Coxbank

Today's Canal - Shropshire Union

Everyone knew that today would be wet and miserable - it had been forecast for a couple of days. Indeed, when we awoke it was raining steadily and seems to have been dong so most of the night, Like all but a couple of boats (one of which was the coal boat Mountbatten) we settled down to a reading day (or whatever).

By lunch time the rain was abating and we opted to set off just before 2. We donned wet weather gear but as soon as we went outside to cast off, the rain stopped! In addition, there was a thin streak of brighter weather that seemed to be making its way towards us. A large flock of geese also took the opportunity to set off.

We were very close to the start of the Audlem flight. Just before is a large winding hole with what looks like a former wharf house. However, old maps give little clue except that one calls it a boat house! The  bright patch was now starting to turn blue.

After three locks we arrived at the Shroppie Fly where there is a water point and disposal services. The pub had had a chequered history of late but when we came by in the Spring there seemed to be plenty of customers. It was then a fine, sunny day and many were sitting outside.

We had heard that since then the pub had closed once again and, indeed, this notice confirms that situation. Disappointingly for many, the notice does not suggest circumstances that will see it re-open any time soon. We cannot see anyone wanting to take it on until next boating season - not that passing boaters will be enough to support the business but many come here to see the boats passing by.

Another large building on the wharf is Audlem Mill which, in contrast, seems to be much  more robust and remained in business for many years.

Five locks up and the sky was definitely taking a turn for the brighter. We were following a couple of boats, just too far ahead for us to see them, so all but two locks were set against us and had to be emptied before we could ascend.

Now how about that for a delightful autumnal afternoon.

All was going rather smoothly until Mike tried to open the top gate for the lock just before Bridge 77. When the gate was almost open it ground to a halt and would go no further. Others came to push as well  and then Mike tried to see if he could, with the long boat pole, dislodge any debris on the bottom that might be preventing the gate from opening fully. (The last part of the swing needs the gate to fit into a recess in the masonry) In the end, with several people pushing and Mike bringing the boat out very gently the gate suddenly popped into place. (Mike knew that he had toi be very careful not only not to damage the gate any further, but also to avoid being trapped. This is a dangerous situation as it is possible to find the lock emptying out through leaks in the bottom gates but the boat acting as a plug at the top. The result can be a sinking)

In the days of commercial traffic, this flight would have had several lock keepers to help speed boats through. In the winter it must have been very cold whilst waiting for another boat to help so no doubt this little hut with its coal fire would have been a welcome respite.

Time was passing and although we were enjoying ourselves we had to think about a night's mooring. There are formal Visitor Moorings above the flight but we recalled from using them a while back that they are not the best nor very long. Two locks before the locks there is a longer pound and a good stretch of Visitor Moorings - but also can be rather busy. Would there be room? Yes there was and we were quite grateful for a reason to call a halt for the day and enjoy the last of the sunshine.

1.7 Miles - 13 Locks