It was the geese this time. Noisy blighters when they get going. Their honking only lasted several minutes and we heard them take off for pastures new leaving us to resume our slumber. Don't get me wrong, country noises are all part and parcel of the life we choose to lead, but just sometimes I wish.....
Had a bit of rain before we set off, nothing much but enough to save me watering the plants. Ian took charge of the windlass and left me untying FS while he opened the lift bridge. Glad it was him doing it and not me. Looked very much like hard work!
Very slow going for most of the way especially through the bridge 'oles, almost coming to a full stop. The bottom was certainly to near the top for our liking. We don't remember it being this bad two years ago, certainly not the amount of foliage and overhanging branches. It all felt very dark and oppressive. What I do like about this canal is the turn-over bridges.
Tried several times to get into the side at Haughton Dale Local nature reserve. All but given up when we spied some piled edging through a bridge. Giving it one more attempt in she slid, right to the side. So it was a quick change from shorts to trousers (them mozzies eat me alive) and we set off to explore. Not much in the way of wildlife but we got down to the river, walked the meadow and trekked up a very steep hill to the village Houghton Green. Would you believe it was early closing and not even the pub opened until mid afternoon! Having enjoyed the walk nevertheless it was back to FS for a late lunch before setting off once more for Marple.
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| By the Nature reserve |
Two tunnels to do and sods law on the first (Woodley) another boat coming from the opposite direction and entered the tunnel at the same time as us. One way only it was who was going to back out. Difficult to judge when the end is so far apart and I decided on caution and backed FS out.
At the second tunnel (Hyde Bank) passage was clear but before entering I noticed this shrine on the side. Quite upset me when I read it. How someone can be so cruel is beyond me. The banner say's
On Monday 18th January Troya's body was recovered from the canal in Romiley Stockport An Aldi carrier bag had been place over her head, tied with curtain wire. A washing line was attached to her collar. Troya had been stolen on Christmas Eve.
Decided against going up the flight today. Towpath before the Marple aqueduct was decent and wide enough for a BBQ. We will tackle those 16 locks tomorrow.
And what did we spy in the canal,
And round the prop
Marple Aqueduct, stunning.
And wildlife, (all on my Lumix camera)
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