Away about 7:30 again this morning. An easy run into Penkridge where we moored and had breakfast before setting off to the market. Quite a big market. We bought some sheep cheese (very nice) and a few other bits and pieces.
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| Jill ready to close the lock gate |
Back on the canal. We stopped briefly at Gailey Wharf to fill up with water and then on to the ‘Fox and Anchor’ pub for lunch. This pub was right on the water and we were able to moor about 100m before the pub. The food was again good. These pubs cater well for the passing parade whether it be by boat or car.
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| Fox and Anchor Pub |
Not too far after the pub we again turned into a new canal, this time the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction. As you turned into the canal there is a Stop Lock (only a few inches deep). Traditionally it was here so that tolls could be collected. There were a group of boys only too happy to operate the paddles and gates. It wasn’t too hard to work out that they were looking for a handout so we tipped them a couple of pounds. Guess you could say they are still collecting a toll.
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| An aqueduct over a road |
The Shropshire Union Canal is quite different to those we have been on to date. Instead of following the lie of the land, with the necessary locks to compensate, this canal was built with embankments and cuttings. It runs from the outskirts of Wolverhampton to Ellesmere Port. “The Shroppie” was one of the last canals to be built and was built in 1846 by the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company (hence the use of railway engineering with embankments and cuttings). Consequently we had very few locks. As you would expect, there are lots of aqueducts on this canal. Some over other waterways, others over roads. It’s a fascinating experience.
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| Drinks on the move |
We moored for the night just past Wheaton Aston on an embankment. It’s interesting looking down on the fields around from your boat. Baked beans for tea tonight.
