Monday 25 July 2016

The sun was shining but it was chilly first thing.  We had been told to be at Mann Island Lock for 8.00am but once up we realised that several narrowboats were leaving Salthouse Dock at 7.30am.  So we made our way through Albert Dock but the gate out to Canning Dock was still closed so there were six narrowboats hovering around in Albert Dock.  

Once through we were unfortunately fifth in the queue to get through Mann Island Lock so we had to go with the wind and do a couple of laps. 

We made our way back through the middle of the City, under the tunnels and through Sid's Ditch, past the Titanic Hotel and back up the staircase flight.  We stopped at Litherland to fill up with water, empty the loos and a quick dash into Tesco to top up the fridge.

We were last in the queue by this time but the five boats in front of us had to wait for us to go through the two road bridges operated by the CRT.  

We decided to stop at Melling again as it was nice mooring there on our way in and Gary and Carolyn could get a taxi from the pub back to their car in Albert Dock.  A quick bit of lunch on the towpath – it is 25 July and we will sit outside even though it feels more like October!

We had a great time in Liverpool, everyone we met was friendly and helpful.  The CRT guys were all attentive and full of info about where to go etc.  One guy even got me a knew handcuff anti-vandalism key (as the two we bought last year are rubbish) – for nothing! 

     
We walked to the pub and waved goodbye to Gary and Carolyn at 4pm.  It was so nice to share the experience with them – we had a fun weekend.  Hope the long drive here and back was worth it for them.

Goodbye Salthouse Dock - we had a lovely time.

 

Hanging around in Albert Dock outside the Tate Gallery.

Gates are open we are on our way.

We have ourselves a convoy.

Lining up for the lock - we had to do a couple of laps in front of the lightship or as Carolyn and I liked to call it the Bar Boat!  

Leaving the staircase lock with the Mersey in the background. 

Catch a fallen star...

Everyone waiting for us to go through the swing bridges.

That's Aintree Race Course behind the hedge.

Who needs bow thrusters when we've got Gary?

Through the second swing bridge.

There's the nice CRT man that got me a new handcuff key!