Trying to beat the freeze

And there I thought that Spring was definitely on its way!  The forecast for Sunday and into next week is for temperatures that will feel like between -3 and -9 during some nights, and not much better during the day either - so we’re fully expecting the canals to freeze over. 

With this in mind we decided to leave our mooring on the Middlewich early yesterday - the weather being a bit gloomy but not too cold

Leap-frogging Badger Sett again ...

 … this time at the visitor moorings at Top Flash

Wardle Lock cottage looks as if it’s been sold and is having a refurbishment

Through Kings Lock and we took advantage of it being lunch time to stuff ourselves with a portion of their finest and we made our way on tick-over to Trumps Lock passing the swans

I know, not a pretty sight in the lock - poor thing.

 Unusual chimneys on what looks to be a lovely house

Looking back towards Middlewich from the middle lock of the Booth Lane Flight

George helps C&RT hopper below the top lock of the flight as they collect the ‘danger men at work’ signs after winter maintenance has been completed ...

… and tie up on the off-side.

Shackleton ...

… the x-icebreaker.

Arrived at the visitor mooring at Wheelock at just 5pm - a long day but I’m glad we’ve done it - we’ll be on the move again as soon as the weather improves - and that doesn’t look likely until Wednesday!