Thursday 20^th February 2020

This morning the list was worse than ever and the water level has dropped on both sides of the boat, so she is proper grounded.

I walked down to Tilstone Lock to see how they were getting on and ask when the canal would be refilled. Fortunately, I arrived at the same time as the local lengthsman who was shocked to hear we were moored in the pound above. Apparently he had checked there were no boats just a few hours before we dropped down through Bunbury Locks and had since only been checking the Anglo-Welsh hire boats at Bunbury Locks. He had come to shut the drain valve anyway so now, slowly, the level should rise.
      

Work in progress at Tilstone Lock

Jim, the CRT Lengthsman, closing the Sluice Valve

Tilstone Lock though, is not due to reopen until Friday evening, whereas normally they aim to reopen at noon on the stated day. The lock is still dry although the gates are in place.

Tilstone Lock is interesting as it has beside it one of original 20 watermills located on the River Gowy, one of which is Bunbury Water Mill, and one of the circular lock-keepers shelters unique to the Chester Canal.  

             

                                                              Chester Canal Lock Keepers Shelter at Tilstone                                                 

                                                                                                 Tilstone Mill

The Gowy rises in the hills near Peckforton Castle, just a few hundred yards from the source of the Weaver. It runs right beside the canal for about 4 miles before passing below it on an aqueduct and then flowing on its way to join the Mersey near Stanlow, flowing beneath the Manchester Ship Canal through a siphon sluice.

Interstingly, for many years, the Gowy formed the ancient border between England and Wales, although you would not relate this to the small stream-sized river that flows across the towpath from us. 

River Gowy, the Ancient Border with Wales

When we returned from the walk, Harvey was soaking wet, covered in mud and looking thoroughly dejected with his lot. We also, are getting fed up of mud it has to be said.

Dave and Jill are on Empire again although just using it as a break and not leaving the marina. They drove out and picked us up and we went for lunch in the Dysart Arms in Bunbury. As always, good to catch up.

When we returned to the boat we were delighted and relieved to find her upright and afloat and the canal level returned to normal.

Weather: rain in the morning and a really miserable day. Improvement in the afternoon that turned out nice.