Onto the Middlewich Canal

Monday and Tuesday, very much a rerun of the outward journey, however with a strong, cold following wind. 

You can see how overcast the day was as we said goodbye to Chester. We've had an enjoyable few days in the area and will, no doubt be returning here sometime.

Although a chilly day, some fine views across to the hills in the distance.

Moored just outside of Tattenhall Marina on Monday.

Approaching Beeston Castle.

And, almost next to Beeston, Peckforton Castle with more romantic-looking turrets.

There's the captain concentrating on winding the paddles down. You can tell that they are going down because the safety ratchet is not engaged. When winding paddles up you engage the ratchet to stop the winding handle spinning round uncontrollably if accidentally let go. 

A mural painted all along the side of the boat.

Look who's coming to have a nose. Go on, back to the boat where you belong.

That's better.

Shared a couple of locks with two Americans on a hire boat.

Moored up just before Calveley after a long wait to clear the Banbury Staircase Locks. 

After an overcast day, a fine starlit night.

Wednesday and, for the first time, breakfast outdoors.

Not only that but also a fairly blue sky for a change.

Yippee, now on the Middlewich branch and, hooray, back to narrow locks.

Mind you, they're quite deep at 11' 3". But, ever so easy to operate.

Wisteria by the gates.

And lunch on the bank. 

We are at Church Minshull where we shall stay for the night. It's a lovely spot and we stopped here 7 years ago. The view has changed a bit but this is because the trees have grown. 

Decided to walk into Church Minshull to see what we have missed every time we've been this way. From the road through the village you can see the canal and our boat right in the middle of the frame. Don't worry if you can't see it, we know where it is.

We're now on the bridge over the River Weaver, the same river that we went on in 2016 when we went on the Anderton Boat Lift.

Here's the church.

And opposite a very pretty house. There is also a (boater recommended) pub, The Badger but we had to get back to the boat for supper. 

And this is the walk back to the canal. Mostly through woodland, a bit of pasture and not too much road work. 

Supper tonight was smoked haddock and cauliflower cheese.