Let the Madness commence!

Today saw us waving goodbye to the Shady Oak and the Manley Ferry.  As we left the sun was up ready for yet another glorious day.  We seemed to fly up the locks and soon reached the staircase at Bunbury.  I know not why, but this is one of my favourite canal sections.  There seemed to be a lot of activity at the Anglo-Welsh base there, a sign of things to come?

We watered at the excellent services at Calverley, and emptied the "other", then made our way to Barbridge, mooring just before the junction in order to visit the chandlers.  Oh what sport we saw as boats negotiated the turn from/onto the Middlewich arm.  It was busy!  This is really a first in this years cruising.  Saying that though, there were still free moorings.

It was not our intention to turn onto the Llangollen today.  So we didn't !  We initially moored on one of the Shroppy spots right on the junction, but as the bank was somewhat curved at this location and with the inevitable shelf, passing boats whacked us into the shelf with their wash.  This junction, Hurleston, is mega busy.  Highly entertaining though, with boats meeting at the bridge and attempting the turn. After a chat to our neighbour, we decided to move a hundred yards or so south of the junction were there was a better bank, but less entertainment!

Movement continued through the evening, the last boat passing us at 2130, displaying his nav lights!

We may well pop down to Nantwich in the morning in order to obtain vittles, then turn and ascend Hurleston.  The Llangollen in the height of the season is not every ones cup of tea, but it is rather entertaining.  Bring it on and let the madness commence.

We will see in a week or so if my judgement was sound or not, in navigating what must be one of the busiest canals at seasons height!

The sun is bound to shine from now on as N.B. Chance is back out and about.

NB Caxton aka Manley Ferry

This time I saw the fence so knew they are farmed deer!

There are a couple of these along this stretch, anyone know what they are?

7 miles, 6 locks, one minor grumpy git (If you don't count me!)


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