We had moored last night just to the south of the Adderley Locks - a flight of five - so after our coffee this morning started the day with the locks. Within half an hour we crossed the border from Shropshire into Cheshire and arrived at the Audlem Locks - a flight of fifteen.
For the first time on our trip we followed a 'leapfrog' routine, where one of us would go ahead, set the lock and see the boat through, closing gates, paddles etc. The other member of the locking crew would 'leapfrog' down to the next lock and prepare it to receive the boat, then stay on whilst the boat went through. We swopped roles very happily and all had turns at the helm, and doing locking duties.
By the time we arrived at the village of Audlem we were ready for breakfast, but decided that, after we had taken on water and visited the canal shop we should head out into the country and moor for breakfast. Which is what we did - at 12.30!
Audlem is a lovely village and, I would think well worth a visit on Google to have a look at the Canal Shop and the celebrated pub "The Shroppie Fly"
Breakfast over we travelled on along the Shroppie. As I have said, Telford designed it in a utilitarian manner for speed, so the canal runs straight and true through the fields with few turns to break the monotony
That was when the rain came down and thank goodness for the workers rain-gear that I bought at the farmers co-op in Umhlali! It worked very well and and I kept dry in the pouring rain. Later John took over, also in good quality rain-gear, his comment later was that it was a great experience standing all
alone in the rain with " now't but his own company".
So we arrived in Nantwich where we had seen that there was a laundromat available at the Nantwich Canal Centre. We gathered up all our dirty washing and made our way to the laundry where we were guided through the process by a young lady who was not in the least put out by the advent of three rough-and-ready gentlemen from the canal with bags of washing. An hour later all was washed and dried and we returned to the boat.
I should mention here that none of us is carrying a watch, so we don't have the first clue as to the time.Yesterday when we went into the supermarket for provisions, John said that he wanted to go to a local bank to change "old" English pounds into the "new" currency. The very helpful young man gave us the directions to the closest bank, but as we set off, he said, "you do know it is quarter to five and the banks will be shut!"
Today the same thing happened when we walked into the laundromat - we were told that we would have to move fast as it was 3.00pm and the laundromat closed at 4.00!
Washing done, off we set again and headed for the viollage of Barbridge where we have moored for the night. We walkked over to the local pub - the "Barbridge Inn" and enjoyed some very good food. Stan - roast rump of lamb; John - ale and steak pie; and Rob - a sirloin steak.
We are now back on board enjoying a cup of coffee before we head for bed.
This is a picture of the wharf at Audlem with the pub the "Shroppie Fly" in the foreground
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