Alice was now quite confident about her role in controlling the boat into the lock and out again. This was really helpful at times because the short pounds need to be filled from the lock above before there is enough depth to take the boat through - so one of the adults needs to go ahead whilst the other finishes off working the previous lock. (If it sounds complicated, that's because it is!)
At the first lock we could begin to see a large mill building standing just a little distance away from the canal.
One more lock and there was an information board from which we learnt that the mill was called Titanic Mill because it was started in the same year that the Titanic sank. It is now converted to modern uses and no longer has anything to do with the weaving world.
Jess was now also hard at work.
Several sections in the approach to Slaithwaite are narrow and have limited headroom - presumably when the canal was closed, the opportunity was taken to build or modify roads across at the level of the water. One lock has had to be re-positioned as a result.
When we reached the water point we found boats moored on the visitor moorings too close to allow us to pull in properly so we stayed in the entrance to the lock. later we discovered a second water point below the next lock.
We were not worried about too much traffic - we saw one moving boat all day and heard about another that was ahead of us, booked for the tunnel tomorrow.
We did find a space to moor and have our lunch. Afterwards, Christine, Alice and Jess walked to the shops - very close - for milk and yoghurts. They also found a pack of muffins going cheap!
Refreshed we set off once more, straight into the next lock.
All day we saw plenty of walkers on the towpath - many extra helpers as well!
Further narrow channel sections followed - the canal must have almost disappeared when closed.
Upper Mills has turned its hand to a number of uses - with some still a small sign of the former weaving industry that once dominated the area. Another part of the site is now a small brewery.
Immediately after Upper Mills is a unique lock for this canal - a guillotine gate at the lower end. raising the gate involves millions of turns on the hydraulic gear and Mike and Jess were simply exhausted when the finished. Lowering it was a little easier but still took a long time. We assume that the reason for it was to accommodate the bridge over the canal adjacent to the mills and the lock.
It must have been that hard work which led to a momentary inattention when leaving the lock as we became stuck on an unexpected obstacle just off the centre line of the canal. No matter what we did with the engine and the long pole we could not free ourselves. A passing walker offer to help by pulling on a rope but still no difference. Mike managed to get ashore with a lengthened centre rope and, with addition of two more walkers, the boat eventually slipped off whatever was holding it and we could set off once more! It is always gratifying to find so many unknown people who are willing to help when you get into difficulties on the canal - or even when you are just passing along!
A series of short pounds followed and we managed to avoid becoming stuck again but at the expense of moving very slowly between locks. Water was freely flowing down the lock overflows but the problem is not that the top is too close to the bottom but that the bottom is too close to the top!
Above Lock 30E is a slightly longer pound and it was time to moor up for the evening but, if anything, we were further away from the bank than last night. Christine checked to see if there was anything better above the next lock but even the CaRT work boat was moored on the lock landing!
However, it was a beautiful spot, now much more obviously climbing up to the hills, with plenty of blue sky as backdrop! We will all enjoy our roast dinner tonight, no doubt!
3.1 miles - 16 locks
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