We set the alarm for this morning, a very early 8 am. Within 20 minutes of getting up we were underway, hoping we would not have a queue at the water point, by Hall Green stop lock. We were in luck, it was free, so we commenced filling our empty water tank and had breakfast while waiting. A number of boats passed us heading north, and approx. 40 minutes later we set off for the end of the Macclesfield Canal. At Hardings Wood Junction we turned right onto the Trent and Mersey, and headed the half mile or so to the northern portal of Harecastle Tunnel. Having travelled through here only a few weeks ago, we had cleared the roof of items that were too high, and were prepared at the back of the boat for the CRT horn and headlight check. There were two boats in the queue ahead of us, and a further two arrived shortly after. Boats were still heading north in the tunnel, so we had a short wait until they emerged. There is a bit of a turn as you exit, and a Black Prince hire boat did not make a very good job of it, striking the bank quite hard. Unfortunately for the steerer there was a large audience, which is usual when things go wrong. Once the second boat cleared the tunnel we were on our way. We had one objective in addition to the transit, and that was photograph the tunnel skeleton in his alcove.
Not the best photo in the world, but not bad in the pitch black, whilst moving, using an iPhone. For anyone reading this wanting to know where he lurks, travelling south he is 450 yards in on the port (left) side. After emerging into the daylight at the southern end, it was just a short hop to our intended spot at Westport Lake. We will only spend one night here, then tomorrow head for Barlaston.
Totals 4 Miles 1 Lock 1 Tunnel
Running total 329 Miles 191 Locks 14 Tunnels
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