Fish and Duckling Rescues - 19th April 2019

Good Friday 19th April 2019
Netherwich Basin, Droitwich to Hawford Moorings
5..25 miles, 6 locks

We woke to another glorious day.  First stop was Waitrose - a walk for all of us and then I popped in for the paper and some groceries.  Back on board, we winded, topped up with water and were off heading down towards the River Severn.  This is only our third time down the Barge Canal and we had forgotten how pretty and rural is it.

It was a bit scummy at the first lock, but got progressively better as we continued.  Sadly to start with the locks were all empty, so it took a while to fill them before we could enter and drop down, but the sun was out, so we just took it all slowly and steadily.

 It was at the second lock that Chris had to rescue a fish.  Two had got stranded on a large cill, one managed to flap and get back in the water, but the other was too far away, so Chris reversed very slowly and very gently eased it back into the water with the boat hook.  His good deed for the day.

Glorious countryside as far as the eye could see.  I have to say that these big gates are very heavy and some I really struggled to move, but I always won the day.  At one a Mum and her seven year old son stopped, got off their bikes and came to lend a hand at both ends of the lock and then thanked me for allowing them to help!!

I had also forgotten about the circular by washes at some of the locks

It was very hazy, due to current pollution, but so peaceful and serene - just perfect.

And here are the ducklings.  This lock is by a cottage and the lady came to greet us and to ensure the ducklings all stayed above the lock.  Apparently earlier today four were in the lock and five outside with Mum who was very stressed and being very vocal.  I have to say she did nothing to encourage them to swim away from the lock gate as I opened it.  In the end the lady from the cottage and I had to shoo them out of the way - one was determined to get behind the lock gate and I had to waggle by windlass at it to encourage it to move!  Still we succeeded and no ducklings were hurt or the mother stressed whilst we negotiated the lock!

We met a couple of boats coming our way, so that meant full locks for us - always a bonus.

Just a few more shots as we progressed along the canal

The big question was 'would there be any mooring at Hawford'?  There is only space for 4 boats and this is a busy weekend.  One of the boats going up the canal said they were empty when they left, but for how long?  We were in luck and there was just one boat moored at the far end when we arrived, so we tucked in at this end leaving space for two others in between.

It was only about 20 minutes before both spaces had gone

 We are a little close to a main road,  but once we close the doors it will be quiet enough.

And this is today's view from the side hatch - cows on the field

and horses on top of the hill.

We went for a gentle stroll after lunch to look at both of the locks ahead and then turned left to follow a footpath that gives some fleeting glimpses of the River Severn.

So far we are managing well - slowly does it and I think we are both quite confident that we will make it to Burscough Junction to meet Sue and Ken on nb Cleddau in mid May.