Thursday 21 May 2009

The Weaver Navigations.

We have spent a couple of days on these navigations now and we cannot actually believe that this waterway is so under used.
All the locks on here are huge having been designed for ships. There are two lock keepers to each lock when you are moving upstream from the lift, and one keeper each lock as you move downstream.
The level of service that you get from these people is unbelievable! They operate the whole system for you and do it with a willingness that beggars belief. We have even been thanked for visiting the waterway.
Most boats seem to ride the lift down, hang around and then ride the lift back up. They really don't know what they are missing.

This is us waiting for the lock to open in the morning, Ubique is 55ft long and is absolutely dwarfed by the scale of the surroundings.

This is us in one of the ship locks, can you spot us?
That gate is half way along and could be used to halve the lock but it no longer works. Two and a half million gallons of water flood into this to raise us 9ft.

The swing bridges are all built on the same grand scale. We learnt today that all these bridges still operate as a yacht moved from a marina at the top down to the Mersey.
That is quite something as all of the roads are really busy, I can imagine that if you were on your way to work you probably wouldn't be too appreciative of a yacht taking priority.

Wildlife pictures following.


Canada Geese,


Disappearing Coot chicks.


The best for last, these Cygnets are just too cute. Was it Tommy Steele with the ugly duckling song?

Whoever it was could never have seen a baby swan.

Much more to follow..............................

1 comment:

QQJoker said...

quite fascinating photos.. reminds me when i went fishing.