April 20 Happy Easter!

I’ve arrived near Nantwich, which was the intended destination for the moment. Arggh. Major jazz festival in town this weekend, so absolutely no moorings. OK. Onward to Barbridge junction to turn around, and find a place. All good- except the boat ahead turned into the junction, indicated all was clear, so into the junction I headed (a sharp right angle turn with limited visibility). Just as I was at that critical moment, out popped a fiberglass cruiser, that I would have cut in half if I hit it. Full throttle reverse, bow thruster to the starboard side, and I just missed him. Yea. He said the guy had indicated I was following, but this was as he passed and was into the bridge himself. All’s well that ends well- to quote some famous English guy! As we were sorting things out, a party boat (day hire- 20′ long and full of drunks) went through the junction at full throttle, weaving its way, and ignoring everyone. The fiberglass boat was scraped, two other boats hit the bank to avoid this guy, and there was mayhem. I hugged the bank, and was glad I had some sense of control of my boat! They eventually all cleared out, and then on I went, back towards Nantwich but overnight across from a pub in Barbridge. I went into Nantwich by bike this morning, rang at the parish church (medium weight ring of 8 in an octagonal tower that you access by walking on a walkway across the roof way up in the sky). Then Easter service. This was the second one and they had a total of more than 500 at the 2 services. A very active and vibrant parish!

I moved the boat closer back towards Nantwich to facilitate parking and fetching Nicole on Wednesday, so all will be ready for that excursion. Better internet service as well! I’ll wind (that means turn around in canal boat speak) again, and head with her up the Llangollen canal into Wales.

Met a very nice fellow that owns the Venetian Marina just 20 min up the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union canal.Great guy, and very congenial. I may use that place as the next temporary home for me, but will confirm as I explore further.

The very best Easter greetings to all who read this blog, and who are my friends. Take care!