Wednesday 15th June
We have had a lock free day today, I didn’t know what to do with myself, apart from the ironing! We have travelled 9 miles and are moored in the country for the first time in ages. This mooring is reminiscent of the embankment at Congleton, only without the viaduct, the dog poo (don’t get me started again!) and the crowds of walkers.
In the village, a short walk along and under the canal is a lovely pub called The Swan With Two Nicks. No I haven’t spelt that wrong, it isn’t Necks it is Nicks and pertains to the time when swans used to be taken for food. Unmarked swans belonged to the monarch who could dispense them at will. The nicks indicated ownership, much like ‘Swan Upping’ on the River Thames. We weren’t sure how far away the pub was so we didn’t take George, which was a shame because it wasn’t very far and dogs were allowed in and there were biscuits on the bar for them! However, as it happened it was a good thing we didn’t take him because 3 ladies with 5 dogs came in and sat opposite us. They were very posh dogs too, two of them had diamante names on their collars, Felix and Ava! After the ladies had ordered their lunch they decided to go and sit outside because the dogs kept trying to get on the seats, obviously they are allowed to at home!
While we were in the pub it started raining and we got a bit damp on the way back, having no coats with us! Just after we got in it absolutely hammered down for about an hour. Must have been one of the light showers, few and far between, they forecasted for us this morning!
Tomorrow we are moving on to Preston Brook or Anderton. Midland Swindlers, oops I mean Midland Chandlers are at Preston Brook and I got a quote this morning, for a new prop – £412! Hmmm.
