Into Mercia Marina for a Trip Home.

Thursday 12th September in Mercia Marina.
Last night, the almost full moon was playing hide'n'seek in the clouds.

The same view this morning, long after the moon had set. A lovely morning.

This Bridge 12 is very reminiscent of the final Bridge 89 before we turn into Aston Marina.

"The Stand" is a real curiosity. It is a 17th century pavilion surmounted by a picturesque pair of ogee domes. The Landmark Trust has restored the pavilion as accomodation for just two occupants, who must be tolerant enough to accept that the bedroom is in one tower while the bathroom is in the other and the way between is by the roof terrace! What fun on a frosty winter's night!

We only did two locks today but they were each about 12ft deep. The first one we did on our own.

For the second lock we had company, which made it much easier.

These two were the last wide locks on the Trent & Mersey Canal; from now on all the locks will be narrow, therefore so much easier and quicker to get through.
The narrow road was very close to the side of the canal as can be seen by the warning notice. There are occasional reports of cars falling in the canal but, happily, not today!

The rather inauspicious entrance to Mercia Marina, which is huge and very smart. Possibly the largest marina we have ever moored in. It probably rivals Burton Waters on the Fossdyke for size and the number of lodges or houses on the site.

The facilities are excellent, with several very upmarket shops and a number of places to eat including a café, an Indian restaurant, a pub and a fine dining restaurant.
We moored up MM in bay "Jay 08", nestled in amongst a row of other boats.

In the distance you can just make out the massive Toyota factory with its tall chimney and forest of vents.

We rewarded ourselves with a trip to the café before having a wander around. The buildings in the background are the shops and restaurants.

Tomorrow morning, we will catch a bus outside the marina, and then take the train home for a while. We should be back in 10 days or so -  so watch this space! Then we shall be on the last leg back to Aston.
Today: 6 miles, 2 locks and 3.3 hours.
Trip: 407 miles, 155 locks and 199.0 hours.