We were away at a normal time today. The rain had been pretty constant until about 0100 but then it stopped until about 0430 but was a lovely morning by 0730 when I made the tea.
All was right as we passed Acton Trussell with just the noise of the M6 increasing in volume. When we got to Shutt Hill Lock there seemed to be problems as there was a great big queue. On closer inspection there were two boats moored just clear of the bollards at the lock landing. There were 4 boats ahead of us none the less. I never quite understand the phenomena of shuffling up the line as the next onegoes in to the lock. Obviously if there is somebody is hanging about stemming water it would be polite to give them room, but if there was nobody behind, why bother. This morning there was a gap between the two moored boats. I would have gone and moored there, ahead of the last in the queue, but this may have caused a fuss. I wouldn't be queue jumping just mooring ahead in a space rather than hanging about. Life's a minefield isn't it!
So far this trip we have seen few fishermen, even over the weekend. But this chap had got a nice spot in the pound before Park Gate Lock
There seemed to be a few memorials on this stretch by the road too. I' am wondering if they are for road or canal victims. I will have to check and see if there are cars that have ended up in the cut on this length of road as they have installed these barriers.
We waited for this boat to come through Teddesley Park Bridge. The bridge is a little more fussy than the normal and led to the gatehouse of Teddesley Park. I wonder if the landowner demanded this, or the canal builder did this to curry favour with them? It seems that many estates have 'special' bridges constructed for them.
The M6 bridge is more like a tunnel and on a bend too. The traffic was hurtling past, but I know where I would rather be.
As we came up Penkridge Lock we saw that the water pint was free so we topped up, before continuing to Filance Lock but there was four boats waiting there so cheekily we moored up with about 1/3rd overhanging into the very large winding hole in the pound. We walked into town to stretch the legs and get a few supplies. As we arrived back on the tow path I think I spied a boat checker at the taking numbers. I wonder if we will have a black mark on the record? The photo is now the public library but started life in 1858 as a Savings Bank. By 1880 it was being used as the Police Station, with a Petty Session Court Room, two prison cells and homes for a Sergeant and a Constable.
Just down the roas is the Old Lock-Up or Gaol. It started life as an old barn but apparently was converted to the local lock up in 1785. The stocks were right outside and the conversion included a few iron bars on the small and few in number windows. It was last used as a lock up in 1837. In 2000 it was bought by the Penkridge Civic Society and is now their headquarters.
Haling Grove was built in 1840 for a retired Colonial Bishop who had it built like he had seen on his postings. It does remind me of old colonial buildings in Singapore. Maybe it is just the colour. It was purchased by the Penkridge Parish Council for the community and as the Council Offices. We were only gone less than an hour and were then on the way, with a much clearer run.
Helen and I can not remember ever having come this way down this section of the Staffs. n Worcs. We have traversed it several times but not this direction it seems. Maybe why that is why I haven't seen this view of the Round House at Gailey Before.
We weren't disturbed by any alarms as we passed the chemical works, and chose not to moor near the recycling plant. I did wonder if the chap who had maybe was suffering from COVID and had lost his sense of smell!! Not having come this way before also explains why I haven't seen the 'This Way to Autherley' sign before at Hatherton Junction bridge, with the tight bend beyond.
I think this must be the first Greylag Geese goslings we have seen this year. The Canada Geese certainly make p the majority of honkers.
The towpath is all concrete edge and surrounded by trees until after Deepmore Bridge where we found a spot to moor up and finished for the day. The view above seems to be a series of sinuous curves of the canal with a tree arch to invite you onwards.
No comments:
Post a Comment