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To go back to Part 1, CLICK HERE!
The rather unusual paddle gear on The Nine - reduction gearbox with a friction brake on the pulley to the left.
Canal Street was its usual lively self.....................
..... not that the BW assistance crew had any eyes to see.
The bottom section of The Nine runs between massive blocks - many of them now apartments..........
..... and the bottom section runs under the railway bridge to the bottom lock, in the distance in this shot.
The Rochdale Company had an interesting "make do & mend" policy - notice how this stone lock wall has been patched with brick.
This was as near as I could get Rumpus to the place where I found her, looking like THIS
Getting out over the Barton Swing Aqueduct was no problem.....................
.... and the Packet House at Worseley was as attractive as ever.............
.... but it was a different story next morning, when we returned to find the span swinging...................
...... to let a ship through on the Ship Canal!
Eventually, the span swung back....................
........... leaking water a little..............
...... and giving me a close - up of the end gates.
Eventually, the gates opened to let me pass...........
...... though the road span had reopened some time before.
This boat club on the Bridgewater has a ferry to transport members to the Car Park.
The Alvechurch fleet at Anderton used to be named after painters - this is the only survivor. Any idea what it is used for??? (NO prizes for the right answer!)
Making our way onto the Anderton Lift.........
...... at the top..............
....... a view from part-way down.
The interior's a lot less cluttered without the cables.............
..... 'cause these gurt big hydraulic rams do all the work!
Eventually we were allowed out....................
...... to find a delightful mooring on the Weaver.
"The Cathedral of the Waterways" looks at its best first thing in the morning.
The old counterbalance weights have been made into a maze - file this picture for reference!
By Bridge 182 there’s a new Business Park with decorative “thingies” overlooking the canal, with elements of lock beam and lift bridge in them.
The Big Lock at Middlewich looks a lot more prosperous than the last time I passed.........
"Ahhhhhhh - Innit CUTE!!!!" (and well painted, for a working boat)
Eeenie, Meanie, Mineney, MO........ Left-hand one this time! The paired locks on Heartbreak Hill were all expertly prepared by Susan.
I know which mode of transport I prefer, thank you VERY much!
In these days of constantly changing corporate images, it's nice to see a pair of BW work boats in the old British Waterways colours.
Red Bull aqueduct marked the completion of the Ring.
... and finally............ Have YOU seen the Skeleton of Harecastle?? (about 400 yards in on the left hand side from the northern portal) |
