The Lock gates opened and we had our first views of the Manchester Ship Canal (MSC).
It looks wide because it is wide. Its construction started in 1887 and took six years to build. It was opened in January 1894. Once opened it quickly enabled Manchester, despite being 40 miles inland, to become the 3rd largest port in UK. It cost the equivalent of about £1.65 billion today. I'm not sure how much the HS2 is costing but I wonder if it will have the same bang for that buck!
The only moving boat we met on the water way was the maintenance boat 'Vixen'.
As the waterway went round some hills it reminded me of the Panama Canal. The weather was hot, but not quite as hot as there though. The hill is known as Manisty Mountain.
After about 35 minutes we were passing Ellesmere Port and the lock entrance to the Shropshire Union and Canal Museum. The lighthouse is one of the few genuine ones built inland, and it was Thomas Telford we have to thank.
Jusy beyong Ellesmere is the Stanlow Oil and chemical terminals and they appear to be fairly busy at the moment.
These two ships were in the Stanlow Oil Dock but only one seemed to connected to cargo lines so the other must be waiting its turn.
We all ahd a turn on the tiller as it is a long way and it was very hot in the canal with the limited wind.
After 1hour 45 mins we were passing Weston Marsh Lock at the end of the River Weaver Navigation.
Just beyond the wall is the River Mersey. I have wondered if these lock gates were left here to prevent them drying out in case they are required again, or they have been used as additional protection!
The chapelry of Christ Church is under the responsibility of Runcorn Church. It held it's last service in the mid 1990's and was bricked up and sealed to try to preserve it from the weather. ten years later they went to check on it and found that all the pews and font had been stolen. I suppose it still looks in fair nick, but it is a shame that it can't be used for something. Two hours had brought us to Runcorn.
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