The Final Countdown: Day 5

A beautiful sunny morning, although pretty chilly.  We set off at 9, and immediately got lovely sun and bridge combinations.

Going along the Sheldon Embankment, the sun was straight ahead and it was impossible to see anything.

After Shebdon Wharf, there are lines and lines of boats on offside moorings.  Just when you think you’re done, there’s another lot.  At least the scenery was nice.

One boat had tyres out as protection, which gave the ducks somewhere to stand.  And at High Offley, a heron had taken up prime position.

On the approach to Norbury Junction there was a Let’s Fish event, with lots of people under instruction.  Every person had their own instructor; I guess it was staffed by a local fishing club.  Norbury Wharf looked lovely in the sunshine, although it was a bit of a slalom course because of all the moored boats in the basin.

I had to keep giving a blast of reverse to clear leaves off the prop.  It always seemed worse after each spell on tickover past moored boats; maybe the leaves stick easier when we’re going slowly.  It took about 3 hours to get to Gnosall, where there were masses of moorings available.  One of the houses opposite looks as though it’s not just having an extension, it’s being completely rebuilt.

This afternoon, Adrian has been doing work in his charity role.  I have made a cake to take with us as we’re out this evening.  We’ve been invited round to Sharon and John’s.  We shared Hatton Locks with them ten years ago, and have kept in touch.  There have been a few blustery showers, but it’s now brightened up again.

The latest Water Road podcast is out today, about the Ponty Aqueduct.  I reckon it’s a good one, so give it a listen by clicking here.

7 miles, 0 locks.  (27 miles, 27 locks)