Penkridge to Acton Trussell (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

Wednesday 24^th and Thursday 25^th June

In Penkridge Wednesday is market day so we got up, had breakfast then set off to the market via the house that is making and selling the face masks as we wanted to get a couple more.  They are really well made and very comfortable.  We picked a couple up then made our way to the market.

Face Masks for Sale

There is only one entrance into the market now and they have made a queueing system to get in which snakes around the car park, we got in the queue and after a short wait we were allowed to go in, they had hand sanitiser and it was one way around the market and the pathways were wide enough to pass people so it worked really well and felt comfortable walking around.  We went to the bakers on the way back and there was quite a queue which is no surprise as it is such a great place and all the products are delicious.

One Out, One In

Today (Thursday) we are on the move.  As it is another hot day and we have to stop at the services and have 5 locks go do we set off about 8.45am .  As we were about to leave, a boat came past and the boat behind us went as well.

In He Comes

We got to Filance lock and had to wait a bit until it was our turn and a boat came up so when they came out in we went.

Penkridge Lock

Going through Penkridge

We chugged on through Penkridge and stopped at the services which is by the next lock.  We filled up with water, got rid of rubbish etc., then I got the lock ready for us.

Going under the M6

We were soon through there and on we went with the M6 alongside us to the next lock, Longford lock. A boat had just come out of the lock so it was set for us which was good.  I opened the gates and Kev brought the boat in and down we went.

M6 running alongside the canal

We chugged on to the next lock and went under the M6 and then arrived at Park Gate lock where there is a boat yard and a chandlery where we were going to stop to get a few things but it has been closed since lockdown and we have found out that it is staying permanently closed which is a shame as it was always a good place to get boat things.

Under the M6

Coming to a Bridge

A boat was coming up so I helped the lady do the lock and then when they came out, we went in.  I closed the gates and down we went.

In lock by the boatyard

Around  a Bend we go

We went on along the canal to the last lock for today, Shutt Hill lock.  When I got there a lady was on the lock and obviously they were going through whether the lock was in their favour or not as instead of waiting on the lock moorings her husband had brought the boat right up to the lock gates so if it had been our lock he would have to have reversed back out to the lock landing which would have been great but unfortunately the lock was in their favour. 

Heron in the shallows

I chatted to her and she said they didn’t live on their boat it was their second home and had been out over 3 weeks and she said I know we are not supposed to stay overnight but we are and we don’t care!  Good job everyone doesn’t have that attitude!

We got through the lock okay and chugged on around the corner and moored up in a lovely sunny open spot at Acton Trussell.

We are now staying here for a few days as the forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is for rain and thunder storms and as you know we don’t boat in the rain! Then we will head on a bit further.

Moored at Acton Trussell