Thursday 4 July 2013

Parked Up.....


We were on the move by 7.30am, wont happen very often, but had a big day ahead. Got through the outskirts locks no sweat then turned at Salford Junction to approach the Aston flight of 11 locks. The weather was hotting up and so was the body after working  5-6 locks  Leonie going ahead and setting locks had us progressing nicely until the boat grounded leaving a lock. The pound between locks was far to shallow so this required Leonie to go up another 4-5 locks opening a paddle to let water flow from the canal at Aston Junction. About an hour on the trip. We moved on to the Farmers Flight, 13 locks, and after doing 3 locks a volunteer lock helper appeared which was very handy.

The weather had warmed up  by the time we made the top and parked up to take a walk and see what mooring space was available. Nothing in Gas St, basin but in Gas St, there was a couple spaces. We chose a spot about 150 metres away because it wasn't right outside a bar and probably less chance of some drunk hoon running over the roof at 2am..  Maybe...





On the Farmers flight, next locks under the building ahead...



 
Going up 1 lock under the building...






2nd lock and lock keeper helping making things easier....

 



 

Looking back down those 3 locks under the tower.....



Another lock completed and gate shut...





Passing under an old building on an approach to a lock . They used to load working boats out of  buildings but why so many doors?.....  Starboard side....



 
 Port side a lot smaller arches....



On the approach to the city I was surprised how clear of rubbish and tidy the towpaths were. And as for Bandits waiting to pillage and plunder the ship that was a non event....



Big Wheels Keep On - - - - - - -  .......


The forecast is for Summer to last all next week, 24C, ready to party here....


Along side the M6 motorway......


Then left turn under it at  Salford  Junction...







Were "Beached" here and Leonie letting some water trough to deepen the pound....


Tow path on left goes over bricked up entrances were boats would have entered to load/ unload goods in factories....




 

After we moored these 3 came along and were making a movie, presumably about the canal because we could hear  some of their conversation and they did a bit of filming of  FireflyNZ, mildly Famous or What??......






After our 27 lock day what more could I do than offer to cook dinner,  this is Leonie's, tomato paste OHH nearly forgot and cheese...  Good EHHH.......
PS,  look at the arrangement......

Tomorrow we do a bit of exploring Birmingham.......
 
 
 
 

 

 

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