Cross Green to Chillington Bridge on the Shropshire Union Canal

Saturday 7th July

Whilst getting ready to leave we saw this unusual boat for sale which was perfect for any toadstool fans!

 Laila (who is 5 going on 12) enjoyed helping Nanna get the boat ready to leave. She put the fenders down and was good at holding the rope (Grandad was on standby and made sure no boats were coming!) Soon we were off again, destined for the Shropshire Union Canal (Shroppy)

 We saw another boat called Alice which is Angela's Grandmother's name. Another coincidence.

 As you can see the weather was glorious again! 

 Laila loved going through the wide bridges as her voiced echoed and she could call from the front to Grandad at the back who was now steering!

 Laila is a real live wire and so funny, we had a brilliant time together. 

 This part of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal is very narrow and there are passing places along the way for boats to squeeze past each other. It used to be called Pendeford Rockin after a local farm.

 

 We asked this lady if she knew her tunnel light was on but apparently her husband thought it would warn us they were coming! Yes it certainly worked, it nearly blinded us!!

 We could now see the entrance to the Shropshire Union Canal up ahead. There was a boat coming out so we had to wait. I got off to let John know when it was safe to enter as immediately after the bridge was a stop lock. This junction is called Autherley Junction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autherley_Junction

 Soon John could enter the lock. 

 There was a cute Staffie having a sunbathe. 

 Just past the lock we stopped to fill up with water. 

 Laila helped with the hosepipe! 

Grandad had found a shoal of fish to watch. 

 Laila doing her aye aye Skipper salutes!

 We had ice-creams whilst we waited for the water to fill and then we were on our way again.

 Laila and Dex are best of friends

  Gorgeous flowers

 We found a lovely shady spot to moor, basically in the middle of no-where near Chillington Bridge.

Grandad set fire to the Barbie!!

 We had a lovely evening playing games and enjoying the shade after the hot day. 

 Nanna was kept very busy!!!