A bridge, a gate and a collage in the workplace

Ivy House lift bridge 11 is electrically operated by use of the standard boaters key. It is a minor road but judging by the Yellow height barriers there might have been a past problem with HGV`s (trucks). Inserting the key activates the system and enables the road barriers to be lowered. The bridge raise button will then work. All the sequences of the operation must be completed in a specific order and your key will not be retrievable until the road barriers are raised again. There are several other lift bridges on the Caldon but they are wound by hand using a windlass(lock key).

A lock side collage representing the huge pottery industry in this area .

Hazelhurst is where the Leek arm leaves the main Caldon canal. To the left and down through three locks the canal heads on towards Cheddleton and eventually Froghall. We are going to the right and just as we did going onto the Macclesfield canal will pass over the Caldon main line.

I have never noticed this lock system on our public footpaths before. Firstly for our U.S. readers we have a vast network of public footpaths that give us Brits a legal right of access across private land. This gate is the entrance to a field containing cattle. Normally we would lift a latch (out of sight in pic) and push open the gate and walk through. Even if the gate failed to return to a closed position cattle would only manage to push the gate across the exit gap. Now this gate is fitted with a lock that disabled wheelchair users would have a key for. It enables the gate to be pulled open thus creating a straight through route for the wheelchair. The lower hinge is 2 way if the locked bar is moved across. The ramp you can see through the gate crosses a dis used rail track and the path then leads on to the canal towpath. Brilliant! access for all.

                                                                                 

As i do this blog we have just returned from a walk soaking wet and cold. The kettle went on and a few logs are burning in the stove. The wind is blowing and the rain still pours down but we are warm and content.                                                                                      Jaq has been checking Facebook to see what the girls are doing and now she is looking in on her students. What a lovely way to teach, in the warm looking out on mother nature at work.                            I just love this life.