The heavy rain had passed by morning, and with sunshine on our backs we cast off, the clouds were quite impressive.
We were lucky enough with more Kingfisher sightings today. I always seem to be steering and Toby always seems to be on the loo, so quick reverse and shout down to Toby, he comes running up, worrying that something’s wrong – no no, can you just try and get a good photo please!
Two locks under our belt and we moored up and visited Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker. It was rebuilt in the 1980’s at a cost of £32m, and would have been a centre for Regional Government had nuclear war broken out. It was declassified in 1993, and includes a BBC and BT (or British Telecommunications back then) emergency transmission room.
We were soon back on our way and forgot that it was Saturday until we saw the fishermen. A big smile and a thank you from us, and surprisingly they all gave a cheerful response – miracles do happen!
We then reached the Audlem flight of 15 locks- we could have done with mum being on board! The heavy rain created some strong overflows at the bottom of each lock, Toby did a great job steering in the locks, although at times he looked like he was heading for the bank, such was the force and the steering angle required. I don’t jump the gates anymore, so Toby climbs on the roof and up the ladder to close the offside gate.
Our reward for reaching the top of the flight was this delightful little cubbyhole in someone’s garden. Goodies ranging from cream teas, shortbread, lemon drizzle cake and Toby’s choice – Cherry Bakewell.
Toby does like a G&T, but is suffering these last six weeks or so with a bout of migraines. We did a blind taste test with one real G&T and a Seedlip non-alchoholic variety. There’s nothing wrong with Toby’s tastebuds, he knew which was the real thing, but would consider trying the other varieties.
