Winter is over !!!!!!! :)

'San Serriffe' was woken from her hibernation with the first sunny weekend of 2013.  'Winterized' during November by draining the plumbing to avoid the dreaded frost damage, together with a change of oil & fuel filters, etc - all ready for a new boating season :)   Fortunately temperatures have not gone much below - 5c during the winter and no frost damage was evident when we returned to the boat recently with the middle of February bringing blue skies, sunshine and temperatures actually in double figures.

I had not started the engine for two months and it is always with trepidation when the key is turned for the first time after a winter lay-up.  Superb sunshine in recent days  has topped-up the batteries via the solar panel and after the requisite 10/15 seconds glow-heating of the Beta-marine diesel and fingers were un-crossed as she fired instantly.

Our 'Alde' central heating system had stopped working earlier last year.  Approaches to 'River Canal Rescue contract' and Alde proved a waste of time with no local licensed gas fitters on their books that could help. After a lot of trouble I eventually sourced a local guy who is licensed for work on LPG boat gas equipment and he cleaned the burner and flue for a reasonable fee, leaving us with a fully working heating system.
I felt sorry for the RCR guy who tried for several days to find somebody who was licensed to work on boat LPG systems. We both came to the same conclusion that there was plenty of work available on narrowboat LPG gas systems, but nobody qualified to do it !  I had the same problem with a previous boat  that required a new cooker....... I was tempted to do it myself after a futile search for a licensed fitter.
I thankfully resisted the temptation despite the assurances from bar-room 'experts' who said it was 'easy'
......it is of course very 'easy' for gas leaks to send you to the great marina in the sky by the most direct route !!!!!!!!!

We have treated ourselves recently to a new 12 volt Shoreline 'fridge which of course will get very little use until the summer sun comes hopefully blistering into view. This replaced an old 'Batts Marine' refrigerator that came with the boat. This still worked O.K but the freezer compartment  door was constantly falling off and the control knob started to disintegrate.  I tried to find spares for the old 'Batts' but apparently they went out of business some time ago after Mr Batts was found dead on his narrowboat  and two people eventually convicted of manslaughter for the crime !!

Are we having fun yet?  typical  2012 boating weather.

Middle of February is not noted for sunny weekends, but this is the exception that breaks the rule.  Engine checks all done, engine started and with trusty hound 'Suzy' running up and down the roof barking at any passing ducks we headed off into the sunshine. Our 'Morso' stove was lit to chase away any winter damp from the boat interior and it became one of those superb days that narrowboats were invented for, helping the memories fade of last year's awful rain-swept 'summer'

Blue skies - in February. Macclesfield canal heading north from Higher Poynton towards High Lane

All canals look better in the sunshine and the Macclesfield canal is no exception. Together with the Upper Peak Forest canal it is certainly as good as most U.K canals and better than some.
Perhaps I am biased because it is our home 'base' but I never tire of the views available along it's twenty-seven miles length. 

'as good as most'......views from the Macclesfield Canal.

It is great to have an early pre-season opportunity to enjoy a local 'cruise' and check that everything on the boat is working before heading off later this year for a planned trip to Stratford-upon-Avon via the River Seven onto the River Avon returning back through the Midlands.  Our plans will be much dependent on the weather as both the River Avon and River Seven were badly effected by serious flooding during the heaviest U.K rainfall for a 100 years during 2012.  Standing on the back of a narrowboat in continuous rain day after day is bad enough on the canal system, but trying to battle against surging river waters during serious flood conditions is an experience I can do without. So if the 'summer' weather takes a turn for the worst again we might just have to fall back on a plan 'B' involving more canals and less rivers....... 

To-day we have no rain to worry about, just wall to wall sunshine as we head towards High Lane, turning around at the winding hole opposite the entrance to the North Cheshire Cruising Club.

Heading towards High Lane on the Macclesfield Canal.

Entrance to North Cheshire Cruising Club.

 Turning around here we head back towards Higher Poynton with our plan to go as far as Adlington allowing time to return to our mooring before the winter sun begins to dip beyond the horizon in the late afternoon.

Victoria Pit marina........previously called 'Marineville' a name which had perhaps just a little too much association with 'Troy Tempest' and 'Aqua Marina' characters of  'Stingray' fame, hence the new title with a more historic local connection.

It is always nice to see the sunshine bring out the full spectrum of canal users........ boaters, walkers, cyclists, fishermen and even a few canoeists.  Everybody is obviously enjoying the early good weather and hoping to shake off the cobwebs of winter.  A favourite haunt for those who just want to sit and stare is 'The Trading Post'  a small hut next to Braidbar Boat builders. 
This is a favourite stopping place for narrowboats on the 'Macc' wanting diesel fuel, etc and obviously popular for visitors that just want a coffee or ice-cream. Watching boats slowly drift by as you sip a hot drink is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a hour or two......try it !  

Enjoying the winter sunshine...... customers outside 'The Trading Post'

New Braidbar boats awaiting completion in 'Lord Vernon's Wharf'

Heading towards Adlington.

Lyme View Marina.

Enjoying the winter weather near Adlington, Macclesfield canal.

Like many Google 'blogspot' users I am having problems with the 'comments' form appearing.....if you have a suggestion to resolve this or just comment on the blog click on 'No comments' below and the form will appear like magic !!..........illogical, but it works!  :)
   Remember if you want to be totally confused you need a computer!