Cruising 2012

After a long wet, cold and depressing winter we are preparing for the summer sun.
see www.nbprairieoyster2012.blogspot.co.uk
for the action!

Back at Rufford

Arrived back at our marina just before 4pm today, pretty much soaked through and somewhat windswept.
Had to wait an hour in the rain for someone to fuel us up before I navigated us back to our pier (we want the tank full for winter).  Arrived soaked as it blew us down the branch for first four locks and then poured on us for next three and the swing bridge!  Luckily the wind calmed when it came to reversing across the marina onto our pier.  We left Lymm Saturday morning and went through Sale, Trafford Park and Worsley to Astley Green where we overnighted.   Had a meal at the Boat again.
On Sunday we progressed onto the Leih branch through Leigh into Wigan and on to Parbold for the night . Left there about ten this morning.

Last few days have been a bit of a slog and fairly depresssing we are not cut out for winter cruising.
 

Lymm

Arrived at Lymm about 4pm last night after a rather windy cruise from Anderton where we overnighted near the Lift.  Although the weather forecast had been dire we were quite lucky that with only one lock and three tunnels to do the wind did not hinder us too much.  The rain mainly held off until just after we moored up and then the heavens really opened. we rocked and bumped the night away and I got wet taking Mac off for some exercise. 

Westport Lake Stoke on Trent

Arrived about 3pm yesterday after leaving Endon about 8am.  Sally our Scottie died on Thursday and we are missing her.

Leek Tunnel

Had a brilliant day today weather wise and a very enjoyable cruise of about nine miles and eight locks up to Hazlehurst Junction and turn left for Leek branch.  Met up with BW men at Consall Mill Lock trying to fettle gates that were leeking badly. borrowed our pole as they didn't have one long enough.  Helicopter landed just ahead of us between Oakmeadow lock and Wood's lock in field by some moored boats.  Past milestone with boat engine at Wood's lock of 3000 engine hours.
Very quiet mooring again, we were here last Easter.  I walked down the fields and over the footbridge across the River Churnett towards the old asylum to see the railway tracks have been cleared since we were here last.

Froghall

Moved down to Froghall about 3 miles and just one lock at Consall Mill.  It wasa rather grey start to the day and absolutely poured down at lunch time while we were visiting Froghall station to see the Classic Car Show - about 37 entrants from standarad triumph car club. pictures to follow.   We had a bite to eat in the station and watched 5199 in charge again.  bridie very intriged by the collection of Morris (?) men and women - Black Dog Molly (?)

Consall Forge

Moved down 2 miles and 1 lock to moor on the 48hr moorings on River Churnett at consall Forge just before the Black Lion. Stayed here two nights enjoying the walks and isolated atmosphere.  Visited the Black lion both days and had very pleasant meal on saturday night after I had been on the CVR enjoying the steam trips with GWR 5199 at the front.  Plenty of pictures to follow.