The Leek Branch is, if possible, even more beautiful than its parent canal. Full of twists and turns, it was not an easy one to navigate, which explains why narrowboat 'owners' have 45 foot boats and 'renters' have 69 foot boats - because the 'renters' don't know any better!
At this point I want to retract what I said in a previous blog about 'owners'. Since writing that blog we have met some very nice people, friendly and helpful and willing to give advice on local conditions.
At the top end of the Leek we scored a second "end of navigable water" and so, this time John, made a 180 degree turn immediately in front of the Leek Tunnel mouth.
John now warrants a serious "mentioned in dispatches". John took over the helm for the return down the Leek Branch as the clouds rolled in, the sun, which we had been enjoying for most of the morning, disappeared and the rain came down. John, dressed in his full rain gear brought the boat right down the length of the Branch on his own while I re-typed yesterday's blog and Stan cowered behind his Kindle - not quite fair, he did help John when help was needed.
We re-joined the Caldon at Hazelhurst Junction and, as I write, are aiming for Stockton Brook once again where we will moor for the night below All Saints, ready for the run down to Stoke tomorrow. This will be Stan's last night on board, for tomorrow evening he will catch a train for Crewe, spend the night in a hotel there and then travel by train for Manchester Airport early on Friday morning to catch his flight back to San Diego.
No comments:
Post a Comment