Atherstone

Our intention was to set off early today. We woke at 4, overly hot, no chance of getting back to sleep. Woke up at 7:15 having not succeeded in staying awake. 

Still, ten to nine and we're off. Not too bad. 

Oh dear, another discarded sunken boat. It looks as if anything worth taking has been taken. 

Our next place of interest is, as described in our waterways guide 2000, BW Hartshill Yard. 

I still think that BW (British Waterways) sounds better than Canal and River Trust. I know, showing my age! 

Just on the outskirts of Mancetter is this clump of vegetation jutting out into the canal. Many years ago we were informed by a local on the towpath that someone had driven a car down the field and straight into the canal. As we went past we could still make out some rusting metal but now you're not able to recognise whether it is a car or not. 

Here's the captain trying to maintain her dignity while trying not to overcook and steering all at the same time. 

As you come into Mancetter and Atherstone, many of the residents have really gone to work on their gardens. There were two, side by side, and the second one had a sign saying Posher than next door. 

Ah, another building site. But, hang on, isn't that where Wilson & Stafford's Hat Mill stood? Atherstone was once known as Hatter's Town. The Mill opened in 1828 and closed in 1999. Since then it has become derelict and suffered from structural collapse during severe storms. Hence the demolition and for permission to build new houses. 

We took on water, got rid of all the rubbish and emptied the loo before starting on the locks. Baking hot and not much shade. 

Not only was I hot and sticky but grumpy as well when the captain entered the locks without touching the sides. Not that I'm point scoring, as if I would. 

Managed 5 of the locks but then decided to stop for air-conditioned shopping and the hope of some afternoon shade from the trees opposite. 

Now for the stick that was given to me yesterday. 

When we moor we often drop a chain through the Arnco that lines much of the canal. 

You drop the chain down through the gap and then get on your knees to grope around for the end where it comes, often in the water. 

Not so with the stick. You drop the chain down and then fish around with the stick until you hook the chain and can pull it up. All without bending down. 

Pass the small loop through the larger, pull tight and tie up the boat. Simples! 

We walked up into town but first we had to go under the railway. 

Now I didn't take this photo for the low bridge but for the streetlight that was alight during the day. 

Then on to Pinocchio's Café for lunch. 

Well worth the visit. And we were offered a table with a fan! Bliss! 

Then into Tesco which was nice and cool. 

Back on the boat and the shade has come across the front of the boat and we are sitting on the towpath which is cooler than inside at the moment. Should be a tad cooler tomorrow. 

How far can we get today?

We managed to set off before half past eight this morning and the first thing we saw was a new housing development on what was the site of Parrott's Basin. That explains all the machinery noises yesterday.

Further along we passed the gardens by Charity Dock.

Some new characters together with some old favourites eg the Stig. 

Just coming up to Marston Junction, the turnoff for the Ashby Canal.

And there it is, the start of the Ashby Canal.

About half a mile before Nuneaton we recall watching this building being built. .

What we didn't see was this new housing estate going up almost opposite

Now coming into Nuneaton proper. From my point of view, Nuneaton is the Mecca of allotments. Facing onto the canal is about a mile of them. Many have tables and chairs facing the canal. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Ah, a reminder from the past. A telegraph pole made redundant by modern technology. Probably some time in the early 1900s. 

A quarter to twelve and we have found a mooring that should be shady this afternoon. 

We pulled in behind a boat called Always on a Bend. We have crossed paths with them several times and, just as I was dropping in the chains to tie up, I was presented with the above stick. I'm not going to say what it's for but I hope to demonstrate its purpose tomorrow. 

Another historic boat coming past.

And there she goes, off to Braunston. 

The shade is getting smaller by the minute and we'll soon be in the 2 hour window when the boat is in full sunlight. What should we do? Well, says the captain, we're only 0.2 of a mile from the Anchor Inn. Fancy a walk? 

Wednesday 24th June

The hottest day so far. 

This morning we set off at about a quarter to nine. 

As you can see, not a cloud in sight. 

There's a lovely section of canal, perfect for mooring but, because the canal is on a level with all the bedrooms, you're not allowed to stop anywhere along here. 

As you go along you see evidence of steerers misjudging the width of the boat and the bridge. 

Not only are bridges attacked from the water but, quite often, parapets get destroyed by cars or vans, all of which can cost C&RT a fair amount of money. 

Just before Hawkesbury Junction we pass the old Wyken Colliery Arm which is now home to Coventry Cruising Club. 

Then the electricity substation. Who dreams up all this equipment? 

We had a look at stopping before the junction but there was little prospect of shade later in the day. 

So, through the stop lock, past the Greyhound, perfect turn - nobody watching, of course. 

Another half mile away and a mooring in what we hoped would be a perfect spot.

A good bit of shade at the moment with the prospect of shade in the afternoon. 

But, what to do for the 2 hours in between when the sun would be directly overhead? 

Well, the captain solved that problem with impeccable panache. 

The Greyhound, where else? Sitting outside watching the hire craft messing up their turns, listening to the other folk discussing where they'd gone wrong and enjoying a good lunch at the same time. 

One of the historic boats showing how turns should be done. 

After all that a gentle walk back to the boat where the shade from the trees opposite was doing its bit. 

End of the day and everything has cooled down, however, It's forecast to be as hot tomorrow. 

Rugby to Ansty

I keep saying It's getting hotter, well, it is. We are getting into a rhythm of starting off a bit earlier than expected of us. Travel during the cooler part of the day, seek some shade and rest up in the afternoon. 

This is our mooring in Rugby, the photo being taken at half past six. Not a time I'm usually up and about! 

After breakfast we set off for Newbold on Avon where we took on water. After that 250 yds through Newbold Tunnel. The tunnel was built when the original Oxford Canal was being shortened in the 1820s. 

There's evidence of the shortening all along the canal. At Fall's Bridge a short section of the old canal is used as a winding hole. 

Almost opposite is a small boatyard and boat hire business which is doing a roaring trade today with 2 or 3 boats wanting to take on fuel. 

A mile further on and another old section has been transformed into Brinklow Waterside and Marina. 

We then travelled on past All Oaks Wood where C&RT were busy at work in the hot sun. 

The canal bypasses Brinklow going through a cutting which has always proved to be unstable. 

A couple of years back there were massive landslides here and they are still working on stabilising the banks. 

Following on after the cutting a long stretch of moorings, all private. Luckily there was a bit of a breeze to counter the effects of travelling at 2 mph in the blazing sun. 

We arrived in Ansty just after 1 and started to look for a shady mooring. The only space available to us was just too short for the boat. 

However, the gentleman behind loosened his ropes and we were able to cosy up together. 

I did check with the couple in front that they didn't mind us sharing their space. I did say it was a tight space.