Up, up and away.

We took the shelf every time that the lower lock was filled but was easily pushed off and we were away by 0930 after a couple of boats passed us going down and at least one had gone up.

The Audlem Locks are a joy to work as each lock is an easy walk from the last one. They are used so often that all the gear is easily worked too. We were quite lucky today as a boat had gone up and was about 6 or 7 locks ahead. As we approached Lock 11 a boat came down and we were on our way.

The maintenance shed at Lock 10 is still in good repair and is obviously in use as it is padlocked. The trees give some shade other than right on midday.

Looking back from Lock 7 you can nicely see the rise of the locks. They are not too deep so it was easy for me to close one of the bottom gates from the boat.

Looking up the locks from Lock 7 you can see there is still plenty of work to go, and you can also see that another boat is coming down so we wont have to close the top gate of the lock.

I love the little 'wendy house' by the locks. There is a grate with the chimney so would have been a nice place to dry out and warm up in the winter.

Getting towards the top now, at Lock 3 you get a good view of the rolling Shropshire countryside. Coxbank is the village in the distance. The fields are growing maize all over the area as a cash crop.

There are still plenty of ducklings about at the moment, there must be at least two broods this year.

Almost there we had a bit of a delay as a working boat and butty came down the top lock

I assume that they were on their way to the Transport Festival at Audlem

It was nice to have a mile run to the Adderley Locks, time for a pee and a drink! The reward at the top of those five locks is the  little 'farmshop'. I think the fridge/freezer is an addition since we were last along this way. I was expecting an ice cream but got some cherry scones instead. They were very nice for lunch later.

That is the last lock for the day, and we are now heading towards Market Drayton down a shaded canal.

Betton Wood cutting has some lovely old trees and is not so deep that it doesn't get the sun. A nice spot to linger but not in any wind I should think.

We have moored up just outside Market Drayton and will have a wander in later to get a pint of Joules Pale. I will not be denied as I missed out on ice cream at the top of Adderley Locks. I will stamp my foot! It may cost me a meal out mind. Is the weather set to break? One thing is for sure, there is not much we can do about it if it does.