Thursday 23 August 2018

Penkridge to Tixall

Gailey

Moored at Acton Trussel


Deptmore Lock.

Wild hops are prolific along this stretch of canal.

Tixall Lock.

Tuesday 21 August 2018

Snapped

At Autherley Junction we turned to port and on to the Staffordshire and Worcester canal. A very narrow section guides us down to and under the M54 motorway, we carried on until the traffic noise abated to moored beside Lower Laches farms field of longhorns.






Up early and away by 08:30, we didn't see another boat on the move until we reached Gailey top lock four miles away. 

FL slid into Brick Kiln lock fine, then the throttle cable decided to snap. I was kicking myself as I have been meaning to purchase a just in case spare for ages but never got around to it. The gear cable is identical, so foolish not have a spare on board. Anyway we waited four hours for a RCR engineer to arrive and fit one for us.
Brick Kiln lock.

That sorted we carried on to Penkridge and had a tasty burger and a drink in The Boat

Monday 20 August 2018

Norbury to Brewood Park Farm.

Machines Barn Bridge.



The canal skirts the village of Gnosall

Boat Inn bridge.


Cowley tunnel.


Cowley bridge



Turnover bridge.

Garden folly.
We stayed overnight in Wheaton Aston and in the morning we filled the diesel tank and exchanged an empty gas bottle for a full one from Turners garage. After getting rid of the dumpables at the services we headed for the lock.
Looking back to Wheaton Aston from the lock.

Sue closes the lock after FL leaves Wheaton Aston lock./

We are always surprised at some of the things crew take with them for a cruise.

Avenue Bridge.






Wednesday 15 August 2018

Betton Wood To Norbury Junction.

We had a quiet night at Betton Wood and set off before 08:00 the following morning. A quick stop in Market Drayton for supplies from Asda. We climbed the five Tyrley locks in company with other crews and a volockie which made the going easy. The water point at the top lock is very slow so we didn't bother to use it.

We carried on to moor for the night at the Anchor, but didn't go in for a beer or a t-shirt. A short cruise in the morning took us close to Norbury junction.

I have been slowly rubbing down and varnishing all the window surrounds during the summer and the last one had its first of three coats this morning. I think I deserve a pie & pint in the Junction Inn later


There are some pretty homes lockside.



Hazeldines Bridge.(49)


Shebdon Embankment comes after the old chocolate factory on the left.


Betton Wood bridge(66)

Not a good image but he has a fish in his beak.

Lambarts Bridge

High Bridge Grub Street cutting.

An old telegraph pole.

Monday 13 August 2018

I got stung

Wrenbury lift bridge

A misty start to our last day on the Llangollen canal. At Hurlston locks IWA volunteers were out in force to see boats through the four locks. Turning right on to the Shropshire union canal, a short stop at Nantwich services before continuing in blustery conditions to moor at Hack Green 

Misty start to our last day on Llangollen canal

Nearly ended up in the bushes getting this shot.

 I

Hurlston top lock.






You can exchange cash for cakes and ice cream at this lock side booth.

Pork pies at this canal side farm.





A bee left his sting sticking  out of my shoulder ... ouch.


Sunshine and Ice

Stop planks at Aston lock. Canal is frozen solid with 3" thick ice.   During last weeks cold snap we had a little frost forming on the ...