A new adventure ...

... and an early start for us yesterday morning ...

07:20 ... what does the day hold for us?  The weather is uncertain and I'm a bit anxious.

We're going on the Anderton Lift this morning and onto the River Weaver - our booked slot is for 11 o'clock and need to be at the holding point by half past 10.

We reversed back to the water point and then onto the fuel point at Anderton Marina.  They are doing some updating and there was no-one about so George telephoned and was told that she would fetch some-one.  Fifteen minutes later no-one had appeared so George rang again, she said that the manager was coming to see us (why?).  He told us that that particular diesel tank was empty and asked us to come into the actual marina and fill up from there.  We weren't sure we'd got time but decided in the end that we would do that.  So we reversed once again up to the marina entrance and reversed down to the diesel point; it didn't take too long and we were soon heading back again onto the mainline and the lift holding point. I really don't understand why the girl who answered the phone didn't give us the information in the first place, we'd have been done so much quicker!

On the way into the marina we saw 4evermore which belongs to Kevin and Ann but I'm not sure if they've sold it sold yet.

 Whilst we were busy getting fuel and water Ann was busy taking pictures of Seyella already at the holding point - their slot is at 10:15 (photo m2l)

 Seyella entering the east caisson (photo m2l) ... 

... the aqueduct is being sealed and off they go - see you soon! (photo m2l)

Now it's our turn ... under the bridge and into the west caisson ...

... we've had strict instructions not to go beyond the stop sign ...

... this barrier will rise and we'll move from the aqueduct into the caisson ...

... looking over and down onto the River Weaver ...

... moving together into the caisson ...

... and are now sealed in ... ready for the ride?

... cogs and wheels as we're very gently lowered ...

... Geoff has moored at the bottom to wait for us ...

BW lift operator at the Trent and Mersey Canal end says cheerio ...

... the two troughs are just about level now ...

... and now we are below ...

Geoff taking pictures ...

... probably this one! (photo Seyella)

The east caisson is far above us now ...

... nearly down - Chas is very interested in the workings of the lift and the BW operative at the River Weaver level is very helpful ...

Ann and Chas look relieved and the lift operator gives us a big thumbs up!

The end of the trough lifts - those drips are filthy and make a mess along the boats ...

... taken by Ann as she looks back as Moore2Life exits first onto the river ...

Thank you!

Ok, we're on the river ... what will it be like?

That's us!  (photo Seyella)

Looking back

Geoff hurries to ready Seyella for the off ...

... and Moore2Life is rounding the bend ...

Geoff has done all this before so we beckon him to pass ...

... racing now to pass M2L ...

... and now they're in the lead ...

... Moore2Life in the middle position and ...

... that's us as tail end charlie - we like it here (photo m2l)

Northwich Town Swing Bridge ...

BW Northwich Repair Yard ...

... the railway viaduct ...

... and Hunt's Lock ...

... which is just wide enough for three narrowboats - very cosy!

The BW lock keepers will open all the locks for us on the river ...

... big gates and a big leak too ...

Rock n Roll leaving Hunt's Lock (photo m2l)

Passing the marina with winterising yachts and old wrecks ...

... cooo ... and that's us again! (photo m2l)

Seyella and Moore2Life get into position in Royal Vale Lock ...

... I've not seen gates in this configuration before ...

... and Rock n Roll leaves first this time, apparently tonight's mooring is just around the corner

A cormorant taking in the sun's rays by the weir ...

... and here we are - three in a row.

I'm absolutely cream crackered so no walk for me this afternoon!

Wonder where he's going ...

... in the sunset.
End of a good day!