We LOVED the Wardle canal otherwise known as the Middlewich arm of the Shropshire Union. There were good moorings along almost all of it, only 4 locks that caused us no problems and despite being part of the Four Counties Ring, was remarkably quiet while we were there. We'd definitely do it again if for nothing else than the lovely moorings. All with rings, many with picnic tables, really nice views from some of them across the Weaver Valley.
This morning, shock horror, we got up early and were away just after 8. Not like us at all but we were determined to get some miles under our belt. We completed the Wardle and came onto the Shroppie. Up here the Shropshire Canal is far less tunnel like than the southern part that we've done before and there are open views rather than culverts overgrown with trees.
We are now in double lock country and did a staircase with just two chambers. Such a waste of water and no volunteers despite it being Sunday.
The weather has finally broken and before we had our elevenses it was sunny and just improved throughout the day, It makes such a difference. We even had a barbecue this evening.
This is me waiting after coming out of Kings Lock as there's a boat coming down the Wardle Lock that is going to turn this way. I managed to do all the turn, despite having a boat moored on the right of me and then totally messed up getting in the lock! Can't win them all I suppose.
It's not a very good internet connection here and the photos are taking ages to upload so I won't be putting many on tonight.
The Shroppie ahead of us, very disconcerting to see traffic driving across but there's a road parallel to the canal. John got us out very easily and we continued our journey northwards. As you can see it's much sunnier today than it was yesterday. Long may it last.
Barbecue going but John is interested in the 4 buzzards calling overhead. Paddy is enjoying a bit of shade. It's a lovely mooring here, just above Beeston Stone Lock. I've had a walk to the next lock which is Beeston Iron Lock and there are signs there saying that it's distorted and for only one boat to use it at a time and for boats to beware of protruding parts, sounds delightful.
This small hill is opposite our mooring and is covered with rabbit warrens. I keep seeing rabbits and dashing to the hatch with my camera only to find them gone. I'm going to keep trying though. The evening sun shining on it is glorious and the shadows are probably where all the wretched rabbits are hiding!
I've finished crocheting the panda, and knitted one mitten (Christmas commission) and have started crocheting a highland cow! I tend to knit inside in the evening and crochet as we're moving since I can drop it at a moments notice to do locks etc.
We're both shattered after our early morning and whether we manage to do it again (or indeed want to) remains to be seen, but hopefully tomorrow we will reach the Cheshire Cat pub, which is where we've been recommended to moor. We are thinking about going down to Chester and on to Ellesmere Port, since we're here, but we haven't made up our minds about that as yet. See what tomorrow brings.
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