On the Curly Wyrley

Today's journey along the Wyrley & Essington Canal proved to be far more pleasant than I expected. I had reservations about such an urban waterway but it was remarkably free of rubbish, the inevitable empty beer cans and drinks bottles but only one traffic cone and no supermarket trolleys! The canal twists and turns, at times doubling back on itself, the distance by canal is double the "as the crow flies" distance.

Apart from one stretch near the M6 the water remained incredibly clear, we cruised along watching the fish among the reeds and waterlilies. There was a mix of scenery from housing and industry to woodland and farmland. The names of some of the bridges bear witness to the area's industrial past, we passed under Brick Kiln Bridge, Goscote Works Bridge, Pelsall Works Bridge and York's Foundry Bridge. There are several small basins and disused arms off the main line of the canal, all of which served the the local industry.

We bypassed the Cannock Extension Canal as we wanted to reach Anglesey Basin for an overnight mooring and we had made a rather late start. Our plan was for Mandy, Tony and the kids to join us tomorrow and visit Chasewater Country Park but unfortunately they have a problem with their car so the visit is off.

We could carry on our journey over the weekend but as it will take us through a large amount of suburban Birmingham I think we will leave it until Monday. We might go back and explore the Cannock Extension or we might just be lazy!

Today's journey 15.6 miles

So far this year we have travelled 662.3 miles, 534 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 26 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 1864 miles 1620 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels

The old Bentley Arm

Having spent yesterday doing not a lot, reading and rugging, we had and early start this morning ready for the long haul up to Wolverhampton. I think it takes longer to rip up the fabric strips and cut them to length than it does to make the rug. Rug number 2 is about half complete.

The morning had a definite autumnal feel with quite a lot of mist hanging around the canal. We struck lucky with the first ten locks of the flight being in our favour, actually had to empty the eleventh and thought we would have the remainder of the flight against us. As we were working up through the lock a boat entered the lock above on it's way down so not only was the lock in our favour, I didn't even have to nudge the gates open to get in!

We only met one more boat coming down. The water here is crystal clear, whether that is down to water quality or just that the lack of traffic means the silt on the bottom doesn't get stirred up I don't know.

Anyway we had a good journey,we managed the 22 locks (including the stop lock at the junction) and 2.6 miles to the services at Broad Street basin in three and a half hours. The early part of the journey was in glorious sunshine but towards the top of the flight the sky clouded over and we had a brief shower.

After we dumped the rubbish and emptied the loo we decided to head for the moorings at the, now disused, Bentley Arm. Tomorrow we will head for the Anglesey Arm and Chasewater.

Today's journey 4.2 miles, 22 locks and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 646.7 miles, 534 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 26 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 1848.4 miles 1620 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 66 tunnels

Up the junction

After spending the day yesterday watching the rain and rag rugging we pulled pins and headed for Autherley Junction. After less than a mile we encountered a tree down, almost blocking the canal. We were able to squeeze past on the towpath side, engine in neutral to avoid fouling the prop as we drifted over the submerged branches. It had fallen from the offside so the trunk was that side.

I spent the remainder of the journey warning any oncoming boats of the hazard, and giving helpful advice to hirers about putting the engine in neutral. I also phoned C&RT to tell them about it but I think they had other things to worry about as the Trent & Mersey has breached near Preston Brook and also suffered erosion at Croxall Flash. As a result the canal is closed from Middlewich to Preston Brook. Glad I wasn't heading that way!

We managed to get to the junction before the rain stated again, in fact we even managed to get to Morrison's before the rain started. Unfortunately we didn't manage to get back to the boat before it started! Tomorrow looks wet again so that will be another going nowhere day!

Today's journey 4.9 miles

So far this year we have travelled 642.5 miles, 512 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 25 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 1844.2 miles 1598 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 65 tunnels

Ready for the weather!

We stayed at Wheaton Aston yesterday and moved the vast distance (not!) to Brewood today.

As I have mentioned before we don't want to tackle the Wolverhampton and Birmingham suburbs at the weekend so our original plan was to go up the Wolverhampton 21 on Monday, however the weather forecast has meant a change of plans.

I walked to the shop before we left to pick up milk, bread and bacon, then back to the boat for bacon sandwiches before we left. There were a few hire boats about, I feel a bit sorry for them when the weather is bad. Our journey was uneventful, not as lucky as last time, we met three boats at bridge holes and one at the Stretton Aqueduct which slowed us down a bit but we weren't going far anyway.  We reached Brewood in time to watch the Singapore Grand Prix, and before the rain started. At the moment the rain is persistent but not too heavy but it is forecast to be a lot worse tomorrow. Tuesday might be better, I'll wait and see! At the moment Wednesday is forecast to be awful too!

Our revised plan is to stay here for a couple of days and watch the rain, possibly move to the junction with the Staffs and Worcester on Tuesday then sit and watch the rain again on Wednesday! It looks as if Thursday will be the first day when I would contemplate tackling 21 locks!

I've managed to finish the rag rug I've been making from old jeans, terrible pun warning, I suppose you could say that it is 'jeans ethically modified'. Well, I did warn you! It looks rather good actually.

Two days of rain watching will probably inspire more creativity!

Today's journey 3 miles and 1 lock

So far this year we have travelled 637.6 miles, 512 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 25 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 1839.3 miles 1598 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 65 tunnels

A dent in the bank balance!

We waited until nearly eleven this morning for the rain to stop before heading for Wheaton Aston. Our timing today was very good, we managed not to meet any oncoming boats in the narrow Cowley Cutting. That luck continued, every time we met a boat it was on a nice wide stretch not at bridge holes or opposite moored boats.

We weren't as lucky with the weather, about an hour into our two hour journey the rain started again, by the time we reached Wheaton Aston we were both cold and drenched. Even wearing waterproofs you still feel wet. After filling up both our diesel tank and jerry cans, a total of 156 litres of diesel and buying a gas bottle we were feeling rather broke as well! As the rain hadn't stopped we reversed back across the canal into a convenient gap between moored boats and decided we had done our bit for the day!

I'm now sat in front of a nice warm fire with a cup of coffee and a chocolate muffin, feeling a lot better! It's our first real fire since spring, we've lit the stove a few times but not a proper blaze until today. It's beginning to feel quite autumnal although the leaves are still all green.

Today's journey 4.9 miles and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 634.6 miles, 511 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 25 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 1836.3 miles 1597 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 65 tunnels

Pork pie at last!!

Ever since we first came to the Shroppie we have been hearing about the pork pies available from the butchers at Gnosall and we have never managed to time our visits so that we were able to buy one. Today, at last, I managed to buy one and I wasn't disappointed. It was possibly the best pork pie I've ever had, can't quite decide between this one and the one I bought in Skipton.

We had a slow journey today, there are always so many moored boats along the canal here. We stopped at Norbury to top up the watertank then continued our leisurely journey to Gnosall. The weather was kind to us, the rain held off until after we had moored and done our shopping. We stocked up with cheap cakes and biscuits and the aforementioned pork pie.

The weather forecast is for rain, showers and more rain so we will probably just make a bit of progress  each day so that we reach the junction on Sunday ready for our assault on the flight on Monday!


Today's journey 5.1 miles

So far this year we have travelled 629.7 miles, 511 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1831.4 miles 1597 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

High Offley

We've had a prolonged stay at Market Drayton, Ray was still suffering on Monday morning so he made a doctor's appointment for Tuesday. The diagnosis was tendonitis or a slight muscle strain, so he is under orders to take things easy. At least it wasn't anything serious.

We moved on the High Offley today and moored near the Anchor where we spent six weeks frozen in nearly two years ago. There were a few boats on the move so the five locks were relatively easy. That was followed by a slow cruise through Woodeaves cutting, the site of the rockfall in early 2011.

Today I have given advice about being a liveaboard, buying a boat, good places to moor and recommended George's sausages!

We are only two very easy days cruising from the Wolverhampton 21 and I don't want to tackle that at the weekend, travelling around Birmingham is something better done on a weekday so we will head up the flight on Monday. That leaves us with a couple of days to waste so we will see what the weather brings before decide which days to travel.

We will stop for our usual diesel fill up at Turner's at Wheaton Aston on the way through.

Today's journey 9 miles and 5 locks


So far this year we have travelled 624.6 miles, 511 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1826.3 miles 1597 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Market Drayton

Yesterday was a very windy day so we stayed at our mooring and didn't even consider moving.

Ray wasn't feeling too good this morning so we made a fairly late start, but as we were only planning a short journey it wasn't a problem. I think he's probably pulled a muscle but it he's still suffering on Monday he might have to go to the doctor's. The sun was shining and the wind had dropped so it was a nice day to cruise. I let Ray have a restful time and took the tiller most of the way, just handing over for the locks so I could do the hard work there!

No cakes at the farm shop at the top lock at Adderley, they might have had some at the farm but I couldn't be bothered to walk over, very lazy of me!

We had a very easy cruise to Market Drayton and were moored by early afternoon.

Made a smashing casserole with the Pork and Wholegrain  Mustard Sausages that I bought from George's Pork and Poultry and lock 15 at Audlem, absolutely gorgeous!! Anyone passing through Audlem flight should definitely shop there!

Today's journey 4.5 miles and 7 locks

So far this year we have travelled 615.6 miles, 506 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1817.3 miles 1592 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Locks not miles

We have been visiting with Barry and Alex, who now have Pharoah dogs as well as their Chinese Cresteds and Pugs, so we have been mugged by dogs instead of cats for a couple of days.

While we were here on the mooring we met a couple from Redhill on the River Soar. John builds boats and we had a look at his which was on it's maiden voyage. Very nice, all fitted out in oak, all I need is a big lottery win!

I walked down to George's yesterday and bought 'Pork with Wholegrain Mustard' and 'Welsh Dragon' sausages with some potatoes, leeks and red onions. George's Pork & Poultry are at the Whitchurch Boat Rally this weekend but will be trading at lock 15 at Audlem as well.

Today it was time to move on, we only went as far as the moorings between locks 2 and 3, which is where we collected all our damsons last year. A bit too late for any this year, there are a few but not enough to be worth the effort of collecting them. Tomorrow we won't be moving as there are high winds forecast then we will head for Market Drayton on Saturday.

Today's journey 1.5 miles and 10 locks


So far this year we have travelled 611.1 miles, 499 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1812.8 miles 1585 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Audlem

Our journey to Audlem was fairly easy.There was quite a queue to come down Hack Green Locks but only one boat ahead of us going up. This meant that I had very little work to do as there were lots of other people on the paddles and gates. I had a nice chat at the bottom lock and recommended the Llangollen as the nicest direction to head in to someone who was out on his first trip. After that it was a very easy cruise up to Audlem,

I had another nice chat at George's, the "shop" at the bottom lock and the lady there helped us through the lock. I'll walk back down later in the week to get some supplies as I don't really need anything at the moment.

Two more locks saw us onto the five day mooring opposite The Shroppie Fly where we will stay for a few days to give us a chance to visit Barry and Alex. As it was still early I went across to Audlem Mill and bought some crafty bits, including a gauge for cutting fabric for rag rugs, I should be able to cut stuff up a lot quicker and more evenly now.

Today's journey 5.1 miles and 5 locks


So far this year we have travelled 609.6 miles, 489 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1811.3 miles 1575 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Feels almost like home!

Today we travelled until we reached Nantwich, just beyond actually. We spent so much time around this area last year, we know it so well. After having shopped in Chester on Wednesday and knowing I can shop in Audlem there was no reason to go into Nantwich. We did see a couple of people who remembered us as we passed through.

My brother had suggested that I might like to visit Beeston Castle while I was moored near there and it was only about half a mile from last night's mooring spot so would have been an easy walk. Apart from the uphill climb that is! Although I can walk for miles on the flat, hills and I don't go to well together. I didn't think my dodgy knee would be up to it.

At Beeston Iron Lock we met up with another boat who waited for us at Beeston Stone Lock and then we shared locks up through Bunbury. We parted company at Calverley where we stopped for the services, they were heading up the Llangollen. It was so nice to meet someone who wasn't in a rush.

We did another boat that wasn't rushing, a day boat out of Nantwich Marina. Once you reach Barbridge the journey is fairly slow anyway because of the moored boats but they managed to acquire a convoy of five boats including us behind them. I didn't mind too much but it was very slow going.

We made the most of the lovely weather, it's all supposed to change again next week, if you can trust the forecast. We will probably take a few days off when we reach Audlem and visit Barry and Alex.


Today's journey 9.9 miles and 5 locks

So far this year we have travelled 604.5 miles, 484 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1806.2 miles 1570 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Heading back, again

We spent yesterday in Chester, the 'park and ride' is only about ten minutes walk from where we were moored. We didn't go walking round the walls this time but did visit the cathedral. Although Chester Cathedral isn't as ornate as some, there is some very ornate carving in the quire, and a very impressive organ. Some very nice mosaics on the north side of the nave too.

Carving depicting the crucifixion above the entrance to the quire

Very impressive organ

I managed to find two green men amongst the ceiling bosses in the cloister, we pagans get everywhere! Not like Tewkesbury where there are loads, I think it's over fifty carved by the masons there.

Apart from visiting the cathedral we just had a wander, did a little bit of non-food shopping the hopped on the 'park ad ride' back to the boat. 

As it was a lovely evening we decided to turn the boat ad head back out of town so the cats could have a bit of freedom.

This morning we made our way back almost to Beeston to a spot where the towpath is wide enough to put the clothes airer out, then spent the afternoon getting some washing done. We counted the moored boats at Gold Nook on the way back, we made it space for 141, 129 of which were occupied! 

It's another warm evening, 60F at nine tonight.

Yesterday and today's journeys 7.7 miles and 1 lock

So far this year we have travelled 594.6 miles, 479 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1840.4 miles 1565 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Chester

We had a fairly long day by our standards today. We left Hurleston mid morning and reached the outskirts of Chester late afternoon. Compared to our normal three hourish days that was a lot.

We stopped twice en route, once at Barbridge to post Mikey's birthday card, the again at Calverley to top up our water tank.

The canals are really quiet now the school holidays are over, there were twelve Anglo Welsh hire boats moored two abreast at their base below the locks at Bunbury and we only saw about six boats on the move all day. It's a good thing there isn't a water shortage as we had a boat ahead of us who obviously didn't want to share locks and twice went through a lock although we were in sight. Oh well, it takes all sorts!

Apart from the inevitable slow trek past the over a mile of moored boats at Gold Nook there were no other delays.

After a cuppa we did the usual trip to Sainsburys and plan a trip into Chester tomorrow. The cats aren't happy because the canal is right beside the A41 here so they have to stay in.

Today's journey 14.6 miles and 6 locks


So far this year we have travelled 586.9 miles, 478 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1832.7 miles 1564 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Back on the Shroppie

We waited a while this morning in the hope that the wind would ease off a bit but when it reached half ten without any real sign of improvement we decided to move anyway. Luckily there weren't too many moored boats so we were able to keep our speed up which made for easier handling in the wind.

There were quite a lot of boats on the move, most heading in the opposite direction to us for the Ellesmere Canal Festival at the weekend. It made life a lot easier at the locks as there was always at least one extra pair of hands.

We stopped briefly at Burland intending to get a loaf of bread from the shop and hopefully post Mikey's birthday card. We failed on both counts as the shop was closed and no sign of a postbox.. I managed to find an 'online postbox locator' so I know where I can post the card tomorrow.

We have moored for the night at the bottom of Hurleston locks and will carry on our journey to Chester tomorrow. We probably won't go all the way into Chester, there is a 'park and ride' not far from the canal on the outskirts so we will probably moor near there and take the bus in. It will save us a lot of locks and from past experience Chester moorings can be a bit congested.

Today's journey 8.3 miles, 9 locks and 2 lift bridges

So far this year we have travelled 572.3 miles, 472 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 24 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 1818.1 miles 1558 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 64 tunnels

Farewell to Kathy & Co

This morning it was time to bid Kathy & Co farewell until next year. They were heading back to Ellesmere for the start of the school term on Wednesday and we have headed in the opposite direction down through Grindley Brook and onwards towards Hurleston where we will rejoin the Shroppie and head for Chester.

We got about halfway to Hurleston today, in time if not miles, we had the usual delay at Grindley Brook to top up the fuel tank. It has been really noticeable today how few hire boats there are about, a fair number of privately owned boats though. The lockie at Grindley Brook reckoned that Wrenbury haven't got a single boat out on hire this week! Bad news for them and also for us as they will no doubt be moored two abreast on the approach to the lift bridge there.

The weather today has been glorious and I'm sat here with the doors open both ends of the boat and it is still really warm.I would sit outside but find it hard to adjust the brightness computer screen to a level where I can see it comfortably in sunlight!

Today's journey 5.1 miles, 10 locks and 1 lift bridge

So far this year we have travelled 564 miles, 463 locks, 49 swing bridges, 21 lift bridges and 24 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 1809.8 miles 1549 locks, 105 swing bridges, 59 lift bridges and 64 tunnels