Penkridge.

The next morning was hot and sunny as we started off spotting several Buzzards soaring quite high up. In the garden of Deptmoor Lock Cottage someone was reconstructing the little brick Bothy. At Shutt Hill Lock the Community Payback Team were painting the lock-gear, also sweeping and tidying the all area around it. Their supervisor  kindly helped us with the lock.

We moored below Teddesley Park Lock and nipped in for a few items from the Midland Chandlers.  After queuing in the limited space below Penkridge Lock we were able to moor just above it. Later on I went down to the Market where there was an awful din as they were auctioning off Hens, Ducks, Guinea Fowl and Turkey etc. I sauntered around the various stalls there, but only bought some Eccles Cakes, the skippers favourite! I also called in to the excellent Jasper’s bakers shop for a few items. The following day we had lunch in The Boat Inn, then walked up the towpath for a drink at The Cross Keys where we just sat outside watching the boats go by.