July 1

Happy Canada Day (for those that care!)

Made it up the Rochdale 9- wide locks right through the heart of the city. I shared the workload with ‘Theodora’, which was much appreciated. The paddles were some of the most difficult I’ve ever done- took two winches and standing on the handle to raise one. I got out the grease and smeared it all over the rack mechanism, and that helped, but…

Salford Quays: large, open, and mostly unused (access very difficult by narrowboat) A real pity…

more of Salford Quays: the industrial nature is in the distance, with Coronation Street sets on the left

Castlefield Basin, which is the terminus of the Bridgewater canal. 3 generations of transport: canal boats, train on the center cast iron bridge, and tram on the upper level

Rochdale Canal through city center. Under, through and beside buildings

note no towpath. Makes lock working more challenging, but lots of spectators

I was invited back by Andy and Michael, to ring with them in Fallowfield. The first session started at 2000h, and was on their 8. After some practice, coaching, and effort, rang plain hunt on 8 without error, and moderately good striking. The tower is mostly young people (university students or recent grads), which was a contrast to most places. They are patient, hard-working, and welcoming. The second session started at 2145 in the nearby pub, where lots of discussion was had about a wide range of topics, some including ringing. John invited me to Didsbury tonight, so we’ll see.

Gorgeous weather, so a cycle ride is in order. I am NOT emulating the Tour de France people, (lots about that here in Manchester!), but will have a good ride, I think.

Manchester has made significant efforts to revitalize and make the use of canals better, but there is so much more that could be done with minimal investment (not clearing buildings, or re-digging canals, etc) to encourage more boaters using the access to Manchester facilities and attractions. Mooring in Castlefield is limited to 72h (was full most of the time I was there- and people couldn’t find a place to moor- so moved on). there are 5 smaller branches here, into old basins for warehouses. All unavailable to moor in… Salford Quays would be magic: beside the Imperial War Museum, a designer mall, the Lowry gallery and theatre… See comments on June 1 for more about this place.  The same goes for the many small branches of the Rochdale: there are so many opportunities to make this more inviting. I am presently in Picadilly Village, where one of these old basins has been restored, and is available (but only 24h mooring). Visiting, shopping and all is difficult when you need to move every 24h- and find a new spot to safely moor. I hope to head up 2 more locks of the Rochdale to New Islington Marina, where there have been efforts to add available space for boaters. 2 locks up to that, then back down later in the week so I can do the Ashton and Macclesfield canals with the Fannins.