Signal - at last.

We arrived in a wet Market Drayton this morning (Sun 25/9) having spent the last week trying in vain to get a decent 3G signal, one strong enough to upload to the blog.  Since Tixall we`ve rescued V from the drink (nothing to do with her alchohol consumption, which is minimal by anyones standard - a small sherry at Christmas at most); had a cover welded over the fuel cap (to stop anyone coming along and filling us up when we`re not looking); and had our domestic batteries tested (they`re OK - but only just).

We joined the Shropshire Union at Autherley Junction and from there it was a lock free passage (except for one at Wheaton Aston) all the way through Norbury Junction to Tyrley.  We stopped for two nights at Brewood, where the moorings are within easy reach of the town, and had a night at Norbury Junction. Sue wanted to visit a floating bog - despite the fact we already had one - close to bridge 40 (Norbury village), which is a place to find interesting plants & bugs.  It was a very pleasant nature reserve (Loynton Moss), so we spent a night moored there before moving to a mooring with rings near Nighton Wood (bridge 47).  We spent last night above Tyrley locks (five) and came down this morning - in rapid time due to lock-key weilding, "I do it for the excercise" local. (Sue called him the 'Lock Fairy' but I don't think he took offence).

Modern tractors in a ploughing competition beside the canal, vintage tractors had their own competition on the other bank a little further along.



Sue relaxes on the Staffs & Worcs



Vera supervises a lock near Gailey, still on the Staffs & Worcester.

The site of Vera's unauthorised swim which caused panic - except with Vera, who quite enjoyed it.



Soggy V following rescue. Good thing Simon has long arms. The bank was sheer rock & he could only just reach.



V modeling her now compulsory canal-wear. A bit late, but it was hard dragging her out by the scruff! Now in search of a V sized life jacket in case there's a next time.

During our 2 days at Brewood (Shropshire Union) we came across a nice little reserve developed in an old sand quarry - (Barnfield Sandbanks)




Heron beside the boat at Brewood

 

                                                                       



First tunnel of the trip, the 81 yard Cowley Tunnel

Our mooring at Norbury Junction, up the old Newport Branch. Had our electrics investigated here due to problems charging the batteries.

Bridge just N of Norbury Junction

Loynton Moss nature reserve

2 sheds & a Bentley!

A definate Autumnal feel....

Woodseaves Cutting, bit tight! I hung on to V!

'going down' at Tyrley Lock

Interesting geology through Tyrley locks





...and a Little Grebe. Haven't seen many of them on the canals