But soon it looked like it was going to be "if it can go wrong it will" day. It seemed that every boat we met was on a blind bend and/or by a bridge; the bridges seemed to be particularly awkward and narrow, progress was interminably slow past a fishing contest, Autherley Junction was like Piccadilly Circus.
The appearance of several youngsters in canoes looked like it was going to be another hassle, but their instructors had them well drilled and as we slid past on tickover, came the call "ready, on the count of three..." and three dozen 10 year olds chorused in unison "Aye, aye, Cap'n" as they saluted us! What could we do but smile for the rest of the day.
The "Shroppie" seemed positively empty after all this activity, though there were plenty of boats moored up, their occupiers enjoying what is supposed to be the last day of sunshine for a while.
We reached Brewood, our planned stop for the day, at 2.30 - surprisingly, most of the visitor moorings were already taken, but we found a space with no problem and after lunch walked into the village for a quick shop. We plan to return tomorrow to visit Coopers, an excellent food store, for the makings of our dinner for the next couple of nights. Tonight, however, we are trying the Bridge Inn, a mere 200 yards along the towpath.
13 miles, 2 locks
Wildlife seen: 2 herons, a duck family in an unusual residence, 1 highland cow
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