Out of the blue came an opportunity to go for a cruise. Gosh, both of us thought this the most exciting thing that had happened to us since our return from Oz.
Early afternoon we get a call from our chairman Norman. He had been contacted by a member of the
Friends of Cromford Canal about a large amount of rubbish left by Eastwood lock. Norman's question was "Could we help with the clean up"? Well of course and how welcome was that! Not for the picking up of the refuse left by those antisocial moron's who thought it was okay to leave their rubbish lying around but because we finally had a job to do which didn't involve working on FS.
The plan was for us to drive to Shipley lock armed with pickers and black sacks, for Norman to also take the car to help transport the filled bags back to Langley Mill and for Jim and Jenn to walk to Eastwood for 3pm. Sounded good but then a sudden thought, "Why couldn't we take workboat Pentland for a run out instead. She is ECP&DA workboat after all and a good opportunity to blow away the engine cobwebs. A quick phone call back to Norman and it was all arranged.
Arriving at Eastwood the 'large amount' of debris turned out not to be so huge after all but even so it was a totally unacceptable scattering of tins, bottles and general rubbish by the lockside. Even the hedge bottom was full of it. Finding two pair of socks, a flannel and towel lying around also made us think the lock had been used as a swimming pool. If only they knew about the risk of
Weil's disease in contaminated water! Anyway, it only took about 30 minutes to remove every bit, what it will be like when the next hot spell arrives is anyone's guess!
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| L to R, Norman, Ian and John Barker from Friends of Cromford. |
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| Pristine again |
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| Winding for the return journey. |
We have also made a decision. We will take FS out of the basin on Sunday, not an easy task with boats either side and historic Bath in our path. This will mean we can wash and polish the sides, a very much needed job. Then hopefully, if lockdown doesn't recur because of the measures the government has taken to ease the crisis, then we will be leaving on our travels the next weekend.
Some more wildlife photos from the basin.
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| Bath time |
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| Nearly ready to fledge |
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| Not a wasp or a hoverfly but have no idea what it is. Any thoughts??? |
6 comments:
Hi to you both.
A good job jobbed, with getting rid of the rubbish. It is incredibly sad and annoying that some people feel it is right to leave their rubbish behind for someone else to clean up. It did at least let you get out on a boat for a bit.
Loving your photographs as always. Stay safe and well. Jo & Keith xxx
Thanks Jo. It seems the lifting of restrictions is bringing out the worst in some people. We are having to empty the bin here on the point every other day filled mainly with KFC, McDonald's, bottles and cans. I suppose we should be grateful that the bin is being used but some morons still decide to drop their rubbish instead of walking a few yards to the bin. You to stay safe. Irene Xxx
Hi Irene, Firstly well done on doing such a good job. I completely agree about morons etc - dropping rubbish/not picking up after dogs etc really get my goat! I asked our son about your insect and this is his reply Its one of the Nomad bees (Nomada - https://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/collections/72157636934718926/), need to see more of the abdomen to be able to identify it to species level.
He spent lock down studying the insect life in their small garden. To date he has found 22 species of bee and has taken some amazing photos.
Luvly jubbly, well done clearing up, but at the same time having fun on the workboat!
One advantage of the lockdown has been that the canal water is clear for a change.
Beautiful photos of your feathered neighbours too.
Good luck with manoevering out to start enjoying the freedom to cruise again too.
That has to be a 'Hovver Wasp' doesn't it, hahaha?
Take care now, Ann Makemson x
Hi Jennie, Please thank your son for the identification of that bee. He is such a great help in all things small. I had a large moth in the boat the other day but forgot to photograph it as I was too intent in setting it free. I'm pretty sure he would have told me what it was. Hope all the family is safe and well and hope to see you again sooner rather than later. Xxx
Hi Ann, Sadly this seems to be the norm during the virus, all we can do is to keep cleaning up after them. The lane toward the canal here at Langley is in a disgusting state. Fly-tipping has doubled and now we no longer take this route to the canal so instead we walk along the towpath having to dodge the fishermen who don't think 'social distancing' applies to them and to squeeze ourselves into the hedge just to get past is the only thing to do!
Hope you are keeping safe and well and continue to do so. Xxx
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