Macclesfield Friday 11th September
THURSDAY
The wharf area at Congleton has been developed a few years ago and still looks much better than when it was all dereliction. We moored there and walked into the town, mainly to deposit seven paperback books at a charity shop and who knows, maybe even replace some of them. I have not bought books from Oxfam for some while as I think that their prices for used books are too high; the British Heart Foundation seem to have followed suit and I will not be bothering to look there anymore. We found some excellent shops supporting local charities and instead, gave our money to them.
Myra had remembered a good bakery and we bought some pies for our supper.
Heading East, we moored at the foot of Bosley locks behind fellow Bloggers Lesley and Jo on Nb Caxton. We chatted for a while with them; then to a couple from Methven, near Perth. I had lots of relations in the area, so it was good to revive some happy memories. They have a friend who lives on Harris and will be visiting her at the end of the month; I offered to carry their luggage, but they assured me that they could cope.
FRIDAY
The mist was swirling around as we left the moorings, there was a slight chill to the air and the signs were good for a fine day. We reached the bottom lock at 6.50am and despite having to bring water down at two of them, tied up at the services block at the top lock at 8.20am. We had showers and after moving off, Myra washed some clothes as it was a good day for drying (apparently).
Sitting in the sunshine at Gurnet Aqueduct, we eventually stirred ourselves and
headed for the Old Kings Head. We had been recommended to visit and sample the pies cooked to order. We enjoyed the banter from the owner as well as the pints of Adnams. I had a steak and ale pie; Myra had steak and Merlot. They were both of generous size, excellent flavours and were some of the best pies that we have tasted.
We are planning a return visit already.
Back on board, I am writing this in an effort to remain awake; we are pleasantly full and all is right with our world. Perhaps that is the answer to shortening the recession; a pie and a pint!
2009 Totals: 499 Locks – 897 miles – 35 Bus pass uses.
