Chance meetings

 7th November

That sky last night, sign of things to come maybe?

Gosh it's been cold today. That icy wind, chilled me to the bone it did. Plenty of warm clothes worn for me, but how can Ian be so immune to the cold? Not even jumper worn just a T-Shirt.

Wash and scrub for FS this morning.

FS now nice and clean starboard side, it was time to set off. Quite a few boats coming toward us, most to claim winter moorings at Ellesmere.

 Had hoped Swanley Lock 2 would be ready and waiting considering how we met that other boater but it was not to be. Maybe we were not the only boat travelling toward Hurleston. This was the case when we did see a boat in the distance by the facilities. 

 

Little did I know that I was about to meet a fellow blogger and a reader of this blog.

So that boat in the distance. Turns out that a lovely lady called Barbara lives on board. Many a time she has commented on my post and during the census March 2021, helped with advice on how to get on the list. It was so nice to meet you Barbara. I do hope our paths cross again some time, it would be great to share a coffee, or even something stronger. 😉

Back to my post the other day about leaving fenders down in locks. Hurleston locks are notorious for grabbing at boaters fenders and keeping boats 'hung up' so ignore this sign at your peril!

With the top lock in our favour, I took FS in. Ian had raised one paddle and walked to set the next. Then who should stop and say hello, Barry Nb Areandare. I was completely flummoxed because I hadn't seen Areandare anywhere on the Llangollen. Turns out Barry had walked up the flight and his boat was moored below on the Shroppie. Sandra was away for the day leaving Barry to his own devices. You must read about their adventures in NZ (click on the link) and Barry's photos are not to be missed. It was wonderful to catch up and we hoped to see them on our return from Bunbury (We do need diesel and Anglo Welsh is the nearest place to get it) but now we may go toward Chester. It's all to do with the Covid booster. More of that in my next post.

There was another boat ascending the locks, between lock 3 and 2. The distance between the two locks is short, room for one boat on the landing but this means it is very difficult to leave the lock with a boat in the way. So I hung back and waited in the lock mouth and once that boat started to leave lock 2, I edged forward. Gosh, it was tight! Somehow we missed each other, but goodness knows how. The skill of the other boater no doubt.

Waiting.

And there is Barbara in the light blue jacket giving a helping hand.

Anyway into that lock I go, descend and it obviously had a problem with the bottom gate not staying open because this peice of wood was used as a prop 

Was this etched on it by CRT to stop it being nicked?

Me and my camera and not being exactly in the correct position meant I rattled that bottom lock something awful. Not all lack of concentration though, because a mixture of wind and swirling water threw FS off position as well.  I'm hoping it wasn't witnessed but its always the way that do something perfect and it's never witnessed but do something wrong and....

There was Areandare, seen as I was descending. Picking up Ian was also difficult at the bottom lock so Idid the left turn at the junction and pulled over to await his arrival. Then with a quick natter and a wave to Barry, we headed back to Bunbury.

Hmm. that sky looked a bit ominous. Would we get wet before reaching Calverley?

It didn't, well not before we got moored at Calverley and then only a few spots. Tomorrow it's the Bunbury staircase (eek) and the Anglo Welsh yard for diesel before heading towards Chester.

And wildlife,

And another Ladybird