Next phase 16 - 18 August

A beautiful start to the day at Blakemere. 

I was on  the move by half eight 

with a complex day ahead.. it was Sarah's last day on board and she had a long drive home so I wanted to give her the best chance at a decent journey. A straightforward cruise down  to the junction with Prees Branch, then a short walk with Sarah's case to my car. Off we went to take her to her car at Nantwich.

Unfortunately we had to stop at Whitchurch as one of the tyres blew out! Limped to a safe place with mobile signal and summoned the RAC. Prompt attendance - shout out to Carl who reassured me that I'd done the right thing and hadn't damaged the wheelrim.  The spare tyre fitted, we continued to Nantwich, fond farewells, promises to arrange return visit, then got onto getting a new tyre sorted. All a bit abrupt but needs must. At least that early start was the best possible gift to our future selves.

D A Roberts at Grindley Brook got me sorted quickly and reasonably. Meanwhile, lunch by the canal watching hireboaters dicing with death and disaster, trying not to interfere. Then back to Whitchurch to park the car up. Then a 2 hour walk back to the boat, spin, and head back towards Ellemere, aiming for Chirk by Saturday morning.

Had a pleasant chat with a fisherman who confirmed that if they have a really long pole then they'd prefer the boat to please stay towpath side, as far away from their hunting ground as possible. 

Was also concerned towards the end of the long straight at Whixhall Moss that pulses of waves were heading around the corner, making the boat's nose nod, and not due to wind. What could be going on? Then this tiny Dinghy comes around the corner, fast enough to tow a waterskier and with a massive wake.

This one.

Astonishing that such a small boat could create such mayhem.

 Moored up at 17.45 after a long and active day well on the way to Ellesmere.  

Fine weather due tomorrow so early night and cracking on!

Up and at'em by 8.45am (had to make my own tea) and steady progress made .  Water and bins, plus a quick trot into Ellesmere for groceries and varnish, as you do. Not diesel though: turnaround day at Blackwater Marina, no space on the wharf.

Amazing number of boats coming the other way- 4 at one bridge alone, and a constantly twisting section of contour canal meant concentration required at all times.

Somewhat of a queue below New Marton locks.  Plenty of entertainment while waiting though.

And many eager crews mixing it up lockside so I just had to swan in and look grateful. Result!  Friends of Montgomery Canal were doing a lockwind at the 2nd lock so all I had to do there was buy a few books. Marvellous. 

Onwards towards Chirk. Still many boats on the move but not many emergencies. One bystander asked me.. did he miss you? My response, well, I missed him!  

By 4.15pm getting weary , too much so to get stroppy with a  40' hireboater mooring up right in the middle of a 120' length of bank, creating 2 git gaps. The gods smiled on my restraint though, as I found a Top Mooring just around the next corner.

Rude not to, especiallially on grills 30% off night.

Slept like the dead, completely unaware of what was clearly much rain overnight. Only one hour cruise to where I need to be Saturday 11am so got on with woodstain and varnish. And tiny tacks, of course, to hold the wet wood above the newspaper.

A wee bit orange compared to what's already there but better than dazzling white. Also dipped the diesel: still 2/3rds tank so no urgency to fill up: Sunday at Chirk will do nicely. Weather horribly wet outside, hireboaters on the move well into the evening. A couple of kids tried to lift a mooring chain from the well deck, the moment I moved inside they scarpered. Left a sour taste and will be glad to move on tomorrow.