The Butter Cross, Market Drayton

We decided to move on today, but before we did I thought it was time I got the bike out again. I haven't been riding it because any exertion made me too out of breath but I've improved lately so I oiled up the cogs and chain and set off for town. This trip was necessitated by my silly trick of taking some pictures in town yesterday but when I got back to the boat finding I hadn't put the memory card back in. Doh!

The ride went ok so I'm looking forward to doing more riding in the future.

After that we set off for a short day, only travelling few miles and then dropping through the 5 Adderley Locks before tying up for the day.

At Adderley top lock there was a charming lady selling fresh scones, cakes and among other things some home cured bacon. I had a small cake (well it is my borthday!) and we also got some of the bacon, it looks wonderful, we hope it lives up to the promise.

Tyrley bottom Lock

We're moored up at the very pleasant little town of Market Drayton. The set of 5 locks which make up Tyrley flight are quite picturesque. Just for once we actually arrived at a place on market day. We usually get there a day late. This a great little place with everything most people would need. the town centre is about a ten minute walk from the canal, and boasts a good selection of shops, including a supermarket. Right on the market square is a small tea room serving excellent food. Cath had a black pudding and bacon salad and I had a mushroom omelet. Both were fantastic.

We haven't decided yet whether we will stay or move on tomorrow, we'll see what the morning brings.

Aqueduct over the canal

Lazy start as usual today. After breakfast we moved up to the facilities point and availed ourselves of all the amenities, water, elsan, and rubbish. The water flow was its usual slow self and you try not to feel guilty taking up the water point for a long time, but it's the same for everyone.

On our way again we still wonder at the engineering of this canal. long straight sections, with slight curves and still no locks. We travel through deep cuttings and over high embankments, all done to ease the passage of goods all those years ago. An idea of the depth of cutting can be gathered from the bridge in the picture. It's not actually a bridge but an aqueduct to take a stream across the canal.

We are now moored up at Goldstone wharf near Cheswardine and will go down through the 5 Tyrley Locks to Market Drayton tomorrow.

Norbury Junction

Monday 9^th May

On Saturday we turned onto the Shropshire Union Canal heading north towards its junction with the Llangollen Canal. We've learned from looking in the canal guide that we not be able to travel the whole length of the Llangollen because we may be too deep draughted. The recommended maximum draught to get to the end is 21 inches and we are 29 at our best (low on fuel) and more usually 31 or 32. We'll have to see when we get there.

We had hoped to get to Wheaton Aston in time to catch the garage open for its cheap fuel but we got there 5 minutes late so we moved on up and found a good mooring out in the country. I then carried out an engine oil change and fuel filter change. Pumped the bottom of the fuel tank to check for sludge, found some but not too much. That night there was a cracking good thunder storm to freshen things up a bit,

Sunday we stayed put and relaxed because the garage didn't open.

Today we got up fairly early and started back to Wheaton getting there about 8.30. Unusually there was no queue for the fuel pump so we were straight in and filling up. We took nearly 300 litres which should last us nearly 2 months I hope.

Turning around again we set off intending to reach Norbury Junction in time for lunch. The bright sunshine started to cloud over around 11.00 o'clock and a sharp storm blew up as we travelled across Shelmore Embankment. I had hoped to get some descent pictures of this because it is one of the great achievements of the canal age. A massive embankment to carry the canal through the countryside without following contours or needing locks. It took a huge effort in an age when there was no machinery and to be fair it has had its troubles with leaks and collapses over the years. No pictures though because all the work is hidden by trees.

We're now moored up at Norbury for the night.

PS There's just been a terrific thunder and hail storm.

Thursday 5th May

After doing the shopping in Penkeridge we decided not to stay here but to carry on and get a mooring out in the country for tonight.

The day was slightly overcast, but with a warm wind, I believe it's coming up from Spain or somewhere nice and warm which makes a change from the cold blasts we've been having lately. The canal continues on its lazy way with the tranquillity only broken where it runs alongside the M6 for a short way. It's good to be reminded of the things we don't miss about the other world out there.

We found our calm spot for the night, but it came with a comedy moment when a group of young kids came along getting their first taste of canoeing. I think the instructors need a bravery medal.

Wednesday 4th May

Yesterday we moved on down as far as Radford Bank which is as close as you can get to Stafford town. Cath walked to Hobbycraft to get some wool to make herself a hat and later on I went into town to get few things.

Today we have carried on down the canal as far as Penkeridge. On the way saw a mother duck with 16 or 17 little ducklings, there were so many that I lost count.

Once again the sun shone and once the night cold had been dispelled it was another fine day. We stopped off at the canal side chandlery but they didn't have the spares we needed for our vacuum toilet system so I'll have to try elswhere.

We remember Penkeridge fondly as it is quite a pretty place and also provides a very good butcher, veg shop and bakery. We may well stay here tomorrow but no decision yet.

The River Trent sparking in the sunshine

Monday 1st May

Another glorious day with an almost cloudless sky. The only downside was once again the wind.

After spending a fine lazy day in Rugeley we decided to move along to the Staffs & Worcs canal and moor up on the beautiful Tixall Wide for the night.

It's bank holiday Monday and the canal is full of boats meaning there is a queue for the locks but the upside of this is you get a chance to chat with people and of course there are more hands to operate the lock.

As I mentioned before the small amount of rain the other night left the boat covered in dust so when we found the water point at Great Haywood wasn't being used we decided to stop and give the boat a bit of a wash. We can at least now see that it's meant to be blue.

After that we moved down to The Wide and moored for the night.