Onto the lower Macc

Thank you, Sally, for your kind words yesterday. There were indeed a lot of locks today, but they went quite quickly thanks to the locking team. We made an average sort of start since the first obstacle was the swing bridge at Fool’s Nook. We try not to work that before nine o’clock to avoid too much traffic disruption. In the event, a boat followed us through thus making it even more efficient.

Once on our way again, I made us mugs of coffee and Sheila got the washing machine going. This was all sorted by the time we reached the top of Bosley. Acacia, the boat that had followed us and then inevitably passed as I waited for the crew to rejoin, was on the water point, so we got our priority back. This was especially welcome as most of the locks were with us as we went down, Sheila lockwheeling ahead and Elanor and Sally closing up behind. It took us 1 hour 40 minutes, about the best we’ve done it.

It was now half eleven. In a bit, Elanor and I had lunch as we went along with Sheila on the helm. She waited for hers until we had moored on Congleton Aqueduct. There was (and still is) plenty of space here. I’d been concerned that it might have filled up with longer term moorers, but it looks as if the liveaboards have not yet settled onto unofficial winter spots despite the much cooler weather. It has at least been mostly fine today, though with a distinct breeze and occasional heavy showers. Braidbars Destiny and One Day were both at Lyme Green last night but haven't shown up here (yet).

Tomorrow, through Harecastle Tunnel and on to Westport Lake.

Location:Congleton Aqueduct