Audlem and Working Boats

A shortish cruise yesterday. After all the rain we took time to dry stuff and move up five locks to moor in the centre of Audlem. Last weekend there was a historic boat festival here so we were lucky to find a mooring. Tilly May is surrounded by old working boats, most of which are fascinating and quite magnificent having been well restored. Moored opposite us across the canal is Saturn the horse drawn boat we saw at Middlewich a couple of weeks ago.  No horse seen and it has no engine, so will be interesting to see how it moves!

Before we set off yesterday from Henhull I walked Spot down the towpath and got talking to a chap on a live-aboard nb Jezebel. Ashley is a birdwatcher by profession. He told me about doing breeding bird surveys and bat watches and guided birding walks. He was involved in two companies, Bird Information Ltd, which rented pages to keen bird watchers so they get the latest information about rare bird sightings. Also he operates bird watching tours in Spain via Aquila Bird Tours. It is amazing the interesting people you meet on the cut.

Above horse statue created from old working boat parts

Panoramic of Cheshire Plain

The baby River Weaver

Due to a tree fallen across the canal at Woodseaves Cutting , there was no access further up the locks so ...... off to the pub! Had a good pint and a super meal at The Lord Combermere.  Good service and dog-friendly.  Also called into the local craft shop where we bought the Canal Companion books ready for next year's southern trip (also bought some dominoes and a pack of cards for when we get bored - is this senility creeping in?!!)