I was so pleased my creation was floating on her dedicated water line. Beryl had presented me with a brand new `waterproof` wrist watch too. I wasn't about to test its guarantee ?
The time came for me to `up anchor` and the plan was that Beryl and our Son Robert would meet me at the canal side in Stretford. I would be taking my Mother in law and her partner `Bert` aboard the boat and Beryl went in Len’s ( My Brother-In-Law ) van with the Pet dog `Bruce` and Robert to await our arrival.
The trip to Stretford should have been about one and a half hours……….
We had waved Bon-Voyage to all our canal side friends to head towards Stretford with my trusty small seagull engine that was controlled by a tiller ( Tiller is a hand held rod that steers the boat with my modification of a motor cycle throttle control for adjusting the speed ) You can imagine my elation at this point after all the long wait to provide a holiday for my small family, Beryl and Robert along with `Bruce`. Our loving pet Dog.
My crew, Mother in Law and Bert sat in the cockpit with a broad smile on our face as we steered `Lady Beryl` towards the Barton Swing Aqua-duct that crosses the Manchester Ship Canal .
We are limited to 4 MPH that's laid down by the Canal company rules which is such a wonderful experience as we watched the passing Busy road traffic.
Soon we had arrived at the Worsley Cruising Canal Club moorings and admired all the boats alongside , but no time to hang about because Beryl was now waiting at Stretford. We eventually navigated the left hand bend in the canal that brings into view the Swing Bridge.
The Barton Swing Aqueduct is a moveable navigable aqueduct in Barton upon Irwell in Greater Manchester, England. It carries the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal. The swinging action allows large vessels using the ship canal to pass underneath and smaller narrow boats to cross over the top. The aqueduct, the first and only swing aqueduct in the world in 1894, is a Grade II* listed building considered a major feat of Victorian civil engineering Designed by Sir Edward Leader Williams and built by Andrew Handyside and Company of Derby, the swing bridge opened in 1894 , after the original brick arch was demolished when its fate was sealed with the passage of the Manchester Ship Canal Act 1885, which allowed for the construction of a navigable waterway large enough to accommodate ocean-going vessels from the River Mersey estuary 36 miles into Manchester, partly along the Irwell. As the arches of the aqueduct were too small to allow large ships to pass through it was demolished in 1893, and replaced by the Swing Aqueduct that is still in use today. So solidly built was the old aqueduct that dynamite had to be used to complete its demolition.
I wasn't expecting any delay it being a quiet time Sunday.
I was soon to find that Murphy's law is active any day or hour. The guy in control of the bridge had raised the steel barriers to retain the water in the `Trough` and also to hold the canal water back as the bridge is swung to allow shipping to navigate the Ship Canal. He held up his hand and shouted “ It won't be too long a wait”.
I was in the centre of the canal which caused me to now steer towards the tow path on the left close to the bridge to await the expected opening “ Soon”. As I got close to the bank to moor up I asked Bert to take the tiller so I could jump onto the solid bank; The bridge guy shouted again but I couldn't hear what he said, this distraction was when `Murphy` took over the whole situation. I had looked towards the Guy, which momentarily caused my sight of the bank to veer as I was now committed to the jump. Bert had no experience in how to steer with a tiller, which is quite different than steering with a wheel !
When using a tiller, and the boat needs to go to the left, then the tiller is pushed to the right, and visa versa on the opposite `tack`. I hope that my `reader` is now seeing a mental picture of us being very close to the Left bank where I was to tie up, I had one leg on the boat and the other was in mid air, I knew I was going to land quite safe. Bert had pushed the tiller towards the left bank with the engine still running, ( A boat that's steered by an outboard engine has no rudder and relies on the propeller for steerage ) The gap between bank and Boat rapidly enlarged and I hit the bank with my upper body as my legs hit the water and the momentum caused me to the be completely submerged.
The terrifying thought as I was fully submerged gripped my mind was that I would be chopped in pieces by the spinning propeller. I've heard that time stops for a few seconds in most disasters, well I now know its true ! I have no recollection of the next few seconds, though I found myself standing on the canal side soaking wet, shouting at Bert to “ cut the engine and throw me a rope so I can pull the boat back to the correct side”. This small engine has no reverse.
The promised “Soon opening” lasted 2 hours because the guy had closed far to early for the ship coming that had to be about 6 to 8 miles away by my reckoning of speed and distance. It was then that I had also noticed that my brand new watch had vanished, torn from my wrist on the canal bank side and deep in the canal, gone for ever.
I had no dry clothing or towels etc on board because Beryl had them all at Stretford. Those days there was no such thing as a mobile phone, so I couldn't contact Beryl and I knew bye now that she would be very worried indeed.
We eventually arrived at Stretford to find that Beryl, along with our two and a half year old Robert and Bruce, along with all our belongings had been abandoned on the canal side by Betty and Len. Not a good situation to leave any worried person in at all.
It was getting late by the time we had stored all the kit and seen Mother-in-Law and Bert to the bus, and it was then that I discovered the boat had a leak near the left hand stern, slow but worrying because I couldn't find where it was coming from. I decided that we had all had a very long day, so we were to tie up for the night before continuing on our journey the next day.
The leak was a worry, so I lifted the stern on the boat onto the bank with the Bow sticking out into the canal at 90 deg. I intended to find the leak in the day light.
We had something to eat and bedded Robert down in the cabin where Beryl too was to sleep, I was to sleep out in the cockpit on the folding bunk, all very comfortable indeed.
Night time had arrived and it was pitch black with no lighting from road or building. I was outside checking all was secure as I saw a large dark shadow floating towards us from the direction of Runcorn. It was closing in towards the bank that we were tied up to and there was not a sound from it. I shone my torch onto my Bow that was sticking out into the canal and it was then that a guy shouted “ Ahoy there, we see you now”.
It was a very large converted sea going lifeboat that was about to moor up after they had spent the weekend at Lymm some 25 miles away.
They acknowledge by warning and tied up astern of our position and came to see why we were in this position. I explained our situation and both he and his girl friend invited us to sleep aboard their boat for the night because they were going home close by. They promised to return the next morning at 8 am to help with the leak situation.
He arrived on time with some Goo to fix the leak. It seemed that the leak had been caused by the car trailer we transported the boat on. This first encounter with nice friendly people on the canal system was just the beginning.
We set sail as we waved goodbye to our new, never to be seen again friends. The cruise turned out to be a very enjoyable experience and my fears that I had brought Beryl into this worrying situation had now subsided.
We arrived at Lymm, out first port of call, and found it to be perfect in every way, we even moored up close to the pub garden where Robert was in his element as Both his Parents enjoyed a well earned drink and sandwich. Lymm is just right for shops and pubs, with nice leisurely strolls and park area's. We had moored up astern of the Guy who's job was one that any person would envy, He received written script for comic books at the local post office, then sat on his boat drawing all the characters, such as desperate Dan and the like. To watch him draw was mind boggling as the faces emerged from under his hand as if in film form. This guy also played the accordion at night, very quietly yet spell binding as he sat inside his closed boat . What a fantastic life enjoyed.
We were so content on this mooring, that we spent a couple of days there; But time was short because I had set a goal on our adventure to see how far we could get in the next two weeks. Cast off and waved goodbye to our other new friends. The lack of `locks` on the Bridgewater from Worsley to the Southern end was a surprise to me, because I hadn't much knowledge in those early days of canal workings.
We arrived at the end of the Bridgwater where it entered the Trent and Mersey canal;. We had now ventured into another tranquil world away from roads and crowds, Oh how our dream holiday was progressing, even the leak was no longer a problem. To watch the wild life going on around us was so invigorating to the inner self. The Pet `Bruce` was also in his element because he had plenty of runs / walks because the Boat speed was at a crawl most times and he could trot alongside, and If Beryl and Robert wanted to stretch their legs, I could moor the boat up further along then await their arrival with a nice warm or cold drink etc for them. I was training Beryl to steer too, which she seemed to enjoy immensely.
Our tranquillity came to a shuddering halt as we arrived at the very long Preston Brook Tunnel 1239 yards of total darkness and very low ceiling and only room for one boat either way.
This situation was to get very tense indeed from now on.
I had read up on the rules of Canal navigation and was informed of the tunnel procedure whereas `before entering, one must listen for horn sounds inside the tunnel, these warnings are one prolonged blast on the horn every 20 seconds until clear. A white light is to be displayed too.
If no horn is heard or a white light seen inside the tunnel, then proceed with caution.
I've already informed the `reader` that I was running on a very low budget, so my light was a small reversing light off a car, small because I had no way of charging the 12 volt battery that supplied the whole boats internal lighting. My horn was one that operated by wind from mouth, NOT an air canister.
My engine decibels increased on entry to the tunnel, so hearing was limited.
I soon discovered that the `light` was about as useful as a chocolate tea pot, though I could at least see the walls and ceiling close by. Beryl was put in charge of the horn so that I could concentrate on the navigation so not to strike the walls.
You will remember that the horn was to be blown once every 20 seconds ? `Beryl Hornblower` started blowing 20 times a second in shear panic; I wasn't aware at this stage that she suffered from claustrophobia since childhood.
Suddenly the Reed from the horn disappeared in a kind of whooooosh, then complete silence. It was at that very moment that `Murphy` paid us a visit; The light also disappeared too ! Robert was secure in the cabin. I being the trusted Captain of the ship, I used the walls to bounce along on either side in total darkness. It wasn't until I noticed complete silence aboard that my thoughts turned to deep concerned why the silence? Not a sound from Bruce, Robert or the Galley slave, just the scraping of wood against bricks.
I lit a match to look around, because I was thinking irrationally by now. `What if Bruce had jumped ship and Beryl had reached out to catch him as they both fell overboard` ? My dim light shone on a very pale face with eyes like two fried eggs `sunny side up`. Gripping Bruce to her chest as she was sat on the floor in the corner.
I assured her that all was well and I knew exactly what I was doing. I had equipped myself with `cycle clips` around my ankles just in time as we were `attacked` by the dreaded `Bridgewater weed` around the propeller that stopped the engine dead. ( Bridgewater weed are plastic bags ) therefore no steerage way.
I reached over the stern with knife in hand and released the `weed`, all this in total silence because I didn't want to upset my sweet wife any more than she had already been.
Robert seemed to be in complete harmony with the situation as he slept throughout the whole scene.
I soon had the situation in hand as I pulled the start cord and the loud sound was back.
The weather at the Preston Book entrance of the tunnel was ideal. Wonderful sun, no wind and calm water. No other boats had entered the Tunnel by the time we emerged at the other end, but to add to the saga, we found that the weather had also wanted to take part in our pleasure cruise.
Torrential rain with high winds crossing from our right to the left which had the effect of pushing us into a bank of high weeds and drenching every one on board, even Robert, because the Hatch was open. This caused him to join in the mayhem. The fishermen who lined the banks on our right, seemed to be more concerned about their `lines` than about our security ! I could have avoided this situation in the weeds if these guys didn't sit too close to the tunnel entrances. I had seen the `cats paws` on the water as I was about to emerge from the tunnel. ( Cats Paws are ripples on the water caused by wind ) The wind was blowing from my right, so I needed to steer into it as we emerged, but the fishermen don't understand the navigation tricks, they only seem to know about under water activities.
I needed to moor up as soon as possible for the well being of all aboard.
All our problems were soon cleared up, I had erected the canopy that protected us from the weather, but it was very obvious that Beryl was showing signs of having second thoughts on why she ever agreed to marry a `sailor` and one who discarded her new gift into the canal !
We enjoyed a nice hot meal and dried off everything and the promise of “ No more tunnels ahead” seemed to pacify her nerves. We cast off and came across the `joining` of the two canals, Bridgewater & Trent, which was something of a mystery because there was a narrowing of the canal that was blocked by a shallow lock where any navigator had to open the Sluices before the gate could be opened.
The water level on both sides looked as if there was no difference at all but when I did some research into the reason for the gate I found that it was installed to stop working boats of the industrial era, from rushing through from one owned canal, to another without paying a toll. The gate was only holding back a couple of inches of the Trent and Mersey canal, but even one inch of water from a few miles distant is quite some tonnage to open a gate against, without first negotiating the lock.
But this lock experience was good enough to help us understand the workings we would encounter on any future cruises.
We motored on through fantastic tranquil scenery as a very happy contented Family unit and wondered at the Bridge 205. 204 crossing for horse drawn barges, but as we emerged from under it. Shock Horror ! we came up against another tunnel at Saltersford of 424 yards long, but even though it was a short one. That was it as far as Beryl was concerned, she had lost all faith in my earlier promise, so we had to moor up just short of the entrance so we could sleep on the next days trials.
My thoughts were that two shocks in one day are enough to put her through and that the next morning we would be able to navigate through this tunnel very quickly. And could see through it to the other end.
The weather was good as we arose but Beryl’s face was very solemn as she told me that she hadn't slept all night worrying about the short tunnel; This was enough for me to decide that we would turn back and sit out our two weeks holiday in tranquil Lymm.
But now the conversation got around to . The Boat, the return Tunnel to Preston Brook, the broken Light and de-funked horn ?. I suggested that Beryl take Bruce and Robert over the top of the tunnel along the canal path and meet me at the other end. Beryl was torn between braving out the deadly tunnel situation again, or walking the distance with the dog and Trolley. She told me that she couldn't live with the thought of me being alone in the tunnel as she was walking over it, so she decided to jump aboard and brave it out. I too was feeling so bad about all this hurt I had caused, even though it wasn't totally my fault for being too poor to own the necessary equipment for basic care.
We returned to Lymm with no further problems and spent the rest of the holiday in complete harmony as a contented family group. Even the weather was kind the whole time, and the great company of other boatists. To be awakened by Ducks pecking at the hull side is quite an experience at first, because every strange noise inside a wooden boat is the lead up to “ Abandon Ship, Captain first” !
The time came when we had to return home; navigation was carried out without the aid of `Murphy`. The swing bridge was open for us to just slip through and come up against our new promised temporary mooring at the Worsley Cruising Club.
We of Lady Beryl had been broadly educated in the world of inland navigation and much history.
Robert had taken to the life very well indeed and Beryl had learned to trust me again ?
I had new plans to enhance the comfort zone to a more safe level in the future; New engine with charging facilities and water cooled for sound reduction and lighting along with an electric horn. Life jackets with flashing LED's that switch on as soon as one hits the water; Well OK NO Lights I'm not made of money.
In hind sight I've found that we didn't need the horn in the tunnel, the loud engine could be heard for miles around, but I think I'm right in the knowledge that `bats` are never seen in that Tunnel ever again ?
BTW I didn't mention the bats to Beryl. That's a sign of a caring husband and savvy Captain and she didn't need to know about the Ghosts of the Tunnel builders !
Many more episodes are to follow as we become more involved in Club activities and longer pleasant voyages throughout the inland waterways.... More exciting stories to follow as we ventured on more voyages thereafter ….....It wasn't entirely my fault that Beryl broke her finger as she pulled on the chain that lifts the weight balanced road bridge !!!!
The time came for me to `up anchor` and the plan was that Beryl and our Son Robert would meet me at the canal side in Stretford. I would be taking my Mother in law and her partner `Bert` aboard the boat and Beryl went in Len’s ( My Brother-In-Law ) van with the Pet dog `Bruce` and Robert to await our arrival.
The trip to Stretford should have been about one and a half hours……….
We had waved Bon-Voyage to all our canal side friends to head towards Stretford with my trusty small seagull engine that was controlled by a tiller ( Tiller is a hand held rod that steers the boat with my modification of a motor cycle throttle control for adjusting the speed ) You can imagine my elation at this point after all the long wait to provide a holiday for my small family, Beryl and Robert along with `Bruce`. Our loving pet Dog.
My crew, Mother in Law and Bert sat in the cockpit with a broad smile on our face as we steered `Lady Beryl` towards the Barton Swing Aqua-duct that crosses the Manchester Ship Canal .
We are limited to 4 MPH that's laid down by the Canal company rules which is such a wonderful experience as we watched the passing Busy road traffic.
Soon we had arrived at the Worsley Cruising Canal Club moorings and admired all the boats alongside , but no time to hang about because Beryl was now waiting at Stretford. We eventually navigated the left hand bend in the canal that brings into view the Swing Bridge.
The Barton Swing Aqueduct is a moveable navigable aqueduct in Barton upon Irwell in Greater Manchester, England. It carries the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal. The swinging action allows large vessels using the ship canal to pass underneath and smaller narrow boats to cross over the top. The aqueduct, the first and only swing aqueduct in the world in 1894, is a Grade II* listed building considered a major feat of Victorian civil engineering Designed by Sir Edward Leader Williams and built by Andrew Handyside and Company of Derby, the swing bridge opened in 1894 , after the original brick arch was demolished when its fate was sealed with the passage of the Manchester Ship Canal Act 1885, which allowed for the construction of a navigable waterway large enough to accommodate ocean-going vessels from the River Mersey estuary 36 miles into Manchester, partly along the Irwell. As the arches of the aqueduct were too small to allow large ships to pass through it was demolished in 1893, and replaced by the Swing Aqueduct that is still in use today. So solidly built was the old aqueduct that dynamite had to be used to complete its demolition.
I wasn't expecting any delay it being a quiet time Sunday.
I was soon to find that Murphy's law is active any day or hour. The guy in control of the bridge had raised the steel barriers to retain the water in the `Trough` and also to hold the canal water back as the bridge is swung to allow shipping to navigate the Ship Canal. He held up his hand and shouted “ It won't be too long a wait”.
I was in the centre of the canal which caused me to now steer towards the tow path on the left close to the bridge to await the expected opening “ Soon”. As I got close to the bank to moor up I asked Bert to take the tiller so I could jump onto the solid bank; The bridge guy shouted again but I couldn't hear what he said, this distraction was when `Murphy` took over the whole situation. I had looked towards the Guy, which momentarily caused my sight of the bank to veer as I was now committed to the jump. Bert had no experience in how to steer with a tiller, which is quite different than steering with a wheel !
When using a tiller, and the boat needs to go to the left, then the tiller is pushed to the right, and visa versa on the opposite `tack`. I hope that my `reader` is now seeing a mental picture of us being very close to the Left bank where I was to tie up, I had one leg on the boat and the other was in mid air, I knew I was going to land quite safe. Bert had pushed the tiller towards the left bank with the engine still running, ( A boat that's steered by an outboard engine has no rudder and relies on the propeller for steerage ) The gap between bank and Boat rapidly enlarged and I hit the bank with my upper body as my legs hit the water and the momentum caused me to the be completely submerged.
The terrifying thought as I was fully submerged gripped my mind was that I would be chopped in pieces by the spinning propeller. I've heard that time stops for a few seconds in most disasters, well I now know its true ! I have no recollection of the next few seconds, though I found myself standing on the canal side soaking wet, shouting at Bert to “ cut the engine and throw me a rope so I can pull the boat back to the correct side”. This small engine has no reverse.
The promised “Soon opening” lasted 2 hours because the guy had closed far to early for the ship coming that had to be about 6 to 8 miles away by my reckoning of speed and distance. It was then that I had also noticed that my brand new watch had vanished, torn from my wrist on the canal bank side and deep in the canal, gone for ever.
I had no dry clothing or towels etc on board because Beryl had them all at Stretford. Those days there was no such thing as a mobile phone, so I couldn't contact Beryl and I knew bye now that she would be very worried indeed.
We eventually arrived at Stretford to find that Beryl, along with our two and a half year old Robert and Bruce, along with all our belongings had been abandoned on the canal side by Betty and Len. Not a good situation to leave any worried person in at all.
It was getting late by the time we had stored all the kit and seen Mother-in-Law and Bert to the bus, and it was then that I discovered the boat had a leak near the left hand stern, slow but worrying because I couldn't find where it was coming from. I decided that we had all had a very long day, so we were to tie up for the night before continuing on our journey the next day.
The leak was a worry, so I lifted the stern on the boat onto the bank with the Bow sticking out into the canal at 90 deg. I intended to find the leak in the day light.
We had something to eat and bedded Robert down in the cabin where Beryl too was to sleep, I was to sleep out in the cockpit on the folding bunk, all very comfortable indeed.
Night time had arrived and it was pitch black with no lighting from road or building. I was outside checking all was secure as I saw a large dark shadow floating towards us from the direction of Runcorn. It was closing in towards the bank that we were tied up to and there was not a sound from it. I shone my torch onto my Bow that was sticking out into the canal and it was then that a guy shouted “ Ahoy there, we see you now”.
It was a very large converted sea going lifeboat that was about to moor up after they had spent the weekend at Lymm some 25 miles away.
They acknowledge by warning and tied up astern of our position and came to see why we were in this position. I explained our situation and both he and his girl friend invited us to sleep aboard their boat for the night because they were going home close by. They promised to return the next morning at 8 am to help with the leak situation.
He arrived on time with some Goo to fix the leak. It seemed that the leak had been caused by the car trailer we transported the boat on. This first encounter with nice friendly people on the canal system was just the beginning.
We set sail as we waved goodbye to our new, never to be seen again friends. The cruise turned out to be a very enjoyable experience and my fears that I had brought Beryl into this worrying situation had now subsided.
We arrived at Lymm, out first port of call, and found it to be perfect in every way, we even moored up close to the pub garden where Robert was in his element as Both his Parents enjoyed a well earned drink and sandwich. Lymm is just right for shops and pubs, with nice leisurely strolls and park area's. We had moored up astern of the Guy who's job was one that any person would envy, He received written script for comic books at the local post office, then sat on his boat drawing all the characters, such as desperate Dan and the like. To watch him draw was mind boggling as the faces emerged from under his hand as if in film form. This guy also played the accordion at night, very quietly yet spell binding as he sat inside his closed boat . What a fantastic life enjoyed.
We were so content on this mooring, that we spent a couple of days there; But time was short because I had set a goal on our adventure to see how far we could get in the next two weeks. Cast off and waved goodbye to our other new friends. The lack of `locks` on the Bridgewater from Worsley to the Southern end was a surprise to me, because I hadn't much knowledge in those early days of canal workings.
We arrived at the end of the Bridgwater where it entered the Trent and Mersey canal;. We had now ventured into another tranquil world away from roads and crowds, Oh how our dream holiday was progressing, even the leak was no longer a problem. To watch the wild life going on around us was so invigorating to the inner self. The Pet `Bruce` was also in his element because he had plenty of runs / walks because the Boat speed was at a crawl most times and he could trot alongside, and If Beryl and Robert wanted to stretch their legs, I could moor the boat up further along then await their arrival with a nice warm or cold drink etc for them. I was training Beryl to steer too, which she seemed to enjoy immensely.
Our tranquillity came to a shuddering halt as we arrived at the very long Preston Brook Tunnel 1239 yards of total darkness and very low ceiling and only room for one boat either way.
This situation was to get very tense indeed from now on.
I had read up on the rules of Canal navigation and was informed of the tunnel procedure whereas `before entering, one must listen for horn sounds inside the tunnel, these warnings are one prolonged blast on the horn every 20 seconds until clear. A white light is to be displayed too.
If no horn is heard or a white light seen inside the tunnel, then proceed with caution.
I've already informed the `reader` that I was running on a very low budget, so my light was a small reversing light off a car, small because I had no way of charging the 12 volt battery that supplied the whole boats internal lighting. My horn was one that operated by wind from mouth, NOT an air canister.
My engine decibels increased on entry to the tunnel, so hearing was limited.
I soon discovered that the `light` was about as useful as a chocolate tea pot, though I could at least see the walls and ceiling close by. Beryl was put in charge of the horn so that I could concentrate on the navigation so not to strike the walls.
You will remember that the horn was to be blown once every 20 seconds ? `Beryl Hornblower` started blowing 20 times a second in shear panic; I wasn't aware at this stage that she suffered from claustrophobia since childhood.
Suddenly the Reed from the horn disappeared in a kind of whooooosh, then complete silence. It was at that very moment that `Murphy` paid us a visit; The light also disappeared too ! Robert was secure in the cabin. I being the trusted Captain of the ship, I used the walls to bounce along on either side in total darkness. It wasn't until I noticed complete silence aboard that my thoughts turned to deep concerned why the silence? Not a sound from Bruce, Robert or the Galley slave, just the scraping of wood against bricks.
I lit a match to look around, because I was thinking irrationally by now. `What if Bruce had jumped ship and Beryl had reached out to catch him as they both fell overboard` ? My dim light shone on a very pale face with eyes like two fried eggs `sunny side up`. Gripping Bruce to her chest as she was sat on the floor in the corner.
I assured her that all was well and I knew exactly what I was doing. I had equipped myself with `cycle clips` around my ankles just in time as we were `attacked` by the dreaded `Bridgewater weed` around the propeller that stopped the engine dead. ( Bridgewater weed are plastic bags ) therefore no steerage way.
I reached over the stern with knife in hand and released the `weed`, all this in total silence because I didn't want to upset my sweet wife any more than she had already been.
Robert seemed to be in complete harmony with the situation as he slept throughout the whole scene.
I soon had the situation in hand as I pulled the start cord and the loud sound was back.
The weather at the Preston Book entrance of the tunnel was ideal. Wonderful sun, no wind and calm water. No other boats had entered the Tunnel by the time we emerged at the other end, but to add to the saga, we found that the weather had also wanted to take part in our pleasure cruise.
Torrential rain with high winds crossing from our right to the left which had the effect of pushing us into a bank of high weeds and drenching every one on board, even Robert, because the Hatch was open. This caused him to join in the mayhem. The fishermen who lined the banks on our right, seemed to be more concerned about their `lines` than about our security ! I could have avoided this situation in the weeds if these guys didn't sit too close to the tunnel entrances. I had seen the `cats paws` on the water as I was about to emerge from the tunnel. ( Cats Paws are ripples on the water caused by wind ) The wind was blowing from my right, so I needed to steer into it as we emerged, but the fishermen don't understand the navigation tricks, they only seem to know about under water activities.
I needed to moor up as soon as possible for the well being of all aboard.
All our problems were soon cleared up, I had erected the canopy that protected us from the weather, but it was very obvious that Beryl was showing signs of having second thoughts on why she ever agreed to marry a `sailor` and one who discarded her new gift into the canal !
We enjoyed a nice hot meal and dried off everything and the promise of “ No more tunnels ahead” seemed to pacify her nerves. We cast off and came across the `joining` of the two canals, Bridgewater & Trent, which was something of a mystery because there was a narrowing of the canal that was blocked by a shallow lock where any navigator had to open the Sluices before the gate could be opened.
The water level on both sides looked as if there was no difference at all but when I did some research into the reason for the gate I found that it was installed to stop working boats of the industrial era, from rushing through from one owned canal, to another without paying a toll. The gate was only holding back a couple of inches of the Trent and Mersey canal, but even one inch of water from a few miles distant is quite some tonnage to open a gate against, without first negotiating the lock.
But this lock experience was good enough to help us understand the workings we would encounter on any future cruises.
We motored on through fantastic tranquil scenery as a very happy contented Family unit and wondered at the Bridge 205. 204 crossing for horse drawn barges, but as we emerged from under it. Shock Horror ! we came up against another tunnel at Saltersford of 424 yards long, but even though it was a short one. That was it as far as Beryl was concerned, she had lost all faith in my earlier promise, so we had to moor up just short of the entrance so we could sleep on the next days trials.
My thoughts were that two shocks in one day are enough to put her through and that the next morning we would be able to navigate through this tunnel very quickly. And could see through it to the other end.
The weather was good as we arose but Beryl’s face was very solemn as she told me that she hadn't slept all night worrying about the short tunnel; This was enough for me to decide that we would turn back and sit out our two weeks holiday in tranquil Lymm.
But now the conversation got around to . The Boat, the return Tunnel to Preston Brook, the broken Light and de-funked horn ?. I suggested that Beryl take Bruce and Robert over the top of the tunnel along the canal path and meet me at the other end. Beryl was torn between braving out the deadly tunnel situation again, or walking the distance with the dog and Trolley. She told me that she couldn't live with the thought of me being alone in the tunnel as she was walking over it, so she decided to jump aboard and brave it out. I too was feeling so bad about all this hurt I had caused, even though it wasn't totally my fault for being too poor to own the necessary equipment for basic care.
We returned to Lymm with no further problems and spent the rest of the holiday in complete harmony as a contented family group. Even the weather was kind the whole time, and the great company of other boatists. To be awakened by Ducks pecking at the hull side is quite an experience at first, because every strange noise inside a wooden boat is the lead up to “ Abandon Ship, Captain first” !
The time came when we had to return home; navigation was carried out without the aid of `Murphy`. The swing bridge was open for us to just slip through and come up against our new promised temporary mooring at the Worsley Cruising Club.
We of Lady Beryl had been broadly educated in the world of inland navigation and much history.
Robert had taken to the life very well indeed and Beryl had learned to trust me again ?
I had new plans to enhance the comfort zone to a more safe level in the future; New engine with charging facilities and water cooled for sound reduction and lighting along with an electric horn. Life jackets with flashing LED's that switch on as soon as one hits the water; Well OK NO Lights I'm not made of money.
In hind sight I've found that we didn't need the horn in the tunnel, the loud engine could be heard for miles around, but I think I'm right in the knowledge that `bats` are never seen in that Tunnel ever again ?
BTW I didn't mention the bats to Beryl. That's a sign of a caring husband and savvy Captain and she didn't need to know about the Ghosts of the Tunnel builders !
Many more episodes are to follow as we become more involved in Club activities and longer pleasant voyages throughout the inland waterways.... More exciting stories to follow as we ventured on more voyages thereafter ….....It wasn't entirely my fault that Beryl broke her finger as she pulled on the chain that lifts the weight balanced road bridge !!!!