Winsford Marina, the end of navigation

The River Weaver is only navigable for 20 miles and today we reached its upper limit. A sign at Wharton Road Bridge (which also happened to be our 14th Silver Propeller Site) announced we were passing beyond CRT jurisdiction. Fifty metres later we turned and backed into Winsford Marina; empty of other boats but full of swans. Mooring was a little difficult as the sides were silted up in places but we settled ourselves in to a spot by a handy tap. Wooden decking encircled the water. Weeds poked through and it had holes where the weathered boards had cracked but it was a nice touch. Metal railings with a gate on each side bordered this, separating us from other visitors who came to feed the swans. A cut grass green edged by trees lay between us and the river channel and benches were used by locals as meeting points or just places to sit and read a book. A lot of thought and money had gone into creating the whole area and it was still very popular despite falling into slight disrepair.

In the late afternoon we took the dogs for a stroll. Vicky wasn't feeling great so was grateful the paths were suitable for her chair. Part way through the walk she began to get chest pains and breathing difficulties. She's had these before but they usually stop after a while. These were more painful and didn't stop so when we got back to Rainboat Will called 111. They asked a long list of questions then sent an ambulance. The ambulance crew tested Vicky's blood pressure and pulse which was above 100bpm, then did an ECG. This was normal but they decided to take her to Leighton Hospital A&E to get checked out. Being a Saturday evening we were stuck there for the next 15.5 hours, only returning to Rainboat at 08:30 the following morning. Poor Leo had barked himself hoarse and Whiskers was desperate for a pee. The hospital ruled out everything obvious but the doctor looked blank when ME was mentioned. Reading up on the internet afterwards it isn't uncommon for these episodes to occur with people who have ME. At least the staff brought free tea, coffee, juice biscuits and cakes around a few times throughout the night!

We slept through the morning then decided to return to Vale Royal moorings to relax and recover properly.Read more