Day 16 Stratton to Market Drayton

The Premier Inn guarantee you will have a goods nights sleep, well yes we did but that is about all you can say for it. They cater for business people yet you have to pay for wifi, every other place, even the most old fashioned B&B had free wifi so what are they thinking! Added to that the wifi kept disconnecting so I was thoroughly fed up. We also had huge difficulties finding our next stop, it seems everyone is staying in Shropshire this weekend. We had to leave Stretton without a bed booked which made me twitchy. I'm too old to sleep in a hedge.

No Flies on This Developer

Leaving Stretton was a joy, we were on our way and immediately the scenery improved, scenic countryside with canal glimpses and pretty black and white Medieval timber framed cottages. Through the two wiches, Northwich and Nantwich, stopping for lunch in Audlem at a picturesque pub called the Shroppie right on the Shropshire Union Canal. Audlem is famous for its run of 15 locks. A local Worcester Warriors Rugby fan recognised Neil's Exeter Chiefs shirt, he was delighted to meet Neil and lots of rugby chat followed. our new friend loves the style of Exeter's play and he predicts they will go far this year.

Typical Shropshire House

On the way to the pub we saw a Lancaster bomber flying overhead then immediately came across the sign for The secret Bunker, any connection?

Wo bist das secret bunker mein Herr

Still riding through pretty lanes away from the main roads we rode into Market Drayton where we decided to stay, well I did because after 42 miles I was tired and worried as we still hadn't booked our overnight stay. Tried the main hotel without luck then phoned B&b numbers we were given at the hotel. Third one lucky, others full, this is just perfect. walked into town  for a bite to eat and the best option was Wetherspoons. Ok for what it is but did you know they sell 26 million eggs and 36
million sausages every year! Mr Wetherspoon must be worth a mint!

Canal Views

The weather forecast for tomorrow is atrocious, wall to wall rain! Headline in the local newsagents " County braces for weekend storms" what are we doing?