I didn’t get my walk yesterday afternoon because it absolutely threw it down with rain for hours. I was looking at some of the rain gauges, and places nearby had more than an inch in six hours. Fortunately by this morning the weather had calmed down, although it had turned very cold. We needed to be in Marple, so got under way just before 8; by 9.30 we were moored up just before Bridge 2. An hour later I walked along to the wharf to do an interview for a future podcast.
The main reason we’re in Marple is because Macc had an appointment at 12 for his second vaccination. We were seeing the same vet we saw last time.
Macc was pretty good in the sling on the way there, and was very well behaved in the waiting room. One of the nurses came out to see him, because she had a Border who died a couple of years ago. Macc was also very good with the vet, and didn’t even seem to notice having his jab. He also had his claws trimmed again (hopefully once he’s out and about they’ll wear down naturally), and we got another monthly flea, tick, and worm tablet. After that we walked along the pedestrianised shopping street to a shop recommended by Cal the trainer, Barkley and Fetch, where they make nice harnesses and leads. He was able to try them on, and they certainly fit better than the one he already has and hates. It’s also quite adjustable so he shouldn’t grow out of it too quickly. We got one in a herringbone fabric, to match the fabric on the boat!
Next stop was the pet shop where we got him some rabbits ears and a pigs ear. He had the pigs ear when we got back to the boat, and at first he wasn’t too sure what to make of it. He was soon devouring it, to such an extent that I took it off him so he didn’t make himself sick!
We had lunch of sausage rolls from the nice cafe and bakery on Market Street, then Adrian went to the Post Office to collect one parcel and drop off another. Then when he was back I went for a walk to find the end of Middlewood Way, and Marple Rose Hill Station, which was originally the stop at the end of the Macclesfield, Bollington, and Marple Railway (which is now Middlewood Way). Rose Hill is a funny little place with a single track and a single platform, but has trains to Manchester Piccadilly.
The Marple end of Middlewood Way is just beyond.
I came back via the Asda and Co-op in town for some top up shopping.
4 miles, 0 locks. (42 miles, 0 locks)