WEDNESDAY. Ribble Link holding basin
The 2008 trip thus far: 342 Locks; 684 Miles; 66 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 35
It was raining as we climbed out of bed today. It was raining as we moved off. It was raining as we entered the holding basin at the Ribble link staircase.
We were about half way to the basin when the engine spluttered and stopped. It would just about fire and run on low revs; so low revs it was until we could stop at the basin and I could check the water trap and change the fuel filter.
Myra looked out from under our rear cover and gave me the good news as I was turning into the basin. Owing to heavy rain and high water levels; the Ribble link crossing was cancelled. Wonderful. We had travelled quickly to make it a day early, as BW had suggested and now the weather had intervened.
I drained the water trap and changed the fuel filter. The amount of gunge on the filter top would have entitled the engine to stop. When the engine was running again, it ran at 2000rpm with not a hint of a hiccup. Hopefully that should have done the trick.
We went down to the foot of the stairs, sorry, staircase and looked at Savick Brook. To give credit where it is due, the stream and height of water would entitle it to be upgraded to River status. The stream was fast and the lock moorings were underwater. By the time that we had returned from lock 7, the level had dropped by one brick at the bottom of the staircase.
It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. Having cancelled the Friday trip owing to a bad weather forecast, I wonder how they will justify allow us to travel. Watch this space!
Weather – Raining, heavy then heavier, dry after lunchtime and a then sunny evening.
