Day 12 of our voyage. Weather promising mostly sunny. Last leg to Liverpool. We have travelled about 150 miles so far on this leg.
What a great time! Every few miles a swing bridge. I took him for an early walk and then my bearded one cast off quite early as we still have about 20 miles to get into Liverpool proper. I sat in my position on the stern deck watching my world go by.
My long haired one and Rhylva became quite expert at the operation of swing bridges of which there seemed dozens. This involved a lot of walking for me and I generally was able to help them, some of them were quite complicated and they were all different systems.
All went well until we arrived at Aintree, bridge number 9. There were no operating controls or instructions. A phone call to The Canal and River Trust revealed that this bridge, operated by staff only, did not operate on Tuesdays!! That is today!!
In conversation with the authorities my bearded one reported that despite our call to them yesterday, when we received clearance, after advising of our intention to enter the City, there had been no such warning and we were rather disappointed. After some tactful negotiations and to cut a long story short, we were rescued by lunch time by two friendly employees and sent on our way with the promise that we would leave on Thursday and report to bridge number 6 at 09:00 hrs. We now understand why we are the only traffic !
It is apparent that canal traffic in and out of Liverpool is much restricted, we were not fully aware. On certain days it is escorted in and on certain days it is escorted out. Nothing happens on Tuesday!
We are leaving for downtown first thing in the morning.
My owners seem to have developed a good relationship with the staff of The Canal and River Trust who assisted them by opening several swing bridges specially for them.
They were offered some secure moorings at their depot just outside the centre. They were advised it would be unsafe to moor in the centre of Liverpool over night at this time.
There have been issues… Even the moor hens swim in pairs and the fishermen are not using rods, grappling hooks, not fish, cars, bikes, trolleys
My bearded one had not done his homework. Not entirely his fault he says as the information is published only on the Internet. Not easy access for him, he claims, sitting in a metal tube (My long kennel) out of range most of the time on 3 g whatever that is.
My photos today are: waiting for the bridge to swing, our “safe” mooring – we are locked in a compound!a at Litherland. Some visiting swans. them having their G&T s in the evening sunshine outside the toilets.
Sent from my iPad
I think you are very brave, Douglas, going to this strange place where no other dog-owner wants to go. Sorry to hear the bearded one had not done his homework: don’t take any notice of his typical excuses about no 3G or whatever. He will be saying next that you ate his homework or something.
What are you going to do in Liverpool, I wonder? Have fun!
Love form Simon & Heather
Had a good day, I am rather wet and very tired, I have walked all over Liverpool, in the rain. They have dragged me into all sorts of places – I have just finished my dairy for today, t s on its way and now I am going to sleep.
Love Douglas
Douglas, Bearded One and Long Haired One,
Just to let you know that thanks to Noah we are now fully fledged members and can now communicate with you on your Dairy Site.
Much love to all,
Malc & Jen
I am so pleased that you are now fully member shipped. Thank you for being a fan. I have had an exhausting day in Liverpool, I have written about it in my diary. My owners send their love and best wishes
Douglas xx