B35 to Crooke Leeds & Liverpool Canal
7 miles, 2 locks, 2 swing bridges
A big note has been made in our Nicholson's never to moor where we were last night. It looked great, but away over the fields there were other dogs - presumably farm dogs and oh how they barked. They went on and off throughout the night. That would have been okay once we had got to sleep, but was no fun when Monty decided he had to reply! It was not a good night!
We made use of a very full Biffa bin hidden behind some bushes the other side of bridge 35. We would not normally add to an overflowing pile, but this is the last rubbish disposal point between here and Anderton over a week away! We do have a cunning plan, but in case that fails we wanted to leave with empty bins.
Monty and I were the advance guard as we walked to the swing bridge and we went past this not particularly interesting bench, but it would provide a good resting place to admire the far reaching view.
The first cause of a traffic jam at the swing bridge was a hedge cutter rather than boats - the tractor completely blocked the narrow lane. Behind the red Tool Hire truck was just one more car, so not a huge jam.
Cleddau and Tentatrice arrived and duly made their way through. This bridge is one where you have to manually operate the road barriers before pressing the button to open the bridge and the reverse when the bridge has closed. It all takes time, but we only held up three cars. Two acknowledged my wave of thanks whilst the third just scowled! You can't please all the people all of the time!
At this stage we were in shirt sleeves enjoying some warmth even if the day was rather overcast.
The plan was to stop in Parbold so the men (and Monty) could go to the little shop for papers whilst Sue and I went to the Mill Gallery - something I had missed on the way north. As we left the boats it started to drizzle - just very light fine mist - not enough to require a coat.
The original gallery was just the in the building to the left and it was expanded when the tower came up for sale.
The gallery is owned by the artist James Bartholomew and show cases his work. There is a lot to look at and admire. He is a master of seascapes among other things. He works locally, but also goes to Cornwall, Pembroke, New York and Venice. This will tell you a little more about him and the gallery. There is a web site, however my firewall suggests it might be malicious (I am sure it isn't) so I will leave you to decide for yourself if you take a look or not.
This is the space in the mill that really does invite one to stop, sit, relax and admire - well it would if one had the time to spare!
Having bought some cards (they have a great selection) we left and ignored the draw of the cafe opposite. I am assuming this is the place Pip (nb Oleana) recommended for ice cream? Sadly it was the wrong time of day and we had to press on.
Back at the boat we were preparing to pull pins when two boats came past heading our way! Bad timing yet again I am afraid.
By the time we got to the first lock it was a little wetter, but not full waterproof weather - yet!
After yesterday's trip Monty was not risking this today, despite there being no steps! He just sat down and refused to budge!
The boats made it into Appleby lock eventually. It was originally two locks, so it is very large with a 12 foot rise.
One more swing bridge where Sue worked the button of power
A few minutes past that bridge we passed a familiar boat from last year on the River Great Ouse where we saw her at the Bedford River Festival, St Neots and Godmanchester - nb Gerty
And that readers is where the photos end. The rain got heavier and heavier and we just got wetter and wetter, so it was heads down through the next lock with the aim of finding two moorings at Crooke. We are just past bridge 47 and Cleddau is just before it somewhere. The sides are a bit high, so not ideal, but it was so wet we just wanted to stop and it is only for one night. As I type at 19:00 it is still raining - maybe I will get some photos in the morning(I didn't!). We are corresponding via email (!) and Sue pointed out that she knows what a soggy bottom feels like! There are clothes hanging around drying and the heating is on! Let's hope for something better tomorrow - mind I am not holding my breath!
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