Change of plan

We set off today as intended, me alone at the tiller as Elaine got some serious cleaning done. We were in no rush so the pace I set was leisurely to say the least.

This guy sped past us!

I slowed even more as we passed the workmen building up the wash wall where the canal passes Westleigh cricket club. 

Apparently, there are leaks causing the pitch to get damp. Sounds like an ideal scenario for a good spin bowler!

On we serenely glided, secure in the knowledge that the Bridgewater canal was closed at Vicar's Hall bridge until the end of February next year, making it highly unlikely we would meet any oncoming traffic. Imagine our surprise then when we passed this guy.

He was on one of the day boats from Boothstown, some mile or so beyond the supposed closure. Having moored at the Old Boat House at Astley Green (try it, it's wonderful!) we set off on foot and, sure enough, Vicar's Hall bridge was clearly open (shame I forgot to photograph it). I checked their website there and then and they were still showing the canal closed. 

We got back to Lottie (after a pint of course!) and a call to Peel Holdings confirmed a revised closure date starting on December 5th and running to March 31st. So, good news that we can get diesel in December from Boothstown but then there'll be no access back there until April! Could we be heading up the Wigan flight to Skipton earlier than planned? Time to check winter stoppages on that route now!