Grindley Brook early Monday morning - well about 9:15 (ish) anyway - Seyella and Moore 2 Life moved down to the water points - unfortunately out of 4 water stands each with 2 outlets only 3 outlets were available, so we were waiting at our mooring until they were finished. Whilst we the took on water Jandai joined us and a hire boat went past us to take the next lock water and since Jandai filled their tank first they followed the hire boat down to the lock.
It was 11:15 before it was our turn! We weren't concerned at all, we have all the time in the world to get where ever we want to be!
Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.
The hire boat descends the lock and Jandai waits his turn ...
...meanwhile Molly takes a nap.
Grindley Brook Staircase Locks gates 1 and 2 are very leaky ...
... the top gate of the bottom lock though is not too bad.
The paddle gear at Grindley Brook Lock 5 is very different from ...
... the usual ones.
Approaching Lane Croft Wharf at the bottom of the lock flight ...
... and looking back at the wharf through beautifully built railway bridge
The lock side Willeymoor is getting a bit of a tidy-up
Quoisley Bridge - this is definitely where you will meet a boat coming the other way!
Lots of lovely countryside to see including swans grazing in the field.
Off now for a pack walk from our mooring spot below Marbury Lock ...
... we were going to cross the bridge to walk into the village ... but not this one!
This morning (Tuesday) 9am George and I are walking into Marbury over the fields ...
Combermere Park Obelisk a few fields away ...
... pretty cottages as we reach the village of Marbury ...
... The Swan has been the centre of the village since the 18th century ...
... this way to Whitchurch ...
... late 16th/early 17th century cottages
The Outhouse (right) and the Swan on the crossroads - the plaques are Marbury's Best Kept Village Awards ..
At the cross roads ...
... and to the Vicarage and the church ...
... which has interesting information on the cross members at the entrance
St Michael's Church Marbury ...
... and the Big Mere ...
... there looks to be some really good walks around here ...
... and the church is open too ...
The Belfry ...
... the tower is apparently 65' high, is 25"out of vertical, the bells were originally hung in 1789 and refurbished in 1928
Nothing ever changes really does it?
Looking to the Chancel ...
... and see beautifully made tapestry kneelers and signs of children being entertained during services
The Pulpit and Chancel Screen ...
... I wish more churches had this sort of information available
The carved oak roof replaced a plaster roof in 1891/92
... lovely carving on the cross beams
Victorian stained glass
Across the Mere
Daffodils at the side of the road and in the pots on Rock n Roll's roof - lovely!
Back at the canal the convoy is getting ready to go ...
... and a photo opportunity too!
The convoy continues towards Wrenbury ...
... the church and some very nice properties ...
... passing a long line of hire boats waiting for the season to start, and Ann who has operated Wrenbury Lift Bridge for us ..
... and then Geoff who wound up Wrenbury Church Lift Bridge for us ...
... and another impressive property as we leave Wrenbury.
Seyella and Moore 2 Life have stopped at Wrenbury to stock-up on provisions and we've carried on ...
The first of today's locks - Baddiley No 3 ...
... and horses in cosy coats watching us at Swanley Lock 1 ...
Driftwood Narrowboats at Swanley Lock 2
Seyella and M2L caught up with us at tonight's mooring near Swanley Marina ...
... where the young bullocks are very interested!
George escorts her ladyship back to Seyella ...
... and then has a conversation with the bull!
We had lots of fun at Brindley Brook last year. With one boat leaving the bottom paddles open and another aground in the middle lock.
ReplyDeleteTony
A great spectator sport Tony!
ReplyDelete