Train and bus back to Middlewich in time for the (elsewhere reported) mini-gig and curry on Saturday evening with (amongst others) John & Gill Watson and Andrew and Sheila Goodland.
Sunday started with a gentle chug in reverse past the sleeping Uncle Mort and back down Wardle lock. Headed North arriving at Anderton in time for the 1pm descent. Once on the river, turned left and headed upstream to Winsford. Thought about attempting to enter the Bottom Flash, then thought better of it. Attempts to moor by the pub there for an evening meal were thwarted by the shallows, so I turned and headed back down for half a mile to a park I had spotted earlier. Plenty of depth for mooring. Monday morning I wandered through the park to the main road where there is a convenient Morrison's. Stocked up on a few essentials and then turned and headed South for the 10.30am locking at Vale Royal. Through that and Hunt's lock and then a spirited dash to Saltersford to try to get there before the lock-keeper stopped for lunch. Missed by ten minutes so spent the next hour tied to the pontoon waiting for him to eat his sandwich. Through this lock and Dutton lock and then set off for the downstream terminus at Weston Docks. There is now a fixed bridge across the entrance to the dock to stop inquisitive narrowboaters from entering the dock, so had to content myself with turning round there and heading back to moor for the night below Dutton lock. Slow start on Tuesday, as Arun was due for an oil change. All sorted and showered and set off at 10am. Through Saltersford and arrived at Anderton lift again at 11.30am, too late for the 11.45 ascent, but space on the 12.30 departure. Out of the lift cut and turned right to do a quick U-turn in the suitably located winding hole before heading for the tunnels and the North. Barnton was clear, so straight through to the Eastern portal of Saltersford. This tunnel now works on a timed entry system, so I had to wait until 2pm before entering. 4pm entry to Preston Brook tunnel and then, after passing the boatyard, tuned left for Runcorn. This is nice and deep, so a good turn of speed was called for. Winded at Waterloo bridge at 5.40 before returning to Preston Brook for a left turn and on to moor at Moore for the night. Today saw another leisurely start at 9.40am, for the entirely level run into Manchester where a quick right before the first (should that be 92nd?) lock on the Rochdale brings you into Grocer's Wharf at Castlefields. Going out to sample the delights that Manchester has to offer in a bit but mustn't overdo it as an early start is mandated to get through the nine and through Ancoats before the little darlings awaken. More to follow. Terry Streeter NB Arun - Castlefields Junction
