Saturday 12th
October 2019
I stood outside last night about 11pm enjoying the peace and quiet
which was interrupted by a nearby owl hunting. The screeching was unearthly and
could easily lead to an over active imagination. The noise went on for about 15
minutes before it flew off.
In the morning, Brenda once again went to the EE shop. The SIM card we
were given was defective. We now have a new, wireless, battery operated Modem
that can be placed anywhere on the boat for the best reception. We will have to
see how good the thing is once it is set up.
We have bought two washing-up bowls that sit nicely under the stove
plinth and are to be used for storing coal and kindling. This will mean we
don’t use the coal scuttle and will free up space beside the stove.
The mosaic tiles above the stove were sealed on the edges using
Sikaflex. The sealing on one side looks good but the other turned out a right
mess and had to be removed. No easy job with the black sealant getting smeared
over the wooden bulkhead. It was cleaned as best as could be and, hopefully,
will dry without showing any marks. The tiling will then have to be grouted to
complete the job.
Brenda had walked over 4 miles by the time she returned. This life
keeps you fit if nothing else. It was after 11am before we moved off. First, we
reversed right to the end of the channel beside the aqueduct over the River
Churnet. The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) run a Silver Propeller
Challenge were boats visit 20 of the less frequented sites on the canal system
to comply with the challenge. We have decided to take up the challenge and the
end of the Leek Branch is one of the sites and photographic evidence is
required.
Head of Navigation of Leek Branch
with Feeder Channel from Rudyard
Reservoir to the right of the rear of the Boat
We then set off down the branch, the setting really is beautiful and
we were given a lovely day to enjoy it in. The passage down seemed to go a lot
quicker than the trip up, but the speed still had to be kept slow in case of
meeting other boats on the narrow, twisting channel with its many sharp, blind
bends. Beside bridge 6 is the tiny hamlet of Horse Bridge with some gorgeous
housing in idyllic settings.
The turn after crossing the aqueduct over the main line is very
difficult to negotiate, especially with a boat moored on the turn belonging to
the cottage that overlooks the canal. The approach to the 90˚
bend is blind and the bridge hole preceding it does not give the boat any
decent angle to get round. The occupants of the cottage must be provided with
some good entertainment watching the boats.
We spoke with one guy who has a permanent mooring beside bridge 2 and
commented how picturesque this canal is. He had been continuously cruising for
25 years until he came to the Leek Branch, and never moved on. Have to say,
there is something in what he says. The Caldon had always been a favourite
canal anyway, but the Leek Branch really does take the prize.
At Hazelhurst Junction we continued down the main line to the services
at Endon a mile beyond the junction. At servicing, we then had to travel a further
mile down the canal to the nearest winding hole at Doles Bridge. Here we learnt
that the closure on the canal at Milton due to the bank failure, has now been
changed to a navigation restriction. CRT are allowing boats through but only
while being assisted, on Mondays and Fridays at 12 noon.
Hazelhurst Junction
We then retraced our steps to the very pretty junction with its lock
keepers cottage and three locks. Typically, it came on to rain at the locks
although none too heavy and it quickly passed over. Just below the bottom lock,
we saw a Mink running along the decking boards of the private moorings here. A
flash of black, scurrying fur, the first mink we have seen.
Hazelhurst Aqueduct, with Leek Branch
passing above and Caldon Canal Mainline beneath
Shortly after the bottom lock, the canal passes below the impressive
Hazelhurst Aqueduct carrying the Leek Branch and then, after yet another sharp
bend, reaches the terrace of cottages and the Holly Bush Inn at Denford. Here
we moored right outside the pub. It has to rank as one of the closest moorings
to a pub we have been on. We called in for a pint, the place is very cosy inside,
was very busy and is obviously a thriving business, but were very disappointed
to find them fully booked for evening meals.
Weather: a lovely day, but rain late afternoon and evening.
Day Total: 3 locks; 6 miles; 1 Tunnel; 0 Swing Bridges; 0 Lift Bridges;
0 Boat Lift; Day’s running hours 5.3
(including running for hot water etc)
Overall Total: 759 locks; 1334 miles; 52 tunnels; 61 Swing Bridges; 14
Lift Bridges; 2 Boat Lifts; total engine running hours 837.9hrs
Comments
Post a Comment