15th June 2013 - Worsley to Crooke

Now mooring outside a canal-side pub might sound idyllic to some - but there are drawbacks.  The 'yoof' congregating loudly outside the boat dissolved away last night when it started hammering with rain so we could get to sleep.  However we awoke to the delicate sound of birdsong - and 1/2 tonne of glass (brown green and white) being tipped into the recycling lorry at 6.30am.

Our setting off was delayed by a series of phone calls informing of the scout hut sadly being broken into sometime in the last couple of days.  There was various collateral damage usual with break-ins, broken doors etc, but it was sad to hear that the groups lovely Honda outboard engine has gone.  Thanks to everyone who are dealing with this little emergency in our absence.  It preyed heavily on my mind for ...oooh 10 minutes. Then we started the engine and were off!

Our route took us through Wigan, passed 'Wigan Pier' which was interesting. We stopped for lunch (and to clear the weed hatch) at a lovely spot overlooking Pennington Flash.  These flashes are large lakes created by mining subsidence, although coal mining is the culprit here rather than salt mining which created the flashes around Northwich.  Plank Lane swing bridge (which is actually a lift bridge) was a tas hairy being a very busy road.  The second Annie opened it again a police car came screaming through, lights flashing.  Not sure what we would have done if we were 1/2 way through.....

Moored at Crooke which has a great feeling of remoteness, despite it being close to civilisation.  The marina was formerly the entrance to underground mines.

"Severn" which we had seen on the Weaver

Down through the Wigan flight

Wigan Pier