Leeds and Liverpool Canal:Micklethwaite

Arrived back on the boat today after a sojourn in Chatham (Kent) visiting with our daughter. All was found to be in order, although the holding tank was full and urgently needing a pumpout.  I had always wondered what would happen if the holding tank was really full to overflowing like.  Well it doesn't overflow.  What happens is that the effluent just syphons back into the toilet which really smells. The only way to achieve a pumpout was to reverse back to Hainsworth Boatyard near the top of the 5 rise locks. There was a swing bridge to negotiate, Pat's nemesis! She hates them, partly because the motorists are sometimes unforgiving (though this time very understanding) but because something always goes wrong. It did this time. Firstly she couldn't get the gates to lock closed, then at the end to get them open again. It took a local chap who knew them well to sort them out. "Don't worry, they are always going wrong." Pumpout done and with no food in the fridge anymore, we moved back to the riginal mooring and nearby fish shop for the night.