Pushing on

Time is relative as Einstein or someone said and on board a narrowboat time certainly seems to have a way of behaving differently. The other day we had a long discussion trying to decide if we had been cruising for just over one week or two. In the end we had to refer back to Sarah's log and even then it was difficult to be convinced that we had only been out for 9 days.

We have been putting in the miles as we are keen to spend as much time on the Llangollen and Montgomery canals as possible. We are retracing our steps from last year at the moment although I have to say that everywhere looks so much more pleasant in the sunshine than it did in the cold and rain of 2012. Yesterday (Wednesday) saw us come down most of  "Heartbreak Hill" clearing 20 locks in the day, a record for us and one which might be a while being beaten.

Last week we had a good easy trip up to the Trent and Mersey and met John and Louise on Saturday who had bought our old boat (and are still talking to us) for a meal and a glass or two and then continued on towards that fine city of Stoke.

Sunday didn't start too well as when I did my checks I found that the water header tank was empty and on inspecting the engine compartment found a pool of water lying there. Some consternation but I refilled the tank ran the engine for 20 minutes and all seemed well so we set off keeping a careful eye on levels and it seems to have been a one off (touch wood) I can only assume a thermostat got stuck but who knows.

On Tuesday we decided to get through Stoke and the Harecastle tunnel and made an early 7.00am start You will see how attractive Stoke is from the following photos although the industrial heritage is fascinating - no wonder you can buy a house here for a £1.

Then there is the joy of the Harecastle tunnel. Luckily its only one way traffic and you have to go through in convoy but I still find the concentration of peering into the dark for 45 - 60 minutes daunting. Sarah goes downstairs and curls up on the sofa with the dogs who hate tunnels too. Just before we emerged at the northern end we were greeted with the sight of a bat flying around although when the boat in front reported this to the lock keeper he needed our confirmation to accept that there was at least one in there as they tell everyone its bat free.

When we decided to go to Llangollen we had a choice of routes, this one which includes Heartbreak Hill or using the Staff and Worc and Shrophire Union which is further but with less locks. One of the reasons we chose this route is because of a restaurant that Sarah wanted to revisit called, and at, Lock 57 where we had eaten last year and had a superb meal. You can imagine the angst when after traversing 20 locks we found that it had closed down! Never mind, I said, we will go on to Wheellock and visit the Italian restaurant where we had also eaten (although not over impressed). Imagine the further angst when we found that had shut down too. Gave up at that point but we have hopefully found a new one to try on the Middlewich Arm tomorrow. Sarah's just phoned and they are open so, so far so good!

We plan to stay put tomorrow near bridge 22 on the Middlewich Arm which has a superb view - see below - and recharge our batteries and then on to the Llangollen on Saturday.

Early morning sunrise over the Wedgewood factory

Stoke!

Ancient and modern in Stoke

View out of the duck hatch at Bridge 22