It nearly got away from him

What a time to find out your so-called waterproof coat was NOT waterproof. From 7am right to about 4pm, the rain was continuous and a thoroughly miserable day to travel. Far cry from last nights fine weather and the first BBQ of this trip.

L to R Tony, me, Lynda and Ian.

At Wrenbury, there is an electro-hydraulic (Ian's words) bridge that is well used by motorists. I always let Ian do the operation of this bridge as buttons need to be pushed and barriers closed before the bridge can be raised. Technology and I do not go hand in hand and I would most certainly do it wrong and get in a muddle. Best to leave it then, to those that know what they are doing.

Wrenbury

Loads of locks as well as lift bridges today. At one of the lift bridges, a lady kindly waited for us and Merlin before closing the bridge. Her husband had already come through and then tried to get into the side ready to pick her up. Hmmm, I think maybe she should have closed the bridge after us and gone to hubbies aid because he was having no end of problems with the boat. In fact, if he hadn't managed to grab the centre rope when he did the boat would have been 'off by itself'! I got FS into the side and Ian jumped off to go and help. The wife told him not to bother. "He got himself into that position," she said, "He can get himself out of it" but this did seem to be said in a good-naturedly fashion. Maybe she was just getting her revenge as she had been stood there with the bridge open in the pouring rain for ages while he went to wind the boat!

Oh dear and this to happen right in front of Merlin

Arrived at Grindley Brook with it's three single locks and three staircase locks. Helping on the staircase locks was a name from the past. Roger from Nb Windsong who used to blog but gave up when he sold the boat. Never having met him but followed his blog it was a lovely surprise especially when he said he knew we were on the flight. Merlin had gone on ahead and reading yesterdays blog expected us to arrive. But what a miserable day to be a volunteer what with the incessant rain. Even though he must have been wet through he still had a cheery word and a smile for everyone he helped to lock through. Lovely to meet you at last Roger and may see you on our way back.

Grindley Brook

Roger and Ian. Merlin in the top lock of the staircase.

For nearly eight hours we had endured the rain and occasional gusty wind  so with the 48 hour mooring at the top of the flight a welcome sight we moored, phoned the Horse and Jockey to reserve a table, got out of our sodden clothes and joined Lynda and Tony for welcome hot drinks and slices of my banana cake to warm up. Tomorrow's forecast is for a better day. I do hope so because I very much doubt my coat will be dry enough to wear if its wet again.
 
And seen on route. (much to wet to attempt more of the wildlife seen but Jays are often heard but hardly ever put in an appearance so rain or no, I just had to get a shot).