Saturday 31 July 2010


Today has been a lot drier so The Maisibert has had a wash and clean up inside and out.

Friday 30 July 2010


We have travelled to Middlewich where we met Kath and Richard and had a chinese meal.
Today we have started our trip along the Shropshire Union Canal.

The Maisibert in the Anderton Lift for the return trip up to the Trent and Mersea.

This photograph shows the pit head of a salt mine that provides salt for spreading on the U.K. roads.

One of the tugs that use to pull the boats full of salt,now in a very sorry state.
We have had problems with internet connection so there have been no updates.
Pictured left are fresh water mussels in the Hunts lock on the Weaver.
The mussels spurt water at you as the lock empties.

Monday 26 July 2010




The lock keepers office at Dutton Locks on very grey day.

Today was another wet day, so we travelled as far as the last lock  but one before the Manchester Ship Canal.
We have now returned to Saltersford Lock to complete the Weaver after Northwich.

Sunday 25 July 2010


Dinner tonight we had crumble made with the first fruit from the hedgerow this year.

When we travelled up the Trent and Mersea we moored up and walked to the Acton Swing Bridge.
Today we cruised underneath.

The locks are so deep that we had to join the two centre ropes together to hold the boat on the bollard.

Today we moved up stream and first encountered Saltersford Lock.
The locks were designed for large boats so we have had plenty of room.

Friday 23 July 2010


We are now moored on the Weaver Navigation after travelling down the Anderton lift and passing the massive salt works on the opposite bank.

Today we booked a passage on the Anderton Lift so that we could go shopping in Northwich.

Wednesday 21 July 2010


Today we have moored at Anderton and we had another thunder storm.
Good job we live aboard a boat.

This is us trying to moor during a torrential down pour yesterday.
They are still talking about a hose pipe ban despite the rain we have had this last week.

Yesterday we left the Bridgewater and returned to the Trent and Mersea.
This building is situated just after the stop lock and was originally used as a dry dock for the barges on the T&M.

Thursday 15 July 2010


Once again we have crossed the Manchester Ship Canal.
This is the view from the Barton Swing Aqueduct.

On our travels we have been amazed by the different colours of the canal water.
The clear water of the Leeds/Liverpool,orange of the Bridgewater and the black of the Trent and Mersea.

Wednesday 14 July 2010


We moored up at Leigh on the Leeds and Liverpool/ Bridgewater and this boat was moored opposite.

Just one of the heavy showers we got caught in today.

We were one of the first boats down the Wigan Flight today just as the rain showers started.




Tuesday 13 July 2010


Diane and Ken left us today and we travelled to the top lock of the Wigan Flight.
Today B.W. announced the closure of the Leeds and Liverpool on the 2nd August due to the water shortage.

Saturday 10 July 2010


Diane and Ken doing a grand job at the Barrowford Locks.

As we have travelled the Leeds and Liverpool the water situation has worsened and we must be clear of the Wigan Flight by the end of the month.

First night we stayed at East Marton and ate in the Cross Keys.

This weekend we have Diane and Ken staying with us, they joined us at Gargrave after visiting Diane's sister

Monday 5 July 2010


James requested to see the double bridge at East Marton, so after leaving Skipton we managed find it despite the rain.

James and myself enjoying the views from the station bridge.

Today we visited Settle,Hawes and Dent train station the highest in England.

Chainsaw carving was being carried out in the market square.

On Sunday we went to Skipton for Sheep Day.

We are currently moored at Gargrave and friends Caroline and James have come up from Newmarket for a visit.