Middlewich

We had a relatively easy journey to Middlewich today. Not too many boats on the move so we didn't encounter any lock queues until Wardle Lock at the junction with the Trent and Mersey where we were the fourth boat going down with about six waiting to come up.

We had to go past our mooring spot and down through Big Lock to wind so we were facing the right way for our trading set up and for our getaway after the festival. We found we were moored next to Dave and Gillie who we hadn't seen for nearly a year so that was good.

Our other neighbour hadn't arrived so that made it easy to breast Merlin up and get ourselves settled into our mooring spot and had a good natter and a cuppa.

There wasn't the same friendly greeting from organisers as we usually get at RCTA markets but one of the organisers had to drop out because of problems with his boat so that probably affected things.

Looking forward to a good weekend trading.

Today's journey 9.7 miles and 9 locks

This year we have travelled  247.5 miles, 238 locks, 3 swing bridges and 8 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 3198.6 miles, 2767 locks, 121 swing bridges, 92 lift bridges and 133 tunnels