Harecastle Tunnel

It felt like it was going to rain as we set off at 10am this morning, a couple of boats had gone by but they were well ahead so hopefully no queues at the locks. The housing development opposite last nights mooring is slowly expanding, I wouldn’t fancy a house at the end against the railway line. The fencing is still laying in the canal near bridge 108 and the barriers across the deck.

We started meeting a few boats which was a good sign as maybe the boats ahead of us would be swell on their way up the flight. Emerging from the tunnel/bridge by the waste incinerator I was rather taken wit the view looking back. Not the best composed photograph but shows what I wanted it to. Coming the other way with a reflection would be better.

Round by the shooting range it looks as if they are constructing another target lane right beside the canal, the boat that permanently moors here is sprouting new growth really well.

Talking of things growing, the Giant Hogweed is quite prevalent on the off side by the aqueduct, but some of the leaves are rather pale so it may have been sprayed with something.
Work is still ongoing at Goods Yard with windows in the old building and work fitting out the inside, the block behind it really dwarfs it.

Something I have never experienced before, we arrived at Stoke Bottom Lock as a boat was just coming out and the single handing chap was going in. By the time we reached the top lock, there are only 5 of them we had met 12 boats, I think the most I have ever met before here is 3 so it saved us a lot of work turning locks. Talking to the single hander at the top the only paddle he touched in the whole flight was the top paddle of the top lock. Once at the we turned up the Caldon to use the services,  The single hander had just arrived and another boat leaving, so we were there for an hour, time for a leisurely lunch. Once full we reversed out, winded and headed towards Harecastle tunnel. The building on the offside just past the toby Carvery has expanded somewhat since we last passed by.

Things were busy at Longport Marina with boats moored two abreast and a Narrowboat having just been unloaded or loaded with a Hiab.

Past Westport lake with only 3 moored boats but a few dozen geese on the grass. We have seen several hundred of these this year, normally in flocks of about 50, they are certainly thriving.

We continued on to moor for the night at the mouth of the tunnel, I walked over to see if there were any passages booked for this afternoon so that we wouldn’t be in the way, but the place was deserted, locked up and the fans off. I wonder if the CRT booking system for the afternoon has effectively made the tunnel only available for half a day? Our mooring for the night and we will have to be ready for an early start in the morning.

Today’s Journey

7½ miles, 5 locks in 4¾ hours.