Locks, Hoodman and more locks

 Industrial Blackburn

We heared yesterday that Lee, our hood maker, would be meeting up with us today. However, we didn't know when or indeed, if, he would make it, and so we elected to make an early start towards Blackburn. So, we were moving just after 8am, and heading into the Blackburn environs.

 An old wharf in Blackburn

Loads of people have warned us to be wary of this section of canal, commonly referred to as bandit country! Whilst a lot of what we saw was crumbling old mills and houses, we didn't feel threatened at all. Whilst working a set of locks, Angela was approached by a couple of men drinking lager mid morning, but they were just interested in what she was doing. After a bit of windlass wielding, they concluded that Angela was far fitter than they were!

 The hood takes shape

We had a call from Hoodman, at about 11:30, to say he was approaching Blackburn. So, we needed to find somewhere accessible by road, where we could moor and where we could find a postcode for Hoodman's satnav! Luckily we found somewhere almost immediately and Hoodman turned up shortly afterwards. While he worked, we enjoyed lunch and a bit of a rest after getting through the Blackburn flight of locks, and to prepare for tackling the Chorley flight later. Hoodman finished patterning the hood and plans to return to wherever we are next Friday week.

 Angela wrestling with strange lock gear

We then set off again, travelling through some lovely countryside in the sunshine - something of a treat for this particular July.

 Moored boats near the Chorley lock flight

The Chorley flight of 7 locks soon appeared and we set about dropping down them. All went ok until we reached the 5th lock. Whilst waiting for it to fill, we noticed that Banjo was aground and listing badly and the pound between the locks was down about a foot. We could not refloat her, and so had to walk back and open up the previous lock to let some water down. Eventually we refloated and went down the final locks in the flight.

 3 Beautiful horses

3 more beautiful horses and some geese too

We moored up just before 8pm, with a field of geese and more beautiful horses opposite. By the time we had eaten something, all of the geese had disappeared - where do they go? We plan another early start in the morning, with the intention of reaching and then descending the 21 locks which make up the Wigan flight - a somewhat daunting prospect...