Bit blowy to say the least near Weston

Moored Ingestre, Trent and Mersey Canal

It sure is rocking NP tonight, the wind is blowing broadside very hard, but we are OK, there are no trees around although I wonder if the logs on the roof are going to end up in the cut.  I suppose I should have taken them off, but the wind has only just got strong.  I will go rescue my little watering can though in a minute. 

We watched this little fella stalk a moorhen this morning..

Up the tree was this mink looking down on the local moorhen.  But she was aware that he was stalking, and when he made his move she was off in a flurry of noise!

I note that the Challenger Syndicateships have called in the receiver… I don’t think there is a lot of surprise up and down the towpaths with the owner Ed Rimmer apparently having run businesses before that have ended up the same.. Ho hum, I guess as all the boats are owned by their owners there will be no real worries, but a forum has been set up here to help answer questions by those wanting information.

Blimey the rain is really coming down now, tis a bit scarey.  I am not going out to rescue the little watering can, if it goes, it goes.  We have lost the signal on the sky dish now.. lets hope that does not end up in the canal too!..

The lock is shut at Stone, Yard Lock that is, and there are boats around waiting to go through.  We are also waiting, but at least we don’t need to go through like some others.  I walked the dogs this morning expecting the weather to close in earlier than it has done, and passed this boat..

 

I wonder if Liz and Steve read my blog.  They got engaged on December 31^st at Tixhall Wide, Awwwww.  Anyway this narrowboat has already passed us and I didn’t twig who it was until today, but nobody about to say hello to unfortunately.

Salt Bridge itself is a work of art..

On closer inspection there is some damage..

But notice the rope marks from long ago when horses used to pull the narrowboats on the way back to London from the potteries at Stoke. 

The towpaths themselves are in really good condition in this area as you can see.  It is a pleasure to go out walking and not arriving back with mud all over me and the dogs.  Next winter we will spend in this area I feel sure.

The wind abated for a short time just now, and I just let the dogs out for a quick wee and look at this!…

Now the weather man did not mention this in his forecast this evening!!  And there was me sitting inside thinking it was pouring with rain!