Flying Down to Aldersley

The visit to The Great Western last night was a success. The pub is steeped in railway memorabilia with genuine information castings and photographs on the wall. Indeed even the kitchen has a sliding door marked "Booking Office". The only downside was that I arrived an hour too late at the end of their beer festival with all the real ales sold out!

A deep intake of breath and we were prepared to tackle the Wolverhampton 21.
The single handed cruiser we moored behind last night set off one and a half hours before us so all the locks were set against us but we managed 7 in the first hour and then we met one coming up so the next couple were set for us. It wasn't long before they were against us again which meant we were catching him up! It was a good descent achieved in 3hrs 5mins.
We stopped off in Crompton on the Staffs & Worcs canal opposide what used to be Lime Kiln chandlery now moved to Stourport. Our gain! Dianne shopped for essentials and came back armed with a box of delicious Fish and Chips from Pepe's Plaice.
Two locks further on we moored up to re-visit Whightwick Manor. This is a NT property that was the home of Geoffrey Mander of Mander's Paints. The house was designed by his father Theodore and mother Flora and boasts original William Morris furnishings. Recently discovered in the cellar is a box of original 1920s 110 volt AC light bulbs a couple of which are on display.
The day was competed with a meal in the local Mermaid pub.