Down to the Devils Garden

Woke up yesterday morning on Vale Royal Cut to 'cwark' from heron, calls from canada geese, swans and the occasional cormorant as they were all grooming themselves across the river from our mooring.

Picturesque start to the day taking Spot up into the local woods for her morning constitutional while Jan mucked out the galley from a major fry-up of last night - however, I did take her a cup of tea in bed as it's her birthday today.

Set off for Devils Garden, a mooring spot close to the mouth of the Weaver. This involved moving back through the two locks we came up yesterday, past the boat lift and through Saltersford and Dutton Locks.  As usual had a bit of a banter with the lads on the locks - Saltersford first.  When we came to enter Dutton Lock, the keeper was whistling "happy birthday".  It seems the guys at the first lock had notified those on the next.  Jan was quite choked.

Hunts Lock 

Hunts Lock

Derelict site on lower Weaver

Derelict site on lower Weaver

Derelict site on lower Weaver

Salterford Lock

 I have to say that the CaRT chaps on the Weaver have all been very helpful, friendly and informative. You could not ask for better service.

Acton Bridge: note it's designated as a bridleway

The Weaver was a thriving commercial waterway for goods to and from Cheshire depots and from abroad, all traffic linked to the canal system - due to alternate transportation the waterway traffic fell into disrepair

Dutton Viaduct 

Dutton Viaduct

Bottom end of the Weaver

We have found the Weaver to be a total picture of boat life.  From historical commerce to current day transport; it is a truly beautiful place to visit.  The surrounding countryside of the river is absolutely beautiful.  It's been well worth the effort  to come down here and see.
We are finally moored at Devils Garden along with 3 other boats. Suddenly a small launch arrives full of equipment which they start to unload. Shortly a mixed coxed four row past and moor. Then another 2 rowing boats and a second launch. They all gather in the field, it turns out it is a birthday picnic from the Runcorn rowing club. We know this because a nice lady arrived at our boat bearing birthday cake. What a nice end to Jan,s birthday. Today we intend to cruise down to the Manchester Ship Canal then back up to our original morning on the Weaver. It is a good spot to do some house work. The boat needs a bit of a clean inside and out.