Salt lake City aka Middlewich

After a pleasant weekend at Hassal Green we set off at 7.30 this morning with the aim of getting to Middlewich.  We had ten locks to do to get us as far as Wheelock Wharf where we could service the boat so the washing machine and tumble dryer were pressed into service in anticipation of fresh water supplies at Wheelock.  I set off with the dogs and trusty bicycle, which I only fell off once if you don’t count the close encounter with a blackthorn hedge, so a reasonably successful trip on the bike; I did manage to drop my long-throw windlass in the cut however, a cause for a few expletives I admit.  Now to date ( am I testing fate here?) I haven’t lost a windlass in five an a half years out here, a smart phone, a couple of cameras and a pair of glasses, have gone to their watery graves but until today I have managed to keep a grasp of this most important of implements.

Lock 57, the first of the day

Back into ‘paired locks’ at lock 59


Wheelock Wharf

Yarwood just taking our leave of the Wheelock services as another boat comes in to use them
The last time we were here we met Adam and Adrian on Nb. Debdale, now of Nb Briar Rose, and if I recall correctly we moored up and went out for a drink with them that evening.
 

My first cynets of this year

Another first.. the first Canal and River Trust lockgate plaque I have seen

Dandelion seed heads

Nearly into Middlewich now

British Salt works on the outskirts of Middlewich

Piles of the ‘white stuff’, salt

Yarwood passing Kings Lock Chandlery and the entrance to the Shropshire Union Canal.  We walked back to Kings Lock and bought a replacement windlass and some paint and then popped into the Kings Lock Pub for a quick libation as you do.

Moored up after 8+ miles and 17 locks.  I quick trip to Tesco for some provisions and that’s us done and dusted for the day.