Photos

"A rather battered but much loved canal boat called Florrie"
... sitting in the bronzed waters of Worsley - where canals began.

The author, at a recent book signing at Waterstones, Stoke

The 'Lockmeister', or F-in-L, in action

The top of the Anderton Boat Lift: "...the two tanks were clearly visible, one full of algae ridden green water, with both sporting a degree of pond life that in normal circumstances would probably be protected by a European Directive."

Waiting in the queue for the Harecastle Tunnel - the longest on the system: "The water at Harecastle had taken on a Worsley-like bronze hue, adding to the sense that what we were about to experience was something special, possibly something mystical."

Peter and Edward in action with a lock gate: "As we left each lock, the boys would reach down and we'd execute a high-five, sharing a mantra of 'Good lock!' as we did so."

The author, at a recent book signing at Waterstones, Stoke	The 'Lockmeister', or F-in-L, in action