On the Shropshire Union

 We waited until about 10.30 hoping the weather would make up it's mind what it was going to do, then decided to make a move. Things didn't go to badly at first, we got through the first two locks and were just working the third when a heavy shower struck. that passed and I was only a bit damp. I was walking between locks as they are only about a quarter of a mile apart. I had nearly reached the fourth lock at Gailey and the heavens dumped a torrent of water on us. By the time we were through we were both drenched even though we were both in waterproof coats and hats.

Once we were through Gailey Lock we stopped on the waterpoint to fill up. I am toying with the idea of a collecting vessel, waterbutt style, on the roof with a pipe to the watertank. The way the rain was coming down it would probably have filled the tank faster. We did linger a bit longer than necessary then as the rain eased off we headed for Autherley Junction and the Shropshire Union.

About half of our journey was in sunshine and half in a downpour, at least we got to the junction and through the stoplock dry and then moored up.

Today's journey 8.9 miles and 5 locks


So far this year we have travelled 219.2 miles, 137 locks, 5 swing bridges and 5 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1420.9 miles, 1223 locks, 61 swing bridges, 38 lift bridges and 45 tunnels