Flyday

For some reason the flies were out in force today, covering many surfaces on the boats we passed as we walked to the Nantwich aqueduct to get into town. Some suggested it was the warmth, especially after a wet period, but I can't remember them in such numbers before.

Nantwich was in merry mood on this fine morning, with "Me and Bobby McGee" and the town crier competing with the bells of St Mary's announcing a wedding.

We had coffee and cake in Nantwich Bookshop, and had a great natter with Wyn and Lesley about books, boating, history, the New Forest, retirement and lots of other things. Really nice to meet you, folks – sorry the photo suffered a little from the low lighting conditions.

Nantwich was infested with Scouts as well as flies. We chatted with a group of them, from the 15th South West Cheshire troop.

They were in a competition with other troops, flying round Nantwich playing a sort of Monopoly game, and matching squares to items they located.

Notable in Welsh Row as we strolled home was the front garden of Malthouse Cottage, with a fine display of autumn colour.

It's houses like this that help to make Nantwich a place we've enjoyed coming back to. So we've stayed a whole day, and took the opportunity to tackle a painting job or two. I think I'll have to document that shortly.