Through the Tunnel.

After posting our blog last night we were visited by a man from British Waterways, who asked us if we would like to ascend the flight of locks that evening. It was a lovely evening so we agreed to do so. It was around 20-00hrs when we arrived at the tunnel portal,we were shocked to see how small it was.
This morning the team arrived from British Waterways, to check the boat measurements to make sure we could get through. Our turn to enter the tunnel came at 10-45hrs, we were on our way, complete with chaperon to guide us through. On the map it shows as a straight line, however it is far from being straight. The width and height varied quite alot, it was an interesting journey which took us 2hrs.All the time the three boats are traveling through the tunnel a member of the BW team drives through the disused rail tunnel that runs along side us and monitors our progress. We can also hear the trains as they go through their tunnel, which crosses the canal tunnel twice.
Tonight we are moored 11 locks down from the tunnel at lock 31. Unfortunately we are stuck here waiting for BW to repair a cill on lock 29 which got damaged today due to low water. The pictures are one going up to the tunnel, the tunnel entrance and two from tonight's mooring.

Waiting at Wool road.

Around 08-30hrs staff from British Waterways unlocked lock 24w so we could go up to the tunnel. we were second to start the climb, however we only got as far as the second lock. The boat in front could not get the third lock to fill, more water was leaking from a faulty ground paddle. They informed BW who sent out a crew. at the same time we were told to return to the bottom of the flight. This was the second time we have had to go down locks in reverse. Back at the bottom we sat waiting for news. Apparently when the crew drained the lock and pound the paddle was so badly damaged it had to be replaced. It is now 14-00hrs and we are still waiting.
At 15-00hrs we were unofficially told that it was fixed and we would go up tomorrow morning at 08-30hrs. A little later I received a phone call from the tunnel manager confirming this. Time to settle down for another night at the Wool Road visitor moorings

Heading for the Standedge Tunnel.

Since Wednesday I have not managed to get on line. To up date you, Thursday was a quiet day walking in the Tame valley. on Friday we arrived at the junction with the Huddersfield Narrow canal. Before making the turn I decided to top up with diesel. When we got to the marina it was just a narrow channel, so I had to reverse in to the pump, however it proved more simple than I had imagined. At Dukinfield Junction we visited a museum and had lunch in their cafe. After lunch we headed up toward Stalybridge where we were to meet our son Richard his wife Gill and baby Duncan. At lock 3w we had another gate that would not open fully and we got jammed for the second time this trip. While trying to free ourselves we recieved help from a group of young men,this must prove they don't all course trouble, some can be very helpful.
on Friday night we ate at the Mill Pond Inn opposite lock 6w in the centre of Stalybridge. It was a noisy night moored in Stalybridge.
On Saturday Richard went home for work, while Gill and Duncan stayed. It proved a long afternoon cruise until we found a place to moor for the night. The trouble was very shallow edges to the canal.
Today we did the short distence to Uppermill, where we had a walk round town before doing the last two locks before the flight that will take us to Diggle and the western portal of Standedge Tunnel. We are waiting for Richard to return to pick up Gill and Duncan.
In the morning lock 24w will be unlocked(you can only go up this flight on the day you are booked to go through the tunnel) allowing us to assend and pass through the tunnel. Tomorrow is our big day.

Lower by 214ft and 16 locks.

Our challenge today was the Marple Flight. Sixteen locks dropping 214ft. At 09-30hr Marlene and Doublefracture entered the top lock. It was 11-55hrs when they were leaving the bottom lock. We thought that was good going. The locks on the Marple flight are all quite deep. On the way down we passed only three boats coming up the flight. At the bottom Marlene had a tricky turn into the bridge going out of the pound. We then crossed an aqueduct before going through a narrow section that used to be a tunnel. Now, however the tunnel top has been removed. That was where we pulled over and moored for the night, relaxing once again in the afternoon sun.
Here are a few pictures I took on our descent.

Two short days.

Regretfully Monday morning meant we had to leave Bugsworth as our 48hrs were up. Reluctantly we cruised back down to the junction with the main Peak Forest canal turned right and headed back to Marple junction. Before leaving I phoned British Waterways office in Leeds and booked our passage through Standedge Tunnel on Monday 29th June. Just one week to go. We only went as far as bridge 24 before mooring for the night, the views were great. After our evening meal we went for a walk in this lovely countryside.
This morning we completed the trip to Marple and moored close to the top lock. After doing some shopping(while dodging showers) we had lunch then I washed the dust off the boat and Marlene touched up some paint work. The rest of the day we relaxed in the afternoon sun. Pictures area view from Monday nights mooring and Marple top lock.

Domestic Day.

Today we remained at Bugsworth Basin and caught up on some domestic chores. I walked about a mile to the village of Chinley to the laundrette with towels and bedding, while Marlene washed smaller items at the boat.So here are a few pictures from around the Basin and near by village.

Bugsworth Basin.

On Friday we stayed in Whaley Bridge,went for a walk round town. The evening proved to be a little noisy with lots of young boys and girls walking up and down the towpath. Of course just for a laugh they knocked on the boat roof.
We woke Saturday morning to rain. Spent the morning watching Saturday kitchen. In the afternoon we went to the school fete in Whaley Bridge. After lunch we moved to Bugsworth Basin which is about a mile from Whaley Bridge on a short branch off.
Bugsworth used to be an industrial site where they shipped lime stone by narrow boat. Now it has been restored and is a very nice mooring.While the restoration was taking place they discovered a colony of water voles. These are a protected species they constructed them a new habitat at the cost of £35,000. At the side of the basin is the Navigation Inn.
Today's pictures are: Whaley Bridge Basin and a view from Bugsworth Basin.