Saturday 6th April

It's official, Summer is here - enjoy the day while you can!

Woke up to a glorious morning and set off from Barton Turn just in time to meet a hire boat party being shown how to operate their first lock. Of course, we spoiled it all by whizzing paddles up and opening gates but then realised that they really wanted to do all the work. So, what did we do, we sat back and let them get on with it. Here's a picture of the captain enjoying herself.

Note the sun's shadow and the blue sky - that's summer, so make the most of it.
The following is our mooring at Barton Turn.

On the way up toward Alrewas we passed one of the old working boats. They really are a lovely sight to see.

Another picture of the Captain at work.

The swans are setting up home already and we passed several proud mums already sitting on their eggs.

It was such a lovely day that when we got to Fradley Junction, instead of stopping at the pub as usual, we turned sharp left down the Oxford Canal and kept on going.

That's me keeping on going!
We were really flying along and we soon passed through Huddlesford Junction, once again without stopping. Well, we needed all that Vitamin C and the sum was still shining.

Eventually, after 13 miles, 6¾ furlongs of narrow canals with 8 narrow locks we stopped for the night at Hopwas. Note the shadows - sun still shining AND ON A SATURDAY AS WELL!

And lastly, a picture of some flowers that were given to us just before we came away. They are standing on the front of the boat looking wonderful.