September Cruise - Day 13

I had to pick up a few things from Bill at the Nantwich Canal Centre first thing, so we reversed back to the water point to fill up while I was doing that.  At the same time, I asked if there was en engineer who could have a look at the still-leaking water pump.  It was becoming a real pain having the water turned off all the time, except when we really needed it.  Ian the engineer confirmed what we'd suspected, that we needed a new pump, so Adrian backed through the bridge and brought Debdale into the basin, where the work was carried out.

It all meant that we didn't get away until 10am, but at least it had stopped raining.  Below Hack Green Locks are two BW flats, full on new lock gates.  Both locks are getting new gates in November.

We started up the Audlem Locks, planning to stop after the first four for lunch.  At the third one, it began to rain again, and within minutes was really quite heavy.  The fourth lock was done in a downpour, and we were soaked by the time we moored up.  Soon afterwards, it cleared and the sun even put in an appearance.

After lunch, we made good progress up the locks, until a hire boat turned a lock in our faces.  The crew claimed not to have seen us, which must mean they either didn't look, or they're blind.  We moored for the night at the bottom of the Adderley locks, and there was a beautiful sunset followed by a dark starry night.

9 miles, 17 locks  (137 miles, 102 locks)