HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!

Its James’s birthday today so we are staying put here in Manchester for another couple of days and plan to go out for a meal later.  We have managed to get most of his birthday cards up here from home!

James received this morning a beautiful bouquet of flowers and chocolates from daughter Vicki, Tom and grandpuppy Ernie.
Yesterday we spent a quiet day -  using the YHA here in Castlefield to get the washing, drying and ironing done.  A very useful amenity considering there is only a water point in the canal basin.  The Bridgewater Canal, in general, is not good for boating facilities.
A few of the views of the Castlefield basin and moorings:-

The Beetham Tower dominates the city over the Rochdale Canal.  This is the first lock in the Rochdale flight.

The Castlefield area around by the YHA.  This area is where the Bridgewater canal finishes and was the ‘port’ of Manchester in the early days of the industrial revolution.  The old wharf buildings and massive cast iron structures around here are very impressive.

Our mooring in the Castlefield basin -  not so busy here now.

Some of  the wonderful flower displays all around the city. The picture doesn’t do it justice - they are all of the same colour scheme (a limited palate as they say in artistic circles) and they look fantastic everywhere.  These are outside the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) at Castlefield and well worth a visit.
Last night we ate at the The Lost Dean half way along Deansgate. We just had to recommend it as the staff couldn’t be more helpful, and the food was incredible for the price, We paid £4.95 for a bottle of excellent red wine,  2 main courses for £6.95 (for both not each!) and 2 desserts at buy one get one free at £3.95.  Amazing value and really good pub food -  I had Scampi and James had a vege lasagne both were excellent so we highly recommend it if you are this way.  Certainly wouldn’t find prices like this down South!
We have eaten out every day since we’ve been here and we’re amazed at the low prices of food and drink.