We had moored overnight just opposite a McColls newsagent and corner shop. First thing, Mike walked across (not easy as the road in between is straight and busy although there is supposed to be a 30 mph limit) to buy our daily paper. Alas, they only stocked a small range of tabloids, not only the one for which we have tokens but all other broadsheets were conspicuously absent. They did have great piles of the ones they did stock!
Our first destination was just down Kings Lock to the boatyard below where we had arranged to have a service. Mike earlier talked with the technical expert at BetaMarine as we were a little concerned that we had arrived here quicker than expected and only had 40 hours on the clock. They preferred if we could go on a little further, say to Anderton, to have completed at least 50 hours. However, they were concerned that we should have the 25 hours service (which Oxley Marine forgot to warn us about!) done which basically involves changing the gearbox oil as well as a general check on bolts and connections.
Yes, the chap at Kings Lock would be quite happy to do that - give him half an hour to take in several deliveries and to finish off with another customer. Meanwhile we filled up with diesel. Sadly, when he came to do the oil change he first checked that it was the same oil as he ha in his PRM120 (same model number) but only to discover that they have now changed from an engine oil to Automatic Transmission Fluid. Of course, they did not have any stock and his wholesaler was out as well! At least he did the visual check.
At that we set off to go down the remaining three town centre locks so that we could stop near to the shops, with a steady stream of boats each way - on the way we filled with water bit there is no sani station (it's a long way between Wheelock and Anderton) nor even the rubbish bins which are indicated in Nicholsons. As we came down the locks a really heavy shower arrived -we managed to don waterproofs but one steerer on a boat coming up was quickly being drenched to the skin!
By the time we had filled with water and moved around the corner, under the next bridge, to the visitor moorings, the rain had cleared and we set off into town.
We were rather disappointed with the local shops - apart from a newspaper, there was nothing much. So, we continued to Morrisons at the other side of town, preferring that to Tesco or Lidl which was much nearer to the boat. At least we were able to find all the items on our list but as we were nearing the checkout we realised that there was a loud, strange noise. The rain had returned in a violent downpour! Fortunately, by the time were were ready to leave it had cleared once more. The rest of the afternoon turned very pleasant indeed.
Back at the boat we immediately had lunch - Christine had yesterday used the lamb bones, which our butcher wrapped with the lamb joint for last night, to make a soup with lots of odds and ends that needed using up! very tasty it was.
By the time we had finished eating, washed up and made a mug of tea it was almost three o'clock! Our plan now is to have the engine service at Anderton but they cannot do it until first thing Wednesday morning. So we will take it gently to there - it is really not much more than half a day's cruising with no locks after going down Big Lock in Middlewich. This may give us time to visit the newly developed Lion Salt Works museum just after Northwich.
As we crossed over Croxton Aqueduct we were startled to see a young lad on the off side parapet. Whilst it is not the largest drop it would not be good to fall off. We could hear sounds from below of other children so perhaps they had climbed up from the river below. Anyway, adds a different angle to the debate about whether CRT should add a fence to the off side parapet on the Marple Aqueduct.
We also crossed three flashes - areas where subsidence from salt workings below have opened up small lakes. Warning signs, occasionally ignored by boaters to there immediate discomfort, make it clear that however picturesque they may look, they are not for navigation.
It was a most pleasant afternoon cruise and we finally managed to moor up before entering the industrial section at Northwich,
We moored right by the entrance to a new marina under construction. We were a little intrigued how they expect boats to get in and out from some of the pontoons - it looks as if they are planning around 200 berths here. Until we do some research we do not know anything more about what this development is and when it is expected to open.
5.8 Miles - 5 Locks
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