Wednesday 29th April Uncharted territories --------------------- By Tuesday evening we had completed almost half our trip in just over 24 hours making the most of the good weather. Wednesday also dawned with clear skies, but we had a relaxing start to the day.
We were able to reflect on the characteristics of the Shropshire Union Canal. It is indeed a canal, and substantially in Shropshire. One can add that it is substantially straight. And there are too many linear moorings. Fortunately it passes through some tranquil and beautiful farmland. It also gets boats from the midlands to the north, quite efficiently. We like it. We left Gnosall around 10:30. Pit-stopped at Norbury which was all very efficient and not busy. Red diesel 48p (same as Wheaton Aston). Resisted temptation to visit The Anchor at High Offley and The Wharf at Shebdon. Refreshments taken on board at a fraction of the PH tariff. Saw a less than shiny nb Raven at Lambarts Bridge 41. Dave Hearmon eat your heart out. A bit further north passed Mike Skyners nb Pangur Ban. Fisticuffs almost broke out when a typically opinionated and misguided grey engine freak started abusing the greenery in our engine room as we approached Tyrley top. Plenty of upcoming boats eased our transit. Arrived Market Drayton for a late lunch stop at somewhere near 3:30. The boater in front immediately started the engine and battened down his hatches. There is a recurring theme here. The sun still shone and we decided to push on again, through the attractive Market Drayton and through Adderley 5 locks with no other traffic. If it isnt raining early Thursday we will take a run at the Audlem 15 BEFORE breakfast. Though a late peek outside finds it windy with dark looking clouds hanging about the place. We only have 9 hours to go so Im sure well get chance to dodge the showers/storms/deluges between now and Saturday. Beeky
