The essence of the Shroppie

Wednesday, 18 November 2009 09:28

A sunny November day and ideal for cruising

I have spent most of yesterday with my camera, trying to capture the "essence of the Shroppie" (otherwise known as the Shropshire Union Canal). Lots of sun and a bit of a breeze helped, as did sitting in the bows for a while. It's good to get photos that do not include the roof of the boat all the time!

We left Norbury and its moorings behind

Soon we were back at Gnosall, where I spotted a kingfisher - as usual he flew off in front of us. My deputy photographer took over at this point and look what he took!

Kingfisher perched on a Noddy Boat canopy

Grrr - why can't I get one! I was on the tiller and as we passed the moored boats another Kingfisher (the other one had flown back Norbury way!) flew between us and one of the moored boats - a flash of brown and blue just inches from me. Nothing like rubbing salt into the wound!

This is one well looked after old boat, beautiful

Approaching Cowley Tunnel we saw an strange sight - could it be

Yes, it was a fisherman, sheltering from the non-existent rain!

I gave up my stance at the tiller at lunch time - we had it on-the-go, as usual - and moved to the bows to appreciate the peace and quiet! Now I started taking photos in earnest and took so many that I will not use them all this time, but may put them up in a few days for your delectation!

My first bow photo - Castle Cutting Bridge (30)

Do you remember my comments about the permanent moorings between High Onn and Turnover Bridge - here are some photos:

The English language is so confusing isn't it?

It is no good slowing down passed boats - they are already stopped - and no good us slowing down once we have passed them!

Here are the moorings

Some on nice new pontoons - this one is vacant

Back to the "essence" of the Shroppie - made up of embankments and cuttings, both with their own attractions. One with open views of the countryside and one enclosed and secret.

Embankment between High Onn (25) and Little Onn Bridges (24)

Rye Hill Cutting follows - in a stark mood

A few seconds later - in a mellow mood

And so we came to Wheaton Aston - time to water up and then go up the lock. We met a strange boat who decided that Tavern Bridge (19) was "his", so we had to hang back!

Can I call this "Man in a Tub"? (John wanted to call it a motorised skip!)

The lock ahead

Time to leave you - I think this is long enough, so the rest of our journey is to come!

Shropshire Union Canal, Norbury to Wheaton Aston - 3 hours 9 minutes, 7.48 miles, 0 locks