SATURDAY. At Tarleton
The 2008 trip thus far: 320Locks; 593.0 Miles; 64 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 21
A day spent waiting and hoping for the weather to improve for the Ribble Link on Sunday. Myra went off shopping; I checked the oil levels and removed the weed hatch. The blades were clear; a necessity for a stretch of pushing against the current.
Six boats came off the link today, two carried on through the swing bridge; the other four which we had met earlier in the season were travelling together. This meant that they overcrowded one end of the moorings instead of doubling up all along. We ended up with two breasted alongside us and two against our rear fender. Are they afraid of the dark? Perhaps they only feel secure together; I suppose they do all come from Braunston which could explain a lot.
We were visited by Harry Mayor, the retired previous owner of the boatyard at Tarleton; who was checking up on the boats leaving in the morning. I had heard a lot about him; what a lovely man he is. When he asked if I had done the trip before and I had said No; he produced a series of photos in the back of his folder, showing the main features along the link and gave me some useful advice. All we need is the weather to be kind!
Alastair and Becky, our son and daughter in law came to meet us and we walked into the centre of town for a meal at Don Alberto; the Italian restaurant to which we had been recommended.
My only advice for prospective diners is as follows; unless you habitually devour a horse at one sitting, do not have a starter. We had starters and a main course; each dish was cooked to perfection, we managed to eat the starters and most of the main, but we all had to leave a little.
Good value, good service from all of the staff. (No, it is not run by friends or relations, but when praise is due, why hold back?)
It is now raining heavily although the wind has moderated, fingers crossed!
Weather – Dry all morning, showers late afternoon , heavier in the evening..
