Tuesday 25^th September. The start of the day turned out to be much better than forecast. There was a decent sunrise and no rain at all.

We set to and emptied the rubbish, topped up the water and set sail. Well, you don’t actually set sail on a narrowboat but I’m sure you know what I am getting at.

We had a last look at Norbury junction and then set off as fast as we could to get as far as we could before the rain set in for the day.

Within a few miles the weather changed and it started to drizzle which wasn’t too bad for a while.

As we travelled along, swallows would fly alongside the boat in great swathes. I’ve never seen so many at one time. We passed through Gnosall

and Wheaton Aston with the drizzle gradually changing into serious rain.

I was all for pushing on regardless but when my shoes started taking on water I realised that enough was enough.

So, we moored up for lunch at Stretton Aqueduct, which crosses over Watling Street, had some homemade soup, crisps, nectarines and a cup of coffee (Brigid had lemon and honey to nurse a dodgy froat). After that, when the rain had eased a little, it was a case of wellies on and we charged on (at 4 m.p.h.) into Brewood (pronounced Brood) and tied up for the night. Just after we moored we saw a kingfisher darting back and forth right outside the window. Sorry but we couldn’t get a picture of it. Even when sitting still, it was so well camouflaged that you had to know exactly where to look to see it. Brigid still reckons she was looking at a leaf instead of the kingfisher. Ah well, crumpets for tea and cauliflower cheese for supper. Comfort food in plenty today!