20th and 21st Of August 2016. Harold and the Rainbow.

On Friday evening we tried to take a walk with Scooby, but were curtailed by returning showers. We saw this rainbow, and then found Harold at the end of it.

We decided to try again on Saturday morning and went on a circular walk which took us down to the River Weaver and the Dutton lock. This river lock is 125 feet long and 41 feet wide - making the narrow boat we watched going up it look like a toy. The lock-keeper was friendly though and said all the locks are staffed and the river all canalised. Maybe 2018 when we are back up with way again.

Looking down towards the river from our mooring. The arched structure in the centre is over the weir by the lock. 

In the afternoon Jo went to the garden centre in Dutton village which had a lovely open garden and a self service tea room (you make your own and pay at the till on your way out!). Heavy showers and high winds kept us where we were, although we moved a few feet forward to get out from under the trees. In the early evening a kingfisher fished from our boat. We saw him swoop down past the windows and back again with a fish. We even heard him bash it on the roof to kill it.

On Sunday we set off after the other three boats at the mooring had already gone - we are always the last to leave. It was cloudy and showery but the wind had dropped. We pottered down to Anderton via the Saltersford and Barnton tunnels, stopping at the boat lift for a good lunch and some books from their nice shop. After another stop, this time at the services, we went on to the Lion Salt Works which has a new museum. We moored up at about quarter to five to find that it closes at five and doesn't open on Mondays. Oh well! Off to Middlewich tomorrow then, where there are proper locks, the first since Wigan.