We were rather low on water and it is likely that we will not make the services at Fairfield Junction until late tomorrow. So, we crossed over the arms to a water point opposite. We had been warned that it was slow - correct! In fact, very correct. However, we hooked up and took as much as we could before leaving. No washing machine today.
Whilst waiting for the water Mike took another look around underneath the viaducts. These are huge and cavernous but, looking rather lost, there is an early cast iron footbridge.
Out in the open these look quite substantial but, here, somewhat out of place.
We eventually tired of waiting for the water and also another boat turned up making it clear that they wanted the tap. Since the boater told us firmly that there is a better tap just around the corner (so why was he not using it?) we set off to tackle the formidable Rochdale Nine.
Castlefield Junction and the first of the locks are just around the corner after the last of the viaducts. Already we could see the familiar problem of water cascading over the bottom locks.
Mike went up to set the lock but soon, looking back over the bridge, he could see that Christine was having an issue with the water flow. As can be seen, there are no mooring bollards or rings, so he 'dashed' back to help her and let her back onto the stern once more.
The bridge has been widened at some time and, as a result, there is insufficient room for normal length balance beams. Hence, capstan-style mechanisms have been installed that make it possible to open the gates. At the same time, the level of the next pound is higher than the top gates so a steady flow tries to keep the lock from fully emptying. In the past we have had to wait quite a while whilst we lowered the level in the upper pound. Eventually, at the limit of his 'powers', Mike was able to make a small gap appear, after which it was a lot easier. Just he signalled from the bridge to Christine to move forward, when another boat arrived and we shared all nine of the locks. As they were experienced boaters this made the transit - 2 hours 45 minutes - a lot less stressful than on our own.
With three of us bankside, we leapfrogged, setting the lock ahead.
Some stretches are quite confine by large buildings, others a bit more open. This lock at least has some public space alongside.
Here, the canal emerges from under a large building and is much less attractive.
And the penultimate lock is totally underneath another structure. In the past we have seen plenty of evidence that the darker places were popular with drug users and suppliers. However, today there was noting to suggest that and the flight a more usable place for those who find such activity too intimidating. The only addiction that this chap has was his mobile phone! Not sure how he found the signal here.
Eventually we completed the Nine and left our lock companions to carry on up the Ashton flight of another 18 locks with, as recall it, little opportunity for an overnight mooring. We had not planned to try that this time (we did in 2019 and arrived at Fairfield as it was getting dark) Deferring a decision about overnight we moored where we have several times before, right on the Ducie Street Junction where there are mooring rings. It was definitely time for lunch. Christine popped to the nearby Morrisons for milk and a few other items but was disappointed with how lacking in choice and range it was.
Afterwards Mike took a walk around the corner to look at alternatives. Both of the online moorings were empty but perhaps have slightly more footfall than where we were. He continued to Piccadilly Moorings, a small inlet in a new housing development, which several people have commenced a a good overnight spot, albeit inside a gated fence - but no obstruction to boats. The inline offside space has signs that declare them to be Private Moorings but with a lot of small print that cannot be read from the towpath! Mike felt that it was not worth the effort and uncertainty.
On the way back Mike also realised that the other towpath moorings were very close to a new construction site down below the canal. They are at the pile driving stage so it could be rather noisy - Ducie Street is generally surprisingly quiet.
They also feel a little 'sterile'. Hence we agreed to stay put for the night.
Later, Christine went to explore a nearby M and S Outlet store. Having found a good deal on some new towels and sheets for home, she summoned additional carrying capacity! After handing over the load she went back for more . . . Well they were a good price and we had been talking about a major replacement at home!
1.5 Miles - 9 Locks
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