Tattenhall Marina and The BBMF Lancaster!

 Monday 25th July 2022 at Beeston.

The day started looking stormy and unsettled but we set off fairly early in order to get to Tattenhall Marina for a pump-out, which was becoming a tad critical! The marina is only three miles away but for more than half that distance the side of the canal is lined with moored boats The line goes on and on into the distance. Like all good boaters (are "good" boaters in the minority these days?), we slowed right down so it takes an age to get past all the boats. Clearly the land owner is now farming narrowboats! Who can blame him?  Sadly, there's no money to be made in farming these days....

Finally, we arrived at Tattenhall anticipating a delightful second breakfast, only to find that the café doesn't open on a Monday or Tuesday. Rats! But the staff were extremely welcoming and helpful; the kind lady from the cafe even gave us some milk, as they had none left for sale.

Still, we were able to do a pump-out and top up with diesel during which time, the wind started to get stronger and it began to pour with rain - again.

The rain was short lived, although the wind stayed strong so, after having some lunch to compensate for the second breakfast we never got, we set off again. Tattenhall really is a most attractive marina, in a lovely open setting with far-reaching views and lush reed beds.

Suddenly from behind, a heart-stopping familiar sound reached our ears and the silhouette of a much loved aircraft announced the proximity of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, which flew right over us. Sadly, it was not using its transponder, so we could not track its course on Flight Radar. Wonder where it was going? We'll never know....

M is doing a 16/8 diet to try to reduce what is politely called "middle age spread" - or, in the no-nonsense terminology of her gym, her "belly fat"!! (note from R: M really doesn't need to lose weight - she is fine just as she is). Technically, M is not allowed milk in her morning tea, so she was delighted to find that we had some green tea on board. We will see if that is a suitable substitute (note from M - it WASN'T!!)

We moored up close to Beeston Castle, but the weather deteriorated with rain and a very nasty wind that lasted all afternoon, so we decided to wait until tomorrow (when the forecast is much better) to walk up to the castle.

In the meantime, we just relaxed with R reading his new book by Pete Waterman.

Today: 6 miles, 6 locks and 4.5 hours.

Trip: 314 miles, 191 locks and 168.7 hours.