Heading for Home Waters

Saturday 6th August,  and I was snug and snoozy, but Andrew was keen to get on, so I let him. Lock free cruising after all, until Tyrley at lunchtime. Definitely back in familiar territory. 

I always have problems deciding who is nearest a bridge hole.. what do you reckon?

A really beautiful day for boating, sunshine but not too strong, a gentle breeze, no oncoming traffic at Woodeaves, beatiful rural scenery: all matters for thanks.

We stopped for a late lunch south of Market Drayton before the tree shaded embankment.

And there we stopped for the weekend because, with a view like this, who wouldn't?

Sunday was an idle, reading, pootling sort of day with an excursion into town for Sunday lunch. Red Lion, Joules tap house, excellent. Worth asking about gluten free options because, while they had indicated some, by no means all were noted. Thus I had an emotional reunion with a steak pie, oh joy!

Monday, and cast off at 8am. Somewhat annoyed that one boat of three looked at our approach and set off directly in front, and then the next two immediately behind. They were right on our button past  the long lines of moored boats: clearly a very different view of tickover.

Eventually Andrew pulled over and they gracelessly passed, avoiding eye contact while remarks were exchanged.

Soon enough we caught up to them at Adderley Locks. Well, we lurked well behind and did some foraging: blackberries and bullace:

and did not lift a finger to help them, despite this being our usual practice. A steady stream of boats going the other way was lovely. The sun came out,

 the threesome moored up, and then there was a volunteer lockie! The day just kept getting better.

Half way down Audlem Hill and strong sunshine:

Although a lot of leaky lock gates:

and low pounds:

But we got moored up just below lock 11, which is also just above Audlem village centre. Lots of solar, and a quiet spot with very little in terms of the Shroppie Shelf. (Underwater obstruction,  designed to protect the canal bank, and a pain)