Sat 17th left Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull bound for Lancaster and then onward towards new mooring at Stafford Boat Club. Short cruise to Middlewich.
Sun 18th early start through Middlewich locks and onward through Anderton. Gentle day, brilliant weather, stopped just prior to Preston Brook tunnel. JP3 had a few fluttery palpitations. Slight concerns. Mon 19th arrived PB tunnel in time for a prompt 8:00am northbound trip. JP3 stopped at 8:03 about 10% in. Bummer ! Bled the diesel pump and it decided to cough back into life. Mrs B voted to go forward rather than reverse out, so we did. Spluttery at times. The engine not Mrs B. Great to get through without further stops. On exit decided to continue days plan went to Runcorn (very interesting, no problems !) then back to Midland Chandlers at the junction where a hat trick was scored. 1) No Delphi brand diesel filters, only Fram. No thanks 2) No Aqua Kem Green - Thetford juice 3) No Incralac brass lacquer (stop sniggering at the back) Good cruising on the Bridgewater, picked up the Incralac at Thorne Marine. Arrived Limm 4pm-ish. Met crews from Levick, Pilgrim and visiting Millins from even further north. Roger had kindly brought a replacement diesel filter but I fitted my last Delphi from stock under close supervision of 3 beer swilling Captains. Good Italian supper in Limm. Tue 20th set course for Manchester, reaching Castlefields early pm. Same JP problems and much consultation resulted in call to RCR to bring replacement Facet fuel lift pump. Pat & Mike arrived on Nuggler after tough entry to city via Ashton & Rochdale Canals. Apparently a never again trip. Mooched & fretted pm ref uncertainty of JP performance. Weds 21st RCR arrived late am and checked all likely reasons for issues, fitted new lift pump. Excellent service. Optimism crushed within minutes of starting test cruise back to Watersmeet when greeted with more palpitations and erratic chugging. Sounds rather good but doesnt engender confidence for tidal work. Ribble Link trip cancelled. Reflected on the worst places for engine failure 1) Tidal water 2) Strong river 3) Tunnel 4) Bandit country Well cope with 3) or 4) should either arise. Meantime well head back down the T&M, explore the Maccy & the Caldon and eventually, God willing, take the boat back to SMH for full fuel system diagnostics. Well miss our long planned excursion with chums to the northern waters, but well not get washed out to sea. We must remain flexible and receptive to change. For it is written so. Well probably aim for Moore Thursday eve and reflect on the wisdom of nipping down to the Weaver for a few days. Beeky --
