Visitors onboard!

Lauren came to join us for a few days, meeting up at Riley Green.
 

Darwen 'Jubilee Tower'

We went to the Boatyard Inn which is next to the canal and visitor moorings for our evening meal.  Although it was convenient to our moorings, we were a little disappointed as it was quite expensive and only basic pub food.



On the Sunday, John joined us and we all went in the car to Darwen where we went on a walk up to the Darwen 'Jubilee' Tower.  The tower was completed in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and to mark a local victory for the right to access the moors. 

We climbed the tower and the views were amazing.. apparently on a clear day, you can see as far as Morecombe Bay, the Lakes, Isle of Man and North Wales.

Nugget enjoying the views from Darwen Tower

In the evening, we went to a pub in this area for a meal, The Royal Arms at Tockleworth; good food and good value.

On Monday, 31 August, we moved on a short stretch to Withnell Fold where we had arranged to meet up with Ian and Helen on narrowboat 'Leo'.  It was great to meet up again having first met on the Wigan flight in 2012 when Chris had fond memories of the delicious flapjack that appeared half way down the flight reviving our flagging spirits!  Imagine our delight when Helen offered us some more yummy flapjack  on-board Leo, complete with recipe.  We enjoyed a shared lunch, after which, Leo set off to Blackburn and we cruised a short distance to the top of Johnsons Locks.

On Tuesday, had a short trip to 'Botany Bay' for a look around.  It is a five storey converted 19th century cotton mill full of shops/cafes etc.  There is an old penny arcade (including a laughing policeman).  You have the opportunity to buy some old pennies and see them working.


'Team Coventina' 

In the evening, Chris, Lauren and I went to the 'Dressers Arms' for an evening meal.  What a great pub, lots of atmosphere and a fantastic deal from Monday to Saturday of two steak meals and a bottle of wine for £14.95p, exceptional value.

We entered the pub quiz as 'Team Coventina'  which has apparently been running for the last 20 years.  We put in a good performance, but not good enough!!

Wednesday - Lauren left for home after  a lovely few days together. We are remaining at the top of Johnsons Locks for a further night.