locking as the bottom gate paddles can be stiff to get going.
The view of the Cloud gets better lower down the flight, although it is good even from the top. I was preparing the second lock when I heard the Yaffle sound of a green woodpecker, and was just in time to see it fly away from quite close.
The air had a wonderful Autumn, slightly damp smell; it was definitely good to be around early. Although the top lock had been full, all of the others were empty. My method is to lift one paddle on the lock with the boat inside; then walk to the next lock, lifting both upper paddles. When it is full, then opening the far gate with the boathook and return to the previous lock to release the boat.
This method works for us; obviously great care is taken when pushing open the far gate, we have a new boathook made with a pitchfork handle, good and strong. We found the bottom lock full; we locked down and were leaving the bottom with gates closed at 8.20am. I had worked up a good amount of heat and pleased to have a rest steering whilst Myra made a brew.
There was little boat movement, five passing in the opposite direction before the Hall Green stop lock. We arrived at Harecastle Tunnel north end to be told that it would be about 20 minutes before we could enter. We were third in line behind a hire boat from Stone and a private one. We had enough time for beans on toast.
The private boat was some five minutes behind the hire boat when it emerged from the tunnel. We intended to stop just south of the tunnel, so we were not in a rush, but my eyes are always glad to get into clear air after the stinging of the exhaust inside. The dulcet tones of Ivor Batchelor, greeted and mocked us as we emerged. He is working as a tunnel keeper again this year; after tying up, we wandered back and passed the time of day with him.
By the time that he had gone off duty, some four boats has arrived and moored opposite us. We had a good boaters chatting session with them across the canal. It was nice to hear them talking and laughter as we were eating our dinner. It has been a long time since the evenings have been dry and warm enough to sit outside.
Soon after, we realised that the boat opposite us was fitted with antisocial central heating, otherwise known as an Eberspacher. For those unaware of the noise generated by these devices of the devil, imagine this. Stand near the runway as a Typhoon fighter does a near vertical takeoff – you get the general idea. Within the boat in which it is fitted, the noise is almost inaudible; everyone else within a good distance can hear the noise reflected from the water surface.
Weather – Dry all morning, then some sunshine!
