Top of the locks.

We set off from near Roundthorn Bridge yesterday morning. We’d had a productive couple of days; a Tesco delivery on Tuesday and a final visit from Val and John on Wednesday. They came bearing gifts, meringues for Mags, scones, homemade jam and marmalade. We’re going to miss them when we move out of range…

Heading off on a fine morning


Just around the corner near Platt Lane Bridge, a jay hoped down out of the hedge as we passed.

Not a good picture I’m afraid, it was a bit rushed.

Here’s a better one from the RSPB website…


They’re a member of the crow family, and I always think that if the more commonly seen members resemble undertakers and accountants, these must be the more flamboyant Elton John or Lady Gaga, the rock stars of the Corvidae. They’re a lot shyer, though.

We picked up a short convoy of hire boats after Tilstock Lift Bridge, but lost one of them before the Hassel’s pair of lift bridges a couple of miles further on.

Bridge 39 carried the Cambrian Railway over the canal, between Ellesmere and Whitchurch.
We passed under a dismantled bridge for the same line a fortnight ago the other side of Frankton Junction.

Bywater hotel boat’s motor and butty, Kerana and Karna Taka, heading west.
 

We split the load at the last three lift bridges to Grindley Brook, taking it in turns to open them with the ABC hire boat following.

Then we pulled in on the moorings above the locks, handily within water-hose distance of the first tap. We were nearly out of water…

Today we’ve stayed put. The forecast was for wet and windy weather, and we’ve had that, although a bit later than expected. All being well we’ll drop down Grindley Brook Locks tomorrow.

Locks 0, miles 5½