Yesterday we nipped down the Runcorn (not unicorn as I once mistakenly called it). The Runcorn is an arm of the Bridgewater canal and I have inserted a map below so that you can see (Paul will be very impressed).
When we were at Aspley Marina, a few boaters recommended that we check out this part of the canal system and so we did indeed. It was a nice stretch of water with no locks and plenty of nesting birds to see. The Runcorn runs alongside the Manchester Ship canal which actually goes out to sea in Liverpool which is very exciting! Sadly though we didn’t see any ships, but we did see some nice bridges!
Whilst in Runcorn, I did a laundrette run whilst Paul made a start on the tiling in the bathroom. The laundrette was very cloak and dagger like. I was told I had to come back at 12.30, on my own and without the dog. The chap who ran it looked a bit like a scary version of Denzel from Only Fools & Horses but he was actually really nice and good fun and we had a laugh. There were other people in there too, but only a set number are allowed in each time. I never knew you could wash and tumble dry pillows!!!! Once the laundry was done, we then headed back to Preston Brook to moor up for the night.
Today, we were visited by Annie, Dec and Lily. They hadn’t told Lil where she was going and when she saw us, her whole face lit up and she ran straight to us. I wish I could bottle that feeling, it is just so special and amazing and our hearts are full again.
We had a great time – Dec did most of the cruising up on the stern with Paul whilst Annie, Lily and I hung out on the bow feeding the many swans, geese and moorhens. We also put some banging tunes on the stereo and had a mini disco there, waving to everyone we passed.
We cruised the Runcorn again and had a picnic on the boat just outside the theatre . I also managed to pull off a sterling 3 point turn at the end of the Runcorn as Paul had jumped off the boat to nip to a shop. I was particularly under pressure as the entire population of the Runcorn Boating Club were outside their clubhouse watching my every move. Dec was very encouraging and I felt like a bit of a pro. I only banged Daisy’s nose slightly – no one apart from those on the boat would have known!
On the return journey, Lil had a go at steering with Papa and at this point Nannie had to go inside as it was too terrifying to watch! Annie did really well and jumped off the boat a couple of times to help pull her into the side.
Lily also went with Papa to the elsen point so she could watch all of the contents of the toilet being poured out!
It was great to see them all again and we are grateful to them for taking the time to come and visit.
As I write, we are now moored up outside the mouth of Preston Brook tunnel which is the first of three tunnels that we have to do tomorrow. It is 1239 yards (1132 metres) long and Paul hopes to have his go-pro up and working so we can share it with you!
Until then!
Jo & Paul xx
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