A Temperature Drop 0f 20 degC Overnight!

 Wednesday 20th July 2022 in Chester.

What a contrast! Yesterday the temperature reached 37degC, this morning it was 17degC at 7:00am, a drop of 20deg overnight! Unbelievable. Only in England!!! The early morning sky had a stormy look to it.

We still set off early, making our way towards Chester. On the way, we noticed this "No Parking" cone perched on a lamp post. Maybe to deter witches from pausing on the lamp post? (note from M: she left her besom back home!).

Chester was only 10 miles and five locks away, so we were soon cruising along the long straight section leading down to the centre of the city. The canal here is lined with old warehouses, almost all of which have been re-purposed as hotels, restaurants or offices.

This particular one was of especial interest to us as, six years ago, we had a wonderful Teppan-Yaki meal there and we are looking forward to repeating the experience on Friday!

On the opposite canal bank is an old "Shot Tower", originally constructed to make musket shot during the Napoleonic Wars. Molten lead was passed through holes at the top. The lead formed into balls due to surface tension as it fell, but it then solidified before falling into a water bath at the bottom. Hence the need for a very tall tower to give the lead time to solidify.

 On the left bank of the canal is a very large Waitrose and, as we had not been able to shop since M came back from Reigate, the cupboards definitely fell into the "Mother Hubbard" category (i.e. bare) so we moored up to purchase a "few bits". In fact, it was an awful lot of "bits" and M blanched when she saw the bill!

We were very pleased to find that our favourite mooring spot under the Roman walls of the City was free and, even better - it had mooring rings!

Now the cupboards were replenished, M made a delicious salad dinner.

Today: 10 miles, 5 locks and 4.1 hours.

Trip: 299 miles, 180 locks and 155.7 hours.