I’m on the move again!
Headed north on the Shropshire Union Canal main line, I’m bound for Chester and Ellesmere Port. The canal changes just north of Nantwich, back to a broad canal. Good for maneuvering (not the single lane passageways of the Llangollen) but back also to broad locks which are a pain by myself. Not even anyone else to share passage with, as the canal was almost deserted. However, the canal is gorgeous, and I passed Beeston Castle today. No good pics- it was pouring rain.
I was fortunate to spend time on Monday with the bell ringers of Daventry (and Byefield). They had a field trip outing, and by a fortunate coincidence, were in the area of Nantwich on their return from Barrow-in-Furness, where one of the fellows (Geoff Pullin) was instrumental in getting a restoration project completed. I joined them at the leaning tower of Cheshire at Wybunbury, which is all that remains of a church that failed because of soft ground, despite many attempts at stabilizing and rebuilding. We rang there, then off to another tower at Barthomley. Here they have a ring of 8, but there are fluorescent lights with exposed tubes on the ceiling of the ringing room. Nice, even lighting- until the sally (furry thing on the bell ropes) hits the tube above be, the tube comes crashing down, and there is a little confusion. The thing bounced but didn’t smash, so we just put it aside, and carried on ringing. Seems like lots of these funny events happen around me when I ring…
I am presently in Christleton, a pleasant village, but really an upscale bedroom community of Chester. If the rain holds off, Chester should be amazing. I’m looking forward to that.
