Topping up the fuel bunkers

We’d been in touch with Brian and Ann-Marie on NB Alton so knew they were heading this way. If we can we always use the fuel boats when topping up, they perform an invaluable service and Alton is one of our regulars.

Not wanting to spend another night on the noisy moorings above Kings Lock we dropped down through Middlewich first thing this morning, mooring next to park on the Town Pound. No photos today, I’d left my camera battery on charge inside…

I walked down to Big Lock, meeting Alton there just a few minutes later. They had a drop to do on a boat in front of us, then came to fill us up.

NB Alton coming up Big Lock

Fuel and coal sold, Ann-Marie heads Alton off towards the Middlewich Locks
They’re certainly dedicated to providing a good service, yesterday they were delivering down on the Weaver, tonight they intend to be up the Cheshire Locks to Red Bull. That’s a week’s trip for us – if we’re rushing!

Meg went for her bi-annual check up at the vets here in Middlewich. Everything is fine, more than I can say for the wallet. Still, it’s worth it. I’ve got to go back tomorrow morning to pick up a bottle of Metacam, the pain killer and anti-inflammatory that mitigates the affects of the arthritis she’s suffering with. With that and a trip to top up the cupboards, we’ll be leaving at around lunchtime tomorrow.

Locks 4, miles 1.