Left Rufford Today

Last night the weather did not improve and we had plenty of rain with thunder an lightening thrown in for good measure.   Today wasn't much better to start with, although we did manage to take the dogs out along the towpath past Rufford lock without getting wet.  We decided that once back at the boat we would get ready to set off but no sooner back than the rain returned and it was quite breezy again.  However by 12:30 blue sky was evident and the blustery wind had dropped, so seizing this window of opportunity we made ready and set off out of the marina at 13:00 in sunshine.

The wind was sufficient to push the bow the wrong way as we moved out of the mooring so I let it go and ended up reversing up the marina until past the bridgehole and off we went.  Once clear we could see a dutch barge aproaching us after exiting Rufford lock, and with hand signals determined he wanted to turn into St.Mary's.  I waved him through and was repaid in kind as several lads at the lock opened the gates for us.  In fact I never touched a gate only opened and closed the paddles.  I elected to walk on up Rufford Branch to open Marsh Meadow swing bridge so that Bridie could sail straight through and then continued along (past the fishermen on the lock landing) a mile or so to Chicken lock (so much easier to have it ready for Bridie to sail straight into in the breezy conditions).  On quickly to German's Lock (No 5) and yes our favoured mooring spot below No4 was free.   So two hours cruising, two miles, three locks and a swing bridge and that was it for today.  As it was we had literally only just moored and got a drink when the heavens opened again, only just managed to get the covers up in time.  By 6 the storm was back overhead and the rain pouring down in torrents!

A good if cautious start to our cruise and we now have the dirty side of the boat alongside the towpath so no prizes for guessing what's on the agenda for tomorrow.  We plan to be in Scarisbrick marina for Friday night to pick up Simon and that is only about six miles away so we wil not be breaking any distance records this week.   Burscough next stop for a bit of shopping.