Samuel Barlow Coal Company

Such a finely decorated remnant of working narrow boats on the canals of England. This splendid craft was towing its butty boat, also finely decorated. It wasn’t the best of shots as were we’re taking on fresh water and I was keeping the boat still while Susan attended to the hose.

Warm, sunny and less humid today. No rain or thunder this evening. An enjoyable walk to and from the Willymoor Lock Tavern for lunch and a pint at a canal side pub. And a quick trot to the shops to pick up a few bits and pieces to get us to the end of the voyage.

I had hoped to travel down the Grindley Brook lock staircase and the others including Willymoor. Time was against us so this afternoon we had to be content with getting to the locks, taking on water and turning the boat to begin the trip back to Ellesmere.

I was pleased by the turn, didn’t quite get the angle right first attempt but the second was spot on and we enjoyed a cruise back towards Ellesmere stopping overnight in the silent middle of nowhere (extra)