Monday 30 July: Nantwich to
Audlem with Carson, George and Josh (5 ½ miles, 2 locks)
We have been blessed by various family members wanting to visit us on
the boat in the summer holidays, for we love to see them. We haven't
managed to fit everyone in, sadly, but we do try! Our nephew Carson
and sons George and Josh came by train to Nantwich from Scotland via
John's sister Liz. Meeting them at Morrisons, we were shocked to see
George lying on the floor, supported by Carson, with solicitous
Morrisons staff helping. A Paramedic soon arrived and George was
taken to hospital with Carson for a check up, while Josh came with us
to choose suitable food for the next few days. Taxis charge a premium
to come from Crewe to Nantwich, as local taxi firms seem to stick to
weddings, etc.. Local elderly shoppers are not well served! Happily,
George received a clear bill of health, so mum and dad decided that
he would cope with a quiet few days on the boat.
In gentle breeze, with sun peeking through clouds, we travelled
gently through quiet countryside to the two Hack Green Locks, by the
Cold War Nuclear Bunker, now a tourist attraction. Once through, we
passed the modern, large OverWater Marina to moor at one of John's
favourite places, looking over the lovely lake in the Weaver valley
a few hundred yards before Audlem bottom lock.
Mist and wildfowl in morning or evening make this place idyllic.
Chairs out, red wine, tea and a game of Settlers of Catan later,
ended the day more happily than it started. Josh is determined to
win, although John did tonight!
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| George and Josh relaxing on Annie at our Audlem mooring |
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| the view from our mooring below Audlem Locks |
Tuesday 31 July up Audlem and
Adderley locks to Market Drayton (6 ½ miles, 20 locks)
We moved up three locks in the sunshine to moor near the Shroppie
Fly, to get rid of rubbish and empty loo holding tanks.
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| Shropshire Union Flyboat Saturn at Audlem |
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| Carson at lock 15 bottom lock Audlem |
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| Annie moored near services, Shroppie Fly, and Audlem Mill shop |
The Dometic
Vacuflush loo decided to be difficult, so John took a screwdriver to
it and threatened it with a “damned good thrashing” (as any
Fawlty Towers fan would!) , while Liana, Josh and Carson had a walk
round the lovely village of Audlem and visited the butchers shop (a
must!). Audlem Mill Shop has lots on sale, including a really
excellent selection of new and used canal books. John had to resist,
limiting himself to just three!
Carson made a decent fist of taking Annie through some of the locks
as we passed up the Adderley flight, improving as he learned to watch
for water currents from bywashes and allow for the time Annie takes
to respond to the tiller. After twenty locks, the final three miles
to Market Drayton gave time for recovery! Carson and the boys had a
walk to explore the town and get fizzy drinks. After a pasta
bolognese meal, Liana suggested Settlers of Catan, so we played until
after the evening sun set. The red wine went down well, too.
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| Market Drayton mooring |
Wednesday 1 August Market Drayton
to Tyrley Locks, Norbury and through Gnosall Heath (16 ½ miles, 5
locks)
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| leaving Market Drayton |
A lovely, sunny morning saw us leave Market Drayton moorings and
motor the short distance through the short but atmospheric Tyrley
Cutting to the five scenic Tyrley locks. Woodseaves Cutting is long,
deep, with ferns and widows tongue, plus rocky sections towering
overhead. We passed the Wharf Tavern, Goldstone Wharf and Little
Soudley, with its lines of moored boats. We could see The Wrekin on
the horizon to the West.
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| Tyrley Cutting |
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| Tyrley Cutting |
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| Tyrley Locks in the sun |
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| Carson and Liana at Tyrley Locks |
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| Woodseaves Cutting is very deep |
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| Woodseaves Cutting rocky part |
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| Warehouse at Knighton |
At Knighton, the overhanging loading bay was empty of boats. After
the high Shebden Embankment, we paused for a beer at the isolated
Anchor pub, with its tiny bar. The Wadworth 6X is still from the jug
/ handpump, as Pearson's Canal Guide states. Daughter Jo flies from
Cardiff to Perth, Australia, today, and the weight limit has tested
her packing skills. Bon voyage!
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| the famous Grub Street double arched bridge |
Through the long deep, bosky Grub Street Cutting, with its double
arched bridges and telegraph pole on one bridge, we eventually
emerged at Norbury Junction, busy with day boats, diesel and water
points. Carson and the boys visited the cafe and shop while we sorted
water and loo holding tanks.
It has been gratifying to hear that Carson reads this blog as an
antidote to the stresses of everyday life, enjoying the details of
our boating journeys. They all seem to like the relaxing pace of
life, while George and Josh seem to enjoy games of Settlers of Catan
each evening.
Carson steered across Shelmore Embankment while we chatted, to
Gnosall Heath and the short Cowley Tunnel.
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| Norbury Junction wharf and shop left, services right |
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| Gnosall Heath bridge 34 |
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| Cowley Tunnel |
We decided to moor in the
country and eat our lovely Audlem sausages (from the excellent Audlem
butchers) and mash, drink red wine, play Settlers of Catan again and
enjoy the evening sun over the ripening wheat fields. We slept well!
Thursday 2 August through Lord
Talbot's Wharf, Wheaton Aston and Brewood and up the Wolverhampton
21 locks (13 miles, 23 locks)
We were delighted to hear that Jo has arrived safely in Perth and has
finally received a valid visa!!
The last four miles to Autherley Junction have four narrow sections
through harder rock, some requiring one way working. We needed to
wait at one or two of these, plus at two bridge holes, for oncoming
boats. A couple of boats had to reverse hurriedly when they realised
we were already passing through narrows near the M54 motorway bridge.
Chris and Elaine had left their boat at Wolverhampton Boat Club while
having a few weeks at home. Carson, Josh and operated the stop lock
as Annie rose six inches onto the Staffs & Worcester Canal.
Carson walked to Aldersley Junction, where we turned onto the
Wolverhampton 21, where you climb 132 feet onto the Birmingham
plateau.
Carson soon walked ahead to lockwheel, readying each lock for John to
drive straight in. Liana and Josh did a sterling job operating the
lock. We passed a boat comin down, so several locks were set for us.
Reaching a singlehander, Carson agreed to pass him but leave a bottom
gate paddle up at future locks as we left, to help him (unless we met
more boats descending).
It is always a revelation, coming up the Top Lock and finding
yourself in the small haven of calm above. The basin by Broad Street
is surprisingly pleasant, with benches, grass and weeping willows by
the top lock wharf, with enough visitor moorings for five boats,
making a place of rest and tranquility for locals and boaters.
Friday 3 August Farewell to
Carson and the boys by Wolverhampton Top Lock
We all had time to relax and write up blog and log while waiting for
the quick train to Edinburgh for Carson and the boys, leaving from
Wolverhampton Station, a short walk away. The geese disturbed the
boys this morning, while the trains close by didn't! Later we had a
walk around the lively town centre, which is being redeveloped,
linking rail and bus stations close to shopping centres and
pedestianised areas. Our quiet day continued with lunch, then washing
clothes, tv and writing blog, before reading. Liana's sister Alison
is arriving tomorrow, after which we will decide on our itinerary for
the next few days.
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| Liana, Josh, Carson and George |
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| moorings above Wolverhampton Top Lock, near railway station |
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