Since writing this letter our National Magazine Radio Communication has had an article concerning communication in these tunnels. I shall put a reference up soon.
We are just taking down the aerial and packing away the radio equipment after speaking to Gordon (just) and trying to contact Ron. The trip up once clear of Manchester was fine, no problems and we were helped by BWB people if required. There was a slow crew in front of us so BWB people arranged for us to overtake them since they were through the tunnel on Friday. The Stalybridge section was as good as the web photos, it was so lucky that the factory closed and that Mr Tesco was happy for his car park to be split in two. The altered bridges and new route was a major civil engineering feat. I cannot imagine anything like this ever happening in Cambridge, just imagine the King's Ditch being reinstated.
The canal level is low and well silted in places so we have come to a stop more than once. All lock gates are fitted with anti-vandal locks, which need a special key; this slows us down as well. About halfway up the Diggle flight we were stopped because a gate paddle gearbox, which was brand new, failed. Although there would normally be a second unit alongside, this had been sent away for repair. John and I set about the task of rigging a fulcrum device made out of an old steam pipe and block of wood from a nearby wood yard. We managed to lift the paddle just enough to let the water in so we could continue passage. A chap from the BWB Support Team asked me to assist the boat behind because he was on his own. So I did all the locks myself, hard work indeed. Back up from BWB were called and arrived with a digger to raise the paddle. Because we were above the stoppage we could continue on, the boats behind had to wait. And so on to the tunnel.
Diggle is a lovely place as all the villages are that we have seen perched on the hillside. The westbound convoy arrived and we were surprised at the sight. All the boats were draped in heavy rubber protection and the minders were all wearing full mining protection gear and lighting. Everything and everybody were black. The system is that a rescue transit runs along side in the disused rail tunnel and checks at the regular adits (shafts between the various tunnels). The tug was recharged and our convoy was decked out in rubber protection. The fun begins. A trip should last 2 1/2 - 3 hours maximum. At the start we were briefed about safety procedures and put on safety helmets. A few feet into the extension section the front propellers became jammed in what turned out to be a 10 foot length of wood. The front of the passenger protection module, as it is called, was taken apart and about 3/4 hour later, after sawing the wood we were under way again.
We had to stop several times, broken tension straps, rubber mats jamming against the sides of the tunnel, control systems need rebooting, etc etc. The safety teams became concerned at one point because we had not arrived at the next checkpoint on time. This is when we found out that the radio system is poor. The guys that stand at the back of the boats have to fend the convoys off the wall. All in all a quite frightening event really, as well as exciting. How this all happened in the old days without all the safety equipment and with the smoke and fumes from the trains and fires with poor ventilation is beyond me. Needless to say many people died both in the making and the use of the tunnel. No wonder little is said about the trip in advance, it would put most people off. We sat down in the module at just after 1pm and arrived at Marsden at 5.45pm, a very long trip. A lot of people were waiting for us, several more senior looking, in suits. We were assured by the staff that it is not usually like this, who cares, I would not have missed it. I have to say that the staff were excellent throughout and really good fun but if you suffered from claustrophobia you would never make the trip. We did notice a prepared coffin made out of plywood in the green Portacabin at the start point.
Thursday night now, pleasant day, heavy rain and squalls. Still getting help from BWB in places with some difficult gates and low water levels causing us to get stuck on exit from the locks. We are moored at Slaithwaite, not pronounced how it is spelt. Another fabulous section of restored route and an interesting town to explore. The crew are in good heart so far. John talks about Joan but he seems ok although very tired. Adrian eats too much and sneaks out for additional supplies. Martin has a very new fancy and hi-tech radio, I want one. Steve wonders when we are going to the pub. Mike gets upset at Martin's style of argument from time to time, all in all a good trip so far.
We broke the drought big time and the forecast is not good for the rest of the trip. We are however on the east side of the country so perhaps things maybe ok-ish. Sorry about the writing, it is very hard on the top bunk to scratch your arse, never mind write. The boat is 12 feet shorter according to Adrian, I say 8 feet, but it is much better equipped than many we have had with loads of storage space. Galley is good, my only gripe is the cheese grater, which is more use for filing toenails. Oh and the knives are blunt as usual.