Speeding boaters = pulled pins!

I was right about that BBQ. Lit as soon as we moored it was still well past 7 before any food could be cooked. But nibbles and drinks while enjoying the last of the rays went down very well.

Both our boats together.

 Friday early and Merlin was being spruced up as today she goes back to base. While Lynda cleaned inside Tony cleaned outside. Wow, that goes beyond the call of duty! Since when do hirers clean the outside of the boats. I know we didn't when we returned Merlin after moving her from Great Hayward to Bunbury. Maybe we will have to take a leaf out of their book. By 9am Merlin was back at base. We have had such a good and varied week that it will be strange being on our own again, but there is already talk of next year so who knows!

On our own again we did Bunbury staircase locks. These locks are unique as one boat can enter from the top and one in the bottom and pass in the middle.

The boat enters the top of the staircase lock

Passing in the middle

FS in the upper lock as the boat below starts his exit.

 Lovely surprise this morning when we found Nb Valerie moored before Barbridge junction. Jaq has been inspirational to us both and what she doesn't know about treating the big C with alternative medicines is not worth knowing. We spent a lovely couple of hours reminiscing and laughing and once again the talk got round to toilets! Loved the visit Jaq and just a shame you couldn't partake of my banana cake. I will have to have a try and find a gluten and lactose-free cake recipe for when next we meet.

Rain set in not long after leaving Jaq. Intermittent and chilly and I wonder how long it will be before we have to light the stove. Those Firelogs are a must have for this time of year. Too hot to light the stove during the day but need something to take the chill out of an evening. They burn for roughly three hours and give out enough heat to warm the boat right through. If you're wondering where to get them, Home Bargains at 99p a log.

Heading away from Nantwich and a loose boat. What I can't understand is two boats passed this boat, both in different directions and neither one stopped to do something about it. We nearly always stop if we are able so, while I held FS in a bridge 'ole, Ian went to secure the boat.

Mooring pin had been pulled due to speeding boaters!

Up the two Hack Green locks and moored just before the rain started again. 5 boaters have since passed us all looking very wet and miserable. I know of two that want to do the Audlem flight tonight. Rather them than me!!

And seen on route,