Sunday 26th June

Got up at 8 and before long had a phone call from Andrew to say that he was on his way to join me at Ellesmere.

Set off shortly before 9am. Met Dave, Gary, Jill and Lloyd near the Ellesmere tunnel. Jill and Lloyd jumped on and Dave and Gary went off to leave Daves car near Willeymoor lock.

They returned near Welshampton where Gary jumped on. Dave moved on to bridge 50 where Gary, Jill and Lloyd left, and Dave got on.

Stopped for lunch at the Waggoners at Platt Lane. Had another excellent soup, Pea and Ham this time, plus a good main course and a reasonable sweet.

On to Whitchurch where we went up the partially restored arm. Boats over 40ft are advised not to try turning right out of the arm. We watched a hire boat try and give up so we followed them to the previous winding hole. After turning we ran aground on some sticky clay and could not get off. A passing boat offered help so I asked for a tow. This did the trick.

Got through Grindley Brook without any holdups. On arrival at Willeymor lock we had another pint at the pub, which is in the GBG.

Andrew and Dave left, I had tea back on board and later returned to the pub for another pint.