...and we have been. Arriving on the weaver via Marsh Lock, I was surprised to see the top gate being opened by a very embarrased lockkeeper using a Tirfor winch. It is reassuring to hear from BW that the condition of the canals has never been better.
My eyes and those of other boaters give the lie to that statement.
We moored, and just sat for a while before I dozed off in the cabin whilst Myra dozed in a chair outside and Duncan had the saloon! What a load of dozy things we are.
Duncan was collected by Number 2 son from Rocksavage moorings; we moved away and moored for the night. It had been good to have him with us on our nasty black particulate spreading device, as he insists on calling our smart narrowboat. Well, he would wouldn't he as a cruiser person.
We made it as far as Dutton Lock on the Wednesday, where we completed another day of sitting and reading. Thursday was different. We spent the time reading and sitting for a change. We said goodbye to Dutton lockkeeper Fred; he will be retired by the time of our next visit. We will keep in touch, as he has another novel (his third)
coming out in Feruary 2011. (http://www.qquoin.com/)
Friday morning we were up with the Lark to be at the foot of Saltersford lock for 8am when Bryn arrived for duty. Locking through, we chatted to him and then tied up at the top of the lock to continue. After tea and cake, we moved away to Northwich for shopping and PortaPotti emptying.
We went up on the Anderton Boat lift at 1pm and began our journey back to Endon on the Trent & Mersey canal. We caught the rush hour at Middlewich Big lock which we shared with two cruisers, following them up the remaining three and Kings lock on our own as they turned into the Wardle canal and lock. Myra went to buy Fish and Chips as Martlet rose in the lock; we ate them on the move. We moored for the night after the West Coast main line railway bridge near Sandbach. A mere 13 hours after moving off at Dutton.
