June 18

Canal-side English gardens…

I spent a long day on Tuesday. We made ready to leave Liverpool, gathering in Canning Dock at 0830h to await C&RT people to operate the lock. There were 4 narrowboats and 3 large Dutch barges. We were last in line, so floated around waiting. The water was incredibly clear- so much so that I opened the weed hatch, and took a photo of the prop- I could see the new split pin that was installed underwater back in April!

Out through the various basins, passageways, and former docks, past the old clock tower, and as we made ready to ascend the flight of locks onto the main canal, past the largest brick-built building anywhere. A former Tobacco Warehouse, now derelict, but scheduled for conversion and re-use. That will be amazing. The smaller warehouse opposite has already been converted and is in use.

We then proceeded up the Leeds and Liverpool, back through the swing bridges, past the national racecourse at Aintree (steeplechase-type course, about 6km long), and experienced the nastiest stretch for fouling the prop. I REALLY know how to get the weed hatch open, clear the plastic, wire, carpet, and waterlillies quickly, then get everything put back and underway. We made it all the way to Halsall, where Nick is leaving his boat as he goes back home. His wife is fine, amazingly after flipping the car on the motorway, but there is lots of stuff to deal with. 11h day, and I was tired.

Today much more casual. I helped Nick with a few boat things, got him off to his train, then moved along, very gently, to Appley Bridge. It was  gorgeous; sunny with a few puffy clouds, a following breeze, and one of those idyllic days, that was the perfect counter to the exciting and busy days in Liverpool. Green and pleasant land, this (someone should write a poem about this and set it to music… Oh yeah, they did.)

I hope your day is also as peaceful and invigorating at the same time. Enjoy whatever, where-ever you are: there is beauty all round you if you care to look. I have the luxury of doing so from the canal, and yet, the same is available if you take a moment, anywhere.