Ahoy!

No we haven’t got lost we’re up and running again! Computer problems!

The journey continues...

Departing Wheaton Aston we continued towards our next destination of Norbury Junction. Just prior to leaving we saw the cheapest diesel so far at 43.7p (Tavern Bridge 19). It makes you wonder how prices of 63P are achieved on the Gloucester and Sharpness!
After passing under Cowley Tunnel, (This short tunnel was originally designed to be much longer – 690yds – but most of it was opened out at an early stage during construction – 1831 – because of dangerous faults in the rock, and now only 81yds remain), we stopped briefly at Gnosall for shopping.
Passing over the huge Shelmore embankment we reached Norbury Junction. This is where the Newport branch used to lock down from the main line. Here there are excellent moorings, chandlery and coffee shop, not to mention the pub. We made the decision to lay up for the weekend having got a satellite link for the impending finale to the World Cup. Later in the day we had a long walk to Loynton Moss Nature Reserve, (bridge 39). This is a floating bog with an interesting plant community. We saw Spotted Flycatcher amongst other things and many Meadow Brown butterflies. Watch out for the horse flies! Dee got bitten several times but unusually I wore jeans instead of my customary shorts and survived.
Leaving Norbury we continued on, over-nighting at Market Drayton and after completing the 15 locks of the Audlem flight we visited the famous Shroppie Fly pub. This is a converted warehouse on the canal side, the main feature being the bar, which is shaped like a narrowboat. The most disappointing thing is the food price. I resent paying an amazing 12.95 for Gammon and chips!!! The whole menu was extremely pricey for a pub! We ended up having a portion of chips each.
After Audlem we moved down slightly to just North of bridge 83, Coole Pilate, where there is an attractive picnic and barbecue area. From here we cycled to and visited Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, (pictured). This is an excellent and unique day out discovering the world of ‘Nuclear Government’. I found the whole thing really sinister!
Last Thursday July 13th we passed thru’ Nantwich and bypassed the Llangollen Canal Turn making a right shortly after and headed east along the Middlewich Branch, mooring at Charlmondeston Lock at around 2pm. Here we remain until Next Thursday 20th. The plan is to hire a car for the weekend and for me to visit my old mum in Liverpool who’s not too well at present. Dee has made off to Reading to visit her friend for a few days who’s over from Jamaica. The plan this Thursday is to turn about and head for Ellsmere Port.