Windy Boating

Tying under the Adelphi Mill at Bollington Wharf when it’s really windy isn’t actually the most sensible thing to do, but we got away with it. Actually tying the boat was quite interesting, since it took two of us to hold her, and one to drive the pins in (the owner of the Adelphi has had all the mooring rings cut off because he thought they were trip hazards), and we only had two of us.

No matter, we managed, though it did involve temporarily tying to a mooring sign totem. The boat did a bit of rock and roll from time to time during the evening and night, and lighting the Squirrel wasn’t easy, because of the down draughts, but, hey, we’re still here.

This morning we set off reasonably early. Starting meant pulling out the pins without letting go of the ropes, then jumping aboard and waiting whilst the wind blew us clear of hotel boats Oak and Ash, who had tied, breasted up, right in front. (No comment.)

Then we had a jolly chug through familiar waters, arriving at the top of Bosley at 10.45. The locks were mostly against us, though we had a couple of encounters with boats coming up, and we arrived at the bottom by half twelve. Lunch was indicated, so we did, then came on a bit further to a towpath mooring just short of Congleton. We’d planned to go all the way through to the wharf, but thought that it might be a bit noisy on a Saturday night, not to mention the towering presence of another ex-mill, so a bit of rural peace seemed better.

The wind continues breezy, but not so bad as before; either it’s calming down a bit, or the lower altitude is helping. Quote of the day, from the woman steering one of the boats coming up Bosley, sitting in the open lock below watching Sanity Again blow sideways onto the towpath and stem up: "I'm waiting to get a clear run at it."

Tomorrow, on through the tunnel, probably tying at Westport Lake. Oh and forgot yesterday, we saw this unusual customer at Macclesfield Marina:

At least he can get onto the service pontoon, which is more than any visiting boat could :(