Adlington to Oakgrove.

Travelled 9 miles, worked 2 swing bridges in a time of 4 hours, 10 minutes.

We left our Adlington mooring at 8.20am, we had the 24 hour moorings all to ourselves.

We passed this boat which made me smile. I do love the washing line set up, but not great for getting under bridges ha ha ha.

Favourite sign writing of the day. It is nice to see something different. We only saw three boats on the move, whilst I was at the tiller one of the boats was NB Rakiraki with Mark and Ruth on board. The Wandering Duck had customers on board. We said a quick "hello" and "how are you" before going on our way. Keith took over the tiller once more, whilst I made us coffee.

On approaching Bollington the sight of the Clarence Mill came into view it is the home of Canalside Community Radio 102.8fm.

 

It really is a stunning building.

Over Grimshaw Aqueduct and onward past the Adelphi Mill.

 

It pays to stay out of the water. We passed through Macclesfield, maybe next time we come up here we will stop if there is room, so we can go and see Macclesfield in all it's glory.

On our way to Oakgrove a Mallard hitched a lift on the top plank.

She was hoping to escape the clutches of 6 males, who clearly wanted their wicked way with her. Ducklings will soon be appearing no doubt. Towards Oakgrove I had two swing bridges to work, which were not difficult as they were both key operated and then I put my back into the beam and with a bit of brute force, the bridges moved.

We made it to Oakgrove at 12.10pm and moored up on the 48 hour moorings. The only drawback with this mooring is the main road which runs on the offside, but I am sure I will still sleep like a log tonight. Having put everything away, we walked down the towpath to see Brian and Ann Marie on Alton, we wanted some oil for Hadar's engine. Whilst there we did some catching up, having not seen them for a few days. Whilst we stood chatting, Brian told us that they had a ducks nest close to the boat with 10 eggs in it, so Spring really has arrived, but no sooner he told us that, a Mink swam by as if we were not there, this alarmed Brian who went to check on the ducks nest. His worse fear had been realised all the eggs had gone and the next wrecked. You can bet your bottom dollar it was that bloomin Mink. With Mink around, there will be very few ducklings on this stretch unless the Mink is caught. Having had a nice natter, we headed back to the boat with our purchases.

The sun is now out and our curry dinner is cooking in the back cabin stove, so all is well with my world. Tomorrow we will be setting off down Bosley Locks.

Chat soon xx