On Friday 3rd We left the basin at Dewsbury having caught up with friends and headed off up the Calder and Hebble towards Cooper Bridge where we would join the Huddersfield canals. Just before leaving the river the swan neck (which connects the tiller to the rudder) came adrift which made locking off the river an interesting experience. It turned out the weld had failed.

Malcolm from Tayberg Steel Boats at Brookfooot came out on Saturday morning and did a temporary fix which he made permanent at Aspley basin in  Huddersfield on sunday. Many thanks malcolm.

A passage through Standedege tunnel was booked for Friday 10th and we duly arrived at Marsden on the Thursday evening, thanks to Graham, and Chris, who joined us for most of the assent. This strech of canal is beautiful but sometimes a bit short of water. Graham, Liz, Alan, and Helen helped us say goodbye to Yorkshire in the Tunnel End pub. 

BW couldn't take passenegers through the tunnel so we waved goodbye to the boat and crossed over into Lancashire by taxi. When the boat emerged we had to go down the Diggle flight before they were padlocked at 3pm. The west side of the canal is more open than the east and the views are loveley.

On Sunday 12th we had lunch in Uppermill. This coincided with the parade of vehicles from their "Yanks" weekend which is great fun. It's not everyday you see Churchill, Captn Mainwaring, and an SS officer all supping ale at the same pub!

A pleasant run down to Stalybridge where we stayed 2 nights due to bad weather. Stalybridge town centre really treats it's canal very well.

On Wednesday the 15th down into Ashton, a visit to the (very good) museum at Portland basin then up the Peak Forest to the Aquduct (very high!). On thursday we climbed the 16 locks of Marple Flight, hard work but beautifull.

On up to Bugsworth Basin on the 17th with my sister good company and what a beautiful canal - who could ask fo more.

A Family reunion and a trip in the rain for my other sister, and then we left earlier than expected to get the engine serviced at New Mills. Back to Marple and a trip to the Cinema to see "Bourne" part three. Then off we went down the Macc.

Bosley locks on the Macc were billed as a delight, and they were too. Granted they were all set for us, which helps, but we decended the 12 in two hours, in glorious sunshine, with beautifull views. Then we moored at the bottom of the flight in peace and quiet. This was really the "classic" great day on the cut.

A day off in Congleton and we went to visit Little Moreton Hall - it is stunning and well worth a visit - see the Pics.

On Monday 27th we went through Harecastle tunnel, accompanied by the ghostly whoops from the kids on the following boat. We then moored at the very pretty Westport Lake.

Through Stoke with a visit to the Wedgewood visitors centre, which was a bit disapointing, then on to Stone which is a real Canal town. We visted the pub and watched Roach and Starling coming through Stone botom lock in the dark. These two are working boats which deliver coal all over the canal system. The following morning we passed them in another lock and bought a bag of coal for the stove! Then we moved on to moor below Great Haywood junction.

After a day off when we went round Shuggborough Hall, grounds, and museum, we moved on to Armitage and a very good meal in the Plum Pudding. Next we have Fradley Junction, the Coventry canal, and September.