Nice people today Park Gate lock to Laches bridge

There are some mice moorings here - a few bends before the Anchor Inn. The inn was a possible stopping point but we decided to eat aboard tonight so stopped a little short. Spot on 5 hours of cruising left at 10.15 arrived 3.15. 

Glad to leave the M6 behind as it is a constant for much of the trip today, however it looses its impact quite quickly as you motor away from Rodbaston lock. 

Going under the M6 

Someone was painting their boat under the M6 bridge, a noisy place to work 

The people I've interacted with today have lifted my spirits, a pike angler I had time to speak with while waiting for Rachel at Longford lock, the young lad Perch fishing above Penkridge lock. He was so keen to show me and Rachel the picture of his monster Perch and his enthusiasm was captivating. The family on the services who'd just moved aboard their boat with two kids, a big adventure in front of them and lastly but possibly the most influential the fella single handing on his boat he builds himself back in the 70's. He's been cc'ing (continuous cruising) since 1982, never had a mooring. Moved on board with his wife and dog. The wife left him and later his dog died. He was happy and on his way to over winter on the Macclesfield as he had a dentist appointment in November ! His boat was in pristine condition and his attitude and approach to life, needing very little, light touch on the environment lifted my spirits. He said he may be on the Caldon in the spring so I'll look out for him while walking my canal.

As above away 10.15 and stopped and ate lunch a the top of Boggs lock. We'd got rid of recyling, rubbish and emptied a couple of cassettes at Penkridge service. Penkridge was very quiet of people,  just one boater moored on the lock landing facing the wrong way !

The tit on the lock moorings  - they came past us early and there was space just off the bollards ! 

This fella had been CC'ing for 42 years  - respect to you sir 

We've seen this repair on three separate gates now !

The tower at Gailey is always demanding of a shot and it reminds me of Sue and Vic (Vic now past away) 

 when they had NB No problem I recall their photo. Geoff of Seyella told me when I met up with him recently Sue is still living on her wide beam on the Thames. Their blog was alway one to look forward to. Last time we met is was outside Kings Bromley marina 

The Gailey gates want to stay open and creaked and moaned all the time the lock was filling 

We brought our loo from Mike off Duxlandyn met at a services off the M1 if I recall correctly ! - only just realised the name always thought it was welsh !! Still going strong ( the loo) 

Did a fair bit of walking today between the locks 8 of them today. Just felt I needed to stretch my legs. The moorings around Latches bridge are nice, we've the railway behind us, love a train, and woods opposite so may have some owl company tonight. One thing to note the number of Kingfishers we've seen this holiday is encouraging, none stayed to have their photo but thats Kingfishers for you ! 

Onto our home canal tomorrow and up past Wheaton Aston. If the time is right we need diesel from Turners. It would be good to get past Wheaton Aston as that means no more locks on the final day but lets get thru the narrows and onto the Shroppie before we start thinking of home !