Hey a freebie. Never say no to that.

Wednesday 1st

Another glorious day although slightly more in the way of cloud cover. Sorry to rub it in folks especially all those that are shivering down south. Our tans are coming along nicely.

Another nice day in store. Last nights sunset.

 So leaving late morning we were lucky enough to join another boat to ascend the locks. John and Martina on Burnt Oak. Also turns out they are going to the rally at Eldonian Village so hope to see a lot more of them.

John steering and Martina on the bridge.

At lock 2 I spied two figures standing lock side. Thought it was the C&RT volunteers ready to help us up the last two locks. I was wrong! It happened to be two Fire and Rescue chaps giving out free smoke alarms. Couldn't have come at a better time as one of ours packed up a couple of months ago and we had been meaning to replace it. It was one of those items that was always forgotten! Anyway they wanted to know my name and age (did I lie??? Well no I didn't. I'm growing old disgracefully!) John was also given one although his boat was new in December as was the alarms. Still one can never have to many especially if they were given away free! 

We were their first customers. Not a bad job in the sunshine.

Left them holding FS while I took the alarm below.

 I should mentioned the different paddle gear on some of the locks along the Rufford Arm. Lock 2 and 3 have wooden levers that have to be lifted vertically to open the top ground paddles. On some of the locks you can leave your windlass aboard as they are operated by these rotating handles and are much easier to use then the conventional way.

Lever in the closed position

And Ian showing how it's done.

Saying goodbye to our locking buddies we did the right turn back onto the Leeds and Liverpool. Didn't get far, in fact no more than quarter mile before we stopped, initially for lunch only but loved the view from the window and decided to stay. Burscough Bridge was a short walk away and Tesco was within walking distance, so armed with shopping trolly we went and fetched even more booze and a few nibbles just in case we get to entertain at the rally. Do hope we do 'cos being on a diet, nibbles for me is out of the question. Of course Booze is perfectly alright, well that's what I tell myself anyway.
 

The wildlife seen today.

A Hare. This is a first for me.