Tyrley Top Lock

Just as we were off to bed last night the moon was almost setting and just visible above the hedgerow across the canal.

For some reason we set off at nine AM this morning and it worked well, We met a boat at the first lock but had to turn the second then onto the 5 Adderley Locks when a boat had just left the locks.

As we went up there was another coming down, looking behind us there were already 4 queued down below the bottom lock and we had a clean run up meeting just one more.
When we passed this way on our way North this stretch of bank was protected by a removable dam, this is the finished job.

We met several moor ex-working boats throughout the day.
This farm must have been quite prosperous in its day, with a large,square farm house and large brick outbuildings set out like a large letter L

Approaching Market Drayton I could see this house in the distance, not sure what was happening on their roof.

CRT have a lot of activity in Market Drayton, we met them pushing a flat which they moored outside a second flat on the visitor moorings then just through the bridge by the old warehouse there were several moor flats and another tug. In the yard were two large articulated lorries unloading pallets of material.

 

On our way out I noticed a Narrowboat with UPVC portholes, I have seen Narrowboats with UPVC windows many times but this is the first I have seen with portholes.

At Tyrley Locks we caught up with another boat and although they had to turn the bottom lock again we met boats all the way up so all locks were with us.

Part way up the flight are some picknick tables and someone has been thoughtful enough to put a waste bin beside them, it looks to be working as the area looked quite clean.

One of the lock side cottages has a wonderful display of flowers in hanging baskets and on the fence. They also have a large information notice on the wall about the old stables that were there.

Just as we finished working the lock a little Blue motor pulled off the road beside it. it was Muriel and Jerry who live on a boat further along the canal, and they had arrived to make use of the services, what's left of them. We were able to have quite a chat before moving on the the 48 hour visitor moorings for the night.

Today’s Journey 7 miles with 12 locks in 5 hours