Nearly in Liverpool

Well we stopped in Lymm for a couple of days and its a really lovely place. Good pubs, good beer and a chance to do a bit of washing with the new washing machine. Well its a small twin tub device and judging by the instructions was probably made east of the uk with the instructions translated into  Inglesh using google. But we managed it and I'm sure dobby itch isn't life threatening.

Lymm

After Lymm we wanted to be into and around Manchester without troubling any moorings there. We made good progress despite some awful weather and eventually moored at Plank Lane near the Wigan Flashes. With the grim weather and Manchesters industrial back drop it did seem a little bleak.

 
From Plank Lane our intention was to be through Wigan again without troubling the moorings there, however, someone had managed to drain the pound at Wigan Pier and the locks were, well locked. Wigan has a bit of a reputation, so we were not  best pleased. I walked into town to see what all the fuss was about and yes the pound was drained. The lockies assured me we wouldn't be left moored in zombie land and were true to their word, they had us moored up in the centre of Wigan by 6pm outside the CRT office (safe moorings if you ever need them). That night we walked into Wigan town centre and it has really suffered in the recession.

A typical Wigan Bicycle  (as removed from the drained pound, There were loads in there that didn't get pulled out)

An unusual smell accompanies your entry to Wigan, then you realise why. It truly is a depressing place and that's not because its in Lancashire.

No this is 2014 and this is not Karachi, welcome to Wigan.

As we left Wigan we passed through some really nice places and will stop at a couple on our way back from Liverpool. Friday night then we arrived at Scarisbrick and are moored in the marina for 4 nights. We have met Cathy who is organising the rally and the plans are taking shape. Liverpool will be buzzing I'm sure We have had a marathon washing session at the launderette literally 3 1/2 hours. The café is great and the food really good. Although not licenced they let us take a bottle of wine for Sunday lunch which is the best meal we've had in 4 weeks, Grainne had potatoes 3 ways (mash, new and roast). The owners father is selling a dutch barge which we'll view after Liverpool, maybe its the one..

We are currently on the big clean up for the rally. Due to set off on Tuesday then drop down the link Wednesday.

I think this is a Liverpool short boat and the next pic was a lovely wooden boat we didn't hit.

So the stats so far 283 miles 211 locks. After Liverpool we are definitely slowing down.