Thye weather had been given as very wet a few days ago, but last night it had been modified to light rain until about 1000 and then sunny intervals. We therefore decided that we would not put off our decent of the Wigan flight and go today.
C&RT came along and opened the top of the flight at about 0815 and when we had finished washing up we went round and started our decent. In the distance can be seen the bridge that would have been over the continuation of the Lancaster canal as it made its way to the Bridgewater canal near Worsley. Unfortunately the money ran out!
Helen drove into the top lock at 0835 to start our decent and the light rain was not too much of a problem. I was full of energy after my porridge.
I only noticed the lock numbers on the tail end of the lock. This would be useful as I always seem to get my numbers wrong as I try to work out how many to go on a flight when I have to subtract lock numbers etc. This is straight forward as I know I have 23 to do today.
For a short time the rain was a little harder, but it must have emptied the bucket above as it soon stopped. Last night the lock keeper had given us a list of all the problems with the flight, but in truth things were fine. There were one or two gates that I just managed to open or close, and some that you had to have all paddles open to make a level, but all went well.
The rain stopped and the middle section speeds things up a little as they are close enough together to be able to go ahead and get the next lock open whilst dropping the boat down in the lock above on one paddle.
I thought something had gone wrong as Helen was gesticulating madly as I walked back to the next lock. However I was relieved to find out it was just there was a jay in the tree!
Half way down and this sign of the rebuild in 1988. I wonder if there will be any more of the flight rebuilt soon as some of them are leaking very badly from behind the masonry of the tails of the lock. This could cause the walls to peel away eventually.
Here is a picture just to prove that the sun was really out and we were pleased we had decided to set off when we did.
We arrived at the bottom lock of the 21 at 1245 so 4 hours 15 minutes. There was only one lock that was full for us but many had the last fedw feet to top up, that always seems to take ages.We had to wait as they paddles were still locked. The lock keeper had told us he would be back at 1300 to open them as there was nobody else on the flight today. He actually arrived about 1330 so we just had time for a bite to eat and a cup of tea before heading off to complete the trip into Wigan, and I was picked up for the trip to the next lock for the first time today.
The Leeds/Liverpool Leigh Branch peels off to the left here, but we headed to the right and the next lock.
Lo and behold there was a boat in the lock coming up. They were having a problem getting a level with out having to cross the long way round the road bridge to open the off side paddles. They were heading down to their moorings in Leigh.
The dry dock at the next lock was occupied. It seems that the C&RT offices have moved from the glass offices to in the Trencherfield Mill below the lock. I had stiffened up somewhat after lunch but was loosened up quickly but was very pleased to see this lock.
And there is the confirmation that we have reached the bottom of the flight. No. 23 done.
We have moored up before the boat on the right. A funny pontoon structure has been erected, apparently for canoes to use. I suppose the water point is just the other side. I am been rewarded for my efforts today by a trip up the road for a pint and something to eat. Team work makes things nice and easy and it isn't nearly as bad a trip as some folks would have you believe. I think that if you had only really been used to narrow locks it would be an eye opener, and some of them would be almost impossible for one lady to do with out a body building course before hand. Luckily Helen is very competent at the helm.
Plans will need to be changed as a serious problem with one of the locks we need to pass through has occurred. Phone calls will have to be made!
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