Audlem Flight |
Hello my friends
The Summer Solstice has passed and we've finally been able to enjoy some summery weather as we float along. If you wondered where I'd got to last week, then I apologise for leaving you in the lurch but when it rains every day, there's really not much of interest to write about. This week we have travelled from Norbury, through Market Drayton and Nantwich and turned up the Middlewich Arm and tied up for the day just below Cholmondeston Lock - it's pronounced Chumston I think - I do love the way the English language is so unexpected!
Last week we moored the boat at Norbury for a few days and my daughter came and picked us up in her VW Beetle. I was reacquainted once more with the very low slung suspension and it was a test of my motherly instincts to keep quiet as we bumped and bounced along the narrow flooded lanes. Claire seemed totally un-phased as I clung onto the grab handle and whimpered a little as she swished the passenger wing mirror through the wet cow parsley- she's an excellent driver but I'm an exceedingly poor passenger.
Evening Views |
This week has been a completely different kettle of fish. The sun shone down on the Lady Aberlour and her crew have been exceedingly happy about that. The covers have been rolled up and the hatches and doors flung wide to catch the breeze. The raincoats and boots have finally dried out and been put away, replaced by sun hats and sandals at last. We are travelling in convoy with the Naga Queen this week and there has been much frivolity of an evening with our friends Pat and Malc. Pat and I have been testing out a Gin, Grapefruit and Black Pepper Liqueur which has scored very highly on the Gin'o'Meter while Carl and Malc stick to the odd glass of Merlot. Altogether a very pleasant way to spend an evening
Naga Queen on the Shroppie |
The Shropshire Union from Norbury to Nantwich is probably the most photographed of all the canals - there are deep cuttings, spanned by high bridges and lined with trees that filter the light and dapple the water with shafts of sunshine. The rolling Shropshire pastures are lush and verdant after all the rain, making an emerald green backdrop for the ever changing skies. Pretty cottages are dotted along the watersides and the farmers have rented out their water side fields for boaters who are waiting for the day when they can cast off and be free. We slow down to tickover as we pass these long lines of moored boats - Carl is checking out their paintwork and I'm watching the swans teaching their cygnets to beg from the side hatches. The swallows are dipping and diving around the boat, flying fast and buzzing past us as we enter their air space.
Swift reflections |
Swan family |
Wooden Horse-Nantwich Embankment |
That's all for this week, I hope the sun shines where you are and if you get a minute, I'd love to hear how you are.
Love from
The Floating Chandlers
ps I watched a fisherman fighting to land a huge fish on Friday, I clicked away with my camera and helped him weigh it in at 17lbs. Wow! Well done Mr Homer.
Wow Big Fish |
View from the aqueduct at Audlem |
Shropshire Bridges |
Tree Man at Market Drayton - i can never resist taking his picture |
Market Drayton bridge |
Mooring at Market Drayton |
Adderley Mooring |
Setting off in the sunshine |
Coffee Time Nantwich Marina |
Pat and Malc |
Nantwich Mooring |
Nantwich Cottage |
Sounds lovely Loo loo. Love the wooden horse.
ReplyDeleteYou should do a blog too Tweety, you photos are stunning xx
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