Strange phenomenom

Not a bad meal last night although somewhat pricey. Would recommend going, though, if it was a special occasion. Back on Merlin and the reflections of the Anchor pub was well worth taking a photo for.

A very misty morning greeted us as we got up and deciding to wait for it to lift before setting off, but gave up when it was still as bad by 9.30am. The headlight was needed through the long narrow section and thank goodness we didn't meet another boat as visibility was down to a few yards. No photos as I was concentrating on keeping Merlin in the middle without hitting the sides.
 

The Anchor Inn this morning.

 By the time we had reached Autherley junction at least I could see where to do the turn into the Shroppie although I did have to hover midstream waiting for a boat to exit the lock.

The colours of the cut on the first section of the Shroppie.

Over the A5 and Stretton aqueduct

And a very well known boat was spied at Stretton boatyard. Hmmm, not quite sure how this dog managed to get onto the back deck though as the back doors were closed.

As we neared bridge 21 an eerie feeling came over us. The temperature dropped dramatically and this milky mist appeared through the bridge 'ole. It was made even weirder when bridge 23 looked to as if only the top part of the arch was navigable.

In the distance bridge 23

 Relieve all round when we emerged into clear conditions. Felt warmer immediately and I cant think when we have ever experienced the like before. Took several more hours before we reached Gnosall, arriving well after 3.30pm. The mist had begun to fall again and would have stopped earlier but a discussion took place as to where a second meal out would likely to be, discovered that The Boat at Gnosall was the last place where it would be feasible to stop. We will be stopping at the Shroppie Fly on Christmas day but for pre-dinner drinks only rather than partaking of a very expensive Christmas meal at the Restaurant.

On route today,