A cruise of 6 1/2 lock free miles
Not long after we started we had the joy of watching a kingfisher flashing blue as it flitted back and forth across the canal in front of us.
Canal side des res
Another boat coming loose, this time we left it for someone else - we were on a mission
Chestnut tree flowering, the first we have seen.
Another flash near bridge 181 coming up
During the morning I disappeared below for a shower and a much overdue washing of the hair. That done I returned to the stern for a freezing breeze blowdry.
And Orchard Marina has taken up residence in yet another
Each trip we have done I've always been fascinated by and banged on about the fishermen and their gear.
Well, maybe a trolley isn't such a bad idea!
All that to catch a few piddly fish they can't eat.
The galley slave hard at work :)
All these moored boats must mean we are nearing our destination
By 11.30 we were moored up near bridge 193. After a quick spruce up we walked down the towpath passed the old saltworks, now a museum arriving at the Salt Barge Inn on the dot of noon to find the door locked. You can imagine our dismay - thoughts of a Sunday Roast had been on our minds since yesterday and last nights mooring carefully chosen to deliver us to this particular pub at lunch time. Oh Woe.
Futiley, Mike tried the door once again and was just turning away when there was a thunk of a bolt been drawn and the door was opened by a smiling sweet young thing saying 'do come in'. Oh joy.
And this is the result of all the careful planning and what we had been waiting for. Yumbo
Replete, and after desprucing (which really means adding more layers of clothes - 2 thermals, a skivvy, rugby jumper and polar fleece for me) we set off again about 2.50pm
Last of the bluebells in Marbury Park
Traffic on the canal
We pulled up for yet another water fill at the Anderton Services.
Leaving the waterpoint at 3.50 we passed a pair of swans and their 9 cygnets
Basin before the Barnton Tunnel (572 yards)
Due to me getting my rights and lefts mixed up (an unusual thing to happen!) we collided with the wall once, taking some paint off the edge of Aqua Beatha's roof.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Soon after we moored up in the basin of the Saltisford Tunnel. One way working like the previous tunnel except due to a bend in the middle you can't see through. So northbound boats can only enter on the hour for 20 mins. We had half an hour to wait, time enough for a cup of tea
I don't know why but most entrances to tunnels have a tricky turn to negotiate.
And in we go
THIS TIME I took precautions and held my right thumb stiffly and uncomfortably upright the whole way through so I wouldn't make another mistake in my direction advice. It worked we made it round the kink and through the tunnel without a scratch :)
Wild garlic
We continued on for another excruciatingly long 2 1/2 miles (mainly because it was freezing cold)
But it was still beautiful
Aiming for a mooring overlooking the River Weaver and its viaduct. Unfortunately the spots with the view were taken and we had to make to with mooring on on the edge of the wood.
A pair of ducks and their voracious offspring came to call
After tying up we had to endure listening to, while Lawrence watched a replay of the Geelong vs whatsit match. There is something to be said for mooring where there is no internet. On the upside he did find the Insiders for us to watch much to Mike and Tim's bemusement.
13 miles 0 locks 2 tunnels
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