The contractors eventually turned up yesterday at about mid-day to assess the tree, the verdict was 'it's a big one'!!
They did try to move it by chaining the trunk and pulling with a little tractor thing but it didn't budge an inch, by then it was 2pm and they said they would return in the morning with a boat and get it cut into smaller sections and clear a passage. Martin on fuel boat Halsall had joined us and then later on another boat came by not realising he couldn't get through.
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| Early morning and the three boats waiting |
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| Dudley enjoying his walk |
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| And the tree again |
We were assured they would be here this morning at about 8/8:30am needless to say it was well gone 9am when they actually arrived, then they had to sort their equipment so time was getting on when work finally began. We were told they were expecting to have a clear passage for the boats at around midday, this was a bit optimistic, we finally got on our way around 2pm and one of the guys kindly chopped some wood into manageable pieces for us. The CRT area Manager was on hand and helped us load LJ with the wood along with one of the other waiting boaters. There were four guys clearing and once they were set up they worked continuously until enough was cleared to get the boats through.
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We went through first followed by Halsall and then I guess around four or five more boats after. We had a good run to the stop lock at the end of the Shroppie and turned right at Autherley Junction onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and moored up just as it was getting dark. A quick trip to Morrison's about 10 minutes away and we even made it to the Post Office to send another pen on its way.
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| I just love these Highland Cows |
7.5 miles and 1 lock
TOTAL 719 miles and 556 locks
