The Fly is dead: Long live the Fly

We were intending to do a good many lock-miles today. We got to the Audlem flight, and were helped up the first three locks by volunteer Brian. Thanks, Brian! He also found time to educate a troop of visitors in the wonders of the lock system.

First disappointment was that George the butcher was not serving at his makeshift shop by Lock 1. Brian said he hadn't been there for a few weeks, and had heard he'd been ill. We hope he gets better and that normal service is resumed. His range of sausages and jumbo eggs is really something.

Then we got up to the Shroppie Fly, and found it closed for refurbishment. Brian said it was under new ownership. Judging from its state when we were last here, in May, that's no bad thing. Here's hoping!

While stopped in the pound outside the Fly, we got chatting to Peter and Frances on NB Poppy. In fact, we chatted to them for a good part of the afternoon! Nice to meet you folks.

We then found that the Bridge Inn hosts acoustic folk evenings on Mondays, so that was our mind made up to stay. All of three locks today – and those with Brian's help. But the weather was good enough for me to put a second undercoat on the swan-neck. Hope it looks as good when the gloss finally goes on!

The last time we came through Audlem we stopped for the music as well, and we're hoping for a good evening. Looks like Peter and Frances will join us. I'll take the guitar, and the penny whistles. But perhaps the accordion would be a bit overwhelming…