14th July 2013 - Northwich to Middlewich

Hot and sleepless night with a dog seeming to bark all night.  A warm but uneventful journey until we got to Middlewich.  After filling with water and Annie popping to the shop to get some provisions, we set off up the locks to the junction with the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union.

Arriving at Wardle lock there was chaos.  Boats arrive from both directions on the Trent and Mersey, mostly to turn down the Middlewich branch which turns off at right angles - so two canals feed into the branch, with all boats having to go through Wardle lock at the junction.  The problem occurs because boats queue back around bends so not everyone can see everyone else, and there was deadlock, with "Well I'm sure I was here before you".....  The matter was further complicated by the hire boat syndrome with lots of crews being slow and inefficient at getting through the lock - or having no idea at all!  We soon had them sorted.  Once we were on the scene we gave everyone their order (no questions!) and I managed the queue while Annie helped as voluntary lock keeper on the lock to get everyone through efficiently.  Nevertheless we took 3.5 hours to get through!

We did another hour on the branch before mooring up in the middle of nowhere by bridge 19.

Negotiating our way through a fishing competition