Having stayed at the Shady Oak for 14 days it was time to move. The evening before, we called into the house for the post, to see the girls, and to collect some more coal. We left AmyJo in the dark and set off via the village of Huxley. As we came to the village there was an almighty bang and the car lurched. We had hit a pothole. One of many around these parts but one we were not aware of.
Next morning we returned to the spot to record it so we could claim. We were stunned by the size of it. Below is a photo of it with Chris's foot in it. Whats not clear from the photo is its at least 5 inches deep where her foot is.
checking the tyre we found a carbunkle bulge and damage to the rim. I used the council web app to report the pothole location and had the tyre replaced. I am now claiming for a new tyre. Whats more annoying is the tyre was only replaced 4 months ago and that was also due to a pothole.
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| the buldge in the tyre and damage to the rim is evident in this photo |
We later left the Shady Oak and called into Tattenhall marina for a couple of nights. On Tuesday Smudge was booked to have a groom and claws clipped and Wednesday the tyre was to be replaced.
Whilst there I spotted a new peice of equipment down by the workshop. A straddle carrier has been purchased and this will now be used instead of the low trailer. It will be instesting to see this in action when AmyJo comes out for her blacking!
Having got Smudge groomed and tyre changed, we left the marina yesterday (Thursday) and headed for our fav mooring at Waverton. On the way I spoted a boat has become a celebrity on the BBC. On closer inspection it turned out to be Rob Cumming's Naughty Lass.
For those that don't know, Rob has been producing Vlogs or video logs on youtube for some time and they are really interesting, telling how it really is living afloat and not the sun and roses Tim and Pru portray. His vids are well worth a look :-
Rob was approached by the BBC last year and a 6 part series of his journey was broadcast. He is in the area as he is due to produce a second series though this is now on hold due to the virus.
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| As its still not too warm Smudge wore his coat as his trim has removed a lot of fir |
One of the problems cruising in the winter is the state of the towpaths along the cut. Here on the Shroppy is no exception. Mud is everywhere and in this case quite deep. It makes morring up and walking Smudge really difficult.
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| This is one of the better spots |
We are heading towards Chester as from Waverton on the towpath is tarmaced so the mud is not a problem. Its a real problem with Smudge cleaning his paws and bathing him when he gets covered so leaving the muddy towpath behind will be good.
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| passing the long line of moorings at Golden Nook |
We found boats moored at Waverton so we carried on and found our usual mooring free at the Cheshire cat pub.
Hope everyone is OK and we pray you manage to get through the coming months. We can get through this so please do look after yourselves and those who can't.
Total distance:4.68 miles Elapsed time:2h12m31s Locks:0 Bridges:8
Average speed:2.12 mph (2.12 lock/mph)
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