Strange vibrations at Greenfield Lock

Like The Shady, The Cheshire Cat was a pub we couldn't miss out on revisiting. It wasn't too far from our moorings, so we did a lunchtime stopover before continuing on to Chester. The Cheshire Cat also offers accommodation and is a bit posher than most canalside establishments. We nabbed a round table for two in the dining room and ordered our food from there. Vicky had a starter of falafels on hummus and grains so she had room for a summer fruits crumble afterwards. Will had a butternut squash burger with fries, all of which was delicious. The waiting staff were attentive and efficient, keeping everyone happy without seeming to rush, so the atmosphere was relaxed. We were very glad to have stopped by.

When we approached the outskirts of Chester it was the end of the school day. Vicky helped work Rainboat through the locks while keeping a close eye on Leo and Tiger. They drew the eye of many of the pupils, with exclamations of ah! and aww! In the end they were surrounded by half a dozen crouching teenage girls while Tiger excitedly jumped around the circle on her back legs, getting fuss from each of them in turn 🥰 It was a real treat.

We moored along with other boats just before Greenfield Lock and settled in for a light tea. As things quietened down we could hear the rumblings of a train on its tracks, accompanied by some strange vibrations. Vicky was a bit freaked out when Will explained there was a train tunnel running underneath the canal. She could easily accept and wonder at water passing over a height like the Poncysyllte Aqueduct but a huge hole under the canal with trains hurtling through? Not so much. Strange how the mind works 🤔

The following day we left Tiger to relax on board and took Leo into town. It seemed like ages since we'd had access to this many shops! We picked some ebay orders up from Foregate News then headed to the indoor market for lunch. The place was buzzing and it was a pleasure to sit and 'people watch'. Chester may just be our favourite canal city and its market is our favourite place to be within it.

Leo found it difficult to sit and watch Will eat his vegan buger with only a carrot to munch on, but a visit to the Digby and Champ stall more than made up for it! Collette the owner, fell in love with him and fed him a mountain of dried meat kibble. He must have made an extra special effort to look cute because as we were leaving she wrapped up a chunky beef and vegetable stick for later! He was well and truly spoiled by her.

We moseyed back via Lakeland, Søstrene Greene and Rylands, picking Will's bike up when we got to the towpath. Vicky was so grateful to have her chair, without which she couldn't have experienced half of what we did today.Read more