River Weaver Navigation 28th May 2020 by Ian Bibby & Paul Goetzee.
On a very hot day, Paul Goetzee and myself, set off from Runcorn Rowing Club heading up to Dutton Locks. Paul had paddled this route last week with Roger Colman. So he was guide for the day.
Finding the Rowing Club was relatively straight forward, especially after John Vogler had advised the postcode and potential Satnav issues in an earlier Club post……..Thanks John.
We set off about 11.15 and by this time the temperature was over 20° would continue to rise over the day.
We were relatively alone for most of the journey, both up to Dutton Locks and return, Apart from a couple of anglers, and a couple of members of the Rowing Club. Chatting to them it seems that they are having the same lockdown frustrations that we are all suffering and can only book two rowers on the water at any one time.
Whilst paddling we encountered plenty of Mallard ducks with ducklings, wagtails and I believe a fleeting glimpse of a kingfisher. (Though no evidence). Heading up to the locks, we took a short diversion to look at the Sluices. Then continued to head up to the locks for lunch and well earnt rest in the shade.
The return journey was very similar to the outward leg, albeit the temperature was now up into the mid 20’s. Total distance covered was around 11 miles. Overall a very pleasant day out and good to catch up with Paul.
Runcorn Rowing Club.
Dutton Locks
Dutton Locks with Paul ‘Socially Distanced’.