Infamous occupant still resident.

With today much improved after the torrential rain of yesterday, our decision today was to leave for the Macc. First we said goodbye to Dave and Heather on Vixen as the coasted past us at 7.30 in the morning. I was still in my nighty but I poked mt head through the side hatch and waved them farewell.
With boats leaving in dribs and drabs, all heading for the tunnel, our decision was to stay until the afternoon when boat traffic would have quietened down. One thing I hate is to be stuck in a tunnel following either a very slow boat or worse, one that has a smokey exhaust. We like to be first, motor on and get out as quick as possible. So by late morning the second batch of boats came trundling past and, after a brief wait, made our way to the tunnel entrance. On route we passed Dennis on Icing who had left earlier to wind at the tunnel as they are heading back toward Shardlow.

Dennis and Gillian on Icing

First in line

We had about 90 minute wait before two boats emerged from the tunnel. The smoke poured out of the entrance as the last one left and the tunnel keeper thought it best to make us wait just a tad longer to clear the smoke and fumes from the tunnel. Doors were shut, fans switched on and within 5 minutes the air was deemed clear enough for us to proceed.

Skeleton still gripping the wall. Shame I didn't get all of it but you can see the whole thing if you click on this link

Boat following behind

 Once free from the gloom, we stopped at the tunnel entrance to empty loo. Then it was a short hop to Hardingswood junction, a L turn onto the Maccelsfield and find a suitable mooring. Unfortunately with our draft of 2' 4" that was nie on impossible. Try as we might the back end would not go any further into the bank then 4 foot. So we had to go through the first lock before we found a good mooring.

Think Bosley Lock will be tomorrows destination. I rather fancy climbing Bosley Cloud 'cause I'm reliably informed the views are magnificent.

Maccelsfield on the left