Another glorious cruising day

Sunday 15^th October; Boggs lock to Autherley Junction

Our concerns about the water level in the pound were unfounded – by bedtime the levels were higher than before, and by morning nearly normal.  It was getting on for 10 by the time we were ready to go, in brilliant sunshine.  I walked up to set Brick Kiln lock and I was glad of gloves, woolly hat and multiple layers of clothing.  It was very cold indeed in the shade.  The crew of the boat that had just arrived at the top gave me a hand.  He wasn’t very experienced, he was out with a friend, but reckoned he was too old for boating – at a mere 75!  I certainly hope I’ve got more than another 2 years’ boating ahead of me!  A boat was emerging from Gailey lock, so that was another quick one especially as there were 2 people on hand to help amid hordes of non-boaters.  Why so busy?  Well, the canoe club not far from the lock was having a competition day and the competitors and supporters were arriving and crossing at the top gate.  So many boats were moored that there wasn’t much room to get through till we got to the canoe club.

The toll house peeps out behind the cottage as the hordes arrive

We had already decided not to stop for the shop, and with half an hour to go before the first race we were able to get well out of their way before the start time.  Long stretches of the route were in deep shade, and we were glad we had wrapped up well.  We treasured all the little snippets of sun.  Then once we were past the smelly chemical factory and the sewage works, we swung round the bends before the Otherton Boat Haven moorings and out into the sun.

Magnificent boy (probably) and friends

It was great cruising along in the sunshine, even if you still needed all your winter gear on.

Shadows

We carried on past the Hatherton branch, bearing right through the bridge which has directions painted in large letters for the unwary boater.

Not that way!

As we swung wide to line up for the bridge, there was a sudden splash from the towpath side and something large and blue bobbed about in the water.  It was the buoy for the canoeists to turn at, but the thrower had forgotten to keep hold of the rope … his companion raced over the bridge and returned with a paddle to scoop the rope out and pull the buoy back in to the side where they tethered it.

Canoe race marshals setting up at the bridge

Round the corner we heard loud cries above us and saw three buzzards flying around each other and making a lot of noise.  Maybe one was an interloper and being seen off the territory, or maybe it was a young one being told to clear off and find its own space.  It’s very difficult to get a clear picture when you are moving as well as your subject.

Fuzzy buzzy

We stopped for lunch in the sunshine before we got to Cross Green, and then on we went again as we wanted to get to Morrisons for some milk and bread before they closed – and we needed to bag a mooring space too, of course.  There is some striking graffiti artwork under the motorway bridge (or it may be bridge 70).  They are either refurbishing or replacing what was already there.  Very skilful work, but none of them was wearing a mask – we could smell the acetone for a long way past the bridge.

I fear for their lungs

The narrow rocky section ("Pendeford Rockin" to the old boaters) was soon upon us.  With the sun in our eyes it was difficult to see whether anyone was coming, but we made it without incident.

 

A boat was pulled into the side just past the far end of the narrows – the walker we had passed was their lookout, scouting ahead.  We would have waited in a wide bit to let them pass, but I could see with the binos they were holding a rope on the towpath so we carried on.  We arrived at Autherley Junction at about 3, just in time to snaffle a good mooring space with rings – within minutes the smaller space further along was taken.  These moorings were all in shade, which was a shame after the dazzling sun and blue skies on our journey, but we were soon off the boat and heading to Morrison’s.  We’ve known of its existence for years, even being aware that you had to cross the junction bridge, but had never been there – after confirmation of the route from a couple of walkers we were on our way.  A good place to walk the dog too, which Dave did once we were back.  I made some cheese scones to help us up the Wolverhampton 21 tomorrow, after which we lit the fire for a cosy evening in.

We hadn’t seen Halsall again – he had probably gone up the Shroppie.  We’ve got enough coal for now though.

 2 locks, 8¼ miles