Days of rest and recuperation

Saturday and Sunday were, for us, both days of rest and preparation. On Saturday, the four boats around us set off to go down toward Slaithwaite. At first they couldn't get the first lock gate open but, before having my breakfast, I went along with my ground spike and helped get them get going. Next, a C&RT chap came along and helped the next boat through. After that a further 3 turned up, phoned head office and removed a limiter from one of the paddles so that more water could get into the lock and everything worked fine. 

Looking down toward the offending lock. In the meantime, the lead boat had jammed in lock 2 with a log stuck alongside. C&RT to the rescue again and eventually got on their way again. We later heard that they had got stuck in a pound and more water had to be let down to them. 

Later in the day we walked down to the tunnel entrance and visited the Country Fair that was on both Saturday & Sunday. There was a good mixture of stalls including artisan breads, local pork sausages, handbags, canal ware, coffees, ice creams and an animals corner where children (& adults) could get up close. On the top floor of the warehouse building there were craft folk demonstrating their skills with work and craft tools on sale. 

In the evening the town got really busy with the arrival, on the hour, of the Real Ale Train. It's an open ticket so that you can get on any train, there are 8 stops, and you can try as many real ale pubs as you want. The noise as they arrived and left was tremendous but good natured. There were also plenty of police to keep an eye on things. Being further along the canal we were not bothered by the train crowd but during the day the towpath had been packed with families going to the fair. 

An evening view of the boat after everyone had gone home. 

Sunday and just after 10 o'clock Harvey & Helen arrived. We had arranged for lunch at the Riverhead Brewery Tap for 12 o'clock so had time for coffee and a natter first. Lunch was a great success and after, we visited the fair again and had tea at the Watersedge Cafe. Whilst there I found out that we could take the boat through the tunnel on Monday instead of having to wait until Wednesday. So, with Harvey & Helen's help we moved the boat forward to the tunnel entrance, Harvey taking the tiller for this short trip. 

We then walked back to their car and after they had gone prepared for an early night. Our tunnel debut was scheduled for 8 o'clock the following morning.