13th July. A Grand Day Out!
The annual geriatrics day out was a very secretive affair. Bus collection before 9am at the fire station, a trip into the unknown and stop to collect some pre ordered coffee and bacon rolls added to the excitement. On top of that, some clinking of bottled real ale in cool bags at the back of the bus had everyone guessing...
The bus duly arrived at a canal side location and disembarcation  was swift for all, apart from the fact that the beer, coffee and a variety of bags with wet weather gear also needed to be removed for use on the day.
We had arrived at Anderton Marina, home to a day boat hire company and we were off on a trip down the Trent and Mersey Canal to a lunchtime destination. We were welcomed by the staff and a procession of bags, bottles and of course gentlemen of varying ages ambled down to the jetty to collect our skipper and the wonderfully named "Daydream" which was to be our home for the rest of the day.
Then it started to rain, but matter not, enough indoor room and heaters on max we set off east, towards our lunch appointment.
Now for those in the know, wine appeared around 100 yards from our cast off point. It set the tone for the day, real ale from Norton Brewery was on hand from the cool bags at a reasonable price and the rain seemed not so bad anymore.
Our skipper was a very knowledgable chap who told us of the history of the canal and pointed out landmarks as we neared them. The rain eased and the sun made enough of an appearance to merit the arrival of "mossies" at certain points of the cruise, however, we out ran them at our 4mph cruising speed with the breeze against us which was not favourable for the little biting army.
After a pleasant 3 and a bit hours, we arrived at our lunch venue, The Big Lock pub at Middlewich. It sits next to.... A big lock!

Now in order to expedite the lunch menu, your writer and organiser had tried to get people to preorder. On arrival this went out of the window as eyes were cast over the extensive specials board... Much confusion and more craft beer dispensed on tap meant that the inevitable changes were made, with staff bearing up well to the indecision and frivolity that can only happen when the total age of a group if 12 add up to more than the England cricket team can score in a year!
The meals arrived and very good they were too! Many thanks to the staff for putting up with us. It was great.
Prior to the meal, out on the balcony, we watched as the big lock proved its worth. A very busy period of holiday canal traffic on the way to Anderton and beyond. Our fine craft did not need to enter the lock and by the time the stragglers had returned, the beer was once again flowing on board and several sleepy heads were seen "lolling" to the gentle motion of the water and the aptly named "Daydream" !
On the return journey, we were treated to almost a squadron of kingfishers, swooping and http://www.thebiglockpub.com/photo-gallery-7945.htmldisappearing along the watery corridor as we glided home to the marina. Cameras clicked but the outcomes have still to be seen.
Many thanks go to Anderton Marina day boat hire, we had a brilliant day out!