A minor change of plan

We had a day off yesterday on Hampton Bank, watching the boats go by. Lots of them too, not so many slowing down either. We were strapped to the bank with springs and breast ropes at both ends, but were still pulled about a bit by some of them. You can’t just blame the hirers either. A fair proportion of them were private boats…

Off from Hampton Bank on a bright and breezy morning.

It must be summer, the Yellow Flag Iris is out!
These beautiful bright yellow flowers stand tall on long stems rising along the reedy fringes of many canals.

After half a mile of windy canal, passing under Clapping Gate Bridge the canal briefly enters Wales again, a southern salient of the Principality dropping down to Northwood before the border heads north again.

We cross back into England halfway along the long straight across Whixall Moss.

Prees Branch Junction

Around the corner from the junction is Morris Lift Bridge, and we were lucky to arrive at the same time as a hire boat from the other direction. The chap crewing and waving his windlass offered to lift the bridge and I agreed with alacrity. This one takes 80-odd turns to lift!

Through Morris Lift Bridge


We intended to press on to moor just past Fenn’s Bank, near Duddleston Bridge. But the newish moorings just past Roundthorn Bridge looked inviting so we pulled in there to enjoy the sunny afternoon.
There’s parking right alongside, so we’ve a Tesco delivery coming tomorrow, then Val and Johnny are coming for lunch on Wednesday. This will probably be the last time we see them this trip.

The weather is looking a bit dodgy over the next few days, “unsettled” as they say. Flaming June, eh.

Locks 0, miles 3½