We'd originally planned to stop at Ettily Heath, a bit short of Wheelock but further than Booth Lane Top lock, because with the Middlewich Three to do first off the estimated journey time was around four hours. Wheelock moorings get full quite early in the day and we couldn't be sure of finding a 70' space if we arrived after twelve. Going uphill, if you don't find a space, you're in bother as the Wheelock lock flight follows immediately after.
As it transpired, we were both awake early, round about five o'clock, so were able to breakfast and drink coffee and still be on our way at seven. Sheila locked and I steered in an uneventful run up the Three and Kings. We then followed a couple of other boats up Rumps, after which they disappeared ahead before we got to Booth Lane. All the locks bar one were against us today and though they are all pretty deep we still made good time. This was partly because they are in good nick, by and large, emptying and filling quickly, and partly sheer skill, naturally.
Thus we were out of Booth Lane Top by ten and could make Wheelock by around eleven. So that's what we did. Despite it being the longest day, the summer solstice even, a blustery north wind meant that I spent the trip steering whilst wearing a fleece and even gloves, my fingers getting very chilled holding the tiller behind my back and so in the full blast of the breeze.
We've had a quiet afternoon on board. Rubbish and recycling has been dumped and a bit of internet stuff sorted, though the Three signal is not terribly good here.
Tomorrow, we'll press on up the hill towards Red Bull. The current plan is to stop somewhere above Pierpoint, depending on progress and the weather, but that is subject to change. Naturally.
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