Jolly up the Golly 12th August

With Andrew away at a number of festivals, I am taking my turn at skippering. Sarah Ping, friends for 50 years come September, has joined me from Norwich. Poor thing arrived after a massive drive gagging for a cuppa so it was 5pm before we headed out, planning to get up the Hurleston flight before stopping for the night.

So, I was steering full time.. apologies for lack of photos . These are courtesy of Sarah.
Multi tasking above, on the phone while steering!
A problem arose at Hurleston: a boat was stuck in the first lock, with a queue of 4 waiting. Plan B: Barbridge pub. But, and unsurprisingly on a sunny Sunday evening, it was rammed. Plan C: go to the junction, turn around, moor up asap, and entertain ourselves on board. Cold chicken, homemade coleslaw and much wine. Perfect!
Next morning, to recoup time from our detour, we set off at 7am, to find the blockage and queue had all gone so we were able to get straight on to the hill. We were helped by a lovely Dutch crew following us while Sarah refreshed her dormant lock working skills.
This is how we do it..

A vlockie arrived just as we completed the locks and he confirmed the problem was caused by a boat that was just a bit too wide for the lock. It was released but then decided to have another go, as if it had suddenly shrunk or something. Got so badly jammed that a team had to be called from Chester to re-free them. Vlockie thought the skipper ought to billed for the cost of his rescue, if only because he had been so aggressive and stupid.
Paused for eggs at the farm shop
and then continued the steady stream of locks - 12 of them - and lift bridges as we continued south west. With a pause for lunch, we arrived at Willeymoor Lock Tavern at 4pm after an eight hour cruise. Shower, siesta and pub dinner well deserved!
So we have often been past this pub and it's always been closed so this is exciting!
It has a gazillion teapots.
And Aspalls cider
And lots of lovely beers
And enormous helpings of excellent pub grub for a decent price. 
My new fave.
Then steered our bulging bellies back to the boat just before the rain set in. Due to be Wet tomorrow so not going far.. to Whitchurch.

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