Onto the Macc

It's been a good day, largely, but a long and hard one, and I'm having trouble stringing my worms together. This will therefore be quite a short post, and I'll supply further and better particulars tomorrow.

We made a very early start from Westport Lake, and got to the tunnel end by half seven. There were several boats waiting, but only two in addition to us planning to go through. One of those was disallowed because he didn't have a functioning headlight, and another boat arrived at the last minute, bringing the convoy back up to three.

We were lead boat, and had an uneventful and swift passage through. The exit at the north portal is a real pain in a seventy footer, as the "fire boat" is moored right where the stern needs to swing to get round, and we ended up with the bow on the bank for a bit.

Then we had a straight run through to Congleton, except that we picked up a bladeful coming out of Hall Green Stop. Got that off just before the little swing bridge, 90, but then discovered that that bridge is now a swine to open. It has dropped and jams on the towpath side.

Arrived Congleton Wharf at twenty to one, and were joined by Eileen and Bill at about ten past. They had lunch with us, then Bill did his usual brilliant job of cutting Sheila's hair. Much nattering and joking occurred, and they have not long left to drive back to Nantwich.

We're going to have a lazy evening and an early night; Bosley Locks tomorrow, yippee!

/sweat