Audlem lock flight with family

Always planning ahead, Will had been aware of the 15 Audlem locks for some time. Happily, he'd also been aware that our great niece Kaiya wanted to visit Rainboat with sister Sue and brother in law John. We couldn't have them getting bored now could we?

After a long journey up from Kent, the three booked into their Nantwich hotel and drove to the edge of town, parking on the street below the canal embankment. We were all happy to see each other again but Leo showed his excitement the most, leaping on laps and licking faces whether our poor guests wanted him to or not! 😳 Vicky dug out a mask from Covid times and kept her distance while Will prepared pizza bases for everyone to add their own toppings to.

The following day it was bacon sarnies and pancakes for breakfast before we began the big cruise. John went ahead to park at the Shroppie Fly pub and walk back along the towpath to meet us. Will had originally planned to go with him but stayed on Rainboat because Vicky didn't know whether she'd be well enough to do locks or drive. (Sorry John!)

In the end, being with family boosted her energy and after working the first couple of locks with Kaiya and Sue, she was able to take Rainboat through the rest. Kaiya teamed up with Will to go ahead and set the locks; opening the bottom gate paddles and when the water had drained, the gates themselves. Sue and John formed the rear guard, waiting with Vicky while the locks filled, then letting Rainboat go and closing the paddles and gates behind her. They all worked really well together and we raced along as fast as any narrowboat could have. Kaiya did especially well, being so patient when leading nervous Tiger Lilly and working the heavy gates.

Mooring near the Shroppie Fly, Vicky rested while the others went for lunch. Will was delighted to be able to share the delicious cheeseboard on the menu; not something he's able to do with Vicky.

Back to work and we made it to early afternoon before it began to rain. Thankfully everyone had wellies (Kaiya having bought some particular fetching sparkly ones on route). After the 13th Audlem lock there was a stretch where we could moor, so we called it a day and in typical Spring style the sun came out! Vicky curled up with the furries in bed while Will, Kaiya, Sue and John sat out on the stern with a cuppa before returning to the pub for tea. Kaiya had a very well deserved sticky toffee pudding for desert 😋

It had been a big day and we couldn't believe how far we'd come in such little time. It made a massive difference having two teams of two on the locks and a fifth on the boat. Of course we'd have loved just spending time together, but it was fun taking on the challenge of the locks and we're really grateful for all the help!

As often happens when you are having fun, the time with our family seemed to go too quickly. We're already looking forward to the next time we meet up!Meer informatie