The Bluebird of Happiness...

"I wish you bluebirds in the spring, To give your heart a song to sing ...
- I wish you love..." ~ lyrics  and music by A. A. Beach & C. Trenet, 1946

Malkins Bank, Bridge 150 to Chelshill Bridge, Trent & Mersey Canal

2 miles, 2½ furlongs of narrow canals; 9 narrow locks

   We spent a day and a half moored up at Malkins Bank, taking advantage of a break in the weather to dry some laundry. We were hanging about the general area because I wanted to visit Sanbach on a recommend from Rita Talbot (Festina Lente).

   After breakfast coffee (and biscuits for Les), we walked up the towpath, crossed over the bridge and caught bus 78 into town. It took about ten minutes total, and we disembarked at the top of high street. We came fairly quickly to the old town square with its two ninth century Anglo-Saxon crosses. It is believed they were thrown down, and scattered across a wide area either during the Reformation or the English civil war. In 1816 after the pieces were collected and put back together the crosses were erected in Sandbach's old town square.Directly across the square from a bench is the Godfrey C. Williams & Sons specialty grocers (Deli). This fine foods purveyor carries something from nearly every country in the world. I finally found Fontina cheese (Italian) at last! It melts delicately and tastes incredible on a pizza or a savory tart. I also found the steel cut oats I love for my morning oatmeal.

   Down the road we came upon Demeter Wholefoods LTD.--the best health food and herb store I've found in England to date. They carry nearly everything a good herbalist--or a Green witch like myself--might need.
   I purchased beeswax so I can make my Comfrey and Calendula healing salve and skin cream. I also found sachets of ground Cardamom and ground Chipotle peppers. Guess who is a happy camper??!!
   After lunch and a quick trip to Lidl's for a couple of grocery items we caught the bus back home to the boat. It was really a lovely afternoon--do rain, warm, slightly muggy, with sunshine peeping through the slow moving clouds every now and again.

   We decided to cruise onward toward the Caldon canal, so we upped sticks and off we went, leaving the double narrow locks behind as we climbed up Heartbreak Hill as it's known. There are a lot of locks on this part of the Trent & Mersey but they are stretched out across beautiful countryside and many of them have long pounds suitable for mooring up for a cuppa, lunch, or a stop overnight.

   Les did the locks while I drove the boat. We were the only folks moving along this part of the canal! He walked on ahead to set the next lock while I brought the boat out of the current one, lowered the paddles and closed the gate behind me. We were both aware of what a splendid team we make, laughing and joking as we went along.

   The wind ruffled my hair and cooled my cheeks as we moved. At one point I spotted the Bluebird of Happiness on the towpath!! It was Les in his blue striped shirt, windlass in hand, arms out, weaving along!

   We stopped for the evening along a quiet country stretch across from a fenced field of cattle. As we sat our on the bow, coffee cups in hand watching the aerial acrobatics of the local community of Martins wheeling and diving for insects--some flying just past our heads--I was filled with a supreme sense of happiness.

   We enjoy some of the best landscape views in England without paying millions and billions of pounds for them; we have all the time in the world to do whatever we choose; Les and I share a partnership of true equals. We love one another's company and we enjoy each other. Life is simple and simply doesn't get any better than this! 

Wet, wet wet.

Once again the rain falls and we stay moored. Just because we are Continuous Cruisers does not mean we must move in such conditions, although plenty of boats do and they are not all hire boats. As we tend to moor mostly away from the busy spots we have a 14 day window for moving, so rain do your worst--Jaq and I will just laugh and joke the days away until it dries up. I mean let`s be honest retirement is meant to be relaxing, slow, happy--and I will add dry--so standing on the stern getting soaked is not on my fun list.

At the moment we are close to Sandbach and Jaq wants to visit on market day (Thurs) so the rain means we will not have moved too far come Thursday. We left Middlewich and stayed one night at Wheelock. The weather for yesterday looked promising so we set off to find a good spot to catch up on the laundry.

Two locks and half a mile on we found a wide piece of towpath to set up the washing line without obstructing the walkers passing by. The clouds darkened as the sun (remember that hot thing shining down from the sky) kept popping behind the clouds but the rain kept away and Jaq got three machine loads dry. Oh well it was nice while it lasted a whole day without rain. So now we both sit here working on our Laptops with no desire to go anywhere.

 When we moored up well away from the locks we had the towpath to ourselves in both directions but within two hours it had turned into a mini marina with 3 in front and one behind.      The one in front is about 35 feet away but that didn`t stop the lady on board walking back as I sat on the front deck to check if her engine was noisy for us. When you get people like that it endorses the community within which we live. I just love this stress free life, to quote Jaq, bliss. 

We had a basic plan to go on the Caldon canal but my worry is that with all this rain the section the River Churnet shares with the Caldon will be impassable.

Just an update on the Cyst; With Jaq`s hot compresses it has opened up and is draining daily. Yuk! that`s all you want to know other than Jaq is taking good care of me. Thanks to everyone for your concern.



While the Cat's Away the Mouse will Play and Our New Charging Station

"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." -- Buddha
   Les caught the bus to Crewe train station early on Wednesday to begin his journey down to Watford and his physician's appointment. Before leaving my husband thoughtfully moored the boat in a safe and fairly quiet part of Middlewich near the town center for my convenience; he tuned in the satellite for TV, and switched out the toilet cassette so it wouldn't hit FULL in the middle of the night.
   Les left carrying a large blue IKEA bag full of wrapped birthday gifts for the grandchildren. I needed to stay with the boat so I sent my love along in the form of packages of freshly baked chocolate chunk cookies for everyone.
   While down south Les had a few errands to run and our mail to retrieve from family. He spent the night at his daughter-in-law's and visited with family Thursday morning before catching a series of trains and buses to come home that evening.
   I felt strange after Dear Sir left. I came to the realization that months of functioning as a couple had caused a subtle alteration in me. I'd gotten used to letting Les do certain things such as putting up wind genny and tuning in the satellite TV.
   I decided it was time to make my first vertical ascent of the boat roof to set up the wind genny on my own. I stepped out onto the stern and sat a awhile looking at the roof. I have a fear of heights combined with really short arms and legs which makes me a great candidate for accidents.

   Some years back I read Laurence Gonzlales' book Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies and Why. Gonzales makes a very convincing argument that most human disasters are pre-planned. He deconstructed several very well known events and illustrated his point perfectly. Out of hubris, haste, greed, anger, or fear so many disasters take place when humility, patience, thoughtfulness, accompanied by a calm demeanor while reviewing the situation can remove one's fear and allow success to occur.

   Ever since finishing Laurence's book It has stayed with me and whenever I attempt something which stretches any of my personal boundaries I think of that book and I slow down, take stock of the situation, and my actions and behavior. This is my human behavioral version of that old carpenter's maxim, "Measure twice and cut once."
   Using the stool Dear Sir made for me to stand on while steering, I climbed up  slowly and carefully staying in the middle of the roof whenever possible. The turbine and blades were heavier than I expected. An audience of young teenage boys playing football in the adjacent park kept watch to see if the little old lady on the boat roof managed to fall in the canal! No joy there.
 Slowly, surely I lifted the genny on its post, slipped the lynch pin in place, and took my time attaching each of the guide wires to the roof. I climbed gingerly back down, and hit the ON button. I did it--all by myself!
   Why, you might ask??? Simples!! It is important that Les knows I can take of myself and our floating home in a crisis; I need him because I love him--I don't love him because I need him.
   As the day moved forward I found myself reverting to the tough, determined single woman I have been for many decades. It was great to know she is still alive inside, underneath all the loving care Les lavishes on me as my partner.
   I washed two loads of laundry and hung it to dry, then took a walk into the town center for a few bits and bobs and stopped at The White Bear pub for dinner. If you are ever in Middlewich make sure and take the opportunity to eat at The White Bear. If you enjoy fine food, well prepared and reasonably priced you won't be disappointed.
    The chef sources his vegetables from a local organic farmer and purchases all meat from a local butcher. The chefs are professionally trained and the wait staff are friendly and fun. This isn't a traditional boater's pub but one with a young attitude--Indy rock music plays on the sound system--but not too loud--and the atmosphere is one of youthful energy.
   We seldom eat out as it is difficult to find places with food prepared better than I can cook myself. I don't mind paying a few bob for a really good meal but I detest spending one pound or dollar for crap food. So it was a joy to tuck into my meal at The White Bear (Wheelock Street, Middlewich, Cheshire; 0606 837666; hello@thewhitebearmiddlewich.co.uk.) The owner has a web site up at www.thewhitebearmiddlewich.co.uk however it is not fully functional yet. 

   Thursday morning dawned bright and amazingly without rain!! I spent three and half hours cleaning the boat from top to bottom, bow to stern while rocking out to a two DVD mix I made called Flashback. (The play list is available at the very bottom of this post.
   I made the bed with clean sheets. Wrestling with with the thick inner spring mattress in such a small space made more it difficult to do than putting up the wind genny!  I aired the down comforter (duvet) outside in the rare English sun, and washed all the windows--inside and out.

   In the afternoon I baked a fresh cherry almond custard tart for dessert and caught up on work related issues online. I was thrilled the Writing Center wanted me to continue instructing ENGL 102 and UCOLL 302 for fall.

   When Les came home Thursday night his freshly groomed wife greeted him with a dinner of boiled bacon, Champ, and glazed carrots. He was thoroughly chuffed I put up the wind genny; Dear Sir was full of admiration  for my "if he can do it, I can do it" spirit--to quote him directly.
   Today we finished up our charging station which Les began building over the past month as we cruised along. Les picked up parts along the way from Nantwich to Chester.
   We originally sat down together and I drew up a model of what I thought might work for us. Les and I tweaked it as we went along, he doing most of the work with a few basic tools, great determination, and an in depth understanding of electronics wiring and gadgetry of which I know nothing. 

Inside the charging station

With the door closed

   The idea was to have a central cupboard from which to charge our laptops, phones, the Internet pointer and other items needing a good electrical charge. It was my hope this cupboard would stop the insanity of cables plugged in everywhere around the dinette which imprisoned one in a cat's cradle of criss-crossed wires.

Les picked up a laptop power supply for his Lenovo laptop in Chester, and we ordered one online for my Toshiba. These are permanently in place in the cupboard, plugged in to 12 volt cigarette lighter sockets wired to a simple on/off switch on the outside. 

   These are basically mini inverters with the capability of increasing voltage  from 12 to 24, according to the power requirements of the item one is charging.
   The charging station is compact in order to fit tucked under the boat gunnel at the end of one of the dinette benches close by where we sit with our computers but not impeding the use of the dinette for seating or breaking it down into a bed for guests.

   I found charger cable tidys online at Moore Industries, which led us to a supplier: Lakeland online store. We ordered and paid for them online and  selected the 2Click and Collect at Your Local Store" option. Les picked them up at Lakeland in Watford. These little beauties work perfectly to keep the cords and plugs under control--and they are made in England!

   The rain has found us once more, pouring all day to a greater or lesser degree. Tomorrow we will make one last foray into the town for some DIY bits and a Daily Mail TV magazine, fill up our water tank and be on our way down the Trent & Mersey toward Wheelock and Sandach.

The charging station is hidden by the pillows, left.

   Flashback playlist 

  

Back from the Docs

I am now back on the boat following my appointment with the doctor.

It all started about 18 months ago when a pea size lump appeared on my neck. After being bullied by all the girls (daughters in law) and from Jaq 5000miles away I went to the doctor to be told it was a Sebaceous cyst. No need to worry unless it increased in size as it would either disappear or remain pea size forever with no problems.

So i`m happy the girlie's are happy(although it was nice they worried about me) thanks girls and life just carried on  and life was good for 18 months. Over the past 3 weeks it suddenly grew very large and this time the doc says it is infected and put me on Antibiotics. Evidently they can be infected through the skin pores as well as what is travelling through your body.

At the moment it has gone down a little but Jaq says a head has formed which means it might be ready to drain. When I looked using 2 mirrors my thoughts were of the boils I suffered as a youngster.

Entering Manchester, Castlefield basin

The famous Manchester United football stadium canal side.

First glimpse of the Manchester Ship Canal from the Bridgewater canal.

A little further on and a Metrolink tram crosses the canal on it`s way to Salford Quays.

Pomona lock on the left goes down to the ship canal. On the right Hulme lock the original route to the ship canal.

High rise blocks of flats(apartment buildings) from the canal

 and from the air.

 Dominating the skyline as we enter is the Hilton hotel towering 47 storeys and 550feet above the Manchester skyline.
Only the first 22 floors make up the hotel above this are apartments.
How about a 2 bedroom on the 35th floor for £239,000 ($358,000). Not quite good enough?
 Ok a 3 bedroom Penthouse is for you at £795,000 ($1187,000) Well I am sorry if your still not happy but you are to late. I have bought the 3 storey apartment on floors 44 to 46 for £3,700,000 ($5.5million) give or take a dollar.

Middle warehouse in the basin.

We are moored 3rd on the right. Just to my right steps lead up to street level and 5 mins walk into the heart of Manchester.

This is towards the end of the Castlefield basin and was once Grocers Warehouse. It was partly rebuilt in 1987. Below is how it would have looked. The goods would be lifted from the boats that
.were moored inside the arches through hatches(picture right) up to the required floor.
This was all done by a water powered winch.

Jaq is studying while the cruise goes on

Jaq finds herself back studying to pass her exam to obtain a `leave to remain` visa in her passport. Jaq has until late 2013 to pass the exam but decided to get the book and absorb as much as possible before the exam. I have had a read through the book and have my doubts if I would pass. I do not know the differences in the education systems of England, Wales and Scotland. As for the questions on politics, we won`t go there. Then there are questions such as;                                                                                     What are the percentages of the UK population that say they are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish etc. Based on the 2001 census Jaq`s study book states that 71% are Christian (including 10% Roman Catholic. Hindu 1%, and so it goes on. Anyway I  have no doubt Jaq will pass the exam.

Cruising the Bridgewater you have to be aware that services ie rubbish, elsan and water are few and far between. We turned into the Runcorn arm to use the service block marked in the Nicholson guide but leaving the boater to guess the exact location. For reference it`s on the right hidden by heavy greenery just past the marina entrance. I didn`t see a rubbish bin. 
In fact I have no knowledge of any rubbish disposal sites on this canal. There is no site at Dunham school bridge even though Nicholsons has one marked.
We topped up with diesel and a new gas bottle at Claymoore navigation on the way back through Preston Brook. They allowed us to dump the 3 black bags of rubbish we had accumalated.

Overnight mooring at  Lymm and the village could not be closer. The picture below is the view from the boat. The fish and chip shop is within casting distance but I was not keen on the fact the fish was not Cod but in fact I suspect Hake.

One of many old canal buildings that make the journey interesting

Good blog, were waiting for you in Manchester was the conversation as we passed each other.  Sorry I don`t know your names but it was a pleasure to meet a reader and  so maybe next time we can chat.

Onto the Bridgewater canal

Saltersford Tunnel left, is 424 yards long. Due to bends within the tunnel it is impossible to see boats coming in the opposite direction. In order to make passage safe entry into the tunnel is timed. Northbound boats can enter on the hour until 20 min. after; boats southbound can enter on the half hour until 10 min. to the hour. By comparison Barnton Tunnel, above right, has no deep curves to obstruct your view. This means with care boaters can use the tunnel anytime.

The next tunnel before the Trent and Mersey becomes the Bridgewater canal is Preston Brook and again it has timed access.

 After passing through Preston Brook Tunnel the Bridgewater canal begins. The first thing you notice is the wide canal and bridge holes. Some idea of this width can be judged by the extra long stop planks and the crane to install them.

Up the Trent and Mersey

The blog needs updating although I think most readers know it is not a live blog so we could be far from the blogged subject. At the moment we have been into Manchester where Jaq treated herself to a Toshiba laptop so she can get work done separate from the captain, ok 2nd in command, I know my place.
 Anyway more about Manchester in another blog as at the moment we are moving to a suitable place where I can get a train for a Doctors appointment.
About 18 months ago I had a small lump on my neck and the doc said what it was but I have forgotten. The diagnosis was it would probably stay the same size and cause no problems. What ever it was called it was common. Trouble is the last 3 weeks it has grown so now it will be a referral to the hospital and a little surgery.
Trust me to have one that grows instead of staying small, must be all the good food Jaq cooks me. Still can`t complain as in the 6+ years with this doctor I have been once and now this will be the second. Previous to this when in the house I hadn`t seen a doctor for 5 years so all in all pretty healthy.


The smelly works that stretches over and along both banks at Northwich. I did ask someone peering over the fence a few years back and from memory I believe they make Phosphate.

This looks to be a lifeboat from a cruise liner. It had a prop at the rear. It was out of the water at Wincham Wharf where Harral boat brokerage operated until they went bust. I believe the Wharf`s owners are now operating boat sales.

The Anderton boat lift and the journey down to the River Weaver will have to wait. We did stop off and walk down and show Jaq the exhibition. As this is the 10th anniversary of the reopening after restoration entry to the grounds and exhibition is free.  I wonder how much that has cost BW/CART/Boaters. A lot of work on the system could have been implemented with those lost takings.
Ok so just going to hit publish and the thunder and lightning is across the fields and now the rain is pouring down. A wet summer for sure.

More un-published pictures

This is a caraboat that used with the wheels out of sight below water can be at home behind a car as well as afloat. The weird thing is when I googled Mirage Caraboat it turned up a for sale post on a Caraboat forum. So click here and view the photos of it on dry land and the interior. Sixty four were built from 1971 and they are now quite rare. Some more info can be found here.




 This post box is in the wall of the Anglo-Welsh hire base reception at Bunbury locks. This box signified the reign of Edward VII 1901-1910. The box is sealed now but I guess it must have been in service here at some time and perhapsused by passing boats. The box was in the side wall
(picture above) at this end so I can only assume the position is original being near the road.
 

 Alpacas grazing near Calverly. They come mainly from Peru and Chile and have a lifespan of 20yrs. They produce between 2-5 kilos of fleece per year that will be sorted and used for luxury garments.

Tacet stops for tea

Fellow bloggers Ian and Karen on Nb Tacet broke their journey to come aboard for tea/coffee and a good old natter.
It gave Jaq a chance to meet some fellow bloggers that  I last met at Weedon back in late March 2011. I think from memory they had just set off on their travels and Nb Valerie was their 1st blogger invite.
Nice to see you are both still enjoying the canals and have a nice trip on the Leeds and Liverpool canal.