On route to Chester

Cor didn't it bucket down yesterday.  No way were we going to pull pins, in fact, we never even poked our heads out of the back hatch. The rain was relentless and continued all day making us very grateful that our hiring days were over and we could stay warm and dry. Those that did venture out looked downright miserable.

 It was mizzling when we set off but no luxury of staying where we were today. Bunbury was the destination. Friends of ours are taking Merlin for a weeks holiday on Friday and although we only had about 3 hours cruise and 2 locks to do, wanted to get moored as near to the boatyard as possible. Thursday's weather is again for heavy rain so decided that day would be preferable to sit it out rather than stay today.

After 5 miles of cruising, we came to Minshull lock and an exiting boat made life easier for us when they left the gates open.

There was a volunteer Lockie on at Cholmondeston. I thought a boat was coming down as the paddles had been lifted so hung right back. What a surprise then, when no bow appeared. Ian had walked on to the lock so why didn't he beckon me forward? I was really irritated and it showed in my voice when I eventually made it to the lock gate asking him why he hadn't done that. "I did" he shouted, "It not my fault that you hadn't seen me!" The volunteer took a step back and said with a grin on his face "Not going to get involved in this domestic!"

Paddles lifted

Gates opened and no boat!

 All to soon we reached bridge 1 and Barbridge Junction. Here it was a right turn onto the Shroppie toward Chester.

Approaching the junction

Ian as my lookout.

Looking back at the Middlewich Branch

 Before mooring, at Calveley it was a stop at the facilities. There is an excellent shower here, free to use and the water lovely and hot. We both took advantage of that while the water tank was filling. There is also a small room full of books left by other boaters We often place our read books at facilities and take one in exchange. Very handy and it's like 'The library on the cut'

Calveley facilities.

Today's wildlife, a squirrel theme.