First time on the Shroppie

We were up very early this morning, too early. We got up at 6.30am and were cruising by 7.00am. We left very quietly up to the first lock getting out of Penkridge, and then followed the M6 towards Wolverhampton. We got through the narrow cutting at around 11.30am and soon got to Autherley Junction. We had to wait for a couple of boats to get through the stop lock but we soon made our turn for our first time on the Shroppie.....
We liked the feel of it the minute we got to the first bridge. The first thing you notice when turning in is the cleaner water and the wide concrete sides. The bridges are quaint and the moorings seemed a bit few and far between but we soon got to a nice mooring recommended by Elsie on n.b Bendigedig, who are regulars on these parts. We just had enough time for lunch and to do some brasses before it rained, good timing.

Then it was UEFA cup football in the afternoon and evening.