Back on the Water 5th - 12th July

After my announcement that I was going off on my own, Andrew checked his diary and hurray! He had 3 days clear, so he could come with me from Nantwich to Lion Quays salt works, which is only 1 mile from Northwich railway station. He's back, folks!

This cormorant followed us for a mile or so, hunting for fish too confused by the boat to escape it? No wonder they get waterlogged,  they sit really low in the water. And their eyes are jade green!

We had sat up all night and well into the morning, watching events unfold in the election,
And felt a bit knackered,  so stopped before our plan said to! Excellent!
Day 2 and into Middlewich, a favourite spot at the edge of town.  Shopping ensued, and a walk back canalside to the King's Lock pub. Thirst slaked, we wandered back aboard for Friday Feast.
Day 3 to tackle the Middlewich locks. All going well until I lost power and gained a new sound from the engine. Better have a look..
And result.. rope around the prop
All feeling much better, on we went. Beyond Middlewich,  no locks but lots and lots of moored boats so a slow day. Lots of nosing at other boats!
Next morning Andrew was up early to get his train(s) back to Colwyn Bay, while I had a leisurely start before covering the last hour up to the Anderton services, for de-rubbishing and watering, and then onto the Lift.
Committed..
And safely down.
I spent a couple of days on this spot, getting some more paint on, and waiting for Amazon. On exiting the Lift, you're supposed to Sound a long Blast.. nothing happened.. So I considered a low tech fool proof alternative, that I could pick up from Northwich. And here it is:
A handheld foghorn.
I walked into town to see if there were moorings free.. no, even the uncomfortable ones against the high wall were taken. So I stayed put a second night and next morning went all the way up to Winsford, wafted through both sets of locks by the excellent lock keepers. And snuggled in for a couple of days of rain.
A lovely walk through woods and heath to 
Morrisons for supplies, a few steps longer than along the road but infinitely pleasanter.

 And quiet trouble free nights too, despite Ingerland making it through to the euro finals; Winsford celebrated indoors.
I went on a short stroll upriver too. It looks as though you should be able to continue on, but the bottom is unreliably near the top.

Friday already, and time to leave my berth. A spin at the end of the Arm achieved calmly enough, and back down to Vale Royal  visitor moorings. It is wonderful having so much space!


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