Audlem, between locks 3 and 2 to Market Drayton - Shropshire Union Canal

Tuesday 15^th and Wednesday 16^th October

Paul and Jess going by

Tuesday – We are on the move today and we had 7 locks to do.  As we were getting ready to go, Paul and Jess went by going the other way to us, we waved goodbye but I am sure our paths will cross again.

Coming into the lock

Massive clump of grass

We then set off from our mooring and although it was very overcast and damp it was dry.  We were soon at the lock and got through there okay and went on to the last lock in the Audlem flight.

Audlem Top Lock

I emptied the lock and Kev came in and soon we were going up the lock.  As we were waiting for the lock to fill, we saw a massive clump of grass which had obviously come loose from the bank of the canal coming towards the lock and it wedged itself into the top gate which was a problem for us as we would have to remove it to open the gate and get the boat out of the lock.

Wooded Section

We could have taken the easy option and just pushed it to one side to either go down the by-wash and block it or maybe go round someone’s prop so Kev took the hard option to get it out onto the towpath.  Luckily a hire boat turned up and the chap helped Kev.  It was a struggle as there was as much soil underneath the water as there was reeds on top and so they had to try and split it up and after a good half an hour and much pulling, grunting and swearing they got it all out.  Really hard work but a good job done and by this time a three boat queue had formed, oh well that’s the joys of boating.  On reflection maybe we should have staked it and tied it to the bank and rang the Canal and River Trust to remove it, if we come across another one that size we will do that.

Coming into Adderley Locks

We then headed on along the canal and after a mile or so we came to the Adderley flight of locks of which there are five.  A boat had just come out so the locks would be set for us.

We got through the first lock okay and on we went to the next lock.  These locks are close together so I can walk from one to the next.  They are also not very deep so they don’t take long to do.  There was a couple of boats coming down so that helped as well.

Going up the locks

These locks have steps at the bottom of the lock so Kev brings the boat to the lock and let’s it go in the lock as he steps off and takes a rope with him and then he does one side and I do the other, saves me having to go from one side of the lock to the other to shut the gates and open the paddles.

This system was going well until we got to the last but one lock.  Kev got off as normal and went up the steps onto the lock and usually the boat carries in into the lock and Kev just helps it along with the rope, but not this time the boat started going backwards, he has left it a touch in reverse oops!

Nearly at the top

Adderley Top Lock

I went down to the back of the boat to try and get on but the gap was too big for me to step across, meanwhile Kev was having real trouble holding onto the rope so I went round to where Kev was and hung onto the rope while Kev quickly went down the steps and managed to get back on the boat and put it in neutral, disaster averted!

Nice Morning

Coming to a Bridge

A boat had turned up waiting to go down so the lady saw all this going on, she probably thought Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb were coming through!  We were soon up the lock and onto the last one where I am glad to say no more mishaps!

Coming to Market Drayton

We chugged on a few more miles and then was approaching Market Drayton where we moored up.  In the afternoon, we went for a walk into the town and went to The Red Lion which is a Joules Brewery pub and the brewery is behind the pub.  It is a lovely old pub which dates back to 1623. 

The Red Lion

Lovely Oak Panelling

There is a room called the Brewers Hall or Mouse room and has fantastic Mouseman oak panelling on one wall carved by Robert Mouseman’ Thompson of Millburn.  His signature is a mouse carved into the wood and on this panelling there are 7 carved mice and the only nodding mouse the Mouseman has ever crafted.  There are also 3 Mouseman church pews and some furniture from Mouseman apprentices known as the Yorkshire Critters who each carved  their signatures (Gnomes, Beavers and Lizards).  It is such a lovely room and we had fun looking for all the mice, we found them all with a little help from one of the staff.

There's a Mouse

There's another one!

As it is an old pub, there are lots of little nooks and crannies to sit in.  Also on the wall there are paintings of Monks done by Andrew Tift to represent the trades which came together to build the brewery.  They are dressed as Monks because they first started the brewery many years ago.  The paintings are fantastic and look like photos, Andrew Tift is certainly talented.  Also in the bar there is the original well.  It is now glazed over and you can stare down to the illuminated watery depths below.  The well is fed by an aquifer that runs between Stone and Market Drayton, the very water that Joule’s brewed with at the 2^nd and 3^rd Brewery and today at their 4^th site.

The Monks

In addition to brewing ale of which Kev tried their Pure Blonde, they also brew their own English craft lager Green Monkey so Kev had that as well.  I had gin as they had a large selection. I tried Sir Robin of Locksley raspberry and Chase Grapefruit and Pomelo and lovely they both were.

We then went to the Bamboo Garden Chinese and got a takeaway for our tea, it was really good. We are staying here for a couple of days now.

Market Drayton Market

Wednesday – There is a market in the town today so we walked up to have a look.  There was quite a few stalls today maybe because it was dry and the sun was shining.  We had a good look around and bought a couple of things.  We also met Jane for coffee, it was nice to see her again and have a catch up.

We were going back to the boat but decided to call in again to the Red Lion as it is such a nice pub, no alcohol today though, just lime and soda and coffee and a couple of starters as snacks.  We then headed back and just chilled out for the rest of the day.

Moored at Market Drayton

Audlem Between Locks 13 and 12 to Between Locks 3 and 2 - Shropshire Union Canal

Thursday 10^th to Monday 14^th October

Thursday – our new batteries were due today so we didn’t go out, they arrived mid afternoon, then we went out for a walk to get a bit of fresh air.  

Lunch with Sheila and Tony

Friday – Kev removed the old batteries and fitted the new ones, so hopefully now everything will be back to normal.  We are going out for lunch with Sheila and Tony today and they arrived late morning to pick us up.  We had a nice drive out to Norbury Junction through places we hadn’t been before and with funny names like Loggerheads and Muckleston, a real mystery tour.  We arrived at Norbury and went into the Junction Inn for lunch.  The pub is right by the canal so we got a window table so we could watch any boats go by.  The food was really good and so was the company.  We drove back to Audlem a different way and they dropped us off near the boat. We then just chilled out for the rest of the day.  In the evening our friend Malcolm came and collected our old batteries to take them to the farm where he works to dispose of them which was a great help to us as otherwise we would have to have carried them around with us until we came across somewhere that takes old batteries and they are heavy to move and would be in the way so we were really grateful to him.

Saturday – We had a day trip on the bus to Whitchurch.  It is a nice town and we had a wander around the shops and did some shopping.  In the evening, we met our friends Jane, Malcolm, Dave and Anthea at the pub in the village, The Lord Combermere and we had a lovely evening eating lovely food, drinking gin and chatting.

Sunday – In the morning we went to Jane’s for coffee and home-made scones which were delicious and also to see little Harry, he was very pleased to see us.  Sheila and Tony came as well.  We are leaving Audlem tomorrow so we said our goodbyes to them all.  We have had a great time in Audlem with our Audlem family and and although it is sad to be moving on, it is time to go and make our way to the area where we will spend the Winter but we will see them all again soon as although on the canal we will be miles away from Audlem, by car it’s not far so we will meet up again soon.

Here he comes

Up the flight we go

Monday – We are on the move today and we have 10 locks to do.  It was dry as we set off from our mooring to the first lock.  This is a really nice flight and the locks are quite close together and are not very deep so nice to do.

One out, one in

All these done

Heave Ho!

We worked our way up the flight and met a few boats coming down which always makes life easier.  We have a system where I get the lock ready and Kev brings the boat into the lock and gets off at the steps on the other side and so he can shut one gate and I do the other and we bring the boat up on a rope, this way it saves me having to go from one side to the other and on a flight like these, it works really well.

Last lock for today

When we were working up the flight, we met Paul and his lovely dog Jess who we met back in the Summer on the Montgomery canal.  It was nice to see them again. They are moored where we are going to moor so I am sure we will see them later.

After two hours we had done the 10 locks and we moored up.  There are two more locks to do in this flight but we will save them for tomorrow.  Paul and Jess came in for a coffee and a catch-up as they are moored in front of us.

We are staying here tonight then tomorrow we are moving on to Market Drayton as it is forecast dry tomorrow but rain on Wednesday and also there is a market in Market Drayton on Wednesday so we can have a look around there.

Moored between Bridges 3 and 2, Audlem

Bridge 80 to Audlem (between locks 14 and 13) - Shropshire Union Canal

Sunday 6^th to Wednesday 9^th October

Sunday – we had some rain in the morning, but it dried up in the afternoon so we went for a walk to the cafe at the marina.  It wasn’t very warm outside, so we went inside the cafe.  Aunty Lauren wasn’t there today as it was her say off, but we got Harry a sausage and we had a scone, it was a cheese one today and very nice it was too.  We then walked back to the boat.

Coming to the Marina

Harry looking for Lauren at the Cafe

Monday – We are on the move today just about a mile and two locks to Audlem ready for Harry going back home on Tuesday.  The forecast for today was not good and for heavy rain, but although it was overcast, it was dry so we decided to take a chance and hope it holds off for a bit.

Passing Moss Hall

Coming into Audlem Bottom Lock

We set off along the canal and Harry took his usual place at the back with Kev.  We passed the marina and Moss Hall and then came to the bottom of the Audlem flight of locks.

Harry in Charge in the Lock

Chugging to the next lock

Lock No. 15

I got off and walked up to the lock.  It was full so I had to empty it, then in came Kev and Harry.  These locks aren’t very deep so soon we were at the top and going on to the next one.

There was a boat coming down, so they left the gates open for us.  We were soon through that lock and moored up in the visitor moorings before the next lock.  We did managed to get moored up in the dry, but then had some rain although nothing like they said it would be.

In Lock No. 14

Off They Go to Moor Up

In the afternoon, we went for a walk up the locks and then through the village, across the playing field and back to the boat.

We are staying here now in Audlem for a few days.  Harry lives in Audlem and is going back home tomorrow, it’s been lovely having him to stay and we shall miss him, but he is coming again in November for a week so we shall look forward to that.

Tuesday – In the morning, we took Harry for his last walk before he goes home.  Jane and Malcolm arrived in the afternoon to pick Harry up.  It was lovely to see them and we had a nice catchup and heard all about their cruise.  We then say goodbye and they went off home with Harry, it was sad to see him go as we will miss the little whirlwind but as they live in the village, we will see them all again soon.

Harry Snuggling in the chair

Kingfisher opposite our boats

Wednesday – It was nice to see the sun shining when we got up as we have had a lot of rain recently.  We looked out of the window and sat on the top of the boat opposite was a kingfisher, I managed to get a photo then he suddenly dived down into the water and came up with a fish and flew onto the cruiser in front of the boat he was first on.  I did managed to get a photo of him with the fish before he flew off but they are so quick it’s quite difficult getting a good photo.   

Kingfisher with Fish

Mid morning, we walked up to Sheila and Tony’s for morning coffee.  Kev and Tony then went off to get some logs for us and Sheila, me and Brock walked back down to the boat.  It was really good timing, as when we got there Kev and Tony had just arrived.  We carried the bags of logs to the boat then waved Sheila, Tony and Brock off, but we will see them on Friday as we are going out for lunch so looking forward to that.

Late afternoon, the coal boat Halsall came down the locks and stopped alongside to drop off some bags of coal, it’s great getting it from a boat, they give a really good service and are very friendly.

Tomorrow morning, we are moving up one lock which is near a road as we have ordered new batteries and they are being delivered sometime tomorrow, then we will stay moored there until the weekend.

Moored at Audlem

Coole Pilate to Bridge 80 - Shropshire Union Canal

Friday  4^th and Saturday 5^th October

Harry waiting for his sausage

Friday – We stayed put today and in the afternoon, we walked down to the cafe in the marina as it was a sunny afternoon and surprisingly warm for October.  Lauren, Malcolm’s niece was working at the cafe, 

Harry was very pleased to see her and he got a sausage so he was happy.  We had a coffee sat outside then walked back.  Although the sun was out, it started to rain on our way back, but it wasn’t much so we got back without really getting wet.  Late afternoon we lit the fire and just chilled out for the rest of the evening.

Coming to a Bridge

Saturday – We are moving about a mile down to Bridge 80.  We wanted to watch the Rugby as England were playing, so we set off just after 9am.  We went under a few bridges and moored up before the bridge in time to watch the Rugby on plus one.

Off we go

Used to be a bridge here

A few ducks about

In the afternoon, we walked down to Audlem as it was a nice afternoon.  We got a few supplies in the Co-op then walked back down the towpath back to the boat.

My Kingfisher

Here he is again

Opposite where we were moored, a Kingfisher came and sat on a branch.  I did get a couple of photos but it was quite difficult as I had to open the window to take them and not scare him off at the same time, they didn't turn out too bad, I am getting better at this picture taking lark!

We are staying here tonight and also tomorrow, then on Monday weather permitting we will chug down to Audlem and moor up ready for Harry to go back home on Tuesday.

Moored at Bridge 80

Nantwich to Coole Pilate - Shropshire Union Canal

Tuesday 1^st to Thursday 3^rd October

Lovely views today

Captain Harry

Tuesday and Wednesday we stayed put in Nantwich and did some food shopping and went for a few walks and did a few jobs.  Our batteries are now at the end of their life and not holding their charge so we need to get new ones.  There is a chap who lives in the cottage at the locks on the Llangollen canal and own the hire boats at Overwater Marina, he is a marine engineer so we ordered some batteries from him.  We arranged to meet him at Marsh Lane Bridge which is not far from where we are moored on Thursday at 9.30am.

Coming to a pipe bridge

Thursday – We got up, got ready and set off along the canal, over the aqueduct and passed the moored boats and moored up just before Marsh Lane Bridge.  

Hack Green Locks

Coming into the next lock

I like sitting here!

Well it got to 10.45am and no sign of the batteries being delivered so Kev gave him a ring and he said he was running late and didn’t seem sorry at all and didn’t even say how much longer he would be until Kev asked him, he then said oh at least another hour.  It came across that he wasn’t bothered about selling us the batteries so we told him we weren’t going to wait around and we cancelled the order, he just said okay, which was a pity as we were going to use him for an engine service but perhaps he would have let us down with that as well, maybe things happen for a reason.

More Bridges

Under we go

We untied and set off along the canal, under a few bridges and then came to Hack Green Locks.  There was a few boats coming down so our passage up the two locks was easy and quick as I had help from the other boaters.

Harry watching the world go by

Yes, can I help you!!

We chugged on and moored up at Coole Pilate Leisure area, this is a lovely open quiet spot to moor.

We are staying here until Saturday when we will move down to Bridge 80 by the marina.

Moored at Coole Pilate

Hurleston Junction to Nantwich - Shropshire Union Canal

Sunday 29^th and Monday 30^th September

We stayed put on Sunday and didn’t do much.  It was a sunny morning so we headed out for a walk, we did take umbrellas with us as rain was forecast and they were right as when we were walking back, it started to rain and got harder and harder and so we got a little wet but we managed to get back to the boat before it absolutely chucked it down.

Bright Morning at the Moment

Today (Monday) we are moving onto Nantwich and we were pleased to see it was dry today and the sun was out.

On we go

We set off from our mooring along the canal going under a few bridges.  We passed a few boats going the other way but the canals are generally quiet now.

We chugged on, Harry sat out the back with Kev as usual.  

Harry Ready to Face the Rain

After a couple of miles, we were at Nantwich and we were going to moor in the moorings before the bridge and the services but there were plenty of moorings the other side so we went there instead.  We got the first mooring nearest the services which is always good as then we can reverse back to get water before we leave.

Coming into Nantwich

I then went into town to do some food shopping while Kev took Harry for a walk while the sun was still shining.  Later on in the afternoon it clouded over and started to rain and got harder and harder so Kev and Harry had to put raincoats on when they went out for their teatime walk, glad it was Kev’s turn to take him and not mine!

We are staying here for a couple of days now then will head on a bit further slowing making our way to Audlem.

Moored at Nantwich