Picture overload!

A great day today!

On passing this BW dredger, I did think it was somewhat ironic - kind of, 'vegetations revenge'! It clearly showed how long since it had last seen action in anger!

After a few minutes of seeting off, we saw Emily Anne. This is a steam narrow beam dutch barge style vessel often mentioned by Daniel, one of the moderators on the Canalworld forum. I believe his grandfather owns it.
Within 2 hours of setting off this morning, we had arrived at the Anderton Boat Lift. We were booked on the 1.45 passage but arrived in time to join another boat on the 1.00 passage. This did mean that we didn't have time for the shop and exhibition so will have to do that on the return trip up. What an amazing experience! The lift is so impressive and the crowds that turned up to watch on this Saturday even more so!! The BW staff were so helpful and informative and helped to make the whole experience very enjoyable. Here, Khayamanzi is waiting in the Caisson while the double seal gates are pumped out awaiting the journey to begin with the crowds of gongoozlers in the distance.

Here, our lift operative is chatting whilst we tie off ready for the descent.

Now you see him....

....now you don't

Passing the 'going up' caisson half way through the trip!

The trip was made all the more pleasurable by the company of the crew of NB Ability with whom we 'tagged along for the ride'. (If you happen to read this blog, email me at khayamanzi@ukcanal.org as we took some lovely pictures of your boat emerging from the shadows of the lift which you may like me to email to you!)

Typical River Weaver scenery!

The lift operative described the Weaver as, 'one of the waterways best kept secrets.' So far, it's hard to disagree. Travelling down-stream towards the Manchester Ship Canal and the coast we are currently moored for the night at a beautiful and remote mooring called 'The Devil's Garden'. We have a wide expanse of sweeping river ahead of us, a cutting of lush green trees behind us, buzzards calling above us and a field of cows to our port side!

Shortly after mooring up this evening, another boat loomed into view positioning itself in such a way as I was sure they were going to land on the same stretch as me. Imagine my surprise when itcame closer and I recognised it as Chris and Geoff.from NB Elsie Crisp and the Squire. Chris and Geoff moor at Brinklow with me and had no idea that I was on the Weaver, nor did I have any idea that they were on the river!! This is now the 2nd boat from the marina who I have met or passed with enthusistic waves and shouts to each other!!