Gnosall

Yesterday we left Brewood in the rain (yet again) not too sure where we would end up but hoping that we would catch up with Pete and Carol. Only one lock to contend with then a stop at the facilities below the lock. Journey although wet was very pleasant not many other craft about, we went over a viaduct and through cuttings where the banks were very steep.

How the navvies excavated these cuttings is beyond me with nothing more than a shovel and a pick axe you have to admire them. No one today would even attempt something of this scale using nothing more than hand tools. We finally decided to moor at Gnosall, it was early afternoon by this time so as is usual for us called it a day as we had found a pleasant mooring. Quick text to Carol and they were just outside Market Drayton so no hope of catching up with them. It is nice here with armco, Paul has put the two wheels out as he wants to paint the side of the boat and they keep the boat just off the armco.

Last night we went to the Navigation by bridge 35 for a meal and very nice it was too, plenty of choice and reasonable. Paul had a curry, I had pasta with salmon, then we shared a sweet, bill came to £27 but this included 2 pints for Paul and a bottle of Strawberry cider for me (this was a pint and delicious). So I can recommend this very friendly pub.

Today at long last the sun has come out and so has the world and his dog, boat traffic has been very brisk but it is bank holiday and half term so its only to be expected. Paul is busy with the painting after having a break to watch GP qualifying. I took a walk and found a nice little village shop that sold fresh bread and cakes. No doubt I will be up there again before we leave. Had a phone call from my eldest son and he is off to Wembley today with my middle lad and about 30 others to cheer on Gillingham in the play offs. Grandson is going too but with his mates so "come on you Gills".

Opposite us are some moored boats and there is a guy busy with the Brasso cleaning his mushrooms etc so looks like that will be a job for me tomorrow can't let this nice weather go to waste and as Paul will be watching the GP I will do some brass cleaning. Have also found a lovely walk for the dogs along a disused railway line which is now a foot path so all in all a very good spot, nice pub, nice village and good walks for the dogs that is what this life is all about.