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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Saturday, 7 May 2016

At £8 what a bargain.

Friday 6th

Big fan of the weather at the moment. Last night a hint of red sky and hopes for even better weather to come.


Stove is out, it's been thoroughly cleaned and chimney put away.  No more coal ash to coat all the surfaces, right pain to clean on a daily basis during the winter months. All the dust inside has been attacked and the tar staining where the chimney meets the roof has been scrubbed to an inch of it's life.  All this achieved before we set off this morning but even so, we still arrived at Vale Royal lock before 9.30am.

Vale Royal lock

The lock keepers were waiting for us as Ian had given them a ring to say we were on our way. Then a quick descent and 30 minutes later we arrived at Hunts lock where again they were expecting us.

Hunts lock




Both lockies winding the gear to open the gate. Hard work by the looks of it, they certainly earn their keep.


Back at Northwich only a couple of boats moored. Surprising as I had expected more to be here now that the lift was working again. Out came the chairs to enjoy the sun.

A sort of selfie. Timer photograph
 For lunch we headed for Wetherspoons. Met Annie and Jim (Nb Elizabeth) who we last saw in 2013 when we did a Gadabouts (ECP&DA) coach tour in Wales. Jim, Ian and me climbed Snowdon. Annie, wisely in my opinion, decided to stay on the level 'cos she didn't fancy the exertion  required. After 3 hours of chat and laughter we had to say our goodbyes. No idea when we will meet again but that's the boating life for you.


Having lost some weight some of my trousers were rather on the big side so after leaving Jim and Annie we went in search of Charity shops. Came away with a new pair of shorts (label still attached) and an almost new pair of jeans. Total cost £8. If I manage to lose a few more pounds at least I haven't spent a fortune if these also end up being to big. (I do hope so!!)


Went bug hunting now that the warm weather has arrived.






And the cormorant was back fishing. It must love this part of the river.






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