Thursday 3rd September, 2015 in Slaithwaite.
A brightish morning , if cool. Over breakfast, the water level below MM started to drop and soon we were well aground. R went out to find two C&RT guys who were flushing water down the canal from higher up - as they had done for us yesterday. Again, it appeared that the pound between Lock 1E and 2E (down by the university) was vitually dry and so they were sending water down to bring up the level. Soon, they opened the paddles on the lock above us (Lock 9E) and the water level under MM recovered.
As they were working their way up from 8E through 12E, emptying each lock, it seemed sensible to go up through the locks as they were emptying them. So, we set off - R didn't even have time to finish his orange juice! The C&RT guys helped us through the locks, so M was able to take it easy for a short while.
At Lock 12E, we met a third C&RT guy, who had dropped his rake (used to clear debris from around the gates) into the canal and was trying to fish it out. He was soon joined by the other two C&RT guys with a bigger rake.
Despite all their efforts, by the time we left them, they were still fishing for the missing rake; or, at least standing round puzzling over what to do next! Either way, they were very hepful and made our start to the day much easier. Thank you, guys!
Soon after, R was again down the weed hatch to take strips of plastic off the propellor. Only three times today!
These may be narrow locks but they are extremely deep, averaging over 11ft each.
This is proving to be a delightful canal with rather enclosed rural sections (reminiscent of the Staffs & Worcs)...
... which then opened up to broad vistas looking across the valleys to the hills. The large former mill, set back from the canal, is the Titanic Mill, now converted into fashionable apartments.
Between Lock 14E and 15E, we began to think that the canal had disappeared into the undergrowth. Shades of the "African Queen"; we half expected to see Humphrey Bogart appear in the cut, pulling his boat through the reeds!
Above Lock 16E, we stopped for refreshments and were amused to see that we were being watched by Billy-Goat-Gruff with his imposing beard.
It's been a while since we have passed houses with gardens running right down to the canal and this one was an absolute picture - a riot of colour.
As far as motorists are concerned, M says that this notice says it all!
Finally we arrived in Slaithwaite and moored up just above Lock 21E - exactly half way (in locks) to the tunnel. We shall stay here all day tomorrow and have a good look around. On a short expedition to reconnoitre the locks ahead, we found a magnificent artisan bakery that serves food and you can watch them at work while you eat. The bread was delicious. And again, it was an excellent use of a former mill building.
We may well go back there again for lunch tomorrow.
Today: 3 miles, 13 locks and 5.2 hours.
Trip: 281 miles, 194 locks and 191.3 hours.
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