So on Friday 24th we left Littleborough and had a steady cruise to Slattocks. We did however encounter a fallen tree. Bill (another cruiser) was some two hours ahead of us and was battling to try and remove it from across the canal. Paul jumped off to give him a hand with the saw and some 30 mins later we were back on our way.
At Slattocks we moored up outside a BP Station and prepared ourselves for the long day ahead. The next steps would usually be to do 10 locks to Chadderton and then the following day, do the next 18 locks into Manchester in one fell swoop. This is because (a) there is not really anywhere to moor as the locks are so close together and (b) because it is an extremely shady area and boat jacking or taxing (where you have to pay over money to prevent your windows being shot out, or something equally as delightful) are common.
However, the weather forecast for Sunday was dire – heavy rain and thunderstorms and so I suggested that we do the full 28 locks in one day. In addition, Manchester United were playing Manchester City at Wembley so it was likely that all of the scrotes would be supping their cans of Stella and watching the footie!
Everyone was in agreement and so at 8am on Saturday 25th, we were off. Our descent into Manchester was almost uneventful, had Daisy not got grounded at one point because the water in the pound dropped. However Paul managed to use the barge pole to get her freed.
Whilst the weather was beautiful and sunny, the landscape was, in some parts, ruined by the piles of rubbish dumped in and alongside the canal. Paul had to stop at one point to remove a sheet of plastic from around the propeller. Like a sad game of eye spy, I saw the following:
- Shopping trolley
- Mattress
- Bed frame
- Dead fish
- Coat
- Bicycle
- Shoes
- Bottles/Cans
- General household rubbish
I couldn’t help but feel guilty on behalf of the human race for all the animals and wildlife who are suffering as a result of the selfishness of some people. To see ducks and geese nesting on piles of rubbish was very sad indeed.
What also humbled me was when we saw small children waving to us from their high rise balconies – clearly delighted to see boats passing through. It is easy to forget that some people don’t have a garden or space to play.
Keeping it light though, we arrived in Manchester exhausted but exhilarated at having completed all 28 locks with the boats still intact. We moored up outside Islington Marina as the Marina itself was totally full. The marina manager very kindly let us use their showering facilities though, free of charge, as Daisy has started leaking water through the tiles ( a job for Paul when we get a few days without cruising).
After a quick shop at Aldi, which was conveniently close, I cooked a wonderful steak and stir-fry and then we had a well deserved glass of wine.
Sunday was a day of fun. In the morning, we had a nice lie in and took it steady. We also walked over the road to Go Outdoors where we invested in some proper wellies (Muck Boots) and I also got a decent 3 in 1 waterproof coat. In the afternoon I did some cleaning and also re-organised the engine cupboard, whilst Paul watched the grand prix. Once that had finished, I donned my locks, put on my rainbow top and we headed off out into Manchester to check out the gay village (only fair as we did Hebden Bridge) and also China Town.
Paul allowed me to pick a place to drink in and so I picked the noisiest bar that was full of bald headed hunks dancing and singing to Kylie and the Spice Girls. The bonus was that the DJ was in full drag. As Paul was clearly out of his comfort zone, I ordered a couple of pints of beer (complete with rainbow straws) and then we found somewhere to stand. The atmosphere was amazing and I could have stayed all night but Paul was keen to eat and so we headed into China Town where we had a rushed, but pleasant meal. After this, we went straight back home as the City was becoming manic – Man City were out on tour showing off some trophy and there was a procession of fans and lots of fireworks.
Today, we completed the final stretch of the Rochdale canal which is 92 locks long in total. It was totally amazing going through the City centre – so bizarre cruising amongst skyscrapers and hotels etc. Many people stopped to watch and recorded us on their phones. or clicked away with their cameras We felt like celebrities and Paul really enjoyed dothing his cap! We also went past Manchester United football ground!
The Rochdale canal leads on to the Bridgewater canal and, after a re-fuel, water top up and toilet empty at the Stretford marina we parted ways with Julie and Garry and Paul and I are currently moored up near a boating club. We look forward to the next few days on this section of the English canal system.
Love to all xx
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