A sunny start to the day, coupled with a forecast of rain by noon, indicated an early start - so we were on the move by 8.30. Called in at Tattenhall Marina to check out if it was suitable to leave the boat there for Claire to collect it from when she and Rob take over while we are at cub camp and Charlie's 21st. Took the opportunity to fill up with diesel, which they had at a good price. Bought some more coal too - just in case as its still unseasonably cool. The marina was most impressive and they would be happy to look after Ceilidh for us for a few days should this be necessary.....
Passed 'Golden Nook' in-line moorings which was a pain, as we had to move slowly passed 1.5 miles of moored boats on tickover. Seemed to take forever. Moored up at 1pm to have lunch and watch the Spanish GP - just as heavy rain started. After a great race, the rain dutifully eased off allowing us to move off just after 3pm.
The afternoon was a bit wet and miserable but we pressed on through several locks - all double locks on this section of the Shropshire Union, including the unique 'Iron Lock'. This is a fully iron lined chamber but over the years (since 1829) the sides have squeezed in, so there is a sign up to only enter one boat at a time. If two go in, then they will get stuck....
Finally entered Chester and found a great mooring right in the city centre just west of Frodsham Street bridge. Amazingly for a city centre its a nice quiet mooring. A fish & chip tea, followed by a DVD as we still cant get a good TV signal.
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| Beeston Castle looked imposing from the canal |
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| Someone had pruned and woven this canal-side tree into a living basket |
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| Tilstone lock with its distinctive circular Lock Keepers hut |
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| A herd of deer grazing on the sky line |
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| Re-fueling at Tattenhall Marina. Beeston Castle in the distance |
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