We enjoyed a days' sailing on the Peak Forest Canal using the 2 self-drive 32 foot long narrowboats, Mary and Alice, that we had hired.
On arrival at the boatyard we all received a briefing on how to safely steer and operate a canal boat with a top speed of 4 m.p.h. Then our 20 keen and enthusiastic sailors, all members plus some wives/partners, embarked and set sail from Ashton under Lyne.
Our 5-hour trip was lock-free taking us under several bridges and through a fairly long tunnel to Romiley basin where we reversed direction and moored up and then had a leisurely lunch ready for the return journey. Mind you, some of the local fishermen were not amused by our messing up their fishing grounds! The weather was kind and along the way we saw plenty of wildlife in the fields surrounding the canal and on the water. Many herons were photographed from our boats and much of the scenery surrounding the canal was green grass and trees.
All members tried their hand at driving with the more experienced taking the helm in the difficult sections. There were no major mishaps although the propeller on one boat had a minor skirmish with a floating fallen tree!
We all arrived back safely at the boatyard having thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the companionship.
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