Beautiful although chilly morning and very glad we didn't have to struggle with the glare of the low sun. Many a time we met another boater squinting and trying to see where they were going. We kept well over to the right avoided many a scrape as they reacted to our presence at the last minute.
Mainly a cruising day today, well apart from the Fradley three locks and Bagnall lock at Alrewas that is. Still on the Birmingham & Fazeley until we reached Whittington bridge and then the canal reverted back to the Coventry again. Bit of history from Canal and river trust, Coventry canal will explain all.
The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal had reached Fazeley in 1789, where it joined the Coventry. Frustrated by the lack of progress in completing the Coventry Canal, the Birmingham & Fazeley and Trent & Mersey Canals got permission from Parliament to build the missing section. The two companies built half each, meeting at Whittington; the Coventry Canal then bought the northern portion, which is why there is an apparently isolated stretch of Coventry Canal between Whittington Brook and Fradley.
So back on the Coventry again we cruised past Huddlesford and Streethay and reached that dreaded section where we lost the chimney. Still no vegetation cut back although we were reassured by C&RT that this was one of the main areas to be addressed over the winter. We will see when next we cruise the Coventry.
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| View from the bridge. We were tucked behind the vegetation right at the end. |
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| It was about here where we waited for those boats to come past. |
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| Water tap before the junction |
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| Cafe |
First thing tomorrow it's a Coates traditional butchers stop. Those sausages are to die for (not really allowed them but Ian always says a little of what you fancy does you good) especially the pork and leek.
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| Alrewas |
And wildlife seen today,
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| Female Goosander |
1 comment:
I understand that beam was already slated for replacement this winter.
Cheers
Bruce
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