Calf Heath to Autherley Junction

We've had a busy few days doing some pen making preparations. I was on sawing duties, the big piece of Dane's base plate and James was rough rounding them on the lathe and drilling ready for the barrels. It was a great place to work, nothing really around for miles, only two people walked by the few days we were there, boat traffic was pretty low too so we had a nice peaceful time.

We took a little time out from our hard work and took Dudley for a stroll and came across this place ....

Doesn't sound too nice, but no smell and no noise and we were pretty close to it!

This morning, as promised, Martin on Fuel Boat Halsall arrived and we stocked up on our winter coal, a change of gas and topped up the diesel. He was done with us and continuing on his way before 9am.  The guys on the fuel boats work really hard and long hours so we like to use them if possible, hence our waiting out a few days here for him on his rounds. 

It was very cold this morning with a thick frost which formed after 7am, but it was lovely and sunny with no wind. After a cup of tea to warm us up after sorting our coal delivery we were on our way.

After a lovely couple of hours, and passing one other moving boat, we have now moored up at Autherley Junction, where the Shropshire Union goes off.

6 miles and 0 locks

692.5 miles and 626 locks

Penkridge to Calf Heath

We were going to move on yesterday, but a couple of pen orders came in Sunday evening and as we knew our next stop would be nowhere near a Post Office we stayed at Penkridge an extra day.

It was very mild this morning, we let the fire go out over night and didn't need to re-light it this morning. The first two locks and the stretch between them run parallel with the M6.

They're all quite deep locks on this stretch

Traffic on the M6 

I usually get off the boat a little way before the lock and walk Dudley to get it ready for James to bring LJ in, at the second lock of the day I walked all the way up and realised I had forgot my windlass, this is the first time it's happened - I do hope it's not an age thing! I had to walk back to get it, but Dudley did't mind though.

We managed to just get through Gailey lock before it started raining, nothing too drastic very light rain and enough to get us wet, still can't complain too much as it didn't feel cold. 

The only trouble with this time of year is the leaves

Gailey roundhouse

We past by the chemical works where there are notices telling you not to stop or moor for 200 meters, even if the alarm is sounding, in reality it was a lot further than 200 meters, maybe they missed a '0' off.

Not something you see everyday - a new engine being fitted in a CRT work boat

We're now moored up again for a few days waiting for Martin on Fuel Boat Halsall to pass by with some supplies.

4.5 miles and 5 locks
TOTAL 686.5 miles and 626 locks