Back on the Shropshire Union Canal

Thursday 18th June at Norbury Junction.
A cool and breezy day, but dry. M was entranced by the reflections of the water dancing on the ceiling as she had her first cup of tea in the early morning.

We set off after breakfast and turned off the Trent & Mersey Canal on to the Shroppie through the landmark bridge at Autherley Junction and the "Stop Lock" with its huge six inch fall to prevent the Shroppie "stealing" Trent & Mersey water.

We stopped to visit Peter and Annie, who run the Napton hire base there, and spent a happy half hour catching up. We've got to know and like them over the five years since we first hired nb "Emma" from them and we always try to keep in touch.
Then we set off up the Shroppie; how lovely to be back on this, the canal where we cut our narrowboating teeth and for which we will always have a special affection!
The only intrusion into our gentle progress through the countryside was the brief (but noisy) appearance of the M54. "Horrid thing" declared M - possibly because this time she didn't see an "Eddie".

Later we passed Brewood and then the Stretton Aqueduct over the much quieter A5 "Watling Street", whence we waved imperiously to the sad motorists far below. The Aqueduct is in serious need of some TLC with a strimmer and a paint brush.

Then on to Wheaton Aston and our only proper lock of the day and where we filled MM with water and ourselves with lunch.

By the lockside, M saw some camomile growing.

R was completely taken by surprise to be hailed by someone sitting on the towpath as MM passed by. It was Rico, whom we befriended along with his lady, Lorraine, at Bosley Locks on the Macclesfield last year and we later met up with them several times last summer. We last saw them at Knowle; then they had a little cabin cruiser but were talking of buying a narrow boat, which it appears they have now done. Good for them! Such a pity that we couldn't stop to chat.
We passed through little Cowley Tunnel and then lovely Gnosall, of which we have many happy memories of times spent with our dear friends Annie and Paddy, who lived there until recently.

Our mooring for the night was at Norbury Junction. As we approached the junction, our hearts sank to see every available mooring space taken. But, just as we reached the junction itself, a boat pulled out and we were able to slip into the space - which turned out to be the prime mooring spot!

It was the closest possible mooring to the junction. What luck!
Today: 16 miles, 2 locks and 6.0 hours.
Trip: 45 miles, 17 locks and 23.3 hours.