Furness Vale to Bugsworth Basin

Went from Carr's Farm Lift Bridge (Furness Vale) to Whaley Bridge basin this afternoon. 

Filled with water and washed Granny, while chatting to the fellow who operates coal boat Anne He has 'Hoopers Haul' on the side, so I presume his name is Mr Hooper.   I matily said hullo, gosh, I remember coming here in 2001 and Alton was here at that time.  Where is it nowadays?  

'Mr Hooper' said (in effect) huh, Whaley Bridge to Macclesfield has always been his patch, and Alton was a usurper.  I wonder if BW could have some sort of licensing system for fuelling boats so they don't fight over particular sections. 

The irony is that I 'bunkered up' at Braidbar a couple of weeks ago, and the guy there complained about the fuelling boats taking their business. Ho hum, no one's happy. 

Except me :-)   Tonight I'm at the Navigation Inn, Bugsworth Basin, and they've got free wifi!   Recommended, really boater-friendly.  Lisa and Jo are really friendly and actually listened when I suggested stocking particular types of cider.  I think that's really good attitude.