Following Uncle Morts poorly period and the restorative care lavished by Ian of Nantwich Canal Centre we set off from Aqueduct Marina mid pm Sunday 1st May.
Previously 6 months planning and 3 provisioning visits to the boat set us up for the aborted Ribble excursion. This time we took enough clothes and comestibles for a tentative few days out & about, planning to play it by ear. We descended one lock and reached downtown Middlewich by 6pm tying up near the unoccupied nb Arun looking forward to a fish & chip supper. Wrong no f&c available in Middlewich on a Sunday evening, so it was a tinned mushy pea sandwich for me and some cheesy bicks for her. Bank Holiday Monday 6:30am and beautiful blue sky. Quick cuppa and an early transit through 4 narrow locks and the big lock down to the long level pound that ultimately reaches Manchester. Rather busy with boats heading both ways and we stopped for breakfast at one of the flashes just south of Northwich. Pleased to report that the Lister JP missed not a beat and started readily at all times so we elected to attempt a first visit to the Weaver, via the Anderton Lift. There was no waiting time at the lift and we were on our way down within 45 minutes the 2:30pm slot. Enjoyable experience, all very straightforward, free of charge. We have no problem with the BW policy of extracting £5 for a firm booking. Compared with all the other costs of boating this is but a peanut in exchange for a unique experience, not to be confused with £5 for an overnight berth. At Llangollen for example. Confronted with the river, we decided to head downstream first. Such is the appeal of Runcorn, this was to be our 2nd visit in 2 weeks. Downstream from the lift theres about a mile of industrial stuff on the port side heading downstream and on the starboard side the hill to which clings the Trent & Misery Canal. Then nicely rural through Saltersford Locks and on past the Acton swing bridge. The barge Parfield was tied alongside just north of the bridge and we had passed the picnicking tug Kennet on a bank holiday outing. Our next door neighbours from Stourport aboard nb Snugone were moored before Dutton Locks so we overnighted Monday alongside and took the 6d tour of their chums adjacent wide beam. Beeky
