We left Engine lock at 7am and had a pleasant surprise on arrival at Planet Lock.
We had been told that anti-vandal gear had been placed on the ground paddles; it was the handcuff style, but needed a half turn only to release them and a push against a spring to set them again - wonderful! We picked up something on the blades, but managed to remove most of it by bursts of reverse. We saw no boats moving on the Caldon, and only three on the Trent and Mersey between Etruria and Harecastle Tunnel. This part of the canal has changed beyond recognition since our first journey in 1983; no steelworks, only a couple of canalside potteries still producing. Loads of new housing, which will no doubt eventually cover all of the land previously used when we had manufacturing industries.
We had decided to go down the weed hatch whilst waiting for the Tunnel; yes, you have guessed correctly - there was no queue and the Tunnel keeper waved us on 'straight through, there is one about 25 minutes in front' we told him of the weed hatch and after a quick inspection and removal of a few traces of a shirt, carried on into the gloom. The famed 'Kidsgrove Boggart' must have been sleeping as we had a clear run and could see the north end as soon as we were enveloped in the dark.
I must make an effort to get out more, as my mind turned to some lines from 'The Old Astronmer to his Pupil' by Sarah Willams
though my soul may set in darkness
it will rise in perfect light
I have loved the stars too fondly
to be fearful of the night"
At the North end, only one boat was waiting, this was at 11.30am; it was pleasantly quiet on the canal today. Turning left into the Macclesfield canal, again nothing moving until we reached the stop lock at Scholar Green where tow boats were in front.
As we passed Heritage boats, it began to drizzle, we were going to stop at Bridge 85, some 10 minutes away so I hardly got wet at all.
We moored with a view to Mow Cop between the showers, again with only 3G connection, so the photos will have to wait - sorry!
