Northwich, Hunts lock

We only heard a couple of trains last night and the very distant motorway so slept well, this morning was dry but very overcast with no wind. We were away at ten, the only thing to pass was a lady rower. The strange thing is there seems more flow on the river today than there was yesterday but still very gentle. We made our way up to Dutton lock and had to wait a short time while the lock emptied. The Lock Keeper rang the keeper at Saltersford to say we were on our way so the lock would be ready for us. We met the tug coming down with a hopper full of mud a short way passed Acton Bridge, I had visions of meeting him at the bridge.  Sure enough Saltersford was empty and the bottom gate open, as we were rising a boat arrived above the lock, it looks as if the keepers will have a busy day with two boats going through.
Above the lock the dredger had gone, the lock keeper said they were working just round the corner, but when we passed it was all locked up and deserted. Well it is Friday lunchtime. I hope this is a fixed price job that CRT are paying for.
We carried on past Anderton lift and the CRT trip boat taking people for a river trip towards Northwich, I always fancied exploring this arm, I doubt that will happen now.

In Northwich we stopped to fill with water, a tank normally lasts us about 4 days, this one has to do 8 days as we wont have access to water in the dry dock. Once full we carried on to moor just above the railway bridge on the 2 day moorings, shortly we will move forward to the lock moorings to be first up at 8am in the morning.

Today’s Journey

11½ miles, 2 locks in 4¼ hours