So disappointed

Wednesday 27th

 Not sure what has happened in the two years since being on the Mac but this first part (upper) is not as I remembered it. We set off latish after waiting for the overnight rain to stop, on a grey dull day with low cloud obscuring the distant hills. Had to do some shopping so decided to head for Macclesfield. Nothing much to report on the journey other then one near miss. Had to be near a bridge 'ole (isn't it always the case) with moored boats on the offside. But miss we did after a lot of panic reversing and lots of black smoke. What was so very disappointing was the neglect. It felt like travelling through overgrown ditches rather then enjoying open aspects. No chance of seeing the towpath or views and as for trying to moor...forget it. The bushes obscure the bridge 'oles,  disused swing bridge 'oles (cant see where the edges are) and bends. On coming boats are met because the undergrowth causing a sudden spurt towards the side and nine times out of ten we were left tilting and generating loads of muddy water trying to get off the silt. Why has this been neglected! Not a mower or strimmer has been used apart from a narrow bit of towpath right up to Bosley. And what it will be like below the locks...well more of the same I expect. We will find out tomorrow!

oh eck! Quick reverse!!!

That is not towpath edge you can see. The towpath is the other side of those bushes

 At Macclesfield a surprise. A new pontoon to moor to. We were so lucky that a space at the end was large enough for FS to tie bow and stern and looking through the bridge, not another space was to be had. Further along all that overgrowth there would have been no chance to stop anyway. 

We suddenly came upon the swing bridge. Round a bend and there it was. A silly little sign had been placed to warn boaters but again, green lichen covering the writing and large bushes hid it from us. Trying to get crew off before the bridge was impossible so I had to almost be on top of it for Ian to alight.

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The road swing bridge was okay and managed to get Ian onto the bank well before it.

At least that bit of towpath had been mowed.

Some kind boater (or fed up one) had been round with some shears because we managed to find a short length of towpath which we could stop at. Views here are fabulous and what the Mac is all about. I do hope my all time favourite mooring below the locks aren't overgrown. Be gutted if it was.

And on route,

Looks like a rocket taking off. No idea what it is or what for.

The rain clouds heading off in the distance.

Looking over the aqueduct.

And we have acquired a new tiller pin.

The wildlife,