Wednesday 17^th June 2020

 

We eventually set off at 11am. It was to be a sad day.

We have a new toy. A water flow-meter that attaches to the water hose. So, before leaving, we emptied the water tank. It took ages to empty despite the gauge showing just one notch above empty.

Danny collected a commission to make a set of wrap-around fenders for the Fudge Boat. Good for him. I had taught him loads of knots during our time together and it good to know that Gaia’s fenders that I made, are noticed.

We said an emotional goodbye to Danny, Jemima and Jacob. We had been together with them for 38 days in total and have become quite close. The time has been special, and unique on the canal were, normally, two boats would be together for a few days at most and then part company.

We slowly cruised into Middlewich, dropping down Wardle Lock and sitting on the water point at the junction. Here we tested the accuracy of the water flow-meter by filling water containers, the capacity of which we know. We then proceeded to fill the tank. 210ltrs were added before the gauge even started to register any level. The tank was ¼ full with 250ltrs added, ½ full with 310ltrs, ¾ full with 370ltrs and full with 390ltrs. And we have been worried since having the boat, when the tank got to ¼ full on the gauge. With an extra 85ltrs in containers for the winter, this gives a total of 475ltrs. We last took on water on 4^th June, two weeks ago and still had quite a bit of water left. With the tank full, we did a wash and then refilled the tank to check how much water is consumed with a wash, just 30ltrs.

Gaia came down the lock behind us and we then parted company. Gaia heading up the Trent and Mersey Canal towards Manchester. Sad to see them go.

After watering, we went to the old Middlewich Narrowboat site, now owned by Holidays Afloat, to empty the loo and have Paul measure up for the jobs. However, Paul had been running a temperature overnight and was feeling poorly. He did not want to come onto the boat and we didn’t particularly want him on board. Hope all is well with him.

Another storm came on while we were talking with Paul and Dawn and so we had a cuppa and some lunch and waited for it to pass before returning back to the junction, again passing through Wardle Lock and mooring, just beyond our old house.

Whenever Wardle Lock is drained, there is a strong flow of water under the bridge and out into the junction itself, catching many a boat unawares. It was hilarious when Brenda emptied the lock and, in the ensuing flow of water a very small duckling came shooting out under the bridge.

And here we now wait until I have worked my way through Tracey’s job list and we can then head off and leave Middlewich behind us, yet again.

The washing was hung out on the tiller. It became very hot before yet another thunder storm meant bringing the washing in again after just an hour. 

 

Day Total: 2 locks; 1 mile; 0 Tunnels; 0 Swing Bridges; 0 Lift Bridges; 0 Boat Lift; Day’s running hours 3.9

Overall Total: 916 locks; 1641 miles; 53 tunnels; 61 Swing Bridges; 17 Lift Bridges; 2 Boat Lifts; total engine running hours 1128.8