Monday 5th November

This morning was quite stunning. Not a cloud in the bright blue sky, frost everywhere and the canal gently steaming. Mick had become a bit snotty last night and really wanted some fishermans friends so he set off on his bike to find the nearest shop only to get a puncture on his way back. He had to walk most of the way back and they had only had Halls Soothers!

A large bowl of porridge for the both of us to help us with the cold, fleecy lined trousers and thermals donned we were ready for the off. Mick popped the bilge pump back into the sump (the stern gland is leaking badly) and went to start the engine, but no luck. He tried several times before having to open up the engine to check to see what might be up. It turned out to be a loose connection to the engine starter battery which he tightened up as best he could. Several boats had come past us whilst we had breakfast but all going in the opposite direction then one came up through the stop lock, but luckily stopped for water behind us so we headed off in front of them.

We pootled along the long pound towards Bosley Locks in the sunshine. It was very chilly and I was glad of the extra layers. Lots of Robins were playing on the tow path and we disturbed a Kingfisher perched on the off side. Just as I got my camera out he turned to show us his best bright blue side but only for a very brief second, nowhere long enough to focus on him before he fled.

Lunch below the locks for added energy. Only 12 locks today, they should be no problem. The first lock was nice and empty. We've been up these a few years ago now with Mick's sister Kath helping to crew. Handy to have two crew as there is no way over the top gates, it's a long walk round. I seem to remember them being more remote than they are but maybe that was because it was misty when we did this section of the Cheshire Ring. A sharp turn to the left for Mick, a little tricky without bow thrusters, and straight into the second lock.Good luck ran out at the fifth lock which was full, this carried on til the last lock. Coming out of the 11th somehow WD got stuck. I had gone on ahead and expected Mick to be not too far behind but when I'd emptied and opened the gates he was still back at the previous one. It took him quite a bit of tooing and froing to get off the bottom.

The sun was setting over the valley below casting long shadows, so where to moor for the night. We hadn't got quite as far as hoped but really wanted a good vantage point to see fireworks. Above the locks there was a large hedge and permit holder moorings, So we carried on towards bridge 49. Navigation lights were needed for the last part of the day, hedges turned into trees. We tried pulling into the edge and eventually succeeded with a large step onto the tow path.

A casserole popped in the oven, and we were ready for our fireworks. 6 small rockets, sparklers and a big finale firework made up our display. The advantage of being on the boat was that we had a very large biscuit tin to keep the fireworks safe, all 18 tonnes of it!

Our plan for a good vantage point over Macclesfield for the fireworks didn't really pan out. We've heard hundreds but only seen one rocket! Unfortunately there is a big hill in front of us. Oh well! 

11 miles, 12 locks, 4 robins, 1 kingfisher, 1 very snotty nose, 50 tissues, 1 stew, 4 dumplings, 6 rockets, 5 sparklers, 1 finale, 683902467 unseen fireworks.

Smart gauge at start of day 90.