We wanted to catch up with No Problem before going our separate ways in the summer months. We got going early and two days later we found them at Wheaton Aston with flags up on St. George’s day. Sue n Vic invited us on board for one of those famed Sunday roasts and Ann provided the apple crumble.
The Shropshire Union is a bit of a boating motorway heading north south so it was not long before we got to its southern end at Autherly junction near Wolverhampton. An early morning walk with Ann and Molly found Addersley junction and the Wolverhampton flight of locks heading up to Birmingham.
A government supported scheme is employing young people to cleanup and paint all the locks which are now looking smart and inviting. We plan to explore the Birmingham Canal Navigations next year.
We moved off heading for Great Haywood and waved goodbye to Sue n Vic as they set off for Stourport. We managed to get to Penkridge, got our post and went to the market. Got some plants for our roof boxes and met Rose n Ray from Maddy Rose. Back on our boat and approaching the lock we were surprised to see Les on Valerie coming up. He was with family and had also been to the market!
We stopped at Teddesley boat yard where we found Maddy Rose having an engine replaced. The boat yard owner was being very helpful in trying to sort out major problems with the old engine but finally decided it was terminal. Both Ray and Rose had been quite stressed about the situation. It had been a threat to their way of life on board after so many good years. The new engine was installed and running while we offered tea and sympathy. Next day we continued on our journey leaving our friends feeling better.
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