Batten down the hatches

Monday 1 June, 220yds, 2 locks, 2 op shops.

Nice sunny start to the first day of summer. There is a strong wind and storm warning out for later in the day through till Wednesday morning. We decided to shift from our mooring on the Trent and Mersey, around the corner to the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. This involved down Kings lock, a tight 90' blind left turn then straight into the Wardle lock to climb back up 9'9". This is the first lock going up this year. Had to think hard about what the difference was. I had forgotten that when the water comes in the front it rushes under the boat hits the gate then picks you up and hurls you at the front gate. I'll try to remember that as we climb through 24 more on our way to Llangollen. Rain started at lunch time with the wind picking up late afternoon. We are moored in a reasonably protected place. Interestingly we are moored with two other boats that are here to sit out the storm. One couple have a daughter in Matamata and the others are regular visitors to New Zealand. Not holding my breath but from Thursday the prediction is for a hot June.