Jade you'll be the death of me.

This dog of ours, we love her to bits but she doesn't half worry us. Returning from our walk she appeared as sprightly as normal, well normal for a 14 year old, and I never doubted that she wouldn't be able to jump across the gap from the pontoon to our boat. The gap didn't seem that big but somehow she lost her footing and fell in. She went right under and for a second or two there was no sign of her.  I screamed at Ian to come out and help and as he appeared, much to my relieve, her head popped up beside the hull. I had awful visions of Jade being trapped under the boat and was fully prepared to jump in after her. My heart was in my mouth as she reappeared and a grabbed her by the scruff and held on tightly until Ian managed to drag her out. She was visibly shaken and was coughing and retching. I'm pretty sure that she may have inhaled some of the water. We dried her the best we could but she has been very subdued for most of today. Even the usual doggie biscuit didn't buck her up. I think we will have to watch for any signs of distress in the next day or two.

So leaving the basin this morning, having spent a peaceful and quiet night, we didn't get going until 8.45am. The Rochdale 9 was looming and this is one flight I'm not a big fan of. The water situation was very bad, not through lack of water, but by having to much. Ian struggled with opening the top gates because there was more water coming over the gate then going out the bottom gates.Once in I felt very vulnerable with all the water cascading down from above and even closed the rear doors in case the water came over the back deck and flooded our bedroom.

Lock 82.

Lock 83 last lock before the Rochdale 9

 Going through lock 85 into the gloom of the buildings, Ian again had trouble opening the gates and this time he needed both of us on the lock beam, giving it all, to get it open. Youths were present below this lock which worried me somewhat and the smell of urine was terrible, probably used as the local latrine for all the drunks every night. When we did finally descend it was to find all the youths gone due to the fact we had flooded the towpath. Even Ian had to wade through the water to reach the next lock.

Center rope on so I could help open the gate.

Towpath flooded

 By the time we made lock 88 I took over lock duties as Ian's ankle was starting to ache. It was at this lock I met up again with Ian Pankhurst. Last time we spoke it was for me to give him what for for nearly tipping us out of the boat. He was manning a stall to promote usage of the towpaths and even had a boat available for those who fancied a trip. We parted on much better terms and he even sent his men to get us through the last lock. Glad about that because even they struggled to open the bottom gates.

Ian Pankhurst

And onto the Bridgewater

Fleeting glance of the Manchester ship canal

The Bridgewater is a very fast canal. Mostly straight, wide and deep. We averaged a speed of 3.8mph and within a couple of hours made it to Lymm. So glad we did as James and Doug (Chance) were already moored there. We walked over to see them late afternoon and expected to be offered a coffee. But hey...... we are talking about James and Doug now. Coffee!!!!! Whats that???? More like wine and nibbles and plenty of laughs. They already had company, Lyn and Chris, but even with us turning up we were made to feel so welcome. Last time we got together was on Tixall Wide in 2012  but with that pair its like coming home. Love you guys, your the best.

From L to R, Ian, Doug, Lyn, Chris and James