We had forgotten about those bywashes

Friday 31^st May; Below Baddiley locks to above Willeymoor.

The sun was streaming in the windows as we had breakfast but when we made ready to start we had to get some layers on, as there was still a strong cold wind.   The two boats moored nearby had already left, going back towards Hurleston junction, and there was no-one ahead of us.  Baddiley locks were set for us - the first deserted, the second with a single-hander just pulling in above.  At the third, the bottom gates were just opening as a boat emerged.  Two were waiting to come down as I started to fill the lock, and two more had arrived by the time we left.  As we approached Wrenbury they just kept coming!  One boat kindly waved us through Wrenbury Church lift bridge, and by the time we moored to go shopping, shortly before the hire base and road bridge, oncoming boats were well into double figures.  No photos yet – my phone was on charge and the camera ran out of charge as soon as I went to use it.

We walked down to the village for a couple of things.  Tractors were to-ing and fro-ing with trailers either full of mown grass or returning empty for more – we had already heard the characteristic sound of a forage harvester as we cruised so we weren’t surprised to see them.   When we got back it was still too early for lunch, so we decided to go through the lift bridge at the road – at least, once the next four boats had come through so we could actually leave the mooring!  The ABC hire base is right by the bridge, but the hirers had returned their boats earlier this morning, so although our sense of smell told us pump-outs were still happening, at least there was no boat movement.  I looked to see what was coming along the road; before I wielded the key of power I waited for a cyclist to cross, who was very grateful, and then a tractor roared up from the village - I think they go far too fast through villages, but I waited for him, they will be doing this all day and don’t need to be held up.

A tight fit

I’m not sure why that one told me it was a video, I didn’t mean it to be – my new-ish phone has various facilities that remain a bit of a mystery.  It doesn't look like one now it's published.

I got quite a good score today – on the village side I caught 4 cars, 3 vans and a small truck, and on the other side a group of cyclists, several cars, a small truck, a large lorry and another tractor returning to get the next load of grass.

Back the other way

We pulled in after Wrenbury Frith lift bridge for lunch.  I forgot to count the number of turns it took to open it – certainly it’s a lot more than the 23 it took to close, and jolly hard work it was too.  There is a café there, and a plant nursery which I look forward to patronising on our way back.  After lunch we moved on, not sure quite how far we would go, just wanting a sunny spot.

This winding hole is pretty obvious, surely it doesn’t need that huge ugly sign!

We passed a small glamping site, apparently unoccupied.

Don’t they look like glorified pig arks?

Not cheap either, though they do have all mod cons, a hot tub and a log burner.  The cost for 2 adults for three nights starts at £1000.  The total floor area is 9 square metres, a lot less than a narrowboat, so I know which I prefer.  

The flow on the canal is more obvious now, especially in the narrows where the reeds are growing across from the offside.  The bywashes are strong too.

We missed the best moorings on the long open stretch between Marbury and Quoisley locks, and had to go on past Willeymoor to find a suitable spot with some sun.   It was quieter by then, though there were still several boats passing on their way downstream.  30 today, or maybe more, we lost count this morning.  And then soon after 5, a couple of ABC boats came by; were they starting out from Wrenbury, or rushing to get to Whitchurch for tomorrow morning?  We went to the pub to eat.  We think of this as the teapot pub, as it used to have a fine collection of ornamental ceramic tea-pots, and it still does.

All teapots.  In the centre is Elvis in the bath.

Dogs are not only allowed, they are welcomed with biscuits.  Jess approved.  Another ABC boat was approaching the lock as we left the pub, and moored behind us.  The ones that passed earlier are doubtless now below the Grindley Brook locks, or even gone through, and we hope they will be long gone by the time we get there tomorrow.

7 miles, 6 locks, 3 lift bridges