Downhill all the way now....or maybe not!

Leaving our tree shaded mooring next to the very beautiful Blakemere, we anticipated going downstream all the way. Strange to talk of this as a river, but in essence,that's what it is!

The weather remains amazing. But one does wonder about water levels for the rest of the summer. Fine here, fed directly from the river Dee, but in areas supported by reservoirs?

We sort of knew that it was about time for an engine service. So we decided that at the end of the days cruising, we really must make a plan. Looking at the engine hour counter, yep, just over 250 hours since the last service.  We stopped beneath a spreading Oak tree, afternoon shade from the heat and on Shroppie canal society moorings to boot! Still rather quiet boat wise, but the hire boaters come in waves and we seemed to be in a lull. So, puter on, and found three Beta Marine approved service engineers in the Whitchurch area!

Emailed a couple and got a quick reply from Mick Braddel . Yep, he could do it, on Tuesday. Looking like a plan. Then he said the best location for him was bridge 42. We were past bridge 38 at this point, but hey ho. So we continued down on Monday to Whitchurch, pulled into the arm, winded and moored up and had a little retail therapy.  Then back out, upstream again, negotiated three lift bridges, winded above bridge 42 and back under the lift bridge and moored up! Now ready to meet Mick for the service.

Now this in some ways was not a totally smart move. We departed Whitchurch at the wrong time, as it was just as the next batch of hire boats were leaving Whitchurch marina. They invariably and understandably head up towards llangollen . The same way we were now heading, again! Not all of them have English as a first language and the instruction they are given is somewhat limited, if not downright poor. Apart from steering the boat, the first impediment in their voyage is a manually operated lift bridge. One of three in fairly quick succession.  Raising these involves landing from the boat, crossing the bridge, using a windlass to wind the hydraulic mechanism to lift the bridge, passing the boat through the ole, dropping said bridge, then getting back on the boat. Simples. IFyou understand English and have an instructor who gives a fook !

We were behind a boat manned by we think a Danish or Dutch family. Now bearing in mind, they would never be instructed to work through a lock, you would think instruction to operate a lift bridge would be excellent.  Not so. Suffice it to say, Ali saw them through the next couple of lift bridges, to at least give them an inkling . So when you next see "incompetent " hirers, spare a thought for their lack of instruction.

Anyway. We were in situ, downstream of lift bridge 42. A great spot, but with zero internet or telephony. Harking back to the last paragraph, it became evident upon watching the bridge operation that hirers were not alone in being either incompetent or just plane rude. Watched a couple in a private boat, lift the bridge, with a boat operated by a single handed boater approaching, move through, then the operator hops back aboard leaving the single hander to try to get off the boat and drop it! I assisted him. Just how rude can some people be? But, he did have sandals with socks on, glasses, and a silly hat !

Anyway. Mick arrived and the service was completed. What a very nice chap. It was, in the way of the waterways, a very relaxing experience.  We chatted, relaxed and the job was done. Just as it should be. We would have no hesitation in recommending Mick if you are in the area. A really genuine man.

Pootled down to Grindley next. Moored above the locks and walked to the pub. The Horse and Jockey is a nice place and the food was excellent. Pity Pip & Rog were otherwise engaged, but we will meet again...

Total 14 miles, 7 moveable bridges