Slow timing it back to Shebdon

We had a lovely time in Chester  - the train was an interesting and varied addition to our travels. It got us there and back via Crewe for about £20. 

We got to the Lockeeper pub which was by the winding hole I'd have used if we'd gone to Chester by boat just as a massive thunder storm hit with lots of hail. 

The winding hole I'd planned to use 

We walked into Chester via the canal which was nice if not still a bit wet. 

Some fun at the staircase locks... a hire boat had gone into the top lock but the fella in the boat below was adamant they could not come down as he was waiting to go up .... A passing lady gave advice, we tried to but he was loosing it a little and insisted the hire boat open the gates and reverse out so he could empty the lock and come up. He was using an adjustable spanner as a windlass !  It must have taken him ages to empty the lock as the hire boat crew withdrew to their boat sensibly ! 

Lots of nice things to see 

By the time we got back to the boat we were both quite tired and rachel had cricked her neck at some point. 

The next day, Thursday was as forecast very wet so we stayed put in the boat most of the day. A few boats went by all togged up. At 5pm we decided to service and wind the boat as the rain had stopped and we knew the next day would be busy boat wise. it turned out a lot had the same thoughts and there were still a few boats moving 

Everything is so expensive even boating ! 

A hire boat pulled out literally as I was approaching the aqueduct and clipped our front .... he didn't seem bothered just a happy American. We moored where we'd set off from two and a half hours earlier so technically overstaying i guess as we'd been there 48 hours already.  

Another quiet night. This morning we were away at 10 and moored up short of overwater by 1.30 having done the two lovely Hack Green locks. We were even slower than normal as the hire boat in front was stopping at bridge holes to let boats come through but was getting pinned onto the tow path by the increasing fierce wind. Percy is heavy and low so was hovering mid channel, been there done that. They did the same at the locks.... all part of the memories. 

A fierce westerly was ever present 

Not sure of plans  - depends on how Rachel is tomorrow. Could be into Overwater and an Uber back to the mooring for the van. Could be me doing a single hander impression or could be normal service.... we will see.