Hopeless Heron

Rural church

Anchor Bridge

It was a warm morning. Several boats sped past as we breakfasted. Shortly after we set off the stern of a long term moorer’s boat drifted out across the cut as the Captain passed it. The speeding boats must have dragged it from its mooring. The boat then drifted right across the canal.

High Bridge, High Offley

The hire boaters we had been with yesterday climbed onto the boat to re-secure it. Why do people complain about hirers? These two were super. 

There was a steady flow other boats moving as we cruised through bluebell clad cuttings around Gnosall. 

When we reached Norbury junction we stopped at the start of the mooring.

One boat sped past. A moorer yelled “Slow down!”

“Sorry!” speedy Skipper replied. “I’ve been held up for over an hour by that slow boat back there. I’ve only just managed to overtake them.”

I guess he would be the first to complain if somebody rocked his boat by speeding.

Norbury Junction

It was still bright when we cast off. This part of the Shroppie was clad with primroses. “Do you think we can moor here?” I asked.

I cruised close to the bank but the Shroppie shelf made the boat run aground. As I reversed into deeper water Lottie jumped off, so the Captain had to quickly leap after her over the widening gap. He ended up walking to our final mooring as I couldn’t get close to the bank.

Moorings on the old Newport Branch

The canal had herons all along its length proof of the fish swimming in the often muddy water. How do the herons see the fish through the murk to catch them?

A heron was fishing by the bank so Lottie ran at it, the heron flew out of her way ... and landed a few yards ahead of her. She chased it again and again and again. Why didn’t the silly bird fly past her back to his first fishing place?

Shelmore Embankment

We finally moored up below  Wheaton Aston lock.It was very peaceful until two dog walkers with a bunch of children stopped outside our boat. Their dogs yapped and yapped and yapped so they shouted louder to hear each other. Lottie growled her disapproval then barked but our noisy walkers didn’t take any notice.

Eventually they parted company and we were left in peace.

Heron taking off