This has been one of the most stressful days in many a year. So starting at the beginning is as good a place as any....
We set off this morning, early as planned, and turned onto the Huddersfield narrow canal. It soon became apparent why it was called Huddersfield narrow. Not because it has narrow locks rather than broad, but because of the narrow bridge 'oles and dense vegetation obscuring our vision.
The first lock by Asda had manual hydraulic paddle gear, which Ian said was bl**dy hard work.
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| Lock 1 and hydraulic paddle gear |
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| The exit would have been interesting if another boat had arrived. A long cutting on the approach meant no two boats could pass. There was this sort of layby arm which one boat would have had to use. |
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| Lock approach to lock 1 |
We made it to Stalybridge, did our Tesco shop, pulled out to the next lock and from there our troubles began.
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| The tunnel towards the lock Stalybridge |
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| Lock before Tesco mooring in Stalybridge. |
At the facility block, we watered up and emptied loo, A fisherman who took part of the designated mooring was not going to budge. Good job we could stop for water before getting to him otherwise him and all his tackle gear would have ended up in the cut! Still, the smell of loo emptying was his comeuppance.
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| Not the razor wire on the roof. This apparently is bandit country |
As soon as we moved off it became apparent that the lack of water was to become a real issue. Almost came to a full stop through bridges and the tunnels.
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| Going through Scout tunnel |
Lock 8 and I struggled to get Ian off. The walls were high and only a very short landing between the walls to stop and secure the boat.
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| The approach to lock 8. Not easy!!! |
When we finally made it to Mossley, It was impossible to get into the side. This is where we would have moored for the rest of the day but after struggling for 30 minutes to free ourselves after getting stuck, we decided to abandon the attempt and head up the lock. Shame really as a world war one fate was taking place and we would have loved to see that.
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| Checking the depth |
Anyway up I goes. As I reach the top I notice another boat coming up behind. Or rather trying to come up behind cause like us he had his boat pole trying to get off the mud.
Now, after this lock, things started to go badly wrong. I had only just made it round the corner when FS stuck fast!! Ian was on board and the only way for him to get off and onto the bank was by leaping at least 4 foot from FS gunwale. Then, next thing I know is that water is being pulled from under our hull 'cause the boat behind had managed to get into the lock and was now filling. Before I knew it FS was at an angle.
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| Stuck fast! |
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| As was Still Waters |
After phoning Ian to let him know my situation had worsened, he ran 2 lock fulls of water down to get me floating. In the meantime, the other boat, Nb Still Waters, had also stuck fast but with his good lady at the helm, he had the sense to stay off the boat in case of emergencies and went to Ian's aid. Both then walked up to the next two locks and let water down. Between him and Ian, I managed to get into the lock. Drawing even more water from the next pound, a boat moored took on an impossible angle. I then managed to sidle past them and into the open lock
Now, this is where another of our problems occurred. With me in the lock, Ian tried in vain to raise the paddles. One didn't work and the other was stuck in the closed position with no way of lifting it. So most of this blog has been written with me stuck in the lock at the bottom. I am slowly rising but only because the top gate leaked. C&RT have been informed but now we wait. Speaking with John (who's wife Janice is holding Still Waters in the lock below) we agreed that if C&RT didn't arrive we would be staying put. Time now 15. 44pm. We will see if and when C&RT arrive!
C&RT arrived by 16 30pm. After fiddling about with the paddle gear, suddenly the mechanism started working. So after spending 50 minutes in the lock, up I came. The next dilemma was do we stay in the lock or try to make our way to through the next three locks to Upper Mill. Then C&RT dropped another bombshell! A pollution had occurred above lock 23. Something to do with a diesel spillage and so the locks above are now closed until further notice. This was the reasons for the lack of water. They had closed off the paddles from the reservoir to stop more water running down into the pounds below and hopefully stop the pollution spreading. With C&RT reassurance that we could get through to Upper Mill moorings, we went on our way. Well, when I say went on our way I really meant two feet forward and 1 back! We scrapped the bottom on every pound, sometimes getting stuck and having to pole off, sometimes revving the engine was enough to move FS along. All in all, from leaving lock 17 to getting above lock 21 took 3 hours! A distance of 1 and three-quarter miles!!!!
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| C&RT arrive |
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| The reason for us getting stuck more often than not. |
So here we are. Moored at Upper Mill. The front end is in but the stern is sticking out several feet. Goodness knows how long we stay. It all depends on how quick the EU can clear the spillage. We have had fish and chips for supper and then realised we have been on the move (if you can call it that) for over 12 hours.
