We had decided to move off after breakfast as I had looked at the forecast for today.
We travelled all of three and a half miles to the Dane embankment just out of Congleton, it has lovely views to the hills on one side and a spectacular railway viaduct on the other. We set off on foot and explored the Dane in Shaw pasture between the embankment foot and the railway line.
The blossom on the trees was in marked contrast to the fragrance as we negotiated the steps to the valley floor.
We have not seen as so many dog faeces for years, either side of the steps were a total disgrace. On examination from my lofty height, they were the products of many different dogs and many indifferent owners; is laziness a peculiar local trait?
Once into the pasture, the river Dane meandered and chuckled its merry way over stones and lots of small beaches which could be a delight to a child.
Wood Anemones, Dandelions, Primroses all were in abundance and added their small contribution to the area. Walking back to the loftliy perched boat, was could see two aqueducts; one whcih carried the canal over the river Dane, and one over the abandoned railway line from Stoke on Trent to Congleton Wharf where return loads of sand were swapped for loads of coal. The finishing stonework of the arches was a tribute to the builders of yesteryear.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday 29th April.
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!
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!
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
The journey begins...........
Wednesday, below Engine Lock, Caldon Canal.
We dusted off the bus passes; one Transpeak service into Buxton where we changed buses for the 118 service to Hanley. By the time that the bus left Buxton, there were 37 people on it, most of whom got off at Leek. The journey passes through beautiful countryside, with the strange arrangement of the Roaches rocks as you begin the descent towards Leek. A short walk from the bus stop at Endon High School saw us on the canal bank and back with Martlet. The shopping had been bought and stowed away yesterday, we had a few items with us from home that we had neglected yesterday.
A welcome cuppa with Sid and Joyce on Half Past Four, then we bade them farewell and having untied Martlet, headed for the bright lights of Stoke.
It feels good to be boating again, and a few small jobs over the next week will see Martlet through to the end of October.
We dusted off the bus passes; one Transpeak service into Buxton where we changed buses for the 118 service to Hanley. By the time that the bus left Buxton, there were 37 people on it, most of whom got off at Leek. The journey passes through beautiful countryside, with the strange arrangement of the Roaches rocks as you begin the descent towards Leek. A short walk from the bus stop at Endon High School saw us on the canal bank and back with Martlet. The shopping had been bought and stowed away yesterday, we had a few items with us from home that we had neglected yesterday.
A welcome cuppa with Sid and Joyce on Half Past Four, then we bade them farewell and having untied Martlet, headed for the bright lights of Stoke.
It feels good to be boating again, and a few small jobs over the next week will see Martlet through to the end of October.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
2010 beckons!
Hello; having had a snow covered garden for nearly 10 weeks earlier this year, we are glad to be back on Martlet for this season. One long range forecast that we have heard is promising a good summer; we do not bother to remember the Met office forecast as they seem to have lost the plot along with their bit of seaweed.
During the winter, Martlet has had the hull blasted with glass beads and then covered in Epoxy bitumen, and looks very smart.
I have made a pull out double bed with storage underneath in the saloon. Outside I have renewed the ropes. They were poly hemp and were supplied with the boat in 1999; they do not owe us much and were beginning to show signs of abrasion and general wear.
We were moored at Endon, checking that all is in working order before leaving the Caldon for the Summer, when Strange Magic with Roy on the helm passed by: we exchanged greetings and could well meet up again as we will be moving off tomorrow.
Imagine, no television and no visual election coverage - what a bonus!
During the winter, Martlet has had the hull blasted with glass beads and then covered in Epoxy bitumen, and looks very smart.
I have made a pull out double bed with storage underneath in the saloon. Outside I have renewed the ropes. They were poly hemp and were supplied with the boat in 1999; they do not owe us much and were beginning to show signs of abrasion and general wear.
We were moored at Endon, checking that all is in working order before leaving the Caldon for the Summer, when Strange Magic with Roy on the helm passed by: we exchanged greetings and could well meet up again as we will be moving off tomorrow.
Imagine, no television and no visual election coverage - what a bonus!
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