It has been a generally grey day but, apart from a few spells when there was a dampness in the air, it was not until just before we thought about mooring that it could be said to be rain.
First thought was to fill up with water at a nearby tap but it the one in the place marked in Nicholsons was long taken out of use. Mike looked just beyond the bridge but did not spot anything. Jess was keen to set off, even though others were still having showers, so when a boat approached we opted to set off as well. It was only a very short distance to the first of the five locks into Chester and we could share them as they each take two boats.
What went wrong was that as soon as we came around the corner the other boat had pulled into the water point which was just a little further than Mike had explored! As a result, we had to do the lock ourselves. Just as we were about ready to leave a couple of boats arrived behind us so it was not worth waiting for one of them to join us.
By the time we reached the next lock everyone was ready to help.
We opted to fill up with water part way through the locks, thinking that this might save us time later.
The water treatment works tower dominates several of the locks and towards the end of the spread out flight stands the former shot tower, used to make lead shot by drop molten metal down the inside of the tower.
We moored where we noted six years ago that there was a Tesco but it is now Waitrose. Usually this would be a good thing but there were some items that Christine and Jess wanted to buy at Tesco. So we un-moored and progress just a little further alongside the LockKeeper pub. From here it was indeed just five minutes to the supermarket where we did a 'good' shop and well stocked our cupboards for the weekend.
Back at the boat we had lunch before setting off once more. We passed underneath the city walls that we had walked along yesterday.
The three lock staircase marked the corner of the city walls - alas a boat was coming up and they declined to let us pass them mid-flight (which is perfectly possible and save water) However they were somewhat confused an unwilling to be helped so we had to sit it out until they had completed the locks - 40 minutes later!
Next came the sharp turn under the railway line and passing Telford Warehouse. We urgently needed the sani station but it was not easy to find and involved rather a lot of moving the boat from one side of the canal to the other! New high rise buildings did not help as they reflected the wind so that one moment if belw us from left to right and shortly afterwards from right to left.
We now had a gentle cruise out of the city and Alice took plenty of opportunity to practise her map reading skills which are developing well.
The delays meant that we did not get quite as far as we might have tonight. With Christine steering and Alice map navigating, Jess helped prepare the evening meal. After passing under the M56 we found as quiet as spot as possible, close to the small village of Stoak. Much further and we will be amongst the oil refineries of Ellesmere Port.
8.2 Miles - 8 Locks
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