Still in Droylsden

Yes, we did opt to stay put for a second night. Although a night's sleep went some way to recovering from yesterday's marathon, we were both still quite stiff or inflexible.

Christine was keen to do a large load of washing in the marina's machines, even if a tad expensive. The charge for the washing was OK but £3 for 20 minutes drying meant that we still had some items that were just a little damp but others were as dry as could be expected. Just as well that, unusually, we had enough coins for the slots.

Mike also filled the water tank - a little bit more of a logistical exercise as the pontoon is only two thirds length and so a plan was needed to get the hosepipe from the stern (nearer to the tap) to the bow where the water inlet is to be found.

By then it was lunch time, after which we walked to the Tesco store just across a main road from the marina.

It has been very grey all day, chilly but dry. We put off taking photos in the hope of some sunshine but no luck. This was what we could do when were returned with our shopping. We understand that the block of apartments was all part of the same development - the boater facilities are in the ground floor at the far end.

This marina is jointly managed with Portland Basin at Dukinfield Junction, a slightly older facility. It opened in 2009 and can hold perhaps 30 - 35 boats.

The entrance to the marina is where the former Hollinwood Canal once ran for around 8 miles. (For comparison, our cruise yesterday from Ducie Street to here was just under 4 miles) A trust exists to campaign for the route to be kept free for possible restoration, probably in the long distant future! Most of the line is clearly visible on Google Aerial view. Originally is was built to serve the local coalfields.