Audlem

Well believe it or not we were actually on the move by 9am, nb Chickadee had gone before us so they must be very early risers. Nice and warm bit overcast but no wind, horrayyyyyy. Down the Adderly locks then it was the Audlem flight and do you know at every lock there was someone coming up oh what joy it was nice not to be running around closing gates after Paul he just sat in the lock until the one coming up started to come out and they crossed in the pound perfect. Had two mishaps the first one being Paul lost all steerage coming into a lock don't ask me what one as I cant remember so a few paint touch ups as he hit the gates going in, It transpired that the rudder had come loose so while in the lock it was out with the tools and a quick tighten up, thank goodness it was nothing worse. Other mishap was that Crystal has injured herself while getting from the bedroom to the back of the boat. We have steps and she usually just jumps up them with no problem but today I think she has strained herself so getting her on and off the boat has been a bit of a nightmare as she is very uncomfortable she even ate her dinner lying down.

Scenery has been lovely just rolling hills green fields with the odd house how can you not enjoy this life style. By the time we had got to lock 11 we had had enough been on the go for over 4 hours so once out of the lock we tied up at the 48hr mooring and we are now banging up against The Shroppie Shelf. Trouble is every time a boat goes through lock 12 the water level changes so when we came back from the canal shop the back of the boat was actually sitting on the shelf so I think another early start will be in order tomorrow to get away from the banging. Had a drink with Kath and John in the Shroppie Fly this afternoon, they are off to Nantwich tomorrow and we are hoping to find a nice quiet spot for the weekend. Must dash as it is the last ever episode of ER and I can't miss that.