Jan's grandmother used to say that if there's enough blue sky to make a Dutchman a pair of trousers, it will be fine. This looks promising.
Just before Autherley Junction, where the Shropshire Union canal goes off right towards Chester, there's a very narrow cutting known as 'Pendeford Rockin'.
Only one boat can pass through at a time - and there are passing places to wait if oncoming boats appear. This is nb Montgomery Pickles following us south through the cutting.
It gets so narrow that care is needed to avoid the boat bouncing off the rocky sides
An oncoming boat appears and we nose slowly ahead - the passing place is on the left so we expect him to turn into it and wait for Mongomery P...
... instead the boat (which shall remain nameless) passed us and did a pistols at dawn with Montgomery P in the cutting. The story later related was that the oncomer had to retreat in the face of relentless good nature.
Order restored, Autherley was reached and shopping at the nearby Morrison's planned.
First mention of Stourport, where the canal meets the river Severn and our next destination. Chester is signed right.
On the way to the shop, here's the old lock cottage and tollkeeper's booth next to the 'stop lock' at Autherley
Unorthodox route to the shops, through Autherley wood
This one's for Joan and Marmalade
'Duckingham Palace'
Colourful roadbridge graffiti
Hanging garden
Boats moored three abreast coming out of Autherley
More graffiti
Steering under imposing double railway bridges
Luxuriant willows
Arriving at Compton about 4pm, we did all our washing - simple chores but satisfying.
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