Barton Grange to After B24
8.5 miles
We woke to rain and had to don waterproofs to head off to the Garden Centre for our breakfast in the Cafeteria. By the time we emerged fully replete we felt completely overdressed as the sun was out and it was pleasantly warm.
Before we headed off Sue spotted a duck trying to devour a small fish without a great deal of success. She was being pursued by several others trying to steal her meal.
As we were about to leave a boat went past us going in our direction - it was clear they were hoping to moor up and visit the Farm Shop. Ken alerted them that we were about to move and Cleddau pushed off. By this time the boat hoping to moor had gone past us and was trying to reverse. We started to move to allow them even more space, however there was a boat coming towards us. We had hoped they might wait, but no they just kept on coming! Chris had to put full power on to avoid hitting them. Miss we did, but somehow they ended up in all sorts of bother and almost winded in the marina entrance
before sorting themselves out
Soon after we set off it started to drizzle - very wet drizzle it was too! Both boats stopped at Moon's Bridge for fuel. Not an easy task as to get the stern in the right position you had to have the bow sticking out to the right of the cruiser, thus completely blocking the bridge!
By the time we left the drizzle turned to rain - wet is not really a wet enough word to adequately describe how wet it was! The camera went away and we just got our heads down and carried on until we found somewhere to stop. The flag was still up and there it remained as it could not get any wetter. Even Monty had had enough and could not wait to get inside to dry off.
What a view!
We did have one casualty - our Nicholson's guide book is kept in and A4 plastic pocket when we are en route. The open end is closed with a bull dog clip to ensure it stays dry. What we both failed to notice was it had a hole at what should have been the closed end and it was soaked. Many sheets of paper were inserted in the hope it dries out.
Over 24 hours later it is still damp and I think will remain ever wrinkled!
Wednesday 5th June 2019
Before B23 to The Ribble Link top locks
2.5 miles
This mooring looked a lot nicer this morning
Thankfully it was dry, but still very dull, grey and chilly. Monty and I headed off on foot to find the bridge we had hoped to be scooped up from was under repair. I checked with the workmen who said it would be okay. Once we had passed through you could see that the repair work was quite extensive.
So just a short journey and all in the dry before we moored up in pole position ready for the descent down the Ribble Link tomorrow.
We know that at least one more boat will be joining us, hence we are breasted up leaving space for others behind us.
and she was right
The rain started again early afternoon, but thankfully today we were warm and dry and it stopped mid afternoon allowing Sue, Monty and I to go for a walkabout. First down the staircase of three locks where we discovered there is no easy link on foot to the rest of the locks, so we retraced our steps and stated to walk towards Preston.
We had expected the area to be slightly more run down, however just past the first bridge is a lovely brick house
with a waterfall in the garden
and a stained glass window in what I assume is the upstairs landing that is in keeping with its position bordering a canal
and next door they have a small brick bridge, but sadly no water running down to the canal.
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