So much for another canal ghost.

It's that time of the year, did you know that Armadillos hibernate in winter? So we are in semi-hibernation mode, i.e. we are not doing a lot. This seems to apply to the overall population of the Shroppie at the moment, if we see half a dozen boats on the move during the day we think it's busy.
We spent a couple of pleasant days loafing at bridge eight before moving down to Brewood to see our friend Sam, esteemed proprietor of  The Curry Inn, the finest curry house on the cut. He is just in the process of enlarging the restaurant and completely redecorating, should be even better once completed. Grand reopening Monday week!

Moored at Brewood, possibly the smallest usable narrowboat I've seen. Can't be more than fifteen foot by five.
We have now moved back to Little Onn for the weekend.

Lots a of good walks around the lanes here, yesterday we walked up the towpath to High Onn and then off up the lanes as far as High Onn House.

A splendid classical style farmhouse which sits on a quiet road junction, mind you the very large dog in the farmyard let us know he was there.
A fair way down the lane you come to the site of the wartime Weaton Aston airfield.

Although not on the actual airfield these have the definite look of W.D. buildings from the period, I would hazard a guess that they were a cook house and associated dining halls.
The airfield was opened in December 1941 and closed in July 1947, it was a navigation training airfield for the U.S.A.F. On 23rd May 1942 an Airspeed Oxford crashed here and on the 4th July 1944 a Republic P47 Thunderbolt crashed into the canal between bridges 21 and 22. It may be the pilot of this plane who is said to haunt the canal at this point. Unfortunately for a good story it appears that the pilot walked away unhurt.

Another busy road junction and then down past the local stables.

And so back to the boat.

It really is a pleasant spot.
For anyone still worrying about our portable pump out: I stripped it down to the last nut and bolt (Not the most pleasant job I have ever done) and replaced inlet and outlet valves and the diaphragm and it now pumps like a good 'un.
Nearly forgot to mention, the UK Snooker Championship is on the telly so don't expect a lot of sense from us for the next week.

Watch this space.......