Another sunny morning, although there was a distinct nip in the air first thing. We got a wash load going before we set off, and then untied at about 9am, straight through the first bridge.
Before the next bridge there’s a place where there used to be a shop selling gifts and flowers, but last time we came by there was a sign up saying it had changed hands and would be re-opening soon. Today there was a new sign, which we might have to investigate further on the way back.
A tree, probably a sycamore I think, was absolutely loaded with propellers ready to go.
We had a short wait at Stanthorne Lock while a boat came up, and Adrian was telling them about shared ownership as they hire every year. Then a boat arrived below. We also had a short wait at Wardle Lock while the boat ahead went down. I turned the corner at the junction while Adrian walked ahead, and at first it appeared we were fourth in the queue for the Middlewich three locks. However, it turned out that the bright green Bickerstaffe boat had broken down, and the ABC boat on the lock landing (which had been moored in front of us last night and left before us) had knocked their rudder out of the cup and were waiting for help.
A boat came up the top lock before we went down, and Adrian went and filled the middle one while we descended, so it was ready.
There was a boat coming up the bottom lock that we then swapped with. At the bottom we tied up by the children’s park, had lunch, and then went to Lidl to get food for the next few days. When we were about to set off again a boat came round the corner, so we joined them in Big Lock.
We continued to Bramble Cuttings, and this time moored up on the offside moorings. There’s one other boat here so we’ve got to the opposite end leaving a space in the middle for any potential latecomers. We’ve been sitting outside at a picnic table, watching the planes on approach to Manchester Airport.
7 miles, 6 locks. (29 miles, 13 locks)
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