Ham Mill - 28th Jan 2019.
by: Andy P.
A really cold start, for the 7 of us, but it did allow the
mud to be walked on for a change. The Mini digger and trailer had to be rescued
from where it was left or rather dumped by the last users.
Duncan, after lots of greasing, finally started digging out
behind the non retaining wall and creating space for the other
temporary tow path along the lock side.
The spoil being dumpered away-sorry the only
place left was to put it in the canal.
Maurice, Richard, Mathew and Andy found rails which were cut,
spliced and screwed onto the temporary tow path posts. The towpath under the
bridge was blocked off at both ends and suitable signs put in place. Then Bob
set about cutting 2 grooves along its length and up the slope to mark out where
the overflow pipe was to go. Then the jack hammer made an appearance for the
rest of the day. It being used on a shift basis, to break up the concrete which
was carried away in the mini tracked device-this seemed to have a mind of its
own on occasions.
Dave and Rich arrived with the last piece of pipe and went
off to get us much needed fuel top ups.
They then set off down the track to Griffin lock but the
famous now gooey mud, refused the let the tipper past. So all hands were called
to push it along its way.
