The gate paddle mechanism at #1 Lock at Tyrley Locks on the Shropshire Union Canal near Market Drayton. Completed in 1835, this canal was the last major project completed by Thomas Telford, the architect of much of the canal system in England. Looks to me like this gear mechanism is probably original…
… is the one you have with you. So true! Came downstairs just before 7am today, and saw the makings of a great sky. Knowing it would likely only last a few minutes at most, I pulled some shoes and a coat on, and grabbed my phone and wide angle converter lens, and took the 2 minute walk across the fields. This is what I saw… If I had stopped to get my ‘real’ camera and tripod etc, I would certainly have missed it – it only lasted a few seconds longer as the sun rose and washed out the colours.
Not sure you would have a boat around here – it’s over 100 miles to the nearest sea, not that this one looks very seaworthy anyway… Ah well, it’s interesting what ‘stuff’ people collect.
Walking into town today, I was taken with this old cottage. It’s pretty small, and dates back to the early 1800s, and I guess it probably was indeed the local wheelwright’s cottage ‘in the day’. Many of the older properties in town have long since gone, but enough remain to give a sense of history. 
Met up with our 10 year old granddaughter today. Good opportunity to catch up after our week away, and also to try out the Moment 58mm iPhone lens converter in portrait mode. Love the perspective a ‘longer’ lens gives, and of course the ability of the iPhone XR to ‘adjust ‘ the effective depth of focus after the event.
The rather cooler weather now we are back in England came as a bit of a shock after our glorious week in Gran Canaria ☀️☀️. However, the crocuses in the garden obviously reckon that Spring is on the way… A chance too to try the new 58mm lens converter for my phone. 
Sign outside our local barbershop. One way to attract attention …!
So tonight was a ‘date night’ spent at one of our local restaurants, where they were celebrating their first year of business with a special menu, and some live music. Thanks to Dan and Verity at The Town House, and to Luke Brown for his great accompaniment. 
The hardy folks around here play tennis outdoors all year round. With three all weather courts, they even play through the winter, just as long as the playing surface isn’t too icy. This morning it was just 3.5°C, but the ladies were out there practicing as usual…
Most of the narrow boats we see along the canal near here are either hired out for holidays/vacations, or belong to people using them for business. However, these few are permanent homes – the boats don’t move from one year to another, and some of the residents have created gardens alongside the tow path, complete even with sheds in some cases! 
One Day At A Time... 