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Canal September 2009

In 2002 we purchased a week on a Narrow boat in April, a lifetime of one weeks holiday a year on a narrow boat. The boat is Shakespeare Classic called Ophelia and is now moored at Mercia Marina, near Willington.

This year we decided to hire a boat in September for two weeks and do the Stourport Ring going via Great Haywood, Penkridge, Autherley, Stourton Junction, Stourport, Worcester, Tardebigge, Birmingham, Frazley returning to the Trent and Mersey at Fradley.

We had the boat Much Ado, we had been in touch with Donna and Carol at Shakespeare Classic the week before to let them know we were going onto the River Severn, they made sure we had everything like a working headlight and the anchor was ready for use, Donna even made sure we had a cable for electric hook up should we need it. Donna and Carol are very good they always make sure the boat is prepared for our holidays. We plan our route weeks before hand so that we know where we are stopping most nights and plan on about five hours cruising a day.

Day one - Friday 18th September

We left home about 10.00am for our two week holiday on Much Ado. We arrived at Mercia Marina about 13.30pm, we unloaded our stuff from the car to the boat, had our usual briefing and we were off by 14.15pm. Donna escorted us out of the marina.

The greatest thrill just minutes into the holiday was seeing Granny Buttons, we have followed Andrew Denny’s web blog for a few years now, and here he was in the flesh, well the boat was any way. Edward saw him beaming out the front of the boat, probable wondering what the commotion was, as we had lost control of the boat taking photos.

We had planned to stop at Barton Turns, but as we weren't making the progress we wanted because of queuing at locks, we eventually decided to stop at Bridge Inn in Branston. The visitor moorings was packed and we pulled in just past them, the bank was rough and uneven but we did manage to get the front and back of the boat lined up adjacent to firm ground for easy access and knocking in the pins we used both sets of pins to make sure we didnt move.

We quickley unpacked everything and went for a meal at the Bridge Inn, Its a popular and busy restaurant and was packed out tonight, so we decided to sit in the garden rather then wait for a table indoors. We had a meal of Ham and Mushroom Risotto it was very tasty and filling.

We did 2 Locks today.

Day two - Saturday 19th September

We were up bright and early at 7.30am, and on the move at 8.45am. This holiday I had decided to do more steering of the boat then I usually do, letting Edward do some of the lock work. At Tatenhill Lock Edward suggested I should steer the boat through the lock, I wasn't too sure as I had never steered this boat before. I did have a go and with Edward's help I got through the lock without any problems. I then did the next 3 locks including Alrewas Lock.

At Bagnall Lock there was a queue of two boats in front of us, unfortunately the queue was split by a boat moored up next to the lock waiting area, taking a rest, so we had to tuck in behind the resting boat. When it was our turn to move up to the lock waiting area the rear of our boat got stuck in the mud briefly and another boat sailed past us jumping the queue.

I was not amused, as I had already helped three boats through the lock plus the queue jumper, before we finally got through. Bagnall Lock is difficult as the two gates will not stay shut by themselves, by the time it was our turn to go through there was no one about to help, I raised the paddle up a bit to let the water in to keep the gates from opening, this is the only way you can do this when there is one of you working this lock.

We had a late lunch at the Shade House lock Fradley at 14.00pm and by 14.30pm we were on our way again hoping to make Great Hayward by 18.30. As often happens we picked up a slow boat full of kids at Handsacre, and decided to stop at Rugley at about 18.30. Great Hayward was probably an unrealistic target anyway, we should be able to make up time tommorow.

It had been a long day and we were tired all the exercise and fresh air, so we had sausages and mash on board tonight. I started to watched a bit of telly, but started to doze off so we went to bed early.

Today the weather was sunny and warm and we did 12 Locks

Day three - Sunday 20th September

We had decided on this holiday to get up at our usual time of 7.30 and start moveing at about 8.30 trying to stop for the day about 16.00. Today our plan is to reach Penkridge for an overnight stop.

Near Colwich bridge 70 a boat pulled out just ahead of us from the moorings there, forcing us to slow down using reverse thrust. The boat then proceeded to go fairly slow with the occasional burst of speed and some erratic steering. It turned out the boat was going slow as it was their first time on the canal and the boat wasn't theirs, and they were worried about getting it damaged. Their desire to keep out of every ones way seemed inconsistent with cutting us up. Eventually he waved us to pass him, which we did just before Colwich Lock.

At Colwich Lock we were the third boat in a queue, by the time we got through, there was a further 8 boats waiting behind us. Some of the boaters we talked to said its unheard of to have queue's at this time of the year, they put it down to a rally being held on the Coventry Canal and the Shroppie was closed because of a breach. This meant that boats from the north had to go via Stoke on Trent rather then along the Shroppie. It us took an hour in all to get through.

Edward did the steering through Colwich and Great Hayward locks, as I didn't want too many people watching me. At the Staffs and Worcs Canal junction we had to wait for three boats turning on to the Trent and Mersey Canal. Edward wanted to get some photos of the junction, so I took control of the turn and did it expertly, though Edward had set it up just right so all I had to do was make sure the tiller didn't move, till it was coming into the straight.

There was some kind of competition going on at Tixall Wide, I don't think we messed it up for one of the boats which suddenly darted in front of us towards the centre of the lake. The boats seemed to be making lots of manoeuvres to pick up some floating balls. One boat was doing very well but he had a bow thruster so that is cheating I think.

We stopped just after Milford for lunch, I did the next 5 locks and now can get through with out any direction from Edward.

We arrived at Penkridge at 16.50, there was a fair old walk to the nearest recommended pub, but it didn't serve food on a Sunday. We asked directions to where we could get a meal, I decided they were all too far so we went back to the boat. We surfed the Internet and found a Chinese take away that was not that far away, Edward went and got our usual Chinese a Beef and tomato and Chicken chowmein with fried rice, I scoffed the takeaway down like mad as all the walking and steering had made me hungry.

The day started out cool and cloudy, but later became warm and sunny, we both got sun burnt on our faces and arms. Today we did 7 Locks.

Day four - Monday 21st September

We set off at 8.45 and filled up with water just after Penkridge main lock. Penkridge has a lot more visitors mooring then we thought, some of it would have been quite a walk to the town centre.

The canal meanders on to the Round House where an American couple said they were going to watch closely as we operated the lock, so Edward gave them a running commentary. They are thinking about having a holiday on the canals in the future, so was most interested in how things worked. You then pass the chemical works before before approaching Calf Heath and its marina.

Surprisingly near Coven we passed a 70 footer coming in the opposite direction, yesterday this boat was two boats behind us at the Colwich queue, it passed us at Milford while we were having lunch.

We stopped at Coven for lunch, as we turned the corner out of Coven, we were cut up by passenger boat full of old ladies on an outing. Shortly after Coven Heath is a narrow cutting about a mile long, called the Narrows, which is wide enough for one boat only, although it has passing places. On the previous three visits to this part of the canal, we have always had it to ourselves. This time we meet an oncoming boat though fortunate neither had to wait as we arrived at a passing place at the same time.

We were going to moor up at the visitor moorings at Compton just after the lock it didnt look very safe a small gang of lads were larking about near the lock. Edward walked on a bit further and found there was visitor moorings after the bridge. We met an elderly lady who was waiting for her son to arrive for a few days on their boat, she advised us that the canal side cafe was expensive and the portions small, she recommended Oddfellows Lucky for us the Cafe was closed on Mondays.

We needed some provisions so went to the local shop called Daisy's and got some chicken and frozen Cottage pie just in case we needed them later in the week. We showered and changed before going to dinner at Oddfellows, I had my usual sirloin steak and Edward gammon steak, both with salad.

The day was cloudy and chilly particularly later on, today we did 10 locks.

Day five - Tuesday 22nd September

We left Compton at 9:00 and it was pretty much uneventful till we got to Awbridge Lock. Here a lady brought her Arab mare out to eat the grass by the lock, she does this every day for 30 minutes or so. It was great talking horsy stuff, we both agreed Arabs are super and this little mare was so like Laya, who I do miss when on holiday.

Later we arrived at Bratch locks. These are unusual as they were originally built as a staircase, but have since been turned into 3 separate locks. The gap between each lock is very small so oncoming boats cannot pass and you cannot go into the next chamber below until that chamber's water level has been lowered and its top paddles are open. The lock keeper allows a maximum of three boats up and three boats down in sequence to be fair. We had an hour to wait as the last of three boats were going down when we arrived and there were two waiting to come up. The lock keeper assists you as you are entering each lock making it a smooth trip down or up. We decided to have lunch while we waited.

Further along there is a two chamber staircase lock called Botterham, both chambers have to be set correctly, that is the top one has to be filled and the lower one empty, before a boat can go through in either direction, it can be ambiguous who goes through next if two boats arrive at the same time from opposite directions.

We moored up for the night at Greensforge, and had a nice meal at the Navigation. We had a chat with the folks from NB Sunset who had two Jack Russels, one of which was on the boat waiting for the delivery of her pups. I saved the fat from my steak for the dogs. The owner had just been sacked for using his mobile phone while driving his truck into the yard. He was upset as he was checking on his dogs condition, he should have waited until he stopped his truck.

The weather was sunny but windy and we did 13 locks today.

Day six - Wednesday 23rd September

We left Greensforge at about 8.45, again we simply followed the meandering of the canal through the countryside and operating the occasional lock. We soon arrived at Stourton Junction where there is a branch to Stourbridge and Dudley. We passed through Kinver and was surprised at the shortage of visitor moorings bearing in mind that it is a popular tourist centre.

We needed to post a birthday card today and were on the look out for a post box all morning, when we got to Whittington lock the local postman was delivering post to several remote houses along the canal, we asked if he picked up mail as well and yes he was happy to take our post. We stopped a Wolvey Visitor moorings for lunch and it started to rain, well if you could call it that, it was just a few light showers.

Just before Kidderminster the canal locks are fitted with anti vandal locks to prevent kids draining the canal. We have never seen them before, but a boater who was in the lock showed us what the key looked like. Later we discovered that our key was worn and did not work very well. We managed the next lock as a boat arrived in the opposite direction with a working key. At the next lock the previous boater had left the upper gate unlocked but we could only raise one of the paddles at the lower end. The locks and the visitor moorings in Kidderminster are patrolled by the Police, we had intended to overnight there but the moorings are so bleak that we decided to move on. Its a real shame that the area is like that, as I am sure visitors would like to see other parts of Kidderminster other then the canal.

We arrived at Stourport and moored up close to the Black Star Inn at about 16.30, Edward went in search of the chandlers to get a new anti vandal key, he came back with 2 and a windlass with a plastic rotating handle, I have wanted one for ages they are so much easier on the hands.

We had a shower and went for dinner at the Black Star Pub, the meals are cheap and cheerful, though the pub smelt very musty and they tried to get us to eat in the bar but we preferred the dinning room it was very 1960s the meal was well cooked and served although lacking in presentation. We have both started to have early nights being in bed by 22.30, I reckon its all the fresh air and exercise plus the early starts, we are now on the move by 8.45 most mornings.

The weather was cool and overcast today and we did 14 locks.

Day seven - Thursday 24th September

We were underway about 8.15 today,The first lock of the day was York Street lock which was easy compared with what followed we were expecting it to be hard work. While in the basin we filled up with water at the water point and got rid of our rubbish. As we went through the basin to the narrow boat locks, Stourport Basin has two sets of locks one for narrowboats and one for larger vessles. The narrow boat locks are two double staircases before you drop down on to the River Severn, these are unusual as you don't have to make sure the bottom one is empty before you start emptying the top, it is self levelling, there is a short wide pound between the staircases, the wind from the River Severn can catch you unawares before you enter the second staircase. There is no easy pick up for lock workers you have to go down to a floating pontoon to board the boat after coming out of the last lock.

Once on to the river it was a smooth run to Worcester, between Worcester and Stourport there are 3 locks which are manned by lock keepers, the Lock Keeper opens the gates as you arrive and you have time to secure both ends of the boat before they start to empty them, they are not as deep or wide as the ones on the Nottingham Canal.

Worcester has some amazing scenes from the river view, we passed the entrance to the Droitwich Canal which is being restored, it will be a short cut, cutting off the Worcester corner bring you out at Hanbury warf. The turning on to the Worcester and Birmingham canal was a bit of a challenge, you have to make a sharp left hand turn almost a u-turn into the Diglis Basin Locks and pull up along side a pontoon, once you have opened the gates you have to signal to the steerer when you have the gate open as they cannot see from the pontoon when it is clear to move. There are two deep wide locks to negotiate and the gates are very heavy, two Black Prince boats were in the locks, and there was nothing come down, I did my usual when working double locks, if there is only one boat I only open one gate, Edward manages to get it through with no trouble, we did have help on the last lock one boat was waiting to come in and helped with the paddles.

The basin was packed out so it was slow going through to the next lock, this lock had no mooring bollards or anything to moor to Edward held the boat to the side with the centre rope, while I went to help set the lock, there was another boat coming down which saves time and effort. There were a lot of visitors from overseas at Sidbury lock, a local lady thinking I was a tourist asked me if I could speak English, when I said yes oh you must be from the USA to which I replied no I am from England. I think she was upset as she wanted to talk about Worcester and all its attractions.

By the time I had done this lock I was worn out, Edward took over the lock work and did the next seven locks, while I did the steering, we arrived at Tibberton about 18:30. Edward went for a look around to see where the pub was and came back saying its just there at the end of the boat almost, we changed and went for a meal at the Bridge Inn, we had a lovely meal and the service was brilliant.

Day Eight - Friday 25th September

We left rather later then usual this morning, we decided to stop at Stoke Pound and do the Tardebigge Flight on the Saturday. Brian, Edwards brother phoned to say thank you for his birthday card just before we entered the Dunhamstead Tunnel. The Tunnel is 236 yards, we had to put the navigation light on, you could just make out the other end, I stood by the light as it kept falling down lighting up the front of the boat but not much else. The tunnel will take two way traffic, lucky for us we did not pass any boats coming the other way. When we came out of the tunnel Edward phoned his brother back, they were arranging to meet us at Stoke Pound for a visit, they were planning on getting there about 4.30 so we had plenty of time.

The first lock of the day were the 6 Ashwood Locks by bridge 40, there was a fantastic display of Fuchsias. I asked Edward to take photos of them, the colours I have never seen before the dark pinks and burgundy went so well together, I shall be on the look out for them next year for my own Fuchsia baskets. The day was really warm and sunny and apart from the fuchsias pretty much the usual canal views, the locks were all set against us today and the boat which had left the moorings before us this morning, was not going particularly fast we caught up with them by the time we got to Stoke Wharf, we decided to pull over and have lunch. We had a quick bit to eat then got on our way, the boat we had been following was a black Prince one, they finished their trip at Stoke Wharf.

The rest of the cruise was much easier although the locks were hard work the bottom gates were easy, the top paddles were hard work, even Edward found them difficult, the pressure of the water behind the paddles, makes them hard to raise once you get the lock half full its gets easier. I inch it around to get it started it takes a bit longer but its easier for me.

We arrived at Stoke Pound about 3.30, it was a good spot and the pub the Queens Head is right on the canal so it was only a few minutes walk. We rather misjudged the time it would take getting to Stoke Pound, we thought it would be 4 hours but it was more like 5.5 hours.

At 4.30 Brian, Sarah, Peter and Jon appeared, they were impressed with the boat and after a full inspection, we had a cup of tea and Birthday cake. Sarah had made the cake for her Dad it was lovely. Pity about the tea we don't take sugar so never bring it with us, Brian, Peter and Sarah do, but they drank it sugarless. Sarah, Peter and myself went to check out the menu at the Queens Head, as it was filling up I booked a table for 7.00pm, we then had about an hour to wait. After a brief discussion about the menu, Edward and I changed, we locked the boat up and went for a drink before we were due to eat,it was a very nice meal and the three brothers all had the same, which was amazing, Sarah had soup as the main meal with bread, Peter had sausage and chips I had fillet steak followed by strawberry cheesecake. It was a very nice evening and Brian had a treat for his birthday.

Day Nine - Saturday 26th September

We started out about 8:30 and it took about 5 hours to do the 29 locks to get to the top of Tardebigge. We knew the 29 locks were going to take some time and worked out a way of doing them which was easy fo us. I started at the first lock by draining the lock and opening the lower gates, once Edward and the boat were in the lock I closed the gates and started the filling by opening the upper paddles, as soon as started to fill I then moved on to the next lock. When the lock was full Edward would open the upper gate and close the paddles, he then takes the boat out of the lock, until it was just clear of the lock gate, then closed the upper gate and moved the boat into the next lock. As a precaution, when getting off the boat, we took a 10 metre rope attached to the rear of the boat and placed it on the bank, if the boat drifted away from the bank we could haul it back into reach.

The technique worked well, we were able to do 6 locks per hour, our normal rate would have been 4 locks per hour. We took it in turns to operate the locks doing 5 locks each. The weather was ideal as it remained overcast and cool with no wind. Had it been windy then there would have been the danger of the boat drifting off and a lot of energy used to pull it back within reach.

We had lunch at the top and then moved on to Alvechurch, we had two long tunnels to go through before reaching Alvechurch, the first Tardebigge Tunnel was 580 yards and had it to ourselves. The second one Shortwood Tunnel is 613 yards, a boat came in the opposite direction the boats headlamp was quite blinding, but we managed to pass without any scrapes.

By now the weather had brightened up and it seemed to bring out day trippers, one tourist boat coming in the opposite direction suddenly cut across the boat in front of us, causing us to take evasive action. The boat in front temporally got stuck in the reeds and we had to apply some powerful reverse to avoid both boats. When we got to Alvechurch the rather limited visitor moorings were full so we moved on to Arrowfield Top. We had dinner on board it was a very quiet spot and to far to walk to the nearest pubs.

Day Ten - Sunday 27th September

We set of later then usual as we only had a short way to go, the first part of the day was spent getting to and into Waste hill tunnel which is 2726 yards long, we didn't meet any other boats coming in the opposite direction there was a lot of colourful stalagmites particularly near the air vents.

We stopped for water at Kings Norton, there was a lot of runners out today some sort of competion, before entering the Bournville area the smell of chocolate gets stronger the closer you get, there are visitor moorings for the Factory Museum all behind high fences we didnt think it was open today so didnt bother to stop. We passed Selly Oak Hospital from the canal side its a massive place, visiting an aunt there a few years back it looked like a small hospital from the car park. The University is just as big, there were visitor moorings but no where to moor as there was a barby and picnic going on so we continued on to Gas street.

We had heard a lot about Gas Street Basin in the last few weeks and was surprised at how true it all was, we pulled into a mooring near to the towpath shops and eating places as I jumped of to tie up, I was asked by a young Chinese visitor "how much for a ride" I told him this is a private boat my home not a taxi I am sure there are boats for hire up there pointing to a sign.

We had lunch before going for a walk along the basin towpath, we crossed the bridge and got some provisions from the Tesco Metro. We didn't fancy staying on this mooring as the Lap dancing club was only a few feet away. We decided to have a little tour around to Sherbourne Wharf very posh the exit is a very tight turn if you want to go back to the junction, Edward missed judge it and we decided as there were to many onlookers we would go down to the next winding hole and turn there which we did successfully without upsetting any of the fishermen.

We moored up opposite the Indoor Arena there was a lot of people queuing and walking there tonight, we discovered there was an operatic concert. We didn't fancy eating out tonight so I made a sausage casserole, while I was doing this and surfing the net on the laptop, a number of working boats went by they appeared to be heading for either the Birmingham and Frazley turning or the Worcester and Birmingham canal. There was also plenty of Tour boats and a couple of Taxis. Edward had walked back to the centre and taken more photoes of the basin.

It was the safest and quietest mooring we have had in a city environment.

Day Eleven - Monday 28th September

We started early and decided to have a pump out prior to leaving Birmingham centre, this involved going into Oozells Loop to a tight basin called Sherbourne Warf and turning the boat around so the pump out connectors were adjacent to the dock. A tourist boat was being filled with water, which delayed us and we did not get away until 9:45.

While paying for the pump out I noticed a long handle windlass which we purchased, it would prove its usefulness today and we wished we had it coming up Tardebigge locks as it provides extra leverage on otherwise gut wrenching paddles. The next flight of locks are the Farmers Bridge locks 11 in all they were hard going, Edward did the first 11, we still managed to do about 6 per hour.

As we were going down it required a different technique to Tardebigge locks, Edward opened the lower paddles to drain the lock and lower the boat, having set that in operation he immediately moved on to the next lock and filled it, and open the upper gate, as soon as that is done he came back to the previous lock and lets the me and the boat out closing the gate behind us. I took the boat into the next lock and closed the upper gate and paddles. This technique works well has the time filling the next lock is about the same time as draining the previous lock. It involves a lot of walking for Edward. We had the locks to ourselves and the route is through a subterranean area of the city in that we were surrounded by foundations for taller buildings and bridges for roads and railway. The famous British Telecom tower is located here.

After the 13th lock we moved onto the Aston locks which comprise 8 closely spaced locks plus 3 further apart. In turning into the Aston branch we met 2 oncoming boats and then 2 more further on, this helped to reduce the work load and made moving through the locks faster. After the Aston locks, at 13:30 stopped for a lunch break near Rocky Lane Bridge which was not bad going. The Aston branch is surrounded by old and new factories and is much more open than the centre of Birmingham.

After we completed the 11 Aston Locks we moved onto Salford "Spaghetti" Junction. What a depressing eyesore and mess this area is at this level. Its interesting to note how one concrete motorway beam had decayed and a extensive steel structure had been placed around it to support the road. There will be a lot of problems in the future with these concrete roadways.

The canal then continues for about 4 miles without locks meandering through the outskirts of Birmingham, again its mostly factories, although Edward had worked in this area many years ago it is totally unrecognisable from the canal. Eventually the canal brightens up at Minworth with 3 locks and much flower planting. We moored for the night at Curdsworth just before the tunnel. We had a good meal at the local restaurant theWhite Horse.

The day had started out dull but brightened up by midday. There was sufficient wind in the Birmingham Locks to effect steering as it whistled between the buildings.

Day Twelve - Tuesday 29th September

We started out at our usual time about 8.30, the tunnel was not as long as we thought although it was narrow. You could see the Curdsworth Top lock before you got to it, it was amass of flowers and so tidy, the lock was freshly painted, this was the same at all the 11 Curdsworth locks they were all pretty. We stopped for lunch just after the last lock, we had a bit longer for lunch today as it was nice and sunny, the view was pretty so we just sat and soaked up the sun and view. We then meandered on to Frazley, we had only seen Frazley Junction coming through from Coventry this section is different again much more picturesque, we turned onto the Coventry Canal heading for Hopwas we do like the meals we get at Hopwas.

The Coventry Canal heading towards Hopwas was shallow so it takes a bit longer to travel, the only mooring was the other side of the school, we arrived just as the mothers were collecting around to pick up their young. It was a pleasant spot and there were lots of boats moored, we walked through the village to the Tame Otter, where we had a nice meal. Coming out of the Tame Otter we decided to walk along the towpath to the boat, the Tame Otter has mooring and there was two Shakespeare Boats moored up there. One was Americans who we had sat near in the pub and the other was a group which had arrived after us. We were all enjoying our holidays even though we had only 2 full days left.

Day Thirteen - Wednesday 30th Sept

We are getting into the swing now of getting up early and starting out by 8.30, we have a set distance to do and so far we are getting to most places early and getting a good moorings. We took our time getting to Fradley with plenty of sunshine. It then started to rain just before we got there, so as it was a nice place to stop we decided to have lunch and sit the rain out. A bloke on the next boat was shaving a large block of wood I think it was to be some sort of sculpture.

After lunch the rain stopped and we moved on a short distance to get water at the water point. I walked to Junction Lock after I had opened and closed the foot bridge and set the lock while Edward moored up at the Lock moorings. As there were not many people about, I took the boat through and Edward jumped on board after he had closed the gates to navigate through the pound between the locks. I still don't like steering past moored boats or boats coming towards me. Once we had moored up to go through the next lock I was ok to steer between the last few locks of the day.

We arrived at Alrewas, having done 5 locks in all. We had showers and went to the King William pub for a meal. There were several Shakespeare boats moored here now and one boat we had seen several times, it had left the same day as us.

Day Fourteen - Thursday 1st October

We left Arelwas at our usual time, the lock was in our favour, Edward took the boat through as there are no steps down by the side of the gates to allow me to jump on board and it is difficult to get to the pontoon with out a lot of concentration. The river was very quiet and as there was no breeze to speak of, I had a little go at steering, by the time we had got to Barton Turns lock there was a queue forming with a mixture of Shakespeare and Canaltime boats all heading back to hand over the next day.

At Tattenall Lock a Canaltime crew member fell in between the bank and the boat, his wife then fell in trying to help him. Another boater rushed over to help the pair. They both climbed out somewhat embarrassed, they were rushing back to Sawley as they have a plane to catch back to New Zealand.

We decided to have lunch at Burton on Trent. While we were there an old lady came out and started mowing the grass alongside the towpath. Edward asked her why was she doing it as it was surely BW’s responsibility to do that. She said they don’t do often enough so the houses along here do it when they do their own lawns, it keeps it looking tidy. I must say it is very attractive along this bit of the visitor moorings all thanks to this lady and her neighbours.

After lunch we headed for Willington, with only one lock to do, and that was guarded by six plus Canadian Geese. It was sunny and warm. I called Shakespeare when we arrived at the entrance of the marina, there were two or three boats, waiting to be escorted in or out, so we tied up for a short time alongside the canal. We were moored up in the marina by 4.30 and Donna connected us up to the land line electric. After we had a chat about the two weeks, she bid us good night. We had a shower and went for a meal at the Green Dragon, Donna had given us a voucher for a money off meal which was great, we got back to the boat and started to pack ready for the off in the morning.