Middlewich to Preston Brook

It was a wet goodbye to Middlewich and hello to a well cruised and photographed route to home.

Often overhung by trees, the navigation winds along the side of a hill as it follows the valley of the River Dane.

African Queen moments abound, we have however seen it more grown over in the past.

We are aiming moor in new places , and decide to moor on the edge of this lovely lagoon, caused by the subsidence of ther salt industry.

A very peaceful and tranquil place.

In less than a mile we are in the industrial ravages around Northwich.

Our next port of call is Marston

The Lion Salt Works which closed in 1986 is currently being restored. The signage tells of a opening date of 2012 , work is very much still in progress.

We tried out the Salt Barge pub for tea. Deceptively large pub with a friendly atmosphere, alas average food.

Its a countryfied stretch to Anderton.

Here we stop at Anderton services to take on water, do a spot of dead-heading of the pansies and dispose of our rubbish.

This odd shaped bridge is Scoote Hill on the edge of

 Anderton.

Before we know it we are at Barnton Tunnel.

Quickly followed by Saltersford Tunnel.

Some very brave day boat hirers  infront.

Its on to Dutton for us.

We drop anchor at another peaceful and tranquil place, the site of the canal breach in 2012.

Well reclaimed by nature......

and wow what a view......

stunning!!!

We left Shardlow on the 17th June and today completed the entire length of the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Dutton stop lock completes its 76 locks.

Preston Brook tunnel completes its 4 tunnels.

Ollie dog is much better since his visit to the vets in Middlewich.  He is coughing less and has more spring in his step than of late.