The Harecastle Tunnel

Forgot to mention re the Rising Sun pub yesterday: owner and staff recognised not just us but also Spot.  All made a huge fuss of her but, having traversed the 12 locks, she made a vain effort to be friendly but eventually scrambled under a table out of the reach of everyone for a well earned rest - not quite antisocial but exhausted and in need of peace and quiet.

Easy journey to Harecastle tunnel, only one 1-foot lock to go through on Mac canal.   One chap from boat of 6 helped us through, said he had to work off his breakfast! Others were taking on water, washing pots, etc - what a busy canal life!

Had an hour to queue at Harecastle entrance before boats coming up had cleared (time for a brew).  CART chap very chatty and helpful.  We discussed breeding of working dogs; he had working spaniels, his dad had been a Crufts judge of spaniels.  It's amazing the people you meet on the cut.

Having waited for our entrance into the tunnel, we witnessed those coming out: the second boat exiting had chap on tiller, lady wife/partner in bow room.  All that could be seen from lady was huge eyes like saucers.

As we have been through the tunnel on previous occasions, and being stupidly blind to any problems, we motored through and again thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  I set up the camera for Jan to take photos whilst on our journey (she's not a David Bailey!) and those below are the result.  "Into the breach dear friends".

When we emerged from the tunnel, the following boat said "not my cup of tea" - maybe they should take coffee instead.

As we said in a previous post there are in fact 3 tunnel through Harecastle Hill. You can just see the earlier James Brindly tunnel to the right of the Telford tunnel now in use. The Brindly tunnel was closed due to subsidence.

Westport Lake

We moored for the night at Westport Lake. As you can see it is a great place to stop and gives Spot a chance to swim in the Lake.  Going home for 2 weeks for various commitments and to watch the water going down the shower plughole but we bet we'll be stir-crazy within 2-3 days and want to get back on TM for the ensuing journey!

Watch this space!!