Today was the sort of day that all days should be like when cruising the canals. The sun was shining, it was hot, but not too hot and it didn't rain. We drifted gently along between leafy banks, watching the butterflies, dragonflies and damsel flies. This cow obviously found the day a little warm and fancied a paddle.

It doesn't look as if it will be a very good foraging year, there isn't a lot of sign of fruit in the hedgerows, quite a lot of blackberries but they aren't ripe yet. We managed to pick up a couple of demijohns and some other wine making bits in a charity shop in Whitchurch but so far the only thing I have seen to make wine from is some rowan berries, the elderberries are still green.

We enjoyed our sunny cruise and moored near Cole Mere, about two miles from Ellesmere.

Today's journey 10.9 miles and 5 lift bridges

So far this year we have travelled 561.8 miles, 449 locks, 49 swing bridges, 14 lift bridges and 18 tunnels


In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1753.6  miles 1535 locks, 105 swing bridges, 52 lift bridges and 58 tunnels