Penkridge To Hatherton Junction, 6 Locks.

Then On To Bridge 7 The Shroppie, 1 Stop Lock.

 

A crazy shopping day.

As it was a cracking day on Friday we left Penkridge in our wake and we were soon at this delightfully named lock. This was one of the six we worked through before we stopped for the day at a lovely spot out amongst the sheep and cows.

We were staying here for another day, but the weather was far too good to miss again so away we went.
Two or three hours was the plan as that would put us within easy reach of a supermarket that we knew about around Autherley Junction.

That plan was soon out of the window as this very narrow stretch is not far from the junction to the Shroppie, where does the time go?

Not the best place to meet a "Yellow Peril" coming the other way.

We had found their nest on Friday and that one must have been going home.

The upshot of the day was that we actually picked the shopping up and have moved quite a way along the Shroppie........... which is still as straight as ever.


There will be no moving today, the leg must rest.

Absolutely NO drinking allowed with these tablets..........AAgggghhhhhhhhh!!!!





Until next time.........................






.

Tixall Wide To Penkridge, 6 Locks.

Off to the quacks.

Leaving the "Wide" yesterday.......... What more can you say about that?

The day was like this for it's entirety, not a breath of wind and quite warm.
This made the weather guessers evening round up of the day seem completely daft, they talked of the strong easterly breeze keeping the temperatures down today.
Have they no windows to look out of?

On the approach to Penkridge we were lucky enough to arrive just as a fishing competition had ended, thirty odd poles stretching across the canal in front of you is always a problem.

Arriving here the leg was worse than ever so a doctor had to be found.
Thank goodness for the Internet, a quick phone call, and it was "could we get there straight away?"
One hour later and we were back on the boat!!
This was after having been registered as a temporary patient, seen and examined by a doctor who prescribed  the antibiotics that were waiting at their own pharmacy and a fifteen minute walk each way..........Unbelievable.


I can only compare this type of service to the nonsense that most people have to endure back in our home town.
Getting past the receptionist is a nightmare, and if you do you can rarely get an appointment within a week..........I'm not joking.




Until next time.....................






.

Rugeley To Tixall Wide. 3 Locks.

A short hop.............literally.

Moving on from Rugeley on Friday  - and hoping for the promised fine weather - we were soon at the very compact Colwich Lock. Squeezing a bridge, a walkway and a set of gates into an area this tiny has left BW having to fit more balance weights to the end of the beams.

There was a good splash of colour in the lock keepers garden though..............

................it was in total contrast to the very autumnal day that stayed with us throughout, there was no sign whatsoever of the promised sunshine.

We arrived at Great Haywood Junction for a needed top up of water and it was here my leg said "no more".
So we turned onto the Staffs & Worcs and to our great surprise found the "Wide" with only three boats on it. That very soon changed as the world and his wife turned up for the weekend but at least we were moored.

I am afraid we are still here, the leg is all infected now so it looks like a trip to the quacks will soon be on the cards.




Until next time.........................






.