Day 16 Parbold to Wigan and up 200 feet! Weather threatening rain and delivering it in sudden bursts.
We left our tranquil rustic mooring early and headed for Wigan, a few miles, a few swing bridges and a few locks away. We were joined by another long kennel in three of these locks which eased the passage. But there were none of my kind on board that I could see.
Time has not been kind and has passed by Wigan and frankly, so should we. See photo of Wigan Pier!
We arrived at the foot of the locks in sunshine. With a major crew change ( only temporary, I am assured) at 1:45 my long haired one and her friend Sheila left us to be replaced with some muscle in the guise of Mike, our friend from Southport. His wife Barbie has been behind this plot and my long haired one, Bob’s wife Sheila. Have gone to do human girlie things leaving us four blokes, me, Bob, Mike and my bearded one in charge for this major event.
I supervised the operation and my bearded one, as he claimed Captain status, drove my long kennel and that left Mike and Bob with the fun and bestest job of all, opening all 28 locks. It took them the best part of five hours and I was very tired by the end. I did such a lot of socialising on the way, I met a lot of my kind.
When we arrived at the top, the sun was still shining and there was a pub! We were duly refreshed. Mike left us after a while and so there was just me, Bob and my bearded one. They had supper. Then, it was back to my long kennel for my supper and a well deserved rest.
My photos today are Wigan Pier today! My helpers, Bob and Mike, and a little frog that I nearly accidentally ate – saved by my bearded one.
Sent from my iPad
Dear Douglas
Please ask the bearded one – is this the Barbie and Mike that Heather and I would know? If it is, perhaps you would be good enough to give them a lick from us.
Glad to hear you made all the locks safely, anyway, even though you didn’t meet any friends.
Yes from Athos also Bob and Sheila? They are on board with us now
Love Douglas xx
Hi Noah, no Douglas got it wrong, we are the Northern Barbie and Mike from Southport, I seem to remember we met up in a pub somewhere when you had just got your ipad and we were all very envious. We didnt get to meet Heather tho. Maybe one day, I do like Douglas’s website, maybe you can do one for Mike and I?
Barbie, the lick request came from Simon and Heather, they were on Athos with you. Not from Noah who indeed i think you have met but his wife is Sarahho you ave not met.
Douglas xx