As you can see from the statistics at the end of this blog, today was not very energetic as far as cruising is concerned although, having done some other things we still feel ready for our weekly roast dinner later on!
As we had planned to go to the 11 o'clock service at the nearby parish church - perhaps the nearest church to the canal that we have ever visited - we had a slow first part to the morning. The day began very bright with plenty of blue sky but a very cold wind kept temperatures down throughout the day.
It was barely more than five minutes to walk to the church. We were in good time which was just as well; as Mike realised as we were nearly there that he had not secured his mobile phone and went back to collect it. We were still in good time.
Outside the church is a large set of steps that look like a small amphitheatre. This is perhaps explained by the plaque on the wall that records that bull and bear baiting took place here until 1834. Wonder if the church had anything to say about it!
We came to this church in 2013 and, apart from anything else, were keen to see how things might have changed - or not, as the case might be. This was an All Age family service in a very informal style, this time led by the Rector and supported by a music group. There were a number of small children who enthusiastically helped with the talk - it involved an old established children's party game of fishing with magnets and seeing what 'fish' came out!
After coffee and a chance to chat to some of the other local people present, we returned to the boat in time for lunch. As we took longer in Birmingham than at first intended we have arrived close to Anderton with insufficient time to go down onto the Weaver (even if the lift is back working again) but plenty of time to get to the marina. Hence our spaced out progress for a few days.
Only one lock today, just beyond where we moored overnight. This is known as Middlewich Big Lock - it is built to a wide beam dimension as the canal from Preston Brook on the Bridgewater Canal to here was widened to support the extensive salt and chemical industry in this area.
We paused briefly just after Bridge 173 as there is a household waste disposal site here - and nothing for boaters in Middlewich itself. Initially we thought that we would only be able to get rid of our recyclable items but luckily they do also have a container for non-recyclable rubbish.
Wide beam boats can no longer reach the Big Lock as Croxton Aqueduct was rebuilt to a narrow dimension when it collapsed.
At this point the canal crosses over the River Dane.
There are several flashes on the canal just north of the town - this is the first of them (the others we will see tomorrow).
We had aimed to moor at Bramble Cutting, an off side mooring with picnic site, that we have stopped at before (although not overnight) However, as we came near we could see that it was already fully occupied but luckily the towpath was good for mooring - and also much better for tv reception. You can just about see the stern of our boat through the bridge.
Time for a bit more maintenance and then to start cooking our roast lamb.
2.0 Miles - 1 Lock
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