Fair Weather Sailing!

Travelled on to Middlewich and the next day I was joined by daughter Lesley and granddau Louise for the day. Found a nice little playground next to Tesco's and after lunch went for walk down the locks. Also met nb Enchantress - can't remember the owners names but first met them at Crick Show 2001, at a marina moorers gathering. The next day was very windy so stayed put. Went to take on diesel on Saturday before starting up the locks. Soon caught up with a couple towing a project boat. They kindly helped me thru whilst stopping for a breather. Went on to moor outside Wheelock just as it started to rain. The next day to Wheelock and on Monday a bus trip to Sandbach. A lovely town, good Waitrose, Homebase, Lidl but the other shops are a bit small or disappointing - it always seems better on market day (Thursday)!

On Tuesday 2mph winds were forecast so decided to stay put yet again. Wednesday was lovely, no rain (until evening) and little wind so made my way up the first of the 24 locks (Heartbreak Hill) to Hassall Green. Thursday, another dry day and little wind, apart from a few gusts, so made the most of the good weather and went on to Rode Heath. Nice village, especially by the canal but isn't it a pity that there is no more information on the former salt works there - now just a landscaped hill is left. Nor is there any information about the former Seddon's Mill and Wharf - other than the old carved stones indicating their former presence on the wall of a new development. Good PO stores here tho.

Friday was another dry day so went up to Red Bull where I just got a mooring - always popular here and I usually moor at Church Lawton instead. Quick top up at Tescos after lunch. The next day, after using the facilities, I set off again (working the last 3 locks of H Hill) to escape to the Macclesfield before the bank holiday weekend traffic got going*. Now only 2 shady moorings nr the winding hole past Kent Green - you used to be able to moor opposite the lovely huge house, but sadly this length has been overgrown for some time. I went on to moor at the 'Little Moreton' moorings - just as it rained and the wind blew very strongly - luckily could temporarily make use of the railings, but not helped as 2 boats passed at the same time! Now will sit out the wind again! May even visit the Tudor hall yet again - if I can battle tomorrow's forecast 21mph winds!! On the other hand might be able to get some of those painting jobs done.

*Heritage Narrowboats say although their hire boats are going out, very few boats seem to be leaving the marina this year - yes, it has seemed quiet this month! Wonder why - possibly the weather?!

Weather seems to have affected my travels a lot this August - have counted up that we have only had 5 days without rain - and on one of those it rained at 11pm!

I was intrigued to see that after installing a counter I had so many people reading my blog - I would love to know who you are - please leave me a message!!!