Left the chaos behind

It was manic this morning here at Litherland, boats arriving from both directions all wanting to use the facilities or stay to shop. Not an inch of space was to be had so breasting up was the only option. First to arrive were those boats coming away from Liverpool. They managed to get water. Then those wanting to go into Liverpool turned up. Chaos ensued and to free up one space we left before 10,30am having rushed to Tesco for last minute supplies. Our slot through the swing bridge at Netherton wasn't until 1pm but felt it better to depart and at least make one space available.

Leaving a very full Litherland.

A 90 minute wait at Netherton swing bridge before C&RT turned up to stop the traffic and 35 minutes later we arrived at Hancocks swing bridge for the final manned passage through. 

Netherton swing bridge

Hancocks Swing bridge

Don't you just love making the traffic wait.

Then the rain started. Had hoped to be moored up before it arrived but knowing of decent moorings by Holmes Swing bridge 10 we kept going. Stopped just after the bridge near to Melling another rural spot but a tad noisy because the wind was blowing in our direction from the motorway. Having got bait at Litherland and managing to stay dry under the cratch cover, I tried fishing again for the first time in nearly two weeks. No Eels caught, just a small roach. The rain once more turned heavy so I gave up as a bad job and watched TV instead.

And seen during my fishing attempt,

Reed Warbler

And bug hunting at Netherton bridge while waiting for C&RT.