Enough's enough for Today

The usual pose by the last bridge of the day.

We were rather hot and a bit weary as we made our way from Bridge 42---

Appley Bridge--- to the railway station.

Today we have done 16,279 steps which is equal to 6.43 miles!

Locked in---or out?

This is Appley Lock,---number 91. We arrived just in time to see the gates opening to allow a boat to exit.



Here it is!

Whynotte indeed?

It seems a wonderful life.



Peace, Perfect Peace

This is just so beautiful. So peaceful and tranquil.

How blessed we feel to spend a day in these surroundings!

Alongside the canal, the River Douglas flows gently through the countryside.

It's hard to believe that this used to be one of the main transport links before the canal was built. 

Through the Barrier!

Hooray!!!

 Less than 100 miles to Leeds!

Parbold

 This was our pleasantly peaceful lunch view at Parbold.

The ducks must have thought it was their siesta time too, as they settled almost at our feet.

I was so relaxed that I forgot to take a photo of the beautiful Parbold Windmill, immediately behind us, so here is one from the internet.

Built in 1794, now minus sails and no longer functioning, but quite impressive.

We sat in the shade of the tree on the right, so forgot the windmill was there!



'Not another photo!!' says Allan

Allan posing--- (or patiently waiting)--- at Bridge 35.

He's a head-down, get-going walker, whereas I'm always getting sidetracked.

Here are some of the things which grabbed my attention today.

This looks like a good place to sit round a campfire and have a BBQ.

I'm not sure of it's real purpose.

Yet another World War 2 pill-box

Anyone know what this is or what it is there for?

I certainly don't.

All of these and more were worth getting the camera out for today.

A slight diversion

Here I am with Junction Bridge in the background. This is Bridge 1 of the Rufford Branch.

We explored this very pretty area for a while.

These attractive cottages are beside an old, unused, dry dock at the junction.

Next, the view from Junction Bridge of the top lock of the Rufford Branch.

We were tempted to walk further up this stretch but we would have added a couple of extra miles on a boiling hot day!  No way!!

So we returned to our towpath, turned left and headed for Wigan.



Industry

Ainscough's Mill used to make biscuits. The grain was brought over the Mersey from Birkenhead and up the canal.

The bridge by the mill is #32B and is a railway bridge. Here is the maker's

mark from 1848. Maybe the biscuits went all over the country by rail.

Early Wagon Wheels, perhaps?

Better late than never!

Finally, walk #5 which took place way back last September.We drove to Buscough Bridge and looked around this lovely retail complex--once the maintenance depot for British Waterways.

Not far to go!!