Middlewich

We took a day off on Saturday because the weather was awful so we stayed moored at Coole Pilate. We did move yesterday but a slightly dodgy internet signal meant you have two days journey in one. Yesterday (Sunday) we started off fairly early in order to catch the best of the weather. We made our way past the Secret Nuclear Bunker at Hack Green, down through the two locks on onward to Nantwich. After a brief pause to clear the weed filter and warm up a little we carried on to the junction with the Middlewich Branch and as the wind was beginning to rise we only travelled a little distance along there before we decided to moor up. 

We were glad we did because before we had finished mooring the heavens opened and the rain came down in torrents.

This morning our friend Sue on the Herb Boat came past before we were even dressed, she was heading for Middlewich too. We had a couple of cups of coffee before getting on our way and compared to the past few days it was quite pleasant, still windy but not as strong and the sun was shining. We had considered stopping again before reaching the market moorings but based on the weather forecast decided the best thing to do was to get here today.

Internet chatter told me that Kit and Mike on Here Be Dragons would probably beat us here, though not by much. TG and Smiffy on the Vapes Boat arrived a couple of days ago and of course we knew Sue had passed us. It looks as if the rest of the traders will have some nasty weather to contend with. At least the weather forecast for the weekend is improving.

We are here in Middlewich until at least next Wednesday morning, possibly a bit longer although we will only be trading over the long weekend.

Yesterday's journey 8.8 miles and 2 locks

Today's journey 9 miles and 7 locks

This year we have travelled  65.1 miles, 68 locks and 3 tunnels

In 2014 we travelled 425 miles, 334 locks, 2 swing bridges,17 lift bridges and 23 tunnels

In 2013 we travelled 459.1 miles, 434 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 31 tunnels

In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks,  55 swing bridges, 22 lift bridges and 31 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 3027.2 miles, 2597 locks, 120 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 128 tunnels