Nantwich

Today's Canal - Shropshire Union

A day for servicing and not much canal cruising. As the stats at the bottom show, we only moved just over a couple of miles down to Nantwich and we were there by 10 o'clock.

Our first objective was to take our washing to the launderette. Christine was impressed by their largest washer which took everything in one go. Afterwards the driers also proved unusually effective and the whole operation completed in under two hours for just £14.

Meanwhile, Mike emptied both elsan cassettes - it has been rather longer than we would have wished since Anderton, the last time we had the opportunity to use a sani station. We were equally in need of water but that will have to wait until later as we did not want to lose our mooring slot whilst there was plenty of traffic on the move. Mooring in Nantwich is never straightforward.

After lunch we walked into town and did a little shopping, reminding ourselves of where everything is, including the station. Mike had intended to book a taxi to go to the station in the morning but, alas, the only firm that answered their phone was already booked for the airport. Perhaps he will have to revert back to Plan A ie walking. It should only take about 20 minutes from the aqueduct.

Back at the boat we moved under the turnover bridge to the service point and filled up with water. It certainly needed it.

On our way back from the shops we checked out any available spaces. It looked as if there was one suitable, right at the aqueduct with a couple that might just have been too short. Also our original space was still free. However, as it will save five minutes walking in the morning and when coming back with Alice and Jess, we went on down to the definite space, holding our breath that no-one would slip in just as we arrived. But for once we were in luck and were able to moor up quite conveniently.

2.4 Miles - 0 Locks