1st May 2013 - Middlewich to Hurleston Junction

Duck  was a little quiet and not as active as yesterday. We put this down to having squawked all night without stopping.  Set of in bright sunshine along the Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch forwards Barbridge Junction.  In several places the canal is elevated above the surrounding countryside with some spectacular views.  The view would be worth millions if you were to build a house, but we had it all for free!

Had lunch out in the country, pulling over and having a picnic on the bank.

During the day poor Duck became quieter and quieter.  He had been flapping around in his feed bowl in the morning and now could hardly move.  He hadn't eaten or drunk much so we didn't know if he was hungry, dehydrated or what.  In a moment of inspiration Annie got the hair dryer out and dried him off - chicks at this age are not waterproof and he had got too cold.  Slowly he came round - phew!

Turned left at Barbage Junction onto the Shropshire Union Main Line  before turning right onto the llangollen Branch late afternoon.  We ascended the Hurleston flight of 4 locks, aided by a CaRT Lock Keeper and moored up just beyond the top lock

Lovely views - and it gets better further west!

Picnic lunch

Arrival at the Llangollen Canal