Middlewich

A nice sunny morning so away a bit early, not too early. There were a few boats about but nothing like when we were going the other way. We came round the bend towards Stanthorne lock just as a boat was leaving, while we were locking down the boat behind caught up and the lady gave a hand. There was also a boat waiting to come up, but it took them so long to sort them selves out the lady went down to find out if they actually wanted the lock. It must be the only one that fills faster than it empties. We chugged on down the Wardle, saying hello to Roger on the way, again meeting a boat, but by the time we reached the lock it had leaked off a bit, but no queue waiting to come up. Hard left at the junction and tuck in behind a hire boat waiting to go down. There was a Volockie on each lock and a steady stream of boats coming up, some a bit slower than others. The highlight of the day, I stood in some dog poo as I set off from the top lock, thankfully spotted what I had done and it only got as far as the rear deck and step, so I got the brush out and washed down while in the lock. The bottom lock is bit of a piddler so you need to make sure the side doors and

 

hatches are closed. We carried on down to moor just above the winding hole. Diana went shopping while I changed the engine oil and filter, plus topping up the batteries. Jack’s store didn’t last long, just leaving Morrisons and Lidl.

 

Today’s Journey

4½ miles, 5 locks in 2½ hours

 

Autherley Junction to Middlewich