Change of plan

When Kings Lock Chandlers did our engine service last year, a washer got left off one of the taps in the fuel feed, and we ended up with a lot of diesel in the bottom of the engine compartment. They came out really quickly to sort it all out, and Steve said we could have 30 litres of diesel any time we were passing. What a gentleman! So we were hoping to take him up on his offer as we passed through Middlewich on our way north.

However, as things transpired, we weren't able to tie up above Kings lock last night, so went through the junction and up Wardle lock, ending up on the Middlewich branch of the Shroppie. I was going to reverse back down this morning, but meanwhile we'd been discussing when I should get my contact lens check, which is now due. I've been aware of a slight irritation in the eyes, so I rang our friendly optical expert Richard back in Poole. He said we could carry on cruising if we wanted, as it wasn't imperative to do it immediately, but one of the lenses is four years old, so no surprises if it's starting to remind me of that. The upshot is that we've decided to go across to Tattenhall marina towards Chester, where we can leave Erin Mae for free. A couple of buses and the train from Chester to Stafford will get us back to Great Haywood to pick up the car and drive south for an appointment. It will be the furthest I've ever gone for an eye check!

So this morning we simply carried on along the Shroppie, and the free diesel will have to wait till we resume our trip in a week or so. Meanwhile we have the delightful prospect of driving from Stafford to the New Forest at Bank Holiday weekend. I think we'll try to time it for the middle of the night.