10.10.19
Before we can set sail each day, the propeller has to be checked for weed. The prop is accessed via a hatch near the rudder and involves plunging your hand down into the freezing canal water and ‘having a feel’.
It is obvious that John takes this job very seriously!
The countryside at first was open and very rural.
After several days spent gawking at beautiful scenery with very few locks, we were energised and ready for the Audley flight of 5 locks which in turn was preparation for the Shroppie flight of 17 locks.
My turn to be Admiral! The view certainly looks different from down inside the lock!
The locks are situated in the most beautiful setting.
And after all that hard work you are rewarded at the bottom with what, in my opinion, is the prettiest pub on the Four Counties Ring. The Shroppie Fly!
A very well stocked canal Shoppe provided lots of opportunity to window shop.
But yes, a Tea-towel was purchased!
We had arrived early enough for a tour of the village. It boasts a very nice Constabulary fit for the most senior Mr Plod, and the most ornate Cemetery I’ve ever seen!
Union Jack’s were flying from every house and building…when we asked why, the answer was they were a ‘flag flying kinda town’. When it’s Christmas, the flags change to a festive theme etc etc. We seemed to have hit the village in peak hour, with every farmer hightailing it back home.
Jen and I investigated the church, definitely worth a visit!
Audlem has 3 pubs and we had to try them all before settling on one for dinner.
No guesses as to which one won!
Pretty unique bar!
We must have had a great night at the Shroppie Fly, as John decided to sample the free treats, finding out later that they were actually there for doggies, not humans.
The chocolates came out, always a sign that too much wine had been drunk.
And Jen lost her beanie and was very sad. Champion Grahame made the ultimate sacrifice and retraced our steps, eventually retrieving said beanie from The Bridge Inn. Lucky for Grahame, The Bridge Inn just happened to be next to the Pringle shop.
Everyone’s a winner!
Kanga And Wombats Adventures 