Off we go

After a pleasantly quiet evening and a decent night's sleep, we were up and about betimes this morning. We had a chat with Martin and a word with Peter about when we'd be back, then prepared Sanity Again for departure and reversed out of the yard at around nine.

It was a very fine morning, if a little breezy, and with a distinct touch of autumn in the air. I steered as far as High Lane, where we stopped to check what was happening with the local shop. Last time we called here, it had shut, but I'm pleased to report that it's been completely refurbished and reopened as a Spar.

Paper purchased, we set out again, just going as far as what was Deer Farm Bend, just beyond Bridge 8. The farm seems to have gone over to cattle; maybe the market for farm grown venison has collapsed in the recession. I suppose this means that we shall have to take to calling it ex-Deer Farm Bend, though I'm sure it's got a better name.

As is often the case here, the towpath is strangely busy with walkers and cyclists, not in an alarming way but it seems a bit far out for casual strollers. I guess it isn't that far from here into High Lane, which is a larger place than you'd suspect if you just shot through on the road. There were a couple of other boats already here, and a hire boat has just arrived.

It's cool enough to have the fire lit again, another autumnal sign. We'll make an early start tomorrow, aiming to go the rest of the way to Bugsworth in time for lunch. The plan is to spend a couple of nights there, then potter back to Poynton for Friday.