Monday 11th July

Brewood to Windmill End

An early start to get to Autherley junction for 10 where Andy was due to meet us, having spent the night in Wolverhampton. He arrived there as we were going through the stop lock. Turned right to get to Aldersley junction and then up the Wolverhampton flight. All the pounds were low for the first half of the flight then we started meeting boats coming down and the rest were ok. Moored above the top lock. We walked with Peter to the station where he caught a train back to London and we went through the underpass to go to the Great Western for lunch. There Andrew Todd was waiting for us. After lunch we carried on down the Old main line, down Factory locks onto the New Main line and through Netherton tunnel to get to Windmill End where we moored for the night. Walked to The Old Swan where we had dinner in the Smoke room. I had Faggots for the second time this trip as they are homemade, not as good as the ones from Welshpool, but still good.

Sunday 10th July

High Offley to Brewood

A late start to get to Gnosall for lunch. Stopped at Norbury wharf for gas and diesel on the way. Moored in Gnosall and went to the Navigation Inn for a Sunday roast. After that we carried on to Brewood. We had something to eat on board then walked into the village centre to go to the Swan Hotel. There was a stag party going on but we got some seats and enjoyed a few beers there.

Saturday 9th July

Market Drayton to High Offley

Had a a lie in while it rained then went for lunch in the Red Lion. After that we set off but stopped almost immediately to fill up with water. The flow wasn't great and then another boat started filling up and using the toilet and it got much worse, so we didn't finish. Up through Tyrley locks and on to High Offley. Moored north of Anchor Bridge for a change and noticed that Leah was there so we were moored next each other. Having been sold for £42k she has changed owners again, had a repaint and is now moored on the Caldon canal.

Had something to eat on board then went to the Anchor for some 6X. There was some live folk singing to keep us entertained. Olive is still the landlady.

Friday 8th July

Audlem to Market Drayton

Managed to get away up the locks before anyone else when we spotted a boat coming up the lock behind us. Moored in Market Drayton on the 'overnight' moorings in time for a late lunch in the Red Lion near the town centre. This is the new Stones Brewery tap so I was disappointed to find only 3 beers available, but the food was good. There was a good pet shop in town and I got some new grooming tools and chews for Muffin. We stayed in Market Drayton overnight and had dinner in the Red Lion.

Thursday 7th July

Wrenbury to Audlem

Set off to get to Natwich for lunch. There we moored on the 24 hour moorings and walked into town to the Black Lion. This wasn't as dog friendly as we had been led to believe, but they had a warm room outside that we were allowed in. Unfortunately they had run out of Oatcakes but the food we had was good. After lunch we carried on to Audlem where we moored above lock 12. Went to The Lord Cumbermere for dinner.

Wednesday 6th July

Welshampton to Wrenbury

A long day to ensure another night in the Bhurtpore at Aston. As we were a bit ahead of schedule we ventured down the short Whitchurch arm, winded and moored back on the main line. Walked into Whitchurch for lunch at the Black Bear. The first beer that I had a sample of was not good so I settled for something else. The food was good.

After lunch we carried on and moored once again near Wrenbury for the walk to Aston for dinner at the Bhurtpore which was very good and less crowded this time despite the football match with Wales playing. The New room had been booked for a function so we were allowed to have Muffin in the bar area.

Tuesday 5th July

Maesbury to Welshampton

Set off early to get to Frankton locks again for noon. we arrived early and were first in the queue. Once up we headed for Ellesmere and went up the arm to go shopping in Tescos. As there were no other spaces we moored right at the end. After that we carried on to Welshampton to spend another night in the Red Lion there. Only a two course dinner this time.