Slightly cooler but nevertheless a lovely morning as we left the Wirral. We needed to top up with water in Chester, but there was a narrowboat moored on the water point. This is rather bad mannered as there was plenty of room elsewhere and boats should not moor in front of water points. However we managed to squeeze in.
Whilst we were filling, I walked down the 'Dee Branch' - a several hundred yard length of canal that connects the Shropshire Union Canal with the tidal river Dee. I found two fully working locks and a lift bridge, almost hidden from view. The cut crossed beneath a main road then.... stopped. Two gates dated 2006 were lying there and had never been completed. The cut was boarded across at its entrance. It was such a shame to see this fine but short section of canal falling into dis-use. Pleased to see that there is a
campaign to do something about it.
With the tank full (it took well over an hour!) we moved off, only to bump into (almost literally) Nb The Pearl whom we had met back at Ellesmere Port and got talking to. They moved onto their boat permanently last September and rented out their house. Ceilidh and The Pearl travelled together for the rest of the day through all the double width locks along this section of canal - two boats moving together is much easier with two crews sharing the work.
Moored up for the evening at Beeston and I walked up to
Beeston Castle while Annie got tea ready. Sadly the gates were closed as English Heritage look after the site. I didnt feel like storming the walls, so returned back down.
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| Bright morning sun, but threatening clouds as we left the Wirral |
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| The unused Dee Branch in Chester |
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| Filling up the water tank |
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| Travelling with Nb The Pearl |
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