The Standedge Tunnel Experience!

What an amazing day!

First a picture of the tunnel office last night.

We were ready to set off for the tunnel from 8.00 this morning although our passage wasn't scheduled until 10.00. Just as well! The other 2 boats booked in first were apparently too smokey as they were hire boats with old Lister engines. As a result, we were pushed through first! This was great as it meant we had more time the other end to head on further. We filled up with water, removed the cratch cover, removed the navigation lights, signed 2 forms of disclaimers, kitted up and were off.

Just entering into the unknown with our first class chaperone, Terry, on board safe and sound and my little meter sitting on the hatch in front of me confidently monitoring levels of O2, Methane, CO2 and various other gases letting out reassuring bleeps and flashes every so often!

All was going well until the steam train went through in the adjacent tunnel!

From there on, we couldn't see a thing! In fact we had to stop in the middle at one of the emergency monitoring stations and switch the kettle off to allow the steam and smog to clear. We couldn't even see the front of the boat let alone the rocks sticking out everywhere!

....and here's Khayamanzi viewed from the adjacent redundant railway tunnel.

It was fascinating to see the marks where the old navvies drilled and filled with gunpowder to blast away the rock as well as the 'leggers' plates marking down the distances. Much of the view was this although it should be said that this was one of the wider and higher sections where I could take my eyes off the walls to grab a picture!

The support van was travelling in the adjacent tunnel and the 'shadow man' kept poppinghis head through to check all was OK while Terry had to radio through at specific points to check in. Eventually we popped out the Diggle end and into bright sunlight where upon we could re-assemble the boat and wash the sooty footprints out of the carpet.

The lock flight down from the end of the tunnel was through some stunning scenery.

It was a pleasure to meet an active team of Huddersfield Canal volunteers who were not only helpful and cheery but were undertaking a sterling task of repainting the locks and we quite willing to stop and help us lock through.

The rest of the journey was uneventful with a final mooring just below lock 11W and before Stalybridge. Tomorrow off the Huddersfield and through the Northern Peak Forest Canal to the Macclesfield and more familiar territory.

I have to say that the Standedge tunnel experience is one not to be missed although I am a little disappointed that I didn't get a single scratch on the boat to show for it!