Far from the madding boat club

If only! We have gradually realised that we have been travelling these last couple of days amongst 15 boats of the Broken Cross Boat Club. Little wonder we just about got a mooring at Rode Heath and Red Bull Services are full. Actually, we have a lovely spot just above the services, with the eponymous pub just opposite us. There was no interesting wildlife the speak of today, though I forgot to mention yesterday I spotted a common sandpiper skimming along and around the boat as we approached the M6.
Back to the boat clubbers, we were having a pre dinner pint yesterday at the Broughton Arms in Rode Heath when in they charged, a liver spotted phalanx in search of nourishment. I had pondered the supposition to Elaine earlier that they must have all booked the same time off work, whereupon she responded, "Work? Have you seen how old they are?"
Now, they are a sprightly bunch but I reckon I'd get a junior membership! Anyway, they all headed off before us this morning, a superannuated tsunami heading for Bugsworth Basin, which is also our destination. I think if we take our time they could all be leaving as we arrive.
We have been fortunate with the weather today, having stayed dry despite hearing from passers by of storms we had just missed. Eleven locks in all today, almost all duplicate pairs.

Take your pick

With all those boat club members in front of us, the water level at Church Lawton was down a good 18 inches but that didn't spoil the views, of course

Wilbraham's Folly atop Mow Cop

We will get a much better look at that when we get on the Macc tomorrow but, for now, we'll chill out here before making the 270 degree turn off the Trent and Mersey. Actually, the bridge in the photograph below is really the Macc crossing us by aqueduct. All clever stuff!

View from our mooring