It's been ages since my last blog installment, but we really haven't moved far in the meantime.  On Monday (28th July), which incidentally was our 30th wedding anniversary, we descended Wigan flight.  Twenty-one double locks, on the short side for a boat of our length, and heavy, hard work to wind and push.  Made reasonable time and stopped for an hour for lunch mid flight.  Did not meet many boats on the flight and on the whole the ones we did meet did not help to speed us on our way.  Spotted one boat coming up and in the lock below the one we were approaching, as the lock was empty I opened it and we waited for them to come up.  The crew were lovely, but the ignorant git steering the boat enquired of his crew why I had shut the gates of the lock above.  I pointed out that I was there and had not seen him until it was already shut, rude man!  To add insult to injury they had shut the gates as they exited their lock and by the time we got there I had to lift paddles to fill the lock before we could open the gates.  Also met a boat coming up that was stuck in a lock.  They couldn't get the gate open.  After much head scratching and muttering, they eventually worked out that they had left a paddle open.  Once opened the lock filled and they were off!  However there is some lovely scenery on the way down which rewards the effort.

Coming down Wigan Flight

Some of the locks have significant leaks!

 
We completed the 21 locks in the Wigan flight and the two further locks on the Leigh branch and moored up at Dover Lock, where we were planning to have a pub meal.  However the Dover Lock Inn is under new management, sadly no food and only rubbish beer.  Had a meal on the boat after drinking three pints of the rubbish beer.  Moored up for a couple of days at Dover Lock and then moved to Astley Green for the weekend.  Had a very lazy few days before moving on to Manchester on Monday morning.

Worsley on the Bridgewater Canal

Barton Aquaduct

Views of the Manchester Ship Canal from Barton Aquaduct

We arrived in Manchester mid morning Monday and after lunch set of for a look around.  Graham has sorted out that there is a free bus service and so this morning after walking the dogs we set out to catch the bus and then have a good look around.  Had a good day and discovered that the 'Dig the City' festival is on.  Brilliant festival with loads of garden displays really enjoyed looking around the various gardens and displays.

Coming into Manchester on Jeanie Deans

Moored in Castlefield Manchester)

Tomorrow we move on!  Up the Rochdale nine locks to Piccadilly.  Moor up overnight and then an early start to complete the Ashton Canal in one day and moor on the Peak Forest Thursday evening.