MONDAY. At Dutton lock lower mooring, River Weaver
The 2008 trip thus far: 300 Locks; 503 Miles; 56 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 20
We had an organic (careful) alarm call this morning at 7am, the roof was transmitting the sound of heavy rain; fortunately it lasted only about ten minutes. That of course enabled me to put the kettle on, which was, apart from installing a washing line on the lock side; my only constructive output for the day. I spent the rest of the time wandering around and just gazing across Weaver sluices to the Mersey beyond. I have almost perfected the art, I merely need more uninterrupted days of practise.
About 400 Canada geese were gazing back; I did not attempt to stare them out. I counted 27 Cormorants drying their wings on the end of Frodsham score; I did not attempt to count the ducks, but I would estimate their number to be similar to that of the geese.
The Manchester ship canal crane boat passed along towards Eastham. A ship canal tug and hopper travelling towards Runcorn slowed and stopped at the Weaver sluices; to allow a coaster ‘Anna D’ to pass. We had shared Mode Wheel lock with this coaster when we travelled on Martlet down the ship canal from Manchester last year. A wide beam Dutch barge came down the Weaver, entering Marsh lock, bound for Liverpool via Eastham. The owner is going to have it taken by lorry to Dover; craned off and then sail it across to France.
We left Marsh lock in a strong breeze but still brilliant blue sky; the clouds were building and by the time we arrived below Dutton lock it has really muggy. We saw one plastic boat and the Dutch barge on the move; two narrowboats tied up; still very quiet.
Weather - very hot, very muggy later, strong breeze, died away in evening.
