It's a family affair

Having made all our plans with Chris and Dawn to help with the locks, the cut of course froze again in the night to put an end to them, we delayed our start time on the off chance that the weak watery sun would thaw the canal, but not a chance, after a few hours delay we all met at the bottom of the 12 lock flight after doing a mile or so of ice breaking duties. Dawn, like Ali, didn't fancy being in the boat while in the locks, so they took charge of the hard physical work while Chris, Amber, Daniel and I sat on the boat trying to look important, the children soon got bored and cold - so onto the bank to help with the locks, this too was cold and boring, so -  back to the boat, canal cruising is a slow business and water skis are of little use here, but on the whole we think they liked it ......after they warmed up a bit later anyway! It was great to see family and spend time with them 'showing them the ropes' of our new life.

One of twelve locks at Bosley an energetic mornings work

business end of the lock gate some of these can be a real tough job to open

Photo of a side pond - these were a way of saving water in a flight of locks - un-used now - shame really in these water conscious times

Explanation of how the side ponds are Bosley worked 

At the top of the locks we needed to use the service station facilities for the 3 w's - water, waste and w.c. emptying - almost certainly the least pleasant aspect of living on a narrowboat.......

We are now moored a short walk from the locks, there is a nice view of Cloud Hill and the telly reception is fine so we are content! 

Bye for now

Baz and Ali