On Monday, June 11th, we crossed the halfway point of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal marked on the ground just before Church Kirk Changeline Bridge 112.
Since Burnley, we are struggling en route with trees between the towpath and the water which have not been removed as promised by BW. They are 10 – 20 feet tall, some needing a chainsaw to remove them. One crew member goes ahead clearing what he can with ratchet cutters and we are having to disconnect the line regularly where trees are too large to remove ahead of the boat. Our progress is slowed down and crew do not enjoy this lack of care of the towpath and lack of support and preparation by BW for our journey. They had two years notice, and especially in the year before we set out!
Safely arrived at Blackburn on Tues June 12th. Boat moored at Eanam Wharf. Bilbo stabled for the first time on this journey, tonight at the Thwaites Brewery Stables for their Shire horses.