FRIDAY 21ST MAY
7.45 start today, for showers at Anderton service block and then onto the lift.
At Anderton lift, Myra went off to find out when we could go down. She came back and announced the next lift was at 11.15, and we were on it! We moved to the lift moorings and chatted to Steve on Nb.Mignonette.
He was interested in my impressions of the Waterways Museum, I was really positive and suggested that a few more volunteers would make things even better. Wow! Did I say the right thing! He is the chairman of the volunteers and told me that they have over 100 more than last year. I wish them all well in their endeavours.
After a slight delay some 10 feet down, the lift let us onto the Weaver and we turned right to be surrounded by green weed in abundance, it was a 1960's hippie's paradise!
The whole river is covered in varying depths and there is also blue-green algae.
I made a mental note to myself, to avoid falling in if at all possible.
Approaching Saltersford lock, there is a lovely new pontoon on the approach for use when awaiting the lock. We were impressed,but wait a moment, yes, it is almost long enough for two narrowboats, but not quite. The design was obviously heavily influenced by BW. We are sure that they took anvantage of a BOGOF offer; as there is a new pontoon at Marsh Lock, also too short for two narrowboats!
Arriving at Dutton, we headed for the moorings above the lock and were making fast when Fred, the lockkeeper arrived to say Hello. He has now published three books, but denies that he is a millionaire yet. After a good chat, he left to carry on being a lockkeeper for another 12 months.
Dutton lock has always been a mecca for birds, and I managed to get some photos of Blue Tits leaving their well concealed nest.
