Spring is most definitely here!

Well it certainly feels like it as we have had some absolutely glorious weather the past few days and we’ve even got the factor 50 face cream out.

Since our last blog, we have travelled through Market Drayton and Nantwich and are currently moored up at Waverton which is a tiny village with a little shop as we were desperate for a few bits and bobs. Paul has done a piece to camera to show you all where we are headed next.

Market Drayton was very disappointing indeed and didn’t even have the much hoped for laundrette 😧 Many of the shops had closed down and the market itself consisted only of a few sad stalls. We did however enjoy a drink at the Red Lion which had a Joules brewery next door. The pub had a really nice vibe to it and the food looked tasty. However, they didn’t have the rugby on and so we made our way to the Crown where we watched both games and passed the afternoon away.

Nantwich was much nicer and so we spent a few days moored up there. Paul did the laundry run whilst I worked and we made the most of the town – I got my glasses fixed, got some bits from a chemist and of course we visited some more pubs. Our favourite by far was the Black Lion. It was a really historic pub with a wonderful open fire. They also had dog treats at the bar so Zak was happy and he got lots of fuss from the locals.

Whilst at Nantwich, we caught the train into Shrewsbury which was a 30 minute ride away. At one point I thought we were in Wales as the conductor started speaking Welsh and the TVs were in Welsh. Paul knew what I was going to say before I said it and told me to be quiet 😂

Shrewsbury was amazing and I treated myself to a new hippie rucksack and also a Tibetan singing bowl which I absolutely love. Does anyone want a video of it??

We met up with our friends Jason and Michelle and their son Jensen for a meal at The Hole in the Wall and listened to how the wedding plans were going. We can’t believe it’s next Saturday and Paul has been working hard on his best man’s speech.

The day after we had to do our first ‘staircase’ lock which was rather nerve wracking. We managed to bodge it up by leaving a top paddle open – rookie error – and it took a while (and a boater) to point out why the water was overspilling in the bottom lock 😩

Last night we opted to moor up amongst the Cheshire hills in the middle of nowhere. It really was quite spectacular.

There was the occasional hiker and not long after we had moored up, a man came running over to say that there was a sheep trapped in the water just below the lock. I ran down and could see that it had slipped into the canal, probably whilst having a drink, and couldn’t get back out as the side was muddy and boggy. I ran over the lock, jumped over a farmhouse wall (no one was in), through the field and down to the waters edge where I leaned in and pulled the sheep as much as I could. At first I think it was trying to shy away from me but when it sensed I was there to help, it gave him a surge of energy. By this time, the hiker had caught up and he helped me pull Shaun the final way out. Unharmed, Shaun then ran off and joined the other Sheep who had come to watch.

I like to think this is Shaun and his partner who came to say goodbye.

Hope everyone back home is well and we look forward to hearing from you.

Lots of love, Jo, Paul, Zak & Daisy xxx