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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Monday 10 June 2013

Beware of Wightwick Mill lock on the S&W

I'm so glad we have finally left the honeymooners at Autherley Junction. Not that we wanted to see them go cause we love spending time with them, but I, for one, have now more alcohol coursing through my veins then blood. Last night (our final night with the two of them ) saw 2 more bottles of bubbly disappear as well as pringles and peanuts. Surprisingly this morning no hangover, bit worrying as maybe my body is becoming accustomed to all the booze! Anyway when we eventually set off mid morning we had a really good run to Autherley. After loads of hugs and kisses and sad goodbyes we locked them through the first lock on the Shropshire Union and watched as they sailed off into the distance.



We then carried on, past the Wolverhampton Junction where on Wednesday we will turn to do the 21, and onward toward Compton. We had decided to wind at Wightwick lock, backtrack and stop for tonight and tomorrow before tackling the Wolverhampton 21.

Very picturesque winding hole

 After Compton you come to Wightwick Mill lock and this lock leaks like a sieve. In fact I was convinced one of the top side paddles was still raised judging by the amount of water pouring in. Ian advised me to sit well back on the bottom gates to stop the bow from being flooded. Because of Ians advice we ascended without mishap. Not so the boat who came up behind us. We had already moored and as he came past told of the horror as he watched the well deck of his boat fill with water. He was a lone boater and it was only his quick action of dropping the paddle that averted disaster. He was very shaken. Ian did no more then get on the phone to C&RT and report the situation. This is an accident waiting to happen!

This photo doesn't do it justice but you can see how far into the lock the water flows
Sorry folks but I've got a couple more wildlife photos to share.

Moorhen chick

This years juveniles enjoying a wash and brush up
Syrphus ribesii

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