TRIP REPORTS

BRUM & THE "SHROPPIE"

October Half-term1987

Page 1 : Birmingham to Nantwich

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Having enjoyed a fortnight in the Summer with Brummagem Boats, Wendy, Ian & I, three of our regular summer quartet, went back for the October Half-term weekend. This time we had their boat Kalliope. We hoped that Peter would be able to join us at some stage in the week.

Arrrived at the boatyard, we began by provisioning at nearby Tesco (at Fiveways). The boatyard staff were happy to take the trolleys back to the store. We set off at 12:28 via Ladywood junction and Factory junction. We moored before Wolverhampton top lock at 17:44 and had an early night as we were all tired from the morning's efforts. No success in contacting Peter.

Wolverhampton locks
         

We made a slow start at 07:41 as we needed to change the gas bottle, do the weed-hatch etc. We went down Wolverhampton locks in clear sunny weather, glad that our backs were to the low sun. We came across a nearly empty pound between locks 4 & 5 of the flight - apparently this often happens. We didn't meet any other boats until well-past halfway down, then there were some interesting ones, and some helpful children around lock 19. We saw a kingfisher near the bottom of the flight.

At Aldersley junction we passed briefly on to the Staffs & Worcs Canal then at Autherley on to Shropshire Union Canal Main Line (Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Section). We stopped at Autherley to use the loo point and take on water. Continuing, we noticed that the cuttings are picturesque and apparently unravaged. At Brewood Ian & I went for an unsuccessful go at 'phoning Peter. We moored at Norbury junction at 17:25. We couldnt find a 'phone box at the junction and were all too tired or lazy to go to the pub.

The sun came out as we were going down Tyrley locks, which were still beautifully kept. At Market Drayton we at last managed to 'phone Peter. There had been a major storm in London which uprooted the 'phone cables. He wouldn't be able to join us as the storm also did some damage to his flat and he needed to stay there for the repairs to be done.

In a very slow procession we continued down Adderley & Audlem flights. We moored at Audlem, below lock 11, at 16:48. Audlem has a pleasant shopping street but looks rather expensive for main shopping.

We started at 07;17 in rain which lasted all day. We stopped at Nantwich aqueduct and walked into the town for shopping : an excellent Safeway (new?). Ian was able to find a replacement watch battery at WH Smith. Good pub lunch in the town. Lost a mooring spike but found a replacement with the magnet. Then we went into Nantwich basin to take on water & to wind. It was a wet, darkish run back. Heron & kingfisher were much in evidence all day. We stopped before Audlem bottom lock at 17:21, a mooring with very vociferous cows. We heard owls in the night. No photos today.